Grace's Little Corner

The Woman Whose Sightseeing Brought Calamities

2012-02-07T10:02:00.000+08:00

Scripture Reference — Genesis 34

Name Meaning — Dinah means “justice” or “one who judges,” and was doubtless given her as a token of her parents' belief in divine justice.

Family Connections — She was a daughter of Jacob and Leah, and as a member of a family under covenant blessing should have been more careful regarding her personal obligation in maintaining the honor of her home and nation.

Dinah’s love for sight-seeing set off a train of tragic consequences. Young and daring, and curious to know something of the world outside, she stole away one day from the drab tents of her father, to see how the girls in their gorgeous Oriental trappings fared in nearby Shechem. Roaming around, the eyes of Prince Shechem, son of Hamor lighted upon her. He saw her means he lusted after her (see Job 31:1), and then as the record puts it, “he took her, lay with her, and defiled her” (Genesis 34:2). Although Dinah’s vanity was flattered at Shechem’s attention so that she went to his palace, she never meant to go so far. Took her implies he forced her, and although she may have resisted his advances, resistance was futile and she was seduced.

Had Dinah been content to remain a “keeper at home” (Titus 2:5), a terrible massacre would have been averted, but her desire for novelty and forbidden company spelled disaster. Josephus tells us that Dinah went to the Canaanite annual festival of nature worship (Numbers 25:2) — a forbidden association for an Israelite. Sin, shame and death came to Dinah and Shechem through the windows of their eyes and ears (see Genesis 39:7). The young prince offered the usual reparation for his seduction of Dinah—marriage and a payment to her father which was sufficient according to Hebrew law (Deuteronomy 22:28, 29). Evidently there was more than lustful desire on the part of Shechem, for we read — “His soul clave unto Dinah the daughter of Jacob, and he loved the damsel, and spake kindly unto her.” When Hamor went to Jacob and his sons to discuss the matter of marriage between his son and Dinah, he said, “The soul of my son Shechem longeth for your daughter. I pray you give her him to wife.”

The sons of Jacob, angry over the shame brought to their sister and nation, said that such a thing “ought not to be done.” By what Dinah had become — a seduced woman — she caused her father to be a “stink among the inhabitants of the land.”

Seeming to acquiesce in Hamor’s suggestion that his son and Dinah should marry and that there should be established a friendlier association between the Israelites and Shechemites, the sons of Jacob, particularly Simeon and Levi, said that they would agree to Hamor’s proposition on one condition. The condition was that all the male Shechemites submit to the rite of circumcision—an act of priestly consecration. When the pain of the operation was at its height and movement was difficult, on the third day, Simeon and Levi attacked and slew all the males in the city, including young Shechem himself. For centuries, among the Arabs, seduction was punishable by death, the judgment being generally inflicted by the brothers of the one seduced. For their crime, Simeon and Levi received a curse instead of a blessing from Jacob their father, as he came to die.

One salutary effect of this tragedy was the reconsecration of Jacob who had lapsed somewhat as the result of his settlement near Shechem (Genesis 33:17-20). Remembering his vow to make an altar at Bethel to God who had appeared to him while fleeing from Esau years before, his family surrendered their strange gods and purified themselves, and at Bethel the forgotten covenant was fulfilled. In this way God overruled evil for good (Genesis 35:1-5).

How many young Dinahs there are today captivated by the glitter and glamor of the world, and, tired of life at home, leave without warning, and become lost in the whirl of a large city. There is an alarming increase in the numbers of girls who, anxious for change and wanting to see something of the world, turn aside from the shelter of a good home and are never heard of again. Many of them end up in sin, crime and degradation. May we never cease to pray for those who try to seek out and restore the lost, young womanhood of our day!

Remember by Samantha Reed

2011-12-29T13:00:00.003+08:00

"Remember, LORD, your great mercy and love, for they are from of old." Psalm 25:6 (NIV)

I sometimes struggle to see how God's Word applies to me and my life. You see, I've been waiting a long, long time. For a walk down "the" aisle. For a cradle and arms full of soft cooing. For hearts of loved ones to fully turn to Jesus. For manna to rain from heaven.

The funny thing about waiting is it can be all-consuming. It inhales my attention, chews my focus and swallows my thoughts, leaving me in a place of uncertainty and doubt. I forget God's power to fulfill my hopes for a husband, children and prayers answered. Its then, when I can't see how He's going to bring these things to pass, I have to rely on His faithfulness in the past.

