Go David Go!

One of the biggest football news 2013 was not record breaking multi-million pounds Gareth Bale move from Tottenham to Real Madrid nor the return of Jose Mourinho to his home Chelsea. What news can possibly be biggest than the retirement announcement made by one of the, if not the greatest football manager of all time?

Give it a bow to Sir Alex Ferguson, the manager of Manchester United for 27 years! I wasn't even born when he first took charge at the club and 27 years he had proudly retired as his proclaims came true -- knocking Liverpool off their perch.  

Now, after 27 years reign at the very top Manchester United had been used to challenging and winning every possible trophies available out there. It had became an attitude embedded in the club, flowing through every employees at the club, players and coaches alike. It has became a club where anything else than winning a football match or a trophy is considered a flaw, a failure. 

Finding someone to fill such a huge shoe is certainly be seemed an impossible task. No matter who the person would be (we now know its David Moyes) he would be stepping into an uncharted journey for the club. What would the impact be? How would the supporters, players, coaches, staffs respond to the new man-in-chief? What are the changes he would be making? 

David Moyes, now we all know, is the Chosen One. 

Nine games into the season and Manchester United is found 8th in the BPL table. It was not the familiar place United finds themselves in and as early as the season is, the new man also started to received criticism from al cylinders. Having inherited a Champions that had just won the league with 11 points clear on top in the previous season expectation was so high for the new man to endure. 

Doubts were casted: Why not he retained the same back room staff that had been so successful assisting SAF achieving so much success over the years and brining familiar staff that though bodes well with the new man himself but lack the championship winning experiences that the club needed. And then some may point to the failure of capitalising on the transfer market to bring in world class talents that would project the club into greater heights?

Perhaps it is not an coincident that new players was not brought in, maybe it was intended so the hugely talented youngsters at the club could be given a shot to stamp their places in the first team? Certainly one of them had done it -- Adnan Januzaj and there might be more to come too with so many youngsters of the club starring in their loan deals: Powell, Jesse Lingard (Scored 4 goals during his debut for Birmingham City) and many more. So maybe another generation after the Busby's Babes, the Ferguson's Fledglings, and now perhaps Moyes' Kids?

Every great successes requires a time of pregnancy, where the vision is conceived and nurtured and at the right time, success will be delivered. In the current world of football nothing seems impossible as money now play such a big role on and off the field and perhaps people now are not as patient as those that had given Sir Alex 4 years to conceive and nurtures his vision for the club. But as the out-going great man called upon the supporters during his last speech at Old Trafford: Stand by the new manager.

Go David Go! 

From Undergraduate to Postgraduate

After waving good bye to university not long ago (approximately 1 year+), I now find myself in another level of university study. Some people say too much education aren't too good, though I sort of buy into that idea but I am a firm believer that if one could use whatever learnt in the classroom and apply them in the field then it would give themselves a sharp edge in the market place. 

So here I am,  

University Malaya, must say it is my dream too to study in this university where many regards as the prime university in Malaysia. I understand many may have so many things to say about the good and bad, but I just wish to have a moment to dwell in a feeling of pride being able to study in the country's prime university. As I strongly believe, the way for Malaysia's university to go up is to retain local lads in local universities, so I back it up with my action by enrolling into one these universities.

Having missed out on getting into the university in Bachelor level, it is a dream come true.

The application for admission was simple and straight forwardly done at the university's postgraduate admission website, and after uploading certified copies of relevant supporting documents I am then done with the application for the postgraduate program. The admission results was released 2 months after the application as stipulated.

After receiving the results of admission, I attended a program briefing on the last week of August, registered myself and enrolling to courses in the week after on a separate occasion. Done and dusted, I am now officially a postgraduate student of University of Malaya. 

Another new chapter of my life. I am living my dreams now, working as a scientist and now also postgraduate student. 

Thank you Jesus.

University of Malaya Postgraduate Application for Admission website: http://pgadmission.um.edu.my/

Character X (3) -- Gratitude

"The quality or feeling of being grateful and thankful."

Dictionary.com

Gratitude is an attitude of knowing and acknowledging kind acts from others. 

Too often that we sometimes took so many things for granted. So many times we hold in mind that everything will fall into place automatically, that success and achievement comes naturally. 

