#Day 31: 31 January 2016

LISTEN & OBEY

It was a day full of blessings. Starting the day with a very painful sore throat, I woke up at 6 am. I took a time to listen to Hannah Yeoh sharing in youtube. The idea is to get to know her style of sharing.

I was requested to help interpreting her sharing today. Which is something I never did before. It was a very humbling experience indeed.

The atmosphere was great and the sharing was brilliant. Listen and Obey, thats the key message that Hannah shared about.

I admit that her challenges is not very much different with all of us (though different context and maybe different level of achievement), but we also face a lot of struggles in life. For me, the biggest difference maybe on the ability to listen and obey.

I admit that a lot of time, I expect God to listen and 'obey' to my wish or desire, even when I know it should be the other way around.

Although I also believe that our God is full of grace and He will make our path straight when we lost our ways. But I also know that by not listening and obey, we delayed His well planned blessing for us.

It's like when we refused to follow GPS direction and ended up lost our direction. The GPS will not leave us alone, but it always recalibrate and provide path to bring us back to our final destination. But, we have wasted our time, energy, petrol and maybe our spirit. We delayed ourselves in reaching our destination.

Proverbs 10:8 (Bible Gateway) reminds us that "If you have good sense, you will listen and obey; if all you do is talk, you will destroy yourself".

Luke 11:28 says "... Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it."

To receive and not delaying His blessing, we must listen and obey.

For now, I need to obey my throat and stop eating and talking too much. Hopefully the antibiotik will help to cure the painful throat.

It is indeed a great blessing. A day full of blessing.

Praise God that I still manage to help and listen and obey, to give my best to be interpreter for the first time. At least I know now that I need to brushed up my Bahasa Indonesia.

Praise God that I still can continue with fellowship with my friends and family after that.

Praise God that I still can continue to share (full January - my personal record in writing a sharing)

Praise God, that now, I can rest and entertain my painful throat.

By grace and grace alone I'm saved
Christ Jesus paid it all.

#fgccmalaysia #uplifting #listen&obey

#Day 30: 30 January 2016

BARBEQUE (BBQ)

Barbecue (also barbeque, BBQ and barby/barbies) is both a cooking method and an apparatus. The generally accepted differences between barbecuing and grilling are cooking durations and the types of heat used. Grilling is generally done quickly over moderate-to-high direct heat that produces little smoke, while barbecuing is done slowly over low, indirect heat and the food is flavored by the smoking process (source: wikipedia)

I have to admit, I am just plain silly today. With the known bad sore throat, I was still enjoying the food, the bbq during our combined cell group meeting today. But no, I am not going to reflect about the sore throat, at least not today.

I am interested with the process of Barbeque, on how dilligently, calm and patiently both Subang cell group chef Robby and Chester handling the BBQ pit, the level of the heat, the meat flipping frequency, the just right sauces.

Each steps were done neatly on top of the indirect heat. Each steps were done professionally and properly. Each steps with its own perfect time and procedure. Each steps to ensure a perfect result, a soft and tender meat, corn, vegetables for everyone to enjoy.

Ecclesiastes 8:6 says "for there is a time and a way for everything...."

We spoke about the live of young Joseph on #Day 22. On how his life is progressing with its ups and downs. Until he managed to safe the nation and his family from famine. There is a time for everything.

James 1:2-4 reminds us to "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."

There is a time and procedures for everything.

Just like BBQ, we start with low fire, burn the meat over and over again, slowly, until it transform from a raw unconsumable meat, slowly, turning into a tender licking good meat.

We may walk through a lot of challenges, painfully, burned over and over again, slowly, until we transform from a raw talent with limited added value, slowly, with a proper process in building our foundation in Christ, turning into a wonderful super freaking good servant of God.

So I told myself, when I feel tired, down or lack of motivation, or anything that diverts my focus and commitment, I will remember that there is a time for everything, I will remember Barbeque.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NLT) "For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven."

#fgccmalaysia #uplifting #Barbeque

#Day 29: 29 January 2016

ABOUT RESTING

Rest, it means cease work or movement in order to relax, refresh oneself, or recover strength (google definition)

Rest is a necessity. It is a Biblical principle that all creatures must rest. Without proper rest the human body will break down. We all know that God rest on the 7th day (Genesis 2:2-3)

I like the part when it says "recover strength". So for me resting is not merely about relaxing but it is a period of preparation for the next act. Recover our strength so we can continue to make progress.

Mark 6:31 reminds us saying "And he said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat".

Sometimes we are too busy with our work, our service, our lives. And slowly our physical body rejecting it and we fell ill. Sometimes even our spiritual mind gets tired, burned out and we slowly slacking on our focus and commitment

Matthew 11:28-29 wrote “…Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Jesus knows and He reminds us about it, about slowing down so we can refocus our mind to him. Recalibrating our spiritual mind, our spirit, recover our strength for the next steps in faith.