Remembering God's faithfulness in other's lives in Scripture, reminds us of His faithfulness in our own.

When the waters rise, you've waited long for rescue and you feel God's forgotten, remember... Genesis 8:1*: But God remembered Noah and all the wild animals and the livestock that were with him in the ark, and he sent a wind over the earth, and the waters receded.

When dust and debris threaten to replace passions, dreams and callings and you feel God's forgotten,remember... Genesis 9:15: I will remember my covenant between me and you.

When the pitter-patter of little feet is silent and you feel God's forgotten, remember... Genesis 30:22: Then God remembered Rachel; he listened to her and enabled her to conceive.

When fear, worry, doubt and anxiety enslave and you feel God's forgotten, remember... Exodus 2:23a, 24a, 25b: During that long period...The Israelites groaned in their slavery and cried out...God heard their groaning and he remembered... and was concerned about them.

When you can't sleep and restlessness sets in,remember... Psalm 63:6-7: On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night. Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.

When guilt consumes and you fear God will never forget your sins, remember... Isaiah 43:25: I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, andremembers your sins no more.

When all hope is lost, remember... Luke 24:6a-7: He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you...'The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.'

When your marriage comes back from the brink of despair, remember... Deuteronomy 8:2: Remember how the LORD your God led you all the way in the wilderness.

When dreams come true and you're thriving in your calling, remember... 1 Chronicles 16:12a, 15: Rememberthe wonders he has done... He remembers his covenant forever, the promise he made, for a thousand generations...

Recalling these accounts in Scripture helps me remember His goodness in my own life. When I can't see how He is moving on my behalf, I choose to remember that He promises to be just as present and faithful to me and you today as He was for others in the past.

When joy surrounds. When sorrow clobbers. When all's right in our world. When the bottom drops out. When we feel loved and cherished. When we feel abandoned and alone, let's remember... They remembered that God was their Rock, that God Most High was their Redeemer. (Psalm 78:35)

Dear Lord, Your love and Your grace never fail. Please help me remember this today and always. Thank You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Application Steps:
Remember times God has been faithful to you. Recount those out loud today.

Focus on the everyday miracles that remind us of God's faithfulness like waking up and breathing.

Reflections:
Great is thy faithfulness, O God my father
There is no shadow of turning with Thee
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not
As Thou hast been, Thou for ever will be
Great is thy faithfulness, Great is thy faithfulness
Morning by morning new mercies I see
All I have needed thy hand hath provided
Great is thy faithfulness, Lord unto me. ~Thomas Chisolm

Power Verses:
Psalm 143:5, "I remember the days of long ago; I meditate on all your works and consider what your hands have done." (NIV)

Jeremiah 31:34b, "I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more." (ESV)

*All verses NIV

Proverbs 31 Ministries
616-G Matthews-Mint Hill Road
Matthews, NC 28105
www.Proverbs31.org

Refining Silver

2011-11-02T16:28:00.003+08:00

Malachi 3:3 says: 'He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver.'

This verse puzzled some women in a Bible study and they wondered what this statement meant about the character and nature of God .. One of the women offered to find out the process of refining silver and get back to the group at their next Bible Study.

That week, the woman called a silversmith and made an appointment to watch him at work. She didn't mention anything about the reason for her interest beyond her curiosity about the process of refining silver.

As she watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest as to burn away all the impurities.

The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot; then she thought again about the verse that says: ' He sits as a refiner and purifier of silver.'

She asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time. The man answered that yes, he not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. If the silver was left a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed.

The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith, 'How do you know when the silver is fully refined?' He smiled at her and answered, ' Oh, that's easy -- when I see my image in it.'

If today you are feeling the heat of the fire , remember that God has His eye on you and will keep watching you until He sees His image in you.

Renew a Right Spirit within Me

2011-10-31T13:37:00.003+08:00

The Lord is my loving teacher but stern discipline master. He often realigns me tenderly, much to my amazement! This morning, He gently reminded me to always cling onto Him so He can "renew a right spirit within me" (Psalm 51:10)

'A backslider, if there be a spark of life left in him will groan after restoration. In this renewal the same exercise of grace is required as at our conversion. We needed repentance then; we certainly need it now. We wanted faith that we might come to Christ at first; only the like grace can bring us to Jesus now. We wanted a word from the Most High, a word from the lip of the loving One, to end our fears then; we shall soon discover, when under a sense of present sin, that we need it now. No man can be renewed without as real and true a manifestation of the Holy Spirit's energy as he felt at first, because the work is as great, and flesh and blood are as much in the way now as ever they were.

