Anybody could be a Superhero!

Public good vs Personal good

2012-01-06T14:57:00.001+08:00

Just two days ago, the committee tasked to review the salaries of ministers in Singapore has come up with their results after 7 months. It was one of excitement to some people because in the past, the salaries of ministers was an issue often raised but one also that the leaders refused to budge their stands. After the General Election last year, the strong sense in the turn of tides for the PAP had surprisingly caused the PM to announce this committee to be set up during his swearing-in ceremony. On one hand there's excitement, but on the other, people were apprehensive of the results because in Singapore, you can't expect too radical a change.

When the results came out, there were mixed feelings. Most felt that it was better and improved but still something is amiss and felt that more could be done. Fundamentally, nothing has changed, it's still based on the belief that ministerial salaries in Singapore should be pegged to the private sector due to PAP's belief in recruiting leaders from the private sector, so logically they feel that they have to make their salaries competitive to that of the private sector. (but anyway, in the recent GE, most of the new recruits weren't from the private sector).

With the fundamental belief not changed in the salary structure, what comes out could only be an improved formula. Even with the new formula in salary been changed, the harp on that it could tilt to almost no longer be attractive to attract talent has been incessant. Therefore it seems like there is no actual salary review, but just a improved formula from the past to have a salary cut. My gut feeling is that with time and as their salary increases along the years, people will grumble again and then there might be a similar "shifting of things around" to ease some unhappiness but the fundamental ideology in that Singapore leaders must be paid like the private sector is as unmovable as iron and with that, the absolute salary will always be high in Singaporeans' eyes.

There is a delicate balance in this salary review exercise. 1) it must not be too low to shaken loyalty within the PAP party and 2) it must not have too insignificant a cut to still cause social unhappiness in Singapore. And thus I believe the new salary structure is aimed to balance this two objectives fastidiously. After the review, even the President initiated to express his full support of the new structure but one PAP MP chose to express her opinion if the salary structure were to be tilted more, it will make it harder for anyone considering political office. That's probably a stark reflection between the difference of the common Singaporean in ideal of the political office as one of honour, heart for the people and public service contrasted to a PAP MP from a corporation's human resource department's perspective.

Talent is just half of the equation. The other half will be heart which will account for his motivations and desire for public good. If you have talent but no heart, you could be a tyrant. That is why it can be agonizing to argue with someone who sees monetary and talents as the only goal. Let us not degrade public service to the same level as a corporation which has no more worthy goals than making more money but being aware in structuring the salary and remuneration of our leaders that talent alone is not enough.

2011-12-31T13:10:00.002+08:00

The danger of Christianity in developed places like Singapore and the US is church grew by Christians shifting around churches and not cause of evangelized non Christians. That churches become self absorbed into becoming big in size no matter what and making themselves more like the world so that they attract non believers. We need more statistics on how many unreached comes in the door, and how many Chrisians move around and then comes back. Yes both groups are equally important but if more comes from the latter group, something is wrong.

2011-12-03T12:48:00.002+08:00

After reading articles and also watching videos of PM Lee H. L.'s speech, I can't help but wonder that it is just slightly short of his famous YouTube video on "screwing oppositions". Afterall, I couldn't blame him, it is a party convention, not the general election nor some country speech. He needs to garner support of his party members snd convince them that they are in a winning team. But the content otherwise suggests not. Nowadays the PAP has been portrayed as the "lone voice" crying out to the masses that they are right. Yes but ironic, they are like the lone voice that cries out that what they are really doing is pure and good and yet more and more people are showing that they disagree with this rhetoric. Some people might ask, how can such an unpopular government be elected so many times?

The speech he made regarding the opposition is as follows: "There will be a few who will be against us, whatever we say and some of these may have basically different views from the PAP. But others will want to displace us, and really for them the issue is not policies, not whether we are doing right or wrong but who is in charge… and they would like the PAP out and eventually themselves in,” he said. The second part sounds more like where the conversation is going.

The matter about power. Power in itself is good but when you have it for a long time and then suddenly someone comes and take say 10% even 40% of your power away, you feel threatened. That is what happens to PAP. They seem to feel threatened, and appears so very publicly. That is humiliating for them. They have been in power for so long and it's like a monopoly suddenly finds its market share drop and then scrambles to keep share price up. That usually ends up in into one scenario for such companies, they forget about their customers and their products and when competition comes up, they no longer knows what to do; that leads to their decline.

Microsoft is able to enjoy its monopoly on the PC software market. However in recent years, with the iPad, businesses are not obligated to tie themselves up to Microsoft's enterprise systems. With the Macs getting more and more popular, it has already overtaken the PC growth rate for consecutively more than 20 quarters!(I'm giving a lower estimate due to sheer laziness of checking the statistics, but I'm sure it's more) A monopoly almost always finds itself harder to innovate, change and adapt because they are too used to the comfort level. In the same way, if the PAP is being too used to looking at the macro level, getting high salaries, and being tied up with interests in companies and relationships, the threat within the party could be as great as the threats outside of the party and if they still couldn't look out of the box, their displacement could be soon. They are still doing a good job overall. But what if, what if, someone else with lower cost and whom the general public starts to respect more shows up? They could displace the PAP just like how cheap foreign labour displaces Singaporeans' jobs.

What the PAP should care more shouldn't be about sending some ex minister whom just resigned to go and visit residents. If the majority who voted for WP do not agree with the overall policies of PAP, why would sending an old guard help? If they wanna send a clear message, send a young person who stands for a listening ear and fresh to be able to introduce changes to the PAP. And that sending an old guard and sending a war signal with the opposition is not going to help, given that the majority of the population wants PAP to learn to work with, not against the opposition. People wants diverse views to be discussed before having a credible voice to arrive at a conclusion, not top-down preaching of I-know-what's-best for you. If our political environment could mature more like the Swiss and yet have a Asian and local perspective, I think we have the chance of having a democracy that is credible, orderly and well respected across the world. (by the way, I've already added in the Asian ingredient we needed to succeed as an Asian democracy. We shouldn't move to the extreme to be wild and free for everything like some countries in the west; I do not think that is a good thing either).

Tribute to Steve

2011-10-20T12:39:00.004+08:00

Its been a while since i last blogged. Haha. Feels kinds strange to be blogging again, its like using a typewriter after so long!

Yes for those close to me these past year or so probably knows what I've been talking about for the past weeks so much - Steve Jobs' passing. I'm a fanboy of technology and after getting my dream gadget, the iPad, I've never imagined how technology can be so close and so enjoyable, so intuitive before! So yes, I hold my iPad everyday and lives without using my computer right now.

Its been just like 6 or 7 years ago that I watched the first keynote event on iTunes. That was because my sister lent me her iPod and I discovered a world of podcasts then with iTunes. It was the first time I see people cheering and screaming in anticipation for a product launch. Man I thought they were crazy geeks! It was only when I started to watch subsequent keynote speeches of Steve Jobs that I begin to realise what makes him tick in introducing new products.

1) He was able to relate frustrations he faced himself that everyday users encountered, which isn't all too common with technology CEOs who probably dont use their company products or IT products that much.

2) He did zero customer surveys on what they want; he assumed the role of knowing what they want. That is genius because he often came out right. Even as a PC user, with all the frustrations using it, I was surprised how he related to pur concerns. He was in touch.

3) Apple products were detailed. Using my sister's iPod made me realise how many more little functions therer were that is thinking for the user, instead of the user serving the PC or mp3. There were more balance of being customer-centricity there. And when new products launch, Steve would mention about things and be proud of things that nobody really thought of sharing or people wouldn't have thought they might care about it. Like a line, a simpler user interface, a contour, everything was presented like a newborn baby by a proud father. That's the difference, I see passion.

Guess that's what most people's mourning of his passing is isn't it? His passion about his products not just as a thing to sell, but something that feels more magical and something the creators would want to use themselves. As as they use more themselves, they also realise and could tweak what they think could be better. Staying in touch, having that artistic idealism and yet not blindly pursue popularity - it is a remotely fine balance and that's what makes them so popular. Being original.

In a sense, I am really amazed by him, as someone who could find a balance in things, transform industries to make it better, be filthy rich yet not work for money but doing the things you truly love. And his Stanford speech really amazes people how he could be inspirational too.

There were dozens of reports about his ill temper, his drive for perfection etc etc which are his flaws that make a person human. But there is also a tinge of humanness in his touch of Apple products.

I could write more after reading so much about him. But I think I should stop here. I'm not worshipping him of course but I think we can afford to celebrate his life. And I sincerely believe the technology world has lost a visionary General.

Written from my iPad.

2011-04-06T00:41:00.009+08:00

I am pretty concerned about this upcoming General election. I've been having dreams at night and thoughts in the day. And I think many Singaporeans are concerned about it too. They are thinking whom can they entrust their future to? It is not just about the next 5 years, but the many years to come, because it is about power shifts. And I believe the PAP understands that. Once they lose a foothold somewhere, it is hard to get it back.

Singapore is a very interesting example of a country. It is different in many ways, and boasts of its political system and structure. And all these trigger our thoughts on what kind of government do we want, what kind of system should we adopt and what kind of people should be in government? To do that, we need a few things. We need to look at history to have a clearer picture on how things came to be, we need to look at other countries of comparable circumstances (e.g. Hong Kong and/or Switzerland) and we need to look at alternative views of whether can it be true. If it can be true, then the present can be 'false' too.

Some of the concerns that are on people's mind and here are my thoughts.

1) Should the opposition take over, they will not be able to handle the role of government.

This we'd have to look at processes of handing and taking over. Are there proper procedures of understudy now etc? Many opposition parties/candidates nowadays only have the aspiration of checking on the government and I don't think any of them has the aspiration nor ambition to take over the majority of government at this stage in the coming GE. Nonetheless, they are making progress if they can win a GRC and gain experience from it, from leading, serving and debating in Parliament. It takes experience and time.

On the other hand, I think that at times the ruling party does impede the opposition in providing welfare to the people that they represent. Such as discriminating in upgrading projects, when making housing upgrading an election promise. When they are not voted by the people in that area, the discrimination of it done later only seeks to deepen the anti-trust sentiments they have for the ruling party PAP. We do not know whether this entrenched sentiment will change when Mr Chiam See Tong's wife, Ms Lina Chiam takes over campaigning for Potong Pasir. If she does win, that will be a historic 7 term straight opposition win for Potong Pasir.

And that will prove a point, that people's feeling don't change so easily after they distrust a party. Mr Lee K. Y. said in 1984 "The party would withdraw services to the two opposition-held seats of Anson and Potong Pasir, and if all of Singapore votes us out, we withdraw all services everywhere and entirely." - On Potong Pasir and Anson electing non-PAP MPs. This "revenge" on its people will have a negative impact on PAP, unless this election proves otherwise. I hope this statement made in 1984 no longer applies. If the PAP could show some magnanimity in areas such as this, then people in Potong Pasir would have probably given them another chance.

2) The Opposition only knows how to talk about problems, but not solutions.

I do agree to a certain extent about this. But in elections, even in the US, which party doesn't criticise the other? Criticisms are personal and power-hungry. Some are constructive in critically examining the policies. And that is what opposition sees, feels on the ground, listen to the woes of their residents, and that is why they are even criticising on ministerial pay.

I think that somehow PAP candidates don't get to see old women, on a bended back, picking up cardboards at 11pm at MRT stations. Ordinary people like me get to see such things. They somehow don't get to see people in their 50s, 60s picking up used cans from the garbage bins and selling them for altogether $1 to $3. The question people often ask is why are people working so desperately to survive here? And even to barely survive. Why are so many people selling tissue papers? Why are old women clearing the tables for you in the hawker centres? If the country is as prosperous as the government says, then why are these people left out?

A normal person with compassion has to ask these questions to the one in-charge, because they are looking for answers before proposing solutions. Then the PAP will say again and again, like a broken recorder, incomes have increased, jobs have been saved, leadership tided us over the crisis. Then why are people consistently being left out?

Now what we are not saying is that our system do not work at all, neither are we saying there is no credit to our present government. What we are saying is that there is a problem at the corner of their eyes, and they seem to ignore it, or they cannot understand it. That there is a minimum level of survivability in Singapore but no minimum wage to support it. That a handicapped person needs a license to sell tissue papers and lottery to survive. We see blind people playing music at the undergrounds in the prosperous Orchard Road, like a display that these are the left-outs of the people in Singapore. These are common sight here, that my Malaysian and Thai friends don't even see common in their respective countries. Why is our surrounding so rich and our pockets so empty?

The problems to all these are rather inter-connected and the solution to them isn't a straightforward one but a fundamental one. It deals with the priorities of government and care of the government. It is not one big problem. It is a multitude of little problems that you will find it hard to tackle. And they might be so small a portion of the population that you would ignore to focus on those who can cast their votes. It is either the PAP solves it or this gets out of hand to the point that there is a change of government. But they have decided to neglect this group of people and get themselves prepared to lose their votes at every election, and I believe will continue to neglect them in their policies in the future as well.

Some opposition can voice out all these concerns very well and succinctly but they will not matter if they do not have the solution. I don't think they have the solution as yet; they are not yet in government, no power to change things. But they have the will to solve them I believe. Solutions can come in one step to many steps to attain it. It is the one in power who can propose the solutions.

3.) Long term mindedness matters over these short term concerns

Now to someone with a background in Economics, long term can mean a lot of things. Long term can mean everything is variable. Many things will change, in fact most things will, in the long term.

Evolutionist believe that given sufficient enough "long term", some accidental crash of meteroids can create something so liveable and systematic as earth and its eco-system. Takes a billion years.

Not everything is long term. Bread and butter issues, birth rate issues, climate issues and sustainability; these are not matters of the long term. Over these past 40 odd years, it is a sufficiently long term enough time to see that the government prospers much more than its people. It is not in tandem.

Right now, we see that a number of things were beginning to be quite unsustainable. One of it being the huge disparity between public servant's pay and the average Singaporeans, not including the millionaires who come from abroad, and this often causes resentment, and that the leaders can't identify with the common people. How long can we sustain the rise in ministers' pay increment? Is it becoming too expensive?

The birth rates were dipping year by year. This I believe is a social issue, a desire to strive in their careers and love for money, and that is a signal of family values being threatened in the new generation as well. But among all these, costs of raising children in Singapore has become rather frightening. And this leads to another, importing of foreign talent. Already, we have a foreign talent policy because we don't think Singaporeans are smart enough because of genetic issues etc. With a low birth rate, we import even more foreigners to replace the current population. This caused some to even feel disbelong to Singapore even though they are citizens. Its a circle of problems.

Can we admit that all these policies need to be refined and relooked at, and can't be defended indefinitely? That there is some mistakes going wrong around here. It is not all that good and rosy. This election, we aren't just looking for solutions of the future in the air. I've heard of cloud computing, I've not heard of cloud solutions. We need people to recognise these problems and work amiably with each other (not play partisan politics) to address these concerns that the ruling party has been wading at. If we keep defending these policies at all cost, and be obstinate that these are perfect solutions for Singapore's long term future, then Singaporeans might wanna decide how best is it for their next 5, 10, 40 years. How many children we can possibly have according to the policymaker who can release some undue family, social, and financial pressures, how to be kind enough to reach out to all the homeless and those too poor to help themselves, and what to peg ministerial salaries to instead of cash etc.

I think many things are due to one sided thinking that Singaporeans aren't good enough, aren't smart enough, even after achieving all this much, our govt do not believe in Singaporeans. This thinking leads to many things. Our country has become something that only concerns economic and ignores social and family depth and cohesion. Now they have to coo people into dating and giving birth. Something natural becomes all un-natural. Let's not reverse the efforts of our founding leaders in serving the people first and not the party's interest. I repeat here, not the party's interest.

2011-03-22T21:56:00.006+08:00

"Ask why, stupid." Haha, sorry this is not meant to be offensive. It is a catchy phrase that came out near the end of the docu-movie of Enron: the smartest guys in the room. As we all know it, Enron eventually went bankrupt. The time it did not fall, it was presumed to be making tonnes of money and that the people in the company were supposedly "the smartest" and that is why their stocks could rise and rise and they can pay themselves as high a salary as they want. Underneath, Enron is making a loss.

Many of the employees talked about their experience working in Enron, remorsefully saying why didn't they ask why, even though they sense something was amiss. They were afraid to question why, or if they did, were rebuffed by their superiors.

Now, in order to avoid the circumstances of Enron, we have to ask why.

When we hear things from one side or the other, we should ask why; go and investigate, form a viewpoint for yourself. Of course we may have a brilliant PM but not everything that the ruling party says should be accepted as gospel truth, neither should we flung to the other side of being stirred emotionally when we hear from the opposition.

However, some things to think about.

Why are the opposition called "opposition"? It sounds like how some people are labelled as "protestants". Does it mean they oppose on everything without constructive feedback? I don't think so.

Next, are the opposition really incapable? Is it proven? Are they good MPs? Have they spoke out your voice in the Parliament? Personally, I find that even as they argue for equality and blah blah blah, they are rather powerless to even fight for your HDB upgrading. Look at Potong Pasir and Hougang. So until they are tried before, we have no right to say they are incapable. If you say it is, then prove it. If you say they failed, do you understand the context behind things?

Is the opposition just wanting to oppose? I see that some opposition merely acted in good will for the people, and not just wanting to oppose everything. Here's the video of Mr Chiam just stating the facts of Potong Pasir's upgrading and saying that he supports the government. Are they waiting for Potong Pasir to become flat ground before they will do something? "Are potong pasir residents not Singapore citizens?" My heart just feel like crying when its the government who seems to be opposing the opposition. How ironic. But the burden falls to the people. Should rightful Singaporeans be punished because they are not voting for the incumbent party? Is this a form of pragmatism then?

If we one day have a one-party state, then we will have perfect pragmatism and all the people who can't help themselves will be left to fend for themselves, which is what is happening now. Ask yourself, looking at the situation now, does pragmatism protects everyone's interest. Ask yourself this question, though it is good, how far to an extent should it be practiced? After all, nothing should be carried out in extreme.

The purpose of pragmatism should be to save our reserves, be long-term minded, with the aim of boosting the overall population's well being by having extra to give to the poor, and not immediately pay yourself all the benefits. While so many Singaporeans are struggling, minister's salaries can rise like nobody's business, without any opposition effective. Look at this video to see how perverse the logic will be. We are not asking for free transport, we are asking that transport costs not be raised again and again. If transport costs is not tied to oil costs, why raise fares citing oil price hike as a reason? Do you even watch the news Mr Ray Lim? I am appalled. You don't see the opposition saying such things?

Further questions to ask:

Singapore's health budget being one of the lowest in the world, can we have a budget surplus should our budget for health increase? If not, why should ministerial salaries increase, without taking into consideration for the FUTURE of how to fund rising medical costs for its citizens?

The end of this little article is; show that every citizen should be treated equally by upgrading those darn old flats in Potong Pasir and Hougang. And don't persuade for votes by suggesting building a swimming pool at Potong Pasir please.

Disclaimer: The views expressed here are purely personal and do not represent any group, race or religion. The things written is also not to defame any political party or government.

2011-03-21T20:14:00.002+08:00

Schools are still pursuing students to work in Singapore, to the effect that even the CEO of global of education of the school would attend this event, filled with dinner and highlights, like a pompous event. I don't see any such emphasis or demonstration of the importance of local students in the school, as much as these.

I am not saying I am anti-foreign workers, nor should we. But that why the emphasis or reason for holding such events? SIM being a private institution, does it benefit for doing this? Or is it under subsidies, or pressure? That's a question. I am concerned that the bills Singaporeans pay end up benefitting foreigners, because the locals are not being taken care of already.

Being a small country, you are a "price taker". A large influx of cheap labour would easily depress the wages of Singaporeans, in an economy of rising inflation. Because there are the low wage jobs and the high paying ones, and those who earned a truckload of money speculating in the stock and property markets. Being a small country, it has no choice in such circumstances and limited resources, to welcome foreigners without constraint. It has to cap on the numbers, it isn't like the US or Australia where it can afford to let anyone come in. I think foreign talent is a necessity, but I feel our government is treating almost every foreign worker as a talent, and that is wrong.

2011-03-19T00:23:00.003+08:00

Just a thought when I was walking just now. I want to pen it down before I forget it. And perhaps this might also help me regain my momentum of blogging.

Why do we say "perform a job" or "perform a duty" at times? Why do we use the word "perform"? We can always say do the job, get the job done. It seems as though we can do something or we can perform something. Performing something hints that we can do something (even something seemingly mundane) like an art, like a masterpiece, like we are revealing who we are through what we do.

Realise that in life, great people perform, while average people merely do something. It may be their job, work or even what they perceive what they do in their everyday lives.

To perform, you need to give something a thought. You can't just do it. It's sort of like you need a code that you live by in everything that you do. That you are not just doing something for self gain. You are doing something because of a noble purpose, a art, a desire for perfection. In everyday, there could be a financial planner, a salesperson, a customer call personnel, a security guard, a bus driver. They could either do their job, or perform it, as if they are a musician, an artist, a performer... That divides up who is someone who make your day more pleasant or something that comes across to you as ordinary or forgettable. Don't get me wrong that I'm passing judgment. Anyone can be a performer. Think about it, how you would like to perform with style in everything you do, whether big or small.

Train your attitude, live by a code, be a performer. :)

2010-10-09T22:46:00.002+08:00

Just attended Daniel and Huimei's wedding this afternoon. Unfortunately, Joy isn't able to join and witness this ceremony due to work attachment. Its amazing how ten years ago, Daniel was my follow-upper and then 3 years ago, I was working with Huimei in the DMM team of NYP, how two of these awesome peeps got together.

I remember I once called Daniel on the phone one sunday, just wanting to chat and I just asked him why our church don't allow BGR? (Its kinda just a random question, not something bothering me and I just asked in a very raw child-like manner; btw its not that our church don't allow bgr, its just that I was only 13!). And he said that a relationship is between a man and a woman, not between a boy and a girl.

I am really happy to see their union together and I believe they will work hard in this lifelong partnership! I wish them all the happiness in the world!

2010-07-31T13:58:00.003+08:00

Don't we often times feels so unsure of whether would our prayers be answered? We ask something from Him then change our prayers until what we want doesn't becomes so definitive anymore. We wanted THIS then we started giving God option A, back-up plan B and then says "God, if you didn't answer, I will not be so disappointed with you this time". That to God is an insult! An insult to His love for us.

Have you ever liked someone and the someone you liked actually asked you out? He/she may start out with "would you care to come out?" and you just start to jump around the house, saying, even screaming "yes yes, a thousand, million, gazillion YES!" Now that may be a little exaggeration but this scenario pretty much depicts the way God feels towards us. Even before the word was on our mouth, the answer was "yes" already. When we ask, He is so happy that we count Him good, secure, won't-disappoint us, and loved us enough to give us a response. There is a relationship during that "ask". When the relationship is an angry one, a nasty one, a demanding one, one without trust, one without love, how does one feel to answer such 'asks'? Of course God could be extremely gracious, but the relationship is sour and that isn't what God wants nor what we should become.

So friends, God is giving us the security of asking of Him, in Scriptures.
8For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. 9"Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Matthew 7:8-9

If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer. Matthew 21:22

He wanted so much to say YES to you, to give you good and wonderful things. What often escapes our attention is the gift, rather than our relationship with the Giver. So next time you ask something, have a little faith, have a good trust in Him, and simply ask, knowing He will answer because He loves you.

2010-01-05T15:03:00.004+08:00

I've finished watching BY THE PEOPLE: THE ELECTION OF BARACK OBAMA on Mio Tv. The race wasn't easy; in fact not many people even heard of him at the beginning. But they overcame the odds one by one, making phone calls, singing cheers, visit houses and just doing everything necessary to make him known and the position he stands on issues - that's a campaign.

There were people staying till late at night, tired, sleepy, crying after each victory. Team leaders meeting the people and bringing them back to see the purpose of what they are doing. Nothing out of the blue for all they do, but pure strict efforts in helping the person that they believe in that will change their country for good. That gave them hope.

That was democracy on earth.

As is my usual thinking pattern, the question is what about we as citizens of an eternal kingdom; how do we cast our votes for Jesus? How do we campaign for His coming Kingdom and reign in this world? In essence, we are asking a question of how do we campaign for the most rightful candidate to a world that doesn't sees Him?

The answer is all we have known but I think by asking this question, we are not interested in just the things to do or another "to-do-lists" but rather, our vision and our every word and deed that speaks out in worship for Him.

2009-12-20T23:20:00.003+08:00

I've been twittering recently. At first some people have been telling me to try but anyhow I've finally tried (very obedient indeed). It is an interesting tool to text something at the moment. The time and place as context really helps to record the moment well.

Twittering also gives us closer proximity to people never close before, such as politicans, celebrities etc. Barack Obama may not have a facebook account but you can follow him on twitter.

I've had this funny feeling of myself lately. Through twittering, blogging or interacting with people, I became more aware that I am acting more like an adult yet also trying to retain the child-likeness in me (maybe I am childish). Somehow, we just won't know what experiences or happenings or people have shaped us (except for those really defined and memorable ones) day-in, day-out. But I pray that no matter what, we won't appear as two-faced though we may be acting like two people at different times and places. I just can't be who I am to church friends the same as who I am to the business people or to the army friends but I can uphold the same values.

Alright anyway, I just wanna say that I've read the Audacity of Hope by Barack Obama the second time. I think that people voted for him because he is honest. He acknowledged the problems; he did not try to 'grey' the problems and pray it'd disappear. But he state out clearly what is wrong and to go against political incorrectness at times for the public to know what was going on. This reminds me of a tagline in the movie 2012 "the people have the right to know and to fight for their lives".

He may or may not be the president most remembered and his policies will take time to show its effectiveness. I think people should not judge or criticise him too fast. I think at least he is someone who is true to himself and someone who can say "sorry" and that is a kind of a leadership that we NEED. Not politics that hide.

In terms of communism there isn't much debate or dispute on how it should be carried out, amongst the communist themselves. However, for people who believe in democracy, there is wide variations on what its definitions and ideals are. You may base your ideals on the declaration of independance, or Abraham Lincoln or FDR? I think if they can find out the principles of democracy in the leadership of the presidents they admire, they could find a common pattern and principle which can agree with what the govt is doing despite that times have changed. Within, there is a great heritage and history that principles could be drawn from.

Well well, we have certainly had much access to information right now, with even what presidents are thinking and doing! And twittering makes them much more approachable; they are ordinary humans too. Watch out for Kevin Rudd as well!

2009-12-05T21:51:00.003+08:00

Today I've attended the wedding of Guo feng and Mei Ling at the Raffles Town Club. It's my first time attending the wedding of someone in our church. The feeling is really different but the atmosphere of love and joyousness is nonetheless there.

Throughout the whole solemnisation, its this time that I am starting to take stock of what a wedding looks like and what are the significance of each segments. The praises to God, the billingual worship songs (for both sides of the family), the Minister's words and thereafter solemnising the wedding, the partaking of the Holy Communion for the couple etc etc...

Throughout the whole ceremony, it's been touching hearing their stories and their thanks to various people. The wedding also showed a short video clip of how the groom proposed to the bride almost a year ago.

All in all, I would say that two people coming together is really one of the things that shows that a marriage is scared, and its only because God is overseeing it. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate. (Mark 10:9)
Even non-believers observe this sacred-ness, though not to the sense of what Christians understand.

May God bless this happy couple and to weather the storms of this life together!

2009-09-21T18:25:00.001+08:00

"Delegation does not mean an abdication of responsibility"

Delegation means undertaking responsibility but giving sufficient space and authority to others to carry out parts of the work. You can delegate the work but you cannot delegate the responsibility along with it. I say this because I find that at times when people delegate the work, they hold the person full responsibility for the task. That isn't good leadership because the person you delegate to is still under you. You still need to supervise. There is no such thing of able to completely close your eyes on a single function in the organization as long as you're the one overall in charge of it. Don't delegate the responsibility and start the blame game.