Too often that we had neglected, or event tried to reject claims that the life that we are living now were the results of the contributions from people all around you. We tried to claim that it was only us who could lead ourselves to the life now we are living. 

But deep in us. We know.

We know that there were too many times that when we were on the brink of falling, someone held our hands.

We know that there were moments of self-collapse in our lives and someone was there to give you a pat on your shoulder.

Being grateful to others does not mean that you are relatively inferior to that individual. It doesn't mean that you are weak and therefore you need help from others. In fact it is just the opposite. Showing gratitude shows that you have a healthy self-image that you know how to acknowledge and appreciate what people had done for you.

Gratitude means acknowledging the past, enabling you to live rightly in the present, and give you legacy to strive into the future. 

Gratitude. A Grateful Attitude. 

What's after Form 5 -- Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia

In this series of "What's after Form 5", I'll post up different opportunities that one may take on and pursue after your form 5 studies and it is based on personal experiences and opinions so feel free to correct me if you found what posted isn't the fact right now.

So here it is: What's after Form 5? 

First up: Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia or in short STPM

A brief introduction on STPM. STPM is a pre-university course in Malaysia run by Malaysian Examination Council, which takes 2 years time for completion. Many has argued that STPM was one of the toughest pre-university examination due to its broad scope of studies as well as how results of students were determined in one final exam towards the end of the studies. That was the case during my time but recently the government had revamp the previous system to a semester-based modular system that will be implemented in the 2012 Lower Six batch of students.

Choice of streams:
Science stream or Arts Stream

As mentioned STPM is a pre-university course so it allow students to take up subjects according to their interest. But bare in mind that your choice of subjects may affect the types of degree that you could apply to when you have completed your STPM. Candidates are to take at least one and not more than 5 subjects.

#It is good to note that from 2012 onwards the government had revamped the STPM, so students will be accessed in semester basis, with a GPA each semesters contributing to the final CGPA.

Possible advantages
Relatively cheap
(Need not pay anything except for school maintance fee provided you're studying it in a local secondary school)
Gives you more time in thinking what exactly that you want in the future
Broad syllabus

Possible disadvantages
The length of studies
(From the day you finish SPM till the day you enter public universities is approximately 2 year and 9 months)

Personal view
I myself have been through STPM, though some may argue that the standard of STPM had dropped compared to earlier days but I can say that it is still a very good Pre-university course that has international recognition. When I was in my degree studies I can really see the benefit of studying form 6 as most subjects and scope of studies in my first year of study had already been covered or brief during my form six days. This has got a lot to do with the broad scope of knowledge that you would gain if you enter form 6.

Having said that, most students whom had studied form six intended to get entry into local public universities but if you want a relatively cheap Pre-univeristy education with international recognition form six would be your choice as it cost as little as your typical secondar school fees if you study it in local secondary schools. And I have friends that took STPM, got great results (National Top 5 scorers) whom are studying medicine now in King's College London under scholarship. So if you decided that you want to go abroad after STPM, not an issue as it is internationally recognized.

Form six life was some of the best days of my life thus far I could say, teachers don't treat you like they used too, they are more like your friends in form six! Time together with friends are always great and sometimes, in my opinion, there is no need to rush into the society as you will have plenty of years for that.

Stay tuned for the next in What's next after Form 5 series: A-Levels

Days at Work

Working life is indeed a life that requires much dedication and determination.

Some argues that you should really do what you are passionate about, but how many people out there really have the opportunity to do what they like yet making a living out of it? It is indeed a pleasure or you should say a dream de anyone who can do whatever they like but at the same time make a living out of it.

Thank God, I belong to this group of people!

Its was always my aspiration to become a researcher, a scientist if you want the textbook term. And as of today, I'm doing what I aspired to be: a Scientist.

I really thank God His guidance and grace all these years, if it's not of Him I'm really not sure where would I be right now, and as I now look back to the days of my STPM and degree life all I could say was the by the grace of God I made it through with a pretty good score, not to mentioned that I had to juggle between studies and work at the same time.

I may have had a chance to make a a little bit more money should I chose money over what I want to do. But hey, that's life and for me, life is about doing what you love to do! ;)

Negaraku, Malaysia

Negaraku, Malaysia.

