FOR WHAT??

Was finishing reading the text for one of my modules today, Engineers and Society (our "national education" module), and the more I read it, the more angry, and sad I got.

What is the point of studying so hard??? To join the rat race that beckons outside? (DEAD rats' race mind you, all DEAD rats, running toward only one goal: DEATH) No, to waste resources (money and time) to get a piece of paper (and a fanciful title) so that we can "enter society" as "professional engineers", and "contribute to the building of our nation"?

All rubbish! Living in such a pragmatic society (kiasu'ism, greed, etc.), only serves to show how self-centered a world we live in: we only do things when there're things in it for us, when there're things to be gained, when we satisfy and protect OUR own needs. And what with rethinking of our idealogies for our nation, is just futile: sin only results in MORE SIN, which leads to DEATH in the end.

Not to say that I myself am any better off: even in my thinkings, those that I've not been careful enough in thinking through, the need for self-glorification, and acceptance comes in.

Crap

NB: These are my thoughts on this, but not all of them, so don't jump to conclusions

GO! GO! GO!

Project Timothy Singapore: God's Hand Was Upon Me

For those who're able to go: GO GO GO!

Quite rare to find a faithful preaching from the OT (counting what it's for), hence it'll be interesting to see how it's done this time, from Ezra and Nehemiah.

From what I heard, PT Singapore has a record of getting "good" people to come and talk, meaning those who're faithful to the word in preaching.

I'll be going, if I can, even though it's smack in the middle of my exams (=S) since I've not really heard what it's like (for a sermon on OT) yet.

...

Nothing much to blog about today, other than my slow (but sure) healing of my jaw heh heh, thank God!

Anyways have some things to think through clearly, thanks to my newfound "Aunt Agony" (lol), whom has 1) helped in starting me off where to think from, and 2) continued to "pressure" me regarding this time to time, heh.

Not too sure when I'll be able to get this clear, but I hope to soon, rather than it be later, by God's grace (by which I probably wouldn't have even started to be aware of this, counting how idiotic I am).

Time to (try to) sleep early, need to rest.

Ouch D-2

Jaw still hurts like mad in the evening, and the rain's not helping: Not sure whether I'm getting a fever or not from all this, feeling VERY cold..

On another note, it's been a long time since I've been able to share some of my "troubles" in my life, and also get some sound advice (from the bible), which was what I was looking for. Thanks brothers!

Though there's a lot of thinking through to be done, but I doubt that I'll be able to think any further tonight: Have a headache already also, gonna sleep early tonight.

Ouch

Just extracted the offending (problematic) wisdom tooth today, ended up with a hurting jaw the rest of the day, thank God for painkillers man....

In addition to that, my waller hurts too, bank account really empty for now...

I need to sleep early...provided the pain doesn't keep me awake, or the (scary) memories of .... haunt me in my sleep...
=S
=S
=S

Hehehe... =D

Confused

Read the above, 'nuff said.

Suffering -> Endurance -> Character (-> Hope)

It's 5.20am, and have just reached back hall from the "extended" time of studying-turned-sharing or talking, etc.

Ended up not studying at all today, cos of various reasons. But I'm glad, because it's been a long time since I've had the chance to listen to people talk about themselves really, and to know them a little more.

Have gotten to see for myself how real these things are: that suffering leads to endurance, and endurance leading to character. Now that we have hope in our future glory in Christ, how much more are we able to endure, because of what Christ has done!

I think it's quite amazing how God's sovereignty holds true still all throughout time, but sometimes it's when we look back, then we see, or understand.

Heh heh..am still blur about a lot of things, but that's probably just that I'm unobservant ;) Oh well..

I think it's time to sleep.

Pics are up~

Have uploaded the pics taken last night at Grace's 21st Bday, can be viewed here! =)

I know I've a whole lot of backlog to clear, can only clear slowly till holidays come, then can clear all faster, but till then, looks like you'll have to make do with this one for now ;)

Thanks to those who've been (eagerly?) waiting for me to post up pics, and for your paitience too heh heh =P

Ok, time to study!

Like? Love?

When the feelings subside (since we can't "feel loving" toward pple ALL the time), what would be the thing that decides whether a person is someone you can work with the rest of your life (I'm talking about your life partner here)?

Have heard that it's beyond feelings, that you care for a person no matter what you feel at the moment (loving, happy, sad, angry, etc), but that's very vague! There're also people we care for even when we're angry at them what, and that doesn't mean anything "special" in that sense what.

