this one thing I do

but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching foward to those things which are ahead. -Philipians 3:13

Indeed, the Lord has been working in my life ever since Youth Camp. Its really very very interesting to see how God works, at His own timing. I was quite puzzled by the fact that I was not really impacted by the camp, nor encountered God in an "earthquake" or "thunderstorm". Even though, I really prayed daily that God will not harden this heart of mine, and keep it soft and sensitive to the Spirit's moving. But, only now do I realise that He was planning to use Youth Camp to reveal many things that had to be put aside in order that I continue to seek Him wholeheartedly. And it was only after youth camp, that these issues sprung out of nowwhere, and burdened me so deeply, that I felt the need to no longer hold it back from God but to commit it wholeheartedly to Him! Through youth camp, and even after camp, I found out that I was clearly distracted by something. IT really really burdened me. Because I knew that my focus was no longer solely on God, I wasn't able to serve and seek Him with my whole heart. After struggling with my own power to overcome it, I realised that I can never be able to do it through my own strength. I talked to a few wiser brothers and sisters about it. And I knew that I really really had to commit this to the Lord, and leave it to Him. If I were only able to look unto Him, and claim upon the VICTORY that He is willing to give us. Before I really understood what it took to commit, to leave and then to trust God with IT, I was having a hard time struggling to shun away from the distractions. But by trying and trying, it never seem to be able to work. Because it lacked one thing- God. But it was only the past 3 days that I realised, and truly understood the meaning of Philipians 4:6-7:

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

This verse wasnt about prayer. This verse was about casting all your anxieties, worries, cares, burdens on Him, and He will give you the peace that truly surpass all understanding, which also will guard your hearts and minds. Hmmm. I really understood what it meant because it was only the past 3 days that I started to commit every single thing to God, anything my mind could think of, I placed it on the altar before God. And even when I'm praying or after the prayer, my heart truly was filled with the peace- peace that only our God can give. Yes. Even though my distraction cannot be counted as completely taken off from my mind, but thankfully I know God has been working and prayerfully, I'm sure God will allow me to claim fully on that victory that He won at calvary! For people who know what I mean, do pray for me. I'm thankful that at least now my focus is returning to God, and I believe and trust that He will continue to empower me to cast every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of Christ, and to bring every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. Some verse that were very helpful to me, that I meditated on, the past few days.

2 Corinthians 10:5

casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,

Philipians 3:7-8

But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ

Philipians 4:8

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy--meditate on these things.

As I shared. Our quiet time with our Lord is so so important. By reading and meditating on His word, we then may truly put on the whole armour of God, and take up the sword of the spirit, which is the word of God. We are now in a spiritual battle, a very fierce one indeed. As the Bible said, we do not war against with the flesh, nor wrestle agsinst flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. (Ephesians 6:12) So if we do not study God's Word and equip ourselves with It, then we are really leaving ourselves most vulnearble to every little temptation of the world. Instead, we ought to meditate on verses that we read, and ask God to hide them in our hearts, to use them to guard our hearts and our minds against any temptation. Below are some verses that helped me understand what I needed to arm myself with, and to do, so that we may be well-prepared for this spiritual battle. Onward Christians Soldiers!

Ephesians 6:10-18

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints

James 4:7

Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.

I believe that it was quite an interesting discussion we had today with the 16-18 year old youths. Hmmm. About drawing a line, stating the standards, when we are to go back to our school. Between verses like, "Do not love the world, nor the things of the world", "Friendship with the world is enemity with God", "What fellowship is there between light and darkness" and this verse from Matthew 5:13-16. If we were to be lights to the world, what about the verses on separation? Hmmm. Think about it. I'm going off soon. I'll probably come tomorrow again. Haha.

Matthew 5:13-16

"You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.
"You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

Think think think. : )