Hey guys!! Joseph here. Derh! lol. anyway, for the past few days i atuali learning tips on hw to lead a group effectively cause u noe la, i first time becoming a FULL-pledge Leader, must be prepare. not onli tat, i oso manage to finish my HW and yea oso learn hw to start building a relationship wif him. Haha. Yup i been concertrating on hw to build a real and intimate relationship wif him tis holiday and i realise tat i get to know him much more better than before. Wat does it really mean to be God’s friend? The definition of what Jesus say about ‘friend’, is it like the friends that we are having now? If so why must we still Obey God? Do friends obey each other and serve him like a King?? So then, what does it really take to be God’s friend? Haha. How about take some day, share yr friends about it and find out the answer or i come back and i wll tel u more. Haha.                       

                                                                                                                                                           Yours truly,

                                                                                                                                                                                       Joseph Tan : ) 

 

Well i been in Malaysia here for almost 3 weeks since the day i left Singapore. Although, is onli 3 weeks but it feels so long. To tell you the truth, i miss my fellow friends in church and my sheeps and people. One day away, is a day too many. Perhaps, the reason why i feel that time is passing so slowly is because i am basically not focusing my life in malaysia but instead i am missing my friends.  However, thanks to wei keat as he lend me some very fantastic books to read which God atually use them to talk through me. For the past 3 weeks, i have learn alot each day and even from our everyday activities , we learn something as well because every morning i would pray that God would shower me the dust of raybbi on me so that i will have a heart that desires not only to learn but to be with my Father and to have a mind of understanding as well. Indeed, i learn many wisdoms i haven’t learn from my life but Wisdom will be meaningless if i don’t apply them. Many things sure happen in Malaysia and i want to thank God for being with me and knowing that God is always present in my life makes me feel i wasn’t alone here in Malaysia. I can feel his presence because i need him, i want to seek him because i have no friends in Malaysia only my family but none of them will understand how u feel only God can for he is a God of  Understanding and he cares about not only me but us. During my days in Singapore i have surely taken God’s presence for granted and this time round as i go back i don’t want to be foolish in my old ways anymore. I am a Leader which God appointed me as. I then have to think maturely and wisely in whatever i am doing. I always have to remind myself of my idenity every time i was tempted to sin. So in conclusion in what am i trying to say to you is that, if any of u thinks that your holidays are boring and have nothing to do, is because you are not doing it with God. If i can do it, so you can. There are distractions every where in our life and we have to be careful because distractions tempt us to neglect God’s presence and move us further from him. He desires to be with us but is us that we are not allowing him to be with us. As Christians, we should spent our time and money wisely during our holidays, because the Bible told us to do less in Life and do more on the important things. Perhaps now God is using me to speak to you, God is closer than you think! Happy Holidays!

Yesterday night, i was watching documentary about the coming of 2012. There is a guy call ” sth very long and weird, forgot hw to spell ”, he was a Prophet during the 1500s and he wrote a book that predicts the future. As Historians Researchers imbue into his book, they realise that what is he trying to say will happen in the future in 2012 and it will be the Beginning of the End. As the shows continues, it really got be very enthu about it. What’s more this also has been prove by scientist. Global warming, Vocalno eruptions, Earthquakes, Tsunami, Nuclear radiation from the Sun due to the weak ozone layer losing its magnetic field, famine, drought, floods and many things will happen because of US. We are the one to blame and i am seriouly scare and fearful of the future. After the show i went quickly back into my room and cried out to God. I told Him that i am afraid and really wanted him to protect not only me but people closer around me. Then, he told me not to worry and have faith when the times comes. He also told me that this serve as a punishment to his people like a wake-up call and that when the day comes, many will perish but this will be the day where all will remember his wrath, anger and rage. It will not be the end but it will be a year that serve us as a warning from Him. The World is certainly full of evil. Drugs, adultery, smoking, loan sharks, gang fights, people back-stabbing one another, stubborness, jealousy, selfishness, wars, politcal issues, greed over money and so many things. I can’t imagine we Humans are so evil. Yet he still loves us so and i can somehow understand if i were in his position. If you are a Father of a child and the child sins and refuse to listen to you. Won’t you be sad?? Imagine  almost the whole world does that, God will definitely be a infinite times more sad. 

 ” Father, i am sorry for the things i have done and from this, i came to know your anger and love for us as a father. I will learned to fear you and shun wickedness. I, myself, is a sinner like everyone else but you still forgive me if only i ask. You, my God, is certainly Love.”