From what I've learnt (prob. very vague by now), it's also whether both parties know what are the (intended) roles in creation, and be able to live their lives (or at least strive toward that) in view of what. But I don't understand, does that mean that our choice should be one who understands, and is also able to be a helper, complementing our work in whichever way?

I know that if I rely on only my feelings alone, I'm going to be even more confused (for choice, at times), and moreover, my body of sin is good for nothing good by itself.

I really want to think through this seriously, cos this, in a very foreseeable way, affects the rest of our lives in many ways too.

But of course, there's more pressing things to be clear about now, in the light of what's happening/unfolding.

Why Do I Blog

For the sake of those who read this blog, whether known to me or not,

If you intend to read this blog, perhaps it'll be helpful if I share with you for a moment why do I blog, perhaps it'll allow you to understand a little more of my rationale behind most of my posts, if not all.

This blog is intended to:
- Encourage (Encourage
ENCOUR'AGE, v.t. enkur'rage. To give courage to; to give or increase confidence of success; to inspire with courage, spirit, or strength of mind; to embolden; to animate; to incite; to inspirit.) the reader in the faith in accordance with His Word which was given, to the best of my knowledge as I study and contend with His Word.
- Help consolidate my thoughts (occasionally).
- Share what I decide to share/write in here, boliao or not. =P

This blog is not intended to:
- Be targeted at anyone in a slanderous way, though if the time comes for something to be corrected biblically (in love), and IF this blog somehow is an appropiate channel, it certainly is not meant to be slander.
- Be authoritative, as it is PART of my thoughts (not all), and my viewpoints on a matter.
- Present an objective view of any event(s) that has happened. For that, either read around to find out more, or go to News sites, they probably (they should!) be able to present the facts better than I can. ;)

Some implications:
- Not all posts written here are related to one another, though many are.
- If I put up something to share here that didn't originate from me, it does NOT necessarily mean that my thinking/stand is exactly the same, unless I indicate so too.

Hope this give you a better understanding of where I come from when I blog about certain things, as I don't intend for any more misunderstandings to arise with any reader here in the future, and if any doubts, or any clarifications to be made, or any clear-headed discussion to be made, my contact details are on the right sidebar.

Thanks for reading, and hope you aren't too bored already by this "disclaimer" heh heh. =)

RaNdOm ThOuGhTs: Suanings

Sometimes it's just tempting to try and get attached just for the sake of it, especially when the suanings become a little too much to bear ;)

But of course I'm NOT going to do that lah!

Anyways, it helps to provide some relief at times (at my expense), so no harm done here.

My goodness.... 8-O

USATODAY.com - Gay Episcopal bishop says 'Holy Spirit led us'

This is crazy...how the bible can be misread, misinterpreted, and distorted; an excerpt from the news article:

Robinson also said Wednesday that the "big news" in the report is that it "opens the door to worldwide discussion" about the roles of gays and lesbians in the church.

Robinson, 57, a divorced father who lives with his male partner, pointed out that the moratorium on ordaining gays is not a permanent ban. "Moratoria get lifted," he said.

He said he finds it "astoundingly important" that there was no call to repentance and that the report stresses the great value of remaining in communion — willing to meet and pray together."

"Unity is not in unanimity over a particular issue, but in Jesus Christ," he said. "The communion is about relationships, not about laws. The report is very Gospel-like in this way. Jesus was always breaking laws and finding ways to love someone and to do the right thing."

...

I'm not too sure about what's happening on the other side, or what's on their minds.

But if it's what (some of us) we think it is, it's sad to see such a shameful side of people.

Human nature or not, it's disgusting.

A Purpose Driven Life?

The following review written by WYJ (thanks!) , on the PDL:


