I want a pet dragon! November 5, 2009
Posted by Gabe in Everyday things, Randomness.Tags: Thoughts
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Imagine that.. 
Writing a book? October 29, 2009
Posted by Gabe in Books!, Ponderings.Tags: Thoughts
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I just came back from a discussion we had over at Ps. M’s place. We conversed initially about prayer and then it drifted to preaching. After a while, the conversation turned to the universal church. The conversation took a twist and thats when something in me stirred, more than usual. My interest was captivated. My ears were perked up and my mind was working in sync with my words at that hour of the night. Thats a rare occasion for me. Unless of course it is way pass the normal night hours and I’m loaded with a few shots of caffeine.
Anyway I had a thought, and I was still wondering if it was God. I have the inspiration to write a book , a journal or a thesis about a subject I’ve been pondering on. Titles and discussion items came one after another. What to write about… Ideas and concepts came into my mind. Inspiration from God? I believe so.
Yet being what I am today, I tend to be sceptical. Writing a book is no easy task. It would involved extensive research, hours, days and even weeks of interviews and discussions. I need to be an expert in certain subjects or rather have competent knowledge in. Not to mention the amount of time I would put in. Yet if it is Your will, let it be done. I pray You would bring people to help me and to inspire me.
So there are several things I need to do or research on. First things first, I need to find out how to write a book. I’ve read countless books and reading is some sort of a passion for me. Yet how does an author constructs a chapter? Does it start with an objective? Beginning, key points and ending? I think its is not as simple as secondary/ primary school methods.
So its an exciting endeavour. Hope it is not… I pray it is not merely wishful thinking or spur of the moment.
Whats the title you ask? — Its a secret. :p
God forbid. :p
A time of testing October 28, 2009
Posted by Gabe in Devotion.Tags: Whispers
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“The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of God has been given to you, but to others I speak in parables, so that,
” ‘though seeing, they may not see;
though hearing, they may not understand’
“This is the meaning of the parable: The seed is the word of God. Those along the path are the ones who hear, and then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved. Those on the rock are the ones who receive the word with joy when they hear it, but they have no root. They believe for a while, but in the time of testing they fall away. The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life’s worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature. But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.
“No one lights a lamp and hides it in a jar or puts it under a bed. Instead, he puts it on a stand, so that those who come in can see the light. For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open. Therefore consider carefully how you listen. Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what he thinks he has will be taken from him.” ~ Luke 8:10-18
As I did my devotion today, I prayed that God will speak to me. I sought comfort and peace for myself. God blessed me with the verses above, blessed me with His whispers. I’ve received the word of God into my current situation.
I’m glad my heart is not like those paths that the seeds have fallen and that the devil has not taken those words from me.
Roots – I believe I’ve some roots from God’s discipline throughout the years. There have been many breaking of the grounds and the soil. Hard lessons, often painful but my heart has become more fertile to His word. I thank God for helping me with perseverance.
I do not wish to have a heart like those covered in thorns. Jesus said there will be times of testing. I guess this is my time. Glad I’ve not fallen away. Those I believe I’ve still some worries of life but I do want to mature. So I pray for God to help me see and hear.
Help me cultivate a noble and good heart by helping me retain the word in me. And with perseverance, this will result in good crops to Your glory.
I was wondering what was the connection between those two seemingly connected parables. The parable of the Sower and A Lamp on a Stand. I believe we are to live out what we believe in the open. Hence I’m not afraid to share my struggles and my victories in the open. God gets all the glory when He delivers me or teaches me a lesson.
Then the words “Consider carefully how you listen.” To listen to Your whispers? Careful not to miss the lessons or Your voice in our struggles and trials. And the parables ends with a blessing and a warning. Those who have will be given more.
Grant me strength for the day. Wisdom and peace. Mercy and Love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Dessert for two? October 28, 2009
Posted by Gabe in Everyday things, Randomness.add a comment
We decided to have lunch as a treat from the stresses of the week. And it was only a Tuesday! :p …. So anyway we had a set lunch, one for each person and it was a normal lunch. I didn’t really enjoyed mine as I found it too creamy.
When the dessert was brought in, we had a good laugh.
Hmmm… if it was a date, it would have been alright for the waitress to bring us the desserts in one plate. Problem is… I was sharing the plate with this person…
Haha! :p What was the waitress thinking… two grown men sharing dessert on the same plate.. :p Funny thing was my other colleague had a plate and dessert by her own. So it left us laughing when the dessert was brought in.