Let thy personal weakness, O Christian, be an argument to make thee pray earnestly to thy God for help. Remember, David when he felt himself to be powerless, did not fold his arms or close his lips, but he hastened to the mercy-seat with "renew a right spirit within me." Let not the doctrine that you, unaided, can do nothing, make you sleep; but let it be a goad in your side to drive you with an awful earnestness to Israel's strong Helper.

O that you may have grace to plead with God, as though you pleaded for your very life--"Lord, renew a right spirit within me." He who sincerely prays to God to do this, will prove his honesty by using the means through which God works.

Be much in prayer; live much upon the Word of God; kill the lusts which have driven your Lord from you; be careful to watch over the future uprisings of sin. The Lord has his own appointed ways; sit by the wayside and you will be ready when he passes by.

Continue in all those blessed ordinances which will foster and nourish your dying graces; and, knowing that all the power must proceed from him, cease not to cry, "Renew a right spirit within me." '

Source: Charles Spurgeon's Morning and Evening - Monday, October 31, 2011

I Take My Portion From Thy Hand

2011-10-11T00:09:00.001+08:00

I take my portion from Thy hand

I take my portion from Thy hand,
And do not seek to understand;
For I am blind, while Thou dost see,
Thy will is mine, whate'er it be.

Whate'er it be! whate'er it be!
I do not fear, whate'er it be!
Thy love divine sustaineth me;
Thy will is mine, whate'er it be.

When darkness doth Thy face obscure,
And many sorrows I endure,
I think of Christ's Gethsemane;
Thy will is mine, whate'er it be.

Whate'er it be! whate'er it be!
I do not fear, whate'er it be!
Thy love divine sustaineth me;
Thy will is mine, whate'er it be.

When tender joys to me are known,
I render thanks to Thee alone;
I know my cup is filled by Thee;
Thy will is mine, whate'er it be.

Whate'er it be! whate'er it be!
I do not fear, whate'er it be!
Thy love divine sustaineth me;
Thy will is mine, whate'er it be.

Thus calmly do I face my lot,
Accept it, Lord, and doubt Thee not;
Lo! all things work for good to me;
Thy will is mine, whate'er it be.

Whate'er it be! whate'er it be!
I do not fear, whate'er it be!
Thy love divine sustaineth me;
Thy will is mine, whate'er it be.

The Mystery of Jesus (James Stewart)

2011-08-12T13:29:00.000+08:00

He was the meekest and lowliest of all the sons of men. Yet he spoke of coming on the clouds of heaven with the glory of God. He was so austere that evil spirits and demons cried out in terror at his coming, yet he was so genial and winsome and approachable, that the children loved to play with him and the little ones nestled in his arms. His presence at the innocent gaiety of a village wedding, was like the presence of sunshine. No one was half so kind or compassionate to sinners, yet no one ever spoke such red-hot scorching words about sin.

A bruised reed he would not break. His whole life was love. Yet on one occasion he demanded of the Pharisees, how they were expected to escape the damnation of hell.

He was a dreamer of dreams and a seer of visions, yet for sheer stark realism, he has all of us self-styled realists soundly beaten. He was the servant of all, washing the disciples' feet, yet masterfully he strode into the temple, and the hucksters and moneychangers fell over one another to get away in their mad rush from the fire they saw blazing in his eyes. He saved others, yet at the last, he himself did not save. There is nothing in history like the union of contrasts which confronts us in the gospels; the mystery of Jesus is the mystery of divine personality.

Test Your Flu IQ

2011-05-14T15:50:00.002+08:00

Flu IQ Widget.
Flash Player 9 is required.

He Knew Me From the Beginning

2010-11-20T19:46:00.000+08:00

“You shall not marry a Christian or Muslim! If you do, you will be cut off the family,” Dad told us. Dad had bad experiences with Christians, especially in the family. During Grandpa’s funeral, my aunt who had just accepted Jesus Christ said Grandpa was a Christian – he accepted the Saviour just before his died. Some of my relatives claimed that she said we were praying to the devils. She didn’t follow through the customs and rituals. She was there during the 7-, 49- and 100-day prayers; but she refrained from holding the joss sticks, kneeling or chanting with us.