I know I need a proper rest. Being burned out and fell ill for the last 2 days. And I know I am not alone in this. I know some of us may feel tired and burned out.

And I also know, that today, all of us will remember, that He knows our burden. And He will give us rest.

Psalm 4:8 says "In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, LORD, make me dwell in safety".

In Him we will dwell in safety.

Psalm 23 says "The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. 

Even though I walk through the darkest valley,I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 

Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever"

Go, get some rest, in Him. Go, recover your strength. God bless.

#fgccmalaysia #uplifting #aboutresting

#Day 28: 28 January 2016

SECURE IT

Out of my busy scheduled today, I took an effort to attend the Security Day Campaign in my office.

It is an interesting subject to hear, be it on Physical Security as well as the tricky part such as Information Security.

I learned about Phishing, which is when an attacker attempts to fool you into clicking on a malicious link or opening an attachment in an email. We also learned how to identify such.

But what interests me is the behavior that the event would like to establish, which is the high level of awareness and knowledge for us to rapidly recognise phishing attempts and respond to those according with company policies.

I am wondering, if we also face such threat in our daily life? I am referring to the threat towards our growth in Christ. In our faith.

1 Peter 5:8 told us "Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour"

Ephesians 6:18 reminds us to "Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints"

Mark 14:38 says "Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

And a lot more awareness messages that our predecessors have written to remind us

I think, while we are busy with securing our physical as well as personal information, without reducing the important of these, we also need (or even put as top priority) to secure our hope, our believes, our faith.

Like Mark have been telling us, we need to be on guard, we need to stay awake! 

So we can establish a correct behavior, having a high level of awareness and knowledge for us to rapidly recognise 'phishing' attempts on our faith.

A knowledge that we need to be around our community, living F.R.E.S.H values.

A knowledge that we need to SECURE IT (Secure our heart, our faith)

Mark 13:33-37 "Be on guard, keep awake. For you do not know when the time will come. It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his servants in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to stay awake. Therefore stay awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning— lest he come suddenly and find you asleep. And what I say to you I say to all: Stay awake.”

#fgccmalaysia #uplifting #secureit

#Day 27: 27 January 2016

"FRESHPIRATION"

I would like to introduce a new word into our dictionary. It is "Freshpiration".

What is it actually? I adopted this from the new buzz on the net about 'Fitspiration', which is any message whose supposed intent is to encourage or inspire people to attain their fitness goals.

While I was thinking about the reasons which inspired me to set "health" (a.k.a lose weight) as one of my 2016 resolution, somehow my mind was diverted to our church values, F.R.E.S.H, which is the guiding principle of our vision and mission.

What are the messages whose supposed intent is to encourage or inspire me to live the F.R.E.S.H values?

What is my "Freshpiration"?

For me, I think it is very much the meaning of each character and how F.R.E.S.H can be apply in every aspect of our lives.

Not just at church, during Sunday, or Service. Not just during Cell Group or any activities that relates to FGCC church.

I can easily see how Fellowship, Relevant, Excellence, Simplicity and Humility can become the core of our lives. The values on how to be Christlike. (http://www.freshgeneration.org/about-us/our-vision-mission)


John 9:4 says "We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work"

And to be able to live the value, we must work! We need to work the F.R.E.S.H out of our lives. 

And that is my "Freshpiration". The fact that I know I must work the F.R.E.S.H out of my life to become more Christlike. To achieve the vision and mission of the church where God have put my family and I. It is simple and fit to my small brain.

So, what's your "Freshpiration"?

Leave it in the comment if you are willing to share :) God bless.

#fgccmalaysia #uplifting #freshpiration

#Day 26: 26 January 2016

SATISFACTION SURVEY

As some of you may know, one of the way to measure quality of a service, is by having a satisfaction survey with the customer.

A yearly activity that some of us have to do and using the result to drive a further improvement in years to come.

I was wondering, what if we have a satisfaction survey with Jesus as our customer? And using His teaching as questions to mark our results?

Select 1 - 5: with 1 - totally not meet, 2 - partially meet, 3 - fully meet, 4 - exceed and 5 - far exceed

Question 1: What's your rating on:
Luke 10:27 "You must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.' And, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'"

Question 2: What's your rating on: 
Act 20:35 "In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’

Question 3: What's your rating on: 
Mark 10:44-45 ESV "And whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Question 4: What's your rating on: 
Matthew 25:35-40 ESV "For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’"

What do you think the result would be?

Totally Not Meet?
Partially Meet?
Fully Meet?
Exceed or
Far Exceed

What do you think Jesus will say? ....

#fgccmalaysia #uplifting #satisfactionsurvey

#Day 25: 25 January 2016

THE BEST WIRE OF ALL

I had a quick trip to Genting today. It was a nice quick trip with my friend from Prague. We took the cable car with the thought of enjoying the view and relax.

As soon as we took of, I realized it was windy, very windy actually. Our car wobble left and right through out the trip. To make it more fun (actually it wasn't at all), I saw the fogs were rushing down from the top.

