God+Piano+Guitar=alant80

2010 Thanksgiving (Late)

2011-12-17T13:28:00.002+08:00

This is a late thanksgiving. Finally, I decided to revive this blog again. Here it is that I can remember:
1) Able to serve God in Kuching, Vietnam and Ipoh
2) Score As in 2 modules
3) Brethren bring me around to different places, home or churches
4) Care and concern shown by brethren
5) Pay increment
6) Mum that managed the household well and cooks for me
7) Parents and myself are in relatively good health
8) Attending prayer meeting which encourages me
9) Can complete the full Marathon and then after that still have the energy to go to Vietnam for mission trip
10) God’s grace for helping me to lead in Shomerim

Thank God that I had removed these DVDs

2010-12-13T20:47:00.003+08:00

Last Tuesday, 7th Dec 2010, I finally removed those DVDs that I had purchased before I started working. It was a hard decision to make as I had not played some of the games before. It was a waste to throw them away. However, it is necessary so that I can remove these for Christ and testimony's sake. As I was approaching to the end of 2010. It is time to recall God's blessing again!

Thank God that He is always faithful

2010-08-22T19:32:00.002+08:00

God is faithful and true. It is me who is unfaithful, at times putting up a false front and desperately wicked to sin. I just received my Grade 8 piano exam certificate. Only until I received the certificate in my hands then I believe that I passed my exam. Seriously, I do not have the confidence in passing the exams. I know that it is the Lord's mercy that I don't have to retake the exam. The Lord also knows that I don't have the time so I have already started my UniSIM studies.

Not to mentioned, God really make it possible that for me to slowly pursuing my dream. My dream is to complete Diploma in piano ans to purchase a baby grand piano one day. Compared to other people, I can consider spending the least amount of money and also the shortest time to obtain Grade 8. I acknowledge that it is not how good I am but how good God has been to me. My faith is so small that I can even imagine that the admin side of ABRSM may have made a mistake in reflecting my results online. I only 100% believe that I had passed when I receive the certificate. I didn't tell anyone about this. This shows how faithless that I am.

I failed Him so many times but He is always so faithful and true to me. I want to say a big THANK YOU to my Heavenly Father who is always so good to me. Help me not to fail thee so often, as I am really weak in overcoming my beseting sin. Help me LORD!

Thank God I started daily devotion early in the morning

2010-07-24T21:38:00.002+08:00

It was a long time since I last blog. Probably, it is also the condition of my spiritual health. You will have to agree with me that a person who is always giving thanks to God is someone who is vibrant with his relationship with Christ. It is good that I can lift up my pen again. Thank God that my piano exam ended on Monday. I prayed that if it is His will, I won't have to retake. Well! He did the miracle 2 years ago. I am sure He can do it again this year if He allows it! If not, I really felt tired to retake again. I realized that learning piano while I am working is not easy. It is truly His grace that I can make it. It is really hard work. Don't let people tell you that it is easy to play because you are talented. Talent without hard work is in vain!

Well not to forget, I prayed that God can sustained me to study the Bible every morning before I go out to work. It is a good feeling to seek God early in the morning. Psalm 63:1 "O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is;" May God help me to be closer to Him this year. Thank God that my Bachelor in Mathematics is starting on coming Monday. It will be another phrase in my life.

Thank God for a friend that wrote this for me

2010-02-13T16:35:00.002+08:00

A timely reminder written by a friend. Read the first column vertically, my Chinese name is there! 好有墨水吧！

陈年经历谱成曲，
宇宙真神当颂扬，
伦理准则源自神，
一生遵守紧跟随，
生活无忧主带领，
事主得力神恩待，
主恩围绕一生路，
蒙恩深厚难计算，
福乐无穷常分享。

Thank God for excellent Ipoh Trip!

2009-12-28T14:51:00.000+08:00

Thank God for a wonderful break in Ipoh. Thank God that Jiaen and Meilan offered their house for me to stay there during the trip. There are many things to thank God during the trip. First day in Ipoh, the good food and famous white coffee already seal my love for that small town. In the afternoon, we visited 小西湖, where the couple had bought a house with an irresistible price of RM250k, very cheap as compared to housing prices in singapore. In the evening, we tasted Ipoh's well-known dish "bean sprouts chicken", 芽菜雞 and also honey chicken. The portion of bean sprouts was so generous that you can actually see a steep mountain shape dish.

Second day was filled with excitement. We woke up at 6am to climb 万里望升旗山. The view on top of the hill was exceptionally good. I took a few photographs and video of it! I tried a different route up but ended up dirtying my precious shoes. Thank God that there is a place to wash it clean! After coming down the hill, Jiaen drove us to a place where we can see the great scenery of 升旗山 while having my sumptuous breakfast. I ate Laksa Hor Fun and ordered chicken cutlet to be shared around the table. It just taste yummy!

Third day, we visited Ipoh Train station where Meilan had to purchase train tickets. I came across an interesting sign board that says "No Playing of Music". It will be over my dead body if I can't do that during my free time! Thank God that it is only forbidden in the station! In the night, Pei Yun drove us to the 'dessert street', 糖水街, for a local delight, mixed fruit on ice shaving - 杂果冰... it was so delicious because the huge bowl was filled with real, fresh fruit (not the usual, boring Del Monte Fruit cocktail!)... in fact, there were generous servings of 10 different fruits - water melon, papaya, pineapple, honey dew, grape, dragon fruit, mango, jackfruit, kiwi fruit, longan! on top of this colourful display of fruit was a scoop of ice cream! inside there was red bean too... it was really mouth-watering, even if you merely look at it! That was one of the best desert that I had tasted so far! Definitely, next year I am coming back for it again.

Fourth day, I visited the local church that Jiaen and Meilan are serving in. For the first time in my life I had the experience of laying grasses on the barren field! It was a hard labour job but for the work of the Lord, it is worth it! At night, we went to Daniel first month celebration. I was requested to present an item "爱的真帝" to Jing Tai and Amy for their 10th Wedding Anniversary and their child's first month. This hymn brings back memories to them.

Fifth day, Pei Fen drove me, Xue Yun and Xiu Ling to the Moon River. It is a nice place to talk but I didn't really talk a lot, probably because of my quiet and shy nature. Seventh day, I had Tim Sum with Yan Ping's family together with Jiaen and Meilan. In the afternoon, Yan Fang drove me around to see the SeJarah Kellie Castle. Kellie's Castle Building or Kellas House was built in 1910 by a farmer rubber leading British called William Kellie Smith. This building does not have time to be completed after Kellie Smith died at the Port of Lisbon, Portugal on December 11, 1926. Kellie's Castle has always been a location of filming the drama and film. Among them is the film Anna And The King is played by Chow Yuen Fatt. Next, we went to 三宝洞. This place is filled with idolatry but the natural caves makes me curious to see what is inside. I saw some tortoises and also felt some cool air flowing while inside the cave. Next, we went to a guitar shop and I purchased a capo at a good price. In the night, we ate "肉骨茶".

Eighth day is Christmas Eve, there is a Cantonese Music Gospel Meeting (他的一生) in the church. The meeting portrays the life of Christ and his purpose on Earth, his death and resurrection to save Sinners. There are also the rendering of Choir, Piano and Gu Zheng's recital; a very meaningful way to spend Christmas Eve!

Ninth day, I had breakfast and coffee with a Jian Gan's family together will Jiaen and Meilan. After that, they drove me off to 草原快车 boarding place. I bid goodbye to their warm fellowship at around 9am then come back to Singapore.

10 things to thank God for in 2009

2009-12-28T13:13:00.002+08:00

Finally, it is near the end of the year. It is time to count God's blessing again!

Thank God that

1) He had kept me in the faith in the midst of many challenges and testings in my life this year.

2) I become better in my service to God with regards to playing the piano at the Chinese Service

3) my friends came for Gospel meeting and one friend accepted the Lord. Will continued to pray for their salvation.

4) my mum came for the chinese gospel meeting and that aunty Karen and Lily, Limei, Pastor and aunty Elizabeth visited my mum.

5) my mum cooked nice food for me so that I don't have to eat outside too often.

6) Brothers and Sisters in Christ who fetch me to and fro different places, which had helped me to save much time and money.

7) I got a new job with better pay, prospects, benefits and career advancement.

8) can complete my AED Specialist Diploma course without much difficulty.

9) I had a good mentor to guide me how to teach Mathematics more effectively.

10) I am able to have a good holiday break in Ipoh.

My resolution for next year is to be closer to God through prayer and devotion, hence not easily discourage or fall into sin.

Thank God for converting a soul

2009-11-15T19:54:00.002+08:00

It is a great rejoicing day! I had invited 6 friends for the gospel meeting in my church. At first, 5 of them agreed to attend but eventually 2 of them said that they had something to attend to. I was a bit disappointed but God had answered my prayer in an uniqued manner! This few days I had been praying for them that God will touch their hearts. One of friends tends to ask lots of questions in the class. Suddenly, I thought that since she is seeking for the Truth, why not asked her to see Dr Paul Ferguson? I told her that if she had any doubts in mind, she can approached Dr Paul. I walked over to Dr Paul and introduce my friend to him. To my surprise, my friend uttered, "Can I have a moment with you?" (Not the exact words). After some time of conversation, I saw that she walk with Dr Paul and take a seat in the sanctuary. In my heart, I was thinking, "Is Dr Paul going to lead her to pray the Sinner's Prayer?" Indeed in a short moment, he did that! Praise the Lord! What a harvest for the Lord! I just bring the people in and God do the work! Amazing! This really boost up my spirit for the whole day! When I was on the bus this hymn sounded in my mind - "I wonder have I done my best for Jesus? When He has done so much for me!" Truly, nothing that I can do can help to reciprocate what the Lord have given me; that is Eternal Life with Him in heaven! Amen!

Thank God for wisdom to do my assignment in my course

2009-11-08T21:30:00.002+08:00

So many weeks had already passed. Thank God that now my Allied Educator Specialist Course come to the end of the last 4 weeks. Thank God for excellent teachers that had taught me many things. I suddenly found out that being a good teacher has a great and tough responsibility. Of course, I don't want to be slack and be a lousy teacher. Therefore, I believe that there is more work to be done from my side. I am still taking in a lot of new stuff every lesson. May God help me to enjoy my job when I went back to school next year!

Yup! Thank God for His Word on Charity

2009-10-31T22:57:00.015+08:00

This song was composed by me some years ago; in mind of my favourite verses 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a in the bible. I apologised for the bad sound quality. I am not a Pro. Singer so don't criticise my singing, I sing it to myself and to God. Anyone wants the music score for this song, you can send an email to me. I will be glad to send you the score. To God be the Glory!

Charity | Music UploadCharity (1 Corinthians 13:4-8a) - Tan Yu Leun, Alan

Charity (3/4) (1 Corinthians 13:4-7)

Text & Music: Tan Yu Leun, Alan

A F#m Bm E

Charity suffe-reth long, and is kind;

A F#m

Charity envieth not;

C#m F#m

Charity vaul-teth not itself,

D

Is not puffed up,
E

It is patient,

A

God tells it so.

Chorus:

A F#m

Beareth all things,

D E

Believeth all things,

C#m

Hopeth all things,

Bm E

Endureth all things.

A F#m

Beareth all things,

D E

Believeth all things,

C#m F#m

Hopeth all th-ings,

Bm E A

Endureth all things.

Doth not behave itself unseemly,

Se-e-keth not her own,

Is not easily provoked,

Thinketh no evil;

But think pure thoughts,

God tells it so.

Re-joi-ceth n-ot in iniquity,

But rejoi-ceth in the truth;

Charity never faileth,

Prophecies, tongues, knowledge will all

Be done away.

Thank God that my Pastor visited my mum

2009-09-27T21:20:00.002+08:00

Thank God that Pastor Ho visited my mum just now. The gospel was shared to her but she had some restrains. She is afraid that she can't help my grandmother in the Tomb Sweeping ancestral worship. She is afraid my dad will divorce with her if she believe in Christ. The time is still not ripe. However, thank God that the gospel was given again. I prayed that it will cause her to ponder upon her life.

Thank God for good Christian teachers

2009-08-23T23:03:00.006+08:00

I saw this on one of my favourite teacher's (Tan Lay Leng) blog. It really inspired me to be a good teacher like her.

3）巨大的心意“Miss Tan, you are dearly missed!”
“Miss Tan is going for the gathering?! OMG! I can’t wait!”
“Miss Tan, you are always our favourite teacher! All these years you are not forgotten!”

十六年了！1993 年这些家伙是小学里高头大马的小八生。是小八。不是小六。他们升不了中学，必须留在小学多两年。其他的小学生对他们是又怕又有一种不可捉摸的感觉。连没教他们的老师也怕他们几分。可他们是我教书以来最疼爱，最特别的一班了！有人情味，肯努力，重义气。我教得很过瘾。

就快见到他们了。紧张得很。好比要去第一次的约会。

I happened to be one of her students then in 1993 in class 8B. Yes it is 8 extended in Primary School. This was because I failed my English in Primary 5, therefore I was 'demoted' to Primary 7 extended then. You probably won't heard of Primary 8 unless you are in my era! Thank God that I was motivated to study hard and I went into Secondary school express course. I came to a conclusion. Good teachers will motivate students to study well and he/she will be remembered by them after many years had passed!

Thank God for looking after our Nation and my work so far!

2009-08-09T21:14:00.002+08:00

Today is Singapore 44th Birthday. Not only I want to thank God for keeping Singapore safe, having clean and green environment, excellent transport system, I also want to thank God that we can have the freedom to worship Him in Singapore. I also thank God for helping me in my work so far. Almost months had past since I am appointed as an Allied Educator. Thank God that I am still coping well with my work.

Thank God that I enjoyed teaching primary school students and also learning new things from my mentor. Thank God for a good mentor! She is that kind of person that don't really shout at students. Her teaching style really makes me respect her and I idolize her sometimes haha. She is also handling a difficult class. I often amazing at how she can handle her class so well. It of course comes with many years of experience. One sad thing is that she may be leaving next year. I hope that she can still stay on and I can continue to learn from her.

Thank God I also started to teach music last week. It is not easy to teach students music and to make the lesson interesting. However, I think it is a good training ground for me now. I prayed that I will be close to God. I struggled with my spiritual life recently. God sent me test after test. May I be found faithful to Him! Lord please keep me!

"The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him." Lamentations 3:25

Thank God that the legged robot was finally done

2009-05-26T13:09:00.002+08:00

Thank God after a few days of struggled. Finally the NXT legged robot was completed.

