Working holiday Day 14 (10102015)

Today is 1010, good day. Early morning need to struggle the airticket. Some problem for the kiwi bank in NZ too. Haiz, what's going on? Is that I can escape from the exam? 

Visited the Northland mall in Christchurch. The warehouse there have this... So funny...

Initially we plan to go tracking, end up we cook at home and have a little gathering with the flat mate. That's fun. 

The first time I'm having kiwi in New Zealand.

Not really sure what's the different!

It's sweet... By the way I love that too.

Wine time again!!!

Working holiday Day 13 (09102015)

Today suddenly my boss asked my friend to go work for the next day. Thanks God, she rejected and we just started on Monday only. 

Finally we get to look for a place to stay. Praise Lord!!!

Enjoy my time with my flat mate...

She cooked dinner for me, wow... Steak.... Really tasty. 

Thank God is I brought a half price hair conditional. That's initially I wish to buy. 

God, I got a trouble in buying air ticket. Haiz... Too bad, I need to reactivate my MALAYSIA phone number. That's really troublesome. God, give me wisdom. 

Working holiday Day 12 (08102015)

Today early morning I'm suppose to go for a jog near my homestay, but when I'm ready, it started to rain. Gosh!!! 

After my breakfast, the sun was shinny. What's the weather is that!!! That's really weird! 

One of my housemate accidentally cut her hand, I quickly stop the bleeding and done a simple dressing to stop the bleeding! 

Later on I accompany her to the clinic around the corner. That's good which I can visit the clinic as well. 

The staff there was lovely. I love the way they speak and deal with us. God, I wish to learn that. 

After settle everything, I'm going to go library again.While walking to the library, I keep praying that God will open door for me. Yet till evening time, when I call the boss, she not able to talk to me. She called back but I'm not able to get her in time. She called back again and ask us to go for a trial by tomorrow. 

God, I trust you would have plan the best for me. If that's the right place, get me to that place smoothly, if that wasn't, just close the door. I won't complain, I know that's you!!! 

God, thank you for blessing me a few of good housemates so that I won't feel lonely. I know that's the part of your good plan for me. Thank you!!!

Working holiday Day 11 (07102015)

Early morning we riding to meet the boss from the Chinese Restaurant Madam Kwong. Wow... That's really far away and the road is quite busy with many cars. 

The boss, Vivian mostly is a Christian as she was wearing a necklace with a cross. Yet I'm not able to response to her for any further information. I still wish to consider as I am still praying for a better homestay and transport. 

God, please bless me with a good place, I really trust in you. I should practice it out not by just telling God, I'm trusting him!

Day 28 7/10/2015: What's on earth am I here for?

IT'S TIME TO GROW UP

Rick Warren

"We are not meant to remain as children at the mercy of every chance wind of teaching.... But we are meant to hold firmly to the truth in love, and to grow up in every way into Christ the head."  

Ephesians 4:14 (PH)

THE LAWS OF GROWTH

1.  SPIRITUAL GROWTH IS  INCARNATION 

"You are God's temple and God's Spirit lives in you." 

1 Corinthians 3:16 (NIV) 

"(It's) ... a life renewed from the inside and working itself out into your conduct as God accurately reproduces his character in you." 

Ephesians 4:23–24 (MSG)

REALITY: SPIRITUAL GROWTH IS BOTH MYSTICAL AND PRACTICAL 

2.  SPIRITUAL GROWTH IS INTENTIONAL 

Spiritual growth is a choice.

MYTH: Growth is automatic. 

REALITY: WE GROW BY MAKING COMMITMENT.

"COME & SEE" to "COME & DIE"

Jesus start moving people from come and see to commitment. 

 "if you love me, take up the cross and follow me"

Dangerous surrender (taking the cross, cross is symbol of torture)

"Our tools are ready at hand for clearing the ground and building lives of obedience into maturity until finally we all believe … and become full-grown in the Lord—to the point of being filled full with Christ." 

Ephesians 4:13 (LB)

Come and see, come and join, come and serve, come and go...

TOOLS WE USE:

1.  Weekly spiritual commitment card. 

We grow by making commitment. If want buy car, should sign and commit it. 

