Christmas Love Note 2008

It's December again.. December 2008.. also means that another year is approaching its end. I've been in Nizhny for a year plus too. A fulfilled promise from Daddy God which came true after 4 years (the promise was first given about 5 years ago..). Looking back the past one year, I just knew that He hold me closer and closer to Himself each day.

There are times, where He just paused, and laughed with me.
There are times, where He just paused, and wiped the tears for me.

Making me falling in love with Him again and again. Indeed, we love because He first loved us.

"Daddy God, thanks so much for your love for me."

To all my dear family and friends,

"At this season of love, I just wanna says thanks for all your loves and cares for me. Without your love, I wouldn't be the same as who I am. I too wanna take this opportuniy to apologise to you if I've make you feel neglected in any way for the past one year. Maybe I have not talking to you for some time... not staying touch closely... etc. Many a time, i failed to love people as how God want me to. Nevertheless, God had never failed to show His love for me through my family and friends.

;-) Thanks for all your Christmas greetings, foods, drinks, kindness, concerns, smiles, hugs, flower, gifts, sms etc."

All the good things come from God, isn't it..?

This morning while on the way back to hostel from school (in the bus), i received two sms greetings...
One from a friend in Malaysia whom we have not staying touch for a while, feeling quite touched as I knew that she still cares for me :)

Also, another love sms from a sister in Singapore (you know who you are! = P).
"Thanks, sis. Appreciate it..."

"Lastly, I pray that all of you getting closer to Daddy God each day..

As for my family and friends who haven't come to know God yet, I really hope that you would come to share the love in Christ with me one day.

Will be praying for you, always.

When you need someone to talk to, come to me.
When you need someone to laugh with, come to me.
When you need a shoulder to cry on, come to me.

Though I may not be the best for you, but I would try my best for you.

Love you, always."

Have a Blessed Christmas and New Year!! ;-)

我们爱让世界不一样

Sometime ago i was browsing through my playlist randomly and came across this song that became one of the song that i like the most lately.. been listening to this chinese worship song repeatedly for a couple of months..

Some of you may know, I went for a chinese church camp with a few frens last weekend.. and.. amazingly.. this is one of the worship song that we sang for a few times there (now i knew why i really like tis song).. = ))

like the lyrics and the rhythm of it. The part of the lyrics that i like the most is " 有你爱的地方就是天堂 ".. meaning "when there is Love from God, the place is as wonderful as Heaven". I was trying to translate the meaning to English as closely as possible.. but I think the meaning is still the best in Mandarin in this case : )

Basically.. the lyrics is trying to bring the Love message from Above..

There are many parts of the song that carries special meaning to me when i ponder upon the lyrics.. eg the very beginning of the song..

"你和我是天父爱的创造 每个人有最美的梦想 一路上彼此照亮，扶持拥抱 我们的爱让世界不一样"

and

"心再坚强也不要独自飞翔"

Following is the lyrics that I get from this website:

http://www.zanmeishi.com/song/txt/OTc2Nw==/


你和我是天父爱的创造
每个人有最美的梦想
一路上彼此照亮，扶持拥抱
我们的爱让世界不一样
你和我是天父爱的创造
每个人有最美的梦想
一路上彼此照亮，扶持拥抱
我们的爱让世界不一样
我们爱因神先爱我们
虽你我不一样，我们一路唱
走往祝福的方向
我们爱因神先爱我们
心再坚强也不要独自飞翔
只要微笑，只要原谅
有你爱的地方就是天堂

你和我是天父爱的创造
每个人有最美的梦想
一路上彼此照亮，扶持拥抱
我们的爱让世界不一样
你和我是天父爱的创造
每个人有最美的梦想
一路上彼此照亮，扶持拥抱
我们的爱让世界不一样
我们爱因神先爱我们
虽你我不一样，我们一路唱
走往祝福的方向
我们爱因神先爱我们
心再坚强也不要独自飞翔
只要微笑，只要原谅
有你爱的地方就是天堂

我们爱因神先爱我们
虽你我不一样，我们一路唱
走往祝福的方向
我们爱因神先爱我们
心再坚强也不要独自飞翔
只要微笑，只要原谅
有你爱的地方就是天堂

我们爱因神先爱我们
虽你我不一样，我们一路唱
走往祝福的方向
我们爱因神先爱我们
心再坚强也不要独自飞翔
只要微笑，只要原谅
有你爱的地方就是天堂
我们爱因神先爱我们
心再坚强也不要独自飞翔
只要微笑，只要原谅
有你爱的地方就是天堂

Healing of the Water

2 Kings 2:19-22 (NIV)

Healing of the Water

19 The men of the city said to Elisha, "Look, our lord, this town is well situated, as you can see, but the water is bad and the land is unproductive."
20 "Bring me a new bowl," he said, "and put salt in it." So they brought it to him.
21 Then he went out to the spring and threw the salt into it, saying, "This is what the LORD says: 'I have healed this water. Never again will it cause death or make the land unproductive.' " 22 And the water has remained wholesome to this day, according to the word Elisha had spoken.