Thank God for the 1st May Chinese Gospel Meeting

2009-05-04T13:16:00.003+08:00

Once again, it is my church annual Chinese Gospel Meeting on 1st May. Thank God it was held in the evening, therefore my mother decided to go. Most importantly, thank God for working in her heart. I also wanna thank aunty Karen, Lily and Limei for visiting my mum and also inviting her to come. In my heart, I am thinking that my mum won't come. However, I ask people to pray for her. Despite for my lack of faith, God still answers prayer. God also sent Miriam to offer to fetch her to and fro. Everything is in God's hand. Although, the friend that I invited never come, I still thank God for the chance to invite. May I not forget to fulfil the Great Commission!

Thank God for safe return mission trip from Tanjong Balai

2009-04-13T12:18:00.003+08:00

Thank God that I am able to go to this mission trip in the passion week. After the trip, I learn three lessons. One is regarding the furvency in brother David service to the Lord. He works in Singapore as a finance personnel in an education institute. However, he makes it point to go to Tanjong Balai every alternate weekends to serve in the small church there. He would conduct tuition for the students and also visits the church children families over there. If they were Christian and were facing persecution at home, he will go to their house to encourage them. If there were none Christian, he probably will share the gospel to them.

The second lesson I learn is contentment. The people over there is like living in the 70s. They have lots of children in their home. Their living condition is like my grandmother's era. However, they lived happily together. Most of the man are fisherman and they were out fishing when we visited them.

The third lesson is God's blessing towards me. One children shared that her father objects her to believe in Jesus. However, I did not received such persecution. Thank God she still secretly attends the church with her mother.

I felt very blessed to be in Singapore and also the things that God had blessed me with. All glory be to God. If you had not been to a mission trip before, I urged you to go. You will realised how blessed are we who are living in Singapore compared to the people over there.

Thank God for a new job

2009-04-09T20:13:00.002+08:00

Yeah! Finally, I feel much secure after receiving the Allied Educator posting memo from MOE. I will be starting my new job on 13th April 2009. I am not too sure of the exact job scope yet. I do pray that I will be able to pick up the new job soon!

Thank God for the Cantata on "No Greater Love"

2009-04-06T10:58:00.002+08:00

Saturday evening was a well spent one. I went to Calvary Pandan to see the Cantata with 3 of my colleagues. One of them is an unbeliever. I was reminded of God's love for me. I was urged to reach out to people. Through this global financial crisis, people are losing their job. They need to gospel to enrich their lives. God please help me to have the burden for lost soul.

God arranged photo shoot!

2009-03-24T14:25:00.002+08:00

Yesterday, I had to go to Cisco take have my Civil Service (CS) Card photo shoot. I left the school a bit late. When I reach City Hall MRT, I thought to myself, "This time I may be late, what happen if the person-in-charge asked me to come back another day?" It would be quite a trouble to go down to Paya Lebar again! I quickly breathe a prayer to God about this matter. When I reach Cisco, I was around 7 minutes late! I thought to myself, "I may have to come back another day. I am prepared for it."

As I walk in to the room where I had to take the photo, I seem to me that there is someone packing up the equipments. To my surprise, when he turned around I recognised a familiar face. It is Isacc Lum from Agape fellowship! It came as a surprise to me! I wouldn't have thought that he is the one who will took the photo for me! Even the photo shoot is carefully arranged by God! He told me that if it is someone else, he would have ask me to come back another day! Thank God! After the photo shoot, I had a small chat with him.

Sometimes after I pray, I don't really think that God will answer me directly. So there were a few occasions that I thought, "If this time the request failed then I just do it another time loi!" I don't have enough faith that God will answer a definitely, "Yes!" Yesterday, I really learn a lesson about faith in prayer. God will hear us when we pray, however do we sincerely believe that he will answer "Yes! Your desire is granted" or we will have the thought of "Let's pray and see whether God will answer. If not today, then another day perhaps." What a lesson for me!

Thank God for a new job in this great economic crisis!

2009-03-13T08:37:00.003+08:00

The Lord is so good to me. I had failed Him countless time but He never took it into account with me directly. I am still well, strong and healthy for His use. I am so unworthy but the Lord still bless me with many things. It this world of economic crisis, many of them lose their precious job. They still have to feed their family. God grace is upon me and I just got a new job post. The job which I very much wants to be in. Previously I tried to apply for normal teaching post for 3 times, it is not His will at that time that I will be a teacher then. However this time, God think that I am ready. He make it in such a way that I will most likely to be selected.

During the interview session, it is in my school. My Principal, Admin Manager and two other principals interviewed me. God arranged it! Therefore, I really thank God for what He had done. For now, words cannot describe my joy! My official first day of school will be 13th April 2009. Pray that I will be able to cope with the new job scope!

Thank God for burden to do sometime for Shomerim

2009-02-23T10:53:00.004+08:00

Yesterday, I suddenly have the thought of how I am going to encourage those people who are not attending fellowship so often. I am going to give them a card designed by myself; with writings and signatures of those Shomerim members that attend fellowship regularly. Hopefully by doing that often, God may moved them to come to fellowship meetings. Today's morning, I send a personal email to each one of them. I simply poured my heart out to them. I do hoped that they will be encouraged and challenged to attend fellowship meetings.

So many blessings for year 2008!

2008-12-31T11:59:00.003+08:00

Thank God for:

1. God that is ever ready to forgive me and to lift me up even though I failed Him countless time.
2. A few Shomerim brethrens get back their relationship with God that in turn encourages my heart although some still have wrong priorities in life.
3. Church camp that helps me to understand more about Unity in church and that this time I can pay more attention to the preaching of God's Word.
4. Dr. Wee and Mrs. Wee fine example with regards to their love for souls in Kemaman BP Church encourages my heart. Thank God for meaningful mission trip.
5. Giving me the desire to read more Christian materials and bought more Christian books this year.
6. Helping me to pass my Grade 7 piano exams even though I think that I would fail (teacher felt the same thing). Did better in my music sight-reading and having a good piano teacher.
7. Attaining one of the Outstanding Educator Awards in my company. Not a very stressful job and smooth work throughout the year.

8. Being able to serve as a church pianist for God and find delights in doing so.
9. Developing closer friendship with 2 Christian colleagues and even able too attend FEBC together. We had moments of sharing that edify one another.
10. Loving mum that cooks for me regularly.
11. Parents that are relatively in good health.
12. Attending Hermeneutics class and Chinese Sunday school, hence able to understand and interprets the bible better, in turns helps me in my sharing.
13. Giving me the burden for souls in the second half of the year after attending the gospel workshop at Calvary Pandan and hence motivated me to give bibles and testimony to my close friends.
14. Sharing the gospel at church evangelism. It encourages and rejuvenates my soul. By God's grace being able to lead at least two souls to Christ and one to attend church.
15. Testing’s in my life that teach me to be more patience.
16. God's provision of a MacBook after my IBM laptop spoilt.
17. Helping me to recover my HP a few times even though I left it laying around.
18. A Christian friend that forgives me after I sin against her and the relationship is reconcile and rekindled back as if nothing had happened.
19. Sister can come for the Christmas Carolling at Daniel's house.
20. Having a sister like Shuhui who can listen to my problems, gives me encouragements and praying for me.
21. Brothers and sisters in church, who gives me free ride to places, be it prayer meeting, church, home or bus stop.

May God keep me closer to Him in 2009.
Amen! For the Glory of God!

Thank God for wisdom in helping me to write my testimony to my friends

2008-12-17T09:55:00.004+08:00

Mr Dear Friends,

So many years had past. In the twinkling of an eye, we have known one another for 15 years. It is truly a long friendship. I am glad that after so many years we are still best of friends. However, I am not your friend if there is something so good in my life that I did not share with you and keep it for myself. I remember a poem that I had read, depicting a soul trapped in hell fire after physical death. It reminds me of the friends that I know. It goes like this:

See Appendix A

At first, I hope to write this letter to each one of you by hand. However, I find that it will be a very tedious process, hence pardon me that I would have to type out this long letter. I plead with you to please do read on to the end of this letter. I have a love letter to share with you all! This may be the last time you see this letter. Life is very fragile; we are just passing through this earth as a pilgrim. (James 4:14) We come into this world naked, naked shall we return to earth one day. (Job 1:21) We may die any time soon. Don’t think that you are still young cause death will strike in no respect of persons. We will not be able to bring anything with us after we die. Many of us can only see and believe in the physical things in this world because they are tangible and real. However, not many of us can see the spiritual realm and the things that is eternal, that last forever, which is invisible to the eye.

Throughout the years I can assure and testify to you that Christianity is real. It is not just a religion that teaches people to do good. It is not just something people seek to sooth their conscience when they feel bad that they had done something wrong. It is not just superstitious or a blind faith. (My parents or love ones believe, so I follow) It is a logical faith because things happening around this world are explained in the Bible. Problems around the world can find their answers in the Bible. Bible prophecies (Matthew 24:3-44) are fulfilled in our very eyes. You must be thinking now, “Come on la, you want to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ to me right?” Indeed that is my intention but what is more important is that I want to share with you my testimony and also the reason why I believe that there is only one God who can save mankind.
When I was young, I saw people offered incense and offering food to ‘gods’. I don’t understand the reason. In fact, nowadays many people don’t know why also. They just followed the traditions. They believed that God would bless them if they do so. During the hungry ghost festival, if you don’t do that, you will receive curse or something bad might happen to you. What kind of ‘god’ is that if it needs offering to ‘feed’ on it? This kind of ‘god’ only instils fear in man! Sometimes we are called to perform meaningless rituals to the dead. You should be filial or doing good to a person who he is alive, not when he is dead! What a contrary!

I am told that I need to do good to people. 好人有好报，积多点阴德，就会有好报. Is this true? Why some people is still suffering? The reason is that all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23) As a matter of fact, we are all born in sin. (Psalm 51:5) Nobody teach us to lie, disobey parents and fight with siblings or friends while we were very young (2-4 year old). Unknowingly, we just pick it up on our own! Some of you will argue, “No! I pick it up on myself!” Maybe, you have not take a closer look at the children before! We are all disobedience people; sometimes we just can’t help but do something bad or tell a white lie. A white lie is still a lie! It is still sin! The Bible says that if we lust after a woman, we had already committed adultery in our heart. (Matthew 5:28) God is Holy; he demands a higher standard of obedience to Him. I had set the rules for us to follow; it is the Ten Commandments in the book of (Exodus 20:2-17). We don’t like rules set by God, we even proclaimed, “Rules are meant to be broken!” Such is our unrepentance heart! Even though sometimes people correct our mistakes, we refuse to be corrected! We all had this pride of life. (1 John 2:15-16) The result of sinning against God is death physically on Earth and spiritually death in hell and then in the lake of eternal fire. (Revelation 20:12-15) Don’t be naive to think that you can come out or reborn after that. The Bible states very clearly that there is no more 2nd chance once you are in hell!

However God is merciful, He knows that we cannot followed the standards that He had set for us so He sent His only begotten Son (God the Son), Jesus Christ to come and fulfil all His standards. (John 3:16) He came to this sinful world 2000 years ago, born by a virgin, conceived by the Holy Spirit, which is a miraculous birth. Therefore, he has no sin from birth. After he was born, he lived 33 years of sinless life, fulfilling all the requirements of the commandment and laws of God.

Why Jesus is the only way? (John 14:6) Why other religion cannot? Why is it so exclusive? First three requirements I had already shared in the previous paragraph. In case you miss it, here it is. First of all, this person must be God (John 10:30) because only God himself who can save sinners; He set the rules. Secondly, He (Word) must be 100% Man. (John 1:14) Thirdly, he must be sinless. The Bible says that He is in all points tempted to fall into sin as we are, yet without sin. (Hebrews 4:15) Fourthly, he must die for sinners and blood must be shed. (Hebrews 9:22) He loves us so much that He chooses to die on the cross for us so that His blood can cleanse our sins. (Luke 23:46) You know crucifixion is the most painful kind of death for criminals? Yet he there is nothing wrong found in Him. The Pharisees (Religious leaders proficient in the laws of God) during the time of Jesus were afraid that their position would be threatened; therefore they plot to kill Jesus together. Only the blood of Jesus can wash away our sins. (1 John 1:9) We are supposed to die eternally for our sins but Christ die for us instead! Fifthly, He must resurrect from the dead. After three days, Jesus did rise from the dead and many witnesses saw Him alive. (1 Corinthians 15:3-4) Any religion is able to fulfil all these five requirements? No! Not one is able to fulfil all these.

Talking about my life, do you think I change for the better after all these years? You all know that I failed in almost all my English papers when I was in Sec One to Four. It is a miracle that I had passed my English. Is it a miracle or by pure luck? No! I prayed that God would help me to pass my Exams! I scored a perfect score for my Music Theory Grade 5 exams. Is it by luck or my own ability? No! Music is an art, not many people is able to score a full marks for Grade 5 exams. I took only about 4 years plus to reach to Grade 8 in my piano exams. Is it by my own ability? No! God had given me the chance to serve in church as a pianist and miraculously my piano skills increase tremendously. You might think all these are just coincident. However to me they are not! I acknowledged that all these does not come from my own ability, they are all God given. How do you explain the many prayers that I prayed and God answers them one by one? (Luke 11:9) You have to believe in Jesus yourself to experience all these miracles. Some people said that I have to see the miracles then I would believe. However let me share with you, for Christianity it is that you believed first then you will see the miracles in your life. You will be granted the peace that passes all understanding from God. (Philippians 4:6)

Well so much had been shared. I had also shared the full gospel of Jesus Christ to you all and why Jesus came into this world. I have also given each of you a Bible as a Christmas gift. I hope that one-day, when you feel down or lost in your life, you will remember the things that I shared with you. There is no end to pursue riches in this world; one day when we all die, we can’t bring anything with us. The only thing that matters in your life is your soul. When you die whether you will go to heaven or hell it is your choice. Salvation is free but you have to accept Jesus as your personal Lord and Saviour. I hope that one day, you all will believe in Jesus as His judgement will come very soon. (Ezekiel 7:2-4) His first coming is to die for us; his 2nd coming is to judge sinners. No sinners can escape God’s punishment. (Book of Revelation) The Bible says that the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Romans 6:23) My friend I plead that you will not hesitate anymore, come and believe in Jesus before it is too late!

With the Love of Christ,

Alan Tan

**Note: Those books that are brackets like (Matthew 24:3-44) is for you all to read from the bible. The bible is not an ordinary book. It tells you your life story, better than a fortune-teller. Every time you read it, you will have a new understanding. It will never be exhausted!

Amen! May God's name be glorified!

