Tag Archive for 'God'

My guitaring..

Published
by
David
on March 17, 2005
in Pictures
. 4 Comments

As promised on Jon’s M I N D L E S S C O N F E S S I O N S, I’m just gonna give a testimony of how my guitaring came about, and how God has blessed me so much, in the area of music.

I remember my mother giving me lessons on the organ when I was younger. Oh how I hated those sessions. Since then, I only had interest in listening to music, but never to make any. The time came, when I was in Sunday School where they had a Youth Band set up. I picked up bass guitaring there, but was never good at it other than 1 note per chord and some walking chords. Dropped it when I came over to Subang, but picked up interest in music and worship.. and well, guitars. The place that I hang out is called Eagles’ Nest [ mm... ring any bells? ], and they have 2 classical guitars there. Whenever I didn’t have anything to do [ which was quite often ], I’ll brush up on holding my chords and tried to strum. Was pretty sucky then, but praise God for some guidance. People like TzeHoong, who taught me how to strum and JonathanTse, which later showed me a lot of variations to chords.

Just to sidetrack, at this moment of time.. after coming off a sloppy relationship, I really ran after God and for the life that He planned/destined me to live. I began to realize the worth of worship in my life, I longed to worship God with my lips, and also with everything that I had. That was when I committed my life of music to God. The reason why I picked up guitaring was because I wanted to worship God during my quiet time.

So, after being able to play a little bit.. I started borrowing other people’s guitar home to play, during my quiet times with God and yeah, I began to see the need to own a guitar. I began praying that God would provide the finances and waited lor. That’s how, V came about.

V
V, pronounced as “vee“
Was back in Penang for my 2 month break from college. It was a Friday, when I spent the better part of the day scouting for a guitar to buy. I had only about RM200 plus in my bank account and some cash in my wallet, and that was my budget, basically. When I got back, I told my mom that I went out guitar hunting. She knows that I have been playing the guitar, and doesn’t really fancy anything that would distract me from my studies. I mentioned to her, that I saw a particular guitar, and that I wanted to buy it. She asked me how much it would cost me, and I said,”Rm350.” She was surprised that it wasn’t expensive. Maybe she had the impression that guitars weren’t cheap. Anyhow, she asked me if I had enough money.. and I said,”Yeah, I’ve got just enough.” She said,”Really meh? I saw your ATM withdrawal slip the other day, and you have less than RM300!” I was surprised that she knew how much money I had. Hahaha.

The amazing thing that happened was.. She just said to me,”Ah, nevermind. I’ll buy it for you.” I was very surprised because she normally isn’t supportive of these things. She even asked my older brother to chip in a little money! He even agreed! I was overjoyed. I bought the guitar the next day, Saturday the 23rd November 2002. This is my.. 4th year, playing the guitar and it’s been wonderful so far.

Today, I praise God for being able to project the gift of playing that He has given to me in church, CF and Cell worship sessions. Truly, I stand as a testimony that when you desire to give of yourself to God, be it something that you have, or don’t have… according to His desire, He will bless you with it. Being able to play like how I do today, WITHOUT going for guitar lessons in such a short time is quite amazing. I remember Elisa once requesting that I play a song, and I really didn’t know how to, at that time. She thought I was.. joking. After awhile, she realized that I wasn’t lying.. but after only one year, I was playing in church.

Guitaring is part of my life, just like anyone of you is part of my life. It will always be.

To God be the glory.

David[woohoo!]

Rain Down

Published
by
David
on March 10, 2005
in Songs
. 2 Comments

This song just came back to me, after a long absence from my list of songs. Still waiting to use it. Powerful, and dynamic song.

Rain Down - Planet Shakers
Verse 1:
I am falling to my knees
I need You Lord to breathe in me
My prayer is still the same
My heart is calling out Your namePre-Chorus:
Sweet anointing fill this place
I am found in Your embrace

Chorus:
Rain down on me
Rain down on me
Here in Your presence I am free
Pour out like rain
Come and touch me again
Lord let Your presence fall on me

Verse 2:
I am longing just to see
Your power and Your majesty

Bridge:
Sweet anointing
Wash me over

Spent time worshipping God this morning, and I am brought to remembrance, the anointing that I need in my life, to carry out the things that I do for Him. Without it, all that I do is in vain. But if the Lord’s anointing is upon me [ and/or you ], He is doing His work through you and I. I need to learn about His anointing.

David[woohoo!]

great gain..

Published
by
David
on March 9, 2005
in General
. 4 Comments

1 Timothy 6:6
Godliness with contentment is great gain
Godliness

Matthew 6:33
But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things shall be given to you as well.

Contentment

Philippians 4:11-13
I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all everything through Him who gives me strength.

I’m just dwelling upon the Word that was preached last Sunday, by Ps. Stanley during service. I always like his sermons, because it’s always very applicable, and it challenges your train of thought.

