firstly, i wanna say thanks to ko irvan for teaching me such a wonderful thing last night.
yesterday, i was actually quite busy. but then, i asked ko irvan whether he needs any help with anything (long story.. =P). he told me to lead the praise and worship for today's cell.
lead?! so not me! i have such a huge stage fright!!
I CANNOT DO IT!
he struck back at me saying, "don't tell me you cannot do it until you try".
and i don't know what, but something inside me tells me to do it. being the very ""superstitious"" (that's what people call my character i guess) child i am, i know that God is telling me to try too.
truthfully, something inside of me loves music so much. ever since young, i want to learn how to play the piano. ever since upper secondary, i want to learn how to play guitar, and take up singing lessons. but i don't dare at those times.
i look back now: what if i have done them? will i be in my church praise and worship team now?
my point? i didn't try those things when i had the chance, now it's regret (although i know i'm not supposed to). i believe that God has given me a chance to miss these things because He wants me to testify about this now. if i hadn't missed the chances, i don't think i'll be saying all these now.
anyways, really try anything for the glory of God. you know in Christ that we have a guarantee of the Prize. but what's in between is for you to decide - it's a choice! if you don't really know what is you forte now, i suggest you pray, and dare to take risks in doing things for the glory of our God!
who knows? - the next thing you do can let you glorify Jesus for the rest of your life!
in the grace of God,
andrew
[p.s. i did screw up a few parts in 2 of the 4 songs i lead. at least i learn my lessons. it's not that i cannot lead, but i just need to learn more about leading. =) ]
Friday, February 23, 2007
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
amazing grace
i am reading the book "captured by grace" by david jeremiah right now. it is very very touching. and i have never heard of the song "amazing grace" by chris tomlin until last night.
when zhao kai called me to check the movie listings on the web, i came across the section on "upcoming movies". and apparently, there is a movie coming up soon on 23rd feb about john newton. i really feel that it is a must-see movie! i have read the book and i'm so touched by it.
and then, i realise that last sunday is actually the 200th anniversary for the freedom of slaves by john newton. more than 100 churches sang the song together, which is one of the dreams i hope that i will take part in. oh well... some other day... =P
the song "amazing grace" (obviously) is found in the trailer of the movie. and it's sung by chris tomlin, a Christian singer whom i so adore. anyways, he re-sung the song and it is so beautiful. today, i found the song, and i memorized the lyrics to it. very very meaningful.
when zhao kai called me to check the movie listings on the web, i came across the section on "upcoming movies". and apparently, there is a movie coming up soon on 23rd feb about john newton. i really feel that it is a must-see movie! i have read the book and i'm so touched by it.
and then, i realise that last sunday is actually the 200th anniversary for the freedom of slaves by john newton. more than 100 churches sang the song together, which is one of the dreams i hope that i will take part in. oh well... some other day... =P
the song "amazing grace" (obviously) is found in the trailer of the movie. and it's sung by chris tomlin, a Christian singer whom i so adore. anyways, he re-sung the song and it is so beautiful. today, i found the song, and i memorized the lyrics to it. very very meaningful.
Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)
by Chris Tomlin
Amazing grace
How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now I'm found
Was blind, but now I see
'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear
And grace my fears relieved
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed
My chains are gone
I've been set free
My God, my Savior has ransomed me
And like a flood His mercy reigns
Unending love, Amazing grace
The Lord has promised good to me
His word my hope secures
He will my shield and portion be
As long as life endures
The earth shall soon dissolve like snow
The sun forbear to shine
But God, Who called me here below
Will be forever mine
Will be forever mine
You are forever mine
by Chris Tomlin
Amazing grace
How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now I'm found
Was blind, but now I see
'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear
And grace my fears relieved
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed
My chains are gone
I've been set free
My God, my Savior has ransomed me
And like a flood His mercy reigns
Unending love, Amazing grace
The Lord has promised good to me
His word my hope secures
He will my shield and portion be
As long as life endures
The earth shall soon dissolve like snow
The sun forbear to shine
But God, Who called me here below
Will be forever mine
Will be forever mine
You are forever mine
read the lyrics slowly and meditate upon each line if you are willing to do so. because every line means so much more than the words themselves. as the titles say, the words are "amazing grace" - a gift from God. =)
in the grace of God,
andrew
in the grace of God,
andrew
the second chance
this is a review for the movie "a second chance". apparently, it's quite an old movie, but the movie is amazing overall.