Thank God for a soul save during evangelism

2008-12-16T11:27:00.002+08:00

Thank God that I had witnessed to a China man named "Jiu Ren". He studied in a Christian school, when he was young in China, before the Chinese revolution. He lived in the hometown of "Mao Ze Dong". When I approached him two weeks ago during one of the evangelism session, I was suprise that he is so friendly. God had already prepared his heart. I shared with him the gospel. After that, I urged him to pray the Sinner's Prayer. He exclaimed, "When I was young, we would stand up and prayed!" Therefore, I stood up with him and prayer the Sinner's Prayer. After that, I invited him to church. He readily agreed! Thank God that on the Sunday that had just past, he did come! I prayed that he will continued to come to church and grow in the Lord. It is a joy to lead someone to Christ. Sharing the gospel is one of the armour of God. God always use evangelism session to encourage me. May God's name be glorified!

My Cute God-Daughter 1st Month

2008-12-08T18:10:00.003+08:00

Arielle is growing healthily and she just spent her 1st month celebration happily. Thank God that she is so adorable! Certainly, she is the central of attraction on that day! Just in case I get a scolding from her aunt, I washed my hands before I carried her. A few relatives and friends must be puzzled why she had a 'young' godfather. Well, I was specially requested by the parents to be their child's godfather. I was told that if the parents were to be not around, I have the responsibility of bring up the child physically and also spritually in the fear and knowledge of the Lord. Therefore, it is a huge responsibility. Thank God for the good friendship that I had fostered with Amos and Shuhui. Hence, I enjoyed this honour to have a 'daughter' while I am still single. Tomorrow I am starting work again, how I wish the break would be longer.

Thank God for a Blessed Church Camp

2008-12-08T17:58:00.002+08:00

Thank God for the five days of spiritual nourishment from Rev. Jack Sin. This year, I don't feel that stress even though I was approached to be one of the discussion group leader. For the previous year, I felt very stress with the roles that I had in the church camp. Thank God for giving me a clear mind to hear His Words. I also had a wonderful time visiting my friend's grandmother. Although she is already 80+, she is quite jovial and lively. She likes Zoe Tay from Mediacorp. That Monday is a very fulfilling day. I also chair in the first thematic message on Monday evening. Thank God for a wonderful time at Pulai Spring Resort!

Thank God for His Mercy and chance given to my friend

2008-11-28T09:43:00.002+08:00

Few days before my mission trip, I saw my friend shocking blog entry. He blog that if his heart valve condition do not improve, he will only have five more years to live. The doctor is looking for possible valve replacement. This friend is another person whose birthday falls on 13th November. Yes it is another 13th November. This date is too special for me. However the sad thing is, the three souls that I know are still not saved. Life is so short on Earth, we are just pilgrims passing through this world. At the blink of your eyes, many years would have already past. Some things would seem like it had just happened yesterday.

This friend of mine is going through a lot of affliction, I really feel for him. He had stroke while he was in his youth; healthy and running. Nobody would think that he would have a stroke. He had at least three relapses of this illness. Recently, the doctor found out that he had some valve problem which will affect his heart. It makes me wonder why he had to go through so many things.

He was once furvent in church. However, he may not be His. Through the relapses, I was thinking God may be saying to him, "I am giving you another chance, repent ye sinner!" God may be giving him this last chance; only five years for you to make the decision to trust in Him. As I reflect on myself, God has indeed given us a lot of chance to repent but we just kept on sinning. Even for myself, sometimes I felt unworthy to serve Him because of the besetting sin that I have. Through this incident, I have rekindled the love for souls of man. The Lord is coming back very quickly, I must share the "Gospel-Good News" to people that I get in contact with before it is too late. May God help me!

Thank God for the mission trip (19th-21st Nov 2008)

2008-11-24T13:32:00.004+08:00

Thank God for a safe and fruitful mission trip to Kemaman. Thank God for giving me wisdom to teach the children. After the trip, I realised that our church is very blessed compared to the church over there. They don't have a church pianist and they are lacked of Sunday School teachers. I also attended the Friday evening service. I noticed that quite a number of youths are not attending the service even though they attended the fellowship meeting in the afternoon. After a chat with one of the youths there, I realised that some felt bored, some go to Kuantan for entertainment and some just don't want to attend the service. I also came to know that the English service people are getting lesser and lesser. It is really not an easy work over there. Dr Wee and Mrs. Wee are very hospitable people; everyday we ate sumptuous food. I really admired them that for the work of the gospel, they can use their house for Vocation Bible School (VBS). During the VBS, whenever there is a break time, the children will run around the house; as if the house has turned into a mad house! Not to mention, after the children left, they have to clean up the place. Even though there is a maid who helped out, I still admired their kind act. Dr. Wee shared that they hoped that by reaching out to the children, the children can bring their parents to church. This act of sowing the gospel seed really encourages my heart! If God willing, I will be going again next year! May God preserved the church over there.

Thank God for patience

2008-11-17T09:31:00.003+08:00

God is really training my patience this few years. He knows that I am impatient in some areas in my life. He wants me to wait patiently for His timing. I believe that His timing is the best, however it is really frustrating sometime when I think that I may be given a false hope. It is a long waiting period. As I say, I know that the Lord is training my patience. I hope that through this testing, I will emerged as a more patient person. Trusting and having faith in God is the key to win this testing. Without faith it is impossible to please God.

Isa 30:18 And therefore will the LORD wait, that he may be gracious unto you, and therefore will he be exalted, that he may have mercy upon you: for the LORD is a God of judgment: blessed are all they that wait for him.
Lam 3:25 The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him.

I will encourage myself with this verses. I will be blessed if I had faith in God. Yes! He feed the sparrows. How much more He will give the best to His children!

Thank God for that my friend came to church

2008-11-17T09:06:00.002+08:00

God works in amazing ways! I had just posted a blog entry two days ago about sending an SMS to my two friends, on their birthday, reminding them to trust in Jesus. Never did I know that God will move in one of my friend's heart to attend church. I thought that this friend will not come to tabernacle church any more. God really surprise me this time! I am sure the gospel was preached on the pulpit again. I pray that their hearts will be soften and will one day really trust in the Lord. Who is the other two persons who is having birthday on the same day as this friend? Well it is my mother and Junfeng. This few days, my daily devotion is on the book of Acts. I was again reminded to proclaimed the gospel. I am leaving for mission trip in Kemaman on this Tuesday night and will be back on Saturday morning. I can see that the Lord is preparing my heart for this Vocation Bible School to share the story of Jesus to the children over there. It has been a long one year since I last taught bible stories using the Chinese language. It had become rusty now. However, I know that God will help me and give me the right words to say. My beloved brethren, if you happen to read this entry during this week, please pray for me that God will use the whole mission team effectively to proclaim the gospel. We heard that the responds over there are not very good, may God's Will be done in this matter.

13th November 2008-Thank God for a nice birthday celebration

2008-11-15T14:53:00.005+08:00

Yo! On 13th November 2008, it is a very special day. I have two friends having their birthday on this day. Early in the morning, I sent SMS to greet them. They are still outside the kingdom of God. I reminded them to quickly believe in Jesus Christ soon. Later in the evening, I celebrated birthday with another group of people. Who are they? They are my relatives. My mother is also having the same birthday with my friends. Amazing right? We ate at Bukit Batok Swensen. Those present on that day were my 4th Aunt, her two children, my grandma, my sister and my niece. I took the opportunity to take a photo with my mum. Thank God for the celebration! Like I wrote earlier on, My greatest wish is that they will quickly come to the saving knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ!

Thank God my God-daughter was born this morning

2008-11-12T07:22:00.004+08:00

After a hard labouring process, my God-daughter Arielle finally came into this world this morning. It must have been a though process for the mother to go through the operation because the baby cannot come out the natural way. Thank God that both the baby and mother are safe now. Baby Arielle must grow up in the fear and knowledge of God to 'repay' her mother's hard work. I was reminded how mothers have to endure the painful child delivery process just to bring us into this world. Mothers are great and they sacrifice a lot for a child. Appreciate your mother and be filial to them!

Thank God that for NICA my school won 2 awards.

2008-11-04T09:54:00.006+08:00

I had requested prayers from Shomerim and the church to pray for the National Infocomm Club Award organised by IDA this year. There are some occasions that I am asked to lie during the competition period. Thank God that I did not allowed it to happen. If I am weak, I would have fallen. Thank God that He honoured my decision and our school won two awards; Merit Award and Students' Choice Award for the project "National eGame Creation". Truly God is really good to me. This really adds to my porfolio! This year we won three ICT competition awards. All glory and honour be to God above!

Thank God for attending the gospel workshop

2008-10-31T11:35:00.005+08:00

Thank God for the Gospel Workshop that I had attended on the Deepavali Holiday. I had learnt how to excuse the excuses when sharing the gospel with other people. This poem that I had read on that day really moved my heart to do something for my 4 close friends. Hope to share it with you all! Live a life without regrets, do something for your friend if God burden your heart. The Lord is coming very soon!

I thought you were my friend....

My friend, I stand in judgment now and feel that you’re to blame somehow.
While on this earth I walked with you day by day and you never did point the way.

You know the Lord in truth and glory but never did you ever tell the story.
My knowledge then was very dim, you could have led me safe to Him.

Though we lived together here on earth, you never told me of your second birth.
And now I stand this day condemned because you failed to mention Him.

You taught me many things, that’s true.
I called you friend and trusted you.
But I learned now that it’s too late, you could have kept me from this fate.

We walked by day and talked by night, and yet you showed me not the light.
And you let me live, love, and die, and all the while you knew I’d never live on high.

Yes, I called you friend in life and I trusted you in joy and strife.
And yet in coming to this end, I see you really weren’t my friend.

by D. J. Higgins

Thank God for receiving forgiveness from a friend

2008-10-23T09:31:00.003+08:00

On last Friday morning, I did something that is really wrong. On that night, I confessed it to this friend. Thank God that my friend forgive me after 2 days of cold silence. On Sunday afternoon, I received this SMS "Apology accepted, mercy released." I am so overjoyed that both God and my friend forgive me. This is a very painful lesson for me. Never will I did such a thing again!

Thank God for a well spend day

2008-10-02T10:16:00.005+08:00

Yesterday was Childrens' Day and Hari Raya. Instead of staying at home to "nua". I went to SKS book store with a friend. After that, we met up with another friend and we sat down at Chinatown area to have some finger food. After that, we went to Swensen to sit down to talk. The three of us shared testimony of how God worked in us in each of our lives. It was a very blessed and fruitful session. In the end, we concluded that the verse "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose" has been a living verse in our life. Throughout the conversation, I was blessed and amazed with how God work in each individuals. Those who have not yet received Christ in their life will not be able to experience such wonderful encounters. I went home yesterday feeling very blessed. I was reminded of this hymn by Fanny Crosby:

To God be the glory, great things He has done;
So loved He the world that He gave us His Son,
Who yielded His life an atonement for sin,
And opened the life gate that all may go in.

Refrain

Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,
Let the earth hear His voice!
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,
Let the people rejoice!
O come to the Father, through Jesus the Son,
And give Him the glory, great things He has done.

O perfect redemption, the purchase of blood,
To every believer the promise of God;
The vilest offender who truly believes,
That moment from Jesus a pardon receives.

Refrain

Great things He has taught us, great things He has done,
And great our rejoicing through Jesus the Son;
But purer, and higher, and greater will be
Our wonder, our transport, when Jesus we see.

Refrain

I was reminded of the great things God has done for me, how could I even delight in sin sometimes when I am tempted. Truly God, I had failed thee so many times, help me to fear thee and to keep close to thee. Amen!

Praise the Lord! God did it again.

2008-09-19T14:55:00.008+08:00

On 27th Aug 2008, I took my Grade 7 piano exams in the afternoon. I thought I had prepared well but never did I expect that it is the worst piano exam that I had experienced. The examiner is a composer, and an expert in Choral Singing. To my horror, I played all my piano exam pieces with mistakes. I guess this time I am in trouble! That's not all, I think that I also screwed up in the aural. I don't think I answered the period the piece that was being played correctly. Thank God that the examiner was very lenient, he gave me a manageable sight reading piece. I actually did not expect a pass for this exam. After 23 days later, I checked my exam result on the ABRSM website. Since 15 days after the exam, I have been checking every week day for my result. I have been anticipating how I would react after I got my results. Thank God that He did it again. It is not how much I can do, but how He can bless me with ways that I could not expect!

Time flies really fast. I remember that I just started seriously learning the piano in 2004. In only four years time, I am now at Grade 8! This is not me but God worketh in me. He gives me opportunity to serve Him in the Chinese congregation in my church as a church pianist. Although I am not good enough to serve Him when I just started, day by day God had improved my skills amazingly! I realise that nobody is good enough to serve Him. It is only by God's grace that we can serve Him. I remember that I told people to please give me another five years before I serve God. However, God will not allowed His work to be hindered. There is a need at the Chinese congregation in the Sunday worship service. I took up the challenge with faith in God. Amazingly, I saw the mighty hand of God working in my life!

Praise God again that I got 113 for my Grade 7 piano exams! I must say that I felt overjoyed with God's blessing in me! Amen!

Thank God for good fellowship on Saturday afternoon

2008-09-16T11:59:00.007+08:00

It has been a long time since I went to East Coast for cycling and relaxing at the seaside. The feeling is really good. What is most important is that I am dwelling among brethren of like-minded faith. We rent our bicycles for one hour and cycled around East Coast area. It is a really good break from our busy schedule from Monday to Friday. I also saw people building sand castles. They are beautiful. After that, we "buried" Rachel and Edmund alive. We took an individual photo of them covered with sand for their "birthday present". After some time, we get into the waters to have a relax swim. After the whole afternoon of events, at around 5pm, we left East Coast. Although at the end of the day I felt a bit tired, but never the least it is an eventful day!

Thank God for good progress in my piano playing

2008-08-07T08:09:00.002+08:00

It is good to give thanks unto the Lord! Recently, I have people commented that I had progressed quite fast in my piano grades. It is really by God's grace. Sometimes, I just forget to give God the glory. Firstly, I thank God for my first piano teacher who had patiently guided me in my first piano theory and practical exams. I think these two exams will be the only two exams that I had done exceptionally well. Praise God for that!

After that, thank God that I had prayed for a Christian piano teacher and I had got one! She is a very strict teacher and she can really point out my mistakes every time I play. Sometimes she will scold me until I correct my mistakes. She is the teacher that reminded me, during a choir and piano playing workshop, that a good church pianist can follow what is written exactly in the score. I heed her advice and started to sight read and play what is exactly written. Thank God by doing that, I improved greatly in my sight reading. She also helped me to improved on my rhythmic and musical expression.