Spring Cleaning 2009

2009-09-09T16:10:00.001+08:00

I'm doing spring cleaning. Like literally. The last time I did it is before the Chinese New Year. I usually does this twice a year and I'm doing it now because I am going to ORD!

It took longer than I thought. The more I clean, the more I wanna clean thoroughly. Since I'm cleaning, then I shouldn't "sweep things under the carpet". And perhaps that's why it took so long.

And perhaps I'm entering the next phase of life - it kinda only dawned upon me now that I should throw some things away. And some I couldn't figure out how come I didn't throw them away during CNY?

Things like:
Receipts
Teenager clothes (baggy jeans etc)
Teen pyjamas
Army recruitment gifts that i didn't want. Navy and air force included
Yellow pages (what's a yellow pages doing in my room?!)
Spectacle case (of which I lost the spectacle)
Water bottle cap (of which I've already lost the water bottle)
And a few more...

Things that should be thrown:
-Pioneer magazines(we never read them)

There are also things I discovered I never knew I've got
-Sweatshirts/winter clothing(i've never experienced winter before)
-Many more pair of towels
-More clothes I left them folded but not hung
-A real powerful knife that seems more expensive and sophisticated than the SOG we got.
-A Parker pen with a photograph of my dad and his siblings when young.
-Spaces in the room.

Phew... It's a relief to clean your room once in a while and sweat it all out. It's also nice to organize your room in a systematic way so that when you thought of something, you can pin-point which drawer/cabinet will it be.

I suggest for teachings and documents, it will be good to classify according to topics/series, so later it will be easier to find. There are some people who scans all their teachings and file it in the computer instead. This may allow you to throw all the hard copies away but I advise don't.(When you wanna teach others, you may want the hard copy with you.)

Although I find it really wasteful to throw things away, somethings is necessary to throw. I just pray that Singapore has a paper and plastic recycling program and system in place soon!! To keep Singapore clean, rubbish is "unscrupulously" thrown in some places. There's no room to conserve the plastic bags. There must have ways to conserve/recycle more of these rubbish. When are the habits gonna get cultivated and when is the organization gonna do something about it? We've got so much paper thrown away that recycling companies should salivate at the sight of it.

Corporate gifts are also something that is rather wasteful. For example, we've got keychains with a company logo on it. If its not nice, we wont even use it. What for giving to us? To create an impression? There are nice gifts but don't create corporate gifts for the sake of it. Like there's a particular event (I wouldn't wanna name it), somehow I end up having 5 shoebags! Why would in the world I need 5 shoebags?

And there's also medication. Next time you visit the doctor, if he doesn't tell you what's the prescription, ask him. If he is giving you something you already have, kindly reject it. Many people may not realise how many panadols(paracetamol) they have over the years (if they do not throw them away). It's until I started to consolidate and classify the medicines I have, I then realized I have enough panadols to sell to 5 more people next in que of me in the clinic who need panadols. I've got 88 panadols. If I eat 3 per day, it will be enough for 29 days. I don't need panadols from doctors anymore in the near future.

If some of your stuffs can be reused, don't throw it to the rubbish chute, but donate it to Salvation Army. Visit here for donation bin locations.

There are things we discover we have and that made us thankful. We have more towels than we need. I've got stuff like sweatshirts that I've never used before. There are people in other parts of the world in the cold, without clothing. There are people in the world dying for someone to tell them they are loved yet some people has got so many encouragement cards. Ok this one no one's guilty. We need to spread the love. We need to look for people who have less and not search for people whom we are comfortable with while having alot. Look for people who've got nothing and bless them. I believe we have more room than we thought to be altruistic.

2009-08-09T21:15:00.000+08:00

The third of today's sermon is "Trust God to work out that success for you". I've been working hard to read Economics, praying and thinking... and thinking more. In fact, I think my hair looks overall, whiter. That's a bad thing.

Somehow today's sermon opened a new door for me. It's as if I have stepped out of the wardrobe into the Narnia world.

It got me "corrected" in which I have slipped and erred. That nothing we ever do to try to change, no matter how good our means may be, things will not be changed for the good. All the time, we have the idea to change the world, to make people's lives better, to make the world a better place. The world has been talking about efficiency, less wastages, pollution-free, more accessible waters, global warming and the many other questions and problems that will make your mind go crazy. But the truth is that we ourselves are wicked and sometimes even with good intentions we get entangled with the bad guys and we ourselves acted in the way that we thought we might never have. Only God is able to change the world. Period.

It has already been prophesied that this fallen world is so sick it will eventually be destroyed and people need salvation from this destruction. What we have here can never be the "full" thing. But God promised us that the full things will be when we follow Him and awaits our salvation in eager expectations. The full things - full love, full security, full peace, full joy, full release, full freedom.......

So what are we to do in this world? Do whatever we can that can extend His kingdom. Economics teaches us that people generally work to maximise their own utility, that they will make themselves as well of as possible. People, even spiritual people perhaps, thinks about promotion, salary, their houses, their investments, their cars and so on... If you can think in the eternal perspectives, all these things are nothing. But we will still pursue these. We don't enter "nothing-ness". Now, would be maximising the Kingdom's utility - doing what is best for the Kingdom and its citizens. That means we will buy a car if it extends the Kingdom, we will not buy a car (even if we can afford it) if our country is small like SG, if we are thinking of having money for missions in the long term, if we don't need to travel that much for His Kingdom. We don't buy a car just to make ourselves look better?

I will try one example using MacDonalds'. The burger and fries is good for your health and only the soft drinks is bad, Ceteris Peribus. a person who maximises his own utility per se will find that taking the EVM will be better because he gets more things with lesser money if he were to buy ala carte. However a Kingdom-minded person will buy ala carte fries and burger because anyway he spends less and he eliminates the bad health soft drink for the Kingdom. So as his priorities and vision changes, not to gratify Himself anymore, but for the Kingdom's max, his behaviour changes as well.

and boy, was I foolish to find myself reading more and struggling with my own ability, or more like inability, and wonder can things be done. Can the vision be accomplished? None of all these will count eventually. Though we still have to work hard but with a different realization. Without God, all these efforts, no matter how good intentioned, are futile!!!

2009-08-09T20:58:00.001+08:00

Today's preaching was awesome. Somehow when pastor Jo preach, it always kept me at the edge of my seat and time seems to stand still. I am not exaggerating. I was really engrossed in today's sermon.

His style of unrivalling the truth of the Word of God to make it understandable, get the big picture and then help you make sense out of it - makes it easier to apply. It is sort of letting the Word speak for itself, instead of adding too many other things to make it "look cool". The Word is already good, we don't have to make it better, just explain it out.

Today's sermon was about Nehemiah 2:1-11
How Nehemiah turned his burden into action. He was burdened for the ruins of Jerusalem, he fasted and wept but that still bothered after months. Then he was sad in the King's presence and he took the right opportunity to act courageously. The fact was that he waited for the right opportunity to act instead of rush into things. This principle of waiting for God's right timing is very important.

People who wants to change things may have the impulse to act. They are acting with passion. But people who succeeded in bringing glory to God such as Queen Esther, Nehemiah, Paul and Jesus waited for the right opportunity.

Being rash is a sin and a foolish thing though there will be situations when we FEEL so much to act. Being able to hold up is wisdom. Pastor Jo gave the example of how Jesus maximised the glory unto God by delaying to go to Lazarus even when he was seriously ill. He waited till he was dead then he went! He knew what God had in mind (this is not to say that we delay helping people).

Esther too, waited for the right time to meet the King to give her request. She fasted and prayed and get people to pray with her (same as Nehemiah) and then made herself look probably cute and lovely and the King saw her and called to her.

There is just so much insight to the Word of God. When the Word is being expounded, its just like you just saw something that you didn't noticed it was there all along!

2009-07-16T12:32:00.004+08:00

Tribute to Michael Jackson

A death of a King of Pop has sent so many people shocking. His life was surrounded by awe, curiosity, bizarreness, talent, money, debt, loneliness and legal suits. A boy who started singing at the age of 5 has spent most of 50 years in the entertainment business and living in the lime light. It is unimagineable how all this has affected him since young. He seemed to be the one in the Jim Carrey film "The Truman Show" that all his life was a "show for reality".

With a gift of singing and ability to perform on stage, it has been exploited by his father since the age of 5. And there were all the stories of violence imposed on him, as well as the hurtful words that people or his father gave to him. Not only his father, but the attention he got has also hurt him badly. Probably its his money, probably its his fame and talent, jealousies, illusions in his performances or his bizarreness, people's curiosity for him seemed insatiable. After the tv documentary, "living with Michael Jackson", it was reported for Michael that "it broke him. It killed him. He took a long time to die, but it started that night. Previously the drugs were a crutch, but after that they became a necessity."

There were reports of close friends that says he's such a loving person. And through the watching of the documentary, it just seemed that he has no tinge of aggression in him even when answering questions about the media's attention on him, though he thought and knew how vicious the media can be and is.

It just seemed that he is encircled by mystery - could people believe that he had a skin disease that's why he need a full body make-up to be white? Could people believe that the only surgery he had was his nose? Could people believe that he was really innocent of molesting the boy?

All we know is that he has been such a huge influence on us through his music and dance. He has made people happy kids especially, he has been loving towards his kids, he's had the friendship and support of his ex-wife Debbie Rowe. He is a man that has given alot whether to people in concert or kids with cancer. And probably as he gave, people wanted more. If he speaks the truth, then the media which spilled lies about him were the ones that drove him to seclusion and eventually crucified him. That is the thing that has plagued his life from the beginning - hurtful words.

And I hope we can have a good memory of him, at least for someone who has given back.

His song:

Like A CastleBuilt Upon A Sandy Beach
Gone Too Soon
Like A Perfect Flower
That Is Just Beyond Your Reach
Gone Too Soon
Born To Amuse, To Inspire, To Delight
Here One Day
Gone One Night

2009-05-24T19:56:00.003+08:00

The story of Noah has many parallels that we can draw with end times and the church.

1. The ark is used as an instrument for salvation for the righteous, so then the present day ark is the church, an instrument for people to come to know the Lord. The ark will also "keep" the righteous, so then the church should also be used to maintain and see that people's faith last till the end until salvation come about. Hebrews 10:36-29

2. The righteous will have salvation, just like today those who are made righteous by the blood of Christ will be saved.

3. The ark was built according to the pattern and specifications given by God so the church must also built on the Word of God as its foundation. But now the "specifications" is the entire Bible; every facet of it.

4. The ark was built by Noah a righteous man and who was willing to endure suffering to build it. He also built it in faith, and in obedience. Such should be the characteristics of one who builds God's Church.

5. The end of times will be sudden, just like Noah's time. Matthew 24
37As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. 38For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; 39and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man.

It sounds terribly wrong if we who are living at the "end of end times" act in such a way as described by Matthew 24 as if its not gonna happen. We gotta make sure we become READY all the time by living everyday and awakening in faith!

Last night I was reading a book that a brother lent to me "People who changed the World". Some people changed the world through love and compassion, some by their intellect, some by their teachings, some by their beauty, some by their "terrible-ness" and some by their discoveries and so on. All in all, these people made an impact to today's world in the way we think and act. Some positive, some negative. Such as Marilyn Monroe probably defined beauty for women and shaped many girls to want to be like her, "to be the kind of woman man wants". But that is not lasting beauty nor true love. Her life story was also pitiful that she died by an overdose of sleeping pills and we've seen her life being exploited by people.

Of course, Jesus Christ has to made it in the list in this book. He is the greatest in love. I think deep inside man, we longed to be great. The question that lingers is how do we want to be great?

2009-05-23T00:18:00.003+08:00

What We Treasure

Psalm 19:7-10
7 The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul.
The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple.
8 The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart.
The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes.
9 The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever.
The ordinances of the LORD are sure and altogether righteous.
10 They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb.

This Psalm of David shows us how much he valued God's Word! The Word of God revives the soul, makes the wise simple, gives us joy, gives light to the eyes, endures forever, can be trusted, gives us righteousness and is much more precious than pure gold.

It seems like great and powerful people loves God's Word. (Oh I'm stating the obvious!) They loved God's Word because God's Word represents God Himself. How much we love it is how much we love Him. How much we thirst for it shows how much do we wanna know and seek Him.

In the book of Proverbs, Solomon wrote that we should seek wisdom like gold as well. What are we seeking in this life is really important. Where our conviction lies will affect our lives.

It is good if we can have an insatiable appetite for God's Word in the day and in the night. Then we will always have a healthy diet and walking in the spiritual light. Reading more is better than not reading at all. It is important what we pass down is well thought over and make sure it is in line with the Bible. I've learnt that we cannot teach people who are not rooted in the Word this phrase because they don't even know what is in line with the Bible. They usually just rely on their conscience or general moral compass to determine whether something is right or wrong.

But I'd encourage new believers to read as much as they can of the Bible. If they are hungry for God, I want them to go all out to quench their thirst. If they treat the Word as gold, and seek it like no other treasure, I will rejoice over the many Davids! For if they know how to lean on the Word, how to check on the Word for every subject, how to make it their referee then they will be able to discern right and wrong.

We shouldn't ask people to stop! You stop the good thing, you get the bad thing going. We can stop or slow down the bad thing and get the good thing going. Paul was such a person. He turned all his energy from intensely persecuting the church to intensely preaching the Gospel.
When reading the Bible...
Some may think they are reading Greek
But that's an attitude they gotta rid
A heart that's meek and a prayer that pleads
will allow this "greek" to lead and make you succeed.

Had my first adults' caregroup on thurs evening. Thank God for a brother who fetched me home. Heard interesting stories from the teachers in the caregroup. Had shepherding with a brother today and was great he is making progressive steps as he now regularly reads the Word. Had the chance to host a brother from Hope Kota Kinabalu for a few hours as he observed our youth worship team music practice. He shared some things that had happened to their church and had caused much trouble. Hope people are real people and it is here that we can share our struggles, challenges openly and I wanna hold him up in my prayers that he will be strong and carry on the good things He wants to do.

From what he shared, he isn't a kind of person leaders or people may like. In fact people misunderstood him that he is giving trouble, or persuaded him to join another church. However, deep in his heart I believe he loved the church. Even as many forsake the church, he didn't. He kept on giving feedbacks and telling the pastor eventually what's wrong on the ground. There are many men that wants to change things. Before we can change things that are bad in the world, we also have to first change things in the church so that it can be good. Before you can allow the sick to come into your clinic to be healed by you, you gotta ensure your clinic is hygienic and condusive to conduct your practice too. Thank God for this brother.

2009-05-09T23:33:00.005+08:00

Mother"s Day Diary

Awoke with a good sleep, a good 9 hour sleep. Spent quiet time with the Lord, followed by writing Mother's Day card. I communicate with my mother in Chinese so I wrote a Chinese card, to know that my Chinese has really deproved. I even had to cross out two words, which was really ugly.

Then went to my grandma's place. Had a good meal with both my mum and grandma. Then followed by going to town to buy shoes with my mom. Its a long time since I last shopped with her. In the past, she would go with my sis instead. Thank God I didn't wait very long before my mum chose a pair of good shoes for herself. I am more concerned of the comfort of the shoe as I don't know what is nice and what's not nice. I think some women shouldn't buy shoes that only look nice but doesn't fit their feet. If your shoes is too tight or unfit, you will feel uncomfortable, then you'd have (to spend extra money) to buy iSqueeze from Osim. (that's what the advertisement says.)

Wanna thank the Lord for my grandmother. My mum shared to me that my grandmother is like an evangelist. She brings her past tenants to come to know the Lord. She brings the people around her to know the Lord including her current maid, who was also baptized. I didn't know that! I feel ashamed that I haven't led a single soul in my camp to know God thus far, which is what I'm desperately praying for and inviting them to church as well.

This year is considered one of the most fruitful mother's day I've had.

Reading the biography of a hero of faith: "The Autobiography of Geroge Muller" Wiki him here!

2009-05-01T12:30:00.002+08:00

Counting down to about 4 more months to leave the Army... Lately's beeen rather calm as I transit to the adults group. Been reading Charles Spurgeons' sermons in camp. Wow really thank God for the free software available and also me getting a Blackberry. Though it has no cameras but its not bad a phone. The downside? You can't use wi-fi for the GPS. The GPS just doesn't work like the one people uses in their cars :( Many services have to use the data plans instead of wi-fi...

Anyway, I'd just like to comment that Charles Spurgeons' sermons are terrific. I would really like to preach like him, his spirit, his intellect and his passion. I don't mean to preach exactly like him but to have some of these qualities. Though it is written in old english, but we can still understand, and probably learn to appreciate what made him the "Prince of Preachers" in his time.

One of the sermons that struck me is about the Remembrance of Jesus, as Jesus said "And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me." Luke 22:19

It seems to suggest that we as Christians DO forget Jesus, we do pass by days in a week without Jesus. We left Him in the church. It may seem impossible that the King of kings and Lord of lords, the highest of all creation be forgotten, but it is true. I have never heard a sermon that expounds about the significance of the remembrance of Jesus before and it gave me a new understanding. Jesus instituted the Holy Communion for a reason and an important one. This was instituted when he knows he was going to die and people don't do unimportant things at the last hours of their day.

As Christians and the child of God, our Lord ought to be the one we pleases the most. He ought to take the highest place in our lives, in our decision making and in the priority of all that is related to us. Yet we do get distracted by other things, other comparatively insignificant things. If God is the highest, what can be higher than him? And it is in the devil's plan for us to mis-focus. The focus on the micro instead of the macro, to focus more on the things that matter less than the things that mattered more. Lives would not be lived in regret if we were to live in such a way we do not neglect what really matters. I believe some people lived in regret because they realised they have all along been chasing something that didn't mattered more. They pursue their careers overly much they lost their marriage or they did so much to compete with others and ended up with no friends. And if we were to use such relative terms, what kind of priority would you give to Jesus, the one who bought you at the highest cost? And what scales will you put him in your everyday living and prayer?

Having tasted that the Lord is good and we lived because of His grace, I wonder what will I give to receive this blood sought pardon were I to stand at the gates of hell one day.

I would wanna remember Him every hour I'm awake and not to live a life of sin no more.

2009-03-22T22:17:00.002+08:00

PolyDINS camp 2009 is over! Really had a good time playing, fellowshipping with the brothers in this camp. Our young brothers Sye Kit, Jullian and Joshua joined us. Sye kit lost his voice in the camp, Jullian was the game master throughout playing that single game which I kept dying... I still owed them a forfeit. Joshua was the little brother that is playful but can be serious on God too!

On the 2nd day evening, Richard, Edison and a sister from NS group (Aileena) and I went to Eilton's commissioning parade. We met Karshun and Ken over there. Can really see Eilton's joy and of many other cadets in the parade - one of them even threw his cap before the time haha.

Today's workshop is the only one of the two I attended. Wanted to hear more about pubbing and clubbing... Anyway, today's workshop on euthanasia was enriching. I was impressed by how one of the group presented. The way they share you can tell that they are excited and simply wants to do what is right before God, yet also not being unempathetic to the situations of the people in the case study.

We don't know how useful and powerful the Word of God is until its got something to do in real life situations! But we need to have the habit of turning to the Bible FIRST when problems come. When we apply the Bible according the right principles, God is glorified!

As Ritchie was talking about timings and circumstances of a person when to pull out the life support machines from the loved ones, I thought of this...

In Jonah chapter 1, there was a huge storm and the people may die as the ship threatened to break up. After which, they came to a situation of voluntary euthanaisa by Jonah himself (verse 8-12), which Jonah claimed is the solution to the problem. But the people onboard were sailors who didn't want to take innocent lives. They tried their best to row the boat. But finally only on the last resort, they threw Jonah off the sea (verse 13-15). Their conscience was clear as they never intend to take innocent lives. And because it was the plan of God, the seas calmed and the people believed and worshipped the God of Jonah.

We must believe that when those tough situations happen, it always happen for a reason. Of course it will not happen to everyone. I was thinking of the hard choices between financial ease and euthanasia some people have to make, I am just so thankful I am not in that kind of situation. But if it were, it is for a reason. Hold still to hope and pray. If things are not going in the right course, may God disrupt our plans!

2009-03-15T15:56:00.003+08:00

We need the Holy Spirit very much!

We need to be filled with the Holy Spirit

Holy Spirit is not just an influence, but He is the One who works in every part of our life all the time - that is Spirit-filled. There are not many people who believed in the works of the Holy Spirit today. They don't believe ordinary people can be so close to God, so wonderfully counselled by Him. They don't believe in miracles, or the power of the Holy Spirit or the gifts of the Spirit. They do believe in becoming a better person but they don't quite understand we can't be good on our own. We need to simply allow the Holy Spirit to work in our lives. We need to surrender our rights, and allow Him Mr Holy Spirit to work in us to bear fruits of the Spirit. When we are in sync with Him, fruits are borne naturally as a process. But sadly, many people do not believe that.

I was prompted by yesterday's service to really speak about this to the congregation during the worship time. We can't just be a Spirit-influenced church but a Spirit-filled church. This is not something I think about alot recently but something the Spirit spoke to me during the worship time. We need to be filled, let Him reign in every part.

We are filled by the Spirit by
-Praying
Praying in words and in tongue. Having a prayerful heart - we can talk to God anytime in our hearts!
-Keeping in step with the Spirit
Desire to walk with Him. Obey His Words.
-Teachings
Right teachings allow the Holy Spirit to move powerfully. We need to be balanced to not go to one extreme to justify everything is from the Spirit. Let's find out from the Word to see if such cases exist first. Another extreme is to deny works of the Spirit and thus restrict Him. He works according to how much we believe. But a third possible outcome, is ignoring. This is the most common after a church becomes established. The Holy Spirit is not filling our lives as much but we use just so little of His power. We may pray in tongues when we pray together, believe in gifts and fruit of the Spirit but not releasing His power in our lives by fellowshipping with Him enough! We probably forget about Him most part of our day! Its important to fellowship with Him by praying in our hearts, speaking in tongues etc.

We need to be "elevated" to the spiritual realms and see the powerful work of the Spirit that will cause our Gospel message to be displayed in a powerful way.

The more we understand the Word, the better position we are in to allow the Spirit to work, the more balanced we become as a result.

2009-03-15T11:56:00.002+08:00

"Madness is either used to the effect to conspire or to inspire." - Anonymous
This is true. Madness is all around. Politics, Economics, Social and everywhere is madness. Madoff was recently sentenced to jail for a madness of a fraud that reaches $85 billion. Before him, many Ponzi schemes had already occured. In Christianity, it is also madness. When we look back to its history, we see the Gospel spreading even to greater geographical areas and with greater intensity under the pressures of persecution. It is not a religion for the faint hearted.

It thrives under hardship and people are even willing to get martyred for it. This must be something mad. If only Jesus is mad, one person we might be able to accept but to have his followers follow him to such great extent under the knowledge that he was crucified; that is unbelievable.

So madness is everywhere, whether for a good or bad cause. The early church's commitment and faith in the Lord that brought them so far ought to inspire us. People like to come up with ideas that the principles of the Bible do not work a few centuries after, in the 1980s, in the 1990s and then now when we're over the millennium. People can come up with all sorts of excuses when they do not know what the Lord has in mind. But every revival that happened, it is the preacher's life and love for the Lord that enabled them to accomplish great things, never about human ingenuity. Human ingenuity may last for a while but only when the Holy Spirit moves things or drop a Word upon us can we be changed and anointed to do His work. So are you ashamed to be mad for the Lord, do you dare to be different from the rest, to obey the Lord, His Word as it really is?

That is what's gonna make the difference.

2009-03-08T20:30:00.002+08:00

This blog is back!

Today's Biblegateway verse was quite meaningful.

Psalm 139:23-24

“Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”

For the past week, I kind of realized how God treats us sometimes. When there is an area or issue in our lives that is not being settled, and God is displeased about it, communication is broken. But God is not like man. He will let us know through signs... maybe our prayers go unanswered, maybe we face certain failures or He will speak to us through His Word. But if we still fail to get the message or chose not to listen, He gets silent. When the matter worsen, then there comes discipline.

However, let us not be weary in following the Lord for He is always good and the One who loved us the most. When we feel our communication with God is broken, we should evaluate our lives. We need to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit everyday so we can walk in His will. Let us not just rush into busy ness in ministry for if our lives are not right, we will not see much success or victory that the Lord gives.

2009-02-26T18:54:00.001+08:00

Hey these people are good examples that we need not be on the worrying side of things

Read http://money.cnn.com/galleries/2009/news/0902/gallery.optimism/index.html

2009-01-18T18:58:00.002+08:00

1 Corinthians 13:5
It(Love) is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.

Love is not rude. Love is not self seeking. Love is not easily angered. Love keeps no record of wrongs.

I am reminded once again what love is. In my daily dealings with people, as a not so gentle and rather straightforward person, I think I've tread the ground of offending people without being intentional. Joking with people without being funny. Communication in error. Like a bull banging around rashly, there's much more wisdom to be acquired. Oh how I wish I can transform in a flash haha. Holy Spirit please help me.

Yet I'm looking forward to having a depth of character that pleases Him...

2009-01-18T01:13:00.000+08:00

I've just arrived at Elias Road. I feel very blessed at this point of time. Taking this time to just blog.

Was having flu the whole day, gotten worse during dinner time. I felt better after heeding Andrew's recommendation to drink a hot drink, probably a hot milo. I shared and discussed with Liyan certain things tooo.. God really has great plans unfolding for all of us. None left out. The main thing is everyone stay close and walk with Him.

On the 3rd of Jan, my 90 year old grandpa left this world into eternal dwelling. It was a loss but there's a mixed feeling of assurance and joy. During that time of mourning, I didn't experience the kind of sorrow like there's no tomorrow... with Christ, things seem more in place. And I also got to build a closer r/s with some of my relatives. My aunt used to be a Hope Chiangmai member and she shared many interesting stories to me. I'm amazed how God not only changed me, not only my family but also my extended family to my relatives. I know things are still not perfect in many ways but it is really a far cry better than the past. I am thankful.

I didn't intend to share to anyone except Andrew, Liyan and Huimei but I end up sharing to one more person. But anyway thanks to everyone I replied to in sms for the comfort and concern.

One thing became evident to me. Everyone is works in progress. No one is perfected entirely. There is more to the things we thought we've already overcome. The good becomes better. The better keeps getting better till it is perfect in every way. One person might feel he is humble (and yes indeed to a certain extent) but then he realizes he needs to be humble in other circumstances. He is put to pressure to whether is it a matter of humility or doing the right thing or the method at that circumstance. Even when we've grown in humility, there is more spaces to grow. In trusting God, there will be more areas to trust. In love, there is more to just the current state of love.

1 Corinthians 13
11When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me.

As he put childish ways behind him, he is also constantly maturing to become like an wise old men. Wise old men yea that's what I wanna be!

Addicted to Missions

2008-10-05T13:45:00.004+08:00

I've been back from Missions trip! With 4 wonderful team members - Jorris, Lemuel, Magdalene & Lestari. Really enjoyed the funny times, the joy of serving the people, the team effort, everything! Unfortunately, Santono was unable to join us.

I have too much to blog. But its written in my own journal. I am addicted to missions. No matter how far the people are, we must move forward to find them, get them, help them. The effort must really be great. If we have powerful teams, like how Jesus trains the Twelve, we can go anywhere and we won't be afraid.

Psalm 23:4
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.

