2015: The Year of Overcoming Power

The same power, the same power that crushed the enemy

The same power, the same power, the same power lives in me!

–Risen, Covenant Worship & Israel Houghton

As I was minding my own business, listening to ‘Risen’, the Lord placed upon by heart the theme for 2015, With every accurate Rhema word, there must be scriptural backing (Logos word) as well as confirmations, both which have been evident throughout the past month. The word ‘power’ has been spawning all over the place, from sermons to sharing and even to songs. But what power are we talking about here?

I present you the theme of the year: 

And the theme verse:

Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. [1 John 4:4 KJV]

And not to forget the theme song:

Risen by Covenant Worship & Israel Houghton

A good place to start is the definition of power. In the Greek, ‘power’ is ‘dunamis’, where we get our English word ‘dynamite’. It refers to strength, power and ability, and it’s used in many areas of the New Testament. However, what about overcoming?

2015: The Year of Overcoming Power

This overcoming power is the Holy Spirit (1 John 4:4 GNT, MSG), whom Jesus describes as a person who convicts unbelievers of sin and believers of righteousness (John 16:9–10). This same power raised Jesus from the dead (Ephesians 1:20) is also known as ‘resurrection power’, implying that death, an enemy of God (1 Corinthians 15:26), has been crushed. It is the fully realised power of the sample that Jesus imparted in Matthew 9, the power that overcomes demons, disease and death, the effects of sin.

As such, the power in us is the exploding strength, power and ability to overcome the effects of sin, namely condemnation (ref Romans 8:1), fear (the antithesis to love, ref 1 John 4:18) and stress (ref Genesis 3:19), that lead to the more apparent issues that surface:

This power will provide things that pertain to life and godliness to overcome the above. The growth of this power, how it multiplies, is brought forth through the increased knowledge of Jesus Christ (2 Peter 1:2–4). While ignorance of Jesus will limit the power, knowledge causes it to multiply. And the knowledge is that we have been completely cleansed from all our former sins (2 Peter 1:9).

Contextually, the Holy Spirit was given on the Day of Pentecost, when Jesus poured out the Holy Spirit, on which the disciples spoke in tongues (Acts 2:4) and when Peter preached to a multitude, 3,000 being saved (Acts 2:14–41). But prophetically for Singapore, 2015 is Singapore’s Jubilee Year, 50 years of independence, paralleling the Pentecost that occurred 50 days after the Passover, thus implying an explosive nature of the Holy Spirit to fall upon the nation, the power that will overcome the above-mentioned struggles that we face.

This overcoming power is released from God and into us. It is supernatural, not one of self effort, and is received, not earned, in the unity of the body of Christ. As John Piper puts it, “You will not experience the overcoming power of the gospel in your life without the local church.” When the Church in Singapore is united, putting aside trivial matters and focused on Jesus, then a mighty outpouring of the Spirit forms the overcoming power that enables the above to come to pass. Why? So that you may have the power to live and share the abundant life which Jesus promised to all who trust and obey Him. Through overcoming power, we can substantively testify of the Gospel to our unsaved loved ones.

So get ready for 2015: the Year of Overcoming Power. 

It's Not Over

It’s Not Over, It’s Not Finished
It’s Not Ending, It’s Only The Beginning 
When God Is In It, All Things Are New
All Things Are New

—Israel and New Breed, 2012

Joel Kindiak's Malaysia Tour

For all you stalkers out there who read my blog (haha) I'll post the links to snippets of my Malaysia Tour vacation here:

Day 1 – http://youtu.be/wdvRMulVW08

Day 2 – http://youtu.be/1-_zf2v7iz8
Day 3 – http://youtu.be/vyTFeTfoOlo 
Day 4 – http://youtu.be/Z8PwaSspRdw
Day 5 – http://youtu.be/Ad9djdgMgVU
Day 6 – http://youtu.be/rl1GchSbNuI
Day 7 – http://youtu.be/pdX84lvbPaA

God’s Justice, My Justification

Joel Kindiak Expositions (6)

Date: 6 October 2014

Topic: God’s Justice, My Justification

Q Is punishment of sins due more to God’s mercy or God’s justice?

A Many of us undoubtedly believe that God is love. (1 John 4:8) In fact, two expositions ago, I wrote on how Christianity is first about God’s love for us (1 John 4:10), then our love for God in response. (1 John 4:19) We also believe that God is merciful. (Exodus 34:6) And, for the purposes of this exposition, we believe that God is just, just as David described Him as a righteous judge. (Psalm 7:11) However, in specificity, forgiveness of sins is on the basis of God’s justice rather than God’s mercy.

