Well, it's the last day of the year 2008, and time has so quickly flew past. As I reflect upon the year 2008, I cannot help but feel God's mercies and graces aiding me through all the days of my life. It seems that every year, different troubles will plague God's children, but at the same time, God grants sufficient grace to pull through the year.

As I recall every event in the year (okay, at least the major events since my memory is failing me these days), God has been with me since. From my awaiting of the O Level results, to my choosing of schools, and even through this entire year, God has been merciful and has been showing me the way, guiding me through. I never thought I could have pulled through 2008, but nothing is impossible with God. Sure, I may be capable of doing well enough, but I know that I'm not capable of doing well, at least not without God's help. I really could not have done well for my EOYs without divine help.

Well, I really don't know what to say at times. But I thought I should just pen down my thoughts somewhere, and maybe look back at it someday. 2009 is only half a day away (from the time I'm posting), and I'm really troubled by the A Levels next year. (Yeah, I know I shouldn't be worrying, but still, it's a natural human reaction.) I just pray that I would not fail in serving God, even if it means failing in school. With all humbleness, I pray that God will lead me through the next year, and all the remaining days of my life.

There's a reason why I chose the title to be "Beyond the Sunset". This is because I want to remind myself of the hymn, "Beyond the Sunset".
Beyond the sunset, O blissful morn,
When with our Saviour heav'n is begun.
Earth's toiling ended, O glorious dawning;
Beyond the sunset, when day is done.

I need to remind myself that my time on this earth is temporal, and I should always seek God's will in my life first.
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Almighty, merciful Heavenly Father,

LORD God, forgive me for the sins that I have committed in 2008. Forgive me O LORD, for time and time again straying from Thee. Forgive me O LORD, of all my human weaknesses. Restore me O LORD, restore me to Thy fold.

As the new year dawns, help me to seek Thy face evermore; to ask of Thy graces evermore. Help me to always trust in Thee, to trust in Thee to guide me through both my studies and commitment in church. LORD God Almighty, Thou created everything out of nothing; nothing is impossible for Thee.

I pray that I would not neglect my commitments in church in the pursuit of my studies. Chastise me O LORD, if I ever forget. I pray for the youths, many of them will be taking their O Levels in 2009, LORD I pray that Thou wilt be merciful unto them, and bless them in their studies. Help them to always seek Thee in their time of need. I pray that the youths would be regular in attending GYBH. Help them to understand O Father, that Thy word is life, and everything else is but loss. Help all the youths to be regular in their attendance, so that they will not miss out on all the spiritual blessings on Saturday afternoons.

I pray for those who are receiving their O Level results, LORD bless their efforts during the year 2008. Give them results that would enable them to take the course that they would like to take. I pray that Thou wilt grant all the O Level students wisdom to choose wisely which route they should take in 2009, whether they should be in a JC or a polytechnic. As Thou has comforted and guided me in my time of need, I pray the same for the other youths.

O LORD, keep all the youths I pray, keep all the youths from the temptation of the world. Keep us O LORD from the attack of the evil one. In this time of peril, temptation is everywhere! Grant all the youths discernment, to keep away from evil, and to keep in the narrow way. Bless us O LORD, bless us. Keep us from the evil one, help us to remain focused on Thee, and never lose sight of our final destination. Keep us from falling I pray.

In Jesus most blessed and holy name,
AMEN.

Uttered by Matt at 11:19 am  

Labels: Church, Photography