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May 16, 2005
May 06, 2005
Do it!
13 Look here, you people who say, "Today or tomorrow we are going to a certain town and will stay there a year. We will do business there and make a profit." 14 How do you know what will happen tomorrow? For your life is like the morning fog ?it's here a little while, then it's gone. 15 What you ought to say is, "If the Lord wants us to, we will live and do this or that." 16 Otherwise you will be boasting about your own plans, and all such boasting is evil. 17 Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it.
When I was reading this Passage in James chapter 4 it really stuck out to me ... and realized how relevant it was.
We (me included) too often get distracted with our own plans, whether it is the fact we are chasing money, or we want a more comfortable life, or we think we aren't able to do what God wants us to do. But the the truth is we haven't got multiple lives to waste as the Hindus believe. We haven't got time to waste, we can't live for ourselves today making money, and say we'll go out on the missionfield later. The key is to be where God wants us to be, to go and do what he wants us to do, to live where he wants us to live ... Not because we have to do what God wants us to do, but we do it because we know he has the best for us. Why live for temporal riches when the riches in heaven are so much greater ... this isn't some idea made up so we would live self-sacrificing lives ... ITS THE TRUTH, so why don't we live it. If we really are following Christ's example we would give it up when God says do it ... we would be sensitive to the Holy Spirit.
Its a sin not to do what we know God wants us to do (verse 17)
If God tells you to go GO, if he tells you to stay STAY.
If God is telling you to speak to your neighbour about Christ. If you know God is telling you to give up your job and your unsaved girlfriend and move to Africa as a missionary, then don't be held back. Get rid of the weights that are holding you back (Hebrews 12:1) Run the race.
When I was reading this Passage in James chapter 4 it really stuck out to me ... and realized how relevant it was.
We (me included) too often get distracted with our own plans, whether it is the fact we are chasing money, or we want a more comfortable life, or we think we aren't able to do what God wants us to do. But the the truth is we haven't got multiple lives to waste as the Hindus believe. We haven't got time to waste, we can't live for ourselves today making money, and say we'll go out on the missionfield later. The key is to be where God wants us to be, to go and do what he wants us to do, to live where he wants us to live ... Not because we have to do what God wants us to do, but we do it because we know he has the best for us. Why live for temporal riches when the riches in heaven are so much greater ... this isn't some idea made up so we would live self-sacrificing lives ... ITS THE TRUTH, so why don't we live it. If we really are following Christ's example we would give it up when God says do it ... we would be sensitive to the Holy Spirit.
Its a sin not to do what we know God wants us to do (verse 17)
If God tells you to go GO, if he tells you to stay STAY.
If God is telling you to speak to your neighbour about Christ. If you know God is telling you to give up your job and your unsaved girlfriend and move to Africa as a missionary, then don't be held back. Get rid of the weights that are holding you back (Hebrews 12:1) Run the race.
May 03, 2005
"He wants you" ;)
Are any of you hungry to know God? Are you unsure about where God wants to take you? Is everything else in your life taking up more space than God? Do you want to be challenged? Then maybe a DTS is for you =)
This school changed my life, it was where the rubber hit the road so to speak, where I stepped out of my comfort zone and God met me in a powerful way. As I surrendered my own wants and desires and saught after what he had for my life, I grew in my relationship with God and my total dependence on Him
There is a DTS Discipleship Training School in ChiangMai, Thailand running from Sept 2005 - Feb 2006. It is a Bilingual School ran in English and Thai.
It is a cross-cultural school with students coming from all over the world.
In the 5.5 months, 3 months are spent in a classroom phase, where different topics are covered such as 'Hearing the Voice of God' 'The character of God' 'Clear Conscience' 'Spiritual Warfare' 'The Father Heart of God' 'Relationships' and others.
There are many opportunities to worship and pray togethor. And to catch a vision and heart for the nations.
The other 2.5 months are spent on outreach around Thailand and other surrounding countires. Its a time to put into practice what is learnt in the lecture phase, to make God known to the nations, and encourage to believers.
