43- discipleship

Daddy,
The school term has started at its usual slow. Don't really know what to expect and whatever resolution I have made, I really pray hard that I will keep to them. Is 5 a realistic target? I gotta start working soon. A million other things seem so much more enjoyable to do, so Lord, I pray for You to help me focus. Help me to discover the motivation and help me to convert whatever energies I have into doing the things I should do, and keep me from procrastination. Lord, this is a new season I have stepped into. I was close with You, I was convinced, so let me not stray for You. I am a forgetful man, but Lord, You never forget. Hold me close to You and help me to look to You ever more.
Lord, I pray for Gabriel. Thesis seems like a tough things, and he's not having it good in any sense. You have blessed him with good results, and You have kept him close to You. So Lord, I pray for Your peace to be with him. Help him Lord, he's in much struggles. But Lord, I just want to pray for You to grant him Your joy. Take His eyes away from the worries, and be with Him. For all things work for the goodness of those who love You. I thank You for his heart to serve, so Lord, I pray for You to be with him always. 
Lord, I pray for myself too. It seems like a good season, one which I really like. On hindsight only then I realize the joy to be in sync with You. Lord, let me not forget this feeling. I am still feeling good, and things are still pretty much on track, but I pray for You to prepare me. Help me to find strength to go on this path strong, but even more so prepare my heart so that when it finally turns bitter, I will continue to have You with me. Each drop I leak away, Lord, I pray for You to top it up 10 times more. I yearn to serve You, and Lord, let this servitude not fade with time.
Indeed it is a joy to serve You. I thank You for all these opportunities. I pray for You to speak. I have not been earnest enough to hear, but Lord, I pray for a personal encounter with You. Each time I feel away from You, Lord, I pray for You to draw me closer a hundred times. I yearn for the gift of tongues, and as I continue to struggle to maintain a healthy prayer life, Lord, I pray for You to sustain me. Help me to build up this relationship with You in words. Help me to grow stronger in You, and help me to become a better person. Lord, chisel away whatever's not of You, and keep me in Your likeness.
Finally, Lord, I continue to pray for Poiema. My 2 sheep (Ryan and Benjamin), I pray for You to guide them. Develop them and mould them, so that as they grow, their eyes will always be fixed on You and they will grow to become Godly men after You. Lord, I pray for meaningful relationships to be built between us. Above all, I pray for Your guidance on this shepherding. Lord, only You know the plans You have for them, and I pray for Your revelation to unfold before me. 
I also want to pray for closer friends. Lord, I pray for Joel, Faith, Alvin, my sister, Charmaine, Linnette. Lord, these are Your children, and I thank You for each of them. As we all cross into a new year, draw them back to You and help them to live out Your plan more. Lord, I pray for personal encounter for each of them. They are wonderful people, and each has a role to play in Your plans. So Lord, I commit all of them into Your hands, guard them from the temptations of the world, and turn their eyes to You at all times. Whatever it may be, may Your will be done on earth as in heaven.
Lord, I also want to pray for Alicia. Lord, thank You for opportunities and Your arrangement for her to be amongst us. I pray that You will use her mightily. The current job may be tough, but Lord, You are the God of all things. You are the God of provision. So I pray for Your sustenance to be upon her. Lead her as she lives out her life, guide her as she follows You.
Lord, I also want to pray for Tanjong Penang. Thank You for the desires to make changes. Lord, I pray for Your hands to continue to move amongst Your work. May You guide us to where You have designed for us to proceed in. Lord, You know best, and if anything is to come into fruition, it will be of Your will. Lord, I pray for Aunty Steph and Aunty Elisha. These are the people with a burden for the locals, so I pray for You to work through them. Grant them Godly wisdom and discernment as they make the necessary decisions. Lord, I put my faith in You.
Finally Lord, I pray for my hall, and the school's ministry in general. Serving You should not be tiring and we should definitely not burn out from serving You for Your yoke is lighter than ours. So Lord, I pray for You to move amongst the leaders. I pray for a revival, a replenishment. Refresh Your servants, so that they will not be too task-oriented. Lord, fill all of them up, and may Your presence move more mightily than ever in this place. 
In Jesus's most precious name I pray,
Amen!