She made a strong statement indeed and Dad etched it deeper in us. “That’s what happened when you are a Christian; you can’t pray to your ancestors and you no longer share the same food with your family! You are simply an outcast.”

Aunt left a deep impression on me; after all, I was her pet niece. How could she be so sure that her God is real and the rest are not? After a few years of finding no peace from prayers and rituals, I stopped offering joss sticks to the many gods at home and the family altar too.

One day, Dad came to me saying: “There is a god somewhere and you must pray to him. And you should also pray to your ancestors – let them guide you.”

“No, Dad. If I were to pray, it must be to the real God. The one who created me,” I told Dad, “I don’t want to lie to myself.” I was soon on a journey to seek for the God who knew me from the very beginning. That was after a period of seven long lost years – from Taoism to Buddhism, from believing in evolution and science to having no god.

As I wanted to be an obedient daughter, I started seeking within my family’s religion and customs. No Christianity, no Islam. I went to newly opened temples and worship centres to speak to the monks and founders. “Who are you worshipping to? Is this the creator God?” The plain same answer given was, “You will know in your heart after a season of seeking.” I followed them in their ceremonial chanting and prayers, but found nothing. No peace, but a sense of fear.

Then, by a twist of fate (which I now know it’s the plan of God), I was introduced to a Christian businessman. He was offering some marketing and advertising consultancy to my company and I happened to be the person in charge of the project. I knew that he loves Jesus Christ very much for he never failed to introduce Him to me in every conversation. When my boss used this man’s idea without reimbursing him, I felt guilty and bad. I pulled myself to his church – I had been avoiding churches or Christian meetings – just to meet and inform him of the news.

Little did I know that that encounter led on to many night meetings, each moving me nearer to my mission: to find the true God. Finally, I was challenged to be the open door to the salvation of my family. The businessman who happened to be a pastor – and now, my husband – told me to go back and talk to God personally.

I took up his challenge that night. After uttering a prayer from my heart to the Creator God, I waited, but not for long. Suddenly, I was no longer alone in my room. A very big being was hugging me – I felt so small and comfortable as if I was being hugged by a big giant teddy bear! Tears rolled down my cheeks as I opened up my heart. I was not alone.

My life has never been the same since that night I opened the door to Him. And, praise be to God that Mum came to know Him a month later. Two months after my salvation, Dad accepted the Lord and is now a God-fearing man.

Indeed, there is a God who knew me from the very beginning. He truly knows my heart and desire, and is faithful and loving. No other treasure worth much more than this.

A Series of Unfortunate Events

2010-11-15T19:17:00.014+08:00

For the past two months, I've been hit, wave upon wave, by a string of illnesses, etc. From an infectious viral conjunctivitis to iritis, to two weeks of terrible tonsilitis and pharyngitis (due to the opthalmic steroid drop for iritis) and eczema outbreaks. When everything seemed to be under control, I sprained my ankle. And, that landed me immobile, totally.

When Mum came visiting the next day, I couldn't bring myself to greet her. With a raised right leg on the bed and a caring husband by the bedside, my heart screamed out in desperation. Tears rolled down my cheeks immediately. All I wanted at that moment was an answer to a simple question: "When will this end?"

I have always thought that the 'old me' has been buried - long ago when I started walking with Jesus Christ. Two days into the painful inflammation of the iris (my opthalmologist Dr Choong Yee Fong said it's like a toothache in the eye!), I lost my temper. I became easily irritated with my husband, scolded my poor sister, got very sharp and brief with people who cared for me. I wept in anguish and cried out to the Lord. The 'old me' has resurrected in times of testing. I knelt before the Lord and sought His forgiveness. Thankfully, my godly sister and husband were able to love and forgive me.

Looking back, I have learned more about myself. And, also my Lord. Being a pastor's wife, I know how to counsel people to lean not upon their own strengths, but to let Him carry the burden for His yoke is light. It's only during the time of trial, you will know whether you have really done so. Do you really let Him carry you through the desert?

I know I struggled a lot and yet, the journey is not done. Others can't walk that path for me. I have to go through it with the Lord.

