Covenant of Zion Church

God can show up at any place, any where, any time. If He wants to come, no one can stop Him, right?

I hope that your answer was a resounding "yes" or "amen." Many of us are used to a more contemporary worship style with songs played with stringed instruments such as the guitar, keyboards, bass, and drums. At some of the churches, worship becomes a rock'n roll concert. People jump up and down (not that there's anything wrong with that) and dance like a disco king/queen at a pub. While passing no judgments to various styles of worship, rock concert-like style of worship possess the inherent danger of "hype." Young people can easily be aroused by it more so than older people. And sometimes we lose sight of who we really want to worship... hey, it happens, no?

This morning, God showed me that He can show up in the most conservative formats of worship. The Church of "the covenant of Zion" uses only hymns and organ with no added dressing for worship. And guess what, God shows up and touch people. There is absolutely no hype... just orderly, conservative worship... but the Father is seeking those who will worship Him in Spirit and in Truth. The times we spent waiting on the Lord becomes the times of healing and refreshment. The congregation spans 3 floors and people are attracted here.
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9"So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 10For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.

11"Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? 12Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? 13If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!"

Luke 11:9-13
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So now, Lord, all I need to do is ask...

Thank you....

New Life Cell Group Church in Taipei

God is doing some amazing work in the midst of young adults here in Taipei!

Today I went to a church meeting of 99% young adults (25 average, younger than 30). The "New Life Cell Group Church" has over 1,500 this year... growing from 1,000 in 2005. I participated in their service and sharing/fellowship that's immediately after the service today with Grace.

The pastor is really anointed because of his faithfulness toward God's calling. Lot of young people are coming to Christ everyday through the ministries of this church. It is very encouraging. The sharing of the vision for 2007 is consistent with what we've received here in the US.

"Mission means building churches."

I thank you, Lord, for confirming with me your plans of abundance for us in the coming year.

Bowling.... remembering old times.

Tonight, I relived some old times.

Back in the college years, a few of our friends used to go bowling almost every day. It's been more than 10 years since these days. And out of the blue, tonight, Steve, Emily, Mei-Lin, and Steve's little sister... we went for hotpot and decided to go bowling...

Old memories, who knew we could be even better after 10 years, hahaha!

Trip to Dian Sui 2006

Everytime I read God's word, I feel that every word is so precious. So it's difficult for me to pick and choose short passages to share on this blog. But I do intend to share at the very least some of the words that are most meaningful for me today:

Psalm 66:16-20
16 Come and listen, all you who fear God;
let me tell you what he has done for me.

17 I cried out to him with my mouth;
his praise was on my tongue.

18 If I had cherished sin in my heart,
the Lord would not have listened;

19 but God has surely listened
and heard my voice in prayer.

20 Praise be to God,
who has not rejected my prayer
or withheld his love from me!

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Today was a test for me as well... I cried out to God (I feel that I will be doing a lot of crying in the coming year) and He heard me. I want to have the chance to say: "Come and listen, those who fear God. Let me tell you what He has done for me." Lord, Amen, I do ask for that privilege.

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Went to Dian Sui today with Echo. She's happily married now and to much of my surprise, she's never been to Dian Sui. So we decided to meet up and head down. Unfortunately, her husband couldn't join us. Perhaps though, another time. Don't worry, Echo, God has His timings for your husband and your family. I believe He will do just what He says in His perfect timing.

How timely are You, Lord!

Psalm 65

1 Praise awaits you, O God, in Zion;
to you our vows will be fulfilled.

2 O you who hear prayer,
to you all men will come.

3 When we were overwhelmed by sins,
you forgave our transgressions.

4 Blessed are those you choose
and bring near to live in your courts!
We are filled with the good things of your house,
of your holy temple.

5 You answer us with awesome deeds of righteousness,
O God our Savior,
the hope of all the ends of the earth
and of the farthest seas,

6 who formed the mountains by your power,
having armed yourself with strength,

7 who stilled the roaring of the seas,
the roaring of their waves,
and the turmoil of the nations.

8 Those living far away fear your wonders;
where morning dawns and evening fades
you call forth songs of joy.

9 You care for the land and water it;
you enrich it abundantly.
The streams of God are filled with water
to provide the people with grain,
for so you have ordained it.

10 You drench its furrows
and level its ridges;
you soften it with showers
and bless its crops.

11 You crown the year with your bounty,
and your carts overflow with abundance.

12 The grasslands of the desert overflow;
the hills are clothed with gladness.

13 The meadows are covered with flocks
and the valleys are mantled with grain;
they shout for joy and sing.

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Thank you, Lord, for being always faithful, forgiving, and abundant. I will look forward to my remaining times here in Taiwan and the abundant year ahead!

Thank you, dear sister, beloved, your call strengthened me in the most timely manner.

Peppered Shrimp!

That's right! I've heard so much about peppered shrimp and how that I must try it but never had the chance. Well... here it is. Good, tasty shrimp. There might be better ones in other restaurants, but this one here is still good.
Menu
Peppered Shrimp!!!
Lamb Casserole
Bamboo Shrimp and fried lobster
Drinks.

Thanks to Steve, Emily, and Mei-lin again!

EtherWAN Taipei

Today I went to EtherWAN Taipei to meet my old and new co-workers. How so much has changed~~~
Tracy and Shirley
Jennifer and Freida
With me
Johnson, me, and Mars. Thank you all for taking the time to talk to me, may the grace of God touch our hearts again.

