Ah, what a wonderful camp it has been! Thank and praise the Lord from the bottom of my heart for sending a revival into my life.
Psa 40:1-3, "I waited patiently for the Lord, And He inclined to me and heard my cry. He also brought me up out of a horrible pit. Out of the miry clay, And set my feet upon a rock, and established my steps. He has put a new song in my mouth- praise to our God; Many will see and fear and will trust in the Lord."
Looking back, I realised the manner I ended school was totally opposite from the way I started it. I was initially zealous, firm in my convictions, God-fearing and God-loving. But school ended with much sin, compromise, mistakes, lukewarmness and selfishness. The state that I was in was to be compared with the "horrible pit" or the "miry clay" that King David sung about. God is good and faithful and mercy to lift me out of my darkness into His marvelous light, setting my feet firmly on the rock of His word and putting a new song of praise in my mouth! (:
I went to camp with a heavy heart, confused about many things, worried about the road that's ahead. Especially when my heart has been stirred up by the many messages from the recently held Bible conference, I need to know clearly what He wants for me. I pleaded God open my eyes to see His will, and I promised to yield to it whatever is laid out before me.
It says in Proverbs 4:23-27
Keep your heart with all dilligence, for out of it spring the issues of life. Let your eyes look straight ahead, and your eyelids look right before you. Ponder the path of your feet, and let all your ways be established. Turn not to the right of the left; Remove your foot from evil.
On the first night, God challenged me with the theme verse, "approving things that are excellent" from Philippians 1:10. Dr Innes shared that we ought to decide to live right early, and live it right because we only live once. He shared his personal testimony of how at the tender age of 17 he committed his life to God by entering into the full-time ministry, and 50 years later, he stands firm in his commitment, a life thoroughly blessed by the Lord, with peace joy and love. Truly there is no regret in a life lived entirely for God. And I am greatly encouraged by the testimony of this wonderful man. I asked myself if I wanted to decide now, or wait till I've wasted another 10-20 years of my life before realising what Solomon discovered, "Vainities of vainities, all is vainty." By His grace, I decided and commited to God that very first night, and subsequent nights during the camp that I wanted to live for the glory of God in my life.
Dr Innes brought up through a series of lecture on the topic "How do I know whats right for me?", dealing especially for issues that are not clearly commanded right or wrong in the Bible. There are many priniciples that may be applied and tests to put our considerations through to decide eventually whether it is the will of God or not. It has been really a beneficial study into the prinicples God has laid out for us in His word, especially to deal with "grey" issues of life. I guess most of the issues I needed God's direction and will, were being sifted away by the tests. And perhaphs through His word, i was convicted that some relationships in life werent pleasing to Him. And they would be more of a hinderance to my walk with God and my ministry for Him. Thus in the light of that, though it be painful, I had to give them up to God and wait and trust. Hmm, I am thankful that I also realise that there isnt anyone else I desire to get to know better but God, because I truly wanted to know Him, this great God that many profess to know and experience Him personally in my life.
Jeremiah 9:23-24
"Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, let not the mighty man glory in his might, nor let the rich man glory in his riches; But let him who glories glory in this, that he understands and knows Me, That I am the LORD, exercising lovingkindness, judgement and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight." says the Lord
It has been a great joy. God has spoken to me numerous times in His still small voice, encouraging me, challenging me to "forsake my all, take up my cross and follow Him [till death]. Peace has swept over my spirit over and over, as I bring each and every one of those "idols" in my life that I have withheld from Him to the altar and surrendered to Him. Such great joy indeed.
Stick to your commitments! Many commitments have been made. Not very difficult I would think, but yes, of course by the grace of God. So, similarly, the grace and strength of the Lord I hope to keep them and be fully surrendered to His will even as I return to school. It would be tough but I have a precious promise from God: "Faithful is He who has called you, who also will do it" 1 Thel 5.
Thank the Lord for such a fruitful camp, and truly a camp that gives glory due to His holy name!
Lols, now to the practical aspects of it. It was really quite enjoyable I would say. Though I have toned down much activities that I would looove to participate in so that I may not be too tired for the messages and to also spend more time with God in the camp, I loooove the warm and sweet fellowship between brothers and sisters in the Lord and I have grown to love them more than any of my friends. Personally I think there's nothing to hide and the relationships are so natural and so real. Well I'm supposed to take care of Danny and Sebestian (two guys three years my junior) by bunking with them. Haha, initially I was horrified by the amount of noise they can make (even at 1-2am in the morning) but I guess I have grown accustomed to their chattering and somehow I think they are nice boys. Think ministry indeed requires sacrifice? Lols, sacrifice of peace and quietness I wanted to experience at camp. But ohwell. I think I would not understand fully what it means to be less selfish and more selfless until I learn to take care of others more than myself?
Afternoons were slack for me. Spend an hour or so catching up on my slumber after lunch before soccer, handball, etc in the late afternoon. The rest of the guys head out for fishing while I snooze in bed. So i didnt catch the fishing craze that was present. Nights were spent playing bridge, taboo and balderdash with the youths while munching away on snacks and sweets. Okay, those who the fun moments? Haha.
Today's dear Charissa's birthday! so HAPPY BLESSED 19th BIRTHDAY dear girl! :D
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