Your Will

Have Faith in Him

2011-11-07T22:41:00.001+08:00

I don't know what tomorrow holds but i know who holds tomorrow.

"He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things?" - Paul (Romans 8:32)

"Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?" - Jesus (Mark 4:40)

Trust Jesus as He gently ask you the words in Mark 4:40. Trust Him.

The Ravages of Sin

2011-11-03T22:34:00.001+08:00

Visiting a hospice always bring one into confrontation with death; but more so, with the ravages of sin. The once strong able body has been reduced to skin and bones. The once cheery and lively demeanor has been reduced to tired eyes and silence.

The curse of sin is eating up everything. And the only comfort one can find is the afterlife. Jesus promised all those who believe in him will no longer suffer when they give up this feeble body. They will be with him in paradise and will have a new body-one that will never rot, grow old or crumple.

May all those who are taking care of the terminally ill and elderly sick find hope in Jesus; for he had conquered death, rose from the dead and will come again to bring all who are his into eternal bliss.

The Grass is Always Greener on the Other Side...

2011-08-03T11:52:00.001+08:00

Two pictures to illustrate what "the grass is always greener on the other side" meant.

What you dwell on does matter

2011-07-12T14:04:00.000+08:00

I have just read through the book of Numbers and I wonder to myself, "My goodness, the Israelites are certainly fond of complaining! They complain just about everything!" Then as if the book suddenly became a mirror by itself, I asked, "How different am I from them? Maybe not very much."

It is so easy to complain, and often, we feel so shiok* after complaining. Complaining in itself is not something bad or sinful. There were times when complains are good and valid, and there were times when complains are not good, and even sinful. The Bible has examples for both.

What I want to say is that more often than not, complains tend to form a negative 'cloud' with the people we're complaining with. So instead of helping you to let off steam, it actually makes you more negative and angry over the person you're complaining about.

If you're in such an environment (work, school or family), you will notice that slowly, but surely, your joy is being sapped away. Even though you have every right to justify your complains, and tell yourself that you're not bitter about the person, your joy will just be suck away because your thoughts are always in a complain mood.

It is no wonder Paul tells us to think of "whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy."(Phil 4:8) That is a process of renewing the mind.

A couple of days ago, I was reading a book called "Love is a Verb" by Gary Chapman and there was a story inside about a married couple in trouble. The wife was so upset with the husband that one day she listed down all his faults. But she also listed his qualities that first attracted her to him and she found that his qualities were more than his faults. She did the same for herself and found that she has more faults than him and realized that she needs to get herself right first before pointing the finger.

So what she did was that she kept a list of her husband's good qualities in her purse and read it daily and then weekly. She also work on her negative traits.

She said, "Surprisingly, I soon gained new respect for my husband and my love returned richer than ever. As I changed for the better, Duane treated me with renewed love and respect and his criticism ceased."

So I thought, well, let me try. So I wrote down a list of the good qualities of a certain someone that I do not particularly like. Let me tell you that it was hard trying to pen down good qualities of the person but it was worth a try.

I would not say there is instant renewal of the mind but that exercise was good. It was good to be reminded of someone's good qualities, and not always think about the bad ones which makes you want to start complaining(and sometimes can't stop). It was good to be reminded that you are not much better in the sense that you have faults as much as another person has. This humbles the proud soul. And finally, it was good to have joy returned to you, and to remind you to be grateful for everything that you have, including the person who irritates you(and in the process, moulds you in your character).

So my dear friends, what you dwell on does matter. Try the exercise of writing down a list of the good qualities of the person you do not like most, and remind yourself daily of the qualities. Try it and tell me what happens. God bless.

Is the tissue uncle my neighbour?

2011-07-07T16:52:00.000+08:00

It has been a while since I last spoke to a tissue auntie. As much as I can say that I've not seen one in recent times, I can't help noticing 2 tissue-selling uncles near my workplace. But it's just noticing; no action taken.

One can't help noticing the 2 uncles selling tissues and snacks like Pocky sticks in an area where you will pass by for lunch almost everyday. So here I whizz by, pass by, walk by, stride by; nothing happens. I figure Jesus could have used my name in place of the priest and the Levite in the parable of the good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37). There were also times when I told himself, “I’m not in the ‘mood’” or “I’m tired”; excuses that were far too easy to make. But I would have cringed if Jesus were to tell blind Bartimaeus (Mk 10:46-52) that he was not “in the mood” to heal him; especially when Bartimaeus was shouting and crying, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”

So I think enough is enough. Let's talk. Let's be a good neighbour. The 1st uncle sells his ware on a motorised wheelchair. He came all the way down from Woodlands because business was poor in that area. He is a nice, quiet man who is bilingual and the most striking phrase from him was, "What to do? I need to earn a living." Selling tissue and Pocky sticks was certainly not below his dignity. But it must have been tough.

The 2nd uncle stations himself along a walkway to Tan Tock Seng Hospital. And you can't miss him. He has a plastic tubing attached near his chest and he keeps crying out, “Brothers, Sisters, please help me. I need to go for kidney dialysis. Please help me.”* His story is more heart-wrenching, and I believe that he is not alone in Singapore.

Besides having to go for kidney dialysis, he has heart problems and diabetes. NKF would not take him because of his heart problem so he had to go for dialysis at a private centre (Novena Medical Centre) as his condition requires a doctor to be around. When asked if there were help from the government, he said they would only help if he is willing to sell his 3-room flat and rent from HDB. It will be easy for us to say, “Sell the flat”, but few would understand that having your own roof over your head is a matter of security and dignity. Few would opt to sell unless it’s a life-and-death matter.

He has 2 young children, 12 and 14 years old, and his wife is currently hospitalised at TTSH after going through surgery for breast cancer. He is semi-blind because of diabetes and currently earns his living through selling tissues.

Yes, we may ask ourselves if his story is true. But how many of us would bother to first, get to know him as a friend, and second, to verify his account over the course of knowing him as a friend. Few of us would dare do this. Why? Because by then, you cannot say, “I don’t know.”

If there is any lesson to take home besides the sobering wake-up call of not loving my neighbour, it is the closing phrase of the tissue uncle. His parting words to me as I bid him goodbye was “谢谢你。感恩，感恩。”** I wonder if I would say “感恩” too if I were in his situation.

May we be a grateful people, and good neighbours bearing the good news of Jesus Christ.

* Not exact quote. Paraphrased.
** Xie Xie Ni. Gan En. Gan En. translated as "Thank you. I give thanks. (I'm grateful)" (note: I do not know if he is a Christian although "Gan En" is often used by Christians.)

A "dream team" for Arsenal's next season

2011-05-24T16:34:00.000+08:00

The season has ended and is another disappointment for Arsenal fans. I would like to reiterate my "dream" Arsenal team for next season. I think the so-called dream team is achievable and I hope it works.

[those in brackets are those in rotation/second lineup/backups]
4-4-2
GK: Shay Given (Wojciech Szczesny)
LB: Glichy (Gibbs)
CD: Vermaelen (Squillaci)
CD: Roger Johnson (Djourou/Koscielny)
RB: Sagna (Eboue)
LM: Asharvin (Diaby/Nasri)
DM: Scott Parker (Alex Song)
M: Fabregas (Wilshere)
RM: Walcott (Rosicky/Ramsey)
AM/F: Nasri (Rosicky/Asharvin/Walcott)
F: Van Persie (Bendtner/Chamark)

4-3-3
GK: Shay Given (Wojciech Szczesny)
LB: Glichy (Gibbs)
CD: Vermaelen (Squillaci)
CD: Roger Johnson (Djourou/Koscielny)
RB: Sagna (Eboue)
M: Wilshere (Diaby/Ramsey)
DM: Scott Parker (Alex Song)
M: Fabregas (Wilshere/Diaby)
AM/F: Walcott (Rosicky)
AM/F: Nasri (Asharvin)
F: Van Persie (Bendtner/Chamark)

Looking at Arsenal's style, I prefer a 4-3-3 as we're not a wing play team who crosses in effectively for headers and scoring opportunities. The more compact 3 man midfield is versatile and help to keep possessions better, with the roaming left and right AM/F running up and down the wings to create more space for passing.

Having a DM like Scott Parker would also mean more protection for the back four, as well as to win the ball in midfield and assure an attacking Fab or Wilshere that they can charge up without worries. Alex Song is not a DM in my opinion and he's not combative enough (I would think Wilshere is more combative but he needs to improve his tacking timing). Alex Song enjoys attacking more - so does the rest like Diaby, Fab and Wilshere.

Birmingham is relegated and Roger Johnson might move and he's a good defender to have - tall, good with headers(Arsenal's weakness), and a combative defender that Arsenal sorely need. Djorou is just not good enough - he's like another Senderos; decent but not exceptional.

I don't think Shay Given would want to stay as No.2 in Man City for long. He would probably take up Arsenal's offer but of course, Man City won't make it easy or cheap but he might just hand in a transfer request for a move. We need a top class goalkeeper and we can't shrink on the budget for this important component which has won us trophies (David Seaman, Lehmann).

So please Mr.Wenger. Buy us some good stuff and go for the title.

Which vision?

2011-05-24T16:00:00.000+08:00

Pastor Tan Seow How wrote in IMPACT magazine that "The competitors of Christianity are not other religions, but Apple, Google, BMW, Zouk and L4D2, etc (if you don't know what L4D2 is, Google it). The attractions of working in the prestigious MNCs, driving a BMW, hanging out with cool people in Zouk and buying the latest gadgets are captivating our young adults. Our vision in church must be more attractive than these."

Young people, what is your vision in Christ?

Landscapes are changing - hast thou not seen?

2011-05-24T15:55:00.000+08:00

The recent General Election in Singapore has caused many people to conclude that the political landscape is changing and that the PAP could no longer reach out to citizens and handle politics the way it has always been doing in the past.

It took the loss of a GRC with "heavyweight" ministers and a drop in total votes to wake them up. I ask, "What about the churches in Singapore? Have the leaders been listening to the ground? Or do they want to wait for some major upheaval before they start asking the right questions and engaging the people at their level."

While I recognised that the world is changing very rapidly and no one can keep up with the times, it does not give the people of God, especially leaders/ministers, the leeway to say that we do not need to know what is happening. It is overly simplistic to say "I know better. I have been a youth once. I have more experience. I know what is going on." if a minister would not listen to what the young people are facing, what the world is dishing out, and what are the waves that are coming.

Leaders of the church can no longer afford to give themselves excuses that they belong to a different generation who do not use ipod, ipad, msn, facebook, google and hence, they don't need to learn what these are. They need to take more public transport and go to places where the youth/young people hang out to see more of the current moral/spiritual/emotional landscape. What do you see?

1. I see more affections and sexual inklings expressed in public between members of opposite sex AND same sex.
2. I see more rantings, expressions of personal views, and a different person on Facebook than the person I see once a week in a "you-must-be-a-goodie-good-person" church.
3. I see more influence and faith placed on the advice of peers than the Bible when it comes to choosing vocation, prioritizing studies, spending money and what to wear.

The list can go on and on. If we have lost touch, admit it, say "Sorry" and back it up with actions. People say the church always tend to be reactive than proactive. Perhaps we can be proactive than reactive for a change.

From what I see, there is a need to engage the youth/young adults in:
1. Homosexuality and the Christian faith - there is much to discuss, explore and debate. This "wave" is coming, if you have not noticed. What does the Bible say? How do we love someone with a different sexual inclination? Can someone be a Christian even if he/she has an inclination to remain liking the same gender?

2. Sexuality and the Christian faith - let's not kid ourselves. A large % of young boys and girls have been exposed to pornography and for some, sex from a much earlier age. Those who are addicted or struggle with porn and masturbation are crying out for help, but are afraid they'll be condemned and cast away like lepers. The shame and fear can be overbearing. Is there a healthy and loving platform to talk about such things? Is there a place to discuss what the Bible talks about sexuality, sex and marriage in a real way?

3. Wisdom and the Christian Faith - okay, Wisdom is a big word. What I really want to say is that we need to help the younger folks to think. The "you-do-what-I-say-because-I/the-Bible-says-so" is not a helpful method for this generation. They need to understand why, to dig the Bible and think what it says, and to become wise. The world is becoming increasing post-modern(or already is) and we need to help them to think and to live wisely. They have too many choices, too little though process, too used to getting spoon-fed in school, too reliant on the words of church leaders, and too resistant to opinions different from theirs. We need to engage their mind with the Word and real lives and relationships.

So I hope we get slap in the face and wake up before we once again become reactive. May the Lord give us all wisdom and patience to listen, engage, and do what is pleasing to Him for His glory. Amen.

Hope for the Downtrodden

2011-04-28T13:43:00.000+08:00

"The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.
Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you." Psalm 9:9-10

Yes Lord, you have NEVER forsaken those who seek you. You are their stronghold in times of trouble and they will trust you because they know you. Thank you Lord for being our refuge.

Arsenal, why you so like that?

2011-04-25T17:55:00.000+08:00

The post below were actually written last year, mid-way through the season. Here's my post-mortem of Arsenal's season, with key points that are pretty similar to the post below.

1. If there is any reason why Arsenal cannot win this season, it has to be the defence. I've said it, I'll say it again. Arsenal can't win without a good defence. Its defence is still chaotic and without strong leadership (think Adams and Vieira - no titles ever since then), you get foolish results: Arsenal lead Newcastle 4-0 at HT and drew 4-4 at FT. Arsenal lead Spurs 3-1 and drew 3-3 at FT. Arsenal were looking more likely to score when Birmingham scored the easiest goal of the season to win the Carling cup after a schoolboy defensive mix-up. Arsenal were going to win Liverpool when Eboue gave away a stupid penalty. And the list goes on.

Please get an experienced and proven defender to partner Vermaelen at the centre. The rest are just not good enough.

2. The DM problem is still not resolved which means the back 4 is still poorly protected. No one is a natural ball-winner at Arsenal. We need a Scott Parker.

3. The goalkeeping issue is still an issue. Please get Shay Given. Enough is enough.

4. Who is leaving this time round? I don't know. But 5 years of emptiness can be too much for any players to stomach, even young players.

5. Get a good goalkeeper and central defender, and some star players might stay for another season.

Cheers to all disappointed gooner fans.

Why Arsenal Cannot Win

2011-04-25T17:34:00.000+08:00

If there is any reason why Arsenal cannot win this season, it has to be the defence.

Looking at the Man U vs Arsenal match, it is obvious Arsenal clearly needs someone who is solid in the centre of defence and who can bark orders around. Arsenal's defence is an absolute mess and far too easy for Man U to breach at will.

Arsenal sorely missed Vermaelen and needs one more solid central defender. Squillaci, Koscielny and Djourou are just not good enough. The defence is chaotic at the present moment without strong leadership (think Adams and Vieira - no titles ever since then).

The DM problem is still not resolved. Song is getting better but he's not really a DM, nor is Denilson. Why do we need a DM? Cos almost everyone else attacks. Without a DM, the left and right wing are almost always badly exposed and as well as the centre of the park. By now, you should know how badly Arsenal handles counter attacks.

The goalkeeping issue is still an issue. You may say fabianski and szczesny have potential but Arsenal need a world class keeper now, not those with potential. As for Almunia, I'll still say the same - decent shot stopper but not world class (you compare him with Van der Sar, Cech, Given and Reina and you can see why). Why don't Wenger just get Given???

Some positives:
Chamakh has added an attacking option for Arsenal with good aerial power so now at least there's some sense in making crosses.

Song and Wilshere has grown but again, that's not what is desperately needed. There's Diaby, Fabregas & Nasri who can play at central positions and it's way too congested.

RVP has recovered and so did Fab. Hopefully they will return to form again and join Nasri as the in-form list.

The Never-ending Pursuit for Meaning and Happiness

2011-04-25T17:33:00.000+08:00

"Men are in a restless pursuit after satisfaction in earthly things. They will exhaust themselves in the deceitful delights of sin, and, finding them all to be vanity and emptiness, they will become very perplexed and disappointed. But they will continue their fruitless search. Though wearied, they still stagger forward under the influence of spiritual madness, and though there is no result to be reached except that of everlasting disappointment, yet they press forward. They have no forethought for their eternal state; the present hour absorbs them. They turn to another and another of earth's broken cisterns, hoping to find water where not a drop was ever discovered yet." Charles Spurgeon

Where are the MEN???!!!

2011-03-25T15:31:00.000+08:00

This is not new and I am sure you have heard this over and over again. "Where are the men in the church?" This is not only a local church issue but a global one. There is a lack of men in the mission field in areas where men are very much needed.

