R2D2's Journey....... Through The WOG

A Different Attitude

2008-06-13T06:58:00.002+08:00

_
As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?"
"Neither this man nor his parents sinned," said Jesus, "but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life. (Jn 9:1-3)

I must admit, that when bad things hit, my first thought is similar to that of the disciples. What did I do wrong? Or more often, my response will be to whine, to complain, to grumble about how unfair it is (I may not openly say it, but what I am doing is effectively accusing God of being unfair & unjust).

How little I truly understand the will and purposes of God in my life! Indeed, that kind of attitude unconsciously revealed for all to see my unbelief in God's promises in Jeremiah 29:11!

God forgive me! I am now asking God to help me attain a new attitude; so that I can say with conviction, just as Paul did:

Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. (2 Cor 12:8-9)
_

Jeremiah 29:11

2008-06-08T22:00:00.001+08:00

_
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (Jer 29:11)

My entire working career has been a testimony of the faithfulness of God as promised in Jeremiah 29:11.

It started when I graduated from the university in 1995. Concerned about landing the first job, I really had no idea where I should go. So I followed my classmates in applying for jobs in various multinational companies. I did not have the impressive grades some of them had, neither am I the hardcore "engineering type" who could answer complex technical questions at job interviews. I remembered telling my interviewer then not to ask me technical questions, but that if they are willing to take me, I believe I could learn quickly on the job. Guess what? I got the job, instead of some of my friends who had far superior jobs. God's provision? Most definitely.

So began my 5 years in a wafer fab. The start was difficult, but by God's grace, I did well, and was widely acknowledged to be one of the top performers among my peers. Promotions came, and by the end of the fourth year, I was leading a group of engineers. By then, I was married, my wife was pregnant, and work was getting too busy, and out of hand. Almost everyday, I got to work while it was still dark and never left the office till it was dark. And with rising financial commitments, I needed a better paying job too.

It was at that time that Ps YC was leaving his managerial job in his company, so he helped circulate my resume to his colleagues. It was not long before I was offered a better paying job there. God's favour once again. Not to mention that my old company offered me a promotion and a 4-figure salary increment to tempt me to stay. It was tempting...but realising that the new job was God's provision, I left anyway. And how did I know it was the right decision? Consider this...one week before I reported for work in the new company, a new bus service was started and it links my house to the doorstep of my new office. Uncanny? Nah...just God's provision and perfect timing.

So I have been in here since. Almost 8 years, and I have changed internal jobs 3 times, each time for the better. And everytime, it was NEVER initiated by me. Somehow, God's faithfulness is always at work, ensuring that I do well and as a result gained favour with the management. So whenever job rotation opportunities arise, I was approached by management to take up the job.

My current job is again is a testimony of that. It was a rare opening from our HQ in USA to run a critical portion of the worldwide business process. It was never before opened to non-US folks. I was initially hesitant, as expections were high, and I was kinda risk adverse, being comfortable where I was. But management persisted in trying to persuade me, and after also sensing God's call to increase my "influence" in my job, I took it up. That was 2 years ago. It was the most difficult, complicated and demanding job so far. Again by grace, I did well, and I became known to many people in the company in both the regional and worldwide offices. It also helped me build a skill-set that expanded my scope and horizon, making me able to take up jobs beyond technical roles.

That is to prove instrumental in God's next step of career development for me. A few months back, My worldwide division underwent a massive re-structuring and re-organisation. Many senior managers did not survive the reorganisation. My job was safe, but with the massive structural change, the relevance and value of my role takes a massive hit, and with that, advancement prospects are no longer as good.

It was a little worrying...and I did ponder how I should respond to that...should I start looking for other jobs within the company? I had hardly surrendered the matter to God when my office phone rang. It was a call from the regional office. One of their staff holding an important position had just been transferred to another division and they are inviting me to apply for her vacant position!

Wow...talk about immaculate timing. I prayed and I just knew this was God's open door. I could almost recognize his fingerprints on this opportunity. With His grace and favour, I aced the interviews this week and was just informed last Friday that I have landed the job, with very realistic potential of moving on to my next job grade if I do well in this new appointment.

What can I say? God is faithful, and no one is better at planning my career development than He is. May all glory, honour and thanks be unto Him!
_

Take Heed

2008-05-30T06:24:00.001+08:00

_
"To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God's creation. I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. You say, 'I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.' But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see. Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches."

(Rev 3:14-22)

Familiar chapter on lukewarmness, but never fails to make me uncomfortable, because it paints a reflection of me that I would rather not see. No Christian wants to be called "lukewarm", but the unfortunate fact is that many of us are. I am definitely a culprit as well.

I am neither "hot nor cold" when I can go through most parts of my life without a conscious sense of dependence on God. I am lukewarm when I think I am doing well in the sight of God and men, often making many decisions without first seeking the guidance and direction of the One I call Lord, so ften neglecting and ignoring the presence of God in my life.
I depend on my gifts, my abilities, my resources to get me through situations, in making decisions, often taking so many things for granted. I often pride myself on how capable I am to be able to do all that I can. How often do I pause to give thanks to the Source of my the resources, gifts and abilities? How often do I really allow God to decide for me, instead of assuming what I want for my life will have the approval of God?

When was the last time that I have rejected the easy path, and chosen God's narrow path for me, to forego comfort so as to allow God's fires to refine me?

What am I wearing now? Clothes that look good in the eyes of men, which is nakedness to God, or the white clothes of righteousness of Christ?

What are my eyes looking at now? Is my vision so tuned to the ways of the world that I have become blind to what really pleases the Lord?

Ps YC gave us all a good reminder recently from Psalm 147 on what really pleases the Lord:

His pleasure is not in the strength of the horse, nor his delight in the legs of a man;
the LORD delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love.

We may have gotten many things wrong, especially if we think that it is our earthly achievements that gain us His favour and delight.

But there is hope. The loving & heartwarming words from our Heavenly Father are in Rev 3:20-22.

It starts with me. Take heed. Repent. Overcome.
_

Thoughts at 38

2008-05-28T12:59:00.000+08:00

_
Watched Iron Man yesterday on my 38th birthday. Good movie; definitely one of the better superhero movies. Casting Robert Downing Jr as Tony Stark was an excellent choice, possibly as good as Hugh Jackman/Wolverine. Wrong casting will kill any superhero movie. (Remember George Clooney as Batman/Bruce Wayne? That was really BAD...)

But I digress..... actually what left a deep impression from the movie was the dialogue between Tony Stark and Yinsen when they were prisoners in Afganistan. Yinsen basically told the hedonistic Tony Stark that despite the fact that he may be one of the richest and most intelligent man alive, but if he lives just for himself and not for loved ones and family, then he is but "a man who has everything, but in fact has nothing".

And Yinsen's final words to Stark: "Don't waste your life".

Profound words....not too far from what Jesus said in Luke 12:15b - "..Then he said to them, "Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions."

Words to ponder as I approach mid-life. The things I pursue in life, how I live, and who I live for. What is the legacy I want to leave behind?
_

Being Watched Over

2008-05-21T12:43:00.001+08:00

_
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.
He will not let your foot slip— he who watches over you will not slumber;
indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.
The LORD watches over you— the LORD is your shade at your right hand;
the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.
The LORD will keep you from all harm— he will watch over your life;
the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.

(Psalm 121)

It dawned on me how often we take things for granted. We forget that when things go well, it is because the Lord God Almighty is watching over us.

We travel safely to work and back home each day...
We don't fall down and break a bone when we walk...
We don't succumb to the millions of viruses and bacteria all around us...
We have good food and clean water each day...
We are not ravaged by cyclones and earthquakes...
We have peace and a good government in the land...
We can worship God freely without persecution...

It is by the love, grace and mercy of the one who watches over us faithfully without slumber.

I had an experience recently which vividly reminded me of God's invisible hand watching over even the "more mundane and less important" area of my life. Let me elaborate:

Every month, 10% of my salary goes into a savings plan with the company. Every 6 months, the money accumulated is used to buy our company's shares on Wall Street at a discount, after which I can choose to hold on to the shares or to sell them via a computer stockbroking system in the company.

Just his month, another lot of shares came into my account. I needed some money to balance the accounts, so I decided to sell these shares, but I have no idea what is the best price to sell them. So I arbitrarily set a significantly higher price than the recent stock price, hoping that the price will rise to that level, at which the shares will be automatically sold, and the money transferred to my bank.

Imagine my surprise when I went back to the office the next day and found the shares already sold (while I was sleeping). It seems that the share price, for some unknown reason, spiked up within that trading day hitting the price I set, before closing much lower at the end of the trading day.

That was not all. A couple of days later, my company announced a multi-billion dollar acquisition of another company. As a result, the share price tumbled 15% overnight and has not recovered since.

Looks like I sold the shares at the best possible time, despite being clueless about all these. It is better than having the best stockbroker in the world looking after your investments...
Nothing beats the One who watches over us, because He is in full control of ALL the wealth on the earth.

Wow...

"The Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore..."

Thank you Lord.
_

Pray for Myanmar and China

2008-05-15T10:51:00.006+08:00

The LORD is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love.
The LORD is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made.
All you have made will praise you, O LORD; your saints will extol you.
They will tell of the glory of your kingdom and speak of your might,
so that all men may know of your mighty acts and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.
Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations. The LORD is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made.

The LORD upholds all those who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down.
The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food at the proper time.
You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing.
The LORD is righteous in all his ways and loving toward all he has made.
The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.
He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them.

(Psalm 145:8-19)

Let us intercede and appeal to the mercy and grace of God...that indeed His love for people will drive Him to hear the cries of the people and to save them, from death, from hunger, from sickness and despair.

The Long One ... Psalm 119

2008-04-30T05:49:00.002+08:00

_
Hardly got into Psalm 119 and already I had to stop to ponder this:

You have laid down precepts that are to be fully obeyed.
Oh, that my ways were steadfast in obeying your decrees!
Then I would not be put to shame when I consider all your commands.

(Psalm 119:4-6)

Firstly, I am not taking seriously the fact that God's precepts are to be fully obeyed. Most of the time, my obedience tend to be partial, half hearted. Why? I believe because I do not fear God enough, and with that, the lack of motivation to be steadfast in all my ways in obeying God's decrees.

The solution? The psalmist continues in verses 7-8.

I will praise you with an upright heart as I learn your righteous laws.
I will obey your decrees; do not utterly forsake me.

I know how weak I am...the important thing, I believe, if I caught the heart of the psalmist..is not to give up trying. Take it one day at a time, strive to walk as righteous as we can before God. Praise Him, obey Him always. And when we do fail, keep crying out to Him for grace and mercy.

I know I have this to my advantage, based on His Word:

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;
a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.
(Psalm 51:17)

"This is the one I esteem:
he who is humble and contrite in spirit,
and trembles at my word."
(Isa 66:2b)
_
_

Fear the Lord

2008-04-28T08:38:00.000+08:00

_
After yesterday's sermon, it struck me that fearing God IS the key: the foundation behind the principle of the Sabbath.

"If you keep your feet from breaking the Sabbath
and from doing as you please on my holy day,
if you call the Sabbath a delight
and the LORD's holy day honorable,
and if you honor it by not going your own way
and not doing as you please or speaking idle words,
then you will find your joy in the LORD,
and I will cause you to ride on the heights of the land
and to feast on the inheritance of your father Jacob."
The mouth of the LORD has spoken.
(Isa 58:13-14)

I cannot honor the Sabbath if I don't fear the Lord.
I cannot find delight in the Sabbath if I don't fear the Lord.
I will go my own way if I don't fear the Lord.

And...I will miss the blessings if I don't fear the Lord.

Sad reality is that I don't fear the Lord ENOUGH in many areas of my life. The unedifying thoughts that I have encouraged & entertained (and not tried hard enough to eradicate); the murmurings and grumblings; the discontent about life, the lack of fervour, the ill-discipline, the desire to do my own thing instead of obeying God....the list continues.

Why else am I still in this state, if I have the proper fear of the Holy God in my heart?

For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said:

"Wake up, O sleeper,
rise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you."

Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. (Eph 5:8-17)

A wake-up call. Time to take heed.
_

An Important Prayer

2008-04-21T10:03:00.004+08:00

_
As I meditate on Psalm 84, I realised that the key is our desire for God.

How lovely is your dwelling place, O LORD Almighty!
My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the LORD;
My heart and my flesh cry out for the living God. (Psalm 84)

Beautiful to recite, but if I were to be very honest with myself, then I need to admit that the intense desire for God as described by the psalmist, does not come naturally to me. Unfortunately, I know how prone my heart is to wonder, to leave the God I love.

And as I ponder on how I should pray in order to retain the strong desire for the presence of God all the days of my life, God again pointed me to the prayers of Paul in Ephesians:

I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. (Eph 1:17-19a)

I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
(Eph 3:16-19)

I need God's help in these key areas:

(1) Spirit of wisdom and revelation - to know God better.
(2) Eyes of my heart need to be opened so that I may know
(i) the hope that we have in God
(ii) the riches and inheritance I have as His child
(iii) the incomparable great power for me, as a believer

(3) Strengthened in my inner man with the power of the Holy Spirit so that God lives in my hearts through faith.
(4) Be rooted and established in the love of God
(5) Power to grasp the great depth that Christ has for me, so that I can be filled to the measure of all fullness of God.

I need definitely need help...so I am going to start to trust God by praying with faith. I believe He will answer. Stay tuned for my progress.
_

Memorising Psalm 84

2008-04-14T11:01:00.003+08:00

_
How lovely is your dwelling place,
O Lord Almighty.
My soul yearns, even faints,
For the courts of the Lord.
My heart and my flesh
cry out for the living God

Even the sparrow has found a home,
And the swallow a nest for herself,
Where she may have her young,
A place near your altar.
O Lord, my King and my God!
Blessed are those who dwell in your house,
They are ever praising you.

Blessed are those whose strength is in you,
Who have set their hearts on pilgrimage.
When they pass through the Valley of Baca,
they make it a place of springs.
The autumn rains also cover it with pools.
They go from strength to strength,
Till each appears before God in Zion.

Hear my prayer, Lord God Almighty!
Listen to me, O God of Jacob!
Look upon our shield, O Lord!
Look with favour upon your anointed one.

Better is one day in your courts,
than a thousand elsewhere.
I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of the Lord,
than dwell in the house of the wicked.
The Lord is a sun and shield.
The Lord bestows favor and honor.
No good thing does He withhold,
From those whose walk is blameless.

O Lord Almighty!
Blessed is the man who has put his trust in you.

I wrote this out from memory, as I attempt to memorise Psalm 84.
Not word perfect, but I am getting closer...:)

Through this process, I begin to appreciate the wisdom and heart of SP.

It is indeed a different experience to work hard in committing key scripture passages to memory. As I repeat the phrases to myself again and again, it made me meditate on them more than before. And as I reflect on them, I realised that if I can trully identify with the psalmist's intense desire for the presence of God....then surely I will be so much closer to entering into the rest of God.

And guess what? Memorising scripture was not quite the chore I thought it would be. It was actually quite fun. :)
_

Don't Shoot Ourselves in the Foot

2008-03-25T21:29:00.001+08:00

_
Psalm 81 ended with a lament of God, regarding the rich blessings that He has prepared for Israel,

"...you would be fed with the finest of wheat; with honey from the rock I would satisfy you." (Psalm 81:16)

but sadly was not given because Israel "shot themselves in the foot".

Listen to the sadness in God when He proclaimed:

"..if you would but listen to me, O Israel!" (Psalm 81:8, 13)

Obviously Israel did not heed, and the rest...is history.

Psalm 78 clearly described what Israel did to "shoot themselves in the foot", and in doing so, disqualify themselves from the richness of God's blessings.

"a stubborn and rebellious generation,
whose hearts were not loyal to God,
whose spirits were not faithful to him." (v8)

"they did not keep God's covenant
and refused to live by his law.
They forgot what he had done,
the wonders he had shown them." (v10-11)

But they continued to sin against him,
rebelling in the desert against the Most High.
They willfully put God to the test
by demanding the food they craved. (v17-18)

for they did not believe in God
or trust in his deliverance. (v22)

In spite of all this, they kept on sinning;
in spite of his wonders, they did not believe. (v32)

But then they would flatter him with their mouths,
lying to him with their tongues;
their hearts were not loyal to him,
they were not faithful to his covenant. (v36-37)

But they put God to the test
and rebelled against the Most High;
they did not keep his statutes.
Like their fathers they were disloyal and faithless,
as unreliable as a faulty bow. (v56-57)

Stiff-necked, stubborn, disloyal, unfaithful, disobedient;
quick to forget God's blessings, His miracles and goodness.
Rebellious, wilful, quick to put God to the test.
No fear of the Lord in their hearts.
Disbelief, unbelief in God's provision and deliverance.
Desires material pleasures above the Presence of God.
Untruthful in heart and deed. Flatterers.
Unreliable.

It is the same today. God wants to bless us.

"For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor;
No good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless." (Psalm 84:11)

Problem is always that our walk is far from blameless, because we keep repeating the mistakes and the sins committed by the Israelites.

But it need not be.

The choice is ours.
_

Lest We Forget...

2008-03-21T14:42:00.003+08:00

King of my life, I crown Thee now,
Thine shall the glory be;
Lest I forget Thy thorn crowned brow,
Lead me to Calvary.

Lest I forget Gethsemane,
Lest I forget Thine agony;
Lest I forget Thy love for me,
Lead me to Calvary.

Show me the tomb where Thou wast laid,
Tenderly mourned and wept;
Angels in robes of light arrayed
Guarded Thee whilst Thou slept.

Lest I forget Gethsemane,
Lest I forget Thine agony;
Lest I forget Thy love for me,
Lead me to Calvary.

Let me like Mary, through the gloom,
Come with a gift to Thee;
Show to me now the empty tomb,
Lead me to Calvary.

Lest I forget Gethsemane,
Lest I forget Thine agony;
Lest I forget Thy love for me,
Lead me to Calvary.

May I be willing, Lord, to bear
Daily my cross for Thee;
Even Thy cup of grief to share,
Thou hast borne all for me.

Lest I forget Gethsemane,
Lest I forget Thine agony;
Lest I forget Thy love for me,
Lead me to Calvary.
_

Exploiting God

2008-03-16T22:30:00.000+08:00

I believe it is in our fallen nature to desire to exploit; to maximize our gains, while aiming to minimize the effort and resources that we need to put in to achieve those aims.

We see it most clearly in the business world. Employers demand “best in market” performance from their staff. Anything less is unacceptable. Just meeting targets is deemed a failure. “Exceeding expectations” is the new acceptable norm.

Yet when it comes to rewarding their staff for their “best in market performance”, few employers will venture to pay “best in market” salaries to their staff. Instead, they try to “benchmark” to the industry, so that salaries always stay near the mean of (usually below) the industry standards, in the name of staying “competitive”.
But everyone knows the real reason:

Get the most from your employees….while giving back the minimum -

Exploitation.

Employees of course are not without blame in this area. All workers want high salaries and bonuses, as well as quick promotions. Yet not all are willing to put in the hard work to achieve the performance to warrant them. Many want the “short-cut” to success. Get the promotions and high pay in the shortest time. Find ways to put in the least effort, and yet give the impression to bosses that they have achieved the most. Never mind that you are not adding real value to the organisation.

Get the most from your employer….while giving back the minimum -

Exploitation.

I think many of us also carry this mentality into our relationship with God. We want the best out of our faith: assurance of salvation, forgiveness of sin, spiritual and material blessings galore, so that we can live the “good life” while on earth (which unfortunately also includes gratifying our desires, sometimes sinful ones), and at the same time assured of our eternal destiny.

But is that what the Christian life is all about? What about nurturing our relationship with our Heavenly Father, so that we grow to desire Him more than any other thing on earth? What about a lifetime of faithful service in His Kingdom, to serve and to make His Name known? What about a life of obedience and sacrifice, so that the Name of Jesus will be glorified?

My guess is that many of us are not so “hot” for the latter. Why? Because that requires hard work, discipline, sacrifice and obedience from us.

So we want the best from God…while hoping to give back to Him as little as possible -

Exploitation.

I believe God has our lousy attitude in mind when He wrote Galatians 6:7-9.

Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

Who are we deceiving? Do we seriously think God will let us get away with our attempts to exploit Him?

Or perhaps we think that since we already know Him, He will close an eye and go easy on us? Consider 1 Corinthians 10:1-10 and think again:

For I do not want you to be ignorant of the fact, brothers, that our forefathers were all under the cloud and that they all passed through the sea. They were all baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea. They all ate the same spiritual food and drank the same spiritual drink; for they drank from the spiritual rock that accompanied them, and that rock was Christ. Nevertheless, God was not pleased with most of them; their bodies were scattered over the desert.
Now these things occurred as examples to keep us from setting our hearts on evil things as they did. Do not be idolaters, as some of them were; as it is written: "The people sat down to eat and drink and got up to indulge in pagan revelry." We should not commit sexual immorality, as some of them did—and in one day twenty-three thousand of them died. We should not test the Lord, as some of them did—and were killed by snakes. And do not grumble, as some of them did—and were killed by the destroying angel.

Think again.

Cost of Upholding Principles

2008-03-10T22:51:00.000+08:00

_
This period of fasting from TV and computer games frees up time for me to pursue a childhood hobby that I have dropped for years - reading comics!

My favourite? Marvel Comics' Ultimate X-men and DC's Batman; because the underlying themes mirror real life. I like it when I can identify with the characters, especially with their struggles to uphold the right principles and values in the midst of the ugliness of human behaviour which is so prevalent in the world.

One of the common themes is choice: that there are a choice in how we respond to the injustice, pain and persecution that the world throws at you. In X-men, this is repesented by opposing camps lead by Magneto and Prof. Xavior. The former, after being put through the Nazi Holocaust and decades of persecution and rejection by fellow men for being different, decided that enough is enough. He will respond by leading his mutant troops to conquer mankind, destroying millions if necessary. An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth.

Prof X, on the other hand, endures the same treatment from his fellow men. Suspicion, rejection, persecution. He probably has the same "right" as Magneto to retaliate against those who persecute him and his X-men. But he chose not to. Instead, he trains his students to use their mutant powers to protect mankind regardless of the cost, believing always that it is the right thing to do, and that working towards reconciliation with mankind is the only way. Violence against those who persecute you should never be an option.

Protect those who hate you, be prepared to lay down your life for those who persecute you. Sounds familiar? (see Rom 12:17, 1 Pet 3:9)

The moral high ground, living by lofty principles. No one really denies their value, or the fact that they are the ideals that man should strive towards. The problem is always that in the face of the ugliness of reality, will people still hold on to those principles and ideals, especially when it comes at a high cost to oneself?

I thought this was so clearly illustrated in the Batman comics. Police Commisioner Jim Gordon, with the help of Batman, have the unenviable task of maintaining law and order in dark Gotham City....manifested by murderous maniacs like the Joker, Mr Freeze, Two-Face among others.

Criminals who, for all the deaths they cause and the atrocities that they commit, will always escape the death sentence, because legally they are considered "mentally unsound". Even when caught and pronounced guilty, the only thing that the law can do is to lock them up in Arkham Asylum.

Unfortunately, they have broken out and escaped so many times... to go back to their atrocities. It would be so tempting for Jim and Batman to rationalise that in these cases, "for the greater good of mankind", it is alright to take the law into their own hands and kill these evil men the next time they have the chance. After all, think of the lives that they will save. Aren't they doing everyone a favour?

But our heroes know that the law and their principles need to be upheld. If they rationalise that they can take the law into their own hands by playing judge and jury, they will not be any different from the criminals that they try to apprehend.

And the price they paid to uphold those principles

(1) The Joker escaped and killed Jim Gordon's wife.
(2) The Joker brutally killed Batman's partner - the 2nd Robin (Jason Todd)
(3) The Joker again shot and paralysed Batgirl - Barbara Gordon, who is also Jim Gordon's daughter.

Yet our heroes presevered and pressed on, in many instances tempted, but always reminding themselvees not to do things that they will regret.

"Raise them to our level, don't sink to theirs."

Sure. these are but fiction. But I believe I do learn some biblical principles from them. I keep asking myself, if my world were to come crashing down around me today, will I continue to hold on to my Christian values? Or will I succumb to the pressures and revert back to the ways of the world. Will I repay evil for evil, especially in dealing with people who hurt me and who hate me?

The more I reflect on this, the more convinced I am of how far I am from truly having God's heart and God's character. I need to be reminded from His Word:

"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 underfoot.
"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 others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. (Matt 5:13-16)

In other words, raise them to our level...don't sink to theirs._
_

Just like the Israelites...

2008-02-29T23:45:00.001+08:00

_
Reading "Drawing Near" by John Bevere.

What he made me realise is that although we so often shake our heads at the Israelites during their exodus, for being so stiff-necked, for always grumbling and complaining against Moses, I am actually so like them...if I am honest with myself.

So often, I walk with God as if it is a chore...and complain and grumble (often not outwardly, but definitely in my heart) whenever things don't work out the way I want.

What is the problem here with my heart?

John Bevere rightly pointed out the root of the issue is in the key difference between the heart of Moses and the hearts of the rest of the Israelites:

(1) Moses' key desire was always for the presence of God. That is evident in the following verses:
Then Moses said to him, "If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here.
(Exodus 33:15).

Moses would rather not go into the Promised Land (symbolising the good life and its material blessings) if the Presence of God did not go with him. He just wanted to be right there in the presence of God. The rest, including his material comforts and circumstances, was unimportant! No wonder God was delighted with the heart of this man.

(2) Compare that to the rest of the Israelites,

They said to Moses, "Was it because there were no graves in Egypt that you brought us to the desert to die? What have you done to us by bringing us out of Egypt?
Didn't we say to you in Egypt, 'Leave us alone; let us serve the Egyptians'? It would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the desert!" (Exodus 14:12-13)

The Israelites said to them, "If only we had died by the LORD's hand in Egypt! There we sat around pots of meat and ate all the food we wanted, but you have brought us out into this desert to starve this entire assembly to death." (Exodus 16:3)

But the people were thirsty for water there, and they grumbled against Moses. They said, "Why did you bring us up out of Egypt to make us and our children and livestock die of thirst?" (Exodus 17:3)

If I were to be honest with myself, I must say that I am much more like the Israelites. Deep inside, I think that I place too much emphasis on the "good life" - the material enjoyment, the "freedom" to use my time on things I like to do. Hence the natural propensity to grumble and complain in my heart against God and His leaders whenever serving Him requires me to undergo inconveniences and certain sacrifices that impedes my pursuit of the "good life" that I wanted.

I believe I totally lack Moses' deep desire for the presence of God. I have lost the joy of my salvation. Serving Him has become an obligation, a responsibility to discharge. I hardly sense any joy and delight. Sad state of affairs, but true.

What is the remedy? I believe Ps Khong's message clearly reveals what needs to be done:

(1) I need to be broken by the condition of my heart. I am beginning to...and recognise that I cannot go on like that.

(2) I need to cry out everyday for God's cleansing.

(3) Most importantly, I need God to create a new heart within me, grant me a willing and steadfast spirit to sustain me, and restore the joy of my salvation.
_

Walking Home

2008-02-19T22:31:00.000+08:00

_
God's timing cannot get any better.

I need this 40-day fast. I need to re-discover the intimacy with God. I must have lost it along the way as I go through life, growing up, growing older. I must have kept denying to myself that something is not right over the last few years. I must suppressed it, glossed over it and carried on with life as if everything is just fine.

But since the turn of 2008, I think God cares too much to allow me to carry on like this. Certain feelings kept gnawing at my core, and gets harder and harder to suppress. Feelings of repressed anger, bitterness, discontent.

Living life becomes increasingly tasteless, monotonous....as if there is little to look forward to. I feel dissatisfied with my life. Everything (including my walk with God) feels like a chore, a daily grind. I feel like quiting, yet somehow in my heart I know I do not have a better alternative. I feel trapped, frustrated, angry.

Relating to God feels like reporting to my boss, Instead of a loving relationship, all I see are responsibilities and obligations to fulfill.

I think I forgot that He loves me as a son, not just as a servant.

I think I know that in my head....but somehow I do not really grasp it in my heart.

I feel just like the elder brother of the prodigal son...faithfully serving the father all these years, but without much joy, not really "knowing" his father's love.

My heart must have hardened along the way....without me realising it. Now that I reflect upon it, I begin to see the points in my life where that gradually set in. Looks like I did not "guard my heart" well enough.

I need to sort myself out and "clean house". Need to draw near to my Father ....again.

I think I have been away....for a long time. Time to start to walk home.
_

On Psalms 42 and 43

2008-02-12T17:34:00.000+08:00

_
Why are you downcast, O my soul?
Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God,
for I will yet praise him,
my Savior and my God.

After SP's message on Sunday about the importance of "not fretting" even when things are not going well, I thought Psalms 42 and 43 further reinforced this truth with David's common refrain in these 2 Psalms.

Indeed, one of the most valuable lessons that I am learning from David is his unfailing ability to give thanks and praise God, regardless of the difficult circumstances that he is in. His unwavering hope is always that ultimately, God will come through for Him.

Need to learn from David. I guess the first thing to do will be to memorise this verse to remind myself whenever things don't go well, that my hope must always remain steadfast, because the Source of my hope will never fail me.
_

Vindication

2008-02-05T05:58:00.000+08:00

_
Just got off a conversation with a colleague, who just had a salary increment meeting with her boss. She was very, very upset. It seems that her boss had used all his increment budget on a few selected "high performers" and gave the rest of the team zero increment.

So regardless of how hard you work, and how much you think you have accomplished, if the boss does not rate you as one of the "top performers", zero will be your reward for the entire year's work.

Unfair? I think so.

But why would we expect fairness in a world run by fallen man? Wealth distribution managed by a world guided by the principle of greed is not expected to result in justice or fairness.

My own "fate" in terms of salary increment is still unknown. I may know sometime this week. A similar fate like my colleague's may await me. But after 10+ years of working in MNCs while trying me best to walk with God, I think I have learnt that in situations like that, worrying or being anxious is futile. It is not going to change anything.

Do I want a good increment? Of course! Do I pray for it? Sure I did! And since I have done all I can (ie pray), I think the smartest thing will be to leave it in His good hands.

Does it mean that I will not be affected in the event of a unfavourable meeting with my boss? I don't think so. But I think any potential disappointment or emotional outburst is likely to be muted. Either I have mellowed over the years (or grown in the Lord), I thought that Psalm 35 provides a reminder on how I should respond in the event that I am unfairly treated:

Awake, and rise to my defense!
Contend for me, my God and Lord.
(Psalm 35:23)

Need to remind myself never to get too upset in these situations, but still be able to do what David did in his circumstances -

My tongue will speak of your righteousness
and of your praises all day long.
(Psalm 35:28)
_

On Psalm 23 - Travelling Light

2008-01-23T23:49:00.000+08:00

_
The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

(Psalm 23)

God's timing is always perfect, and I cannot think of a more relevant time for me to meditate on the beloved 23rd psalm.

I am in dire need of rest, both physically and emotionally. I feel stretched in all directions; my inner emotions are in upheaval, and I think I really need the rest and calming presence of my Shepherd.

Stress, fatigue, discontentment, disapointment, frustration, feelings of being trapped with no way out....these are some of the emotions I am battling with recently, and they overflow into every area of my life. Ironic too that I have also just read Max Lucado's book "Travelling Light", which touched on the topics of shedding our burdens and baggages, so that we can truly find peace, joy and rest in the journey with our Shepherd.

Indeed, I think God is showing me in this Year of Sabbath that I need to shed many emational burdens:

Burdens of want and discontent - and trust in my Shepherd.

Burdens of weariness and fatigue - and rest in His green pastures.

Burdens of disappointment and hurts - and allow Him to anoint my head with oil to sooth, to heal.

Burden of hopelessness - and allow Him to restore my soul.

Burden of fear - and allow His presence to comfort me.

Burden of envy - and realise that in the Lord's presence, my cup will always overflow.

Only then can I truly enter His Sabbath rest.
_

Even When It Hurts...

2008-01-15T23:32:00.000+08:00

_
Psalm 15 - A Psalm of David

LORD, who may dwell in your sanctuary?
Who may live on your holy hill?
He whose walk is blameless
and who does what is righteous,
who speaks the truth from his heart
and has no slander on his tongue,
who does his neighbor no wrong
and casts no slur on his fellowman,
who despises a vile man
but honors those who fear the LORD,
who keeps his oath even when it hurts,
who lends his money without usury
and does not accept a bribe against the innocent.
He who does these things will never be shaken.

Somehow, verse 4 speaks to me. I guess I am going through a challenging time right now in terms of my inner emotions. To call it "mid-life crisis" will be an exaggeration, but the truth of the matter is that I am at that juncture of my life when some truths begin to really dawn upon me, that because of my faith and my commitment to serve God where He has placed me, I probably will not be able to pursue or realise some of my life goals and ambitions... and somehow, that hurts me inside when I try to come to terms with these issues..

"I will not sacrifice to the Lord my God burnt offerings that costs me nothing".
(2 Sam 24:24)

Such a familiar verse of Scripture. So often quoted. But it is a different matter when the reality of the "cost" stares at you straight in the face.

So it is comforting to know that King David himself acknowledged and identified with similar emotions. He should. For all the victories that we see in his life, we sometimes forget the difficult time he had while fleeing from Saul. To be so unfairly treated, and yet, out of his obedience to God, he chose not to retailiate, and spent long periods on the run. That must have hurt. That is a great sacrifice. From King David's psalms, it is also clear that he always had unwavering trust in the Lord's goodness and faithfulness, knowing that God will never short-change him. Walking right with God will ultimately have its rewards. How true that is in David's life!

And may that be an encouragement to remain steadfast in my commitment to serve Him, so that I will never be shaken.

Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. (1 Cor 15:58)

The "Bowl of Stew"

2008-01-08T11:05:00.000+08:00

_
Once when Jacob was cooking some stew, Esau came in from the open country, famished. He said to Jacob, "Quick, let me have some of that red stew! I'm famished!" (That is why he was also called Edom. )
Jacob replied, "First sell me your birthright."
"Look, I am about to die," Esau said. "What good is the birthright to me?"
But Jacob said, "Swear to me first." So he swore an oath to him, selling his birthright to Jacob.
Then Jacob gave Esau some bread and some lentil stew. He ate and drank, and then got up and left. So Esau despised his birthright. (Gen 25:29-34)

Esau will probably be most remembered as the guy who sold his birthright for a bowl of stew. Unfortunate for him since he actually had so much going for him: - Firstborn son of Issac, it was his right to inherit the Abrahamic covenant that through him, the nations of the earth will be blessed.

He blew his chance, gave up on the destiny that God had promised him in a moment of folly. Unfortunately for him, there was no turning back, in spite of his tears and regrets. Nothing could reverse his decision to trade his eternal destiny and blessings to fulfill an immediate desire, to meet an immediate need.

Sad. But before we go too hard on Esau for being such a "fool", chances are that some of us are also prone to make the same mistake.

Take my own life as an example. I have a God-provided career, privilege to support my wonderful wife through her full time service to God's work, 2 beautiful kids, good health for everyone in my family (including mum, bro, aunts, in-laws) and good relationships with them.

I have the privilege of serving him in a good church, with good leaders watching over me. I believe my destiny and inheritance in the Lord is a glorious one, for me, my family, my kids, provided I remain faithful in serving God and obeying Him.

But yet I cannot deny that often the discontent is very real in my life, especially when I grow tired, weary and start to lose focus on what is eternal. These are times when I start to manifest the "darker" and "worldlier" side of me. I begin to focus on my problems, my difficulties, my dissatisfactions in life. I grumble about the "sacrifices" I need to make to follow Christ and to serve Him. Instead of being thankful for the blessings of God, I start counting my costs in some of the "mundane" and "trivial" areas:

(1) Not being able to devote all my attention and time to my career to climb higher than where I am now - ie losing out in climbing the corporate ladder, in $$.

(2) Having to shoulder the financial burden for the family so that my wife can serve God full-time, thereby having to make some sacrifices in terms of my schedule, convenience and of course $$. With that, probably giving up on the lifestyle I secretly wanted, forgoing the dream car and dream house I wanted, cutting back on the high tech toys I wish I possess.

(3) "Thankless" tasks of having to serve in the ministry, people who don't respond despite the efforts poured in, unanswered prayers, things that don't go according to plan, frustrations that go along with serving in a "fast-changing-baptist-church". Re-living past hurts and disappointments.

(4) Other grouses....related to kids, family, people ...the list goes on.

Cant't deny there are moments when I almost wished I could have chosen my way and live the life I wanted. "Look, I am about to die, What good is the birthright to me?"

If this does not come close to to selling my birthright for a bowl of stew, not sure what does.

The problem for me is that in times like this, I let my dissatisfactions and desire for temporal needs overwhelm and cloud my vision of the important and the eternal. I somehow think that fulfilling my temporal desires will truly make me happy, even at the expense of the eternal. A lie. And yet I get tempted by it again and again.

By the grace of God, since the year of victory, the frequency of that happening and the intensity of negative feelings when they do hit has decreased. And in the year of Sabbath, I intend to minimise it even further, by walking close to Him. Needs work. But I want to "make every effort to enter that rest". And may I never be branded as one who despises my birthright as a child of God. I pray that I will see as Paul did in Ephesians 1:18:

I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints.
(Ephesians 1:18)

I look forward to the day when I am no longer tempted by that deceptively attractive bowl of stew.
_

Streams of Living Water

2008-01-02T09:48:00.000+08:00

_
Blessed is the man
who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked
or stand in the way of sinners
or sit in the seat of mockers.
But his delight is in the law of the LORD,
and on his law he meditates day and night.
He is like a tree planted by streams of water,
which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither.
Whatever he does prospers.
(Psalm 1:1-3)

What a beautiful psalm to start the New Year - the Year of Sabbath!

Indeed it captures the essence of what I want to see in this year:
That I will delight in being anchored in the Word of God this year....just like a tree planted by the Stream of Living Water, where I will experience joy and peace that God has intended, and see fruitfulness and prosperity that comes from Him in all areas of my life.

By faith I claim this promise. By faith I shall see it fulfilled in my life in 2008!
_

Towards Greater Victories...in the Year of Sabbath!

2007-12-31T09:42:00.000+08:00

_
As the Year of Victory draws to a close, there is much to give thanks for....for God's grace, goodness and faithfulness in granting us victories in so many areas of our lives. May it be on the personal front, family, career, ministry, I thank God that I have so many blessings to count.

And I fully resonate with SP's belief that as we enter the Year of Sabbath, instead of seeing the end of victories, what we will see is a continuation of victories greater than anything we have seen...on the condition that we obey the Lord and honour His Sabbath.

"If you keep your feet from breaking the Sabbath
and from doing as you please on my holy day,
if you call the Sabbath a delight
and the LORD's holy day honorable,
and if you honor it by not going your own way
and not doing as you please or speaking idle words,
then you will find your joy in the LORD,
and I will cause you to ride on the heights of the land
and to feast on the inheritance of your father Jacob."
The mouth of the LORD has spoken. (Isaiah 58:13-14)

Indeed, as it has been spoken of so many times before...victory in Christ IS our birthright. We however need to be watchful that we do not sell our birthright as eternal victors for "a bowl of stew".... something that brings only temporal relief and pleasure.

Even as the we reach the last day of 2007, the Lord is speaking loud and clear to me on this issue. And I believe that His promise is that if I am willing to trust, honor and obey Him above wholeheartedly, joy and victory beyond my imagination will definitely be experienced.

So that even in the Year of Sabbath, 2 Corinthians 2:14 will continue to be a familiar refrain in my life:

But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him!
_

Good Guys DO Finish First!

2007-12-22T21:37:00.000+08:00

"Tonight is really special for me," said Kaka, who helped Milan to their seventh European Cup title in May and was also inspirational in Sunday's 4-2 Club World Cup final victory over Argentina's Boca Juniors. "When I was young I dreamed of playing for Sao Paulo and playing just one game for the national team. That was it...but the Bible says God gives us more than we ask for and that is what has happened in my life." - Reuters

MILAN — AC Milan and Brazil playmaker Kaka defies the model of a modern footballer. The 26-year-old chooses to let his football make the headlines, not for him boozefuelled romps with starry-eyed groupies or days out on the track eyeing fillies of the four-legged variety.

