Have you ever prayed that prayer? God will use you, most likely in a way that you cannot imagine.
"Do you love me?", Jesus asked. "Then love my sheep."
May all learn to love UNCONDITIONALLY. Seriously.
When the test comes, will you fight or run?
I prayed for God to use me.
I prayed to God to teach me to love.
I prayed to God to do something amazing through me.
I prayed for God to build my faith.
Every past step in life, is to prepare you for the very next step.
Whatever you do, do it such that you never need to look back and think that you could have done better for God's Kingdom.
God, I trust you. I trust you. I trust you. Only you.
Awed yet Bewildered.
Bertrand
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Psalm 62
1 My soul finds rest in God alone;
my salvation comes from him.
2 He alone is my rock and my salvation;
he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.
3 How long will you assault a man?
Would all of you throw him down—
this leaning wall, this tottering fence?
4 They fully intend to topple him
from his lofty place;
they take delight in lies.
With their mouths they bless,
but in their hearts they curse. Selah
5 Find rest, O my soul, in God alone;
my hope comes from him.
6 He alone is my rock and my salvation;
he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.
7 My salvation and my honor depend on God;
he is my mighty rock, my refuge.
8 Trust in him at all times, O people;
pour out your hearts to him,
for God is our refuge. Selah
9 Lowborn men are but a breath,
the highborn are but a lie;
if weighed on a balance, they are nothing;
together they are only a breath.
10 Do not trust in extortion
or take pride in stolen goods;
though your riches increase,
do not set your heart on them.
11 One thing God has spoken,
two things have I heard:
that you, O God, are strong,
12 and that you, O Lord, are loving.
Surely you will reward each person
according to what he has done.
1 My soul finds rest in God alone;
my salvation comes from him.
2 He alone is my rock and my salvation;
he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.
3 How long will you assault a man?
Would all of you throw him down—
this leaning wall, this tottering fence?
4 They fully intend to topple him
from his lofty place;
they take delight in lies.
With their mouths they bless,
but in their hearts they curse. Selah
5 Find rest, O my soul, in God alone;
my hope comes from him.
6 He alone is my rock and my salvation;
he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.
7 My salvation and my honor depend on God;
he is my mighty rock, my refuge.
8 Trust in him at all times, O people;
pour out your hearts to him,
for God is our refuge. Selah
9 Lowborn men are but a breath,
the highborn are but a lie;
if weighed on a balance, they are nothing;
together they are only a breath.
10 Do not trust in extortion
or take pride in stolen goods;
though your riches increase,
do not set your heart on them.
11 One thing God has spoken,
two things have I heard:
that you, O God, are strong,
12 and that you, O Lord, are loving.
Surely you will reward each person
according to what he has done.
Monday, January 28, 2008
God is great always.
As the deer panteth for the water,
So my soul longs after thee.
You alone are my hearts desire and I long
To worship you.
You alone are my strength my shield.
To you alone may my spirit yield.
You alone are my hearts desire
And I long to worship you.
Amen.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Taste and see that the Lord is good.
I woke up just a while ago. Flashes of memory came back from when I just got saved at 17.
Firstly, I was just saved when I was by myself, in my room. Feeling depressed and heartbroken and ya kinda felt God said it was time to go to church. Like... Why did I know it was God? dunno... Guess God had to break me down to show He was real.
Secondly, I thank God for blessing me with Hosea as my Cell leader when I was still a young Christian. Haha... thinking about that... I became a nerd trying to learn the hiphop bboy culture.
Still remember how my JC friends laughed at me when I told them I got saved and was learning to breakdance. Hmmm... First sign of persecution? Haha... Well somehow I am a mix between both now...
Thirdly, God showed me that He does amazing things.
"27But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. 28He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, 29so that no one may boast before him." - 1 Corinthians 1
I was told in secondary school that I would never be a leader because I was too indecisive. I was actually only promoted to 1SG in NCC through the earlier batch of spec course by mistake. I was supposed to go for the later batch... which meant that I was not good enough. Why did that happen? God must have been watching me all along.