I know not what the Lord has for me but one thing I learned, this is my test, my desert. I am answerable to the Lord for my journey. And so are you and your desert.

Peter . . . said to Jesus, ’But Lord, what about this man?’ Jesus said to him, ’. . . what is that to you? You follow Me’ —John 21:21-22

HK Designer Dorophy Tang Coin Bag - Limited Edition

2010-05-23T01:13:00.006+08:00

Finally, I am giving up this designer coin bag. It's a tough decision as it's a precious souvenir. This sweet 'China Doll' coin bag is from the limited edition of Dorophy Tang's 'Shopping Baby' 2009 series. I am putting it up for auction at eBay.

Brand new, unused, comes in its original packaging.

About Dorophy Tang
Hong Kong graphic designer and illustrator renowned for fusing Qing hua Qi with pop art, Dorophy Tang is a rising young contemporary artist. In 2008, she contributed to the visuals of the Beijing Olympic and Paralympic Games. In July the same year, she collaborated with Adidas for her highly successful world exhibition tour 'Kicks Discovery'. She held her solo exhibition in Hong Kong, Taipei and Beijing.

In 2009, Dorophy Tang was invited by the Hong Kong Tourism Board to design the 'Shopping Baby' lai-see red money packets and lai-see bag series for Harbor City. Her artworks have been featured in leading fashion magazines in Hong Kong and China.

I STAND AMAZED IN THE PRESENCE ... Hymn by Charles H. Gabriel (1905)

2010-04-02T22:30:00.003+08:00

I stand amazed in the presence
Of Jesus the Nazarene,
And wonder how He could love me,
A sinner, condemned, unclean.

Refrain

O how marvelous! O how wonderful!
And my song shall ever be:
O how marvelous! O how wonderful!
Is my Savior’s love for me!

For me it was in the garden
He prayed: “Not My will, but Thine.”
He had no tears for His own griefs,
But sweat drops of blood for mine.

Refrain

In pity angels beheld Him,
And came from the world of light
To comfort Him in the sorrows
He bore for my soul that night.

Refrain

He took my sins and my sorrows,
He made them His very own;
He bore the burden to Calvary,
And suffered and died alone.

Refrain

When with the ransomed in glory
His face I at last shall see,
’Twill be my joy through the ages
To sing of His love for me.

Refrain

The Easter Song - Acapella Version

2010-03-25T00:53:00.002+08:00

This is a marvelous Acapella piece. We are performing this as a choir piece on Easter Day. We are practising really hard, for His glory. Would like to invite you to join us!

Date: 4 April 2010
Time: 10.30am - 1pm
Venue: Grand Dorsett Subang (formerly known as Sheraton Subang), next to SJMC

Will I be seeing you there?

Joy of Creation

2010-01-04T01:01:00.001+08:00

At the heart of the universe is a smile, a pulse of joy passed down from the moment of creation. A new parent who holds a baby - my baby - close against flesh for the first time knows it. And that is the feeling God had when He looked over what He had made and pronounced it good.

In the beginning, the very beginning, there was no disappointment. Only joy.

... Philip Yancey

Find Us Faithful - Steve Green

2009-12-26T20:14:00.001+08:00

We're pilgrims on the journey
Of the narrow road
And those who've gone before us line the way
Cheering on the faithful, encouraging the weary
Their lives a stirring testament to God's sustaining grace

Surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses
Let us run the race not only for the prize
But as those who've gone before us
Let us leave to those behind us
The heritage of faithfulness passed on through godly lives

Chorus:
Oh may all who come behind us find us faithful
May the fire of our devotion light their way
May the footprints that we leave
Lead them to believe
And the lives we live inspire them to obey
Oh may all who come behind us find us faithful

After all our hopes and dreams have come and gone
And our children sift though all we've left behind
May the clues that they discover and the memories they uncover
Become the light that leads them to the road we each must find

Repeat Chorus

I Love to Tell the Story - Alan Jackson, Katherine Hankey

2009-12-26T19:11:00.003+08:00

I Love to Tell the Story
Text: Katherine Hankey, 1834-1911
Music: William G. Fischer, 1835-1912
Tune: HANKEY, Meter: 76.76 D with Refrain

I love to tell the story
of unseen things above,
of Jesus and his glory,
of Jesus and his love.
I love to tell the story,
because I know 'tis true;
it satisfies my longings
as nothing else can do.

