22, Single, Greater

Hola everyone, it's been my usual tradition to post something after my birthday just to say, "yes it's been a week, and you might've missed it". I come from a family that doesn't celebrate birthdays much, so my birthday was pretty much the same as my normal days. (the last time  my sister and I tried to organise a surprise birthday party for mom, it almost put me into an argument with dad *true story)

I've posted on my path, but...
I thank y'all for your words of encouragement, your thoughts and even for your gifts that soon to be delivered *muahahaha (assuming they were sincere).
I don't know why I thanked you sarcastically, but maybe it's because now I'm in Palembang right now where people talk like this all the time.

Arriving in Palembang right before Christmas 2014 gave me a chance to join Gereja Mawar Sharon (Rose of Sharon Church) Lighthouse's Christmas Celebration: Precious Moment.
The lead Pastor, ko Maxi Eduard Lonta, who spoke as that day's preacher ministered a really anti-mainstream message of Jesus Christ.

Rather than speaking the typical 'heart-warming' message of Christmas, he spoke the message of repentance continued with the message of salvation through Jesus Christ.
I saw this preacher got so fired up and shared the gospel, so I was like "preach on, pastor" almost all the time. I can say one thing for sure, this guy preached what God put in his heart.
I said, "I want to see how God uses this church, which is pastored by someone brave enough to speak out the message of repentance boldly" and I pray for it, I really do.

I'm grateful to meet someone who isn't sugar-coating the Word of God at my community.
This opportunity is really helping me to keep holding onto what I believe, as well as to find my own greater calling.
Currently I withdrew myself from my social medias (I'm still using some though, ain't gonna be a shut-in), which resulted me to have more self-control, more time for other useful activities, and even enabled me to reach serenity in living my life, HA!
But seriously, because I check on my news feed less, I become more spiritually and mentally fit when meeting my friends or having a one-on-one session. I think, being absorbed too much into these medias will only cause us to lose our Spirit-driven self control.

Especially when I was struggling in deciding my future career. If I were given a chance to do anything (without any consideration, it is), I would like to answer: "a pastor" or "a preacher".
Coming near to the end of my study in Malaysia, I struggled even harder.
My dad is a businessman and I'm the first child in my family.
It means my parents kinda have an expectation on me to own a business.
After months of praying, finally in January, I let go of my own ego.
Ego, you said?
Yes, because as I said, me being a pastor (in my own version) is egoistic.

Only right after I said to God, "If there is something I learn by not running away from what my parents told me, so be it, God", I saw where God wants to lead me to.
What if there is strength that I need to embrace along my journey?
What if there is a specific advantage God wants me to have by following this plan?
What if God's plan A is something I always refused to even consider?

I was reminded greatly, especially by GMS's fasting movement with the tagline "humility comes before honor".
"Humble yourself, Indra", I told myself.
I'm finding out God's purpose for my life in more specific ways and I would like to write a post about it when it becomes clearer.

Then I started 2015 with a unique circumstance, where we 'celebrated' our New Year in SGH Hospital, as my twin sister collapsed due to partying too much *yea right
We love this girl so much, to the extent that one of us wore a Stitch costume for her.

Jadi ceritanya gua ga ke Batam sendirian.
Anyway, muka Bri sangat menghibur di sini.

Mission Accomplished ya kawan2 :D

Hate me as you want, I'm posting it anyway.
Wellney 15:13 Greater love has no one than this, that a brother put on a Stitch onesie for his sister 

Entering the age of 22, I felt like thanking Vedo Irawan for the first Leonis FC jersey he gave to me last year. Same number, eh?

Thank You, Jesus for my 22 years.
I know I've made the best possible choice to believe in You and trust You with my whole life.

One of the most often wishes I got recently was "cepet dapet jodoh ya" while I'm like "nah, not so soon, dude" hahaha.
Not that I don't support the gift of marriage, really, I'm all in for a godly marriage, but I don't agree with how most of us see the gift of singleness.

Truth be told, single is underrated.
There is this trend, or pattern, occur among us to treat singleness as a disability - an incomplete state of life - or even a problem.

"I'm just joking about it"
Okay, it's cool
But doesn't it still treat the gift of singleness wrongly?
It affects our perspective about singleness, much.

1 Corinthians 7:25-27 (ESV)

25 Now concerning the betrothed, I have no command from the Lord, but I give my judgment as one who by the Lord's mercy is trustworthy. 

26 I think that in view of the present distress it is good for a person to remain as he is.

27 Are you bound to a wife? Do not seek to be free. Are you free from a wife? Do not seek a wife.

Does it sound like Apostle Paul was against the idea of marriage?

Nah, verse 28,

28 But if you do marry, you have not sinned, and if a betrothed woman marries, she has not sinned. Yet those who marry will have worldly troubles, and I would spare you that.

So...

It's good with your dream of marrying someone, but don't you know that it's good that you are single too?

Many things have happened to me, but I remain the same on my standpoint about this matter.
I may not be a suitable person to talk about relationships, marriages and stuffs, but let me talk from my own experience in the efforts of setting myself apart for God: Singleness is not a disease. Singleness is gold.
(you may see my 22 years without having dated anyone as my advantage or my disadvantage, your call)

Greater life doesn't occur only when "two become one", there is greater purpose when "one stays as one" as well.

When we say "Christ is enough", then in ALL seasons in our life, He never ceases to be enough, whether you are single or married.

Isn't it the best choice you've ever made to stay single rather than to marry wrong person?
The Bible said it best:

Better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife - Proverbs 25:24

But y'know what? Rather than marrying wrong person, it is worse to be a wrong person to get married to.
So don't be that kind of person, period.
Become someone whom you want to marry wants to marry.