Proponents for God’s mercy argue that mercy is, by definition, being exempted from the curses that we deserve, and God, through the cross, has exempted us from death (John 3:16) unto everlasting life, saved by grace, not by works but unto good works (Ephesians 2:8–10), being spared of God’s wrath. (1 Thessalonians 5:9) By this definition, yes, God did indeed save us by His mercy on us and we are spared of God’s justice. God being rich in mercy has not imputed sin on us (Romans 4:8) and thus saved us not only from hell but also made us alive together with Christ (Ephesians 2:4), when His justice would destroy us in accordance to His holiness. It is inevitably by God’s mercy that we died with Christ and resurrected with Him (Romans 6:5), being born again in accordance with the Spirit (John 3:6) and these would not come to pass if God judged us based on our works according to His holiness.

However true these truths of God’s mercy may be, they reflect the nature of God’s sacrificial act for us and not the function, which is in accordance with God’s justice. God being holy is far from incognisant of sin (Habakkuk 1:13) and cannot tolerate one speck of sin, as opposed to God’s mercy which withholds judgement in light of sin (2 Peter 3:9), and thus seemingly contradicts the acts of unmerited favour and restrained punishment that follow His mercy. In order to make us free from the imputation and yet maintain a holy stance in punishing our sin, God needs to punish our sin in another person, just like how the verdict of a judge on a prisoner needs to be accomplished, and the punishment that brought us peace was upon Jesus Christ. (Isaiah 53:4) At the cross, Jesus, who knew no sin, became sin punished on behalf of us. (2 Corinthians 5:21) Thus, the process of Jesus receiving God’s wrath exacted upon our sin was more accurately brought about by God’s justice, a punishment of sin rather than the refraining of it that God’s mercy entails.

Furthermore, while God’s mercy introduces the connotation of God’s emotions, where God is merciful when He feels good and is wrathful when He feels bad, the nature of God’s justice lies in an action independent of God’s emotions, thus providing the believer a full assurance of His ever–righteous standing before Him. Some believers are unsure of their salvation as they perceive their sinful acts to pull them out of righteousness, since it was by God’s mercy, seemingly wavering, that pulled them in and by sinful acts, they fall out of God’s mercy and disqualify themselves from salvation.  Whereas by God’s justice, the believer can have full assurance in salvation, as it is not provided by wavering emotions that human comprehends but by the irreversible action of Jesus at the cross. It is by the action of God’s judgement of our sin on Jesus that imputes Jesus’ righteousness onto us (2 Corinthians 5:21), confirmed by the resurrection of Jesus on account of us being justified. (Romans 4:25) In order for Jesus to be raised from the dead, the believer needs to be made righteous, and logically, since Jesus did indeed rise, the believer has been, according to Scripture, judicially made righteous before God Almighty, thus having complete confirmation to salvation and allowing him or her to stand in faith, the confidence of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1), in Him.

Also, by the justice of God, salvation of the believer upholds the holiness of God. God’s justice demands punishment of sin whilst God’s mercy demands exemption from such punishment, by death, according to the Bible. (Romans 3:23) If God were to mercifully sweep our sins under the carpet and forgive us without anyone requiring death, it would violate His holy demands. However, if salvation depended on God judging our sins, it would require a perfect Man who also is God. No one fits the bill except Jesus Christ, the Son of God born of the virgin Mary (Matthew 1:18–25) in the likeness of sinful flesh. (Romans 8:3) And Jesus taking upon the punishment of sins and the corresponding punishment of the separation from God and death upholds God’s divine holiness that demands judgement of sin.  As such, through the cross, the sins of humanity were not spared; they were judicially punished but in the body of another, satisfying the demands of God’s justice. In that sense, God’s mercy gave Jesus, the sacrifice and substitute, to God’s justice, thus settling the debt that mankind incurred by robbing God of His joy of fellowship in the Garden of Eden, and God’s mercy is validated by God’s justice in the forgiveness of sins and imputation of righteousness.

Ultimately, while all believers can agree that where God’s mercy and God’s justice coincides at the cross, bringing about justification, the location where punishment of sins occur is by the grace of God while the act which punishment of sins is dealt with is by the justice of God. Through God’s justice and concrete actions, not His emotions toward us which we perceive to waver, we can stand fully assured that we are the righteousness of God in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:21) and that we may boldly enter the the throne of grace to receive mercy in the time of our need (Hebrews 4:16), securing our faith even in the fiercest of storms, where it’s not about us but about Jesus and how God punished our sins in Jesus righteously to make us righteous mercifully.

Let Endless Praise Resound!