Two things that we should never worry about, food and clothing. It’s kinda clear where it’s mentioned in Matthew 6:25,”Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important that food, and the body more important than clothes?” Then it ends at Matthew 6:33, which was quoted above.

This puts a whole new perspective of God’s providence. Of course, contentment doesn’t mean that we shun promotions, monetary gifts [ angpau, hehe! ], or only desire to live minimally just because we got the meaning of contentment wrong. Being blessed with wealth and living comfortable isn’t wrong in itself. But desiring wealth, love of money makes it wrong.

1 Timothy 6:7-10
For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinda of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs

So, seeking wealth, and desiring to live a luxurious, carefree life is wrong. I like what my Life Application Bible says of how to keep away from the love of money.

  1. Realize that one day riches will be gone
  2. Be content with what you have
  3. Monitor what you are willing to do to get more money
  4. Love people more than money
  5. Love God’s work more than money
  6. Freely share what you have with others

I really like it because to a certain extend, I’m already working towards that without me knowing it. Well, it could be that I am a bit carefree with money [ negative point.. ].. hmm..!

But really, I realize that I need to be truly content. I still find myself WANTING more stuff. And.. well, even though it’s still thoughts of more stuff.. but we all know the train of thought. Once you don’t stop it, it’ll choo-choo all the way to action! [ hmm... pun intended!] I’m still being held at bay by two things. One is that I still don’t have an income. Secondly, it’s…

1 Corinthian 10:23-24
“Everything is permissible”- but not everything is beneficial.”Everything is permissible”- but not everything is constructive. Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others.

Yeah. Oh… another one. The thought of whether it is a want, or a need? Well, when I mentioned that I still want a lot of things… it kinda helps when you weigh it on the “Want Or Need” scale. Hehe. The Bible then mentioned in Philippians 4:19 that “And my God will meet all your needs, according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

Of course, God never mentioned that He shall supply/meet all our wants, but of course, He did mention that we should delight ourselves in Him, and He shall give us the desires of our hearts. Psalms 37:4. Ehe.

Man, my God is awesome.

David[woohoo!]

back by popular demand..

Published
by
David
on March 4, 2005
in Faith
. 0 Comments

Just a bit of update..1. Was bummed the whole day yesterday. Didn’t feel peaceful the whole day, but praise God for good rest and praise God for today. Indeed, as someone shared with me;

Hebrews 12:1-3
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked our for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Of course, I wasn’t really needed to … meet anyone, or lead something that required of me, so I was having my off day. But even in my off day, I was really off! Ahaha. Don’t know if anyone around me noticed, but I guess everyone’s entitled to one bad day in a year. But then again, God calls us to be ready and prepared in and out of season! So how? Aha! *zhengzhengzhengzheng! Well, I suppose I would be who I am when the need be!

I remember a certain week when I was just going through a bad time on Thursday night. Ahead of me was worship in CF, worship in Cell, class, meeting with the supervisor of my group project, and a whole lot… in the weekend. I rarely have bad times, as I’ve learnt to .. cast all my cares upon Jesus but this was really a bad time. Prepared all I needed to prepare for Friday, slept at 4.. and got up at 8. In the morning, when I was just spending time with God, I couldn’t help but to just cry before Him and allow Him to just minister to me. Well, to cut the long story short, I worship lead like I normally do, I was at Cell like I normally am, and I was myself for the whole day.

The passage spoke about… throwing off everything that hinders us from being who we are, the real person inside. I guess you could look at it in two ways. One is that you throw off the things that prevents you from being yourself or take your time unnecessarily, such as TV, internet, Playstation, and all the other distractions. The other is more of a internal thing. Some things, you just can’t deal with them.. at that moment or particular time. So why let it bother you the whole day? Just commit it to the Lord, and move on for the day. Call it emotional management, call it laying off the unnecessary worries… but at the end of the day, Jesus will always be there to help us through that situation or problem.

But of course, different people have different levels of managing their life. I ain’t good at it yet, but I’m coping. My principles are still standing.

Be who God has called you to be, whenever and wherever you are needed.

2. I’ve been thinking. A lot. But I think I need to … give it a rest. So yeah, if you talk to me, and I don’t respond as myself, I was not thinking at that moment. [ Hehe... what an excuse to talk rubbish! ]. No, no. I can’t do that. I guess I’ll just not think about it.

David[woohoo!]

PS: Here’s to a new day! *raises a cup of water

indeed…

Published
by
David
on March 3, 2005
in Songs
. 0 Comments

What a friend we have in Jesus

Verse 1:
What a friend we have in Jesus
All our sins and grief to bear!
Oh what privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer!

O what peace we often forfeit
O what needless pain we bear
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer!

