My Battle With Psoriasis 01: Coming Out

Hello there, how is it going?

Actually, I'm not here to rant about how sucks my life is with Psoriasis, I'm here to share how I have journeyed with this autoimmune deficiency in my body that breaks-out into this thing called Skin Psoriasis. I've made up my mind to come out and say that, yes, I am a Psoriasis patient for 9 years now.

And no, I am not going to bog you down with the definition about Skin Psoriasis. Well, I guess if you're here and you're reading this, my guess would be either you are a victim yourself or one of your family member is currently suffering from this condition.


Background
In 2009, I was travelling and I've discovered that there is this small patch (maybe the size of a medium coin) just positioned above my right ankle. I thought it was eczema kicking in again in which I always suffer from since young. The usual lesion that occasionally heals by it's own for no obvious reason and still, that puzzles the hell out of me. So, I ignored that patch by just putting on self-bought Betamethasone Valerate Cream (BVC) only when it itches.

In 2010, I was diagnosed with hypertension. Doctor gave me a chance to exercise it away instead of putting me on medication for life. Hence, I sign myself up with a Boot Camp. The session was about 3 times a week and long after it ended after 5 months. Eventually, it has aggravated the small patch into larger patches, which seems like a burnt scar. And now my knees area are badly affected. Still I continue to ignore by putting on BVC with Aloe Vera gel. Still it wasn't helping.

In 2011 - 2017, I suffered silently through a series of flaking through my entire room. I kid you not, my room is like snowing on a daily basis. Even by putting on moisturizing cream (Rosken, just in case anyone would ask) on a daily basis, it just doesn't help. Sometimes, the red patches clears up for a little 1 - 2 hours but when it dries up, so much so fast that I can't keep up with how fast the production of skin is during a Psoriasis attack. I've tried many silly things and remedies, still it doesn't help. Trust me, it really doesn't help.

Until Sep 2017, my younger brother could not endure the pain that I was going through anymore. So, he wrote me a referral letter to the Dermatology department in our local General Hospital. It is always a blessing that my brother is a physician in which the letter helps subsidizing my medication fees for each and every visit that I'm paying.


Diagnosis - Coming Out
Okay, here I am in the hospital. A junior medical officer has been diagnosing my condition with much curiosity and pain in his eyes. Hence, he referred to his senior, a Specialist Consultant (SC). This is how she conveyed/break the diagnosis news to me about my condition.

--Conversations Starts Here--

SC: Now, do you know what you are having?

Me: I think it's called Psoriasis?

SC: Yes, in your case, it is called Plaque Psoriasis. It is an autoimmune deficiency that causes you to have skin breakouts.

Me: Okay...

SC: You have to accept the fact that, with your condition, there is no cure to Psoriasis. But this is able to control it with medication.

Me: Okay...

SC: So, you have to go through counselling session on your condition. And...

(I have no choice but to interrupt)

Me: Can I avoid oral medication with steroids?

SC: Here me out, there are many ways in treating different types psoriasis. This boils down to different individuals on how each case reacts to different types of treatments. I hope you understand that. Oral treatments means your case is very severe.

Me: (nod nod)

SC: Ok, good. Make an arrangement with your doctors on how should you be medicated. Ask questions when in doubt. And ask your doctors if you are on any alternative so that it doesn't clash on the treatments that we are providing.

Me: Okay. Understood.

SC: Good. Now, get yourself acquainted with your doctors. Take care.

--Conversations Ends Here--

So, she's one heck of a doctor with an intimidating aura. I am sort of intimidated by her stern representation as a doctor. Yet, she's knowledgeable in her field of expertise that she's in, however inter-personally, she's really intimidating.

Maybe I'm here for the first time, and there's this tendency that the people in this country does not trust how Government Hospitals treats their patients. Hence, the attitude. I don't know, I'm just saying without a substantial fact, please do not quote me.

Moreover, we are part of Asia, and the skepticism on Western medication is always a stigma. Various stories and myths about how patients are at the mercy of Western medication and do not get the treatment as expected. With this, the tendencies of seeking alternative is very much a norm in this our society.


Treatment
On the first day of my consultation, I was advised to be medicated with the said prescription that was given by the doctor in charge.

1. Coal Tar Ointment
(Doctor said that this ointment is going stink bad. Do I care? Heck no! I was on my way to recovery, who cares whether it stinks!)