You are God, and we lift You up
Weʼll keep singing, weʼll keep praising
We wonʼt stop, giving all we got
Cause You're worthy, of all glory

Oh, there is no other
You are forever, Lord over all
Thereʼs nobody like You, no one beside You

To You
Let endless praise resound
Every night and day, and with no delay
Let endless praise resound

Boundless love
Light before the sun
Your glory eternal
Never stops
Giving all You got
Creation keeps singing

We lift You up up up
Weʼre giving You our love love love
For everything Youʼve done done done
We give You all the praise

Planetshakers, 2014

A Dream

And no, I'm not talking about my foresight of the future. Just a brief account of my dream last night.

I found myself in what seemed like the Axis Theatre, the meeting site of my new home church, Hope Church Singapore, and me in my regular attire, red or black jacket and my knee-length shorts. Though the place was packed, I saw Natalie, Pamela and Tamara at distinct locations of the Axis Theatre just declaring what I believe to be a blessing over the congregation, which I was certain was mostly Megalife.

Why are they praying?
Why is it Megalife congregating and not Ablaze?

Then came what I remember to be an altar call, a call for provision of boldness and faith to those who lack, and being one whose spirit is willing but flesh is weak, I went up to receive prayer, later surrounded by three prayer warriors, one of whom was Hilary.

Hilary, what are you doing here and not in some European region?

Of course, I saw the other Megalifers, like Samuel, Faith, Marc, Alvin and so on, but I'll still wonder the significance of these distinct scenes that I remember after more than 12 hours unlike other dreams which I forget instantaneously.

Just a brief recount.

–Joel (8/12/14)

包车 Weekend 2014

Note: "包车" is pronounced 'bao che' in Chinese. I called it such as it is the name of a special phenomenon when taking the bus (eg. no one else is on it).

15 November 2014

Joel: Hey Sam, could you accommodate me from 5 to 7 December? I intend to pay a visit...but as always, don't tell anyone.

Samuel: Okay, sure.

5 December 2014

The movie was starting at 7.30pm, and at 7.15pm I was still at Tampines, on a slow bus service 5 with a long route. I had to drop and change to service 21 to get to Downtown East as soon as possible, then dash for bus service 354 by crossing the road at a red light. Pragmatic results-based ethics allows the means to justify the ends, and ta-da! I reached church about only 20 minutes into the movie, which is a relief. On the bright side though, 包车!

ft. Spock

Samuel was just waiting outside the chapel ready to seat me down, when he told be that Faith already knew that I would be coming by inferring Samuel's "None of Self, All of Christ" attire, one which he dons only when I make a visit. Ah well, only one other person knows of my existence. The movie was awesome, and afterward I decided to go around checking things out, to the surprise of my cellmates, like Cavan, and other churchmates, like Dillon.

Sam, Faith and I had a Christmas tree shot, albeit blur due to poor lighting, but nonetheless, I'm honoured to be with these warriors for God. Strong in faith and trust. It's my joy and honour to be with you, Faith and Samuel.

Then we slacked by Downtown East, with Valerie fetching the robot that I forgot to bring back (my bad). Before we rested for the night, I shared with Sam one of my goals to accomplish, and that is to ensure that my friends are doing fine despite the little saga that happened a short while 2 months'  earlier.

6 December 2014

Woke up late today and failed to honour God with my time. I'm glad for the opportunity at night to do so. Thankfully, we get to try out the trigoCrane, a robot designed to teach Trigonometry, and Samuel found it engaging enough to keep at it (all built upon a basic foundation of Trigonometry, nonetheless).

After slacking for the afternoon, we're back at church, and it was lovely to check out how the youth were doing. Generally, not to different from what I noticed last time around. Zeal was lacking, as always; whether they express the love they receive from God or, in the game of Megalife, not, doesn't change the fact that God loves them dearly. That goes with every church. 

The message was more confirmation of the theme for 2015, which I conjecture is The Year of Overcoming Power, the boldness and power of the Holy Spirit preached by Pastor Joachim that enables us to overcome fear in evangelism.

And of course, we must slack and enjoy company, as always. So it's time to go crazy with them youth. At night, I shared with Sam my Rhema word, and had Quiet Time while enjoying a nice glass of Yoghurt. Cheers.

7 December 2014

Woke up less late but still late, and left the house a bit late to reach church a bit late, to check out my ex-churchies jamming on the instruments. It was indeed nice to see them again after quite a heck of a long time. And I'm glad that they're back to normal. While I describe my life as a cosine curve, going down then up, I reflected on the life of a close friend of mine and saw that it resembled a sine curve, peaking at March and plunging at September. Now we're all cool, and I'm glad. I'm glad.

Of course, I had to seize every opportunity with these people before I journey to the West and unlikely ever return in at least a year, so these pictures are in memoir of them.

To end of the 包车 Weekend, Different Tastes. The last time we came was during Marc's birthday, and even then I had to rush off to attend some random Chinese play. Ew.

And it's off to the West...not before a short nap at Sam's before bon voyagé.