Kaka, a devout Christian, largely avoids celebrity parties and does not worry too much about his image, expressing himself on the pitch with mesmeric skill and driving runs.

On Monday (Tuesday morning, Singapore time), his dedication saw yet another individual award go his way, as he was crowned World Player of the Year by Fifa. Last month, he had already bagged the FIFPro World Player of the Year and Uefa European Club Player of the Year accolades.

A goal in Milan’s 4-2 win over Boca Juniors in Sunday’s Club World Cup Final was the perfect curtain raiser to the Brazilian’s latest individual gong. Filippo Inzaghi thanked Kaka for setting up his two goals. "Kaka was just excellent. He scored one himself and helped me with my goals," said the 34-year-old Italian striker.

The win also avenged Milan's defeat on penalties to the Argentinians in the final of the 2003 Intercontinental Cup, the Club World Cup's previous incarnation. ."I don't like the word 'revenge,'" said Kaka. "In 2003, we lost and it was history. Now we won and made history."

AC Milan's Filipo Inzaghi (L) celebrates with teammate Kaka after scoring a goal against Boca Juniors during their FIFA Club World Cup final in Yokohama, Kanagawa prefecture. Italian giants AC Milan overwhelmed Argentina's Boca Juniors 4-2 to win a record fourth intercontinental crown. Kaka's unselfish play created 2 goals for his team-mate and Inzaghi was quick to acknowledge the Brazilian's contribution to his success after the match.

He finished ahead of Barcelona’s Lionel Messi and Manchester United’s Cristiano Ronaldo in the voting. Kaka struck 10 goals to guide Milan to their seventh European Cup triumph in May.

With no World Cup or European Championship to help voters, Kaka’s form for Milan has been the reason why he is now rated as the top footballer in the world.

Few will disagree he is the best right now. He scores goals, he has bundles of energy, shows plenty of courage and is also unselfish, creator as well as finisher.

His wife announced recently they were expecting their first son while Kaka says life as an evangelical pastor appeals to him after football. But football is his calling now.

— AGENCIES

Way to go Kaka! Congratulations!

What strikes me always is Kaka's testimony for God in the glitzy world of football. (Compare this to the recent fiasco involving Man Utd players at a Christmas party leading to rape allegations. see http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/topstories/2007/12/18/manchester-united-party-rape-probe-89520-20259565/ )

He plays by God's rules. He attributes His success to his Creator. Despite his powess as a world-class footballer, he is not a selfish player, and frequently creates goals for the team instead of scoring on his own. He does not let success go to his head or subscribed to the hedonism that many famous players are notorious for. His faith is so much a part of him, and he carries it so naturally that the secular press, whenever writing about him, almost without fail mentions that he is a "devout Christian".

He brings to mind God's promises in Proverbs 3:1-6

My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart,
For they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity.
Let love and faithfulness never leave you;
Bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.
Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.
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.

May he continue to shine brightly for the Lord, may he always be an excellent role model to millions around the world so that they will always "see his good works and glorify our Father in heaven".
_

Lessons from Malachi (II)

2007-12-19T07:59:00.000+08:00

_
One of my guys made an astute observation after reading the book of Malachi that the root of the issue - causing us either withold our best from God, and/or complaining about the burdens of serving Him is found in Malachi 2:17, 3:13-15, when God summed this up by rebuking the Israelites:

You have wearied the LORD with your words.
"How have we wearied him?" you ask.
By saying, "All who do evil are good in the eyes of the LORD, and he is pleased with them" or "Where is the God of justice?"

"You have said harsh things against me," says the LORD.
"Yet you ask, 'What have we said against you?'
"You have said, 'It is futile to serve God. What did we gain by carrying out his requirements and going about like mourners before the LORD Almighty? But now we call the arrogant blessed. Certainly the evildoers prosper, and even those who challenge God escape.' "

In short, God is saying that His people find it pointless to serve God, since from their observations, God is unfair in "blessing" pagans more than He blesses His own people, and unjust in letting evil-doers go unpunished.

I believe I do the same. It is called "envying the wicked".

Indeed sometimes when I see the happenings around me, when non-Christians seem to prosper and get away with so much, living a seemingly easier and more luxurious life; while we struggle to walk in faithfulness, it does cause me to wonder what God is doing about all these. There are moments too when I doubt the value of trying hard to keep God's laws, since the benefits and rewards of obeying God are often not immediately apparent.

But the bottomline is that God calls this kind of thinking and attitude - sin.

More than ever, I need the Lord's reminder, that it DOES make a difference that we choose to obey and serve Him wholeheartedly, without double-mindedness.

Then those who feared the LORD talked with each other, and the LORD listened and heard. A scroll of remembrance was written in his presence concerning those who feared the LORD and honored his name.

"They will be mine," says the LORD Almighty, "in the day when I make up my treasured possession. I will spare them, just as in compassion a man spares his son who serves him. And you will again see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not. (Malachi 3:16-18)
_

Lessons From Malachi (I)

2007-12-11T21:18:00.000+08:00

_
As I prepare myself to enter the year of Sabbath, I believe an integral part of that preparation involves examining our lives to ensure that our actions and our attitudes please the Lord. In view of that, meditating on the book of Malachi really helped me to realise that very often, until the Lord points out the areas of our lives that displeased Him, we may actually think that we are still walking right with Him.

The accusations from the Lord and the Isrealites' corresponding replies indicate that they are so deceived, that they were not aware of what they were doing wrong. Consider the following:

A son honors his father, and a servant his master. If I am a father, where is the honor due me? If I am a master, where is the respect due me?" says the LORD Almighty. "It is you, O priests, who show contempt for my name. "But you ask, 'How have we shown contempt for your name?' "You place defiled food on my altar. "But you ask, 'How have we defiled you?' "By saying that the LORD's table is contemptible." When you bring blind animals for sacrifice, is that not wrong? When you sacrifice crippled or diseased animals, is that not wrong? (Malachi 1:6-8)

Like the Israelites, I believe I have often been guilty of showing contempt and defiling the Lord by saying that His table is contemptible. How? In the same way I know I have done similar things -

(1) Bringing blind, diseased and crippled sacrifices to the Lord. I know that the Lord is worthy of honour and the highest praise; He deserves our best offerings. And yet, too often I give God the "second-best", the "leftovers" in terms of our time, our finances, among other things. For example, I "know" that I need to give the Lord the best time each day to seek His face but so many times have I chosen instead to do as I pleased and chose instead to sleep more, to play computer games etc, relegating the time with Him to hurried moments during "more convenient" times of the day. If that is not equivalent to bringing crippled and diseased sacrifices to His table, what is?

(2) "But you profane it by saying of the Lord's table, 'It is defiled,' and of its food, 'It is contemptible.' And you say, 'What a burden!' and you sniff at it contemptuously," says the LORD Almighty. (Malachi 12:13)
In the same way, I know I have been guilty of this. Complaining that it is such a difficult burden to serve the Lord, to offer our sacrifices. Disliking the "obligations" as a servant of God, secretly wishing that I do not have to do all these, so that I have more time to do "my own things".
That very attitude, according to the Lord, profanes His Name. Not to be taken lightly.

It is by His mercy that He is helping me to see the deceitfulness of my heart. I pray God gives me the wisdom, humility and obedience to heed His warning.
_
"And now this admonition is for you, O priests. If you do not listen, and if you do not set your heart to honor my name," says the LORD Almighty, "I will send a curse upon you, and I will curse your blessings. Yes, I have already cursed them, because you have not set your heart to honor me. (Malachi 2:1-2)
_

What I learned from Nick

2007-12-03T10:56:00.000+08:00

Amazing man. Thank God for Him.

His life testimony forces me to look at my own life in a new perspective. Key things I learned and needed to apply for my own life include:

(1) Relative to the challenges Nick has to overcome, my own circumstances, inconveniences, seem so minor in comparison. All the grumblings about the things that don't go right in my life...I am almost ashamed to mention them right now. The lack of gratitude and thanksgiving in my own life disturbs me....what a sin. Contrast that with Nick, I need to come back to 1 Thess 5:18 - give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
Thanks Nick, for reminding me of that important truth!

(2) There is no excuse for not walking with God, obeying & trusting Him regardless of my circumstances. It is all about renewing my mind with the truth of God. If Nick, with all his limitations, can fully trust God's plans for his life; to bless him with a wonderful future, what is my excuse? The hardship at work? challenges of balancing work, family, ministry? I must have that attitude of a overcomer...with the strength of God. Surely I can trust God that my circumstances are a part of His plan of training for me? I need to trust Him, and shine as I go through my circumstances. Need to believe in God's unchanging truth, His love, His goodness.
Thanks Nick, for inspiring with your life!

God reminded me again even when I was running the 10 km race in yesterday's Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon. As I was struggling through the last couple of kilometers, I saw this sign which read: "There is no such thing as bad weather..only weak minds."

How true. My mind needs to be renewed with the strength to trust God absolutely for His plans for my life. Indeed, there is no such thing as bad circumstances...only unrenewed minds that choose not to trust and believe in God.
_

Spending on What Really Matters

2007-11-12T23:31:00.000+08:00

_
Got my car scratched and dented at the rear car door last week. Was in too much of a hurry as I left the car park and did not check the clearance on the left. The most serious scratch/dent I have since having the car for 2.5 years.

As with most guys, I believe, we have this "emotional link" to our cars. Some call it the "pseudo-mistress-complex"...:). Anyway, I felt the "pain" instantly. My first thought was to get it fixed immediately. Most of us guys want our cars to be in pristine condition always...hence the tendency for guys to spend fortunes to upgrade/mod their cars.

Indeed that was foremost on my mind even on the next day when I drove my car to Borneo Motors Bodycare workshop in West Coast. I just wanted my car fixed as soon as possible, and I thought the period when I will be abroad next week might be the perfect time to do it. Hence I wanted to get the damage assessed and the workshop booking done.

So I had the Borneo Motors employee (I forgot his name) assess the scratches and dents on my car. The good news was that the scratches were not deep enough to cause me rust issues. He then gave me an estimate of the cost required to do the panel beating/respraying. Quite expensive, but expected.

His next response took me by surprise. He asked if he could give me advise on what I should do. I said yes. He said to me: " Bro, your damage is not serious...it is purely cosmetic...I strongly recommend that you live with it & leave it unrepaired. There are better ways of spending your money."

I think I had an epiphany right there. So obsessed I was with getting the appearance fixed that it did not occur to me to think if it was worthwhile to spend that money.

Come and think of it, the same principle extends to so many other areas of our lives.

As Christians, we "know" that we need to live for the eternal, because the world that we live in will soon pass away, and yet, the way that we live, spend our time, money and resources, too often betray our real values. Some of us spend more money than we should on houses, cars, clothes and other "toys". Some of us on the other hand, spend too much time and energies on activities that in the long run, may not have much eternal value, such as climbing the corporate ladder for purely $$ and vanity's sake, or kiasism (cannot lose out to others). Others sacrifice precious time with family and loved ones for other pursuits that in the long run bring nothing but emptiness and regrets.

Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Matt 6:19-21)

Good reminder. Need to guard the heart to focus on what really has eternal value. For that alone, I think it is wise to leave the dent on the car...so that every time I see it, God's reminder comes to mind again.
_

True Beauty

2007-10-29T22:49:00.000+08:00

_
A wife of noble character who can find?
She is worth far more than rubies.
Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.
She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.
She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands.
She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar.
She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls.
She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.
She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night.
In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.
When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes.
She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.
She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.
Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:
"Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all."
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

(Proverbs 31:10-31)

Read Proverbs this weekend, and I paused to meditate on the chapter on the wife of noble character again.

The qualities of the "ideal" wife in God's sight are clear:

She fears the Lord. She is a blessing to her husband, looks after him and her children well. She is hardworking, resourceful, skilled and capable, an excellent helper to her husband. She is of noble character; strong, wise and has a kind heart for the the poor and less fortunate.

Good looks and a shapely figure somehow does not appear in the list. Instead God reminds us of how fleeting external beauty is, and instead reiterates that it is a woman who fears the Lord who is to be praised. This is again re-emphasized in 1 Peter 3:3-5:

Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight. For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to make themselves beautiful.

I think we guys need to be reminded of this again and again. The media is bombarding us with the world's definition of feminine beauty everyday, and it is hard for us not to be influenced...sometimes so subtly that we may not even be conscious of it.

Yet, if left unchecked, and if we do not allow the Word of God and the Spirit to renew our minds in this area, the wrong perception of beauty is very likely to harm us in many ways. Exaggerated? Maybe not. It affects us at different stages in our relationships with women and can potentially deceive us into making wrong decisions at critical times:

(1) It may cause us to place more emphasis and priority on a woman's appearance during our dating & courtship years....we tend to choose to date ladies who are "pleasant & good" looking...rather than those with godly characters who may be less attractive. With that, the danger of choosing a spouse based on our criteria with a disproportionate emphasis on looks.

(2) We married guys are not spared either. If we were to bring the same warped values of feminine beauty into our marriage, it will not be long before real problems can arise. How long does it take for a married man to start having roving eyes if external beauty takes precedence in how he values his wife? What will it lead to? Unfaithfulness, adultery.....so many sad stories out there.

Of course, to be honest, all guys will prefer a godly woman who is beautiful in appearance as well. I think that is perfectly normal. But that is also an "ideal" that may not be realistic in this imperfect world. Our expectations must be guided by the Holy Spirit, and we need to be honest with ourselves on the scale of importance that we attach to looks, and re-calibrate if necessary.

So, I think it is time for us guys to refocus our eyes to align with God's definition of a woman's beauty. The faster we learn it and have it hard-coded into our value system, the better it is for us. Which is why I thought Pastor YC's message to the young adult guys 2 Saturdays ago to place character above appearance in choosing a spouse is so timely.

We need to recognise true beauty when we see it - beauty that does not depend on outward appearance, but comes from the inner self.

And I need to see my wife from that light more and more (in addition to her already beautiful outward appearance, of course...:P ), and recognise what a beautiful lady she is, and really appreciate how close she fits the God's description of an ideal wife in Proverbs 31.
_

Carmen & Eunice

2007-10-19T22:16:00.000+08:00

_
And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me. (Matt 18:5)

Yesterday, I procrastinated no longer.

This was something the Lord has placed upon my heart since the earlier part of the year. I had promised the Lord that I would do it this year. But shame on me that for months, I just sat on it. Not that I am unwilling, but I simply allowed the business of life to get the better of me.

In other words, I kept God on hold for months.

The sermons over the last few weeks on financial freedom-giving to the poor and on the importance of obeying God's laws in our lives were, I believe, gentle reminders from God for me to fulfill what I agreed to do. (He could have zapped me....but thankfully, He is always gracious and merciful).

So I determined to get it done yesterday. I adopted my 2nd child under Compassion Canada (http://www.compassion.ca/), a Christian organisation dedicated to eliminating the root causes of poverty for children around the globe. For more than 50 years, Compassion’s ministry has successfully released children from spiritual, physical, economic and social poverty in Jesus’ name.

As I did with my first sponsored child (Carmen from the Dominican Republic) under the program, I opted not to choose the child I would sponsor. I left it to God to lead me through the organisation to the child most in need of aid.

And so God guided me through Compassion Canada ...to Eunice from Kenya!

Eunice Ayuma from Kenya

Carmen Adriana Cedano Zorrilla
from the Dominican Republic

Don't get me wrong...I am not here to boast about my "generosity".

To be truthful, in view of how blessed we are here in Singapore, the money that I am giving each month for the 2 young children is really nothing to shout about. I am simply obeying God by starting to do what I should be doing in the first place..... instead, I genuinely feel privileged that I can be a blessing to young children from different corners of the world; not to mention that these small acts of kindness to children always please the heart of God.

So do pray for me, that even though I may never get to meet these 2 special children, God will use me to bless their lives. And that I will be faithful in writing to them to encourage them, as well as to regularly pray for them.

Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. (James 1:27)
_

Law & Grace

2007-10-14T21:41:00.000+08:00

_
Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. (Gal 6:7)

This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. (1 John 1:5-6)

In this time and age, I believe that very few of us err on the side of being too "religious" in following God's laws. Instead, many of us are guilty of taking God's grace for granted.

I myself find myself guilty on many counts, especially after reflecting on today's sermon. Almost unconsciously, I have so often downplayed the many failings in my behaviour and character, assuming that I should not be "over-zealous" and "over-righteous"; and also that God's grace is "sufficient" to cover my "weaknesses".

Today's sermon reminded me that I needed to repent. This is no way to treat God's laws. Taking advantage of His mercy and grace is not the way a Christian should live.

Areas of my life that demanded my immediate attention:

(1) Enforcing the spiritual disciplines. It is time for me to stop using my busy life as an excuse for my failings in maintaining a consistent prayer and devotion life. Lack of discipline in this area is simply making a statement that there are areas in my life that takes precedence over my time with God. It should never be.

(2) Self centeredness & a lack of love for people. To be honest, very often, I do not really care if my neighbours and my colleagues die without coming to know Christ. I may not admit it, but often, as long as my own life and that of my loved ones are going well, I simply do not care enough for anyone else. That lack of heart for people is not of the Lord. How can I be a pastor in the marketplace if I lack even the most basic pre-requisite - a shepherd's heart for the people? How often do I pray for the people around me?

(3) Emphasis on godliness, not just respectability. Like what Pastor YC told me...I need to remember that the most important audience of my life is not the people around me, but the Person within me. So what if I "look" respectable in the eyes of the world? Should I be satisfied with that? No. There is still so much filth to get rid of in my heart, my mind. Hidden lusts, anger, envy, materialism. What I secretly yearn for. The world may not see them, but God does.

Time to re-establish God's laws and perimeters in all these areas in my life.
_

Integrity

2007-10-10T13:43:00.000+08:00

The man of integrity walks securely, but he who takes crooked paths will be found out. (Proverbs 10:9)

It is that time of the year again, when our bosses ask each individual to draft up his list of "accomplishments" over the last 12 months, so as to help our bosses rate our performance, and in the process, decide our increment and bonuses.

By the grace of God, I have so far done well in the company under all my previous bosses. This year, however, I have a new boss, who may not know me too well or what I have done as he has only been on the job for about 8 months.

So the first temptation was for me to "spruce up" my list of accomplishments so as to ensure that I make the right impression. However, the danger in doing so is always that one tends to over-sell and claim more credit for projects and initiatives that are actually due, or give the impression that results are better than what they actually are. Part and parcel of marketing in the real world.

This may seem trivial, but it cannot be denied that if I were to give in to this temptation, I will be compromising my integrity. And how important is that in the sight of God? Very.

In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us. (Titus 2:7-8)

Need to remember that "the LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." (1Sam 16:7). Time to practise what I preach and have a clean conscience before God.

So I have completed my list and submitted to my boss. Nothing "impressive", but just a single page listing all that I have done over the year, in point form; facts that I can honestly stand before God with.

Trivial? Maybe.....but I needed to be reminded that it is often the small things that reveal our true character.

Josephs & Daniels of the Marketplace (1) - Kaka

2007-10-01T07:19:00.000+08:00

A devout evangelical Christian, Kaká became engrossed in religion at the age of 12: "I learnt that it is faith that decides whether something will happen or not." He suffered a career-threatening and possibly paralysis-inducing spine fracture at the age of 18 as a result of a swimming pool accident, but remarkably made a full recovery. The next year, Kaká made his comeback on the pitch, when he came in as a reserve-substitute in the Torneio Rio-São Paulo final match and scored two goals, among them the match-winner, in less than five minutes. He attributes his recovery to God.

This year, He famously removed his jersey to reveal an "I Belong to Jesus" T-shirt and openly engaged in prayer moments after the final whistle of Milan's 2007 Champions League triumph. Kaká previously sported the same shirt during Milan's 2004 Scudetto celebration and after Brazil's defeat of Germany in the 2002 World Cup final, and had the same phrase, along with "God Is Faithful," stitched onto the tongues of his boots.