Yes we will not fear anything for we know God is with us. I find that whenever we are plunged into missions, we have no choice but to know God is there. All da time! Last night I came back alone from Kuching. Its my first time travelling alone and the airport I'm arriving at is at Johor, not Changi. There is some fears of travelling on a budget airline alone, taking a taxi from JB to customs. How I wish I could stay with the team haha. However, I have to leave. I know only God is with me now; the dependency on Him just increased. As Christians, its impossible to be alone because God is omni-present. Somehow that fact deepened into us when we are overseas.

With that greater dependency on God, that's probably why we see and feel and know God is with us every step of the way during the trip. Many hiccups occurred but we never panick. Its almost an unspoken understanding that if God is not with us, we wouldn't be here. Precisely because Jesus is real, we need to get out of our country and fulfill His plan in as many places and people as posisble! It should not be just tourism mindset to get experience of other cultures or places but its missions mindset! We should step out to evangelize in our local area, to get into missions globally, God is with you! We should not fear to teach God's Word, share testimonies witnessing or personal conversion story!

Really thank God for the trip!

2008-06-23T00:15:00.004+08:00

This week is really one great and awesome week! Shared my testimony of how God answers our prayers! We are really close to 50. I also testified our weakness all the more shines God's goodness. There's an incident I "acted smart" by acting in advance and acted differently from what I ask of God. End up my advance move was redundant but nevertheless God was faithful to answer...

Yesterday was really a very long day. By the time of Vision Night, I'm already very tired but seeing our NYP bros and sis around, I'd really like to not waste any moment of it being tired. And after some thought, I decided not to go ahead with the teaching but to share from the heart instead. Though it feels different without something to follow, the points may be a little jumbled up, I hope that the vision we live and breathe for will nonetheless impact some hearts.

I really love NYP, the whole of it. The people in our church. Its like we are really different and really "indescribable." In NYP, we do have problems but there are also great and wonderful committed people who are loyal and go through thick and thin with me and with us, the team... What makes people wanna rise up to go through this narrow road? It's still amazing to me.

It also amazes me how it may seem to have no benefits to others yet the blessing is tremendous! Being a leader in church is not easy, its not always happy, its not what you think and expect often times. But the experience with God in every adventure is there - the need to trust, the need to think biblically and courage to act upon it, the blessings of God in providence for your ministry/people/your own needs, the power of the Holy Spirit acting beside you as if telling you answers to a exam qn u don't know (its called counselling, not cheating heh heh), the supernatural ability that enables u to do things you could never imagined and many much more more more! Then there's a reward, u made long and lasting friendships, u are able to see eternity and the big picture, u will feel such great sense of fulfillment when you see people's lives changed and being used for God, the sense of purpose and meaning is tremendous, the vision, the family God has blessed me with spiritually and naturally too...

Those who seek power and positions here may get disappointed. I recently discovered that I myself am really becoming more uncompetitive. Its like I don't like to race with others. If somebody wants an award, wants a credit, wants the mrt seat, then just give it to him. There's a time I was encouraged to take part in something because they know I was gonna win, then there is this "glory and honor" thingy... I just gave it up, I felt it pointless to get certain things that don't last or for ego's sake. I used to be very "aggressive" in ministry in goals and I stretch people much more. Now I feel "pain" when people get stretched a little. I think I'm spoiling some people... But yet again, I want to act in love. Father, I want to balance both. NYPians, it's time to stretch more and let's not only do more for God, let's grow in our thinking and mature in Christ.

I like these verses very much. I hope we can strive for this vision in our discipleship.

Colossians 1:28We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ.

Ephesians 4:13-15
13until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. 14Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. 15Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.

Yeah, and with this, I'm finally moving my blog! This blog is really hard truths for some, hope the next one will be something that can inspire people and bring the love of God to their hearts :)

2008-06-15T11:56:00.004+08:00

NYP has 2 converts yesterday! Good job to all!!

One of the visitors said he likes sermon and another said that Jasmine's preaching spoke to him the last ESS that's why he decided to convert in the previous ESS. I thought the production standards was high but the gothic images and heavy metal part was unnecessary and I don't think its beneficial to much extent, seriously.

Last night, invited Weihong to my house, but the dog came and "ka jiao" him and he sway and sway then hit my standing flower pot! And we spent some time cleaning up instead har har...

I just recalled a little story about motivation. There is one mouse and one cat. The cat saw the mouse, and the mouse sensed it and ran... So they had a cat and mouse chase. The mouse managed to run away. So the cat just relaxed and walked away. Another cat came and approach this cat and ask him "hey you suck... how can you not even catch this mice?"

The cat answered calmly and wisely "hey man, what'd you expect? I am just chasing him for my supper but he is running for his life!" The motivation behind them are different.

I was talking to my staff sergeant about church and trying to bring him to Christianity. he is such a driven guy, learning 3 languages and taking up a part time degree all at the same time. He sets goals. And he actually was from Hope before! amazing! haha

guess wat?! i was from Hope too! :D well that was year 1999 to 2000... i even contributed to the building fund where it stands now.. :D

I wonder how come he left eventually... or why people in generally left? If we have a big church but people keep going out, we are still unfaithful to these people in God's sight so how to keep all (if possible?) in the sheep pen? I think one of the answers is follow-up.

2008-06-14T01:45:00.003+08:00

Saving the World...

Lately, there have been much talks about Global warming and concerns of the environment. Because of global warming, natural disasters has also been hitting harder at certain countries that have been affected. Calamities such as the Hurricane Katrina, the recent earthquake of Si-Chuan, the Tsunami in 2004 are all linked with Global warming. Global warming has resulted in storms becoming bigger as the humidity level rises.... .... uh.... I can't explain it well, let Al Gore talk to you in the movie "An Inconvenient Truth"

Nonetheless, it is our duty as stewards of what is being given to us to try to protect and preserve as much as we could. God does NOT like to destroy His creations such as the beautiful places He has created, the people... it is the devil (the thief) who steals, kill and destroy. When things especially souls are being destroyed, the devil is happy because he knows he is getting destroyed too; he'd like you to join him. God however doesn't like destruction and suffering but many things are just part of human consequences. I'd say that without God still in control, the world will be in a much worse state than now.

Even at the recent LC held in Malaysia attended by some, the Mt. Kota Kinabalu has lost some of its beauty and it has been warmer up there than before. If we do not protect the earth or preserve it, global warming is gonna worsen natural disasters and its gonna cost lives! Just count how many have died recently due to the disasters and you would have regretted the number who have not heard about the gospel...

Protecting the earth is like stalling time for the gospel to spread. Each one's contribution and daily habits matter as it all adds up together.

Here are some ways you can do to play your part to be a good steward of the earth:
1. Save electricity - use energy-saving air-cons, use it at a temp of 24-25 degree celsius or even best, use the fan!
2. Plant trees if you can. Mini plants or flowers would be nice too.
3. Work and/or contribute more ideas to environmental agencies such as NEA (National Environment Agency) or SembCorp. These are orgs in Singapore. Please contact your local agency wherever you are.
4. Write to the newspapers or forums anything that could be done better to the environment. Write about the benefits (i.e. indirect contribution to having a sustainable economy) and what has been wrong (there are no recycling bins at the letter boxes or housing estates!!). Be courageous to write politely yet firm in the message..the Lord is with ya!
5. Recycle - contact SembCorp for a recycling bag and put all your recyclables such as plastics, paper and cans into it. They will then come and collect.
6. When you go shopping, resolve to not use their plastic bags. Rather put the stuffs into your own bag. If your bag is too small, get more people along to help you and to fellowship too!
7. Don't buy mineral waters - bring your own water instead. Buy a once and for all plastic Nike or Adidas water bottle or something. (actually most of the costs of a bottle of mineral water is by making the plastic bottle). NSFs can use the army water bottle for life ba..
8. Bring your own lunchbox when packing a meal from outside. Resolve not to use their styrofoam or plastic boxes. Boycott their plastic disposable utensils. President Ma of Taiwan brings his own pair of chopsticks wherever he goes and I think he sure enjoys his meal as much.
9. Conserve water - Do not bathe too long. Drink lots of water though. Use a half-flush if possible and don't flush unnecessarily such as flushing an ant!
10. Pressure the government to do more to the environment. Don't give in just because they say they have good ranking records etc because that is just an excuse to maintain the status-quo!!
11. Use fuel-saving vehicles. Take public transport if possible. Try not to indulge in thirsty luxury cars. You will get one in heaven if you don't get one now.
12. Pass the movie "An Inconvenient Truth" to as many people as possible! Read the Bible daily and regularly too. Form clubs in your campuses etc to help champion the cause of the environment.

Hurry and quick! Because the earth's skin is peeling, the atmosphere I mean...

2008-06-14T01:11:00.003+08:00

Praise God!
This week has been amazing thus far! I never expect NYP would have seen 4 converts in a single week! Though I've been mentioning to them to witness about Jesus Christ in the Christ for the past few weeks, I did not expect them to do it this week... But they did and I think God rewarded those who did it in faith! There was a person who received Christ on wed Benjamin. On thurs, 2! They are Wendy and Ming Sze. Friday, Ming Sze' friend sat down to listen to what Weihong has to share about Jesus and Yu Qing accepted Jesus into his life!

There were a few things that were remarkable to me through this little victory that we had.

1. the people did it in faith - witnessing is not a popular idea nowadays as people deem it as ineffective. But nevertheless, we are called to witness to others about Christ from the Bible. Those who did it did it in faith. I talked to them and found out that they just come out of their comfort zone and share with what they have. God gave them a surprise when God caused the people's hearts to melt and accept Jesus! You can read how they come to know Jesus and I think each individual's stories really show that it is not man's power but God's power.

Just read this during my quiet time. Paul wrote in 1 Cor 2
1When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or superior wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. 2For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. 3I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling. 4My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, 5so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power.

If this is true in all our sharing, I think God did mighty works and all our new believers' faith are not resting on any of human wisdom BUT on God's power!

2. There is teamwork
I think everytime we learn a principle from the Bible, it really takes more than just a few mentioning of it to make it an integral part of how we do ministry. To make it integral in everything we do, we have to pray for it, persuade people and remind people to do it. The last time we started to preach about teamwork was on Vision Night. We started to give some examples and open people's eyes to see how it brings about success. Now we see that people are starting to practice teamwork. Its not as full as it could be yet but we are making progress and because of that, we rejoice! The people form themselves up in teams and just go ahead and share. The teams are not made of "cliques" (i'm not sure if its spelt this way..) but they are people who probably never worked with one another before. In there, there is synergy. It is people achieving a common goal. People who have never worked together before working as if they have worked with one another for a long time. That is teamwork.

3. Acts 1:8 "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

We are called to be witnesses. It is Jesus' command that we witness for Him. Its not so much about what's the method for today's youth or tertiary students that kind of question. that is an irrelevant question to me. We should ask "what the Bible really say?" That is how crazy we are gonna go, as crazy as God wants us to. That is our inmost desire to obey the Word.

Obedience is the key. Simply obey even when it don't seem to make sense. I think there is power when we go against the system to do what the Bible says, and when that happens, God blesses. God truly blesses and none of us are able to claim credit of saving 4 souls from the pit. Peter truly go against the system at that time, he walked the narrow way, he chose the tough route and he never gave in.

Acts 4:19-20
19But Peter and John replied, "Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God's sight to obey you rather than God. 20For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard." Peter is so resolved about it whether there is persecution or whether there is people knowing God or not. However, it is God's will that people be saved and upon seeing such a fervent obedient servant, God brought in many new converts to the church at that time. Its always "added upon them daily" You only see such words in the book of Acts.

Now we are not against any other methods of saving souls...through events, through service, through rallies or whatever. But we are not a para church. The true kind of church Jesus meant is the local church that will be planted firmly and deeply to make lasting impact to the people in its vicinity. Many of the structures used to support it is meant for long term such as discipleship, personal witnessing, expository preaching to the whole Bible. People need to witness as part of their spiritual growth and discipleship "curriculum"

Acts 20:27 "For I have not hesitated to proclaim to you the whole will of God." It is my dream also to do expository preaching on the whole Bible, every book of it.

2008-06-11T21:01:00.002+08:00

Got some time to use the computer to write something short. Hmmm... I am now in a new environment of work. Been understudying under some people. Its really interesting how each individual carry out their duties. In anywhere doctrines from higher level will result on how the organization will look like. In orgs, there will people executing the tasks under the principles or commands of the doctrine. Our doctrine is found in the Word of God! When we really follow the Word in obeying and in balance we will surely reap the fruits of it. For God said that "if you remain in me and my WORDS remain in you..." God's Word in our hearts is the thing that is able to cause us to bear fruit!

Let's fill your hearts with the Word of God, meditate on it. Don't ever think you are a tree who can't bear fruit. YOU are FRUITFUL and as you seek God's plan for your life and keep on obeying the truth, the truth shall set you free! Amen.

Psalms 1:2-3
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.

2008-06-07T10:26:00.002+08:00

Yesterday was the beginning of my work. It feels really awkward and silent as we used to eat lunch and do everything with 40 over people. Now its just 4 person. We did practically nothing yesterday except to wait and wait.

Read an article on Reader's Digest. It may be a common misunderstanding that females are more prone to depression than males. The suicide rates for males are in fact, higher than those of females, which don't fit to the data that more females are depressed compared to males. Its just that in the early stage, females display the symptoms stronger by crying or feeling sad. Males display depression by complaining, probably about work etc and they usually react with anger. They become very irritable. Its just that male symptoms don't fit to the common symptoms of textbooks. But males do carry depression. Their depression are probably not discovered until it reach the later stage, which becomes harder to deal with. They may think of committing suicide eveyday.

Its so important as those who know God, really live with joy in their lives. There's so many things to rejoice as a Christian - salvation to us, God's love, God's grace, church family, our life change and soo much more!

No sex is stronger than one another. All are weak and all need Christ. Maybe the strengths are different in different in different areas but I think in all humanity, the ultimate need for unconditional love and need for grace in our lives can only be found in Jesus Christ!

2008-05-28T22:29:00.003+08:00

Had the 40km endurance from last thursday to friday. Leg really hurts after that yet we have to go for a parade cum presentation ceremony, was limping home after that haha..

God is really good. We had the NYP CLM last saturday night and some of em felt stretched serving God that there is thoughts of giving up. I am really proud of them that they are warriors for Christ who are fighting despite things going against this will and desire! It's so easy to serve Jesus when everything is so well, so fruitful. BUT there will always be problems. We are working against the spiritual forces as well. There will be people who think otherwise, who betray, things that doesn't flow according to our plan... and that is our test of patience, our own growth in God as well. If we can ever see all these things in ministry in clear light, I'd say let's stop strugglin in why are we going through or wonder why are there discouragements around. Let's desire to pass the test as God prune us as leaders! Let's pray for the people with unceasing love. We'll overcome one by one. God is not personal when He gives us tests. He wants us to pass. He wants us to grow. We got to depend on Him, not on our own strength...

Learnt from the endurance exercise also, don't rest too much. Resting too much is never good. It causes us to focus on our fatigueness, than to keep moving on. yes we do rest for our own good but not rest to think we will walk longer as some Chinese saying goes. The more we rest the more momentum it halts. Therefore, we keep going on and depending on God to move on. He is very strong to carry us :) There is no such thing as taking "spiritual rests" I guess, the thing lies in whether we sort out our thoughts, our desires, our motives and lay them all down in surrender to God and we shall start walking again and move in the right direction. Be a victorious person!

2008-05-18T17:43:00.004+08:00

千山万水
千山万水无数黑夜等一轮明月
梦的边陲风吹不灭从不感疲惫
东方无愧第一是谁让我们追求完美
我态度坚决面朝北平地一声雷

做好准备这一回起跑后绝不撤退
痛快一起努力的感觉
我们拥有同样的机会 ohh~

梦想挟带眼泪咸咸的汉水
你我同个世界 爱从中穿越
梦与希望在飞我向前去追
有目标就不累等着我超越

东方无愧第一是谁 让我们追求完美
我态度坚决面朝北平地一声雷

做好准备这一回起跑后绝不撤退
痛快一起努力的感觉
我们拥有同样的机会 ohh~

梦想挟带眼泪咸咸的汉水
你我同个世界爱从中穿越
梦与希望在飞我向前去追
有目标就不累 等着我超越

This is an inspiring Olympics song! When you listen to this song, it may really inspire you to run a race with pride and perseverance.

Yesterday took the same train with Wendy and really admire this sister for her simple child like faith, and also came to know that she converted at primary 4! Yesterday we saw the most number of converts in poly service so far for an ESS.

Let's really run this race well, in our lifetime and also for now while running, let's not look back but keep going on.

2008-05-11T20:00:00.003+08:00

I hanged out with Si-Han after DMM last night... It was pretty interesting eating tau huay with him and his friends. There were 3 of them, one a violist, one a pi pa-ist and the other a pianist! Talented bunch of people! At least all of them are much more musically inspired and knowledgeable than me. The pianist is a person with perfect pitch and they also joked about her awesome ability to know what note you are making when you make a sound. She even know the musical note for the train sounds in north east and north south line trains. Sounds like a mutant?

I always liked to ask musicians why they don't like Jay Chou cos most of the musicians in singapore whom I met doesn't quite like him. hahaha...one reason was his music is quite sequential. Fine, accepted, cos Jay makes his music on a set of formulas he created and he will use it all the time. That's why his music sounds fresh yet its within his "sphere" of musical inspirations.

Its nice to know a broader circle of people. Spent time with Han at his home, which we slept rather early lol... All the best for ya recital exams tmr! I'm looking forward to see Micah at the end of may!

Today, I went visiting my grandma then went to eat with my mum and sis. And I saw Kelvin, the ex-NYP brother, his camp is rather near my house. I hope someone in adults group pls contact him. And then I also saw a brother, Desmond, who is Jobb's sheeep! He lived so near me. As we went home on the same bus, I am so amazed how my area has become so populated with Hope people. In our house vicinity having caregroups is such a nice thing to dream about! But we are serving in various parts of the church that's why we don't know everyone. But there are some people living here who are not so connected and I told him he could connect them hahaha! It isnot a pleasant thing to hear that in ns people are often not shepherded during weekdays. Is time gonna seperate us? Can efforts overcome these barriers? I think no time is an excuse, I don't think ns took that much time away from us. There are weekends, there are night times when you will be much free, compared to ocs or sispec. Some people even have 8-5 kinda timing! We should use efforts to overcome, to show love or else shepherds are just a title, not a function. It is sad for God to see shepherds not performing their roles, not opening lives to their sheeps, not embracing them to take care of them. Its hard to legalistically shepherd people and we don't judge this way, but we need to shepherd, somehow the element of having a shepherd must be there. If time is the factor, do something else to touch the person.

On the other side of things for people who wants to be shepherds yet claim they don't want to serve because of the title are not having the right understanding of what leadership entails. If you are making that kind of commitment, efforts and burden and really learn how to take care of somebody, the title really don't mean much, it is not worth the mention. That's why in church we don't attach the what "L"s behind our names when we introduce ourselves, unlike military or corporate world. The title is there for some documents, direction and organization purposes. We then know who is the leader. You will find that the title is just a function for people to know that's all. But we're talking about good shepherds here la. When you don't serve much, you'll find the title 'big'. When you are serving in the level of kingdom mindedness, the title don't mean much, its not hierarchy ranking like military, we just serve as a team and the titles attached to us don't bother us neither does it limit the extend we can serve God! the spirit we ought to have is no matter what title or appointments you hold, you do your best to glorify Jesus! You can call us all "servant XXX" and it shouldn't bother us but what is the function or the role we play, that part comes in organization purpose. This is a argument I don't like to talk about but I fear the title will be hindrance to some who wants title or people with false understanding, intentions wadeva...

Long Term discipleship and outreach + cross-grouping
Thank God for a convert in NYP yesterday - do get to know her! I'd really like to see our evangelism and discipleship happens in all campuses long-term. We don't serve especially hard just because of a coming Evangelistic service. Its a thing to facilitate and give a boost to our efforts. However, long term wise, we will still serve and outreach and make disciples too. That's why I'd really like to encourage all, share the gospel in season and out of season. We're gonna teach God's Word always. WFL should be just a little boost, without it, our people should be fed nevertheless. If we just rely on WFL, people will die of spiritual hunger already, unless its a long term thing.

Meet each other up, fellowship, get their timetables, read the Bible together and share quiet times even with people not in your cg. This is how we can gather as often as possible in campus as a life living together as brothers and sisters.

When your CLs gather you then you can meet with your cg for a certain direction the CL wanna give. We need to follow the CLs direction when there is a time to gather as a caregroup yet be secure and open enough at times to also work cross-group so that the way we form teams can be much more dynamic and we have the habit we also gather and stick together under the same unit or sub-district no matter what happens (let's say per****tion breaks out). Anyway, its more important the Kingdom's agenda gets fulfilled more than any group's agenda. But please don't follow others purposely when you have a CL yourself cause the grass looks greener on the other side often. With this, when people are sick or the people in a cg did not turn up, we can easily form groups with others. If the vision and principles all flow the same, it won't be too hard to join other groups sometimes.

I think the guy's caregroup need to grow by cross-grouping. This is due to availability of leadership and also guys generally feels more envisioned with larger group of people. Create brotherhood spirit as much yet not the movies kind but looks like the kind of soldiers that are fighting for the cause of the Kingdom - something like the soldiers of David will be a nice one. We need a leader to stand for it!

Cross group shares resources, widen fellowship circle and have a better mix of strengths and weakness and giftings. Yet we hold on to cg identity tightly as well, the family we truly must be committed to. The other cgs in campus are our relatives which we love alot also! I see if we do this well, teams are formed very easily to burst the campus evangelism to a blooming one. It'll be much easier say, one day, we have restructuring.

Last but not least, happy Mother's Day! Mother's day is some day we will make our mothers feel a bit more special. yesterday's sermon is really ministering I feel, especially to the parents. Its quite touching also... But its more celebrated cos its more commercialised than father's day. Its harder to get people to buy things for fathers unless probably some company decide to spend more money on commericals for it. Nevertheless, let's not forget both parents and most importantly our heavenly Father who binds all things together. Without God our Lord Jesus Christ, our family unit is really so much more vulnerable to break down! Let's recognise this!

Colossians 1
16For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. 17He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.

20and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.

Let's go and change the face of nyp today! Amen it will be done!

Fighting spirit of Caleb (Joshua 14) 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."

Let's GO!!

2008-05-05T15:06:00.005+08:00

I ought to be doing some self studying now in the lab but I multi-task until no self-studying and my friends, some of them are sleeping. I'm reading, sending emails as well as taking time to read about people's lives thru their blog.

I have been "preaching" about relationship in the follow-up class and also Vision's Night "Principles of Ministry." I really really honestly and sincerely, convicted now, that relationship is really a major thing and its very important in the church. As much as I'd like to spend time studying the Word, preach the Word, praying, serve God with all the adrenaline I have, but I will not be able to do any of these things without relationship.

I guess the first step to relationship is love. I love, I pray for u but I can't always be physically present because time is only so short, I need to use my time more faithfully. Having in mind long term, Kingdom value etc etc... I am not vexed seriously but I feel a little torn between two sides of priorities. Can we enjoy time spent in relationship while doing works of the Kingdom both at the same time? Can it be that when we are serving, we feel our hearts bind, rather than only through times that exclude serving God that we can feel closer? If we know that its all about Jesus, we won't feel like workers. Sometimes the leaders above can be rather administrative or just do things based on wanting answers for something immediately, but we don't blame them. As long as the Kingdom advance, its ok. And I hope we really can be released to do all we can for God. As long as its for God, we rejoice, even though the time spent together is lesser. I'm talking about people under my care as well. I really needa and wanna be faithful to all the flock but I need to be faithful to God, to concentrate on some. As I'm concentrating on some, I find that also, I need to grow in making this relationship work. I can be boring person, only talk about God and church etc but I'd like to come down to their level too... I'd like to also do life together. I think for leaders, our role can be a little more like Jesus. And that discipleship also occurs...

Mark 3:14He appointed twelve—designating them apostles —that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach

Jesus teach, do life with them, share thoughts, disciple and then the disciples can be with him, spending time. Yet also at the same time, the twelve can fellowship with one another together... The twelve argue with one another, learn from one another and have team work together. The disciples won't usually argue with Jesus or play nonsense on him. It's like playing the role of a friend, a brother, a mentor teacher, a mother, a father and commander all at the same time! But the disciples are like friends, I think they also whack one another and really have that fun! That is what I'll do if I'm in the circle of the Twelve haha.

Relationship to be close but also for the Kingdom's sake. I really rejoice that even without my presence, people will rally behind their CLs and love their cg members and new believers together. That's why i rejoice! hahaha... As I was surfing blogs just now, the hope people are really just so filled with fellowship. They celebrate birthdays together, they go out to the beach, they hang out eating all kinds of food and more... I'm not envious of the activity itself but I think that our hope bros and sis are really fortunate to have people they enjoy together and through such kinds of relationship, they are in a good position to spur one another to serve Jesus more!

I think that NYP will be even better at having relationships. The first level at being open, not having attitudes that spoils r/s such as gossip, backstabbing, not honouring one another, this kind of things gone then we can move on to build the second level that is deeply covenanted, biblical and willing to go the world for Jesus and really support. Relationship is really needed and not something we wanna forego but at times, when a person needs to be released to fully fulfill their calling we let them go free for Christ.I think long term wise, it will be such when the people close to us are leaving for church planting, for dangerous missions or they become such powerful people, they need to serve in other levels. I think some is gonna be powerful preacher in the future! Some are gonna be worship leaders, some angelic voice in the choir of God, some apostles, some evangelists whatever... But the relationship coupled with clear vision towards gearing the Kingdom forward, that's very very powerful relationship covenanted plus stamped forever...

My thoughts are just quite random as I blog here... and I'm thinking of what to really do about the relationships with people that I'm handling.

2008-04-27T01:23:00.002+08:00

Midnight at Yew Tee
Often times when I reach yew tee mrt late at night, I don't quite like the things I see... I see senior citizens picking cans from the bins, youths smoking and drinking at a corner and some homeless people. This doesn't just happen in my area I believe. But I really don't see why our country just couldn't support the elderly more. Some are genuinely needy. We probably spend more on salaries of some then on helping the more needy. that sux.

Socially, youths smoking and drinking, joking til the night and doesn't want to go home. They don't pose a security problem so far. Its not just one band of people but different bands of them... I think they take turns to occupy that area, do they have a roster? Is the family unit not having warmth enough people dread going home? I'm thankful with God's intervention, I do look forward to going at times. When the family unit is in quarreling and squabbling, people dread going home.

And so there are those who dread going home and those who don't have homes to go. Gal 2:10
All they asked was that we should continue to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do.

Let's not forget about the poor.

We may be seperated because of what you think...
Most of the times there are conflicts among people in church, its not because of fists or loud quarrells. It often happens in seed form. The seed grows in the head. It may be a non verbal que that we give to someone that we do not want to communicate or it may be people badmouthing someone and then the thoughts just grow as people ponder... and try to "prove" that what others told him is real. Instead of thinking objectively based on the person's character or what you know about him, people think along the line of "trying" to find links to agree the thing against the person.

And then the church has hurt relationships. We think and we think but actually nothing really happened. We think too much. For me, I'm the kind of person whom if I am going to meet somebody who is a familiar stranger, I may take a turn for fear of awkwardness. Especially those familiar strangers I've been too familiar with I probably even know their name, its hard to become friends from there. I would think if I make friends now, the person may think why now? And then it dragged even longer. But recently, I decided to be the kind of person who will walk up and talk. Be a little more thick skin.

We need to be open. Open means we can be vulnerable. Its okay. Because if we got hurt a little, we got Jesus. It takes security for us to be open and vulnerable, secure in God enough to do that.
And it also takes us to a point when we feel what God views me is so much more important than what people think of me. What people always think can be a feedback but is not always accurate. Only God knows us best! So with God, we can be open and honest and secure and that really helps in relationships.

