a weekend of re-dedication and reflections

Wat a start to the new year...of 2008.....Soo many things have been happening...
The welcoming of a new year in HK....yilin's wedding..CNY..issues at work..battling the cold in hk...etc etc..


But this past week...must be one of THE weeks of 2008 that I will always remember.
This week, I feel so strongly the tug of God at my heart all over again. Somehow I know I need to re-commit my life to Him.

Went to church again after many weeks of being 'MIA' in church in HK...due to constant flying back to Spore..and all the tiredness and excuses made up by myself *guIllTy*
But going back today to church, I feel so strongly the Power of the Lord in our lives and the importance of staying rooted in Him. I understand once again the meaning of the simple phrase 'The Joy of the Lord, is our strength'. I have not felt the peace and joy from Him in a while.


Today, the message was on the deficient views of God that many of us have

1) Selective Saviour - We ask God to only 'interfere' in certain aspects of our lives. Eg. God you bless my career, but pertaining to the guy/girl that I like, I can handle it myself

2) Sunday Saviour - God, I am a good christian. I attend church every sunday!!! ie. I give you the 2 hours of the 168 hours of the week. Thats enough

3) Surplus Saviour - God is there to bless what we cannot bless on our own

4) Someday Saviour - God, I am currently so busy with my career/relationship. Someday, in the future, I will definitely draw closer to You.


The above message certainly has some relevance to me life and I began to reflect on the kind of Christian I have been. Certainly, God does not deserve such treatment from us.


Coincidentally, my colleague had asked me this week if I would like to go to this little church (just for sight seeing) on a hilltop where she used to visit a lot when she was younger. Her Granny stays on the hilltop and during Easter and Christmas period, her cousins and her will go stayover at her Granny's house and the whole family and the neighbourhood will all gather at the church for prayer and celebrations. THe history of this church was that during WW2, this church had actually provided food to the people living in the area. That was how her Granny and Grandad and family got to know Christ and were strong believers in Christ thereafter (although my fren has not re-dedicated her life again =( )


I found this place really interesting and decided to go with her today (after my church morning service). WOW. Was I pleasantly surprised and somewhat shocked, that there is such a place in HK.


As I stepped into the premises of the church, it really was not what I expected it to be. It is actually an extremely 'Chinese style' church. The architecture is almost like a Buddhist temple!! (except for the cross on top of the building) But everything in there, the carvings, scriptures on the walls etc, is no doubt all about Christ.

As we walked on, there was this little path...that led us to an amazing view. A HUGE white cross, planted on top of a hill over looking Shatin (an area in Kowloon). The sight was spectacular. Almost looking like an imagination in my head of the place where Jesus was hung from what I've read and seen from plays/videos etc over the years! haha... There was also a group of Indians, having a little prayer and worship session at the foot of the cross. Also written on the cross, were the words 'Cheng Le' = 'It is finished'

John 19:30 "When he had received the drink, Jesus said "It is finished". With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit."

As I stood there staring at the cross, soaked in the freshness of the air and gasping at the awesome views, I am again reminded of our redemption through His blood. There was a rock that stood strong at a corner, with the words 'Huo zai zhu nai' = 'Living in Christ' that stared at me so loudly, almost feeling that the words were screaming at me.

In my heart, I thank God, for always blasting reminders at me whenever i am on a downward spiral. This trip was not one planned by me. My colleague had told me about this place some weeks back, and this week, she just asked me, if I would like to visit this place...and it so happened that this was an extremely hard week for me. And the thing is..both my colleagues who went with me, are both non Christians...But I will be praying for them, for their salvation.

God has His plans for us. I feel really blessed, that God plants angels in my life all the time...and is sending reminders and signs to remind me of His presence, although I am so unworthy...

Praise God!

Some pics for ur viewing pleasures below =)























My fren said..this bell is rang 33 times b4 a service startts.
Still figuring out why...hmmm



















The path to the Cross














































































































The Solid Rock










































and just some side tracking...other than the little 'excursion' above this weekend...also went for a 16km hike!!! We did it in 4 hours!! I was really amazed that I could complete it....in view of the fact that I have not exercised and have been a piggy for the past 6 mths!!! (although I am aching all over now!!
Loaded some pics in the below website.....
HK is so amazing...so many scenic places...those of u visiting HK soon..pls rem that HK is not abt just eating and shopping and clubbing...it is much more beautiful than I ever thought!!!

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=29096&l=76090&id=669521765