But lo and behold, I became a leader in the SAF. Tears to my eyes... I never would have imagined that would be possible. Personally, I know I could have done better in many areas while training (See la... Why didn't you go church regularly then?), God helped me pull through so many times. Finally, as my platoon sang with all gusto..."We come from many places, All across the land..." We marched into the parade square singing. As my parents put my rank on my shoulder. I felt God was telling me now the weak would shame the strong.
I do not want to gloat, but out of my NCC bunch... I only knew that there were only 2 unexpected people who became officers. When I knew that... I still can feel that God was there saying that he would choose the weak, not the strong.
If you think you are strong and capable, how would God bring glory to Himself through you?
If you know you are weak and need God to accomplish great things, truly success would bring glory to Him alone, not you.
Commisioning Ball was another breakthrough too... haha... but I'll tell u all about that another day... haha...
Firstly, I was just saved when I was by myself, in my room. Feeling depressed and heartbroken and ya kinda felt God said it was time to go to church. Like... Why did I know it was God? dunno... Guess God had to break me down to show He was real.
Secondly, I thank God for blessing me with Hosea as my Cell leader when I was still a young Christian. Haha... thinking about that... I became a nerd trying to learn the hiphop bboy culture.
Still remember how my JC friends laughed at me when I told them I got saved and was learning to breakdance. Hmmm... First sign of persecution? Haha... Well somehow I am a mix between both now...
Thirdly, God showed me that He does amazing things.
"27But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. 28He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, 29so that no one may boast before him." - 1 Corinthians 1
I was told in secondary school that I would never be a leader because I was too indecisive. I was actually only promoted to 1SG in NCC through the earlier batch of spec course by mistake. I was supposed to go for the later batch... which meant that I was not good enough. Why did that happen? God must have been watching me all along.
But lo and behold, I became a leader in the SAF. Tears to my eyes... I never would have imagined that would be possible. Personally, I know I could have done better in many areas while training (See la... Why didn't you go church regularly then?), God helped me pull through so many times. Finally, as my platoon sang with all gusto..."We come from many places, All across the land..." We marched into the parade square singing. As my parents put my rank on my shoulder. I felt God was telling me now the weak would shame the strong.
I do not want to gloat, but out of my NCC bunch... I only knew that there were only 2 unexpected people who became officers. When I knew that... I still can feel that God was there saying that he would choose the weak, not the strong.
If you think you are strong and capable, how would God bring glory to Himself through you?
If you know you are weak and need God to accomplish great things, truly success would bring glory to Him alone, not you.
Commisioning Ball was another breakthrough too... haha... but I'll tell u all about that another day... haha...
Monday, January 21, 2008
No turning back this time.
Ignite was the bomb.
I now know the direction to go.
Lord give me strength and guidance.
3 sermons in one day. God spoke.
Truly always.
M is the word.
Btw,
One thing I MUST constantly remind myself (and you too):
God is my King, my Lord and I serve Him, but what I CANNOT forget is that He desires a relationship with me a whole very very very much!
Never neglect your relationship with God for ministry/service.
Always give God and me, just time to ourselves. :D
Bertrand
I now know the direction to go.
Lord give me strength and guidance.
3 sermons in one day. God spoke.
Truly always.
M is the word.
Btw,
One thing I MUST constantly remind myself (and you too):
God is my King, my Lord and I serve Him, but what I CANNOT forget is that He desires a relationship with me a whole very very very much!
Never neglect your relationship with God for ministry/service.
Always give God and me, just time to ourselves. :D
Bertrand
Friday, January 18, 2008
Relentless and Restless
I can't explain it. I feel a deep sense of dissatisfaction constantly. Nothing will sooth it... Like nothing... Wonder why, it comes, it goes. Think God wants me to learn to work under such crazy emotions.
A pure heart,
That's what I long for.
A heart that follows hard after Thee.
