Let's Continue to Pray....

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So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him.
The night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries stood guard at the entrance. Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. "Quick, get up!" he said, and the chains fell off Peter's wrists.
Then the angel said to him, "Put on your clothes and sandals." And Peter did so. "Wrap your cloak around you and follow me," the angel told him. Peter followed him out of the prison, but he had no idea that what the angel was doing was really happening; he thought he was seeing a vision. They passed the first and second guards and came to the iron gate leading to the city. It opened for them by itself, and they went through it. When they had walked the length of one street, suddenly the angel left him.
Then Peter came to himself and said, "Now I know without a doubt that the Lord sent his angel and rescued me from Herod's clutches and from everything the Jewish people were anticipating." (Acts 12:5-11)

I continue to have a burden for our Korean brothers and sisters held captive in Afghanistan. It is not a good feeling reading the news each day, half expecting another to be killed by their captors. (at this moment, their captives have claimed to have killed another, though that has yet to to confirmed)

I don't know what God's will for them is at this moment, and I am not assuming that God has definitely intended them all for martyrdom.

So let us continue to pray for God's miracle to come through, to rescue His people from captivity. In the same way that he rescued Peter, He can do the same for the Korean Christians. Let us not be found lacking in our efforts to pray for them.

As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by failing to pray for you.
(Isa 12:23)

Martyrdom in Afghanistan

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http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/6916762.stm

The 1st South Korean Christian aid worker killed by the Taliban after being held hostage.

I felt a mixture of grief (for the family) and anger (at the Taliban) when I read the news.

Captured while wanting to bring aid to the people of Afghanistan with the love of God; killed by the very people of the country he wanted to help. A martyr's death in the footsteps of his Lord and Saviour.

I don't know how to respond. Part of me wants to ask God to send a wave of destruction onto the pertuators of terrorism and evil. But God also reminded me of His love for the same people who are responsible, people He wants to save.

I don't know what to pray...except for God to rescue His people, and for His comfort to be upon the families of the victims.
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Entering 2nd Half

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Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. (1 Cor 9:24)

Time flies. We are coming to the midpoint of the 100K campaign. In football terminology, We are entering half-time. The 2nd half beckons.

Score? We need to hit 220. The score now stands at 68 / 220. A little short at half time. But I am not worried. Football matches are not often won within the 1st half. Many are determined in the last minutes of the 2nd half. Remember the European Champion's League finals in 1999?

I have confidence in my team, in my guys. Some have started well and are well on track. Some just got off the blocks. Others are just about to start. It does not matter. I have faith in them, especially in the God who leads them, and who is leading me.

At the end of the day, I know they will give their very best. I believe we will win this. Even if we don't for whatever reason, I just want everyone who reads this to know that I am immensely proud of all of them. Apologies that I have not said this often enough. The very fact that they have signed up as the 5k without complaints speak of the quiet conviction in their hearts that they know they want to do what is right, no matter what the odds are. It shows forth character, and a willingness to follow and obey God.

I know too that my God is proud of them.

So to my guys, let us run with perseverance this race that is marked out for us! Let's give all that we've got in the remaining 2 weeks, to the glory of His Name!

PS. And to some of my spiritual grandkids who may not be in the 5000...yet; you are just as important to me, to Barney, and to the church. If you are reading this... I pray that somehow God will use this season to speak to you, and that in time to come, you will rise up as strong spiritual warriors in His Name, shining for Him in your schools and homes....it does not take much, just your willingness to live for Jesus.

Our Values are Based on ...???

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Just read the front page article in TODAY regarding the discussion on Section 377A.

One of our NMPs commented that in order to "decriminalise" Section 377A, they need to "get that mass, enough people in the middle, to agree with you."

Another of our MPs went on to say that based on how our government works, in order to achieve a mindset shift required to remove 377A, one needs to convince the government that it is all about growth, jobs, money. Therefore, "if you can make a convincing case that 377A is somehow affecting that, then you will have a really good chance."