In a local church setting, many men are missing(physically AND/OR spiritually). I've many wonderful and godly lady friends but it seem the wonderful and godly men are either missing or taken. I'm not saying that singlehood is bad or wrong but the issue is not that the ladies want to remain single for life. Rather, one major issue is the lack of good, godly men (that are still single).

I have heard and read countless times of news from missionaries in the field that they need MEN. To do what? To reach out to boys and men and talk about men stuff and to do the things guys do together. This situation is actually worse than the situation at home in the local church. In a recent encounter with a group of 6 missionary candidates, I saw that there was only 1 male. Where the men?

Are they less reached? Do they resist the gospel more than women? Are they too pre-occupied with striving for their family that cross-cultural work became the least of priorities? Why are there less males in the church? And especially so in the mission field?

As a guy, maybe it is time to think about this. About reaching a guy friend, about going to places where you are more needed, about leading your family into a strange place for the gospel's sake.

So where are the men? You're 'it'. You are the answer if you are a man reading this. Go and fish some.

Comfort for those grieving

2011-02-26T01:49:00.000+08:00

I once read this in an obituary and I thought it was beautiful.

God saw you getting tired, when a cure was not to be.
He wrapped his arms around you and whispered, "Come to Me."
In tears we saw you sinking. We watched you fade away.
Our hearts were broken, as you fought so hard to stay.
But when we saw you sleeping so peacefully free from pain
We could not wish you back to suffer so again.
So keep your arms around him God, and give him special care,
Make up for all he suffered and all that seemed unfair.

The Uninterested and Interested

2011-02-22T22:30:00.000+08:00

Pastor Michael wrote an interesting article called "Dropping the Rope, Holding Hands, And Learning To Walk Together." It talks about uninterested parishioners*, flawed perceptions and the struggles of a pastor.

How do ministry workers handle the interested and the uninterested? From experience, these are the few ways I've observed.
1. Forget about the uninterested. They are wasting my time. Give 100% to those who are interested.
2. "Pull" the uninterested, give them 90% attention and 10% to those interested. After all, the interested ones will not become uninterested or grow cold.
3. Do nothing about both. I'm too busy. The interested will come to me, and the uninterested ones won't. So I let them decide.

All of the above are not ideal. The 1st one has effectively shut out the uninterested who might in time become interested. The 2nd one thinks that spending more time equals to getting uninterested parishioners more interested but this usually does not happen. And it's bad to assume the neglected interested ones will keep going; they can drop off the radar (we're humans!). The 3rd one can't be bothered with both.

So what is the ideal? I like what Pastor Michael said. "I will care and give correct spiritual guidance to both the interested and the uninterested. I will never be so far out front that I waste effort on the truly uninterested, but I will stay engaged (appropriately so) to see when the spark of interest ignites" It's a good balance which every minister need to take heed of. And to always pray for the uninterested because that's the only thing that really works for them.

I think Jesus gives us a perfect picture of the balance. Ask yourself, "What Will Jesus Do?"(WWJD) when you look at your church - the interested, uninterested, the good, the bad and the ugly and oh, that includes you too :)

*Parishioner = another term for Church member, churchgoer

Revisiting Contentment

2011-01-30T21:58:00.000+08:00

Someone once said, "There are two ways to be rich. One is to have all you want. The other is to be contented with what you have."

I was reading this book with the quote above and it kind of zoomed in on my recent "wants" list now that I've started working. I've been dreaming of getting a much better DSLR cos my Nikon D70 is like a dinosaur when it comes to more accurate metering and good white balance. The other on my list is a new macbook cos my powerbook is dying with a spoilt DVD-ROM and an almost dead graphic card giving my monitor bizzare colours, streaked lines and bad resolution.

So does that warrant a change, and the spending of a few thousands? Looks like it but I know I was reminded that it is a "NO". Couple of reasons: The D70 still works fine although I am more dissatisfied with it than a few years ago, and I am not a professional. As for the mac, well, the office has just gotten new laptops for us to use and it works fine. (Although I must say Windows is as yucky as ever and programs crash whenever they like.)

So at the end of the day, I can still live without a new DSLR and a new mac, and that makes them more of a "want" than a "need" now. As for the couple of thousands that I planned to save and buy them, I supposed they can be better used somewhere (or kept).

"Contentment makes a poor man rich; discontentment makes a rich man poor."

"But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it." - 1 Tim 6:6-7

Quotes in italics are taken from the book "Help! I'm growing old" by Chuan Tong-Ik.

Do you know your value?

2011-01-19T11:52:00.000+08:00

"In any museum we will find quite ordinary things - clothes, a walking stick, a pen, pieces of furniture - which are only of value because they were possessed and used by some great person. It is the ownership which gives them worth. It is so with the Christian. The Christian may be a very ordinary person, but he acquires a new value and dignity and greatness because he belongs to God. The greatness of the Christian lies in the fact that he is God's." -- William Barclay

The joy of hindsight - 2010

2011-01-10T17:12:00.001+08:00

Woah, it has really been a "long time" since I last blogged. Plenty of ideas but didn't get them logged down.

2010 has been a very eventful year: I finished my studies in bible school, made many good friends with kindred spirit, learned a lot, and I found a soulmate. God has been so so good. He is indeed faithful.

Looking back at the years, not just 2010, I began to understand more and more of God's plans and timing. There are more "aha"s as I looked back and some of my earlier "why"s have been answered. That is why He is God, isn't it? He knows best, does the best, fulfils His plans and everything is in His hands.

"Praise the Lord O my soul, all my inmost being praise His holy name" Ps 103:1

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." Isa 55:8-9

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight" Pro 3:5-6

I think this is really a good way to live life, isn't it? May we always praise the Lord, trust in Him and do all things according to His will.

Welcome 2011.

22 Things to Ask Yourself Daily

2010-09-13T00:00:00.000+08:00

The following are 22 questions the members of John and Charles Wesley’s “Holy Club” asked themselves each day in their private devotions over 250 years ago.

1. Am I consciously or unconsciously creating the impression that I am better than I really am? In other words, am I a hypocrite?
2. Am I honest in all my acts and words, or do I exaggerate?
3. Do I confidentially pass on to another what was told to me in confidence?
4. Can I be trusted?
5. Am I a slave to dress, friends, work, or habits?
6. Am I self-conscious, self-pitying, or self-justifying?
7. Did the Bible live in me today?
8. Do I give it time to speak to me everyday?
9. Am I enjoying prayer?
10. When did I last speak to someone else about my faith?
11. Do I pray about the money I spend?
12. Do I get to bed on time and get up on time?
13. Do I disobey God in anything?
14. Do I insist upon doing something about which my conscience is uneasy?
15. Am I defeated in any part of my life?
16. Am I jealous, impure, critical, irritable, touchy, or distrustful?
17. How do I spend my spare time?
18. Am I proud?
19. Do I thank God that I am not as other people, especially as the Pharisees who despised the publican?
20. Is there anyone whom I fear, dislike, disown, criticize, hold resentment toward or disregard? If so, what am I doing about it?
21. Do I grumble or complain constantly?
22. Is Christ real to me?

Short story of the Holy Club: http://www.ctlibrary.com/ch/1983/issue2/216.html

Run the Race with Endurance

2010-09-10T21:19:00.001+08:00

Excerpt from "5 Minutes with K.P." in the GFA magazine, Send
"The writer of Hebrews said, "Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us" (Hebrews 12:1). He was very much aware that we are enlisted in a marathon race that can only be won if we have sufficient stamina to last the entire long distance.

As Westerners, we suffer from lack of endurance. Our society is very fluid-people move frequently and surveys show that 50 percent of engaged couples think at least once that if their marriage doesn't work out, they will have a chance on a second one.

It is much easier for us to change, walk away, close our hearts, become bitter or give up instead of enduring for the long haul. It is an uncommon thing to find-in our society and in the Church- the "stickability", permanency, endurance and commitment in the face of difficult that the Bible talks about when it comes to following Jesus.

Especially if you are a young person, I encourage you to embrace the word "endurance." Paul wrote to his young disciple Timothy, "You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ" (2 Tim 2:23). In other words, "Although enduring hardship is difficult, hold onto it, because through this you will grow and improve on the inside."

The best years of my life in terms of developing as a leader, and the most valuable lessons I learned, happened when I worked with a mission organization in northern India. One of my leaders was next to impossible to deal with. No matter what I did, he found fault with it. It was not easy at all to endure. I felt like I died a thousand deaths. But somehow my upbringing and my instruction about discipleship called for staying on and not giving up." - K.P. Yohannan

A Christian's Response to Difficult Situations in Life

2010-09-10T14:37:00.001+08:00

What will my response be when things turned against me in life?
What will my response be when man falsely accuse and persecute me?
What will my response be when Christian brothers betray, attack or desert me?
What will my response be when Christian leaders fail me?
What will my response be when I am hurting badly and seething with anger?

I am not sure how I will respond when times like this comes my way. Yet I have seen many lives destroyed or crushed by their response to these situations. It can be difficult to hold on to God and easy to let loose our hurts and fury in such situations. But if there is one thing that should govern our response, it must be God Himself - His very words. How then should a Christian respond to such situations in life?

In times when things turned against us, sometimes without reason, we must cling on to God. To believe that He is in control, He knows what's best, and He will make all things well someday; even though we cannot see it now and we are in tears. There is great Hope because of Jesus Christ. He has saved us, redeemed us, make us His very own and given us eternal and abundant life. (John 1:12; 3:16; 10:10) Our earthly life is but for a moment; then we shall have no more tears for eternity, and our troubles on earth will be nothing in light of our eternal glory in Him. (2 Cor 4:16-17)

In times when man falsely accuse you and attack you, even Christian brothers, be patient. For God will judge justly and bring about His righteous wrath. (Rom 12:19) It is not right for you and I to take matters into our own hands and repay evil for evil. (Rom 12:17; 1 Thess 5:15) Rather, we must overcome evil with good.(Rom 12:21) We must never sinned in our anger with the words we say and the actions we do. We must be wise not to play the devil's game and not to let him have a foothold in our lives through our response(Eph 4:26-27) Be patient and stand firm in the Lord.

In times when Christian leaders fail you, pray. This is a time when you could find yourself confused, disappointed, angry, upset, bitter or a mixture of everything. It is vital to pray at such times because this is when the devil will incite and deceive you and many in your church. Widespread rumours, misunderstandings, divisions and fights is the devil's gameplan. Let us not be deceived into becoming a tool for him but let us be self-controlled and alert; for the devil is taking such opportunities to devour people up in church. (1 Peter 5:8) Pray for your leaders, and ask the Lord to show you what is happening and how to deal with it wisely. (Rom 15:30; James 1:5)

And in all things, always pray and always give thanks to God in all circumstances. (1 Thess 5:17-18)

And to be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer. (Rom 12:12)

Let us therefore sing to the Lord in response!
"Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever." (Ps 107:1) Amen.

Death, Hope and Christ

2010-08-11T00:05:00.000+08:00

Two deaths in a week. One, an elderly man, and the other in his 50s.

No one can fathom death - it does not announce the time to go, it can happen to anyone, it can be unexpected, it does not state its reason.

One moment he is talking, and the next moment he is no more. Are not "our days like grass? Like a flower of the field where the wind blows over it and it is gone?"(Ps 103:15-16)

If our citizenship is not in heaven, we would have lost all hope. But praise be to our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ who have gone ahead of us to prepare a place for us in heaven. (Phil 3:20; John 14:2)

And so even though death does always bring pain while we're still here, we know that death's pain do not last forever because we have a great hope in Jesus Christ. That one day we shall meet our Lord and Saviour face to face, and also all those we've missed on earth because they have gone ahead of us.

"Where, O death, is your victory?
Where, O death, is your sting?"
- 1 Cor 15:55

It is no more because of Jesus Christ. For "neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." - Rom 8:38-39

Yes. His love endures forever - over pain, over grief, over death. His love endures forever. (Ps 118:1)

May the peace of God be with those who are grieving now, and may the hope found in Christ strengthen them and comfort them. His love endures forever. Amen.

Be Equipped in Evangelising - XEE

2010-07-13T23:27:00.000+08:00

I just finished the XEE (www.xee.info) training a few days ago and it has been a great experience. Out of the days we've spent listening, discussing, laughing & sharing, 4 persons have come to know the Lord through connecting with them with the gospel. Isn't God wonderful?

XEE is a tool used for evangelism and to train others to do the same. What I really like about XEE is that it has a solid theological basis in sharing the gospel message (I am sure a lot of thoughts and prayer have gone into it) and it advocates evangelism as a process, a lifestyle. It helps believers to see that sharing the gospel is a very doable 'task' and that relationship/connection matters in the sharing process - significant conversations and dialogue as opposed to a "you listen to me only" method. This is especially helpful with modern city folks - especially the younger generation. Last but not least, the training is fueled by prayers - the host church got their folks involved by getting them to be prayer partners with the trainees. Isn't that awesome?

And oh, I've just shared the gospel with my mum (yea, you must be thinking what took me so long huh) in a way which I think is most complete and understandable.(though I've shared bits and pieces before). So you see my friends, getting yourself equipped is important. And always pray for your friends and family who have yet to know Jesus. Pray on.

"We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God" - 2 Cor 5:20

Homosexuality and Faith

2010-05-21T00:39:00.003+08:00

This is something I believe many Christians do not ask nor do many churches want to talk about other than to give an easy statement that "Homosexuality is a sin" and freely proclaimed that "God loves the sinner but hates the sin". But let's face the facts - most churches and Christians are ill-equipped to engage and help our homosexual friends through their faith journey. Okay, maybe that sounded too mechanical as if to convey that the heterosexuals are alright and the homosexuals are not and therefore the heterosexuals must do something to help the homosexuals. How about saying that most churches and Christians are prejudiced and suspicious of homosexuals? And to add to the list, they are ignorant as well.

I'm not a liberal nor a saint. All I am saying is that, we(the Christian community at large-the Church) who claimed to be Jesus' disciples are NOT listening (at least most of us are not) to Christian homosexuals with a spirit of patience, compassion, prayer and much needed wisdom. Is there such a thing(i.e. a Christian who is a homosexual) you asked? Yes, there is - in Singapore, as well as in the world. (the term "Christian" denotes anyone who believes Jesus as their Lord and Saviour) Whether you agree there is such a thing as a "Christian homosexual" is another thing. The fact is, they(Christians with a different sexual orientation and lifestyle) exist.

How do we view them? Have we tried to understand them? Are we willing to walk through their struggles in life? Is it possible to reconcile their faith and sexuality? What if they could not change their sexual orientation? I wonder if we have ever asked ourselves such questions, and reflect in light of Scriptures and other resources which may shed some light to these questions.

I'm not going into a research or debate on this. But if you happened to be a Christian or church leader reading this, I think it's high time God's community (His church) learn how to engage "different" people in the proper manner.

For more information,
1. Is the Homosexual my Neighbour? (Tony Campolo and his wife shares their different opinion on homosexuality. Audio files available here)
2. The Great Debate - are homosexual relationships sinful? (Read 2 different views from 2 homosexuals who believe in Jesus. One said yes to the question, one said no)
3. Exodus International: FAQ on homosexuality (Exodus is a nonprofit, interdenominational Christian organization promoting the message of Freedom from homosexuality through the power of Jesus Christ)
4. What is the definition of change? (Some definition by ex-gay movements of what it means when one said that a homosexual has changed)
5. Examining the Scientific Evidence for Homosexuality by Dr John Tay, Professor and Head of Department of Paediatrics, National University of Singapore (1973-1995) and Head of the Division of Human Genetics in Singapore.
6. Google, search the library and get to know your friends who are homosexuals. That'll help.

Perhaps I'll end with a cliche: WWJD - What Will Jesus Do?
Go figure it.

Faithfulness is a Lifelong Journey. It doesn't stop.

2010-05-07T22:40:00.000+08:00

Today's address by Dr Maak Hay Chun, who have served the Lord for over 60 years in missions and church planting, theological education and pastoral ministry, CCCOWE and other ministries, left a deep impression on me.

He admitted his health is not as good, his eyesight is failing and he wasn't as mobile as he would like to be. But when he speaks, my goodness, it didn't really matter that he couldn't see well anymore or that he has just turned 80; his words are alive, and he is still actively serving the Lord.

Faithfulness.

Faithfulness is when you receive your doctorate in Theology at age 81. That is Singapore Bible College's first principal, the late Rev.Dr.Moses Yu. Faithful in learning until the end.