A heart that hides Your Word,
So that sin will not come in.
A heart that's undivided
But one You rule and reign.
A heart that beats compassion.
That pleases You my Lord.
A sweet aroma of worship.
That rises to Your throne.
It ain't easy to seek a pure heart. Outward persecution may sometimes be easier than the inner persecution.
Life lessons in session!
Challenges are meant to be conquered.
Bertrand.
Love like God does. Live like God(Jesus) died for us.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Truely God, always
God taught me something today. It is truely different to know something and to experience something.
Felt God was speaking to me through life events that only He can be truely and always faithful.
Nothing else, can ever take His place...
Loving others would make us vulnerable. It is not a bad thing. God commanded us to love others like He loved us, unconditionally. The phrase 'love hurts', redefined huh?
Btw, I am NOT referring to bgr, in case anyone was wondering... haha.
Bertrand
Felt God was speaking to me through life events that only He can be truely and always faithful.
Nothing else, can ever take His place...
Loving others would make us vulnerable. It is not a bad thing. God commanded us to love others like He loved us, unconditionally. The phrase 'love hurts', redefined huh?
Btw, I am NOT referring to bgr, in case anyone was wondering... haha.
Bertrand
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Pretty boys? Handsome girls? UGLY???
haa...
DISCLAIMER: I am in no way putting down anybody. I am refering to society as a whole. Hopefully the one reading this post would see my point and learn from it? Its a life perspective/lesson I am still learning from life that I would like to share with you all.
One of the driving factors of society seems to be exterior beauty. Every kid growing up seems to be looking for a cute guy or pretty girl to get attached too. Notice the adjectives all refer to the exterior? When a person annouces he/she is attached, one of the first few questions would be: "Pretty or not?" or "Is he handsome?" Think about it. haha.
Well... Technically the males are often stereotyped as superficial, who only deem girls 'pretty' enough as qualified to be their girlfriends/future spouse.
Well... no offence to girls, I have heard much comments like that, many from girls.
Honestly, although I do believe girls in general do not rank attractiveness as important as boys in general... err... think of the HOTTEST guy (plainly by looks) around your certain group of friends and see how many girls like him/ swoon over him/ complement him/ choose him first when you need a partner for a project... (this kinda happens for vice versa for the HOTTEST girl as well.)
OKOK... no offence huh... I am just stating an observation. I do know that there truly are many guys and girls who are not superficial. A good practice is to constantly ask yourself your motive for avoiding/hanging out with a certain person. Is it mainly because that person is attractive? a hah... gotcha???
Well... I was grew up pretty unattractive as a teen. I do acknowledge I somehow look better now compared to my past.. I am not trying to say I am hot and hunky and handsome now, but if you know me, I can show you my photos. Be amazed. haha.... Maybe its braces, army, puberty, but I know God planned it for His purposes. Still, I can tell the difference on how society treats me already... Although that is not the only factor, I know it plays a part somewhat.
Why did God make some people better looking than others?
"16From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work." - Ephesians 4:16
Well... Everone has their own godly work cut out for them to do. They have their own people group they can reach out to. Very talented and popular people will not be able to reach out to everybody. Seemingly less 'attractive' or less 'popular' people will have their own gang and thus that is a harvest field for them.
Popular people tend to be overglorified by society. Even in Christian circles. God views everyone the same. We are all equal in His sight and no one is better than the other.
Anyone, popular or not, has their own godly work cut out for them and should be given chances to develop and grow and the church is to be built by the work of ALL members of the body of Christ. This is true in evangelism and ministry.
DISCLAIMER: I am in no way putting down anybody. I am refering to society as a whole. Hopefully the one reading this post would see my point and learn from it? Its a life perspective/lesson I am still learning from life that I would like to share with you all.
One of the driving factors of society seems to be exterior beauty. Every kid growing up seems to be looking for a cute guy or pretty girl to get attached too. Notice the adjectives all refer to the exterior? When a person annouces he/she is attached, one of the first few questions would be: "Pretty or not?" or "Is he handsome?" Think about it. haha.