100+ E-mails requesting for Proposals!!!

What's going on?

Hey, I'm on vacation... no work related inquiries please....

Psalm 62

1 My soul finds rest in God alone;
my salvation comes from him.

2 He alone is my rock and my salvation;
he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.

3 How long will you assault a man?
Would all of you throw him down—
this leaning wall, this tottering fence?

4 They fully intend to topple him
from his lofty place;
they take delight in lies.
With their mouths they bless,
but in their hearts they curse.
Selah

5 Find rest, O my soul, in God alone;
my hope comes from him.

6 He alone is my rock and my salvation;
he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.

7 My salvation and my honor depend on God;
he is my mighty rock, my refuge.

8 Trust in him at all times, O people;
pour out your hearts to him,
for God is our refuge.
Selah

9 Lowborn men are but a breath,
the highborn are but a lie;
if weighed on a balance, they are nothing;
together they are only a breath.

10 Do not trust in extortion
or take pride in stolen goods;
though your riches increase,
do not set your heart on them.

11 One thing God has spoken,
two things have I heard:
that you, O God, are strong,

12 and that you, O Lord, are loving.
Surely you will reward each person
according to what he has done.

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O Lord, let me not forget whom you called me to be. You are a God of mighty strength. Who can oppose you? Therefore I ask that you will show your power and strength to us here in Taipei. Break the strongholds of the evil ones and reign supreme. Lord, I ask that You will let my heart be still and silent. So I will wait in great expectation of what You can and will do in my life and for those around me. When my weakness reach me, I will take refuge in You. For You are my fortress and my high strong tower.

And Lord, teach me Your love. So that I will not just be a man of strength and not a man of love. Teach me Your ways, Lord...

I can get online at the house!!!

Finally, finally... my notebook has been suffering from an unknown slow down that caused everything to load slowly from boot up to shut down. I had suspected that it was a hardware issue. However, the supports at Dell thinks it was the OS and recommended to re-install. This happened just right on the day where I was gonna go back to Taiwan. So I couldn't send the notebook back to Dell for them to change the hard drive since I will be needing the notebook during the vacation here.

Yesterday, I finally had it... the slow down was unbearable. So I backed up my stuff and began the reformat process last night before I went to bed. I was done during the afternoon time and sure enough, the new install fixed the slow down. My father wanted to get the 8Mb fiber optic Internet/TV/Phone triple play(wow, didn't know that... until I called the ISP for the username and password for PPPoE) working correctly and add wireless service, so we went to get a router and installed it.

Now I have Internet right from in my room!! This is great! Because now I can finally update my blog without going to my father's office.

Tonight I had a chance to share God with my stepsister and her mom. They are good people, unfortunately, they feel that that their good deeds can save them. Lord, please give me wisdom in sharing with them about you.

Home of Christians for Performance Artists

This is a church where my father attended for 26 years. The pastor's message was good and they gave me a warm welcome. Btw, David Tao's father goes to this church and so does Mr. Sun.

I didn't stay for the Evening celebration because I've got anther engagement to celebrate Christmas Eve with friends I knew from last year's Taiwan trip. Tonight would be the first KTV in Taiwan for me. And I'm already not looking forward to it as much as before. God has changed my appetite.

Anyways, I was looking at the phone bill from T-Mobile's website... they must had some glitch happening on their system. The details bill shows a total balance of $54... while the overall balance showed $316.62!!!

I'm gonna call them and find out what's going on. I am still well within my covered plan service.

Sunday service part one.

I read this while I was attending a Christmas Special Sunday Service at my father's Church: Capital of Covenant People Church. They sure got some talents. Toward the end of the service, they even had a raffle drawing.

It was an interesting experience which I will probably get into later. Right now, this Psalm speaks to me in volumes. It's what I need. To be led on to a plane higher than me.
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Psalm 61

1 Hear my cry, O God;
listen to my prayer.

2 From the ends of the earth I call to you,
I call as my heart grows faint;
lead me to the rock that is higher than I.

3 For you have been my refuge,
a strong tower against the foe.

4 I long to dwell in your tent forever
and take refuge in the shelter of your wings.
Selah

5 For you have heard my vows, O God;
you have given me the heritage of those who fear your name.

6 Increase the days of the king's life,
his years for many generations.

7 May he be enthroned in God's presence forever;
appoint your love and faithfulness to protect him.

8 Then will I ever sing praise to your name
and fulfill my vows day after day.

First Day in Taiwan 12.22.06 US; 12.23.06 TW

I got off the plane at around 5:47am Taiwan's time which is around 1:47pm in the USA a day earlier. Afterwards, I was delighted to find out that my little stepsister was baptized earlier this year and that my father has been going to church consistently. Still, a sense of why I went ahead with the vacation in Taiwan eludes my mind. I know God has His will for me while I'm here. It's just that I have a lot of not so great history based on poor choices here in Taipei. Even before I landed, I was praying and asking God to go with me and talk to me while I walk the streets of Taipei.