In caregroups, when people are not open and honest of their feelings, they hide their thoughts. Sometimes people look ok, but inwardly we don't know what they harbour. If its something negative nursed for a long time, it will surely explode in the future. Its like a time-bomb. I always defuse my bombs by praying and confessing my sins whenever I start to think of someone in a unrighteous way. It's gone and I forget about it, almost forever. We need outlets...either humans or God Himself.

If we have something to bring up, let's really practice open-ness. Tell the person with gentleness. Not aggressiveness. If at the back, we have all the bickerings or gossips, we are really stabbing ourselves. There is division. A kingdom against itself will never stand. That's why certain goups will just not grow, new believers just not grow because there is all these negative speech and thought going around. So now do we see the seriousness of abolishing wrongdoing in our ministry? If there is such things going on, we need to warn people sternly. Even if you serve God very hard, you will still be unfruitful. No teams that has all these things happening will be able to operate fully. We want teams that are really able to work together, love each other genuinely, speak well and honour one another. Correction may be done when its needed but there's no punishment or condemnation. We must hold our teams in high value then the many teams form will truly make impact. This is something all of us need to start to take note. Its these kind of things, it really upsets God.

Matthew 5:23-24
"Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.

1st May 2008 - Public holiday (Labour Day), NYP relationship day cum Juli's Housewarming and don't forget Andrew's 21st birthday which also falls on this day! This day is very special, I really look forward to it.

Today I saw a sister cry in service. When the person is crying, she's like smiling. I thought, man, God is a really good God, He touched the inmost part of our hearts and people are being touched by Him. Some religion slash themselves and wail like mad people but our God is very gentle and very orderly. He touch our hearts and we respond. And I believe for those who are wholly devoted to Him, in the inmost recesses of their hearts, there must be security and such great joy that no matter what kind of storms come, they will surely be able to come out of it because God is in control! They know it and it happens, because of their faith. Thank God for Wanxi, she's growing well in her faith :0

Psalm 23:2
He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,

2008-04-20T21:02:00.002+08:00

God is good. Love always wins! There is a brother whom I know doesn't quite like me. But I pray for myself to love him more and not hate him. I really pray for his spiritual well being. Lately I am involved in taking care of him. And just yesterday, he bought me a little book for me to read in camp everyday. The price tag was not torn. Its rather expensive in my view but money is not the issue. LOL

The main thing is I see the value of we communicating love all the time. Even if people want us to keep quiet, we can treat them at the level they want but we don't stop communicating just because they want us to. Christ' love is so real, it will always "haunt" me should I ever backslide one day. The Spirit reminds me, the Word of God tells me, the experience with the Lord always makes me feel very loved by God. And I am glad indeed the brother took the initiative to do something to mend this relationship. This is really a testimony in Christ, there is no un-mend-able relationship!

Let's love one another truly, SINCRERE-ly and unconditionally.

So glad to caught up a little with Lennon at le meridien last sat. I actually missed Lennon and Dawn when I saw them because their hairstyle caused me not to recognise them hahaha. Plus I didn't wear specs nowadays...

In this blog, I hope people don't feel targetted or condemned by what is mentioned here. I just wanna share some thoughts, some are stronger though but sometimes I just have to say... "我就是要写,你们可能永远不能体会" but I hope you grasp the underlying principle.

Alright gt book in now.

2008-04-12T00:05:00.002+08:00

Just a thought... Is our spirit very powerful? especially that now we have the Holy Spirit living in us! I think one of the things that cause the Holy Spirit to be inactive in our lives because we are not living with this Person and surrendering our will enough to Him for Him to work through our lives, like a yeast through a dough, through and through.

Take for example, preaching or worship or other ministries you will find that people may actually rely on tools 75% and the Holy Spirit maybe just 5% while doing surveys and then pray for the rest of the time. Time allocation may not be the issue, the issue is even the way they talk! They talk as if the tools is 100%. No doubt we need tools, we need to prepare but what use if the Lord's anointing is not upon us? No matter how many tools we have, we will still be unable to axe something effectively, what more axing the devil.

It is very hard to change the way people think. How many will go and reflect on their own lives with the Word of God on everything they think? If I tell them, they may ask me back "do i do so?" What can I say? According to the Word, I am just a sinner, just like you. But that's not the end of the sentence, we are royal priesthood right, so we ought to still serve with no matter what meagre strength we have and I'm trying to say, we are not far from God, so why do we distance ourselves from God? From all the power He has for us to extend His Kingdom with the Holy Spirit? And won't our lives be even more meaningful when we work with the Spirit, the same Spirit that Paul could say "I can do anything through Christ who strengthens me." We will have the kind of assurance and faith that so many of us lack and get discouraged upon because we don't do things God's way and can drained out really fast. They are not just outreaching, they are fighting spiritual warfare, fighting the devil. Fighting the devil without bringing the Warrior and looking for physical sword actually! When we hold the physical sword, it has probably melted, then we forgot to bring the Warrior, we forgotten we are just the attendant. We need to do the attendants' job...

Jesus' principle of ministry is we must rely on Him. Not on small ways or say we just rely on Him when we pray but rely fully. If you believe God is backing you up, you will not fear!

Remember Jesus sent the seventy two, two by two? They were given instructions not to bring any wallet or sandals right. Here is the sequel.

Luke 22
35Then Jesus asked them, "When I sent you without purse, bag or sandals, did you lack anything?"
"Nothing," they answered.
36He said to them, "But now if you have a purse, take it, and also a bag; and if you don't have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one. 37It is written: 'And he was numbered with the transgressors'; and I tell you that this must be fulfilled in me. Yes, what is written about me is reaching its fulfillment."

Jesus did not ask us not to bring wallet or bag or sandals when we evangelise. But the principle is full reliance. Even without sandals or bag or purse, God will surely provide and He proved it with the disciples. They lacked nothing - they rely on God's resources.

2008-04-11T23:28:00.002+08:00

SOME, not all, SOME things are not obvious. Some things are not the kind that we can give examples easily. It is a matter of the principles involved, and because examples are not easy to be given out, it is susceptible to argument. It is not the outward action that is wrong but the inward attitude that many times is so hard to say it out. Jesus knew all things, that's why he can rebuke the Pharisees even though they may be appearing to love God outwardly.

Matthew 23:27 "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men's bones and everything unclean.

But for us as humans, sometimes its hard to tell somebody what is in their hearts even though you discerned something or you've known for sure, by principle of the Word of God, something is wrong! We should be 'real' people in front of the family of God. There should be people around us close enough we know we can trust to be 'weak' in front of them, to acknowledge we're wrong and we all need the grace of God. I think it really wonderful when I am also "weak" in front of some of my leaders and close brothers and they accept me and gives me grace. That boosted me to wanna repent. Even if things are not obvious on the outside for people to see, but the principle of the Word has spoken to us, let's be responsive to answer and desire to repent. Let's not be too "charismatic" a leader that you look so good on the tv or internet screen or in front of people but inside is dirty.

Last but not least I wanna say, it is the principle, it is not the idea or the method that will cause us to succeed or our mindset to become more biblical. There is no shortcuts to be biblical except desiring in dilligence and be intimate with God. Some people will suggest an idea will bring more people to God or an idea will cause us to mature faster. Can you trust a milk powder that claims it can cause your baby to grow faster than normal? But I will trust whatever principles in the Bible that will cause the results of God to flow; which we do not need to walk more than we should which is a map we can put our faith in. Many people have walked longer and "ho-lan" in their journey because they seeked after something that others do, copying the methods but not the principles. whenever we bypass the Word, we may well just be re-routing the journey. Let's look at the Bible in whatever we THINK, whatever we DO.

Eph 4:13-15
13until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. 14Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. 15Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.

2008-03-30T09:40:00.006+08:00

There were just so many things in my mind right now. The Camp, its a funny place, its a place where people dragged their feet to book in but when you are inside already, you somehow got assimilated into it and become very used to it. Haha. I was doing my G.D. yesterday while the rest are having a great time at camp! I was also having a great time, trying to make the best out of it by reading Time, praying, reading the Bible etc and I am so refreshed thoroughly. Its like I'm having a camp of my own in camp. The Lord spoke to me quite a number of things. Whenever something was quickened to me, I just saved it to the outbox of my mobile.

1. Principle-Oriented.

We should be 2Ps-oriented. People oriented and principle oriented. Both can be done at the same time. Some people might think that being principle oriented will make one person over-rigid and not be people-person. That depends how you see it. We should champion the possibility and Biblicality that indeed we gotta abide by the principles. Who says when we are principle oriented, we cannot love or cannot be relational? Jesus is the best relationship builder on earth and He does everything with God's principles in mind.

Now comes to being principle-oriented. In everything we do, we should be careful. Joshua 1:7
Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go.

When we are principle-oriented, we are careful people. When we make decisions, we do not rush, but we will ask what is God's will for this? We will look into the Bible, rather than just making decisions based on logic or abstracting God out of the picture and use all humanly mentality we have. That is principle-oriented.

People who are not principle oriented if in ministry, will be emotional or they will not be careful. 1 Timothy 4:16Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers. They might end up preaching or doing the wrong thing. When they build something, they may work outside the parameters of the Bible and that is very very dangerous. There are so many teachings around that makes people misunderstand or rather to say, it is not balanced, that's why we gotta be very careful.

I think this carefulness can be cultivated through our approach to God. Our approach must be from the Bible, emphasizing on intimacy with God, loving Him, serving Him, being faithful and being committed to Him. As long as we teach and obey what is clearly stated in the Bible, we'll not go wrong. Some people will tend to approach God in a shortcut manner. Just like how people want to get rich quick, they want God to be so tangible to them immediately. That is dangerous because that is door for people to entice with deceptive teachings about God. (we don't have time to talk about this now)

2. Become shepherds of God's flock
God really wants His people to be shepherds. To have spiritually mature people and people who are close to Him and walk right with Him to look after the weaker ones or new born spiritual babies. God don't work by Himself, therefore He would like us to be in His plan to be as co-workers to carry out the task of looking after people. This is awesome task! We'd really like many more to be shepherds and desire to be shepherds. In my own experience, the leap from being a sheepie infant to become a shepherds is a leap! When you start to take care of others, it is a leap. When you lead another person, its a leap. After this leap, many more things will happen and to persevere in taking care of this person and the commitment is also another leap. If you never rise to the level of maturity to take care of others, you never have this kind of leap. And in our group, we see that many people are helping to take care of a person, but not being a shepherd.

The idea of a shepherd is to really be commited to the sheep you have. In other churches, people just give bits of their time and effort to help a newcomer grow in their faith but the shepherding system is really have somebody dedicated to a sheep. At the same time, everyone watching over one another. Having somebody dedicated and non-dedicated (or we call it "shared") is really different. It is so great when we see that we have such close bond and relationship between the shepherds and the sheeps in church, that is rarely seen in other place. This is more than good friends but covenanted relationship that will last. It is so amazing to see how people can give so much to such an extend unbelievable to a sheep. The shepherd's heart is what we wanna see, someone that will go high and low to search for the lost sheep.

I really wanna challenge all NYPians currently with us to rise up to become shepherds of God's flock. As you look for a sheep, you chase after God's heart and knock on heaven's door til a sheep is found.

1 Peter 5:2Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve;

And when you become a shepherd, your faith will really rise and your level of commitment will rise as well. Do this for your own growth and do this so that you may give, because you are so touched someone invested in your life and the love of God prompt you to give to that new person. If everyone desires to be shepherd, I tell ya, the church will not stop growing!

3. Desire
We need to have desire. Desire drives us. If we truly desire, the healthy hunger for God will be there. Many Christians "fall out" because they lack desire, or they put their desire on the wrong places. They find that Christianity cannot meet their needs. We all know, in theory, God is the One who can fully meet us, satisfy us and we become fully human, the kind of human that is living to its fullest. Sorry, I don't know how best to put it into words. BUT that is the kind of result when we desire God. If we claim to be Christian but no desire for God but only things of the world, "Christianity" will then fail you, because that ain't Christianity at all. That's what is wrong with human thinking. They treat seeking God as a chore, that when you have spiritual activities, you must have more non-spiritual activities to "cancel out" spirituality. You will need peripherals like great dance and music or great programmes attached with Jesus to make it alright for people to come to God. That is not true. David said:"The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want." We don't need peripherals attached to God to make the Bible relevant or God real. God can provide all our needs. I am not discounting all the drama or worship ministry's role but I'm saying nothing should be a substitute for our basic love and desire for God. People with worldly-thinking will think like this...When you pray much or hunger for God much, you will feel tired. When you fast, you will get gastric and be ill. When you serve God too hard, you shall be spiritually dry. Yes sometimes we fast, we may be hungry and have no strength, when we serve Him too hard, we may face discouragement and be upset. But God is God, He can take away all these as well. When we do it, He is there to see our motives and whenever we are doing these things, we are acting in faith that He'll not let anything harm us. But to say that if we fast, we'll get gastric or when we serve Him, we shall be spiritually dry is not balanced. If we are doing any of these things is because we wanna do it and God is in the picture. Many people are thinking and many church are trying to be more worldly to make spiritual things of God more attractive. Can we just try to be what the Bible tells us to be?

The Bible is balanced on its own(Balance doesn’t mean having a bit of everything, but having everything in the proportion to what the Bible emphasises), as long as we follow it, in the right context, we will not go wrong. If we go wrong or misunderstood the principles, may God intervene and show us what is right. I would say if seeking God with all your heart will make you sick or unwell or cause any eternal harm in your life, then God ain't real or He ain't in the picture. Let God be true and every man a liar.

Man always wanted to find God, to know where He is. The answer is simple, if you seek Him, you will find Him.
Desire Him and open Luke 12:30-32

4. Be ever ready
Luke 12:35-40
35"Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning, 36like men waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks they can immediately open the door for him. 37It will be good for those servants whose master finds them watching when he comes. I tell you the truth, he will dress himself to serve, will have them recline at the table and will come and wait on them. 38It will be good for those servants whose master finds them ready, even if he comes in the second or third watch of the night. 39But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. 40You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him."

How are we making ourselves ready? By doing His will. How are we desiring for His Kingdom, we can ask the question always, "what in my life can I change in order for the Lord to use me more?" To be used by the Lord is a privilege :) How to make ourselves ready? By studying the Word thoroughly, by doing what is according to His will. Jesus told us to make disciples of all nations, that's a command and that's what we ought to do. We have to try to do something as long as the Bible tells us so even though we have not tried before. We've to support the vision and try and attempt new things even though it is unfamiliar to you. If we do not try, we do not learn.

A few weeks ago, I had done a test. This test was tough but all except two had passed. I was one of them. There was a brother who was an examiner of the test came over and asked me "how was it" and I said "fail..." He replied, "Huh, never study right.." jokingly. But I did in fact did not study. So one of my friends came over and said somethings, trying to defend me. I did the second time and got 96 but the female teacher said it wasn't good enough since I am taking it the second time. That day was monday and I felt really down because I couldn't study properly. I was feeling down til lunch time, trying to make resolutions in my mind, "I will strive, I will strive.." etc but during lunch, I was reminded of someone. This someone was someone I had spoken to the previous day which was sunday, on msn. His situation was similar to mine but worse. He had gotten ridicule or even comparisons based on his performance of something. Its a kind of thing that will linger in your brain for a while... and I started to rejoice that I am at least able to identify with him on that. I got an impulse to call him or sms him, but i didn't. Previously on sunday, I was just telling him what is the right thing to do, stop thinking about the past kind of thing. Words of concern, truthful words of advise I feel, but I just could not imagine how hard is it for Him to obey and do the right thing. But when I went through the same thing, I rejoice that God humbled me and gave me a similar experience so that I could identify with him and pray for him.. Friend, I know its hard but no matter what you are going through, let's go through it with Jesus. If without Him, things are definitely much more worse.

2008-03-23T10:06:00.004+08:00

Where's the power
The power of the cross in my life?

I'm not content just to walk through my life, giving in
To the lies,
Walking in compromises now
We cry out as a generation that was lost
But now is found in the power of the cross

We believe in You
We believe in the power of Your Word that is true
We believe in You
So we lay down our cause
That our cross might be found in You

Praise God for 2 persons who have crossed the line of faith!
Lenice and Wanxi!!

On friday, we had a combined prayer meeting with RP. The people who turned up was much lesser than the previous friday prayer meetings. But what is evident was the Holy Spirit moved freely and that people really have faith together! We have witnessed power in the prayer together. And during one segment where we pair up and prayed for one another, as Evangeline prayed for me, I really feel encouraged in my heart. Its about joining in the vision. More people to join the vision, more people to be committed together. People join church is at the first level but people join vision is something remarkable; they will be committed to the cause forever.haha

During worship at yesterday's easter service, God spoke to me clearly about one principle of ministry. That is we must never give up or look at man's results alone. Everything we try to do for Him will have times that are bad. But we will do it til it succeed. Often, we gave up too easily and God's purposes cannot come because we let go of it.

Just went to shepherd Jacob and Nehemiah. The first stop? Toys R' Us! There is so many fun toys over there and both of them become so childlike at the sight of toys. There was a super powerful electric guitar, with so many solos inside, all the guns that cowboys use and also powerful water shooker that can shoot up to 40feet. Then we ate carl's junior, that I decided not to eat 3 weeks ago as I ate it with Andrew. The meat is just too heavy. The tagline of the day "when the burger is ugly, it is tasty" And we shared about vision. Nehemiah has so many stories to tell and he has so many testimonies to share. Am pleasantly surprised he is always thinking of how to bring people to know God and wants to change the world. That's good news for Andrew when he comes back from Thailand. (FYI just shepherding Nehe on behalf of Andrew)

Oh, am so tired right now. Keep close with Him, keep in sight of the vision, pray ceaselessly.

1 May - Juli's housewarming :)

The goal of march is hit. Now we need to keep together, hold on tight for the next goal of april!!

2008-03-14T19:46:00.002+08:00

Just been posted into Signals in the Army! Just within the first week, I've been studying engineering and mainly IT stuffs for everyday! Though its all studying, but its more fulfilling and enjoyable now. Partly because there is more time in the night to read and pray, more time to sleep and rest, more time to think...

During this first week period, I have not forgotten to really pray for NYP, my heart really goes out to all the fringe members as well as those who not yet served the Lord. Honestly, everyone has problems but the matter is are we having faith enough to serve Him and love Him wholeheartedly and let Him (if He is God) take care of our problems? We are His children. C'mon, if we can't expect Him to be faithful to us then we aren't having faith in Him who is the Lord of all creation! Let's continue to build ourselves to be more and more faithful to Him and give ourselves to build His Kingdom God's way.

Recently, I've also been thinking about the personality of our church and Hope Movement. This may be a new term for some, but various churches or organizations do have personalities. For example, when I visited Hope Bangkok, the spirit and atmosphere is very different from other mega churches in Singapore. This is not attributed just to the country's culture but I'm talking about individual personality here. I believe maybe for some who've visited Hope Kota Samarahan or other parts, they will see similarities. If we were to put language and cultural differences aside and take all the churches in the world as if they were one nation and from one family, I believe we'll see through each of them with personality differences; spirit of the people, impressions, desires etc. From Hope Bangkok, flows down the anointing from the founder to the various Hope churches we have today. Hope Singapore also has a personality in the past and at the present.

The personality of the church will flows down more into the people. What you see the leaders, you see in the people. What is the beliefs that we don't just talk but act out is our true character. Personality is sort of something that is optional, but yet determines good and bad outcomes. We will see the true character of our people that is able to reflect on the personality of the church. In the broader picture, the same is true, Jesus will fetch a glorious bride (the glorious church) that will reflect on His glory. If we build strong and biblical people, making that come true in our programmes, in our speech, in our desires and prayers, you will see the people grow and become more and more mature, making the church more and more beautiful.

We can choose to focus on the physical things that are tangible, making fancier buildings, making more services that just there to entertain people or making plans and strategies that are only profitable in the physical sense but not in the spiritual realm, eventually all these blocks we build will topple down.

We need to have faith to serve God, but we need alot of faith to build a successful ministry just the way Jesus want it to be. It is so tough to build ministry God's way. When it comes to making decisions, what do I think about? I would really like to strive to think of God and His principles when making any kind of decisions. When building people up, let's not use costly stones but the Word, that will last, that is more powerful than any other tools or weapons. Keep that in mind, I pray we'd be bolder to do that.

2008-03-01T00:53:00.005+08:00

Struggling I came to realise is not a sin. Because there is sin in this world, that's why struggles are inevitable. Jesus struggled with the devil.

Genesis 3:15And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel."

Paul also mentioned about struggles.

Ephesians 6:12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

Galatians 5:17For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want.

Romans 7:19-20
19For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. 20Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.

I used to think that struggling is a sin but in fact, we all struggle. Its part of a Christian's life. Only people who don't desire to please God, succumbing to our own sinful nature will not struggle against spiritual forces. So its really OK to struggle, being honest about it.

So now I've to say something a little embarrassing but also something that ended up me rejoicing, thanks be to God!

there is a particular person I dislike. Really dislike. I seldom have personal dislike preference of anybody but for this person whom is a superior, I really dislike. Shall not mention his bad points here but at some point when I look at him, I feel so HARD to love. Its almost like he is a devil...
There was once he took offence at me for nothing, just because he was having a bad mood in the morning. I answered him in a rude tone and then ..... So the relationship was strained. Ironically, that is the time I repent and I told God "I'm sorry and I wanna try to love this enemy." I don't think I have anyone I know at this point of my life that I would label as enemy except him! hahaha From then on, I had no bad sentiments against him. Amazingly it was all gone! I wanted to apologise, to give him something he don't deserve, to do what the Bible tells me "do good to your enemy" wahhahah but I had no courage to, it dragged on for weeks and I gave up trying to apologise. It can be harder to apologise in the army. Fears of what will happen if I apologise? will the "devil" laugh back?

I repented again, for not apolgising. Then one day, his clothes were placed on top of the dryer after being dried but he wasnt around. I then folded his clothes neatly and quickly disappear after to bathe. When he came back he was so surprised, he asked my section who folded it and then I said "ehh me" and he smiled and said "thank you ah" wah my heart just bursts out in joy. But of course it bursts out inside, outside have to act cool. Not only was the conflict and tension resolved but I thank God I did something that I think without God, I'll never do it.

Its a mini testimony. I hope we have a positive outlook of struggle and eventually let God turn the tables and we will have victory! Amen.

2008-02-24T14:06:00.002+08:00

Yesterday was the first CLM of NYP held. I think this is really a good team that can help to strengthen and encourage one another. Currently, to engage the CLs and to let them have positive support and encouragement is to have it at the NYP level, not unit level. Its also the first time we have a vision for NYP alone. How far we can go in this vision I think depends on how much we have it in our hearts. If we have a common vision, guiding our steps, with desire and faith, it will definitely be done.

For more information about the NYP Vision, pls visit the NYP blog, haha!

My prayer is that every CLs play their part and we'll start renewing the group, as some are transferring out and some transferring in. After renewing, the cells will regenerate and reproduce and multiply. I am truly excited to run this race with all of you!

2008-02-22T23:36:00.004+08:00

Below is a really beautiful poem Sister Claramae read out for Holy Communion last last week... Enjoy and I hope you be blessed.

Eternal Ink

I dreamed I was in heaven
Where an angel kept God's book.
He was writing so intently I just had to take a look.

It was not, at first, his writing
That made me stop and think
But the fluid in the bottle
That was marked eternal ink.

This ink was most amazing,
Dark black upon his blotter
But as it touched the parchment
It became as clear as water.

The angel kept on writing,
But as quickly as a wink
The words were disappearing
With that strange eternal ink.

The angel took no notice,
But kept writing on and on.
He turned each page and filled it
Till all its space was gone.

I thought he wrote to no avail,
His efforts were so vain
For he wrote a thousand pages
That he'd never read again.

And as I watched and wondered that
This awesome sight was mine,
I actually saw a word stay black
As it dried upon the line.

The angel wrote and I thought I saw
A look of satisfaction.
At last he had some print to show
For all his earnest action.

A line or two dried dark and stayed
As black as black can be,
But strangely the next paragraph
Became invisible to see.

The book was getting fuller,
The angel's records true,
But most of it was blank, with
Just a few words coming through.

I knew there was some reason,
But as hard as I could think,
I couldn't grasp the significance
Of that eternal ink.

The mystery burned within me,
And I finally dared to ask
The angel to explain to me
Of his amazing task.

And what I heard was frightful
As the angel turned his head.
He looked directly at me,
And this is what he said...

I know you stand and wonder
At what my writing's worth
But God has told me to record
The lives of those on earth.

The book that I am filling
Is an accurate account
Of every word and action
And to what they do amount.

And since you have been watching
I must tell you what is true;
The details of my journal
Are the strict accounts of YOU.

The Lord asked me to watch you
As each day you worked and played.
I saw you as you went to church,
I saw you as you prayed.

But I was told to document
Your life through all the week.

I wrote when you were proud and bold,
I wrote when you were meek.

I recorded all your attitudes
Whether they were good or bad.
I was sorry that I had to write
The things that make God sad.

So now I'll tell the wonder
Of this eternal ink,
the reason for its mystery
Should make you stop and think.

This ink that God created
To help me keep my journal
Will only keep a record of
Things that are eternal.

So much of life is wasted
On things that matter not
So instead of my erasing,
Smudging ink and ugly blot.
I just keep writing faithfully and
Let the ink do all the rest
For it is able to decide
What's useless and what's best.

And God ordained that as I write
Of all you do and say
Your deeds that count for nothing
Will just disappear away.

When books are opened someday,
As sure as heaven is true;
The Lord's eternal ink will tell
What mattered most to you.

If you just lived to please yourself
The pages will be bare,
And God will issue no reward
For you when you get there.

In fact, you'll be embarrassed,
You will hang your head in shame
Because you did not give yourself
In love to Jesus' Name.

Yet maybe there will be a few
Recorded lines that stayed
That showed the times you truly cared,
Sincerely loved and prayed.

But you will always wonder
As you enter heaven's door
How much more glad you would have been
If only you'd done more.
For I record as God sees,
I don't stop to even think
Because the truth is written
With God's eternal ink.

When I heard the angel's story
I fell down and wept and cried
For as yet I still was dreaming I hadn't really died.

And I said: O angel tell the Lord that soon as I awake
I'll live my life for Jesus--I'll do all for His dear sake.
I'll give in full surrender; I'll do all He wants me to;
I'll turn my back on self and sin and whatever isn't true.

And though the way seems long and rough I promise to endure.
I'm determined to pursue the things that are holy, clean and pure.

With Jesus as my helper,
I will win lost souls to Thee,
For I know that they will live with Christ
For all eternity.

And that's what really matters
When my life on earth is gone
That I will stand before the Lord and hear Him say,
well done.

For is it really worth it
As my life lies at the brink?

And I realize that God keeps books
With His eternal ink.

Should all my life be focused
On things that turn to dust?
From this point on I'll serve the Lord;
I can, I will, I must!

I will NOT send blank pages
Up to God's majestic throne
For where that record's going now
Is my eternal home.

I'm giving all to Jesus
I now have seen the link
For I saw an angel write my life
With God's Eternal Ink.

2008-02-17T10:17:00.001+08:00

We've finally had a Movement website at http://www.hopechurches.net/!
I hope this website will continue to improve on our connectivity as we expand globally!

2008-02-05T18:48:00.000+08:00

It's truly great to be at home. Had a good rest today at home, spending time with my mom. God also blessed me through my dad with a laptop last week :) Wanna use this computer for ministry well. Now my tasks is to consolidate all the docs from the prev computer to the laptop. Everything is good except probably the graphics card is mediocre and that the processor (AMD) works better with 64-bit machines(only available in the US) rather than 32-bit machines.

