For this God is our God for ever and ever; he will be our guide even to the end.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Drained
I feel the most drained in a while... both physically, mentally and emotionally...
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Friday, February 20, 2009
Monday, February 16, 2009
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
"Ten Things I wish I knew when I was 25"
Mark Driscoll is a pastor of Mars Hills Church in the States. He has become an influential and powerful preacher in the evangelical churches, and is one of the most sought after evangelical speakers today. I had the privelage to be at two of his talks in Sydney, at a RICE event last August.
Pastor Mark started his first church when he was 25, with no bible college training whatsoever. In this talk, Mark reflects and talks about ten things he wished he had known about ministry at that age.
1. I wish I knew the difference between Prophets, Priests and Kings
Jesus is a Prophet, a Priest and a King
- Prophet: preaches, teaches and rebukes according to the scriptures
- Priest: loving, forgiving and counselling
- King: organiser and builder of the church
For us
- Prophet: loves doctrine and preaching
- Priest: loves people and cares for them
- King: is an organiser, and a humble servant
2. I wish I knew that Satan, Demons and Judas's were real
Satan is real. Demons work in people. Satan will always try to accuse you (Rev. 12:10) and talk us down. There will always be enemies and people who betray you, but we just have to love them (love our enemies) as Jesus did.
3. There are rough patches in Ministry that you need to just live through
Just like life, there will be rough patches and troughs in ministry. We just have to live through them, and put on a 'stubbornness to not give up'. You can also see these times as a time where God is pruning you, and making you focus on Him, and getting ready for the future harvest.
4. I wish I would have known the power of silence and solitude
There are two types of people:
Activists - do, do, do
Contemplatives - quiet, prayerful, studious
We have to learn to both:
Ministry - time we give and do things
Silence and Solitude - time to meditate on Jesus and he sustains us and pours his word into us
5. I wish I knew that Humility is the Key to Ministry
Self Explanatory (Ref. to James 4:6, 1 Peter 5:5-6, Phil. 2)
6. I wish I knew that no-one else knew what they were doing
Most of us wish that there was someone who could tell us what to do, how to do it, and have all the answers for us in ministry. However, usually this is not the case. In one sense, all of us in ministry are pioneers. We all have our unique situation and unique ways of doing things. What we can do is to remember silence and solitude, to keep going back to Jesus, because he knows everything, and we must be in tune with Him to work His will in our ministry.
7. I wish I knew how to handle my critics
As a christian and being part of ministry, there will be people out to get you and criticise/accuse you of many things. Jesus Himself was criticised when He was on earth. We have to learn how to take criticism, decipher any truth in them (because criticism is usually based on some sort of truth), and to handle it in a loving and appropriate manner.
8. I wish I knew that sudden depression is normal and OK
Portions of Psalms and Lamentations are derived from 'lamenting' and times of depression. Many christian leaders (Charles Spurgeon, Luther) have gone through times of depression. When people are depressed, they cry, they're hurt and they grieve, but we must accept that we will become depressed in ministry, and we have to pick ourselves up. We're on God's side and He's always looking after us and looking out for us.
9. I wish I knew I needed a release valve and a lightning rod
Lightning rods ground lightning strikes. For us, this means that we need someone who we can release and pour out all the things we've been frustrated at/angered about/annoyed at/etc. to someone who will listen and just take it (obviously not taking anything physically). A release valve is just something that we can we can take time to get our mind off things and have fun. Hobbies/interests/sport and other things are release valves, and we must keep our release valves acceptable, healthy and unsinful.
10. I wish I knew about the Ministry of the Holy Spirit
Regeneration - we have a new heart (spiritually)
Doctrine of Regeneration:
- A new identity: We are a child of God and part of His family
- A new status: We are justified, saved and made Holy
The Desires from the Holy Spirit:
- It implants loving thoughts into our minds and hearts
- It guides us and speaks to us so that we may do God's Will
I hope these 10 points will spark thoughts in your minds and encourage you in your ministry.
Pastor Mark started his first church when he was 25, with no bible college training whatsoever. In this talk, Mark reflects and talks about ten things he wished he had known about ministry at that age.
1. I wish I knew the difference between Prophets, Priests and Kings
Jesus is a Prophet, a Priest and a King
- Prophet: preaches, teaches and rebukes according to the scriptures
- Priest: loving, forgiving and counselling
- King: organiser and builder of the church
For us
- Prophet: loves doctrine and preaching
- Priest: loves people and cares for them
- King: is an organiser, and a humble servant
2. I wish I knew that Satan, Demons and Judas's were real
Satan is real. Demons work in people. Satan will always try to accuse you (Rev. 12:10) and talk us down. There will always be enemies and people who betray you, but we just have to love them (love our enemies) as Jesus did.