2. Betamethasone Valerate Cream (BVC) - Strongest
(Let me clarify, the condition I was in, my skin looks really bad, they have no choice but to put me on one of the strongest steroid cream to subside the entire wounds that looks horribly disgusting in the eyes of many.)

3. Aqueous Cream
(This is truly the basic stuff that has to be the base for all the affected area before putting on the above both medicine.)


Outcome (after a month)
The medication that was prescribed to me, lasted me for a month before my next visit. Might I say that the given strong BVC has made my skin flawlessly beautiful. And I was so thrilled that I was on my way to full recovery. Yes, I remembered what the consultant reminded me that Psoriasis can only be controlled and not completely cured.

With the results that came out of it, I was ecstatic to see how this would progress into such a state that I was really impressed.

Until when I see the doctor, I didn't expect her to say this...

(Catch me on my next post!)

Read Scripture - January 01, 2018 (@joinbibleproj)

Hello 2018, it is not an excuse for me to skipped Bible reading for the year 2017. Have I ever been disciplined in doing so after being a Christian for the past 20 odd years? Not even once. Did I ever successfully completed the Bible? Not at all.

So, here I am, attempting my countless tries to follow the Word with no excuse since the ReadScripture app is easily available via our electronic devices, in this time of age. So, I want to start the new year right, I will begin to start it right with the Lord.

Genesis 1-3

Chapter 1:
River that flow out of Eden divided into 4:
Land 1 - Havilah (River Pishon)
Land 2 - Cush (River Gihon)
Land 3 - East of Assyria (River Tigris)
Land 4 - (River Euphrates) [West Assyria?]

Chapter 2:
In the midst of Chapter 1, the sub-chapter for Chapter 1 is actually Chapter 2. The creation man and woman. God's ultimate creation is the being in His likeness. Which the purpose of how the story of man and woman leads back to who Jesus is.

Chapter 3:
The epic episode where God's ultimate creation has choose the route. All 3 of His creation were cursed by God. In such a heartbreak, God has to punish them by what seems to be a glorious creation was then brought forth the darkest of sin.

Eden was not the only thing that was forbidden but also the Tree of Life was being guarded by angels so that no one could ever go near it (in this context, find it).

Here we are, being introduced to sin on the 3rd chapter. The very first act of disobedience due to the temptation of wanting to be on par with God.

And this is God's first curse towards His creation. How sad this could be for Him when all He ever wanted is to enjoy His own creation with the glorious creation He has prepared for us.

Psalms 1

Woh... This is a solid introduction to Psalms. I will never thought that the Bible's poetry is as direct and powerful like a double edged sword. The righteous one will definitely be blessed by God and the wicked will be forgotten and will remain perished.

Our God is ever merciful, never forget His grace for us.

Read Scripture - January 08 (@joinbibleproj)

It's been quite some time and it is no excuse for me to delay such an important date with the Lord. I've been so busy with work and I have to say, I literally took my rest above the Lord and neglected Him. Ashamed, so ashamed.

That being said, I have experienced 2 miracles in my life after reading the Bible. And it all happens on this very day. Day 08! I don't know where to begin but surely I'll get into more details right after this.

Genesis 25-28

Abraham took another wife named Keturah. It wasn't stated clearly whether or not she was taken in during Sarah was still around or after Sarah's death. They, too have descendants of their own. As Abraham sends all his kids away because all he wanted to do is to leave everything to Isaac. That being said, Abraham give gifts to his kids too. Abraham died at the age of 175 and both Isaac and Ishmael buried him.

Side track on Ishmael's side, he has 12 tribes of his own living near the borders of Egypt, however all 12 tribes were very hostile among each other.

Rebekah was barren. I was unaware the struggles that Isaac has to go through, and he prayed on behalf of Rebekah where she was completely healed. Both of them gave birth to twins named Esau and Jacob. Esau sold his birthright to Jacob for a bowl of stew!

(Bro Joseph Chean of YWAM Singapore illustrated why God would hate Esau more than Jacob even though Jacob was all the bad things anyone could mention. Esau sold his birthright, which was an eternal gift, for just a bowl of Lentil Stew (Dal), which was only a temporary hunger satisfaction. Men always forgo what God has to offer for something that is ONLY temporary on the face of this earth! -- 17th January 2016)

Esau marries both a Hittite and a Canaanite. Both Isaac and Rebekah were very upset and never to make the same mistake on Jacob ever again. Remember how Abraham ask his servant to swore to to allow Isaac to marry both the Hittite or a Canaanite.