I got to my father's office in Taipei and finally got online. I was greeted with a very warm e-mail from a very dear one (Thank you). Apparently, it was raining in LA right after I left. I found out that it was raining in Taiwan just right before I came. So when I walked the streets this afternoon at the East Section of Taipei, I was greeted with the sunlight. Some might see this and dismiss it as nothing. But I see it as a favor from God. As if though He was telling me and showing me that He will take care of me and lead me in the path of the light. So... finally, my journey in Taiwan begins. Btw, my cell phone no. is 09271-86035 if anyone needs to get a hold of me.

I met up with my friend Grace (from the States, she's back here on a LONG vacation) and she took me to a church that's she's been going called "New Life Cell Group Church" about 5 minutes from where I live. It's a church of young people that has recently grown to 1,500 young members. I met Aileen, who in my estimation, changed so much. Looks like God is really doing something in the young people in Taipei! More about this later as I get to know this church.

This is a picture of Grace's friend as we attended another church meeting during the evening time.
Notice the song she's sharing? Hehe.

After the meeting, I met up with my long time friends: Steve, Emily, and Mei-Lin. We went to a Tea House past SiLin.



This is Moi Chi made with Milk! Very very tasty.

Mei-Lin and Emily. Mei-Lin is getting married! Congrats!!!
Steve handling the tea.
Tea Desserts

Psalm 59 (New American Standard version)
1Deliver me from my enemies, O my God;
Set me securely on high away from those who rise up against me.

2Deliver me from those who do iniquity
And save me from men of bloodshed.

3For behold, they have set an ambush for my life;
Fierce men launch an attack against me,
Not for my transgression nor for my sin, O LORD,

4For no guilt of mine, they run and set themselves against me
Arouse Yourself to help me, and see!

5You, O LORD God of hosts, the God of Israel,
Awake to punish all the nations;
Do not be gracious to any who are treacherous in iniquity. Selah.

6They return at evening, they howl like a dog,
And go around the city.

7Behold, they belch forth with their mouth;
Swords are in their lips,
For, they say, "Who hears?"

8But You, O LORD, laugh at them;
You scoff at all the nations.

9Because of his strength I will watch for You,
For God is my stronghold.

10My God in His lovingkindness will meet me;
God will let me look triumphantly upon my foes.

11Do not slay them, or my people will forget;
Scatter them by Your power, and bring them down,
O Lord, our shield.

12On account of the sin of their mouth and the words of their lips,
Let them even be caught in their pride,
And on account of curses and lies which they utter.

13Destroy them in wrath, destroy them that they may be no more;
That men may know that God rules in Jacob
To the ends of the earth. Selah.

14They return at evening, they howl like a dog,
And go around the city.

15They wander about for food
And growl if they are not satisfied.

16But as for me, I shall sing of Your strength;
Yes, I shall joyfully sing of Your lovingkindness in the morning,
For You have been my stronghold
And a refuge in the day of my distress.

17O my strength, I will sing praises to You;
For God is my stronghold, the God who shows me lovingkindness.

1 我 的 　 神 啊 ， 求 你 救 我 脫 離 仇 敵 ， 把 我 安 置 在 高 處 ， 得 脫 那 些 起 來 攻 擊 我 的 人 。

2 求 你 救 我 脫 離 作 孽 的 人 和 喜 愛 流 人 血 的 人 ！

3 因 為 ， 他 們 埋 伏 要 害 我 的 命 ； 有 能 力 的 人 聚 集 來 攻 擊 我 。 耶 和 華 啊 ， 這 不 是 為 我 的 過 犯 ， 也 不 是 為 我 的 罪 愆 。

4 我 雖 然 無 過 ， 他 們 預 備 整 齊 ， 跑 來 攻 擊 我 。 求 你 興 起 鑒 察 ， 幫 助 我 ！

5 萬 軍 之 　 神 ─ 耶 和 華 以 色 列 的 　 神 啊 ！ 求 你 興 起 ， 懲 治 萬 邦 ！ 不 要 憐 憫 行 詭 詐 的 惡 人 ！ （ 細 拉 ）

6 他 們 晚 上 轉 回 ， 叫 號 如 狗 ， 圍 城 繞 行 。

7 他 們 口 中 噴 吐 惡 言 ， 嘴 裡 有 刀 ； 他 們 說 ： 有 誰 聽 見 ？

8 但 你 ─ 耶 和 華 必 笑 話 他 們 ； 你 要 嗤 笑 萬 邦 。

9 我 的 力 量 啊 ， 我 必 仰 望 你 ， 因 為 　 神 是 我 的 高 臺 。

10 我 的 　 神 要 以 慈 愛 迎 接 我 ； 　 神 要 叫 我 看 見 我 仇 敵 遭 報 。

11 不 要 殺 他 們 ， 恐 怕 我 的 民 忘 記 。 主 啊 ， 你 是 我 們 的 盾 牌 ； 求 你 用 你 的 能 力 使 他 們 四 散 ， 且 降 為 卑 。

12 他 們 口 中 的 罪 和 嘴 裡 的 言 語 ， 並 咒 罵 虛 謊 的 話 ， 願 他 們 在 驕 傲 之 中 被 纏 住 了 。

13 求 你 發 怒 ， 使 他 們 消 滅 ， 以 致 歸 於 無 有 ， 叫 他 們 知 道 　 神 在 雅 各 中 間 掌 權 ， 直 到 地 極 。 （ 細 拉 ）

14 到 了 晚 上 ， 任 憑 他 們 轉 回 ； 任 憑 他 們 叫 號 如 狗 ， 圍 城 繞 行 。

15 他 們 必 走 來 走 去 ， 尋 找 食 物 ， 若 不 得 飽 就 終 夜 在 外 。

16 但 我 要 歌 頌 你 的 力 量 ， 早 晨 要 高 唱 你 的 慈 愛 ； 因 為 你 作 過 我 的 高 臺 ， 在 我 急 難 的 日 子 作 過 我 的 避 難 所 。

17 我 的 力 量 啊 ， 我 要 歌 頌 你 ； 因 為 　 神 是 我 的 高 臺 ， 是 賜 恩 與 我 的 　 神 。

Woke up at 4:30am...