Refrain:
I love to tell the story,
'twill be my theme in glory,
to tell the old, old story
of Jesus and his love.

I love to tell the story;
more wonderful it seems
than all the golden fancies
of all our golden dreams.
I love to tell the story,
it did so much for me;
and that is just the reason
I tell it now to thee.
(Refrain)

I love to tell the story;
'tis pleasant to repeat
what seems, each time I tell it,
more wonderfully sweet.
I love to tell the story,
for some have never heard
the message of salvation
from God's own holy Word.
(Refrain)

I love to tell the story,
for those who know it best
seem hungering and thirsting
to hear it like the rest.
And when, in scenes of glory,
I sing the new, new song,
'twill be the old, old story
that I have loved so long.
(Refrain)

Track Visitors with Google Analytics- NOT StatCounter

2009-12-14T01:21:00.006+08:00

I am hunting for an alternative visitor tracking plugin since StatCounter - which I'm using - is not that reliable after all. It keeps asking me to upgrade to the premium version... I'm sick and tired of that message. Now, I am doubting if it is really tracking the visitors to my blogspot!

Here's something I find interesting... Google Analytics.

It is an enterprise web-solution to track the number of visitors to your website or blog (especially blogspot/ blogger). And, the best part is Google Analytics is FREE! PLUS, it's compatible with blogger/ blogspot, as it's created by Google.

Here's a simple guide on how to install this plugin into your blogger account.

First thing first, please register an account with Analytics.... oh yes, I know you have a google account, but do read these simple steps...

Visit http://www.google.com/analytics .
Enter your Google Account email and password and click Sign In. If you don't have a Google Account, click Sign up now to create one.
Click Sign Up.
Enter your Website's URL, making sure to select either http:// or https:// from the drop-down list. Enter a nickname for this account in the Account Name field, then click Continue.
Enter your contact information and click Continue.
Read the Google Analytics Terms of Service. If you agree to these terms, select the Yes checkbox and click Create New Account to continue.

It's that simple.

Now, the next thing you need to do is to install the tracking code into your blogspot. Google has prepared a dummy guide on how to do this. Just visit the installation guide page.

All the best...!

A Tribute to Uncle Joe

2009-12-06T21:37:00.013+08:00

On 2 Dec 2009, Uncle Joseph Lim passed away - he fell to his death. He was trying to fix something on the rooftop of his 4-storey house in Damansara Height. The news came as a shock and the whole church was shaken. We were just talking and joking during the Fund the Fun Dinner on Sat nite (29 Nov) and Sunday service (30 Nov). He was so alive then.

Today (6 Dec) we buried him at Subang Lutheran Garden. We will definitely miss him - a man who did not mince his words. But, we know we will meet again ... in the mansion that our Lord Jesus Christ prepared for us.

This is a tribute to our dear brother, fondly known as Uncle Joe.

'I Know Who Holds Tomorrow'

I don't know about tomorrow,
I just live from day to day.
I don't borrow from its sunshine,
For its skies may turn to gray.
I don't worry o'er the future
For I know what Jesus said,
And today I'll walk beside Him,
For He knows what is ahead.

Many things about tomorrow,
I don't seem to understand;
But I know who holds tomorrow,
And I know who holds my hand.

Ev'ry step is getting brighter,
As the golden stairs I climb;
Ev'ry burden's getting lighter;
Ev'ry cloud is silver lined.
There the sun is always shining,
There no tear will dim the eyes,
At the ending of the rainbow,
Where the mountains touch the sky.

Many things about tomorrow,
I don't seem to understand;
But I know who holds tomorrow,
And I know who holds my hand.

I don't know about tomorrow,
It may bring me poverty;
But the One who feeds the sparrow,
Is the One who stands by me.
And the path that be my portion,
May be through the flame or flood,
But His presence goes before me,
And I'm covered with His blood.

Many things about tomorrow,
I don't seem to understand;
But I know Who holds tomorrow,
And I know Who holds my hand.

THE STAR OF THE SHOW-WAITING IN THE WINGS - by Tim Lenton

2009-12-03T19:06:00.007+08:00

My eyes closed and I had a vision. And behold I saw an empty stage, and nothing happened upon the stage, because there was no life there. And I looked, and behold, I saw God enter, stage right; and I knew it was a dream, because no man has seen God and lived, except in a dream. And God stood on the stage, and I knew He had come to a meeting.