It was funny, so I thought I’d share it here.
Yet will I praise You. October 27, 2009
Posted by Gabe in CG, Devotion, Ponderings.Tags: Thoughts, Whispers
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This morning, I woke up and read a bit of God’s Word today and prayed a little before I start to get ready for work. Knowing I had an appointment at 10am, I took my time to get ready. All in all it was a normal monday morning. Took my coffee and had a bit of bread for breakfast. Then I drove to work.
As I reached my destination, my phone rang. It was my senior manager, he called me and enquired about my interview. He enquired if I received news of my application for the manager position and if I was involved in the coming interview appointment. I found it odd that I didn’t receive any news and didn’t think much of it as I was rushing for an appointment. I guess deep down inside, my heart was beginning to doubt. I brushed off that feeling and went about my business.
After my appointment I started my way back to the office and casually asked if my lunch buddies were interested to go out. Then my big boss came and joined us for lunch. Before heading off, she told me to see her after lunch. Hmmm doesn’t sound too good. In my heart, I knew I didn’t feel any good vibes. So I prepared myself.
All throughout lunch, not a word was mentioned about my meeting with her. We had lunch as usual and came back to the office. After settling in, I went into her room and she asked me to close the door. Ah.. I knew then it wouldn’t be a good news. As she started the conversation, I mentioned it upfront saying “I didn’t get shortlisted didn’t I?”. I waited for the reason and when the reason was mentioned I was slightly shakened. Just slightly.
The reason I wasn’t shortlisted for the interview was that I didn’t submit an application form in the new process they have implemented. It was also my fault as I was careless in reading the instructions in the vacancy memo. I assumed it was the same process as the last time I wasn’t shortlisted. My big boss even tried talking to HR to make an exception but they wouldn’t budge.
I acknowledged the situation and excused myself after a few moments. I went out like nothing big happened. Sat back down at my place and looked at the problem my laptop was having. Morale was low. Disappointment was setting in. Discouragement soon followed.
As I composed myself a little better I went to inform my senior manager who was also suprised. His face showed concern for my morale and even emphatised with me. He assured me there will be other opportunities.
So that being done, I went back to my place. It was then I wrestled with myself. My spirit was wrestling with my flesh, my pride. Soon after I found myself suprised because there was no bitterness, there was no anger towards God. Maybe a little frustration towards my company system and disappointment. But there were no anger or bitterness.
I thought about my qualifications and my experiences and the things that I have achieved thus far. I have strived hard and slogged long hours to come this far. It wasn’t a long contemplation before the truths of my lives begin to set in. I am not here because of my own doing. I did not come this far because I alone was competent or was smart enough to do anything. I was here because God see it fit to bless me this far.
Remain in Me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in Me. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in Me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. ~ John 15:4-5With a little more contemplation on the situation, I found myself hearing the words “Yet I will praise Thee”. I found some reassurance in those words but the feelings of disappointment was still there. I am human afterall and not perfect just yet.
Yet I will praise You. I know the guiles and schemes of the evil one and I know of my God who is good to me. I know of the evil one who whispered those words of discontentment in me while I was wrestling. I knew which voice I had to listen to.
Again worry begins to fill my heart about the future. It would have been even more comfortable to have the extra finances that comes with the promotion. Then God words came into my mind. He is my provider. He provides all the things that I need. My provision comes from Him. Is money more important than His will? I know He is good.
I believed He had plans for me, to prosper me even if I could not see the capabilities in front of me. Even if it was my own fault I was careless in observing details. Observing details is what I do on a daily basis at work. Oh what a blow to my pride. Yet I will praise Him. He is good to me. He has blessed me with a life that is full and even in abundance. Most importantly He has blessed me with discipline because He cares for me as a son.
What good would it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? ~ Mt 16:26 “My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those He loves, and He punishes everyone he accepts as a son.” Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? … Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in His holiness. No discipline seem pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. ~ Heb 12:5-11As I thought about it more this night, I know it was a lesson to learn. I knew it was a lesson whose value weighs more important than any amount of money can buy. It was a lesson on dependence but more important it was a lesson in devotion. This situation brought about a few questions. one of which I believe to be ”Who do you work for?” If I worked for God, then I shouldn’t be upset about it. It is He who rewards, aptly mentioned by Ellie.