It was a joy an honour to visit. Lovely people, all debts settled, and an awesome end to an awesome 2014. Every year gets better than the previous one, surprisingly, so 2015 is likely not to buck that trend. 2015: The Year of Overcoming Power!

Maybe I should have a 包车 Weekend every year! Oh, and Photo-of-the-Day 2015 will commence soon too! Do follow my instagram account @joelkindiakpotd15 to check it out!

Blessings,

Joel Kindiak

Reminiscence

2014: the Year of Greater Glory

January: meeting new friends. That's always fun, talking about the Bible and essentially enjoying fellowship at its finest. Awesome jump-start to JC Math as well.

February: School starts and motivation resumes. Encouragements exchanged, hearts lifted, minds set on success unto the glory of God. The year indeed will go great.

March: The month where my emotional level picks up. Kingdom Invasion gave me one heck of a ball of confusion, and my mind started wandering from the spirit realm to the heart's realm.

April: The confusion and convolution continues. My GP kicked off with a dismal U, and a 1.9 percentile (based on the final year report card). None of my cellmates celebrated my birthday. I felt like ruins. And heard the song Glorious Ruins for the first time.

May: I then consider my life like a cosine curve, starting positive but then starting to dip past the zero point and hit the negative. Holding on, but struggling a whole lot more than before, in my emotions, confusion maxima.

June: I blogged about this one. When I said May was the worst, I meant June, actually. June literally was the pits, the abyss of that cosine curve. Still clinging on, but so so convoluted in my thoughts and my feelings.

July: Repentance came. I turned to the Lord once more. It's time to live none of self but all of Christ. And finally, I climb out of that cosine curve.

August: The final 5 weeks in Riverlife, and my realisation of the church's love for me grew. The love of God in His people. Awesome farewell, awesome people.

September: On the church hunt and trying to get Dad to settle down, but to no avail. Schoolwork getting friendly to me, or if it were daunting, the Lord freely gave HIs strength to overcome. Finally at the zero point again when I was previously at negative.

October: Promos over and PW/Chinese season. Definitely pressurising, but empowering. Wave after wave of grace came, and fresh hope that the friends that I hold dear deep down will experience a fresh wave of salvation. The hope of repentance that some how, I don't know how or when, but because we are God's highly favoured, they will come to repentance once more.

November: OP, stunning Promos results, A*STAR internship, H3 Acceptance. Not without ups and downs, but hey, what fun is a roller coaster without them both? Emotionally stable, favoured by God and by men. This is the fruition of the road of recovery that started in July where I made the declaration: "None of self, all of Christ"

December: An awesome end to yet another awesome year. All because of the favour of God. The Year of Greater Glory.

Your Grace

Complained and swore "shit" at my groupmate for sending work late and hence causing me lose my available free time in the morning for QT. At that moment the Lord reminded me of His grace.

"Father, I receive Your grace."

Already 20 minutes late, I was concerned about taking the bus, and waiting another 10 minutes, I was really concerned about taking the bus...but God assured me that He is faithful and He will take me through.

"Father, I receive Your grace."

On the bus, my friend texted me and briefly shares of a semi-traumatic experience she had, hence requesting that I take over her for Scripture Reading. Having a passion to preach and yet a concerned heart, I felt distressed yet excited that God gave me yet another opportunity to preach, to declare Jesus. That said, the traffic conjestion at Stevens Road was quite slow, and I was concerned about making it to school on time.

"Father, I receive Your grace."

At school, my adrenaline rose. I started to notice the demands placed upon me, to give a message not too long but not to generic, to not keep the Saints in the haze, literally. The demands. And the Lord reminded me in the midst of the demand to focus on His supply, His grace. Then later on as I prepared myself to share, my friend was already on the stage signalling that she's okay. Which means I need not share today.

"Father, I receive Your grace."

Oral presentation, we were given a temporal reprieve and were allowed to rehearse the slides. Clash of styles gave me temporal volcano eruptions, but nonetheless remained calm. Thank God for His grace. The day ended early; thank God for His grace! On the bus, though, my mind started to go astray. I saw a whole entourage of high school girls and started to have dirty, lustful thoughts. What should I do in this moment? Feel guilty for being "unsaved" by my sin?

"Father, I receive Your grace."

"Lord, this is horrible lust! Help me!" And by grace, the Lord closed my eyes to keep them focused not on the temptation, which the Bible mentions to flee, but on the name of Jesus. There is no other name, but the name of Jesus. Back home, as I replenish the Daily Verses database, I have trouble not reusing what I have shared before, I need help.

"Father, I receive Your grace."

And the day ends peacefully.

"Father, I receive Your grace."

Visiting Riverlife

Thanks for the awesome hospitality and warmth, guys. Felt like home. ☺️ Keep on focusing on Jesus, Amen?