Soon there was much shuffling of feet stage left, and a great crowd stood upon the stage - a multitude almost more than man could number. About 150 of them. And they all approached God and stood opposite Him.

A great noise arose from the people, and behold, it was a hymn. They sang praises to God and worshipped Him, and He smiled upon His people. He opened his mouth to speak, but behold the people had stopped singing and were sitting down; even as He smiled on them, they opened their books, and one of their number read to them. And God was happy, because it was His book, and His words.

When they had finished reading God opened His mouth to bless the people, but before He could do so they all with one voice began to pray to Him. And the man who led them was eloquent, and spoke words of sincerity and truth for some time. And God could not get a word in edgeways. But God was pleased with the prayers, because He loved His people. He was about to respond when He noticed that His people had begun singing again.

Then a man came to centre stage, so that he almost touched God, and spoke to the people. And the people gazed upon him and received his words. And his words were faithful and true. God blessed the words that were spoken, and opened His mouth to add a brief sentence; but behold the people were singing again.

And in all this, the people did not seem to see God, although they believed He was there. They did not hear God, because they did not receive His voice. God smiled upon His children again and opened His arms to them. But when He looked, behold, they had turned and gone, because it was time for lunch. And God was alone again upon the stage.

And God wept, because this play had run longer than The Mousetrap, and still He did not seem to have a speaking role.

extracted from Richard Williamson's article 'Worship Leading' from www.wellspring.org.uk

Acer Aspire 4736G-664G50

2009-11-27T21:39:00.018+08:00

A word of advice for those who are shopping for a laptop, put your money in Acer. If you are not sure of which model to go for, try Acer Aspire 4736G-664G50. Retail price: RM2399 (USD707) ...

If you can decide fast enough, go and grab the promotion at Harvey Norman Big Brand Fair, KLCC (27-29 November 2009). Free upgrades, gift packs and a backpack! On top of that, you can sign up for the ZERO PERCENT monthly instalment available from participating credit card merchants.

Basic Specs:

Intel Centrino Processor Technology - Intel Core Duo Processor T6600 (2.2GHz, 2MB Cache, 800MHz FSB), Intel Wireless WiFi Link 5100 Network Connection, Mobile Intel 45GM Express Chipset
320GB SATA HDD/ 2GB DDR2 RAM
14" HD 1366 X 768 pixel resolution, high brightness (200-nit) Acer CineCrystal LED-backlit TFT LCD
Integrated 8X DVD-Super Multi Double-Layer Drive
Dolby-optimised surround sound system with 2 built-in stereo speakers
Integrated Acer Crystal Eye High-Def Webcam
1-Year Limited International Traveler's Warranty
Weight: 2.4kg

FREE UPGRADES

500GB SATA HDD
4GB DDR3 RAM
3 Years Local Limited Warranty
NVIDIA GeForce G105M with up to 2303MB of Turbocache technology (512MB of dedicated DDR2 VRAM, up to 1791MB of shared system memory)
Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium

Free/ trial software programmes:

McAfee Internet Security Software
Norton Online Backup
MyWinLocker Suite
Microsoft Office 60 days trial
eSobi v2.0 News Center
Acer Gamezone
Microsoft Works

"Acer is quality personified"
... says a satisfied ACER user for 10 years

Disclaimer: I'm not an Acer agent/representative/etc. I'm not earning anything from Acer or any reseller. I happened to be a proud owner of Acer Aspire 4736G-664G50.

Pastor William Lau teaches Elijah Challenge @ Watchmen Radio

2009-10-26T13:39:00.002+08:00

Elijah Challenge Talk 10-24-09

Watchmen Radio podcast

Mei Hua Lao (1st of the Mei Hua San Nong trilogy written by the famous Chinese novelist Qiong Yao)

2009-10-03T02:17:00.005+08:00

I found it at last! The Plum Blossom Trilogy written by Qiong Yao.

The wonderful soundtrack, beautiful love story, unexpected twist that left the viewers going "ooooohhh" and "aaAAAHHH!". Almost every time!

And, then there's also the famed teary moments.

Qiong Yao, Qiong Yao ... you definitely know how to write beautiful tear-jerking love stories.

Am I Living the Promise?

2009-08-26T19:08:00.011+08:00

I'm studying the work of the Holy Spirit as one of the subjects for my BA. Interestingly, as always, the Lord touches me. This time around, it is more personal.