During the postmatch celebration following Brazil's 4-1 win over Argentina in the 2005 FIFA Confeferations Cup final, he and several of his teammates, among them backup keeper Gomes and defender Lucio, wore T-shirts with "Jesus Loves You" printed on them in various languages.

Kaká is a member of the organization Atletas de Cristo ("Athletes of Christ"). His goal celebrations consists of him pointing to the sky as a sign of thanks to God after every goal, and is proud that he was a virgin when he married. Since November 2004, he has served as an Ambassador Against Hunger for the United Nations World Food Program, the youngest to do so at the time of his appointment.

Recently, in response to Brazilian supermodel Gisele Bundchen's assertion that in the modern age, "no one" stays a virgin till their wedding night, Kaka simply replied that he and his wife were glad to be virgins when they got married as “it tested our love”.

“The Bible,” continues Kaka, “teaches that true love waits until marriage, and if our life today is so beautiful, I think it is because we waited.” Kaka added that while “there are always temptations”, the sacrifices that he and his wife made for each other have been more than worth it. (extracted from Wikipedia)

Cool dude.

The market place needs more like him. Christians who are at the top of their professions and yet not ashamed to stand for God's truths and values. Highly visible folks who can be the type of role models to our kids.

People who are not afraid of being ridiculed for standing firm on God's values instead of following the ways of the world.

Thanks Kaka, for shining for Jesus. May the Lord's face shine upon you always, and may you continue to bring His light to the people through the world of football.

Do Emotions Control Us?

2007-09-26T13:01:00.000+08:00

_
I observed that many people are ruled by their emotions. Unlike some who advocate "going by their feelings", I personally do not believe it is good to be controlled by our feelings.

The right thing just needs to be done...regardless of how we feel.

I have seen too many cases of people around stop persevering in doing what is right, because they get overwhelmed by feelings of disappointment of past failures or past hurts. I have seen others stop serving because they "don't feel the passion" or are "too tired" to do so anymore. How often do we hear of couples divorcing because "they do not feel the romance" in their relationship anymore?

Imagine the consequences if our Lord Jesus, in the Garden of Gethsemane, decided to follow His feelings at that time and scrapped the plan to go to the cross?

If we are serious about following Jesus, I think it will do us good to inject an additional dose of emotional stability into our lives, so that we will always CHOOSE to do the right thing, regardless of how we feel. The way to do it is to put COMMITMENT before our FEELINGS.

We need to remember that we will have to answer to God for all our choices & actions. Sure, people hurt us and disappoint us, shit happens in life, things don't often go the way we want them to. But in the sight of God, after all that He has done for us, is it a legitimate excuse to be wilful and choose not to follow God's way just because some of our own small (and often petty & selfish) desires are not met?

We need to remember Paul's teachings:

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. (2 Cor 9:27)

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)

We need to be strict with ourselves to control our thoughts & emotions, so that it will not get in the way of our obedience to God. NEVER let our feelings control and determine for us our level of obedience to God.

Remember again our Lord's example in the Garden of Gethesamane:

Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will." He went away a second time and prayed, "My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done." (Matt 26:39,42)

Our Lord did not compromise His commitment and obedience to God, regardless of His state of emotions or the circumstances. It is high time that we, who call ourselves His disciples, to learn to do the same.
_

Absolute Values

2007-09-19T11:06:00.000+08:00

_
Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. (2 Tim 4:2-3)

Some values must be upheld as absolute, unchanging. Regardless of the progress in science, commerce & the arts, these absolute values must remain anchored in solid rock. Values and principles clearly spelt out in the bible on sexuality should never be swayed by changing social norms. As Christians, I believe we should make our stand clear. Fornication, adultery & homosexuality have been labelled clearly as sins unacceptable to God thousands of years ago and must remain so today, and till eternity.

We may not be able to impose the same values on society at large, but our stand must remain clear and anchored in the Word of God. Under no circumstances should our stand on these issues waver in the bid to appear more tolerant of pressure groups clamouring to gain acceptance for deviant and perverted lifestyles. We have the difficult task of standing firm against the sins that they are advocating, and yet not targeting them as people that we "hate"; because God loves them and wants them to come to repentance.

Changing social values and the argument that "everyone else is doing" it must never cause us to soften or compromise our stand. Neither should fear that we will be viewed as "intolerant, conservative, non-progressive" drive us towards compromise.

This has nothing to do with tolerance, it is about thwarting the plans of the evil one who wants to degrade the moral fabric of societies.

Absolute values must never become relative. If we allow that to happen, our society will lose its moral compass, and will lead to definite moral decadence. Singapore will become the Sodom and Gomorrah of old. And God's judgement will come.

And we would have to answer to Him for failing in our role as the light and salt of the world.

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.
(Matt 5:13)
_

I WILL Still Praise Him!

2007-09-10T13:47:00.000+08:00

_
Uncanny...hardly a few minutes had passed after I submitted my previous entry on "Faithful God" last Friday when I received a call from my Mum-in-law that Nicole was down with high fever.

Felt like an open challenge from you-know-who, taunting me with "Go ahead and praise Him....I can still continue to hit them. How many more times do you think your God can protect and heal your kids?"

Intimidation? Definitely. It is not me who gets hit recently, but the kids. Below the belt and underhanded. But then again, do you expect him to fight fair? And right in the middle of the School of Modern Levites Seminar, which my wife is busy running.

Spiritual warefare. This is real stuff. I know I needed to dig in...and fight. So last Friday after work, I immediately brought Nicole to the doctor. Her fever spiked to 39+. She was hot.....yet shivering. But brave girl that she is, there was minimal groaning or whining from her. She was subdued, obviously in discomfort. At the clinic. I sat down with Nicole and prayed with her, for healing, for protection.

I remembered the story of Daniel's 3 friends, and their reply in the face of threat and intimidation:

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to the king, "O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up." (Daniel 3:16-18)

What I am facing is much, much smaller in comparison. But the parallel is clear. Shall I be intimidated and be restrained in giving thanks and praising our God for fear that my children may be hurt? Never. I will yet praise Him, my Lord and My God because He is good and his love and faithfulness reaches to the skies. I will still praise Him because if I don't, even the stones will cry out!

So I dug in. My wife had to be home late that night due to the worship seminar, and had to be up early on Saturday again. So I volunteered for the night duty of watching over Nicole, praying, giving her medication, checking her temperature, sponging her regularly to get the temperature down. Did not sleep till 3+ am on Saturday morning.

But as usual, God's faithfulness shone through. By Saturday late morning, Nicole's fever was down to the low 37. Still a slight fever, but she was back to her active and bubbly self. Today, school re-opens and she is well and back in school.

All thanks and glory to God. But the war is not over. Now it is Timothy who is down with a persistent cough and a suspected root-canal infection. At this time of writing, Tim is waiting to see the pedaetrician. Need to continue to pray. Will update as events unfold. But I have full confidence in the faithfulness of my God.

Do keep my family in prayer. For me this is a time to anchor back to our family's bible verse in Joshua 24:15 -"As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord."

And yes, I will continue to praise Him and give thanks!

Faithful God

2007-09-07T15:38:00.000+08:00

_
He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. (Psalm 91:4)

Indeed His grace and faithfulness protect us always. This was so clearly manifested in the lives of my 2 kids in the recent weeks. Can't tell you how grateful and thankful we are for His protection and unfailing love:

(1) Nicole came down with stomach flu 2 Saturdays ago.....fever and vomitting. 2 weeks before her swimming test. So she actually missed a crucial practice that week. But God's healing came swiftly. She recovered within a few hours after seeing the doctor. ...And she just passed her bronze level swimming survival test this week... :-)

(2) Nicole went through her health screening in school recently and was suspected of having myopia. The threat of having to wear spectacles at age 6 looms. My wife prayed with her and asked God to spare her that inconvenience if it is in accordance with His will. I just brought her for her review at the Refraction Clinic at Geylang Polyclinic yesterday. The verdict: Very slight myopia, but no need for specs.... :-)

(3) Timothy, while running around in the hall 2 weeks ago, knocked against the side table. Somehow, the round glass tabletop broke right in the middle and shatters on the ground all around Timothy. Glass fragments all around him, but Timothy escaped without a single cut..... :0

(4) Last Saturday, Timothy came down with fever and vomiting due to tonsilitis. The pediatrician expected the fever to continue for the next 3-5 days, the norm for such conditions. I suffered regularly from tonsilities in my younger days, so I know. We fed him his first dose of medicine and he slept for the next 3 hrs. When he work up on Saturday evening, the fever was gone...and never came back. He recovered within half a day....and pestered me to allow him to go for G'Kidz on Sunday, which I did.... :-). My theory was that God could not bear to have that cute little boy miss G'Kidz on Sunday so He healed Timothy in double-quick time.

I think it is really true, that even as we tried to bless others during the 100K, God was faithful to ensure that His people received His full blessings and protection as well.

What else can I say, but "Thank you so much Lord, for indeed Your love, O LORD, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies!" (Psalm 36:5)
_

A Tribute to Our Teachers!

2007-09-01T12:56:00.000+08:00

Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. (1 Cor 15:58)

3 of my guys are in the teaching profession. I must say that I admire them for it, because it is a profession that requires heart and perseverance.

As Christian teachers, I believe that teaching is a divine vocation, a position of trust and privilege, an opportunity to influence the lives of the next generation. IMHO, this is not a profession that one should enter into flippantly, for the high starting salary or for the sake of a stable job. One needs to be sure that he/she is willing to be used by God as a teacher to impact lives, and willing to last the pace for the long haul. It is a tough job in a less than ideal environment often bogged down by beauracracy & organisational incompetency. It can be easy to grow disppointed and disillusioed. It is common to be in situations where the realities look so different from the ideals of the teaching profession.

I may not be a teacher, but over the years, I have seen how some have felt so strongly that they are called into this profession, so eager to serve God as a teacher, to mold and transform lives that they come into contact with; but over the years, the imperfections of the environment and the disappointment gradually got to them, causing them to eventually leave the profession in utter disillusionment, some even saying that going into teaching was their 'biggest mistake'.

On the brighter note, I have also seen many teachers in our midst, who in spite of the difficulties and challenges that they face, rose up with the strength of God to shine for Him in their schools, impacting and transforming many under their care. Quite a few are still growing strong, even after many years of teaching; literally 'growing in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and men.'

So on this Teachers' Day, it is my prayer that the teachers in our midst will continue to grow strong. Remember again the call of God, take time to give thanks for your unique position of influence and privilege. Dwell not on the things that don't go well in your midst, but focus on the presence of God that you will bring to the students because you chose to stay to teach, to serve and bless. And may the good Lord bless you with joy, success and fulfilment as you continue to obey and serve Him.

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. (Gal 6:9)

Thank God It is Over!

2007-08-24T10:41:00.000+08:00

_
Did my final business team presentation this morning from 7.30 am to 9.30 am to the worldwide management team. The culmination of 2 months of hard work, 2 weeks of sleeping 4-5 hrs and working 7 am - 7 pm, followed by teleconferences from 9 pm - 12 mn.

Thank God for his favor that all went well.

In meetings like this, presenting to worldwide VPs can be a tricky affair. The quality of the content and presentation is one thing, steering clear of political minefields so that you don't get shot to pieces is another. And anticipating difficult questions by them during the presentation takes special "anointing" - I mean some of these folks just love to scrutinize your slides to find fault.... I had a hard time during the preliminary review 2 weeks back ( ....got chewed up, though quite unfairly, IMHO). But I learned.

Tough...and stressful; but before this meeting, I asked God for victory, afterall it is still the YOV! And I wanted to claim it even for my work, my final presentation.

And I believe God has answered my prayer. Definitely one of the best presentations I have given. The fielded questions I anticipated and could answer to their satisfaction...and avoided the minefields. But more importantly, God granted me favor with the audience, my boss and my supporting team. It went as well as I could have hoped for. And at the end, I received this short congratulatory mesage from my boss in USA:

"Wee Hiang,

Great job today. Your presentation was crisp and on the mark.
Thanks for all your efforts."

I thank God for everything. It has been a good learning experience. Still work to do to help my boss prepare for his important review meeting with his bosses next week. But the worst is over, for me at least. Now I need time to unwind a little, and spend time with loved ones and family. Look forward to catching up with the spiritual family too. Thanks for keeping me in prayer throughout this time!

Let love and faithfulness never leave you;
bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.
Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.
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.
(Proverbs 3:3-6)

Not by Might, Nor by Power...

2007-08-16T22:20:00.000+08:00

_
This has to be my longest break from blogging. Work has been crazy as I head into the 2 weeks of business planning cycle proper...planning and forecasting for the next 4 years. I think I have been working 12 - 18 hr each day for the last 2 weeks...it is getting that bad.

At least I can see the light at the end of the tunnel.....this will be over in 2 weeks' time.
But as I look at myself throught this most hectic and stressful period, I think I have grown....by the His grace. I still managed to live a pretty "normal" life outside of the working hours, with family, kids...somehow managed to paint the kids' room on National Day. Still made time for ministry, cell group....even got my part of the 100k done, in the midst of the crazy schedules. And not once during this time did I lose my temper or got overcome by stress. Quite amazing...

A year or 2 ago, I don't think I would have managed it as well. Again reminded of the faithfulness of God when He promised me during the 144 retreat that I will be victorious through this period, 100K and all, because it is:

'Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the LORD Almighty. (Zech 4:6)

The worst may not be over yet, but somehow I can face the challenges with even greater confidence, knowing that He has blessed me and will watch over me, not to mention blessing me with a wonderful family and loved ones who support and stand by me.

I give thanks for all these blessings, for the increased capacity to overcome. Indeed, I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13); and in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us (Romans 8:37).

Need to continue to claim these promises in this Year of Victory!
_

Winning...Together!

2007-08-06T12:32:00.000+08:00

_
I am tired. I am in the midst of my business planning cycle which means meetings almost every morning and night. Not to mention the "intenstity" of the 100K. I am looking forward to a long good rest, or at least to get the 100K over and done with earlier so that I can focus on my work to get that done too so that I can slow down and get a good long rest.

So I must confess that there was a little "grumbling" in my heart when SP gave the call for the church to give the final push to go give 5 more blessings.

In my heart, I must have felt some resentment at having to go the extra mile to make up the numbers for others who have not "delivered". I admit it was a bad thought. Did not take the Lord long to remind me from His word:

21 Then David came to the two hundred men who had been too exhausted to follow him and who were left behind at the Besor Ravine. They came out to meet David and the people with him. As David and his men approached, he greeted them. 22 But all the evil men and troublemakers among David's followers said, "Because they did not go out with us, we will not share with them the plunder we recovered. However, each man may take his wife and children and go."
23 David replied, "No, my brothers, you must not do that with what the LORD has given us. He has protected us and handed over to us the forces that came against us. 24 Who will listen to what you say? The share of the man who stayed with the supplies is to be the same as that of him who went down to the battle. All will share alike." 25 David made this a statute and ordinance for Israel from that day to this. (1Sam 30:21-25)

I am convicted. Don't want to have the thoughts of an "evil man and a troublemaker". Also, I realised such thoughts go against everything that is in accordance to the heart of God: His generosity, grace. Ps YC's message on Matt 20:1-16 illustraes that so well.

I need to be reminded that the number I managed to bless is first and foremost, by His grace. Nothing to do with my ability or giftings. Pride must not come in. Next, I must remember
1 Cor 12:12-26:

12The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. 13For we were all baptized by[c] one Spirit into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.
14Now the body is not made up of one part but of many. 15If the foot should say, "Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. 16And if the ear should say, "Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. 17If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? 18But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. 19If they were all one part, where would the body be? 20As it is, there are many parts, but one body.
21The eye cannot say to the hand, "I don't need you!" And the head cannot say to the feet, "I don't need you!" 22On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, 23and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, 24while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has combined the members of the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it, 25so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. 26If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.

Need to be reminded again that we are ONE body; we are family. We do this campaign together, and we must win it together. If be God's grace, I am given the strength and opportunities to do more than is required of me, I shall rejoice, that I can contribute and help those in the family who may need some help, so that together, we win this victory for all and for the glory of God.

So, hold me accountable, that in these last 2 days, I will give that final push, blessing as many as I can, exceeding what is required of me, so that the Body of Christ wins....together!

Let's Continue to Pray....

2007-07-31T06:34:00.000+08:00

_
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

2007-07-26T16:50:00.000+08:00

_
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.
_

Entering 2nd Half

2007-07-21T18:19:00.000+08:00

_
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 ...???

2007-07-16T12:51:00.000+08:00

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?

Wealth Management and Marketplace Transformation

2007-07-14T14:46:00.000+08:00

_
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

2007-07-11T16:45:00.000+08:00

_
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)
_

Invigorated!

2007-07-05T15:10:00.000+08:00

_
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
_

Discipline and Commitment

2007-07-01T05:38:00.000+08:00

_
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.
_

Successful Fatherhood

2007-06-26T22:06:00.000+08:00

Spent extended time working and interacting with my team leader who is based in San Diego during my recently concluded biz trip, and I got to know him better in the process.

Not only was he a master at what he does at work (and I the padawan...:-) ), I found out that there are other things that I can learn from him too, especially on fatherhood. Here is a Christian dad with 2 teenaged sons, totally dedicated to the well-being of his family, and in many ways setting a good example to his boys in these crucial teenage years. Why do I think he is successful? Consider the following:
_
(1) He regularly gets calls at work from his sons when I was there, asking him when he can be home to go ride bikes with them, play baseball or catch a movie with them. They call him to discuss weekend plans to go surfing, dirt-biking etc. His sons actually want to spend time with him. With teenaged children, I believe this is an achievement.

(2) His sons are both actively involved in church. He does not need to drag them there. Instead, they are regularly bringing their non-believing friends to church activities. Definitely what all Christian parents want to see.

How did he manage to do these in the lives of his sons? From my conversations with him, I believe these made the difference:
__
Firstly, no compromise on quality time spent with his family and his sons. He remarked with a smile that ever since he became a father, he only gets to do the things that his sons want, not the things he wants. It takes years of consistent sacrifice, placing the needs of the kids above himself. No matter how hard he works and how tired he is, he goes home to watch a movie, or throw a baseball with his sons. Through that, I believe his sons can sense how much their dad loves them. It is reaping fruits for him now.
_
Secondly, he takes a keen interest in his sons' education. He tutors them personally. He gets them involved in sports from a young age. They ride bikes, take part in extreme sports, play baseball etc. He keeps them away from video and computer games. He chooses schools carefully for them. He ensures correct values are built in. He has plans to enrol them both in 1 year of Bible college before letting them loose in the marketplace. He really invests in their education.
_
Lastly, he sets the example for his sons. He walks the talk. He regularly opens up and welcomes dozens of teens (his sons' friends) to his home for meals, swims and games. He knows that many of them come from broken and dysfunctional families. He knows that he cannot possibly adopt them all as his own. What he can do is to at least let them see a real example of what a healthy family can be like, so that they can experience a degree of love and hope. And these relationships open up opportunities for him and his wife and kids to link them up with the church. His sons see what dad is doing, and they have caught on.
_
I pray that by the grace of God, I will be as successful in bringing up Nicole and Timothy.
_

_

A Tribute to My Wonderful Wife

2007-06-20T23:14:00.000+08:00

_
It is my 9th wedding anniversary today!

But I am away in San Diego, away from my wife and family! Sigh....can't wait to get back. Unfortunately, on the day that I am back in Singapore, my wife will be travelling for the next 3 days! Double sigh..... Looks like we have to postpone our celebration for another week or so.

Even though I am away, I thought I should take the opportunity to pay tribute to the wonderful and beautiful wife that the Lord has blessed me with.

Here is a beautiful and Godly woman who has been steadfast in being an excellent wife, mother and daughter-in-law.

She has progressed from being unable to cook to cooking full chinese/western meals that win the approval of my mother. No easy feat I assure you. She also accompanies my mum to do marketing weekly in the wet-market. Even the fishmongers know her as my mum's daughter-in-law. I am so impressed.

She has willingly given up a lucrative legal career to serve the Lord in the area that she knows He has called her: Music.

She is one who is gracious and patient, towards me, the children and her disciples.

She is extremely capable, and manages the household well, juggling the timetables of the children, mum-in-law, hubby, mum in a way few can manage.

