Let's Talk over Coffee

A Nice cup of Coffee at 8:02 PM

Thursday, December 24, 2009

It's Christmas

Watch Him. Watch this Child,
Who grows into a boy, who grows into a man,
And is found to be so much more.

Watch as He is born among shepherds and angels and bright light in the sky.
Watch as He grows in favor and stature,
As a youngster asking questions, giving answers, astounding teacher.
Watch Him in the desert, a young man in prayer,
With hunger and thirst and a calling from heaven.

Watch this strange northerner, with His calloused hands and radical ways,
Who grew up in "pagan" Galilee, whose brothers once thought Him unbalanced,
And whose neighbors once drove Him out of town.
Yet watch His authority, His acceptance, His patience.
Watch Him touch the leper, heal the diseased, cleanse the impure.
Watch Him teach the crowds to forgive and pray always.

Watch Him as He kneels in a garden, and in anguish,
"Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away form Me.
Yet I want Your will to be done, not Mine". Radical submission to a heavenly plan.

Watch as the Son of God is betrayed with a kiss.
Watch as they arrest Him and His closest friends flee.
Watch as He submits to a fate sketched before time.
Watch as they spit on Him and hit Him and crucify Him on a tree.

Watch as one final breath slips from His lips,
The sins of the world on the shoulders of one man.
Then watch, yes watch,
As the stone is rolled away;
An empty tomb filled with Hope and His fame fills the world
This God, this Man, this Boy, This Christmas Child.

A Nice cup of Coffee at 1:37 PM

Saturday, December 05, 2009

The fear of the Lord

This is what I've lost, and it is something I can't afford to lose it.

Psalms 111:10 (The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise.)

Proverbs 1:28 & 29 (Then they will call to me but I will not answer; they will look for me but will not find me. Since they hated knowledge and did not choose to fear the LORD.)

Proverbs 2:1-5 (My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding and if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God.)

Proverbs 8:13 (To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech.)

Proverbs 10:27 (The fear of the LORD adds length to life, but the years of the wicked are cut short.)

Psalms 86:11 (Teach me your way, O LORD, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name.)

A Nice cup of Coffee at 1:27 AM

Thursday, November 19, 2009

I need a mircale!!

The worst paper I've ever taken:

80% of the questions are totally different from past years paper.
50% of the questions I don't even know what they are asking.
Purposely come out something that is only 3 pages in the whole lecture notes!!

In short, This paper is simply for the masters student!!
I'm really in need of a miracle to evade this disaster!!

A Nice cup of Coffee at 11:02 PM

Saturday, November 14, 2009

Clearing the dust

Whoooo....

4 weeks since I've updated my blog. (Not considering this post)
3 weeks since I've log onto facebook. (Must be jammed with notifications)
2 weeks since I've gotten a good rest. (Mugging and Mugging)
1 week since I've check my personal mails... and many more

Can't wait for 1 Dec to arrive and the sound of holidays are sweet. So the first thing I'm gonna do straight after exams is BADMINTON with my classmates.

Kind of interesting how this arrangement came about.. We were all in the car and the conversation somehow changes to badminton.. So we were suddenly all hyped up and astonished, "Oh, so you play badminton too?" And everyone goes like, "Yah Yah, I love to play." So I ask, "Hmm Ok, let's play straight after our final paper?" And the replies goes, "On lah."
It's really a snappy 5 min arrangement. Just jump into it and the responses was overwhelming. Haha

As for this semester, it's the toughest I'm met so far. Maybe I'm being complacent, thinking I still have the time, thinking I can pull it off just like any other semester. Got to change my attitude towards my studies next semester so that I don't slack.

A Nice cup of Coffee at 2:39 AM

Saturday, October 10, 2009

The carnal sebas

People often says that "Who you are and what you're becoming are closely knitted with your environment."

So true.. Looking back during my childhood days, I'm a carefree, jovial person because I have a "don't care" mentality towards things that are too complicated. A simple mindset and a trusting heart, because that is my family, that is the environment I grew up in.

Okok.. let's fast forward..

Of course all these traits of me still remain in me. But I have to change. I learn to question instead of trust. The world respect you if only you have the ability and so we upgrade. We need to think deep instead of just surface, pay greater attention even to the minor details in life. Competitions are everywhere and how fast you can pick up a skill become crucial. Instead of simply meeting datelines, it becomes meeting expectations plus datelines.
And so Stress and pressure becomes part and parcel of life, or should I say Singaporean life.. We become expert manager (A manager who specialize in managing problems..)

So what's my point?? My point is simple. I have been too dependable upon myself that I forgotten to look upon the Cross. I do actually have a God whom I can trust, who I can call upon. I have taken all the stress upon myself, with my limited resource and talent, I tried to manage my problems, juggle my studies and work and church ministry. I was reminded by Pastor Aaron that I have to always look upon the Cross because that is my compass and Pauline reminded me of where I place my priority and what my attitude should be towards God's ministry.

