Dreams do come true

Feelings, heartbreaks, uncertainties and painful experience. God has used to them to help me grow spiritually and mentally. Why do I say this? As I look back at 2008, God had His hand in everything that I did. Mirror ministry, spiritual growth, growing from setbacks and discovering more about myself and being loved. But how was all this done? It was because I started to study and memorise verses from the Bible. God's Word is amazing on how it can change a person.

Look back at your past, has there been changes in your life where it is not humanly possible? Do you recognise it as God's Hand working?

Finally, all the heartbreaks in the past, it was well worth it as I seemed to have found someone to feel the same way i have with her.

Josiah

Mentoring and Intentional disciplemaking

As stated clearly in the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19, we are to "go and make disciples of all nations". And learning from the IDMC (intentional disciple making church) conference, the key to world evangelisation is through mentoring and intentional disciplemaking. So how is that done? There is no hard and fast rule but 1st and foremost, we must have a close walk and passionate daily journey with our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, we have to go back to very roots of our faith, the Bible and prayer. Without these 2, we have no foundation in Christ at all. So how can we do it? How can we be a true disciple of Christ in the 1st place?

Here are the 4 steps to being a disciple of Christ and also being a mentor:

1) Discover the truths from the Bible (through the working of the Holy Spirit)
- Read and study the Bible
- Journal down thoughts and learning points that the Holy Spirit has impressed upon your heart
- Devote time to prayer and meditating on the Word
- Memorise key verses

2) Apply what the Holy Spirit has led you to discover through the Word of God
- Use the scriptures as a basis for decision-making in your everyday life
- Use the scriptures to pray for others
- Live out the truths discovered (for eg. Being Salt and Light of the world - infleunce others through the Word and reflect God in a way that glorifies Him)
- Be inquisitive about what you have learnt (Ask spiritually mature Christians if what you have learnt is correct or if they have any further input to benefit your learning experience with God)

3) Reap the benefits (claim the blessings God has promised in the Word)
- Be encouraged through the Word
- Pray fervently and passionately
- Have a insatiable appetite for God's Word
- Love Jesus deeply from the heart TOTALLY
- Surrender all to God
- Bearing the cross

4) Pass it on! (It only takes a spark...WOO HOO! to get the fire going)
- Yes, pass it on, use the truths from the Word to bless others (be it non-believers or fellow brothers and sisters in Christ)
- Spread the gospel
- Preaching what you practise (meaning that you have already experienced it, so your testimony would be true and heartfelt love for Jesus and naturally, instead of just mere words, you will impart your lives and learning to your mentorees)

Yes, that's why I encourage you to have a daily walk with our Lord, Jesus Christ. Nothing is more important than that. If you feel reading the Word or praying is very difficult, let me encourage you by saying, it does not take much, there are 3 things you need only:

1) Teary eyes - Crying and acknowledging that you are insufficient and you need Jesus
2) A Broken Heart - Proclaiming that only Jesus is capable of mending your heart which is ravaged by sin and darkness
3) Bent knees - Surrendering all at the foot of the cross (be humble and reverent)

Last but not least, let me end with a prayer for you from Ephesians 1:18-20

"I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms"

From the words of the sermon yesterday,

DO YOU KNOW JESUS? or DO YOU JUST KNOW WHO HE IS? (that difference can determine which eternity is awaiting you)

Joke of the day:

Small boy holding bible:

Wow, God is great, He parted the Red Sea and saved the Israelites from Egypt!

Atheist:

Boy, there is a scientific explanation for that. Studies have shown that part of the Red Sea has only 6 inches of water and anyone can easily walk through even to this very day. NOTHING GREAT! (feels proud and good he has discouraged another in their faith)

Few moments later....

Small boy holding Bible:

(Even louder now) Wow, God is GREAT!!!!!!!!

Atheist:

Are you dumb or did you just hear what I just said?

Small boy holding Bible:

Yes I did, the Israelites walked over the Red Sea over 6 inches of water. But DO you know why I shouted God is great again? Imagine, God is able to drown the WHOLE ARMY of Pharoah(chariots and soldier and horses) using only 6 inches of water!!!!!

Atheist:

pengz

Moral of the story:
GOD is above science.