Faithfulness is when you keep going, keep thinking and keep dreaming at age 82. "We would have heard him speak on any issue, but when he had been introduced Dr. Winter said, “If you have a burning question, I’d like to hear it; I may not be able to help, but I like to work on burning questions." Some people see things as they are and ask, “Why?”; Dr. Winter dreamed things that never were and said, “Why not?” That is the late Dr.Ralph Winter. Faithful in engaging until the end.

Faithfulness is when you keep working for His kingdom sake, never despising your age and lack of ability. We have no ability anyway, apart from what He had given us and using those abilities through His empowerment to carry out His task.

"Dr.Ralph Winter elaborated that if a person begins his ministry at the age of 30 and lives to the age of 90 he is only half through at the age of 60. He pointed out that some of the most significant work accomplished in ministry and in the secular world is accomplished by persons in their seventies and beyond. Dr. Donald McGavran, at the age of 80 with the Church Growth Movement, is an example."
Faithful in serving until the end.

Faithfulness is a lifelong journey. A journey until we see the Lord again and hear His joyous words, "Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your Master." Let's keep walking, even as age catches up. Amen.

Quotes and information from:
Rev.Dr. Moses Yu - http://www.gospelherald.net/article/ministries/46208/chinese-evangelist-rev-moses-yu-died-at-91.htm

Dr.Ralph Winter - http://www.missionfrontiers.org/pdf/2009/03/34-49%20Various%20Tributes.pdf (p39)

Dr.Donald McGravan - http://www.missionfrontiers.org/pdf/2009/03/34-49%20Various%20Tributes.pdf (p44)

Get Real

2010-04-18T22:46:00.000+08:00

I think today's match sums up Arsenal's season. Isn't it plain for anyone to see their weaknesses? But what's frustrating is: Wenger's not buying players to fill up the big gaps Arsenal is having. Throughout the seasons(note: plural. that's how long we haven't touch something shiny), it is clear where Arsenal's weaknesses are. YET, there is little done to address the issues.

1. Goalkeeper: Fabianski??? (gimme a break!!!) Even Almunia, who is a decent shot-stopper, is not good enough. We NEED a SOLID international!!!! (Read: Van der Sar, Cech, Given, Reina)

2. Defence: Get one more solid defender who can be 1st team or a backup. Silvestre and Campbell is too slow for EPL. Remember that we don't have a Vieira to protect anymore!

3. Midfield: Get a solid DM. Song is improving but I don't see him in the class of Vieira, at least not yet. Other than that, we have lotsa midfielders who are all inconsistent barring Fab.

4. Forward: Besides RVP, the rest are underperforming. Bendtner misses too much and Eduardo has lost his form. Get a solid international will you?

sign,
Another miserable Arsenal fan.

Be encouraged. The LORD is God.

2010-04-11T00:04:00.000+08:00

Sometimes in life, you can't help but feel dejected and discouraged as you look at seemingly dire circumstances. Perhaps you feel like Elijah(2 Kings 19), utterly discouraged and even depressed by what you see.

But God is good. He is always on time to show us the truth - i.e. He is always at work - and just at the right moment, He reveals His work and encouraged us by His mighty acts. God told Elijah, "Yet I reserve seven thousand in Israel-all whose knees have not bowed to Baal and all whose mouths have not kissed him."

Are there times when you feel an acute burden for God's people? And become discouraged by what you see? I have good news for you. God is not dead. He is the living God who has always been working in the lives of His people. Yes, some might be very cold, some might be only outwardly hot, but yet God has not left Himself without a people whose hearts are tender and who will seek His face.

The truth is:
I cannot do anything.
God can do all things.
Therefore I will stop lamenting,
come to Him in prayer
and meditate upon his truth.

"Know that the LORD is God.
It is he who made us, and we are his;
we are his people, the sheep of his pasture." (Ps 100:3)
Amen.

Enjoying His Presence in Silence

2010-03-10T22:41:00.000+08:00

"Eh, dear God. Can you tell me this... and this... and this..." (me)

Silence. (God)

Same questions on occasional moments. (me)

Same Silence. (God)

God spoke through Habbakuk. (me)

"Shhhh...come, let us enjoy this moment together" (God)

So we sat at the couch, savouring every moment of precious quality time together. (me and God)

"Ahhh... now I know what you desire Lord" (me)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

My dear friends. God is not hard of hearing nor is He far.
Even in silence, one can communicate a lot - not verbal but relishing the presence of each other. Perhaps God wants to teach you this too.

That many times, God just want you to enjoy His presence; spending that quiet time together. Your answer will come, but for now, savour that wonderful moment together with Him.

"Shhhh...come, let us enjoy this moment together"

Sound Doctrine

2010-02-12T14:29:00.001+08:00

Excerpt from "A Revolution of Love" by George Verwer

"There is, I believe, a basic ingredient which is largely lacking in Christianity today, and the lack of it is the source of most of our problems. It is the cancer which is eating away at the church, but it is no secret. In fact, it is so non-secretive that it is written on almost every page of the New Testament. And yet, because the heart of man is deceitful and desperately wicked, and because we are so bent on our own way, we do not see (or seeing we do not believe) that the basic message of the New Testament is LOVE! It is my absolute conviction that most of us miss this most obvious and most repeated message, even while laying great emphasis on "sound doctrine".

Well, I would like to ask you, "What is sound doctrine?" We have long discussions on the Second Coming, on the Atoning Work of Christ, on the Church, the Holy Spirit, etc etc. But what about love and humility and brokenness? These usually go into a separate category, but I want to tell you that if your doctrine does not include love and humility and brokenness, then your doctrine is not sound.

Doctrine cannot be separated from practical living. He is not sound in doctrine if he does not love the brethren. What do we read in 1 John 4:8? "He that loveth not knoweth not God." There is no sounder doctrine than love, and apart from love there is no sound doctrine. This is the basis of all Bible doctrine. You take the base out and everything you build will eventually collapse."

May we love our enemies and love our neighbours as ourselves with the help of Christ. Amen.

Football and Spiritual Lessons

2010-02-08T00:49:00.000+08:00

We're not into the 2nd half and Arsenal is already 2 goals down. By now, I've stopped watching because 1)I'm very frustrated 2)I don't have the faith to believe they'll equalize, let alone win. I'm very frustrated because they are making the same defensive mistakes. Can you equalize Arsenal? Can you prove me wrong Arsenal? It's too painful to continue watching. I'll know the result tomorrow.

On a sidetrack, there're many spiritual lessons we can learn from football. Examples:
1. I thank God that He is faithful and He will win the day - unlike the uncertainty of Arsenal winning every game. God always win. The result may be 2-0 but He'll win 2-3 or probably more. He'll win - that's for sure - cos He has already won on the cross.

2. Sometimes I wonder if God is feeling as frustrated as me when he watched our lives being played out on earth like a football match. Like Arsenal, we may be smart & having great potential but prone to repeating our mistakes and slow in changing our ways. Don't you think God gets frustrated? My pledge to Arsenal is that I'll remain its supporter no matter what - but I don't have full faith in believing they can win the title or beat Chelsea tonight. God is somewhat similar but very different. His pledge is that He'll remain our God no matter what - and unlike me - He is faithful even when we are faithless(2 Tim 2:13) And as much as He is frustrated and as much as it pains Him to see us fumble like Arsenal, He'll not let go and will cheer us on all the way. What a great God we serve.

Back to the topic, R.I.P Arsenal or prove me wrong.

Tactics & Players Mattered

2010-02-01T11:34:00.000+08:00

I'm looking at Arsenal's loss against Man U. Fergie got his tactics spot on and crushed Arsenal. If you haven't notice, Arsenal's tactics are as predictable as a sunrise. The chief reason is the lack of players for them to change tactically, and secondly, they always play the same way!

1. Fergie changed his normal 4-4-2 to a 4-5-1(4-3-2-1) in order to cramp the midfield because that was Arsenal's main attack supply. Without a smooth midfield, Arsenal can't do anything. They suck at long balls, they're not direct enough and they don't depend on wingplay and crosses. So if their passing game is disrupted, Arsenal can hardly attack well.

2. Wenger had little options in attack. I'm sure he's still cursing the Dutch FA. Van Persie was such an integral part of the firing gunners early in the season. Arshavin was isolated up front and he's hardly an out-and-out striker. Notice what happened when Walcott burst down the right wing and whip in a cross? NO GUNNERS were near the box - I only saw 4 Man U defenders in a straight line. Sums up Arsenal's attack yesterday.

3. Fergie got Fletcher or Carrick to snap at Fabregas everytime he got the ball. Fab didn't have much manoeuvre space in the whole game. The man-to-man marking and pressing pushed him off his game and he wasn't really able to push up to attack.

4. Wenger likes denilson a lot. I don't know why. With Song(as acting DM) and Fab playmaking, there is really no space to put him into an already crammed midfield. While Bendtner is not a prolific striker, he can cause plenty of problems up front with his height and running. I would think putting him in(yes, it's a risk when he has just returned from injury) is a better option than putting in denilson. He seems lost in the whole game.

5. Fergie's use of Park Ji Sung in every Arsenal game whenever he's available. That's because Park can attack and runs back to defend with his unlimited stamina and power workrate. He's quick enough too for Arsenal.

6. We've seen enough how susceptible Arsenal is to counter attacks. Man City and Chelsea have shown that and now Man U too. The reason? Not enough protection for two surging fullbacks(wingbacks) and sometimes even surging centrebacks(Gallas and Vermaelen) who got really frustrated sometimes because the midfielders got stuck in their passing game when opponents mark man them. So time and again, Arsenal is badly exposed and not quick enough to recover. Against top teams(who are fast and make their chances really count), that spells doom.

It's really frustrating watching them repeat the same kind of defeats. I wish....

1. I have Van Der Sar, Cech or Given as goalkeepr. Why Wenger chose to stick with Almunia and not bought Given is a mystery. Our goalkeeper is not even good enough to be in a national team!

2. Van Persie is not injured. He would have balanced out Arsenal's lack of strikers.

3. We have more players like Arshavin. Experienced, skillful and top quality. A top class goalkeeper and winger/s would be very much appreciated. (I just don't see Rosicky and Nasri being able to fit into Arsenal. They're too similar to Fab's preference of a centre attacking role. Putting them on the left and right are not working out well)

I hope the next 2 big games would not be a repeat. Else, it's goodbye Arsenal again.

Arsene's Fantasy

2010-02-01T01:17:00.000+08:00

I like Arsenal's football but the dream(of winning with a weak defence) is way too flawed.

If you have noticed, Arsenal's defence is weak because:
1. They seldom press for the ball. They tend to have 2-3 players standing around an opponent while giving the opponent enough space to manoeuvre. If you've seen enough Arsenal's matches, many teams have bypassed 2-3 of their players at one go with good, direct passes.

2. They have no strong ball winners in the centre of the park. While I must say Song is getting better, he's hardly in the mould of Patrick Vieira or Flamini - players who not only deliver solid tackles, but wins the ball back with their energy, initiative and determination.

So now we're down 3-0 to Man U and the reasons?
1. Nani skipped past some static standing Arsenal players. The unfortunate Almunia scored an own goal. A repeated pattern of static standing Arsenal players letting opponents through way too easily.

2. Were Arsenal outnumbered at the back when Man U counter attack? NO. The reason was Denilson failed to follow through with Rooney. He ran back but slowed down towards the penalty area for no good reason. By the time Rooney got the ball, none of the Arsenal players was nowhere NEAR him!!! Utterly atrocious!

3. Another counter attack and this time, the defence gone missing. Arsenal is painfully slow in running back(did you notice Song slowing down his run??).

So again, Arsenal have summed up much of its season so far. Good potential, but not good enough. I don't believe a team with a weak defence can win titles. They can leak in goals, but they must be able to defend well. The reason for Arsenal's invincible win in 2003-2004? A solid attack and solid defence.

So Chelsea thrash them 3-0 at the Emirates and now Man U. Highbury used to be a fortress and the Emirates isn't really in the same class. The difference is not so much the place than the players(especially the defence). And Arsenal need a solid leader who can bark at his defence. I rest my case Wenger. You can continue your fantasy but I'm getting tired. So are Arsenal fans. Come on.

Kindred Spirit

2010-01-28T22:11:00.000+08:00

Kindred Spirit - "A person whose interests are similar to one's own"

I've found more and more kindred spirits in school and I'm really blessed to learn from them and had the opportunity to share my life's experiences too. Some of them are waiting for God's direction in cross cultural work, some are struggling with institutional policies & structures that baffle, and some had the same passion in a certain area of ministry.

It's been a blessing to have kindred spirits. They encourage one to carry on walking with God in his journey because they understand, they affirm and they make one realised he's not alone.

Thank God for kindred spirits. It's wonderful.

Movie: Legion - The Humanistic Message Behind It

2010-01-26T00:01:00.000+08:00

Humanism: "An outlook or system of thought attaching prime importance to human rather than divine or supernatural matters."

Firstly, this movie is so boring I nearly fell asleep. Secondly, it conveys the message that God is not an immutable* being and is not all powerful. The movie tells the story of Michael, the Archangel, coming down to earth to save a baby who is supposed to save humanity. God had ordered the baby be killed because he has lost faith in human beings(as told by Michael). But Micheal disobeyed God because he said he believes there is still hope in human beings. So Michael fought against humans that have been possessed by 'angels' to save the baby.(the possessed humans looked like zombies and kill anyone indiscriminately - looked more like satan's work than God's)

It conveys the message that God is a being who can get depressed, and so affected by this condition that he changed his mind about redeeming people, and instead bend on destroying them. [This is not true because God has been working to redeem his creation from the beginning. God even send His son, Jesus, to die for our sake in order to redeem us. God is unchanging, he is not fickle like man.(Numbers 23:19, 1 Sam 15:29, Heb 13:8, James 1:17)]

When asked for the reason why Micheal decides to disobey and come, he said it was because he saw the resoluteness of human beings - that despite destroying themselves in wickedness, some never give up in living. He said he has not lost faith in humans, but God has. And he believes humans can be saved - by their own actions, by themselves, by giving birth this baby saviour of the human race. And the show attempts to prove this by showing how Michael and the protagonists won the day by winning against God supposedly. It tells us that God is not all powerful - humans can win God by their determined fight.[The bible will tell us this is not the case. God the creator is all powerful and He has power & authority over all things - because He created them. There are tons of stories in the bible to show us this. Even nature has shown us how frail human beings are. We are helpless against earthquakes, diseases and other disasters.]

The show end by showing a resurrected Michael rescuing the baby from Gabriel (Gabriel had supposedly killed him in an earlier fight). Gabriel asked him how is it possible for him to be resurrected. To which Michael replied, "You gave him(God) what he wants. But I gave him what he needs". As if to say - "I've proven to God that human beings can still be saved. I've restored God's faith. Therefore now he changes his mind(again) and have me protect the child."

God having an unstable mind, powerless and given up on the human race? That is NOT the God that I worship. The God I worship is full of grace and love; unchanging and all powerful, merciful and compassionate. So much so that He gave His only son, Jesus for our redemption; knowing that human hearts are deceitful and incapable of saving themselves. If we(human beings) could do it, there would be world peace by now. We couldn't because our hearts are sinful - we reject God, we have a marred self identity, we have broken relationships with others and we are even destroying nature(which is part of God's creation) - we have caused sufferings for ourselves and others one way or another. God has been working to redeem us since the Fall; and one day, it'll be all over. There'll be a new heaven and a new earth - where there will be no more suffering, no more tears, no more struggles and no more sins. There will be joy and peace and life everlasting.

So beware my friends. Do not be deceived into thinking that we can save ourselves. We know how frail we are, don't we? Let us admit that, and turn to God.

"I have love you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness" - Jeremiah 31:3

*immutable = unchanging over time

Set your sight on God, not man.

2010-01-20T07:13:00.001+08:00

Excerpt from "Of The Imitation of Christ - Book 2, Admonitions Pertaining to Inward Things - Chapter 2: Humble Submission" by Thomas à Kempis.

"Count not of great importance who is for you or against you (Rom 8:31; 1 Cor 4:3), but let this be your aim and care, that God be with you in every thing you do. Have a good conscience and God will defend you (Ps 28:7).

For whom God wills to help, no man's perverseness shall be able to hurt. If you know how to be silent and suffer, without doubt you shall see the help of the Lord. He Himself knows the time and manner of delivering you, and therefore you ought to resign yourself unto Him. It belongs to God to help, and to deliver from confusion."

