Arise and Build 2008

Last weekend was the launch of another season, another opportunity to give to the House of God. It's our Arise and Build 2008!

Like past years, all of us will pray for an amount that we can sow into the Kingdom of God.

For me, i've been saving up carefully for the past 6 months, to prepare myself for Bible School next year. And i'm glad to say that i have saved up sufficiently to bring myself through SOT without worrying about school fees.

I myself, i prayed for an amount. And to me, it was something that will challenge the amount of savings that i had. This was my initial amount.

On Friday, i was having a discussion with Di, and i suddenly came to the conclusion that i might really give one shot and then slowly build on my savings again. And during CG that night, i was totally convicted in my heart that there is a greater amount, which requires greater faith.

Leader shared out of a message that she heard during her company devotion. And how true it was:

~Everything we have is from the Lord; the moment fear comes into our lives, we turn from a STEWARD to become a PROPRIETOR.~

And, i know fully, what i have is given to me for my comfort and enjoyment, but, it's also a time for me to find out if i'm a good steward of what God has blessed me with.

Knowing of this struck me deep; and i know that i am willing to give the amount that God has called me to sacrifice. Even though i increased the amount at the last minute before we pledged, but i know that being a STEWARD of the blessings that God has given to me, i know that God will never shortchange me. And this is the biggest-ever amount that i've pledged, and it was close to 2 times of what i've originally pledged.

Right after the service, i kept thinking about when i should give my firstfruits - and there and then, i turned to a AXS kiosk and gave my first instalment - 35% of the total amount. At the moment where my card was charged, i felt totally happy and at peace, despite knowing that i have lesser preparatory funds for SOT.

I'm praying for sponsors for SOT. And super-duper good tuition assignments next year. (i want a take-home of $2000 per month!)

An amazing thing happened: As u know, i've been sick since last month with all the cough and stuff like that. With this sinus, i will have this urge to cough very deeply, especially at night and in the mornings. But yesterday was one day where i realized that, despite all the cold drink and chocolate ICE-CREAM and Chilli, i didn't even cough or have phlegme! Praise God!