Your child,

Judah

Sacks, luggages, purses and bags;
with the flow of the world the boy tags.
An exchange between dusk and dawn;
the endless pursuit he has gotten on.
Daddy, Daddy he needs Your guidance; a joy in You he knew he'd gain.
Relief in the silence; an offer he could only amen.

Matthew 11: 28-30
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

46- one step at a time

Daddy,
I don't know the perfect start, but if breaking me is necessary, remove the unrealistic confidence I have in myself. It can be arrogant, but more so, damaging- to push me into delusion. 
Beginning of school, meeting up with old friends, going out with some very likable friends... I thank God for working in my life. It's an amazing circle, and an amazing many number of people drafted into the plan. 
Lord, MOGLOM. I pray for You to help me have lesser of me, and more of You! It's not easy, but in You it will be done. 
As the weekend draws nearer, and the planner becomes more and more packed, Lord, I pray for You to guide. Help me menage my time properly, and help me set aside time for You and for myself to rest and recuperate. Lord, help me not overcommit. Grant me wisdom to prioritize. 
Finally Lord, I pray for that list of people. Grant the leaders burden to help us see Your plan for them. Move in our midst, and make us a people sensitive to Your voice. Help us to see, guide us in our planning, and stand in the midst of all these relationships that we will be forging.
Lord, I continue to pray for the gift of tongues. 
In Jesus's name I pray,
Amen!

Your child,

Judah

47- Getting poised

Daddy, 
Somehow things always seem so much clearer from hindsight. A blind conviction led me to finish 40 over chapters from the book of Job without really knowing much what to expect, and today it came back strongly, convincing of Your great purpose and goodness in our lives. 
Today I made a case- there is a season for everything. It's good to be doing works in Your name, and there are so many works to be done. It is particularly pleasing to see the hearts for You, a burden You have placed upon many to reach out to the lost ones. But today, I took up a tough decision. I thank God for people whom understand, really. If I want to set up a cell in NUS, these 3 will definitely be in it. Now I understand why Bryan was hesitant against joining one of such kind, because of a potential rift, more accurately put, a misfit of focuses. Thank You for helping me to decide, and I pray for You to continue to be with me as I make more decisions in the coming days. Lord, may what I do be pleasing in Your side.
Lord, today is the release of O'levels results, and I pray for You to minister to the hearts of these kids. Lord, I give You thanks for the past many years that You have given opportunities to Singaporean kids to receive good education. It is by Your grace and by Your mercy that we are able to enjoy such privilege, so I don't want to take it for granted. May You continue to reign and may Your name be glorified in this nation as more people come to know You.
Lord, I just want to continue to pray for Ryan and Benjamin. The beginning of a new chapter in life, may their life-stories hinge on the fact that You are the centre, the Lord and Savior of their lives. Develop them and continue to impress upon their hearts Your marvelous plans.
Lord, finally, I want to pray for myself. As I brace myself for a new season, may Your presence continue to be felt. Help me to always look to You, and guard my vision, so that I will neither turn to the right or to the left, but always have my sight fix on You. Lord, help me look to You in all that I do, and help me to walk closer with You. I pray for the gift of tongues, that as I desire to speak to You more. Lord, bless this relationship I have with You and may Your joy pour out from within, as I continue to dwell in Your Spirit.
In Jesus's most precious name I pray,
Amen!

Your child,

Judah

Calmly I stand in brace;
gladly, we receive Your grace.
A voice in the silence I hear my Father speak (1 Kings 19: 12),
In obedience I respond, a vow I will not break (Isaiah 6: 8)

Ecclesiastes 3: 1
"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven."

