Wish List (More like "Stuff that I'm saving up for")

This will probably my last post before I go into NS.

Will be about all the stuff that I really really want right now.

Will put it here to remind myself not to overspend and to focus on saving up for all these!

POD HD 500 Multi Effects Pedal - $895

Duesenberg DTV Starplayer TV Electric Guitar (Blue Sparkle) - $2570

Taylor GS7 - $2999

MacBook Pro 13-inch: 2.8GHz - $2048

Condenser Mic - $400+?

And of course, clothes, bags accessories!

Yup, hopefully I'll be able to get all these within 2 years, otherwise I'll have to come out of NS and work for these, but nonetheless, I'm determined to save up for all of this!

Bye everyone, seeya in 2 years! :D

Dedicated to Jonger, @jonger026

Hey bro, just thought I'd dedicate this post to you. I know I said a few words at the steamboat earlier, but I was so caught up in the moment that I totally lost my train of thought. This is a much more comfortable way for me to express my thoughts.

Wow, it's been barely a year since the 2 of us became so close, I remember even back then in Peirce, we weren't very close, and we totally had different lives when we were in poly. I really thank God so much that we managed to re-ignite this friendship, and I'm really glad at where we are as friends today. I will never regret that decision to pick up my phone to you to get you down for The Edge Conference 2010. That was probably the best decision the both of us made that year.

Over this year, we've had our ups and downs, many memorable moments and so many times that we've met up just to chill and have fun. I've really seen you grow a lot, in terms of speech, actions, attitudes. It's so heartwarming to know that you're pursuing God with all your heart, and not holding back. The hunger you have for more of His presence is truly inspiring. And like I said at the farewell, I'm really really really proud of you, and I mean it!

Love all the times we hang out! Especially all the retarded times, like the photo right underneath this :P

Anyway, as you embark of this new journey, this new phase of life, don't ever hesitate to call on me whenever you feel discouraged, lonely, persecuted or oppressed. I'll always be here for you, to talk to you, to pray for you. And I know you'll definitely do the same for me. I know we'll all do the same for each other in B4! #BrothersUnited!

With that, I wish you all the best in NS, 2 years will be over and done with in no time, then we'll have that epic holiday with the gang like we always spoke about, till then, keep the faith, don't stop fixing your eyes on God everyday, I pray that as we both come out of the army, we'll be stronger in our faith then ever before!

God bless you,

Arthur.

Love,

These few weeks have been rather confusing.

A battle of emotions, thoughts, and attitudes.

After a lot of self reflection, and prayer, I came to realise that I've been handling everything wrongly.

I've been harbouring wrong attitudes, I've not been coming to my friends in love, and instead I've been allowing what others say affect my friendships.

In Matthew 7:1, is says "Do not judge, or you too will be judged"

How many times have I been so judgmental towards others?

How many times have I allowed such negative attitudes come in and try to mess up my friendships?

Should I not be working towards being more like Jesus?

Shouldn't I love others, regardless of their faults and weaknesses?

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. - Ephesians 4:2

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. - Matthew 5:43-48

So many bible verses stress on loving one another, even loving our enemies.

So why do we, why do I still judge and get angry with people for the things that they do?

Even in the verse in Eph 4:2, it says be humble and GENTLE.

I don't think the way I've been dealing with things have been very gentle, instead it's been rather harsh, blunt and direct.

Thank God for His word.

Without it I wouldn't have noticed all my shortcomings.

Now I must change myself.

Even the way I deal with my friends, whenever they do something wrong, or whenever they do something I don't like.

I pray to God that He'll teach me to be humble and gentle.

