Date: 1 May 2008

Humans are made to be dependable on God. It is so easy for one to be enticed by the world and the fall when they try to be independent from Him, like Adam and Eve. Because of our sinful nature, we can never please God on our own. Even Paul writes “I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature…” in Romans 7:18. It is only through Jesus and His grace that we can please Him.

I have my fair share of experiences of times when I live my life with no regard of God or His word. It is really God’s grace and mercy that I have not ruin myself too badly. Even though He prompts me with the Holy Spirit but I was disobedient and did not walk with Him.

This song reminds me of my need of God because it is not possible to live our life right without Him.

Take my life and let it be
Consecrated, Lord, to Thee.
Take my moments and my days,
Let them flow in ceaseless praise.
Take my hands and let them move
At the impulse of Thy love.
Take my feet and let them be
Swift and beautiful for Thee.

Take my voice and let me sing
Always, only for my King.
Take my lips and let them be
Filled with messages from Thee.
Take my silver and my gold
Not a mite would I withhold.
Take my intellect and use
Every power as You choose.

Here am I, all of me.
Take my life, it’s all for Thee.

Take my will and make it Thine
It shall be no longer mine.
Take my heart it is Thine own
It shall be Thy royal throne.
Take my love, my Lord I pour
At Your feet its treasure store
Take myself and I will be
Ever, only, all for Thee.
Take myself and I will be
Ever, only, all for Thee.

Lord, let me do everything unto You.

His servant,

Amos

 

Why am I serving?

Date: 22 March 2008

Last Monday I was consolidating the ministries and responsibilities I am involved in for this year. It was then I realised that I might be committing more than I could manage. Looking at the list, I had a question in my mind - why am I serving?

Definitely serving is an outward expression for God’s grace and mercy to us. It is like a response when we acknowledged that Jesus is our Saviour and Lord. But as I thought further, I think the reason why I serve is because it reminds me how finite I am and how much more I need to depend on Him.

I was reminded of the youth camp (FACT Camp 2006) 2 years ago. I was in the camp committee, in charge of the worship ministry. I remember that during that 4 days, I was really tired while serving. As far as today, that period of time was my closest point of fatigue while serving. But it was through those periods where I learn what it means to ask God for strength and to constantly be dependent in Him. At the end of the 4 days, I could not help but to be in my room for quite some time, reflecting and to be in sincere gratitude and thanksgiving for what He has done in the camp and in my life. I was really in awe.

Once statement was said recently at a session which I went - if we keep placing our priorities above God’s, what if one day God just say “you can do whatever you want, I can get others to do My work, I don’t need you”. That statement really hit me hard as I see in happening to people who were Christians which I admire, but have now influenced by the worldly desires. This is also said in Romans 1:28.

Rom 1:28 

“Furthermore, since they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, he gave them over to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done.” 

I really hope that I would never fall away. In actual fact, God does not need us, it is us that needs God. Even if man is found unfaithful in the responsibilities, God will use others to fulfill it. (Matt 25:14-30)

Think about His love
Think about His goodness
Think about His grace that’s brought us through
For as high as the heaven’s above
So great is the measure of our Father’s love
Great is the measure of our Father’s love

This is a song which I used to sing when I was a young kid. I was just reminded of it recently while going about my day, and I realised that it is very relevant to what I have been thinking about.

Keep me in prayer, that I will always be reminded of God’s love and goodness. To depend on Him and not on my own strength and wisdom when struggles come.

His servant,

Amos

 

He did not let this sheep go

Date: 18 March 2008

Last Sunday, the worship leader for my service shared about God’s unconditional love. The verse she shared from was Romans 5:8.

Romans 5:8

“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”

I was just reflecting on my life and was thinking about my past in particular. The stuffs I did, the life I lead. But as I look at myself today and how I have changed, it is really entirely by God’s grace. It is really a demonstration of God’s love and faithfulness. He did not let this sheep go.

This verse follows on describing the love which was mentioned.

Romans 5:9-11

“Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him. For if while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. And not only this, but we also exult in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.”

In our sinful nature, we were once enemies in the wrath of God (Saved from God’s wrath), bound for eternal destruction. But for Christ to die our the sins of His enemies, this is an act which shows God’s love for us, making it possible for us to be in a relationship with Him. Now we have received reconciliation, that is, to restore relations between 2 parties.

Coming across this verse again is a reflection and a reminder to me of God’s love. When I was thinking about my past, there was really no way out. It was addictive. I really thank God for bringing me back and reconciled my relationship with Him. Because it is through Him, that we may have life, living the way we were created to.