It is 31st of August tomorrow, a date to remember for all Malaysians. A day where Malaya had achieved its independence which later on led to the formation of the modern Malaysia consisting of the Peninsula Malaysia, Sabah, and Sarawak. 

It is a historic day, a day that had change the destiny a nation.

A nation called Malaysia was born. 

I'm proud to be a Malaysian! A place that is so unique in it's own way. Not often that you can find a country with so many different races living together in harmony, respecting, adapting and accepting cultural differences among races and cultures. I would say the country can boast of its people ingenuity in gauging between languages! An ordinary Malaysian would have at least spoken more than 2 to 3 languages in their daily lives!

Different races studying together, 一, DUA, மூன்று!

And not often, only a slightest of chance that you can find a country like Malaysia where it is free from almost all types of natural disasters and add on to that, we have so many beautiful natural heritage in this country that would put natural lover in awe of the creation of God! This I can say is a gift from God to all Malaysians, assuring that we could live in this land peacefully given that we won't take these blessings for granted.

Pulau Redang - One of the most beautiful island in the world!

Mount Kinabalu - Highest peak in South East Asia

And the food. The diversity of the food here can almost make sure that you can have different types of food for each of your meals daily and you can go 1 week or more without needed to repeat the same menu! This is certainly one of the greatest asset that the country possesses!

Nasi Lemak!

Asam Laksa...

AND MANY MANY MORE!!!!

Many had said this coming general election would be one of the defining moment in the history of Malaysia. Regardless of how it would eventually turn out to be, let us just take one day off to just appreciate the blood, sweat, tears and sacrifices that people and leaders had made to give the country a brand new hope, an Independence.

Kuala Lumpur skyline

Revive this land, heal this land, and restore this land into glory and glory! 

Reliving the moment of Merdeka...

Rahmat Bahgia, Tuhan kurniakan!

I love MALAYSIA!

I dreamed a dream

Dream, dream, dream. Whats the dream about? 

What were your dreams? 

Dreams that you dreamed when you were a young innocent kid,

Dreams that you dreamed when you had the boldness and youthfulness of youth,

Dreams that you dreamed when  you stepped into the world with so much passion and expectation,

What were your dreams?

Had a chance to share about (yea, you guessed it right) dream during cell meeting just now, a word that I had almost forgotten in the midst of things happening around me. Dream.

So amusing, so lovely. That was how we perceive dreams in the earlier days in our life. Dream, a noun and an adjective. In order to make the earlier true, the latter has to follow suit. But hey, its easy to be said than done. How many in this world had actually achieve the dream they dreams? 

Dream seems vague, untouchable. But some people live by the existence of it, it is the life and breath of many  human being that lived and is living on this world. Some people are cynical of it because it sometimes mislead you into a non-existing Far Far Away Kingdom, making you to believe what was impossible, to believe reality overrule, ultimately, your dreams.

But then, fact that we could not deny; Dream makes the impossible possible; Dreams make the non-existence exist; Dreams drive thousands and millions of lives. 

 

One of the most inspiring fairy tale I've heard, which gives fellow dreamers now more reasons to dream.  

Fellow dreamers, let's dream! ;)

The Revelation in Taiwan

22/08/11-29/08/11

Out of the country for the first time, I found myself in a foreign land that seems all so familiar. Every faces here are so alike and familiar, at a point I was questioning myself did I actually went oversea, anyhow it was a wonderful experience. Apart from the life, the food, and the people here, this post will focus on the focal point of the Taiwan Trip.

The first 6 days we spent attending conferences, yes, 2 conferences that I am attending. 

Kingdom of God. 

Becoming the real us.

The conferences had reveal what I perceive is what God has to say to this generation of people, to His people living in the very end of days: The Kingdom of God does not only lie in the future, but it is already here, and we  the citizens of God carries the kingdom with us wherever we go.

Christians should be the head but not the tail, and our life style should be of a royal prince and princess, carrying the honor and glory of the kingdom of God for we were made according to the image of the God that  had created the universe and the world we are living right now. Was listening to Ps Jaeson Ma message on the Kingdom Mandate, he mentioned that in Genesis God had told human, let them have dominion over all creation on earth and thus God himself cannot cannot turnover what He had said, thus he grant human the authority over all creation on earth and thus be responsible for every deeds that human made. Not that God cannot intervene and allow that to happen, it is because God cannot turn over what He had said, that is entrusting human to rule over the earth.

