Yes, if there is one question we definitely have to ask ourselves at the end of 2009, before we cross over 1st Jan 2010, is "What are we expecting from the new year?"

Are we expecting life to be status quo? By this I mean are we contented enough to just live through the same seasons and circumstances that appeared in 2009... Or do we hope for better ones or new ones?

Personally, I think 2009 was a good year overall. It is a year of deep moulding in terms of relationships with close friends (ouch! haha), pressure to excel in the A's (and worrying if the techniques are right), and all the time trying to be the salt and light in my world... And using every opportunity to serve the Lord, in small ways.

I also think it is a year of changes- I transited both figuratively and literally. Literally, I moved with my family from our church of about 14 years to our new church (chc). Figuratively, it is a stepping out of the boat, to the unknown and the realm of the Spirit, where we are prepared to walk on water, as God led us to chc. And I also think metaphorically my whole Christian worldview has changed, because of this word...

"GRACE"

This word has radicalised my Christian life, and my world. I no longer view it as a topic of the bible, I view it as a Person- it is the Person of Christ. John declares, Jesus was "full of grace..."

I have realised that there is no truth without grace, as there is no grace without truth... they are one face... the face of Christ. When you gaze into Christ, you receive a revelation of your own helplessnes and sinfulness and of His glory and your need for Him... therefore He is TRUTH. At the same time, you have also received Grace, because it is that "truth" that "sets you free"- the truth that He is Salvation... and that apart from Him, you cannot save yourself. THerefore, Grace AND Truth IS in ONE PERSON... IE CHRIST!

The way I read the word, think about the word, live out of the word have all now been affected by a deep understanding of the Agape of God. The Grace of God. How God unconditionally woos us, saves us, redeems us and continually delivers us and even transform us, "by His spirit", into Christ-likeness.

The way I view discipleship has also changed... I no longer think of it as "self-improvement" or "getting better"...

In ourselves, or our-selves, we cannot get better... we are sick to the point of eternal death...all our works are but filthy rags- the bible declares... therefore, to say that our "self" can get better is heresy! The bible says, "no flesh is justified in His presence"!

Then, what is discipleship?

It is an imputation of Christ's righteousness and holiness into our DNA- so that we live Christ out in this mortal body. It is truly "no longer I that lives, but Christ that lives in me." It is so critical we understand this- we have ZERO righteousness APART from Him! Every promise, every transformation, every breakthrough we receive is IN CHRIST! Whether you understand this is the difference between a defeated Christian or a victorious Christian. Therefore true growth in maturity is learning how to receive His GRACE, more of Jesus, everyday... inviting His presence... building God-consciousness in everything you do... praying without ceasing...asking for His glory to be revealed.

2009 has really been a trying but delightful year now that I look back... God has been truly faithful through the ups and downs... showing me the reality of the Christ in my life. And I thank Him for the people He has used to bless my life in more ways than they could ever expect. 

Sfc people
08a07
AHS close friends
CHC new cell mates
And all the others who do not fall in any of these categories!

OF course, my dear dear parents.... thanks, I am truly more than blessed- to be born in a home that is filled with laughter, joy, thanksgiving to God, motivation and passion is great! I will never be what I am without this home.

The Enlistment

Ns...

Haha. What can i say? TIme passes super fast! HAHA.

I must thank God for the wonderful section I am!!! The people are awesome, really. Everyone of them are the most friendly and empathetic people I have ever known... people like Marvin, Jason, Jon and Jermain have truly warmed my heart and brought laughter in a foreign island! HAHA.

And God, what can I say? How can I say thanks...

You are altogether faithful to me... In all my life, in every circumstance, I feel your presence  hanging heavily over me... your glory washes over me.... your blood keeps me in Your will... I am highly favored and deeply loved by You... and even in Tekong, your kindgom reigns and  I rejoice... because I see the marks of Grace even there.

Thank you for good commanders too....

The Year to Come...

Not long ago, I was reading a book by Ravi Zacharias...

And he pointed out four stages of the journey every human being tries to undertake... they are-

1. wonder
2. meaning/truth
3. love
4. (I forgot the fourth!)

Anyway... I think this year has been a year of "wonder" for me... a message of ultimate grace revealed to me... and the reality of this message in all of the bible has become more and more real to me, and I have been taken captive by the beautiful message of the Cross once again... of God's Agape.

As I was worshipping one day, God just impressed upon me- "this year has been a year of wonder at my Grace... next year will be a year of truth- of Grace's effect on your life... a year of experiencing this Grace personally- it will be realised in your life". 

Whereas this year has been capturing a vision of this Grace, 2010 will be a year of stepping out in faith to SEE Grace poured out for me!

So, I'm excited, because I know this year began as a year of discipleship- of following Him closer, so as to gain a sense of wonder of Him... And now I believe it's time to experience the power and presence of His life working through me... 

The disciples first followed due to wonder, then they led others through His power and presence to this same wonder...

2010, I speak prophetically, will be a year of a greater call to "follow Christ" in life, to go from compliance to choice, and to experience a new anointing and a fresh baptism of the Holy Spirit's power and fire so that I not only wonder at Him, but I begin to display this wonder to the world!  

What kind of a Christian am I?

Basically, there are two kinds of Christian living- the receiving life or the earning life. The receiving life understands that all things are given by grace to him and he does not wait to see if he is "ready" to receive God's promises for his life...

The earning life on the other hand is one that seeks to buy God's favor, "if I do this right...if I get that correct..." hoping that somehow God would shine His face on him and declare him ready to receive His promises...

Which one do you want to be in 2010?

Or which one are You?