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Sunday, November 02, 2003

Temptation: Blessing or a Curse? - Luke 4:1-15

Why does God let us be tempted? I always dream of an utopia where there is no temptation to daunt us and everyone is holy and sinless. Imagine a place where no guilt and shame devours the mind, and true freedom lies. While that is what we may experience after the second coming of Christ, we have to face the reality of the world we live in, that we face temptations every moment in our lives.

Temptation derives from the Devil and our fallen nature. Temptation leads to sin and sin leads to death (James 1:15). Sometimes, we have to realize that we can't blame Satan for making us sin, cause our own desires causes us to do so. Instead of pushing the blame of sin, we need to recognize that forgiveness and salvation comes from Jesus Christ when we confess to him. God cannot be tempted nor does He tempts us (James 1:13).

Then, why did God made us fallible? Was His creation not perfect? Perhaps a wise saint with higher theological background will be able to answer to this or when we reunite with Him face to face, we may understand. I believe that it is the same to do with the freedom of choice that God has bestowed upon us. He does not treat us as mere creations or dispensible objects, but He treats us as His friend, just as Abraham was a friend to God. Also, I see it as a gift from God whereby we can experience the victory and then true joy because we have achieved something that riches cannot buy.

Temptation is not a sin, but yielding to it is. I'm glad for this assurance. Being immatured and lacking in wisdom, I used to think of myself being very unholy and everytime I have thoughts running through my mind that is dubious and unclean, I feel guilty and sinful. The truth is that temptation is like a battle. If we overcome it, we taste victory, but if we succumb, there'll be utter defeat.

Don't we hear "It is not the first look, but the second look that causes us to fall"? It is the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life that causes us to be entrapped by sin. When striked by temptations, sometimes the mind is strong, but the will is weak. Rather than sin, it's better to evade and flee.

Jesus was tempted in the wilderness for 40 days. Parallel to the fall of Man in the garden of Eden, Jesus faced similar temptations to what deceived Eve - the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. Jesus made use of the word of God to defend himself, and to repel the attacks from the devil. "He returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit", showing that temptations doesn't weaken us, but actually strengthens us.

When we face temptations, we are never alone. God is with us, and that's the assurance He gives. Also, there are others who have also been tempted and emerged victorious. Look for them in humility and find the strength to overcome all odds.

No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it. - 1 Corinthians 10:13

To safeguard ourselves, we can protect ourselves through meditating on God's Word (Psalm 119:11) and being vigilant at all times, equipping ourselves with the armor of God (Ephesians 6:17). Identify us as the children of God and know that we are standing on the winning side.

When the devil had finished all this temptations, he left him until an opportune time (Luke 4:13). Spiritual warfare is an ongoing thing, there is no pause to it as long as Satan still remains as the stronghold of this world. Even when we achieve victory over temptations and sins, we should not let down our guard. "So if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall!" (1 Corinthians 10:12) Satan leaves no room for complacency. He strikes when the iron is hot, even when we're in the top condition. Remember that no matter how high up we may be, we're fallible without the grace of God.

So remember the next time you face temptation, give thanks to the Lord.
Related Scripture Verses: Hebrews 4:15-16;James 1:12-15;1 Corinthians 1:13; Luke 4:1-15
The Parable of the Orange Tree

A story read during cell today. Very meaningful, be it to the Chrisitian, back-sliding Christian and non-Christian. A lot of different ways to view the story from. We shared our perspectives among each other, also had quite a fun time in communion with each other. Shu Lin was available today cause he was off work. Glad today most of us could make it in quite a while. Been so long since we been as a cell together. It takes everyone effort to build a cell. If no one participates, then a cell wouldn't be one. I used to be reluctant to go to cell after service because I thought it was quite a dread and I could spend my time elsewhere indulging myself. Now, I find cell ever so important for Christian life building. After all, Jesus set the example by appointing his 12 disciples as a cell. From there, the disciples grew in wisdom and knowledge, from there spreading out to build cells and gather disciples of their own. Cell is also important to keep check with our individual walk with Christ, as well as a time for fun and interaction with the body of Christ. For those in cells, treasure them. Those who haven't, go out there and find one now!