And I do not have money to buy MS office 2007, thanks to Dennis who recommended me, there is this thing called Google Docs. Try it out. You can store/upload ur Word, spreadsheets or powerpoint presentations and edit from online. If you wanna keep it as a softcopy onto your hard drive, then you can download it as well. Others can also come in (only invited people) to view or edit your documents as well. This may be a faster way to do work or projects, rather than sending here and there to edit and re-send etc..

I've just uploaded some student notes of some of our Hope of God teachings, hope that it can help the education ministry more or less for teaching purposes.

Chinese new year is coming. The thoughts of last year's cny really brings back fond memories. But now things are a little different because people have moved on with various things. But praise God! Everyone has to do what our Lord's will. We just gotta keep close with the people we cherish as friends in our prayers. haha. Lalita just visited Singapore briefly after the LC at KL but unfortunately, didn't had any chance to chat. Hopefully will be able to see her soon. Gotta be kingdom-minded in terms of relationship.

2008-02-03T14:08:00.001+08:00

Woah... 3 consecutive weeks of field camp is finally over. The last one was called Grand Slam and it happened from last wed to sat, which was yesterday. It was really one that stretches my endurance, especially from friday afternoon onwards. Was just eating the combat ration and halfway it rained! Everyone scrambled to get a groundsheet and covered themselves. We hid under the groundsheet for more than an hour and when we came out of the groundsheet, the air was very cold. And it was cold and wet for the whole night, shivering cold. One of my friend was chattering his teeth while sleeping when I tried to wake him up. At night, it was super duper cold and the air was so thick with mist! I almost couldn't see and I had to guard the place to avoid any "sudden attacks" so I was like shouting "halt!" from 10pm - 5am everytime I hear the slightest noise. Funny huh... my friends were all wondering why there are so many "halts" but no attacks at all. And oh, during the night, some wild boars came to visit us. hahaha

Went to sunday service last sunday, once again had to miss tertiary service. But again, I learnt much from the past sunday services. The sermons are really expounding the Word and such sermons really provided much insight.

Something really spoke to me during the service that we must be participating and open our MOUTHS hahas. "A Mouth-opening Church" Not in the yawning sense, hahaha but in the confessing sense. It takes away some of our pride to really engage and open our mouths to say Amen or worship or talk to other people. I don't know why, sometimes the noisiest people can be so quiet during worship. It seems that when we are very active in church, it may spoil our image. Another group of people: When they become so familiar in church and everything is old, they start to lay back. We must not let that joy, desire, freshness with God get past us or our spiritual walk will just be dry...

We must be active, desiring, seeking, always finding God in everything we do. Caleb is a man who did not let His desire to accomplish God's will and vision bypass him. Joshua 14:10-12
10 "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! 11 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. 12 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."

This was part of the message last sunday. Woah, strong man isn't he? 80 years old and he is ready to go out for battle! I'm 20 and I really don't even feel like training. hahaha But we all can have an attitude like Caleb spiritually. I know I always need to fight spiritually. When I'm struggling with myself, I must fight. Physically, when I am not quite up to it and feel like giving, I need to fight with myself again! There was once I had to carry something I really detest - its called the metador with another 10kg load and march. I was so drained. Then I feel like giving up. I feel like throwing the metdaor into the sea. Afterwards, within me I fight and something just pushed me and I got angry at the metador and walked faster with it instead. Spiritually, I wanna do so too. We can fight the wrong attitudes in us with the Word of God, fight ourselves out of our comfort zones.

When we are in corporate worship, we should open our mouths for good uses then the service can be lively and people can sense the TRUE GOD with our confessing mouths. Some times, people are shy and not enthusiastic because they are afraid people will judge them but if the ON crowd is the majority then we will really enjoy being in the crowd of people who loves and are truly excited for Jesus. Newcomers will also be more at ease to be ON or in their context, interested about God. But we must really start cultivating a habit to confess our faith, even in service. Such as saying Amen as we agree upon the Word of God being preached. Going around to welcome strangers, visitors and showing them the warmth and love God has showered to us. Let's not be selfish, let's not be reserved to contain all the blessings we have received. A person full of blessings is not likely to sit in one corner all by himself. When we are so filled with God's goodness and blessings in our lives, our mouths will always be talking about HIM! A church that is not confessing in service much will not confess Him in public much even. That explains unevangelistic peoples.

Confession is very powerful. It can saved us from our sins. Romans 10:19
That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

1 Timothy 6:12
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.

It is acknowledging Christ. Matthew 10:32

"Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven.

"So echo o o, echo out loud"

2008-01-06T17:19:00.001+08:00

Went to sunday adult's service for the past two weeks. Couldn't attend the tertiary service for about another 4 weeks due to the book-out timing. Really learnt alot from pastor Ben's past 2 teachings! Today was an expository preaching on 1 Tim 2:11-15 which really cleared much of my questions and doubts on this passage. Really learnt alot. After the service, I joined the YA group to celebrate Lean Choo's birthday!

For NYP, hope to see you guys for dinner or something after the service. Though I won't be there to lead the group many times, I will keep close contact with Jey and Desiree. People, do support them ok!

2008 is an apprehensive year for me. I am going through some struggles many times just at the end of 2007. How I wanna make time for my sheeps and people yet I can't do so or sometimes, because of wrong planning etc, I fail to do so and all that makes my time with them even lesser. While I seemed to be hanging out more with the YA people, meeting old friends like Karshun and Ken, that makes me very comfortable but not very "profitable" in the sense of kingdom use. Yet I miss them when they are not around. I really wanna befriend closely with my sheeps but I don't know how at times. Is it the age gap at work already? I am thinking hard how to overcome this. Sometimes, I don't know how far are my people going to go with me or with God. I am not casting doubts on their character but it seems like I know them lesser and lesser every week. Things become more distant and I am not quite used to it. Perhaps only the CLs got to be really close with the people.

I really really need the CLs to be close enough to meet the needs of the people, to disciple willing people and grow the group. It feels slacking to be not involved in ministry with them but I hope they understands...

Time is really scarce. Its hard for me but I think its even harder for both Jey and Desiree. Thank God for u both :) We really need to work hard together.

Well, for my new year resolution.

1. To be financially prudent. In terms of spending, saving and must prioritise tithing.
2. To be punctual.

I remember the resolution that I really did not attempt at all for the year 2007 was learning the piano haha. But I did strive for the other 2 areas.

a BRAND NEW START, with a BRAND NEW HEART.

2007-12-25T21:12:00.001+08:00

EXCLUSIVE: Santa in the toilet
Santa entertaining the crowd. haha. Oh and for one thing, we forgot to mention that Christmas is about Jesus, not abt santa at all. Its kinda of a disclaimer...

2007-12-25T09:18:00.001+08:00

24Dec

On Christmas Eve, I woke up with no headache! Really thank God He answered my prayers for healing. Felt so relieved. In the afternoon, I called my dad to arrange for lunch but instead, I was "invited" to a funeral. A friend of my dad has passed away. Just last night, 23rd dec night. This uncle is someone I have known and the last time I saw him was 10 years ago, when I was 10. And the place we hang out was Borders and I remembered he put that (at that time, HUge) headphone on my head to try previewing some music. It felt kinda weird to have him just go. I knew he was in the hospital for quite some time already but still, it is shocking to hear him leave, and what's more on a date so near Christmas.

"HUH..." was my reply on the phone when my father broke the news to me. And, "maybe the Lord wants to take him back" was my dad's reply. I think faith is somewhat flowing in my dad too. This uncle, thankfully, was also a Christian! And I think his trust in God during his battle with cancer has impacted my dad through the way he talks and his trusting spirit whenever he visits him. Oh wells, I shall meet him in heaven and say... I remember you put those headphones on my head! hahha

In the afternoon, met Geng, Suherman and Andrew to buy some stuffs.... After we reached east coast park, we saw Thomas and some RP guys and gals with a malay woman. This woman is a friend they have come to know

Near midnight, I accompanied Andrew to the toilet and helped him get changed to his santa claus costume! The moment we came out from the toilet, he has been "ho ho ho merry Christmas"-ing to many people. Kids come and hug him, parents want to take a photo with him as well, school students came, even a smoking cameraman and two other guys from Sri Lanka came as well! He really denied himself to bring joy today. Really salute this admirable spirit of his! Outside is "ho ho ho", inside is "nervous oh!!"

And everyone was laughing... it feels really different to receive a present from santa. When we were kids, we longed for santa, put some school socks at the bed hoping to receive a mysterious present but it never came true huh. Now, through this santa, when we don't long for him, but its still a great surprise, has come and taught us meaningfully to bless others, to bring a smile upon others, to give is better to receive. Thanks brother Andrew!

Photos to be uploaded

We are more blessed than we think we are.

2007-12-16T13:01:00.000+08:00

I read TIME magazine (Dec 24 issue). And readers have wrote in to Time regarding the Dec 3 issue. The article's title is "What makes us moral."

And one of Time's reader wrote as such "While the insights you reported are astounding, science is unable to address morality with any degree of certainty... Although they accurately describe the condition of the "planet's most boble creatures(man)," they have not moved one iota beyond the biblical description of beings made in the image of God."

Al Hoksbergen

Another reader commented: "I wish that you would stop featuring cover stories claiming scientific discoveries of human nature.... While such scientific reaserach has its uses, reports like this subtly reinforce the idea that science is the best, if not, the only way of knowing. Even your cover picture implied that a question as mysterious as our capacity for good and evil could be answered with the reductionist idea that it's all in our brains."

Luke Tia

While some readers may praise the article, I agree especially with these two readers. Science cannot explain everything. There is a room for science and logic within its own parameters. It should stay there. Some people try to "scientify" everything like morality, God, creation (or as they like to call it, "evolution."

Now there is a Bible verse that could probably sum up in much fewer words all the words in that article fail to bring a conclusion about.

Romans 7

7What shall we say, then? Is the law sin? Certainly not! Indeed I would not have known what sin was except through the law. For I would not have known what coveting really was if the law had not said, "Do not covet."

9Once I was alive apart from law; but when the commandment came, sin sprang to life and I died.

12-13 12So then, the law is holy, and the commandment is holy, righteous and good. 13Did that which is good, then, become death to me? By no means! But in order that sin might be recognized as sin, it produced death in me through what was good, so that through the commandment sin might become utterly sinful.

14We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin. 15I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. 16And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. 17As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. 18I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. 19For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. 20Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.
21So I find this law at work: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me.

Take some time to slowly digest. I've selected these verses not to confuse you with the rest.

In the Christendom, there is similar concerns. I still do not know how people quantify or scientify the spiritual gifting of a person. Or personality make-up. Doing all these tests sometimes reaped such ambiguous or general results that you might as well not know it. Where is the Bible reference to it? If we could know it with a short cut method, I think Jesus or Paul would have greatly endorsed it. The only way of "revealing" your spiritual gifting as far as I know is, serve God to your best and max and give your life and time to God. Surrender everything to Him and you find that God blesses you with that gift. Isn't it obvious that we can't, with a questionnaire or a Ph.D Christian's interpretation of your interests, reveal giftings like prophesy.

The bottomline of how all these questionnaires are formed I suspect is founded on interest or character. For example, a person who is able to tell the truth to a person with courage may be a prophet. Or a person who cares for others easily end up a pastor! It's that easy, as A B C. 1 2 3. But its already a spiritual gifting, there are other spiritual elements and elements beyond our knowledge to determine. God is SOVEREIGN, He gives the gift as He likes. And a Christian who is healthy or always growing, always changing. A person who is mature in character may end up having similar scores for almost all the gifting because he becomes more biblical. He becomes caring, helpful, have courage, tells the truth, upright etc, does that mean he is going to be the all-in-1 spiritually gifted?

But the author fails to recognise this but thinks that with cross-questioning (asking the same question many times in different phrasing) or scientific research can churn out data about what God has given to this person. I tell you the truth, a lazy person will never know his spiritual gifting. The bottomline is he need to serve God.

2007-12-16T12:44:00.000+08:00

A podcast from Ravi Z.

Billy Graham is the famous evangelist who has held so many successful crusades, with so many people stepping up to know Christ. One day, on one crusade, where the stadium was packed to the brim and Billy as his usual, preached with the same forceful and powerful voice. As he urged the people who has yet come to know Jesus to step up and come forward and he expects many to, surprisingly not a single person came up. NOT a single person stepped up, in the stadium packed to the max!

It was one of the most down-times of Billy's ministry. He cried so bitterly and seeked the Lord. A friend came up to him and asked Billy, "Billy, as a friend, can I tell you something honestly from my heart?" Billy said yes. The friend said:"When you are on stage, delivering your powerful message, you have not one bit mentioned about the cross. Where was the cross? WHAT is the GOSPEL without the CROSS?"

Sometimes, we could be busy sharing the gospel, but we missed the BIG thing, we've forgotten about the cross. It is not the ritual of mentioning the cross when sharing about our faith. The Cross is the crux of our belief and it is the Cross that shows the greatest love given to us and to the person you are sharing to. We'll never know how much God loved us until we know how much he paid on the cross for you and I.

Sentence may be rephrased without compromise in meaning.

1 Corinthians 1:17
For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel—not with words of human wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.

Ephesians 2:16
and in this one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility.

Reconciliation, love, Gospel, salvation, sacrifice, cruxifixion happened at the Cross.

Hebrews 12:2
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

2007-12-09T01:51:00.000+08:00

I'm really thankful for God to straighten things out. In life, there will be many distractions. When some people are on fire for God, they met a girl in church and they end up chasing the girl instead of the original goal of serving God to the max. When you are reaching for a certain goal, sometimes you might get so fixed to the goal that you lose focus on God, character and being true to oneself.

All these are pitfalls; they will surely come, for those who wants to do something for Jesus. But even as I am trying to accomplish certain things but it may not turn out my way, I know I'm blessed with God in my life, with some really loyal trusted brothers and sisters. I wanna be true to myself. Sometimes, a harsher reply, a fiercer word, ungodly sentences or unrighteous acts is all that needs to come out of me to get some quicker response or submission in the world. This may speed things up a little than if we were to stick to our own principle. It takes a much longer time for people to respect and take notice of godly characters. Such as Daniel and Nehemiah. But the fruit of the Spirit, self-control, love, peace all these is what we already possess that the world do not, so we need not follow their methods and we don't want to judge them but love them.

No matter what, let's read the Bible like never before as we fast and pray for this Christmas harvest! Let us be honourable in our characters. Godly men and godly women living pleasing lives to God like an aroma to Him... That should be our conviction then. If we have the faith, then we gotta have the action!

So happy that despite my late booking out today, my long time friend in poly suddenly sms me that he wanna come to church today while I was still in camp! Actually I tried to get him to come next week as I'll be late for service but he came today anyway and it was really like a miracle...asked qns like never before. He even dragged my black diffel bag around for me haha. Anyway, he is coming for the next two services and a couple more platoon friends to be confirmed!

Wanna bring people to know God, wanna build church that grows deeply in God!

2007-11-24T15:21:00.001+08:00

15 Seconds away from a GOLD

I had a full 25 points but that never amounted to a gold award for IPPT. I seldom concern myself with any achievements in the past but somehow today, I did everything well except for the run, it was 10mins flat, 15 seconds away from the gold, and it made me a little sad.

Is it because of ego or is it because I am angry of myself for not enough fighting spirit, or rather that I did not bring a watch with me when I run; I don't know. My buddy in the army has gotten a silver I ought to rejoice with him, yet that becomes only like a shadow compared to the 15 seconds that I'm brooding over. Is winning that important? What if God were pleased and I didn't win a single thing? There are so many things that I've already won before. I ought to thank God for that and rejoice.

There are questions such as did I run the race with all my might? One friend commented that is it I did not pushed my self hard enough? What about spiritual race, are we running with all we can as well?

Physical races are easier to run than spiritual race, the race of a lifetime. I compared this mini physical race with my spiritual race alot. Do we run sloppily in this race?

There are two flipside of this issue. One is we must really run the race, no matter what, seriously. Run to your best. We must be serious in serving in ministry. Make disciples seriously, evangelise seriously. We can have fun too but the desire inside must be so serious nothing can stop us from doing it!

1 Cor 9:24-25
24Do 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. 25Everyone 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.

Second is, we may fail at times but don't let regret dwell in you.

2 Cor 7:10
Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.

That is perhaps the conclusion of the matter :)

2007-11-18T15:19:00.000+08:00

Father,

I really pray you'll strengthen the NYP leaders especially the CLs that they will lead with Your strength and be confident that You've appointed them and equipped them. I pray they'll have Your instructions clear in their heart and simply carry out Your heart and burden in this ministry.

1 Peter 4:11
If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

I wanna pray for all the shepherds that You will carry them to a greater level. They will have a shepherd's heart for the people, more than just performing a task or carrying out roles. May they do all things with love! May You also give them the ability and sharpen their skills and leading Your flock with love and skillful hands. Help their sheeps receive and understand their love so that the sheeps will love You and people and also in turn become shepherds. You are love so we must also love...

Colossians 2:2
My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ,

1 Corinthians 13:1
If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.

For all who serve God, I give you this verse. Hebrews 6:10
God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help
them.

I pray for the Arise, Hope Centre's 10th anniversary to be successful and many will be drawn by the gentle and loving spirit of our members, just like how people are attracted by Jesus. May the people's effort in bringing people to NYP produce results for this is really a great opportunity for the lost to know Your people and in turn the gospel! Father, bless this week, though I may not be with them, may they know You are with them. In the Name of Christ, Amen.

2007-11-11T14:44:00.000+08:00

Two nights ago, my dad told me two funny stories. Maybe its funnier when said out by him.

A well-dressed looking man entered into a restaurant. All the managers and waiters hurried to serve this man. He ordered a sumptuous course for himself. After finishing his meal, he called for the manager and said "two years ago, I came in shackled clothes and you threw me out right away." The manager hurried to apologise and was so sorry to have offended this customer in the past. The man said:"you don't have to be sorry! Today I did not bring any money with me as well. If you don't mind, you may throw me out again. :) "

This may be a story of how often we look at things in surface and treat people differently by their outward appearance or status. The Bible says "Do not show favourtism"

The second story is about a frog. Froggie is the name of the frog. The rest are just, frogs. All the frogs are climbing this hill. Halfway up the hill, the rest of the frogs grew tired and one by one, they all gave up. So they were telling Froggie to stop. But they saw Froggie kept climbing higher and higher, climbing with all his might. In the end, Froggie reached the peak of the hill.

So when all the frogs were down the hill and Froggie came down as well. They asked Froggie, "why didn't you stop?" Froggie didn't seem to have understand their question. Oh, actually Froggie was deaf.

Sometimes when we listen to people, we get the wrong stuffs. In times of making decision, sometimes only seeking human opinions only gets us confused or unable to achieve what we could. They will tell us to stop, to relax or to not be so enthusiastic. But we got to learn to seek God!! It doesn't mean that seeking human advice is bad, we should seek godly counsel. But we must most importantly, seek God. I hope we can find a balance in this. :)

2007-11-08T00:09:00.001+08:00

Now I'm home and staying in the jungle for the past 6 days has made me a little "weird." Every little thing, I've become so appreciative. Bathing, brushing teeth, clean shoes and clothes, hot food, a bed, light, a shelter over your head to able to go to a toilet instead of under a tree where the floor is sticky-muddy, all these things just made me so thankful to God.

I was really sick from the 3rd day onwards of the jungle life. Its very restrictive, it rained at two wrong timings which is so UNTIMELY. The food sux, I had blisters and abrasions etc etc but I seriously thinks about my family, my spiritual families and sheeps. And its thinking about them gave me the determination to complete it. I must finish it. And when you wanna listen to songs, there is no mp3 player or computer, all the worship songs or jay chou songs are all rehearsed in my head and then "play." And I also experienced giving my best despite not seeing the value fully. Honestly some activities are so .... meaningless , however with that motivation and I think its really the Holy Spirit that made me do something fully on my part.

Now, water, hot food, bathing, sleeping on a bed may all seem very basic stuffs BUT they are truly very precious. And its by God's grace that we are able to live in comfort. While some people gave away these comforts to live uncomfortably to do missions overseas. Am I able to make that kind of sacrifice, I'm asking myself. Will we love God so much we can live without shelter, food or a clean bathe everyday?

This may sound like some kinda national education message. We need not always attribute safety, security and economy to gov but to God. God is the Controller of EVERYTHING.

Overall, these 6 days are exactly hard. Its just difficult at times. I believe by going through difficult times will progressively stretch our reliance on God, mental and physical strengths. So if we wanna do great things for God, "uncomfortable-ness" may just be part of our lives but with Christ we may go through it JOYFULLY. Amen.

As little children
We would dream of Christmas morn
Of all the gifts and toys
We knew we'd find
But we never realized
A baby born one blessed night
Gave us the greatest gift of our lives

We were the reason that He gave His life
We were the reason that He suffered and died
To a world that was lost He gave all He could give
To show us the reason to live

As the years went by
We learned more about gifts
The giving of ourselves
And what that means
On a dark and cloudy day
A man hung crying in the rain
All because of love
All because of love

We were the reason that He gave His life
We were the reason that He suffered and died
To a world that was lost He gave all He could give
To show us the reason to live

I've finally found the reason for living
It's in giving every part of my heart to Him
In all that I do every word that I say
I'll be giving my all just for Him
For Him

We were the reason that He gave His life
We were the reason that He suffered and died
To a world that was lost He gave all He could give
To show us the reason to live

He is the reason to live

Don't you know daddy you're the reason
That He came, oh He came to save us
When He gave His life for us, He suffered and died
To a world that was lost He came
Everything that He had He gave
To show us the reason to live

Don't you know mommy you're the reason
That He came, oh He came to save us
When He gave His life for us, He suffered and died
To a world that was lost He came
Everything that He had He gave
To show us the reason to live

2007-10-21T21:07:00.000+08:00

This is a song from Hope Bangkok. Its really one simple song that moved my heart. Reminds us that

He is the Lover of my heart
He is the Author of my life
The Power of my soul.

God is writing His story through our lives. Great stories of course. He holds our course of life all in His hands! All is in Him! We need not worry.

We can actually control and discipline our mind and thoughts, to not worry, to trust in God and to live by faith, not just by sight. Think Positive.

Yesterday pastor Christie preached an impactful message. Think of the Right things - don't focus on the past or negative things. Look to the future. We should be people of no regrets for whatever that is bad in the past, God will wipe it clean, we just need to play our part to walk in obedience with Him ya!

Everyday I'm listening
Everyday I think
I couldn't thank You enough for Your love
And the whispers You spoke to me

2007-10-12T16:31:00.000+08:00

God is sooo great! I really feel the love of God everyday in my life. Its during times when few or perhaps none of my trusted friends, brothers or sisters or like-minded people are surrounding me. And to take steps to build relationships with people whom I may not like. However God reminded me about gentleness and love. To love them so they could be saved. People's heart never fails to open when a act of love or kindness is shown :) Something amazing that happened is that somehow when my body aches till I can't move, the clouds started to darken and it really RAINED at the appropriate time when I prayed for rain. Then on another instance, when the clouds are darkening but I prayed for the ran to go away because I want to get the training over and done with, amazingly the dark clouds turned to another direction, leaving the fluffy white clouds behind for shade. It happened several times across this one month, I turned it off as coincidence. My Christian bunk mate though, prayed on every instance for rain hahaha. Thank God for His care.

I don't want to be known as the "overly-spiritual." I just wanna be myself. Setting the best example I could and loving people like Jesus. God is still teaching me how to reach out to people's level. On the other hand, I do not want to compromise. I can revert to my old self or use vulgarities and I think I can build relationships a few times faster. But that's not the kind of results that will last.

Maybe its the idealistic nature, maybe its the domineering perception. I want the ideal cos I love God and that's the hope of God. I am sometimes overly-anxious to get things done, that I'm sorry. Not enough patience and gentleness. But anyway, let's be more interested in the Kingdom and pardon me or any other leaders their weaknesses. Let's not lose the goal or lose the vision by misfocusing on any human being. Rather our eyes should be fixed on Jesus.

Hebrews 12:1-2
1Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 2Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

2007-10-07T17:07:00.000+08:00

Dedicated to all the baptisees today! So sad I could not witness it today but this song is dedicated to you guys and everyone in NYP!

Corrinne May - Five Loaves and Two Fishes

A little boy of thirteen
was on his way to school
He heard a crowd of people laughing
and he went to take a look

Thousands were listening to the stories of one man
He spoke with such wisdom,
even the kids could understand

The hours passed so quickly
the day turned to night
Everyone was hungry
but there was no food in sight

The boy looked in his lunchbox
at the little that he had
He wasn't sure what good it'd do
there were thousands to be fed

But he saw the twinkling eyes of Jesus
the kindness in His smile
and the boy cried out
with the trust of a child
he said:

"Take my five loaves and two fishes
Do with it as You will
I surrender

Take my fears, my inhibitions
All my burdens, my ambitions
You can use it all
to feed them all

I often think about that boy when
I'm feeling small
and I worry that the work I do
means nothing at all

But every single tear I cry
is a diamond in His hands
and every door that slams in my face
I will offer up in prayer

So I'll give you every breadth that I have
Oh Lord, You can work miracles
All You need is my "Amen"

So take my five loaves and two fishes
Do with it as You will
I surrender

Take my fears, my inhibitions
All my burdens, my ambitions
You can use it all
I hope it's not too small

I trust in You
I trust in You

Take my five loaves and two fishes
Do with it as You will
I surrender

Take my fears, my inhibitions
All my burdens, my ambitions
You can use it all
no gift is too small

2007-10-07T00:08:00.000+08:00

Hello everybody!!

As of around 12 hours later, we will be having our water baptism! Really wanna congratulate every single baby going for water baptism that this is really the best decision made in following Christ!

Here are the names yea
Thomas, Benjamin, May, Nicodemus and Jiaming!!!

Today's sermon by Michael preached about How Does God make a leader. Esther 4:12-16 A leader chooses to

1.) Rise to the occasion (v12-14)
When problems come, a leader chose to make a decision to do something about the situation when everyone else is not doing anything about it.

And we see those critical times and occasions as an opportunity to be used by God.
See that challenge could be God's divine appointment for your life.

Seeing beyond the natural; God may use the present circumstance for something great in the future.

I used to complain when I'm attached to the bird park in my third year of studies because it has nothing to do with my course of study - business. However, after that then I start to appreciate most of the things God placed in my life. The time when I transferred from hgh school to Poly group then tertiary group with the Uni people, the time when I'm a bird trainer trainee, the time when I experienced fire escape in Bangkok etc etc, all these is to mould me. And not many people get those kind of experience like training a bird and people were telling me getting involved in a fire is like such a rare experience, guessed that makes me trip worthwhile. My trip costs so much to get a hotel burnt! Hahaha, most of the things we need to see BEYOND to understand.

So wanna encourage everyone with what I've learnt from point 1 that no matter what is going through your life now, we can give thanks in all circumstances. You will look back and thank God you lead an exciting life for Christ when you willingly go through whatever God has put in your life right now.

Really wanna see everyone in NYP growing strong like a strong tower spiritually. And many more people to be saved, as we rise to the occasion to share the gospel to friends. Each time booking out and seeing new faces is really such a joy. But each new face and each life change every week happens by everyone's prayer, relying on God, evangelism and follow up, sweat and tears. We can MAKE IT HAPPEN - a church of God alive in serving Jesus and living a VIBRANT spiritual life! WE can be obsessed with Jesus and only good things can happen :P

2007-09-28T21:12:00.000+08:00

Just a thought...

What does spiderman teaches us? It taught us to appreciate every person we love every moment lest at any moment we lose them, we will regret.

I think after the army, I appreciate my parents more.