Attending Funerals

2010-01-10T01:14:00.001+08:00

"To understand and appreciate more of life, attend more funerals" - Jason Lee

If you've never been to a wake or funeral before, you'll missing out something(plus you probably do not care much about comforting someone going through grief). Go and listen to the message, sermon and testimonies in a wake and you'll find yourself understanding and appreciating more of life.

Overlooking Obvious Needs in Our Shallow "Christian" Worldview

2010-01-08T21:19:00.000+08:00

Imagine this. You know of a poor family that lives down the road and they are hungry. The father of this family lost his job recently and has no more money to buy food. You know they need food and you have the capacity to meet this need. But you thought that as a ‘good Christian’, you ought to pray first and ‘confirm’ God’s call for you to provide for them. So you went down on your knees and pray this prayer, “Dear Lord, do you want me to buy Kentucky Fried Chicken for them or will fried rice do? I will wait and not buy anything for them until you showed me which to buy. Please confirm it. Amen”

Does this sound ridiculous to you? But it is exactly what many churches(and christians) are facing today! They do not seem to WANT to look at the real situation and real needs and asked themselves HARD questions like, “Okay. The need is obvious. So what should we do about it as followers of the Lord Jesus Christ?”

Do you need a calling to buy food for the hungry? Or a so-called confirmation to give them food? Or even to look spiritual by praying what to buy? No, you don’t. You just need to meet their needs like how the Lord met the needs of His days some two thousand years ago by healing the sick, touching the lepers and walking with the misfits and outcasts of society.
One of the most obvious needs that most churches in Singapore overlooked is the fact that there are about 15% M brothers & sisters waiting for us to tell them the good news. This amounts to about 750,000 based on 2009’s population estimate. I would say that mission work among them is negligible or perhaps even non-existent.

I thank God for churches and organizations engaging the Chinese, the Indians, other races and the many migrant blue-collar workers in Singapore. But we have neglected the 15% long enough. It is just not acceptable to neglect this work when the need is so obvious. It is inconceivable that no one is courageous enough to engage them; when all the talk about mission and missions conferences are held year after year and tons of resources are at the disposal of mega-churches and others alike.

I used to think I should not start a work among them because I might not be around in Singapore to see it through. I was wrong. God can and I believe, will get His people to carry on and take on His work when I’m gone. It is not me. It is all Him; His heart, His passion and His desire for all to know Him and worship Him. I do not need a calling to befriend them. I do not need to form a ministry for them. I just need to be willing and following my Master.

Are you still praying for this group of people(in other parts of the world) and planning to reach them? They are living right next to you. Time for the church to bring them the full, good news.

The Mission of Jesus and the Kingdom of God

2010-01-05T20:34:00.000+08:00

Excerpt from "When Helping Hurts: How to Alleviate Poverty Without Hurting the Poor and Yourself" by Steve Corbett & Brian Fikkert.

"The mission of Jesus was and is to preach the good news of the kingdom of God (Luke 4:43), to say to one and all, "I am the King of kings and Lord of lords, and I am using My power to fix everything that sin had ruined." As pastor and theologian Tim Keller states, "The kingdom is the renewal of the whole world through the entrance of supernatural forces. As things are brought back under Christ's rule and authority, they are restored to health, beauty, and freedom."

Of course there is both a "now" and a "not yet" to the kingdom. The full manifestation of the kingdom will not occur until there is a new heaven and a new earth. Only then will every tear by wiped from our eyes (Rev 21:4). But two thousand years ago, Jesus clearly stated that there is a "now" to the kingdom, saying, "Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing" (Luke 4:21)"

Jesus preached the good news of the kingdom in word and in deed. His people, His church must do the same. Are you preaching the good news of the kingdom in word and in deed?

Read & Meditate: Luke 4:17-21

Why did Jesus come?

2009-12-24T12:07:00.000+08:00

“The very existence of the Bible is incontrovertible evidence of the God who refused to forsake his rebellious creation, who refused to give up, who was and is determined to redeem and restore fallen creation to his original design for it. . . . The very existence of such a collection of writings testifies to a God who breaks through to human beings, who disclosed himself to them, who will not leave them unilluminated in their darkness, . . . who takes the initiative in re-establishing broken relationships with us.” Charles R.Taber, “Missiology and the Bible, “ Missiology 11 (1983): 232

That is why Jesus came.

"For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life" - John 3:16

And that is why there is Christmas. And celebrations because Jesus has come to give us life, and life everlasting.

Merry, blessed Christ-mas!

See you next year Arsenal

2009-11-30T01:15:00.000+08:00

It's the same story again. Plenty of possessions, good link play, unable to score and giving away silly goals. By now, Chelsea is 2-0 up at the Emirates and up until that point, Arsenal has dominated.

The first goal is due to poor defending and the second goal's the same. Sounds familiar? Yes. This was the case against Manchester City, Manchester United and now Chelsea. In each game, Arsenal started well, dominated but the game ends in their opponents' favour.

They have yet to win against the big teams and this sums up their entire make up in this season again - Outside title contenders. I'm sorry Arsenal. As much as you miss clichy, gibbs and especially Van Persie in this game, you do not have enough to win the league this season(again).

How much patience do an Arsenal fan has? Not much. 4 years and counting. Au Revoir.

A Time of Rejoicing - Luke 15:7

2009-11-13T22:58:00.000+08:00

We were having a meal and sharing life with each other when he said things like, "Just have to pray to God and see how He leads"(paraphrase). I paused. Something was different, so I felt prompted to ask, "Have you accepted Jesus into your life?" and he said, "Yes."

I tried my very best to contain my exuberance. But I was happy, very happy. This is a dear friend of mine and I recalled the days when I first invited him to a church service about 8 years ago. We shared a lot about life together and as usual, I shared my bible-based principles and views and God's word always have this 'special effect' of making the most sense in this crazy world we're living in.

Like most people, he believed he can achieve anything by believing in himself and he saw no need for a God, even if this God does exist. But life is a mystery sometimes. Through events and situations, he became more open to God and one day, he looked back and ask for forgiveness of his sins. He said God touched him, he felt as if his heart was melting, and there was a sense of joy and peace and having the assurance that his sins had indeed been forgiven. He said it was different, very different - as he recalled those days when I shared with him. On those occasions, the words were only head knowledge and meant nothing to him. But when God touched his heart, he knew something was different. God is real.

I'm so glad that he came to know the Lord. If you think those 'occasional' prayers for your unsaved friends are unimportant, think again. Every one of them counts. And God will indeed make all things beautiful in His time. What a joy!

Jesus said,"I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent." - Luke 15:7

Terrible Violence: Question and Answer

2009-11-06T13:35:00.000+08:00

Extracted from BBC News: Thailand's shadowy southern insurgency

Someone is killed on average every day in the provinces on the Thailand's southern border with Malaysia, where a shadowy group of Islamist extremists are stirring up a deepening sectarian divide.

"So many of my relatives have been shot and killed I feel bitter inside. I want to know how to shoot, so I can help people in the village."said Monthira Peng-Iad, a 40-year-old farmer.

In a community in which Muslims and Buddhists used to live side-by-side in peace, her rhetoric shows how divisive the insurgency has been. In just five years 3,800 people have been killed and more than 6,000 injured. But what they want is not totally clear and no group has ever publically admitted they carried out an attack.

"My house was burned down, my husband was shot dead, my daughter was shot and my son disappeared," said Kuang Narumon, a 52-year-old Buddhist.

I do not have time to talk about the atrocities and violent deaths in Iraq, Pakistan, Afghanistan and other parts of the world.

What could possibly drove a man to carry out acts of senseless violence? How can cruel violent acts such as the Holocaust, Khmer Rouge massacre and Rwanda genocide be possible?

Remember the days of old? "Now the earth was corrupt in God's sight and full of violence. God saw how corrupt the earth had become, for all the people on earth had corrupted their ways" - Genesis 6:11-12

Ever since the fall of Mankind, sin has spread, deepened and got worse.(Gen 3-6) The only possible answer to horrendous acts like the bombings and killings is sin. There is no satisfactory explanation to why a thinking person would kill himself so that he could kill others - whether those killed are babies, innocent children or bystanders. There is no satisfactory explanation to why a thinking person would smash dead a baby, chop up a child with a machete or shoot an innocent man at pointblank range; except for the fact that it is the wickedness of sin at work.

I know of no other way to deal with this problem the world is facing than to point to that one way. "Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord," Acts 3:19-20, and to "love one another as I have love you," John 15:12.

But who will go?

Who Calls the Shots?

2009-11-06T11:10:00.002+08:00

Human Rights & Religious Rights - Who calls the shots really? Is there really such a thing as human rights or religious rights? In today's postmodern world, such rights are relative; the governing bodies call the shots. You can end up with rights that have become useless; just a front to show that you deserve some form of (controlled) recognition.

Take for example, the recent case of Malaysian authorities confiscating 15000 Bibles because those Bibles use the word "Allah" to describe God.

The government, which is dominated by Muslim Malays, claims that the word Allah is Islamic and that its use in Bibles could upset Muslims. So are the authorities saying Muslims have been happy with the usage of "Allah" in the Bible for decades but now they have the potential to get upset? Or is it because the authorities are really the ones upset? (or is it more likely a case of "showing of care & concern" to garner some brownie points and the favour of the Muslim community?)

Anyway, the word "Allah" is the Arabic word for God and Arab Christians have been using it for centuries even before Islam was founded. Just do a wiki search or a read up of History books for it.

Coming back to these Rights issues with a religious tinge to it, Switzerland and Italy had some recent issues regarding Islamic minarets and Crucifixes too. Read the full story of this issue at BBC UK News - Faith Diary: Whose God is Allah?

Who is the Real Cause of the Problem?

2009-10-25T20:50:00.000+08:00

Senator J William Fulbright in "The Price of Empire", page 172:
"It is understandably difficult... to get off to a good start with a new revolutionary regime when you plot to kill its leaders. If we plan to assassinate leaders we don't like, as the CIA is believed to have done with Castro, you are only asking for trouble. It's self-defeating. It is against our interests. I don't think it ever succeeds. It gives others an excuse to engage in terrorism, to kill our ambassadors or citizens travelling abroad[or at home]. You start a process of terrorism that has far-reaching and unpredictable consequences. There is a good case to be be made that we initiated it. We and some of our friends have initiated some of the worst aspects of modern terrorism."

Sometimes, we thought the problem is out there. But often, upon reflection, the problem begins in-house; in the heart, in the mind and in the supposedly benevolent action. Can we blame terrorism totally on one party? Who actually 'created' them? It's really no use pointing the finger now. I read with much sadness news about lives that are innocently lost in senseless bombings. A week ago it was Pakistan, today it was 90 lives and more in Baghdad. We have not heed the full extent of the phrase "You reap what you sow", especially when it comes to using force and violence as a problem solver - it never truly solves any problem.

Not too long ago, a man stood on stage and in a reflective tone spoke about the problem of 'rice christians' and 'christian workers with shallow roots' in an asean nation. Were the local people the problem? Who 'created' these different 'types' of christians? He concluded by saying, "We(the foreign force) are the cause of it". Let us not repeat the mistakes we have learned the hard way.

The Evangelistic and Societal Dimensions of Christian Mission

2009-10-25T17:47:00.000+08:00

Paragraph 5 of the Lausanne Covenant

"We affirm that God is both Creator and Judge of all men. We therefore should share His concern for justice and reconciliation throughout human society and for the liberation of men from every kind of oppression. Because mankind is made in the image of God, every person, regardless of race, religion, colour, culture, class, sex or age, has an intrinsic dignity because of which he should be respected and served, not exploited. Here too we express penitence both for our neglect and for having sometimes regarded evangelism and social concern as mutually exclusive. Although reconciliation with man is not reconciliation with God, nor is social action evangelism, nor is political liberation salvation, nevertheless we affirm that evangelism and socio-political involvement are both part of our Christian duty. For both are expressions of our doctrines of God and man, our love for neighbour and our obedience to Jesus Christ. The message of salvation implies also a message of judgement upon every form of alienation, oppression and discrimination, and we should not be afraid to denounce evil and injustice wherever they exist. When people receive Christ they are born again into His kingdom and must seek not only to exhibit but also to spread its righteousness in the midst of an unrighteous world. The salvation we claim should be transforming us in the totality of our personal and social responsibilities. Faith without works is dead."

Get it?

Who is Richer?

2009-10-07T16:21:00.000+08:00

There are things in life which money cannot buy. We will do well to learn today. Enjoy the video.

Take this Risk

2009-10-01T23:25:00.000+08:00

The onlookers say, "Why build this? Why do that? It's too expensive. It will fail. It's not possible. Are you sure? Is it worth the risk?"

Dr.Ralph D.Winter has the perfect reply for this:
"Risk are not to be evaluated in terms of the probability of success but in terms of the value of the goal"

What is the value of the goal of reaching the nations and seeing every tongue, tribe and people worshipping the Lord?

Priceless.

So I say - Take the risk. Take the plunge. Go for it.

One Child at a Time

2009-09-14T15:32:00.000+08:00

Sometimes, we need a reminder.

No Reserve, No Retreat, No Regrets

2009-08-21T15:32:00.002+08:00

Excerpt from "Are you a follower of Jesus Christ?" by Billy Graham, Urbana 87

http://www.urbana.org/articles/are-you-a-follower-of-jesus-christ

"Just before World War I a young man arrived in Cairo, Egypt. He was 25 years old, a graduate of Yale University and Princeton Seminary. He was tall, handsome, athletic, intelligent, single and very rich. His name was William Borden, and he was the heir to one of America's great fortunes. But he had tamed his back on all the privilege and all the luxury and all the money that could have been his and was on his way to China as a missionary.

But shortly after arriving in Cairo he became critically ill with cerebral meningitis, and in a matter of days he was dead. Many students back in America asked, "Was it worth it?" Later his biographer wrote that Borden had said, "No reserve, no retreat, no regrets." There was no hesitation in his dedication to the Lord What about you? No reserve, no holding anything back. No regrets - never taming back from the path God has set before you. No regrets - joyously knowing that God's way is always best.

There are a thousand things you can do with your life; a thousand ways you can spend it. But how many of them will enable you to say at the end of your life "no reserve, no retreat, no regrets"? There is only one way you can truly say that, and that is to be a follower of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Should I Go?

2009-07-16T00:54:00.002+08:00

I have been quite busy this month with preparations for the trip to East Timor so July's pretty quiet.

Here's a short extracted write-up from a NTM missionary couple in Cambodia on why they went in the first place.

"The world had not been reached and we realized we had been commanded to go. There was a choice that had to be made. Did we want to serve as senders in this Great Commisson or did we want to go ourselves?"

So they made up their mind to go.

"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matthew 28:19-20

3 more "go" commands found in the gospels - Mark 16:15, Luke 24:46-48 & John 20:21.

Still thinking if you should go?

Guaranteed Answer to this Prayer

2009-07-05T16:03:00.003+08:00

"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives..." Matthew 7:7-8.

"Hmmm, for everyone who asks receives... ask and it will be given to you. What a great promise", I thought to myself. We know God is good and He gives good things to us. But sometimes we wonder if we will receive what we ask, don't we? Then a verse comes to my mind and I noticed something.

"Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field" Matt 9:37-38.

Did you notice something? It says, "ASK the LORD of the harvest to SEND out workers in his harvest field". Ask. The verse tells us to ASK him. Did you know this is a prayer that will be answered for sure? It's guaranteed! It explictly tells us to ask God to send out workers! Ask him and he will do so. Ask and you will receive! If you're burdened by the lack of workers in the harvest field and in your church, then ask and you will receive. No missions programs or conferences can guarantee any workers. Only bended knees can.

Wisdom on What you hear, What you believe, What you say

2009-06-17T19:27:00.004+08:00

Encountering again what possible damages a rumour, a hearsay or an unclarified source of information may caused, I felt prompted to post this again. Please be wise and beware of the enemy's snare.

Excerpt from "The Imitation of Christ", Book 1 Chapter 4, by Thomas à Kempis

"We ought not to believe every saying or suggestion but ought to warily and patiently to ponder the matter with reference to God. But alas, such is our weakness, that we often believe and speak evil of others rather than good! Good men do not easily give credit to every tale; for they know that human infirmity is prone to evil (Gen 8:21), and very subject to offend in word (James 3:2)

It is great wisdom not to be rash in actions (prov. 19:2), nor to stand obstinately in your own conceits. It belongs also to this same wisdom not to believe everything you hear, or to pour into the ears of others (Prov 17:9) what you have heard or believed.