Thus as we live on the earth, we are the medium that God needs to propagate among the people. He requires us to work with Him in order to bring His kingdom down to the earth and thus God is searching for a person, a righteous man that earnestly seek Him and His will. We are no longer condemned by our sins and weaknesses when we accept Christ as He had died for us on the cross to restore our identity in Him. When we live like a prince, living a kingdom lifestyle that we are only becoming our real self. 

Repent may be broken to "Re-pent". That is returning to the pinnacle, the highest point (JMA). Yes, it was to restore us back to what we had fallen short of, the us that is glorious, honored, holy,  and majestic. Only when we realize who we are that we know what we are capable of doing. A slave will never rule the world, but a King will. Thus through Christ when our identities are restored that we would start realizing what we can do through Him: Healing the sick, raising the death, casting out demons, see visions and dreams and etc. God's kingdom is limitless!

I thank God for this wonderful Taiwan trip, where I met my God so intimately, and spending time with the great servants of God is definitely a big big bonus. God had reveal Himself to us, to our church, and seeing our leaders so passionately talking about youths just excites me! And yes, one word that I had received from God: "Finally". I need not elaborate further right? Yes God, finally!

Regards,

Kenneth

In You I trust

I wait on you,

To bring to past what you had promised me.

And as I wait,

I rest in faith, for things my eyes cannot see.

For in His ways, He will provide

At just the perfect time, everything thats good and right.

For in His ways, He will provide

To bless this life, of mine.

Mind was filled with plenty of matters, so much yet so little time and such as small brain.

Why?

Is life unfair,

Why?

They don't accept you,

Why?

Hurting between people is everywhere,

Why?

Only through hard ways people learn,

So many whys, but so little time and with such as small brain.

At last I chose to surrender my thoughts to Him.

The only one who has the answer, but chose not to answer my questions.

Still, in Him I trust.

The Miniature of Life

Just done watching a thrilling game between Manchester United against Manchester City, well well well, it was breath taking, a truly amazing match. Good first goal from Nani, a deserved but chicky equaliser from David Silva, and finally the out-of-the-world goal from Wayne Rooney, a superb overhead kick 12 yards out.

A thrilling and astonishing soccer match.

I had always thought that a football league is some sort of a miniature of life.

When you were born it was a kick off, the start of the season

You win the first match

And the second match

Then as the season proceeds.....

You got a horrible result against weaker teams when you were expected to win with ease

Got sent off for nothing

After your suspension, you were off and running again!

Winning in consecutive matches!

Winning player of the month awards!

When everything seems to go your way...

You got an bad injury, kept you off for several weeks

But you didn't give up..

After several weeks you were back again

And finally at the end of the season, you got your rewards!

In our life, there are so many uncertainties that are not in our control. 

When we were born everything seems so perfect. Parents were the ever loving couple, protecting us from any form of danger. For some however, life may already seems dark from the begining, hope was no way to be seen.

As we grew, there were more things that we have to deal with. 

Teachers, homeworks and loads of assignments were some tough times but it way spared with several childhood best friends.

Upon graduation the real world was there for us to see. Prejudice, hatred, and perhaps sometimes, love. 

There was injustice, and often compromised with some counter revenge from ourselves.

And after all of those, when we are at the end of our journey on earth, if we are permitted to,

Which side would you want to be? The winning side or the losing side? Losing a match doesn't mean you lose your title, you still have time to catch up, it depends on your decision whether you choose to condemn yourself or get up and chase what was lost. Life isn't always well, but all those moments of failing and winning contributes equally to your final reward.

Cheers friends, whatever circumstances you are in right now just remember, there are always chances for you to get back up and gain what was lost and Jesus is there to give you what you had lost.

Just tell Him a simple prayer:"Help me Jesus!" , and thats all what it takes.

He just love you so much.

When accident turned incident

When accident became an incident.

For human comprehension, it might be one of the off day event that you would ever wanted it to happen, a car accident. 

2 weeks ago I was attending lectures in my university, and when lecture ended I picked up my car and started  my journey home. Just right after a turn, BANG, I hit a car infront of me, first thought was: Screwed. As usual both of us stopped at the side of the road and of course came out from the car for a routine bargaining session. Scratches were found on the back of the car, and I doesn't have enough cash with me at the time, so I told him that I would bring some scratch removal solvents to remove the scratch for him, he agreed and off I go home.