I know this ain't gonna eliminate your question "when" or "who".

Having this kind of faith - that trusts what God speaks about singleness - won't make all your questions go away.

I believe that faith is not eliminating all the questions that might come up, it is trusting your questions to Someone with the highest authority.

The opposite of faith is not doubt, it’s certainty. - Anne Lamott

Nevertheless, as Pastor Steven declared: It's gonna be worth your while!

So even if there were times I asked "oh really, God?", I ain't rushing, no matter how many people that came and told me to do so (true story). Instead, I'm kind of able to figure out how my older friends feel during this situation.
To remain sanctified, complete in God's love and pure before God, should be our main concern.

I don't want to skip my current season, I'm embracing my season!

Ecclesiastes 3:1

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:

It's A New Season

It's a new season, it's a new day.

A fresh anointing is flowing my way.

It's a season of power and prosperity.

It's a new season coming to me.

That's from Israel Houghton's song, New Season.

How I wish that while I sing this song, a new season, a good start for me, a perfect season to step out into new level is coming to me.

But nope, I indeed made a step into a new level, however with a "not so good" start.

Here's the story, I was given a privilege, to play for an International-level futsal team, called Leonis (only one time, one golden chance. See the reason why I desperately wished for a good start?)

We won 11-5, it was okay, but bad for me as 2-3 goals were my silly mistakes.

Ironically, it's enough reason for me to feel really down.

Before going on, some of y'all might wonder how come I was asked to play for this Leonis team.

I have a connection, a friend, a great futsal player with many haters (soalnya muka n gayanya sengak), Vedo Irawan.

We met in 2010 in FGCC, and played futsal together, although he joined another team called Sunesia (I was in ISCF) that time.

Iseng buka foto2 lama, gua aja lupa ada foto ini

This guy has been pursuing his passion and love about futsal, until he reaches international level, which is rare for Indonesian students like us.
He is also the guy who introduced me to Monash Futsal Captain, Shafiq and so I was invited to join Monash training since last year. Such an honour indeed, I started to meet and get to know Monash players, Coach Kevin Yee, RG boys, and even some of Malaysian-league futsal players (from PKNS and Selangor FC).

Shaf is the middle guy standing behind me, with a bitter facial expression, and there's Zec with his intimidating aura

While I thought I'd reached a university level (which I still need to learn a lot), Vedo had played in Leonis for a quite long time. Yes, I'm saying that we are in a different league.
This year, I was privileged to play again in Monash team, and we lost at the group stage #justsaying

I think we tried hard to smile, that's what I think though... btw ada Yudhi di kanan bawah, huoo

At the same time, I was invited by Vedo to come to Leonis training.
So I'm like "oh okay, this is a great chance for me to LEARN."
You can imagine how it goes for me, a newbie, self-proclaimed Goalkeeper, just barely played at university level, now trained with a semi-professional team.

Sounds humble? No, I just lack of confidence.
As Pastor Steven Furtick said, "preachers tend to be one of the most insecure groups of people on the planet" (Crash the Chatterbox)

Pamer foto lama doang sih ini bro

That's not a solid reasoning, but I'm that kind of people that often lack of confidence.
It might not seem so, yet my close friends understand this the most.

Back to my third paragraph above, I played bad during the game, I realized that I did uneccessary mistakes and felt unecessarily timid.
During evaluation, Vedo and Valiant (a futsal player from Sunesia, who has been going through almost the same portion of futsal training in Monash as me... My bad, he is even worse, he's a futsal maniac) gave their honest opinions and I learnt a lot from them.
Vedo added, "you set your goal too low, you need to set higher goal for yourself."
This hit me, y'know, because what he said was true, I was satisfied for just being able to training with Leonis, that's all.

One point I want to make clear about, if you wonder, of how three of us became really close.
It's really simple, it's just because we found similarities among us: We are passion and purpose driven type of people. (in this case, futsal)
Honestly, in regards of passion, I think I am the least driven compared to them.
That's why I'm really grateful for meeting them, they helped me a lot in pursuing my passion (as well as to remind me again about my purpose in Church, community, calling, and study)

Ceritanya abis maen buat RG Junior, I posted this on IG before. Btw belakang itu Yassin ya, Val?

Still, I thought of things like "I don't think I'm ready to play in (adult) International level yet" and "I suck, dude. I don't know what happened."
Then I remembered what my late American Football coach, Mr. Jeff Pelland said to me after I told him the same thing I thought of back then, "If you know that you played bad, then it's good. Why? Because you know what your mistakes are, so you will not do the same mistakes again."

Sunway Storms and Sunway Titans

The next thing I knew, I was remembering what Sidney Mohede shared in FGCC pre-Christmas celebration, 2009:
In Indonesia, he had become well known for his works, it's like there was no single person who did not know his name (even my old-school parents heard of him, no kidding, man). He was like, "I'm starting from 0, and I keep improving, now I'm at 9".
Then he was invited to lead worship in Taiwan, where he was needed to do that in mandarin, he can't even speak mandarin. So, he admitted that he felt so nervous as if he went back to 0 again.
But he then realized, he wasn't at 0, he was at 10, because as for that time, he had gone to International level. He said to himself "welcome to international world, man".

That's just a portion of his sermon, he wasn't showing off his fame or whatsoever, you can check his full sermon by ordering The Chronicles DVD from my friend, Sandy Ijaya through this number:
016 - 9968019.

"Worry is a down payment on a problem you may never have" - Joyce Meyer

I kept worrying especially after the game, and found no good thing resulted from doing that.