Not to forget, God is the one who help me the most. He gives me a lot of opportunity to serve Him in church prayer meeting and Chinese worship service in church. This really helps me improve so quickly. He use me even though I am still so lousy. In short, there is nothing to glory about finishing my grades at a short time. There is still a lot of things I need to improve in my playing. I still remember that last few weeks I am still struggling with my exam pieces. If it were not for God who had helped me; assuring me that if I just kept on practicing, He will help me, I would not have completed learning all the pieces. Yesterday, my piano teacher commented that if will continue to play in that manner, I would have failed. This few weeks, there is still a lot of work to be done in preparation for the piano exam. I need to improve on my playing. However, I am comforted to God is with me!

Thank God for a friend who still remembers me

2008-07-23T07:41:00.004+08:00

Yesterday late night, I received an SMS from a friend that really troubled me. What I need to thank God is that this person remembers me whenever there is problem in life. This friend will share with me either through SMS or in person. What this friend of mine is doing now is very worrying. This person is walking on dangerous ground. Does money really can solve the problem that this person have now? Is this person really happy now? I doubt so! I treasure this friend a lot.

What is important is that we have to focus on Christ in this last days. I hope that this person will see it soon and know the Lord's Will. In a way, I am also disappointed with myself because after so many attempts to help this person to walk to right path, this person choose to make the wrong step. What I pray is that this friend of mine will quickly turn back and cling on to the Lord. As I shared in prayer meeting in church yesterday, the more you 'see' the world, the more you are troubled by the affairs of this world, the more you will 'see' less of Christ. In the end, you might not even see Christ! You will be drawn away by the world's philosophy, standards and the cares of the world. You will love the world because it is so enticing. You can see, feel and touch the world's things. However for the things of eternal, you cannot see, feel and touch it now. No wonder most of the people in this world will choose the world! They cannot see God, some even denied that God ever exist! The Lord will tell you what he had told his disciples in Mark 8:18 "Having eyes, see ye not? and having ears, hear ye not? and do ye not remember?"

The struggles that we are facing now is not forever. Whether it be financial, relationship or health problems, they are all temporal. Are we able to have the faith and trust in God that He is the Jehova-jireh ( God will provide)? If we kept on getting bitter about our past and wallowing in self-pity, refusing to put the past behind and move on, we cannot be a happy person. God had helped this friend of mine in the past, I believed that God will help my friend again. I prayed that I will continue to show care and concern, and to help my friend to focus on Christ.

Thank God for Church 21st Anniversary

2008-06-23T13:12:00.002+08:00

Thank God that yesterday we just commemorate Tabernacle BP Church 21st Anniversary. Thank God for helping me to play for the choir. I must say that I still play rather badly. However, thank God that 2 brethren commented that I play okay. I still have much to improve on. Thank God for keeping me faithful to Him till now as it is sad to see people falling away. If it is not God who preserve me, I would have left the church. Also thank God for helping me to encourage a friend who had stroke 4 times in his life. I really feel sad for him. He got this illness when he was in his youth. Till few weeks ago, he had another relapse again. Sometimes I wonder why God had allowed this thing to happen to him so many times. Everytime, he is able to get back on his knees and God never took his life away. I think that God is really showing mercy to him. God wants him to know that he needed Christ. He told me before that he was depressed and even had the thought of ending his life. He finds no meaning in life. What more He needs God. However, no matter how many times I shared the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ to him, he did not believe. He is one of the 13th November person that I hope to see in heaven. Another person is my beloved mother and lastly, a girl that makes me regret of what I say to her. Never the lest, if I remember them, I will still pray for their salvation. May God be merciful to them.

Thank God for the Youth Camp

2008-06-16T14:44:00.002+08:00

Thank God for the Youth Camp that had just passed last week. Truly, God's choice is the best choice. 15th Jun had finally past. I think I know what is God's Will in a particular area in my life. Even the QT sharing yesterday, God had spoken to me through a sharing that I heard. I know that I had to be patient in waiting for God's Will to be reviewed in my life. Often times, we are impatient and we want to see the results quickly whereas God wants us to wait patiently for Him. A friend reminded me that this is a test given by God and I know that it is to see whether I am faithful to Him. I pray that God will help me to be patient and wait for Him.

I also rejected a service in a church which I think I am not ready yet. I don't know whether it is the right choice cause I may miss a chance that God can help me to grow. However, I know that I are some problems I have to fixed it myself before I can serve God better. May God help me to grow in Him as I cling on to Him.

Thank God for In Camp Training

2008-06-05T16:50:00.002+08:00

Thanks God for a good 10 days reservice! I thought this time I won't get silver for IPPT. The Lord had been gracious to me; that I run better than last year even though I put on some weight. (11:08) Thank God for keeping me safe while diving. I have two more to go before I got the M.R. Cert. Next week, is the Youth Camp. I hope that I will be very much strengthen and encourage by God's Word and dwelling in the midst of like-minded brethren.

Thank God for long time friends that have celebrated my birthday

2008-04-14T17:33:00.005+08:00

This year's birthday was quite a special one for me. First of all, the person that I hope to remember my birthday did not forget it. Even though I am not very on into celebrating birthday, I feel that it is a very good time for friends to gather together to have some catch up. In this busy world, everybody is busying working and doing their own things. It is hard to find time to gather together to talk.

Thank God that this year two person gave me a present. Some brethren also gathered together after the Thursday night class to have a simple makan session to celebrate my birthday. On Sunday, there is one aunty also brought a cake for the April babes in the church to celebrate our birthday. Then on last Saturday, four of my close friend celebrated my birthday at City Hall, New York New York! with two of their girlfriends. They even bought a cake and then requested the waiters to sing the birthday song for me. It is the first time I have this kind of celebration. Interesting but really thankful to have such thoughtful friends.

However, it is sad that they are still not in the kingdom of God. I have been trying to evangelise to them but failed a few times. Maybe I did not try hard enough. This year, thank God that He had made me more evangelistic. By God's grace, I think this year because of the hospital evangelism, I have led three people to say the Sinner's prayer. For all three occasions, I did not really have the spirit. However, God is so gracious to use me to be just a tool for His kingdom. What a privilege!

My greatest hindrance to be closer to God is my besetting sin. If this year, I am able to get rid of this sin. I believe I will be closer to God. May God help me.

Thank God for preserving my faith

2008-04-11T10:36:00.003+08:00

One more year had passed, thank God that I am still clinging unto Him. Thank God for friends who had remember my birthday and also giving me free treats! Thank God also for last week evangelism session at Changi Hospital. Again God had been gracious to me in using me and Jiannan to shared the full gospel to two patients and one Catholic. One of them was led to say the Sinner's Prayer. All praise and glody to God above!

It is sad to see brethen slowly falling away. 2 Thess 2:3 "Let no man deceived you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;" Well I just got to pray for them. If they are God's children, may the rod of chastening be upon them. God will draw them back to Him.

Some people have asked me, there are seven days in a week why I spend so many days on the things of God? Well there are two reasons. One is that I am not attached so have a more time for the things of God. Secondly, the reason is in Heb 10:25 "Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching." As we see the signs of time in Matt 24. The end is nearer than you think. I can only grab this little bit of time to be prepared for the Day of the Lord to come.

May God keep me and also those whom I loved dearly to be close to God in the last days.

Amen!

Thank God that my Mother attended the Easter Worship Service

2008-03-24T08:12:00.004+08:00

Well, yesterday was a really happy day for me. God is so good that He encourages me not to give up for evangelising to my love ones and friends. Since the beginning of the year, God already burden my hearts for the souls of man. Strangely on two occasions in the Changi Hospital, I was actually quite tired of evangelism. I have no strength and love for souls. However I pray to God that even though my flesh is weak, Lord please use me to speak to someone. Strangely after that, I just shared the gospel plainly on these two occasions. The Lord gave me the grace to pray the Sinner's Prayer with the two souls. My heart is greatly encourage! Going for evangelism is not your strength. Some of us will feel very awkward to talk to strangers. Of course it will! For me, I am a quiet person but I force myself to share God's Word. God loves me so much, how can I just keep quiet to allow souls to perish in eternal hell! Therefore, I urged all of us to attend regular evangelism. It is a training ground for speaking boldly to your love ones. If you can overcome the fear, then God will be able to use you mightily. Remember God does not need an expert in preaching the gospel, God just need a willing heart! Amen!

元宵节感谢主

2008-02-21T13:30:00.006+08:00

此诗是献给我在主里的知心朋友。
感谢主有他们，基督道路不孤独。

新的一年新气象，
新的恩典新希望，
旧的恶习不留下，
旧的不去新不来，
难得结识知心友，
基督道路不孤独，
唯有时刻亲近主，
今年才能更爱主！

A Great Day to thank God for His love

2008-02-14T08:24:00.003+08:00

Today is Valentine Day. This day, I am reminded of God's love towards me. Lord help me to be in love with you every moment of my life. I had failed thee so many times but thou art good to me always and ready to lift me up quickly with thy loving hands.
Mar 12:30 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.
Help me Lord to obey the verse above given by thee.
Dear Lord, this song is for you:)

Thank God for the Message heard

2008-01-28T12:37:00.000+08:00

Thank God that I have heard the message about being patient with God and Man. Being patient with God reminds me to wait on the Lord and being patient with man reminds me to be patient towards my students. The Lord is testing me again. This time He wants to test my patient. Since I know the test, I have to be prepared for this test. Thank God for the thought provoking message!

Lord help me to wait on you

2008-01-25T13:14:00.000+08:00

This week again to me was like a bit of ups and downs. Well thank God that I am still trusting in Him and praying more. Ever since the beginning of the year, I have been praying for my fellowship members individually. Sometimes, I may not have the strong burden for some people, but what I did is to pray for them. Praying helps me to think of them and sometimes reminds me that I need to do something. As in when I do it, that's God timing. I believe in prayer more now as I see God as a powerful being able to answer many of my prayers; prayer strengthens me. Some things happen this week that makes me think a lot. Makes me feel whether I am too eager to do something. Am I doing something wrong? Am I willing to wait patiently for God's Will to be done? May God help me!

Spirit of Thanksgiving

2008-01-16T21:59:00.000+08:00

Since July last year, my heart was strangely warmed by how God is working in my life. It is truly amazing that God had seen me through quite a number of episodes in my life. At the end of last year, God gave me another surprise which I had not expected. It is to me a miracle but God make it happen. I have been praying almost everyday that God's Will be done in this matter. On 15th June 2008, I will know the answer. Meanwhile, may God help me to wait patiently for His leading in my life. It is not easy to wait but I have to do it. God also called us to wait; to wait for His direction. Therefore, I prayed that God will grant me the patience as I wait upon Him. Meanwhile, allow me to thank God for the happiness that He had granted me so far these few months. Truly, I felt very blessed to feel God's presence with me. If you ask me how I can feel God's presence. I would answer that He kept on answering my prayers and also give me the joy and peace in my heart. Praise the Lord! May I grow closer to Him this year.

Thank God for 2007

2007-12-25T12:46:00.000+08:00

Dear God,

Thank God for the many wonderful experience and blessings He have blessed me this year. This year is the most exciting and most happening year for me in my life:

01)Thank God for seeing me through 10 years in Tabernacle. God had helped me to grow spiritually and also giving me opportunity to serve Him as one of the leaders in Shomerim again the coming year.
02)I had received my ABRSM Grade 5 music theory exam with Distinction in January this year.
03)I had received my ABRSM Grade 6 Piano practical exam with a Pass in September this year.
04)Being able to serve God as a church pianist in the Chinese congregation, as a result, I have improved at an incredibly and amazingly speed in my music score sight reading.
05)Being able to serve God in the Church Camp Committee 2007.
06)Able to attend Mission trip, participated in the VBS work in Kuantan and ministered to the children over there.
07)Able to attend the night class and blessed time of learning from God's Word.
08)More love for souls, sharing the gospel and by the grace of God, leading my cousins and friend to pray the Sinner's Prayer. (2 cousins, Tian Geng, and 2 children in Kuantan mission trip)
09)Giving me a tender heart which makes me more emotional when I hear God's Word and Christian hymns. In that also being able to feel more for people and to encourage friends using God's Word.
10)A brethren that I had prayed for a long time, had increased in the love and devotion to God and also attending the same church as me.
11)Another friend who came to youth camp and had touched my heart with his story testifying God's faithfulness. However he had not been attending church for a long time and I seem to lose contact with him.
12)Teaching me and testing my faith in a recent episode in my life. In that, I know how much I love God and I had an experienced to know that the heart is very deceiving.
13)Thank God for my loving mother who never fails to cook for me, wash my clothes and taking care of the house while I can concentrate in working.
14)Pay rise in July and also a less stressful job where I can serve God and practice my piano. I can also buy the things that I want.
15)Family members are generally in good health.
16)My mother, sister and cousins attending church outing.
17)Thank God for His grace, mercy and faithfulness for keeping me in the faith even though I failed Him so many times and always ready to encourage me in the faith with His Words.

All praise and glory to God above!

Thank God for Church Camp

2007-12-11T15:22:00.000+08:00

Thank God that I have a wonderful church camp in Batu Pahat. Although I hurt my legs while playing soccer, thank God that it heal very quickly. Most important of all, I gain new spiritual insights in the book of Judges. Praise the Lord for his faithfulness in the progressively deteriorating society in the time of Judges and now. He still loves us and hope that sinners will come to repentance. Praise God from whom all blessings flow! Wednesday I am leaving for Kuantan mission trip. God will bring souls into his kingdom!

Church Camp 2007

2007-12-03T09:38:00.000+08:00

Yo! Yo! The church camp is finally coming! Finally, a break from my work. I can wait to listen to God's Word and dwelling with brothers and sisters in Christ to have fun! Thank God for opportunity to serve Him in the Church Camp Committee. My prayer for this camp is that I will be stronger and closer to God. As I count my blessing, I am truly a much bless person. God is so good to me!

Thank God for this week

2007-11-10T16:38:00.000+08:00

This week is the week that cause me to have a lot of mood swing. On Thursday, my church is having an outing at Kent Ridge Park. Thank God that my mother, sister and my two cousins when for the outing. For the first time I asked my mother a few days ago, she said that she will consider then after that when she thinks about it, she says she is not going.

I prayed to God again on the night before the outing. I prayed that God will be merciful to them and gave them the chance to hear His Words. Thank God that after I persuaded my sister, they decided to go together. God answers prayer!

On Friday night as I am typing an article, my cousin was seated beside me. I prayed and took the opportunity to share to him the full gospel of Jesus Christ. Thank God that the Holy Spirit convicted his heart and he accepts the Lord Jesus as his personal saviour!

On Saturday afternoon, I received an SMS from a friend that makes me feel sad. I don't wanna share much but as I am typing my heart is heavy. Thank God that I can make use of my blog to count God's blessing. God is already very good, merciful and gracious to me. What more can I ask from Him? I will just have to wait patiently to seek His Will. I considered myself to pass the test that God had given to me but painfully. I know that God mean it to be good because Romans 8:28 says "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." and in 1 Th 5:18 " In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."