A timely rebuke, a timely awakening to fix my eyes upon the cross. For the cross is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes.

A Nice cup of Coffee at 11:35 PM

Monday, September 21, 2009

Christian?

A Christian?

Several years ago, a preacher from out-of-state accepted a call to a
church in Houston, Texas. Some weeks after he arrived, he had an occasion to ride the bus from his home

to the downtown area. When he sat down, he discovered that the driver had accidentally given him a quarter too much change. As he considered what to do, he thought to himself, "You'd better give the quarter back. It would be wrong to keep it."

Then he thought, "Oh, forget it, it's only a quarter. Who would worry about this little amount? Anyway, the bus company gets too much fare;
they will never miss it. Accept it as a 'gift from God' and keep quiet."

When his stop came, he paused momentarily at the door, and then
he handed the quarter to the driver and said, "Here, you gave me too much change."

The driver, with a smile, replied, "Aren't you the new preacher in town?"

"Yes" he replied.

"Well, I have been thinking a lot lately about going somewhere to worship. I just wanted to see what you would do if I gave you too much change. I'll see you at church on Sunday."

When the preacher stepped off of the bus, he literally grabbed the nearest light pole, held on, and said,"Oh God, I almost sold your Son for a quarter."

Our lives are the only Bible some people will ever read. This is really scary example of how much people watch us as Christians,
and will put us to the test! Always be on your guard -- and remember --
You carry the name of Christ on your shoulders when you call yourself "Christian."

Watch your thoughts; they become words.
Watch your words; they become actions.
Watch your actions; they become habits.
Watch your habits; they become character.
Watch your character; it becomes your destiny

A Nice cup of Coffee at 11:39 PM

Thursday, September 03, 2009

This is how you cross the road??

".. And this is how you cross the road." Says the rat.

Haha.. 6:15PM and the sun had not yet set, I was on the double decker bus when I saw a rat coming out of a long kang.
"Huh.. what is a rat doing out there?" I thought rats only come out at night..
Then it proceed to cross the not so heavy traffic road and I thought, "Oh no.."
but.. Wow.. the rat manage to cross the road and then realize that it was on the wrong side of the road. So the rat proceed to return home by crossing the road Again, back to where it belong, The long kang!!

Given the imaginative Sebas (Clap hands), I could only say that the rat was trying to conduct a road safety lesson. To show it's fellow rats that, "This is how you cross the road.. Safely!!
Perhaps the next lesson is this: "And this is how you use the traffic light.."

A Nice cup of Coffee at 7:51 PM

Saturday, August 29, 2009

2 cents worth of thoughts

Can Reality meet face to face with a Pure Heart?
Will a Pure Heart remain unchanged, when she faces Reality?
Or will Reality finally be changed by her Pure Heart?

Reality thought that such Pure Heart doesn’t exists anymore,
Until he saw her.
It took a while before He notice her,
But now, the impression of her is undeniable,
And Her radiance is unquestionable.

A Nice cup of Coffee at 2:59 AM

Sunday, August 02, 2009

Older Brother or Younger Brother?

I went for the FOP 2009 (Festival of Praise) and Mark Conner from City Life Church in Melbourne was speaking about the famous "Parable of the prodigal son." So I thought, "Yeah, I know that quite well already, what is there to learn from it?" But I was totally wrong, in fact, I couldn't get his message off my mind.

Scene 1:
One day, the younger son who had slack the whole day at home walk up to his Father and demand his inheritances.
"I want my share of the inheritances so I can move out and have a life of my own."
It is as good as telling his dad that I can't wait for you to die, so give me my share of the properties!! But the father, instead of giving him a tight slap, he sold his property and gave his younger son his inheritances. No sooner than that, the younger son began his journey away.

scene 2:
He reaches the city and there he squander all his wealth in wild living. Reality was, as soon as his wealth was gone, so is his "friends". Then a famine came upon the land and he began to be in need and desperate. He hired himself out to feed the pigs. One day, he came to his senses,
"How many of my father's hired man have enough to eat and yet here I am, starving. I know what I should do. I will go back and apologize to him. I'm not worthy to be called your son, make me like one of your hired man."
And so he set off and began his journey home.

scene 3:
The father who was on the rooftop looking out for his son suddenly saw a familiar figure from far. "Is that my son?" He wondered. "It is him!!" and he began to run towards him and gave him a hug.
The son said, "I'm not worthy to be called your son, make me like one of your hired man."
The father, calling out to his servant, "Quick, bring me a robe and a sandals and put a ring on him. Kill the fattest calf and today, we will celebrate."

Scene 4:
The older brother came back from the field and heard music in the house.
"What is the party all about?" He asked.
One of the servant reply, "Your brother is back and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.' "
Upon hearing that, he was furious and refuse to enter the house.

Scene 5:
The father knowing what happen, came out of the house pleaded with him to come in.
The older son reply, "Look! All these years I've been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!"
My son, the father said, "You are always with me, and everything I have is yours. But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found."