Came across this passage when i was spending time with God the other day : )

To me, water signifies something that is very crucial for human being. Physically, 70% of human body is consisted of water. Spiritually, the water is one of the symbols of the Holy Spirit.

i get the following detailed explanation of the spiritual meaning of water from:

http://www.conservapedia.com/Symbols_of_the_Holy_Spirit

"The symbolism of water signifies the Holy Spirit's action in Baptism, since after the invocation of the Holy Spirit it becomes the efficacious sacramental sign of new birth: just as the gestation of our first birth took place in water, so the water of Baptism truly signifies that our birth into the divine life is given to us in the Holy Spirit. As "by one Spirit we were all baptized," so we are also "made to drink of one Spirit." Thus the Spirit is also personally the living water welling up from Christ crucified as its source and welling up in us to eternal life."

Therefore, from 2 Kings 2: 19b, the water is bad and the land is unproductive.

The hidden meaning to me is that there will be no life when the water is bad. How could one survive physically when there are no clean water for drinking? How will the believer be without Holy Spirit coming to us after the glorified of Jesus?

As for "the land is unproductive", land consisted of soil etc. And we know that the organics compound of soil on the earth is actually the same with the constitution of human skin or body. Scientific research has proven that. In the Bible, it also mentioned that God created man from the dust of the ground (soil in our term).

Genesis 2:7 (NIV)

7 the LORD God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.

The unproductive land meaning a body that is not bearing spiritual fruit. Well, what is God's orchard (the fruit of the Spirit) then?

Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV)

22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Apostle Paul wrote that when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, He will produce this kind of fruit in us.

"When a believer displays the fruit of the Spirit, it will affect others' lives supernaturally. There's one stipulation: the fruit must come from the right source. We can try to muster up all the self-control of a Weight Watchers model, the joy of a Walt Disney World employee or the patience of a librarian. But those virtues usually only last for a while." by Jennifer Abegg

In 2 Kings 2:20, it mentioned about the salt. And i was wondering what's the spiritual meaning of salt. It reminded me of a passage in Matthew 5. Also came to this passage last night when i did the devotion. As Pastor Prince always mentioned, the best way to explain the meaing of a bible verse is to let the Bible explains Itself.

Matthew 5:13-16 (NIV)

Salt and Light

13"You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.
14"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.

15Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.

16In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

In the physical realm, what do we usually use the salt for? I think one of the most common usage of it is cooking. When we cook, we like to add some salt into it. Have you ever wondered why you did that? To make the dish tastes a bit better??

In the spiritual realm, what does it means? I used to have this question each time when i came across this part of the Bible. I get this detailed explanation from the following website on wikipedia.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salt_and_Light

The exact meaning of the expression salt of the earth is disputed, in part because salt had a wide number of uses in the ancient world. There are several different possibilities for the originally intended meaning of the salt metaphor:

1) Exodus, Ezekiel, and Kings present salt as a purifying agent.
2) Leviticus, Numbers, and Chronicles present it as a sign of God's covenant.

3)The most important use of salt was as a preservative and hence the most common interpretation of the metaphor is as asserting the duty to preserve the purity of the world.

4) In the Rabbinic literature of the period salt was a metaphor for wisdom.

5) Salt was a minor but essential ingredient in fertilizer and so a few scholars such as Gundry believe that earth should be translated as soil (i.e. salt of the soil), and hence the metaphor asserts that the audience should help the world grow and prosper.

6) One interpretation of salt of the earth is that it orders the audience to take part in the world rather than withdraw from it.

7) Among the ancient Hebrews salt...was used as a preservative, in seasoning food, and in all animal sacrifices. Lev. 2:13; Ezek. 43:24; Mark 9:49-50. So essential was it to the sacrificial ordinance that it was the symbol of the covenant made between God and His people in connection with that sacred performance. Lev. 2:13; Num. 18:19; 2 Chron. 13:5.

Another word that I would like to mention is the word "bowl" which appeared both in 2 Kings 2:20a and Matthew 5:15a. In the 2 Kings, the term "new bowl" is used. At first, i didn't pay much attention to the hidden meaning of it. It was not until i saw the same word in Matthew 5:15 - "Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house."