Jacob deceived Isaac to get Esau's blessings. Now, Esau lost both his birthright and blessings, he was furious! Hence, Jacob flees to Laban (brother of Rebekah). By his action of fleeing to Laban because Rebekah felt disgusted in living with a Hittite. He was advised to marry anyone from Paddan Aram. When Esau came to terms that Isaac and Rebekah wasn't pleased with his marriages to both the Hittite and Canaanite, he goes to marries one of Ishmael's daughter for an addition.

Jacob had a dream at Bethel. The Lord promise him this land, where his descendants would be like the dust of the earth. Jacob named that placed Bethel and will promised to give tenth of what he has if the Lord has promised him all that has been declared.

Psalms 8

It is so beautiful of how God loves man no matter how wicked they are, He still put man as a dominion over all that the Lord has created. Yes, indeed how majestic is the Lord's name in all the earth!

Videos to watch:
Genesis: Read Scripture: Genesis Ch. 12-50
Psalms: Read Scripture Series: Psalms

Disclaimer: Picture Illustration taken from "The Bible Project"'s video.

Read Scripture - January 07 (@joinbibleproj)

As interesting as this might sound, there are moments of happiness and there are moments of sorrow. Somehow, this time, it kinda got me wondering whether God cries when He sees his creation has to go through death.

Genesis 22-24

Here we are, reading the iconic story of how Abraham was tested to sacrifice his son as told by God. Many references and metaphorical where Isaac serves as the Lamb of God, as to how Jesus is the representation of all mankind. No matter how much Abraham loves Isaac, Abraham will still obeys God's request. Is this how mankind should be in the first place? To obey God and to live in His name for all eternity!

A sadder tone where Sarah has passed away at the age of 127. Even when Abraham is trying to buy a cave from the Hittites, they were so kind and gracious to Abraham where Ephron was trying to give away that plot of land which contains the cave for Sarah's burial. However, Abraham did not take for granted and paid what the exact amount that Ephron has told Abraham.

I think I would leave this part for yourself to read on how Abraham is asking his chief servant to search for a wife for Isaac. The story is so beautifully written in the Bible, I rather you read it instead typing it out here which defeats the purpose. Trust me, God is involve this mysterious ways which made it even more romantic.

Psalms 7

David's confidence on the Lord whom will save him from agony of pain and fear even though he is praying/speaking to the supporter of King Saul -- Cush, in which he was fearful how King Saul is going to tear him apart.

Videos to watch:
Genesis: Read Scripture: Genesis Ch. 12-50
Psalms: Read Scripture Series: Psalms

Disclaimer: Picture Illustration taken from "The Bible Project"'s video.  

Bible Gateway interviews The Bible Project (@BibleGateway)

I do hope I do not have to explain the existence of Bible Gateway. It is an online free Bible for everyone who wants to refer to the Bible for references and encouragements. I've been using Bible Gateway for so many things and I can't even remember when I did I start using them. And I do remember subscribing to their Daily Verses & Easter Devotion by Mel Lawrenz back in 2011.

They (Bible Gateway) did an interview with Tim Mackie & Jon Collins! I was so pumped that I wasn't able to concentrate with my work. In fact, I've read it the moment I finished my work, it was a long day. I know I'm weird, I can get excited with things that doesn't matter to many of the folks my age nowadays. But hey! This is really good stuff!!!

Below is the link, and try to get to know what The Bible Project has to offer in this interview. This is so good!

The Bible Project: An Interview with Tim Mackie and Jon Collins

Read Scripture - January 06 (@joinbibleproj)

Now, the story of Abraham is gradually building. I cannot imagine that the Bible can be this dramatic. I don't mean this in a bad way, but more like a "How-come-I-didn't-know-about-it-all-this-time!" kinda way. Let's dive.

Genesis 19-21

I didn't realized how bad Sodom was until and even the people of Sodom would want to have sex with the angels, the situation was so bad that I was shocked of how sinful it is. After the event of how the Lord destroy Sodom, Lot has offspring with his daughters, in which I noticed that this was before the law. Was it acceptable even if it was before the law? Why then the daughters need Lot to be drunk in order to lay with him?

