My learnings:

Verse 1: Joy is dependant on what we set as our heart's desire. The growth of the disciples (Philippians) was Paul's heart's desire.

Verse 4: We can decide to rejoice. We are not always subjected by our emotions but our emotions can be subjected by us.

Verse 10: A thankful heart breeds joy.

What are your learnings? Pls share in comments =)

What is your deepest yearning?
What is your longest yearning?
What is your deepest wound?
What is your longest wound?
What would it be like if your deepest yearning is fulfulled?

I had thought that what I really want from God is a healthy normal baby (after waiting for so many years). Yet, to my surprise, when I was listening to a prayer app and it prompted a question, "What can Jesus do for you today?", my instinctive answer was "Your tangible presence, God." In that instant, it felt like having a child is an experience in life that I would like to have. However, like most things in life, they will also pass. Except the One who is alpha and omega, everything and everyone is transient. That being said, it is blissful to have the transient people and things. 曾经拥有好过没有. But life is at such, many things are out of control. What can we do but learn to say "As the Lord wills" and continually give thanks for the cards we have in our hands. Play the best game with the cards dealt. A bird in hand is better than many on the trees. One of the birds in hand is the eternal hope of glory =)

Dear God,
The road to You may be narrow and arduous but help me keep my eyes on You. To fear You only. To trust You only. To walk away from every temptation and distraction. Till I enter into Your rest, help me keep my eyes on You.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Dear God,
I realised that even Jesus who is the Light and the One You sent, did not judge those who heard  him but did not obey. Whom am I to form opinions about those who hear and yet not respond? Help me to be patient like Jesus. In this grace of time given, it is still salvation time, not judgement time. Give me also strength and diligence to continue proclaiming Jesus and his gospel, because there will still will be judgement on the day of judgement for those who reject. So help me not to stop interceding in prayers, in deeds and in proclamation. As You have commanded Jesus what to say and how to say, teach me also what to say and how to say. Then, help me with boldness to just say, without hankering after human praise or approval. With fear and trembling, and in Jesus' name I pray, amen. 

Dear God,
I wonder if I do not fully appreciate You and the goodness of Your presence. I long for Your presence while living, I do not long to go to You like Paul did. Help me grasp the depth of the blessing of knowing You. These days, I realised that it is truly a privilege to be able to trust in Christ. I am learning how to appreciate the privilege to suffer for Him. Perhaps replacing the word "suffer" with "love" may be more easily acceptable. It is easier to say, I would love to love You than it is to say, I would love to suffer for You. True love is always witnessed through willingness to suffer for the sake of the other. Fluttering of the heart is but a moment of passion but love in action even when it hurts is a true test. While I am no where near this state for now, and since I am still alive and in no danger, help me to do fruitful work for Christ. Help me to live a life worthy of having the privilege of possessing and proclaiming the gospel. And help me build tenacity within that if the occasion arises for me to suffer for You, I will have enough faith not to back out. 
​In Jesus' name I pray, amen.

Dear God,

Though we may not always act out in perfect righteousness, but there is something called ‘upright in heart’. And God, my heart is not always upright. Help me to be so, so that the way to heaven is not steep and rough. 

Indeed, with regards to my sins, with regards to uncertain future and a whole load of my concerns, grant me peace. All that I accomplished is really from you. All that I do not accomplish is Your will. 

Your discipline in this season has been gentle for me. As I slowly move along with You, I seem to be more and more free. But, please have mercy on those whom Your hand is heavy. Aid them to repentance that they may receive life. Life on earth and life to come.
In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen.

Read the above text with accompanying song, "Beautiful" by Ethel Yap.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TuHGvuBW2b8
May you have a beautiful time =)

Dear God,
Help me not to be overly concerned with time. It is limited to me but it is arbitrary to You. There is always a time for everything. And while I may think that I am waiting for Your time, You are probably waiting for mine. For me to be ready, for things to be appropriate, for things to be in the right place, right time, right everything… So help me Lord to be patient in all things, with myself, with others, with all things. In that patience, help me to wait joyfully and excitedly await what You are unfolding and doing. In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen.

Dear God,
Help us not to be lost in our comforts and luxuries. Grant us a keen awareness of the fragility of life, Your will and Your power. Move our hearts towards how You want us to live. That in the final days, we will not be found wanting but enter rest into Your presence. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.