The list goes on but I just want to say to my darling wife on our 9th anniversary:

Thank you for the joy and blessings that you have brought into my life over the 9 years of marriage, and for the 2 wonderful children. It is my privilege to be your husband. I love you!

A wife of noble character who can find?

She is worth far more than rubies.
Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.
She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.
She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands.
She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar.
She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls.
She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.
She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night.
In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.
When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple.

Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes.
She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.
She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.
Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:
"Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all."
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

(Proverbs 31 : 10-31)
_

Visiting San Diego Zoo

2007-06-19T13:06:00.000+08:00

The earth is the LORD's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it. (Psalm 24:1)

Spent Father's Day this year in a foreign land, without my family around me. Strange feeling. Wished they were around.

Since I had the free day, my colleague (who travelled to San Diego with me) thought we might as well do some sightseeing in San Diego. So we decided to visit the world-famous San Diego Zoo, which some claimed is "the world's best" - even superior to our own Singapore Zoological Gardens.

Not trying to spiritualise things, but I have always thought that being with animals up close helps me to appreciate the beauty and diversity of God's creation. It is always a wonder when we gaze at the exotic animals of all shapes and sizes. What a creative God we have! (took these pictures myself - gives you an idea of how close we can get to the animals!)

I had an enjoyable time in the zoo. Had the "been there, done that" feeling of satisfaction...I mean, wouldn't it be a waste to travel all the way to San Diego and then leave without visiting their most famous attraction?

My verdict? I must say it is a very impressive and well run zoo. They call themselves the "world's best". We only claim to be "one of the world's best". Maybe Americans are generally more bold about their claims, or perhaps there is a zoo rating system that I am not aware of.

To be fair, I have not been to our zoo for the last 2 years, so I am not aware of their latest improvements. But what I can list down are the areas that San Diego Zoo impressed me:

(1) The nice Californian climate. Nothing that we can do about here. But I was in the SD Zoo from about 11am -2 pm in mid June, and I could comfortably walk through the entire park without feeling hot. It was sunny and yet the air actually felt cool! Amazing! Try walking in the Singapore sun at noon for 3 hours and you know what happens to you...:)

(2) Caring for the aged and the young - Sturdy prams (with shade) for babies & toddlers; motorized tri-cycle buggies for the elderly. All these are made easily available to all who need them. Many organisations talk about embracing pro-family values. Good to see one that walks the talk.

(3) Walkways that reach the height of tree tops, to get visitors closer to animals and birds that inhabit the higher grounds.

(4) This one impressed me the most: in many exhibits, there are signs reminding visitors that some of the animals they have in the exhibits are actually handicapped. (eg loss of limb), but they continue to be part of the zoo's exhibits because it is the zoo's core belief that like humans, even disabled animals need to be accepted and treated with dignity.

I like that.

In San Diego

2007-06-15T01:05:00.000+08:00

For those who are unaware, I am now in San Diego, CA, USA. Will be here till 24 Jun.

On the right is the plane I took in SFO to San Diego.

Thank God for a safe trip from Singapore-Tokyo-San Francisco-San Diego. Long trip. Tiring but otherwise everything is fine. Jet lag is manageable, and I managed about 5 hrs sleep the first night in the hotel.

Thank God too for a safe drive from the airport to the hotel in heavy traffic. Took a while to get used to driving on the left, not to mention familiarising myself with the rented car they gave me this time...a 3.8 L Pontiac Grand Prix Sports Sedan. Monster of a car.....I suspect a fuel guzzler as well. But then, it is only in USA that I get to drive cars like that...:)

Pray that as I settle down in the next day or so, I will be able to spend more time for devotion. Business travel for me is always a good time to do so, since I am "free" from other responsibilities back home. Pray too for my family, that everything will be well.

Hope to have some time to blog during this trip. May have time for some fun stuff as well, such as sand-buggy riding in the desert during the weekend, not to mention the trip to the factory outlets for some good bargains, Legoland etc.

God's Faithfulness to Israel

2007-06-10T12:25:00.000+08:00

ISA 14:1 The LORD will have compassion on Jacob;
once again he will choose Israel
and will settle them in their own land.
Aliens will join them
and unite with the house of Jacob.
ISA 14:2 Nations will take them
and bring them to their own place.
And the house of Israel will possess the nations
as menservants and maidservants in the LORD's land.
They will make captives of their captors
and rule over their oppressors.

Read Isaiah today and was again amazed by the faithfulness of God towards His chosen people. Isaiah 14:1-2 is such a clear example of God's promise and prophecy fulfilled in our times. The re-creation of the country of Israel IS a miracle never seen before in history. That other nations (led by the United Sates and Great Britain after WW2, and sanctioned by the United Nations), will take the Jews and bring them back to their own land is so incredible to comprehend. It can only be a miracle of God to fulfill his promise and prophecy to His people.

And looking at what's happening in the West Bank now and looking back at Isaiah 14:2, it is not far from the truth, that right or wrong, Israel is ruling over their oppressors.

And in the current financial, commercial and industrial world today, if we are to look at the list of prominant financiers, industrialists, owners of mega-corporations, neither is it an understatement to say that Jacob's descendants do possess a huge share of the known world's wealth.
_

And what am I reminded of from all these? God's faithfulness, towards His people who have so often turned against Him, and still rejects His Son.

Read Romans 11 and Paul described so clearly God's unfailing love and faithfulness towards Israel.
_

As far as the gospel is concerned, they are enemies on your account; but as far as election is concerned, they are loved on account of the patriarchs, for God's gifts and his call are irrevocable. Just as you who were at one time disobedient to God have now received mercy as a result of their disobedience, so they too have now become disobedient in order that they too may now receive mercy as a result of God's mercy to you. For God has bound all men over to disobedience so that he may have mercy on them all.
Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!

How unsearchable his judgments,
and his paths beyond tracing out!
"Who has known the mind of the Lord?
Or who has been his counselor?"
"Who has ever given to God,
that God should repay him?"
For from him and through him and to him are all things.
To him be the glory forever! Amen.

(Rom 11:29-36)

What a faithful God we serve!

"if we are faithless, He will remain faithful, for He cannot disown Himself." (2Tit 2:13)

Apart from the Lord, I have No Good Thing

2007-06-04T21:05:00.000+08:00

David said in the Book of Psalms:

I said to the LORD, "You are my Lord;
apart from you I have no good thing."

(Psalm 16:2)

How true that is! I had an experience today that I am not proud of, but it so clearly demonstrated the truth of David's words.

It all happened this evening on the way back from work. I was feeling fine, not stressed, frustrated or anything. It was just a routine trip home. I was at the MRT station. As the train pulled into the station and the doors opened, I waited to board while the passengers disembark. A lady passenger in a hurry then tried to push me aside to get off the train.

Somehow, that caused something to snap within me. "Mr Hyde" suddenly took over. Instead of stepping aside, I purposely stood to block her exit. She glared at me. I glared back, and if looks could kill, she would be dead already. She tried to push me aside, and I literally elbowed her hard enough to cause her to stagger off the train.

A couple of passengers looked at me, probably with disapproval, but I glared at them with such venom that they looked away from me in double quick time.

For a while, it actually felt good.. I liked to demonstrate that "no one messes with me and gets away with it!" But it did not take long for remorse to set in and I promptly asked God for forgiveness and cleansing.

This incident just revealed once again just what I am really like. Indeed, without Christ's redemption and the Spirit's restrain, what kind of man will I be?

Need to watch out for this problem of the "red mist". May the Lord's protection be with me at all times!

Not by Power, Nor by Might

2007-06-03T22:52:00.000+08:00

100k campaign. Raising of 5000 warriors. Sounds daunting I must admit....

Which is why the central theme from this year's Youthnet 288 Re-Encounter meant so much to me:

`Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the LORD Almighty.

(Zech 4:6b)

How else can we ever hope of pulling this off? By our best human effort and strength?

I am even more thankful for the Word from God that was revealed to me during my solitary time in the re-encounter:

_
This is what the LORD says--
he who made you, who formed you in the womb,
and who will help you:
Do not be afraid, O Jacob, my servant,
Jeshurun, whom I have chosen.
For I will pour water on the thirsty land,
and streams on the dry ground;
I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring,
and my blessing on your descendants.
They will spring up like grass in a meadow,
like poplar trees by flowing streams.
One will say, `I belong to the LORD';
another will call himself by the name of Jacob;
still another will write on his hand, `The LORD's,'
and will take the name Israel.

(Isa 44:2-5)

The concerns i my heart as I approach the 100k campaign are these:

(1) Fear of rejection by people whose hearts are hardened.

(2) Doubt if our prayers for these people's needs will be answered

(3) Will my own spiritual children want to be part of this campaign for God?

The promises of God from Isaiah answers them all:

(1) He who forms me in the womb has chosen me and will help me. So don't fear.

(2) He has promised to pour out His blessings on the dry land

(3) He will pour out His Spirit and blessings on my children, who shall willingly take on the Name of the Lord.

Amen. Let all these come to pass. Not by might, nor by power, but by the Spirit of God.

37

2007-05-27T12:04:00.000+08:00

_
Wow...I just turned 37 today... :-)

As I reflect upon the last 37 years...cannot help but be very grateful and thankful for all the blessings in my life: wonderful parents and family that has given their all to bring me up, to give me everything they possibly could....a great marriage and a wonderful wife, 2 beautiful kids, a good job and a good church for my spiritual family. It is a testimony to the love, goodness and faithfulness of God.

The other overwhelming feeling this week as I turned 37 is not as inspiring. For the first time, I feel......old.... and.... very tired.

There are moments this week when I just sat down and felt totally drained of energy. I simply did not want to do anything.

Not the time for tiredness to overwhelm me though...not when God willing, I have at least another:
(1) 40 years of running the race with Him.
(2) 25 years of my working career to go
(3) 20 years to bring up the kids before Nicole and Timothy turns 26 and 24 respectively.

There is still so much to do. Which is why Isaiah 40:29-31 speaks to me this week:

ISA 40:29 He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.
ISA 40:30 Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
ISA 40:31 but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.

Need to pray that for myself unceasingly . No other way if I want to finish the race, and finish strong.
_

Pray for our Political Leaders

2007-05-23T08:12:00.000+08:00

_
1TI 2:1 I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone-- 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. (1 Tim 2:1-4)

We are fortunate to be living in Singapore, which is probably among the best governed in the world. It is also among the safest and cleanest in the world, where we enjoy peace and near full-employment.

Whether we care to admit it or not, credit must be given to the capable and efficient government that we have been blessed with. Very often, it is also a blessing that we Singaporeans have taken for granted. Good governments do not come easy, and as Christians, I think it is time that we heed God's call to pray and intercede for those in authority. God-fearing leaders who govern well and allow us to live quiet, peaceful lives in godliness and holiness please the heart of God. And that can only be sustained by the perservering intercession of the saints.

Deuteronomy 17:16-17 also gave indications of what may cause those in authority to deviate from the ways of God:

16 The king, moreover, must not acquire great numbers of horses for himself or make the people return to Egypt to get more of them, for the LORD has told you, "You are not to go back that way again." 17 He must not take many wives, or his heart will be led astray. He must not accumulate large amounts of silver and gold.

"Returning to Egypt to get more..." strikes me hard. It is about coveting the wealth of the pagan world...wanting to emulate their ways so that more riches may be obtained.

Are there public policies & discussions in recent years that fall into that category? What do we think about opening our shores to integrated "resorts" and liberalising our values to embrace or legalise homosexuality as mainstream culture?

It is easy to grumble and gripe about policies that run contrary to our Christian values and yet do nothing constructive. Neither is it right to take up arms to go against the authorities, for that is hardly the way of God. Consider Titus 3:1:

TIT 3:1 Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good.

Perhaps it is time to instead do what is good: that is to faithfully pray for our political leaders, that God will give them wisdom to choose the right path for the nation...instead of following the ways of the world. Intercede for our nation, that Singapore will continue to have God-fearing leaders who will bring forth the blessings of God upon our nation always.
_

Keep The Sabbath

2007-05-20T07:51:00.000+08:00

_
Read the news this morning that a rising number of Japanese are literally working themselves to death, ie more and more people are dying from overwork.

Had another taste of "overwork" this week. I have 2 visitors this week in Singapore for business meetings. So for the last 4 days, it's been 8.30 am to 5 pm everyday in the conference rooms. And because the day is already taken up, other meetings are scheduled after 5 pm. So it means late and tiring days.

And because we at the more senior levels are expected to be more efficient, productive and capable than most, day to day work is not expected to be halted just because we are stuck in full day meetings. Especially when our counterparts in other geographical regions are dependent on us. So it means that while in the meetings, I am working on my notebook, getting work done, requests fulfilled, and listening and contributing in the meetings. Multi-tasking at its extreme. Can be done, but extremely draining. To make matters worse, the work is done so that we are ready for our teleconferences with our USA counterparts at 10-12 pm each night, followed by follow-on teleconferences the next morning at 7 am!

So you can imagine what my life has been like the last few days...:-) Not to mention having to make time on Wed night between 7 - 9.30 pm to lead my G12, then rushing home in time for the telecon at 10:30 pm, then wake up early next morning to get to office by 7 am....boy, am I tired!

Woah...glad this week is over, and I don't have to do this every week. It is simply not sustainable, neither is it good for health. Not surprising that the modern man can die from overwork if they push themselves too far and for too long.

We were never designed to be non-stop working machines, not even for Christians doing the work of God. We all need good rest periodically...and for us Christians, I believe it is crucial and essential to make time each week to observe the Sabbath rest of God.

DT 5:12 "Observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy, as the LORD your God has commanded you. 13 Six days you shall labor and do all your work, 14 but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your ox, your donkey or any of your animals, nor the alien within your gates, so that your manservant and maidservant may rest, as you do. 15 Remember that you were slaves in Egypt and that the LORD your God brought you out of there with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm. Therefore the LORD your God has commanded you to observe the Sabbath day.

Observing the Sabbath is a challenge for the Christian in the modern society that we live in, with its relentless pressure on our time, forcing us to juggle continuously work, family, ministry. It is so easy to ignore the Sabbath when there are tons of things just screaming for our attention each day.

Yet, God's Word is clear. I believe Deut 5:12-15 was as relevant to the Israelites then as it is to us now. We need time each week to find rest in the Lord, re-focus, remember the Lord, give thanks and to prepare spiritually for the next week ahead. And to do that, I need to make time to spend extended time with God each week.

We may all find our own ways to observe the Sabbath. For me, it is the precious time on Sunday mornings when I sneak out of the house before the kids awake, and I only come home during to bring them lunch, and then bundle them off to church for youth service.

It may not be as long as I like it to be, but it is this consistent Sabbath rest that has kept me sane and going for the last 2 years.

We need it, more than we can ever imagine, especially for those working hard in serving the Lord. It is a mistake to think that because we are doing God's work, we can push ourselves hard indefinitely, while ignoring God's command for us to observe the Sabbath.

Trust me, I tried it many years back, following some well-intentioned but sadly misguided advise that "if I am serving the Lord, God will never let me burn out because God's work itself is the Sabbath."

I pushed myself very hard then...but burned out spectacularly after a few months. Needed another couple of months to recover.

It was a valuable lesson learnt. Looking at the books of Moses, I realised that God commanded the Israelites to observe the Sabbath even though He was physically with them, as a pillar of cloud by day, and a pillar of fire by night; and His presence was omnipresent in the Israelite camp, in the miracles of manna and quail that dropped out of the sky. He was with them as they work and serve Him, and yet demanded that they keep the Sabbath rest.

All the more that we must take time to seek Him when we know He is near as we walk with Him and serve Him. Take time to be still....and remember that He is Lord.

Thank God it is again Sunday today. Thank God that by His strength, I have made it through a tough week. Time to seek the Lord and to keep the Sabbath._

What I learnt from Sir Alex Ferguson

2007-05-11T21:59:00.000+08:00

So Sir Alex Ferguson has once again proved his critics wrong by winning another Premiership title . Those who wrote him off at the start of the season are once again red-faced as he led Manchester United to their 16th league championship, the ninth under his illustrious 21 year reign as manager.

What's amazing to me is that after almost 30 years of winning about 20 major honours with Manchester United and another 10 with his former club Aberdeen, his energy, passion and hunger for further success has not abated. Instead, he seems to grow stronger with each year, continuing to build football teams of championship calibre.

Most people, I believe, would have called in quits long ago. Afterall, this is someone who literally has "been there and done that", winning every award & honour available in the game. Why not retire when the going is good, after some great victories, to enjoy the afterglow of one's success? Why risk again one's reputation and the possibility of failures?

But not Sir Alex. This man does not quit, even at 65; not when he still has the strength to continue. To him, there is always the challenge of the next trophy to win, the next great team of youngsters to mold into champions. Listen to him after his latest triumph just a few days ago:

"I don't know how long exactly I'm going to last but I'm enjoying it and I'm going to carry on doing this job until I stop enjoying it," said the jubilant manager. "Why should I give up? It's easy to retire. I decided to retire a few years ago and I regretted it within days. I feel invigorated by the young players at our club. I feel invigorated when I see players such as Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Gary Neville turning out every week for me. That gives me the right vibes that I am at the right place. It has been a great season and the players here always give me hope."

(The Guardian, May 7 2007)

Sounds familiar? Indeed I can almost sense the same spirit in the words of Caleb, when he told Joshua,

"Now then, just as the LORD promised, he has kept me alive for forty-five years since the time he said this to Moses, while Israel moved about in the desert. So here I am today, eighty-five years old! I am still as strong today as the day Moses sent me out; I'm just as vigorous to go out to battle now as I was then. Now give me this hill country that the LORD promised me that day. You yourself heard then that the Anakites were there and their cities were large and fortified, but, the LORD helping me, I will drive them out just as he said."

(Joshua 14:10-12)

These words set me thinking. When it comes to building the Kingdom of God, do I have the same passion and hunger? When it comes to disciple-making, do I feel invigorated to see new converts coming under our care? When it comes to G12, do I get the "vibes" that I am at the right place and doing the right thing for God? Do I continuously hunger for more of God in my ministry? Do I revel in new challenges that God leads us to, knowing that it is an opportunity for greater success? Do the promises of God continue to energise and spur me on??

Sadly, I think I am found lacking in many of these. I am much more prone to settle down to a status quo of familiarity and low risk. I am inclined to be satisfied with what I have achieved, rather than hunger for more of what God can do through my life. After only 15 years in the ministry, I sometimes already feel "old and tired". I dream sometimes of hanging up my boots, retiring from ministry to "enjoy life". I actually like to visualise myself sipping pina colada under a coconut tree in some resort somewhere....:)

I believe I currently lack that zeal to keep battling with passion and hunger, with all my heart till I am 60+, 70+, 80+. I find that disturbing. It should not be that way, not when it is Jehovah Nissi that we are fighting for! Need to ask God for more faith, hope, strength and resilience in my spirit man.

Actually, it is not that I have no living models to look up to. Look at the lives of Pastor Lawrence Khong, Pastor Eugene. They are at least 15 years older but look at them! The passion, energy in living their utmost for the highest purposes of God...and they are growing stronger with each passing year, never tiring of serving the Lord in new and more challenging arenas.

Time to review my life to ensure that I remain fighting-fit spiritually for the next 40 years. Will also need to rethink those plans of retiring early to drink pina colada under the coconut tree....:)

Real Financial Security

2007-05-09T23:42:00.000+08:00

_
Was again confronted today with the issue of "financial security". Different people will have different views on how much is sufficient to ensure "financial freedom" and "financial security". No thanks to modern financial "gurus" like Robert Kiyosaki of "Rich Dad, Poor Dad" fame and the numerous financial advisors advocating how much we all need in order to retire "comfortably", many people, including Christians are all getting worried.

Why? because going by all these "standards" set, most of us will never achieve the level of financial security and freedom that is being advocated. In other words, if they are correct, most of us will be financially "poor" in our later years or during times of need.

The solution? Some have dedicated all their spare time to earn whatever extra bucks they can through sidelines, investments etc, so as to build up their nest egg. Problem with this approach is that many end up sacrificing their current freedom in terms of precious time with family, serving God etc to achieve a rather elusive and vague "financial freedom" for the future.