Now, remember in Chapter 12:10-19, when Pharoah realised that Sarai was the wife of Abraham? This might be an example of how the Lord appeared to Pharaoh in Chapter 12. Also, in the midst of how the Lord appeared Abiemelech's dreams/vision, the Lord has officially declared that Abraham is a prophet. Moreover, Abraham prays for forgiveness on Abimelech's behalf for the things he might have done, so that Abimelech will have descendants of his own.

In Chapter 21, the birth of Isaac. Then the Lord assured Hagar that a great nation from Ishmael's descendants will come. This is the third time the Lord promised in the Bible. There is a treaty made between Abraham & Abimelech.

Psalms 6

This is the first prayer I've read with healing in it. You can feel that the prayer is very childlike, that God is only for himself and not for those who did not seek Him. How nice it is to pray such prayers like how David does.

Psalm 6:1-2

Lord, do not rebuke me in your anger
    or discipline me in your wrath.
Have mercy on me, Lord, for I am faint;
    heal me, Lord, for my bones are in agony.

Videos to watch:
Genesis: Read Scripture: Genesis Ch. 12-50
Psalms: Read Scripture Series: Psalms

Disclaimer: Picture Illustration taken from "The Bible Project"'s video. 

Read Scripture - January 05 (@joinbibleproj)

We're still in the development of Abraham's story. There are so many fundamentals and basis to discover and learn from, which made it a core foundation of reading the Bible, I must say. Let's see.

Genesis 16-18

I was even more surprise that an Angel visited Hagar and told her that her descendants will be a a nation too great to count. However, in Chapter 16:12, there's this implication of a nation that seems to be very obvious in today's context. Then again, let's not jump into conclusion and assume what was told back then is a direct fulfillment of what's happening right now. It isn't fair to discuss it that way.

Here is it, the official changing of names for both Abraham and Sarah. Both names have their significance, that's why the Lord changes their name so that to signify what it really means. Back to the subject of Ishmael, the Lord confirms a second time with an assurance that his descendants will have a great nation too.

There were 3 men visited Abraham, 2 of which are angels of the Lord and 1 is the Lord Himself. Their visitation are in a form of men, it's not a metaphor and it's not a sign. This is a straight up visitation in a form of men. Abraham recognizes them in an instant, does this mean that most of how Abraham built the altar for the Lord, the Lord comes in this manner to speak to him?

For the Lord assured to Abraham that Sarah will be conceived even at the old age. Surprisingly, Sarah laugh it off and thought to herself that how can that be? The Lord reprimanded Sarah, and just because she was afraid, she lied once in front of the Lord that she did no such thing. The Lord once again assured to Sarah that she lied. Now this was intense! I didn't know reading the Bible can be so dramatic. This is what I'm talking about man!

Yes, the Lord wanted to wipe Sodom out. Abraham here pleads with the Lord numerous time, and God is so patient with Abraham, He listens to men when they plead, you can literally feel how God feels because He loves His people so so much!

Psalms 5

Now, when I read this, it has a total different feeling towards this prayer or song. The prayer of asking the Lord for attention. Listen to me, hear my voice... etc, to name a few. And then, the prayer goes on by seeking the Lord's protection and path because of the enemies King David is facing. At the very end, it's like a prayer of behalf for those who take refuge in the Lord. 

Still a very good reminder that sins cannot dwell in the Lord's presence. This is to reassure that the perfect goodness of our God.

Psalms 5:11-12

But let all who take refuge in you be glad; 

let them ever sing for joy. 

Spread your protection over them, 

that those who love your name may rejoice in you.

Videos to watch:
Genesis: Read Scripture: Genesis Ch. 12-50
Psalms: Read Scripture Series: Psalms

Disclaimer: Picture Illustration taken from "The Bible Project"'s video.

Read Scripture - January 04 (@joinbibleproj)

Basically, the video did mention that immediately after Noah's story, we are being brought into Abraham's part of the story.  I guess it has it's significance, but I'm still searching for it. Let's see:

Genesis 12-15

In fact, when the God is speaking directly to Abram, I was kinda envious in order to know what was it like to speak to God directly before everything when downhill from the beginning of creation. Oh, how I love the promises that God has given to Abram by bringing him out of a place to make Abram the Father of all nation. -- “I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” -- How assuring these words that the Lord would speak directly to you.