What is the purpose driven life? In his popular book "The Purpose Driven Life: What on Earth Am I Here For?" Rick Warren claims simply to have taken the Westminster Shorter Catechism's first question and answer, and extended it into a devotional book. There are positive aspects to his book, such as his emphasis on the need to glorify God in all that we do. Yet there are considerable problems with it. First, the book focuses on the reader. Notice its thesis statement: By the end of this journey you will know God's purpose for your life and will understand the big picture how all the pieces of your life fit together. Having this perspective will reduce your stress, simplify your decisions, increase your satisfaction, and most important, prepare you for eternity. (p.9) This statement appeals to the individual, who reaps the benefits. It is difficult to square this path with that of the cross (Matt. 16:24). The same approach surfaces in Warren's instructions for personal evangelism. He centers evangelism, not upon the life, death, and resurrection of Christ, but upon the personal experience of the believer. Paul wanted to know nothing but "Christ and him crucified" (1 Cor. 2:2), and wanted to preach only "Christ crucified" (1 Cor. 1:23). Moreover, Paul saw the inextricable bond between the gospel and preaching: "But how are they to call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?" (Rom. 10:14). Paul instructed Timothy to be prepared to preach both in and out of season (2 Tim. 4:2). Why? Because he knew that Christ manifests himself through the preaching of the Word (Titus 1:3). Warren, by contrast, tells his readers that their "personal testimony is more effective than a sermon, because unbelievers see pastors as professional salesmen, but see you as a 'satisfied customer,' so they give you more credibility" (p.290). To support his claim that personal testimony is more powerful than a sermon, he argues that many who won't accept the authority of the Bible will listen to a humble, personal story." While sharing personal testimony is certainly not inappropriate, Warren makes it foundational. Can the gospel be effectively communicated through a model of consumer satisfaction? While Christ is at the center of Warren's evangelism, so too is the believer, not as an unworthy recipient of God's saving grace, but as a satisfied customer. Regarding worship, Warren writes that "every activity can be transformed into an act of worship when you do it for the praise, glory, and pleasure of God." He argues that "work becomes worship when you dedicate it to God and perform it with an awareness of his presence (p.67). While we should certainly do everything to the glory of God, this does not mean that every activity is an act of worship. If work is worship, what is the point of the Sabbath or attending church? Work is not worship. Warren's biggest problem is his interpretation of Scripture. At many crucial points, he appeals to Scripture incorrectly. Warren often quotes portions of verses, wrenching them out of their context. For example, he appeals to the Sermon on the Mount: "You're blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That's when you discover who you really are, and your place in God's family" (pp.157-58). This is a distortion of what Christ said. He is not telling people that they should cultivate peace between men. Rather, peacemakers are blessed by God because they bring peace between men and God (Rom. 5:1). Another example of poor Scripture interpretation is Warren's explanation of Genesis 9:1, 3: "God said, 'It's time to get on with your life! Do the things I designed humans to do. Make love to your spouse. Have babies. Raise families. Plant crops and eat meals. Be humans! This is what I made you to be' " (p.74). To put it mildly, this explanation has nothing to do with the dominion mandate. Another element that strikes the reader is the self-promotion and marketing that is present throughout the book: PDL memory verse cards, prayer journals, music CDs, educational curriculum, and videos. Along with the many PDL products, there is the 40 Days of Purpose campaign for the local church. In October 2003 alone, over 4,000 churches launched their 40 Days campaigns. In order for a church to advertise a campaign, it has to pay a fee of $750 to $1,150 to the publisher. When you add the prospects of millions of dollars per month from churches offering the campaign, the millions of dollars in book sales, and profits from related merchandise, the publishers have created a financial windfall. But the gospel and vast profits are strange bedfellows. The gospel is free. While there are some positive aspects to Warren's book, they are significantly outweighed by the negative aspects. While the book claims to be God-centered, it is difficult to harmonize this claim with its consumer-driven and self-centered approach. For these reasons, Warren's book cannot be recommended.

Whattodowhattodowhattodo...

Utopian? Or ignorant? Or unaware?

In talking and understanding more about The Situation with A, before CC and TYC came too, I'm reminded of how painfully shallow my thought process has been, probably ever since I realised it the hard way since army times.

But of course, I'd want to think through the things at hand thoroughly, and clearly!

Even thinking through, can only thank God that by His grace, I've come to be saved by his Gospel..

Came back from a day of studying to find my wing mates (neighbours) having some "revenge" on one of the fuys who had been especially evil to the rest in his behaviour. The thing that happened to him? He got ALL his things removed from his room, and scattered (and hidden inside) to MANY rooms within our block. And he had to go around and find it by following clues that led from one to the next when he found the item, after hard guessing and begging when he finally found the room.

Quite funny, the entire episode. Managed to video some parts of it on camera, lol

Only thing is that seeing the whole lot of them, only served to make me more....concerned

Tired

Had a long day yesterday, came back bombed after the supper last night, fell asleep shortly after.

Many things to think through...

The more I learn....

The more I see that there's so much more that is to be learnt...

Thank God our salvation's not based on how much of the bible we know, but whether we have a faith in Christ being our Lord and Saviour, else I dunno who can/how to be saved liao.

But of course, I wanna know more!