Well... Technically the males are often stereotyped as superficial, who only deem girls 'pretty' enough as qualified to be their girlfriends/future spouse.
Well... no offence to girls, I have heard much comments like that, many from girls.
Honestly, although I do believe girls in general do not rank attractiveness as important as boys in general... err... think of the HOTTEST guy (plainly by looks) around your certain group of friends and see how many girls like him/ swoon over him/ complement him/ choose him first when you need a partner for a project... (this kinda happens for vice versa for the HOTTEST girl as well.)
OKOK... no offence huh... I am just stating an observation. I do know that there truly are many guys and girls who are not superficial. A good practice is to constantly ask yourself your motive for avoiding/hanging out with a certain person. Is it mainly because that person is attractive? a hah... gotcha???
Well... I was grew up pretty unattractive as a teen. I do acknowledge I somehow look better now compared to my past.. I am not trying to say I am hot and hunky and handsome now, but if you know me, I can show you my photos. Be amazed. haha.... Maybe its braces, army, puberty, but I know God planned it for His purposes. Still, I can tell the difference on how society treats me already... Although that is not the only factor, I know it plays a part somewhat.
Why did God make some people better looking than others?
"16From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work." - Ephesians 4:16
Well... Everone has their own godly work cut out for them to do. They have their own people group they can reach out to. Very talented and popular people will not be able to reach out to everybody. Seemingly less 'attractive' or less 'popular' people will have their own gang and thus that is a harvest field for them.
Popular people tend to be overglorified by society. Even in Christian circles. God views everyone the same. We are all equal in His sight and no one is better than the other.
Anyone, popular or not, has their own godly work cut out for them and should be given chances to develop and grow and the church is to be built by the work of ALL members of the body of Christ. This is true in evangelism and ministry.
Monday, January 14, 2008
No matter how hard, no matter how incompetent, learn!!!
The Heidi Baker Conference ended yesterday night. It was a blast. Her testimonies are amazing...
Well, I was reminded of lessons God had brought along my life's way.
As an officer, I was expected to be able to do anything I was told to handle. It did not help at all that I would most likely be a greenhorn in anything I do and my track record then was much less than illustrious. (Thank God, now its a lil bit better. Amen! Still lots & lots & lots to improve though.)
Haha... through all the stress and dirty work, I learnt to focus on the fact that everything I do, I must do it for Jesus.
Also, in whatever you have to do, learning to learn is more important than being taught. Self-learning was of utmost imporatance in situations when you are expected to perform but you sadly hardly know what to do. Learning on the job was often the case. Help is much appreciated (and desired), but in everything you do, one must learn to do it independently if the situation deems it necessary.
Not that a one-man-show is a good thing (of course it is bad if you are to work with a team), but it is important to know how to run the show by yourself when you are really alone.
Yup... More of that in future!
Bertrand
Well, I was reminded of lessons God had brought along my life's way.
As an officer, I was expected to be able to do anything I was told to handle. It did not help at all that I would most likely be a greenhorn in anything I do and my track record then was much less than illustrious. (Thank God, now its a lil bit better. Amen! Still lots & lots & lots to improve though.)
Haha... through all the stress and dirty work, I learnt to focus on the fact that everything I do, I must do it for Jesus.
Also, in whatever you have to do, learning to learn is more important than being taught. Self-learning was of utmost imporatance in situations when you are expected to perform but you sadly hardly know what to do. Learning on the job was often the case. Help is much appreciated (and desired), but in everything you do, one must learn to do it independently if the situation deems it necessary.
Not that a one-man-show is a good thing (of course it is bad if you are to work with a team), but it is important to know how to run the show by yourself when you are really alone.
Yup... More of that in future!
Bertrand
Sunday, January 13, 2008
The Beautitudes
Haha.. This blog will get a facelift soon. Yup and I plan to start advertising about my blog soon. I'm not waiting for the facelift anymore.