3. There are rough patches in Ministry that you need to just live through
Just like life, there will be rough patches and troughs in ministry. We just have to live through them, and put on a 'stubbornness to not give up'. You can also see these times as a time where God is pruning you, and making you focus on Him, and getting ready for the future harvest.
4. I wish I would have known the power of silence and solitude
There are two types of people:
Activists - do, do, do
Contemplatives - quiet, prayerful, studious
We have to learn to both:
Ministry - time we give and do things
Silence and Solitude - time to meditate on Jesus and he sustains us and pours his word into us
5. I wish I knew that Humility is the Key to Ministry
Self Explanatory (Ref. to James 4:6, 1 Peter 5:5-6, Phil. 2)
6. I wish I knew that no-one else knew what they were doing
Most of us wish that there was someone who could tell us what to do, how to do it, and have all the answers for us in ministry. However, usually this is not the case. In one sense, all of us in ministry are pioneers. We all have our unique situation and unique ways of doing things. What we can do is to remember silence and solitude, to keep going back to Jesus, because he knows everything, and we must be in tune with Him to work His will in our ministry.
7. I wish I knew how to handle my critics
As a christian and being part of ministry, there will be people out to get you and criticise/accuse you of many things. Jesus Himself was criticised when He was on earth. We have to learn how to take criticism, decipher any truth in them (because criticism is usually based on some sort of truth), and to handle it in a loving and appropriate manner.
8. I wish I knew that sudden depression is normal and OK
Portions of Psalms and Lamentations are derived from 'lamenting' and times of depression. Many christian leaders (Charles Spurgeon, Luther) have gone through times of depression. When people are depressed, they cry, they're hurt and they grieve, but we must accept that we will become depressed in ministry, and we have to pick ourselves up. We're on God's side and He's always looking after us and looking out for us.
9. I wish I knew I needed a release valve and a lightning rod
Lightning rods ground lightning strikes. For us, this means that we need someone who we can release and pour out all the things we've been frustrated at/angered about/annoyed at/etc. to someone who will listen and just take it (obviously not taking anything physically). A release valve is just something that we can we can take time to get our mind off things and have fun. Hobbies/interests/sport and other things are release valves, and we must keep our release valves acceptable, healthy and unsinful.
10. I wish I knew about the Ministry of the Holy Spirit
Regeneration - we have a new heart (spiritually)
Doctrine of Regeneration:
- A new identity: We are a child of God and part of His family
- A new status: We are justified, saved and made Holy
The Desires from the Holy Spirit:
- It implants loving thoughts into our minds and hearts
- It guides us and speaks to us so that we may do God's Will
I hope these 10 points will spark thoughts in your minds and encourage you in your ministry.
Thursday, February 05, 2009
Koorong Item of the Day
Yes its what the world of worship has been waiting for.... DANCE PRAISE 2... sequel to the arcade hit DANCE PRAISE featuring hits such as ONE WAY and MIGHTY TO SAVE!
Look at the intensity on the dancing mat!!! Worship God in heavy mode!!!
And look what we have here.... the Planetshakers, Sovereign Grace, Steve Curtis Chapman and the SuperchicK expansion... YAY!
Monday, February 02, 2009
Work life begins (temporarily)
Starting work today for my 10 months work experience. Feeling tired and looking ahead to meetings and stuff on every night also.
Doing some non-paid work experience while I wait for a paying job, so if you want to shout me food and stuff, be my guest :)
If I can't find work in the next two weeks.... might think about bible college this year.... any thoughts?
Doing some non-paid work experience while I wait for a paying job, so if you want to shout me food and stuff, be my guest :)
If I can't find work in the next two weeks.... might think about bible college this year.... any thoughts?
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Age, Maturity and Respect
For the past 4 years I've had this on and off battle with supposedly not earning the respect from my peers... probably because of my age and their perception of my maturity. I've tried so hard from being a leader at youth group to participants older than me, to coordinating and youth group and also various other worship and youth teams, to learn to change from an immature 17 year old to what I think is a much more mature 20 year old (who still sees the light-heartedness of life).
But... this issue keeps resurfacing....
I've come to realise after being told on countless occasions by my elders that being old doesn't necessarily mean being mature, and that someone can still be young and act in a way which others can respect. My question is: Even if you show you are mature and that you have changed, can people change their thoughts and stereotype about you and translate that into the way they view and act towards you? Or will people just carry on, keep singling you out for everything, and viewing you as the one who doesn't know anything.
I guess the only thing I can do on my part is to keep running the race, with my eyes fixed on Jesus.
But... this issue keeps resurfacing....