CG today: we did on Romans 6:1-7:6. I was supposed to lead, but somehow my questions were not very to the point for this one, thank God CC and TYC were there too helping also, else I would be at a loss already...

More learning to come...

Friends

Those that stop you completely from drinking Coke, especially after knowing about my "battle" with it, and the casualties sustained so far(my teeth): friends? Enemies? Or "good" friends?

Have been robbed of my drink (what else) during lunch today, and got another drink in return, to "make sure that I don't drink coke".

Exasperatingly funny, though in some ways I think they're really nice, assuming that they're really concerned for the health and not just playing around for the sake of bullying me =P

Probably I shouldn't reveal too many things in my blog next time, my chances of drinking coke with others around (who knows) have already become smaller....heh heh

Romans 6:1-7:6

Bible Gateway : ROM 6:1-14

(1-5) Our future lives are certain, that we should be living in "newness of life"
(6-7) We're freed from slavery to sin
(8-10) Our new master (in the future when He comes again): God
(11) Conclusion: to consider ourselves dead to sin (not under sin), but alive to God in Christ (in the other domain as introduced in Rom 5:12-21) , since it's a certainty
(12-14) How to live our lives as if under our new Master already

Summary: Sin, no longer having any hold over us, has no dominion over us anymore. Instead, in the light of our certain future of being in the other domain fully, we're to live the rest of our lives as if God is fully our Master, all these which is enabled solely by Christ's work on the cross.

==============================

Now....on to 6:15-7:6!

Pain and confusion

Sometimes, human relationships aren't the only things that cause pain &/or confusion, take tooth extraction for example: You experience pain, and you're confused when you try to brush/eat for a few days afterward =P

Though of course, the pain part is certainly felt in different parts of us.

(tml is my first visit to dentist...to check for (more!) decay areas if any, and to do some cleanup... =S )

Teething problems

Sigh...multiple decays...wisdom tooth to be plucked out...seeing the dentist at least THREE times over the next two weeks...

That's what happens when I don't take care of my teeth properly...darn...

And not only my teeth that will see change, there's major changes to come for other things too...

My goodness...

Uncertainty

I'm not a fan of uncertain futures, though it's certain that we'll face uncertain times, whilst in this world temporarily.

But if these serve to change anything, preserving this gospel of God, about Jesus Christ, will be held even closer to my heart, even if things DO change for the worse.

For how else can anyone be saved? Neither the believer, nor the non-believer, will have any other alternative, not in this world, not in this time; and by the time this world ends, it'll be too late by then.

On a lighter note, I know there's one thing for certain: that I have to finish my lab report by tonight no matter what X-|

Haven't talked to my roomie about some thing I've intended to, think had better talk to him not too late.

I wanna talk to my bro...and mum...at times it seems like my house has two other strangers living with me too...

Ok, back to THE lab report

God's Whale or God's Will?

NICE banner made by Barn, for the upcoming camp. Do check it out, and sign up if you're able to go! It's targeted at all professing brothers and sisters in Christ btw =)

================================

The "mini D-Day": I think we'll all know the results by tomorrow....worried...but still, can only pray and trust in Christ's work on the cross...

Why wasn't Jesus born with original sin?

Why wasn't Jesus born with original sin?

Question raised by one of the CG members in another CG, interesting question, with no definite answer when asked, yet.

Found this article talking about this, but not too sure how true this is...anyone?

Maths Formula

Romans 5:12-21

f(man) = { /* fill in the blanks */ }
Domain = {boy, girl, man, woman}
Range = {in Adam, in Christ}

Study

Study Study Study Study Study Study Study Study Study Study Study Study Study Study Study Study Study Study Study Study Study Study Study Study Study Study Study Study Study Study Study Study Study Study Study Study Study Study Study Study Study Study Study Study Study

For what? The end point still the same what.

Not for the grades, but for the understanding. Only regret's in not being consistent when I could.

======================

Went to V's place with TYC and CC today for dinner. Think she's a very good host, but forgot to thank her, alamak =P

Went for supper talk after studying a little, and supper. Passage from John 3:16-18, titled "Real Love".

Went for a short run with GF again after that, dropped by Benjy's place to chat him up a bit.

Thinking about God's love, which is in view of man's imperfections (in this case, man's status of being condemned already), there's some questions about the points WS was making, but dunno whether can get to clarify with him anot, or whether can remember to anot.

Reason for writing this second segment, since I don't usually list what I did in the day: because I'm boliao.

