SACRIFICE OF LOVE

This is one of my all time favourite worship songs is called "At the Cross" by Hillsong. Every time I listen or sing this song, it reminds me about the love of Christ on the cross for my sins. I pray that God will touch your heart as you watch and listen to this song.

SACRIFICE OF LOVE

I wonder what it is like to know that you were born to die for others. How would you feel knowing that each day was a step closer towards death? And not just any kind of death, but the most painful and slow death known in your time. Read Luke 18:31-32

Jesus took the Twelve aside and told them, "We are going up to Jerusalem, and everything that is written by the prophets about the Son of Man will be fulfilled. He will be handed over to the Gentiles. They will mock him, insult him, spit on him, flog him and kill him. Luke 18:31-32

Jesus told His disciples that His day of sacrifice on the cross for love was coming closer. He was getting ready to fulfil every prophecy spoken about His death in the Old Testament. Read Psalm 22:14-18:

I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint. My heart has turned to wax; it has melted away within me. My strength is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth; you lay me in the dust of death. Dogs have surrounded me; a band of evil men has encircled me, they have pierced my hands and my feet. I can count all my bones; people stare and gloat over me. Psalm 22:14-18

King David wrote this in Psalms a thousand years before Jesus' crucifixion during the Roman Empire. The prophet Isaiah wrote about Jesus dying for the sins of the people by being pierced. Jesus will be slaughtered like a sheep. Read Isaiah 53:4-7:

Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted. 5 But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. 6 We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all. 7 He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth. Isaiah 53:4-7

The sacrifice of love on the cross is for you and me. Jesus died on the cross so that we can have new life on earth and spend eternity in heaven with God. God sent His Son Jesus to demonstrate a sacrificial love that all can experience. Have you experience the love of Christ personally because His love will change your life forever.

PATHWAYS TO SPIRITUAL GROWTH

I have just uploaded some photos of me in the shopping centre and with some new friends. One of my favourite pass times is relaxing at a shopping centre. I have written an article called "Pathways to Spiritual Growth" below. I pray that you will desire for greater spiritual growth after reading this article.

PATHWAYS TO SPIRITUAL GROWTH

I was asked to share on a topic called "Pathway to Spiritual Growth" in Melbourne, Australia. As I reflected back to my own spiritual growth in the past 21 years, I recall three important elements that helped me to grow in the Lord. God desires His children to grow in every way; emotionally, intellectually and spiritually.

“Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, 3now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.” 1 Peter 2:2-3

Three pathways to spiritual growth

Cultivate a strong personal relationship with God

“7But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ 9and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. 10I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death...” Phil 3:7-10

Apostle Paul had such a hunger for God after his conversion. He mentioned a few times in this passage of his desires to have intimacy with Christ through "Knowing Christ", "gaining Christ", being "found in Christ", and having "faith in Christ". There are so many ways that we can know more about Christ such as:

• Attending church
• Attending small group bible study
• Reading the Word of God
• Reading Christian books
• Personal devotion/prayer

Have a great desire to know and experience more of Christ each day.

Allow God to enlarge our vision

5 “He took him outside and said, "Look up at the heavens and count the stars—if indeed you can count them." Then he said to him, "So shall your offspring be." Genesis 15:5

God wants to enlarge our dreams and visions in life. He wants us to live a life that goes beyond all boundaries and limits. We are to exchange our small and narrow vision for God’s enormous and eternal vision. God wants to do extraordinary things through us that require us to go beyond our comfort zones. Seek God today and ask Him for a greater vision for your life, family, business and ministry. God gave Abraham such a massive vision that it propelled him for the rest of his life.

God’s vision was for Abraham to become father of many nations and his name being known to the ends of the earth.

Find spiritual mentors/coaches

“1Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” 1 Cor 11:1

Everyone needs a mentor/coach in life; even professional athletes need them. A coach helps develop our strengths and address our weaknesses. Likewise, we need spiritual mentors/coaches who can pass down their life experiences so we don’t have to repeat other people’s mistakes and failures. I thank God for the many good spiritual mentors/coaches in my life. They helped me to develop my character, life skills and ministry skills. I owe much to their investment into my life over the years. I spend much time with them over lunch, dinner, phone chats and email.

I have gained invaluable insight and lessons by my associations with my friends and mentors.