"AMEN. PREACH IT BROTHER."

What's worse than a prebeliever cursing and swearing? A believer who curses and swears intentionally knowing that such does not please God. My question: was he a believer to begin with?

Proud yet Disappointed

Every time Darlene Zschech sings,

Holy, Holy, God Almighty,

the part of the song "I Adore", tears of pride and disappointment well up in my heart.

In June 2013, during Kingdom Call, the youngest of the campers were tasked to pray for the oldest, and as they prayed this song was playing. And as they prayed, the presence of God intensified in the room. And as they prayed, I felt as though they glowed. The more I reminisce about them, the more they glow.

I was proud of them. I knew they would do amazing things.

Now as I prepare for my next visit, I do not know what to expect. I have found out that many, if not all have lost the flame, and even the frontrunners of faith were starting to lose steam. Believers are turning to human idols and even blasphemy. The people whom I was proud of...what happened to you? What's with the wrong believing?

I was disappointed.

But I'll say this: I have greater confidence in Jesus' righteousness than Adam's son, and I believe that where sin increased, grace superabounded. The more they sin, the greater and more amazing the repentance, the change, and the greater the glory that God Almighty deserves.

Proud yet disappointed, but not giving up the hope. My Jesus will make it all better.

Risen

Risen, He's risen

Forever glorified

Risen, He's risen

King Jesus, King Jesus is alive!

The same power, the same power

That crushed the enemy

The same power, the same power

The same power lives in me

In Jesus' Name

God is fighting for us,
Pushing back the darkness
Lighting up the Kingdom
That cannot be shaken
In the Name of Jesus,
Enemy's defeated
And we will shout it out,
Shout it out

—Darlene Zschech, 2013

Ace by Grace

Straight A's in FEs to shout world how I got it: not by mugging exams but by resting in the GRACE and UNMERITED FAVOUR of my God. Studying? Do that on a consistent basis not for the grades but to honour God as a student.

The freedom generation

We are the free

The freedom generation

Singing of mercy

You are the One who set us all in motion

Yours is the glory

There's a fire in our hearts 

And it burns for you

It's never gonna fade away

We are the free

Yours is the glory!

28 September 2014

For if by the one man’s offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ. (Romans 5:17 NKJV)

27 September 2014

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8 NIV)

While we were still sinners. In our sin, Christ came to give us salvation.

26 September 2014

The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their cry (Psalm 34:15).

Good morning. I pray that you will find favor in the people you meet and will be able to carry the presence of the Lord with you. I pray for His love and guidance, His strength and wisdom, His Truth and Light. In Jesus' name, Amen.

25 September 2014

And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. (Romans 8:28 NLT)

24 September 2014

But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved)... (Ephesians 2:4-5 NKJV)

23 September 2014

Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit. (Ephesians 2:19-22 NIV)

22 September 2014

He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit. (Ephesians 2:17-18 NIV)

Through Jesus, we have access to God! Think about it: God! So when it gets tough to honor God in your actions, hey, in spite of that sense of not doing enough for God, come to Him, because you have access not by you but by Jesus!

21 September 2014

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. (Ephesians 2:8-10 NIV)

You weren't saved by works. You're saved by grace, through faith (by receiving the gift of God). Your works are a fruit of your faith, not the root. So now that you are saved by faith, exemplify your faith, His love in you, through your works. Take the route of work God prepared for you, now that you are the righteousness of God in Christ. (2 Corinthians 5:21)

20 September 2014

Throughout Jewish history in the OT, people feared God and there were good reasons for that. God thundered on Mt. Sinai and forbade anyone up the mountain except Moses (Exodus 19:16, 21). Access to God was granted only through the high priest with very specific instructions (Leviticus) Accidentally touching the Ark of the Covenant, which represented the holy presence of God, and you will be zapped (2 Samuel 6:6-7).

 

God’s presence was a cause for fear but Jesus’ death and resurrection changed all that. When Jesus died at the cross, the temple curtain (veil) separating the Holy of Holies from the rest of the temple was completely torn (Matthew 27:50-51), now allowing us access to God without fear. God’s wrath for our sin has been satisfied, and we are invited into His presence: “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace” (Hebrews 4:16). Today our fear of God is a reverent fear of Him, the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10).

 

God has not changed – He is still omnipresent; but because of Jesus, our circumstances have changed and we can come to God through prayer anywhere, anytime.

19 September 2014

Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’ (Isaiah 41:10 NKJV)

When we uphold ourselves, we succeed for some time then fail away, but when God upholds us with HIS righteous hands...we are upheld and being constantly upheld. Place your confidence in getting through the day in Him!

18 September 2014

“Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”

Because you look forward to the day Jesus comes again to restore our bodies, and that you may be with Him forever and ever, live a life that is set apart, like not using profanity in a community that does on a regular basis.