It was like we are heading to ... no where. In just few minutes, we are gone in the midst of clouds of fogs.

I tried to be engaged in a conversation while trying to relaxed myself but I crossed my mind that my life is now very much depending on the one (steel) wire that holds the car. Nothing more.

While the car remain wobbled hard left and right, pushed by the strong winds, I silently prayed hard that it is the best (steel) wire in the world.

No way back! My life is depending on this wire now. Then it crossed my mind, that is exactly what Jesus told His disciples, telling them about who He is.

"Jesus told him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me." - John 14:6

He is the best wire in the world. He is the one way and my life, my future is depending on Him. There is no other way for me to reach my destination, other than with and via Him.

Act 4:12 says "And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

Nor strong wind or rain that can stop us to move forward as He is the Best Wire of All. He is the one that can save us and our life is depending on Him.

And "The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold" - Psalm 18:2

Wow!

I am glad I made this short visit and how God reminded me about Who He Is.

He is indeed the only wire that we can hold on to. The wire that lead us to the gree pastures.

He is The Best Wire Of All.

#fgccmalaysia #uplifting #bestwireofall

#Day 24: 24 January 2016

A HEART THAT FORGIVES

During our fellowship tonight, I was engaged in a very fruitful discussion. A discussion or more like a sharing about challenges in life, in life at church, and in this case about an uncertainty on what's the best way to move forward.

One of the input given, the one that stucked in my mind, is "what matter most is what's in our heart, before we decide to move one, whether we stay or leave, we need to have a clear heart. We need to be able to accept, appreciate and forgive"

"Forgiveness is unlocking the door to set someone free and realizing you are the prisoner"

To think about it, a heart that forgives uplift us in few areas:

  1. In following God words:

• Colossians 3:13 NIV "Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you."
• As simple as that, we deliver what God requesting us to do. To forgive.

  2. In Acceptance:

• By allowing our heart to forgives, means, we accept the facts of the situation. Accepting the truth that actually, we are the prisoner.
• Remember what people used to say "Acceptance is the begining of a change"

 
  3. It also means we are ready to Move Forward:

• Sometimes God closes doors because it’s time to MOVE forward. He knows you won’t move unless your circumstances force you.
• Job 17:9 "The righteous keep moving forward, and those with clean hands become stronger and stronger".
• Philippians 3:14 "I run straight toward the goal to win the prize that God’s heavenly call offers in Christ Jesus".
• We know we need to keep moving forward!

Matthew 6:7 says "Blessed are the merciful for they shall receive mercy".

I pray for all of us to always be merciful, to continue able to apply God's words, by accepting the situation and grow from it and finally ready to move on, according to His will and plan for us.

Have a heart that forgives.

#fgccmalaysia  #uplifting  #heartthatforgives

#Day 23: 23 January 2016

TWO BY TWO - ABOUT TEAMWORK

I remember an African Proverbs saying "If you want to go fast, go alone. But if you want to go far, go together"

I guess this african proverbs echoed the thought and wisdom of Jesus went He sent the disciples two by two. He wanted them to go far (Luke 10)

Today I attended a meeting with few other leaders discussing about a project. A project that we know, requires not only our physical or mental strengths but it requires our heart, our humility, our willingness.

A project that requires all of us involved to have a same heart, mind and judgement.

I remember what Apostle Paul wrote in his letter to the Church in Corinth, it says "I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment." (1 Corinthians 1:10)

Ya, united, no divisions in mind and judgement. Thats what we will need.

Actually, that is what we always need when we work together as a team. Be it a church project, work assignment, family holiday, or even a study assignment. If we want to go far, we need to go together with the team.

1 Corinthians 12:20-25 said "As it is, there are many parts, yet one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and on those parts of the body that we think less honorable we bestow the greater honor, and our unpresentable parts are treated with greater modesty, which our more presentable parts do not require. But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it, ..."

I think that says it all when come to teamwork. We are many but one body. No one can say I have no need of you. If, we want to go far, we have to go together.

I know that is what we need when we kick off the project. We need to walk through it together because I know, we want to go far. And I know, with Jesus on our side, we will go far beyond our own expectation, beyond our understanding

Are you ready to go far? Or are you just wanna be fast?

#fgccmalaysia #uplifting #aboutteamwork

#Day 22: 22 January 2016

ABOUT MAKING PROGRESS

Genesis 37-50 - the story about young Joseph.

Joseph was hated and resented, almost killed by his own brothers. He was sold as a slave, became the supervisor of Potiphar's household.

When we thought his life is making a great progress, Potiphar's wife falsely accuses him of attempted rape. Joseph, although innocent in the matter, is cast into prison.

In jail, Joseph interprets the dreams of two of his fellow prisoners. Two years later, Joseph predicts the King's dream. For his wisdom, Joseph is made a ruler in Egypt, second only to the king. And he then help his family during the famine. He became the saviour of his family.