The story ends here!!

Let's get the context right. The situation was like this, Jesus was gathering with the sinners, and the religious leaders were mumbling, "How come he gathered with the sinners, doesn't he know they are dirty and unclean? How can he mix with them?" And to answer them, Jesus tells them the parable.

Point 1:
In the parable, it's very clear that the religious leaders are referred as the older brother, while the sinners are referred as the younger brother. Of course God was referred as the Father.
Actually in the parables, both the brothers are lost, they are both spiritual empty. The older brother even though he is always with the father is not really close with the father for he mention "all these years I've been slaving for you..."
It is very obvious that the sinners (younger brother) is wrong, but in the end, they come to their senses and realize they need to change.
It is much worst for the lost who doesn't know that they are lost, compared to those who are lost but then know that they are lost.

Point 2:
Before Jesus gave this parable, he gave 2 other parables. A woman who lost her coins, search for it and found it, there is a celebration. A Shepperd lost his sheep, search for it and found it, there is also a celebration. But in this 3rd parable, we expect someone to go and search for the younger son. Now the question is, who is suppose to go and search for him? Obviously it is supposed to be the older brother. But the religious leaders instead of helping the sinners, they lift their heads up high and condemn the sinners. The older brother have a problem with self righteous and pride. And it causes them to be unable to see that they are actually lost as well. Sometimes as older Christians, we thought we are living a good life compare to those who seems to be bad person. Pride had enters in and we forget that the father longs for us to go and find those who are lost and bring them back.
In the end, the story is this, the younger brother is in the house in the party while the older brother who is suppose to be inside the house was now left outside of the house, refusing to enter. The lost didn't know that they are lost..

A Nice cup of Coffee at 6:54 PM

Friday, July 24, 2009

Sandwiches and busyness

Just in the month of July, after my birthday, I don't know why am I so attracted to Sandwiches. Is my health conscious acting up? Maybe bah.. It could be due to the many feast I've had for the whole month of June and now I'm getting fat and feeling unhealthy. So my mind makes me crave for a healthier choice.. which is SANDWICHES!!

Anyway, I just found a new way to relax myself and enjoy the day. Just need a book and a cup of Ice mocha latte from TCC. Sitting down enjoying the book and the coffee, then order a plate of sandwiches and munch and back to reading.. Whahaaha.. such a peaceful enjoyment. That is why I'm so determined to become a member of TCC. So if anyone ate at TCC, please keep the recipe for me.. I just need to accumulate $88 worth of recipe and I'll automatic become a member of TCC.

Actually I don't really like to read.. I'm force to read my textbook, my lecture notes.. but I seems to have a curious nature inside me that wanted to know how humans think and function. I enjoy my new book "The five love languages" cause it really give me the insight and experience of why marriage problems aries and the way to interpret it and the way to resolve it. I remember I wanted to study Psychology but I never got the chance. So I ended up taking Engineering. I figure out that if I can't learn how humans think and function, I can still learn how computers work and functions.. So here I am, still on the path of Engineering. Like it but not satisfying cause you're dealing with components and equipments. Something that you can't make an impact. I think I would really enjoy a job that can impact people's life. Maybe that is why I like my ministry in youth, leading the boys as they grow up, teaching them Godly values..

Yawn.. ok, I guess it's time for bed..

A Nice cup of Coffee at 12:02 AM

Monday, June 29, 2009

What's up??

Whooo... I went to the cinema for movies instead of going online!! haahaa.. Ghosts of Girlfriend past and then followed by Transformers 2. Next upcoming movie will be Ice Age 3. I think I'm on movie spree since I've found my movies kaki..

I would say that Ghosts of Girlfriend past got a good senses of humor while Transformers 2 is totally pack with actions. I must say transformers 2 is better than 1. This time round, I could at least distinguish who is who when the transformers clash together in a fight.. Not so for transformer 1. It is seriously like 2 pieces of metal scrapping each other. I kind of enjoyed myself with these 2 latest movie.. Hopefully Ice Age 3 won't disappoint me..

I'm seriously getting stress with my job. Thank God I'm still on holiday and also thanks for all the kaki's outing I could look forward to after work. At least it helps me to shed off some stress. I think I'm still trying to adapt to my new environment. With many tasks on my hand, trying to organize and some of my task is quite hard to complete cause I do not know how go about doing it. Engineering is more technical than common sense. So if I really don't know, it means I can't use my common sense to solve it, I need knowledge to know what is wrong.. Sometimes I just can't find the answers and I'll have to ask around. Hopefully I can gain enough knowledge to help to contribute to the work load of my colleague. They have all been very nice and helpful to me.

I must really say God have a creative way of drawing people's attention. Because of this stress, I'm constantly dependent upon God. Everytime a problem pops up, I would turn to Him for advice and help. It really helps alot =)

(Trust in the Lord and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways, acknowledge Him and He will make your path straight.) Proverbs 3:5-6

A Nice cup of Coffee at 9:48 PM

2009 / 2010