Sons of God

"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?

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

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.

The Devil's Take on Evangelism

Excerpt from "The Great Commission Lifestyle - Part One: Spiritual Warfare" by Robert E.Coleman

"Nowhere will the satanic attack become more determined than in evangelism. Knowing that his kingdom of darkness is threatened, the devil seeks to remove the good seed of the gospel (Matt 13:19); he sows seeds of discord (Matt 13:38, 39); he blinds the eyes of unbelievers (2 Cor 4:4).

Make no mistake about it. Turning people "from the power of Satan to God" involves mortal combat with the evil one (Acts 26:18). Every advance of the gospel will have to be won by conquest.

The conspiracy of evil has infiltrated all the power structures of society, including governments, schools, business conglomerates, social agencies, even the organized church.

No institution fallen creatures have developed escapes the enemy's cunning. Working through misguided subjects and systems of this world and using whatever devious means expedient - slander, intrigue, deceit, rebellion, betrayal, intimidation, and infliction of torture - the devil seeks to destroy the work of Christ.

But we need not fear the fury of the adversary. Greater is He who lives in the saints than the manipulator of the world (1 John 4:4). Jesus has all the authority, not Satan. The time is hastening when all the powers of this age shall be put under His feet (Matt 22:44; Acts 2:35; Heb 1:13, 10:13). If then Christ is for us, who can be against us? In Him we are more than conquerors. (Rom 8:31, 37)

Disciples of the cross engage the enemy in this assurance of victory. The church of God, like an undefeatable army, will at last shatter the strongholds of Satan and storm the gates of hell."

Trust in God, not man

Excerpt from "Of The Imitation of Christ - Book 2, Admonitions Pertaining to Inward Things - Chapter 1: The Inward Life" by Thomas à Kempis.

"When you have Christ, you are rich, and have enough. He Himself will be your provider and faithful steward in all things, so that you need not trust in men.

For men soon change, and quickly fail; but "Christ abideth forever" (John 12:34) and stands by us firmly unto the end. There is no great trust to be put in a frail and mortal man (Jer 17:5), even though he be profitable and dear unto us.

Neither ought we to be much grieved if sometimes he cross and contradict us. They that today are with you, tomorrow may be against you; and often again they turn around like the wind.

Put all your trust in God (1 Peter 5:7), let Him be your fear and your love. He Himself shall answer for you, and will do in all things what is best for you."

Striking a Balance in our Views and Distribution of Workers

I was just thinking through this. Does it make someone greater if he works full time in a church? Does it count for more than someone who work in the marketplace? I think the answer is a plain NO.

For those of you who are not working as a full time church worker, consider it a privilege that the harvest field is ripe before you. Waiting for you to sow seeds, waiting for you to reap the harvest. Who has a bigger list of friends and colleagues who do not know the Lord? I am very sure it is you who are working in the marketplace. So consider it a privilege to have this field before you, and serve the Lord faithfully in it and touch lives.

To full time workers: The day when you say you do not have anyone to evangelise to anymore will be the saddest day in your life. Do not be deceived into using your environment as an excuse for a lack of contacts. The streets are full of people who do not know the Lord. Pray for divine contacts and continue to reach out. Touch base again.

Whether we work in the church or in the marketplace, we must always remember that there are people still waiting for us to preach the good news to them. And we have a mandate to tell them the good news and to live out the good news.

What troubles me most is not the bias view of full-time church vocation looking more spiritual and superior than marketplace work, but the great imbalance of human resources. Every mission field that I have been to, I always hear the same thing - there is not enough cross-cultural workers. The ratio is way too imbalance. This is not always the fault of churches not sending, but also missionaries not training and raising up local leaders. But often, we have a problem of either sending, going or both. No wonder the bible tells us to 'ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out his workers into his harvest field' (Matt 9:38)

So I really pray that God will help us to live our lives more purposefully for Him. To love Him and to love our neighbours as ourselves. "Send more workers into your harvest field Lord. Many are still waiting for your good news. Let me be one of those who are sent. Amen.

God knows who's right and who's wrong. You follow Him

Think you know the truth? Sometimes it is very easy to be caught up in the words of man and believe with certainty a certain matter until you discover the other side of the story. Who then will you believe in? I believe no one will ever really know the truth of a human-mixed-up-complicated-and-messy matter unless we ourselves are God. God knows the intention, God knows what each person really said, and God knows who's right and who's wrong.