Dear Lord, I am yours take me! Help me to discern thy will for me in my life!

Thank God for studying Calvin's Institutes II

2007-11-05T10:09:00.000+08:00

Well, just wanna share my testimony here for attending Calvin's Institutes II:
Thank God for yet another opportunity to study the bible. His Words is a lamp unto my feet and light unto my path. Even though I came after work every Monday evening, I felt very blessed to study God's Word with like-minded brethren. It is like a foretaste of heaven and I would not want to miss this opportunity to receive God's blessing. Moreover, in heaven we will be praising and worshipping God all the time! Nothing is more blessed than learning more about God and storing up treasures in heaven! In the second half of the year, I am bothered by an issue but thank God, His Words are always there to comfort my heart and assure me.
I am always reminded of two important lessons in the class. Firstly, God had faithfully preserved His Words to the very jot and tittle, and is kept pure through the ages. If only the autographs are preserved and now it no longer exist, then where is our authority? It is comforting to know the bible was paid by the blood of the martyrs and preserved till now by God's singular care and providence. If the bible has any mistakes, my faith may be shaken and that cause me to have lower view of the scriptures. Therefore, it is utterly important to get the foundation right cause if the foundation be destroyed, what can the righteous do? (Psa 11:3). Another important lesson that I had learnt is that in order to approach God and learn of Him, we must be triply humble before Him. These two principles had been imprinted in my mind sub-consciously. Certain scholars like to invoke criticism about the Bible. Man are so corrupted, what made us fit to correct God's Word. It is literally taking God's Word lightly and again taking a lower view of scriptures. Any doctrine that cause me to have a lower view of scriptures is a false doctrine and any doctrine that cause me to have high view of scriptures and brings me closer to God is the correct doctrine.
Faith is a many splendour virtue. Faith is given by the Holy Spirit and faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. (Rom 10:17) It is consider as having a blind faith if we only believe in what the church says, our friend says or what our parents say. We ought to based our believed in the authority of the scriptures. The intensity of faith begins as believing faith and then experiential faith and then finally develop into a faith that requires no experience. True faith will cause me to obey God rather than taking advantage of the Christian liberty. It consists of a) Noticia-knowing the gospel and Christ, b) Assensus-Must agree and accept Christ, and finally c) Fiducia-obeying and believing in God. True faith endures to the end and will lead to eternal glory.
Thank God that He gives me the faith to believe in Him cause it is truly by God's grace alone. I have tried to evangelise to my close friends but they does not seem to be interested in the Gospel. If the Holy Spirit will not convict their hearts, there is no way that they can believe in God! Pondering on that, I am exceptionally grateful to God for being so good to me! I will serve Him till the end in gratitude of what He had done for me.
Godly sorrow worked repentance to salvation. I should follow the example of Apostle Peter and not Judas Iscariot whose repentance lead to death. It is a pity that the Roman Catholic believes that they can only make confession to the priest but however I know that I can approached God's holy throne of grace boldly to seek for the forgiveness of sin because He is our Great High Priest. Evil doctrines like confession box, penance, indulgences, purgatory, took away Christ as our advocate who can reconcile man with God. Private sins will require us to ask God privately for confession. However, public sin will have to confess publicly before the church.
When a person is at fault, the biblical church discipline procedure is that we will approached the person one to one privately first. If the person refuse to repent, then we will call for a witness. If that fails, we will call for the church leaders and then finally excommunication. I learnt that the purpose of excommunication is that the person may not be numbered among Christians or even to partake the Lord's Supper. Secondly, the person may not be corrupted by constant association with the wicked. Thirdly, those who are censured or excommunicated, may be led to repentance. Sometimes these measures are required as man needs to be chastened by God's rod so as to bring us back to repentance.
The preaching and written ministry of the Apostles are infallible cause they are inspired by God. However, the Roman Catholics believe that once the Pope pronounced a dogma, he is infallible, this is erroneous! Protestants doctrine of Justification state that after one is saved by grace through faith in Christ Jesus alone, one will produce works of faith. The Catholics state that in order to be saved, faith is not enough! One has to accompanied with good works. Thank God that we are justified not of works, or else no matter how much we do, we cannot have eternal life. We can never match up to God's standards! Justification is a one time act of God at the point of believing in the Gospel whereas sanctification is an ongoing process till we die. Thank God that I am justified by faith in Christ and that He is sanctifying me day by day as I yield to Him daily.
Prayer helps us to penetrate to the riches God has reserved for our use, Our conscience derive peace when troubles are presented before God. Our heart may always be inflamed with an earnest desire of seeking, loving and worshipping Him. We may be more prepared to receive His blessing with true gratitude of soul. Prayer is illustrated as certain children asking for pocket money from their parents, in that they show their dependency towards their parents. The parents will be willing to give money to their children. Knowing that God is happy and ready to receive my prayer items, helps me to find comfort in praying and also urging me to pray more.
A true Church is one where the Word of God is faithfully preached and the two sacraments properly administered. Nowadays, there are many churches that take the preaching of God's Word lightly. Their worship service largely comprises of entertainment fulfilling the fleshly lust rather than dealing with the heart conditions of each individuals. There are limited messages that can really encourage the believers to press on in the faith. Roman Catholic priest even took the Lord's Supper solely by himself saying that layman are not worthy to take it even though the Lord commanded us to take eat as often as we can in remembrance of Him.
Roman Catholic Church ascribe the church as the final authority independent of the Word, however Protestant hold the Word of God as the final and supreme authority, and inseparable from it. It is dangerous to ascribe the church as the final authority, as church may gone apostate. We may believe in the wrong doctrine which will in turn lead to wrong beliefs. However, knowing that the Word of God is unchanging and accurately preserved for me, I will be able to follow the correct path of righteousness.
A sacrament may also defined as an outward signs of the inward grace that God has given us. Baptism signify cleansing and washing of our sins, it shows that we are serious with our faith and we want to make a promise before God and man that we will mortify our sins daily and to read His Word daily for guidance and instructions in our life. It is a testimony towards other and that we are united with the other believers and to be partakers of all His benefits. There is special blessings from God and it fulfils the Great Commission. Because of baptism, I am constantly reminded of the promise that I had made to God when I publicly confess of my sins and indicate that I want to be identified with Him. This helps me to lead a holy life and to read the bible.
The partaking of the Lord's Supper unites me with Christ and I am reminded of His birth, His mission on Earth, His life of obedience, His death and His resurrection. This holy sacrament helps me to prepare my hearts before Him, reconsecrate my life to Him, make right in glorifying God by the confession of my sins, reconcile with a brother if there is any fault, exercise humility and gratitude towards Jesus Christ for what He had done in the redemptive plan. In that, I have confidence and assurance of the resurrection and immortality of my body and soul.
Finally, thank God for helping me to increase in my knowledge of Him again. I hoped that the knowledge that I had received, I will be able to exercise it in my daily life and even to encourage someone in the future.

All glory be unto Him. I am looking forward for the next semester of studying God's Word again if God willing!

Thank God for messages heard

2007-10-31T17:24:00.000+08:00

Thank God, last Friday I heard a message entitled "How to be a good boyfriend and girlfriend?" Unbelievers cannot exercise Agape love. This is a love that is a sacrificial love and you are willing to die for the person. Love willing to suffer wrong, love is kind, love does not envy, love is not proud, love does not behave in an attitude that will detest by others, love is not self seeking, love does not provoke you to be angry easily, love does not think evil of a person. There is so much to learn about love. Not the hollywood or bollywood kind of love, they teach sex and lust. To understand the full extend of love, one has to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Saviour. Do not wait or hesitate anymore, experience the peace of heart and true love yourself by trusting only in Jesus.

Thank God for smooth piano playing

2007-10-15T15:10:00.000+08:00

Thank God that my playing was ok yesterday. Although I still felt a bit nervous but everything went on fine. As usual, I have a few mistakes here and there but this time I did not screw up anything:) Thank God that playing piano at the Chinese side really help me to train my sight reading and also confidence in playing in front of large crowd. In turn, I was also like trained to play in front of the examiner. Well all these are really good training for me. Well I am still not good at it yet, I training up to it. Thank God for opportunity to serve Him. Also thank God that I found a great website for piano resource. It is at HERE I am so happy today cause I got to find quite a number of scores that I am looking for! Praise the Lord!

I had also recorded some nice Christian songs. Enjoyed!

Thank God for a pass in Grade 6 piano exams

2007-10-09T10:29:00.000+08:00

Two weeks had passed since I took the exams on 25th August 2007. Exactly two weeks from then, I checked my results online. Thank God that I got a Pass with 117 marks; fall short of 3 marks for Merit. Although it fall short of my expectation, cause I am aiming for Merit, but I remembered "in everything give thanks to the Lord!"

Thank God that at a span of only 3 years of learning the piano seriously, I am now promoted to Grade 7. Amazing! It is God's grace and enabling! I have saved lots of money in this without having to go through the lower grades! Therefore, I thank God for helping me to improve in my piano at such a short period of time! This Sunday, it is my second time playing in the church sanctuary. For the first time, I had screwed it up a bit. I pray that this time I will be better:)

Thank for message on loving your brothers & sisters in Christ

2007-10-08T11:43:00.000+08:00

Yesterday, the Lord's messenger Dr Tow shared something that strike a chord in me. He said that before you want to learn what is brotherly love you have to do two things. First of all, you have to love God. If you cannot love God, you don't know what is true love. After that, you have to love your parents. He shared something on showing filial piety to our own parents.

He shared that he once asked an old lady how often does her child visited her. The old lady reply that it is only once a month. When I heard that, I was quite sad. After the children got married, they tend to forget their parents. They are too busy with their work, their own stuffs, their own children and forget that who had brought them up since young. Do we want to wait until our parents are no longer around then we start to regret that we had not done enough for them?

He also shared that if he is her children, he will visit her every week. Which I think is reasonable and that we should. What can be so busy that we forget about our parents who had brought us up? He also shared that filial piety is practical. We have to do something that is different. For example, in the past we don't sweep the floor, we do it out of love for them now. We help our parents to clean up the house. In the past we don't wash dishes, now we do it voluntarily. We do not need our parents to tell us what to do then we do. I am convicted in my heart to I want to do something for my parents. Since they are still unbelievers, I have to show forth the love of Christ in my life. Truly, it is not easy to take up your own cross daily to follow Christ. We have to denied ourselves daily and seek to do God's Will for us in our lives.

Thank God for his message to me. A change of attitude is necessary and will make a difference in your testimony!

Thank God for Grade 6 piano exams finally over!

2007-09-26T14:14:00.000+08:00

Cool! I finally went through Grade 6 piano exams. It was a fun experience. This time I managed to greet the female examiner first! Last piano exams, the male examiner greet me first. Foreigners are very friendly. Thank God that for both exams, I was not too nervous that I can't play. Truly thank God for good piano teacher, good preparation and not too nervous at the critical moment. I managed to calm myself down. Probably, playing in the Chinese congregation in the church also helps a lot. Thank God for opportunity this year. Unknowing, my sight reading skills improve quite a lot! All praise and glory to God on high!

This mid autumn festival, I think is a memorial one. I did something that I want to do. Sometimes in life, if there is something you don't do it, you might regret it in the future. Thank God that I made my decision to do it. I don't know what will happen in the future but I know God has always given me the best that I could not imagine. I think the greatest gift that he had given me is salvation. Therefore, I prayed that I will be able to share it passionately to others. May others see Jesus in me! Truly it is not easy but I will try to:)

Thank God for encouragement along the way

2007-09-24T08:25:00.000+08:00

Yup! It is good to give thanks to the Lord always. I wanna thank God for having Christian friends who care enough, shared with me their experiences, encouraging me along the way and even prayed with me in the midst of testing.

One brother even send an SMS with these verses and words of encouragement:
"Psa 33:16b a mighty man is not delivered by much strength.
Psa 33:18 Behold, the eye of the LORD is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy;
Look at Samson, his strength made him weak. But for David, his weakness was made perfect in Jehovah to defeat Goliath. Amen"

Yup! Truly to go through this testing, it cannot be by my own strength but by God's mercy, strength and power.

Thank God also for the Sunday school teaching on Romans 6.
Rom 6:3-4 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

Yes, I was baptised in 23rd December 2001. Did I baptized into Christ death? Did I die to myself and walk in newness of life? What is it that I have promised to God during my baptism? That I will read the bible daily and strive to lead a holy life. Have I failed to do that?

These questions popped up in my mind. Thank God for reminding me the meaning of baptism even as I had answered it myself, I want to obey what I had promised to God before man. There is something that I have learnt in my NS life: "Tough time don't last but tough man do!" Yes, my testing will not last forever, but it is whether I will trust in God to do what is His will for me in life. Pray that God will delivered me soon!

Amen!

Thank God for small encouragement during testing

2007-09-17T11:03:00.000+08:00

Yesterday's daily devotion sharing was a good one. I can see one brother is trying very hard to come back to church. This is a good sign. Another brother was agonising for his sins. Almost everyone is going through some testing or trials now. I think sometimes in order to preserve the purity of the church, the testing of our faith in God is truly necessary. Thank God for this time of testing. I am sure after these testing or trials, we will learnt to trust God more, pray more and be closer to God.

Job 23:10 But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.

Jas 1:2-4 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

Pray that God will be closer to us during this period of time!

Thank God for a tender heart

2007-09-13T12:10:00.000+08:00

I still remember when I was young, when I watched sad show, I will laugh at people who cry. I will wonder why they get so serious about watching a show. After believing in Christ, God seems to open my tear gland. I feel sad when I watched sad programme now. God help me to feel more for people, to get interested with other people's life. This is one way of showing care and concern for people. So far, two girls cried while they shared with me their problems. I felt very sad when I see girls cry. I don't know why but I had more compassion for girls who cry. Although it is their nature to cry but I feel that a girl should not be hurt by any one else. They should be protected.

It has been a long time seems I had cried. This year there had been a lot of occasions that I feel like crying. I don't know why, this year there are a lot of happiness but there are also a lot of sad events that had filled this year. This year is really an exciting year. My mood changes a lot this year. I don't know whether it is good or bad but I know that God will help me to go through all trials.

Job 23:10 But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.

God is testing me again.

2007-09-10T07:28:00.000+08:00

I am going through a period of testing now. I think that this is a good sign as it has been a long time since God tested me. The first time is when I was in the naval diving unit. I believe I had passed the test. Although in the process I did not response the way that I could have been. Never the least, God help me to be closer to Him after that.