I learnt a lesson today or rather my soul learnt a lesson today. Perhaps it was a reminder of the words I’ve said when I’ve started my career. Who do you work for?
My soul is enriched and my foundation has the opportunity to be built stronger. And for that I praise Thee. My soul has the opportunity to recognize what is important. My soul has the opportunity to listen to His voice.
If it is His will that I should be more prepared and that where I am today would bring about the kingdom of God in the company, Your will be done. I know my future is secure because it is in Your hands. If where I am today is a good position to be part of Your work, I pray for eyes to see and ears to hear. I pray for wisdom and the stillness of heart.
My Lord declares and I proclaim,
“I have no need of a bull from your stall or of goats from your pens, for every animal in the forests is mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills. I know every bird in the mountains, and the creatures of the fields are mine. If I were hungry I would not tell you, for the world is mine, and all that is in it.My God is the Creator of creation. He is able to provide for all my needs.
So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows you need them. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. ~ Mt 6:31-34I praise You Lord for you have again confirmed the verse that You have blessed me with at the beginning of my working life. Matthew 6:33. Seek Ye first His kingdom and His righteousness.
Yet I will praise Him.
Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for yet I will praise Him, my Saviour and my God. ~ Psalm 42:5-6.I give You, Lord Jesus Christ, all glory and praise.
Yet will I praise Thee.
Robots! … again… October 25, 2009
Posted by Gabe in Randomness.2 comments
What can I say? Robotics are cool! 
Anyway I am really impressed with the fluid movements and its capability.
The kid in me screaming – Coolness!
The contemporary man :) October 25, 2009
Posted by Gabe in Everyday things, Randomness.add a comment
Presenting the new contemporary man fashion! Normally I don’t really fancy pink as part of my fashion wardrobe. But looking at Alvin dressed in pink with a grey jacket, I was pleasantly suprised. He pulled it off. Looks good, Al. Before I start this trend of fashion spotting, just to say that this was a random spur of the moment.
Anyway I was thinking to myself, “I think my generation certainly can’t pull it off (wearing pink)… generally anyway. But nowadays, the new gen does things differently.. though good and/or bad, definitely different.”
Kudos to Alvin! Btw, ladies, he is a good guy and still available too! :p If you’re in church, keep an eye out for him.
(A note to my enthuasiatic gal – I’m not wearing pink! :p )
Shifting Sands Shifting Hearts October 24, 2009
Posted by Gabe in CG, Devotion.Tags: Whispers
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As I pondered on the passages of Mark during my devotion today, I was moved by Jesus’ last few days and pondered on how He would have felt.
From the triumphal entry to the Place of the Skull, the cries of the people turned from
“Hosanna!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!” “Hosanna is the highest!” ~ Mark 11:9to,
“Crucify him!” they shouted. “Why? what crime has he committed?” asked Pilate. But they shouted all the louder, “Crucify him!” ~Mk 15:13-14Then I pondered on the suffering You have endured,
Then all the disciples deserted Him and fled (Mt 26:56)
Many testified against him, but their statements did not agree. then some stood up and gave false testimony against him. (Mk 14:57-58)
But Jesus remained silent. (Mt 26:63)
The high priest said to Him, “I charge you under oath by the living God: Tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God.”
“Yes, it is as you say,” Jesus replied. “But I say to all of you: In the future you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.” (Mt 26: 63-64)
Then they spit in His face and struck Him with their fists. Others slapped Him and said, “Prophesy to us, Christ. Who hit you?” (Mt 2667)
They all condemned Him as worthy of death. Then some began to spit at him; they blindfolded him, struck him with their fists, and said “Prophesy!” And the guards took him and beat him. (Mk 14:64-65)
Very early in the morning, the chief priests, with the elders, the teachers of the law and the whole Sanhedrin, reached a decision. They bound Jesus, led Him away and handed Him over to Pilate. (Mk 15: 1)
The chief priests accused Him of many things. (Mk 15:3)
When he was accused by the chief priests and the elders, he gave no answer. Then Pilate asked Him, “Don’t you hear the testimony they are bringing against you?” But Jesus made no reply, not even to a single charge – to the great amazement of the governor. (Mt 27:12-14)
Then Pilate took Jesus and had him flogged. (Jn 19:1)
They put a purple robe on Him, then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on Him. And they began to call out to Him, “Hail, king of the Jews!” Again and again they struck Him on the head with a staff and spit on Him. Falling on their knees, they paid homage to Him. (Mk 15:17-19)
So the soldiers took charge of Jesus. Carrying His own cross, He went out to the place of the Skull. (Jn 19:16-17)
And they crucified him. Dividing up His clothes, they cast lots to see what each would get. (Mk 15:24)
Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do no know what they are doing.” (Lk 23:34)
Those who passed by hurled insults at Him, shaking their heads and saying. “So! You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, come down from the cross and save yourself!”