This love is still beyond our complete understanding. But one thing we know, that this love is not based on what we do or have done. Unconditional love.

His servant,

Amos

 

“Voice of Truth”

Date: 2 March 2008

Voice of Truth by Casting Crowns

Oh, what I would do to have
The kind of faith it takes
To climb out of this boat I’m in
Onto the crashing waves
To step out of my comfort zone
Into the realm of the unknown
Where Jesus is,
And He’s holding out His hand

But the waves are calling out my name
And they laugh at me
Reminding me of all the times
I’ve tried before and failed
The waves they keep on telling me
Time and time again
“Boy, you’ll never win,
You’ll never win.”

But the voice of truth tells me a different story
The voice of truth says “do not be afraid!”
And the voice of truth says “this is for my glory”
Out of all the voices calling out to me
I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth

Oh, what I would do
To have the kind of strength it takes
To stand before a giant
With just a sling and a stone
Surrounded by the sound
Of a thousand warriors
Shaking in their armor
Wishing they’d have had the strength to stand

But the giant’s calling out
My name and he laughs at me
Reminding me of all the times
I’ve tried before and failed
The giant keeps on telling me
Time and time again
“Boy you’ll never win,
You’ll never win.”

But the voice of truth tells me a different story
The voice of truth says “do not be afraid!”
And the voice of truth says “this is for my glory”
Out of all the voices calling out to me
I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth

But the stone was just the right size
To put the giant on the ground
And the waves they don’t seem so high
From on top of them looking down
I will soar with the wings of eagles
When I stop and listen to the sound of Jesus
Singing over me

But the voice of truth tells me a different story
The voice of truth says do not be afraid
And the voice of truth says this is for my glory
Out of all the voices calling out to me (calling out to me)
I will choose to listen and believe (I will choose to listen and believe)
I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth

I will listen and believe
I will listen and believe the voice of truth
I will listen and believe
‘Cause Jesus you are the voice of truth
And I will listen to You.. oh You are

His servant,

Amos

 

“But because you say so, I will let down the nets.”

Date: 1 March 2008 

I am re-reading this book given to me by a brother. It is about the life of Peter and lessons we can learn from him. One of the lessons I have learn so far is the area of servanthood and what it means to trust God. Below are some of my thoughts on it, I try my best to make it as clear as possible.

Luke 5:1-11

“One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret, with the people crowding around him and listening to the word of God, he saw at the water’s edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets. He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat.

When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.”

Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.”

When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink.

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 catch men.” So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.”

Peter submitted to Christ’s authority and obeyed Him.

Having caught nothing the whole night before, Peter and the other fishermen were cleaning their nets. To them, their nets are their most valuable possession as their livelihood depends on it. Plus, he was a known fisherman and a reputation to protect. But when Jesus told him to throw his net, he obeyed.

The authority of Jesus challenges our training, our expertise, our experience, and even our reputation. In fact, all these were first given by God. He is only asking us to return to Him - He can manage it far better than us. This is faith.

Recently I have struggling over a few issues. All of which is regarding my future. There are a lot of “who, what, when, why, where, and how” questions - in relation to work and relationships. Things are so uncertain. I thought I had planned my life pretty well, and was even confident of where I will be in the next 5 years or so. But now, I have no answer. Not even a hint.

I am learning to trust God. Learning what it means to be a servant again. I think this is my comfort zone which I am afraid to leave. I used to think that I have gone passed that stage, because I used to think that time is my comfort, and serving God with all my time is pass my comfort zone. But I guess, this is my real comfort zone - my plans, my future.

I need to learn to trust, to have faith in God, that He will guide me and do what is best. To throw down the “nets” and to let God take over. I need to make decisions or plans led by the spirit and not just what I hope to do. To be reminded what it means to be a servant, and God, the master. Faith is obeying God in spite of the feelings within us, the circumstances around us, or the consequences before us. And we can have faith because of knowing Him.

Like what a sister said, its still a long time and a lot of things can happen. Keep me in prayers, that I will obey God and trust Him. To place His plans above mine. To keep this faith and remain in Him.

I really wonder what it would be like in 5 years time.

His servant,

Amos 

 

Saved from God’s wrath

Date: 16 February 2008

My church is undergoing a Bible study corporately. It is from a study guide book entitled “Discipleship Explored”.

“Discipleship Explored” is a journey into the book of Philippians. The book of Philippians is written to young Christians, encouraging them to stand firm and live for Christ. We will be exploring the book through the weekly Sunday sermons and through our cell groups. The main thrust / theme is Paul’s words: “For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” (Phil 1:21)

The course last approximately 8 weeks and below are some of the topics that will be covered each week.

