my defination of Humility

Try again when you messed up.

It’s worth it.

There is a moment that makes everything worth it – When someone says the sinner’s prayer for the first time.

When it first happened 8 years ago, I literally couldn’t stop crying because of the unspeakable joy. I said to the Lord “God, I have no regret now if you take me now!” Right there and then, he answered me very clearly. “Chris, are you so joyious because of this one salvation? You will see many more souls being saved in the future because of your obedience.” 8 years passed,  I have witnessed multitudes of salvations. But it still makes me teary as I see one soul crossed from the darkness into the wonderful light.

There were times which God decided to use and we had so many salvations happening week after week. It could be maybe my heart was became proud because of the success God has allowed to our group. For a while we didn’t see many fruits while God was realigning our hearts and attitudes. We have been repenting and acknowledge his Lordship over all things once again. Praise the Lord for his mercy as he send his precious souls and entrust us with them again.

I imagine the day I would see Jesus face to face. (I dare to!) As I see the smile on his face, and as he says “my good and faithful servant Chris..”

I know that every work, every tears, every perserverance, it’s ALL worth it.

Jehovah Jireh (God our provider)

“God withholds the blessing for a short season TO DEEPEN OUR HUNGER for the thing we so ardenly pray for.”

- Mike Bickle in ‘Growing in the Prophetic’

This season many people are crying out for the hands of God. – for place to stay, for jobs, and even for souls. And I hope this story would encourage us all.

We remember Luke. When he came over to Brisbane from Korea he didn’t know a single soul. He went to Full Gospel church on his first sunday, praying that God would lead him to the right person that he may find a place to stay and also the place to serve the Lord.

At that time, my mom was visiting Brisbane. In her dream God said to her “Visit the Full Gospel Church today.” Off she went, and she saw Luke writing down the name of her church on the visitor’s survey paper. She realised Luke was the reason why God sent her to that church. Finally he joined Daniel 2 and served as a guitarist, also he moved into one of our brother’s house which were looking for a housemate so desperately. It was a perfect timing.

Afterwards we found out that he was a leader of student ministry and a worship leader in his church back in Korea. He genuinely loved God and very faithfully served in whatever area he could. Despite of the language barrier, he became so dear to us, many cried as he return back to Korea after 8 months.

Yesterday, deja Vu happened.

A Korean guy name David has arrived in Brisbane knowing nobody. On his first day he couldn’t find any available backpacker to stay, so wondered around the city until 3AM. He prayed while he walking, that God would lead him to the right church and people. The next day he put his luggages into the locker at the train station and visit immigration office.

At that time, one of our brother so happened to be there, sitting next to David. They started talking and found out both were christians. Eventually David was happy to join the cell group on that very night. As we worship and pray he were praying in tongue with such sincereity. While he was still with us after the life group, I abruptly asked him “Do you play a guitar?” Amazingly, he was a competent guitarist and right there he played the songs we sang that night even without looking at the chords! In fact he even brang his own guitar all the way here,  that he may serve the Lord.

Our graceful brothers allowed him to stay in their house til he could find an accomodation. It was 2nd day in Brisbane. I asked him ” So, tell me, I am sure you were serving the Lord back home, because I can see God takes care of you!” He chuckled and said “I was just serving the Lord as a worship leader.”

God’s hand is never short to provide for you and me. But when he waits, he has his reason why.  He sometimes held back his blessing to test the heart of people, or to give them an opportunity to prove their faith so that he can reward them, also to give them an opportunity to offer God a costly worship. Whatever his plan is, it is higher than our plan. And when we wait upon God patiently and do not turn sour or bitter, we wouln’t be regret that we trusted him ALL THE WAY.

It is when the REAL FAITH kicks in. So keep your chin up, and keep smiling on!

Confession of one man

..God may kill me, but still I will trust him. (Job 13:15)

Whenever God put me through the time of test, I remind myself of this man. This man who went through the test of the harshest trial  DUE TO HIS FAITHFULNESS. When disappointment and discouragement comes, Satan repeatedly asks ” Are you still going to serve God?” “What about now?” “What about this one?” “And this one?” “This will really knock your sock off.”

Blow after another, when I feel like with another blow I am going to pass out, on the floor, then he whispers behind the ears, “Hurt? What about now? Are you still sure God remembers you?” Then, silence.

Yet, I hear another voice ringing, the memory of the voice of God saying to the enemy. “Have you considered my servant Chris?..”

God had confidence in me. So he may have allowed the enemy to test me left right and centre, so that I may gain greater blessing in the future. So that I may give God the costly worship. So that I amy come forth like a pure gold. This is what really holds me together in such a time as this.

..But he knows the way I take. When he has tested me, I will come forth as gold.. (Job 23:10)