A fool shows his annoyance at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult - Proverbs 12:16

Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing - Proverbs 12:18

A wise man fears the Lord and shuns evil, but a fool is hotheaded and reckless - Proverbs 14:16

A quick-tempered man does foolish things, and a crafty man is hated - Proverbs 14:17

A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man displays folly - Proverbs 14:29

A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger - Proverbs 15:1

A hot-tempered man stirs up dissension, but a patient man calms a quarrel - Proverbs 15:18

Better a patient man than a warrior, a man who controls his temper than one who takes a city - Proverbs 16:32

A man of knowledge uses words with restraint, and a man of understanding is even-tempered - Proverbs 17:27

It is to a man's honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel - Proverbs 20:3

Do not say, "I'll pay you back for this wrong!" Wait for the Lord, and He will deliver you - Proverbs 20:22

Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control - Proverbs 25:28

A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control - Proverbs 29:11

An angry man stirs up dissension, and a hot-tempered one commits many sins - Proverbs 29:22

You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, "Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment." But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment ... first go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift - Matthew 5:21-24

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good - Romans 12:21

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs - 1 Corinthians 13:4-5

The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions - Galatians 5:19-20

"In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold - Ephesians 4:26-27

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you - Ephesians 4:29-32

But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips - Colossians 3:8

My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires - James 1:19-20

Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing - 1 Peter 3:9

After the encounter,

You know it's a good net lesson when it speaks to you as you teach it.

Our encounters with Jesus ought to spark these five things in us:

1. Deeper Worship

Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.” - Luke 7:44-47

When we encounter the love of God, His wonderful grace and His glory, it causes us to want to give God all our worship.

2. Stronger Commitment

When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!” For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon’s partners. Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.” So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him. - Luke 5:8-11

Our encounters with Jesus shows us how powerful God is, and how helpless we are.

3. Greater Relationship With God

From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him. “You do not want to leave too, do you?” Jesus asked the Twelve. Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. - John 6:66-68

• Someone who has truly encountered God will understand that there is NO ONE like Him.
• This understanding moves us towards having a greater relationship with God – because He is the only One.

4. Heartfelt Gratitude

Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance and called out in a loud voice, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!” When he saw them, he said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed. One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan. Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? - Luke 17:11-17

• Jesus dies on the cross for us so that we can be reconciled back with God – this is an awesome privilege.
• Therefore, when we encounter God, we need to be grateful and thank God for the encounter – just as the leper did after he received His healing from God.
• This gratitude will fuel us to worship deeper, love him greater and be committed to Him even more each time.

5. Bolder Witness (Most important to me)

The woman said, “I know that Messiah” (called Christ) “is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.” Then Jesus declared, “I, the one speaking to you—I am he.”Just then his disciples returned and were surprised to find him talking with a woman. But no one asked, “What do you want?” or “Why are you talking with her?” Then, leaving her water jar, the woman went back to the town and said to the people, “Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?” They came out of the town and made their way toward him. - John 4:25-30

• We know from the Bible that every time someone encounters Jesus, they leave to tell everyone about Him and what He has done for them.
• Similarly, when we encounter Jesus in our lives, we are empowered to be a bolder witness for Him.
• These encounters with Jesus are like tools in our hands to share His love and his reality to those around us. These are our testimonies of who Jesus is to us and what He can do for everyone!

Taken from net lesson of 14/10/2011

Desire

And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God - Philippians 1:9-11

The right attitude, the correct mindset, my thoughts, my speech, my actions.

All these have to be right if I want to be a person of influence in this generation.

No more judging others, no more exclusion.

But I gotta be one who leads by example, I gotta be one who fights for righteousness, and not for personal gain.

I gotta be bold enough to correct where correction is due, and not shrug it off and accept it just because they are good friends of mine.

To pursue not riches, not fame, not happiness, but to fix my eyes on Jesus, and focus only on achieving Godliness and purity.

That is my desire, and I hope that you, my friends, share this same vision as me.

That is my prayer.

Note to self

Unstoppable prayer

Things that stop me from praying:

1 - I think too much

2 - I talk too much

3 - I rest too much

Remember to pray in all situations.

Prayer makes me UNSTOPPABLE.

Pray when a season ends.

Pray in a crisis.

Pray for God's will to be done.

Pray to obtain God's promises.

Pray in weakness.

Pray.

And He said

Finally,

finally you see,

that you need Me,

the creator of the mountains and seas,

the birds and the trees.

As you bow your knee,

and mutter your sorrowful plea

all I see

is that you mean

so much to me

your Father and King.