1. Confident In Christ (Philippians 1:1-11)
2. Living In Christ (Philippians 1:12-26)
3. Standing Together In Christ (Philippians 1:27 - 2:11)
4. Transformed By Christ (Philippians 2:12-30)
5. Righteous In Christ (Philippians 3:1-9)
6. Knowing Christ (Philippians 3:10 - 4:1)
7. Rejoicing In Christ (Philippians 4:2-9)
8. Content In Christ (Philippians 4:10-23)

paraphrased from http://www.christianityexplored.org/de/

This week is week 5 and one of days the reading was on Romans 5:1-11. In these verses, Paul was describing the peace and joy that come from being justified, that is, to be made righteous in the sight of God according to His standards. And that it is entirely by His grace.

Rom 5:8 -11

“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him. For if while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. And not only this, but we also exult in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.”

I was thinking about the above verses and thanked God for the peace we have with Him through Jesus Christ. That we can be saved from God’s wrath. Then I was thinking about those who are not Christians. If those that are saved are free from God’s wrath, then that means that those who are not are still in God’s wrath.

Having known how great and powerful God is, it is painful for me to realise that my loved ones (friends and family) are still in the wrath of God.

God’s wrath is a righteous wrath, because He is holy. “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness.” (Rom 1:1

Ungodliness is to live with no regard for God and unrighteousness is to not living according to His standards which makes them not right in the eyes of God. Suppress the truth are those who know the truth, but they actively pretend or ignore it. In short. “Ungodliness” - Don’t know God, don’t know standards. “Unrighteousness” - Know God, don’t know standards. “Suppress the truth” - Know God, know standards, but does not obey it and ignores it.

These 3 categories are very real even in lives of non-Christians, sometimes, among believers as well. This verse alone about God’s wrath should all the more make us more urgent to sharing the gospel.

Phil 2:12-13

“…work out your salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.”

This should be our encouragement, that it is God who is at work in us, but we must as well work out our salvation, in appreciation of it.

His servant,

Amos

 

The Master Is Here

Date: 27 January 2008

I took a break from playing the drums in April last year (“The Prologue”) to rest my injured leg. This week, after 9 months, I was scheduled to play drums for the service.

I had tried to re-orientate myself 2 weeks before. It was really disheartening. My legs were not as responsive as it used to be, my hands is are losing stamina, and I struggled staying on time. On the practice for the service, I kept playing a lot of mistake and was feeling disappointed at myself.

That night before the service, God reminded me the acronym that I was taught. “GPS”. God first, People next, and Self last. This acronym that I was taught was used in the context to love God first, others next, and ourselves last. It encouraged me to seek God first instead of focusing on my inadequacy in serving Him, just like in the story of Mary and Martha (Luke 10:38-42).

That night, I was confident of 2 things that will definitely happen.

1. If I were to play well, it is entirely God’s grace.
2. If I were not to play well, I know that God’s Name will still be glorified. That is the main point.

There was once a master wanted to throw a party for his people. He placed a servant in charge of organising it. The master went away and the servant strive to do his best in task. He struggled up till the point of the event. But when the master stepped into the house, the people’s focus was on him. The people were not focusing on the servant mistakes, but all eyes were on the master.

Personally, I have often prayed prayers like “help me to play my best for You”. But from the acronym, I realised that my prayers should be that God is to be glorified first, then for the people that they may see the greatness of God and to fixed their eyes on Him. Lastly, I should then bring my personal request before Him.

His servant,

Amos

 

“I Sacrifice Them To His Blood”

Date: 21 January 2008

When I Survey The Wondrous Cross

When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of glory died,
My richest gain I count but loss,
And pour contempt on all my pride.

Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,
Save in the death of Christ my God!
All the vain things that charm me most,
I sacrifice them to His blood.

See from His head, His hands, His feet,
Sorrow and love flow mingled down!
Did e’er such love and sorrow meet,
Or thorns compose so rich a crown?

Were the whole realm of nature mine,
That were an offering far too small;
Love so amazing, so divine,
Demands my soul, my life, my all.

Music is something which I really enjoy doing. Most of the time is for my own pleasure, to feel accomplished that I have done something that I can share with my friends, something to be proud of. But this very gift which God had graciously given to me, it is something which I am struggling real hard to handle it. To be a musician or to be God’s servant.

I had just moved temporarily to a new house. After spending the whole carrying, packing, and setting up my “workstation”, I began to record music and producing it. But, there are more things which I could have been doing. Doing my quiet time, resting my body, praying to God, talking to people, and even praying to God for my friends. There is really so much work to be done and I chose to do something for my pleasure - selfish pleasure.