2.  The covenant. (Promises) membership, maturity, ministry, mission Class 101,201,301,401...

"'Because of all this we again promised to serve the Lord! And we, and our princes and Levites and priests all; put our names to this covenant.' I, Nehemiah signed this covenant. The others who signed it were ... " Nehemiah 9:38–10:1 (LB)

3.  Message note (handout)

We shouldn't forget what we learned. 

"The man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it—he will be blessed in what he does." James 1:25 (NIV)

We might forget the thing we learn. 

1. People listen better.

2. People remember more.

3. Increases participation.

4. Cover more scripture in less time.

5. Can review the message for years to come.

6. Allows small group discussion.

7. Can study multiple translations.

8. Visitors don't bring Bibles.

3.  SPIRITUAL GROWTH IS INCREMENTAL 

MYTH: GROWTH IS INSTANT

REALITY: WE GROW THROUGH STAGES 

Step by step... Gradually grow.

" ... our lives are gradually becoming brighter and more beautiful as God enters our lives and we become like him." 2 Corinthians 3:18 (MSG)

Knowing Christ, Loving his family, Growing in Christ, Serving Christ, & Sharing Christ

TOOLS: THE PURPOSE DRIVEN LIFE DEVELOPMENT CLASSES

4.  SPIRITUAL GROWTH IS PERSONAL 

REALITY: WE GROW ACCORDING TO OUR SHAPE.

"Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else." Galatians 6:4 (NIV)

We should encourage each other to grow and not comparing. 

TOOLS WE USE:

1.  Personally counselor prayer. Pray for the growth of someone.

2.  Personal shape interview. 

3.  Personal spiritual assessment guide.

5. SPIRITUAL GROWTH IS HABITUAL.

REALITY: WE GROW BY DEVELOPING HABIT.

"Let us not give up the habit of meeting together, as some are doing. Instead, let us encourage one another all the more...." Hebrews 10:25 (TEV)

TOOLS WE USE:

1.  Email devotional 

2.  Audio devotional 

3.  Journal (life lesson)

4.  Bible reading guide (website or apps)

5.  Homework assignment (class in church)

Take six weeks become HABIT.

6.  SPIRITUAL GROWTH IS RELATIONAL (Communal) 

We need other people in our life.

MYTH: YOU CAN ATTAIN MATURITY BY YOURSELF 

REALITY: WE ONLY GROW IN COMMUNITY

Church is a body of Christ. If we cut of from the body, we cannot grow. We learn only from relationship. 

"Under Christ direction, the whole Body is fitted together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love." 

Ephesians 4:16 (NLT)

TOOLS WE USE:

1.  Small group (cell group or life group)

2.  Retreat (men treat, women retreat...)

3.  Spiritual partner. 

7.  SPIRITUAL GROWTH IS BEHAVIORAL.

MYTH: MATURITY IS MEASURED BY BIBLE KNOWLEDGE 

I only believe the part in the bible that I do. If I'm not do it, which mean I don't believe it. 

"While knowledge may make us feel important, it is love that really builds up the church."

1 Corinthians 8:1 (NLT)

REALITY: IT TAKES ALL FIVE PURPOSES TO GROWTH

Warmer through fellowship

Deeper through discipleship

Stronger through worship

Broader through ministry

Larger through mission

"Pure and lasting religion in the sight of God means that we must care for orphans and widows in their troubles, and refuse to let the world corrupt us." James 1:27 (NLT)

8.  SPIRITUAL GROWTH IS SEASONAL.

"As long as the earth remains, there will be springtime and harvest, cold and heat, winter and summer, day and night." Genesis 8:22 (NLT)

REALITY: WE GROW IN SPUR

THE TOOLS WE USE: Growth campaigns

(E.g. 40 days of love)

HEAR IT! READ IT! DISCUSS IT! MEMORIZE A VERSE! DO IT! 

The purpose driven strategy is built on these 8 laws.

"My true disciples produce much fruit. This brings great glory to My Father." 

John 15:8 (NLT)

Did you reproduce fruit? 

POINT TO PONDER:

There are no shortcuts to maturity.

VERSE TO REMEMBER:

“God began doing a good work in you, and I am sure he will continue it until it is finished when Jesus Christ comes again.” 
PHILIPPIANS 1:6 (NCV)

QUESTION TO CONSIDER:

In what area of my spiritual growth do I need to be more patient and persistent?

