Sunday, August 06, 2006
Hey Ding,
It happens sometimes i guess...we feel lonely, we feel helpless, we feel like we can't do anything about the circumstances around us. We try to stand up, but the world around us causes us to fall apart, we try to stand up for what's right, only to be bogged down again. I guess Daniel was caught in a similar situation, away in the midst of Babylonians after Judah's exile, he was asked to eat the food offered to Babylonian gods, ordered to bow down and worship the golden image of Nebuchadnezzar. But he stood firm.
The whole book of Daniel, especially the part on his life, is a good reminder to those in the midst of 'impurity' to always stay pure, friends are also especially important in helping you do so. Daniel had his three friends to stand by him and together they stood up against the conventions, and depended on God for deliverance. Recall the burning furnace, recall the lion's den. Because Daniel and friends held firmly to God, God held firmly to them as well.
I wish i could be there to give you support, to be by your side, to be a listening ear, to go through thick and thin with you...but it wouldn't be possible, not in the present circumstances, separated by a gulf of land and ocean, i can only hope to pray for you, and to pray that God will provide you those friends and family to help you through the tough times. God transcends all the distance between us, anytime you feel alone or helpless, recall that song that i sent to you the other day. "Did you ever talk to God above?". Of course, if anytime you need an earthly voice to relate your problems to, give me or maybe fab a ring over msn. We'll always be there for you, if not in a physical sense then in spiritual sense.
As for those people around you, those smokers and all, i pray that you will stay pure in the midst of them, yet still being able to impact them in some way or other. Is there a general disregard for anything religious there? Even so, be confident when you speak of God's word, as long as you do it with the right heart, with the right intentions, i'm sure God will make a way. Fellowship is important though, get to know people first then talk about things, the fact that you're running into such sticky situations (like the muslim guys 'preaching') is a sign that God is creating opportunities for you to step in. Remember, when faced with giant situations, we may sometimes feel like tiny grasshoppers, but there's nothing to fear if God's on our side. David defeated Goliath with that step of faith.
Haha...one of my spiritual gifts (did a test before) was faith, another was encouragement. I thank God that He has allowed me to exercise these gifts through encouraging you and encouraging you to trust in God. Let's hope He gives you chance to exercise your gifts as well. In all honestly, your gifts are that of listening...ya...you never stopped listening when ppl needed someone to talk to.
haha...sorry if my posts are getting more philosophical and less informal. Not sure which type of mail you prefer....but occasionally, typing like this does make more sense and does serve to encourage you better... of course i will revert to the previous style if you want lor :D
God Bless. do reply. Sorry i can't go on msn liao :(
TimLim (LimClanStrummer) :)
Thanks to all the blogs i referred to (countless) for html code help :) (esp. cyn' and sixseven)
Adobe Photoshop Elements for supernatural abilities