Don't get me wrong. I am all for responsible financial management, savings, investment and planning for the future. I must also admit that the same worries that most people have for their finances also plague me from time to time. But for us Christians, surely achieving "financial freedom" cannot be an end to itself? Isn't there a better way?

I believe there is. Consider Matt 6:19-34:

"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
"The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!

"No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.

"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?
"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, `What shall we eat?' or `What shall we drink?' or `What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. (Matt 6:19-34)

If we are honest with ourselves, I think Matt 6:19-34 addresses everything about our concerns for achieving financial security for the present and future. Very reassuring for me to know that our Heavenly Father knows exactly what our worries and fears are, even before we voice them.

Key lessons from these verses:

(1) Don't store for ourselves earthly treasures that don't last. Go for the heavenly ones that help align our hearts with Him.

(2) Be careful that the light in our eyes is not $$.... that is one sure way of creating darkness in our souls.

(3) We can rationalise all we want. But at the end, for every worry for our finances everything boils down to one question: Do we want to serve God or Money?

(4) God knows what we need now and in the future, when we are old and frail. His promise is that He will provide.

(5) So don't worry about tomorrow....it is a sign of lack of faith in our Father.

(6) Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. We know and proclaim this...but do we walk the talk?

(7) Do not run after the same things that the pagans do, your Father knows better what you really need. Remember Romans 12:2:

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.
(Romans 12:2)

Maybe it is time to re-think and perhaps even ditch the conventional wisdom of the world when it comes to financial security and freedom.
_

Mastering Your Dark Side

2007-05-06T07:53:00.000+08:00

Watched Spiderman 3 this week. Will not go into details; don't want to spoil it for those who have not watched it.

But I thought it was the best Spiderman movie so far, with meaningful themes in the midst of the main storyline.

The most interesting thing to me was about battling one's dark side. A similar battle was fought and lost by Anakin Skywalker in Star Wars, with devastating consequences.

In the Bible, Cain faced the same battle, and God actually warned him against heeding that voice from his dark side.

GE 4:6 Then the LORD said to Cain, "Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? 7 If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it."

Sadly, God's warning went unheeded, and the rest is history.

Reflecting upon this, it is very true that all of us fallen beings do have a dark side. Most of us do succeed in keeping it in check most of the time. But it has the habit of re-surfacing especially when things do not go the way we want, or when unpleasant incidents happen to us, eg when we are betrayed, hurt or let down by people.

In times like these, our "dark side" will almost encourage us to get mad, get even, seek the revenge that is due us; or to go for things that pleases us, to gratify our desires regardless of the consequences, even if it means hurting others or compromising our values.

Indeed, I think our dark side is basically a spirit of self gratification and rebellion that always goes against the ways of God.

Why do we struggle to contain it? Because our dark side is not only deceptive, but seductive as well. It often appears "cool" and exciting. It creates an aura of glamour about being a rebel, being bad. It grabs attention to itself, portraying rebellion & self gratification as dangerously exciting and attractive to others, esp the opposite sex. It promotes aggression and ruthlessness; and that the end always justifies the means.

It contrasts its "cool and rebellious" ways to the "dull and conformist" but sound values of goodness, tolerance, faithfulness and love.

(Not a coincidence that most viewers will find the black suited Spidey more "cool" than his traditional red and blue suit)

Above all, our dark side offers us the faster way of gratifying our fleshly desires; without rules, without restraint. It glorifies self indulgence.

I believe God knows what we are up against in this battle, hence the numerous teachings from His Word:

RO 6:11 In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. 12 Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. 13 Do not offer the parts of your body to sin, as instruments of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer the parts of your body to him as instruments of righteousness. 14 For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace.

RO 12:1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship. 2 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.

The more we succumb to our dark side, the stronger its hold on us, the uglier we become as a person. It will ultimately consume & destroy us.

But this need not be. Indeed "the greatest battle lies within" but we can consistently overcome our dark side with the Armour of God and with prayer. And in this Year of Victory, we will!

Baby Rochelle is Born!

2007-05-01T18:10:00.000+08:00

Congratulations to Watson and Shufang! Welcome to parenthood!

May the Lord's presence & blessings be upon Rochelle all the days of her life, and may this promise of God be fulfilled in this young family:

ISA 61:9 Their descendants will be known among the nations
and their offspring among the peoples.
All who see them will acknowledge
that they are a people the LORD has blessed."

Amen!

God, do You care?

2007-04-27T22:42:00.000+08:00

Of course He does.

More than we can ever imagine possible. Problem is that many of us do not fully believe it in our hearts, especially when we are caught in the storm of adversity. The disciples of Jesus seem to have the same problem:

A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, "Teacher, don't you care if we drown?"

(Mk 4:37-38)

Difficult to comprehend how these words could have come from men who literally live with the Immanuel God beside them. _

But this is not new. I believe all of us have been guilty of doing the same: accusing God of not caring or witholding blessings from us when we are in the midst of difficulties and pain. In times like this, it is amazing how quickly we forget the countless times that our faithful God had delivered us in the past. Not to mention too how we choose to ignore the numerous promises of God that we are so familiar with in the Bible.

Eg. Rom 8:35-39, Jer 29:11, Jn 16:33, Php 4:19, just to name a few.

Yet, though we "know" them, only trials will test if we truly believe them, which in turn will determine our attitudes and responses to:

(1) Unanswered (or not yet answered) prayers.

(2) Prolonged periods of struggles with temptations, difficult relationships, finances

(3) Rejection by men

(4) Sicknesses

(5) Feelings of spiritual dryness

(6) Unfortunate incidents or even tragedies in our lives.

(7) Past hurts

The list goes on....

But in view of us already knowing how God has demonstrated His love for us on the Cross, for us to continue to accuse Him of not caring will indeed be most unfair and baseless.

It will actually seem absurd.

Thinking Right

2007-04-24T10:53:00.000+08:00

_
On medical leave due to throat infection yesterday, so had a day of enforced rest. Felt real good...definitely needed that rest. And I was just telling my wife a few days ago when I was really tired that getting myself hospitalised (for whatever reason) might be a good idea, because it seemed like it was the only way that I could get some real rest without thinking about what needs from family,work, ministry had to be met, what responsibilities I need to fulfill. Was promptly reprimanded by her of course for having such "negative" thoughts....;-)

And after the sermon on Sunday, I had time yesterday to reflect on my own thought life and I realised that there are many things that I need to set right:

I have hope, I have a destiny and I am an overcomer in Christ Jesus.

There is hope in spite of the relentless busy-ness in my life. It is for a glorious future, in seeing the next generation (both physical and spiritual) serve the Lord faithfully. My destiny is that of a Son of God...not a slave. I serve because God loves me as a son, not to win God's approval or acceptance. In that light. I can and I should take time to rest whenever I am tired; and do things I like regularly without feeling guilty.

And with the helmet of salvation, I can reject the thoughts from the evil one that it is not worth it for me to sacrifice the my time and material comfort that are temporal for things of the spirit that are eternal. I need to remember that none of my work for Him will ever be in vain.

I need to remind myself that it is a privilage and honor to support my wife in full-time ministry, not a unwanted burden that comes at a high a price.

I need to remember that I must never succumb to the temptation to quit. I will overcome them. I will finish the race, and finish strong.

I will overcome busy schedules victoriously, and with joy and hope.

And finally - I do not need to fall ill or check into a hospital in order to get some rest. :)
_

A Series of Unfortunate Events

2007-04-19T20:31:00.000+08:00

PHP 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

If there was a time when I needed Philippians 4:4-7, it must have been this Tuesday, when I was floored by a series of unfortunate incidents:

1) started the day biting my own lips. Painful....could feel an ulcer developing.

2) A programing script ran by my colleague in the USA had unexpected effects on the rest of the data in the system. It will mean many days of correcting the errors generated.....on top of the already busy schedule.

3) A huge spreadsheet I was working on crashed the application. The backup copies I had chose the right time to get corrupted as well...sigh.

4) On the way home, a huge truck in front of me spilled buckets of "cement-water" on the road, spraying my car with them.

5) At home, Timothy smashed my new watch on the floor, putting it out of operation.

Sh*t happens...so they say, and I was hit by bucketfuls that day.

Yet, I thank God. Because in spite of the "eventful" day, could feel indeed that God is near, and the peace of God was with me. In the past, all these events would probably gotten me into rage/depression and I would probably be cursing and swearing; and Timothy would probably have received a spanking from me.

Instead, I just sighed and shook my head in exasperation at the chain of events, and somehow, I know my inner man wasn't too disturbed. Instead I saw the hand of God and the bright side of things:

1) I could still complete my work....just have to work harder and longer hours....the damage to the data wasn't as bad as first feared.

2) I could still repair the corrupted file. Managed to retrieve most of my work.

3) Took 1/2 hr of hard scrubbing....but I could still wipe off all the cement stains without any obvious damage to my car's paintwork.

4) My watch is still under warranty....I guess it could still be repaired.

JN 16:33 "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

Yep, sh*t happens...but as long as Jesus is with me, everything's under His control!
_

Keep Moving Forward - Revisited

2007-04-16T23:11:00.000+08:00

Came across this verse yesterday when I was reading the Book of Ecclesiastes:

ECC 7:10

Do not say, "Why were the old days better than these?"
For it is not wise to ask such questions.

Strange that I never noticed it before. I realise I am pretty guilty of that too. Find myself too often reminiscing about the "good old days", when life is simpler, when there is more freedom, time for myself, when I may have less money, but less bills to pay, and more $$ to spend on myself! I do wonder sometimes, especially when the going gets tough in balancing all the demands of my life, what my life would be like now, had I made different choices regarding my work, ministry, family and kids. Would I have a "better" life now if I had chosen differently?

The grass always looks greener on the other side of the pasture, especially when you meet friends who have chosen differently and seem to be still enjoying the "good old days" kind of lifestyle now.

But after meditating on Ecclesiastes 7:10, I begin to understand why it is unwise to reminisce too much: because it is quite contrary to the spirit of Paul when he exhorts his readers in Philippians 3:13 to "forget what is behind, so as to strive forward towards the goal that God has called us heavenward in Christ Jesus."

Indeed, sometimes it is not the bad past that stops us from overcoming and moving forward; it is instead a good past that drags us back, reminding us of how good things were in those days of old, so that it tempts us to try to recreate the "good old times" rather than to spur us to create an even better future.

A timely reminder. I thank God for the "good old days". But I need to face the reality that those days will not return. So instead of asking why things are better in the past, I need to look ahead and keep moving forward towards the glorious future in Christ Jesus.

Keep Moving Forward

2007-04-12T07:15:00.000+08:00

Brought the kids to watch Disney's "Meet the Robinsons" last weekend. Good family entertainment with sound values too. As usual, God showed me that He can even use cartoons to remind me of His truth.

For those of you who have watched this movie, the theme was to "Keep Moving Forward" despite failures and rejections in life. I thought it was enirely consistent with His Word in Philippians:

PHP 3:12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

The story contrasts the responses of 2 orphans, one living by that mantra of "Keep Moving Forward" even after facing numerous setbacks, failures and disappointments; while the other allowed those same disappointments and failures to develop bitterness & hate.

Needless to say, one went on to tremendous success in life, while the other dedicated his life to seeking revenge & blaming others for his own misfortunes.

I thought it was a good reminder to me from God on how to live our lives.

How often have we heard a inner voice telling us to give up? How often have we "given up" in these areas:

(1) inviting friends to church because we have been rejected too many times....

(2) praying for key areas in our lives because God has not answered our prayers and we are disappointed in Him.

(3) serving actively in church because we feel let down by people in the ministry in the past.

(4) sharing the gospel...because we have seen little or no success all these years.

(5) praying for our unsaved friends and family because we have not seen salvations so far...

(6) spending ime to seek the Lord everyday because we are crowded out by the pressures of life, esp when we have careers/family/kids to juggle.

Need to take heed again from Galatians 6:9 :

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

IF WE DO NOT GIVE UP. If we stopped sowing, then we can forget about reaping anything.
_

Need to remember again to keep moving forward:

"But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."

May the 3 words "I Give Up" never feature again in my walk with God. Let us all "keep moving forward" towards the ultimate prize in Christ Jesus.

The Love of God

2007-04-09T22:50:00.000+08:00

_
The love of God is greater far
Than tongue or pen can ever tell;
It goes beyond the highest star,
And reaches to the lowest hell;
The guilty pair, bowed down with care,
God gave His Son to win;
His erring child He reconciled,
And pardoned from his sin.

Refrain:

Oh, love of God, how rich and pure!
How measureless and strong!
It shall forevermore endure—
The saints’ and angels’ song.

When hoary time shall pass away,
And earthly thrones and kingdoms fall,
When men who here refuse to pray,
On rocks and hills and mountains call,
God’s love so sure, shall still endure,
All measureless and strong;
Redeeming grace to Adam’s race—
The saints’ and angels’ song.

Could we with ink the ocean fill,
And were the skies of parchment made,
Were every stalk on earth a quill,
And every man a scribe by trade;
To write the love of God above
Would drain the ocean dry;
Nor could the scroll contain the whole,
Though stretched from sky to sky.

(The Love of God - Frederick M. Lehman, 1917)

Must be a sign of age when the songs of worship that have been most meaningful to me during my devotion times this Easter are all hymns at least 90 years old....:0

But the truth is that nothing quite compares to old hymns when it comes to the richness and poetic nature of their lyrics.

And as we come towards the end of the Easter celebrations and thanksgiving on this Resurrection Monday, I thought it most apt to give thanks once again for the love of God for all of us. I thought the 3rd and last stanza of this hymn described my thoughts of gratitude the most - indeed nothing that we ever do can hope to adequately describe or give thanks for the love of God, for each one of us.

Although Easter this year will soon be past, I pray that that sense of awe, gratitude and thanksgiving for the love of our Lord will forever linger in our hearts, all the days of our lives.
_

Remembering the Cross at Easter

2007-04-06T22:10:00.000+08:00

_
When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of glory died
My richest gain I count but loss
And pour contempt on all my pride.

Forbid it Lord that I should boast
Save in the death of Christ my God
All the vain things that charm me most
I sacrifice them to His blood.

See, from His head, His hands, His feet
Sorrow and love flow mingled down
Did e'er such love and sorrow meet
Or thorns compose so rich a crown.

Were the whole realm of nature mine
That were an offering far too small
Love so amazing, so divine
Demand my soul, my life, my all.

(When I survey the Wondrous Cross - Issac Watts)
_
Thank you Lord Jesus, for Your mercy and grace, for your love for me, that You were willing to endure the pain and humiliation of the cross for me.

May the vision of the cross be engraved in my heart, my mind and my soul everyday, all the days of my life. Amen.
_

Fighting Fatigue

2007-03-31T20:34:00.000+08:00

2CO 4:16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

Stark reminder of how weak my flesh is after 2 weeks of waking up early to seek the Lord. By God's grace, I managed to pull myself out of bed each day for the precious time of meeting up with our Savior. The time spent is priceless, as I can sense the Lord renewing my inner man, my faith, my relationship with Him. It is definitely a spiritual discipline worth pursuing.

But everything comes with a price. 2 weeks of reduced sleep is beginning to take its toll on my body. In the past few days, I have been waking up to headaches, body aches as my body adjusts itself to the new regime. It's been tough getting through the entire day, esp on days with hectic work schedules and late nights. The spirit is refreshed, but the body feels like quiting and dying on me.....

Part of me wants to give up this practice of waking up early....I mean, it is hard work....do I need to be so religious about it....what if i do it every other day instead? Why make life tougher than it already is.... Am I not entitled to more sleep and rest?

As usual, as fatigue creeps in, so does the threat of depression.

It is tempting to give up....But deep inside I know I need to persevere. As Ps YC put it so well...This Day We Fight! I believe that I am doing the right thing to seek and lay hold of God each day for my life, family and ministry, hence the mounting spiritual battles that begin to rage in my mind and body. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak...that is a fact. The solution? In Matt 26:41:

Mt 26:41 "Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak."

The more weary I become, the paradox is that the more I need to seek the Lord :

MT 11:28 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

So I must press on. Giving up is a big no-no.... the spiritually stakes are high here. I am contending for the lives of family and loved ones; giving up will be exactly what the enemy wants. I cannot give him that satisfaction!

It is going to be tough in the coming weeks, but I am game for this spiritual fight, and I intend to win it! As Paul had written:
_

_
So onward Christian Soldier!

(PS. Please do pray for me if you read this entry! It will be most appreciated! Thank you!)_

Don't be a Sluggard

2007-03-26T12:55:00.000+08:00

_
PR 6:9 How long will you lie there, you sluggard?
When will you get up from your sleep?
PR 6:10 A little sleep, a little slumber,
a little folding of the hands to rest--
PR 6:11 and poverty will come on you like a bandit
and scarcity like an armed man.
PR 13:4 The sluggard craves and gets nothing,
but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied.
PR 20:4 A sluggard does not plow in season;
so at harvest time he looks but finds nothing.
PR 22:13 The sluggard says, "There is a lion outside!"
or, "I will be murdered in the streets!"
PR 24:30 I went past the field of the sluggard,
past the vineyard of the man who lacks judgment;
PR 24:31 thorns had come up everywhere,
the ground was covered with weeds,
and the stone wall was in ruins.
PR 24:32 I applied my heart to what I observed
and learned a lesson from what I saw:
PR 24:33 A little sleep, a little slumber,
a little folding of the hands to rest--
PR 24:34 and poverty will come on you like a bandit
and scarcity like an armed man.

Was convicted during the G12 conference and again when I meditated on the Book of Proverbs. God is telling me to repent - don't be a sluggard any longer when it comes to the things of the Kingdom of God.

Some may ask: "We are already so busy with the works of the ministry! How can we be sluggards?" That may be true; but God is pointing out to me that when it comes to the "crucial work" of the Kingdom, I am a sluggard. I may be busy with the work, but I am not faithful in doing the most important work of laying hold of God and praying for the Kingdom of God, for my 12, for the unsaved. Through my action (or inaction in this area) , I am effectively saying that prayer is not important enough; or that what I profess to be important about God's vision is actually not of high priority in my life.

How can I claim that the vision is important when I hardly pray and ask God to make it a reality in my life? So God is right to call me a sluggard....and no wonder there is "spiritual poverty" in my life where fulfilling the vision in my life is concerned. I have not plowed in prayer in season, so is it any surprise if at harvest I reap nothing?

I made a commitment to God since, that I will really get up an hour earlier each day to meet Him and pray for my life, by family and the fulfillment of the vision.
It is tough, I must admit, especially when I already need to work late some nights or when G12 meetings end late. I literally have to drag myself out of bed most mornings. But by God's grace, I have been doing it so far. It is tiring, but in my spirit I believe it is worth it and it is the right thing to do. Enough with excuses (I won't face lions or get murdered by waking up early...). It is time to show with my actions that I am willing to pay a real cost for what truly matters, instead of just paying lip service. Time to love my sleep less.

So many things to pray for....faith, heart for the lost, boldness to share the gospel, family, children, my spiritual sons, forming my 12, salvation of family, friends and colleagues...the list goes on.

So many things to do...spending the time with God to meet Him, talk to Him, listening to the Spirit, meditate on His Word...

How can I not find time to do all these daily, first thing in the morning if I claim to be serious about the vision and the Kingdom of God, and that it is Priority No. 1 in my life?

The amazing things that I want to share is that although the body feels tired, yet by starting each day with God, everything feels so much more aligned; the spirit within feels so much more alive. I struggle less. Things fall in place better in all areas of my life.

So by God's grace, I will continue to do this from now till my last days. And in this year of victory, I am trusting Him that simply by me spending time to seek Him faithfully in prayer, there will be breakthroughs in my life and ministry. Time to stake my faith on His promise that it is "not by power, nor by might, but by the Spirit of God!"

Also, it is not pleasant for my Heavenly Father to continue viewing me as a spiritual sluggard.....:-)
_

Greedy for More

2007-03-22T08:28:00.000+08:00

_

_

This comic strip circulated in the company over the last 2 months, while the salary adjustment cycle was underway. Quite hilarious...but underneath that sarcastic humor, it does reveal a certain level of discontentment about being "overworked" and "underpaid". Typical complaint among employees. No employee will tell you he is underworked and overpaid, though in reality, quite a few people are...:-)

The problem is that many of us employees want to exploit our employers: we want maximum pay and benefits for minimal work. We think we deserve it. Very few will actually question if our actual contribution warrants the salary that we desire.