Days after that we were trying to meet up so that I could clean the scratches on his car, but due to hectic schedules we had failed to meet up. Then came the chinese new year holidays.

And finally today I manage to meet him up again, where both of us were free at the time. I walked to his apartment parking where his car was parked, cleaned the scratches for him and we started to talk at the same time. We started a conversation, and later we ended up in a local mamak stall talking like long met friends.

The best part was that I managed to share my personal testimony with him, and encouraged him to attend church services though he is not a christian.

In awe.

From a car accident and we ended up chatting happily in local mamak stall and he messaged me: Nice to meet you.

From an accident it slowly appeared as an incident well planned by God.

Truly amazing.

Happy Chinese New Year!

Happy Chinese New Year to all!

One more day to chinese new year, 

This is the day where families are united, gathering together for a reunion dinner. A season of love, especially the love within families. Chinese are very much family-based, a race that emphasis much on the bond within the family. Thats the way I was brought up.

In our younger years, never once can our absence from any family occasions is compromised. Even if so, we would be greeted by our father's stern face. 

As I was growing up, I do not understand why. 

Why we must be all-present in every single family meetings? 

Why some other families their children were allowed to be absent?

As time passed, 12 became 21. 

I now understand why. One day after another, my parents were slowly aging. 

Grey hairs had slowly overtook the shining blacks. As I look into their eyes, suddenly I felt aching in my heart. I missed them dearly. 

Chinese New Year was never about the hype, red packets, mandarin oranges. It was about family.

My lovely parents and their grandchildren!

Our reunion dinner!

Hannah and her!

Happy Chinese New Year!

Key to unlock heavenly blessings - Faith

The key to unlock heavenly blessings. 

Why is faith that important? And what role does it play in our daily life?

It is important for us to understand that faith itself is not something that occur naturally, it has to be cultivated and learned. So now what is faith and what can of faith I am discussing in this post? 

According to Dictionary.com, there are several definitions of the word FAITH:

-Confidence or trust in a person or thing;

-Belief that is not based on proof;

-Belief in God or in the doctrines or teachings of religion;

-Belief in anything, as a code of ethics, standards of merit;

-A system of religious belief;

-The obligation of loyalty of fidelity to one's promise, oath, allegiance;

-Christian theology. the trust in God and His promises as made through Christ and the Scriptures by which humans are justified or saved.

From all the definitions above, we can have a quick glance of what faith really means. However, Understanding what is faith is one thing and integrating this important substance in our lives is another thing, it is utterly essential for us to understand and integrate it into our lives if we hope to live a better life.

We need faith in our life, because without faith basically we would not be able to live our life on earth unless, you declare that you can live by your own and handle everything in your life by yourselves. But that is impossible in this modern world, the reason? In one way or another we would need to put our faith on different personal, for example we have to believe that the bankers are not playing around with our fixed deposit savings, and we have to put our faith into believing that teachers and lecturers in schools and universities are teaching our children appropriately. If this faith is missing, we would start to doubt in every single stuff that come across our life and with everything bugging us all the time, how could we have a peace of mind at any given time?

"Faith means belief in something concerning which doubt is theoratically possible"

William James

Upon reading the gospel of Matthew in the bible, I was strucked by the numbers of miracles that had happened were due to the faith of that person/group of personals:

Matthew 8: 1-4

When Jesus came down from the mountainside, large crowds followed him. A man with leprosy came  and knelt before him and said."Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean."

The proclaimation by the man with leprosy saying that Lord if you are willing, you CAN make me clean. He did not doubt or what-so-ever that God can heal him, even though at that time leprosy was probably incurable. And because of his faith in believing God can heal him, in verse 3: Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man."I'm willing," he said."Be clean!" Immediately he was cleansed from his leprosy.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Matthew 8: 5-13

When Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to him, asking for help."Lord," he said,"my servant lies at home paralyzed, suffering terribly." Jesus said to him,"Shall I come and heal him?" The  centurion replied,"Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one,'Go' and he goes; and that one.'Come,' and he comes. I say to my servant,'Do this,' and he does it."