In conclusion, WAKE up and be prepare, Stop being stubborn anymore and walk in the path of righteousness together with God. He will assure you for he is our God, a God of Faith, Hope and Love. God is Love. [1 John 4:8]

Wow is been quite a while eversince i update my blog due to some recent matters of my internet… =.=. anyway i’m back again to share my life and i m nw in malaysia. i seriouly miss my friends in Singapore and i felt sth reali missing after i left Singapore and tat is Friendship. After my exams i been questioning myself : Yeah!! Whats next?. well or God although i can’t do much in Malaysia for God but Holidays are the best time to get prepared for next year and i wil make gd use of this time to re-organise my life with God. God is certainly a wonderful father. He blessed me and show me love throughout my all my days. His love is reali amazing and in malaysia i will search for the answer on what is really Love. A few days ago was my birthday and i m glad many ppl celebrated and from tis i noe tat God has blessed me wif such wonderful friends u can’t find in life. Thank you Guys for all u have done for me throughout this one year. In malaysia i will oso take the time on bringing my Family closer through Christ and tat both my sis will grow. As next two years will be  my ‘O’ level, i will use the holidays to revise for next year.  I had so much things to say about my life with God but somehow i gotta stop. I couldn’t describe his amazing grace for me but i am sure for believers out there, u should noe what i mean. Continue to grow in the Word of God!!!

                                                                                                                                                                                Joseph Tan

Why am i here?

Why you choose me?

Why is our group  not growing?

Why are my sheeps so stubborn?

Why are we not doing anything?

Why do we always talk, yet do nothing?

Why can’t we just co-operate with one another for once?

Why are we still sinning against him?

Why are we slow in learning and still being so reluctant?

Why has the world become so corrupted?

Why do we still dwell in our sinful ways?

Why are we still slandering one another?

Despite all my doubts,

Why you still Love me?

For the past week i been troubled and been feeling quite stress due to my studies… but is still hab to carry on for the sake of God!! Anyway yesterday, i went to visit  my old church and they had a lesson about the gifts of the Holy Spirit and i was interested so i went for the lesson and this is wat i learn:

1. Definition of Gifts

Gifts and Spiritual Gifts comes from God. Derh.. After people believed in the Lord, the Holy Spirit comes to them and gives many different gifts to them. This means that believers are given spiritual talents, and the purpose is to build up the Body of Christ. (etc. Church or us) The gifts from the Holy Spirit different from natural abilities. Natural abilities are also given by God, like eloquence or having good interpersonal skills. There is a difference. Those who are eloquent after the pulpit. Those who have good interpersonal skills may not be able to encourage another sucessfully. All these gifts, however, we can use them to bring Glory to God and even with our natural abilites.

2. Kind of Gifts

There many different kinds of gifts such as Gift of Prophecy, Gift of Serving, Gift of teaching, Gift of Encouraging, Gift of Giving, Gift of Leadership, Gift of Wisdom and Knowledge, Gift of Faith, Gift of Healing, Gift of Miracles, Gift of Pastoring, Gift of Evangelising, Gift of  Tongues and the Gift of Interpreting Tongues.  [ Romans 12:6-8, 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, 1 Corinthians 12:28, Ephesians 4:11] All these special and unique gifts are given by God to use them to serve him. However, all these gifts cannot be lacked of one Important thing, Love. 1 Corinthians 13. Hence, Love is still the most important thing and also the Greatest Commandment in the Bible. Therefore, use all sorts of Gifts with Love. Love is also a Gift given to all by God so no one should say that you don’t have any unique gifts or talents. Love is something we all know but why people still don’t love. Is a Gift that most people look down on even we as Christians, we tend to desire gifts such as tongues to show others that we have the Holy Spirit in us but showing Love to others is somthing that people can’t see but feel and there is nothing t0 be proud of.  However, God who is in heaven knows and will be please and be proud of us. Lets ask ourselves again. What is speaking of tongues really that important? Can i help others? I rather speak in language whom other people will understand. However, tongues are also important, but desire Greater Gifts. [ 1 Corinthians 12:31]. All Gifts are equally important (1 Corinthians 12: 14-26) but why does Paul still say desire greater Gifts?? I also been confused by this last time. Let me tell you an example. When a brother slander another brother, the Father of them who saw this will say that the brother is better than the other who slander him, but to the Father, both of his sons are equally important because they are his beloved flesh and blood sons. Hope this give you a better understanding of what i am trying to say.

3. Truth about Gifts

The Gifts of the Holy Spirit are given to Christians. The purpose is not for us to enjoy Glory but to build up the church and edify believers.[1 Corinthians 12:7, 14:5] Some gifts are obvious and visible and some are not. However, there are no great or small gifts, major or minor gifts. All gifts are important before God.[1 Corinthians 12:21-26] There is no one who can possess all gifts. Believers also do not possess all gifts. Gifts are to be complemented to serve. 1 Corinthians 12:14-21, 28-30]. Hence, if tongues is a gift, how is it possible that everyone has this gift in some churches? Is still a Big Question Mark however… Gift are allotted to the sovereignty of the Holy Spirit .[ 1 Corinthians 12:8-11] Since, gifts are given according to the sovereignty of God. He can also take them back according to His sovereignty. Gifts will cease and may also cease. Job 1:21 ; Matthew 20:13-15, 25:28-29 ; 1 Corinthians 13:8, 11.

In conclusion, lets use the gifts God given to us, not to bring Glory to us but to the One above and remember to use these Gifts with Love. Hope you learn something new today and lets continue to build up God’s Kingdom together with the gifts he given to us and that Love One  Another.