However, more important than the action, the commitment to love holy, is the motivation, that I'm doing all this not to get into God's good books, but because I already am in God's good books through His Son, Jesus, and this undeserved favor empowers me to go and sin no more, to honor Him in my actions.

17 September 2014

And I will soar on wings like eagles

Held by the hand of God

I will run and not grow tired

When on His name I call

For The Lord is never weary

His ways are beyond my thoughts

I will trust in Him with all my heart

~Like Eagles, Don Moen

But those who wait on the LORD Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint. (Isaiah 40:31 NKJV)

16 September 2014

Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, (prophecies) will fail; whether there are tongues, (tongues) will cease; whether there is knowledge, (knowledge) will vanish away. [1 Corinthians 13:8 NKJV]

Lover never fails. It's alright not to have "gold dust" or "great visions" or "strange dreams" or "spiritual attacks" to define how strong or precious you are in Christ Jesus. All that matters is He loves You and His love endures forever. Lover never fails!

If you would love to encourage others with a verse or a devotional of your own, do send them to me and I'll use the daily verses as a platform to help amplify your encouragement ;)

15 September 2014

Behold, He who keeps Israel Shall neither slumber nor sleep. (Psalm 121:4 NKJV)

If God keeps a nation safe, how much more an individual like you?

If you would love to encourage others with a verse or a devotional of your own, do send them to me and I'll use the daily verses as a platform to help amplify your encouragement ;)

14 September 2014

Let Your mercies come also to me, O LORD — Your salvation according to Your word. So shall I have an answer for him who reproaches me, For I trust in Your word. (Psalm 119:41-42 NKJV)

Amen?

If you would love to encourage others with a verse or a devotional of your own, do send them to me and I'll use the daily verses as a platform to help amplify your encouragement ;)

13 September 2014

The LORD is my strength and song, And He has become my salvation. (Psalm 118:14 NKJV)

If you would love to encourage others with a verse or a devotional of your own, do send them to me and I'll use the daily verses as a platform to help amplify your encouragement ;)

12 September 2014

He also brought them out with silver and gold, And there was none feeble among His tribes. (Psalm 105:37 NKJV)

When the Israelites left Egypt the night the Egyptian firstborn were killed, they left with finances and health. God's provision is more than enough for His people when they follow His call, Amen?

If you would love to encourage others with a verse or a devotional of your own, do send them to me and I'll use the daily verses as a platform to help amplify your encouragement ;)

11 September 2014

A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. (Psalm 91:7 NIV)

If you would love to encourage others with a verse or a devotional of your own, do send them to me and I'll use the daily verses as a platform to help amplify your encouragement ;)

10 September 2014

You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. (Psalm 91:5-6 NIV)

If you would love to encourage others with a verse or a devotional of your own, do send them to me and I'll use the daily verses as a platform to help amplify your encouragement ;)

9 September 2014

Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days. (Psalm 90:14 NIV)

That's why it's good to in the morning indulge in the things of God. Spend time with God. Don't need to take too long, but spend some time, that His presence and mercy lead you well through the tough times.

8 September 2014

Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion! When God restores his people, let Jacob rejoice and Israel be glad! (Psalm 53:6 NIV)

7 September 2014

Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken. (Psalm 55:22 NIV)

6 September 2014

Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. (Psalm 42:5 NIV)

5 September 2014

Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord.” And you forgave the guilt of my sin. (Psalm 32:5 NIV)

4 September 2014

I sought the LORD, and He heard me, And delivered me from all my fears. (Psalm 34:4 NKJV)

3 September 2014

Though my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will receive me. (Psalm 27:10 NIV)

2 September 2014

The LORD is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid? (Psalm 27:1 NKJV)

1 September 2014

No one who hopes in you (the Lord) will ever be put to shame, but shame will come on those who are treacherous without cause. (Psalm 25:3 NIV)

31 August 2014

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the LORD Forever. (Psalm 23:6 NKJV)

30 August 2014

Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful;

But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night.

He shall be like a tree Planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper. (Psalm 1:1-3 NKJV)

29 August 2014

But friends, that’s exactly who we are: children of God. And that’s only the beginning. Who knows how we’ll end up! What we know is that when Christ is openly revealed, we’ll see him—and in seeing him, become like him. All of us who look forward to his Coming stay ready, with the glistening purity of Jesus’ life as a model for our own. [1 John 3:2-3]

28 August 2014

What marvelous love the Father has extended to us! Just look at it—we’re called children of God! That’s who we really are. But that’s also why the world doesn’t recognize us or take us seriously, because it has no idea who he is or what he’s up to. [1 John 3:1]

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13 NKJV)