Wanting Fully and Wanting The Full Thing

When we want the full thing and we give our best to get it, I think it takes faith. In times when we felt discouraged and don't give our fullness in energy, time and effort, it could be because we are fearful that it will not reap returns. The reality and ideal may seem a distance apart, however let us not lose courage and giving our 100 percent in everything we do to reach the ideal, especially in our service to God because God will top up what we could not give when we have given everything to Him. I think that is usually how God works, most of the time, by experience.

If we choose to give say, 60% and then push a little and pray a little, God will be wondering what the other 40% is left for. If we have given our all, no matter how weak we are, if that is the "all", then God will top up the rest till His strength is made perfect in our weaknesses.

And it is our firm belief that God will honour especially those who wants everything He wants. Therefore we cannot just want certain things in our lives and neglect the rest. Same to our ministry, to our daily doings. Army is a good place to train me, constantly taken out of comfort zone to be put sometimes, against my own will, against my tiredness and aches, to obey orders and do the thing needed to be done. And this constant rubbing and friction in will is a good exercise to never cut corners, to not short cut, to honour standards and perform excellence.

If we hold high standards and high ideals for Jesus, I think the glorious church will be near. So we want the full thing, a life, a church, a people that is displaying the glory of God in every aspect in the Bible. We can't have people who shines light in front and loses light behind. [Improper english pls don't mind]. One pastor said before if we don't build the house of God properly, the church will be like the Tower of Pisa, its tilting... it will one day fall and creates future problems. Same to building ministry, same to building our lives.

Second thing, is to want the ideal fully. Wanting it fully in our hearts. Our hearts must never settle for second best. Ideal must be kept strongly. I've seen people dropping ideals when they decided to follow the crowd and join the majority. This takes a man of faith and courage to do it. Maybe its just like from Die Hard 4.0 it takes sacrifice. Because nobody is doing anything, that's why Bruce decided to be the hero that is needed. But in Christiandom, we don't need individual heroes, we need a people who are one in heart and praying like warriors and acting it out with their lives in obedience in one accord. I think that is what the church is for.

If we all yearn and want something fully, we can really see great miracles.
Matthew 18:19-20
19"Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. 20For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them."

2007-09-12T23:27:00.000+08:00

Some posts I find interesting about my life are here:

July 23, 2006 - Shitty Calligraphy
September 25, 2005 - Female Toilet Incident
November 21, 2005 - My first lucky draw

2007-09-12T22:46:00.000+08:00

Kinda feels weird. In the past, I used to be an army-fanatic. I have many kinds of uniform, army uniform, police uniform and firemen uniform because I like the military and that smart uniform look but all that stops when I'm about 9 years old.

Now I'm awaiting for the 2 years contract. I really pray I will be wise inside and also to be salt and light. I wanna learn the way to filter excessive unwholesome junkie speeches from those sergeants (though not all).

Last night, we had yum seng at my house. Eilton organized it. Ken, Jobb, Bing Quan, Si-Han, Matthew and Wei Hong graced the event. Celebrating last two days of civilian. Really thanks for the prayers brothers! You guys will always be my brothers and I hope none of us in any time whether NS or work life will harden our hearts for God and cause us to stray away from His grace and His truth.

As we pray last night, I'm glad that people wants to do something! Private Matthew wants to change some unhealthy system inside.

I am just ready to want to do anything for Jesus inside. Last night, I also received a call from a Bangkok brother Mark, who has arrived in Singapore. He really inspires me, he just shared how he wants to look deeper into his company here he's working in, a big petroleum co, the culture, the people etc so that he can find a way to bring God's Kingdom into his workplace and how he can further advance God's kingdom through the co and through globally how he can influence and impact. When we talked about seeing the glory of God more and more in each other, we laughed. It's just so exciting to be talking to kingdom-minded people! MUCH more exciting than jay chou, movies, music or football!

Well, I should have a goal in entering military. Not to slack but be salt and light and be like Matthew and Mark to try to bring God's Kingdom into this system and change it. First by submission to the authority and then hopefully can rise up in ranks to start changing things. I pray that this military experience can also speed up my sanctification process. HAHA! Amen!

Learnings frm Bangkok Trip

2007-09-10T17:58:00.001+08:00

We visited for the first time what we know of as mini-church. Which is simple, Church, but within each university. Mini church is more formal than CG but more specific than service. So mini church has about 30-40 people attending every week. Some of their mini church is linked with Christian club, which I think is affiliated to Hope. So this mini church opens doors for non believers to come as well :) The people are very warm and they will come from the other end of the audtorium/hall/lecture theatre from you to come over and shake your hand. In Assumption, there is even translation service via head phones provided. Cool!

Evangelism NEWS
Thank God we had the opportunity to share the gospel in Thailand as well. When we visited Bangkok and Kasetsart Uni, they enfolded us into their lifestyle of serving Jesus in their campus. In Bangkok U, they just challenged us to share the gospel wth them and we really find it hard to refuse them. haha. So we decided to approach two foreigners but thought we should pray first. So after we prayed, the foreigners are gone! Then we approached a girl studying alone. I shared my personal testimony and trying to contextualise to their culture and also the receiver's experience with Buddhism, which she shared. Thank God she decided to open up her heart and we prayed the sinners' prayer with her!

In Kasetsart, one of the CLs also wanted to evangelise. As in the morning, 3 of the F4 (Fervent 4) had already shared to people so this time I told the CL to share and I just watch to observe. However end up still me sharing and she translate for me. But later on, she added many new points and added in her own testimony to share to them very naturally as well. So wonderful! Hope people smiles very very much. They don't pull long faces but they always smile, even to us. I can see joy is really in their hearts in whatever they do. Thank God that the male and female received God into their lives as well and we prayed together. The girl is from Bangkok U and is just here to be with her male friend to coach a kid on maths. Cool!! They were excited about God, pray they will come to experience God in a personal and real way that gives them meaning to their life, Amen!

2 things in my mind as I share: Contextualize and meet their needs in sharing. We need to contextualize in a foreign land because they don't accept the same messages the same way as us. If we can contextualize then perhaps they can understand and appreciate the gospel message better which means a higher chance of they receiving Jesus and pray. Meeting needs in sharing is very important because honestly, Thais nor Singaporeans are very philosophical nowadays. Thais may be a little bit more interested in religion than us for youths but they too wouldn't really question who created them that kinda thing. Therefore, I try to find and understand and by the help of the Spirit say things that can meet their needs and let them know Jesus can meet their deepest needs indeed!

Leaders
I heard from one of the CLs that Hope Bangkok pastors sleeps only 3-4 hours a day because they have so much work to do! But they are still looking healthy and joyful because they are serving the Lord and because they pray and the Lord is their strength! There is closer connections between members and pastors. Pastors take care of sufficient number of people so no one is left out. And the members really know their pastors well because these pastors try to work hard in making every member feel important. When members know CLs, they are men but if they know the pastor its like knowing a star and if your pastor remembers your birthday, that would be amazing! We have so many layers in Hope church, how can anyone be forgotten?

The things shared by one of their district leaders is the same things that flows down their sermons 26 years ago. Leadership by example is very important, we have to first do it ourselves before we have the right to ask others to do it. We have to love people, take care of our own spiritual lives. As leaders, sometimes we may mis-focus and be so focused into ministry that we neglect our own walk with God.

Discipline
They woke up early to pray. They usually have to wake up at 5am-8am on normal days due to their university work, come to cell group, come to mini church, services and serving God. If they don't plan and wake up early, they will be unable to do so many things. No one was ever late in arriving to fetch us from the hotel each morning. Instead they are the ones waiting for us everyday.

An Organized Church
Systematic thinking is what is inculcated in the people. People need not always think logical, lest it downplays faith. But we need systematic thinking to think the Bible properly and to think in situations. Not thinking based on feelings.

Organization also plays a big part. People are organized, work is very organized. I'm pleasantly surprised how many of them were trained to think systematically. They always ask us what is our programs etc. They know someone will plan our programs already and we are not doing things impromptu. They have structures to organize people. Even though church may have many people, every pastor is able to monitor every structure under them. Every thing is structured. The universities is divided public and private. The private ones are divided into 5 or 6 regions. Then leaders are assigned. The service is very organized, not chaotic yet very enthusiastic. They always try to organize things around so they can manage. They organize their tasks to make it achievable.

A Family Church
Many of them were brought in by their family members, usually not their parents but by their siblings. Some of their siblings who accepted Christ now were usually the ones who first persecuted them and sabotaged by telling their parents about it, as they confessed. However eventually many of them came to know God themselves. Now they and their siblings were serving God fervently within the church and trusting God for their parents' salvation soon too. A family is a unit that God has created. We can't just do ministry and save people outside without having an intention to save our natural family too. A family together serving the Lord is a wonderful thing we should all want. As Joshua said: "as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord."

A Leadership Church
Leadership is more emphasized in this church than I've ever known. It has come to a point that when new people come, they will immediately know many leaders. New members of the church were also introduced to the pastors. Pastors were willing to know any "small fry" in the church because everyone matters in the Kingdom of God. There is no "big shots" in the Kingdom. So everywhere whether service, meetings or campuses ministry, there is always someone to make decisions, to gather people, to command, to give direction and to also care and count the flocks. Not all CLs are being produced fast. Some CLs were 5-7 year old Christians but somehow all have at least become a CL from the time they start with just ONE sheep but they surrender and gave their lives to the Lord. Slowly but gradually all at least became a CL by serving the Lord. Not all may rise up further, some could only serve up to CL due to their places in work, availability or other commitments but all should attain to at least a CL, not as a position but as a degree of influence and the degree of serving the Lord.

A Mobilized church
They were all mobilized to serve God! It is unusual if they do not get involved. Every week, every campus will have people sharing faith and gospel. To them, its not that they are not strategic but they served the Lord by sharing the gospel. They really make evangelism sound in biblical terms. In Singapore, we may try to "strategize" till evangelism sounds so grey. They share gospel every week. Leaders will challenge their sheeps to share gospel too. They just go around share to strangers like how they brought us with them to share gospel and thank God we had people coming to know the Lord! On the first day, we visited the first CG in Aback. Everyone is so involved to the point we didn't really know who is the CL! A Evangelistic Church Evanglism is a very integral part of the church.

A Praying Church
They pray alot in every meetings. In every meetings they will pray for a number of things. To them, praying is never boring because prayers can be and will be answered. Prayer is the way to receive God's blessings. People just so eagerly wanna share what they want to be prayed for. Some prayed for studies, family business, personal problems and asking for leaders to lay hands on them as they know prayer works! They yearn to pray, want to pray. When their prayers got answered by our great God, it really caused them to remember their experiences with their Saviour. This is real God, different from religiousness in their own country.

A Moving in the Spirit Church
They really do everything with the help of the Holy Spirit. They pray in the Spirit and they realise they need to do everything with the Holy Spirit.

A Teaching Church
Expository preaching - All the mini churches we attended teaches with expository preaching. It may not always be super funny but what their teachers said always make sense, always reasoning out or even arguing why this is the truth! I noticed in their preaching, they will state how the world systems work and gives a direct contrast with the way God works and this lightens up and let us see the difference/contrast. Thus, truth is not grey nor subjective. For them, the Bible truth is really stated very clearly. I don't think of any way why they will teach other way of preaching since they are doing so well in this! They teach expository means expository in every sermon. They don't teach topical or play around with versions because its unnecessary. Anyway, Thai Bible do not have many versions to play around with, they only refer to original Greek and Hebrew word to expound the meaning of the verses.

And in the mini church meetings, it may be sub-district, district leader or regional leader who may come and visit. Usually regional leaders are too busy to come visit. But as these people learn to preach to crowds in mini church, it prepares them to be preachers of God's Word, making it easier for them to plant churches!

May I say there is an abundance of preachers of God's Word there. Many are grasping how to speak better and better. More and more university Hope students are keen and making plans to learn English. Mini church is like a platform for them to be trained in ministry skills. So if persecution breaks out, there will be too many churches out there already. Ready, able to function properly.

A Visionary Church
They have in mind what the future holds. Its not just church till the end but somehow you know and can sense where the church is moving. They are moving OUTWARDS!! The leaders have clear direction all the time. They must know where they are going or else how could they ever lead people? People cannot always wander and wonder(scratch* scratch*) in the wilderness. They know its for next how many years, how many church. Which country they are going to and what plans to make over there. They are always on the move and the member shepherds are already thinking like that, how can they not grow?!The ultimate thing is the whole world and also the country needs Jesus! They wants to build a real biblical church with the Bible pattern in mind and applying present time and cultural contexts then multiply and win the world.

I think that is what biblical church is about. You always think forward while acting in present. Hope of God Movement is a Movement that is always on the move too - making plans to touch the whole world eventually.

Conclusion
I believe as we are careful to follow closely with God, let the Holy Spirit fill us, we will be able to do much more than our wildest dreams could. There will be problems but we need to solve by seeking God and ask What does the Bible say?

What surprised me is how clear they are in how to solve problems. They are very clear minded to articulate all these things. It may sound theory but these leaders really apply Biblical truths and align to today's context and are able to see the results, from theory to action.

If we have faith, build the church/group soldily with Biblical foundations and essence in it, we should be fruitful and grow!

2007-09-08T00:16:00.000+08:00

Starting with a pushing of the trolley with a 80KG weight in the night at the airport.

Their university service is awesome! Not because of programmes, lights, sound or music but because you can sense they are ULTRA excited during praise and worship time, they just went wild with "God is GREAT, WOO, Sing His praise WHEW, all the earth BUM BAM..."

You can sense they love God and they just go out of themselves for God. There is not one second that you feel there is stale-ness. There is joy, there is life because of their spiritual life I guess. In a dead church service, I guessed its because the congregation is dying in their spiritual lives and there's nothing exciting about it.

How to make an exciting service is just adding up everyone's spiritual hunger for God on saturday or sunday. The people we knew are all hungry people, hungry for God to use them, hungry in wanting to be fruitful, hungry for God's Word and when on sat service there is a time to satisfy all these hungers, they became so excited! They got the hunger, the church is able to meet the needs, simple. When you are hungry for spiritual food, you will be excited for spiritual food. Something is wrong if there is no hunger. From the bottom members to top leaders, we must always be hungry.

I find that too many Christians are hungry for movies, music, media stuffs that can seemingly inspire them but not hungry for God's Word and a close relationship with God in their lives.

Some churches try to satisfy spiritually hungry people with worldly things. And the people kept on biting on worldly things, not finding their hungers being satisfied. We should stop looking at other churches man. Look at God's principles for growth and just be convicted about it. Let's not try to copy methods, copy the way people speak, the way people lead music, get all the hillsong influences or foreign bands as example etc. Let's just be OURSELVES, and BE what God wants us to be! Stop borrowing all these stuffs and think that they are solutions, they can be nice reference materials but these things are not the BIBLE.

They seriosuly do not have very fantastic buildings. Instead their male toilet stinks like crazy and the mop seems like $%$*&^) but its their spirit, the love for God that overcomes everything. And this is where so many people in just one university would attend. Its not about methods, its about being what God wants us to be, just follow His will.

Probably they don't have many other churches to copy such as CHC or FCBC. But in our hearts when planting a church, no matter where we are, we can see other church as reference but always in our mind formulate our own framework according to what the Bible says and stick to it with faith. Let's not be copy cats but people who can THINK of others as reference and formulate the best possible way according to what we've known from the Bible.

One of their meetings immediately after service. There is a lot of spaces other than the worship venue for them to hold their activities and meetings. They don't rush out to eat, they rushed out to meet. After the meeting, we find that we are not so hungry anymore. Somehow spiritual hunger can make you less hungry physically.
6 people with Ultraman....!! This is lunch time after the saturday service.
The girl in the middle received Christ on 31 August 2007!!! Her name is Jen.

Eating with style. Not myself but this photo is supposed to be showing how HUGE their cup is. That drinks costs less than S$1 if I'm not wrong. Mighty huge mug with lotsa crushed ice and coke...
In front of the sisters' ministry house of King Mungkut's U. The ministry houses have names, this house name is called "Beautiful." They had 4 min houses I think. The brothers' house is really quite d****. The sisters' min house is sooo CLEAN!
3 of em with a man that have helped us alot during the night of fire and the day when we checked out. Wanna thank him!!
Katsesart Uni people... We had informal cg, just informally a CG anywhere. Played memory games and after the games, shared what we've learnt. The sister reclining on the table just returned to God not too long ago and she shared she was inspired by us and wanted to continue her spiritual walk with Jesus!

The two on the right received Christ on 4 Sept 2007! I hope they are experiencing a new life in Christ over there. Praying they are retained and growing.

Photos Jobb took when he is up above the sky...

Xiao mao mi
People at Bangkok University. The person on the utmost left is called Pear, the sister in the middle is called Mai, and Earth. Bangkok church have a lot of fruity names, called pear, apple, orange... But I think no one is called Durian. hahhaa These are actually nicknames they give themselves to facilitate communication to english speaking people like ourselves.

A brother from Hope Frankfurt!! We met on the first day and he is also here to study their church. He is so tall, we are all on a step while he is not, that explains why he looks like he's sitting.

On this day, Eilton had a really bad flu.

Lots of JAY marts in Bangkok.

They brought us to Siam Paragon... a very very large shopping mall.

Hope Place auditorium in the dark
Hope Place 2nd floor
Hope new toilet.
King Mungkut Uni (6th day)

Onwards are Assumption University (pronounced and commonly termed as "Aback"

ermm sorry this is not scenic. ha!

Roof paintings! I'm not kidding!

Free Trams service around the campus

Even their grass is so beautiful! Just thought of the phrase "the grass is not greener on the other side, its greener where you water it."

This trip is about student ministry and as their polytechnic ministry may not be as extensive as their university ministry, all the schools we visited are universities. Assumption, Bangkok University which is near to our hotel, King Mungkut's 2 campuses and last but not least Kasetsart University. Assumption University has one of the most spectacular and scenic campuses I've ever seen. It has such tall structures and clock towers and halls that makes you feel like you are in some European country. The campus is so large. There is even a mini bus service that transports students around the school. Its quite fun squeezing into the bus with the students.

More stories on their campus in the next post.

Many more photos but have no time to upload but these are really cherished memories... yeah!

2007-09-07T23:43:00.000+08:00

You may look at the article Eilton sent in to the STOMP Singaporean thingy here.

Now we kept talking about it, it doesn't sound that bad but it actually is quite bad. Just that we have Jesus that's why not bad~! WOoO

Here is an example of verses quoted out of context. This is dangerous.

One pastor wrote about using humour for sermons:
2. Humor: One of my favorite verses is Luke 7:34 (Phillips Version), “The Son of Man came enjoying life.” Humor really is the spice of life.

Just taking any version that suit his point. It doesn't mean that having humour is wrong. It is misquoting verses out of context and making it a habit that is wrong.

If you were to take the entire chapter and the author's intention into consideration, then you'll see that the meaning is rather different. Luke 7
33For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine, and you say, 'He has a demon.' 34The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and you say, 'Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and "sinners." ' 35But wisdom is proved right by all her children."

It is that whether eating or drinking or not, the pharisees will just find fault in people sent by God's purpose because he is trying to make a point they do not understand God's purpose verse 29-30, that simple. Furthermore Jesus did not mean anywhere that he is here to enjoy life and find pleasure on earth.

It doesn't mean as long as anything sounds morally ok then we can just take any scripture and slot in to support. We have to truly understand God's word or else it is in vain that God's word will be able to change us if we use it out of context. That is why so many Christians don't know how to interpret the Bible themselves!

The principle has to be supported by the right verses. Don't change translation just to suit what you want to say yea. so guys be careful.

2007-09-05T23:22:00.000+08:00

F4
Tongnam yuna crub?

This trip is really a trip of its kind. It's something I've never experienced before. There is something that graps my heart and after what I've seen and experienced, I am more circumspect of understanding problems and trying to find solutions too in the church. There is so many stories to tell that I wonder should I blog or not. God is awesome and I want to proclaim Him in as many ways as possible so I will share some things here but its not everything because as I told you, there are toooo MANY things to share.

Before I tell you what we've done for the 6 days, I'll tell you what's happened on the 7th day first. Wed 5 Septemeber 2007, Room 942, slightly after 12 midnight, 3 or 4 lads were watching Transformers Cartoon when Optimus Prime is gonna shoot... or do... something, there was a black out and we though it was just a trip over something or shortage of electricity. What the guys later termed as "premonition" that I had had awoken me that this is something negative. So I told them to look out the window and there it is, very smokey. Eilton opened the windows and fire engines were already arriving. Second reaction is to film down using my video cam. They were all excited and having a little fun. We thought it was the building beside our hotel, but later confirmed that it is OUR hotel. Went to the corridoor, thank God that all lights were shut except one spare bright light.

I wanna affirm here the bravery of Jobb, Eilton and Ken. Ken's first reaction is to knock on every door to wake up everyone, Eilton followed suit, followed by the rest. Eilton and Ken even used a fire extinguisher to break open one of the doors as they suspect that there is someone in the room. "Stay clear of the door, don't worry, we are breaking in!" Then when they opened the door, it was a great wind of ashes and smoke that is "swallowing" up the room that is causing pressure to the door, because the windows were wide opened. Then they shut the door. Smoke is bellowing the corridoor through the hole of the dismantled door knob. One of the fire exit is filled with smoke. The other fire exit is of ladders.

We quickly ran back into the room to get our passports, I left my watch and wallet by the bed side table but thank God for Jobb who took my wallet for me. Left a white shirt on the bed. Thank God that before we watched Transformers, we were packing our luggages so most of the things were in our luggage already. Took our passports and we hurriedly but yet calmly left the room.

I remembered a number of guests were awoken by our brothers either by Ken or Eilton I forgot. A Japanese girl was saved by our knocking and her eyes were wet when she came out of her room seeing the situation. Our brothers even offered encouragements to the people at the 2nd exit which is of ladder, not staircase. Eilton repeated the words to ang moh or Japanese or Korean or whoever "don't worry, don't be afraid, Jesus loves you, God loves you" and my heart is touched by this. But we are the ones able to crack some joke. When Eilton and I are at the exit door, Ken and Jobb were still knocking doors then they still did "fire crawl" towards the exit. I can't help but laugh because the way they do it is super funny. Though its getting more and more smoky, they could have dashed toward the exit. But anyway, the tourists at the exit were "stunned" by our "Singapore fire crawl" when some of them peeped over the door, guess it amuses them a little too.

Then it was the journey of climbing down the ladders. Its a nice surprise that from the 7th floor onwards, there were firemen providing guidances etc. Eilton and I came down much earlier than Ken and Jobb as they were accompanying an old lady.

I think I'll let this testimony of Eilton speak for the rest of the time after we were safe.

"Hey F4!

I'm beginning to realize more how protective God is to the 4 of us. We could have easily be one of the trapped and hospitalized guests if not for God's plan that we shopped till the late hours at the Night Bazaar, continue to drag time by buying water ('cos we rapidly and miraculously drank 2 x 6L of water within 2 former days) at 7-11 and reach the hotel late (the latest compared to all other days). Imagine if we slept slightly earlier with air-con on and windows shut, we wouldn't have found out the fire in our deep sleep after a tired day. We might be one of them, or even worse. I wouldn't dare think.

Keep and archive all of these evidence (add it to your 3 to 5 mins testimonies), testify God's protection and love for us and all the saved ones. Let's be as grateful as the one of the 10 lepers whom went back to thank Jesus for healing him.
Despite such a huge fire, there was no casualties and no damage to our stuffs, we can even walk away and eat cup noodles in 7-11.

Amazing God in Amazing Thailand!

Youtube video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d5eCondNwNY "

Thank God for the Church of Christ in Thailand, which is located beside the Mandarin Hotel, which I think they were under-credited. The church doors were wide opened by the pastor to house all the evacuated guests for the night. Cold cups of cold water were also given freely and served to the people.
The pastor of this church.
Some of the guests were even smoking within the hall. But actually its their way of calming their own nerves. Many young people that came down the ladder were shaking even though they are much more well-built and muscular and etc but they are very very afraid and nervous inside. I think without God, its impossible to have peace. Thank God for the peace he has blessed F4 and other people within the hotel that puts their trust in Him.

The 4 of us had a place to sleep on the second floor of the church, with mattress, mini pillow, blanket and air con. As Ken said: "the church met our physical needs, they really apply the Bible" The fire was out around 4.44am and the fire engines left at about 5+ am. We slept around 5am and woke up at about 8+ am if I'm not wrong.

Then we went into the dark (inside and outside) hotel. They have to lit candles from the entrance. On the first floor near the staircase, it was flooded with waters. The stairs up to the 9th floor were filled with broken glasses from the window panes. Second floor is most horrifying - I shall not show you the pics Jobb took lest you vomit. Vomits were spilled on one of the floors. The 9th floor corridoor was scary enough and the waters dripping from the roof were warm. As we opened our room door, great smoke bellowed out we had to rush to the ladder exit again to breathe fresh air...

Our room got a little ugly and lots of smoke but our things were more or less intact, some books and important documents we received were also preserved. Thank God our luggages were closed, the smoke and smell of the fumes managed to seep into our luggages though...

We suffered little damage compared to most people. Some rooms were totally BLACK! The water in the water bottle left in the refrigerator was still cold!

Waited for sister PooNoi to fetch us to the airport at the church after we checked out. But we went back to Hope Place instead to be filled with Hope once again haha. Glad to see Art, Peung and a few other bros and sis again. Had lunch with Art. We were all famished.

Btw they said I had premonition because I shared that I felt and knew that something bad will happen in Thailand before we even come to Thailand.

F4 = Fervent 4

2007-08-29T18:34:00.000+08:00

Here to blog my last post before I leave to the airport. Things are moving so fast, I feel I am not savouring the moment of a trip I've been longing to.

Thinking back, I always wanted to visit Hope of Bangkok church since around sec 4. However seldom mission trips is organized to there and only unit leaders and above go there for conferences once in a while. When I graduated in NYP, I have some time before NS and I have a thought of during this time to go Thailand. So I started mentioning about it to people that I have the intention to go, then talk about organizing it and when I was doing all these, I was thinking will we really be able to do it? We have no contacts over there, who to help us, the cost, very foreign, no one to lead us there etc... So I started to take the lead to organize and talk to people, ask for help and it actually happened.

Some times we have something we wanna do, or a vision, we don't say it out but keep it in our hearts. But vision and wanting to do something starts from verbalising it. Just like repentance starts from confessings our sins. When we start to say out what we wanna do, we let other people hold us accountable for it and it gets us starting to do it. So start telling someone what you wanna do for Jesus! We will be supportive.

Of course some things may be done later or till we reached certain level of maturity but keep the vision there and work on it. Some people wants great worship ministry, great! Many people wants it but what is the vision of that ministry? Is it because you hear some songs and are inspired but do not yet have a clear direction from the Lord? Seek direction and vision through prayer. Make sure you are not building a soft building but a sturdy building in mind clearly what God wants to do through you, then I think success is on its way.

Today, core team meet, we talked about this passage: Joshua 14:10-14
10 "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! 11 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. 12 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."
13 Then Joshua blessed Caleb son of Jephunneh and gave him Hebron as his inheritance. 14 So Hebron has belonged to Caleb son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite ever since, because he followed the LORD, the God of Israel, wholeheartedly.

A man of endurance who last through tough times and hardship after 40 years, his vision still burns as hot as the sun!

2007-08-29T03:45:00.000+08:00

This song playing may sound romantic but is actually a father and son song so please don't misunderstand. hahaha

Lately been blogging so late at night so you could've guessed what time I sleep. Because there are so many things up to my neck. Yet I'm excited, I will be able to accomplish everything by God's grace, Amen!