The centurian shown great faith in believing that Jesus' does not even have to go to his house in order to heal his servant, and Jesus Himselves shown approval of this great faith shown by this man and subsequently the servant was healed.

When Jesus heard this, he was amazed and said to those following him,"Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith......Then Jesus said to the centurion,"Go! Let it be done just as you believed it would." And his servant was healed at that moment. 

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Matthew 9: 1-7

Jesus stepped into a boat, crossed over and came to his own town. Some men brought to him a paralyzed man, lying on a mat. When Jesus saw their FAITH, he said to the man,"Take hear, son; your sins are forgiven."...

These men that brought the paralyzed man were men of faith, and clearly they believe that Jesus at the time is the one who CAN help them.

So he said to the paralzyed man,"Get up, take your mat and go home." Then the man got up and went home.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Matthew 9: 20-22

Just then a woman who had been subject to bleeding for twelve yeras came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak. She said to herself,"If I only touch his cloak, I will be healed." 

The clear understanding of who Jesus was had granted the women great faith, she knew that Jesus is the Lord, and it is mentioned that she said to herself:"I WILL be healed." Take note, she did not say might, but instead she said will. And the result was:

Jesus turned and saw her. "Take heart, daughter," he said, "your faith has healed you." And the woman was healed at that moment.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Matthew 9: 27-31

As Jesus went on from there, two blind men followed him, calling out, "Have mercy on us, Son of David!" When he had gone indoors, the blind men came to him, and he asked them, "Do you believe that I am able to do this?" "Yes, Lord," they replied. 

These blind men were clearly incapable of seeing what Jesus had already done in the past, but yet they have this faith and belief that Jesus could help them and therefore:

Then he touched their eyes and said, "According to your faith let it be done to you"; and their sight was restored...

These were incidents that had happened in the bible, miracles and things that seems impossible and beyond the comprehension of mankind. A person with faith would see a tree growing out from a mustard seed, a person with faith would hold on to what he/she believe even though the circumstances are telling otherwise, a person with faith would pray untill God answers his/her prayer, a person of faith can unlock the blessings that God had already prepared in store for him/her.

Have faith fellows, for faith is the key to unlock the chest of blessings in heaven.

The Tower of Babel

In the book of Genesis, there happened a defining moment in the history of mankind, a time where God had separated people to different parts of the world. Center of the event was the building of the Tower of Babel. It was recorded in the book of Genesis in the bible, chapter 11:1-9 :

"Now the whole world had one language and a common speech. As people moved eastward, they found a plain in Shinar and settled there. They said to each other,"Come, let's make bricks and bake them thoroughly."They used brick instead of stone, and tar for mortat. Then they said,"Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves; otherwise we will be scattered over the face of the whole earth." 

      But the Lord came down to see the city and the tower the people were building. The Lord said,"If as one people speaking the same language they have begun to do this, then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them. Come, let us go down and confuse their language so they will not understand each other." So the Lord scattered them from there over all the earth, and they stopped building the city. That is why it was called Babel--because there the Lord confused the language of the whole world. From there the Lord scattered them over the face of the whole earth."

At that time, people shared a common language which enable them the ease of communication because no translation or what so ever is needed in order for them to accomplish a tast or goal. But why God confused their languages? Isn't it good for all of them to speak in a common language?

In order to answer that, we will have to look into incidents that had brought the resulting confusion of languages among the people.

First, the objective of the construction of the Tower of Babel.

Genesis 11:4

Then they said,"Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves; otherwise we will be scattered over the face of the whole earth." 

The objective of them building the tower was clear, they were building it to make a name for themselves. What does that mean then? Anything wrong about making a name for ourselves?

Look carefully throughout the passages, there isn't any mention of God in all the things that they were doing. So what is the problem in the construction of the Tower of Babel? I would say the problem lies with the pride of the people back then. They were building the tower for themselves, nothing to do with God and by mentioning in verse 4 that they want  to make a name for themselves meaning they want to prove that they can do anything they want, just like God. 

There is no wrong in making a name for yourself, but it is definitely not right if the motive behind making a name for yourself is self-centered, is to boast about who you are but not who God is. Thus thats the very reason why God had chose to confused the languages of the people in the time of the construction of the Tower of Babel. The tower symbolizes the pride and the self-centered mindset of mankind.