When He said "it is done"

you became my son,

so please don't run,

but look to the One,

the light that shines just like the sun,

and all the burdens that weigh a ton,

will be taken away,

one by one.

Friendship

Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken. - Ecclesiastes 4:9–12

Forgive

The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.

Attitude

“You cannot control what happens to you, but you can control your attitude toward what happens to you, and in that, you will be mastering change rather than allowing it to master you.”

Help me, Lord.

I tried Lord

I tried Lord
I tried hard to be Your good little boy
Chin up, head high
All zeal and no joy
Thinking all my good deeds could please Jesus
Boy, was I wrong
Though I knew the right songs, all my cymbals and gongs played the melodies wrong
And it wasn’t long ‘til I saw my disease
A life spent wanting to please
On hands and knees
To make right, to appease
God help me please
This can’t be Christianity, it can’t be
The whole thing’s like insanity
Where’s the rest of eternal security?
Where’s the hope of a God big enough to cope with all my hang-ups and insecurities?
Certainly this isn’t breathing
My chest burning and heaving
It’s like my pulse is ceasing
Like my heart quits beating
Yet this I recall to mind and therefore I have hope:
You died, Lord
You died, Lord
Assuredly, like the coming of the dawn, the Father’s love song goes on
Drowning out my bitter songs
And breaking through walls and barriers
Christ swoops in, removes sin, picks up His bride and carries her
So I can sing in agreement with the King this thing:
There’s only one thing that pleases the Father
The God-man on the tree in the midst of the scoffers
Now I finally see that Christ is what Christ offers
And I’m finally free in the love of the Father

Past Glories

Sure, the things you used to do were great, but what about now?

This has been ringing in my head the past few days.

Been reminding me that I need to step up to do something more, more than what I'm doing now.

Sure, I've brought lots of friends to church.

Sure, I've gotten many people saved.

But that was then.

I can boast all I want to my members, the people around me about what I used to be capable of in the past.

But all that really matters is what I can do now.

What can I do, to get people saved now?

I'm so tied down at work, so tired at the end of each day.

How can I boast of what I was able to do in the past, when I was free and energetic, yet now when I'm tied down I can't do what I did.

I must learn to count on God's strength, and once I'm able to lead people to Christ, no matter how tired I am, I would count that as an accomplishment, and only God gets the glory.

So often I hear of people who used to do great things in the church.

But when I see them now, they're just sitting there, being spectators and mere members.

I think to myself, "there is no retiring, when it comes to the salvation of man."

These old timers can't possibly bask in their past glories and not continue to work for the kingdom of God.

____________________________________________________________________

Just like in Matthew 20 : 1-16

1 “For the Kingdom of Heaven is like the landowner who went out early one morning to hire workers for his vineyard. ² He agreed to pay the normal daily wage and sent them out to work.

³ “At nine o’clock in the morning he was passing through the marketplace and saw some people standing around doing nothing. ⁴ So he hired them, telling them he would pay them whatever was right at the end of the day. ⁵ So they went to work in the vineyard. At noon and again at three o’clock he did the same thing.

⁶ “At five o’clock that afternoon he was in town again and saw some more people standing around. He asked them, ‘Why haven’t you been working today?’

⁷ “They replied, ‘Because no one hired us.’

“The landowner told them, ‘Then go out and join the others in my vineyard.’

⁸ “That evening he told the foreman to call the workers in and pay them, beginning with the last workers first. ⁹ When those hired at five o’clock were paid, each received a full day’s wage. ¹⁰ When those hired first came to get their pay, they assumed they would receive more. But they, too, were paid a day’s wage. ¹¹ When they received their pay, they protested to the owner, ¹² ‘Those people worked only one hour, and yet you’ve paid them just as much as you paid us who worked all day in the scorching heat.’

¹³ “He answered one of them, ‘Friend, I haven’t been unfair! Didn’t you agree to work all day for the usual wage? ¹⁴ Take your money and go. I wanted to pay this last worker the same as you. ¹⁵ Is it against the law for me to do what I want with my money? Should you be jealous because I am kind to others?’