I felt like I messed up the game, but in case I forgot about it: I was playing for a semi-pro team, I SHOULD be thankful for that.
I know I'm not good enough to play a quality game in international level yet, but I've just arrived.
I'm stepping on it, I'm just starting.

(The funny thing is that Leonis players don't really make a big deal out of this, they don't show off their "international level" skills, they aren't confused, they aren't timid under the pressure. They are simply calm and confident, that's how they show their class.)

It took me some time to realize this again:
In the middle of our journey, we need to take a break and thank God for everything we have until now.
I'm not saying that we can feel satisfied and settle down from giving your best, that's arrogance.
I'm saying that we tend to catch up with this high pace world and competitive trends around us until we become discontent with everything. Yes, everything.
Arrogance starts when we stop being grateful (say "Amen", somebody).

I believe that when we forget to be grateful, we'll start taking all the credits for yourselves, that's arrogance.
We forget to thank God, our friends, our colleagues, or family as if we do everything on our own (if you feel that  you've been fighting alone all your life, I think you are wrong).
So, sometimes we just need to stop and say Ebenezer, thus far has the LORD helped us.

I had a bad start, but it won't stop me from learning and improving further.
To make it even further, I wanna thank God for everything before I go on.

I thank God for rare chances given to me and for He has led me thus far, I thank Vedo and Valiant for their supports and advice regarding my passion, I thank Kevin Yee-Bryan Lee-Pep Chia for Monash futsal, I thank ISCF for giving me such solid foundation before I ever moved on to another level, I thank Coach Yaser and Leonis whom I just met several times, I thank my close friends for being my "Lighthouse", I thank people who read this post in advance to check anything.
(I'm sorry if I'm gonna stop here, too much to be grateful for).

Now, I'm telling myself to move on and keep on learning from the opportunities given to me.
Imma keep walking on without leaving my gratitude behind.
It's a new season!

"Why A. C. Milan?" by Me

Associazione Calcio Milan, one of Serie A football clubs
I'm sure many of you have known this name (why many, not all? because my family does not)

Since 1899

When I was younger, I didn't support a certain football team, I just loved to watch a good football match (but I did not focus on a certain sport either, I played badminton, then basketball, football then futsal. So it was 2006-2008 that I started watching football rather seriously, such a newbie huh? haha)

Alright, due to my lackness of knowledge that time, I only had several 'great' players (according to me): Gianluigi Buffon, Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite (I was proud for being able to memorize his full name), Oliver Kahn, Iker Casillas, Ronaldinho, Lionel Messi, Del Piero, David Beckham. #sangatsedikit
I was not even interested in the older generation players like Shevchenko, Maradona, Batistuta, Pirlo, Ronaldo Delima etc. Silly younger me, really

Then I was introduced this player and his football team, rather than focusing on how awesome his performance was (he was known with motto: Impossible is Nothing), I learnt about his integrity to live as a devout Christian while he is maintaining his status as a great footballer.
Just imagine, in Brazil, he and his partner (Caroline Celico) remained sanctity until marriage, even a child like me understood how difficult that was
I also learnt about his response about the career-threatening swimming pool accident
I was like: WOOOW :O
I began to love this A.C. Milan team because of his impact, he'd moved to Real Madrid though

I present to you, Ricardo Kaka

Some wondered why I support this kind of non-mainstream team, some said that the reason I support A.C. Milan was because I could not move on (let it remaind silent for some people, ha!), .

Anyway, who does not want Fernando Torres to return to Liverpool, and hopefully regain his prime condition? (I know there are some people who don't, but never mind, just take it as "Noone does not", lol). 

Same thing goes for Kaka's returning to A.C. Milan, at least for me

I know A.C. Milan was experiencing some kind of turbulences and now at the 3rd place of Serie A (after serious instabilities in their performances)

They are not like the mighty Juventus (like I said, I love Buffon and Del Piero haha), they do not have a powerful weapon like Barca's Tiki Taka, etc etc. But I still love them

Milan is the first football team that I love, the one and only *cieh

Il Faraone

You know what, one more player who made me said: "This is it! I love this player" was Stephan El Shaarawy, Serie A Young Footballer of the Year (2012).

Looking at his skills makes me questioning if he is really one year older than me o_O

And Milan now have the trio (mohawk) youngsters::

Left to Right:
M'Baye Niang (1994) - Mario Balotelli (1990) - El Shaarawy (1992)

I care less about the other young players, except for David de Gea (1990) the Monkey Mutant from Manchester United huahahaha

Let me conclude this: 

I love A.C Milan but I'm just a football lover.

It would be really great if we can stop the hating, harsh words among teams, annoying action like green laser things, etc.

When you're supporting a team, what you really want is they win the competition (whatever it is), and it doesn't necessarily mean hating other team, am I right?

You support this team, I support another one, does it make us an enemy?

Come on, let's just enjoy the game and stop hating (although I do hate some players' actions such as diving, fighting, doing violence)

#ForzaMilan

Recent Updates 20/02/2013

Chinese New Year is over, some families still keep the CNY snakcs for their visitors though.
This time, my update includes some conversations during Pai Cia (sanjo), visiting friends or whatever you call it.

Some are good to hear, some are heart-breaking ones...

My parent's friends asked me whether I have got myself a GF (I don't know if they realize I'm just 20 this year or not haha)
Thanks to friends who taught me to answer this kind of question: "Indra, I think your GF-to-be is most likely a nun, pastor or 'like Jesus'."
It effectively closed all of those questions, thank you thank you hahahaha

Personally I have made another vow to God about relationship subject.
What for? #IntimacyWithGod, FGCC's daily devotion project convinced me to do this even more :)

The heart-breaking conversation are like this:
A friend of ours told us, "In doing business, being honest will not make you successful. We are a businessman, it's impossible for us to be honest."
Oh wow...
Many people think like that
But I learn to have God's heart:
Love the sinners, hate the sin

It's difficult, really...