27 August 2014

And now, children, stay with Christ. Live deeply in Christ. Then we’ll be ready for him when he appears, ready to receive him with open arms, with no cause for red-faced guilt or lame excuses when he arrives. Once you’re convinced that he is right and righteous, you’ll recognize that all who practice righteousness are God’s true children. [1 John 2:28-29]

26 August 2014

Don’t love the world’s ways. Don’t love the world’s goods. Love of the world squeezes out love for the Father. Practically everything that goes on in the world—wanting your own way, wanting everything for yourself, wanting to appear important—has nothing to do with the Father. It just isolates you from him. The world and all its wanting, wanting, wanting is on the way out—but whoever does what God wants is set for eternity. [1 John 2:15-17]

25 August 2014

By faith, barren Sarah was able to become pregnant, old woman as she was at the time, because she believed the One who made a promise would do what he said. That’s how it happened that from one man’s dead and shriveled loins there are now people numbering into the millions. [Hebrews 11:11-12]

His Love

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?

For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:35, 38–39 NKJV)

Grace

It's in the moment of complete helplessness and depravity.

"When one has been driven to a corner, that's when he can realize that God is the only way." –Tay Zhengyu, 2011, China Immersion Trip

Only at a corner, at the pit of our lives, at the deepest valley where everything is stripped from us, will we see Jesus and trust Him. And may that turning point continue on.

Deeper waters

We're falling into deeper waters, calling out to You. We're walking into deeper waters, going after You.

Privacy

Having been staying with my cousin for about 4 weeks now, and having 12 more to go before I migrate to my new home, I'm starting to miss the privacy of being home alone. There is always someone else in the house, considering that it's not mine, and I can't let loose.

Oh, how I long for my room. To freely bask in the presence of my Savior!

I can't but You can

I can't quit social media addiction, but Christ can!

I'm not even going to try because I cannot, but Christ can!

Random complaints

You have influence. Influence to drive people to the Lord or turn them away from Him. Even they will be accountable to their decision, you will be held accountable for influencing that decision.

Why follow what others say? Yes, some things, give or take, aren't harmful, but issues like profanity and abusive defense...are you going to follow a human, albeit a great human but nonetheless a regular sinful human, or are you going to follow the perfect Human who gave His life for you? Spend time with your friends, but DON'T LET THEM BE YOUR GOD!

It is saddening to see the fire rise and fall. Saddening. Very saddening.

My friend, why continue in the devil's lie of depression? Don't you know that depression, rejection and self-pity is of the devil? Are you telling me you actually enjoy indulging in the devil's workings? Wake up! Rise up! Jesus doesn't have depression, neither do you in this world. Yes, the world (and even Christians!) will reject you, but the Father forsook Jesus once for all at the cross that He may embrace you for all eternity now and forevermore. Break out of the devil's lie!

Wait

Wait until mature.

Until we've graduated.

I'll be back, promise.

Admit Both Sides of the Issue

During my Mid-Year Examinations, I got an E for Economics. I wasn't happy. I wasn't satisfied. (#firstworldproblems). I was born to get straight-As, and the E here and E in General Paper was stopping me from that. I was born for excellence, not that I'm subject to excellence, but that God has designed me with ability to excel. And 'E' isn't exactly excellence.

On the other hand, I got 75 percentile, meaning I beat 3/4 of the cohort. Isn't that comforting? My cohort had an average of U, which goes to say I'm pretty above average. My friends (church and school) tell me that I should be grateful for this gift that God has given me. I should be satisfied. I should be thankful and no more. I did relatively much better than my cohort!

What should I do?

Consider Philippians 4:8, where "whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things." Excellence in academia fits the bill. And not excellence through underhand means like cheating but through God-given diligence. Diligence is virtuous and one should reap what he sows into his ministry, in this case, as a student.

Now let me clarify, it is not I, but Christ in me, that brings forth excellence. Also, excellence does not need to manifest in the standards of the world, as God determines it. It just so happens that my standard of excellence coincides with that of the world.

So I'll do this: thank God for the current glory, that even though the paper killed the cohort, I did relatively better. Thank God for the present glory. But I won't stop there; I'll eagerly and earnestly expect God for greater glory (aka hope, Romans 5:5), in my case, straight-As in my Promotional Examinations this time. God has designed me with capability for excellence, and I will persevere in His grace, not me studying but Him in me, that I fulfill my role as a student. I don't thank God for the E, per sé, but the determination and diligence that God spurred in me during the struggle from E to A. And His grace will take me to that level of excellence.

Disclaimer: Yes, I desire stunning results, but it's not the end of the world if I don't get them. What matters the most is that I have honored The Lord as a student, and He will honor me.

I will admit both sides of the issue. Thank God for the good and not the bad but the struggle in the bad.