I think for some things we can work on is email etiquette. One movie that shows it well is "Just follow the law" how people just keep emailing, Cc here, Bcc there... not that we can't use these things but I've been receiving emails that has nothing to do with me. It's like msn-ning on emails which makes it kinda inefficient in communication. Maybe sometimes they just want to keep everyone in the loop but I think we need to learn when to hit the "reply all" and when is more appropriate to just hit "reply" to people who is really concerned. Because some people are in my contacts, I've got to read their mails but sometimes it seems pointless to me receiving a loop of other people's conversation to me. I feel there is a sort of abuse in the way certain emails are being sent.

Its not that I hate emails nor I hate reading emails, I just think the way some people's way of using it is not a long term best way of using this mode of communication. Sometimes, the emails become irritating. They don't explain properly in the email, then one person hit "reply all" to ask what is it about and then the receiver answered by hitting "reply all" again and then maybe its not being communicated very well, they ask each other again and each time they ask, they hit "reply all"! Then you spend so much time reading these chains of emails, hoggin bandwidths. You might as well just read the latest email with the threads of emails down there all in one. The rest can be considered obsolete. I can understand how organizations can be so inefficient because of this. Do you know that its amazing how people communicate in today's world? It's a world of difference since the days of the tower of Babel man!

What I see in the corporate world. Example a company is sending information to another company, or maybe one department to another. Company A is sending a set of data to B. If B reads through, say finds out 5 errors in the data. He will just point out first error only. He will not bother to talk about the 4. If A just settles one error, that's it man. That's IT for A and B! Happy emailing.

As Christ followers, we should seek to be effective and efficient in our communication. Precise, think in other's shoes... Now I have the habit of checking and editing my sms before sending out. But yet sometimes people don't read properly and ask qns which answers are already found in the sms. I am also guilty of this at times when I'm sending sms to many diff people at one time, can be too abrupt in communicating.

Some bad sms-es are like one or two word answers. One or two word answers per se is not wrong but if 1 or 2 words don't explain well, we should not be lazy to add in a few more words. And efficiency of communication means replying asap. I realised nowadays sometimes sms can take 24-48 hours to be replied hahaah, dunno is it becoming a trend of this age. I used to reply immediately, now I can reply rather lately. Haiz... I'm like talking about myself.

If we put in more effort in communication, we can be more efficient, save $ and be more seamless in our work processes man... Starts with our attitude of communication. With good communication and unity, people do great things.

We must eradicate laziness in communiating. With so many tools in Singapore, people become lazy. Fan er its people who probably don't have telephone, have to walk miles even to meet people, that people put effort and communication is being done better. It may be slower but it doesn't mean it is less effective. If we misuse the tools, we are making blunt the technology advantage we possess.

Alright, till I see you again in about 7 days' time.

2007-08-28T02:47:00.000+08:00

Finished talking to one of my sheep after reaching home. Man, God is stretching my time so thin. Yet I am glad no matter what is thrown to me.

Last night, I urge everyone to pray that the Hope Bangkok will contact us because we really want to learn from them and not go to Bangkok just touring and shopping. This afternoon, I checked email from my dad's office. No emails. I even went to the Hope Bangkok webby and call the number. The number wasn't accurate, sadly and I went to the Hope Bangkok International Fellowship website and dialed but it was engaged. I heard they have this follow-up thing on monday and follow uppers will call the number for voice log or something. Perhaps that's why it was engaged?

I was sort of desperate. I was pretty sure in my heart; hotels and travelling is comfortable but unfruitful and does no kingdom purpose, we want ministry house and brothers and sisters with us. The thought of knowing new Thai bros and sis excites me! Perhaps I may find a new spiritual buddy or pen pal or such but whatever the case, its so good and wonderful to know "foreign" bros and sis. Foreign yet not so foreign as we are all one Kingdom citizens. I decided to email pastor David Chen with a ridiculously-sounding email to me, as I think back. I think I sounded a little pathetic lol... Anyway...

I then slept for a while due to a little giddiness. My dad also said he experienced some giddiness. Am worried for him. When I woke up, I heard the same voice telling me "it has arrived." I knew what that "it" means, it means "I've got mail" because previously I heard this voice when I am expecting an email also hahaha...around 5 mins later, Jasmine called and told me the Hope Bangkok staff has replied her email!! Praise God!! I was just so thrilled, thank God that God is with us on this trip. Those who pray and seek Him will never fail.

The precious email Jasmine received goes like this:

have received your email. I will check whether our ministry house is avilable or not but I am sure I can find one for you. I would like to know which Flight and Time that you will be arrive. So that I can find people to pick you up by the right time. Thank you in advance.

Do you know to fetch us is really mah-huan because our flight arrives in the early morning 7.50am

I am truly grateful to everyone helping us to learn and "suck" from our mother church. Includes Jasmine, the Hope Bangkok staff and the bros and sis we are gonna meet! We need to see a model church and what a biblical church looks like so we can emulate the principles into Singapore in context and give hope to some losing hope that there is hope, in church, in people and definitely in God. I also pray that God will give vision and burden to Jobb, Eiltonton and Ken Chan Silas.

If there really isn't any ministry house, we've found a hotel just in the same street as the Hope Centre in www.hope.or.th with a swimming pool at just SGD43 per night! Divided by 4, we'll just be paying like 10 bucks per night.

Praying for Juli to get her visa to France...

2007-08-25T23:39:00.000+08:00

Being real sick for my last mm duty. Half of the time people don't get the slides cos I'm sneezing half the time, flooding nose, and having transferrence of "anointing" in the germs to the rest of the crew. Really hope they are not able to get this "anointing." When Michael came into the room to check his slides, there I am spreading germs and when he left, a thought came to me, "what if he got the germs and started to sneeze while preaching?" Then I think the Holy Spirit told me not to worry, God will put him on stage and will protect him from anything! That is the kind of assurance we need not fear when we are God's servants.

Last night I only slept 3 hours but I'm amazed I'm still not so tired now. I think the time I slept on the train to DMM just now is at most 3 hr 45mins. That may explain why I got the flu. Do you know that youths actually need more sleep than older people like 40s, 50s? This morning managed to subdue myself to not go back to sleep when I woke up and to go and pray. The day became exceedingly good!

We should pray in the morning.

Pampering a child is never a solution to problems. I can be so strict that people complains. I can be so lenient and not correcting issues that God complains. We need to know as leaders people need to grow and if need be, correct. If need be, affirm generously. I long to see not a church of pampered Christians who can't submit to authority. But people who are willing to follow their leaders, be corrected out of love and obey God in turn in their actions. That is a very beautiful picture to me about man to man relationships with one another. That is why one of the caregroup covenant is the Covenant of feedback.

I will attempt to mirror back to you what I am hearing you say and what you are feeling. If this means risking pain for either one of us, I will trust our relatonship enough to take the risk, realising it is in "speaking the truth in love that we will grow up in every way into Christ who is the head." Eph 4:15 I will try to express this feedback in a biblical and sensitive manner in keeping with the circumstances.

We should be mature knowing corrections are for our own good. And that is normal, not a fight to maintain our self worth. We know our worths in Christ. I realised this that people who never get used to correction at an early stage of their Christian walk are usually people with a higher tendency to backslide. When they are not corrected and some one tries to correct them after a while, they got ultra defensive, they wanna kick people back. How can a person grow? And its not as if we want people to tolerate correction out of vexness from their leaders. It's correction for their own good and out of love and growth. Kung-fu training has no compromise to learn the finest of martial arts.

Job 5:17
"Blessed is the man whom God corrects; so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty.

2 Timothy 3:16
16All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

2 Timothy 4:2
Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.

I really liked Paul alot as a leader. He is such a straightforward, not wishy-washy kinda person. He is so passionate and so real. How I'd really like to meet him in heaven?!!! If we can have such direct relationships with our sheeps and they understand where our hearts stems from, they will understand. Changing out of love is a great deal in church. When we open up relationship and knock off all blockages, won't our fellowship be much more sweeter? It's all those wishy-washy issues such as pride, self-dignity and self-centredness that is ruining our relationship with one another in the long run. That is also spoiling discipleship. We got to challenge, let people experience God, let people do what God wants them to do so freely. That is the kind of church and group we should wanna build!!

2007-08-23T23:28:00.000+08:00

Today was an eventful day. Went to church office to listen to tapes and even borrowed a book about some-instituion-that-will-last-forever's history. Learnt truckloads from the tape and was really stunned of so much we can do. Building a biblical healthy church is really a great and most rewarding thing to do! haha Also, I was glad to meet Dennis as I was hoping to see him so could discuss somethings about forming a new ministry.

Then left after listening to 3/5 of the tape cos I couldn't finished it. Was so tired and when I'm dreaming on the bus, I think I was smiling at what God is gonna do and how if we align to build everything according to the Bible, powerful mighty growth is going to happen. And we should build a church that is good. No one likes to go to a bad church, but a good biblical healthy church with vision and Word-centred! That I believed is also why I will attend Hope churches overseas even though it may not be as big. If it continues to keep quality, it will be able to succeed in time to come!

When I arrived at the MRT, it was pouring heavily. I see an opportunity to pray because I realised that lately I have very few testimonies. I feel bad sometimes asking people to share testimony but I do not have. I do have lotsa thanksgiving points but very few testimonies lately so I took this chance and want a testimonyfrom God. It was raining so heavily and I prayed: "Oh Lord You love me right, decrease the rain by half Amen... eh nonono nono, decrease fully so I may reach home without getting wet and when I reached home, you can continue to pour rain on the rest of the people wahhahaha."

Sounds like I'm insecure in God's love but I prayed this anyway. And so at the MRT station I went and do some grocery shopping. Feels weird without my mum doing it with me. She has to drag me to do this in the past but now I kinda enjoy doing shopping at NTUC lol, but not for too long. And oh, I stepped on shit in the most unexpected place - NTUC. Thankfully I was warned and only stepped on a bit. I finally bought my first bottle of tobasco sauce. When I finished, the rain really stopped and when I reached home it poured for another half an hour again. hahaha God is very specific too.

The idea is not to pray like me but I think I really prayed with faith, that's why it happened, and I really believed. We need to have daily encounter with God, ministry is a powerful gateway for God's power to be unleashed, and to bless other people. People who are in campus has the most opportunities to evangelise to their friends and sowees and also face more problems than when we are in holidays generally and that's when we pray more and trust Him more and see God at work!! Then it is more exciting!

I feel good when sheeps ask me to pray for them because it means they know prayer is important! And at least in times of trouble, it shows they are turning to God rather than turning substitutes like mp3 or TV or DVD which doesn't help. Praying for people is also an act of love. I've already run out of vocab to encourage people thru sms so I think prayer is the alternative and oh, tongues yeah!

Believe and expect great things from Him!

I believe and so Lord, give us the strength to live for You!

Tomorrow is gonna be hectic day - meeting-sheeps'-marathon. Jacob then Suherman then Jovin, 7 hours straight WOAH, then off to work! God's strength be with me, okok be with you too!

Really got to sleep. Do visit Micah-saurus

2007-08-23T01:28:00.001+08:00

Sihan's nephew is just so adorable. Hope to see him in the coming summer 2008?!!! Micah-saurus!!

Time to sleep.

2007-08-22T23:39:00.000+08:00

Sharing exam burdens
I think this is the first time I am not having exams with NYP people. It doesn't mean I am totally off the load but I want to go in and carry the load and burdens with them. People may think its time for me to "shake leg" but I don't think so. Surely we can't study on your behalf but we are with you in spirit, in prayers and in lightening your burden with encouragements! I am free from exams now and I need to use this freedom to do something. At least something. I think it will be quite unloving or "unshepherding" to not know what people are going through. Actually I really has lost the feeling and have forgotten what is it like of my year 3 projects and exams and tests times. But when I pray for them, God seems to be telling how some are going thru...

Enthusiasm helps!
And the power of enthusiasm really shines through in the midst of this period. I'm reminding people not to just think of themselves, the BIG exam paper and the pressure to perform to cause them to forget abt their fellow bros and sis. It's easy to happen; just finish the paper, go home study, shut the door behind Jesus, prayers and people. But we must think of others as well, not easy, but take time to pray for others, lift other's burdens too... And the kind of thing that energizes people and me including as well, is the enthusiasm of some people. The enthusiasm and joy that God is at work, the harvest is nearing and this is the time to glorify God is really a powerful "energizer" to the people around them. When others are down and you are hopeful for a reason, you can really lift someone up in his/her spirits! Those with zeal continue! Your zeal is encouraging and motivating people!

Thank God for Shuling, you reall sowed seeds during exam time and I'm quite energized now haha!

It's so important to have a zeal after God, a desire and a joy + excitement. With desire for the things after God, that is the way to grow! What will happen is what we desire and where we place our focus.

Enthusiasm produced by the right desire
Jesus said "seek first His kingdom and His righteouness"... there is a desire down there. Seeking, after, desire. These words kept ringing on my mind. If we like to sin, the more you sin. If you don't have the desire to do what God pleases, you will naturally (by default) do the opposite. If you don't desire to grow in your character or there's no desire for people to come to know Jesus and the power of the Gospel, that is what exactly happens; it won't happen. Without desiring for growth, growth will never happen. And we are to hunger for growth, hunger for truths, hunger for spiritual milk. Fill yourself with it and let all these whet your appetite to desire more! What happens to a group of people who just don't have the desire to grow, results is they never serve, no leaders rise up, and a lot of compromising happening. That is the kind of disease we are bringing to the community of people of God. When one's person lack of desire for righteousness, godliness, holiness, whatever is good and true spreads to people around them, they are like causing "nutrients to deplete" and limits growth and then the church will not grow.

What happens after there is challenge, vision, goals and all these great things but with people that has no desire, the effects isn't very much.

Church growth
If the church is like an living organism and we likened the church its growth such as one of a bacteria.

"Bacterial growth follows three phases. When a population of bacteria first enter a high-nutrient environment that allows growth, the cells need to adapt to their new environment. The first phase of growth is the lag phase, a period of slow growth when the cells are adapting to fast growth. The lag phase has high biosynthesis rates, as enzymes and nutrient transporters are produced.

The second phase of growth is the logarithmic phase (log phase), also known as the exponential phase. The log phase is marked by rapid exponential growth. The rate at which cells grow during this phase is known as the growth rate (k), and the time it takes the cells to double is known as the generation time (g). During log phase, nutrients are metabolised at maximum speed until one of the nutrients is depleted and starts limiting growth.

The final phase of growth is the stationary phase and is caused by depleted nutrients. The cells reduce their metabolic activity and consume non-essential cellular proteins. The stationary phase is a transition from rapid growth to a stress response state and there is increased expression of genes involved in DNA repair, antioxidant metabolism and nutrient transport." - Wikipedia again (un-bolded words are details)

So we gotta keep the nutrients keep coming in but not just any kind of nutrients but the right kind of nutrients. The right desire, the good Word of God (spiritual food) and the never-surrender to luke-warming. Just a few pockets of people who have very opposite views with the vision and starts spreading the wrong kind of things is really the kind of harm to tens, possibly hundreds of people. They are still loved by us and God but we need to command people preaching the wrong things to stop. Just a handful of people is enough to influence false doctrines or negative influences, depleting nutrients. That is what happened in the Bible, just pockets of people, little here and there, capable of harmful effects. If the nutrients really deplete, you can expect to see stationary phase. Plateau. I think we shall see "scarier" people and things happening. There are quite a number of examples in New Testament but I'd just take 1 Timothy 4 to do a mini commentary, since it is all in one chapter. [Also easier to copy paste from Biblegateway, LOL]

Mini-Commentary of 1 Tim 4
1The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. 2Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron.

It will surely happen, that's why we are warned in advance. We are not to be afraid or shunning the truth but it will happen and there will be people to destroy our faith but we shall stand firm. As long as we continue in the Truth, we should not be afraid but confront them with the truth.

3They forbid people to marry and order them to abstain from certain foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and who know the truth. 4For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, 5because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.

There will be people who taught things deceivingly. Some will take this verse out of context to justify they should marry, whether wrong timing or God's will or not. That is taking the verse a little off-balanced in context. Paul is not against marriage but also sees the value equally important for non-marriage for God's Kingdom (1 Cor 7:2-9). The essence of this instruction above is the wrong form that is produced with the wrong action such as abstaining from foods (as if that will help in their righteousness like those who think they are saved by the law, not grace). Forbidding marriage as if marriage is a sin. We have no right to forbid marriage unless it is already forbidden by God (such as bigamy, polygamy, adultery, pre-marital sex).

6If you point these things out to the brothers, you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, brought up in the truths of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed.

Our role is to warn each other even though it might not have yet happened but the end times is near, its time to have an "alert mode" in everyone of us, not to be naive Christians who thinks the world doesn't end... but things will come to pass and to an end according to the Bible!! So we must know and must be alert and must be prepared ourselves!

7Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives' tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. 8For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.

There must be a balance of warning and swinging to another side of things by chatting and rumouring. Some people talk about the end times as a sort of exciting tale and some made up stories (involving spirits and wrong interpretation of Revelation, ghosts etc) are being spread. All these has no value, no use, doesn't warn, creates unnecessary fears and doesn't prepare us at all. It is just some people wanting to bring "entertainment" value. The things we should hold true is not any myths.

9This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance 10(and for this we labor and strive), that we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, and especially of those who believe.
11Command and teach these things. 12Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. 13Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. 14Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you.
15Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. 16Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.

Teaching and persevering in the Word is the most important way to safeguard our life and faith and before and during the end times. Having the right desire in everyone also is such an important contribution to the growth of the church overall. A madly evangelistic church is produced by a majority of mad people hungry to see souls being saved, basically that's it. A madly enthusiastic church, Word-centred church, worshipping church all these are created by people who desire to see it happen! With the right hunger, we must feed it. With the wrong kind of hunger, we must purge it. One person can't do much without mobilizing everyone to think, envison and walk towards this way, this direction. If Hope of Singapore is 3000 marching towards Great Commission, isn't that a very powerful army?

Some groups will either be restarting again at the lag phase if the foundation is not built right, moving towads the log phase though but slower than it should cos its always restarting. Let us build ourselves and one another strong in the lag phase, foundation, desire, character, faith and basic doctrines. Then we will move on to the log phase and God will be with us! And the leaders' responsibilities is when it is in the log phase, continue to pour in nutrients, nurturing, grow into a bigger and bigger tree, right environment, right climate, great time for bacterial growth!!! Never slacken, drive it on with maximum speed and that will be the fastest time of growth. We have yet seen this and seen a church sustain this for a long period of time so we must all DESIRE then it can happen.

Never allow ourselves to enter the stationary phase. It's difficult and it will be very difficult but the Holy Spirit will lead us. God will want His church to grow till He comes back! Build the group to how God likes! Amen, can someone be in this? Can we desire and run after the same things?

2007-08-20T13:20:00.000+08:00

Too bad I missed the National day rally speech last night. But from the readings on the net, one of the more concerning policies is that CPF withdrawal age will be progressively raised to 65, instead of the current 62. Maybe there should be a flexibility there that if it were withdrawn early like 62, they will still enjoy a one percent increase in interest. If they withdraw in age 65, they will have a bonus of enjoying 1.5 or 2 percent increase in CPF interest (since the govt gets to enjoy holding their savings longer also). The reason for the flexibility withdrawal should be there to meet immediate needs such as family facing crisis when one member is critically ill at that time, financially overburdened or wad... What use is it for the withdrawal age to be raised so high if they could not find jobs, if they die before that because of illness?

Also saw something interesting about my alma mater on Wikipedia.

As part of the school's 50th anniversary celebrations and Youth Day celebrations, the school organised Hiphopthon in 2007 on 30th June 2007, in an attempt to set a new Singapore Record for the most number of people dancing hiphop at the same time. The Hiphopthon was held at Serangoon Junior College Sports Field and the event was judicated by the Singapore Book of Records. 1435 Marists and teachers took part in the event and the attempt was successful. Maris Stella now holds the record for the most number of people dancing hiphop at the same time." - wikipedia

One thing comes to my mind LOL -_-" haha

2007-08-19T23:16:00.000+08:00

Excess Baggage
A worship leader was praying on the stage as people were streaming into the auditorium. When the worship leader opened his eyes, to his amazement, the auditorium was full and very messy. it was about 3/4 filled with people and the rest of the spaces were all filled with baggages! Large ones, small ones, so filled, as if like an evacuation camp.

People could not dance freely because surrounding them were baggages. They were weighed down by their singing and movements were restricted because their backs were carrying baggages.

It is indeed such a horrifying sight!! The worship leader was stunned to his teeth! He then shouted "why are you bringing so many things to church? Leave all your baggages at home!"

Here is a question. Are you carrying alot of unnecessary baggages when you come to meet and worship God? A few belongings is alright but leave your baggages at home, it will be safe at home. We should come to God, to church and to meetings not with a plastic smile but a genuine joy that fills us. We cannot fully enjoy the presence of God and have joy when we are carrying baggages all the time! You got to think of a way to leave/throw your baggages, either to God or you just keep carrying it.

2007-08-19T00:11:00.000+08:00

I was emailing one of my sheep about hearing the voice of God just now. It is time to stop just hearing from men or from me, its time to hear more from God! Our relationship with God and our very own lives must be so intertwined, so close that we can hear from God easily. If we cannot raise people who are close with God enough to hear directly from God, our ministry will not lasts. It will at best produce man's results, which is very limited. To produce fruit in the long run and in God's way, we need to hear from God. God may speak to us through the Bible, through leaders at times or though a word directly. Here are some very powerful thing about Samuel that caused him to be so powerfully used by God as a prophet for the whole nation of Israel.

But before that, remember how God spoke directly to Paul and set him and Barnabas apart to a work.

Acts 13:2While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them."

The Holy Spirit is able to work in a time of seeking Him and praying. They were fasting. Holy Spirit is also able to work in the atmosphere of worshipping. You will be astonished at how if we live a life of worship unto Him and be prayerful, the amazing results is God really speaks and also really works.

People nowadays who seek God's voice are often with doubts, "testing waters" in mind or doing so halfheartedly. That may be the reason why God may be "silent" at times.

Alot of our meetings if its just we talking and talking its not good. There should be a time where its a time opened to God to enter into our agenda/programme and speak. Worship and prayer is a time where God can enter and people can pour out their hearts to God and in turn God speaks.
1 Samuel 3:8-10 8
The LORD called Samuel a third time, and Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, "Here I am; you called me." Then Eli realized that the LORD was calling the boy. 9 So Eli told Samuel, "Go and lie down, and if he calls you, say, 'Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening.' " So Samuel went and lay down in his place. 10 The LORD came and stood there, calling as at the other times, "Samuel! Samuel!" Then Samuel said, "Speak, for your servant is listening.

So about, Samuel now. If you read again, Samuel got this kinda-really-cool spirit that made him listen to God so well. At that time, he don't even know what voice is that; he didn't know it is God's voice, therefore he though it was Eli calling him.

Even for the third time, Samuel is not tired of getting up and responding immediately. He did not snooze unlike us nowadays and I am one guilty one. Its the attitude of immediately responding that helps us clearer and clearer with the voice of God. If you keep snoozing, you may miss His voice.

In v10, I do not know why Eli gave these words to Samuel and Samuel just followed the exact words as if it were a magic phrase. If we look beyond the form, I think Eli knows that when God speaks, He wants the people to listen. We should not treat God's Words lightly. Alot of people take the Bible as a leisure book (cos its "boring") with no sense of awe or desire or anything with high value. People who treat the Word of God seriously and with high value, there's a higher possibility that God will speak to him more than people who just don't have the hearts and ears to listen.

Will you bother to search Acts 28:25-27 to see how many times people do not seek God's ways, voice and resulted in them losing the blessing?

God is pursuing zealously for people to come to Him but people must respond as well.

Today saturday after service, we went to watch fireworks just outside Raffles Hotel. And this is what has happened.

We found a poor soul munching KFC outside.

And I can't bear but to move forward and comfort him.

Sorry sheep for making fun of U! But u r really very funny!!! hahaha, Thomas is the photographer btw.

My first photo with Jeyraj! Coincidentally we are both wearing shirts with pink, which is a taboo to Weihong. His comments so straight hahaha "why you all wear pink? so gay!" but of course we know where this statement come from, a heart of love wahhahaha, gay means joyful ok!

Jey and Hong, u both are important to the Kingdom and also of course to God and also to me. May we all grow with one vision, one purpose, one value in mind. Use our life to extend His Kingdom and the Word is the guide for every aspect of our lives :) Jacob is joining our gang soon

There are some more photos from NYP B blog http://www.nypbeyond.blogspot.com/

2007-08-17T01:06:00.000+08:00

Some people say that I'm a rapper. Today I'm going to be a tour guide. I am going to bring you back to the past. After meeting Huimei and Liyan, I still had one more hour to work and I was at first at loss at what to do. Suddenly pop up with one extra hour. And so I decided to go to Fort Canning hill, alone. This is a hill with significant singapore history in it. I'm gona start off this journey with my loyal faithful skateboard!

Nah, its just some skateboard I saw at the dhoby ghaut mrt cubicle.

And as I climbed up the stairs, the first board that greeted me was this! Percival road... *not perceiver road*

A part of it read "Those who worked personally with him found him to be a brilliant staff officer, but not a good leader in battle." I honestly, respect this guy. But I don't want to be like him in a sense. We wanna be able to hold truths, perspectives, wisdom, knowledge and with leadership added so people can follow the truth.

Are we people who think very well but can't perform in battle? Spiritual battle?

Then here comes the place where usually marrying couples come and take pictures. Now then I noticed the cross and what does IHS stand for? This wall is linked to a wall cemetary btw.
And this could be something new to some of us. National Museum entrance! With an apple outside...

As I walked further, suddenly I heard gunshots and for a moment I was so stunned I thought that some war soldiers have come alive!! And when I turned around, I really saw a figure wearing army uniform with a gun, playing laser-shooter. When this "army" saw me, (it's actually a) she still fired a few more shots. I should have acted like I was being shot, but I did not, I was too stunned. and I couldn't see any other "soldiers" around. Is she really shooting at me?

And so, there is a quiet spot where I could finally pray, have some sun and the spot is beside the hill. Got the kind of feeling like being enveloped by a hill.

Feel like hugging the hill right?

2007-08-15T12:51:00.000+08:00

Last night I was just worshipping God with this song. As I sang, really affirmed myself of God's love for myself and all of us who are His children...

You loved me

when I was so unlovely

You sought me

when I was lost

You showed me

How much You really loved me

when You bought me at the highest cost

There's no greater love than this

That a man would give His life for a friend

There's no higher sacrifice

That a man would

GIVE His LIFE

You have paid a precious price for me.

As I was adoring our Father on heaven, I also thought of my dad on earth. He is really such a pillar in my life since young. Really can relate with those who feel with their parents' pain. Without a church and a good spiritual family, honestly people can just feel so meaningless and boring. Our spiritual family(the church) can be like the eartly substitute for dysfunctional families around. So its a sanctuary and a haven for those who have "loitered" in the earth... and in the world, almost every family is broken or dysfunctional in certain ways, we need God in the centre of a spiritual family to heal all these.

That is why we must also build the church strong, the group, the people strong. And people who become like disciples, not merely followers or leaders. If we build the way Jesus wants till He comes back, we will not fail to receive the reward and will succeed in bringing more people with us to His glorious kingdom. And the thing that will do all these is really God's Word. This is where I put my hope..

2007-08-13T23:01:00.001+08:00

A friend that I've been sowing on has recently received Christ!! I was sharing the gospel to him and playing badminton at the SHS block where there is the track at that time when I was in year 2 and he in year1. Now he is year 3 and he as usual talked to me on msn. He was asking about some stuffs like am i working now and such and then, he popped up with "hey have something to share with you, i have accepted jesus recently" cool man!!