Why this story? It's because I was reflecting about making "progress".

How it is related to Joseph's story? Very much!

Joseph's "progress" in life is very much a reflection of ours. It is about making progress in every aspect of our life, be it career, skills, relationship, financial, everything! Even our faith!

Two key points that I personally see:

1. Making progress in life is a journey! (again, be it career, skills, relationship, financial, everything! Even our faith!)

• There will be up's and down's;
• There will be a time people misunderstood us;
• A time when we are falsely accused;
• A time we feel that we  are  "sold" for the benefit of others;
• A time where we are left alone;
• A time when we knocked down right after we think we are back on our feet;

And

2. Making progress is also about being faithful

• I learn from the account of Joseph’s life, by remaining faithful and accepting that God is ultimately in charge, I can be confident that God will reward our faithfulness in the fullness of time.
• Who would have blamed Joseph if he had turned his brothers away when they were in need? but he did not.
• By being faithful and believe that God is ultimately in charge, we allow God to bring out His plan to us.
• By being faithful, we are making progress in life, together, with Him, in His design.

So I told myself. Be brave, walk through life like Joseph did. Let's make progress.

Whereever you are in your "progress", remember Joseph. Remember the journey and keep the faith.

God bless.

#fgccmalaysia #uplifting #progress

#Day 21: 21 January 2016

GOD OF PEACE

Today, I want to share my testimony. After the state of confusion that I was facing yesterday and was reminded by what Apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthians 14:33 "For God is not a God of confusion but of peace", I experienced His blessing".

Today, I had a discussion with the higher management. In short, I was assured that it is not my problem as they appreciate what I have contributed and what I am bringing to the team, to the department.

There are some work to be done and areas of improvement but everyone is happy and have no problem with my approach, my style.

Today, I am at peace. He answered my prayer, He is God of Peace. He is God that answers our prayers.

Psalm 50:15 says "And call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.”

Matthew 21:22, "And all things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive."

John 14:13-14 "Whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. "If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it."

Zechariah 10:6 "I will strengthen the house of Judah, And I will save the house of Joseph, And I will bring them back, Because I have had compassion on them; And they will be as though I had not rejected them, For I am the LORD their God and I will answer them".

Mark 11:24 "Therefore I say to you, all things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have received them, and they will be granted you"

And more!!!!!

Like the lyrics of the song that have touched my heart this week, I know that:

" ... By grace and grace alone I'm saved; Christ Jesus paid it all.  Let every heart and soul rejoice; We welcome You with praise; Be welcomed in this place;  Exalt Your name with highest praise;  Christ Jesus glorified..."

He is ...
The God that listens,
The God that delivers,
The God of answers,
The God of wisdom,
The God of all gods
The Lord of lords,
Christ Jesus,
Be glorified.

Although I still need to face the person everyday, I know now, that He will make a way, He will provides me with wisdom, so I can know what I need to improve, what I need to change, in me, so I can walk through this with Him.

To God be the glory, forever and ever. Amen!

#fgccmalaysia #uplifting #Godofpeace

#Day 20: 20 January 2016

CONFUSED

Today is an interesting day. I left office with a weird feeling, with a huge confusion.

Lets put it in a perspective, I have a challenge at work. It is about someone that seems to set a prejudice about me and unwilling to work it out for a better collaboration.

Today, I found out the person sent an email to higher management escalating about me. Which I sincerely don't know why the person is so frustrated with my being.

Today, I am confused. Demotivated. I checked my heart and my conscience, it is clear, I did my best for the team, for my family (I always treat my team as my family), I gave all my heart for my company.

I am confused. No communication, no opportunity to know why, and try to solve the problem or finding common ground and move on together. No, none.

I asked God, please tell me what area that I can improve and learn.

I search and tried to remember God's word about confusion. And I found comfort in:

John 14:26 "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you"

Ya, I maybe confused but I want to believe and put my faith that Holy Spirit will guide me through this storm, through this situation.

And Paul also reminded me in Corinthians 14:33 "For God is not a God of confusion but of peace"

Amin, Amin and Amin.

Holy Spirit God, I need your peace. I need your guidance. And I need you and I ask you to help.

Because you said on Matthew 7:7 "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you"

For those facing somekind of confusion, let us remember these message together.

God bless.

#fgccmalaysia #uplifting #confused

Day 19: 19 January 2016

TIME

Sitting at my sofa, thinking about how time flies today. It is 9.20pm now. I tried to reflect on how I spent my day, how I spent my time today.

I realized the time spent has just become a memories. I can't turn back time. Either I am satisfied with how I spent it or I regretted and then try to spend it wiser.

I guess thats why people used to say that "The greatest gift you can give someone is Your Time. Because when you give your time, you are giving a portion of your life that you will never get back"

That same quote is shouting at me, "Don’t procrastinate! Make plans and manage your time".