From here, we can see that a bowl has the function to cover the light of a lamp when something is being put under it. Bring this same meaning back to Old Testament in 2 Kings 2: 20 - "Bring me a new bowl," he said, "and put salt in it." So they brought it to him.

However, when we put something in the bowl and not under it, it carries much different! Now the bowl is able to show the salt in it. In other word, it is no longer something that is hidden but something that is meant to be proclaimed to the people out there. But why must a new bowl and not an used or old one? A new bowl is usually clean. I think it signifies the meaning of a new life. Only a new life (after the spiritual rebirth) is able to carry the salt in it. God wants to use a clean vessel (washed by the blood of Christ Jesus) to carry the gospel.

In 2 Kings 2:21-22,

21 Then he went out to the spring and threw the salt into it, saying, "This is what the LORD says: 'I have healed this water. Never again will it cause death or make the land unproductive.' " 22 And the water has remained wholesome to this day, according to the word Elisha had spoken.

It seems to me that the water (living water) signifies life here when we have Holy Spirit in us. And a person who has Holy Spirit in him/her also means that his/her life has been healed by Jesus. Meaning that the healing/answer is already provided for a broken life (all who are living in this fallen world). It is up to us to believe on the promises in the Bible and claim it to our circumstances as guides by the Holy Spirit. The death that mentioned in verse 21b also means that there would be no more spiritual death for believers in Christ. Just as how Christ Jesus conquered the physical death on the Cross.

In verse 22, it mentioned that the water remained wholesome. I believe it means that those who are in Christ has the ability to be made whole (meaning get healed spiritually, emotionally & physically - the tripartite of us) by Jesus Himself (the Greatest Physician).

Isn't that a good news? Would you like to have this new life from God too?

The Sense of Helplessness

Have you ever had a sense of helplessness in your life?? How did you feel? How did you overcome it?

I was locked in the lift the other day. It happened to me twice in a week time. Well, never thought that it would happen to me. Though it's a very common scene in those HK drama or movie. For those shows, very often it just happen at the right timing for some reasons behind (those who watch it will know what I mean = P). As for me, it's something that i been thinking how would I react if it really happen to me one day. Though it might sounds strange as who in the world would like to have this kind of experience?

Well, the first time.. a not so bad one as at least my two friends were able to help me open the door by pushing it and it only took a couple of minutes. It happened when the lift reached my floor.. and while the door was opening.. it just stopped at the very beginning of it. All it left is a small opening.. and i was stunned for a moment. After my mind accepted the fact that the lift is not working and i was locked inside, i was trying to figure out way/s to rescue myself. First, i pressed the "bell" sign botton. Well, in my mind i was actually wondering whether would anyone come and answer me. Thank God that there was someone around and talked to me. The thing is.. it's in Russian.. So...? It means that I think I need to seek help from my friends. I had some thoughts on who should I call etc.. at the same time I afraid to disturb them. In the end, I decided to call Mike and Jack. Both of them are my good brothers. They're among those whom I could count on when I need help. Really thank God for blessing me with brothers and sisters who are always there to help and care when I need.

Actually I'm not those type of people who are good at seeking help from others. And I would try my best to avoid seeking favor from others if possible.. and if i did.. it means that I did really give a thought on it. I just dislike the feeling... and it's something that I need to work on with God's help... learning to be not so self-dependent and accept help from others. A friend of mine (my spiritual mentor cum fren) commented that female should behave more weak outwardly. And let male play the stronger or protective role.

A week later, it happened again.. well i would say a not so pleasant one as compared to the first time. God knows how i felt. I was actually being locked for about an hour inside this time round. The lift just stopped while it was on its way up.. not long after i went inside. Though i had the previous experience.. but i still couldn't help except stunned. I called Mike. Poor him.. running up and down the staircase helping me to inform the guard etc...
Michael, really appreciate your help.

I felt really upset and helpless (also a reminder that we as a human are not able to have the control in life except God Himself) inside the lift this time round. I had my reasons for feeling so.. example I was supposed to see a teacher as I promised and made the appointment with her. Knowing that it was very unlikely for me to see her in time.. felt like a break of promise on my part.
Secondly, i was supposed to go for philosopy lecture by 12:30pm..

The unfulfilled promise.. suddenly.. a vision was running through my mind. A picture of a prisoner who was sentenced to be locked in a jail for life. One who had made a promise to his family.. saying that he would take good care of them for the rest of his life. How would he feels when he was locked inside the prison?? How about those who are still taken captive by the evil ones in their mind? I think what I had experienced (the little suffering) is nothing when compared to them who are being locked in a prison and those who are taking captive in their mind.

