Monday, December 31, 2007

Thank You, LORD YHWH for 2007

This year was a full year of working life for me. No major changes as compared to 2006 (Went from student to army to working life). I was working for the whole year, was working on New Year's Day 2007, eve of Chinese New Year and 1st day of Chinese New Year and even Christmas Day itself. Worked for the whole year but thanks be to God that I will be able to make it for watchnight service this year as I need not work on New Year’s Day 2008.

As per my usual feeling upon reaching 31 Dec every year, I always feel that the past one year has gone by in a flash. Time flies and who knows, it is going to be 2008. Looking back, it was indeed a year, once again with some of my new year resolutions fulfilled while the others unfinished. Nevertheless, it is time to put those unfinished new year resolutions onto this coming New Year 2008.

What are those new year resolutions which are fulfilled for me? Number one in the list according to priority is my baptism. Thanks to my great Savior, Jesus that I have finally been granted the permission by my parents to declare my faith publicly. It was amazing that they were present to witness the event too. Amen! After going through water baptism, I feel a great sense of gratitude towards my Heavenly Father. The moment of me being raised up from the water after fully immersed has enlightened my mind spiritually to be united to my Lord Jesus. I want to always remember this special moment in my mind for the rest of my life here on earth. This feeling is very unique and I am unable to explain it myself. I strongly encourage those whom has not taken this step of obedience to pray and consider it seriously for this coming year as it will definitely be a very unique experience.

Number two new year resolution which has been fulfilled this year is the completion of my 1st marathon in my life. A great distance of 42.195 KM and I must say that it is quite an achievement for me. Running a marathon is definitely not easy and preparation cannot be neglected at all. I regretted that I have not delegated much time in preparation but thank God that I can manage to complete it eventually and received the much coveted T-shirt.

The new year resolution which was unfinished this year was the promise which I have made to God - that is to be completely pure in areas of sexual sins in preparation for my baptism at the end of the year. 2007 has passed by and going on to 2008, I will like to rededicate myself to God once again and resolve to make this promise to Him praying for His Grace to stay completely pure sexually for the whole New Year ahead. This is one area of my spiritual life which I hope to see changes and maybe this is also the main reason why I am still single today.

A brand new year resolution for 2008 is to devote myself in studying God’s word more diligently. I am still praying to God in asking for specific areas of my spiritual life to develop, of one which I am determined to see changes is staying pure for Him. Devoting time to study God’s word truly also need lots of personal perservance on my part. Remembering what Rev David Wong has mentioned in our church retreat back in June, it is indeed very critical to persist in obeying God’s word. A brief recap of our church retreat where we studied on Mark 13, Rev David Wong mentioned about these six steps of obedience before the actual bible study itself.

The Six Steps of Obedience:
I hear
I understand
I remember
I decide
I do
I persist in doing (the real test of obedience)

It was a very memorable experience when we had our church retreat in Melaka Water City Resort. I think TPBC members will always remember this special experience and encounter with God, right? Ultimately in my opinion, the more I understand where my Lord Jesus is coming from where He mentions about not even a hint of sexual immorality (Eph 5:3), not to worry (Matt 6:24), not to serve Money (Matt 6:25), etc, it gives me the motivation to persist in obeying His word. After going through water baptism, I begin to realize about the truths in the Bible. Amazingly as I connect them with the attributes of my Lord YHWH, my eyes are opened to see that my Lord is asking me to obey His truths simply because He wants to protect me from harm. It is as simple as what is mentioned in Genesis – it is all for our good.

Let me continue to fall deeper in love with Jesus in this coming New Year 2008. Let me continue to be touched by His finished work on the cross on a daily basis and be so passionate for Him that my family and the people whom I meet will also be touched by Him. All praises go only to Christ alone.

May Christ Jesus guide your way in 2008.
Have a blessed new year ahead.

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