A good life makes a man wise according to God (prov 15:33), and gives him experience in many things (Eccles 1:16). The humbler a man is in himself, and the more resigned to God, the more prudent will he be in all things, and the more at peace."

Reflection: Going Through the Same Thing

2009-06-16T21:39:00.003+08:00

Have you experience God bringing you through different stages over the same issue so that you learn and get better after each one? My lessons on Surrendering is already strike 3. The lesson this time? Compromise. It is already strike 2. I hope I've learned and not repeat it. (very often, it is only after the air is clear, and when reflected upon, that the lesson became as clear as a crystal)

Lesson no.1 - Don't compromise. (The issue's very obvious)
Lesson no.2 - Again, don't compromise. (The issue's less obvious)
Lesson no.3 - I hope I've learned! Hold out and don't compromise!

"Campus evangelism irks students" - Be Wise

2009-06-08T10:44:00.005+08:00

"Campus evangelism irks students" - the second page of My Paper on June 8 2008 reads. It said that "Some students at Ngee Ann Polytechnic are seeing red over how a number of their schoolmates are trying to evangelise by approaching them in pairs on their campus in Clementi Road."

Why are they seeing red? It went on to say this - "Not only did they feel it was "invasive", but some also felt it bordered on harassment."

Personally, I feel there is nothing wrong if one wants to tell me more about his or her faith. I won't think that is "invasive". But to have someone who kept telling me despite my explicit expression of disinterest can be quite a different matter.

Freedom of speech and freedom of religious expressions does not mean one can say anything and do anything. Romans 13:1-7 tells us plainly how we ought to live our lives under the rule of governing authorities. So the question beckons, "Can one evangelise in campus?"

In matters and words not well defined(or almost impossible to define), it is hard to answer such a question. The paper said that "Three other polytechnics here - Republic, Singapore and Temasek- said they do not condone evangelism on their campuses." What they meant by "evangelism" is anyone's guess. Is it someone "preaching" on a open platform(that is unapproved)? Is it whipping out a religious tract and telling others what the tract is saying? Is it actively "promoting" a particular religion by approaching someone in a on-the-street-insurance-agent sales manner? Or does it include even a conversation where a person is telling another friend how good his God is because of something good that had happened?

I suspect they meant the first 3 I've mentioned. While I don't see any problem with giving tracts or approaching people to talk about one's faith(it's similar to someone giving you a flyer or an insurance agent approaching you on the street. You can always say no or walk away), the manner in which such activities are carried out are important.

1 Peter 3:15-16 tells us this - "But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behaviour in Christ may be ashamed of their slander."

Got it? We can be zealous. But don't be foolish. Always be prepared to tell people the good news, but with gentleness, respect and with good behaviour. Make significant conversations, listen more than you speak, be genuine in your concern. Let Love be the main motivation for your sharing. Otherwise, it will be ironic to preach the gospel of love without showing any love.

Freedom of speech and freedom of religious expressions are both 'gifts' and blessings. Use it wisely for the glory of God. And if you're still reading this, can I suggest you build wonderful relationships with those you're already in touch with? I'm sure they won't feel "invasive" or "harassed". God bless.

John Piper’s Personal Tribute to the Late Ralph Winter

2009-06-04T16:18:00.002+08:00

I've just read that veteran missiologist Ralph D. Winter passed away on May 20 at the age of 84.

According to the US Center for World Mission website, Winter died peacefully at home in Pasadena, California, "surrounded by three of his four daughters, his wife Barb, and a few friends."

I think it's amazing how and to what extent he has influenced many people about modern missions and missiology. He has indeed leave behind a legacy, and a vision.

Read:Pastor John Piper's personal tribute to Winter. "His vision of the advance of the gospel was breathtaking," writes Piper, calling Winter's emphasis on unreached peoples "globally seismic in the transformation of missions."

What is Tithing all about?

2009-05-27T15:15:00.003+08:00

Tithing or giving tithe is to give a tenth of one's income as an offering to God. A very helpful article that explains Tithing is found at: Should a Christian pay tithes? The article explained from the Word that offering up to God part of what He has blessed us with is how we demonstrate and acknowledge His Lordship over us. And that tithing fulfills three needs in the Kingdom of God.

1. Supporting the work of God - Acts 4:32 - 35
2. Providing for the laborers and the work of the kingdom - 1 Corinthians 9:14, Galatians 6:6
3. To support the disadvantaged (strangers, homeless, fatherless e.t.c) - Romans 15:26, 1 Corinthians 16: 1-2, Acts 11: 27 - 30

Why the sudden topic of tithing? Well, you see, it is interesting how MANY of us Christians do not understand what tithing is all about. We may only know that we are supposed to do it but never really understood why we do it. My friends, it is a good time to understand what the Word of God said about tithing. Read the article I've linked above.

If you think tithing is a kind of membership fee similar to those that you pay in a country club, you are badly mistaken. In fact, that's quite an insult to the God who created and owns everything. And if you think tithing(the 10%) is only applicable to those under the Law(i.e. the Old Testament), you are also badly mistaken. When Jesus came, He told the crowds that He came to fulfill the law. In fact, when you read His sermon from Matthew chapter 5-7, Jesus gave a HIGHER standard requirement than the Law. If under the old covenant, it is a 10% offering unto the Lord, then what more when you are under the new covenant? Don't you feel that you ought to give even more than the required 10%(under the Law) since the Son of God has paid the greatest price to purchase you? Remember, you are not your own. You were bought at a price. And everything you possess belongs to Him.

"A man came to me and said, "I'm so glad the New Testament doesn't teach tithing. I think I'll prefer the Old Testament." I said, "That's interesting. My friend, in the Old Testament you give 10%. In the New Testament, you give everything." He wasn't very excited about that. :)" - in a sermon by Pastor Michael Ross Watson.

Forget about the various methods and styles of giving!!! Some people put their tithes into an envelope & write their names, some people used GIRO, some people give a tenth of their produce(Yes, in poorer farmlands, tithes are in the form of farm produce like chickens and eggs), some wants to give anonymously - whatever it is, it won't kill me to change a method. If I have to change the method, I adapt. What is most important is that I am doing right in the eyes of God by giving what is due Him as an act of worship, and for the extension of His Kingdom(the 3 reasons listed).

Do the right thing today.

Don't Forget How to Drive!

2009-05-21T11:27:00.004+08:00

What happens when you have not driven for almost 10 years? I realized I can't even park a car properly!

Okay, to begin with, I had little driving experience after I passed my driving test but I was still shocked that I can't park a car(head in) in one simple move.

Moral of the story: If you've learned something and not practice it, you'll lose it sooner or later.

God has given you gifts and everything you need for life and godliness(1 Peter 4:10, 2 Peter 1:3) He has saved you and gave you new life and purpose. Use your gifts to honour Him and practice what He says. Otherwise, you might end up losing your gifts.(Matt 25:14-30)

Therefore, let us "continue to to work out our salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to His good purpose"(Phil 2:12-13). Let's continue to walk the talk. :)

Be a Stranger for a Change

2009-05-20T21:26:00.002+08:00

Taiwanese singer, A-Mei (Zhang Hui Mei), a World Vision ambassador had this to say after visiting 6 different groups of people helped by World Vision in New Delhi, India.

"We need people to stop talking, and to start doing. It's actually not hard at all. You just need to give that little extra you have.

A lot of us like to worry about our own problems first. But we have to remember, when we're having trouble, we'd be receiving help from others, even strangers sometimes. Maybe you could be that stranger for somebody else for a change?"

Source: The Star Newspaper, on page T3 of StarTwo section, 20 May 2009

Read Matthew 25:35-40 again.

I'll Gladly Carry Yours

2009-05-02T12:38:00.002+08:00

"God tests your strength by having you lift burdens from another's shoulder."

Are you flexing your muscle? Or are you still asking, "Who is my neighbour?"

"Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ" - Gal 6:2

By His Grace

2009-04-30T12:02:00.003+08:00

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God" - Eph 2:8

I wonder what the phrase "For it is by grace that you have been saved" meant to us. Was it just a nice memory verse? Or a reference for commonly defining grace as "unmerited favour"?

It makes me think again - Why am I doing the things I am doing?(Or wanted to do?) Is it because of a man's soul? Is it because it looked good on me? Is it because I am supposed to obey a commandment?

I realized what must truly inspire, propel and compel me to love is His grace that is embodied in His love. It was by grace we have been saved - we don't deserve it. What is more shocking is that Jesus, being God Himself, chose to reduce Himself to becoming a human being and endured injustice, humiliation and pain for our sake. So that our sins can be wiped away and our death sentence pardoned. We have all received His gracious gift of eternal life when we turned away from a self-ruled life to follow Him. And by His grace, He has given us abundant life on earth too.

When I think about His grace, how He gave Himself so willingly for me on the cross, I realized that His grace is the power and motivation for any loving action. It is because I have seen and understood His love for me, as demonstrated on the cross, that a desire to love flows out within me. It is because of His grace that I must love. For it is impossible not to love when I realized how undeservingly I have been saved because of Jesus' love.

Supposed a killer is about to kill you & your family and a stranger appeared from nowhere to rescue you(losing his arms and legs in the process), will you not swear to take care of him forever? Or even to lay down your life for him? How much more then should you feel within your soul what Jesus had done for you? Will you not climb the highest mountain and cross the deepest ocean for Him? Or even to lay down your life?

For it is by grace I have been saved. I have nothing at first. But by His grace, I have everything now. His overwhelming grace given in His immense love for me had warmed my heart again. I rejoice that He cared enough, that He would give up all things for me. I understood once again my basis for love, the power to love and the restfulness of love. It is by His grace.

1 Tim 1:14 -"The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus." Amen.

Rethinking Church Part 4 - The Community of Love

2009-04-24T17:17:00.004+08:00

How about evangelism you ask? Well, if we are faithful in meeting up and engaging in our purpose for meeting up, evangelism comes naturally. We become what the church truly is - witnesses of Jesus Christ to the entire world. It becomes a community of love.

When the church becomes a community of love with loving actions, the gospel becomes very attractive. Paul tells Titus how he is to teach slaves to live 'so that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Saviour attractive' (Titus 2:10) Make no mistake. Godly lives commend the gospel. So are good works of social action (1 Pet 2:12). The church is a living community with loving actions, and not a group of people who only talk but would not act.

Jesus said it very plainly in John 13:34-35 that all men will know we are His disciples if we love one another. Therefore, it cannot be helped that unbelievers refuse to believe the gospel and call Christians hypocrites when the community of God is not loving one another. They have every reason to say that, and rightly so. If we want the people of this world to see the good news at work, and to know that Jesus is from God, then the community of God - the Church - must live the way it is supposed to live.

This means we must ensure unbelievers experience the church as a caring and inclusive community. And that does not mean a warm handshake on the door - it means drawing people into the network of relationships that make up the church. It means ensuring that our unbelieving friends meet our Christian friends so they can observe how we relate to one another. Then the church becomes the church - a community of gospel people, not something you attend on Sunday.

No one sits around any longer and wait for someone to show any concern. They move about showing concern to each other, loving each other and so as they give, they also receive. Thus, the church becomes alive. It becomes a living organism as each member does his part in loving and caring. Things are no longer organized, ordered or forced; it now wells up from the innermost being of one where Christ dwells in. If you had met Christ, you will be such a person. Perhaps you have forgotten but you are one - and God's community, and the world is still waiting for you to love them. Start loving. And as each part does its work, the community grows and builds itself up in love which is in Christ. (Eph 4:16)

The church. The community of God. The community of love.

"In my experience, people are often attracted to the Christian community before they are attracted to the Christian message" - Tim Chester

Rethinking Church Part 3 - The Purpose of Meeting Together

2009-04-24T16:43:00.004+08:00

To continue the question from the previous post, "So why do we meet up? What is the purpose of going to 'church'? Why do we, followers of Jesus Christ, meet together?"

Acts 2:42-47 tells us quite clearly the primary reason for meeting up.

1. It is to learn about the Word of God(v42) which in our modern context seems to be listening to sermons and having bible study.

2. It is for fellowship(v42) - that means getting to really know each other, encourage each other, spur each other toward love and good deeds(Heb 10:24-25) and to carry each other's burden (Gal 6:2)

3. It is to break bread together(v42,46-47) - praising God together(our modern day praise & worship time), remembering Jesus (1 Cor 11:23-26 - partake in Holy Communion), and giving thanks together for His goodness & provision(v46. We do this in giving our public testimony, having a meal together)

4. It is to pray together(v42) - Praying together(Matt 18:19-20), and also for each other(James 5:16)

5. It is to share, give and bless each other(v44-45) - giving to those who are in need, sharing things together for the benefit of everyone, blessing one another (2 Cor 9:6-13)

So there you have it. Are you in some ways involved in all of the 5 points mentioned? Remember, you form the church. You are a part of it. The church is therefore you, and the rest of the people who meet together. The church cease to exist if all the parts of the body cease to engage in her purpose. It will then become just a hollow gathering of people who profess to follow Christ but are not doing anything that would demonstrate their following of Christ.

Rethinking Church Part 2 - Why Meet Together?

2009-04-20T11:07:00.003+08:00

If you've read the story in my previous post below, you would realized that going to 'church' could mean something more than just singing a few songs, listening to a sermon and then going for lunch together.

Now don't get me wrong. I am not saying going for church service is wrong or unnecessary. However, have you really thought about why you faithfully go to 'church' every Sat/Sunday? I put church in quotation because church in essence is a community of people belonging to Christ, not a building. So why do we meet up? What is the purpose? Are you fulfilling that purpose?

The previous story mentioned that the young believer(after having read the book of John), "mistakenly" thought that when believers got together, they went to do the things Jesus did. Was he mistaken? I didn't think so.

So am I saying that from now on, all Christians should go pray for the sick, share his faith, and go wherever there is a need on every Sunday? We will find that out from Acts 2:42-47. But to be sure, even if the answer is a yes, any change will take time and it starts from the heart of one person. No one should expect the church(the whole congregation that is) to change overnight or to change their mindsets together. Granted this is possible in view of God's power, most often than not, God works on the heart of each individual and causes their hearts to respond to Him, and to be used by Him to influence others for His cause.

So why do we, followers of Jesus Christ, meet together? Have you thought about that?

Rethinking Church Part 1

2009-04-20T10:15:00.008+08:00

What does going to 'church' mean to you? Is it like going to some social club, function or a building? Or is there a wonderful purpose for Christians to meet together? I want to share with you through a series of my thoughts on how Jesus would want his church to look like, and how it should really be. This is the "Rethinking Church" series - a get real in our walk 'provocation'.

Excerpt from "Goodbye Generation" by David Sawler (*emphasis mine)

"A young man listened intently to what was being said. He has been invited to a Christian outreach event by his good friend and it was more than he expected. Something was happening and God began to work on his heart. At the end of the night, people were invited to come forward to pray and accept Christ, which he did. During a follow up time, someone gave him a small 'Book of John' so he could learn more about Jesus. His friend that brought him was ecstatic that he had made a decision to follow Christ. He told him to make sure he read the book of John and that he would pick hi up for church the next day.

That night he did just that. he was hungry to find out more about what this decision he just made meant. He read the whole book and couldn't wait to go to church for the first time in his life.

His friend came to get him and they went to the morning service. They were welcomed and quickly grabbed a seat before the service began. They sang a few songs that he didn't know but he tried his best to be a part. When they sat down, he turned and asked, 'Is it time?' The friend said, 'No, the service isn't done yet.', not quite understanding.

Then came the announcements, a special song, and then the preaching. He thought all were quite good but kept asking, 'Is it time?' The friend who brought him was getting a bit annoyed and kept reassuring him, 'soon it will be time'.

The pastor asked everyone to stand, said a prayer and dismissed everyone. 'Finally, he thought, 'it is time.' He turned to his friend and said, 'let's go.' His friend, not realizing what he meant, thought that he was hungry and wanted to go out for lunch, a common ritual for many Christians after a morning Sunday service. He too was getting hungry and couldn't wait for the Swiss Chalet dinner that had awaited him. The friend however soon realized that they each had something different in mind.

All this young believer knew about Christianity was what he read the night before about he life of Jesus and his disciples. He had mistakenly thought that when believers got together, they went to do the things that Jesus did. That morning, he had come fully prepared to go pray for the sick, to share his faith, and to go wherever there was a need.

What are you fighting for?

2009-04-15T09:01:00.001+08:00

For anyone who is fighting in any way in a church, a cell group or a parachurch organization, may I you ask the following questions:
"What are you fighting for? Is it really worth the fight?"
"For whom are you fighting for? For God's name or for man's pride?"
"What are your actions? Silent Bitterness or Prudent Communication?"
"What do you wish to achieve? Angry dejection or hopeful reconciliation?"