Well, today was Heidi Baker's conference at the expo. WOW. Her testimonies are amazing. Really speaks sincerely from her heart on what a pure heart, unconditional love incarnated, mercy and grace is. WOW..
Well, actually, God spoke to me more than that. I had to look beyond my circumstances and look towards the promised land and really stop complaining and being discouraged about what I still do not possess.
Think about this. God promised the Israelites who escaped from Egypt their promised land. Even though God provided them miracles and evidences of his hand upon them (e.g. the parting of the sea, the pillar of fire, manna from heaven, etc.), they still complained on what they lacked, their promised land!
So... I've got to look ahead for the prize. My spiritual walk might not always seem victorious, but I do know He promised victory. When and where and how? All in His plan.
People might judge me and my credibility according to the world's superficial elitist standards, but I know God does not.
Stay faithful in everything you do Bertrand!!!
Woot!
Bertrand
Well, today was Heidi Baker's conference at the expo. WOW. Her testimonies are amazing. Really speaks sincerely from her heart on what a pure heart, unconditional love incarnated, mercy and grace is. WOW..
Well, actually, God spoke to me more than that. I had to look beyond my circumstances and look towards the promised land and really stop complaining and being discouraged about what I still do not possess.
Think about this. God promised the Israelites who escaped from Egypt their promised land. Even though God provided them miracles and evidences of his hand upon them (e.g. the parting of the sea, the pillar of fire, manna from heaven, etc.), they still complained on what they lacked, their promised land!
So... I've got to look ahead for the prize. My spiritual walk might not always seem victorious, but I do know He promised victory. When and where and how? All in His plan.
People might judge me and my credibility according to the world's superficial elitist standards, but I know God does not.
Stay faithful in everything you do Bertrand!!!
Woot!
Bertrand
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Discoveries...
I live in a dying generation... When I entered uni then I could see how common the sex thing has become. Like what happened to treasured female chastity and the scaredness of marriage? Ans: satan happened. Duh.
Hah.. oh well... it was predicted in the bible anyway... yo so check this verse out.
2 Timonthy 3: 1-9
1But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days.
Hmm well terrible enough. haha. But it'll get worse will it not?
2People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, 4treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— 5having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them.
v2 to v4 kinda actually refer to the men, as you will see why as you read on. 'lovers of pleasure' - guys nowadays seek the next time they can do it with a girl (whether it is their gf or not, but that is not impt. They shouldn't even be doin it. Bleah. So says who? So says my God.)
v5 is the bomb. Refers to some act-like-christians christians. They might go to church, attend cell group, tell others they are christian but they blatantly do not live like one nor do they bother to find out how to live like one. Yup so they deny and lack the power of God in their lives.
6They are the kind who worm their way into homes and gain control over weak-willed women, who are loaded down with sins and are swayed by all kinds of evil desires, 7always learning but never able to acknowledge the truth.
Well these men gain control of the weak-willed women! (if you think this is an achievement you need help.) So these sinful men can gain control of women who are sinful and are easily swayed by their evil desires. Kinda explains why they easily fall prey to the sweet-nonsense of guys just trying to bed them. Worse, some women are just waiting for any-other guy to wisk them to bed. (Get saved, girl!)
They probably know that such actions and attitudes are wrong as v7 puts it, but they do not acknowledge that they are guilty as well. Well, they probably have many invalid excuses which seems valid to them. (Again, repent!!!)
8Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so also these men oppose the truth—men of depraved minds, who, as far as the faith is concerned, are rejected. 9But they will not get very far because, as in the case of those men, their folly will be clear to everyone.
Clear enough. Everyone knows your big boo-boo, no matter how much you try to hide it or how many excuses you can cook up to defend yourself. Actions speak louder than words. So, yes, get saved. True satisfaction comes through Christ only. Glad I found Him, or He found me. Well anyway...
Ciaos.
Hungry again,
Bertrand (maybe I should get a screen name?)