If you have some time free, or God has been changing your plans lately, and you really want to Know God more then take some time to pray about doing a DTS (in ChiangMai)
Not everyone is called to do a DTS, but we are all called to "Know God and to make Him Known" which is what a DTS is all about
it changed my life and it might change yours
For more information then check out the website right here
If you are interested in doing a DTS somewhere else,
21 Sept 2005 - 17 Feb 2006 there is a great DTS in Penang see this link
and they along with the one in CM are actually two of the lowest costing DTS's in the world :D
... so take the time to pray about it
This school changed my life, it was where the rubber hit the road so to speak, where I stepped out of my comfort zone and God met me in a powerful way. As I surrendered my own wants and desires and saught after what he had for my life, I grew in my relationship with God and my total dependence on Him
There is a DTS Discipleship Training School in ChiangMai, Thailand running from Sept 2005 - Feb 2006. It is a Bilingual School ran in English and Thai.
It is a cross-cultural school with students coming from all over the world.
In the 5.5 months, 3 months are spent in a classroom phase, where different topics are covered such as 'Hearing the Voice of God' 'The character of God' 'Clear Conscience' 'Spiritual Warfare' 'The Father Heart of God' 'Relationships' and others.
There are many opportunities to worship and pray togethor. And to catch a vision and heart for the nations.
The other 2.5 months are spent on outreach around Thailand and other surrounding countires. Its a time to put into practice what is learnt in the lecture phase, to make God known to the nations, and encourage to believers.
If you have some time free, or God has been changing your plans lately, and you really want to Know God more then take some time to pray about doing a DTS (in ChiangMai)
Not everyone is called to do a DTS, but we are all called to "Know God and to make Him Known" which is what a DTS is all about
it changed my life and it might change yours
For more information then check out the website right here
If you are interested in doing a DTS somewhere else,
21 Sept 2005 - 17 Feb 2006 there is a great DTS in Penang see this link
and they along with the one in CM are actually two of the lowest costing DTS's in the world :D
... so take the time to pray about it
April 17, 2005
Closer to home ... a little
Its been along time since I updated ... so here is the latest news.
I'm in Penang, Malaysia doing an SBS Core Course. Which is a 3 month school which teaches the Inductive method of studying the Bible, so rather than just being taught on the Bible, you are taught to read the Bible correctly ... observe what is there... then interpret what it meant to the original readers, then apply it to our own lives. Rather than having something in mind, then finding verses to support it.
Its an intensive 3 months, but 2 weeks in I'm loving it ... the hardest part about it is that God speaks so much through his word when you study it this way, that you have to stop studing and doing assignment ... because God is doing something in your life.
There is a 9 month version of this school which goes through the whole Bible in 9 months ... whereas we in 3 months study roughly 16 books in depth (from Historical books to epistles to prophets) and then are able to continue to use the method to study the rest on your own.
So I'll be here until end of June, then I will be back home in July for my birthday and get a new Thai visa, then back to Thailand in August.
I'm in Penang, Malaysia doing an SBS Core Course. Which is a 3 month school which teaches the Inductive method of studying the Bible, so rather than just being taught on the Bible, you are taught to read the Bible correctly ... observe what is there... then interpret what it meant to the original readers, then apply it to our own lives. Rather than having something in mind, then finding verses to support it.
Its an intensive 3 months, but 2 weeks in I'm loving it ... the hardest part about it is that God speaks so much through his word when you study it this way, that you have to stop studing and doing assignment ... because God is doing something in your life.
There is a 9 month version of this school which goes through the whole Bible in 9 months ... whereas we in 3 months study roughly 16 books in depth (from Historical books to epistles to prophets) and then are able to continue to use the method to study the rest on your own.
So I'll be here until end of June, then I will be back home in July for my birthday and get a new Thai visa, then back to Thailand in August.
February 28, 2005
A life so beautiful
On the 26th of February, 2005.
TUIY
went from here to the best place of all,
to be with her loving Father.
Her life will be remembered for her love and compassion,
her love for God, her love for others.
She lived every day in communion with God,
When she was around, you felt God present.
At the age of 27, she was on the way home from a worship meeting, and was hit by another car. She incurred internal injuries, that caused her body to fail a few hours later. Even during the time she was injured and hurting, she was more concerned about praying for her family members , than for herself.
She served with YWAM for 5 years, and during that time gave up her all to serve God and serve others. She loved and worked with children who had nothing. The compassion she showed children was straight from the heart of Jesus.