This time, I believe that the test that I am going through will also bring me closer to God. I had a wrong start in the beginning. Thank God that He had sent a godly counsel to help me to discern God's will. Thank God that by faith I apply it yesterday. The process is painful but I know that God will bring it to pass. I just have to wait on the Lord and see God's perfect plan in action!

During the youth camp, I already sense that God is going to test me. I had already started praying then however the intensity of prayer is not there. I even asked two person to prayed for me. I did a wrong start in the beginning, I let my will dominated me. Thank God that I had put a stop to it yesterday. These few days, the prayer intensity grew greater. Thank God that I prayed more, not just for myself but also for brothers and sisters in Christ. Shomerim and myself is going through some testing period now. Pray that God will deliver us and keep us close to Him at this period. Thank God that God had worked in me again. I believed that I have reached the state of prayer that I prayed to obtain.

God heard my prayer cause I asked for it for a long period of time. God granted it, therefore He will give me the grace to go through this testing. I just want to pray that God's will be done and not my will be done. If God had granted the desire of my heart in the future, I believe I will cry out and thank God for His marvellous love for me! Praise the Lord!

My Cute Niece Again

2007-09-10T07:24:00.000+08:00

Having a baby is really a joyful thing. Look how cute it is!

Thank God for sharing the gospel

2007-08-21T10:24:00.000+08:00

On Saturday evening, I shared the gospel with someone. Actually she wants to believe in Jesus but she is counting the cost. She is thinking about the things that she have to give up for being a Christian. She knows what it means to be a Christian. I think that it is good that she is considering. I prayed that God will change her heart and accept the Lord Jesus Christ as her personal Lord and Saviour. Thank God that I manage to share with her why Jesus is the only way and why Jesus have to die for us. Why other religion cannot save us. She is more or less quite convince. Now it is only the Holy Spirit that can work in her. May God be merciful to her soul.

My tribute to a demise friend

2007-08-16T07:56:00.000+08:00

Today, I have received a shocking news. A friend of mine; a good video speciallist, Mr Astley Wong, who had rendered help to me before in various competitions had died in a fatal accident in Malaysia enroute to KL. He passed away in the early hours of this morning and his body is now in a hospital inKL.

I felt sad for my company for losing such a great worker. Through the emails that I have received about him, I know that he is a very responsible and hardworking person. My former 2006 primary six students who involved in SVA, do you all still remember him teaching you all how to shoot a good video and also how to edit videos? He is the man who died. I still remember the help that he had rendered to me last year which I have mentioned in
http://alant80.blogspot.com/2006/11/thank-god-for-completed-entries-for.html

Thank God that I have learnt a lot from him. I even got a ring tone from him. This is the one and only thing that I have gotten from him. I will cherished it in remembrance of him. Farewell my friend! Great man may have gone forever but what left behind are the beautiful memories.

5 Days of Thanksgiving

2007-08-15T13:35:00.000+08:00

These five days, I feel that I have been greatly blessed by the Lord. On last Friday night, in the youth camp, I heard a touching story from my friend that make me cry in front of so many members of Shomerim. This friend of mine nearly died in a few occasions but God had saved him from the grip of death. Stroke doesn't kill him, multiples attacks of strokes and related illnesses never stop him from walking or paralysed him, committing suicide from jumping off the building did not happen to him. Were not all these happens by the mercies of God? If he still cannot see it, he deserves to perish in hell.

How about my role in his life? Taking about that, let me tell you, I did not do much things for him. All I did was that I sms him when I feel like it. When God burdened my heart a particularly day, I would pray for him. I did not do this everyday and I did not called him to speak to him for a long period of time. Ultimately, it is the Lord who moved his heart. Cause him to bring to remembrance how God's people has been good to him. Well probably an sms at the right time will encourage someone. However, how can I be so accurate to send the right words at the right precise time? Were not our God is so powerful, great, marvellous, amazing, miraculously and plenteously good? My prayer is that this person will realise God's goodness upon him and that he will not reject God's calling again. If such a person will harden his heart, God's judicial hardening of the heart will come in. God will harden his heart and make it impossible for him to repent and receive the Lord Jesus Christ. Likewise friends, if God moves you to do something good, do not harden your hearts anymore.

On Sunday, I heard a very shocking and sad news from a friend. After the news, I felt very troubled. Miraculously, God's messenger speaks to me about loving one another as Christ love the church. I started tearing in my heart, I know that God wants me to do something for brethren. I decided to yield to the Lord's calling. I don't know how it can be accomplished, but I know that by God's strength and enabling, I will be able to do it.

On Monday, I received a news that I was able to get the ticket for this Friday fireworks festival. Actually, i was too late when I want to get the tickets. At the last minute, one person cannot go so I took the ticket. I couldn't believe that God is so good to me and answer my simple prayer to allow me to go to the festival.

On Tuesday, I was so forgetful that I nearly lost my handphone. At 19:26; Bedok MRT Station, I make a public phone call to my phone. The phone rang for a long time but nobody picks up the phone. In my mind I was thinking, “This is the end, I am going to lose my phone again!” At 19:41, I decided to make a call again. This time, it is a lady who picks up the phone. She told me to meet her at Yishun. At 20:44, I stop at Yishun MRT to make a call again. Thank God that a kind soul borrowed her phone to me. I followed her instructions to take bus service 811 from Yishun interchange and stopped at the 3^rd bus stop. I was frantically looking for a public phone but couldn't find any. In desperation, I approached two person to borrow their phone to me but they declined my request. At 20:58, I approached the 3^rd person; which is a lady issuing traffic offence notice. I called my phone again and finally got back my phone from a guy.

I am sure this few days are the most blessed days that I have encountered this year. All praise and glory unto God on high!

Thank God for pay increment!

2007-07-31T12:53:00.000+08:00

I am greatful to God that I got a higher increment this year. This job is not very stressful and I can meet with students almost everyday. There will be opportunities to share God's Word. Praise the Lord!

Thank God for sharing the gospel with a friend

2007-07-31T10:51:00.000+08:00

Yesterday, I thought of sending an sms to a friend. It is my prayer that this person will come to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ soon. Thank God that I share the gospel of Jesus Christ with this friend. I sms this chinese poem below hoping that this person will acknowledge the LORD soon! All praise to God on high!

知心良友不已找，

金玉良言不可少，

费尽心思献良友，

只为博得红颜笑，

不求是否有回报，

只求红颜蒙主恩，

尽早信主得永生，

是我生命大乐事！

Yet another sharing of God's goodness in my life!

2007-07-27T10:35:00.000+08:00

When I was at a young age, I heard that my father's godmother was admitted to the hospital for an operation. After that, she recuperates in the ancestral worship place near Pasir Panjang area. We went to visited her quite often after the operation. One day as I was walking around the vicinity, I saw that the apartment next door had a swing. There is a low wall that I can climb over to the swing. I decided to play the swing so I climbed over it often. One day while I was on the swing, an angel like lady walk to me and shared the Christian gospel to me. Not knowing why, after some talk with her, she prayed the sinner’s prayer with me. Salvation is by God’s gift; meaning when God calls you to believe in Him, you will not resist. You will eventually believe if you belong to God. After that, I started to attend church for some time. After some time, I stopped going to church because of parental objection and also that I myself did not have at strong urge to attend church.

However, God was good. He remembers me after so many years. After my ‘O’ Level in my new house; which is my current house, I was staying at home doing something. A lady came and asks me whether I want to attend a church camp. At first, I did not want to. However, my mum finds that I am too quiet and it is not good to always stay at home so she persuaded me to go with this neighbour of mine. Her name is Miriam and she is still in my church now. In the end, I followed her to the church camp. That year, she is the camp mistress; the person in charge of the whole camp. It was there that I heard the gospel the second time. Again, God touch my heart again. I even decided to baptise with Shuhui and Amos. It was at that camp that I met up with two of them. At that time, they are still at young as me. They are not a couple yet. In God’s timing, I started to attend church from then on. As I have told you, I always failed my English in my secondary school, passing it in ‘O’ level, to me is a miracle. I believe God is the one who make it possible.

After a few years, I backslided and did not go to church. However God is good, he sent people to encourage me with cards and visitation. In the end, God bring me back again. My turning point is when I am in the National Service (NS). As I have shared with you the difficulties that I went through, I pray everyday for God to give me strength to go through all the tough training. I even spend time to read the bible even though I feel tired. Why did I do that? This is because the Bible to Christian is a very powerful tool. God can encourage and speaks to you through the bible. Not literally speak to you but what I mean is that the verses that I read will give me comfort and direct my steps in my life. I draw strength from the Bible to endure the hard training in my army days. It is also at this time, my faith in God increase tremendously.

Some time after my NS, I decided to pursue music. God had sent a person, in another church that I have been attending on Sunday morning to teach me. She is a very patient teacher and it was that teacher who had helped me in getting distinction in my Grade 5 practical piano exams. If it were not for God that had made me believe in Him, I would not have known this teacher in church. Well, you might be saying that it is because I am practising hard enough and I have the talent to do it. Let me ask you. I did not even take the lower grades exam; I jumped straight to grade 5. What probability that you think such a person, without the lower grades foundation, can get a distinction in a piano exam? The possibility is very low; I even struggled when I started to learn the pieces. Who make all these things happen? I would attribute all these to God.

After some time, that piano teacher finds that I should get a better piano teacher so I stopped attending her lessons. I prayed very hard to get a Christian piano teacher because I was thinking of serving in the church as a pianist then. I hope to train up for it and even lead in training the choir some day. After I prayed for sometime, aunty Mee Mee, our church pianist got a contact for me. She is my current piano teacher. She had studied degree in piano and church hymns playing overseas. Again God sent another wonderful teacher. She is the teacher who teaches me song composing in Grade 5 theory exam. She also gives me lots of exercise so that I can be prepared for the exams that I took last year. I agree that I myself have to play a part in doing the practice papers. How often can a person that did not take the lower grades theory exam, and jumps straight to grade 5 theory exams can get a distinction? The possibility is very low, as I have shared that the song composing part and other parts like musical terms are not easy to get full marks unless you memorise very thoroughly. I think if you are taking it yourself you will know that it is not easy to obtain distinction not to mention full marks.

How about my life? How has God changed my life? I am actually a very quiet person. When I just came to the church, I don’t usually talk to people, I always wait for people to talk to me first. Even if I talk, I will only say a few words. Some people may find that I am trying to act cool. I am not because I just find that I don’t really know what to talk about and I am not really interested about other people’s business. However, God had changed me. I find that I cannot remain silent as before. I have to talk to people, encourage people, share concern and pray for people. God did not call me to be silence but to witness for Him, to tell people how He has been so good to me.

Thank God for a friend who agrees to attend Youth Camp

2007-07-05T11:20:00.000+08:00

There is a friend that I have been working on for a few years. Thank God, that now he is more open up to Christian teachings. He agrees to go to the coming Youth Camp. Pray that God will touch his heart of stone through this camp.

Thank God for my niece growing cute and healthy

2007-07-02T14:11:00.001+08:00

One month after she came into this world, this is my niece!

Thank God for my sister smooth delivery

2007-05-14T10:40:00.000+08:00

Thank God for my sister's smooth delivery of my niece Mayvia. At first, my sister was a bit worried because the baby vomited the milk that the nurse fed her. Thank God, that after two days, she accepted the milk. Isn't she cute:)