You will know if you are fighting right once you honestly answer the questions above.

Many a times, fights are unnecessary because the issues are not worth fighting for. Prudent communication with a spirit of humility is most effective, even if at times the devil has got the better of the other person such that peaceful communication becomes almost impossible.

Therefore, let us not be ignorant of the devil's schemes (2 Cor 2:11, Eph 6:11) and allow him to divide the house. For a house that is divided will not stand at all (Mt 12:25).

"So what are you really fighting for? In the light of eternity, is it really that important?" Time to think again my friend. Time to bring your fight and issue to the Lord again. "Is it really that important to the Lord that you think He would have you fight it out?" You will have your answer by now. Shalom.

Get Real & Follow

2009-04-03T11:17:00.004+08:00

Excerpt from "Men Who Met God" by A.W.Tozer (emphasis mine)

"A great number of believers have set a limitation on what they are willing to do for the Lord, for His Church and for His people. Such an attitude only underscores the contemporary unwillingness of professing Christians to take the Word of God seriously. Their difficulty is NOT in understanding the Bible but in persuading their untamed hearts to accept its plain instructions.

The question we face, therefore, is NOT theological. We know what the Scriptures teach. Rather, our problem is moral: Have we the courage to stand up for what we know to be true and right? Can we bring ourselves to take up the cross with its blood and death and reproach?"

This is just so familiar isn't it? We all know. I mean, come on. Singapore have all the Christian resources you ever need - CDs, DVDs, Books, Seminars, Conferences, Bible Study Classes, Courses, Bible colleges, Libraries, Churches - everything! But how is it that what Tozer(1897-1963) said so many years ago still sound so true today? May our untamed hearts accept the Word's plain instruction. Amen.

We know, but we refuse to accept.
We understood, but we refuse to follow.
We hear, but we never see.
We saw, but we never do.
O! That God may forgive us!

We want to feel good, but we forgot there is a cross.
We want to look good, but we forgot there is a death.
we want to do good, but we forgot there is a sacrifice.
We want to be good, but we forgot there is a price.
O! That God may forgive us!

Who is your God?

2009-04-02T16:59:00.000+08:00

Whatever your heart clings to and confides in,
that is really your God.

—Martin Luther (1483-1546)

Strong Faith and Great Trials

2009-03-20T13:38:00.002+08:00

"To learn strong faith is to endure great trials.
I have learned my faith by standing firm amid severe testings." ~George Mueller

Does this ring a bell to you my friend? Perhaps you might have an idea now as to why you're going through such an 'unpleasant' season. But don't worry. Say this loudly every morning - "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" - Phil 4:13
Believe it. It works. 加油！

Speaking for Who?

2009-03-18T15:20:00.003+08:00

"He who speaks on his own does so to gain honor for himself, but he who works for the honor of the one who sent him is a man of truth; there is nothing false about him" ~ John 7:18

How do we know if a man speaks on his own or that his message comes from God? The verse above will be a good check. Is the person gaining honor for himself? Or is he zealous for the honor of God? Think about it.

Rejoice in the Lord always!!!

2009-03-12T11:47:00.003+08:00

I remembered clearly what I told my friends in September 2006 when we were onboard the Doulos.

"My favourite verse? Hmmm. I don't have any. But I would say that the verse which I will use to describe my situation now is Philippians 4:4" What is Phil 4:4? It says, "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!"

There was such a freedom even in those times of uncertainty. There was joy. Joy from the Lord and of the Lord residing in my heart. As I look back, I realised that freedom came about because of His given joy. That joy diminished all uncertainties. His joy was so much greater than all my worries and trouble. It did wonders to my soul. I was happy - even when I had "nothing". No career-path written out, no big sums of money, no next-step to take, no one to guide me in my particular work, no place to truly call my home. But I was happy. I was full of His joy. I exhort my friends - "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!"

Oh, but how I sank into my lows some time later in the years ahead. But thanks be to God who have never left me nor forsaken me. His joy is but a breath away. If we would go near to Him, He will come near to us; for He has always been beside us. Everything we ever need has been promised and guaranteed in His Word - and joy is one of them. You can have it!

Oh Lord! Let me bask in your presence and be filled with your joy always. Then everything else will surely fade into the background and your joy will surely cure every disease, heal every hurt, restore every brokenness, strengthen every weakness, refresh every tiredness and lift every gloom. May the joy of the Lord be with you!

George Mueller: "It has pleased the Lord to teach me a truth, the benefit of which I have not lost, for more than fourteen years. The point is this: I saw more clearly than ever that the first great and primary business to which I ought to attend every day was to have my soul happy in the Lord. The first thing to be concerned about was not how much I might serve the Lord, or how I might glorify the Lord; but how I might get my soul into a happy state, and how my inner man might be nourished.

For though I might seek to witness to the lost, or to benefit other believers, or to relieve the distressed, or in other ways seek to behave myself as it becomes a child of God in this world; nevertheless, if I myself am not happy in the Lord, and have not been nourished and strengthened in my inner man day by day, all of these other things might not be done in the right spirit."

To Live is Christ

2009-03-11T16:22:00.003+08:00

To Live is Christ. Lord we repent. Your church is so far off. Help us this day to follow you. A world is dying yet we are barely doing anything to help. Consume us with your passion this day.

The Reality of the Human Condition and the Church

2009-03-05T16:25:00.004+08:00

If you a Christian and you think church is without problems, you are badly mistaken. It's like telling someone, "Believe in Jesus and life will be a bed of roses". It will not be. Life will still have its ups and downs, but Jesus will carry you safely through it all.

It is the same for the body of believers - the church. It will have its ups and downs. Why? Because ever since the fall of man, man has become the source of their own problems. Pride, anger, jealousy and everything wicked under the sun has blazed its way across the face of the earth; even the church. The devil has not stop prowling for victims to devour (1 Peter 5:8) and many have been eaten up. A church that is unable to recognize the devil's stroke behind every fights, quarrels and splits will stay that way forever - a defeated church. One that fights the flesh only and see not the wicked powers behind it (Eph 6:12)

My friends, factions are not something new in the 21st century. There was much division in the Corinthian church as described by Paul in his letter to them. It has happened then, and has been happening ever since. Have you not heard of factions and church splits? Humans are the cause of the problem. Or should I more accurately say, "UNGUARDED Christians" and "IMMATURE Christians" are the cause of such problems. We will be wise to first acknowledge the problem of fights and quarrels as a reality in a community of human beings - believers or not. And any Christian, whether mature or not, can fall victim into the ploy of the devil if he is unguarded. That is to say, he did not go before God with regards to what he is feeling, hearing, thinking and deciding when a matter gets really fiery. It is dangerous. An immature Christian can be worse off - he is easy meat for the devil's scheme because he is unable to distinguish the good from evil. (Heb 5:12-14)

Do not be mistaken. I am not saying those who are involved in a fight or quarrel are always doing wrong. There may be valid "fights", "quarrels" or "contention" (Gal 2:11, Acts 15) But many a times, church fights are unnecessary. What is worse, and the thing that saddens me most, are those who dragged themselves into the fray. By their own choice, they enter into the fight not knowing every detail, yet getting upset, angry and building hatred over a matter 'out-of-their-own-reach'. If hatred, bitterness and mistrust are the fruit you get in your involvement in a church fight, it is time to get out of it before you destroy yourself. You can be sure you have been sucked into it by your own self-righteousness and the devil. Do not give the devil a foothold(Eph 4:26-27)

Always guard your heart(Prov 4:23) and make every effort to live in peace with everyone (Rom 12:17-18, Heb 12:14). During a fight, show proper support to a brother by encouraging and spurring him to love and to do good works(Heb 10:24-25), and NOT "encourage" him by putting down other people and getting angry together with him - that doesn't help.

So then, let us not be foolish or ignorant of the devil's schemes(2 Cor 2:10-11). And do right in whatever situation, whether it be a church fight or a family quarrel(Phil 1:27). The Lord bless you.

When You Do Not Know

2009-03-01T23:12:00.004+08:00

Have you ever felt helpless and frustrated at things that you cannot understand? Seasons of uncertainty is always annoying (It is really an understatement to use the word "annoying") The futility of our thoughts are beyond comprehension. Who is so clever and wise that he knows all things? No one. And therefore, when one gets stuck in a matter, the inability to decipher and understand it sets our emotions on a roller coaster. Frustration, confusion, self-doubts, distractions and what-have-you all pile in.

Therefore, it is expedient that one chuck the thought of having (an immediate) answer to his question aside. For what benefit will it reap if the time is not right for him to have the answer? Will he not be chasing after the wind? And will he not bring frustration upon himself over 'nothing'? Alas, not many are able to exercise great patience in such matters. We want an answer, and we want it now but we don't get it. How foolish it is to dig for one when the answer is in the air.

So it is easy to understand and it is easy for one to agree with the truth. But it is very difficult to be patient and live day by day without knowing. Accept your present circumstances and commit the matter to the Lord. He will know when to tell you the answer. Get your focus right.

Develop Fruity Thinking

2009-02-25T22:10:00.003+08:00

In his book, "S.U.M.O (Shut Up, Move On)", Paul McGee talks about the need to develop fruity thinking (*Phil 4:8) and went on to explain 4 types of faulty thinking. Top of the list is The Inner Critic

Excerpt from the book
"This is the voice inside your head that highlights your weaknesses and undermines your confidence. It is not the voice of encouragement to do better, it is the voice of condemnation. You make a mistake on Tuesday and ten days(or ten years)later you are still beating yourself up about it."

"The language of the Inner Critic includes... "I'm always getting it wrong.", "How could I have been so stupid?", "Why didn't you...", "That's typical of you.", "You always get that wrong"."

"The emotional intensity behind what you say to yourself determines whether the impact of the Inner Critic is that of the common cold (annoying but not life-threatening) or pneumonia (much more serious with potentially damaging consequences)"

"It's not simply what you say to yourself that matters. It's how you say it and how much you believe it that counts"

"We still need to have conversations with ourselves, but the voice we need to listen to is that of the Inner Coach (*the Holy Spirit). THis voice has your best interest at heart. It is for you. The Inner Critic (*Satan the accuser) condemns you. The Inner Coach encourages you and inspires you to improve, and in a few pages' time you will learn how to tune in to this voice. (*read His word, pray and listen to Him - in other words, have a Quiet Time)

"Points to Ponder:
Do you suffer from the Inner Critic? What phrases do you find your Inner Critic saying to you? In what situations do you find the Inner Critic speaks loudest? Does it happen more at work or at home?"
[End of Excerpt]

To Do: Reflect on the Points to Ponder. Answer yourself honestly. What are the triggers/patterns you recognize as the strongest 'entry' point for the Inner Critic to have a go at you and blast you to smithereens? Read Phil 4:8. What should you be thinking of and dwelling on? List them down, pray, and dwell on them.

Note: Asterisks are words added by me to Paul McGee's explanations.

Gastric or Stomach Flu? Part 2

2009-02-24T12:01:00.005+08:00

So what about Stomach Flu? Is it the same as gastritis(gastric pain)?

Stomach Flu
Stomach Flu is also known as Gastroenteritis. It is an inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, involving both the stomach and the small intestine and resulting in acute diarrhea.

Causes: The inflammation is caused most often by infection with certain viruses, less often by bacteria or their toxins, parasites, or adverse reaction to something in the diet or medication. Non-infectious causes can include seafood(shellfish) poisoning or heavy metals poisoning. Infectious causes include bacteria like Salmonella and E.Coli. It can also be cause by viruses.

Symptoms: Diarrhoea is very common and frequent. Sometimes there may be vomitting. There's also abdominal pain or cramps, and sometimes fever too.

Treatment: See a doctor immediately. Stomach Flu can be anything from common food poisoning to serious life-threatening infections such as E.Coli. Antibiotic will not work in cases of viral infection. Oral rehydration is very important, so make sure you sip water (use oral salts whenever available) frequently. Get plenty of rest and wait it out. Doctors may normally prescribe medication to curd the symptoms than to cure the problem itself. eg: anti-spasmotics for cramps, antinauseants for vomiting etc. A blood or stool test may be also taken to see if it's a serious infection (eg: parasitic).

Link:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gastroenteritis

CONCLUSION
If you're feeling an acute pain in the upper abdomen, and slightly to the left, most of the time it is gastritis. Vomitting is more common in gastritis than stomach flu. It can happen when we eat infrequent or unbalance meals.(eg: fasting in the morning and noon, and over-eating at night). It is a nagging pain. For stomach flu, diarrheoea is most common. Symptoms are akin to food poisoning. Lots of water loss, stomach cramps, possible fever, feeling really weak, and possible vomitting.

Gastric or Stomach Flu? Part 1

2009-02-24T11:03:00.006+08:00

Recently I decided to do some research into gastritis and stomach flu again. Having been a victim of a few bouts of gastritis myself, and hearing different people saying different things about it, I thought it'll help if I present a little explanation about gastritis(commonly called gastric(in Singapore)) and stomach flu(which some people say it's the same as gastritis)

Gastritis
Gastritis is an inflammation or irritation of the lining of the stomach. In chinese, we commonly call it 胃痛.

Causes: It can be caused by many things(refer to web links below) but infrequent meals or skipping meals is never mentioned as one of the causes. However, many people think infrequent meals is the main cause of gastritis. What is possible(in my own understanding/theory) is that infrequent meals may cause confusion in the secretion of acid and hence, the stomach may overproduce acid at different times, causing gastritis. Some people say stress is one of the causes but that is still not 100% proven medically. But I certainly think it is one of the possible causes.

Symptoms: A pain in the upper abdomen, slightly to the left. Sometimes there might be diarrhoea, and vomitting. (note: while there is an overproduction of acid, it is also strange that there is indigestion at the same time) So one can also feel bloated, and nauseous.

Treatment: Usually with antacid(eg: actal). Other stronger medicine may not be readily available at a pharmacy unless you have a prescription. Antacid is not really effective for me for quick relief. I've tried stronger medicine like ranitidine and it works really quick.

Home remedy: I haven't tried any of these so try it at your own risk. This( website ) claims that taking ginger, coconut water, potato juice etc helps.

The MILK myth: Ok. This is one thing I've heard over and over again. Many people say taking milk helps because it is alkaline. I myself heard it doesn't help because although it is alkaline, it eventually forms lactic acid. My research showed I was wrong too. So does MILK really helps? Apparently it doesn't. Why? Because first of all, MILK is slightly ACIDIC. It has a PH of 6.4 to 6.8. Secondly, it contains protein and calcium, and each are stimulants of gastric-acid secretion.

So what can one do when he has a gastric attack? Take antacid and hope it relieves/cure the ailment. If it doesn't, see a doctor. If a doc is not available, your best bet is to sip water(take oral salts if you're having diarrhoea so that you do not get dehydrated), take some stuff that aid in indigestion(eg: ENO), get ready to vomit, and wait it out. It does disappear over time(especially when most people encounter non-serious cases of gastritis most of the time. Serious cases will include blood in stools or vomit).

Links:
http://www.emedicinehealth.com/gastritis/article_em.htm
http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/gastritis-000067.htm

A Chasing After the Wind

2009-02-16T17:19:00.002+08:00

"I have seen all the things that are done under the sun; all of them are meaningless, a chasing after the wind." ~ Ecclesiastes 1:14

What wind have you been chasing? Are you running after things that are finally meaningless at the end of the day? Do you work yourself out to run after it only to find out that you have been foolish to do so?

Stop chasing wind. It is meaningless. You will pierce yourself with great pain in this chasing. Your emotions will run high and dry, a great unnecessary burden to bear. Let it go and let the wind blow past you. It is only right to do so. Let it go.

Got Money and No Money -> So What?

2009-01-30T22:51:00.002+08:00

There are many paradoxes in life. Reading the current headlines of East Timor got me thinking again - at the same issue.

1 in 55 children die before the age of 5, and 1 in 35 mothers die during childbirth. If you think East Timor is poor, you will only need to enquire about their petroleum fund and Timor doesn't look that poor anymore. There is currently X billion dollars in East Timor's petroleum fund.

So the dire straits of the common folks is not because the country does not have any money, but it is what, how and where does the money go to. While it is true that East Timor is still comparatively poor when a country's wealth is gauged by her GDP(it's not 100% accurate anyway), in terms of funds, East Timor is not short of it. Millions of dollars are poured into the country by other countries and aid organizations.