Am I then saying that we should not find out the truth of a matter? Of course not. But in matters where the web of complication are so entangled, how can we ever, with our own human wisdom, resolve it? I say my views are right and you say your views are right so who's right? Do you want to carry around a tape recorder for the rest of your life so that you can verify to the dot every single word each person say? And even if the word was spoken, are you God that you are so confident to gauge the intentions of the heart by that word? I say you are thinking like this and you say I am thinking like this so who's right? Is Paul or Barnabas right in Acts 15:36-40?

What is right my brothers is this:
1. "Love your enemies(if indeed that person has become your enemy), do good to those who hate you(if indeed that person hates you), bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you." - Luke 6:27-28
and to
2. Forgive as the Lord forgave you - Matt 18:21-35

We need to move on not by sweeping everything under the carpet. But by doing what is right.

To present to you a different perspective on how our bias and weakness as fallen human being work in us, read the article below and discover for yourself what you have always thought all along had another side to it too. Only God knows. Let Him handle it.
Read: The story of the song, Hotel California

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

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."

I am still learning my friends. Are you?

The Great Commission and You

"If a commission by an earthly king is considered a honor, how can a commission by a Heavenly King be considered a sacrifice?" -- David Livingstone, missionary to Africa

"The command has been to 'go,' but we have stayed -- in body, gifts, prayer and influence. He has asked us to be witnesses unto the uttermost parts of the earth ... but 99% of Christians have kept puttering around in the homeland." -- Robert Savage, Latin American Mission

"'Not called!' did you say?
'Not heard the call,' I think you should say.
Put your ear down to the Bible, and hear Him bid you go and pull sinners out of the fire of sin. Put your ear down to the burdened, agonized heart of humanity, and listen to its pitiful wail for help. Go stand by the gates of hell, and hear the damned entreat you to go to their father's house and bid their brothers and sisters and servants and masters not to come there. Then look Christ in the face -- whose mercy you have professed to obey -- and tell Him whether you will join heart and soul and body and circumstances in the march to publish His mercy to the world. -- William Booth, founder of the Salvation Army

"The Christian is not obedient unless he is doing all in his power to send the Gospel to the heathen world." -- A.B. Simpson, founder of The Christian and Missionary Alliance

"I have but one passion: It is He, it is He alone. The world is the field and the field is the world; and henceforth that country shall be my home where I can be most used in winning souls for Christ." -- Count Nicolaus Ludwig von Zinzendorf, leader of the early protestant world mission movement

"As the Father has sent me, I also send you" -- John 20:21

Are you ready to go?

Let my heart be broken with the things that break God's heart

Excerpt from an Urbana 87 article by Roberta Hestenes
"Many years ago there was a blind beggar who sat by the side of the road, and as the traffic went by no one paid much attention to him. But one day he heard the noise of a crowd, and he knew that something was happening. Someone important was passing by. He asked, "What's happening? What's going on?" The bystanders replied, "It's Jesus of Nazareth. He's coming. He's on his way with his disciples to Jerusalem." Then the beggar cried out, "Jesus, son of David have mercy on me." Luke tells us that the leaders, the ones who preceded Jesus, probably meaning the disciples, said to this beggar, "Shut up. Be quiet. Don't disturb the status quo."

All too often I sense that we are afraid to feel the hurt, the pain and the suffering of this world. We anesthetize ourselves. We keep ourselves inundated with sensations and with noise and with activities so we won't see the pain of this world. Jesus' disciples were walking down the road, and Jesus had important things to do. They were important people because they were with Jesus, and who's got time for blind beggars? But the blind man would not shut up. He cried out even louder, 'Jesus, son of David, have mercy on me." And Jesus did something astonishing. He stopped, and everyone with him had to stop - why go if Jesus isn't going with you? Then Jesus called to the man. In the midst of the press of the multitude and the dust and the noise of the crowd, Jesus had time for one person's hurts." (Click here for full reading)

Are you afraid to feel the hurt, the pain and suffering of this world? Are you one of those that will say, "Shut up. Be quiet. Don't disturb the status quo" in expense of those who are poor, hurting and suffering?

Bob Pierce, World Vision's founder had this to say,"Let my heart be broken with the things that break God's heart"
"Let my heart be broken with the things that break God's heart"
"Let my heart be broken with the things that break God's heart"
"Let my heart be broken with the things that break God's heart .....

