Solus Christus ("Christ alone")

Conversations -- Why did Jesus get Baptized? (1)

2008-06-15T23:15:00.009+08:00

I'm joyful that a friend has begun to seriously dig into God's Word, investigating for Himself the richness and truth of the Bible and longing after faithful teaching :) Both of us then agreed to sharpen one another as we wrestle with God's Word and one of the ways we're doing that is by discussing various questions, issues and maybe even theological thoughts. Personally, I think I'm going to learn more from him than he does from me as he has a gift of asking insightful and thought-provoking questions! (which I don't have a knack for...).

Anyhow, I'm going to name this series of discourse as "Conversations" and the first one is my response to this insightful question posed:

Why did Jesus get baptized?

The Baptism of Jesus (Matt 3:13-17--ESV)

13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him. 14 John would have prevented him, saying, "I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?" 15But Jesus answered him, "Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness." Then he consented. 16And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; 17and behold, a voice from heaven said, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased."

Firstly, context...

Baptism is strictly a NT practice and as you study Jesus' baptism it is important to look back to see where/when the first baptism is. And that's just before this passage, at verse 11. "I (John the Baptist) baptize you with water for repentance, but he who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire." So...John the Baptist's (JB) baptism was one of repentance. A repentance which to prepare oneself for the coming of Christ (which is JB's purpose in life.. to prepare the way). More importantly, JB's baptism does not confer the Holy Spirit. Only Christ's baptism does (v11)**

So, it's pretty obvious that Jesus didn't have to be baptized...especially not the baptism of John. Simply cos he was sinless and he was the ONE... the long-awaited Messiah. In fact, John pretty much asked Jesus to baptize him! (v14) Also, Jesus was already "filled with the Spirit" from His birth! (Lk 1:35).

When then? I would like to suggest a few reasons:

(1) Jesus' change from Private Life to Public Ministry.
In the OT, prophets, priests & Kings were always anointed with oil before they started their ministry. In the NT, that oil is now "replaced" with the Holy Spirit. Remember that many practices in the OT were but a shadow and a representation of Christ and what He brings. In the same way, Christ was "anointed or filled with the Holy Spirit" (though not technically) as a symbol of Him beginning His public ministry.

(2) Encouragement for Christ Jesus, fully Man.
This was the event before Jesus' "showdown" with Satan in the desert (Matt 4, Lk 4). Imagine the special joy Jesus must have felt at His baptism... it was a Trinitarian event as God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit were overtly present. It was a time of comfort and joy before Jesus faced evil face to face.

(3) Sign that Jesus is the Son of God
John 1:32-34 states that JB bore witness to the decent of the Spirit in the form of a dove. And from that sign, JB recognized, without a shadow of a doubt, that Jesus was the Son of God.

(4) Jesus' identification with Man (most important reason to me)
Lastly, it is also connected with what you recently studied... specifically Hebrews 2:14-18. In that passage, Jesus, as man, was made like his brothers in every respect. This was so that He could fully and totally help us in every aspect of our lives. So, while Jesus needn't have gone through baptism, He did so to identify with us. It's like a CO queuing up for food at the Cookhouse with the rest of the Men... for the sake of identifying with them.

As you study Matthew, you'll realise that that was what Jesus did. He NEVER used His prerogative as the Son of God for His own gain or comfort. His powers of healing, etc was ONLY used to help others... be it physically, emotionally or spiritually. Even in the temptation by Satan (Matt 4), Jesus didn't use His might to banish Satan (it wasn't time), He used OT passages, the Word of God. It was meant to be an example for us to follow. To be so in tune with God's Word that when temptations or Satan come, we'll (like Jesus) use God's Word as a means to fight things off. This is also in line with the Sword of the Spirit in Eph 6:17.

All in all, this was Jesus' first "official" work on His part in displaying His obedience to the Father, His humility as a Saviour and His love for Man. "Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men" (Phil 2:5-7)

Going slightly further, Jesus opened the Sermon on the Mount with these words, "Blessed are the poor in spirit..." (Matt 5:3). The most powerful, memorable sermon in the world, and this is what He opens it with. One would imagine that He would proclaim Himself as King or something... but no. Not that Jesus recognized that He was spiritually bankrupt and that He was nothing without God (that's the short literal understanding of being poor in spirit) but that even as the Savior who has taken our sins at the Cross, Jesus was fully obedient to the Father, being our example in all things.