God didn't create bad things like sicknesses and failure. These are the works of the devil or of the flesh. That said, because God is so good, He will take us out of it. Sometimes He takes us out via a struggle to make us stronger. So we thank God not for the struggle but for the strengthening during the struggle. We thank God for the challenge that makes us more resilient and persevering, to tackle on the fight of life. God gives us the victory. Our defeat is a reflection of the moment when we forget God's provision.

So in the midst of sickness, don't thank God for the sickness. Hate the sickness. But thank God that while you aren't immediately healed, The Lord has made you much, much stronger than before due the the struggle with that sickness. Don't stop believing. Don't thank God for the failure or the weakness but His guidance out of that failure and His strength in your weakness.

I'll admit both sides of the issue.

Joel Kindiak

31 August 2014: Farewell Weekend – 3. Farewell Sunday

02.09.2014, 1019 hours: Currently it's Economics tutorial...but my teacher isn't really concerned with my computer on the desk or what I do with it, considering that I use it adequately relevantly for Economics tutorials. Anyways, I can safely say that I have "recovered" from the Farewell Weekend and am in the right state of mind to reflect on Farewell Sunday: the final piece of completion. Yes, I compel myself to complete portions of my I&R task for Project Work, but I'd rather finish the Farewell Weekend trilogy and give it a good closure before it drags on. I'll complete I&R later.

Sunday morning I'm in for my final Sunday slacking. Well, I did serve for a short while before getting distracted with my other friends in the place. I received a few gifts from some church leaders and a pretty and colourful, albeit succinct letter (I'll never do this in my letters; too little creativity). Really, I am grateful for everything I receive, big or small. I told them about Farewell Friday and how sweet my cell was in dedicating it to me, expressing my realised love for them. Our guitarists/percussionists/musicians returned from service, and naturally, jamming came to my mind. A newfound talent (percussionist), an experienced personnel (guitarist) and a multi–faceted crew member, coupled with a mere singer, flowed together to jam to some classics, like Mighty to Save, Nothing is Impossible, Happy Day, together with a classic medley of The Stand and Glory to God Forever. My final jamming session with these musicians on Sunday...I wouldn't have it any other way.

I was tasked to oversee a group of 11-year-old boys. You hear loud noises all around as well as a couple of disruptive kids, one of which flared up when physically hurt by an equal. I came out and saw all bags but no people. Something fishy was going on. I was led in a serious tone to the picnic tables and saw an entourage of youth and children shouting "Farewell, Joel".

Aww!

This followed by a spectacular Farewell Joel by a mysterious Alvern Ariston. It montaged all my friends' farewell wishes to me. Some felt odd since they called me "a really great friend" even though I didn't talk to them...at all...okay *maybe* just a little. Nonetheless I appreciate their care and concern for my departure. And it's lunch! Slacked a while more, some truth or dare sessions, a precious moment where one of us chose to vulnerable to our community, and a a soft goodbye. Received yet another letter on the way to my new hotel in the form of an email, and thank you to the author as well.

"Adios, Joel"

"Adios"

Best weekend of my life ever. And may there never be another need for a farewell.

Here are some of my favourite shots over the Farewell Weekend. Do take a gander to see if you are in the shot!

"Don't point to me; point to Him!"

Olivia teaching me how to be swag

Phyllis teaching me how to selfie professionally

 Yii Jie acting retarded

Ming Sheng: an inspirational leader-cub-joker 

Justina: a great friend; needs to improve in study–buddying though

Lady killa

Elder Freddy Boey's epic photobomb

Pastor Ern's not–as–epic–but–still–epic photobomb

Buff Cavan

Teehee

Talls vs Tallers

Derp

Vanessa + Phyllis = Tallers

Justin + Darren = ...

These ladies make me feel good by being tall

Legit cute or just acting...hmm?

I was too busy watching the vid to photobomb...

I'm blessed to bless

Lunch

Ben: OI GO EAT LUHH

My V with Charmaine didn't turn out as well as I thought...

I think we resemble...are we related!? :O Sidenote: nice T–shirt, Faith.

Thanks for clearing my debt, Josh. I can leave church w/o unfinished business.

Haha Pamela

Tamara: "Toking u wut?"

Candid shot...how can we adapt this for tumblr/Insta?

Yay slackers

Outside: smiling. Inside: zzz–ing.

"So let me share about my experience with romance..."

"Okay."

*Disclaimer: these captions do not necessarily reflect the true nature/context of the photo, so do take them lightheartedly and enjoy it just for laughs.

And for a photo finish, let's reach out for the skies:

P.S. Thank you all for all the years of joy, frustration and anything in between. I am truly grateful of them all. Have a blessed future, and continually, eagerly anticipate our Lord's return!

"Adios, Joel"

"Adios"

:Blessings, Joel Kindiak