Saturday, November 01, 2003

More afterthoughts:

Nature of Love: We'll never know the fullness of someone's love until we love that someone

Even as a Christian, God doesn't grant us a life without temptations and obstacles. We face stuggles daily, and life just isn't the bed of roses we expect it to be. How do we respond to the difficulties we face? More still, do we believe in what God wants to do for us rather than what we want God to do for us?

What is wisdom? "The fear of the Lord - that is wisdom, and to shun evil is understanding. - Job 28"
This post was posted later on Sunday instead cause Saturday was fully packed.

Wingfat, Jee Siang and Eric came over to my house today. Had lunch together then planned to study. But not too long after we were diverted off track from our goal. Jee Siang went to sleep and me and Eric went to play GTA Vice City. Keep failing in a mission because we either got busted or crashed and got wasted. Was quite ridiculous and hilarious in the scenario we encountered, laughed and had fun till we forgot the urgency to study. Wingfat left just as soon as we started to study. Wonder why he don't want to stay, cause he should voice out to people sometimes about his problems than just keep it to himself.

Went for dinner at the foodcentre opposite my house. The mutton soup was nice, and we ordered buy 5 get 1 cup free sugarcane. Each of us drank 2 cups in the end. The sugarcane is nice, but I find the way they declare themselves as the best sugarcane drink in singapore rather ludicrous. Kinda like those prata stalls proclaiming themselves to be "the original" and there are like 5 in a row of stalls.

As usual when 3 guys come together, a lot of nonsense spouted.. Haha.. was quite fun. We watched soccer at 11. Arsenal was already trashing Leeds 2-0 by the 30th minute so we watch the Man U and Portsmouth match. Keane's curler was nice.. the throw in, he faked then one touch volley into the goal.

3 guys sleeping in a room. What can we do ^^? If Wingfat was around, I may have to sleep in the hall anyway haha

Friday, October 31, 2003

Practised maths in school till 6 zzz.. can hardly take any more.. my concentration span is too short. Perhaps it's cause of lack of sleep since yesterday, and for the past 2 weeks, been having non-stop activities throughout. Tomorrow will be a nice break. Eric, Wingfat and Jee Siang coming over to my place to study first then have lunch together... probably study some more (unlikely) then watch soccer. Forgot to ask Robert too.

Utterly exhausted on the way back home I slept on the bus... missed my stop and ended up at the checkpoint to and fro Jurong Island. Took me a whole half-an-hour to get back again.. Fortunately it was a loop service.

I feel confident of myself... no longer am I held back by inferiority and my incompetence. Not a tinge of hypocrisy, I want to keep this honest and truthful being. Holding on to my values even when voice in my head speaks in contrary. Surely, this is the assurance that the Lord has bestowed upon me.

Thursday, October 30, 2003

Went school in the morning to see Ms Kuah to clarify my doubts about Maths paper 1 questions... wingfat supposed to come but he "pang seh" because he play d2 with robert till 7am... Anyway liujun was there so not so lonely.

Waited again from 11am to 1pm... just to go gym with jee siang and eric. Jee siang was completely hooked onto his looted "glittering longsword" on Towers that he couldn't leave his house. If that wasn't funny, then he came telling me how guilty he felt after that for not studying. LoL! We did gym for only a short time cause the fate of the coin decided so (but I would "credit" it to our laziness) Later, jeesiang "banged" eric so badly at the basketball court. I can just imagine what both of them are going to do when they reach home.

Studied with Eric in school till about 6 and even watched the AC v UWC soccer match (i think so because there were ang moh playing for their side). According to Eric, there are many "distractions" so it's quite hard to concentrate. I truly agree *gulp*.