I'm greatly encouraged by this!

Talking about a passion for missions....2 missionaries from YWAM (Youth with a Mission) went to thailand and learnt muay thai and went around to various gyms to spread the gospel. Now they have set up their own gym to benefit the trainers, trainees and the community.

Btw their website is :

http://www.injesus.com/index.php?module=group&task=details&GroupID=MT021DWZ

Alot of people think that muay thai is evil and spiritual and very violent, but if your focus is on God and your aim is to be fitter and to touch lives, isn't it wonderful? I really am encouraged by their work as tentmakers in a foreign country and spreading the gospel in a country where Buddhism is so so dominant.

For their work and for all the missionaries and tentmakers out there, "Phra Jao uay phra pon" which means GOD BLESS YOU!





Joke of the day:

Why is something so tall and big called a flat?













Answer:

I don't know, you tell me!

Great quote from Hudson Taylor!

God's Work done in God's Way will never lack God's resources

When you go about your life serving God, never never worry for that shows disrespect to God's sovereignty and providence.

Doorstep Missions and Spreading the Gospel!

There is nothing more important than spreading the Good news or the Gospel. For those that do not understand, the Good news is that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, came down on earth to die for our sins that we can have an eternal R/S with God if we accept Jesus as our Lord and Saviour. Jesus rose from the dead and is seated at the right hand of God and that is why we celebrate Easter Sunday.

Therefore, let us GO and give others a chance at knowing this wonderful Saviour and letting them experience a life where God is leading us every step of the way.

Please read your bible everyday and remember to pray for those who are less fortunate, needy, and have not heard to gospel. Pray for your friends that they have open hearts that they would be willing to hear from the Word of God.

As for Doorstep Missions, there are 1 million foreigners (not born in Singapore) currently living in Singapore. 80% of them have not heard the gospel b4. Let us pray and make efforts to care, not to be prejudiced and live lifes that show that God loves them too. Let us tell them of God's love and grace.

Let us remember the Great Commission and not make it the Great Omission:

Matthew 28:19

"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit"

Nations here does not mean countries but it means people groups (ethnic groups/ people of different race/background).

Let the Mirror Youth Ministry be one that aims to glorify God and be like Him. As in our theme verse (for those that dunno) 2 Corinthians 3:18 :

" And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed in his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit."



Joke of the day:

What kidney can never be used for transplant?

















Answer:

KIDNEY BEANS!

10 new things I have learnt about myself in the month of June!

1) I seem to work as well with kids as well with youths (children are just so cute, needing to be loved and smiling at you, so innocent and faithful...no wonder God wants us to have a childlike faith)

2) I can't stay up as late as I used to (I couldn't last past 2am in the church retreat, kept feeling sleepy and same for the children's camp wiv the LCCS)

3) I can roundhouse kick a height of 1.8m (during the 3rd lesson of muay thai)

4) I have better stamina and fitness (being able to play with youths from 10am till 6pm at sentosa, then 1 week later playing soccer from 10am till 4pm, all under the blistering sun)

5) I am still learning with regards to preparing bible study

6) I'm eating alot less than I used to

7) I am more mild-mannered than I was in army and JC

8) I am able to like someone for 1 and half years but still keep it from her (to guard her heart and to allow God to work in mine)

9) Reading ain't so bad

10) Yesterday was history, Tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift, that's why its called PRESENT!




Joke of the day:

If a durian dropped from the sky, would you catch it with your right or left hand (this is to test your natural hand, sometimes it may not be the hand you write with)













Answer:

So who said left or who said right? Either answer you must be crazy, I wouldn't catch a durian falling from the sky AT ALL. I would be mad to do so. LOL....sry just being boliao

Muay thai is really really tiring! But rewarding!

Wah itz been a while since i blogged and I just want to say....Muay thai could be the key to me losing the weight that has stuck wiv me all my life and I can be fit when I go to Nepal for missions...

And another thing...you have to listen to this gal sing:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3QUh6CLBZN8&NR=1

search for all her songs...she will melt your heart and she made me tear...she's only 6 but sings as good as anyone...


