*+_Praise † Grace_+*

Last Sunday was perhaps a new milestone for me. By the grace of God, I was given the opportunity to serve as a bassist in the worship team. It was exciting for me, as playing an instrument is never really a thing for me. I believe it was God's timing for me to step out of what was comfortable for me, in order that I may explore the grace of God in my areas of weaknesses. The worship team was not in form in any way humanly speaking. Our most talented guitarist Jemil was unavailable to serve. It was down to the pianist and the bassist to set the music for the worship session. At the same time, our worship leader was troubled by sore throat and flu. Co-leaders were new and were not ready to take over the lead. Yes, we were a mess. But I believe it was exactly that mess, that I was reassured of the all-sufficient grace of God. While playing the bass and backup singing at the same time, I truly experience what was a God empowered worship of God. I found myself overflowing with ...

Today was the second activity of USM KKJ Christian Fellowship for Academic Year 2014/15. It is also Theme Talk: a very important night for our CF members to know and understand where we are heading this year. Benjamin, as the newly elected President, was under a lot of pressure. I thoroughly enjoyed the night. Benjamin did extraordinarily well in bringing the members step-by-step into the heart of the Theme this year: God's Character, My Encounter. At the end of the event, as Benjamin sits in my car, we realised as President and (ex-)Vice President, along with Jason, we all shared the same doubt: What's gonna happen to CF? I recalled how clueless we were when Jason and I were the Presidents. It was in our hands to steer CF into the direction in which we will glorify God. Our inabilities to see the future put a lot of pressure on us to make decisions. Jason asked me: What's gonna happen to CF? Honestly, I didn't know. I was a clueless as Jason was. Even ...

For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit.  Romans 8:5 Even as I read the New Testament, particularly Roman 8, there is a resounding message: Things of the Spirit. Contrary to the "Word of Faith" or more commonly known as the Prosperity Gospel, the Bible constantly put our focus on the things of the Spirit. As I read Romans 8, I simply cannot agree nor comprehend that the promise and reward of God is anything tangible like wealth and health. Instead, Romans 8 constantly speaks of the Spirit, which is life. Romans 8 also speaks of hope and promised glory as adopted sons. To make the contrast worse, Romans 8 mentioned that as heirs of God, we share in suffering with Christ, in order that we may also share in His glory. If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also ...

Indeed, what happened in church today swept me off my feet today. I was taken aback by where the church is heading. I shall not recount anything more than the sermon preached today: heresy. What shocked me further was the response of the congregation: they responded. The church invited a speaker today, and it was beyond doubt that he was preaching Prosperity Gospel. My spirit stirred and was disturbed in me, I couldn't move as an interpreter. For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.  2 Timothy 4:3-4 The modern church is so concerned with our lesser earthly pursuits, we are so blind to see the far greater promise and reward of God through Christ: that is, Christ Himself and an eternity spent with Him. The church fails to see the beauty of God and resorts to see our spiritua...

Today is the first day of a new academic year. This is my Final Year. The day when I entered USM Engineering Campus was like yesterday. I was thoroughly excited. The campus is alive again, after about two and a half months of dead silence. I love it! Meeting people is the most exciting part. They all have different stories to tell. Their holiday trips, part time job, family stories, industrial training, 24-hour sleep, and etc., is simply exhilarating. I believe fresh beginnings empower people, while at the same time, it may bring new fears for the unknown future. ~~~~ The salvation of Christ brings a new beginning for everyone who receives it. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.  2 Corinthians 5:17 A new beginning is exciting. Even as we receive Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, it mark a new beginning for all of us. We leave behind our terrible past, and venture into a new future. It marks ...

And he said to his disciples, “Temptations to sin (stumbling blocks) are sure to come, but woe to the one through whom they come! It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were cast into the sea than that he should cause one of these little ones to sin (stumble).  Luke 17:1-2 It was indeed an enjoyable trip back home. I'm not sure if it's a blessing but for the last few trips back home including this one, someone in my extended family is set to win some lottery money. I'm regard it as a blessing anyway because I get to eat good and expensive food, for free! I'll gratefully enjoy what is given to me. I thank God for the long Merdeka weekend that I spent, but it's finally time to go home. But the trip back to Penang was not easy. Multiple maintenance project and the heavy downpour is slowing the traffic at certain places. It's really frustrating when I was enjoying the speed and had to slow down because of the traffic jam....