¹⁶ “So those who are last now will be first then, and those who are first will be last.”
___________________________________________________________________

Ok I'm not dissin' anyone in particular here.

But shouldn't it be this way?

Everyone should be playing their part to add to the kingdom, yet I see idlers and people who think they've done enough and it's time to rest already.

There are times of rest, but we should never get too comfortable being in rest mode.

Cos' there are people on this earth that only we can reach, and no one else will be able to reach.

Would you be able to sleep at night, knowing that if these people were to pass away, they'd be placed in eternal torment, and all because you chose to think that there's more time.

It's time to wake up.

No more pride, no more doubt, no more hesitation.

Let's go all out to see this generation saved.

Yours to take.

Nightlights

Be Thou exalted over my reputation,

'Cause applause is a poor form of soul medication.

And I've tried it for years, but my symptoms remain:

Still fretting the day that they'll misplace my name,

Still selling my soul for American fame.

Treating the promotion of Jesus like a well oiled machine,

Advancing His kingdom just to snag some acclaim.

Now, I'm both comforted and haunted that it isn't just me though.

I see a nation of people needing to feed their own egos,

Parading status like steeples.

Do we not know it's evil to love ourselves more than both God and His people?

But see, here's where you turn this poem on it's head,

'Cause the greatest among us came as servant instead,

And You humbled Yourself to the point of Your death.

Apparently love for the Father's glory runs red.

So friends, will we point to the Son till our own flames grow dim?

Will our bright lights become merely night-lights near Him?

Words echo once, let them echo again:

Be Thou exalted over my reputation.

- Jimmy Needham

All that I can really do now.

God, please please please reassure me...

Forgiven and Loved

Tell me I’m forgiven and loved
‘Cause I hear it from the street corner priests
On how God is love and how man can be clean
But my joy has been on holiday
And my peace has almost passed away
Tell me I’m forgiven and free

O I tried and tried to rectify my hopeless situation
But I bought the lie I still have work to do
Now I’m working nine to five like I can earn my own salvation
But there is no condemnation in You

O whisper to me now that it’s for real
‘Cause in the silence of these walls righteousness lost its appeal
Dirty deeds have done me in
O but that can’t stop the faithful friend
Giving mercy once again as You heal
Here it is I’m feeling it

O He died, He died to rectify my hopeless situation
And His blood commands my guilt to leave
Now on Calvary I stand
Empty pockets, open hands
O there is no condemnation for me

Child, you’re forgiven and loved
Child, you’re forgiven and loved
Child, you’re forgiven
And child, you are loved
Child, you’re forgiven and loved

Love exploring new genre of music.
And definitely love exploring different genres of music in the Christian music industry.
This song has superb lyrics.
And the genre makes it sound like Jimmy Needham is the Jason Mraz of of Christian music.
Heh, enjoy!

In His Presence

Probably one of my favourite songs ever!
Love every aspect of this song.
The lyrics, the arrangement, the dynamics.
Takes a really skillful band with a true heart of worship to pull off this song perfectly.

Every time I hear this song, I feel so at ease.
It's like the storms, the waves and unrest in my soul suddenly stops.
Everything feels calm and at peace.
Although it's the Holy Spirit that causes this change of atmosphere, I believe this song is that anointed that it welcomes the Holy Spirit in the moment it's being played/sung.

God is real, people.
He loves us, and desires for us to love Him.

The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The LORD is the defense of my life; Whom shall I dread? - Psalm 27:1 (NASB)

He loves us too much to leave us alone.
God, please be my defence for all of my life.

Currently My Favourite Song!

There's victory in the Cross,
I'm breaking free, all my chains are gone
I will sing till my lungs give out
I'm gonna shout,
Now that I've found victory!

WE.WERE.EPIC

Wow, really gotta start opening up those old photo albums to reminisce.

Really can't remember us being friends since we were THAT small.

Haha wow it's been so many years.

We're all over the place now, but I guess these long-term friendships are made to last forever.

Cheers to friendship!

You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world. - 1 John 4:4 (New American Standard Bible)

Just a while more..