Can't they see that God they (we) worship is a living God

Why do they act like if they are keeping their integrity, God will not take care of them?

Ps. Arman Harijanto (I wrote a bit about him on previous post) is one of the people with integrity.

Maintaining righteousness in living his life, proving that God will take care of the rest.

Too bad, many people just can't see it, can't see how much God loves them even until now.

Nevertheless, rather than focusing on useless things like: Viewing who are the false converts and who are true converts, we should do something much useful, loving them for an example.

Supporting this opinion, I should tell my another story, I attended a workshop, where a musician, named Ps. Xiau Dong San and a speaker, Ps. Samuel Sia were sharing their different topics in one same event.

People started to lose their focus, they chatted and stuffs.

Great lesson I learnt is that both Pastors were still teaching enthusiastically, in spite of the numbers of people who really paid attention to them might be less than the one who did not.

Simple, like rain, it pours impartially

No matter how good, how bad, how this and how that you are, rain will pour fairly for you when it's the time (mencegah ada komentar aneh2 seperti: kalo musim kemarau gimana? dll dll).

I also felt that something was off with me lately.

I don't know what it is and I realized that it's about Fresh Ministry (for me).

Until yesterday, I talked to Kak Tama, asked whether he wanted to say something to me

"Coba untuk lebih serius tapi tetap santai", he said...

I was like, yes that's the answer! I did not behave like my usual self, sangat ga santai, ga tau alasannya apa.

Thank you so much to friends who still maintain my life and evaluate my working or studying.

I can not do much without you guys as my family, team and friends.

God bless :)

I (We) Love February

Recent Updates 2013/02/02

Dear blogspot...
Today I started my day with some urgent business given by my father.
After I finished my work, I'm resting myself and writing this post while drinking a cup of delicious coffee
(boong abis hahaha).

I'm not a huge fan of coffee, apalagi setelah dengar seminar Pak Yohanes Sunardi kalo 1 glass of coffee = - 4 glasses of water, idih males abis la itu.
I do drink coffee on some special occasions such as: Kejar bahan exam sistem SKS, ditraktir orang, diajak temen, lagi pengen (jarang banget), biar terasa romantis, ataupun biar terasa ada kesan dewasa n misterius nya *apasih.

Oke, lupakan cerita singkat tentang kopi di atas, yuk kembali ke jalan yang benar...

The real story is that I'm really helping my father's business haha
Like today, I had to utilize my brain to remember what I've been taught in university.
Ilmunya keluar tuh, itung volume la, sudut la, dll (in case you don't know, my father previously worked as binchotan producer), it also includes my experience in researching/ writing an essay (I'm glad I met the spartan CIMP ENG4C lecturer, Mr. Tan Meng Chwen that I learnt so much about this)
ps: akhirnya ilmunya kepake *terharu.

Yang lagi terngiang2 belakangan adalah: God's Heart.
Dari post yang di-share oleh Bu Silvia Sugianto, chattingan dengan Bu Sarita, komennya Brian Adam dll, it's about understanding God's Heart.
Simple principle and fact: Jesus LOVES sinners but HATES sin
I don't know what you've been going through, I don't understand, and can't as deep as you yourself. But God can, I don't care (don't want to focus on) what our problems are, I just believe as long as you are faithful to Him, He will make a way. That's it!

Perjalanan keluarga gua dari Medan-Bandung-Cirebon-Palembang adalah mujizat, kelangsungan study gua dari kecil is a miracle, diterimanya gua dari SD Meth 2 ke SMP Xav 1 is a miracle, masuk dan lulus dari kelas Aksel is a miracle, kuliah di Malaysia tanpa 'ditarik kembali' is a miracle, what happened to me (us) on 31 January 2013 is a miracle. (no, I'm not dating anyone. Gua jadian mah bukan mujizat la ya #eh #sombong #ngelantur)
Buat teman2 dekat, I will tell more about it specifically (if only you ask, anyway haha).

I'm the product of God's love, grace and miracles... full stop.

Next, "We used to try to be holy so that we can be close to Jesus, but His grace lets us be close to Him and make us holy..." @kennysgoh
Source: Sidney Mohede's instagram
I don't have android or stuff, so I just follow (stalk) some people via website haha

Gua sedikit kebingungan untuk me'rumus'kan kalimat kesimpulan tentang hal ini.
Kalimat2 yang sudah gua susun, susah untuk menjawab pertanyaan2 yang muncul (dari gua sendiri misalnya), for example: Kalo God's grace yang "lets us be close to Him and make us holy", kenapa kita masih perlu 'berusaha' untuk hidup kudus? Terus, tujuan menjadi holy kalau bukan 'to be close to Jesus' apa dong? (please note that I understand the importance of keeping one's holiness before God dan bahwa manusia itu ga sanggup melakukannya tanpa grace dari Tuhan haha).

Yah pertanyaan2 semacamnya lah, sampe kepengen order rekaman khotbahnya Kenny Go untuk bisa mengerti lebih dalam apa arti dari penggalan kalimat di atas. Sekali lagi, gua orang yang rasional, butuh bukti dan peneguhan juga dong, ga bisa modal utamanya 'I think' or 'I feel that...' doang dalam share ke orang2

Masih menyangkut God's Heart, tiba2 kalimat2 ini muncul: "Word of God is not restrictive, it's protective."
Bahwa apa yang dituliskan oleh Tuhan, adalah untuk kebaikan kita sendiri (if we know that breaking traffic laws is dangerous for us, we will not do that, will we?).