Since when is it that core moral values are based on the sentiments of the majority? And how is it that fundamental values and principles should be changed when they prevent us from acquiring more growth, wealth and jobs? Are moral values and principles in Singapore no longer absolute, but relative?

Worrying trends, considering that these comments come from our leaders in parliament. Do we really want to go the way of Sodom and Gomorrah?

How should we respond?

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Wealth Management and Marketplace Transformation

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One of my guys asked me a question during last week's Ed Silvoso's seminar :"What is the linkage between weath management and marketplace transformation?"

It sets me thinking. At first glance, I did not see much correlation between the two....but then as I was meditating on the Word of God, it suddenly struck me :

"You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.
"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. (Matt 5:13-16)

We are the light and salt in the marketplace...and I believe one of the key areas is how we handle and manage the money and wealth that the Lord has blessed us with. We need have different values from the world when it comes to our wealth management.

Like it or not, how we spend our money is one of the most visible areas of our public life. The clothes we wear, the restaurants we have our meals, the cars we drive, the type of house that we live in, the bank accounts we maintain... they reveal clearly how we have been using our money, and our attitude towards money.

God clearly tells us that "It is more blessed to give than to receive." (Acts 20:35).

Yet we know that the prevailing value in the world is that "it is more blessed to hoard, than to give". Hence the obssession to achieve "financial freedom"; to ensure that we have accumulated the resources to retire comfortably as young as possible, while enjoying the highest possible standard of living.

The world is pre-occupied with showing others that we have "made it"....in the type of house we live in, the cars that we drive, the lifestyle we maintain etc.

It is so easy for Christians to be sucked into this flow as well, as it is so prevalent. The problem with this is obvious....we become enslaved to the principles of the world rather than following the ways of God, and it robs us of the freedom & resources that we could otherwise have used to plow back into the Kingdom of God. God's reminders are clear:

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will. (Rom 12:2)

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. (Gal 5:1)

We need to make a decision on how we should prioritise the use of the wealth that God has given to us. God is no miser...He will bless us with more than enough for our needs. We need not live in poverty so that we can give all back to God. Plan financially for our families to live in comfort, by all means...I don't think it is God's plan to deny us that. Just remember to plan for enough to meet our needs and not our excessive wants. Be as debt-free as possible. Rethink plans for spending on unneccessary luxurious items. Prioritise to give to the works of the Lord. Never compromise on tithing. What we have freely received from God, be generous to freely give. That is true financial freedom, knowing that God will meet all our needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus. (Php 4:19)

We need to show the people around us God's way of wealth management and what true financial freedom is. We can't do that if we are as preoccuppied as they are in the pursuit of worldly weath, prestige and luxury. We need to show forth the contentment and generosity that a Christian should have, using our God-given wealth for helping the poor and fatherless, and in the building of His Kingdom. We need to show that our first allegience is to God, not money. Only then can they see our good deeds and glorify our Father in Heaven.

It is a long road, but we need to start somewhere, if we are serious in transforming the values in the marketplace.

Deuteronomy 31:8

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The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. (Deut 31:8)

How true this is as we choose to walk in obedience in the 100K campaign!

Current status: By the grace of God, 13 down and 7 to go!

Let's continue to pray and bless the people each day, trusting the Lord for answered prayers and miracles, and above all, for lives to be touched by His love, reality and power!

I lift up my eyes to the hills— where does my help come from?
My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. (Psalm 121:1-2)
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Invigorated!

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Need to give thanks for this....Attended the Youthnet 144 leaders' meeting with Pastor Eugene and Pastor Julie. Was completely zonked out when I arrived....after waking up at 4.30 am yesterday morning and a long day's work. In fact I had to drag myself there. A good part of me wanted to just go home and sleep.

But as usual, God does not shortchange. My mind was in all places when the worship started, but God's presence was there, and as I determined to worship regardless of my weariness, the breakthrough started to come.

The weariness started to lift; and as the Ed Silvoso's video on transforming prayer was aired, I can literally feel the excitement well up from within my spirit, and after Pastor YC and Pastor Eugene shared on the 100K, I can really sense the heartbeat of God. I am proud to be in the 5000 and I cannot wait to embark on the 100K campaign!