Been thinking a lot about her as of late.

Don't think many will know who I'm referring to.

After the 'Boy Meets Girl' series, my eyes have really been opened.

And yeah, God still hasn't said anything yet, after I asked Him about her.

So I'm guessing I still have to wait.

And my green light won't come anyway, not at least for another 3 years.

3 years, I was thinking. 3 years. Wow.

That's long. But after reading a passage in the bible, which said :

Jacob was in love with Rachel and said, “I’ll work for you seven years in return for your younger daughter Rachel.” Laban said, “It’s better that I give her to you than to some other man. Stay here with me.” So Jacob served seven years to get Rachel, but they seemed like only a few days to him because of his love for her. -Genesis 29 : 18-20

Thinking about it. Wow. Jacob worked 7 years to get the woman he loved. And it seemed like only a few days because his love for her was so strong.

I guess this would be a test of how strong my love would be for her, too.

And also if she isn't with someone else by the time I finally get the go-ahead.

Oh well, God promised me good and not evil in Jeremiah 29:11, so I'm gonna claim it!

Even if she's not the one, I'm sure that God has the perfect one for me out there somewhere.

Arthur, Y U SO LIDDAT.

Been dreading school a lot these few weeks.
Everyday I drag my feet to the lab to do work.
This really isn't for me.
I try SO HARD, but really, this school, this course really isn't for me.
I'm in year 3 already.
Survived till here only by God's grace.
The grace that I really really need right now.
School's really been taking the life out of me.
I'm now more short tempered and easily weary.
Need to snap out of this.
Been so distracted thinking of the plans that God has in store for me after I graduate and after NS.
These 3 years are gonna be quicker if I purpose to live for him not just after NS, but before and during it.
Right now that's just my struggle.
I enter school with the mentality that the devil resides in my school (which in fact I quite strongly believe he does).
I really need God to empower me during this period.
Bad enough I don't have many friends in school, bad enough my parents aren't really showing me the emotional and spiritual support that I need.
I'm really really counting on God's strength and grace to pull through right now.

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 10 That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. - 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

2011 so far

Well it's only been 16 days into 2011 and it feels like 1/4 of the year has gone by already!

It's been one super eventful year so far.
Many hang outs and birthdays.

So we end off 2010 with Watchnight Service at VFC like we do every year without fail! Super crazy night!

And we start off 2011 with a sleepover at my place, most of us stayed awake till morning. Was really madness!

1st Sunday of the year, was on choir duty for both morning and evening duty! Had lunch with Lavette, CheeKit and Josephine at Sho Teppan at Raffles Place!

Celebrated our dear net leader Ces' birthday at net with her new haircut!

Meeting up for some quality time over dinner with awesome friends and some new found friends! And a surprise pre-birthday celebration for YingTing!

And of course the clock struck 12midnight and it's time for the real surprise! With a different group this time!

And the weekend comes! Couldn't attend net due to my dad's birthday, had a great sushi dinner.

Prawning on Saturday morning.

Crazy foul mood in the morning (I'm not a morning person).

Overslept, thank God Nicholas stayed over if not I'd miss the whole prawning activity!

Monopoly deal after catching the prawns and while waiting for the really helpful people to barbeque the prawns for us!

And finally, edge! Love it. I'm always found here on Saturdays by hook or by crook!

Best place to be!

Just wanna thank God for his never ending love and faithfulness.

And for blessing me with such great friends who are a source of joy and encouragement.

Thank you Jesus for using me to be able to share Your salvation with my best friends in secondary school, Nicholas, Vincent, and Jonger.

I'm so glad to have learned that Nicholas' mum is actually fine with him coming to church!

Praise the Lord!.

And also, I've started discipling with Jonger.

God is really so good!

Here's one of my favourite songs!

Really declaring how good God is!

Also, The Edge has started on this new series on Boy Meets Girl.

Talking on the topic about relationships, finding the right person for you and stuff like that.

It's been a really enriching 2 sessions already!

I do encourage everyone to come down to check it out!

Feelings - don't you hate them sometimes?