Verse 2
Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged
Take it to the Lord in prayer

Can we find a friend so faithful
Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness
Take it to the Lord in prayer

Verse 3
Are we weak and heavy laden
Cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Saviour, still our refuge
Take it to the Lord in prayer

Do thy friends despise forsake thee?
Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In His arms He’ll take and shield thee
Thou wilt find a solace there
Amen.

the steadfast love…

Published
by
David
on February 28, 2005
in Faith
. 7 Comments

The steadfast love of the Lord
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases
His mercies never come to an end
They are new, every morning
New, every morningGreat is Thy faithfulness O Lord
Great is Thy faithfulness

Have been having this song in my head for a couple of days now. You know how a song comes into your mind, and lingers there? I think it was the morning I sent out a short message with the passage from Lamentations 3:22-26.

David[woohoo!]

God’s anointing…

Published
by
David
on February 24, 2005
in Faith
. 5 Comments

God’s been speaking to me about His anointing. Here are some of my thoughts of it.

1. It’s important, in everything that you do.
- Having God’s anointing is having His blessings, coupled with His spirit, authority, power and strength. Without it, we cannot do the work of the Lord effectively.

2. It is specific to individuals.
- I think it also corresponds to the gifts of the spirit that we all have. When we seek God for the gifts, He will give gifts according to our calling, and with it comes anointing to fully use that gift.
Hebrews 2:4, 1 Corinthians 12

3. Losing it is the last thing you want to happen.
- How do you lose it? Just deny it. If you’ve got a worship leading anointing, or song writing anointing, but choose to do something else unrelated, then you might just lose it.

4. We must constantly seek God to move, through His anointing upon our lives.
- It’s like doing something you’re good at. When you constantly practice, and familliarize yourself with it… then you’ll be good at it. With the anointing, you need to move with it. But we should also keep from thinking that we know it too well.

5. Anointing can be removed.
Well, when God wants to place you in another area to use you, or to make you grow in that area, anointing can be removed. Of course, we shouldn’t feel remorse or resentment… but to allow God to use us in greater measure.

David[woohoo!]

PS: Any thoughts?

new, every morning…

Published
by
David
on February 20, 2005
in Faith
. 1 Comment

Lamentations 3:22-26
22 Through the LORD’s mercies we are not consumed,
Because His compassions fail not.
23 They are new every morning;
Great is Your faithfulness.
24 “The LORD is my portion,” says my soul,
“Therefore I hope in Him!”
25 The LORD is good to those who wait for Him,
To the soul who seeks Him.
26 It is good that one should hope and wait quietly
For the salvation of the LORD.

devotion..

Published
by
David
on February 2, 2005
in Faith
. 6 Comments

Psalms 119:11
Your word I have hidden in my heart,
That I might not sin against You.

That was yesterday’s Word. Knowing God’s Word really keeps me from sin. At times when there are moments just before sinning that the Holy Spirit convicts. If there’s no Word in our lives, what does the Holy Spirit have to convict us with? Yes, we may hear voices in our head saying that the thing that we are about to do might be wrong… but why is it wrong? That’s why we have to hide God’s word in our hearts.

Romans 10:17
So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

This is today’s Word. It’s sad how some Christians don’t see the need to go to church. They think that staying at home, and reading the Bible is sufficient in their walk in Christ. Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God!! Reality check! Hearing can come in many forms:

1. Pastor’s sermon on Sunday - Yes, we only listen, but we must question further and ponder upon what God wants to reveal to us through His Word that is preached through the pastor.
2. Bible study groups - In depth studies of the Bible with a group of people, where people share their knowledge about the Word of God
3. Cell Group - the Word is put forth during Word time. Listening to other people’s experience of the Word of God
4. Reading of the Word during personal quiet time with the Lord - I remember reading out loud, 1 Peter 5:1-10 out loud in my room, and then proceeded to reading it out loud to my housemate, sharing with her! I can tell you that it did something to my faith. My soul was kinda downcast before that, and I opened up my Bible. I was reminded of the verse that says,”Cast your cares upon Him, for He cares for you” and I looked it up. Lo and behold, the whole passage just spoke to me and I was .. set free! Felt so different after reading the Word aloud. It makes a difference, hearing the Word of God compared to .. thinking the Word of God.

So start hearing the Word of God!

David[woohoo!]

when we struggle to obey…

Published
by
David
on January 19, 2005
in Faith
. 2 Comments

Obedience isn’t on the list of my favourite words in the Bible. Ps. Julie once mentioned this:

Obedience means letting go of one’s own will and taking upon God’s will in their life

I pause to think of the many times when I struggled to obey.. and I think of that many times when I struggled with it alone. Today, I realize that struggles with obedience to the Lord really can’t be overcome with our own strength. I mean, that’s what I already know, so why am I saying it? The difference here is that there is comfort that God will work through us, and in us, to will and to act.. according to His purpose! [†]

Even Jesus had to ask for strength to stay on the path of obedience. I mean, He’s like, God you know.. and obedience to the point of death.. isn’t exactly a bed of roses [ *bad understatement ].

Take heart, God will help us obey.

David[woohoo!