Thank you Terima Kasih 谢谢 Obrigado

I want to say a big thank you to all who have been praying for me and is still praying for me. Your prayers have done wonders for my soul because the Lord has heard your prayers and answered them.

Thank you to all of you for your counsel and your concern. My decision has been a very difficult one and one that you might even differ. But nonetheless, all of you have been a great pillar of support whether you agreed or not to my decision. I've been really blessed by your counsel and concern.

Last but not least, a big thank you to the Lord my God for bringing me through the most difficult period of my life thus far. The people I met, listened to and spoke with during that difficult time is certainly divine. If there is one thing that the Lord has constantly reminded me of, from the lowest period of my life to the 'reluctant' spring season now, is this: "I have not forgotten you"

"Never! Can a mother forget her nursing child? Can she feel no love for the child she has borne? But even if that were possible, I would not forget you! See, I have written your name on the palms of my hands." Isaiah 49:15-16 (NLT)

Praise the Lord O my soul!

Alive, Busy and Rested

Hello folks! In case you think I'm dead and buried together with this blog, I'm not. It's just that there have been quite a lot of things happening in my life for the past few weeks that had made me really quiet in my blog. And also, I have been busier than ever. Is busyness a bad thing? Someone taught that it's not. Hurriedness is. Restlessness is. Jesus was busy(having lots to do) but He was never in a hurry(never anxious, never overwhelmed).

"Though I am always in a haste," said John Wesley. "I am never in a hurry, because I never undertake more work than I can go through with perfect calmness of spirit."

You can say that I am now at rest - finally after a year or so.

"He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almight. I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust" - Psalm 91:1-2

Are you at rest my friend? If not, why not? Does the verse above rings a bell?

"There is no true rest until we truly trust the Lord."

May you find rest in Him and become alive again.

Hope Village Prey Veng

"That's Chong Chit. Oh, and that's Songha, Vitmol, Vanet, Sopheap....", my fingers busy pointing as the list goes on. Why was I so excited about these children on television? I realise one thing: Perhaps I do miss them. Though I only spent about 3 months with them, the last month being the one where I really got to know them better, I think there was a kind of bond which you will only realise after you have left. I miss those smiles, the laughter, the time spent playing games together, speaking simple English and Khmer to each other, being a 'big brother' to them and just simply hanging out. Maybe it is Cambodia. Maybe it is the children. Maybe it is the vision I received years ago. or maybe it is just something God has deposited in my heart. I will visit them again someday, God willing.

I just wanna worship you, Jesus

Who am I Lord? If not for you, I will still be in darkness. If not for you, I am as nothing. It has been a stormy season but I will choose to worship you. The whole world can come crumbling down but I will still choose to worship you. For who am I before you Lord? I just wanna worship you Jesus. I just wanna sit at your feet and enjoy your presence. I just wanna worship you.

Here's a really beautiful song by Casting Crowns. You'll be touched by it. Come worship Jesus again.


Who am I - by Casting Crowns
Who am I?
That the Lord of all the earth,
Would care to know my name,
Would care to feel my hurt.
Who am I?
That the bright and morning star,
Would choose to light the way,
For my ever wandering heart.

Not because of who I am,
But because of what you've done.
Not because of what I've done,
But because of who you are.

Chorus:
I am a flower quickly fading,
Here today and gone tomorrow,
A wave tossed in the ocean,
A vapor in the wind.
Still you hear me when I'm calling,
Lord, you catch me when I'm falling,
And you've told me who I am.
I am yours.
I am yours.

Who am I?
That the eyes that see my sin
Would look on me with love
And watch me rise again.
Who am I?
That the voice that calmed the sea,
Would call out through the rain,
And calm the storm in me.

Not because of who I am,
But because of what you've done.
Not because of what I've done,
But because of who you are.

God knows

Quotes:
"For a servant of God to have authority in every sentence he utters, he must first suffer for the message he is to deliver. Without great tribulation, there is no great illumination." — John Sung, 20th-century Chinese evangelist

"The future is as bright as the promises of God." — Adoniram Judson, (1788-1850)

God knows. Trials come for a purpose. Have you forgotten James 1:2-4? Do not think you are weak when you refuse to go against the tide. Let God take charge. He knows. In His time, He will reveal. In His time, He will pave the way. Listen to Him and you will know what to do.