Chat with Tim Teh at night. Thank God, for he is really a blessing to me. A friend I can confide with and gives me moral support and encouragement even when he faces trouble of his own. Sometimes, I try to help him out but it seems like he help me out more haha..
Confession & Communion

Kneeling before Your presence,
with teary eyes, an earnest heart.
Sacred flesh on one hand,
redeeming blood on the other.

Burdened by the essence of sacrifice,
an impure offering would be presented.
Yet, with every intent of honesty and sincerity,
I present a request before You.

Accept my prayer dear Lord,
for my iniquity distanced us.
Given the choice between You and the world,
I know I have made the right decision.

The bread, the wine consumed,
an acknowledgement of Your sovereignty.
Now freed from the shackles of desires,
Living by faith and not by sight.

Wednesday, October 29, 2003

Sunday's end of month service was a combined, with youth and adults worshiping together. We also have communion then. The sermon text was taken from Proverbs 3, the topic on "The Skill of Loving God". The sermon was given by an invited guest speaker, Dr Gary Choong, whereby he brought out many notable pointers that stimulates the mind, be it Christians or even non-Christians. I pray that all will continue to read on and reflect also cause I thought that such words of wisdom is really inspiring and worth reviewing. I'll spread it out within the span of the week since he brought out quite a lot of points.

Life is a voyage. We set out from the docks to explore unfamiliar territories. Ships navigate through taking landmarks such as lighthouses, off-shore lamp posts, and evens stars and constellations to find direction. If they were to follow non-permanent, ever changing and moving elements such as clouds or even other ships. Can we be sure we will not steer out of direction, that we will reach our desired destination?

God has been there since the Creation, never changing, a faithful God, our source of wisdom. Do we look upon His countenance? Do we seek the right guide?
Arranged to meet Jee Siang in school at 9 to study. Reached school at 9:30am but no sign of that self-proclaimed chick-defiler (the only chick he defiles is probably KFC's original). Slept at the bleachers till 10:30am and he finally shows up. The sun was a scorcher. Could feel my skin soaking up the high intensity of uv rays, such that there was a ripping effect on it. Seriously, the school bleachers is a good alternative for sun-tanning beside the beach. That's why I'm always lazing around there hahaha...

So that joker finally turns up and said he spent the past hour packing his bag. That was a slow start for the day. Waited so long I could feel my energy draining away. When we started work, it was already 11. Talk about wasting time... and our motivation to study.

Eric joined us after lunch. I picked the right time to have lunch. Ms Yue treated me to the Yong Tau Foo stall. Who says there's no free lunch in the world? Even Ms Yue, an econs teacher, would renounce that statement made by a fool. Should have ordered more ^^.

The period after lunch made us feel slothful. Nothing better than a nap after a good meal. Perseverance paid off when I managed to finish revision on Curve Sketching and Numerical Methods after chasing the "frontier of ignorance" since last year. Slacking during lectures and tutorials does "pay off" in a way. Still left a few questions which I can ask Ms Kuah tomorrow when I see her. Hope Wing Fat can wake up early. I found it quite revolting that he refused to meet up earlier because he wanted to sleep later. Ms Kuah is nice to put up with us and willing to set aside time, all the more shouldn't we not be picky and give in?

Knocked off after 4pm. Wanted to do gym today but it was too crowded. Decided to do tomorrow. Up on the agenda was soccer. Robert joined us outside ACS(I) and we headed to Mac first cause he had just woken up at 3pm and had not grabbed a bite since yesterday lol. Mac prices are way to expensive now... BK and KFC are offering even cheaper prices for the meals. If Mac thinks they have monopoly power over fast food chains and have differentiated consumables, they can kiss goodbye to their customers, starting with me.