48- reality check

Daddy,
Why is it so difficult to sustain a relationship? It's been said that it's about love, some even said it's about agape love. But I am just a human, a not so strong one even. I thank You for that one, and sometimes become a little fearful of an over-reliance, so I yearn for more. But it's so tough to establish any kind of trust near that level, and it pricks rather painfully when it's not reciprocated. Perhaps it's the impression that I gave? I have already departed from the past, and I only yearn for deeper relationships, as friends... One that resembles that one- which foundation hinges beyond time spent together or what not, which centers on Christ and church. Daddy, ask and it will be given, so I pray that You will help me to be genuine and help me to be a good enough friend to my peers. It should all began from self, so I pray for You to reveal to me areas which I can improve in, and I commit that part of myself to You. Mould me into Your likeness, and make me a good friend in Christ. 
Today, I witnessed the transiting of my P6 boys up to Poiema. It was a weird moment, one with a lot of anticipation. An exciting prospect awaits, and I just want to echo the prayer. Daddy, as I take up the responsibility to mentor them (Ryan and Benjamin), I pray for You to lead me and guide me in all that I do, that they will be able to see You through me. I pray for a personal encounter with You for each of them, that Your hand will be behind every development they undergo. Touch their lives, and draw them close to You. Grow them up to become Godly young men who walk after You.
As another season begins, Daddy, I pray for Your healing touch and strength to be upon all who are tired. I thank You for the reducing number of names on the sick list, so I pray for Your anointing to be upon this year of 2012. I continue to be convinced that 2012 will be an exciting year for Your work, and I walk in full anticipation for Your revelation. Daddy, help me keep faith, and I continue to ask for the gift of tongues. 
In Jesus's most precious name I pray,
Amen!

Your child,

Judah

A common path we took our strides;
Sticking with one another through life's tides.
A sturdy shoulder,
My faithful brother.
This friendship in Christ I give thanks,
Immeasurable by time, values beyond franc's.

Proverbs 17:17
"A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity."

49- Picking up pace

Daddy, 
What is to come, what comes, what has come? I think it has been a wonderful get-together for the family, and it is definitely a shame that we could only have it once a year (along that line). Ample time can appear to be very fearsome. And that is perhaps why I have been looking forward to each day's activities as the previous one conclude. 
I think I know why I feel so lousy. The fact that I have been unable to stick to a cause till the end of the commitment makes me question myself of my character, my attitude. It seems irresponsible, and no matter how I justify myself, the feelings suck! Yet, I have not come to please men, but for Your purpose alone I ought to live. So Lord, please help me with such cause. Protect me and guard me against such thoughts.
Lapses in concentration and guild, plus lack of followups, prompted and pushed for more space. I feel a little off-paced, but I want to continue to commit. As the unfamiliarity of a new year finally kicks in, Lord, keep me to the original cause. Help me to retain that excitement, that 2012 will indeed be a special year. 
Help me to continue to commit, and I wanna pray for te gift of tongues still. Help me pray as I seek to build up and sustain my prayer life. 
For the kids in a new environment, Lord, be with them and help them to settle. The first week must have been fun and exciting, and I just want to pray that You will continue to touch their hearts. Help them to look to You and reveal Your purpose for their lives. Daven, Ryan, Benjamin, Jana, Jolyn. Stir up the passion for You!
In Jesus's name I pray,
Amen!

Your child,

Judah

The journey ahead looks bleak;
a halt I crave, in You I found my break.
What will and is and has been,
Your will, can't miss, beyond my sin.

Hebrews 2: 18
"Because He Himself suffered when He was tempted,
He is able to help those who are being tempted."