I woke extra early today... Lord, I'm waiting...

Psalm 57:7-11

7 My heart is steadfast, O God,
my heart is steadfast;
I will sing and make music.

8 Awake, my soul!
Awake, harp and lyre!
I will awaken the dawn.

9 I will praise you, O Lord, among the nations;
I will sing of you among the peoples.

10 For great is your love, reaching to the heavens;
your faithfulness reaches to the skies.

11 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens;
let your glory be over all the earth.

7 　 神 啊 ， 我 心 堅 定 ， 我 心 堅 定 ； 我 要 唱 詩 ， 我 要 歌 頌 ！

8 我 的 靈 （ 原 文 是 榮 耀 ） 啊 ， 你 當 醒 起 ！ 琴 瑟 啊 ， 你 們 當 醒 起 ！ 我 自 己 要 極 早 醒 起 ！

9 主 啊 ， 我 要 在 萬 民 中 稱 謝 你 ， 在 列 邦 中 歌 頌 你 ！

10 因 為 ， 你 的 慈 愛 高 及 諸 天 ； 你 的 誠 實 達 到 穹 蒼 。

11 　 神 啊 ， 願 你 崇 高 過 於 諸 天 ！ 願 你 的 榮 耀 高 過 全 地 ！

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Lord, help me to appropriate my passion toward you. O, why my heart suffers violence... Is it not for you, my Lord? Is it not for you to show me your purpose in me? "Record my lament; list my tears on your scroll - are they not in your record?" Psalm 56:8 (我 幾 次 流 離 ， 你 都 記 數 ； 求 你 把 我 眼 淚 裝 在 你 的 皮 袋 裡 。 這 不 都 記 在 你 冊 子 上 麼 ？).

Psalm 55:16-23

16 But I call to God,
and the LORD saves me.

17 Evening, morning and noon
I cry out in distress,
and he hears my voice.

18 He ransoms me unharmed
from the battle waged against me,
even though many oppose me.

19 God, who is enthroned forever,
will hear them and afflict them—
Selah
men who never change their ways
and have no fear of God.

20 My companion attacks his friends;
he violates his covenant.

21 His speech is smooth as butter,
yet war is in his heart;
his words are more soothing than oil,
yet they are drawn swords.

22 Cast your cares on the LORD
and he will sustain you;
he will never let the righteous fall.

23 But you, O God, will bring down the wicked
into the pit of corruption;
bloodthirsty and deceitful men
will not live out half their days.
But as for me, I trust in you.

16 至 於 我 ， 我 要 求 告 　 神 ； 耶 和 華 必 拯 救 我 。

17 我 要 晚 上 、 早 晨 、 晌 午 哀 聲 悲 歎 ； 他 也 必 聽 我 的 聲 音 。

18 他 救 贖 我 命 脫 離 攻 擊 我 的 人 ， 使 我 得 享 平 安 ， 因 為 與 我 相 爭 的 人 甚 多 。

19 那 沒 有 更 變 、 不 敬 畏 　 神 的 人 ， 從 太 古 常 存 的 　 神 必 聽 見 而 苦 待 他 。

20 他 背 了 約 ， 伸 手 攻 擊 與 他 和 好 的 人 。

21 他 的 口 如 奶 油 光 滑 ， 他 的 心 卻 懷 著 爭 戰 ； 他 的 話 比 油 柔 和 ， 其 實 是 拔 出 來 的 刀 。

22 你 要 把 你 的 重 擔 卸 給 耶 和 華 ， 他 必 撫 養 你 ； 他 永 不 叫 義 人 動 搖 。

23 　 神 啊 ， 你 必 使 惡 人 下 入 滅 亡 的 坑 ； 流 人 血 、 行 詭 詐 的 人 必 活 不 到 半 世 ， 但 我 要 倚 靠 你 。

Amazing Prayer meeting

你愛永不變

你流出寶血　洗淨我污穢
將我的生命贖回
你為了我的罪　犧牲永不悔
顯明你極大恩惠

我深深體會你愛的寶貴　獻上自己永追隨
或傷心或氣餒　
或生離或死別
願剛強壯膽永遠不後退

哦　你愛永不變　從今直到永遠
深深澆灌我心田

或天旋或地轉　
經滄海歷桑田
都不能叫我與你愛隔絕

Tonight, God touched my heart by telling me how He's never changed His mind about me. He's never changed and tirelessly poured His love into me. This song along with 他能改變 (don't have the lyrics, can someone find it for me?) were sang tonight... while I was singing 他能改變, I began crying almost uncontrollably. The only thing in my mind... How He opened wide His arms for me when I needed His love. And how far He would come, if I ever was lost...