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 also says "For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing"

Yeah, out of my busy schedule, it is good to remind myself that there is a time to work, there is a time to play with the kids, a time to reflect and write my devotion, a time to catch up with my wife, a time to rest and sleep, and a time to rest in my God.

I saw a posting of data from World Bank, Bureau of Labour Statistics based on USA Population, a graphical chart about how an average 78 years old person spent their time:

• 28.3 years sleeping
• 10.5 years working
• 9 years TV, Video Games, Social Network
• 6 years doing chores
• 4 years eating and drinking
• 3.5 years education
• 2.5 years grooming
• 2.5 years shopping
• 1.5 years childcare
• 1.3 years commuting
• 9 years left! How will you spend it?

A very good question indeed. I also realized that the chart did not mention anything about portion of time for God, for praying :)

Psalm 90:12, it says "Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom". His Wisdom will guide us in managing our time.

So, how will you spend it? How will you spend your time?

Ephesians 5:15-17 "So, then, be careful how you live. Do not be unwise but wise, making the best use of your time because the times are evil. Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is".

#fgccmalaysia #uplifting #time

Day 18: 18 January 2016

PAIN

I bet this is not a subject that might excites everyone. I bet we all prefers to hear about blessing, about fulfillment.

But I also believe, we do know, that, we can never escape pain in this life. As much as blessing flowing in our life, so does pain (hurt or challenges) may visit our life.

Why pain? Why this topic? It is because one of my resolution (and do know, I rarely set a resolution in life), my target in year 2016, to shed some weight as I need to be a role model for the Health and Wellness program in office.

For this, I decided to join Muay Thai. I bet you know the pain i am going through now(And yes, you can start laughing at me)

No Pain No Gain - I do really believe this.

Try asking your mom, about the pain she went through when she delivered you. The pain that she need to go through to be able, to gain, to have, you! But if you asked her about the pain, I believe she will tell you that it was all worth it! (you are worthy!)

Try asking successful people about the pain they went through before they are successful. I remember the Kick Andy Show few years ago in Jakarta,  I remember how the host managed to make my eldest brother cried at the stage when he was asked about the pain he need to went through before he finally made it.

No Pain No Gain - Again, I do really believe this.

Paul reminded us in Romans 8:18 saying "For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us"

If I link it to my resolution, my suffering now are not worth comparing to my glory in 6-9 months later! I need to endures the pain because Paul said in Rome 5:4 "and endurance produces character, and character produces hope".

And I have a new meaning of HOPE, it says Hold On Pain Ends! I will hold on! I will persevere (refer to day 4 devotion about Perseverance)

Elizabeth Elliot once said "I am not a theologian or a scholar, but I am very aware of the fact that pain is necessary to all of us. In my own life, I think I can honestly say that out of the deepest pain has come the strongest conviction of the presence of God and the love of God".

So, like what I did today, I pick up my gloves, walked to the sandbag and yeeaaaahhhhhhhh (start puching and kicking the bag following the instruction from the teacher)

Pain, Challenges, Hurt, whether you like it or not, it is part of our life. But remember, it is not about the pain, but it is about how we response to the pain. That is what important!

So, whatever challenges you are facing: work, study, relationship, family, health, resolution, financial, etc. 

Remember to Hold On, Pain Ends!

I can do all things through him who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13)

#fgccmalaysia #uplifting #pain

Day 17: 17 January 2016

BEING STUCK

Scratching my heads to reflect about what happened today, on what I can share. But I am stuck.

Matthew 7:7 says, "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you"

I asked, Holy Spirit, what should I share today, I am stuck? Suddenly I feel the urge to share about it. About being stuck.

I remember someone said it before, that, being stuck is different than being stagnant. And remember, Jesus offers wisdom, hope and rests until you starts moving again (Read: Suzanne Eller)

Indeed, sometimes we may feel stuck and helpless, sometime we may feel discourage. It is okay! It is normal!

Sometimes, being stuck reminds us that we need His guidance and strength.

I can do all things through him who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13, NRSV)

He never stuck. We can do all things through Him.

Colossians 2:13 says "When you were stuck in your old sin-dead life, you were incapable of responding to God. God brought you alive - right along with Christ! Think of it! All sins forgiven!"

You are not alone. God will brought you out from it.

It's good to be reminded you're not alone in your struggles. That even a man as notable as Paul, struggles just like we do.

Here is some quotes that encourage me tonight.

A quote from Messy Spirituality, by Michael Yaconelli:

"...getting stuck is the prerequisite to getting unstuck.

Getting stuck is a great moment, a summons, a call from within, the glorious music of disaffection and dissatisfaction with our place in life. We get stuck when we want to change but can't, when we want to stop destructive behavior but don't, when the tug-o-war between God's will and ours stands still and we can't move. We're stuck going nowhere, unable to get beyond a particular point.