Everything's from God and everything's for God
Benar, tapi bukan berarti Tuhan itu egois #simple

God is a loving Father.
Yang dikehendakiNya adalah kebaikan kita. Supaya kita hidup maksimal dan dicap baik. 'Baik' yang seperti apa? Seperti standarnya Tuhan la #simple #kokmasihnanya (padahal ga ada yang nanya)

Sooo, kalaupun kita diperintahkan Tuhan untuk hidup kudus (kenapa kekudusan? Karena ini topik yang muncul dari membuka instagram Sidney Mohede tadi dan juga topik dari Men's Conference GMS Lighthouse Palembang), itu juga untuk kebaikan kita, supaya kita hidup berkenan di hadapanNya.

God's grace bikin kita dekat dengan Tuhan, tapi untuk menjaganya/supaya kita tetap mengarah kepadaNya, kita mesti berusaha hidup kudus (ga cuma doa tanpa usaha mematikan kedagingan). Jangan sampe kita bilang, "yah tunggu God's grace aja untuk menang dari kedagingan, kita mah sante2 aj."

Prayer Is Never a Substitute for Obedience - A. W. Tozer

Kenapa kita harus dekat sama Tuhan? Supaya kita maksimal hidupnya dan memenuhi tujuan kita diciptakan, di mana tujuan tsb disimpan oleh Allah sendiri (manusia = objek kasih dari Allah).

Masih banyak lagi sih yang lagi gua pelajari belakangan, tapi untuk saat ini, sekian deh ya :D

Gbu guys

Recent Updates 2013/01/22

Hey guys, now I've been working on something important, my dad's business stuffs haha
Short story, it's kind of tiring, I've spent 6+ hours/day at a cyber cafe for 3 days. Without doing anything fun (except playing Cat Mario, is it fun? Just try it, click HERE to download and you'll understand) while checking on the download progress.
At the first day, I had to click on each file just to download, there were 785 files and my recent download was 1.9 GB in size, luckily now it's within a rar folder. There are some more problems happened like ISP Server's disturbed connection and stuffs beyond my ability scope, and I prayed once again asking for God's guidance (if you understand the story behind this business, you'll see what I mean)

I'm reminded at Colossians 3:23

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, 

 

Second, my pastor in GMI Bethlehem Palembang is one of writers for Manna Sorgawi, Pdt. Sadikin Gunawan. We had some conversations about things like theology, teaching English to his daughter, books he write (Rhema Sorgawi etc), Mansor's trip to Israel, blog writing and many more hahaha.
I think he's the second person at Bethlehem (since Cuantau Jefry Lie) that I can talk many things with.
I'm blessed to know him (well, I knew him since I was a kid, but you know, I didn't expect him to be this 'fun' regarding Christian's life :D)

So he offered me to read his book collections, mostly about theology, written by credible authors.
I was being alert whenever I heard the word 'Theology', I found it was fascinating since years ago (I studied theology from bible workshops), but I'm tired of facing people with theological knowledge minus heart of God, people who chase after the 'logos' but not God Himself, people who understand many things but do less things or even nothing at all, which doesn't show that they are Jesus' followers. I don't want to become one of them.

Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.

 

I prefer 'know less love more' to 'know more love less'
and I decided to walk my way focusing more on the heart of God, rather than on the knowledge

During my daily devotion, I was reminded that "everything about Jesus is good, even the knowledge itself". I know that God had led me to FGCC to prepare me more and more of God's heart before I'm equipped with more knowledge.
When the time comes that I should be equipped with more theology, I'll be prepared from the inside out.
I don't need to worry too much, to the point that I'm afraid of learning so-called theology.
If it is God's will, He'll prepare everything and of course He's wiser than anyone else.

I want to share some of  what I think interesting lesson I learnt :P
Matius 5:14
Kamu adalah terang dunia. Kota yang terletak di atas gunung tidak mungkin tersembunyi.

Adalah = bentuk penegasan (by Pdt. Sadikin Gunawan)
Bukan 'jadilah terang dunia'.
Kata 'jadilah', 'haruslah' itu berarti proses: belum menjadi -> sudah menjadi.
Again, you ARE the light

There must be something wrong if you are not (living as the light)

I also read some writings such as:

Sarita's post
Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come and the years draw near when you will say, "I have no delight in them"; -  Ecclesiastes 12:1

Her friend's post

And short sentence from Pdt. Petrus Agung's sermon by Yohana Setiani
We mostly talk about Jesus, but rarely talk with Jesus. Let's change that

Random Updates

I feel like writing a really random post, so please don't mind my writing here

It's almost been 3 weeks since my arrival,

which means my holiday is almost over no it's not and some days left before studying again (it's almost the same as the story of pessimist vs optimist who are viewing a glass of water. But that's not my point here)
*next

I watched Hitam Putih today and the guest are Annisa Bahar with her daughter Juwita Bahar (if I'm not mistaken), what I saw was that Ms. Bahar wore a huge pair of earring.