51- Settling down

Daddy,
3 days, 3 people. Not sure if it had been planned that way, but it had happened that way, and I am genuinely grateful for each of them. No matter how much of those 3 meals remain, I think I have been ministered in one way or the other- whether it's feedback, discussion or pure sharing. 
A personal relationship indeed. Some words came out from my own mouth, but I have no prior thoughts about them. Perhaps like what YP had mentioned before, some people (myself included) need to talk it out and hear the answers from their own mouth. I am really that kind of person. 
2012 is an exciting and interesting year, and the hangover from the cross-over adrenaline is beginning to subside. Sooner than we know, things will get swung into actions again, and it will be all crazy! I pray for Your interference, that no matter how busy we may become, You will stay relevant and remain significant in our lives. Let not our own business block You away from our sight. 
A personal relationship You have yearned, and I guess all these withdrawals are pointing towards it. Lord, if a personal relationship is what You desire of me in the year of 2012, I pray for You to help me work towards that. Seasonal celibacy should take my mind off distractions, my doubts and my not-knowing will not divert my attention from You. If You want to speak, help me hear, Lord. 
I just want to continue praying for Benjamin and Ryan. As they enter the new school environment, Lord, be with them. Reveal Yourself to them and help them to see You in all the circumstances. I pray for favor amongst the people, and favor from You that You will help them to settle. Grow them, and mould them into Your likeness. Lord, into Your hands, I commit these 2 young lives. 
Lord, I continue to pray for Poiema. As we prepare our hearts for all the planning and transitions that are coming up, Lord, will You just guide us. Impress upon our hearts what You have for us. Teach us and guide us. If You want us to speak, let us speak. All things be done on earth as in Heaven. Lord, this is Your ministry. No matter who runs it, who's in it, may You tune all our hearts to You. Let it be done with servitude, help us to acknowledge Your presence, and guide us along Your ways.
Lord, I also want to commit the leadership into Your hands. Thank You for helping these people to avail themselves to You. May Your voice be heard, and help them to discern. For joy entails Your works, so I pray for You to continue to fit them into Your placement, that all things will work for the goodness of those who loves You! 
In Jesus's name I pray,
Amen!

Your child,

Judah

Skyward call; my faith stands tall.
Day and night, my heart yearns for the One whom Nature declares glory;
May and might, Thy art turns the eyes of the world towards the 66 letters of love story.

Psalm 8: 3-4
"When I consider Your heavens, the works of Your fingers,
the moon and the stars, which You have set in place,
What is mankind
that You are mindful of them,
human beings
that You care for them."

53- cultivation

Daddy,
You told me to wait. It's a growing season. It has not turned out the way I have pictured it to be like, and as much as I have heard, I pray for Your revelation. Whether I am taking over the boys or anyone else, Lord, I commit the future into Your hands. Lord, lead and guide us and reveal to us what You have for us. If I am not called into this, tell me who is; let me know then where I should go. Lord, You have a perfectly crafted plan, so I pray for revelation. Help me to see a little of it, and I can only have praise for Your meticulousness. 
Lord, indeed it is exciting, and I thank You for clearing the doubts that I always had. Help me to sustain the excitement, and yes Lord, please speak. I continue to pray the same prayer, and ask for Your supplication. Whatever the reason for the delay, I continue to ask for the gift of tongues. Lord, as I seek to build up my prayer life of words, only You know when I am ready. So I commit myself into Your hands.
At the same time Lord, I pray for Ryan and Benjamin. These are two sprouting lives, all poised to receive what You have for them. Lord, keep them and guard them. As they begin to integrate, Lord, I pray for Your interference. Guide them on Your ways, and keep them close to You. I pray for You to work mightily in their lives, that as the new school term begins, Lord, You will be there with them to help them. May Your peace go with them and Your touch comfort them. 
Also, I want to pray for 2012. Regardless of where the the world stands today, Lord, I want to focus on Your works. Transitions and challenges, Lord, I want to commit the church into Your hands. As people step up, I pray for Your hands to move mightily in the various ministries. Guide us, and teach us Your ways. Evan said it is a season of resolution. Lord, please speak and teach us to focus on Your purpose. Show us what You have for us in this year. I pray for relationships between the two congregations. May Your forgiveness flow through us, and help us to reunite for the greatness of Your good. Though we are many, we are one body, because we all share in one bread (Jesus Christ). 
In Jesus's name I pray,
Amen!

Your child,

Judah

Lives You entrust;
Love them we must.
By Your strength we do our part;
Raised ears, opened eyes and a willing heart.
Agape love from the One;
On hindsight, a marvel is done.
Keep us therefore on this narrow path;
A journey with You the children hath.

Isaiah 30: 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.'"