Getting stuck can be the best thing that could happen to us, because it forces us to stop. It halts the momentum of our lives. We have no choice but to notice what is around us, and we end up searching for Jesus. When we're stuck, we're much more likely to pay attention to our hunger for God and the longings and yearnings we have stifled.

Sometimes being stuck is the low point and we say, 'Okay, I give up.' We cannot grow without first giving up and letting go. Getting stuck forces us to see the futility of our situation and to put life in perspective so that we can move on."

#fgccmalaysia #uplifting #beingstuck

#Day16: 16 January 2016

A CHRISTLIKE HABITS

It took me quite sometimes to think about what I can share today. It's Saturday, most of the time I am just lazying around at home, less action comparing to weekdays in office.

Cambridge Dictionary described Habits as "Something that you do often and ​regularly, sometimes without ​knowing that you are doing it"

The key words are often and regularly.

If we see Paul's message to the Romans (Rome 12:2) "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind". Paul is telling us that we need to regularly as often as we can, continously be transform, continuosly changing ourselves to be Christlike.

Philippians 2:14 "Do all things without grumbling or disputing", it demands a new habits from us. We need to regularly as often as we can, continuosly stop grumbling or disputing.

1 John 1:9 "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness".  Confessing our sins regularly, as often as we can, not just a one off confession, so we are continuously being cleanse.

These loudly told me, to reflect regularly, as often as I can, so I can continuously find an experience, a (hopefully) christlike experience to share, to bless myself and others.

These loudly teaches us, to pray regularly, to serve regularly, to devote regularly, to love regularly, so we can build a Christlike habits, daily, regularly. And hopefully one day without ​knowing that we are doing it, we are doing the Christlike habits.

Matthew 5:16 (NLT) reminds us that "In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father"

Let our good deeds shine, not just once, twice or thrice, but regularly, as often as we can, until one day without knowing that we are doing it, everyone will praise our heavenly Father.

#fgccmalaysia #uplifting #christlikehabits

#Day 15: 15 January 2016

BEAUTY SECRETS

It is not a secret that every human being wants to be beautiful or good looking.

From counseling to anti-aging (skincare), from America to Korea (plastic surgery), from 53 to 23 (years old), from spending MYR to EUR!

In 2014, nearly 16 million cosmetic procedures were performed in the United States alone. 

The number of cosmetic procedures performed in the United States has almost doubled since the start of the century.

92% of cosmetic procedures were performed on women in 2014 up from 88% in 2001.

Nearly 12 million cosmetic procedures were performed in 2007, with the five most common surgeries being breast augmentation, liposuction, nasal surgery, eyelid surgery and abdominoplasty (source: wikipedia)

People went extra mile to be beautiful, to be good looking, to be attractive.

But let me tell you something. We have the answer to this. We have the best beauty secrets.

Come closure, let me whispered it to you. Come and be prepare to be blessed.

Proverbs 3:21-26 (MSG) is the answer, it says:

"Dear friend, guard Clear Thinking and Common Sense with your life; don’t for a minute lose sight of them. They’ll keep your soul alive and well, they’ll keep you fit and attractive.

You’ll travel safely, you’ll neither tire nor trip. You’ll take afternoon naps without a worry, you’ll enjoy a good night’s sleep"

Clear Thinking and Common Sense, they will keep our soul welk and alive, they will keep us fit and attractive!!!

That's it! The most efficient yet cost friendly and even environmentally friendly secrets!

Ah, if everyone know this secrets, I am afraid a lot of beauty saloon will be out of business :)

So, what are you waiting for? Be fit and attractive!!

Remember, we are fearfully and wonderfully made. Keep our clear mind and common sense and be attractive :)

#fgccmalaysia #uplifting #simplicity #beautysecrets

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Day 14: 14 January 2016

MY GADGET, MY TOUNGE

(My deepest condolences for the victim of Jakarta bombing)

And no, I am not going to write about bombing. I am not going to spread fear. There are enough people doing that today. Enough already!

Instead, I want to talk about our tounge. I want to share about the power of our tounge

Today, we see how easy for us to be influenced.  One terror incident, millions of texts, pictures or videos in social media, be it twitter, facebook, whatsapp, line, instagram or anything that you are currently using

Today we see the facts that even without speaking, without creating any sounds, without using our tounge, we can release a lot of words that may influenced others. 

Today, we see that (actually) our gadgets has became our tounge!

Ephesians 4:29 says "Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear"

Proverbs 12:18 says "There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing"

James 1:26 reminds us saying "If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless."

And now, read the verses again, but change the word tounge or mouths with GADGET

If we dare to say that we are important, because He ceated us wonderfully and fearfully, then we need to control our tounge, our mouths. We need to control our gadget.

Let our tounge or mouths be a blessing.
Let our gadget be a blessing.

#fgccmalaysia  #uplifting #blessing #mygadgetmytounge

Day 13: 13 January 2016

You Are Important

Waking up at our regular morning time, 5.20am, Francis is getting ready for school. Suddenly, he holds his stomach and curled his body saying "My tummy is hurt Mama".