Thank you, Lord, for your persistent love.

Jehovah Shamma - Lord, You are with me

Psalm 139
1 O LORD, you have searched me
and you know me.

2 You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar.

3 You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways.

4 Before a word is on my tongue
you know it completely, O LORD.

5 You hem me in—behind and before;
you have laid your hand upon me.

6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too lofty for me to attain.

7 Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?

8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.

9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
if I settle on the far side of the sea,

10 even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast.

11 If I say, "Surely the darkness will hide me
and the light become night around me,"

12 even the darkness will not be dark to you;
the night will shine like the day,
for darkness is as light to you.

13 For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother's womb.

14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.

15 My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,

16 your eyes saw my unformed body.
All the days ordained for me
were written in your book
before one of them came to be.

17 How precious to me are your thoughts(or concerns), O God!
How vast is the sum of them!

18 Were I to count them,
they would outnumber the grains of sand.
When I awake,
I am still with you.

19 If only you would slay the wicked, O God!
Away from me, you bloodthirsty men!

20 They speak of you with evil intent;
your adversaries misuse your name.

21 Do I not hate those who hate you, O LORD,
and abhor those who rise up against you?

22 I have nothing but hatred for them;
I count them my enemies.

23 Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.

24 See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.

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Yes, Lord, you will be with me no matter where I go. As soon as I draw close to you, you will draw close to me. Just like you were with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the fiery furnace, you will be with me. Just like when you were there at the Lion's Den with Daniel, so will you be with me.

"And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever—"
John 14:16

5Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said,
"Never will I leave you;
never will I forsake you." 6So we say with confidence,
"The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.
What can man do to me?"

Hebrews 13:5-6

Share this song with all of you.

More than Enough (Robert Gay)

Jehovah Jireh, my provider
You're more than enough for me.
Jehovah Rapha, You're my healer,
by Your stripes, I have been set free.

Jehovah Shamma, You are with me
and You supply all of my needs;
You are more than enough,
You are much more than enough,
You are more than enough for me.

Sleepless...

About 44 1/2 hours to go before my airplane takes off to Taiwan, I am suddenly sleepless. Kind of saddened and kind of excited. What is the purpose of this trip to Taiwan? I sometimes wonder... I remember that good things comes to those who wait. Isaiah 40 says that those who wait in the Lord will soar on winds with wings like eagles. God said that He's gonna make everything beautiful in His time. I guess I'm just faced with the unknown and it's making me nervous and even scared. Like it said in "Wild at Heart:" I don't know if I have what it takes.... but God's heart and faithfulness is to show that I can have what it takes... just as long as I stay in him.

John 15:5-8
5"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. 8This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.

Thanks for all your prayers, my friends, my mentor, my brothers, my sisters, my beloved. I asked that our God will cause us to remain in Him no matter where we are and what we do. Our distance is only as far as our prayers.

Thanks to Stacy for putting this memorable dinner together. Thanks, Andy, for being such a supportive friend and brother. And thank you, Lynn, for being my aid and constantly reminding me of the things that I've forgotten. Thank you, people of the Daniel cell group... you've prayed for me month after month for God to change my heart... encouraged me when I serve God with songs... and provide for my spiritual covering in my times of weakness. Let's all get to 2007 expecting nothing short of miracles! I look forward to be built up with all of you.

Now...

I need to get some sleep.

Lord, Help me not to grow complacent...

Mark 13:32-37

32"No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 33Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come. 34It's like a man going away: He leaves his house and puts his servants in charge, each with his assigned task, and tells the one at the door to keep watch.

35"Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back—whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. 36If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. 37What I say to you, I say to everyone: 'Watch!' "

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Lord, I thank you for everything that you've given me. I don't deserve any of them but you are gracious to me. All the people, the support, the attention, the growth... they are unprecedented. Oh Lord, DO NOT let me drop my guard when things are going well. Guard my heart, Lord, and let me be alert. Let me be mindful of the fact that being friend with the world is being enemy with you. You've called me to be set apart for you. And I will follow. I will strife. I will work out my salvation with fear and trembling.

When I feel weak and grow increasingly complacent of my surroundings, Lord, show your kindness to me so that this does not become a snare for me. I will give you your due glory and acknowledgment. For it is you who gives and take away. As I go back to Taiwan in 2 days, I ask that you will remind me with your Word so that I will stay alert and prayerful. Cover me with your blood, my eyes, my heart, my soul from any and all thoughts and images. How I need you now more than ever.

You have shown me goodness and faithfulness. You've said that you, my teacher, will be hidden no more. And that your voice will guide my steps. How I thank you, Lord, for the privilege to be taught by you and to hear your voice to tell me "this is the path, walk in it." It took that many years... forgive my doubts... I am so thankful...

Teach me your ways, Lord. Thank you. Let me know you and experience you in new ways each fleeting moment.

In Jesus' name.

Amen.

A fulfilled promise...

18 Yet the LORD longs to be gracious to you;
he rises to show you compassion.
For the LORD is a God of justice.
Blessed are all who wait for him!

19 O people of Zion, who live in Jerusalem, you will weep no more. How gracious he will be when you cry for help! As soon as he hears, he will answer you. 20 Although the Lord gives you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, your teachers will be hidden no more; with your own eyes you will see them. 21 Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it." 22 Then you will defile your idols overlaid with silver and your images covered with gold; you will throw them away like a menstrual cloth and say to them, "Away with you!"