She studied at the DTS in ChiangMai 2004/2005, which I had the privilege to staff on. There were times that I wondered why she was on DTS, as I was learning more from her life, than she could learn from me. She was never proud, never self-seeking, only wanted to draw from God's abundant love for her and pour out that love to others.
She will be missed, and she will always be loved,
but why should we be so selfish to want her here,
when she is now in perfect communion with her perfect King and greatest friend,
and why should we be so selfish to want her here,
and deprive God of having this most beautiful life right there with Him.
Love you Always P'Tuiy
Glory to the most high and awesome God for the privilege of knowing you
Until I join the party, keep dancing keep singing
See you soon sister
Tom
January 30, 2005
closer to sea level
Quick note to let you all know I miss you all,
For 6 weeks I've been away on a mountain away from al the comforts, it was a farming village, but it was great to be away from the distractions that we place in our life, and to get back to nitty gritty lifestyle, as much as I am a technology buff, it really brought me closer to God, working amongst his Creation, getting dirt under the nails ;)
This DTS school will be all wrapped up in 2 weeks, then there will be goodbyes, but there will shouts of praise to God for all that we've learnt, for shouts of joy for achieving what felt like the impossible to some, rejoicing for the victories, and looking forward to more.
I am waiting expectantly to hear back from Penang, Malaysia, to know if I have been accepted to the Bible School there for the next few months, if I haven't then thats cool, if my application got lost then that is fine, God is just trying to get my attention to go another direction.
As Is already my experience, God doesn't always take you to what seems logical or benefical to do. Maybe I'll be back up the mountain working there, working in a studio, maybe spending time down south chatting to people living in tents, with nothing left to call there own.
For 6 weeks I've been away on a mountain away from al the comforts, it was a farming village, but it was great to be away from the distractions that we place in our life, and to get back to nitty gritty lifestyle, as much as I am a technology buff, it really brought me closer to God, working amongst his Creation, getting dirt under the nails ;)
This DTS school will be all wrapped up in 2 weeks, then there will be goodbyes, but there will shouts of praise to God for all that we've learnt, for shouts of joy for achieving what felt like the impossible to some, rejoicing for the victories, and looking forward to more.
I am waiting expectantly to hear back from Penang, Malaysia, to know if I have been accepted to the Bible School there for the next few months, if I haven't then thats cool, if my application got lost then that is fine, God is just trying to get my attention to go another direction.
As Is already my experience, God doesn't always take you to what seems logical or benefical to do. Maybe I'll be back up the mountain working there, working in a studio, maybe spending time down south chatting to people living in tents, with nothing left to call there own.
December 02, 2004
Update
Well the past few weeks has been pretty exciting our trip was an excellent trip, we saw God open many doors, and he went before us every step we took.
Just before we went, my laptop screen broke, now that I'm back my cd player broke.
Now all I got left is my Bible, and it just so happens that this week is teaching on getting into the Word everyday and how to do it. God's timing is so perfect. I'm going to a mountain where there isn't much to do, going there for my final outreach. So exciting to see what I learn without all the distractions around me.
Just before we went, my laptop screen broke, now that I'm back my cd player broke.
Now all I got left is my Bible, and it just so happens that this week is teaching on getting into the Word everyday and how to do it. God's timing is so perfect. I'm going to a mountain where there isn't much to do, going there for my final outreach. So exciting to see what I learn without all the distractions around me.
November 10, 2004
The test of truth
Its the cry of my heart that God would keep growing me and give me the opportunity to really live what I speak. And when God gave me the opportunity yesterday to really trust Him in His goodness it wasn't easy. The fless really wanted to get upset, but now that my everything is once again at God's feets and I'm trusting Him it feels so good so secure.
God gave me something and I had become secure in it, so one way or another God allowed it to be taken away so that I would become once again secure in Him. Praise God because He is so Great and His mercies endure forever and ever. There is none that can compare to God. He will never leave me nor forsake me. His arms are around me, His will is perfect. And HIS LOVE IS UNFAILING.
Really I have encountered nothing compared to what was Job went through and He still praised God.