However there is one thing that is definite good we could learn from the construction of the Tower of Babel, which is the power of UNITY. In verse 6 of chapter 11, the Lord said,"If as one people speaking the same language they have begun to do this, then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them."

God knows what these people can do if they are united as one, speaking the very same language and striving for a common goal. God knows, and therefore in the book of Acts in the new testament, God gave them the common language again:

Acts 2:4-11

All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. When they heard this sound a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken. Utterly amazed, they asked:" Arent't all these who are speaking Galileans? Then how is it that each of us hears them in our native language? Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs-we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!"

There and then, God gave everyone who obey and follow Him a common language, and from the common language a common goal.

Matthew 28:18-20

Then Jesus came to them and said,"All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commonaded you. And surely I am with you always to the very end of the age."

Bold and strong, I encourage you to be. For God knows the potential of His people that when they are united as one, sharing a common vision and passion for His kingdom that there is nothing impossible that we cannot achieve through Him. Humility is the key, and God had given His promises, it is up to us to accept His grace and anointing to fullfill the destiny that He had layed in the lives of everyone of us.

The beauty of Proverbs

The book of wisdom - Proverbs

If you haven't start reading this amazing book, I encourage you to have a look of this book. It is stated in the very first chapter verse 1-6 on what you would gain from reading it:

Proverbs 1:1-6
The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel:
for gaining wisdom and instruction;
for understanding words of insight;
for receiving instruction in prudent behavior,
doing what is right and just and fair;
for giving prudence to those who are simple,
knowledge and discretion to the young-
let the wise listen and add to their learning,
and let the discerning get guidance-
for understanding proverbs and parables,
the sayings and riddles of the wise.
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge,
but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

The book is so down to earth that it discuss about parent and children relationship, financial management, attitude, character and etc. The basic needs of our daily life, its all written in this book of wisdom. I would love to share what I have learnt from this amazing book, to serve as a sneak peek for some of you out there reading my blog.

In Proverbs 4:14-15:
"Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evildoers. Avoid it, do not  travel on it; turn from it and go on your way."

The passage was an advice to all, basically on how we could set our path straight in our lives. "Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evildoers.", now first how do we define path of wicked or walk in the way of evildoers? Isn't path of the wicked or the way of the evildoers are very subjective? I may think that watching pornography is wrong but you could think that is right.

In Genesis 3:22, God knew that we human now, like Him can tell the good from the evil:
"And the Lord God said, "The man has now become like one of us, knowing good and evil....". Your biological body knows what is good and bad as well, your T and B cells are fighting bad bacterias and viruses.

We know what is good or bad, deep in our hearts, we know. Its just that sometimes we allowed our values to be compromised with the majorities, to be covered with layers and layers of deceptions. We chose to ignore the bad, evil in order to find a place for ourselves in this society, in the world.

You may ask:"If everyone is doing it, the TV is showing it, Internet is full of it, newspapers are publishing it, so   what should I do to not be involved in it?. Avoid it, the proverbs said.

It is important for us to realise that sometimes, we have to start avoiding ourselves to fall into traps. For instance to make sure we are not infected with AIDS, the simplest and best way would be abstinence. Using a condom does not solve the problem, it only decrease the risk of getting infected with the disease. Same goes to our daily lives. How to we make sure we would not start doing things that wasn't right either against the law or the word of God? The best way would be again, avoid it.

This is what I have learnt from the book of Proverbs, more to come.

New Semester - January 2011

Its wonderful! Finally after almost 2 months of study break, I am going back to class again on 10th of January. Just managed to enrolled myself for coming semester, and the moment I knew I am taking 7 subjects I was like:"Ok, this is something new".

Wasn't expecting so many subjects in a single semester, anyhow I wasn't worried nor pressured, being the usual me I am sort of thrived to tackle the difficult tasks. I have had so much favor of God in the passed semesters in the previous one and a half year, I totally admit that it wasn't me but Him alone that I could do well in my studies. I thank God for that and I'm not flattered by the success I've got from previous study experiences. My friends were giving advices to me, asking me to consider dropping one subject or two to take the huge load off my shoulders and I thank them for their concerns they have shown to me.

In Proverbs 1:7 " The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instructions."