In a separate incident, in a webcast to employees, the CEO actually revealed that he received severe criticism from shareholders for paying out bonus to the employees recently, despite the company performing extremely well, and making tons of $$ for the shareholders.

The shareholders' gripe: that they would have gotten more $$ had the CEO distributed the employees' bonus to them instead !!!

The CEO's rebuttal to them: Dun forget employees are the ones generating your profit. They deserve some reward too for making you the $$. If you don't like it...too bad!

Again, the desire to exploit...wanting maximum returns on investment without wanting to share the spoils with others who have worked hard to give you the harvest in the first place.

These 2 incidents reveal the fallen heart of man when it comes to wealth and money. The discontent and constant greed for more. The natural tendency to want to exploit others for our own gain. I must admit I am not totally free from that either.

I need to be reminded of the teachings in the WOG:

"...and be content with your wages." (Luke 3:14)

" So I will come near to your for judgement. I will be quick to testify against sorcerers, adulters and perjurers, against those who defraud labourers of their pay, who oppress the widows and the fatherless, and deprive aliens of justice, but do not fear me, says the Lord Almighty" (Mal 3:5)

_
Areas of application for me:

As an employee - My attitude in work, towards my bosses and the company. May I never be found wanting by God in not serving them well, as if I am serving the Lord. Also, need to avoid complaining about how much I am paid....:-)

As an employer - How I treat my domestic helper; may I never be found wanting by God in how I reward her for doing her work well as a housekeeper and caregiver in looking after my kids.

What I Learned : Be Thou My Vision

2007-03-20T10:24:00.000+08:00

_
It's been a memorable G12 conference week. Many of the messages spoke to me, but the one that blessed me most was actually Daniel Khong's message.

I am reminded again that the most important lesson that the ultimate vision for our life is God Himself. I need to continuously remind myself to abide in Him and walk in His ways. Too often I have tried to do may things, even things of the ministry without first abiding in Him. Too often, and no wonder, it leads to fruitless results. Too often I have tried to live out Christian values by my own strength. It is time to strive to be Christ-like, abiding in the Heavenly Father always, laying hold of Him everyday for the things that matter to the Kingdom - my life, my family, my 12 and the lost.

May I again to make the lyrics of this timeless 8th century hymn the anthem of my life again!

Be Thou my vision, O Lord of my heart;
Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art
Thou my best Thought, by day or by night,
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.

Be Thou my Wisdom, and Thou my true Word;
I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord;
Thou my great Father, I Thy true son;
Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.

Be Thou my battle Shield, Sword for the fight;
Be Thou my Dignity, Thou my Delight;
Thou my soul’s Shelter, Thou my high Tower:
Raise Thou me heavenward, O Power of my power.

Riches I heed not, nor man's empty praise,
Thou mine Inheritance, now and always:
Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,
High King of heaven, my Treasure Thou art.

High King of heaven, my victory won,
May I reach heaven's joys, O bright heaven's Sun!
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,
Still be my Vision, O Ruler of all.
_

Walking in Righteousness - Revisited

2007-03-14T12:47:00.000+08:00

The sermon on Sunday really spoke to me. Need to remind myself again that it is not alright to rationalise behaviour and habits that do not please the Lord. Need to call them what they are - sin. After the sermon, the lyrics of a old pop song kept ringing in my head -

"I give in to sin, because you have to make this life live-able..." ("Strangelove" by Depeche Mode)

God is probably using that to remind me that the above verse from an old pop song actually reflects how I think, and it is a worldview that I had subconsciously accepted whenever I try to rationalise or trivialise some of my sinful habits. Like what pastor said on the pulpit, I too have a tendency to play down some of my "weaknesses", for after all, no one is perfect, right?

Life is tough enough as it is. Surely if I am 80%-90% walking right, that should be "acceptable" enough isn't it? Wrong! Talk about deception! God's Word is clear:

But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; 16 for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy." (1 Pet 1:15)

Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship. 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 12:1-2)

Indeed, it is again time to renew my mind. If I am serious about walking in righteousness, I cannot take God's grace for granted. I need to seriously work on these:

(1) It is NOT OK to steal a few more glances at another attractive woman who crosses my path.

(2) It is NOT OK to skip my daily prayer or devotion time because I am too hard-pressed for time.

(3) It is NOT OK to lose my temper and snap at people around me, no matter how tired I am, or how stressful the circumstances.

(4) It is NOT OK to suppress the discomfort in my conscience to rationalise that it is alright to watch movies with demonic content that implies that it is cool to sell your soul to the devil (who isn't that bad a dude) so that you can use those power to do good and fight evil.

(5) It is NOT OK to read the newspapers each day on lives lost, lives destroyed by sin and not feel compassion for the lost - It is a sign of a hardened heart.

(6) It is NOT OK to be late in my tithing.

(7) It is NOT OK to forget (to give up as lost) and not pray for the unconsolidated lost sheep in my midst.

The list continues........Looks like I have a lot to work on!

Remaining in the Family

2007-03-11T00:01:00.000+08:00

Someone asked me recently for my "secret"; how I managed to stay and serve in FCBC for close to 15 years.

It set me thinking. To be honest, the journey has not been smooth. Over the years, there have been periods when I seriously thought about leaving.

So in many ways, I guess I can identify with those who have left us for various reasons. I could easily have followed in their footsteps. The difference I believe is that God has lead me to view certain issues from a different perspective (after years of struggles); and that has been invaluable in helping me anchor myself in this family that He has placed me in. Let me briefly share them here:

(1) I believe that God placed me in FCBC. It is not by chance, nor is it a mistake that I am part of this body of Christ. Therefore, if I truly believe that God has put me here, then I will not leave unless God wants me to. And if God does lead me to leave, I believe He will also lead my spiritual leaders to affirm that decision. This accountability serves as a safeguard aganst deception, to ensure that my decisions do not go contrary to God's direction in my life.

(2) I believe that God has positioned God-fearing leaders over me for my blessings. They are not perfect, they do make mistakes, but I firmly believe that they always act out of good intentions to honor God and to bless His church. Hence, though I may not agree with every direction or decision that is made, but as long as they are in line with God's Word, I will submit, obey and do my utmost to be committed to their success. I believe that this attitude pleases the Lord.

(3) I believe that a major misconception needs to be eradicated, that we in FCBC are only task orientated and not at all people oriented. That is why people don't develop close friendships; and that casts doubts on how much people care for one another in this family. I have also heard comments that FCBC's DNA is such that it treats "broken wings" as liabilities that are at best tolerated. Hence, for people on the path of recovery to spiritual health, they are better off in a different church.

It is sad that such views are propagated over the years. As Pastor YC has beautifully illustrated in his blog : http://pascoaman.blogspot.com/2007/03/family-vs-friends.html; http://dreamersmoversshakers.blogspot.com/2007/03/more-on-closeness-vs-commitment.html ,

I think we need to differentiate between the "closeness" of "friendship" vs the "commitment" of "family". For me, at this stage of my life, the truth is that I am hard pressed for time to engage in additional activities to foster "closeness" within the spiritual family. Not that I do not think it is good to do so, it is just that this phase of my life just does not permit me enough time for that.

So does that mean that my spiritual family is less of a family since I lack the time to cultivate those relationships? Hardly. In fact, I am confident that if ever I asked for help, my spiritual parents and siblings will drop almost everything to come to my aid. That is the confidence I have in the commitment of my family towards me; and that, to me is far more valuable than feelings of perceived closeness in relationships.

And onto the fact that we are too task oriented to nurse broken wings back to health - again my own journey will lead me to disagree. Over the years, I have had my seasons of lows and struggles. Never have my leaders ever made me feel that I am a burden to them or to the ministry. Rather, their patience and understanding is one of the key reasons why I am still here, after more than 15 years.

This has been my family, and God willing, I will work towards making it my only one... till I see Him again.

Preparing for Retirement

2007-03-08T10:31:00.000+08:00

_
Funny topic to be discussing here, considering that I will not be due for that for at least another 20 -25 years. But here in my workplace, among my peers, it is a big deal. Many are already making plans and working hard towards accumulating "enough" wealth to ensure that when that day comes in 20-30 years' time, they will have "enough" to retire, and yet be able to maintain the comfortable lifestyle that they want.

Favourite topic too when financial advisers talk to you...they will get you to estimate how long you think you will live, how much money you need to live the standard of living you want, and then they will tell you how much $$ you need to save with their plans to make sure that you are well "covered".

Many of my colleagues are into "retirement planning" in a big way. They spend loads of time and money on investments in property, unit trusts, stocks, shares; monitoring the state and returns on their investments regularly. It is serious business.

All these happening around me does affect me sometimes. I mean it does make sense to plan financially for our future. I think it is the correct and responsible thing to do.

The only problem is that I do not have the $$ or the time to do as my colleagues (all pre-believers) do. So it bugs me sometimes and does get me concerned to realise that though I have been financially responsible with my finances, my current family commitments do mean that I have little savings to save and invest for the future. And that worries me somewhat.

Good thing is that God knows all my feelings of insecurity (which actually translates to a lack of faith in Him) about the future and His Word once again speaks so clearly on these issues:

MT 6:25 "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?
MT 6:28 "And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31 So do not worry, saying, `What shall we eat?' or `What shall we drink?' or `What shall we wear?' 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

Word of God is so clear. I guess I know these verses well. But I need to get back to these basics ever so often, whenever the insecurities hit and whenever the voice of the world tells me otherwise.

Not that God is against responsible planning or "financial freedom". Question is whether we make that goal THE priority and obsession of our lives; instead of of seeking first the Kingdom of God.

It occurred to me that this is exactly what God is telling us in the Book of Ephesians about sitting tight, walking right and standing up to fight.

I need to once again know my position in Christ and to claim the promises of His Word, and then detemine to believe His Word and walk according to His promises. So that when the alternate voice attempts to cause me to stray from the right path, I need to make my stand clear & fight, by anchoring back to the Word of God, and then continue to walk right again.

And so the pilgrims' journey shall continue, till we reach eternity.
_

So what if you gain the world?

2007-03-01T13:42:00.000+08:00

Watched the movie "The Prestige" on the plane while flying back, and I must say, it left a deep impression on me.

For those who have not seen the movie, it was set in the late 19th century, and it traced the lives of 2 rival magicians/illusionists (played by Christian "Batman" Bale and Hugh "Wolverine" Jackman).

It told the story of how they allowed the thirst for success and revenge to bring misfortune into their lives. To achieve their goals, they resorted to unethical and murderous schemes, and in the process, sacrificed more and more of what is truly important - their happiness, families & even their lives.

In many ways, it was a sad movie to watch....seeing the men destroying themselves and the people around them to feed their obsession to outdo and destroy each other. The heavy price that they paid ...surely it was not worth it!

These verses kept flying back into my mind:

"What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, but forfeit his soul?" (Mark 8:36)

It sets me thinking about my own life. In the pursuit of success, material comfort and esteem, may I NEVER lose sight of what is truly important in life. May I never opt to satisfy my desires at the expense of my relationship with God or the well-being of loved ones. May I never wake up one day, bitterly regretting the choices that I have made, paying too high a price for "success" that is both temporal and hollow.

Remembering God's goodness

2007-02-27T10:18:00.000+08:00

_
It is good to be back home. i missed home and I missed my loved ones. So it was good to finally touch down in Singapore yesterday at 12.05 am. Just want o take the opportunity to thank all who have prayed for me and my family when I was abroad.
_

Throughout the trip, God reminded me of the importance of remembering His goodness and faithfulness. So I think it is no coincidence when my eyes were lead to set upon this engraved stone in Wal-mart (of all places....). So I just had to buy it, as a sign of remembrance of the goodness of God in my life; not only during this trip, but throughout all the days of my life, past, present and future.

Strange to be lugging a piece of rock back to Singapore all the way from USA, but hey, anything it takes to help me remember that God is indeed good, all the time!

Under the Shelter of His Wings

2007-02-21T15:56:00.000+08:00

_
What a difference it makes to have God watching over us all the time, regardless of where we are! Let me recount 3 incidences of my trip here in the USA that demonstrate what I meant.

Incident 1

Parked my rented Corolla out side a super mart so that I can shop for some groceries. When I came back to my car, I saw a man standing by my car. He apologised to me because He has driven his truck too close to my parked car and clipped my left side view mirror. The mirror was knocked out of its casing. He had actually waited for me to come back to the car so that he can apologise to me as well as to give me full details of his drivers' license, insurance number etc so that I can report the accident to the rental company to contact his insurance company to pay for all the damages.

I was impressed; firstly by his integrity and honesty, and secondly by the goodness of God in looking after me in a foreign land. I mean, of all the people to damage my car, He somehow chose a man with integrity who bothered to stay back to wait for me to return so that I will not have any trouble with the rental company.... :)

Incident 2

Driving back to the hotel from the office and was making a right turn. I had the right of way. In the midst of turning, I was suddenly aware of another car at full speed turning left into my lane from the opposite side. He was probably beating the traffic lights over his side and was coming in too fast to notice me until then. He horned and I swerve as much as I could towards the right. Good thing that US roads are wider. We missed each other by probably a foot. I wondered how many angels were there that night to push the two cars apart so that they do not collide? Again. all thanks be to God for His mercy and goodness in protecting me.

Incident 3

Early weekend morning. Was about to drive off when I remembered I wanted to get my passport out from my bag in the car boot. So I opened the boot from the inside of the car, got out and closed the car door. As I got my passport from the boot and closed it, I was about to get back to open the front door when suddenly the car autolocks all 4 doors....with my car key still in the car!

What a mess! I was locked out of my own car, with my possessions stuck in the boot! What should I do? As I paused to think...I began to see that even in the midst of this unfortunate incident, the protective hands of God are upon me.

For a start, I am stuck just outside my hotel, and I still have my hotel room keys with me. A much better deal than being stuck elsewhere. Next, the car rental office is within walking distance from the hotel! So I prayed, and then went there to seek help. Unfortunately, they do not have an extra set of keys. But they did get me on their helpline and I was assisted by a most helpful call agent who promptly called all available locksmiths in my vicinity and managed to contact one to come my location within an hour. The locksmith arrived on time, "broke" into my car, and I got back my car keys! Boy, was I relieved!

The locksmith costs me US$75. but I was more than willing to pay that amount to get myself out of a fix. As someone once said,"Whatever problem that can be solved by money is not a problem." (My US boss subsequently even told me to charge that to the company because, to him these incidents are part and parcel of travelling hazards that the company wants to cover for its employees - more blessings, what can I say...:-))

So what started out as a potential "disaster" turned out to be just a minor disruption to my schedule...all because our God watches over us, even in incidents like this. Unfortunate incidents will still happen from time to time, but what a difference it makes to know that our God is in full control, all the time!

Psalm 91
1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust."
3 Surely he will save you from the fowler's snare and from the deadly pestilence.
4 He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
5 You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day,
6 nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday.
7 A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you.
8 You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked.
9 If you make the Most High your dwelling— even the LORD, who is my refuge-
10 then no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent.
11 For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways;
12 they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.
13 You will tread upon the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent.
14 "Because he loves me," says the LORD, "I will rescue him;
I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.
15 He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble,
I will deliver him and honor him.
16 With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation."

Amen.

Chinese New Year Blessings

2007-02-17T15:12:00.000+08:00

_
It's been a good stay in the USA so far. God's been taking good care of me. Indeed His faithfulness amazes me all the time.

It's been hectic over here. To get the business forecast meetings on track, the whole team here has been working almost non-stop, even over this Chinese New Year weekend (I am writing this on a Sat in the office, while taking a short break).

It's been stressful, for sure, with multiple presentations on different days to different VPs on the business forecasts etc etc. But, as I make it a point to start each day spending some time with the Lord and reading His Word, the peace that follows me throughout the rest of the day has been priceless. Indeed, with his help, things actually went smoothly: Things I thought I could not do in time got completed with some time to spare; and my presentation on Friday (SGP time) went well. It was such a relief! All thanks be to God!

Not only that, God blessed me in the midst of all these with an early Hong Bao :-)

My US boss gave me an excellent performance review earlier this week and with that, came a salary increment that exceeded my own expectations! God is good, isn't He?

But while I am here alone on Chinese New Year in a foreign land, the greatest comfort comes from knowing that my family and loved ones are well...under the faithful eyes of God. Many thanks to all who have been praying with me. Blessed New Year to all!

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
Will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the Lord,
"He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust."

Psalm 91:1-2
~

To Oregon USA I shall go...

2007-02-10T20:25:00.000+08:00

_
It's been another hectic week. Just had a 2.30 am teleconference (yes...2.30 am!) till about 4 am, and tomorrow at 5.30 am I shall be on my way to catch a plane to Portland via Seattle and Tokyo.

This will be the first time that I will be spending Chinese New Year alone...in a foreign land, without family around me. Wonder how it would feel when the time comes. Will definitely miss the wife and kids, and family & friends too.

Good thing will be that He is with me anywhere I go around globe. Somehow that is a comforting thought. Definitely gives me a sense of peace and reassurance.

Will be hard work next week working with the team to formulate the multi-billion business forecast for the VPs of the company. Work has started a month back (hence the hectic schedules) and will cumulate in presentations over the next 2 weeks.

Yet somehow there has been peace in me throughout the whole week. It does make a big difference when you decide to put your trust in God for all things:

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Php 4:6-7).

Familiar verse, I know. But nothing like the reality of it happening in your life when you need it!

So of to Oregon USA I shall go, for the next 2 weeks. In a strange way, I am also looking forward to the possibility of having time to spend extended devotional time without other distractions while over there.

So if you do read this post, do remember to keep me and the family in prayer. I hope to be able to have time to post while I am there. Will be back on 24th Feb. See you then! :-)
_

Sanctifying the Mind

2007-02-04T20:15:00.000+08:00

_
RO 12:1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship. 2 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.

1TH 5:23 May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

After going through the session on the how the media shapes our thinking 2 Fridays ago and then the sanctification week this week, I believe God is putting some things together for me. I believe an important part of sanctification for me will be in the area of the mind - my thoughts, my perception, my worldview. God pointed out to me that I need to undo all the incorrect views and thoughts in my mind that had been shaped by prolonged exposure to the media over the years.

The scary part of it is that they have become such a subconscious part of me, thanks to constant bombardment from what I see and hear on the media that I am sometimes oblivious to how much some of my thinking and values are shaped by the pattern of the world.

Let me elaborate on the 2 areas that were revealed to me:

(I) Definition of Success

I know in my mind that my worth and in significance is in God alone, and in Him I lack nothing. Unfortunately in my heart and in my subconscious mind I think I still yearn for "success" in the way that the world defines it. Watch TV and you know how it has shaped how many of us define "success" - successful carreers at a young age, cash in abundance to splurge on private property, a flashy car, a "beauty pageant" type of girlfriend/wife, jetsetting lifestyle, regular holidays in exotic locations.

Why do I say I am still not free from these worldly stuff? Let me confess a few things:

(1) I still seriously mind the size of my paycheck; I mind even more how much my increment is going to be. (though honestly, as I have admitted before, God has already graciously blessed me with more than sufficient for me and the family.)

(2) I am still conscious of my "title" and job grade, relative to my peers at work.

(3) I still wish I can have a cool silver Mazda RX8 to call my own.

(4) I yearn for regular holidays in exotic places.

(5) I am concerned about whether I will ever have enough for a comfortable retirement.

I think the list goes on....

Popular media from sources such as "Rich Dad, Poor Dad" are not helping our generation either. My peers are so convinced by those "truths" that their thoughts are preoccupied with how to amass wealth. Others earn less than me but yet are stretching their financial means to own those "badges" of success such as expensive condos and cars.

I thank God that at least my values are redeemed and I am not tempted into similar excesses, but I will be first to admit that I am far from being totally redeemed or sanctified. May the Lord continue to sanctify me through and through and help to to inculcate in my character "godliness with contentment that is great gain"!