I pray that we will continue to grow in the Lord as we journey through life together.

HE STRENGTHENS ME!

I went on a Hope KL family camp at Port Dickson on the weekend. I had a wonderful time on the beach with friends. I went out for dinner with Thomas, Fui See and the kids in a western restaurant. I found a great place for Thai steam boat in town. One of my hobbies is eating!

HE STRENGTHENS ME!

Recently, I watched a video on YouTube that really touched my heart. The video shows sprinter Derrick Redmond in the 400m semi-finals at the 1992 Olympic Games held in Barcelona. Derrick tore his hamstring during the race but he did not want to give up. In great pain, he struggled to the finish line. His father jumped over the fence and helped him finish the race. It was a very emotional moment for the crowd as they watched father and son walk slowly but surely to the finish line (Watch Youtude video)

We thank God for our fathers who support and help us in life when we face challenges. In the same way, we have a heavenly Father that is always there to lend a helping hand in our time of need. Here are some Bible verses that really encouraged my heart about the love and support of our heavenly Father.

For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. 2 Chronicles 16:9

The Bible says that God is looking for people that He can strengthen. God is not disconnected from humanity. He wants to help us in times of trouble.

The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace. Psalms 29:11

God is there to offer strength and peace to His people. God’s power is unlimited. He wants to give us His power for daily living. Whatever the crisis we face in this life, God is able to help us. He will provide a way out when all else seems lost. If God can part the Red Sea for the children of Israel to walk through, God can come to the rescue for our lives.

28 Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. 29 He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. 30 Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; 31 but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:28-35

If you are feeling the strain from your heavy workload and responsibilities then come to God. He will renew your strength so that you can soar on wings like eagles. God promises to empower the weak.

I can do everything through him who gives me strength. Phil 4:13

We can accomplish great things in this life because God is there to give us strength. We are not alone. Apostle Paul did many great things for God because he relied on the strength of God. Let us allow God to strengthen our soul, body and spirit as we live for His glory.

EXTRAORDINDARY STUDENT LIFE

One of my favourite cities in Australia is Perth. It is so beautiful. The city is built around a big swan lake. Many people go sailing on the Swan lake. I went for a leisurely walk on the lake with my brother and he took some nice photos of me. I hope to visit this scenic city again in the future.


EXTRAORDINARY STUDENT LIFE

I was asked to address a group of university student on the topic “Extraordinary student life”. I reflected back on my own student life and what God taught me in that period. I shared from my personal experience about how God can make our student life an extraordinary one.

There are three essentials of extraordinary student life.

Be Peace-filled

University life can be stressful at times! There are many issues that students face such as assignments, exams, adjusting to a new environment and culture, university fees, paying the rent, balancing study and part-time work, paying living expenses, family issues or pressure, relationships and the list goes on. In times of great stress, there is a great promise in the Bible that we can hold on to:

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27

Jesus is our true peace no matter what circumstances we face in life. We can always turn to God for inner strength and peace. I offer a prayer to God when I am stressed or feeling the pressure and God always fills me with His love and comfort. Jesus offers the peace that the world cannot give.

The world offers temporary relief but Jesus offers lasting peace.

Be Purpose-filled

“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.” 1 Corinthians 9:24

There are many distractions in a student’s life. Some distractions are unavoidable such as a broken-down car or financial problems or family issues. Other distractions, however, can be avoided such as television, playing computer games and night clubbing etc. Sometimes we start well at the beginning of our university studies but over a period of time we lose focus or get discouraged. We need to constantly remind ourselves the long term objectives of our studies. Our education is a stepping stone towards a brighter future. We don’t lose focus because of distractions or quit because our studies have become difficult.

We need to rely on God to help us finish the race like a good runner.

Be Positive influence

“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” Hebrews 10:24

All of us are influencing the people around us every day. Our influence can be negative or positive. The Bible encourages us to be a positive influence in people’s lives so that we can be a blessing to the community. We can encourage one another to walk with God and walk in love and humility. When I was studying at university, I had a group of friends that met together every Friday night. Our aim was to create an environment where students can receive encouragement, love and experience a personal encounter with God. We set out to make a positive influence to our fellow students.

Ten years later, I am so happy to see some of my fellow students accomplish great things in their lives and in the community