Joke of the day:

A little girl and a little boy went to the doctor. The girl went in 1st and came out crying. The boy asked, "Why? What happened?" The girl said "I came for a blood test and the doctor cut my finger to take out some blood" Then the shocking thing happened, the boy started crying. The girl asked "Why are you crying?"


Want to guess the boy's reply?







Answer:

The boy replied " I am coming for a urine test today!"

Thanks and kudos to u all

REally wana thank God for His guidance and blessings for the 1st half of a year of my full-time ministry as a youth worker...He has really pulled me through and led me every step of the way...And for the youths, really would like to thank you all for all your encouragement and love and care and concern...you know who you are...and its usually those that read my blog...thanks...

Yesterday, I had the urge to compete once again...I have not had this feeling since last year... I wanted to quit playing pool competitively because I knew it would take alot of time and affect my ministry...But the adrenalin rush and the feeling of playing well at something you excel...that feeling is indescribable...I dunno...but sometime soon, if God permits, I would like to play in a major tournament once again...not for glory or money or whatever...just the feeling of using the gift God has blessed me with...I don't care about rankings anymore...I just want to play my best...losing also is fine...as long I compete...


Joke of the day:

Knock, knock who's there?













Answer:

(Someone shoutst) No one's home.

Pain in my heart, but burden lifted

Finally...after praying and letting God talk to me...I have finally decided that although the gal of my dreams may be sweet, caring, kind and kinda angelic...she isn't the one for me...

Pains my heart but i guess its for the better before I do anything i will regret...i finally saw the light when i just feel i'm not able to communicate with her at a level where i can get to know her better...I seem to talk to all my other female frenz and communicate so much better with them than her...I guess its just finally I let God wake me up from this year-long dream and opened my eyes to the focus which should be on Him...

Therefore, I doubt you will c the happy happy go lucky josiah for a while...He's taking a holiday...you will c a more toned-down and maybe even boring josiah...He's trying to get rid of his pain in heart and focus on serving God...

Bible Study and Prayer group!

Hi, this is to all the youths in the Mirror Ministry...I would like to know the interest level of you all with regards to small group bible study and prayer....the bible study would be done by an area basis. Meaning I will meet whoever is interested depending whether you stay in the north, west, central or east of Singapore, I will go to your area (maybe eg is like east I meet you all at tampines mall). If anyone is interested in having bible study to learn more abt God, please indicate to me.

As for the prayer group, I'm finding youths who are interested to pray for our ministry as a whole. It will be done before/after youth meetings. If interested, please indicate to me too.

Rememeber, bible study and prayer are vital for the growth of the youth ministry. Because without it, we would not be even able to call ourselves part of the Christian church. I will be praying God will instill the passion of His word in you and ignite the hunger for prayer.

Josiah

Sorry for the slow update! Thank God for the CSI event!

Firstly, I would like to praise God in the way He helped me get well so quickly last saturday...I was feeling weak, feverish and had a bad flu...and i had to act in the CSI youth event...amazingly...just half an hour b4 the event...God took all my pain and illness away...it just reminded me how wonderful God is and itz so symbolic of the cross...how Jesus took away the sins of the world..by showing how much He loved us and died on our behalf...I appreciated Jesus so much more after that day...

Really wana thank God also for the newcomers that came for the CSI event and the people behind the whole event...the hardwork really paid off...because i totally believed God was truly glorifed throughout the event...

Oh yar..now for the update of the weight loss programme..

Stats as of 25th Feb 2008 (will be updated bi-weekly):
Chest - 44 inches
Waist - 36 inches
Stomach - 39 inches
Hips - 46 inches
Biceps - 14 inches

Stats as of 18th March 2008: (BLUE means shown improvement)

Chest - 45 inches
Waist - 35.5 inches
Stomach - 38 inches
Hips - 42 inches
Biceps - 14 inches

Actually, I have been kinda slack on my exercise liao...been too busy..Thank God I still showed abit of results..


Joke of the Day:

What did the monkey say to the human being?












Answer:

God told you He made you and you would rather think you descended from me? You MONKEY BRAIN!

Six pack? Is it a dream?

For people that has known me my whole life...I have always been fat..other than maybe the time when i was hit by my thyroid where i drastically lost weight to 67kg...