Do not think you are alone. For great men and women of God face such dilemmas too. Learn from them. Look at William Carey, Hudson Taylor, Jackie Pullinger and many others. Times of long waiting, lack of understanding from churches, criticism of 'radical' approaches such as dressing like the natives, problems with an ineffective mission board, application rejected by every missionary organization. What else is new under the sun?

Look to God my friend. Listen to Him and remember His words.

"That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong." - 2 Cor 12:10

"From the east I summon a bird of prey; from a far-off land, a man to fulfill my purpose. What I have said, that will I bring about; what I have planned, that will I do." - Isaiah 46:11

God is BIG enough. He knows.

Indignant

I am indignant because:
The bible talks a lot about the poor but the church is doing nothing about them

I am indignant because:
Christians have forgotten to follow the example of Christ: Humility, suffering, forgiving, bearing with one another,love

I am indignant because:
The church has become a complex institution and not a complete community of believers serving the Lord

I am indignant because:
Church leaders think they understand mission work but would not find out why mission work in their church is non-existent or ineffective

I am indignant because:
We think we are kingdom-minded but we would not contact the church next door for a cup of coffee nor work together for His sake

I am indignant because:
I am blinded and judgemental even now as I 'judge'.

Disclaimer: Everything referred here is in general. It does not mean all churches or all christians.

Conclusion: "Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God's WILL for you in Christ Jesus" - 1 Thess 5:16-18.

And get rid of that negative and judgemental spirit!!!

2nd Year Anniversary

Time really flies by. This is the exact day I left East Timor 2 years ago. The immigration stamp on my passport reminded me of my short-lived days there. I have learned much in these 2 years and for that, I am grateful.

I am just wondering how long my patience will last. It is indeed wearing thin. Very soon, it will be the 3rd year. Will I be back by then? Or will I still be in Singapore? Am I now a bird in a cage? Or a bird in training? Maybe I am both. Both are well-fed and well-taken care of. But neither one taste real freedom.

Ah, do I see water in the desert and streams in the wasteland? Only God will show. I will commit my life to you O God, and I will go when the time is up, God willing.

"Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Hope in Him and praise Him. For He is my Saviour and my God" ~ taken from the Psalms


Halo Orasaun - A Prayer
Nai Jesus, ajuda hau hare ita-bot. Ita-bot bele loke odamatan. Ita-bot bele fo hau esperansa. Hau sei hare Ita-bot. Hau sei tuir Ita-bot. Hau fiar Ita-bot. Hau hadomi Ita-bot. Nai Jesus, mai, mai. Mai ajuda Timor. Mai ajuda hau fila fali. Hau fiar Ita-bot.

Courageous Waiting and Suffering

In the middle of a prayer time yesterday, God dropped this in my heart - "It takes a lot more courage to wait and suffer than to quit and go." What a trial.

"For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake" ~ Phil 1:29 (NKJV)

"Wait on the LORD; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the LORD!" ~ Psalm 27:14


O Lord, strengthen my heart. I have nothing to draw from except that which is from you. Let me abide in you always. Amen.

The Little Ones Are Waiting

"many things can wait, the child cannot... to him, we cannot say tomorrow; his name is today"

These words from a UNICEF office caught me. How often do we say tomorrow? "Wait a while more and see. Do not be rash. Others are helping." Frankly speaking, what else is there to "see"? What is so rash about giving some money so that a child's life can be rescued? Who doesn't know that there are many organizations helping needy children but are there enough?!

We can reason all we want and some reasoning are not invalid(but still incomplete). My question therefore is: ARE YOU PLAYING YOUR PART IN SAVING LIVES, ESPECIALLY THE LITTLE ONES? What are you doing with that extra money you have every month? Do you not know that your money can go a long way in helping a child? Do you know there are many many worthy organizations with a worthy cause you can give to in saving lives? Waiting & doing NOTHING makes you and me a murderer. Yes, a murderer.

Imperfect and limited as we are, we ought to do at least our bit - in small or big ways for the little ones. If you would like to know how you can help, email me at: revivalgen.jasonlee@gmail.com. I will provide you information and links to organizations that are doing their part in helping needy children and saving lives.

Matthew 25:41-46
Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.'
"They also will answer, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?'
"He will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.'
"Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life."

You've been warned.

Wake up!

"Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand." ~ Matthew 12:25

This a crucial wake up to pray. If the house is divided, it will NOT stand. Let us not be ignorant to the scheme of the enemy but forgive each other. Do not be caught in his trap (2 Cor 2:10-11).

Pray my friends, pray.