And all of that...began with His baptism.

**Disclaimer: This does not in any way imply that the act of Baptism = salvation or the giving of the Holy Spirit. It's your belief that sees the Holy Spirit enter your life. Baptism is the outward proclamation of that belief. In the early church, belief was often accompanied by immediate Baptism (Acts 2:38, Acts 19:1-5)

[Thoughts derived from the Holy Spirit, BSF notes & DA Carson]

Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus

2008-06-05T09:51:00.003+08:00

Too many a time, we only sing the chorus of this hymn, skipping the verses entirely. I wonder why...

While singing this hymn in its completeness, the tenderness & care of God just covers me and gives me that sense of security and comfort. To know that Jesus Christ is the light, the life and His faithfulness never fails me.

Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus

O soul, are you weary and troubled?
No light in the darkness you see?
There’s a light for a look at the Savior,
And life more abundant and free!

Refrain:
Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.

Through death into life everlasting
He passed, and we follow Him there;
Over us sin no more hath dominion—
For more than conquerors we are!

His Word shall not fail you—He promised;
Believe Him, and all will be well:
Then go to a world that is dying,
His perfect salvation to tell!

Alan Jackson's version (the one above) is one of the few which sing all the verses. A bit old school country, but it brings out the essence of the hymn. I wasn't particularly fond of the Newsboys & Third Day versions...I felt that the rocked it up a little too much, spoiling the tenderness of the song.

2 versions I love: Michael W. Smith & Selah. However, they only sing the chorus. Nonetheless, click on the links provided to watch the various versions, and be edified :)

The Power of the Cross & Higher Throne

2008-06-03T10:28:00.004+08:00

2 Songs that God has been impacting my life with:

The Power of the Cross

"The Power of the Cross"
Words and Music by Keith Getty & Stuart Townend
Copyright © 2005 Thankyou Music

Oh, to see the dawn
Of the darkest day:
Christ on the road to Calvary.
Tried by sinful men,
Torn and beaten, then
Nailed to a cross of wood.

CHORUS:
This, the pow'r of the cross:
Christ became sin for us;
Took the blame, bore the wrath—
We stand forgiven at the cross.

Oh, to see the pain
Written on Your face,
Bearing the awesome weight of sin.
Ev'ry bitter thought,
Ev'ry evil deed
Crowning Your bloodstained brow.

Now the daylight flees;
Now the ground beneath
Quakes as its Maker bows His head.
Curtain torn in two,
Dead are raised to life;
"Finished!" the vict'ry cry.

Oh, to see my name
Written in the wounds,
For through Your suffering I am free.
Death is crushed to death;
Life is mine to live,
Won through Your selfless love.

FINAL CHORUS:
This, the pow'r of the cross:
Son of God—slain for us.
What a love! What a cost!
We stand forgiven at the cross.

Other good links to this song:
Stuart Townend version
Keith & Kristyn Getty (piano only)

There Is a Higher Throne

“There Is a Higher Throne”
Words and Music by Keith & Kristyn Getty
Copyright © 2003 Thankyou Music

There is a higher throne
Than all this world has known,
Where faithful ones from ev'ry tongue
Will one day come.
Before the Son we'll stand,
Made faultless through the Lamb;
Believing hearts find promised grace—
Salvation comes.

REFRAIN
Hear heaven's voices sing;
Their thund'rous anthem rings
Through em'rald courts and sapphire skies.
Their praises rise.
All glory, wisdom, pow'r,
Strength, thanks, and honor are
To God our King, who reigns on high
Forevermore.

And there we'll find our home,
Our life before the throne;
We'll honor Him in perfect song
Where we belong.
He'll wipe each tear-stained eye
As thirst and hunger die.
The Lamb becomes our Shepherd King;
We'll reign with Him.

Follow the link to the watch a video of Keith & Kristyn Getty, Stuart Townend teaching the song:
New Song Cafe teaching

Giving Honour

2008-06-02T16:30:00.005+08:00

"8And the four living creatures, each of them with six wings, are full of eyes all around and within, and day and night they never cease to say,

"Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty,
who was and is and is to come!"

9And whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to him who is seated on the throne, who lives forever and ever, 10the twenty-four elders fall down before him who is seated on the throne and worship him who lives forever and ever. They cast their crowns before the throne, saying,
11 "Worthy are you, our Lord and God,
to receive glory and honor and power,
for you created all things,
and by your will they existed and were created."