So why is the common folk still suffering from the same trivial problems such as:
1. Death because of common(in East Timor), curable illnesses such as diarrhaoue, fever, malaria, typhoid, wound infections
2. Lack of education opportunities; especially in the rural and mountainous regions
3. Lack of proper water sanitation and access
4. Lack of medical facilities
and the list goes on.

Can't money solve all these problems? Can't we build schools, build medical facilities, build a world class sewage system, hire experts and doctors? But the reality is that money can't solve all these problems because solving these problems are just not as straightforward as I wished it to be; even if it does looked straightforward. There are so many underlying nitty gritties such as the person driving the project to the approval by government agencies that a discussion on why money alone cannot solve these problems is just beyond the scope of this article.

Yet at the same time, without money, nothing much can be done. To quote a chinese phrase, "You qian ye shi zi yang, mei qian ye shi zi yang". It almost make things sound so hopeless; a kind of resigning-to-my-fate sentiment. What does it take to ensure that less children die before the age of 5? And what does it take to ensure that less mothers die during childbirth? Could the answer be you and me? Perhaps the no.1 reason why many Timorese are still suffering is because you and I are not bringing to them the knowledge and love they need to get themselves out of their malady.

It's time to think again. Where do we go from here?

Random CNY musing

2009-01-30T22:41:00.003+08:00

(Wrote this during CNY but without net access, here's the post now)

Spending time in Malaysia should not be too different from Singapore, or so I thought. Not having the internet, no friends to call on, and a virtually non-existent public transport have certainly made me a different creature. Not to mention I do not have the luxury of browsing through my collection of books(many of which I have not completed reading). So how do I make the long hours shorter?

As usual, I enjoy very much looking at some old photographs, and laughing at some of them - those geeky looks of the younger days, those who were once skinny, funny faces and enjoyable events. Then I got a little bit more creative and got my parents to dance and learned some steps from them. And if that is not enough, I even made some crafts. Yes, yours truly doing craft. I figure craft is quite fun - only my hands didn't think so. So when I chanced upon a DIY kit for making a pom pom pet(whatever that is), I thought I have found the perfect solution to burn my time away. Unfortunately, the manufacturers forgot to put in - "Only for Dummies". So yeap, even for someone like me with a craft skill of 4, my alien pet was completed within 5 minutes. Not too bad.

(Then I discovered a new game on my old PC. Well, I burned more than I should. Zzzzz.....)

What kind of church? - Food For Thought

2009-01-22T10:55:00.006+08:00

The following short extracts are from an excellent website, Cross-Cultural Impact In the 21st Century. I've penned down some of my thoughts of it. Care to share yours?

Thought No.1 - Which one?
"The communal oriented church can be compared to a theater. The goal is to encourage people to come in and be a part of what is happening within the program of the organization. To facilitate this the atmosphere is comfortable and appealing, the programs presented are satisfying, and the hope is that people will want to come back and support the agenda. For a theater the agenda is that people enjoy the movie, for the church the agenda is that people should become committed participants.

The missional church is more like a computer company whose goal is to bring the product into the homes where people live. Their efforts are focused on making the product relevant and appealing to the needs of the person within their context. The aim of the missional church is to make the gospel relevant to people where they live, rather than seeking to create appealing programs that will draw people in."

This is not to say that the communal oriented church is bad and the missional church is good. (read the full article) However, it does matter what a church's primary orientation is because it'll likely produce disciples with similar worldviews and mindsets that the church propagates. "What you win them with is what you will win them to",my friend once quipped. Was it because of Christ or was it a good show? Is the person living a life that testifies God's love, and touching the lives of his friends and family? Or is he a person who has only friends in church, thus having little impact in society?

Thought No.2 - Maintenance or Transformation?
"In general, there is a tendency to plant churches that are safe backwaters; controlled environments that are easily measurable.

As a result people are taught to be content to scoop out fish rather than swimming in the rapids. When this happens, the maintenance of the community of believers becomes the aim of the church rather than the transformation of society."

Have Christians lost their mind? That is, have Christians lost their ability to think and make wise decisions for themselves? There is always the danger of "not thinking" and do whatever is the status quo. Sometimes, this actually make us weaker because we can get so used to scooping fishes that when an unexpected rapid comes our way, we crumple with a mighty thud. Churches that try to make their environment as safe and as controlled as possible (with an 'unconscious' fear that the outside world will eat their members up) will get a rude shock when the rapids come. The result can be very devastating because most have not learned to swim in the rapids. Some survived, some rescued, and many a times, many drown.

An engagement with the society with the aim of transforming it with good deeds, godly character, and the proclamation of the gospel will strengthen the church and the individual. And it does not stopped there. Lives are transformed, hope is found, grace abounds, healing flows and God becomes real in all facets of life.

Thought No.3 - Waiting for them or Going to them?
"We are good at sending missionaries, we are good at bringing people into our meetings, but there is often a lack of conviction that we are a people who have "been sent" by Jesus to make the gospel relevant to others where they live. When churches talk of “outreach” a primary goal is usually to bring them in and assimilate them into church life."

This has always been on my mind. While I think that it is good(and still relevant) to invite people to church, I feel many have missed the point. And what is the point? The point is We are a people called by God and empowered by the Holy Spirit to be witnesses in our Jerusalem, Judea & Samaria and to the ends of the earth.

i.e. Living out our faith demonstrated in love in our one-to-one conversation with friends, family dinner time, gatherings & reunions, schools, workplaces, neighbourhood and contacts with different people groups. Inviting people to church is just one means of outreach. The greater need is for us to live out our faith in wherever God has placed us. That is really OUTreach.

Participating in God's Global Mission - Yes, YOU!

2009-01-21T18:10:00.003+08:00

Traditionally, Christians think that the only way to get involved in missions is to be a full-fledged missionary and travel to some dangerous cannibalistic tribe infested jungle. (Okay, I am over-stereotyping) But I have found many Christians not participating in God's mission work because they do not know how to besides becoming a missionary, or they are simply apathetic. Another reason could be the lack of knowledge - who to pray for? who to give to? where to go and support? what can I help if I can't travel?

So if you're stuck in your own country, or you know you're not going to be a missionary(which IS definitely alright), one of the best ways you can help and participate in God's global mission is to give and support a missionary.

Have you heard of people groups called Gond, Halba, Bhatra, Thakur, Raut and Mahara? You haven't? So do I. But a native missionary I am supporting in India is reaching out to them. I don't have to(and probably can't) be there to tell them that Jesus loves them. A number of these groups are unreached people groups who desperately need the gospel (See: The Joshua Project)

So am I telling you that you can pat yourself and feel good about reaching out to people living overseas without having to lift a finger? NO! I am telling you that you have an OBLIGATION to engage yourself in God's global mission in reaching and discipling people of all nations. And one simple way is to help support a missionary who is in the field doing the outreach work while you serve God by your giving. So why spend money on things that will fleet away? Give some of your money to things that are of eternal value. Support a missionary today(Go to: www.gfa.org)

(P.S. It's only USD30 a month! And it'll go a long way for them!)

A little human touch

2009-01-13T23:32:00.007+08:00

A granny sat on the floor beside the walkways of Junction 8 and beckoned onlookers to buy the packets of tissue in her hand.

*"Hello Auntie. How are you?" She kept smiling at me. I bought some tissue from her and continued making small talk.
"Are you here everyday?" She chuckle and said, 'No la. I come here once or twice a week."
"Do you live near Bishan?" She shakes her shake and replied, "Marine Parade."
"Oh. Marine Parade ah. Do you live alone?" She replied, "I live with my daughter."
I decided the small talk was enough as I would be disturbing her tissue sales if I carried on. "See you another time Auntie. Jesus loves you. Take care." She nodded her head and gave me a wide smile.

A short chit chat, a dollar and a smile is enough to make my day and her day. Yes, the one dollar you and I gave to buy the packets of tissue could contribute to her finances, but it is the little human touch that makes a whole lot of difference. It made her smile, it made me smile and it gets a lot more meaningful than helping her out with just money.

Singapore is a country where it is thought to have no poor citizens; or rather, citizens without a roof and 3 meals a day. Of course we know that is not exactly true because there are needy people who struggle from time to time for a meal and to pay their utility bills. I've met and befriended one such family and mine you, there are many more. Just ask the various(and numerous) VWO(Voluntary Welfare Organizations) and you'll hear many similar stories from social workers.

However, beneath the dire financial needs of the poor, there is a greater need. The need for a human touch. Singapore has no shortage of VWOs who will help a person in genuine financial need. The government has the Public Assistance Scheme in place to help those who are unable support themselves (http://www.mcys.gov.sg/web/serv_E_PA.html). (Note: the rigid structure and inflexible benchmarking of who qualifies for help and who does not, does make successful application difficult sometimes) But it is true that getting 3 meals a day is not difficult in Singapore. An old man will certainly draw some sympathy from the public with a certain degree of success if he goes about begging for food at a food centre.

The stark reality is that while we have all these VWOs, financial schemes, grants and assistance in place, the quality of life does not get any better for the poor. I must add here that the poor in Singapore is very different from the poor in say, Cambodia. In Cambodia, the poor may live in a house with a broken roof and eat just tapioca daily. In Singapore, the poor may be living in a 3 room flat with 3 children still in school and both or one parent is unable to work due to disability or mental illness. It is a different kind of poor but nonetheless in great need. And especially in Singapore, I feel the quality of life is the main problem. And it's a problem bigger than the finances.

I will not be surprised if a tissue aunty or granny is able to eke out a living by selling tissue packets and feel quite good that they are not living on handouts. But when you talk to them, you will hear their many sad stories and the lonely lives they are living. There are of course exceptions(i've met one in Tampines) but in general, these folks yearn for a little more than that one dollar you gave. They want a human touch, they want love and concern, they want friends, they want to be listened to, they want budding relationships that add colours to their lives.

Your one dollar is helpful, but it stops at just the surface. The next time you get some tissue from these aunties and grannies, say hello to them and find out for yourself how long a human touch can go. That was why Jesus say hello to the uncared for in his days - the tax collectors, prostitutes, lepers and the destitute. Most people maintained the status quo and bypassed them as if they were invisible. But Jesus would not. He knew they needed a human touch that is real. He knew they needed love, friendship and relationships more than anything else.

So how about a "How are you?" the next time you give that one dollar? Smile and watch that smile.

"Being unwanted, unloved, uncared for, forgotten by everybody, I think that is a much greater hunger, a much greater poverty than the person who has nothing to eat." ~ Mother Teresa

*Conversation with granny is in mandarin. Translated to English for readability

Children and Joy

2009-01-12T17:18:00.003+08:00

"Fruit basket!!!!" -> "Ahhhh....eeeee....ahhhh..... over here, over here", these screams and shouts were followed by much laughter and panting(especially by older folks like us). It was really fun in JSS - not so much of the game itself, but the laughter and expressions of the children.

Children have this uncanny ability to bring about laughter and joy to an adult's world. Their innocence, dramatic expressions and simple joy always bring about a new zest and life to an adult's world where the complex things of life had somehow 'suppressed' the child-likeness in each individual.

So it's JSS games time and praise & worship again. Time to let down your hair, sing, dance and laugh like a child again.

(I've been singing this ever since JSS on sunday!)
"I'm..... inward, outward, upward, downward happy all the time.
I'm inward, outward, upward, downward happy all the time.
Since Jesus came to me, and wash away my sins.
I'm inward, outward, upward, downward happy all the time!"

Life's a lot more than doom and gloom. There can be joy, and you can be jovial. Sing this song everyday with Jesus! Ready? I'm..... inward outward upward downward happy all the time! I'm inward outward upward downward happy all the time! Since Jesus came to me, la la la la la la... Happy all the time!

A New Year Means...

2009-01-07T23:05:00.004+08:00

A New Year means.... there will again be decisions to be made. Come to think of it, a new year isn't very much different from the past year. If we were to look at life as a whole, a new year really means 'nothing' because if the calendar does not exist, there will be no such thing as a new year.

A new year always seem to give new hope and new strength because I think there is certainly something 'new' about a new year. But in actual fact, there is really not much of a difference because your life continues from the past year till now - time doesn't stop for you. Your unresolved problems from the past year creeps into the new and whatever you inherited from the past comes into the new automatically - because there isn't really a 'new' year.

So what am I trying to say? Well, I just want to say that our lives continue to live on and everyday is still a 'brand new' journey with the Lord. The past comes into the present: there are still processes to work through, decisions to be made, joy to savour and pain to endure.

I am just glad that I have made a wise decision - however it might be 'unpleasant'. A wise decision always taste good; if not now, then at least later. So freedom in Christ is not about being free from pain. It is the freedom to choose the most excellent choice, and after the choice, to feel so much free-er and at rest.

So what does the new year holds for you? Another 'routine' year? Or a year of growth in maturity, character and a deeper love for God? Do what you need to do since 'last' year, seek what you need to seek since 'last' year and learn what you need to learn since 'last' year. The year continues on - whether old or new, past or present. Live for Him today. Today IS the New Year.

"This is the day which the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it" ~ Psalm 118:24

Christmas Reflection

2008-12-26T16:27:00.006+08:00

I sang this song over and over again. It's simple yet so rich, and it really reminded me of Christ and what He has done for me. Thank you Jesus. I will tell the world about your love. You are so wonderful my Lord.

我主我神
是我主，是我神 (xi3 ngo1 jü2 , xi3 ngo1 saeng1)
愿牺牲，拯救我 (yun3 hei2 saeng1, qeing1 gau1 ngo1)
耶稣，神爱子 (ye3 sou1, saeng1 oi1 ji2)
施恩的主，真感激祢 (xi1 yaeng4 dik4 jü2, zaeng4 gaem2 gek4 lei1)

神的爱，极伟大 (saeng1 dik4 oi1, qeing1 wei2 dai1)
赐自由，更新我心 (qi4 ji1 yau4, gaeng4 saeng4 ngo2 saem1)
为我主，为我神 (wei3 ngo1 jü2, wei3 ngo1 saeng1)
传福音一生不改变 (qün3 fuk4 yaem4 yaek4 saeng1 baet4 goi2 bin1)

(Note: it is difficult to add hanyu pinyin to a cantonese song because there are no equivalent tones and sounds for certain words)

The Truth

2008-12-26T15:43:00.002+08:00

My friend wrote me a card. In it contains words of wisdom and truth.

It says:
"Don't be a great missionary. Be a great believer" and
"Don't champion causes. Champion Jesus who meets us all in a million ways"

To God be the glory.

Gritting the Teeth and Saying NO

2008-12-21T19:16:00.003+08:00

Ever felt you wanted to do something but you know you must resist it (even if logically speaking, there's nothing really wrong with it)? It's a fight between what is beneficial and what is not. Our minds can try its best to justify that it is alright because it is not a sin and therefore there is no harm but you know better.

Giving in to something which you must resist will only weaken one's resolve and willpower. An example will be a person who is fasting but give in to his hunger halfway through and ate something to satisfy his need. The act is not wrong and certainly not sinful but it's certainly not beneficial.

So the war goes on. Your battle is unique to how you are made and your experiences in life so quit comparing it with other people. A major battle in your life could be to someone an insignificant fight, let a alone a battle. So walk in it and fight on. God is moulding you for a purpose and preparing you for what is ahead. Onward Christian soldier! Persevere! Charge!!!!!

"But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." - 2 Cor 12:9

His grace IS enough. Run to Him. Fall into His arms again and again.

A Prayer ~ "主啊，带领我。引导我。保护我。"

Listen Softly - 轻轻听

2008-12-19T16:34:00.002+08:00

细细听，轻轻细细听
倾听你说话儿共对应
细细说，轻轻细细哾
因知道我牧人在细听

上帝你是我独一生命光
羊属你必清楚听你声
牧养引导我，轻声教导我
一生听你话儿共对应

A Deeper Moulding, A Deeper Love

2008-12-18T23:27:00.003+08:00

Isn't it 'scary' when you know what you are going through is another test from the Lord? Often times, you know it because it is an area of weakness in your life and God is putting you through certain situations to help you grow stronger in it. Trials always taste badly at first - it's a struggle, it's a moulding, it's a shaping, it's a stripping of what is necessary to be cast off. It is painful, it can be mind-boggling and sometimes, you don't even understand why.

But the big picture has already been painted. The Master artist has already painted it and it is a masterpiece. But of course, in the course of the trial, we are unable to see the full picture and the time spent in the trial can be agonizingly slow. Yet there is hope in God, and our hope is in Him. You just know it is good for you even though the struggle can be beyond description.