I remember some people asked about my type of girlfriend-to-be

Some say I have high standards I do
Some (Ivan Jaya, to be precise) say my gf-to-be will be a nun
Some say she will be like Jesus
Some say (I did) that she's a tough, strong, huge, scary footballer that will score a goal at my goal post
etc etc

Told you not to bother reading this post :P

I'm also now facing a dilemma, in which I can't fulfill one of my 2013 Resolutions:

Doing simple and short work-out (push up, sit up, rope jumping) 2 times a week

I still do some sports like futsal and badminton here (can you imagine that I play futsal at 7 in the morning? It's like waking up for morning class in Uni, you know. I'm so diligent)

But whenever I try to do this workout, I face many problems such as weakened physical condition, delicious foods appeared, friends were coming to my house, having  influenza, and delicious foods appeared.

Hope I'll do at least one in this week

And last thing, a serious one

I'm preparing myself to share teachings at churches

My seniors asked me to share what I learnt in Malaysia (FGCC) with some people

Again, everything's from God and everything's for God

My Simple Happiness #2012

Yes, happiness doesn't necessarily have to be complicated
Alright, I think it's gonna be my last post with "2012 review" theme

Soo, these are what (I think) interesting during 2012

1. Getting injured at ISCF Futsal Cup 2012

Sounds silly? hahaha
Ga pernah gua cedera gara2 tanding futsal (ataupun futbol) sebelumnya

One of my injuries, this cool scar remained for 2 weeks haha.

Puji Tuhan, entah tulang tangan kaki gua lumayan kokoh atau gimana, kena sliding pun paling usap2 dikit terus maen lagi
And this time, I got my right ankle sprained and couldn't continue the match

My teammates often got this kind of injuries, Aloy, Andro, Jepe etc etc. Masa gua nggak pernah? hahaha

2. Guitar practise at FGCC Music Clinic

Bersama pelatih Spartan kita, Kak Tama Eka Prasetya Pakpahan
You can see how spartan he is:

"Takluklah kepadaku hai anak2"

Seorang cewek pernah ngomong sama gua kalo setelah ikutan Music Clinic ini, gua semakin bisa maen gitar n keliatan progressnya secara signifikan. Meski dia adek gua juga bilang genjrengan gua sangatlah cupu -_-

I'm truly happy you know, dulunya genjreng2 yang ga sampe selagu udah ga ngerti ini maen apaan, atau maennya C A Minor D Minor ke G pun culun2 (sekarang juga sih), dll dll. Eh sekarang mayan la, bisa nyanyiin reff lagu2 favorit dibarengin maen gitar dengan genjrengan satu arah hahaha

3. Getting to know my teammates in Fresh Ministry

Ipoh Trip

Leni's Farewell

My privilege to have been working together with all of you and it will be another, to work with same and new people in this team for one more period :D

4. Food-testing team

Bersama Ibu Peri, ce Kherina Suryadi yang suka edit2 foto dan selalu memasak makanan2 lezat dan gratis dan enak dan sering dan dan yang lainnya

First time joining the food-testing team :P

We Are Not Alone

Snow Flake, KLCC

Mafia Baru Tobat

FUNway

5. Mengenal orang2 luar biasa, as one big family in God

Guy's Fresh Com in Sunway

Ga mirip sih tapi yah oke la ya

FGCC Gahul 5 RM 2012

Monash Friends

Pre-Christmas Sunway

Fresh Com partners yang alay (kebangetan) tapi tetep awesome

ISCF Cup 2012 Euphoria
You can see I was wearing #42 jersey and had sprained ankle :P

ISCF Spirit, ISCF Cup 2012 winner + ISCF Full Team

Sg-Trip Team

Ko Budi + Ce Raissa's Wedding Day in Sg

Komsel Gabungan: Tea O' Ice + Rainbow 

Vocal Gathering (like finally) 2012

Akhirnya foto bareng juga sama Nonie haha.
Muka gua ga natural tapi ya sudahlah

FGCC Christmas Celebration 2012 #Luminous

TENGKIIUU for being the BEST part of my life!! 

(Ala Nonie Marshella) :P

Thank you guys, meeting you all is one of the proudest moments in my life and will always be
I am grateful for your presence in my life :D
I am sorry for everything I did wrong

Let your light shine
Let's face our new adventures in 2013
God bless

The Evidence Bible

I found it at Ray Comfort's page
I fell in love with it right away hahahah

The Evidence Bible. All you need to understand and defend your faith.
New King James Version. Includes a Concordance, Topical Subheads, and the Words of Jesus in red. Hardcover.

How do you respond when a coworker labels you intolerant for believing Jesus is the only way to God? How would you answer those who claim the Bible is filled with contradictions, or there is no absolute truth?

Newly revised and expanded, The Evidence Bible arms you not just with apologetic information to refute the arguments of skeptics, but with practical training on how to effectively and lovingly share the truth.

• Discover answers to over 200 questions such as: Why is there suffering? How could a loving God send people to hell? What about those who never hear of Jesus?

• In addition to thousands of verse-related comments, over 130 informative articles will help you better comprehend and communicate the Christian faith.

• Over two dozen articles on evolution will thoroughly prepare you to refute the theory.

• Dozens of articles on other religions will help you understand and address the beliefs of Mormons, Hindus, Muslims, Jehovah's Witnesses, cults, etc.

• Hundreds of inspiring quotes from renowned Christian leaders and practical tips on defending your faith will greatly encourage and equip you.

The Evidence Bible provides powerful and compelling evidence that will enrich your trust in God and His Word, deepen your love for the truth, and enable you to radically impact those you care about.

Norman Geisler: "The Evidence Bible is filled with excellent apologetic tools and insights to help Christians reason with those who need to come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. I highly recommend it."

Franklin Graham: "In a day when Christians are too often silenced by the questions of skeptics, The Evidence Bible will help you be prepared to give an answer. Compiled by seasoned evangelist Ray Comfort, its innovative format makes it especially easy to use. You'll find it to be an invaluable tool for becoming a more effective witness."