What the enemy had meant to harm me, to take my focus away from God to myself, or even to get me to curse God, God has instead used to bring me closer to Him and to bring glory to Him. Praise God
God gave me something and I had become secure in it, so one way or another God allowed it to be taken away so that I would become once again secure in Him. Praise God because He is so Great and His mercies endure forever and ever. There is none that can compare to God. He will never leave me nor forsake me. His arms are around me, His will is perfect. And HIS LOVE IS UNFAILING.
Really I have encountered nothing compared to what was Job went through and He still praised God.
What the enemy had meant to harm me, to take my focus away from God to myself, or even to get me to curse God, God has instead used to bring me closer to Him and to bring glory to Him. Praise God
October 15, 2004
God has a sense of humour
Last night I was praying about which outreach destination he wanted me to go on, and after a little while I felt like I should turn to James 1 and this is the first verse I saw
5 If you need wisdom – if you want to know what God wants you to do – ask him, and he will gladly tell you. He will not resent your asking. 6 But when you ask him, be sure that you really expect him to answer, for a doubtful mind is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. 7 People like that should not expect to receive anything from the Lord.
At first I laughed and told God I was already asking, why was he telling me to ask again :p
but I realized he really wanted me to seek, to be patient for an answer, and to really believe Him when he answered me, not to doubt Him.
I realised today that I had only just prayed an hour before I got the verse, that God would teach me to really wait on Him for answers and not take things into my own hands.
So I'm still seeking an answer for which outreach He will have me go on ... but I will let you know, when God lets me know :)
5 If you need wisdom – if you want to know what God wants you to do – ask him, and he will gladly tell you. He will not resent your asking. 6 But when you ask him, be sure that you really expect him to answer, for a doubtful mind is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. 7 People like that should not expect to receive anything from the Lord.
At first I laughed and told God I was already asking, why was he telling me to ask again :p
but I realized he really wanted me to seek, to be patient for an answer, and to really believe Him when he answered me, not to doubt Him.
I realised today that I had only just prayed an hour before I got the verse, that God would teach me to really wait on Him for answers and not take things into my own hands.
So I'm still seeking an answer for which outreach He will have me go on ... but I will let you know, when God lets me know :)
September 10, 2004
Jesus' Blood
The blood of Jesus never fails
The love of Jesus never fails
Now that is an ABSOLUTE truth, its not just true for me its true for me its true for everyone.
I love this song from Delirious
Jesus' Blood
There's a secret I must tell
Of all the love I've found
And it's hidden in my heart
The day you tore my world apart
Hallelujah, King forever, friend and Saviour
Jesus' blood never fails me,
Jesus' blood never fails me,
Jesus' blood, Jesus' blood
And this secret, it will run
To the corners of the earth
Where every woman, every son
Will carry high their chains undone
Hallelujah, King forever, friend and Saviour
Jesus' blood never fails me,
Jesus' blood never fails me,
Jesus' blood never fails me,
Jesus' blood, Jesus' blood
Sing your songs of freedom
Praise the God of heaven
Love that never fails me
Jesus' blood, Jesus' blood
The love of Jesus never fails
Now that is an ABSOLUTE truth, its not just true for me its true for me its true for everyone.
I love this song from Delirious
Jesus' Blood
There's a secret I must tell
Of all the love I've found
And it's hidden in my heart
The day you tore my world apart
Hallelujah, King forever, friend and Saviour
Jesus' blood never fails me,
Jesus' blood never fails me,
Jesus' blood, Jesus' blood
And this secret, it will run
To the corners of the earth
Where every woman, every son
Will carry high their chains undone
Hallelujah, King forever, friend and Saviour
Jesus' blood never fails me,
Jesus' blood never fails me,
Jesus' blood never fails me,
Jesus' blood, Jesus' blood
Sing your songs of freedom
Praise the God of heaven
Love that never fails me
Jesus' blood, Jesus' blood
September 07, 2004
Up the ladder ...
Wow so much excitement, its only a few days before students will start arriving for DTS. Its a brand new year, with many new faces, new lives, new things God is going to do in their lives and in mine. Its hard for me to believe it was me last year stepping out into the unknown by coming to a DTS in Thailand. Now I'm stepping out even further into new unknowns, but once again EXCITEMENT outweighs nervousness or doubts of if I'm going to get through this.