Sometimes you wish you can just throw the situation away and be free. But you know that you will never be free until you have dealt with what is necessary. Then there is true freedom. Then there is true peace. Then there is real growth.

So yes Lord. I'll go through it again. It seems so deja vu and really scary. But I know you have painted the masterpiece already. I know it is good. I readily surrender to you and I want to trust you more. It is time to grow deeper in love with you - that when I delight in you, I know I have all I need; I know where I ought to be. Lead me on in this journey Lord. May Your will be done.

The God of all Comfort

2008-12-05T22:55:00.004+08:00

It was a good time of sharing. To be able to hear from fellow brothers and share without reservations is really a blessing and a privilege. For that is why God has placed His followers in a community where we support each other and are encouraged in our journey together.

God never fail to amaze me with the learning process He brought me through. About a year ago, I tried to help a friend who is very discouraged and 'depressed' but I was not able to understand what she is going through. All I could offer was good scriptural advice and prayers. That is good, but it is different when I myself had gone through a similar situation. So not long from that, I tasted what those trying situations and emotional storm meant. And indeed, my experiences had helped me to understand many others who are going through similar storms, and it had helped me to empathize with them.

God always prepare us(or at least me) in this way. He'll put me through situations for my own benefit and growth, even if for that moment, it can be very painful. After surviving those storms with His grace, peace and strength abounds. And without fail, there will be wounded brothers and sisters 'appearing' before me with storms similar to mine, and God will use me to encourage, empathize and walk through with them their own unique journey.

It is such a blessing to be able to bless, encourage and walk through storms with fellow brothers and sisters. Although sometimes I can get frustrated with their response and progress, God always remind me that once upon a time, I was like them too. And remembering this always brought about a "I'm sorry Lord", humility, and starve off the critical spirit.

Thank you God once again for this privilege to bless and minister. You are indeed the God of all comfort.

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God." - 2 Cor 1:3-4"

Embracing Pain

2008-12-04T10:15:00.005+08:00

Excerpt from the book, "Jesus Driven Ministry" by Ajith Fernando (*Emphasis mine)
"I was once in the West when I was preparing a talk on the stresses and strains of ministry. Alert to any conversation that related to this topic, I was surprised when a significant number of Christians told me that they or their loved ones had been liberated from bothersome commitments that had been causing them stress and strain.

One had given up a difficult assignment, another had left a difficult church, and another had separated from a difficult spouse. They testified that God had freed them from pain. The question I had was whether God was asking them to embrace the pain because of commitment to these people or causes."

Embracing pain must be the most unpopular thing to do. By nature, we will want to avoid pain at all cost. We have tasted it, we know how it rocks our emotions, we fear how it might rip us apart and the feeling is just downright horrible. However, pain is not always bad. Yes, it can be a horrible time, but it can also be most enriching.

It is always tempting to take the easy way out by cutting short a process that God might want you to go through. Not all sufferings and pain come as a result of your folly, although even if it does, God had allowed it so that you might grow. We will do well to remember the story of Job in times of suffering.

In a season of trial and pain, one should always look to God and asked God to reveal His purpose and will for him in that situation. All too often, we rob ourselves of a wonderful growth experience with Him by running away from the pain our own way. And the result is that we never grow in areas that are uncomfortable(at first) to us.

Of course I am not saying you should purposely stay in a difficult situation when God had shown you a way out. But more often that not, we have a tendency to rush through the painful situation and conclude very quickly that a certain way out is of God. It might not be so. In our rush to avoid pain, a quick exit could be devised by our own cleverness and not from God.

So am I saying it is right to embrace pain and wrong to escape from it? No. What is important is that one should not rush to escape from a painful situation when it arises. Instead, he should continue to rejoice in the Lord and understand the Lord's will for him in that situation (James 1:2-4). Then the journey will be most enriching - as you depend on Him for grace, strength, courage and joy to go through it all - and emerged from it stronger, and closer to God than ever before.

What is Love?

2008-11-28T17:04:00.002+08:00

I am reminded once again of what love is.

"Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things." ~ 1 Cor 13:4-7

My mind goes "check, check, oops, oops" as I go through the list. How many times have I become unloving? Hmmm, I would say many. High on my list will be "does not seek its own" - aha. the auto-habitual selfish self always want the convenient and easy way out. It almost always grumble over small inconvenient things.

The other one would be "endures all things". Not an easy one huh? Especially with folks that you are adverse to, and circumstances that may make you less loving.

A very important character of love is "it does not take into account a wrong suffered". Many times a great many Christians have stumbled and fallen away because of this. It is difficult for someone who is hurt not to take into account a wrong suffered. The anger, the hurt, the pain and the bitterness demand an apology. It gave the one who has suffered the right to an apology. This is not wrong.

The problem is that many a times, the apology is not given. The hurt party demands an apology but doesn't get it. So the person gets even more upset and kept waiting for that apology to come but it never happened. Slowly, but surely, bitterness eat his life away. Is it therefore so hard to not take into account a wrong suffered? Yes it is. But Jesus teach us it is possible, and He did just that for us.

Remember my friends. Love does not take into account a wrong suffered. It is tough, but it gives life - both to yourself and the perpetrator. It is a choice you have to make. Love is a choice. Jesus chose to die for us. You and I have chosen to live for Him. So let's live for Him by loving Him, and loving your neighbours as yourselves. Dropped that wrong suffered. Love your enemies and bless them(Luke 6:27-28). And you shall see that Love never fails (1 Cor 13:8).

East Timor Reflection no.2

2008-11-13T14:10:00.005+08:00

"What do the people need or want?" - this is probably the no.1 question on most people's mind when they have been to East Timor and thinking how to help the people. The needs are many - for some, it's daily food. for some, it is education. and for others, work and a steady income. "How do we solve all these problems?" - Wrong question. Although some people might have the perception that Timorese in general are quite a laidback people, I've seen examples that beg to differ.

I've met brilliant Timorese. And I've met brilliant Timorese youth with a never-say-die attitude and they made it through tough times. So what's the right question? I would say - "How do they solve all these problems?". And believe me, I think they are able to. If we would humble ourselves, learn from them and aid them along, and work together with them.

The other part of our world has so much resources that we are not utilizing them to the fullest. There are many needs that we can help meet with our resources, but which one comes first? I personally feel that education is the priority. Not the usually assumed academic education where one thinks that with some form of paper, they can find a decent job and live well. Come on, with 40% unemployment, what can a piece of paper do?

If you have read the book, "The book that transforms nations" by Loren Cunningham, you will know what I mean. Social skills, healthy habits, problem solving skills, working as a team, leadership skills, taking care of one’s body, moral values, conflict resolution, spiritual disciplines, godly character & development and so on as Education. It covers every aspect of a growing child and a growing adult into fuller maturity and wisdom. But besides all these good stuff, I realised after reading the book that you have to have God involved. Who's going to teach radical things like "Love your enemies? Bless those who cursed you? Consider others better than yourself? Look to the interest of others?"

If a person will have that, and willingly do it because he loves God, that'll do it. Lives will be transformed. Society will be transformed. There will be no poor people. There will be food for everyone. Our earlier questions will be answered. There will be peace in Timor. There will be prosperity.

Until then, let us change our mindsets about our Timorese friends and about ourselves. We're not in anyway smarter or greater. We're just privileged to be born and bred in a country that God has placed you and I in. And yes, you and I have a part to play in the transformation of lives. Tell them God's love. Teach them by living godly lives. God will answer your question, and theirs in due time.

East Timor Reflection no.1

2008-11-05T13:04:00.010+08:00

Dinner with Aussie friends at Gleno - Orphanage founder, water project co-ordinator, educationalist, English trainer, community project manager, handyman. (the ladies are preparing food in kitchen)

At Mary McKillop East Timor - Tetun Literacy Programme, Marungi(Moringa)workshops, compassionate care, sponsorships, justice advocacy, health education

This trip has been an eventful one. Besides losing my trail in climbing Mt.Ramelau, the other exciting aspect of this trip would be the no. of contacts and knowledge I have gained about those who are working in East Timor and for East Timor.

Even though my visit was only a short one week, God had used me to link up people and to share information with those on the field. I am glad I was of some use to those on the ground. However, there are some thoughts that lingered at the back of my mind after these encounters.

"Are we intentionally spending time to find out the good work that others are doing? Even if they are not Christians. Do we make an effort to know them? Or even to humble ourselves and learn from them?"

"Are we caught up in a "I want to do it on my own" mentality? or are we able to join/partner/support existing programs that are already running so that we do not waste resources? (and have an open door to share the good news with them as well)"

"Are we connected only through a Christian network? How about connecting with other workers and NGOs (even if they are not Christians)? Are we that exclusive (or seem to be that exclusive)?"

"Why are we not partnering or working with other groups? Is it because we failed to see that joining them (and in the process be a witness to them) is much more effective than getting them to cross over the barriers to join us? Or is it because the rigid institutional structure does not permit us to do so?"

These questions certainly makes me feel frustrated, and especially so when I am not in Timor. Perhaps it is because I've seen similar things like this happen in Cambodia, in Timor and even in Singapore. The followers of Jesus must stop being exclusive amongst themselves, and amongst other people. No church belongs to itself, and no members belong to his own church alone. All belong to Christ and are in Christ. You and I are the body - whether you're a full time worker or not. We must break out of our 'exclusive' mould.

My conclusion: The need to spend time with people who are doing a great job in Timor - Christians or not - is necessary. We better go with a humble heart or fail trying.

Manhood and Purity

2008-11-04T19:06:00.005+08:00

Excerpt from the book, "Every Man's Battle" by Stephen Arterburn & Fred Stoeker with Mike Yorkey

"God's definition of real manhood is pretty simple: It means hearing His word and doing it. That's God's only definition of manhood-a doer of the Word."

"Men receive a chemical high from sexually charged images - a hormone called epinephrine is secreted into the bloodstream, which locks into the memory whatever stimulus is present at the time of the emotional excitement."

"Your purity must not depend upon your mate's heath or desire. God holds you responsible, and if you don't gain control before your wedding day, you can expect it to crop up after the honeymoon."

"You see, sexual impurity isn't like a tumor growing out of control inside us. We treat it that way when our prayers focus on deliverance, as we plead for someone to come remove it. Actually sexual impurity is a series of bad decisions on our part - a result of immature character - and deliverance won't deliver you into instant maturity. Character work needs to be done."

"God will run with you, but He won't run for you. It's time to plunge ahead and go like a man."

I've learned a lot from this book. Every guy should grab it and read it - you'll be surprised by the honesty in it, and biblical, practical ways in dealing with the battles every man faced - battles with sexual lusts, thoughts & temptations. Being a male does not give us guys the excuse to say we are easily stimulated by what we see. A real man deals with it and gives no room for sexually charged images to enter through his eyes.

So as the author says, go at it like a man and shape up one's character and maturity even before the wedding day arrives. It's gonna be a daily battle - so let's fight it like a man.

Reflection on America's Got Talent - Las Vegas Top 40

2008-10-15T21:29:00.006+08:00

Wow. For a while, I thought it was the final round of America's Got Talent. If you've caught tonight's show, you will understand what I am talking about.

All the contestants are getting emotional and sang like their life depended on it. They were totally sold out on winning, on going all the way to the final round, and finishing the race.

They were many broken hearts, and they were also many delighted souls. Those who went on to the next round were tearing, and crying, and embracing each other.

"This is the most fantastic day of my life," quips one contestant. Another one exclaimed in delight, "We have made it!". And we're only talking about going to the next round of Top 40

It amazes me. What would you and I say on the day we go to heaven? "This is the most fantastic day of my life"? "We have made it"? Or will you be heaving a sigh of relief thinking that you could be missing out? OR will you be like the others who were crying uncontrollably and shaking their heads in disbelief? They didn't make it to the next round. They didn't make it to heaven.

Will we be like the contestants who are TOTALLY sold out to the cause? To win, to go on to the next round, to reach the final and finished it? A 1 million dollars man-made competition can propel people to such a dizzy height, what more an infinite God-made mission? But are we totally sold out to His cause, or are we like the audiences who only sit back, vote and dream?

It puts me to shame. And it puts us to shame. That people chasing after earthly riches can be so totally consumed by their cause while we who claimed to be His followers are not running after Him by an even crazier zeal!

Yes, the show might have given the full impact by clever filming and editing - still, I believe the contestants are totally in it. And I, who claimed to be His, better be in it for His cause.

Christians' Got Talent - and we better start using it for what is worth more than 1 million dollars and all the fame in the world.

Lean on Jesus, Lean on me

2008-10-07T01:36:00.006+08:00

This is a great song. It gives me hope, and it reminds me to follow Jesus. To be able to offer my shoulder and say, "here's my shoulder you can lean on me". The children and youth of today are facing tough times in the world. Reading their blogs only seems to magnify the burden and need.

So what can I do Lord? How can I help them? I've got nothing but my prayers. And my shoulder. So my young friends, here's my shoulder you can lean on me.

And may the poor and weak find your shoulders too.

Sons of God

2008-09-26T12:43:00.004+08:00

"You are ALL sons of God through faith IN Christ Jesus, for ALL of you who were baptized INTO Christ have clothed yourselves WITH Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are ALL ONE IN Christ Jesus" - Gal 3:26-28

What a powerful verse. And what a revelation of who we are in Christ Jesus. Those who believe in Jesus are all sons of God. ALL. All are brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ - no race, no status, no gender matters anymore. All are ONE in Christ.

All believers are sons of God. We have this huge family living all around the world. But are we behaving like how family members ought to treat each? Or are we strangers, and worse, enemies?

Why is it so difficult for people to reconcile? And why is it so difficult to accept the mistakes of others? You are ALL sons of God! Let me repeat "YOU are ALL sons of GOD!" Can we not look beyond the errors and follies of our brothers? Can we not forgive? You are ALL sons of God my friends! Why should Coffee time be awkward and impossible? Let's have a meal together, for we are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.

Gal 3:28 for the modern day - "There is neither denomination nor institution, yours nor mine, fiery charismatic nor silent conservative, for WE are ALL ONE in CHRIST JESUS" Amen.

Together as a family with Jesus.

Is Christian Hip Hop Ok?

2008-09-26T12:35:00.003+08:00

The song was written 2 years ago before the movie, The Passion of Christ. They put clips of this movie as the backdrop. What do you think of Christian Hip Hop/Rap? I think if properly used, it's just way cool.

P.S. Watching this video reminded me once again how much Jesus had to go through to redeem me. With tears in my eyes, I come in awe before Him once again. Thank you Jesus.

Sadness, Discouragement and Hope

2008-09-19T13:46:00.008+08:00

Emotions is a mystery. It's a gift from God, yet it can be abused and tear us down. Some people say I am emotionless - that would be furthest from the truth. I think I appear emotionless because I figure certain things are not worth getting emotional about. Oh, but I do tear when I feel for something worth tearing. And sometimes, emotion is not something you and I can control.

So it happened before a certain meeting that I was feeling discouraged. That is quite strange because that discouragement appeared out of nowhere. Thank God for group prayers that releases God's word to encourage and affirm. But what do I understand from this? One thing's for sure: The devil is on the prowl.

It is very sad that close friendships are being torn apart by careless words and mistrust. 10 over years of friendship could not withstand the enemy's lie? Oh God. We need your eyes. It is very sad that when people act out of goodwill, they get lambasted for 'taking sides'; and when they try to cool situations down by giving space, they got accused of being uncaring. It is even sadder that genuine friendships built over the years would self-destruct because of a change of place or status. Can a change of place or status wipe off the memories of a friendship that once had so much life and fun? No!

So what am I ranting about down here? I'm talking about hope. "Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us" ~ Romans 5:3-5

Yes, hope keeps us going. This hope that does not disappoint us keep us going. Who have sadness and yet I don't? Who have discouragements and hurts and yet your friends don't? You are not the only one my friend.

A friend's baby died before the baby see daylight. Does it hurt? A friend gave up his dream of going to the field by staying for another 2 years. Does it hurt? A friend suffers at work and yet go about diligently doing her work. Does it hurt? Oh yes it does. And we are not alone in this hurting world. But we have a Hope.

Hope for the day when a new-born baby shall walk and talk. Hope for the day when the field will be imprinted with footprints that bring good news. Hope for the day when the rewards will not be earthly rewards but heavenly rewards for those found faithful.

I am sad and discouraged with what is happening. But yet I will not break. Why? Because I have a hope. And hope will not disappoint me. Because my hope is in Him who has poured out his love for me. You are not alone. Hope in God, and live.