The challenge is, we know sometimes he did it on purpose, trying to escape from the undesired breakfast of his.

My wife and I trying to console and encourage him that it will go away. But he continued to say it is hurt. And curled his body deeper.

Time passing by, we need to leave the house to school, patience is getting shorter and shorter. I almost break loose until my mind reminded me that, hey, he is important.

So instead of screaming and rushing him to finish his breakfast; I decided to tell him:

Francis, you are important, your words are important, your opinion is important. And I told him that I trust him and requested my wife to send him to doctor instead of school.

Indeed it is true, all of us are important. Each one of us, is Important!

Psalm 139: 13-16 says "For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them"

Each one of us, are fearfully and wonderfully made. We are wonderfully made!

Ya, not only Francis, but all of us. Including you that reads this devotion at this moment. Go find your mirror and tell yourself that "I am wonderfully made!", "I am important"

There you go!

This means, everything that you do, is important. Your words are important, your thoughts are important, your acts are important, your works is important, your singing is important, your effort in study is important and everything else in you are important!

Thats why we are one body (1 Corinthians 12:14)

Thats why we are the ambassadors of God (2 Corinthians 5:20)

Thats why we are one family (in FGCC), no one is more important than others. We are all important. You, you and you.

And remember the higher importance you are, the humble you should be. After all, in restaurant, normally those that rude is normally the waitress, while the boss (the important person), is always humble and gentle.

So now, Rise up, uplift our mind and remember, each one of us matters, each one of us is Important.

And btw, Francis is really ill :( having fever and need to skip school for 2 days.

#fgccmalaysia #uplifting #youareimportant

Day 12: When Good Men Get Angry

• 3 percent of surveyed men said they never get annoyed by what other people say or do
• 80 percent say the get annoyed a few times a day
• 15 percent say they get annoyed many times a day
• And 1 percent say they're annoyed all the time

I guess I fall under the biggest population, I do get annoyed a few times a day.

I guess thats why my wife bought me a book by Bill Perkins which specifically spoke about anger management (Ouch!)

"WHEN GOOD MEN GET ANGRY" - The spiritual art of managing anger

It is our 11 years wedding anniversary gift for me :) 11 years of suffering for her (Haha)

Proverbs 14:29 says Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly.

Thats what the 1st page of the book said, somehow it echoed the Day 11 devotion message.

His way is indeed mysterious. Sending affirmation of devotion through a gift, a book. What an out of the box approach of our God.

Proverbs 16:32 says Better a patient man than a warrior, a man who controls his temper than one who takes a city.

While Psalm 37:8 reminded us saying Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret--it leads only to evil.

I think the message is very clear to me. I think the reminder is strong enough for me.

I think, this year is indeed a year of uplifting. I see how God touches each one of us and remind us on specific area of improvement that we, individually, need to focus on (come on, dont be shy, I believe He also speaks to you)

I think, this is indeed a year of uplifting for all of us

Think about it, if each one of us, improved the area that He wants us to improve, collectively, we will have a massive blessed power of improvement! For you and your family!

And remember, the book says "When Good Men ....", so, I am a good man, so are you. Wouldn't it be awesome when these bunch of Good Men is uplifted and become Great Men? (And also the Good Women to become Great Women)

#fgccmalaysia #uplifting #slowtoanger

Day 11: 11 January 2016

Giving My Best (At All Time)

This is easier than done. Why?


Most of the time we tend to give our 100% focus or effort when we know the reward, when we know that we will received something in return. Sometimes we even gave 150% effort, with the hope of getting the price.


Sometimes, we are reward driven.


I learned something different today. I learned about giving my best in every situation. I learned about the Three Wise Men.


And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. - Matthew 2:11


I learned about how they walked through the deserts to find a young child. I learned about them giving their best treasures, gold, frankincense and myrrh.


I learned that even they do not know what the young child can do for them, on whether the young child have anything in return, they are giving their best.


After all, he is just a young child, a poor one, born in a manger, covered with cheapest cloth.


They are not reward driven. They are faith driven.


And now we know, how faith brought them to a great purpose. I guess that's why they are called Wise Men. Those that are driven by faith, giving their best in whatever situation, are called: Wise Men


Are we?


Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ - Colossians 3:23-24


#fgccmalaysia #uplifting #wisemen #givingmybest

Day10: 10 January 2016

Procrastination (Not)

KLM just made me lost my patience for few minutes. An interesting event which shows how much I need to calm myself down over a small matters.

I was booking my family trip flight via KLM website. After putting the effort via iPad, upon the final page of completion, the iPad or the site decided not to respond to my request.

Slowly losing my cool, I decided to open my laptop. Right at the same final payment page, the site frooze and throw me back to earlier page, but now, with a higher price! (Doohh)

KLM decided to increased the price. I loose my cool, banging the iPad and shouting stupid! Stupid iPad! Stupid KLM!