Side-track, remember the curse of Ham towards Canaan, the grandson of Noah, in which has been scattered towards the African continent, the curse of slavery was actually by Noah. Now, the cycle of curse is getting more and more reflective when you're really reading the Bible. It's so scary and interesting at the same time.

Then towards verse 10 to 19, I have a few questions about the arrival of Egypt:-
1) Is it a cultural known fact during those days that Abram is able to know the Egyptians will kill a husband for a beautiful wife?
2) How would Pharaoh come to know that Sarai was the wife of Abram?

What puzzled me was during Abram's dream from God and He said to Abram that he "would go back to Ancestors". I've read a bunch of commentaries on this, and I still don't get how death works til today in the context of the Bible besides how it was explained in the book of Ecclesiastes.

Psalms 4

Splendidly beautifully written psalm for the Lord. It felt like a total surrender and trust towards the Lord while we are sleeping peacefully under His care.

Psalms 4:8
In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety. 

Videos to watch:
Genesis: Read Scripture: Genesis Ch. 12-50
Psalms: Read Scripture Series: Psalms

Disclaimer: Picture Illustration taken from "The Bible Project"'s video.

Read Scripture - January 03 (@joinbibleproj)

It's the end of Chapter 01! 

So far, I'm really enjoying this. What made even more enjoyable, whilst I was reading the word, I felt that the Lord was really speaking to me. So much so that He pours out revelation after revelations from the Old Testament in application of today's context which made it even more adventurous!

There were insights of the Bible that I've never noticed before were being surfaced. There's this feeling of Him sitting by my side, guiding me with His own word, teaching me with so much patience, I don't know how but I felt so comforted.

Genesis 8-11

A more obvious indication that clean animals are being sacrificed as an offering to the Lord before Leviticus 11.

Indeed, before Noah's time, all were vegetarians! The Lord now has given the power to man to consume meat with conditions. Warning of murder has to be accounted for! And God has given His covenant with Man for not flooding the world anymore even though He knows the nature of Man is evil by birth.

Now, the best part is, Noah's descendants is the starting point of how the people were scattered into the whole world. The birth of all the races of the world.

Secondly! The birth of languages from the Tower of Babel incident. Hold it! In Genesis 11:7, the Bible uses the word --And God said: "Let Us...etc"--, which was also found in Genesis 1:26. Is this the prove of the Holy Trinity with the involvement of the creation of mankind in Chapter 1 as well as the birth of languages in Chapter 11? Discovery 101, so good!!!

Psalms 3

While I was reading this portion, it felt real, it felt hard, it felt distress and distraught that Kind David's enemy is growing in numbers. He is seeking the Lord's favor in every single step of the way. I love this chapter of the Psalms, I can even treat this psalm to be my daily prayer. Although it's an agony in prayer, but it's so beautiful! The endearment of how King Davis is asking the Lord to be by our side and to be our shield for all the difficult days to come. So good! Amen!

I know this is long but I think it has it's significant!

 
Genesis 9:12-17
And God said, “This is the sign of the covenant I am making between me and you and every living creature with you, a covenant for all generations to come: I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth. Whenever I bring clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will remember my covenant between me and you and all living creatures of every kind. Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life. Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth.” So God said to Noah, “This is the sign of the covenant I have established between me and all life on the earth.” 

Videos to watch:
Genesis: Read Scripture: Genesis Ch. 1-11
Psalms: Read Scripture Series: Psalms

Disclaimer: Picture Illustration taken from "The Bible Project"'s video.

Read Scripture - January 02 (@joinbibleproj)

Yes! Day 2 and seriously, I'm really enjoying this. 

Genesis 4-7
The story of Cain & Abel, and God's second curse towards mankind. I remember vividly one Sunday, pastor once said that only God is able to curse and not men or any other creatures. Also, I did not remember reading the part where God confronted Cain's anger issue, which is, by giving in to sin. And we are ought to master it by controlling ourselves and never give in to sin! Lesson 101!

We are able to determine a genealogy of Adam's descendants and their age by the end of Chapter 5. Moreover, in Chapter 6, God's Spirit (aka Holy Spirit) will not contend with Man forever, for Man is mortal. Therefore, from the very beginning, God's plan was to be with Man for all the days of their lives (aka to be immortal) before the "Tree of Knowledge of Good & Evil" took away this eternal plans. So sad!