I'm comforted by the picture of God holding a big cushion, to catch me when I fall, and the fact of falling is something I worry less about now than before. I know not going to 'Ace' life, I'm not going to get a perfect '10'. Even if I 'fail' there is great joy and comfort in seeing God working it out for good.
The first time you jump of high diving board it can be extremely scary, even though you've watched others do it before you, there's something different about doing it yourself and surviving, and once you've done it once you'll try it again, this time now a little less hesitant than the time before, eventually you can't wait for the next chance to take another leap.
For me in the past I've watch others take the leap of faith, to jump off the edge, but was wary to do so myself. I've made a few leaps and God has caught me, now I'm ready to take some more maybe from a little bit higher this time, The excitement and tension is building, I'm a little nervous, but watching others jump while I'm down on the ground, doesn't compare to taking the leap myself.
I'm up the ladder ... and to turn around and climb back down would be to fail
I'm comforted by the picture of God holding a big cushion, to catch me when I fall, and the fact of falling is something I worry less about now than before. I know not going to 'Ace' life, I'm not going to get a perfect '10'. Even if I 'fail' there is great joy and comfort in seeing God working it out for good.
The first time you jump of high diving board it can be extremely scary, even though you've watched others do it before you, there's something different about doing it yourself and surviving, and once you've done it once you'll try it again, this time now a little less hesitant than the time before, eventually you can't wait for the next chance to take another leap.
For me in the past I've watch others take the leap of faith, to jump off the edge, but was wary to do so myself. I've made a few leaps and God has caught me, now I'm ready to take some more maybe from a little bit higher this time, The excitement and tension is building, I'm a little nervous, but watching others jump while I'm down on the ground, doesn't compare to taking the leap myself.
I'm up the ladder ... and to turn around and climb back down would be to fail
August 29, 2004
True Freedom
(Fixed Up a few things)
God longs so much for us to be free ... he's paid for our freedom, now its our choice to really live in it. To be all that he created us to be. We no longer have to be held back by the world. We have the freedom to live real life, to no longer settle for the false reality the world has sold us. God has created us to be so much more.
We were made to be more than average ... more than 'just ok' ... more than just getting by!Switchfoot sings about that in one of their songs, and movies like truman show and the matrix ... speak of making a decision to face our fears, choose life over false life (death), and living life to its fullest.
The things that God has for us do not make sense to the world, they are extreme to world, and they were extreme to me, because I had been shaped by the world. Instead of focusing on the world or myself, My focus is now on the most EXTREME person of all (at least to the world) JESUS!! he was extreme!!! and He was ridiculed for it! If I'm to be like Christ, then that would mean I would rediculed by the world too right!?... it says that in the Bible.
Ouch I never liked that!! it made me squirm and I would shrug it off, because I wasn't being persecuted for Christ. OK maybe one dayin the future I would be, but at the time I was doing just fine being accepted by the everyone, the world and the church. Though the time came when I got sick of being just average. And decided to take a risk and trust that God really did have something better, that I couldn't hold onto the things of the world and the things of God, I had the freedom to let go ... to live real life... to live like Christ.
To be honest I didn't think I would ever be to do extreme things for God, to see the impossible happen, to walk everyday trusting in God instead of myself. I didn't feel like I was able, that I was good enough ... I hadn't really belived that God's love for me overcame all of my weaknesses!
When I started accepting God's extreme love for me, thats when things starting changing. When impossible became possible. When what the great things God had for me became reality!
It doesn't matter how you look or feel ... whether you have lots of friends or none, whether you feel like you're able to do great things or you feel like you can't do anything. God has an 'extreme' life for us all to live, one that is greater than we had ever imagined.
Extreme living begins when we receive extreme love, when we realize that we are not worthy to be loved yet we are loved, when we believe we can't do anything, but we can do everything. Its something I don't get a grasp on by just hearing or reading about, its something I had to meditate on and that I had to receive ... to believe even though it doesn't make sense. I know I'm not able, but I know I will do because God will do it. And I'm not going to say in 10 years, I'll have the faith to raise the dead, or see a blind man healed ... I'm just going to live life as God intended not limited by this world, to live by the power of Jesus. Being absolutely weak, So God can make me strong. If you want to see how the paradoxs of God work, you can't just think about them you got to live them.