Day 27 5/10/2015: What's on earth am I here for?

DEFEATING PERSISTENT TEMPTATIONS

Changing From the Inside Out

Rick Warren

"I don't understand myself at all, for I really want to do what is right, but I don't do it.  Instead, I do the very thing I hate."Romans 7:15 (NLT)

1. PREDETERMINE PATTERN OF TEMPTATION 

"Plan carefully what you do…  Avoid evil and walk straight ahead.  Don't go one step off the right way."Pr. 4:26-27 (GN)

•  When am I most tempted?

•  Where am I most tempted?

•  Who is with me when I'm most tempted?

•  What temporary benefit do I get if I give in?

"There is pleasure in sin for a short time."Heb. 10:25

•  How do I feel right before I'm tempted?

2. PROTECT CONDITION OF YOUR HEART.

"Above all else, guard your heart, for it affects everything you do."Pr. 4:23 (NLT)

Does A or B describe you? 

1. Physically Exhausted
2. Energetic/In shape 

1. Discouraged/Pessimistic
2. Encouraged/Optimistic 

1. Bored/Discontented
2. Challenged/Contented Spiritually 

1. Dry/Empty
2. Spiritually Growing Geographically 

1. Distant/Alone
2. Near/Together 

1. Insecure/Unsure
2. Secure/Confident 

1. Deeply Wounded/Hurt
2. Loved/Understood 

1. Secretly Bitter/Angry
2. Have Forgiven 

1. Everyone Sad
2. Happy 

1. Alienated/Unsupported
2. Close/Supported

 

TOTAL B's:   

"Do not give the devil a foothold."Eph. 4:27 (NIV)

3. PRAY FOR SELF HELP

.

"Keep alert and pray.  Otherwise temptation will overpower you."Matt. 26:41 (NLT)

"Call to Me when trouble comes; I will save you.."Ps. 50:15 (GN)

"(Jesus) understands our weaknesses, for He faced all of the same temptations we do, yet He did not sin. So let us come boldly to … our gracious God. There we will receive His mercy, and grace to help us when we need it."Heb. 4:15-16 (NLT)

4. POINT YOUR ATTENTION ELSEWHERE.

"Temptation is the pull of your own evil thoughts and wishes.  These evil thoughts lead to evil actions…"James 1:14-15 (LB)

"We capture every thought… and make it obey Christ."2 Cor. 10:5 (NCV)

"Don't let evil conquer you, but conquer evil with good."Rom. 12:21 (GN)

5. PARTICIPATE IN A SMALL SUPPORT GROUP.  "Two are better than one, because together… if one falls down, the other can help him up.  but if someone is alone and falls… there's no one to help him."

Eccl. 4:9-10 (GN)

"Admit  your faults to each otherand pray for each other so that you may be healed."James 5:16 (LB)

"No temptation that comes your way is beyond what others have had to face.  All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; He'll never let you be pushed past your limit; He'll always be there to help you come through it."1 Cor. 10:13 (Mes)

Working holiday day 10 (06102015)

Today thank God I have a chance to travel around the city. Although seem I brought a expensive souvenir for my Cg leader, but it worth it if he like it!!! Haha...

Too bad the church don't have any other service or program in the week. I'm bored God! 

Day two fasting, sorry God, last night not even pray before sleep. Today another temptation... My housemate wish to cook for me, but too bad I start fasting on 5pm. They keep asking me to change the time of fasting. I know I did promise to you, I should make it. Help me Lord! 

Thank God, today I passby the same scenery, the blossom was faded away. 

Bless thing was I visited a beautiful church there. That's special. 

But I know that's not for me. 

God, I need a job. I need $$!!! Please help me! Later will go try on interview. Lead me to the right place and right time and know and meet the right people. God I want some direction as well. Please with me! :)

Thank God, I do walk in two restaurants and tomorrow will be going to interview as the boss calling me. Actually I'm not really interest in that, since there is an open door, I try it. God you will close the door which is not for me and open the only door that's you plan for me the best. God I also need an accommodation. Please lead me!!! Thank you Lord! Praise Lord. 

Working holiday day 9 (05102015)

Today damn windy here. Actually I plan for jogging and library day. 