He shows me the work He has done and will be doing. How He has always been there for His people, since the good old days of creation. As He reveals Himself more, I grow to love Him more.

I have to constantly ask myself, am I living under the privilege He has given me? Am I accepting His daily miracles in my life? Am I receiving the promise He has said over and over again?

A verse for reflection...

^{Numbers 11:29} But Moses replied, "Are you jealous for my sake? I wish that all the LORD's people were prophets and that the LORD would put his Spirit on them!"

Moses did not live to see the mighty work of the Spirit. On Pentecost Day, the Lord filled all believers with the Holy Spirit. We are now living in the moment. Are we embracing the promise?

BRP Kitchen 1: Glory Dory

2009-08-23T19:50:00.010+08:00

My husband is a bit unwell today. Instead of going out for lunch, I decide to cook.

Since the two of us seldom cook, the kitchen is a bit bare. Alright lar, it's not entirely void of raw materials. I've cabbage, beansprouts, quinoa and eggs... hmm, did I miss out anything?

My husband is a meat-person, so I decide to go hunting. Oh yeah, there's a dory fish in the freezer. That should do the trick. A healthy dose of protein.

Okay, these ingredients should be sufficient for a quick meal.

First to work on is the fish. Cook it well and then let it sautee in a special sauce. My specially crafted sauce... *ooh la la*. Next, stir fry the rest and at last, the meal is done! *sweet* :)

Here's the dish, presenting... GLORY DORY.
A satisfied husband makes the 1-hr effort worthwhile. Amen!

Going Shopping During A(H1N1) Flu Pandemic

2009-08-22T18:11:00.016+08:00

This afternoon, my husband and I went shopping at Mydin Hypermarket, Subang. People were flocking in to the hypermarket to stock up for Ramadhan (fasting month for the Muslims and it's a big occasion in Malaysia). This time around, most of the shoppers were wearing masks.

It's good to practice good respiratory hygiene during this A (H1N1) Flu Pandemic. Putting on a respirator or better known as face mask helps to minimize the risk of passing on the flu bug to others when you are coughing, sneezing or having influenza-like illnesses... But, do you know the correct way to wear a respirator?

Take two to watch and learn how not to infect others by putting on a respirator correctly.

Most importantly, observe good personal hygiene. Make sure you clean your hands thoroughly every now and then. Otherwise, SANITIZE them!

Unless it's necessary, don't touch your nose, mouth and face. You may infect yourself with the germs in your hand.

Perhaps, the best thing to do is to avoid crowded places.

At the end, both of us resorted to go to the nearby 99 supermarket in our neighborhood to get our grocery. After arriving at Mydin for only about 20 minutes, we left empty-handed, hoping that we didn't contract any germ during that short span of time. We definitely do not want to pass on any bug to the children and pregnant mothers in our church tomorrow...

Mercy Said No

2009-04-19T01:03:00.000+08:00

Grace's Little Corner

The Woman Whose Sightseeing Brought Calamities

Remember by Samantha Reed

Refining Silver

Renew a Right Spirit within Me

I Take My Portion From Thy Hand

I take my portion from Thy hand

The Mystery of Jesus (James Stewart)

Test Your Flu IQ

Flu IQ

He Knew Me From the Beginning

A Series of Unfortunate Events

HK Designer Dorophy Tang Coin Bag - Limited Edition

I STAND AMAZED IN THE PRESENCE ... Hymn by Charles H. Gab­ri­el (1905)

The Easter Song - Acapella Version

Joy of Creation

Find Us Faithful - Steve Green

I Love to Tell the Story - Alan Jackson, Katherine Hankey

Track Visitors with Google Analytics- NOT StatCounter

A Tribute to Uncle Joe

THE STAR OF THE SHOW-WAITING IN THE WINGS - by Tim Lenton

Acer Aspire 4736G-664G50

Pastor William Lau teaches Elijah Challenge @ Watchmen Radio

Mei Hua Lao (1st of the Mei Hua San Nong trilogy written by the famous Chinese novelist Qiong Yao)

Am I Living the Promise?

BRP Kitchen 1: Glory Dory

Going Shopping During A(H1N1) Flu Pandemic

Mercy Said No

I STAND AMAZED IN THE PRESENCE ... Hymn by Charles H. Gabriel (1905)