But as of 2008...I want to make a honest effort to lose all those unwanted fat...and be as healthy as I can be...giving my all to God and making youth ministry a wonderful place where God can guide and lay His hands on and bless...

I'm writing this entry as a personal challenge to myself...if you find it irrelevant...the X is at the top right corner of your screen...but if not..just read on...

I'm forcing myself to lose the unwanted amount of fat in on my body...since 30th Dec 2007 till now...I have been exercising everyday(weights training and HIIT) and sticking to a strict diet (no fried food, no fast food, only water, lean meat and more veggies and fruits pls). I have gone from wearing XXL/XL to L and from a 39 inch waist to a 36 inch waist.

But I feel...i want to go one step further...for the next 7 weeks...I wana push as hard as i can to c my abs and even wana to have a six pack ab by my birthday. I am very serious and for those around me...hope you can give me as much encouragement as u can...

I hope i don't sound too self-centred as i'm not..I just wana fulfill this lifelong dream and goal...i'm not getting any younger and i hope the effort i put will go a long way in leading a healthy and fruitful life for God...

Stats as of 25th Feb 2008 (will be updated bi-weekly):

Chest - 44 inches

Waist - 36 inches

Stomach - 39 inches

Hips - 46 inches

Biceps - 14 inches

Yes that's how brutally honest i'm gonna be because I want to motivate and "force myself to drop these numbers"...maybe other than the biceps one...







Joke of the day:

What chest can never store treasure?















Answer:

The one attached to your body.

F A M I L Y

Believe it or not...yesterday was the 1st time I watched I not stupid 2...wow that show really shows the heartache of singaporean youths and parents alike...the pursuit of education...the pursuit of monetary excellence...trying to make a better life for the family...love and care among true blue friends...owning up to your mistakes...parents taking time to understand their children...

Honestly....I teared quite abit...because the show made me understand how blessed God has allowed me to be...my family, my friends, my life...even though I have done so much wrong....God still forgives me and allows me to go forward with Him...

As for my family and friends, they have always been by my side through the hard times...and definitely we share the good times...therefore I say to all...appreciate your friends and family...because they DO care about you and want the best for you...

I cried when the little brother said: FAMILY, you know the meaning? It means FATHER AND MOTHER I LOVE YOU.

Such a simple sentence, yet so profound. Now I would like to emphasise, is V day so impt? To those who are looking forward to that day, Feb 14th happens to Friendship Day also. Remember your priorities and not focus all ur time on who you like...but the people around you who have been with you through thick and thin.....





Joke of the day:

Why did the pigeon cross the road?










Answer:

Because he wanted to be a chicken.

YES! I passed my driving finally! But....

HAHAHAHAHA i passed my driving liao....WOO HOO....late nights don't need to take taxi liao!! But on the 1st day i drove..LOL i dented the back of my dad's car...He was not angry...but i super guilty sia...really not confident of my parking sia...hahah need more practice...

Had the most real dream in years!

Hahahah to some this may be funny but to me ar...wah wasted it was only a dream...last nite I dreamt about "the moment when she said yes moment" about the gal I like...wah it seemed so real and seemed like everything was goin great...we decided to keep it from everyone and we were happily in love...hahahah then I got woken up by my hp! lol...i noe i sound like a gal in this post but this really happened last nite and I seldom remember my dreams so clearly....

Just praying that this may be a possibility but unlikely that will be the case because the gal does not even know lol...Just leave it to God and be happy with my life!


Joke of the day:

What is the longest world not spelled with a vowel that you know?













Answer:

For me is rhythm. Anyone know any longer? Sorry not really a joke but juz curious

Lost 1.5 inches off my waist in 14 days!!