Isaiah 30:18-22

More to come about this...

Faith....

Ok, Lord,

This is the 3rd time in 3 days that you asked me to cancel it. I will follow your instructions. I know you have other plans even though I can't imagine it yet.

You said that anything offered up in faith is pleasing to you. So I will do this out of my faith in You.

Call my credit attorneys and cancel the contract tomorrow (Saturday) morning. Lord, what ever happens, You said that Your grace will be sufficient for me. Thank you for prompting me so many times just in the past three days. It shows that you just never let me go and wants me to make the right decisions.

As for my trip to Taiwan... Lord, You seemed to have blessed it even though I acted in the flesh when I purchased the tickets. How interesting it is that You still turned it into something that can be a blessing. Now that I have a reason to go back... my boss wants me to go to the office in Taipei to just say hi. Therefore I ask that You let me go back with a purpose.

In You I place all my trust!

Amen

God is awesome because... part 1

1. He saved me from the miry clay
2. He restores my soul
3. He died for me when I was still a sinner
4. He waited for my love to wake
5. He called me by my name
6. He made the heavens and the earth
7. He made a home for me
8. He prepared a feast for me in the presence of my enemies
9. He scared me with dreams and terrify me with visions
10. He comforts me
11. He makes all things beautiful in His time
12. He does what He says
13. He is oh so faithful
14. He expands my territory and spare me from pain
15. He broke my heart of stone
16. He gave me a new heart
17. He listens to my pleas
18. He answers them
19. He shows up whenever and wherever I need Him
20. He teaches me
21. He definitely has what it takes
22. And... He always come through

Please add more as you see fit. Our God is an awesome God!

A Timely Message

Psalm 51

1 Have mercy on me, O God,
according to your unfailing love;
according to your great compassion
blot out my transgressions.

2 Wash away all my iniquity
and cleanse me from my sin.

3 For I know my transgressions,
and my sin is always before me.

4 Against you, you only, have I sinned
and done what is evil in your sight,
so that you are proved right when you speak
and justified when you judge.

5 Surely I was sinful at birth,
sinful from the time my mother conceived me.

6 Surely you desire truth in the inner parts;
you teach me wisdom in the inmost place.

7 Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean;
wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.

8 Let me hear joy and gladness;
let the bones you have crushed rejoice.

9 Hide your face from my sins
and blot out all my iniquity.

10 Create in me a pure heart, O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

11 Do not cast me from your presence
or take your Holy Spirit from me.

12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation
and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

13 Then I will teach transgressors your ways,
and sinners will turn back to you.

14 Save me from bloodguilt, O God,
the God who saves me,
and my tongue will sing of your righteousness.

15 O Lord, open my lips,
and my mouth will declare your praise.

16 You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it;
you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings.

17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;
a broken and contrite heart,
O God, you will not despise.

18 In your good pleasure make Zion prosper;
build up the walls of Jerusalem.

19 Then there will be righteous sacrifices,
whole burnt offerings to delight you;
then bulls will be offered on your altar.

______________________________
Cover me, Lord, with your precious blood so that I can be made clean. Remove all impure thoughts within me so that I can see you. Let my mouth praise Your Name!

In Jesus' name

Amen

$1000 to settle old debts...

This happened earlier...

I settled on an old debt dated 11 years ago that lost its way and came back to life. This debt, after checking, really messed up my credit score.

I believe that this coming year is the year that the Lord will renew me and give me a fresh start. He will redeem me from my past and make a new creation in me.

What I need to do:
Do the right thing... and keep the integrity.

As I was at the prayer meeting, I suddenly felt a weakness in my spirit. I knew that Satan wants to tell me that I'm unworthy because of my decision to follow God. I was reminded of my old self, which in my mind was a selfish, irresponsible little brat. But God has saved me from the miry clay. He's set my feet on solid ground. And I shall not fear nor doubt, because He is with me. Always...

So, Lord, bless me for making the right choice. That is to follow you and continue to do the right thing.

Amen.

Tears for God

1 When the LORD brought back the captives to Zion, we were like men who dreamed.
2 Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, "The LORD has done great things for them."
3 The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.
4 Restore our fortunes, O LORD, like streams in the Negev.
5 Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy.
6 He who goes out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him.

Psalm 126

"流 淚 撒 種 的 ， 必 歡 呼 收 割 ！那 帶 種 流 淚 出 去 的 ， 必 要 歡 歡 樂 樂 地 帶 禾 捆 回 來 ！"
The Lord has redeemed me with His blood in 1987, one year after I came to the States. A lot has happened since then... I've been held captive because of my own choosing... and now, the Lord has brought me back to Him. It really felt like I am in a dream. Just like what this Psalm said.

This morning during the prayer meeting, I was weeping. I was not sad, I was grateful, joyous, and understood the heart of God - how long He had waited for me, held out His hand, and tried so much to cheer my heart even though I was rejecting the possibility of being happy for so long. So very, very long...