Today harvest meet is special and quite fun as i am not the one hu got blindfolded. become CL the advantage haha. JK. Anyway, despite knowing tat each and everyone who got blindfolded, i learn tat we are like ppl hu hasn’t came to noe Christ and tat we need a Sheperd like Jesus to guide us as we’re living in darkness and tat onli God cn guide us and show us the Way. We can’t see the person but we know him or her and tat in order to be safe we should follow them and trust them. Similarly, we know God but we can’t see Him but we hab no choice but to follow him if we want to be safe and live. He is the way, the truth and the life.John 14:6. We hab to put our faith in him tat he wil definitely guide us through tis times of darkness.

Another thing is tat for me hu guide some of them, i realise tat it is quite difficult to do so. First you hab to make sure they trust you when guiding them and tat you hab to be patient wif them because they can’t see but you can.  Patience is another important factor when teaching yr Sheep cause they canot possibly grow to be spiritual suddenly withnin a week. Be patient in teaching them for hw patient Jesus teach us knowing tat we are like child hu needs to be spoon feed first and slowly teaching us hw to eat by ourselves. Jesus is a Patient and awesome God and Father who else cn be compared to Him. Praise and Glory to him forever!! Hallelujah!! Therefore, we must be Patient in doing things for God himself is patient wif us when we are once stubborn and refuse to follow or listen to him. Most importantly, have Faith in Him!!! He is the Real Living God tat we’re Serving!!!

Today’sermon was interesting and funny. Despite tat, it reali motivate me alot because of tis sermon. I learn tat we must always plan and prepare ourselve before making and harsh decisions or actions. Wats more, God oso answer my prayer and tat is hw to rebuild our Caregroup and to examine them. But FIRST, we have to rebuild and examine ourselves first before rebuliding others. I noe tat as being a new CL, i hab not much experience but there are times where i condemn myself and keep teling myself whether i cn lead the group well or wil i destroy the group instead. I am reali scared but i noe tat God is always wif me throughout my whole life. But nw i noe i may not be availbel all the time but i pray tat God wil carry me through tis tough period of exams and oso the ministry i am serving tat he wil help me and guide me as well. Lets all look at our problems rather than saying others, confess yr sins whether is big or small, CONFESS AND PRAY HARD!! And do sth about it and i will do my best as well so lets all work hard together despite knowing tat we will face many hardships and sufferings in life but i noe tat at the end of the day if we perservere, we will receive wat we deserve and God will definitely reward us wat he has promised which is Eternal Life in his Kingdom. Hallelujah!!! Lets not onli make things right but oso do things right now!!! Let’s give God Our BEST!!!!

Today got unit outing and veri funny lol cause many stupid things happen and i went on to interview everyone and they gib some stupid and funny remarks about today event. for me, i feel tat it is great and tat upon this, i realise God has reali blessed my life wif so many frens and many other thins as well. I noe tat in life there are times when we feel like nobody cares about us and u wil tend to think tat u had reali few frens around you tat truly cares. Basically tat is wat i think previously and tat we should not hab tis sort of negative thinking and look at things at a different angle. Tis is one of the methods Saturn try to make you lose hope in God and yrself but fear not for He is always wif us.

Another thing is tat usually when giving testismony, some of us tend to forget wat to say or dun not noe wat to sae because we tend to take every small blessing God given us for granted and always think about the bad things tat happen to you but one thing for sure is tat the best testismony is a Godly Life.  I realised tat God has blessed me in so many ways and tat i am fortunate to hab a Home and many wonderful friends God has blessed me and let us not forget wat God has blessed us. If u think God didn’t bless you, THINK AGAIN!! We are atuali fortunate to hab food and water everyday and our life is better than those who are poor,the weak, the disabled and many others which may not be fortunate as we do. Therefore, be Happy and Grateful to those who help you and especially God who show you Love Unconditionally and hence we ought to show love to others as well which is the greatest commandment in the Bible. 

To know love, open your heart to Jesus. To show love, open your heart to others.

Bascically, last two weeks pester shirley gave us a teaching about the bk of Nehemiah which is quite interesting. Nehemiah is atually a cupbearer tat is some1 who usually pass the drinks to the King and so on. In short is like the King personal waiter. However, despite being in a low positon, he is someone faithful towards his earthly master and Godly master which is GOD. One day, he heard news tat his home, Jeresulem, is being destroyed and tat he is sad and wanted to save his home and family. So he ask for the King request and pray to God and so on. Tats all i noe cause i didn reali read the bk of Nehemiah yet… But i feel tat Pester Shirley teaching is quite benefical and helps my life alot. The main thing of this teaching is basically asking God to use us more. Because most of the time when serving God, we set low expectations and always say the word ”at least” in watever we do for God. However, instead of sayin at least why not we ask God to use us more for his greater work.God had given us the choice is up to us whether we wan to use it or not to serve him greatly and wif a sincere and willing heart.