I realised that I am one who gets distracted very easily. Simple things like talking to people online, making music, and playing games. These are stuff which I prior more to time spent in my quiet time. I had just finished doing a rough draft of my song around 12.30am. Then I realised that doing all these stuff does not make me feel complete. No doubt I had finished the song which I was working on, but I do not feel complete.

One of my favourite song is “When I Survey The Wondrous Cross”. It reminds me of God’s love and even how we handle what God had given us. I was reminded of this line: “All the vain things that charm me most; I sacrifice them to His blood”. Paul had written something similar in Phil 1:21 and Phil 3:7-8.

Phil 1:21 “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”

Phil 3:7-8 “But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 8 More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish in order that I may gain Christ”

Indeed it is God’s love being so amazing and divine. It demands my soul, my life, my all. Who am I? I am a servant, a slave, serving God, my Master and King. It is by His grace which He has given me this gift, all the more I should use it to glorify Him and for His ministry.

Keep me in prayer. That I may be focused and to be reminded of His love. Most importantly, for me to be found complete in Christ.

His servant (for His Kingdom),

Amos

 

Carpenter’s Tools International

Date: End June - 17 July 2007

Carpenter’s Tools International (CTI) is the official at large music ministry for Youth for Christ International. A non-profit ministry organization based in the United States which uses music as a tool for outreach both locally and overseas, through short-term outreaches. Each team spends approximately a month in partner outreach with Youth for Christ International or YWAM (Youth With a Mission). Concerts are held in public schools, prisons, orphanages, street corners, churches and anywhere our host ministry is at work. These concerts contain drama, the sharing of personal faith stories, Gospel presentation, and of course, lots of modern, exciting music. This assist the host ministry to reach out to youth in a different and exciting way, enabling them to have a greater, more effective outreach to the youths.

A team came to Singapore during that period to partner with Singapore Youth For Christ (SYFC) with the work in Singapore. They visited various schools and churches to publicise the finale concert to invite non-Christians to come. It was an evangelistic event held at St Andrew’s Cathedral Auditorium.

I went down to the airport to picked them up when they arrived at night as I wanted to build rapport with the team. It turned out more difficult than what I expected it to be.

The first is our language differences. The team (consisting mostly Americans) are generally are more fluent and articulate when they speak. Singaporeans on the other hand are more slack when we talk and then to slur and mumble our words. That is why I used to wonder why do Singaporeans try to imitate the American accent whenever we meet one. Someone told be that the reason is because they are so used to articulated and fluent words that they could not understand clearly when we speak to them in our normal accent. In addition to adjusting my way of speaking, I had to learn to talk in clearer sentences as I am used to speaking in grammatically incorrect sentences.

Next, subjects to talk about. I have this difficulty to come up with new topics during conversations (even with locals). I know I want to improve this area of ministry and I accepted the challenge to build rapport with the team.

It was through God’s grace which I am able to build friendship with them.

After their arrival and short introduction of their names, I did not know how to start as there were 3 host to 11 members. I decided to focus on one guy, Jason. I sat with him on the van on the way to their hostel. Thank God that they were very friendly and rather easy to converse with. I had opportunities to ask them why they joined CTI and also about their Christian testimony, in turn, they asked me about my involvement with SYFC and also about the Merlion. I enjoyed myself during their stay here. From visiting Mustafa in the wee hours in the morning, to having supper with them at their hostel.

Their trip here was also an exposure for me. One such example is their efficiency in setting up and tearing down the stage. Compared to the Performing Arts ministry (PArts), they did faster than us. Another example is that the team was not prepared musically, probably time was a factor as they had only 2 weeks of practice back home before they came over.

Coming October, another team from CTI will be coming back and I will be part of the planning team - logistics area. The recent team was a good opportunity for me to be prepared for future teams and also what to look out and expect.

Thank God for His protection over us and team, for the strength He had given to us, and also for lessons that were taught to us.

His servant,

Amos

 

Malacca Mission Trip PSS

 Date: 27 May - 1 June 2007

Malacca Mission Trip
The above link would show you my Peer Support Scheme (PSS) letter. PSS is often done in SYFC to show awareness to our peers what we have been doing. And in return, they can support us back in our ministry financial or through prayers.

I went for a mission trip to Malacca. Each of us needed to raise $120. This amount is for our transportation there as we had to bring up our instruments and amplification.

If anyone of you would like to contribute, you can email me at amos.was@gmail.com. Thanks.

His servant,

Amos