Confinement

Hence begins my attempt at trying to catch up in understanding my syllabus. Got a slight headache already from the cramming =|

===============

I'm still confused about many things, one of which is how to match a person's actions/appearance with how they are.

Nothing Can I Boast In

At God's perfect timing,
Christ died for fallen Man.
He wore a crown of thorns,
Nails driven through His hands.
Christ willingly endured it,
To death He chose to go.
He broke His body for us,
Shed blood to make us whole.

Nothing can I boast in,
My life is scarred with sin.
My works are filthy rags,
No merit can I bring.
Yet mercy filled Christ's heart,
Love took Him to the tree.
It's grace alone that saves me;
Christ's blood that sets me free.

So if I am boasting,
I'll speak of my disgrace.
For my weak self displays,
The power of God's grace.
Christ's Spirit works within me,
In weakness He is strong.
So I look to my Saviour,
To safely bring me home.

BUS CG

Joined A's and HQ's CG today: had been wanting to drop by see see look look (machiam like I'm very free huh?), and also A had asked me to go down today cos they're celebrating HQ's and R's (not too sure how to spell her name) birthdays.

Ended up making a small mess in the place, with the war that ensued after me trying to, erm, make full use of the last uneaten slice of the cake. The casualty list: A's clothes, HQ (quite a lot on her), my clothes.

Anyways, the passage that we did today was Romans 5:12-21, questions prepared and led (mainly) by A.

Dropped by the music min's practise whilst having dinner before gg to can A to study with TYC and Grandville. Reached back at about 1AM from studying.

Tired...but there's a lot of things to worry about, and pray.

=(

Urgency never sets in fully, until we know more about the extent of the problem/circumstances...

Philippians 4:4-9 ESV

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me--practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

Bored

Exams are near, yet still not in the mood really to "pia" for it.

Bored people have nothing much to write about.

Oh, btw, happy birthday in advance Shifu...though you certainly didn't get what you deserved ;)

Romans 5:1-11: New

New boasting...new relationship...


New outlook

Dun understand...

Had our CG today, did Romans 5:1-11 for the bible study, and came to be a lot clearer on the passage =)

But one part (actually half of what Paul's saying in that part), I can't really understand, not that I don't understand, I do, in my mind, but I somehow can't really grasp it fully, yet?

==============
This is that portion:
From the passage, we rejoice in 3 things: in hope of the glory of God (v2), in God thru our Lord Jesus Christ (v11), and in sufferings (v3).

Why do we rejoice in sufferings? Cos' sufferings ultimately end in hope (suffering > endurance > hope; am skipping a lot here), and this hope will not put us to shame, ie. it'll come true, what we hope in.

Why? Cos' God's love has been poured into our hearts (subjective work of the Holy Spirit in individuals, based on the objective fact of Jesus' person and work), taken from v5.

God's love, contrasted with man's (v6-7), and having done the harder thing which was God's love demonstrated in Jesus' work, what more of our hope of the glory of God (v9b, 10b)?

Which is why our hope (of the glory of God) will not be let down, back to the point about rejoicing in suffering.
==============

Sounds simple isn't it? But yet, somehow, I can't grasp the full gravity of this up till now...

Finally! The STUPID calculator (can only add and subtract...) design we're supposed to make for SC201 lab is finally done! Now only can wait and see if it works... *twists fingers* 

舍不得 (can't bear to)

Talking to the group of friends over lunchtime today, only made me (all the more) can't bear to leave cos of my various disappointments/reasons, and added on to why should I stay on (this feeling NOT being one of them).

Have joined this congregation since 8 years ago since secondary school, and have been with this team since then till now, to leave suddenly (to them it would be) would not be very loving either.

But all these things....sigh for now it's 真的舍不得啊

Driving

Gian...

Okok...back to lab!

Exams are coming!

For those who want to know my exam study timetable, and exams dates, for whatever reasons, here it is.

To everyone out there who's taking exams, all the best!

Caffeine Withdrawal Symptom

Taken from this website, and many others that are synonymous in what they say abt caffeine withdrawal...

What are the symptoms of caffeine withdrawal?

Regular caffeine consumption reduces sensitivity to caffeine. When caffeine intake is reduced, the body becomes oversensitive to adenosine. In response to this oversensitiveness, blood pressure drops dramatically, causing an excess of blood in the head (though not necessarily on the brain), leading to a headache.

(Seriously) time to start cutting down on it liao...after today's episode of headaches (have not drunk much coke for like, 3-4 days?), and after drinking one can for lunch, somehow felt better already.

Too much coke...