Subsequently, there were weird inter-marriages of Creatures and Men which causes a lot of sins and downfall which made God so sick in which He took a stand wiping off His own creation. This (the plan of creating man) was never meant to be like this. Hence, the flood took place. However, only one man, Noah has found favor in the eyes of the Lord. And the ever famous Noah's ark story proceeds.

One thing I have realized, the segregation of clean and unclean animal has been established before Leviticus 11 was taken place in the Book of Genesis itself. I'm currently reading the New International Version (NIV) Study Bible, and it was stated to be unknown on how early this law was established. Interesting!

Psalms 2
I must admit, the very first time I read it, it was really confusing. So I just look it up on the video that was posted, then only I re-read the chapter twice to further understand what this Psalm was trying to convey.

It is a warning for those who knows about the prophecy, in which the Messianic prophecy took place in the Book of 2 Samuel's, and how disrespectful the people (especially Kings & Rulers) are to try to conspire against the Anointed One.

Guess what, I've enjoyed it so much that I've created by own Memory Verse portion while I'm reading through the Bible!

Genesis 4:7
If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it.

Videos to watch:
Genesis: Read Scripture: Genesis Ch. 1-11
Psalms: Read Scripture Series: Psalms

Disclaimer: Picture Illustration taken from "The Bible Project"'s video.

Read Scripture - January 01 (@joinbibleproj)

Today, is a start of my new daily blog about my journey in reading the Bible for 2016. 

I hope my blog would serve as my personal Bible references to remember by when I need to come back in referencing His words. I do hope this works in taking up this challenge for myself. It's going to be tough, and I need a lot of prayers.

If you are interested, I guess it's not too late to join in. Moreover, I'm one day behind schedule. I was facing a major struggle even before I start. I was praying so hard to make it happened, but somehow the distraction was even greater when I have already set my mine and determine to start at that particular moment in reading the Bible. Heck, the Bible was right in front of me, and I can do a bunch of stuff just to not open the Bible at all. Spiritual Warfare is not a joke!

Without further ado, let's begin (I've watched the video after reading):

Genesis 1-3
Whoa! I was amazed how much information I've read. It's like, there's this hunger machine inside you that builds up and drives you into wanting to know more about that particular creation or formation. It's so deep and interesting how in 6 days, the Lord has formed the world with much details and depths. I'm ought to be ashamed that I didn't know He has done so much!

I've come to realisation that Man and land creatures were vegetarian in the beginning of time. The Lord commands Man to rule over them but not eat them. The Serpent too, is a creature from God, and it's not a creature out of no where, but it's a creature that wanted to lure men into disobeying God. That's were a series of Poem, in which it is the Lord's curse, over the Serpent, Woman and Man. This is the beginning of the Man's downfall.

Psalm 1
Now, this is interesting, a direct distinction between the blessed one and the wicked one being described metaphorically using a Tree. It is a fair warning since the very first chapter of Psalm. So far, this is great!

Videos to watch: 
Genesis: Read Scripture: Genesis Ch. 1-11
Psalms: Read Scripture Series: Psalms

Disclaimer: Picture Illustration taken from "The Bible Project"'s video.

My life when I found The Bible Project (@JoinBibleProj)

2014

There I was, in the office -- as usual,  producing the company's monthly numbers through the organization's "great" system which took up 7 hours of my life, in which I'm still thankful for that I'm still having this job in the Lord's favor. However, executing data for 7 hours long during odd hours isn't what I've signed up for but then again, schedules and deadlines are crucial and they are to be met regardless of the wee hours.

My monthly routine on how to spend that 7 hours would be, it's either I were to finish some of my outstanding work, or continue reading a book I was half-way through or listen to a good sermon via YouTube. It's a monthly affair and I kid you not.

So, it was the month of August at 10.07pm and I just finished listening to a good sermon and was about to proceed with my reading. Just as I was about to exit from the browser, I saw this recommended right-hand column on YouTube titled "The Book of Genesis Overview - Part 1 of 2" (click on the video below to try it out) in cartoon-ish form that totally sparks my interest and curiosity on how this video is gonna turn out.