I was once even scared of the word 'extreme' but now I know thats what God has called me too, and you too :). It doesn't mean to throw away 'balance' but it does mean to re-evaluate what you are balancing. Are you balancing the things of the world with the things of God. YES I DID THAT! Instead throw away the things of the world, and be extreme the world, don't compromise, don't be just ok. Find your balance and wholeness in Christ ... and be EXTREME! for Christ
In His EXTREME love =)
Tom
God longs so much for us to be free ... he's paid for our freedom, now its our choice to really live in it. To be all that he created us to be. We no longer have to be held back by the world. We have the freedom to live real life, to no longer settle for the false reality the world has sold us. God has created us to be so much more.
We were made to be more than average ... more than 'just ok' ... more than just getting by!Switchfoot sings about that in one of their songs, and movies like truman show and the matrix ... speak of making a decision to face our fears, choose life over false life (death), and living life to its fullest.
The things that God has for us do not make sense to the world, they are extreme to world, and they were extreme to me, because I had been shaped by the world. Instead of focusing on the world or myself, My focus is now on the most EXTREME person of all (at least to the world) JESUS!! he was extreme!!! and He was ridiculed for it! If I'm to be like Christ, then that would mean I would rediculed by the world too right!?... it says that in the Bible.
Ouch I never liked that!! it made me squirm and I would shrug it off, because I wasn't being persecuted for Christ. OK maybe one dayin the future I would be, but at the time I was doing just fine being accepted by the everyone, the world and the church. Though the time came when I got sick of being just average. And decided to take a risk and trust that God really did have something better, that I couldn't hold onto the things of the world and the things of God, I had the freedom to let go ... to live real life... to live like Christ.
To be honest I didn't think I would ever be to do extreme things for God, to see the impossible happen, to walk everyday trusting in God instead of myself. I didn't feel like I was able, that I was good enough ... I hadn't really belived that God's love for me overcame all of my weaknesses!
When I started accepting God's extreme love for me, thats when things starting changing. When impossible became possible. When what the great things God had for me became reality!
It doesn't matter how you look or feel ... whether you have lots of friends or none, whether you feel like you're able to do great things or you feel like you can't do anything. God has an 'extreme' life for us all to live, one that is greater than we had ever imagined.
Extreme living begins when we receive extreme love, when we realize that we are not worthy to be loved yet we are loved, when we believe we can't do anything, but we can do everything. Its something I don't get a grasp on by just hearing or reading about, its something I had to meditate on and that I had to receive ... to believe even though it doesn't make sense. I know I'm not able, but I know I will do because God will do it. And I'm not going to say in 10 years, I'll have the faith to raise the dead, or see a blind man healed ... I'm just going to live life as God intended not limited by this world, to live by the power of Jesus. Being absolutely weak, So God can make me strong. If you want to see how the paradoxs of God work, you can't just think about them you got to live them.
I was once even scared of the word 'extreme' but now I know thats what God has called me too, and you too :). It doesn't mean to throw away 'balance' but it does mean to re-evaluate what you are balancing. Are you balancing the things of the world with the things of God. YES I DID THAT! Instead throw away the things of the world, and be extreme the world, don't compromise, don't be just ok. Find your balance and wholeness in Christ ... and be EXTREME! for Christ
In His EXTREME love =)
Tom
August 26, 2004
II Corinthians 5:16-18
16 So we have stopped evaluating others by what the world thinks about them. Once I mistakenly thought of Christ that way, as though he were merely a human being. How differently I think about him now! 17 What this means is that those who become Christians become new persons. They are not the same anymore, for the old life is gone. A new life has begun! 18 All this newness of life is from God, who brought us back to himself through what Christ did. And God has given us the task of reconciling people to him.
August 25, 2004
Ephesians 3:20
Now glory be to God! By his mighty power at work within us, he is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope.
August 06, 2004
Start staff training this Monday ... should be good to have the whole staff team togethor, and to stretch each other.
I'm really excited about the DTS, its going to be a great time, where I will learn alot through being a staff member. Anyone that is involved in DTS's, or is a disciple of Christ for that matter is always learning whether they're 'staff' or not
I'm really excited about the DTS, its going to be a great time, where I will learn alot through being a staff member. Anyone that is involved in DTS's, or is a disciple of Christ for that matter is always learning whether they're 'staff' or not
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