D. James Kennedy: "The Evidence Bible is specifically designed to reinforce the faith of our times by offering hard evidence and scientific proof for the thinking mind."

Tim LaHaye: "The Evidence Bible is a handy tool for anyone interested in proving the reliability of Scripture, the deity of Jesus Christ, and the incredible offer of our eternal salvation. It makes the defense of Scripture easily understood and should be read by all serious Bible students."

Allan Parker, President, The Justice Foundation: "The Evidence Bible is the most interesting, amazing and useful Bible I have ever read. It has become my favorite of all and is incredibly useful for devotionals, evangelism, apologetics, and even nagging doubts or questions we hear in the world and don't quite have the answer. I urge everyone to have a copy."

Kirk Cameron: "The Evidence Bible is a reservoir overflowing with powerful quotes from famous people, amazing anecdotes, sobering last words, informative charts, and a wealth of irrefutable evidence to equip, encourage, and enlighten you, like nothing else could. I couldn't recommend it more highly."

Ken Ham: "In our modern scientific age when God's Word is coming under increasing attack, Christians need to be equipped with answers to defend the reliability of the Bible from its very first verse. I thank God for resources like The Evidence Bible and am glad to have had a small part in it."

Josh McDowell: "The Evidence Bible will certainly assist you to always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks to give the reason for the hope that you have."

(Almost) Everything Important in 2012

2012 had been a pleasant journey for me personally

I can't even describe the whole things happened
(But well, please let me describe it through this blog huahaha)

- Starting with my 2012 Resolution after consulting with Ko Reza: Hanging out with Jesus and Holy Spirit (sound cliche, doesn't it? But it's true :D)
I've been walking on this journey to find out more about Him
My reason is simple "If we are to call Him God, Lover of my soul or Father, you should understand with your life those titles of Him. Noone would call a stranger (or a non-lover) as your lover, right?"

- Godly jealousy
I shared with my friends about this experience, which I was reminded about being 'complete' as a single.
God loves me too much to let me be lovey-dovey with a particular person, no not yet, not this time.

Even things that distract me most of all the times, manga, anime or anything.
He really dislikes when I'm not thinking of Him
It's affirming Ko Reza's sharing and Ko Geboy's sermon about "Surat Cinta Tuhan yang Bikin Guling2"

Renewing my resolution and improving my mindset regarding this matter, I focused on seeking Jesus

- Promotion
Viewing the previous days, I couldn't believe how much opportunities I've been trusted with.
Masih saja bingung soal teknik2 'worship leading', 'how to improve in singing' and my other life-long studies, gua sudah dipercayakan dengan banyak hal.
Memimpin pujian di acara Paskah (Servant King), acara Natal (Luminous) misalnya
Bertemu teman2 sepelayanan yang luar biasa, dan juga faithful yet excellent teammates in FGCC #Luminous

Bahkan sebelum itu, in 2011, I was trusted as Vocal Ministry Coordinator
Dan sekarang, as Fresh Ministry Coordinator menggantikan teman seperjuangan saya yang sudah lulus dan bekerja, Bu Leniwatih Handoko
many many things to be grateful for!!

Wow, who am I really?
I never miss the point I always say: It's not about us, it's about Jesus

- Apologetic and Evangelism
From Answers in Genesis' Demolishing Stronghold, until Living Waters' Way of the Master, I really learnt a loottt of things

I found who I am to be, my planning about future, my passion and my calling
I slowly began to understand the prices, risks, and facts in doing all these services

I have not completed my "What's next after I graduate?" plan yet
At least I know what I'm going to do, to keep, to bear in the future. Be it as a full-timer or a part-timer in this ministry

The more I see this thrilling yet exciting calling for me, I understand that some things should be done properly:
1. Getting more intimate with God
2. Faithful in what I've been given (Mechatronics Engineering in Monash, FGCC Fresh Ministry, Fresh Com, etc)
3. Communicating my plans with my family (believe me, not an easy task :D)
4. Finding out and doing what I have to do according to His plan (I'm seeking even more)

People asked me about this girlfriend topic and I found hard to explain it to some of them hahah
My calling in God is not an easy one (never be, for all God's followers, in meaning that you should carry His cross), so the question I'll ask to my gf-to-be is "Are you willing to suffer with me in fulfilling God's will?"

 27Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I will hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; 
28in no way alarmed by your opponents—which is a sign of destruction for them, but of salvation for you, and that too, from God. 
29For to you it has been granted for Christ’s sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, 
30experiencing the same conflict which you saw in me, and now hear to be in me.

It's hard to find one like that, I know.

But I'm not afraid of my tomorrow, God will prepare a special one for me.
I will not focus on this thing, let's focus on what He wants us to do

Once I dreamed of building a happy family in God, but now I surrender everything to Him. Even if I am called to remain single for my whole life because of doing His will, I have no problem as well

(conversation with brother Brian Adam)

- Last thing in sequence, I am deeply grateful for everyone I know, especially in FGCC:

Ko Eddy and family, Kak Dicky and family, Kak Tama, Ko Geboy, Ko Epi,
Fresh Ministry Team 2011/2012 and 2012/2013
#Luminous Team (again)
Tea O' Ice, my family that I need
Brothers and Sisters in Christ


Thank you

The Must-Hear-Song : Jesus It Is You

I am sooo in love with this song ever since I listened to it for the very first time
Without prolonging my words, please do listen to it ;)