Revelation 4

"What does it mean to give glory, honour and thanks to God? How does each of these expressions differ from the others?"

The question seemed simple enough... yet, it had me stumped.

'Giving thanks to God' was quite clear. We give Him thanks for who He is, for what He has done... especially for His redeeming work on the cross.

'Giving Him the glory' was fairly straightforward too. We glorify God because He is worthy of worship. His whole essence, His magnificence, His very character deserves, in fact it demands our worship and adoration. And speaking of God's attributes in song and in testimony to others is how we can give Him the glory.

But honour.... At the surface, giving God the honour seemed like simply giving Him the respect, merit and reverence He deserves. After all, God is the well.... God. There's no other proper description. However, it seemed... tame in comparison with the previous two. I mean, we call the judge in a court of law, "your honour". We're told in the Bible to honour our Father and Mother (Matt 15:4; Matt 19:19). So what's so special??

"...the twenty-four elders fall down before him who is seated on the throne and worship him who lives forever and ever. They cast their crowns before the throne.." (italics added)

The 24 elders (represented the complete representation of the glorified Church) cast their crowns before the throne. These crowns that God had rewarded them with. These crowns that God had promised would be theirs if they remained faithful to the end (Rev 2:10; 2 Tim 4:8; James 1:12; 1 Pet 5:4). The very same crowns that were to be the symbol of the honour bestowed upon them by the Almighty. The honour that they had persevered and strived for.

Yet, they cast these crowns before the throne and worshiped. My eyes were finally opened. For all the honour that was to be conferred, they took no pride in it. For to them, the ultimate prize, the ultimate goal.... was GOD HIMSELF. Whatever reward or symbol of honour that God had given was to be accepted with the utmost gratitude, but that was eclipsed by the very ability to worship God at His throne, for all eternity.

And tying it back to a lesson that God has been teaching me lately... that is an expression of being poor in spirit. "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven" (Matt 5:3)

So I pray that my relationship with Christ will continue to be that close, that intimate; and when my work on earth is done... all I would yearn for, is to bow down before that Higher throne and hearing that simple statement come from my Lord's lips, "Well done, good and faithful servant" (Matt 25:14-30).

We Fall Down - Chris Tomlin - Steven Curtis Chapman

We Fall Down
Chris Tomlin

We fall down, we lay our crowns
at the feet of Jesus
The greatness of mercy and love
at the feet of Jesus

Chorus:
And we cry, "Holy, Holy, Holy"
We cry, "Holy, Holy, Holy"
We cry, "Holy, Holy Holy, is the Lamb"

Be still and know that He is God

2008-05-26T09:35:00.006+08:00

Psalm 46

God Is Our Fortress

To the choirmaster. Of the Sons of Korah. According to Alamoth. A Song.

1God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
2Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,
though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
3though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble at its swelling.

4There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy habitation of the Most High.
5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved;
God will help her when morning dawns.
6 The nations rage, the kingdoms totter;
he utters his voice, the earth melts.
7 The LORD of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.

8 Come, behold the works of the LORD,
how he has brought desolations on the earth.
9 He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;
he breaks the bow and shatters the spear;
he burns the chariots with fire.
10 "Be still, and know that I am God.
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!"
11 The LORD of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.

I was led to reading this psalm during Sunday's worship service its meaning struck me afresh. As I read, a mental backdrop began to form, its vividness provoking a sense of fear and awe...

"earth gives way... mountains be moved into the heart of the sea... waters roar and foam... mountains tremble at its swelling... nations rage, kingdoms totter, desolation, wars, chariots, fire... "

Such unrest and turmoil! Even nature seems to rebel and its floodgates of fury unleashed!

Funny how the backdrop seems to come into sharp focus for me. Maybe its due to the current situations in China and Myanmar. Hurricane Katrina and the Tsunami in Aceh don't seem too far away either. Not to mention the war-zone-like living conditions in many countries.

What i somehow failed to see however, was the subject of the psalm. "GOD is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." Within the wrath of nature sits Christ..."he utters his voice, the earth melts". This reminds me of when Jesus stilled the storm with His word (Mk 4:35-41).

More amazing though is how He calls us to come see... "behold the works of the Lord, how he has brought desolations on the earth". All the catastrophes, wars, etc. everything is under his sovereign control. He calls us to look at everything straight in the eye and see.... God's hand at work. To see His unfathomable will is being carried out. But this is often so difficult to stomach that we cry out, "But Lord, how could You?! How could you send this much suffering into the world? How could you put me through so much as well??"