I've come to realise after being told on countless occasions by my elders that being old doesn't necessarily mean being mature, and that someone can still be young and act in a way which others can respect. My question is: Even if you show you are mature and that you have changed, can people change their thoughts and stereotype about you and translate that into the way they view and act towards you? Or will people just carry on, keep singling you out for everything, and viewing you as the one who doesn't know anything.
I guess the only thing I can do on my part is to keep running the race, with my eyes fixed on Jesus.
Monday, January 26, 2009
The 'Feel Good' Story of the Aussie Open
Jelena Dokic has had to suffer so much over the past years...
- Australian player with Serbian decent
- Outspoken father who said and did many crazy things which marred her career
However she has made a big impression on the Tennis scene in her career...
- peaked in 2002 ranked at world #4
- beaten top players such as Martina Hingis, Kim Clijsters, Venus Williams and Justin Henin
I was watching her game against Kleybanova last night, and it was great watching Dokic play with a 'never give up' style against her much younger and higher ranked opponent. I'm sure she's used to being booed and having people make nasty comments at her, but last night's game was definitely not like that. The crowd was totally behind her... especially through the final set as the game was in the balance. The crowd seemed to be willing her on to win, to give it her all, and Dokic lifted to finally outplay her opponent 8-6 in the third set. Dokic has some way to improve to be in top form (i.e. 10+ double faults and a weak forehand) but she is giving it her all, she doesn't have a crazy father overshadowing her and she can let her game and her attitude do the talking. She thoroughly deserved her win and all the cheers and applauses from the Melbourne crowd. Go the Dokic fist pump!
Monday, January 05, 2009
What's Worship About?
I've been debating if I should write anything on this topic, and if I should, what would I rant on about... so after a week of letting this come in and out of my mind, I'll keep it nice and simple :) I hope....
Basically a recent email has been a catalyst for my mind to think about worship, and worship really is. I'm involved with this 'worship' ministry a lot at church and also other church-related events (such as RICE, BLT, Carols, etc.) and I come across this question a lot. When we say worship, we immediately think of bands/organisations such as Hillsongs and Planetshakers, and their mega-concerts with 'awesome' sounding music. We think of Darlene Zschech, Chris Tomlin and Matt Redman, and we immediately associate them with worship.
But is worship really about these people or bands? Is it about being the best sounding band or performance ever? Is it about idolising these earthly songwriters, singers, and songs, and attempting to imitate their feat?
I think this chorus gives us a clue on what worship is about:
Worship is not about following some earthly figure or group. Its not about being the best to be heard by others. Its not about our super church service, or our technically perfect music team, its not about us...
Its about Jesus.
Basically a recent email has been a catalyst for my mind to think about worship, and worship really is. I'm involved with this 'worship' ministry a lot at church and also other church-related events (such as RICE, BLT, Carols, etc.) and I come across this question a lot. When we say worship, we immediately think of bands/organisations such as Hillsongs and Planetshakers, and their mega-concerts with 'awesome' sounding music. We think of Darlene Zschech, Chris Tomlin and Matt Redman, and we immediately associate them with worship.
But is worship really about these people or bands? Is it about being the best sounding band or performance ever? Is it about idolising these earthly songwriters, singers, and songs, and attempting to imitate their feat?
I think this chorus gives us a clue on what worship is about:
I'm coming back to the heart of worship
And it's all about You, It's all about You, Jesus
I'm sorry, Lord, for the thing I've made it
When it's all about You, It's all about You, Jesus
Worship is not about following some earthly figure or group. Its not about being the best to be heard by others. Its not about our super church service, or our technically perfect music team, its not about us...
Its about Jesus.
I'm sorry, Lord, for the thing I've made it
When it's all about You, It's all about You, Jesus
When it's all about You, It's all about You, Jesus
Reflections..
2008 has been a massive year.. and its definitely been the biggest year of my life so far.
Highlights (In no real order except for when I remember them):
- Serving in RICE and leading worship during the RICE Rally
- Making major progress (more than the last 10 years put together) in SDBC Youth with FiGS
- Turning the big two zero (not a teen anymore booo)
- Graduated university (still have to go back for my masters degree in 2010)
- Visited Sydney for the first time in 8 years, and attended RICE Sydney Rally 2008
- Competed in Gold Coast Badminton Open
- Ran the Bridge to Brisbane 10km run with the CCCB crew
- FiGS Camp, YF Camp and BLT+ (and was part of music for all of them I think)
- First real work job of drafting up the church CAD plans
- Stepping up to be a service coordintor of the 10:30am worship team at SDBC
- Got wound up in the RICE green team committee
- Set foot in the 'motherland' aka. China... (Shanghai and Beijing) and also visited Hong Kong (for the first time I can remember.... went there when I was 2), Singapore (for the first time in 13 years) and Malaysia
- Started playing drums at church
- Got stuck with some random girl (nah jokes... well random at times hehe)
- Went to Southbank for NYE fireworks for the first time
- Joined the Iphone bandwagon (and glad I did, useful little thing it is!)