As a metaphor to that. My question is:"How would I be today if Jesus never came into my life to rescue me at the point of time when I needed Him the most..?"

Nothing but His love is able to change people's lives (by setting people free).

The Unspeakable Joy

Recently the passion of learning sign language is rekindled (for some reasons behind). When I can learn different spoken languages in order to communicate with people of different races. Why don't I learn the language of these people too? Well, they can be come from various social background or races. The thought of learning it just makes my heart smiles. Perhaps the passion to learn is rekindled by a beautiful encounter recently.

Last Wednesday, I met a beautiful Russian lady in the bus while i was on my way back to the hostel from Anatomy class at Building 4. Once seated in the bus, I was trying to locate for the conductor as usual. This lady who was sitting in front of me signaled to me that the bus driver himself is the conductor. I was smiling to show that i get her message. In my heart, I am thinking this lady is really kind. She was trying to be friendly to me in the bus too. I dunno why but I just like her. After a few stops, she needed to get down from the bus. Even though I was hoping to have a longer time spent with her. Just before she get down from the bus, I was looking at her as wish to say bye to her and also wondering whether she would said bye to me first (perhaps cos i'm shy)? Well, she did. : )

The impression that this lady gave me.. she's a very cheerful.. and kind-hearted person. The joy is just so infectious. Though she might not be able to speak verbally, but she's much more than able to cheer people up with her kind nature and the unspeakable joy. While an untamed tongue can brings much hatred and strife, a quiet soul certainly can brings the love and encouragement to people. I pray that the love of God will so embrace this lady and that she would come to know the living God personally if she hasn't. Would I be able to get the chance to have a second encounter with her soon?

The Triggered Memories

Yesterday we had our very first English Worship at Calvary Chapel. It's like a dream comes true for me as I had been talking to God about how I long to have a complete English Service in Nizhny Novgorod (NN). Thanks to Pastor Vlad who walked the extra mile and made it possible for us. The worship songs that we sang reminded me of the early christian life back in Kota Kinabalu (KK). I was quite innocent by then. But one thing for sure, by that time I already knew that God is existing (out of the revelation from God Himself). So I devoted myself to seek after God and trying to know Him a little better. One of the worship song which sounds like this "the steadfast love of the Lord never ceases.. the mercy are new every morning.." reminded me of Tessa (a sister from Elim Church in Singapore). She was so kind and thoughtful that gave me a bookmark with these verses "the mercy of God are new every morning". The verses had been a source of encouragement to me while I was in Singapore. She must be sensitive enough or a word of knowledge from God to be able to get this. Feel like a gift from the Heaven.

In the middle of the service, a couple who lost the ability to see came in to our midst. A brother was leading them to the front seats. Suddenly my heart is sinking.. feeling like the tears are dropping inside. I dunno why but it happened whenever I see scenario like this. I thought about a service for the blinds that I attended once in Singapore. I was sitting behind and busy wiping my tears when the worship just started. I can't help but just feel so touched by the love of God and by the people who really seek after God with their hearts. They can't see the physical world so it must have cost them extra efforts to come to the church. Even though transport do provided for them. Their physical eyes might be closed temporary but their spiritual eyes are surely opened wide. Talking about this place for the blinds. Actually I came to know about this place from Sister Nisha (from Elim Church). She is a nurse in a hospital for the elderly nearby the church. A brave and godly lady from India. A sister from the Lord as He just crossed our path. I still remember how I get to know her one afternoon after the lunch hour bible studies. Once she brought me to the hospital that she's working with. The volunteer coordinator brought me to a ward. I was hoping to become a volunteer and share gospel there. Little did I notice the importance of learning Hokkien and Teochew in Singapore till I tried to speak to the elderly in the hospital. They tried their best to make their message known to me and I was trying my best to listen.. but hmmm.. the conclusion is: I need to catch up my Hokkien and Teochew. Actually I speak little dialect except Cantonese (cos i'm a Cantonese = P), I get to know a bit more of Hakka when I was studying in KK (those who are from KK will know why!) as sometimes me and my frens attended the combined Mandarin and Hakka service in Basel Church, plus the cell group that we had there also provided the opportunities for me to learn (if I wanted to). Some of my neighbours in hometown are actually Hokkien, so my two older brothers can speak Hokkien etc. They can catch very fast and speak very well in terms of learning a new language and I think they're very gifted in speaking. As for me, I feel that I am more comfortable in writing when comes to language. I think God just created us differently to complement each other.