(II) A woman's beauty

No thanks to the media, I have been unconsciously placing disproportionate amount of importance and priority on a woman's looks and appearance. I may not have articulated it, but the truth is that in my perception of women, my focus has shifted somewhat from looking out more for the inner beauty of the character to more of just her looks and figure. I need to repent because God has made it so clear to me that it is WRONG.

If I do not change, I believe that it will only be a matter of time before the same values creep into how I see my own wife, my daughter and those around me. And that will be so damaging!

Once the guy's mind is tuned to what the world is showing...soon he imposes those standards to the women around him, and it is a matter of time before most women are led to believe that THOSE are the standards that they must meet to be "beautiful". Wouldn't that be so sad? Consider the damage that may potentially cause in a woman's self-esteem, as well as her mental and physical health?

What really jolted me recently was the awareness that someone I know personally - mid thirties, slim and attractive, is spending tens of thousands on crash diets, botox and liposuction! Reason: She cannot stand the sight of herself in the mirror, that she is not young and pretty enough or slim enough in the right places.

So sad....even more so when I realised that I am also responsible, because I have bought into what the media and the countless slimming and beauty ads are selling to us.

God, please forgive me! Help to renew and sanctify my mind, that my definition of a woman's beauty will not be what the world says it is, but rather what You have said in Your Word:

1Pet 3:3 Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. 4 Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight. 5 For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to make themselves beautiful.

PR 31:30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
_

Remember to be Thankful...

2007-01-28T22:08:00.000+08:00

_
PS 143:5 I remember the days of long ago;
I meditate on all your works
and consider what your hands have done.

PS 77:11 I will remember the deeds of the LORD;
yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.

Was again reminded today that I have a problem: A lack of thankfulness.

I tend to have a good memory of the things in my life that have not gone "right" for me; and these are the sources of my regular grumblings before God.

On the other hand, where the Lord has come through and blessed me abundantly, I am almost ashamed to acknowledge how easily I tend to forget them.

As I progress on in fatherhood, I believe God is using the experience to teach me a thing or two about gratefulness and thankfulness on the part of the children towards the father.

I get to experience first hand how my own kids throw their tantrums at me, get upset at me whenever I choose to deny them things for their own good; how my son sometimes in anger tell me: "I DUN LOVE PAPA!"

Strange how fast they forget all the other times I have showered love, time, blessings & expensive gifts on them....:)

I understand much more now how our Abba Father must have felt about our lack of gratefulness and thanksgiving. It doesn't make Him love us any less for sure, judging from my own feelings towards my own kids. But I know it isn't a pleasant feeling when you are on the receiving end...a mix of disappointment, resignation with a dash of pain and hurt...:(

Which is why I think I need to make it a point to have a regular time each day to just recall all the things that God has blessed me today, yesterday, last week, last month, last year and for as long as I can remember...and give thanks for them.

As I approach sanctification week...I think that is how I need to preapare my heart. I need to approach God with a spirit of thanksgiving.

_

Meaningless Pursuits of the Corporate World

2007-01-24T21:18:00.000+08:00

_
Spent this week trying to reconcile some thoughts at the back of my head while working hard at work.

Those who work long enough in the corporate world will probably identify with me, that sometimes, too much time and resources at work is spent on efforts and projects not for the real good of the company, but rather to help specific departments and their senior executives look good in front of their bosses, to put them one up over rival departments. Political stuff...but a regular feature of the corporate world.

Those who read the comic strip Dilbert will know what I mean.

The higher in hierarchy one goes up in the organisation, the closer one gets to the "political action".

Not something that I enjoy. But more and more, the expectations on my work now exceed beyond how well I can do my job. I tend to be measured by how "good" I can make my organisation look in front of the corporate HQ.

To the bosses, sometimes to look good also means wishing failures and catastrophes on rival organisation's key projects.

These are definitely not things I want to be engaged in. And yet, making my bosses look good IS part of my job isn't it? Afterall, As good workers, we should be serve our bosses well and be committed to their success.

Consider Ephesians 6:5:

EPH 6:5 Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. 6 Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but like slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. 7 Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men, 8 because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free.

So how do I reconcile all these office politics with doing what is right in the eys of God? It is so easy to swing to either extreme: One will be to be totally disillusioned with these practices and leave the corporate world, to work in an environment where such politics do not exist. Yet I do not think it is possible. These "politics" originate from the fallen state of man, and thus, I believe, they will occur in ALL working environment, even in non-proft and possibly religious circles.

The other extreme will probably be to go with the flow and "do in Rome as what the Romans do". Yet compromising our values is surely not of God.

So is there a narrow middle path that keeps one in the corporate world and yet honors God?
ie to "be in the world but not of it?"

I believe there is. The Word of God pointed me to Psalms for guidance:

PR 3:3 Let love and faithfulness never leave you;
bind them around your neck,
write them on the tablet of your heart.
PR 3:4 Then you will win favor and a good name
in the sight of God and man.
PR 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
PR 3:6 in all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make your paths straight.

PR 2:6 For the LORD gives wisdom,
and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.
PR 2:7 He holds victory in store for the upright,
he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless,
PR 2:8 for he guards the course of the just
and protects the way of his faithful ones.
PR 2:9 Then you will understand what is right and just
and fair--every good path.

So the narrow path I shall attempt to tread, with the guidance of God in all situations.

To start off. I shall work hard to my bosses look very good, by the quality of the work of my hands; not through scheming or putting others down. I shall attempt to be the best surbodinate they will ever have, be a blessing to them, to contribute to their success and promotions and yet have them see that I can do so with wisdom and principles; and without engaging in the shady side of politics. I pray that they will indeed "see my good deeds and glorify my Father in heaven".

Part and parcel with rising up as a Warrior of Light, isn't it?
_

ALL things work out for GOOD....

2007-01-21T17:26:00.000+08:00

_
Pastor Melvin said it so aptly today that many of us know the love & promises of God, but unfortunately not all of us believe or know them in our hearts. That is the root of the problem for many of us, isn't it?

I was again brought back to Romans 4:20-21 about the life of Abraham:

Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.

"Wavering through unbelief that God indeed had power to do what He promised" must then be THE problem that plagues us.

That is so true, isn't it?

Consider these promises of God in the Book of Romans:

RO 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. 29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30 And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.
RO 8:31 What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all--how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? 33 Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died--more than that, who was raised to life--is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36 As it is written:
"For your sake we face death all day long;
we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered."
RO 8:37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 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.

Powerful promises. The truth is that if we really believe from our hearts that these promises will ring true regardless of what happens to us in this life, then surely our lives will always be victorious. How can we not be victorious? Not when THESE are the promises of God:

1. ALL things that happen in our lives (good, bad or even tragic) will eventually work out for our good
2. Through Christ we are more than conquerors
3. Most importantly, NOTHING will ever separate us from the love of God.

May the Lord help to engrave these promises into my heart, so that my life will always be lived out to manifest these victorious promises of God; and may I be increasingly unwavering in my faith and belief in God, that He has the power to deliver those promises ALL the time. Amen.
_

From where does my help come?

2007-01-20T23:11:00.000+08:00

_
Just finished an extremely tiring and stressful work week. It is one of those weeks that I had no choice but to work on saturday just to get work done...but God again came through for me, and I just have to blog this as a form of thanksgiving...

It was another 3 days of late night teleconferences followed by early morning ones. During the actual working hours, I was too busy helping my colleagues and bosses with pressing issues to have time for my own work....and my deadline is looming....It was pressurising.

Funny that the way I responded to such situations is usually not in line what I thought I should do as a Christian. Instead of pausing to ask God for help and guidance, my first instinct was disappointingly worldly and human: I responded by working harder & by using my own wisdom to plan, to strategise. Not that working hard and planning is bad in itself....but the truth is that, I did not seem to allow God into the picture. I seem to live as if it is only my own strength that I can count on to get myself out of tight situations.

So as usual, God had to re-teach me the lesson that in ALL situations, it is "not by power, not by might, but by His Spirit."

Needless to say, all my "wisdom" and hardwork did not get me far....I got more and more bogged down and the problem that seemed straightforward to solve is turning into a nightmare. All my training and expertise seemed totally inadequate to get the problem fixed...and my deadline is dependant on that. Suddenly, it dawned upon me that even if I were to work through the weekend, I will still not get it done!

So I did what I should have done in the first place...I took some time off my workstation to have some peace and quiet, and more importantly, to align myself with God once again, and PRAY. That immediately made me feel so much better.

When I got back to my work desk, an idea, a new approach suddenly dawned on me. It was as if enlightenment just came upon me. It was uncanny....and it has to be God.

It was a simple approach (which is why it had to be God...I tend to complicate things). I worked it into the workstation and IT WORKED!

That saved me hours, possibly days....and that is not all....new ideas kept continuously coming to my head on what might be the possible root causes of the other problems I was seeing...and when I tested them, they turned out to be 100% accurate in helping me identify the problems! Amazing! Incredible!

From being initially worried that I may not get my work completed in time, I was suddenly ahead of schedule, in the wink of the eye.

Wow...another real-life demonstration of the Word of God coming to life! God again re-confirms His omnipotence and omnipresence, but most importantly, His love, grace and faithfulness. And to me...an important lesson re-learnt.

PS 121:1 I lift up my eyes to the hills--
where does my help come from?
PS 121:2 My help comes from the LORD,
the Maker of heaven and earth.
PS 121:3 He will not let your foot slip--
he who watches over you will not slumber;
PS 121:4 indeed, he who watches over Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.
PS 121:5 The LORD watches over you--
the LORD is your shade at your right hand;
PS 121:6 the sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon by night.
PS 121:7 The LORD will keep you from all harm--
he will watch over your life;
PS 121:8 the LORD will watch over your coming and going
both now and forevermore.

Praise the Lord. And may this be the motto of my life from now on:

PS 20:7 Some trust in chariots and some in horses,
but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.

Amen.
_

Is Money Really never Enough?

2007-01-15T23:53:00.000+08:00

_
Was reminded again today how easily discontentment can so easily well up in me when it comes to money.

It is that time of the year again when the company decides on the amount of salary increment for the employees. Not surprising, most of the conversations the past week in the office tend to revolve around the same topic. Of course, everyone thinks that they are underpaid by the company...:)

But honestly, my current pay even before this coming increment is not exactly low. God has been faithful in my 11 working years, and there is much to give thanks for, that I do have more than enough to provide for my family in relative comfort.

Yet, I suddenly find myself not at peace within....thinking of when I can make the next salary grade, when my pay can hit the next ceiling; and even worse, I find myself envious when I heard how some of my peers received large salary adjustments from their bosses...:(

But wait...I need to check myself before this goes too far....when it comes to money, when is "enough" ENOUGH? Why is contentment so elusive? Why does envy creep in so easily?

I need to be reminded again of God's warning in this area:

ECC 4:4 And I saw that all labor and all achievement spring from man's envy of his neighbor. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind.

For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8 But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. 9 People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. (1 Timothy 6:7-10)

Wow...this is indeed a slippery slope to go! God calls envy and the love of money a "meaningless chasing after the wind", that tempts men to "plunge into ruin and destruction".

So what is the answer? 1 Timothy 6:6 sums it up :

1TI 6:6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.

It goes on to remind us:

1TI 6:11 But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

In other words, I better remind myself again to get my perspective and priorities right. Ultimately, it is God who determines my rewards at work. So quit worrying about my salary and just concentrate on doing the best I can at work to serve my employers; as well as being the light for Him where He has positioned me. As encouragement, Paul showed that the elusive "godliness with contentment" can indeed be attained:

11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
(Philippians 4:11-12)

Enabling the Fruits of the Spirit

2007-01-14T08:30:00.000+08:00

GAL 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control.

Lost count of the number of times that I have read the above verse and then prayed for God to manifest these fruits in my life.

This time, God reminded me that if I want to see fruitfulness in this area of my life, I need to "proactively enable" it. Not that I don't need to ask God for them anymore, but rather that I need to do my part by consciously behaving and responding to situations in life in ways that exhibit the qualities of the Spirit.

I need to alter my behaviour in areas that is contrary to the fruit of the Spirit, and I need to ask God to reveal to me even the blind spots in my life.

To start off, I thought these are the areas I need to work on:

Love - I need to love my family more; I need to love my wife and kids more. I need to remove the resentment grudging spirit in me that surfaces all too often when I think of the sacrifices I need to make for them...I mean, if God were to do the same, He wouldn't have sent Jesus to die for us, would He?

Joy - There needs to be more joy in my spirit. I need to give thanks more and have that attitude with me all day long. I need that perspective in my life that I am indeed blessed and that God loves me and is with me. I need to focus much less on the negatives in life.

Peace - I need to spend more time (that is a challenge) to inculcate the inner peace that is so often missing in the midst of screaming kids, crazy schedules and unending obligations. I need to replace that constant frustration with God's peace "that transcends all understanding".

Patience - I need to be more understanding and patient towards people at work who do not meet my expectations in terms of performance and competence. I need to lose my patience less with my kids. I need to see through God's eyes when my physical and spritual children do not behave the way I want them to. If God were to have more level of patience when dealing with me, I would have been consumed long ago.

Kindness - I need to be less consumed with my own affairs and open my eyes much more to the people around me. I need to be more responsive to the Spirit to situations that give me opportunities to do acts of kindness to my neighbours, colleagues or even to strangers.

Goodness - I need to practise much more of WWJD.... I need to mirror Him more often. I need to watch out for rage when driving. I need to shelf plans to put that baseball bat in my car....:)

Faithfulness - I need to regularly renew that commitment of faithfulness to my God, my wife, my family, my friends my church and my leaders. I need to be a good servant to all, to be dependable to those who count on me.

Gentleness - I need to suppress the urges to snap at people, even my own family. I definitely want to be more gentle in my relationship with my wife and kids.

Self Control - I need to watch my tongue. I need to be more wary of loose talk in my conversations with pre-believing friends. I need also more discpline in my life, in prayer, in studying and meditating on His Word, in maintaining a healthy diet and regular exercise; and in time management.

Lots to do, but I WILL do it...so help me Lord!

Generosity Encouraged

2007-01-10T23:25:00.000+08:00

2CO 9:6 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7 Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

As God continued to teach me with His Word in 2 Corinthians, He brought me back to these familiar verses on giving generously.

What is God's definition of generosity? The following verses seem to give me the answer:

2CO 8:1 And now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. 2 Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. 3 For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, 4 they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints. 5 And they did not do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God's will.

It seems clear that the generosity valued most by God is not when we give out of our abundance, but rather when we are still willing to give when we are hard pressed, either financially or in terms of time. This seems very consistent with the story of the poor old widow giving her last 2 copper dimes to God.

As David has so famously said, "I will not give to the Lord anything that costs me nothing." (1 Chr 21:24 - paraphrase mine).

Indeed, as God leads me through the growing phases of life, when personal time gets more scarce and financial resourses at times seem so stretched as responsibilities and obligations increase, it is sometimes so easy to try to rationalise cutting back the giving of our time and resources to the Kingdom of God. But God's encouragement to me is clear:

2CO 9:10 Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. 11 You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.
2CO 9:12 This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God's people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. 13 Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. 14 And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. 15 Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!

Instead of cutting back, I believe God's will is that I continue to learn to give of myself to Him, because as I do so, it demonstrates quite a few things that pleases Him: thanksgiving, trust and faith in Him, as well as obedience that accompanies my confession of the gospel of Christ.

Yet God is gracious and patient; He does not want me to give grudgingly, but rather give what I have decided to give in my heart. But His Word and promises are so clear, and only serves to motivate me to continue to stretch to try to give more of myself for the glory of His Kingdom.

Because I recognise that if I do respond and obey God in this area more and more, the person who benefits most is not God, or even the people who will be helped and blessed by my giving.

It is I who will be most blessed; and above all, it brings glory to Him.

Hard Pressed...But I will be Victorious!

2007-01-07T08:37:00.000+08:00

__
The last 4 weeks have been total madness as I virtually got pulled apart by the incessant demands on my time, energy and attention by family, work, ministry and other unexpected issues of life, that unfortunately, always have the habit on arriving unannounced during the most busy times of my life.. I virtually had no time to think or rest as I darted from fulfilling one responsibility or obligation to another. Needless to say, for 4 whole weeks, I battled physical and emotional fatigue and stress. My devotional life fell apart, and needless to say, so did the state of my soul and my emotions.

As Christmas came and went in a blur, things nearly came to a boil. My fuse was already dangerously short and on many occasions I was within a hair's breadth of snapping at the kids and anyone around me. I was worn out, and frustrations were welling up within. Questions like "what in the world am I doing all these for? Why can't I live more for myself instead of always for others?", "Why must I always try to do the "right" thing?", "Is it worth it?" were flying fast and furious at me. I felt trapped in this life of mine, stuck for the rest of my life doing the right things, but honestly not really enjoying them. It felt really depressing....

Don't think I had an answer then. Things got so depressing on Christmas night that I could not sleep in spite of being totally zonked out. I was tossing around still at 3 am until I decided enough was enough. I sat in the hall then, in darkness and quietness, and began pouring out my complaints to God about my situation, about how drained I was, and asking Him why I can't have it a bit easier. Dun think God said that much to me that early morning, but that one thing He said stunned me. He said: "If hanging in there by faith and continuing to do the right thing is how I want you to glorify Me, are you willing?"

I stared into the darkness and felt resigned to my fate..I mean if God said that, then "bo pian" loh...must continue to "tahan". Sigh. Not an attractive proposition, but I grudgingly told God that for Him alone, I will do it. (can't repay Him for all He has done...so how to say no?) But I told Him that I needed help to survive this long term. I desperately need His help, or else I will not be able to make it.

God answered that prayer. Considering how prayerless I was in the midst of those 4 weeks, His faithfulness and grace never ceased to amaze me. My schedule did not get better..in fact it kinda got worse. I started 2007 with 3 consecutive nights of 11 pm - 1 pm teleconferences with the USA, followed by another the following morning at 8 am.

What changed instead was the perspective on the hectic schedules, the lack of rest, the frustration of having no personal space etc. Verses from 2 Corinthians kept coming back to my head:

2CO 1:3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4 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. 5 For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows.

2CO 4:7 But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. 8 We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; 9 persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. 10 We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.

2CO 4:16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

Amazing how the same verses that I have read dozens of time before suddenly became so apt, so relevant when it became the rehema word! They sure helped put things in their proper perspective.

What I failed to grasp over the last 4 weeks but suddenly came so clear:

I have often prayed for God to help me grow, yet I did not realise that going through this difficult period IS the process that He is using to help me do just that! (Very clueless, man.... sigh)

What better proof of spiritual growth than to see more and more of Jesus revealed in our lives? And what better way to build godly character than to subject me to difficulties that are hard to bear, so that when hard pressed, I will increasingly draw close to Him for comfort and strength to overcome?

Also, I am also reminded that I need to overcome and grow through this, so that God's power and comfort can overflow from my life to help those who will go through similar phases. How else can God use me to disciple those that he has entruted to me? How else can I help those walking the same paths who come after me?

Indeed, there is no better way to mold character than through the fires of adversity. I just needed to fix my eyes not on my immediate discomfort and hardship, but focus on how God wants me to respond. If I can do that, then the benefit to me will indeed be eternal.

What's more, if Paul can describe what he went through as "light and momentary troubles", in comparison I do begin to feel ashamed about complaining to God about the little discomforts in my life.

I thank God for His renewing presence in my life, for His patience and faithfulness in putting up with my rantings, with loving me by doing what is best for me. To those undergoing difficult phases in their lives, be encouraged as well -

JN 16:33 "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

RO 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

2CO 2:14 But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him.

Yes, things in life may not get easier, but i am convinced that as long as I hang on to Him, I will overcome! So let's claim the promise of a victorious 2007!

Curtain Raiser

2007-01-06T22:18:00.000+08:00

Finally! my first blog! my first post!

Always thought that I should start a blog almost 2 years back, just that procrastination always got the better of me. Always wanted to use a personal blog as a journal and an edification tool for my guys. Thought it will serve well too as a form of accountability to the family on what I am going through, and what I have learnt as I walk with Him and meditate on His Word.

So when His inner voice in my heart continued to urge me to get this done, I finally decided that I should procrastinate no longer and get this started in 2007. Looks like I am a few days late, but at least my blog is finally taking off!

So here goes!