if i am to judge, i'll give it 4.5 out of 5. the plot can be a little confusing. but if you watch it closely, it's more than a Christian message for believers, but it's a teaching for what is wrong with the whole world!
humility, teamwork, friendships, identity, charity, grace and mercy. righteousness, what is being a Christian, what it takes - the challenges, endurance, and most of all, the heart, soul and spirit.
it teaches me that everyone is unique in their own ways. but if we work together, nothing is impossible! and with the power of Christ in us, what if every Christian would have bowed down and tell a mountain to move? or even, what if one church bowed their heads, pray, put all their faith in Jesus and ask Him to heal the world? what a beauty it will be.
i'm combining this a little with the latest revelation i have about grace.
what if the world can be made a better place? everyone can. God placed us in this world for a purpose. He chose us to continue living because He has a great plan for us. and i believe that one of the purpose is to heal this world - to let others know about the grace of God. that's john newton's life. even though i only know a little part of him, i respect him so much! i can't say that enough.
he gave his life for the glory of the Lord completely. from a slave trader, newton fell on the ground and prayed. he teaches the love and hope God has in everyone. and most amazingly, he shared the grace of God. "amazing grace" - the greatest song (undoubtedly) in the world - was written to tell his story.
God has given everyone a purpose in their lives. it was up to them to find what is that purpose. if it was to give up your life for something new, do it! i believe - i know - that if that is God's purpose, that purpose He has prepared will be SOOOOOO much greater!
and the character (i forgot the name) played by michael w. smith has certainly shown that. a new hope for the church he loves. a new grace in his life for music ministry. it's such a beautiful revelation to find the purpose in life for God.
no matter how bad a person you are, God will be waiting for that utter of prayer: i am Yours Lord. tell me what You want me to do, and lead me in Your ways. He is waiting.
so patiently...
so lovingly...
so...
...faithfully...
after all,
if i am to judge, i'll give it 4.5 out of 5. the plot can be a little confusing. but if you watch it closely, it's more than a Christian message for believers, but it's a teaching for what is wrong with the whole world!
humility, teamwork, friendships, identity, charity, grace and mercy. righteousness, what is being a Christian, what it takes - the challenges, endurance, and most of all, the heart, soul and spirit.
it teaches me that everyone is unique in their own ways. but if we work together, nothing is impossible! and with the power of Christ in us, what if every Christian would have bowed down and tell a mountain to move? or even, what if one church bowed their heads, pray, put all their faith in Jesus and ask Him to heal the world? what a beauty it will be.
i'm combining this a little with the latest revelation i have about grace.
what if the world can be made a better place? everyone can. God placed us in this world for a purpose. He chose us to continue living because He has a great plan for us. and i believe that one of the purpose is to heal this world - to let others know about the grace of God. that's john newton's life. even though i only know a little part of him, i respect him so much! i can't say that enough.
he gave his life for the glory of the Lord completely. from a slave trader, newton fell on the ground and prayed. he teaches the love and hope God has in everyone. and most amazingly, he shared the grace of God. "amazing grace" - the greatest song (undoubtedly) in the world - was written to tell his story.
God has given everyone a purpose in their lives. it was up to them to find what is that purpose. if it was to give up your life for something new, do it! i believe - i know - that if that is God's purpose, that purpose He has prepared will be SOOOOOO much greater!
and the character (i forgot the name) played by michael w. smith has certainly shown that. a new hope for the church he loves. a new grace in his life for music ministry. it's such a beautiful revelation to find the purpose in life for God.
no matter how bad a person you are, God will be waiting for that utter of prayer: i am Yours Lord. tell me what You want me to do, and lead me in Your ways. He is waiting.
so patiently...
so lovingly...
so...