Time seemed to past so slowly... didn't even move out of the house until 6? Frankly, I was feeling lazy and monotonous; felt like stoning. Perhaps it was because I waited too long? but that's always the case... A turn of events when we started kicking around. Adrenaline just rushed through my body and I felt high, even though I was using Jee Siang's Nike Air-less shoe, which was "depressing". Energy, Energy and more Energy (Egrene Energy! was joking about it today.. jason lim cycling in again on his set of fancy wheels and visor-like sun-glasses.. so cool)! All stored up within, suddenly bursting forth like a fountain of wealth. Endomorphin released made me feel even more happy and excited... even when I was tossed around, tripped and tackled. hahahaa... Even as I'm blogging now, I can feel glands releasing oil on my face.... yucks.. I've just washed my face like thrice already? I need to sleep tonight, or else I won't be able to work tomorrow. However, my eyes are still sparkling with enthusiasm and I feel as if I can even run the canal route again. Wheee... crap, tomorrow I'll probably be over-exhausted.

Met Timothy and Jasper studying at KFC when we went for dinner. Been so long since I saw them, used to go out together so often. They are freaking muggers lar.. haha.. glad to have bumped into them again.
# 1 - THE ORIGINATOR

1's are originals. Coming up with new ideas and executing them is natural.

Having things their own way is another trait that gets them as being stubborn and arrogant. 1's are extremely honest and do well to learn some diplomacy skills. They like to take the initiative and are often leaders or bosses, as they like to be the best. Being self-employed is definitelyhelpful for them. Lesson to learn: Others' ideas might be just as good Or better and to stay open minded.

Famous 1's: Tom Hanks, Robert Redford, Hulk Hogan, Carol Burnett, Wynona Judd, Nancy Reagan, and Raquel Welch.

Tuesday, October 28, 2003

You know, my internet connection was down yesterday. I wanted to blog so much since Sunday, I must be suffering from Blog-neumia. Check out my multiple post today!
Another crappy one from Edmund:

Message: Your birth date describes who we are,
what we are good at and what our inborn
abilities are. It also points to what we have to
learn and the challenges we are facing. To
figure out your Birth Number, add all the
numbers in the birth date together like in the
example until there is only one
digit..............

A Birth Number does not prevent you from being
anything you want to be, it will just color your
choice differently and give you a little insight.

Once you have discovered your Birth Number,
forward this email to the rest of your friends,
including the one who sent this to you ...Have
fun!

20 + 02 + 1985 = 2007 = 2 + 0 + 0 + 7 = 9

9 is the Birth Number to read for the birth date
Your number is __09__,

#9 THE PERFORMER
9's are natural entertainers. They are very caring and generous, giving away their last dollar to help. With their charm, they have no problem making friends and nobody is a stranger to them. They have so many different personalities that people around them have a hard time understanding them. They are like chameleons, ever changing and adapting.

They have tremendous luck, but also can suffer from extremes in fortune and mood. To be successful, they need to build a loving foundation.

Famous 9's: Albert Schweitzer, Shirley MacLaine, Harrison Ford, Jimmy Carter, and Elvis Presley.

Got time so I'll play one more time.

30 + 07 + 1985 = 2022 = 2 + 0 + 2 + 2 = 6

6 is the Birth Number to read for the birth date
Your number is __06__,

# 6 - THE ROMANTIC

6's are idealistic and need to feel useful to be happy. A strong family connection is important to them. Their emotions influence their decisions. They have a strong urge to take care of others and to help. They are very loyal and make great teachers. They like art or music. They make loyal friends who take the friendship seriously. 6's should learn to differentiate between what they can change and what they cannot.

Famous 6's: Albert Einstein, Jane Seymour, John Denver, Meryl Streep, Christopher Columbus, and Goldie Hawn.
Kok Boon posted this on Friendster, so I decide to try myself.

M Success comes easily to you.
E You are a very exciting person.
R You are a social butterfly.
V You have a very good physical and looks.
Y You cause a lot of trouble.
N You like to work, but you always want a break.

L Love is something you deeply believe in.
E You are a very, very exciting person.
E You are a very, very exciting person, REALLY!

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