In God I believe, for I hold on to the principles that were imprinted in my heart, that God is the source of all things that we ever-need. I believe God has what I need and therefore by getting close to Him, I knew I could do anything that He wanted me to do.

God is the CREATOR of the world, so what is so difficult about biology, physics, chemistry or maths to Him? He created them.

Though God, I believe I can.

顺服，一生都学不完的功课

这几天我从新去阅读创世纪，

虽然读了几遍，但这次我定意要领受不一样的东西，我用研读来形容我新的读经方法。

从创世纪5-6章，看见了一个人的生命。

他的名字叫挪亚。

创世纪6:8-9这样形容: "惟有挪亚在耶和华眼前蒙恩.......挪亚与上帝同行."

很显著的，挪亚在神眼前蒙恩，是因为他与神同行，是因为他完全的顺服跟随神的步伐。

创世纪6:13-22，上帝吩咐挪亚建方舟:"上帝就对挪亚说.....你要用歌斐木造一只方舟.."

第22节提到挪亚的反应:"挪亚就这样行..."

创世纪8记录了洪水以后，挪亚一家要出方舟的情形。13节提到:"...挪亚撤去方舟的盖观看，便见地面上干了"。那时挪亚可以选择立刻从方舟出去，毕竟在里面大约有370天之久。他可以这么做，但他并没有。第15节提到:"上帝对挪亚说....都可以出方舟"，这之后，挪亚才和他的家人一起从方舟里出来。

挪亚的生命，我可以用四个字来形容: 完全顺服

建造方舟不是一件普通的事情，而且是个长时间的工程，有人推测最长可能要花上100年的时间。一百年，可以想象其间可能有很多流言蜚语，批评论断，在长时间的催眠下很可能打击挪亚的信心。再者，圣经里只记载了上帝吩咐挪亚建造方舟，但却没记录在建造过程中神是否有向挪亚说话。我看见的是一个完全顺服并忠于神的人，是神所恩宠的人，执着于神在100年前对他说过的那番话，坚信他的神所应许他的。

完全的顺服，是我从挪亚身上学习到的功课。

他的顺服，让人类存留了希望，带来了人类与其它生物短暂的救赎。

但有另外一个人的顺服却带来了人类的永恒救恩。

他为了你和我的缘故，虽然挣扎但却完全顺服，只为了我们在永恒里可以有永远的平安，喜乐。

有一首蛮旧的诗歌，很有意思。

顺服，一生都学不完的功课。

New Year Resolution 2011

Its 2011, and it is already the 4th day into this brand new year.

Pastor James shared a sermon based on a familiar bible verse when it comes to this time of the year in Philippians chapter 3:12-14:

"Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take gold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. but one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenwatd in Christ Jesus."

Forgetting the pass, embrace the present, and strive for the future.

These are the 3 things that would define my new year 2011. 

Forgetting my failures, as well as my success, in doing so I would not be bounded by my previous failures which would stop me from believing what I can achieve through God, believing that I could do great and that retification could be done. Forgetting my success to prevent myself from being deceived by my pass achievement, putting me firmly on ground to work hard and smart in order to achieve the same, if not more.

Embracing the present, to live the best I could be living, now. Do not delay nor wait, I want to live my life as it is, to fully utilize the time I have in doing things that are pleasing in His eyes. That could be watching television, paying friends visits, cell groups, dating time, anything, that is pleasing in His eyes. 

Striving for the future, to keep myself on course on what I want myself to be in the next 5 years. Where I would be standing in the year 2016? Thus goals are set, and they are set to be achieved. 

I want to be more Christ-like this year, definitely there would be ups and downs in the year, but I by faith proclaiming that through all these ups and downs in the year 2011, I would eventually emerged at the end of this year as being more Chirst-like, being closer to God.

I thank God for the past 2010, and is anticipating what is installed for me in 2011. 

I love Photography

Ever since my younger got her first DSLR camera, a gift from my father, I as well got affected. Photos says a thousand words, and most importantly it records all the special moments of memories. I wish, hope, and want to get myself a DSLR camera next year, and slowly develop my interest in photography and hopefully do what I love in the future, wild life photography.

Following are a few masterpiece that I had taken, enjoy!

Even Greater Youth Camp

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Glad Tidings Chinese Church Leaders Camp

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

KL International Motor Show

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Summer Christmas