...faithfully...
after all,
in life, all human needs second chances. and let Jesus gives you the most amazing second chance you can get in your life - the Amazing Grace - the great Salvation - a new life.
in the grace of God,
andrew
andrew
Sunday, February 18, 2007
another new year?
i'm an indonesian chinese, but i don't know why i'm not a big fan of chinese new year. even though i'm a huge fan for the red packets (which i guess everyone is), but i'm so not a huge fan of the traditions...
a missing identity?
i think more like a change in identity.
today in church, reverend johannes spoke of a verse in the Bible. it's actually 2 verses in different books, but with the same meaning.
guess i'm not a chinese at heart and spirit anymore (unfortunately speaking, i guess)... i'm a Christian. i am still physically chinese. hope that it doesn't offend any of you, but it's just the way i feel.
tomorrow's orientation again. have to wake up in the morning at 10am... hopefully i can do it! so, cannot sleep too late i guess... and tonight, ci mar has to go to the hospital in the midst of the dinner with church for on-call duty. man!!! thinking about it make me so scared of the doctor life. rach and kel, three of us are so going to be busy lahhHHH!!!! (must cope! must cope!)
well, i still have devotions to write now, and several chapters in the Bible to read before going to bed (or rather to sleep since i'm on the bed already...). and to all,
a missing identity?
i think more like a change in identity.
today in church, reverend johannes spoke of a verse in the Bible. it's actually 2 verses in different books, but with the same meaning.
It is through faith that all of you are God's children in union with Christ Jesus. You were baptized into union with Christ, and now you are clothed, so to speak, with the life of Christ himself. So there is no difference between Jews and Gentiles, between slaves and free people, between men and women; you are all one in union with Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are the descendants of Abraham and will receive what God has promised.
[ Galatians 3 : 26-29 ]
[ Galatians 3 : 26-29 ]
guess i'm not a chinese at heart and spirit anymore (unfortunately speaking, i guess)... i'm a Christian. i am still physically chinese. hope that it doesn't offend any of you, but it's just the way i feel.
tomorrow's orientation again. have to wake up in the morning at 10am... hopefully i can do it! so, cannot sleep too late i guess... and tonight, ci mar has to go to the hospital in the midst of the dinner with church for on-call duty. man!!! thinking about it make me so scared of the doctor life. rach and kel, three of us are so going to be busy lahhHHH!!!! (must cope! must cope!)
well, i still have devotions to write now, and several chapters in the Bible to read before going to bed (or rather to sleep since i'm on the bed already...). and to all,
happy chinese new year!!! =)
in the grace of God,
andrew
andrew
welcome =)
i know i want to grow more in Christ, so i need help in doing so.
the truth is that i never read the Bible much because i'm not a big fan of history and actually got bored with many parts of the Old Testimonial. i know i have to change. but also, in the mean time, i have many devotionals that i want to share. it's all part of the books that i read, the song that i hear, and the thoughts that i have.
i want to know whether i'm right or wrong. and hopefully, i can grow with knowing what's the actual truth that is said in the Bible.
while doing so, i know i should read the Bible because it's our daily bread. i hope that God will bless me with the understanding of what is going on before Christ came to earth, the patience and acceptance for history, and the grace that God has poured into the world through the Bible.
thank you for commenting in advance, and i know that God will bless you Himself for you have blessed me with the help that you can give me. =)
in the grace of God,
andrew
the truth is that i never read the Bible much because i'm not a big fan of history and actually got bored with many parts of the Old Testimonial. i know i have to change. but also, in the mean time, i have many devotionals that i want to share. it's all part of the books that i read, the song that i hear, and the thoughts that i have.
i want to know whether i'm right or wrong. and hopefully, i can grow with knowing what's the actual truth that is said in the Bible.
while doing so, i know i should read the Bible because it's our daily bread. i hope that God will bless me with the understanding of what is going on before Christ came to earth, the patience and acceptance for history, and the grace that God has poured into the world through the Bible.
thank you for commenting in advance, and i know that God will bless you Himself for you have blessed me with the help that you can give me. =)
in the grace of God,
andrew
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