In the same way the chief priests and the teachers of the law mocked Him among themselves. “He saved others,” they said, “but he can’t save himself! Let this Christ, this King of Israel, come down now from the cross, that we may see and believe.” Those crucified with Him also heaped insults on Him. (Mk 15:29-32)
Then some of the Pharisees and teachers of the law said to him, “Teacher, we want to see a miraculous sign from you.” He answered, “A wicked and adulterous generation asks for a miraculous sign! But none will be given it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of a huge fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. The men of Nineveh will stand up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and now one greater than Jonah is here. The Queen of the South will rise at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for she came from the ends of the earth to listen to Solomon’s wisdom, and now one greater than Solomon is here. (Mt 12:38-42)
“Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him, “for all who draw the sword will die by the sword. Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?” (Mt 16:52-54)
Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, He bowed His head and gave up His Spirit. (Jn 19:30)
With a loud cry, Jesus breathed His last. (Mk 15:37)
There are sufferings that you have endured but is not mentioned here. The turning of Father’s face, to be ripped from the presence of God.
Yet…
How did You feel then? I imagined You would feel sad yet You felt no bitterness or anger towards the people. I believe Your heart would have been broken then but yet harboured no hate.
For the joy set before You, You endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrew 12:2)
Father, Lord Jesus Christ, forgive me of my sins and my wicked heart that should love you above all else yet wavers from time to time. Forgive me of my wavering and let not I forget the price You have paid for me. And in the times of my prayer, worship and devotion, let my heart wait upon You. I look to You for all that I need to live. I am eternally grateful for Your sacrifice and redemption, Your mercy and grace, most important of all Your love. All glory, all praise, all honor, all power is Yours forever. May the nations see Your glory and bow down in humble confession and declaration of Your Majesty and Lordship. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. ~ Hebrew 12:3
Glory…. October 20, 2009
Posted by Gabe in CG, Devotion.Tags: Thoughts
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Hosanna, Hosanna, Hosanna in the highest!
For since the creation the creation of the world, God's invisible qualities - His eternal power and divine nature - have been clearly seen, being understood from what was made, so that men are without excuse. ~ Rom 1:20
For although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles.
Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised.
Amen.
Prayer that my loved ones and I will see the light of the glory of God. Amen and amen.
Without excuse. But we cry out for mercy.
Keep Watch October 15, 2009
Posted by Gabe in CG, Devotion.Tags: Whispers
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As I was doing my devotion, I’ve reached Matthew 24 where Jesus speaks of the signs of the End of the Age. I read with much fear and trembling, yet with some portion of peace in me, I felt God speaking to me and to us all. “Keep watch”, He says.
- God does not desire any one of His children to perish and He constantly calls out to all of His children. Heed His call.
- God, The Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit enables and empowers us to transform our lives. But it takes both of man and God. Man is given the free-will. God is the perfect gentlemen, He will not force us but even pleads with us to come back to Him. Start with your mind – renew your mind. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. ~ Romans 12:2.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons:
“My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son.”
Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live! Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.
Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. “Make level paths for your feet,” so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather be healed.
My prayer, O Lord, is that You would continue to call out to us, in whispers, in shouts, in thunder and lightning, to call us to repent, return, renew, rebirth, and whatever that is necessary for us to be near You. To know Your voice and to discern Your truths and the lies of the one in this world. Lord, let us not be too comfortable where we are but always to seek Your face and to know Your heart. Fill us with peace and confidence in Your love for us. Help us, each one of us, build our love for You. Remind, recall, reveal more and more revelations of Yourself, in Your Word, Your people and even in circumstances.
And for us, let us Keep Watch and lay hold of all that You have given us in order for us to be with You at the end of the age. Your grace is sufficient. Your love conquers all fears. In Jesus’ name, I pray.
Keep Watch.
Your brother in Christ, Gabriel