Thank God for Monday FEBC Night Class on Calvin's Institutes I

2007-04-24T11:58:00.000+08:00

Thank God for yet another opportunity to study His Words. His Words are like a lamp unto my feet and light unto my path. Even though I came after work every Monday evening, I felt very blessed to study God's Word with like-minded brethren. It is like a foretaste of heaven and I would not miss this opportunity to receive God's blessing. Moreover in heaven, we will be praising and worshiping God all the time. Nothing is more blessed than learning more about God and storing up treasures in heaven!
The first lesson already captured my attention and heart. The motto of John Calvin was displayed in his logo in Latin “Prompte et sincere in opera Domin” which means “Promptly and sincerely in the work of the Lord”. His motto really challenge my heart to be on fire for the Lord. We are now in the end times, therefore we do not have much time to work. We should be actively serving the Lord in this apostate period. Near to the last few pages of the book “A Glimpse of the Life and Works of John Calvin” that I have read for the assignment, there is something interesting to be noted. It is written that Calvin's initial is J.C., which is the same as Jesus Christ.
He wrote the Institutes, firstly, is to present it to layman people in a simple and a clear manner so that the basics of Christian faith can be taught and reach out to the people. Secondly, he wrote it to defend the Christian faith. He nearly lost His life for it! Thank God that he wrote this Institute and that it is still applicable till today. Truly he was like Christ in the manner that his life and teaching still serve as an example and learning aid for us. He being dead yet speaketh; which is in a way similar to Christ. Certainly, we can learn a lot more from this person that had laboured fervently for the Lord.
Truly, the study of Theology is much more superior than any other form of worldly wisdom. The study of Philosophy is really “Foolosophy”; it is not able to change a dead man to be alive in Christ. The knowledge of God is born in us. Our mind is corrupted by sin so we cannot define and describe God. It is our sinful nature that blind us, therefore we can only see God if He himself open our spiritual eyes. Thank God that God has opened my spiritual eyes and I pray that I can submit more to His Will rather than my own will. The love for God also ought to make me share more of my faith to other people.
One practical lesson that I learn about sharing the Gospel is that I ought to redirect the questions post from the opposite party back to the acknowledgement of sin. Once they received Christ as their personal Lord and Saviour, all their questions will be answered!
If there is a choice for Man to choose between God and the devil, Man will choose devil. Thank God that it is He who chose me before the foundation of the world and not I choose Him. The doctrine of election will lead me to immense gratefulness to the Lord and to have a more willing heart to obey the commandments. He could have not chosen me but He is so merciful and loving towards me. This magnitude of His eternal grace I cannot repay Him; the least that I can do is to serve Him faithfully all the days of my life.
The knowledge of providence of God in governing this world is a great comfort to me. He knows even the minuet details like how many strains of hair that I have! Without Him in control of everything, I may be injured or died in certain occasions. Sometimes when we are depressed, we may feel that if God is in control why are bad things happening to us. The understanding of this doctrine helps me to put more trust in Him when trouble comes. His special providence protects believers from harm and danger. Therefore, I ought to thank God for everything. In His general providence and common grace, God withhold evil to prevail. If He will not withhold evil in this world, I may not be able to live in this sin cursed world. The doctrine of providence also teaches, firstly, gratitude in prosperity. Secondly, reminded us to have the patience in adversity and finally the hope of wonderful security with respect to the future.
Some people like to correct the scriptures using textual criticism. However, it is the bible who approve us and not we approve the Bible. Certain people do not believe or understand the bible. I thank God that I can believe and understand the bible as the very Word of God. Certain people feel that the King James Version Bible is very difficult to understand. I can testify that it is not so because my English is very poor. When I was a new Christian, I may have found that the Bible is difficult to understand. That is because at that time, God have not given me the wisdom and the spiritual eyes to understand difficult truth. However as I grow in the faith, God gives me the godly wisdom to understand spiritual meat. Thank God for this grace that I am able to know Him better and in that it increases my faith. True faith is an enduring, overcoming, persevering and genuine faith. I pray that I will end the Christian race well. I am able to understand the bible and the messages that was constantly preached to me is sorely by God's given grace. I pray that I will love God's Word more and more and to live out His Words. Now I can truly echo “Psa 19:7-8 The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.”
The bible is written down as public records and preserve for us through the ages, so that we can enjoy the true light of religion. The fulfilment of prophecies in the bible also serve as a warning and light to us so that we can take heed and to be more assured of our faith. Thank God that the bible and the church is indestructible so that believers will never be lost. True doctrine and truth will unites the church and love will divides us from unbelievers. Thank God that the bible is now completed and both Old Testament and New Testament points to Christ. We have a fuller picture now compared to the Old Testament saints. Thank God that because of the new covenant, we do not need the animal bloody sacrifice all the time. We can pray to God directly for the forgiveness of sins through Christ. There is less ritual to perform and that we only kept the Sabbath day. One new Theological truth that I have learnt is that God magnify His Words more than His name. In some countries, the bible is very rare and precious. Therefore, I ought to love and treasure the bible more.
The understanding of soul, spirit and body helps me to understand what is the difference between animal and Man. The soul and spirit is used synonymously. Human soul is a spiritual soul, we are able to worship God, reason and invent things. However, animal soul has no immortality; it will destroy once it dies.
God's action in the judicial hardening of the heart also serves as a warning to me. Those people who constantly reject or even make fun of God will face this terrible judgement from God. The frightening thing about this judgement is that there is no way of turning back to God. In a way, I feel quite scary as I pondered on this doctrine. May God keep me in the faith and that I will not come into this situation.
Human reasoning, will or sense is corrupted by sin. I learnt that we are not able to reason with God regarding sin. We are sinful, wretched people. It is only when we acknowledge our sins, acknowledging that we are nothing but dust before Him, then only can we obtain Godly wisdom and true light. The Lord show mercy to us, therefore our response is to live for Him. If God convicts us of our sins, I ought not to find excuses to ignore His Words else He will chastened me to bring me back to Him.
Thank God that we cannot fall out of God's salvation. Once God save us, He will save us to the uttermost. No one is able to pluck us out of God's almighty hand. Therefore, we can be assured of our salvation if we believe in Him. The fact that we are able to do good is because of God's grace. He gives us the ability to do good. All merits that we did belong to Him alone. If our salvation garment requires us to put one stitch of merits or works in order to complete it, our faith is gone. We are all man most miserable. Thank God that He had fulfilled all righteousness by dying on the cross of calvary to be the propitiation of our sins. He appeased God's wrath. When He says it is finished, that settles it. Do not try to add anything to our salvation to bring down God's glory.
Thank God that He has preserved the law of Moses for us. Firstly, the Moral Law function as a sword to slay me of my sin and condemns me of my guilt. Secondly, it functions as a rod to lead and guide me to the path of righteousness. And lastly, it functions as a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. My love for God should make me obey his commandments rather than fearing Him. Now I understand why human still have the conscience in our heart when we did something wrong. The reason is that the law is written in our hearts. Only the divine law can convicts and converts our heart because it shows God's holiness. The divine law is also more superior than the human laws because God deals with the heart condition. All sins start from the mind and heart, our heart is desperately wicked to sin. Man's response towards the law should be faith, love and obedience towards God. Human law only make good citizens but the divine law make good people.
Finally, Christ as my Prophet, Priest and King, the end of all prophecies, had fulfilled the task of purging away my sins and sit down at the right hand throne of God interceding for me. His love for me is depicted in one of my favourite hymns “The Love of God”. Truly, God's magnitude of love can also be seen in how He forgives my sin:
“Psa 103:12-13 As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us. Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him.”

All glory be unto Him. I am looking forward for the next semester of studying God's Word again if God willing!

"Strictly for Hymn Appreciation Personnels Only"

2007-04-24T11:55:00.000+08:00

“Thank You, Lord-TSMS No. 264” is the first hymn that I have come across which I love very much. It was written by D. Burgess. When I sing this song, I was like being brought back to the December church camp in 1997. The theme of the camp was “He must increase and I must decrease” I was reminded of Shuhui and a few brethren who had gathered together to sing. It was during this church camp that God brought me back to His fold. The first stanza reminded me to thank God in times of trials for the trying of my faith worketh patience-James 1:3. In the process of growing, I learn to care for brethren. The second stanza reminded me of another wonderful promise in:

1Corinthians 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

There is no trials that are too hard to bear. Stanza three reminded me of Romans 12:1-2 that we must present our bodies as a living sacrifice; holy and acceptable for the Lord's use. When everything is put in place, you will be able to see the final destination; that is to be with the Lord forever. The chorus also reminded me not to yield to the flesh but let the Holy Spirit take control of my life. Sometimes we cannot hear God's voice because the human flesh takes precedence over the Holy Spirit indwelling in each believer. We ought not yield to the flesh but rather quieten our spirit to listen to God's soft prompting voice.

1Corinthians 13:4-8a Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Charity never faileth:

Psalm:103-12-13 As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us. Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him.

“The Love of God-TSMS No. 45” reminded me of God's Agape which is written in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a and also God's forgiveness of sin in Psalm 103:12-13. Although the forgiveness of sins is not clearly shown in the hymn, I will explain why I relate these two verses together. These two portions of the scriptures speak of God's perspective of love and His display of love that can be seen in how He forgives our sins. Coincidentally, these two verses are my favourite verses and are very dear to my heart. It speaks of God's love that is so great that if anyone were to write of His love, even the ocean of ink would not be enough to finish the writing of it. Such great love really melts my heart and brings my devotion to Him, guiding me on how to show love to others and also pledging to serve Him till the end! This hymn was written by F.M. Lehman. Not only is the hymn very catchy but the lyrics are so meaningful and devotional! Two years ago, in the mission trip to Kuantan, I managed to get the Chinese lyrics for this song. The lyrics are equally meaningful.

I want to side track a bit, giving an analogy of the life of a Christian; which will bring me to the next hymn. Christian walk is like swimming against the current. No one else in our church can experience that more than me because of the National Service vocation that I have gone through in two-and-a-half years. Swimming countless 2km almost every week in the sea swim during my trainee days makes me feel and realise that if I am not swimming fast enough and using the correct techniques with my fins; I will be swept away by the current. All your efforts that you have tried to propel forward will be in vain. Likewise in our Christian walk, you have to be quick enough to realise your sins or even backsliding before it is too late. However realising it is not enough; what you need is the Word of God and prayer (correct techniques) that will propel you forward in your Christian life. Therefore your Christian life is not stagnant but dynamic. You will not stay at the same spot all the time. You either backslide or you will increase in the knowledge of God.

However in the process of seeking God's knowledge and wisdom, we may be discouraged, spiritually down and lose our focus in our day-to-day responsibilities or even our service in Church. These problems are like the opposing current that you need to swim against. Therefore I need the hymn “Turn your eyes upon Jesus-TSMS No. 405/RHC No. 284” to remind me to focus on Christ alone and to read His Word daily. This hymn was written by Helen H. Lemmel. God had called us out of darkness into His marvellous light -1 Peter 2:9. In our difficulties, if we focus on the one and only true light; our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, our life will be more abundant and free. In the second stanza, he had conquered death, absent from the body and to be present with the Lord - 2 Corinthians 5:8. Sins no more have dominion over us. Third stanza gives the assurance that his Word shall not fail. Believe in his Word when trouble comes and share the gospel to fulfil the great commission.

Lastly, the hymn “For All My Sin-TSMS No. 175” reminded me of Christ dying on the cross for my sins. This hymn was written by Norman J. Clayton. It contains words of love and devotional lyrics that touch my heart. The high point of this hymn is at the last part of the chorus. “... His love can never decline and He loves me.” makes me feel good when I sing it. It is like proclaiming God's love that will never decline and that He will love me forever. This hymn also reminded me of my worthlessness as a sinner, saved only by the grace of God who died for me on the cross. This is the hymn that I hope to sing during the Lord's Supper to remind myself of God's Agape. It is a very reflective hymn that speaks of Christ’s passive obedience on the cross. Passive obedience speaks of Christ's sufferings on the cross in obedience to the Will of God the Father.

There are still a lot of hymns and choruses that I like. However, the above mentioned are the few which I love most. Hope that as you sing hymns and choruses, you do notice the words as they may suddenly pop up in your mind when trials or temptations come. One thing that I heard from Elder Seah that really encourages me is that he and his wife memorise the lyrics in the hymns so that they can sing to people as they evangelise to them. Music is next to Theology. I truly believe and can experience that. When you come to a point of time when you cannot have a bible with you, the memory verses that you have remembered and the hymns and choruses that you have memorised seem so very precious! I believe that there will be a time of great persecution where bibles will be scare. This is when the hymns that you and I have learnt and memorised come into great use. May the hymns of praise that we sing be as a sweet savour sacrifice unto God. Praise ye the Lord! Amen!
Psa 33:2-3 Praise the LORD with harp: sing unto him with the psaltery and an instrument of ten strings. Sing unto him a new song; play skilfully with a loud noise.

Does listening to worldly Music harmful to a Christian?

2007-04-24T11:51:00.000+08:00

I am a music lover. By now, everybody should know that. However, do you know which are the hymns and choruses that are close to my heart and why I like them? In this short sharing, I will tell you a little bit more and why I love them in a personal way. I strongly recommend that you have the Revival Hymns and Choruses (RHC) and Then Sings my Soul (TSMS) song books with you as you continue reading.

Before I start, I want to address one problem that we may have but we just choose to ignore it. That is the problem of listening to worldly songs. In my sharing, I will not comment on Charismatic Songs or Hill Songs as they are not so serious. Well, how do we define worldly songs? Worldly songs are tunes and lyrics that contain the philosophy of the world. Some of us will argue that “Come on la, it is OK! I WILL NOT be affected by the lyrics! I KNOW MY LIMITS! I CAN CONTROL myself!” Notice the words in BOLD. I have a few questions to post to you:

1)Are you really sure that it is OK? What happens when the Lord suddenly returns, will He be pleased with what you are listening to? (it is OK)
2)How many times have you sung these songs knowingly or unknowingly? (WILL NOT be affected)
3)Do you feel like dancing to the tempo of the music sometimes? (KNOW MY LIMITS)
4)Do you watch pop concert, Singapore Idol, American Idol or Superstar on television and waste such precious time when you can read a christian book or the Bible? (CAN CONTROL myself)

Dear brethren, stop deceiving yourself! I have been through all that! In your sub-conscious mind, you are already affected. You will discuss what you hear with your friends. You will sing the songs unknowingly when you pass by a shopping centre playing the song. You will satisfy your flesh and feel good about the worldly songs. You will think that watching concert is just a form of relaxation. It is written in 1 Corinthians 3:16 “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?” and in 1 Peter 1:16 “Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.” and in Daniel 1:8 “But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.” and in 1Corinthians 10:23 “All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.” If you know that it is going to affect you, why put yourself to such a test?

Well I have said enough, godly advice given but the decision lies with you. Thank God that I have decided to stop listening to Chinese Pop Music 93.3 FM and have switched to Classical Music 92.7 FM instead. I decided to put a stop and I do not want to deceive myself. It is my sincere plead that you will stop listening to such music if you are still doing so. Thank God that this decision has greatly improved my appreciation of sacred music. Now I tend to avoid such worldly music so as not to be affected by it. Thank God also that I can appreciate hymns and choruses better as I practise playing them on my piano.

Thank God for peace in my mind

2007-02-27T09:32:00.000+08:00

Thank God that one of my students that I have accidentally offended is no longer angry with me. It really gives me a peace of mind.

Thank God for extremely good exam results

2007-01-12T13:08:00.000+08:00

All glory be unto God! Today, I just checked my Grade 5 Theory exams online. To my surprise, I got the full marks 100 for my Theory exams. I couldn't believe it! Why do I say that?
The song composing part in the Grade 5 Theory Exam is quite subjective; just like Art. It is quite impossible to obtain a full mark at that section. I only pray for distinction but the Lord granted me exceedingly more than what I have asked for! My heart is overjoyed and I can't wait to share the good news with everyone. The Lord never fall short in His blessing for me. Even though, on Monday I received a bad news that my father may be contracted cancer or infection of the nose, the Lord gives me the peace in my heart. I was reminded not to worry about the things that has not yet happened. Pray that in 2 weeks time, the results out will be favourable.

Thank God for year 2006

2007-01-03T12:37:00.000+08:00

As I look back at 2006, below were the items that I want to Thank God for:

1) Helping me to improve in my piano as I serve Him in this area.
2) Giving me the grace to complete the two semesters of studying "The Life of Christ" in FEBC.
3) Giving me the strength and the wisdom in my work as there are more teaching and competitions to handle.
4) His merciful hands that have moved quite a number of my students to come to church and other church activities.
5) Helping me in leading one soul to say the "Sinner's Prayer".
6) Sending a video specialist to help me in the School Video Award this year.
7) Good HOD IT that is not so demanding.
8) Joy and grace in service; especially as a Church Pianist.
9) Consistency in attending Church prayer and fellowship meetings.
10) Helping me in the preparation for my Grade 5 Theory Exams.
11) Getting a Christian piano teacher where my piano skills can be improved.
12) God's messages heard in Camps and worship service that keep me close to Him and not departing from the faith.
13) Being able to teach my students piano.
14) Caring mother that cooks for me frequently.
15) Good Christian colleagues at work.
16) Good health and that I did not take any sick leave this year.
17) Contentment in the things that God has given me.
18) Being able to serve in the Church Camp as Assistant Camp Master and Leader.
19) Being able to serve in the Mission Field at Kuantan and Kemaman and also to share God's Word in Chinese for the very first time. God's grace in able to play the piano in the worship service there.
20) Getting the Majesty Hymns as a gift from a sister-in-Christ.
21) Not losing my handphone as I am a careless person.
22) Having the money and to buy things that I want.
23) Being more caring this year although I offended one person because of that.
24) Having a sprain ankle during a combine fellowship outing that reminded me to be patient for the process of recovery.
25) Many other blessings that I have missed out.

Praise the Lord! May He continued to keep me close to Him!

Thank God for Mission Trip

2006-12-23T19:37:00.000+08:00

Thank GOD that my faith is strengthen through the mission trip. Thank God for the many souls that is saved. These few days had been raining. Thank God that during the VBS in Kuantan, God withhold the rain several times. It is a miracle to most of us that were present there. Praise the Lord!