After praying I plan to start on my fasting prayer from today after 5pm for three days. I wanna look for a good job, a place to stay, clearly say that's a direction I hope. I really lost, Father. 

Right after my decision, my housemate plan to have a steamboat in the house. Honestly I told them I got this fasting prayer, but they are good, they make it before 5pm and we have a lots of fun in between.

After that it was not the end. 

They ask for a time to shop and karaoke. 

Wow... 

First time singing with different people and different country. Wow... Cool!!! 

And I order a special drink as well. 

Amy friend's order another type of drink "takira" for us. I take a shot!!! Wow... That's new. 

I thank God for everything and plan today. 

Beside, my poor pastor did chat with me via video messenger. A short while he is playing a soft music. I fall asleep while we are still on the line! Gosh!!! I'm so sorry... Mostly because of the alcohol effect! Too bad of me!!!

Working holiday day 8 (04102015)

Early in the morning my mom is calling me. Told me that she might not be able to come New Zealand as too expensive. Last night I check on the ticket also quite shocked. All so expensive.... God, I need a job.... A high salary and easy job and wish to be in Christ church. Haha.... If another place should be okay as well, but I need a accompany as well. I start to think of that and burden comes in...

I rushing to go to church as late and I need to look for the place as well as that's my first time be there. 

Thank God, just a min, I get to the church and poor thing was I'm standing there alone... Just like my church, no people is actively approaching me. But I know I can't be standing still waiting for people to approach me. I try to take all browser and know more about the church. I ask the usher about the prayer meeting, she also not really know about that, she might refer me some others after the service. 

When step in the hall, I was like.. Wow... All instrument are good and fully equipped. The PA system is good, lighting, environment is all good. When worship, I really enjoy that, but I saw some other believed which not really enjoy that, no matter what, I enjoyed this precious time with God. 

They sang two song which I'm familiar with. Nothing is impossible and ocean from planetshaker and hill song. Wow.... I really touch by the Holy Spirit and I know God is really speaking to me from the worship time to the sermon time as well.

A couple sitting beside me start approach me. The women is from China and she speak a good fluent English and her husband is from here. She invite me to her life group and it was drop at next next Wednesday. I might leave this place soon, really don't know what's God plan for me, but I trust he will lead of course. 

Although somehow I sat in the cafe enjoying the free coffee without anyone approach or notice. Sadly I'm trying to leave and before that I'm taking some photo around. I met the speaker of the service. I start approach her and encourage her as I feel that's she is quite new to share in the service I think. She is the one inviting to join th next service at 6pm later. Praise Lord, happily I left and I will be back at 6pm. 

God, I know you gonna do something new tonight, speak to me and I want know you more and make available for you today. I know you got a plan and purpose for my life. I'm willing to be there, as a women of God to love you, love your people and start growing spiritually. Yes Lord! 

Really awesome! 

Another time I am going to "life at six". I think mostly is young adult service. Here they are hanging out to the burger stall later. I'm not joining anyway as the one approach me was not joining. She is cool, a youth leader. Nice to meet her. 

Today pastor preach about important of life groups. Another time he talk about Rick Warren.

Five important aspects God want us to do is:

1) worship 

2) ministry

3) fellowship 

4) evangelism 

5) discipleship 

Again, God is pushing me to know his heart again. 

Besides, I found my new room mate to be a Christian as well. But she has disconnected with church sometimes. Father, I really wish that she can back to church. I will try to share more to her. God, please lead me and give me more love to love her as a sis in the house. 

Besides that I know God is really love me and sent those brother and sister to sent the sermons outline for me as they worry that I'm not getting to know or listen to it. That's so touching which my pastor Chin Ming preach again the one he has share in the youth service through phone call for me. Appreciate that. 

I know something happened to my pastor, easily he gonna burn out. I really feel heartache when praying for him. I can feel thit pain... How could I help him, Lord? Beside praying, I just able to keep texting him and love him more and more. God, please grant me with more love from you to love him. Thank God! 

Working holiday Day 7 3/10/2015

Today we visited the Christchurch farmer market. Walking distance as 35mins... That's could burn some of my fats which accumulate recently. My cousin, Lisa was bringing us from the market to somewhere else. 

She bring us to new Brighton beach and library. That's cool. I love the library so much. 

Can be reading with enjoying the sea view at the same time!