Through it All (by Hillsong)

You are forever in my life
You see me through the seasons
Cover me with your hand
And lead me in your righteousness
And I look to you
And I wait on you

Chorus
I'll sing to You Lord a hymn of love
For your faithfulness to me
I'm carried in everlasting arms
You never let me go through it all

The second part of verse 6 talks about going out to sow the seed in tears. As I finished reading the book "Before 30" I suddenly realized more of God's heart toward the souls that are yet to be saved. We are to cry for them, shed tears for their soul, as we bring God's word and share His salvation to them.

I will not, therefore, feel shame to shed tears.

How beautiful it is... to commit to God

The ring on the left index finger signifies the committment toward Christ. The ring on the right middle finger expresses the desire to win people for Christ. May the Lord remember the covenants that we've made and fulfill our lives with the full measure of His blessings.

All old things have passed, and all is NEW!!! Let us live in such a way that we'll live out the real callings and desires of our hearts!

活出真正的你

若有人在基督裡
他就是新造的人
舊事已過都變成新

你有你的過去
我有我的毀恨
每個人都有不同的故事

神早就已經知道
你所經歷的憂傷
來到祂施恩寶座前
祂要除去一切重擔
使你得著更新

耶穌的愛
奇妙的愛
讓他拿掉你的面具
可以活出新造的你

耶穌的愛
是奇妙的愛
像祂敞開你的自己
活出一個真正的你

Can't sleep....

After a day of what I thought would be a victory, I am faced suddenly with the unknown of the future. The feeling of losing control can come at any moment and it started with just a few words, a few incidents, and a few gestures.

One statement suddenly finds its way into my heart: be influential or be influenced. This is from the Sunday sermon earlier. And it's true even in the deepest and most intimate level, I can influence my circumstances or I can let them influence me. All the difference in the world is who and what I have my faith in. Lord, Jesus, it's in You where I rest my faith. The name of the Lord means "salvation." And when I cry out to Your name, you will come and save me. In Matthew 1:21 You said that "the name Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins." Therefore I cry out to you now... and save me from my sins.

You said that You will make all things beautiful in Your time.

Why do I doubt?

You said that You know the plans that You have for me, plans to prosper me and not to harm me, plans to give me hope and a future.

Why do I waiver?

You said to come to call upon You to pray to You, and You will listen to me.

Why do I despair?

You said that You'll do just what you say.

Why do I fear?

Lord, in You I shall have my hope and a future. I will call upon Your beautiful name knowing that you will make all things beautiful. I will pray to You, and You will listen. You will do just what You say!

Thank you so much. I am an unworthy sinner who's saved by the precious blood of the Lamb of God. In my sleep will I dream of You. In my dreams will I get a glimpse of my hope. In that glimpse will I see a wonderful plan You've set out for me.

Oh, pierce the soul of my confusion and uncertainty. You said that in repentence and rest is my salvation and that in quietness and trust is my strength. So let me repent! Rest! and acknowledge and receive your salvation over me. I will be quiet. I will trust! And I will gain my strength.

I have but a few hours to sleep now that it's past 1am. Lord, I want to get up early in the mmorning to praise your name and draw close to you. May this be the norm of my life where I can drink from the fountain of life and be renewed!

In Jesus' name

Amen!

1:14am

Proverbs 3:6
"In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight."

God will make a way,
Where there seems to be no way
He works in ways we cannot see
He will make a way for me
He will be my guide
Hold me closely to His side
With love and strength for each new day
He will make a way, He will make a way.

By a roadway in the wilderness He'll lead me
And rivers in the desert will I see
heaven and earth will fade
But His Word will still remain
He will do something new today

New PSU for my computer...

The OCZ Power Supply failed!!!

Fortunately, I had a spare Ultra PSU that I got from a deal about a year ago. It took me a while to get the computer back to work. Keep in mind that I prayed for the computer last week and it booted back into windows. So the lesson learned here:

1. Everything works for good for those who loved God
2. God can work miracles when we ask Him
2. We sometimes will need to find out how to solve the problem when God gives us more time.

Sounds like I have my answer for tomorrow's customer support visit.

Now if God can give extra life to a mechanical power supply based on prayer, imagine what He will do with a real living life bearing the image of God when we pray!

It's getting late, good night, everyone.

Uncle Donald

Kaelyn Liao, my new niece, my first niece. Wow, I'm finally an uncle! Seeing a baby related to me by blood is so inspiring... so cute... to touching. Words are not adequate to describe this feeling. I just pray to God that I will soon enjoy my own...

Kaelyn was born on 12-08-2006, weighing 7.4 lbs. Congrats to Theresa and Howard! I will be stopping by their house a lot more often now. I have never felt a closeness like this to a baby...

Challenges at work...

Please pray for me to have more wisdom and insight on dealing with things that I have no control over. This is a perfect opportunity for me to learn to rely and have faith on God's power and sovereignty. He can make the impossible possbile and nothing is too difficult for Him.

Through Him, we can:
1. See the invisible
2. Hear the inaudible, and
3. Do the impossible.

A good personal news flash: I will be an uncle today for the first time. My elder sister Theresa is giving birth to my niece. In fact, I'm leaving for the hospital now to see them.

Also, I wanted to share this song with you all:

You're the Holy Lord Almighty

Part the waters that surround me
Make the wind and waves be still
Pierce the soul of my confusion
Clear the mist and rend the veil.

See the longing in my spirit
Know that I choose to be Yours
Lord, I'm hungry and I'm thirsty
To be filled and to be used (AMEN!!)