Hahaha I don't believe in new year resolutions but I believe in making an effort to improve myself for God's Work...one way is physically as I'm getting on in years and really need fitness to keep up with the youths lol... Reasons for training: 1) Improve 2) Fitness to keep up with youths 3) See my abs for the 1st time in my life 4) Healthier mah lol 5) Able to do breakdance moves like 1 hand handstand (I oredi can do 1 hand cartwheel for ur info) Hahaha for those that want to lose weight...eat healthy..as in really healthy...don't eat supper, don't eat fried food, definitely no fast-food and exercise regularly (I exercise everyday)..drink only water... So for those that see me often..hope you will be able to see the change till my birthday...those dat dun c me often..hope u get a pleasant surprise when u c me on my bday then lol... Joke of the day: Why water can never intro himself to a Chinese? Answer: Because the chinese will keep saying Wo de shou mou? (Wa -ter sounds like mine in chinese..and water will keep saying Wo de ming zi shi Wo de.....LOL sry i wana break the lame barrier)

I Kiss Dating Goodbye

To everyone that reads my blog, I highly recommend the book " I kiss dating goodbye". It would totally revolutionise your thinking about finding a life partner and points you to the correct direction which is to totally rely on God when it comes to the heart matters. Unlike what the Title suggests, the book is about how we should approach our feelings and actually dating can be wrong without commitment. This is because if you are truly ready to commit, you must be also ready to accept that as your life partner, meaning you must expect to marry the person. And being rooted in the Lord Jesus is also very very important. I can't emphasise this point more than enough. I have seen many relationships broken up because of differing faiths or religion. If it is rooted in Christ and the focus is about God, the relationship will prosper with the help of God. Remember guys and gals, love is about giving and never expecting anything in return. So if you really think you like/love someone, you would be willing to give anything for that person to be stronger in God..not like you more and try imagining the person 30 years older..will you still like the person then without the looks? If you can truly answer this questions..maybe you are ready to let God show you the person He has promised... Joke of the day: What's one thing that is guaranteed pain when you kick something real hard? Answer: Your own foot lar! hhaahah

We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy NEW year

Thank the Lord Jesus for blessing the youths with so much fun and laughter during the festive season and blessing us with such good weather for the Christmas be here event and the Prepare the way youth camp. We shared really good fellowship and made many new friends. Thank you Lord for guiding us through the short deadlines and the difficult times in 2007 and we look forward to 2008 with total faith and hope in you Lord Jesus. These are my thoughts for the year 2007. Who would have expected? The crazy guy from Fairfield sec, JJC and NTU would end up being the youth worker of Queenstown Lutheran Church. But this is a miracle I tell u. God really works in wonderous ways and it just shows here. After my graduation, I had problem finding jobs I liked. I got the job but I felt that I would not have liked it there. And so on and so forth. God was telling in my heart to come to Him non-stop...It was so clear in my head I could not deny it..Then my mum one day suggested why don't I be the permenant youth worker since I enjoy the youth ministry so much. Then it clicked in my head. That was the start of the most important and rewarding decision of my life. I really would like to thank all the youths for their love and support for me even though I have done nothing much and is not worthy. I hope we can together bring up the youth ministry to greater heights with total reliance on the Lord God Almighty. God is sovereign, always remember that. I would like to thank my family for their overwhelming support...and for all their years of love and care..for those that know my parents..you should know how joker my dad is and how loving my mum can be...so I guess I take abit from both and its sort of a great compliment to them..One of my mum's dreams is to have one of her sons serving full-time..How wonderful God provides and fulfills dreams... I would like to thank all my friends for making me the person I am today. It is because in the midst of troubles and fun, friends are the ones that dedicate their time and effort to make you feel better or just to make your day. To all Josiah Yeo's friends, I raise my hat and salute you for taking all the rubbish and the jokes that I have bombarded your lives with. I love you all and we will definitely stay friends for life. Last of all, I would like to thank all the people that have hurt me in my lifetime. These people have moulded my heart and thoughts. But it is for a good thing because I am more forgiving and loving as ever. Because I do not ever want to have anyone else feel the same as what I did before. For those nice guys who continue to treat girls nice even though they have been hurt by heartless girls before, I salute you and I take my hat of to you. The world needs your care and concern. For the girls that have been hurt by guys before and still give the guys chances for your love, I salute you too as it is harder for a girl to recover from a relationship then a guy. I just want to pray that the nice guys in this world get to meet the mature and nice girls of this world so that they will appreciate them better. Joke of the day: When can a desktop become a laptop? Answer: When you put your leg at the bottom of the desk. Then your desktop will be on top of your lap. Then laptop liao! hahah sorry most lame joke ever.