Yeah, there's probably more that I can't remember right now.... you can add for me if you can remember :)
Highlights (In no real order except for when I remember them):
- Serving in RICE and leading worship during the RICE Rally
- Making major progress (more than the last 10 years put together) in SDBC Youth with FiGS
- Turning the big two zero (not a teen anymore booo)
- Graduated university (still have to go back for my masters degree in 2010)
- Visited Sydney for the first time in 8 years, and attended RICE Sydney Rally 2008
- Competed in Gold Coast Badminton Open
- Ran the Bridge to Brisbane 10km run with the CCCB crew
- FiGS Camp, YF Camp and BLT+ (and was part of music for all of them I think)
- First real work job of drafting up the church CAD plans
- Stepping up to be a service coordintor of the 10:30am worship team at SDBC
- Got wound up in the RICE green team committee
- Set foot in the 'motherland' aka. China... (Shanghai and Beijing) and also visited Hong Kong (for the first time I can remember.... went there when I was 2), Singapore (for the first time in 13 years) and Malaysia
- Started playing drums at church
- Got stuck with some random girl (nah jokes... well random at times hehe)
- Went to Southbank for NYE fireworks for the first time
- Joined the Iphone bandwagon (and glad I did, useful little thing it is!)
Yeah, there's probably more that I can't remember right now.... you can add for me if you can remember :)
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Koorong Item of the Day
Guitar Heroes for Christian Songs.....
One day I'm going to play this for church in the band :)
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Christmas Day
Its Christmas Day 2008! Been a really good day for me... This is what happened...
1. Went to church.. and then decided to crash maccas with friends
2. Spent the day with my awesome girlfriend :) Made this 3D puzzle of the world... the last piece was so annoying to put in!
3. Had dinner with family~ I got home to realise that my dad put a PLATE under my bread roll AND gave me a box of tissues too! (inside joke for Will and friends)
Monday, December 08, 2008
The Unfair World
Is it just me or is there something wrong with these two vastly diifferent views seperated by just one road?
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Sunday, December 07, 2008
Church in KK
Was so blessed today to be able to attend the local Basel Church's new service in Foh Sang (about 1 minute drive from my uncle's place.
It's the newest service which the basel church holds at a new church building which holds 100+ people. The service is in mandarin, but most people can speak hakka and english. Its such an awesome experience to be part of God's people in a place so far away from home, but to be able to be united by the blood of Christ~ And to worship and sing praises, even in a different language, with different songs and different people, really is a pleasant experience.
Found some nice acronyms during the Nick Vujicic interview... here's one that I liked:
It's the newest service which the basel church holds at a new church building which holds 100+ people. The service is in mandarin, but most people can speak hakka and english. Its such an awesome experience to be part of God's people in a place so far away from home, but to be able to be united by the blood of Christ~ And to worship and sing praises, even in a different language, with different songs and different people, really is a pleasant experience.
Found some nice acronyms during the Nick Vujicic interview... here's one that I liked:
Faith: Full Assurance In The Heart
Papar
Went to the place I grew up yesterday.... its nice to visit places of childhood memories, even though I can't remember much if anything.
Papar is a district which is on the outskirts of Kota Kinabalu in Malaysia. Its sort of close to the beachside, but apparently the place hasn't really changed much for years.
This place has the best hand made fried noodles I've ever had! Bet I grew up eating this stuff...went there for breakfast yesterday morning and had TWO plates of fried noodles... each plate was totally clean after I had finished with it :) The meat was so fresh and tasty~
Papar is a district which is on the outskirts of Kota Kinabalu in Malaysia. Its sort of close to the beachside, but apparently the place hasn't really changed much for years.
This place has the best hand made fried noodles I've ever had! Bet I grew up eating this stuff...went there for breakfast yesterday morning and had TWO plates of fried noodles... each plate was totally clean after I had finished with it :) The meat was so fresh and tasty~
Visited our old house too.... sucks because its all fenced up now and the school next door is claiming the land :( so probably last time I see the house.
Saturday, December 06, 2008
A typical afternoon meal in KK
- Soup for Aunt
- Satay, one of the three servings we had.... maybe 50 all up between me and Uncle
- One bowl of Satay sauce each, plus extra bowls after we finished out bowls
- Rice cakes to dip
- Fresh Bread to dip
- Dumplings X 15 (not in picture)
Best lambstick maker in the world....
2 yuan per lambstick..... BARGAIN!Should import him to Brisbane...
The face of chinese TV
This extra ad is on every 5 minutes!
And apparently all the chinese guys want to marry this girl.....
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