Jesus It Is You Chords and Lyrics – True Worshippers


WHO MAKES THE SUN TO RISE AND BRING THE EARTH NEW LIFE IN EVERY BEAM

JESUS IT IS YOU

WHO TURNS THE DAY TO NIGHT AND WATCHES ME AS I BEGIN TO DREAM

JESUS IT IS YOU

WHO BRINGS ME FOOD FOR MY TABLE, WHO CARES FOR ALL OF MY NEEDS

WHO WALKS THE ROAD WITH ME

HAS GROWN WITH ME THROUGH ALL THAT I HAVE BEEN

JESUS IT IS YOU, JESUS IT IS YOU




SO I LIFT MY HANDS AND I BRING MY SONG

ALL OF MY DAYS, ALL OF MY RIGHTS, ALL OF MY WRONGS

I OFFER MY LIFE, HERE AND BEYOND

TO THE ONE THING TRUE, JESUS IT IS YOU




WHO SEES MY BROKENNESS AND CARRIES ME WHEN I AM FRAIL AND WEAK

JESUS IT IS YOU

WHO TELLS THE STORM TO REST WHEN I AM OVERWHELMED AND CANNOT SPEAK

JESUS IT IS YOU

WHO WEARS MY GUILT ON HIS SHOULDERS, WHO HOLDS MY HEART IN HIS HANDS

WHO TAKES MY THOUGHTS AND FEARS AND HANGS THEM ON THE ARMS OF CALVARY

JESUS IT IS YOU, JESUS IT IS YOU




Music & Lyrics : Ben Manusama

ISCF Cup 2012

This time I played for ISCF Fresh, one of ISCF (host) teams
We lost to ISCF Spirit (1st place winner) after the qualification
and I got my right ankle injured, this (injury) is exciting for me because never even for once I was injured to this level. I mean, I played some crazy sports since I was in high school, american football (not literally, just tackling, falling and catching haha)
or  american flag football (played against some uncles *oops)
and supposedly injured pretty bad, like when I did a save when my opponent swung his strongest leg to kick the ball and hit my arm instead, many people thought I'd broken my arms
*skip

I'm proud of my teammates, who are still in their age of 15-16, one of my age, and 2 bapak2.
In the first games, we lost 2-0 to the 2nd place winner, scored a draw 0-0, won 1-0 and hence we passed the qualification, although we had to stop right after that.
Our journey was continued by ISCF Spirit who won 3-1 in the final, with one amazing, miraculous shot from Andro Natanael.
God's favour indeed, stay faithful in Him :)

This was fun, one of my unforgettable and unregrettable moments in my life
Thanks a lot to Christian Reinaldo, Ivan Aditya, Satya Angkasa, Alvincent Edlyn,Yunarko, Felix Jr. and Edbert
It was a really short time, but again, I (we: Me, Ril n Ibam) saw that you guys have a lot of potential
Don't stop polishing it
ISCF is not a perfect team, that's why we're still learning altogether
Build the next generation of solid, strong and powerful ISCF not only in skills but also in characters, with the right vision and mission given to us :)

I'm really thankful for some short conversations happened today, Nonie Marshella, Ibam, Ril n Natalia Giovani.
From Ril I learnt and was reminded more about 'focus and being a specialist in my area'
From Ibam, 'a new chapter'
From Nonie, 'unexplainable strength given to us'
From Vanie, 'keep walking forward under pressures'
aaanddd many more

I can't even tell every single things I learnt, heard and remembered from them, because their messages are way too many to be written here (worry not, I remember everything, our conversation will never be in vain huahahaha)

I'm glad that I'm not walking alone in this path shown to me :)
I'm happy there are people who are able to understand my suffering, burdens and feeling
I'm proud of having them as my friends
I'm grateful that God connects us all here, in FGCC, ISCF and any other communities

Continuing this story
Today was awesome, it's been raining cats and dogs for several days, but today, it rained right after we finished all scheduled matches
God is good :)

Thank you everyone for trusting Deo Nathaniel as the Project Manager, he's still young, you know, you should teach him more hahaha
To people I can't mention one by one, I'm really thanking you for holding and planning a really fun ISCF Futsal Cup and Bazaar 2012.
Thanks to all players, visitors, team supporters, sponsors who've given their supports for this event

Stay humble, keep learning, hungry for more
God be with us :)

GMB: Grup Makan Bersama

Hey everyone, recently I found a group of people who like to eat, beside our Fresh Com (Tea O Ice), Maju Jaya or Taylors (JeDi).
We started to have this 'assembly' when Ce Kher2 promoted her homemade cookies, sweets and cakes. Then I brought up some pempek (Palembang's traditional fish cake) and it turned out that Ce Yessy, whose mother from Palembang also had some in her stocks

Like several days ago, on Saturday 6th October 2012, we had this latest Food Fiesta at Ce Kher2's place, Lagoonview B-15-1, joined by 11 people (IF you include Nia who came late, so late that we've finished eating pempek)

Here are some photos captured and edited by Ce Kher2 (you can follow her on twitter: @carekher , because I'm not sure if I may promote her tumblr or not, hohoho)

My first tasting session of Ce Kher's Cinnamon Roll

First time in frying Pempek at Ce Kher's place,
I didn't know that I  was able to cook (fry) as well

 6th October 2012

6th October 2012

 7th October 2012, Deo's Birthday
We 'celebrated' his birthday right after having Food Fiesta
Testimony from Deo Nathaniel: "Trimakasih temen2 teoice yg setia dan menjualku kepada manusia2 tak berhati tadi"

Anddd, here are pictures that were taken by Ce Kher herself
You can find some at her Facebook, Twitter or Tumblr :D

Carrot Cake

Cinnamon Roll

Apple Pie

'Earlier' Carrot Cake