As in all things that come from God that we have the privilege of partnering in, I believe God goes ahead to pave the way for us. In my case, I have been sounding out my colleagues on what I can pray for them, and I am amazed to see how open the climate is! Thank God for that.

In this spiritual climate, I believe that with God on my side, I will be victorious in this campaign, perhaps even blessing more people than planned.

What have I learned from this? That perseverance is key. So often, victory and breakthrough is just around the corner...but we tend to give up just before that...giving in to fatigue, disappointment, discouragement. If only we would just trust God, hang in there and continue to do what is right, in spite of what our feelings are telling us...we will overcome.

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. (James 1:2-4)

This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. (1 John 5:3-4)

















"Perseverance"
- Life Values Collection by Thomas Kinkade (Painter of Light) 2000

In "Perseverance;" thunder crashes, sails billow, waves toss the fragile boat. We see that the clouds are about to break. The sea will calm; the sailor's perseverance will soon be rewarded by a return to God's safe heaven. Perhaps this painting can assure each of us that if we can simply persevere, God's hand of love will soon disperse each storm. — Thomas Kinkade
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Discipline and Commitment

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Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize. (1 Cor 9:24-27)

We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. (2 Cor 10:5)

Been listening to Pastor Benny Ho's series of sermons titled "Service Fit for a King". 2 of the sermons dealt with the crucial areas of Discipline and Commitment in our service of our God.

To sum up, I believe the key lesson is this:

Commitment & Discipline is about deciding to do the right thing in all areas of our lives regardless of our feelings and circumstances.

Personally, this is something I have always believed in. It is my guiding principle in life since I came to know Him. And at this time in my life, I need to come back to this truth once more.

Physically and emotionally, I must admit that I am not in the best shape right now. I just came back from the States last week, working 12-18 hr days. The 24 hrs travel time drains me too. I came home having to look after the kids immediately for the next 3 days because my wife needed to travel. This on top of coming home to a full work load in the office, teleconferences during unearthly hours, church and ministry responsibilities. To top it off, I have not been sleeping well.

And with the Ed Silvoso seminar & 100K campaign fast approaching and my business planning cycle hitting full steam in late-July to late-August, it is going to be hectic for the next 50 days.

Honestly, there are times when I am not looking forward to the next 2 months.

I am tired. It is a fact. I won't deny it. And like it or not, spiritual warfare gets intense during times like these. I constantly have to stand firm against negative thoughts the evil one hurls at my weary mind...all the more as we begin to step into the 100K campaign.

I believe it is times like these that our level of discipline & commitment is shown up for what they really are. Should I choose to listen to my body and my emotions? If so, I would have chosen the following:

Take a long break. Go sip my pina colada under a coconut tree in a exotic resort somewhere. Dump my work, my ministry and the kids and family for a good 2 months or so. The 100k campaign can wait. I want a long rest. Have not taken a good long rest in my 15 years of ministry. It is about time I do so. I think I deserve it.

But deep inside, I know I will not do that. Simply because it is NOT the RIGHT thing to do at this time. I have been around long enough to know that the 100K is the call of God. I need to answer that call. My spiritual family is counting on me to make up the army of God for a time like this. Desertion is not an option. The folks at my workplace need me to bring God's blessings to them. They also count on me for many things pertaining to work. Turning my back on them is not an option. My family and kids need me to lead and set an example. Acting irresponsibly is not an option. Above all. I need to to answer to my Heavenly Father. Suppressing my conscience and not walking in obedience... nope...no way.

Not only will I obey, I will, by the grace of God, stand strong. I will remember God's Word shared with us through my spiritual father Pastor YC:

The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. (1 Tim 1 :5)

I will be steadfast, I will not drag my feet through this, I will serve and bless with a pure heart, a good conscience and sincere faith, asking God for genuine love and compassion and a shepherd's heart. I will ask for strength to overcome, and joy to accompany me, and that true delight will follow the choice of discipline and commitment.

And guess what? I really believe I will be tremendously blessed because I choose to obey.
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