Thank God for the Church Camp in Batam

2006-12-11T08:15:00.000+08:00

Thank God for the wonderful Church Camp in Batam at the Holiday Inn Resort. The food there was great. Thank God for helping me in the various roles as an Assistant Camp Master, Group leader and also in my sharing on the thanksgiving night. Not to forget, thank God also for the sweet fellowship with brothers and sisters in Christ. I am looking forward to the Mission Trip to Kemaman and Kuantan now.

Thank God for 6 students going to my church today!

2006-12-03T21:28:00.000+08:00

Thank God! Today God allow me to break my record! I brought 6 of my students to church today. It is truly God's glory! I pray that those students who have not believed in the Lord Jesus Christ will quickly come to His feet. He is coming very quickly and soon to judge the sinful world. Haha, one student is camera shy. That's is why you can't see her.

Thank God for completed entries for competitions

2006-11-24T09:37:00.000+08:00

Finally, the students have completed their work! Thank God especially for the School Video Award(SVA) competition; there is a video expert who came to my school to help the students to complete it. Some students find it a drag to come for the sessions that I had with them while some students enjoyed it. Never the least, I think most of them enjoyed the filming process. The most tedious time is to do the storyboard for the video and also the video filming process. I have to keep on reminding my students to complete it quickly and not to waste precious time. It is sad that I make a student angry during one of the sessions. I was not intentional and I regretted it a lot. I have already apologised to her. I hope that she is not angry with me now. Thank God that through this competition, I am able to interact with the students and also being able to know them a bit better. I also want to thank God for giving me committed students who are willing to sacrifice their holiday to completed both Animania and SVA Competition. I hope that I will have the opportunity to witness to them and tell them more about Christ. There will be a gospel meeting in my church on 17th Dec, Christmas Service on 24th Dec and Christmas Gospel Chalet at the Changi Chalet on 26th Dec. I pray that the Lord will by all means save some souls into His kingdom! Halleluia (Praise the Lord)!

Thank God for Witnessing to Students

2006-11-20T16:35:00.000+08:00

Thank God for being able to witness to my students because of the School Video Award competition. On last 16th November 2006, Thursday, I managed to lead one student to Christ. Truly this is a very joyful occasion. I hope to be able to bring them to the Chirstmas Service and also the Christmas Gospel Chalet. May God be meciful to them and save some into His kingdom. Amen!

Exams Over:)

2006-11-20T16:13:00.000+08:00

Thank God that my Piano Grade 5 Theory exams and FEBC night class exams were finally over! Well I am now waiting for my results. I am excited about the coming Church Camp at Batam and also the Mission Trip to Kuantan and Kemaman.

Thank God!

2006-08-09T07:15:00.000+08:00

Below are the few things that I want to thank God for:

1) My piano playing has improved, I can read the base clef more quickly now.
2) My classroom management in school has improved. Fellow colleagues noticed that I am more strict with the students compared to last year.
3) I can attend the night class at Far Eastern Bible College to study "The Life of Christ II"

God's Blessings in 2005

2006-02-26T22:08:00.000+08:00

As I pondered upon what the Lord had blessed me with in 2005, I want to echo this verse that I found:

Genesis 49:25 Even by the God of thy father, who shall help thee; and by the Almighty, who shall bless thee with blessings of heaven above, blessings of the deep that lieth under, blessings of the breasts, and of the womb:

Truly the Lord will not withhold His blessing from us! Below is the record of blessings that I can think of, that the Lord had blessed me with last year:

:: Thank God for ::

1. being one of the 3 leaders in Shomerim in 2005 (although I am not a good leader and was not willing at the beginning, God still used me).

2. being more caring towards others because I was a leader.

3. constantly reminding me of my sins in His Word and teaching from God's servants as I had to lead by example.

4. being able to encourage a brother, using God's Word, who was feeling down and wanted to depart from the faith.

5. a good, less stressful job with lots of free time.

6. having time to learn the piano, attend Prayer Meetings, Christian fellowship and Bible studies because of my not-so-stressful job.

7. service to the Lord as a pianist at the Prayer Meetings (despite the fact that I am not good enough and still need a lot of practice).

8. distinction in my grade 5 piano exam and for having a good piano teacher.

9. brethren and my grandmother who lent me money to buy the new piano.

10. an anonymous person who sponsored half of my fees for the night class at the second half of the year.

11. faith being strengthened as I attended the 2 Monday night classes.

12. being able to complete the FEBC night class reading assignment of the NT in the second semester. In doing that, I understand the NT more and was blessed through the long duration of readings.

13. opportunity to share God's Word in the Youth Camp and Shomerim special gathering (God spoke to me as I was preparing the exhortations).

14. more opportunities to serve God, whether it be music or Church-related ministry, and for the talents that the Lord has given me.

15. the conviction of not listening to the Chinese pop song channels; in doing that, my mind became more focused on Christian and Classical Music.

16. somehow being able to complete the reading of the whole Bible in 3 years (hopefully I did not accidentally miss a chapter because sometimes I forgot where I had stopped).

17. keeping my faith as I see brethren leaving the Church; I felt sad for them. Pray that the Lord will bring them back one day.

Thank God for attending Night Class

2005-11-14T16:32:00.000+08:00

Thank God for this opportunity of being able to hear God's Word in this semester in FEBC. Truly I acknowledged that the time spend during all the Mondays were indeed worth while. At first, I did not want to take credit for this semester cause I am afraid that I will be busy. Another reason is that I have some financial problem at that point of time. Never the less, God has His own plan. I shared during one of the prayer meetings that I was considering whether to take credit or not.

During that week, on Sunday, a sister in Christ passed to me forty dollars and she said that someone is willing to pay half of the fees for me. After looking at the requirements of this module and also making prayer unto God, I decided to take the step of faith.

Before attending the class, I must acknowledge that my spiritual life do not have any improvement. In fact, I felt a bit down. As I begin to study God's Word, there is this peace and joy in my heart. I had never spent so much time in studying God's Word. Never did I imagine that I can study more than one hour without feeling much tiredness. I had read the New Testament two years ago. During that time, I had been rushing through the reading as it was the church resolution to complete the reading of New Testament in a year. I did not benefit much for that moment of time.

However, never did I expect that I am able to complete the New Testament reading in half a year and this time with much understanding. Truly, I must thank God for giving me the wisdom and desire to seek His Word. There are two things that have left a deep memory in my mind. I have always wanted to know more about the canonisation of the King James Bible. Thank God that this doctrine had been wonderfully preached and now I appreciate the Bible that I had held now. My faith is greatly strengthen to know that God's Word will never perish. God had breathed in His Words for us and He will preserve His Words forever! It is really important for me to know this or my faith may be shakened. Thank God for this assurance of His Word in the Holy scriptures itself.

I also have some doubts regarding why the King James Bible in the year 1611 include the book of Apocrypha and now the King James Bible does not include it in now. After that, I came to know that during the translation, the King James translators did not translate this part of the scripture seriously. Later on the church fathers acknowledge that this portion of scripture is not the Words of God. This is why now King James Bible does not include the book of Apocrypha.

Another interesting thing that I learn is that the King James Translators took God's Word very seriously. When they came to write the name of God, “Elohim or Yahweh”, they need to bathe themselves clean before writing it. This reminds me that I have to treat the Word of God very seriously also. I also learn that it is important to know the author of the book that I am studying. This gives me an idea of what kind of perspective I should have before even embarking in the studying of God's Word.

It was also after attending the night class then I came to know what is verbal plenary inspiration and verbal plenary preservation. Satan never fails to attack God's Word. Knowing this doctrine has helped me to defend God's Word more confidently. Truly, it is hard to defend God's Word if you say that some parts of the Bible is not preserve by God. I cannot make myself to think what will other religious people will think if we ourselves cannot even trust God's Word.

The next one is regarding 1 Corinthians 13. One of my favourite portion of the scripture is 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a. This few verses tells me what is true love. I even compose a song regarding these verses. Thank God that now I understand the whole chapter after attending the night class. For verse 10, I also want to thank God that now I am convince that the “perfect” in the verse refers to the Bible. Now I can explain to the Charismatic friends what does the word “perfect” means. In the past, I thought that it means the second coming of Christ.

For the four gospels, it is new to me that the four books can be categorised as Lion for the book of Matthew, Ox for the box of Mark, Man for the book of Luke and Eagle for the book of John. These are quite similar to the four beasts in Revelation 4:7, except that the Ox is replace by calf. By using the four animals to represent the four gospels, it really helps me to understand the gospels better. Now I know that the Lion represents Christ as a king, Ox represents Jesus as a servant, Man represent Jesus as the perfect man and Eagle represents Jesus as God Himself. These summarise the four gospels, truly amazing!

Thanks to God that I have now found many verses in the new testament that are worth remembering. It covers a lot of areas like how should we live our life, how we ought to behave towards God and Man, how we can encourage brethren, how we should not stumble a brethren, awareness of false teaching and false prophets and also our great commission to preach the gospel and many other more precious truth. Thank God also for small blessings on the way. Next year, if God willing, I hope that I can still continue to attend the night class. Truly, attending night class is a foretaste of heaven! Alleluia!

Psalms 19:7 and 10:

“The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold:” sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. “

Praise God for good piano exam results

2005-09-16T12:53:00.000+08:00

8th Sep 2005 is a memoriable day to me. On that evening, I went to a Music School at Jurong Central for my piano lesson. When I reach there, I was glad to see that the piano exams results were released. I started praying for the results and I hope that God will help me to accept the results whatever He gives me.

As i look through the list a few times, I couldn't find my name there. For once I was thinking, God did I fail the piano exam? I started looking through the distinction list. To my great surprise, I saw my name there. I look at my marks and it reads 131! I got a distinction for my piano exams! I couldn't believe it! Immediately I was overwhelmed with joy and I prayed a thanksgiving prayer unto the Lord!

Throughly it is God's given gift and grace. I only started really and seriously learning the piano since last year. I acknowledge that all good things come from God! He always gives the best for his children. I also started playing for my church prayer meeting since beginning of the year. God has truly blessed me. Even though I did not play very well, I was given the opportunity to play once in the sunday worship service this year. It was a very trembling experience, but God gives me the grace to go through it. Truly, I have picked up piano so fast is sorely because I use my talents to serve God.

Finally my brethren, I want to urge you all if you have the calling to serve in any area, do your best unto the Lord! Do not give up easily but persevere on. Just like me, you did your best and God will do the rest! God will bless you richly in your service to Him.

Heb 6:14 Saying, Surely blessing I will bless thee, and multiplying I will multiply thee.

God+Piano+Guitar=alant80

2010 Thanksgiving (Late)

Thank God that I had removed these DVDs

Thank God that He is always faithful

Thank God I started daily devotion early in the morning

Thank God for a friend that wrote this for me

Thank God for excellent Ipoh Trip!

10 things to thank God for in 2009

Thank God for converting a soul

Thank God for wisdom to do my assignment in my course

Yup! Thank God for His Word on Charity

Thank God that my Pastor visited my mum

Thank God for good Christian teachers

Thank God for looking after our Nation and my work so far!

Thank God that the legged robot was finally done

Thank God for the 1st May Chinese Gospel Meeting

Thank God for safe return mission trip from Tanjong Balai

Thank God for a new job

Thank God for the Cantata on "No Greater Love"

God arranged photo shoot!

Thank God for a new job in this great economic crisis!

Thank God for burden to do sometime for Shomerim

So many blessings for year 2008!

Thank God for wisdom in helping me to write my testimony to my friends

Thank God for a soul save during evangelism

My Cute God-Daughter 1st Month

Thank God for a Blessed Church Camp

Thank God for His Mercy and chance given to my friend

Thank God for the mission trip (19th-21st Nov 2008)

Thank God for patience

Thank God for that my friend came to church

13th November 2008-Thank God for a nice birthday celebration

Thank God my God-daughter was born this morning

Thank God that for NICA my school won 2 awards.

Thank God for attending the gospel workshop

I thought you were my friend....

My friend, I stand in judgment now and feel that you’re to blame somehow.While on this earth I walked with you day by day and you never did point the way.

You know the Lord in truth and glory but never did you ever tell the story.My knowledge then was very dim, you could have led me safe to Him.

Though we lived together here on earth, you never told me of your second birth.And now I stand this day condemned because you failed to mention Him.

You taught me many things, that’s true.I called you friend and trusted you.But I learned now that it’s too late, you could have kept me from this fate.

We walked by day and talked by night, and yet you showed me not the light.And you let me live, love, and die, and all the while you knew I’d never live on high.

Yes, I called you friend in life and I trusted you in joy and strife.And yet in coming to this end, I see you really weren’t my friend.

by D. J. Higgins

Thank God for receiving forgiveness from a friend

Thank God for a well spend day

Praise the Lord! God did it again.

Thank God for good fellowship on Saturday afternoon

Thank God for good progress in my piano playing

Thank God for a friend who still remembers me

Thank God for Church 21st Anniversary

Thank God for the Youth Camp

Thank God for In Camp Training

Thank God for long time friends that have celebrated my birthday

Thank God for preserving my faith

Thank God that my Mother attended the Easter Worship Service

元宵节感谢主

A Great Day to thank God for His love

Thank God for the Message heard

Lord help me to wait on you

Spirit of Thanksgiving

Thank God for 2007

Thank God for Church Camp

Church Camp 2007

Thank God for this week

Thank God for studying Calvin's Institutes II

Thank God for messages heard

Thank God for smooth piano playing

Thank God for a pass in Grade 6 piano exams

Thank for message on loving your brothers & sisters in Christ

Thank God for Grade 6 piano exams finally over!

Thank God for encouragement along the way

Thank God for small encouragement during testing

Thank God for a tender heart

God is testing me again.

My Cute Niece Again

Thank God for sharing the gospel

My tribute to a demise friend

5 Days of Thanksgiving

Thank God for pay increment!

Thank God for sharing the gospel with a friend

My friend, I stand in judgment now and feel that you’re to blame somehow.
While on this earth I walked with you day by day and you never did point the way.

You know the Lord in truth and glory but never did you ever tell the story.
My knowledge then was very dim, you could have led me safe to Him.

Though we lived together here on earth, you never told me of your second birth.
And now I stand this day condemned because you failed to mention Him.

You taught me many things, that’s true.
I called you friend and trusted you.
But I learned now that it’s too late, you could have kept me from this fate.

We walked by day and talked by night, and yet you showed me not the light.
And you let me live, love, and die, and all the while you knew I’d never live on high.

Yes, I called you friend in life and I trusted you in joy and strife.
And yet in coming to this end, I see you really weren’t my friend.