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