You're the Holy Lord Almighty
And I come to seek Your Face
You're my light, my hope, my mercy
And Jesus is Your name.

New book

My boss loaned me this book after he read it. It's about Pastor Phillip's spiritual journey before 30 years of age. I know, I've past 30 a while ago (even though I made believe that I'm always 27... akem...) but I can really identify with the struggles and the growth that the author went through. There are parts of the book that really helped me such as intimacy with God and preparing myself for marriage. Anyways, a great book. I can't put it down.

In His Time....

This song surfaced when I was fasting and praying at lunch hour... an old and nostagic song. But speaks volumes as the words came back to my mind.

In His time, in His time.
He makes all things beautiful ~ in His time.
Lord, please show me everyday
as You're teaching me Your way
That You do just what You say
In Your time.

... and, in response...

In Your time, in Your time.
You make all things beautiful ~ in Your time.
Lord, my life to you I bring.
May each song I have to sing
be to You a lovely thing.
In Your time.

Yes, Lord... in Your time. AMEN!

How not to be anxious and getting what I want

Philippians 4:6-7

6Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Let's break it down:
Getting what I want (please see James 4:3)
1. Prayer (my part)
2. Petition (brothers and sisters in Christ, prayer partners, spouse...)
3. Thanksgiving (everyone)

And we will not be anxious because the peace of God will guard our hearts and minds (verse 7)

There are more attacks today. I had loose bowels this morning and co-worker challenged me on work task processes. Our God is much bigger. Praise His Name!!

Here's the Chinese version:
6 應 當 一 無 罣 慮 ， 只 要 凡 事 藉 著 禱 告 、 祈 求 ， 和 感 謝 ， 將 你 們 所 要 的 告 訴 神 。

7 神 所 賜 、 出 人 意 外 的 平 安 必 在 基 督 耶 穌 裡 保 守 你 們 的 心 懷 意 念 。

First round of Attacks

Today's attack was something that was within my anticipation. God warned me about 3 or 4 weeks ago that this would happen... although when it does come, the struggles are still there.

The story started about a month ago. I've been getting up at 6am and going to work very early in the past month so that I can spend some time with God in devotion, worship, and prayer. Quickly, my company's prayer meeting has added power and anointing. At the very least, I experienced God in different ways every day. And I look forward so much everyday to get to the office early, when no one else is here, to spend alone time with God. My entire day became different!

Today, I got to work late. Not just gotten to prayer meeting late, I got to work late! 9:07am!!! And what happened was that last night, even though I tried to sleep at 10:40pm, I couldn't fall asleep. My head felt a bit dizzy but my thoughts were very clear. But I just can't sleep. I finally managed to sleep around 1:30am but I didn't get ready to leave for work until past 8am this morning. While I was driving, a headache, or a migrain, was flaring up on my left temporal lobe region (now, I'm a guy that never have headaches). I quickly place my left hand on my head and started praying, asking God to remove the pain....

The pain fled.

The devil knows who God wants to use. And he will try anything and everything to make us feel bad and unworthy. Everytime I'm late, I can feel that some form of negative energy builds up within me. It's a sense of defeat... like I've been beaten. My whole day is shot...

But these are the lies of the enemy. I know this very well in my heart. Because "there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ" Romans 8:1

And that when we "resist the devil, he will flee from you" James 4:7. I can say with confidence that the lies of the enemy will have no power over me! No accusation will have any grounds, because the Lord has saved me with His precious blood!

I talked to my boss about this. Do you know what he told me?

"Donald, you are a warrior in Christ, and you will not be defeated by this."

All I can say is....

AMEN! Thank you, Lord! And now, let the new era begin! I will be at the office at 7:30am everyday. My readers and friends. Please pray for me and keep me accountable.

God is awesome!!!

Tonight, after I got back from Eric's surprise birthday, I needed sometime to gather my thoughts and reflect upon the many things and visions I learned over this weekend's mission conference at VOH and this afternoon's co-worker's meeting for the Daniel Cell group.

I turned on my computer like any other time I turn it on by pushing the "power" button. For the next 10 minutes, the computer just wouldn't boot up no matter what I try. This has never happened to this high end desktop that I built with all top of the line components. All of a sudden, I decided that I should give it to God...

So...

I prayed for the computer, asking God to fix whatever that it needed fixing. And I push the power button again.

IT TURNED ON AND BOOTED INTO WINDOWS!!!

If this is what I can expect when praying... GOD, YOU ARE AWESOME!!!

Legends of the Fall

This film was used as an example in the book "Wild at Heart" a few times to demonstrate that the heart of a warrior is wild at heart. I bought this DVD last weekend and finally had the chance to watch it. oh, did I mention that I got a 32" LCD HDTV? Oh ya, it looks great on it with the PS2's progressive scan DVD player (built in) set to 16:9 aspect ratio.

All unnecessary details aside, God has meant for our hearts to be wild like the heart of a warrior. I was watching this movie and was so inspired knowing that God will make me a warrior... and to make me a man who is dangerous with passion for Him. I look forward to face the battle that I will fight, the beauty that I will rescue, and the adventures that I will live.

I think I'm sometimes a dreamer. Dreams are meant to be far from reality hence they are called "dreams." But God can fulfill our dreams and make it happen. So... let me dream big and expect only miracles.