Where actually the one that is stupid is, nonetheless, me.

Proverbs 14:29 says Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly.

I did! Displays folly.

"Don't go crazy over a small matter", thats what I always told my children. And somehow I failed to do it.

The most important thing is to get my air ticket which to my laziness, have been delayed for days. Because of that now I am paying more than I should have.

This reminds me of my resolution, my firm decision to do things that my heart desires to do in 2016. I need to focus not to delay it further, don't delay, don't procrastinate. Finish what we have started!!

The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, while the soul of the diligent is richly supplied - Proverbs 13:4

#fgccmalaysia #uplifting #procrastinate

Day9: 09 January 2016

The Truth Will Set You Free

"And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free" - John 8:32

We had a family trip to Sunway Lagoon today (Saturday),  driven by the excitement of Francis and Constance as a follow up of an exciting Friday afternoon visit to the same lagoon. They saw the new Nikelodeon Lost Lagoon which introduced several new exciting slides.

Something happened when we are all ready to experienced the slides. Constance and Francis, stops for a while and said, I think I am not going to do it.

The fear of walking through something new creeps into their minds and somehow conquered their excitements and desires.

It took a short while trying to support their decision while also encourage them to try it;  trying to tell the truth that, it is not scary but fun.

Constance did it and proclaimed she had fun, the excitement is back. She even did it several times, over and over again.

Francis chose to do it some other time, a decision which we all respect. He delays his experience of fun. He delays his own goals.

It is interesting how the truth, can, not only to set us free (from uncertainty, from fear), is also helps us to "un-delays" our experience, our goals.

Jesus is the way, he is the truth and the light. In Him and with Him, is the only way to achieve our desires, our experiences of life and our goals.

In Jesus, we can be free.

#fgccmalaysia #uplifting #truth #free

Day8: 08 January 2016

The Love

"I realized my life is not insignificant, my life matters. One candle, then 10 then 100. Because there is one way! Because the name above all name, Jesus!"

I am mesmerized by the movie "Woodlawn", a movie produced based on a true story. Story about how the rugby team in Woodlawn change the whole school to become believers, to become Christian.

It is like a reminder to me, on how great is our God, about how we need to be a light in this world, in our surrounding, that it is not always about winning.

What touches me the most is the scene when the coach went in to the church and said "I dont know what love that my team is having, but i want that love, today, i want to be baptize"

Very inspiring.

The craziest scene is before the final game, the coach is inviting everyone to pray, at the stadium. And one of the chairman purposely unplug the microphone. But nothing can stop the power of prayer, the whole stadium continue and finished the Father's prayer.

I recommended you to watch this. To watch Woodlawn. "BELIEVE, NO FEAR"

The movie ended with everyone intl the stadium lifting their hands, lifting their fingers to the sky, the sign of "One Way, Jesus"

#fgccmalaysia  #uplifting #woodlawn #thelove #Jesus

Day7: 07 January 2016

An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge - Proverbs 18:15

What makes a journey interesting? Some says the reward, some says the achievement, some says the pride and some may say the companion.

If you asked me, I would definitely say the learning.

It's the knowledge and experiences that we gained from each of our journey, be it a professional journey, a love life journey, a family journey or even our spiritual journey.

Reward may stop, achievement may fail, pride may fall and companion may leave. But learning, it is everlasting.

To think about it, what makes the 12 disciples walked through their journey with Jesus. Not for pride, nor reward, not any achievement or companion (after all, Jesus was mocked and nailed on the Cross. The people prefers Barnabas over him).

I believe, it's the learning, the teaching they received from Jesus. It's Everlasting. His teaching is the same, before, now and forever.

Thats why,  I choose learning. What about you?

#fgccmalaysia #uplifting #learning #everlasting

Day6: 06 January 2016

Philosophy of Life

There are lots of principle or philosophy of life that we may have heard out there. Now, I would like to share another one, which my family and I have been practicing, or at least trying to practice it :)

And today during my exercise, I realized rules number 2 and 3 does help in a brilliant way, helping to push myself beyond boundaries of my own thinking

Three simple rules:

1. Pray 
2. Try and Do Your Best
3. Have Fun

Try it, reflect it, do it and have fun with it.

To think about it, the same rules appplies to our service to the Lord, our service to our community, our family, to all!

As it is written, 
So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31)

Good luck and have fun :)

#fgccmalaysia  #uplifting #threesimplerules

Day 5: 05 January 2016

In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now...—Philippians 1:4-5

Today Verse of the day remind me to slow down, take a time to reflect and pray for my family members, church or cell group members that help shaping my faith, my personal growth.

This also reminded me of all friends, colleagues, mentors and even difficult professionals that i have met through my work life, those that helps (direct or indirectly) shaping my career

Let us take sometimes today (and as much as we can) to pray, with joy, for all of them. For those that makes us a better person today.

#fgccmalaysia  #uplifting  #slowdown #praywithjoy