He received Christ from a friend in FCBC who continually shared and persevered on him for 3 weeks! I am so ashamed I did not share much to him after the SHS incident when he refused Jesus...

However I am so elated at this news and it really encourages me to wanna spur myself and the people for the spreading of the Good News and Jesus!! Nothing is worth more sharing than this, not even The Secret... LOL

Let us with all our lives go forth and share the gospel to friends and contacts, pls don't forget them. Pray for them, fast for them alright! Lives are so important and now this guy is trying to live a life pleasing to God!! Nothing can change society more than the Gospel.

2007-08-09T18:48:00.000+08:00

不能說的秘密

Yestreday night, caught this movie at amk hub Cathay with Thomas, Celestine and Gui Hao. After the movie, we were all "wowed". I do not know is it the effect of my presence or that they really enjoyed but I myself am pretty shocked about the story, the twist and the plot behind it. Basically you have to look out for details to be able to appreciate. But when you got the details, you basically would get what the director chou wants to communicate. At the end of the movie, you may find that you do not know how to react good or bad. If you can't catch the details, maybe you might criticise. If you can catch the details, you may see how the story weaves into the climax and wow lor... typical jay chou, either pple like alot or hate alot. His personality is also reflected alot in the film, his "fingerprints" are also almost everywhere in the film. Considered not bad for an asian film. (Budget is US$2million)

Today was Men's Event and all the men were VERY hungry after the event. DI, RP and NYP travelled to AMK to eat. In the end, RP and NYP bought some KFC takeovers to AMK hse to eat and fellowship. We watched on TV 2 lame shows both starring Gu Tian Le hoho...

This is only one of the 4 games that we managed to play. For the rock climbing, I climbed twice. There's even some brothers who just use the friction of their shoes to get up and they got up really fast without stepping on much stones. Crazily fast. Its called Tentmaking. Building a Structure that can withstand the ping pong ball test.

We gathering around our "Great Cone" structure. It is being built in just less than 8 mins! With good and clear leadership and idea, its being completed...

What a flawless cone...looks so nice with those newspapers... its an art, an architecture! Jacob and Geng in NYP also helped build it, do affirm them!

The Ping Pong Ball Test on our structure... raining the "hailstones"

And the secret is someone is actually inside that cone!

2007-08-07T02:04:00.000+08:00

And Weihong is in my house again! He failed his objective of coming - to do his project. He did not do his project because he left something very important in his home, resulting in him now helping me cook noodles.

Today is a fruitful day! Met with Jeyraj for shepherding for the first time. We only had one short hour to meet. Wanted this first meet up to know him more. He is really one brother whom is quite "crazy" in his extent of joking. He is so funny hahaha, and so I just played along and made a lot of jokes about him. Thank God he could take it. We played the "What If" game and WH laughed like mad at Koufu and many eyes started to focus on him. hahhaha reminds me of student days where we just fellowship with the brothers in campus.

And Weihong is also really funny, you know how he cook my noodles? He just throw the noodles and the two eggs into the pot. The eggs were not even cracked! Aiyo, dunno what is he cooking... I have to scoop up the eggs and crack it while its hot and then he told me he didn't know that I'm cooking soup noodles and not dry noodles -_-" LOL

And just now while I was on the train with Jeyraj, really thank God for this brother and the conversation that we had. I really learnt alot from his sharings and just enjoyed listening to him share about his perspectives and feelings. I like people who are honest about themselves and have godly perspective! He is a godly man eh... He mentioned something about he don't expect welcome into this group, he just want to build the group up and he is excited! He also see that it is not so much about himself, but rather it is more important to build up the new believers in his NYP cg than to expect welcome from himself. I think this is others-centred and kingdom-minded kind of thinking in action :) Really admire you Rajie. Think you got a pretty mature thinking la! hahahha

(Rajie and Leslie rhymes huh)

2007-08-05T17:01:00.000+08:00

Kingdom Time

Lately people has been talking about prioritizing and putting God first etc. As some of the people were talking about it, I started to ponder what am I prioritizing right now? How first is God in my life now? A while after we finally say "God, I will put you first in my life NOW!" we tend to slip away into busyness, into grey areas, into unimportant things and then only after a while then you realized God has been slipping in the ranks of your priority already.

When God created time and limits and the 2nd law of thermodynamics, it just suddenly hit into me recently how precious time is! Time will run out one day, we will grow old, things will change, opportunities can be lost... all these you might have known but it's scary to know when your time has run out and you are called to account for all the time and talents and chances God gave you that you have wasted, I think our priorities will shift, our perspectives will change and we will discipline our bodies to do the things we should do.

In the light of God's kingdom, in the light of eternity, what is precious to you and to God? It really daunt me to live my life fully. How we apportion our time to what activities. Some time back, there has been an email circulating around to why we do not have time to study as students. There's time allocated to sleep, to watch some TV, to just hang out with friends, to have meals, to have games, to travel, to que up, to shop, and the list goes on... end up no one has time to study. And these are all the excuses that will not make up for it. Similarly, what kind of excuses are we giving to serve God and give our all? The perspective people have really reveals the kind of commitment people have to God. What is really important to you? What is your life goals and such?

And it is just blowing me up to face this fact... I really am going to work up my schedule to want to give God my all. God is number 1, others number 2, then we ourselves number 3. Many people actually invert this order by the things they do and the things that they are engaging in. Being self centred rather than others centred. I think the process is like this, we are naturally self centred then as we know God and start fixing our eyes on God, we become God centred. Becoming God centred is like being Word-centred and let God's Word change us, shape us in our character and worldviews. Then as we are God centred, we will also become others centred, looking out for the good of others, rather than always thinking "myself and myself."

In church, we can't blame people who always think of themselves. New believers are naturally like that. But we should aim to move up, then people learn to give, learn to wait, learn to be patient, learn to put God first, wait in God's timing, welcome discipline, serving and giving their utmost etc... If people never move up, there is something wrong with the person or the shepherding. Then when the person has really moved up, we can then have a bunch of committed, all-out people who have caught the vision to fulfill the Great Commission. People who are self centred should never become leaders. And this actually shows discipleship is a long and
concentrated process. If people never move up, we actually didn't accomplish much in discipleship to any extent.

And only a disciple is willing to avail his or her life for the work of God in this world...

And now, it's time to plan for the coming weeks and months! Pray that in your everyday you are living for God with a mission in mind.

2 Cor 4:16-17
16Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.

Romans 12:12
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
Do these 3 things when you have trouble!

1 Timothy 6:17
Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.

Hebrews 6:10-12
10God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. 11We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, in order to make your hope sure. 12We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.

With this hope, we can run this race with Jesus til the end :)

You formed in my mother's womb. You knew me and I wanted to knew You already when I was this big...

2007-08-03T01:19:00.000+08:00

Let's go through testings. Endure and go through it with joy. This is not even persecution ok. Smile please and......... NO complains :)

I can only be in one place where I know the HELP comes from.

2007-07-31T01:41:00.000+08:00

Here In My Life

I have never walked on water,

Felt the waves beneath my feet but

At Your word Lord I receive Your

Faith to walk on oceans deep

And I remember how You found me

In the very same place

All my failings surely would have drowned me

Still You made a way

You are my freedom

Jesus You're the reason

I'm kneeling again at Your throne

Where would I be without You

Here in my Life

You have said that

All the heavens

Sing for joy at one who finds the

Way to freedom

Truth of Jesus

Brought from death into His life

And I remember how You saw me

Through the eyes of Your grace

I know the cost was Your beloved for me

Still You made a way

This song is really gooood. Those who have the song pls listen ok!

Lately listened once again to my favourite song of Jay Chou and the song that made me start to listen to him! 分裂! Its a song that is very deep, that reaches into your bones that kinda song? Maybe shouldn't say too nice or else it might not hit your expectations. hahaha...

WED 2plus plus am and Weihong is sleeping on my bed now. Later where to sleep ah? hahaha

2007-07-29T20:45:00.000+08:00

Motivation, dogs and Hope

I just got a dog last night when i reached home. My sis brought him home. His name is Twinkle. But I'd like to call him "Xiao Bai" because he is white colour and La Bi Xiao Xin's dog is also called "Xiao Bai". Nice knowing him. He follows me everywhere even though I just knew him. I'm kinda not used to being stalked by a "paparazzi" and he licks my heels as I am walking. Licks my toe hair too... hahaha. He just grew his teeth and he is biting everything like chewing fake flowers as bubble gum, thank God he spit it out afterall.

On my way home, I saw two stray cats.
And I think of this pet dog I just had.

Actually in a broad perspective, we can be like pets and the the people such as those in Africa like stray cats. How do ya think about that? Thinking about this can be so sad... And to lighten things up, this sounds like rap! Or crap?!!

Last night, went to watch Simpsons. Georgia, Geng and I watched it with the DIans. It's a very funny show considering how cute they are. I didn't expect the Barty Simpson is such a ridiculous joker! It talks about Church/religion, environment, politics and family relationships. When I watch it, I was always expecting it to teach some lessons in the backdrop. (like Shrek?) But for 3/4 of the show, it is just crapping and crapping. Only the last 1/4 made some sense. haha. I dunno what is the script writer trying to communicate. At times, it is saying some people just don't listen in to hard facts. At times, it is making some ridiculous nonsense (but that was funny). Maybe I treat it too seriously LOL but I sure would watch it a 2nd time in DVD to get the jokes again. It's funny nevertheless.

Today while in a meeting in work, a number striked up in one person's mind and he voiced it out. This person often strike 4D one and everyone started to get excited and chipped in for that number. At first it was tempting to chip in too. The devil is very smart. He said "everyone is putting $2, you just put in $1 play play la" (with singlish). So during lunch, two female colleagues asked me did I chipped in as well? I don't usually tell non Christians biblical truth directly so I just said it very wryly that I don't think the 4 digits will "kai" (open/strike). After I ended off with the sentence, my colleagues said jokingly that I crushed their hope. But aiyah, I always say things this way. But deep inside, the deepest conviction is because even if it OPENS, that's not where we should place our hope. Sometimes, it may appear that doing the right thing seems to suffer the advantage, then will we still complain God is unfair? If doing what is right and pleasing in God's eyes always reap benefits, who will do evil and how do we differentiate the truly righteous and the hypocrites? But the Lord guarantees, 100X payout eternally if we follow Him all the way. Do you have faith to believe it? That's the question... I ask myself too...

What can motivate us then? What can motivate us for the vision, for living a pleasing life before God? I find that when I am ill-disciplined its when I am unmotivated for the vision. I need to think and spend time with God and need to rekindle my love for people! If we live everyday motivated, its easy to get out of bed and easy to get into bed and easy to pray when you're out of the bed and easy to say you've done your best when you get into bed!

2007-07-20T01:53:00.000+08:00

Being in God's Race
Life is like a race. The race has rules. The race has entry requirements. People being saved by the Lord are like people who participate in a race and have registered and are running... The rest of them are still looking for a race worthwhile or they just run randomly, sometimes at roads, sometimes on an open field, depending on the crowd, depending on the road they are currently in that leads them to.

We are in a race. A race that we do not compete against one another, but against ourselves, for a prize that is already prepared for us by our God. It's an unusual race. Everyone has a prize. BUT there are a selected few who had ran with all their lives and all their might, who have done all they could to please the Lord will get the full prize. This race is only for once.

At times, it can be frustrating to see the Lord so good to us, yet people long to run after other things instead of the heart of God. There will be runners to distract other runners rather than concentrating on running! Some that laze around, some longs to run out of track to get the "kick" to see how it feels to be running aimlessly in the wild again. Rules are broken, the Master of the race is hurt.

In everything we do now, is it the things we should be doing? Let's not let emotions and our spiritual mind get entangled up till we cannot see what's wrong or right, what's best or what's compromise. Can we trust Him for our best and for the best of other runners? Are we looking out to helping others to win as well? And if we are not in that position to help, then we'd better not be of help. If we help, let's help with pure motives. Give space, give time, so there will be no obstacles in running the best for Jesus! Run with all your heart, run with liberty! We don't have to coerce or control certain things to make sure it happens. The Master will prepare the drinks and refreshments at the right timing with the right person and that is a checkpoint where we can run even further, even stronger.

Hebrews 12:1-2
1Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 2Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

To love is to want the best for the other person and what God wants the person to be. It is silly to think that by entering the best plan of God, to have God's best, we will be sulky faced people. It is painful, it is not enjoyable, there's no rejoicing. These are lies from the devil! How can God's best not be good? If God is not good, nothing is good.

Let us consider what Paul says.
1 Cor 7:29-34

29What I mean, brothers, is that the time is short. From now on those who have wives should live as if they had none; 30those who mourn, as if they did not; those who are happy, as if they were not; those who buy something, as if it were not theirs to keep; 31those who use the things of the world, as if not engrossed in them. For this world in its present form is passing away.
32I would like you to be free from concern. An unmarried man is concerned about the Lord's affairs—how he can please the Lord. 33But a married man is concerned about the affairs of this world—how he can please his wife— 34and his interests are divided. An unmarried woman or virgin is concerned about the Lord's affairs: Her aim is to be devoted to the Lord in both body and spirit. But a married woman is concerned about the affairs of this world—how she can please her husband.

We are not proposing all to not marry. But we should maximize the time we can be free from concern to really be free from concern. In verse 36, it is not wrong to marry. But there is a time for that. We should not want to tie a person up or place a fixed deposit in another person's life with improper actions/speech from now till the next couple of years when we are ready to marry. In fact, with the wrong kind of approach and method, few will find themselves ready eventually. There is value for married people and value for singlehood as well!

There is a reason why I'm writing this all of a sudden. Can we love to free? Not "love" to bind. As we give God our best, will He give us His worst? If we take what do not yet belongs to us, doesn't that make us a thief in some sense? And our unmarried years belongs to God. I pray together we will all do God's will and that is the guarantee of the best plan to come.

And what is love? 1 Corinthians 13
4Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Let us see some of the characteristics:
Patient - It can wait. When we know God is in control, we will have the capacity to trust in His timing.

Does not envy - We don't have to envy because we know we have all things in Christ. God is LOVE and He gave His ONE and ONLY SON.

It is not self-seeking - It is not just thinking of what we want, but what God wants? What is best for other person.

Rejoices with the truth - As long as it is truth, we should rejoice along with it. If we truly love, we are not afraid of the Truth.

Always protects - Protecting the person spiritually, maybe in the background yet doing what's best for the person. It is not just soap operas hero rescue beauty kind of protection.

Always trusts - Trust in God. If we cannot trust God for everything, then how much lesser can we trust a fellow human being?

Always hopes and perseveres - It will not because of discouragements end but hope in God never fails.

2007-07-16T22:43:00.000+08:00

Today I intended it to be my rest day. A planned rest but it end up... busy again LOL.

Anyways really got so much to thank God for! Financially and more importantly the brothers and sisters in NYP! All of them. So far I haven't heard any one of them complaining about their sheeps or whatever. They may be real and share they are stressed, they need prayers, they can't meet at times due to schedule but thank God that their spirit are never negative. I pray we can share more on God's Word together so it can fill us to the brim and overflow goodness in all our lives. May it be a pleasing sacrifice!

In my email, there is a "For keeps" folder which I keep testimonies and memorable things and found this testimony. Very long testimony and I simply replied "a very long testimony" or something like that. That testimony quite encouraging eh but I hope my reply doesn't dampen the other person. LOL, hahaha

One more random stuff. This may sound like the most unlikely news. I am going to have a dog soon. I WAS very afraid of dogs. I remember this stupid cousin of mine (shan't name his name LOL) who used a brother's dog in a cg and "threaten" me, I've to go hide in the room and close the door, yet he tried to squeeze in the dog and the dog's head almost got torn off? Looking back, this is really memorable. As the years go by and I just prayed and let God take control, I'm really much more bold with dogs now. Except I don't touch them. And my sister is most probably going to bring in a dog this coming fri/sat. It's toy size I heard and doesn't bark(unless you put him in a cage). Follows you everywhere. Better than the Sony robot dog. Very obedient. Shits and urine at the designated newspapers corner. Haha. With such a kind of description given to me, I'm actually sort of looking forward to it. But on the other hand, I worry that I'll have too much connection with him or feelings involved that kinda thing. So many people call them their best friend lor... I'm afraid I turn out to be like some people who love their pets more than people. It's a sin to love dogs more than we love people. An addition to the family. Hope you guys can come and play with him probably in our unit caregroup meeting!

27 July NYP Prayer meeting. Stay Tuned!

You are my FREEDOM
JESUS You're the Reason

"You are my son, now you are coming home with me and be my son again"

2007-07-16T01:36:00.001+08:00

Yesterday sent my mum off at the airport. When she is in the counter inside the airport, she took a long time and my sister and I wondered why... But in the end she got through. She then called my sister and told her the reason why it took so long. Because she look so much younger than the age on the passport. LOL

Today when I open up the fridge, I see all the food stacking so high and all kinds of food at home. The house is clean and everything seems so organised at home now. Can't help but take my hat off that in terms of household, my mum is very insistent in being responsible :) The best home maker.

On Sat, I got a surprise email from a brother from Hope Germany. I wrote him an email many moons ago, after he left Singapore to Bangkok. He replied. Then I replied him but no reply came. After some time it still didn't came and I thought we may be just lose touch liao... But really glad he replied now and has kept the email I sent him. Really think its important to have brothers and sisters around the world who share the same Hope vision. They are like the "eyes" and "mouth" and also "hands" that lets me know what is happening in other parts of the world and other Hope churches. Now he is in New York serving God. Hope to meet him soon. And praise God I am going to Bangkok and make some Thai brothers and sisters over there in August! Confirmed mini platoon is commander Leslie, commando Eilton, secretary Jobb and "I wanna know" Ken! The trip is solely organized by ourselves and we have to search for air tix ourselves, accomodation, itineray etc. It's a little fun in the process and a little feeling of being lost. It's first time I'm organizing. Usually my mum does everything. This time, I've to ask questions and cover as many areas possible relating to the trip. And the part is to lead and make decisions for the 3 "jokers" LOL. Let's hope everything gets settled by this coming saturday! So we do not need to worry about this but focus on ministry till Aug 28/29. Really can sense the excitement in the trio. Wanna bring back stories to inspire the people in Singapore!

2007-07-14T10:29:00.000+08:00

This is the 465th post! This evening my mum is leaving for England already and this morning, she wanted to talk to me. She asks me to be "wise" about where I spend my time, energy, efforts etc. To plan more for myself and my own future as well as gave alot of ideas of the possible jobs I should have and how to be "smart" in the social world. And lots of advices of lessening commitment to church, to God and to the people. "Now is simply not the time" is the reason.

In fact that is what normal parents would do, to want their kids to succeed but I know I can't always be what they thought or want me to be. I know earning big bucks or having secure lifestyle is not God's plan for me now... It may or may not come but it must NOT be the ends to things. No way am I going to live for security, career or for what, retirement?

I still thinks I know what I want... until the day that I throw in the towel. Maybe people said that's naive or ideal is impossible. I hold God's Word as it is. Like Peter is quite "pragmatic" in his approach to not let Jesus die but Jesus asked him to get behind him because there is a work of God coming. I really thinks we can't perceive all things as what our eyes see. If we depend everything on 5 senses, where does the Spirit move?

At least I don't want to be luke warm. We do not know what the future holds. But let's take God's Word for it and go all the way for Him. The work of God deserves commitment. If without commitment, we will never be able to do anything. We must never think that leadership is just a way to shift less honourable roles to other people but be willing to do anything. Yes, lead and lead well and don't neglect duties but the spirit is still willingness. Willingness to do anything even if it goes beyond your call of duty. How I wish things could move faster and people could see that the work of God really needs commitment to bear fruit. I am feeling fruits bearing but not as close as it should be. I wanna be like Paul who gave His life to the vision and stay true to what is right and biblical. How we want to live a life with no regrets?

Hey I really wonder what I'll think when I look back on blogger one day. Will I grow cynical and laugh at my present stupidity/naivity or will I still hold the same ideal and persistence 10, 20, 30 years later. It's time to record now. I wanna see how it goes. Hopefully blogger keeps this post LOL and may their server not crash till Jesus comes back?

2007-07-09T10:15:00.001+08:00

7 July wasn't too good. 8 July I awoke to a new day. I attended the young adult's outreach clinic cum prayer meeting. I was very refreshed by the prayer meeting and the short clip that we viewed in the meeting. I hope to show this video to NYP. And the show ended with this striking statement "The Church of Jesus Christ is not a pleasure boat but a life boat, and every hand must be on deck."

Are we thinking we are in a pleasure boat or do we have a mission together to save those out at sea and those struggling in the storms? Every hand must be on deck. Nobody is useless in the Kingdom of God. Everyone can contribute. Though not everyone is an evangelism monster, powerful preacher, or some supernatural healer but all of us have a part to play. Do not despise your roles. I think I am weak and terribly lousy in many things but I think the Kingdom of God has no room for inferiority complex to set in. So we just try by FAITH and by God's grace improve and progress and grow.

1 Cor 12:21-26
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.

Sometimes we only feel that leaders are important. The rest can be lost. If we have that kind of mindset, sheeps are just a commodity and disposable then we are really not doing a good job as shepherd. leaders are important, every sheep is equally important. If you just let any sheep go easily then you may be giving your future apostles, prophets, evangelists, church planters, world changers away! Some church grow as their turnover is high. Its either by transfers elsewhere or with many people moving out but because evangelism is strong, there is a net growth. Though it seems like there is net growth, this is not the way to build a church. It's not God's way. Fetching water with a pail with a hole then running back to the temple to just pour a few drops in. We have to do evangelism and follow-up strong. Some people don't see the value of follow-up, some people don't see the value of reaching to the world. Can we see it both just as natural as it should be? We all want to be productive human beings right. Fruitful. Baby born, go hospital, then when stable come out and grow him up to be strong and he himself will learn how to make babies and it just explode. No one needs to teach us how to be productive, its in our DNA from Abraham!

"Be fruitful and increase in NUMBERS and fill the earth..."

If we do evangelise and do follow-up strong, bringing all the elements that are essential in, in a few years time, there will be explosion. Don't despise people who are quiet, un-liked etc. Take care of them. If they are not well looked after, they are spiritual orphans.

Oh and so after the meeting, Ken and I ran to the MRT to take to Serangoon to meet Suherman at the bus stop outside his house. We had some light hearted chats on the bus as we were on our way to the airport. And I slept while they talked cos I needed some rest haha. Upon reaching the airport, I think our sole motives is just want to bless MX this sister and let her go with a peace of mind haha. If we give God the fullest, time will be gone very quick :)

Anyway, here is my so so cute cousin's son! He is superrrr cute. Look at those hands and those feet. He's the one that drools everywhere on the sofa. Got this from my cousin's blog and man, God's creation is so beautiful... hahhaha Look at those hands and those feet! Praying for him not to grow up to be a pirate wahahhah but a godly man! Anyway baby pirates are harmless right so its ok now, lol.

2007-07-08T00:59:00.000+08:00

Really enjoyed the company by Ken and Matthew for the kbox on saturday. At first Karshun isn't coming but he chose to come in the end just for a short few hours really makes the kbox event more enjoyable. At the end, dunno what's the meaning of the event also, dunno is it considered a farewell anot hahaha. But at least we enjoyed (I suppose) and it was the most important thing right?

Was burdened over some things before service. And I think my face really shows it. But then during service, I just felt a sense of joy and liberty inside as I praise Him. And after service had dinner with my cousin and family. My cousin said something like "we had just passed two decades of our lives" and something something something which I've forgotten already and it was quite encouraging. Maybe he got the gift of encouragement. Please use it Han.

It is really not about birthdays, in fact I don't mind celebrating with the Trinity lol (though friends encouragement and affirmation do matter too). But I think I am really not comfortable someone(who was unintentional) keep on talking about today is a special day and that causes an awkward and retreating disposition in me. I don't know how to explain but I can only give a vague idea here.

2007-07-06T10:59:00.001+08:00

I am in NYP library right now. Jobb is in auditorium right now haha. So finally many have graduated 3 Cheers!

Now I'm reading through some of our Hope-Europe websites and when I look at Oslo church all Oslo people except the pastor is an Asian, I am encouraged. They are winning and reaching out to the indigenous people. Then I look at another church all Asians and very few ang-mohs, I was thinking alamak. Doesn't mean the pastor is Asian means the church has to be Asian, we have to contextualise and win as many of the indigeneous people of the country as possible. It is also heterogenous that people of all ages and different walks of life as well as all kinds of background, race etc should come. Singapore is a very good spot for an ultra heterogenous church and we got to look and think into contextualisation haha.

I wanna mention someone whom I think he'll never know I wrote this. It is a person from Campus Crusade that I came to know. "XL", some of you might have known him. Everytime I come to NYP I never fail to see him. So I predict he probably come almost 3 days a week. He is a man that wants to serve God. He looks to me as a highly motivated person. From the time I was year 2 till I know him now he is still highly motivated to win people to Christ and also doing surveys again and again.

A highly motivated man. I will just like to get him to join our vision! We thank God for what success God is doing thru Campus Crusade however through these organizations, its where discipleship can hardly work! It is effort put in the wrong place in my opinion. You just can't have vision with 5 people all from different churches and then it seems like we are all so united, so inter-denominational etc. Inter-denominational is good and creates more unity in the Body. But inter-denominational do not yet still agree to certain extent, that's why we can't have a common vision yet and follow Scriptures the same way. There will always be people around to cause friction to the way you want to extend God's kingdom because in the first place they were not trained the same way, not taught the same things. You put them together and you see rojak.

Jesus has intended to build His church. A local church can have its vision. A Biblical Movement can have a broad spectrum of vision that the local churches in it can gear in one direction towards it and unity can be achieved. The church is the natural family setting that God has set for believers and to be in a church is a natural thing. It is the natural institution that God has set. That's why I also believe and got the vision from someone that to fill the earth with God's people is to fill the earth with churches that are biblical. Therefore it is much easier to enfold people into this community/family and then have close fellowship within it and teach and train under the same vision and together disciples could be made. Then I see that Great Commission can be done in the long run, if we don't lose this ideal!!!

You can't have just some volunteers commited to the cause then trying to meet the needs of a group of people, like a job. Then they hardly have a group that is concentrated to serve Jesus. Thus it appears only full-timers are serving. Not being inter denominationally driven is not wrong because we need to contextualise and it's just like you don't train chinese and english speaking people together the same. You can do what your denomination asks you as they give you the vision if they have one. But we can't afford to be popular for discipleship and our standpoint and even vision as well. It's not being in disunity with them. Its simply we can't do it in everyone's way they like.

WE do it Jesus way by building strong biblical and healthy churches that can enfold converts naturally and provide one-on-one discipleship and an environemnt that can stimulate the gospel. That's the value of building a church. Some people without understanding would say, if the church can't win people, then let's get out of the church. They make it as if the church is an ineffective organism and a ineffective tool. I really think that is foolish and this person does not have the framework of the Bible man... Suppose 2 person each get the same materials, one can build a computer, the other could not. Why? Cos one learnt and understand, not just merely memorise, is able to do it. If we build it biblically God's way, things will change and progress. It's not whether did we build it, but do we build it God's way, according to the handbook??

Like I am so encouraged now, I think I can be motivated for the next few days hahaha. The progress in people's faith in God, people's heart change to want to love God more and CGs becoming more exciting, things starting to get organized. What we teach and preach is what flows down into people's lives. What you often speak about, you will see it happening in due time. I really believe in what I say.

Great Commission in Oslo language
"Gå derfor ut og gjør alle folkeslag til disipler, idet dere døper dem til Faderens og Sønnens og Den Hellige Ånds navn, og lærer dem å holde alt jeg har befalt dere. Og se, jeg er med dere alle dager inntil verdens ende! (Matteus 28:19-20)