Immediately, at the end of the 5 minutes video, I was all so pumped-up and excited into getting on the next video, then there was a message from both Pastor Tim Mackie & Jonathan Collins, on how they (The Bible Project) are non-profit and needed the support if we, the audience, liked their videos. Subconsciously, I've ignored the message and continue on with the anticipated second video which made me even happier, because it just came out not too long ago. My bad.
 

This is Pastor Tim Mackie

This is Jonathan Collins

Now-now, I know it was wrong of me to ignore the message. Then again, this is because I've never taken up the courage to do something out of the norm by donating funds via the Internet (across the globe) except for online banking. Hence, I needed the time to think and pray about it.

2015

So, by April, 2015, I took up the courage and am willing to donate a small sum to the "Join the Bible Project" on a monthly basis. It was something that stirs me for the past few months and it was a testing ground for me. Different topic altogether -- let's not get into that one first.

By 3rd Quarter of 2015, the exchange rate between my country's currency against US Dollars has shot up so high due to political & economical instability. I persevered on to donate because I know nothing is greater than the importance of the gospel being conveyed with the use of modern technology that everyone seems to be so engaged. 

The Bible Project has tapped into something so ahead of it's time by spreading the gospel through means of social media and the Internet. Big thumbs up on their vision. I so wanna give them a big hug right now if I got a chance to meet them. **Virtual hugs**

Now, with great joy, I have something to look forward to on a monthly basis via YouTube, what's even more aspiring was, they have planned out a whole year reading through the bible plan for 2016 named -- Read Scripture!!! Well, without hesitation I've literally signed up for it -- NO QUESTIONS ASKED.

And with this plan, ambitiously speaking, I might have some ideas to blog this daily in accordance with the reading plan. Heck, I've even prepared an Excel file for it, oh for crying out loud!!!

They have produced many of their PDF documents in which I followed their format closely via Excel because I like to account them via soft copy. Save some tree guys!

My "Summary" Tab Sheet brings me to the designated chapters.

This is my sample "Chapter 01" -- Format wise is in alignment with the given PDF.

Pray for me, I need the Lord's strength to bring me through this special task for the year 2016 with the Bible Project team! Hallelujah!

Yes, I'm Back!

It is always a constant reminder to myself that my very last post was in the year 2012. I kind of abandon this blog, yep I've said it -- ABANDON--, and I felt really bad about it. In fact, I'm really glad that I don't have to answer to anyone except for myself since this blog is relatively inactive as far as readers is concern. 

Actually, this blog serves more like a "diary" to me as it dictates my journey with the Lord. Yes, the Lord Jesus is my very best friend that no one can ever replace Him except Himself!

Resolution for 2016 (Reason I'm back)
The purpose of my coming back after 3 year of disappearance seems odd, hence I will be trying out new things for the year 2016. I have engaged myself with some Internet sources by reading through the bible for the year 2016. So, let's see how that goes.

I do hope that it will turn out to be a daily blog instead of abandoning this beautiful blog. Lastly, all I really want to say is that I'm really glad to be back!

NECF 40-Day Fast & Prayer 2012 -- Hope of Jubilee

I have started the 40 days prayer and fast, and this will be my diary. Here are some areas that we can "Tarry for 1 hour" on what to pray for.

Remember: The first step that you must take is to be able to enter into the realm of the spirit.
1) We worship and dwell in His Presence
2) We pray in tongues
3) We "listen" to the voice of the Holy Spirit
4) We intercede for others, the nations, church needs as the Spirit brings to your mind
5) We present our own petitions (requests)

Below are some prayer pointers too for the help during the fast:-
NECF Prayer pointers

1. Church - Revival
i) Hunger
ii) Holiness
iii) Unity

2. Nation - Transformation
i) Righteousness
ii) Justice
iii) Peace

3. Election - Integrity
i) Clean
ii) Fair
iii) Peaceful

Day 1 - Jubilee (No Fast)
Day 2 - Fresh Start (Fast)
Day 3 - Restoration (Fast)
Day 4 - Release (Fast)
Day 5 - Rest (Fast)
Day 6 - The Acceptable Year of the Lord (Fast)
Day 7 - Elijah (Fast)
Day 8 - Token or Tarrying Prayers (Fast)
Day 9 - Obedience (Fast)
Day 10 - Faith (Fast)
Day 11 - Justice (Fast)
Day 12 - Action (No Fast)
Day 13 - Hari Raya (No Fast)