Next station will be going to Sumner beach. 

Is great.... Cold weather. We climb up to the highest place to take picture. 

There is ice cream selling there. I don't wish to spend extra money and the weather is really cold. 

Move to the next place is call the Lyttelton. There's a port and housing area. Looks cool!

Here we are to the third beach of the day. That's call Corsair bay. There are many of the people picnic there and a group of boys is playing ball near the sea. That's fun. 

After all, we rest at home and my friend Theresa was going to pack her thing. Tomorrow onward I might be alone!!! But God is with me. Hahahaha. 

I search about that church again. I simply download a sermon as I wish to know is that about. Cool... That's really what I need to know and God is speaking to me with this short sermon time. Wow....

I'm excited and waiting to meet God in this place and worship him alone with his beloved son and daughter.

So bless I could visit so many place. 

1) Christchurch farmer market

2) Riccarton bush

3) New Brighton beach and library

4) Sumner beach

5) Lyttelton 

6) Corsair bay

Thank God and big thank to my cousin. 

Day 26 4/10/2015: What's on earth am I here for?

THE PRAYER OF DELIVERANCE

Rick Warren

PONDER:

Every temptation is an opportunity to do good.

VERSE TO REMEMBER:

“God blesses the people who patiently endure testing. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” 
JAMES 1:12 (NLT)

QUESTION TO CONSIDER:

What Christlike character quality can I develop by defeating the most common temptation I face?

           

"And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil."Matt. 6:13

       

"The temptations that come into your life are no different from what others experience.  And God is faithful.  He will keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you can't stand up against it.  When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you will not give in to it."1 Cor. 10:13 (NLT)

 

1.  Identify what's make me vulnerable.

"Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.  The spirit is willing, but the body is weak."Matt. 26:41 (NIV)

When am I most tempted? 





Where am I most tempted?

 Who is with me when I'm most tempted What temporary benefit do I get if I give in? "There is pleasure in sin for a short time."   Heb. 10:25 How do I feel right before I'm tempted?

2.  Plan to avoid that.

"Plan carefully what you do...  Avoid evil and walk straight ahead.  Don't go one step off the right way."Prov. 4:26-27 (TEV)

3.   I must guard my heart.

"Above all else, guard your heart, for it affects everything you do."Prov. 4:23 (NLT) 

Does A or B describe you?

1. Physically exhausted
2. Energetic & in shape

1. Discouraged or pessimistic
2. Encouraged & hopeful

1. Bored & discontented
2. Challenged & contented

1. Spiritually dry or empty
2. Spiritually alive & growing

1. Alone or distant from others
2. Close to those you love

1. Insecure or unsure
2. Confident & secure

1. Wounded or deeply hurt
2. Loved & understood

1. Bitter or angry
2. Forgiven everyone

1. Sad
2. Happy

1. Like you've failed
2. Successful

TOTAL B's:   

 

 

"Do not give the devil a foothold."Eph. 4:27 (NIV)

4.  Pray for deliverance 

1 word "HELP"

"Call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me."Psalm 50:15 (NIV)

"(Jesus) understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same temptations we do, yet he did not sin.  So let us come boldly to … our gracious God.  There we will receive his mercy, and grace to help us when we need it."                                                                       Heb. 4:15-16 (NLT)

5.  I turn my attention else where.

Don't resist, just refocus. 

"Thinking about your commands will keep me from doing some foolish things."Psalm 119:6 (CEV)

"…We capture every thought… and make it obey Christ."2 Cor. 10:5 (NCV)

The more I fight it, the more controls me.

Principle of replacement.

"Don't let evil conquer you, but conquer evil with good."Rom. 12:21 (GW)

6.   Get a group or a partner.

"Two are better than one, because together...if one falls down, the other can help him up.  But if someone is alone and falls...there's no one to help him."Eccl. 4:9-10 (GN)

      "Brothers and sisters, if someone in your group does something wrong, you who are spiritual should go to that person and gently help make him right again.  But be careful, because you can be tempted to sin, too.  By helping each other with your troubles, you truly obey the law of Christ."Gal. 6:1-2 (NCV)

      "My dear friends, if you know people who have wandered off from God's truth, don't write them off.  Go after them.  Get them back and you will have rescued precious lives…!"James 5:19-20 (Mes)