Hah.. oh well... it was predicted in the bible anyway... yo so check this verse out.
2 Timonthy 3: 1-9
1But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days.
Hmm well terrible enough. haha. But it'll get worse will it not?
2People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, 4treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— 5having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them.
v2 to v4 kinda actually refer to the men, as you will see why as you read on. 'lovers of pleasure' - guys nowadays seek the next time they can do it with a girl (whether it is their gf or not, but that is not impt. They shouldn't even be doin it. Bleah. So says who? So says my God.)
v5 is the bomb. Refers to some act-like-christians christians. They might go to church, attend cell group, tell others they are christian but they blatantly do not live like one nor do they bother to find out how to live like one. Yup so they deny and lack the power of God in their lives.
6They are the kind who worm their way into homes and gain control over weak-willed women, who are loaded down with sins and are swayed by all kinds of evil desires, 7always learning but never able to acknowledge the truth.
Well these men gain control of the weak-willed women! (if you think this is an achievement you need help.) So these sinful men can gain control of women who are sinful and are easily swayed by their evil desires. Kinda explains why they easily fall prey to the sweet-nonsense of guys just trying to bed them. Worse, some women are just waiting for any-other guy to wisk them to bed. (Get saved, girl!)
They probably know that such actions and attitudes are wrong as v7 puts it, but they do not acknowledge that they are guilty as well. Well, they probably have many invalid excuses which seems valid to them. (Again, repent!!!)
8Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so also these men oppose the truth—men of depraved minds, who, as far as the faith is concerned, are rejected. 9But they will not get very far because, as in the case of those men, their folly will be clear to everyone.
Clear enough. Everyone knows your big boo-boo, no matter how much you try to hide it or how many excuses you can cook up to defend yourself. Actions speak louder than words. So, yes, get saved. True satisfaction comes through Christ only. Glad I found Him, or He found me. Well anyway...
Ciaos.
Hungry again,
Bertrand (maybe I should get a screen name?)
Friday, January 11, 2008
Bleachy
Haha.. I'm trying my utmost best to blog... Should just add ma ramblings huh... Only fear later I offend some people (which I might) or people might think why do I complain so much? Haha...
I might seemingly complain but I won't act on them... I will stand upon God's word and be faithful! Hah!
So many people have blogs huh.. wonder how long would they take to discover me.
Oh well... yeah ramble!
Movies to watch!
Watching my cell grow!
Building my character!
Growing closer to God!
Studies to begin!
Btw, in case people think I'm just church-and-study.. okay la, 50-75% right lor.
I do de-stressing stuff too... Though its not always the conventional guy destressing stuff.
I don't really indulge in CS or DOTA, but I do play UT and DOW.
I like to call up my friends. (ya... peace to my buddy and those I call to chat nonsense!)
I am a morning person, but I sleep to destress sometimes.
I am not really into sports, but I do like to do a lil bboyin at times. (Ya... I do not look like I am the breakin type... ya... another whole testimony of God's amazing life changing powers and grace and mercy... which you might here next time. Stay tuned.)
bLeah
Bertrand
I might seemingly complain but I won't act on them... I will stand upon God's word and be faithful! Hah!
So many people have blogs huh.. wonder how long would they take to discover me.
Oh well... yeah ramble!
Movies to watch!
Watching my cell grow!
Building my character!
Growing closer to God!
Studies to begin!
Btw, in case people think I'm just church-and-study.. okay la, 50-75% right lor.
I do de-stressing stuff too... Though its not always the conventional guy destressing stuff.
I don't really indulge in CS or DOTA, but I do play UT and DOW.
I like to call up my friends. (ya... peace to my buddy and those I call to chat nonsense!)
I am a morning person, but I sleep to destress sometimes.
I am not really into sports, but I do like to do a lil bboyin at times. (Ya... I do not look like I am the breakin type... ya... another whole testimony of God's amazing life changing powers and grace and mercy... which you might here next time. Stay tuned.)
bLeah
Bertrand
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)