Funny how the backdrop of life seems to jump straight into the foreground, drowning out Christ, the person we should be focusing upon. But amidst all the chaos and sin (ours), He promises to eventually bring peace ("He makes wars cease...he breaks the bow an shatters the spear...") and most importantly, He says...

"Be still, and know that I am God."

Be still and know that He is God. On the road to Golgotha, through blood and sweat pouring down his brow, through the unimaginable pain and suffering, I can imagine Jesus whispering these words to His disciples... "Be still and know that I am God".

In the cold of the stone inner prison, with their feet fastened securely in the stocks (Acts 16:22-25), that might have been on the minds of Paul & Silas. And they even followed the next portion of that verse--"I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!" So there they were, praying and singing hymns to God. What great faith in the Word of the Lord!

So how am I responding in the crises of life? Do I let the backdrop of suffering cloud my vision? Or will I be still and know that He is God....

Suffering...

2008-05-16T22:30:00.003+08:00

We can't ignore suffering. Having a social and moral conscience is now THE NORM and the lack of concern for the poor & helpless will only see us getting labeled as 'heartless', 'selfish' and 'socially-insensitive'. Even the business world has an acronym for it--CSR (corporate social responsibility). While it doesn't make business sense, companies deem it as an implied obligation and the lack of it results in undesirable consequences.

China & Myanmar have now become the latest "victims" in "acts of God" and this raises the ubiquitous question-- "If God is good, why does He allow suffering". My friend's 6-year-old daughter asked her this question recently and I don't envy her position at trying to explain philosophy and theology to a 6-year-old! :p

I won't share my views on why God allows suffering but keeping in mind the suffering in the world today, I'm brought back to the period of 3 B.C. to A.D. 33. To the kind of world Jesus Christ lived in....

First of all, Jesus' birth was during the reign of Herod the Great. An author wrote this 10 years after his death, "an arrogant king...a reckless and godless man...who will exterminate their chief men...and bury their bodies in unknown places...he will slay the old and the young and show no mercy...terrible fear of him will come over all the land". This was the king who killed 2 brothers-in-law, his own wife and 2 of his own sons. 5 days before his death, he ordered the arrest of many citizens and decreed that they be executed on the day of his death, in order to guarantee a proper atmosphere of mourning in the country. Under Herod's regime, hardly a day went by without an execution. And specific to Jesus, Herod was hunting him down for fear of another 'king of Jews' (Matt 2:1-6)

Imagine raising a child under these circumstances!!
Funny how seldom we think of this during Christmas...

Fast forwarding to the time when Jesus was growing up and eventually starting his ministry, Judea and Galilee weren't too peaceful and safe. Violence was commonplace as the Romans took over direct command of these regions. Pagan soldiers patrolled the streets and abused their power, Roman taxes reached new heights and the governor of the land, Pontius Pilate, had the notorious reputation as being one of the most cruel Roman governors. Journeying through the regions of Judea & Galilee was by no means a walk-in-the-park

So... Jesus knew suffering. He'd seen it, felt it, lived within its filthy stench. His beloved Jews had sunk to an all new low and its leaders had desecrated the purposes and meanings of the old Law. What was once set there for righteousness, became a myriad of rules and regulations, demeaned to become a legalistic nightmare. What's more, they were now mere puppets, under the control of the Roman empire. I can't begin to imagine the emotional and spiritual turmoil all these must have brought about in Him. (Matt 23)

In addition, Jesus' own background and social status didn't earn Him any favours. Socially, He was ridiculed as being a Nazerene (Jn 1:46) and professionally, He was but a carpenter (Mk 6:3). Jesus, in all His supreme divinity became human. He experienced hunger (Matt21:18), exhaustion (Jn 4:6) and thirst (Jn 19:28). People exalted Him as King one week (Matt 21:1-11) and crucified Him the next (Lk 23:26-49). His closest confidants and friends, even after seeing who He was and all that He had done failed Him at his darkest hours (Matt 26:36-46; Lk 22:54-62).

Jesus knew suffering. But in midst of it all, He never asked any questions. On the contrary, He looked to His Father for comfort and help. His whole life was an example of ultimate obedience (Heb 5:8)... obedience till death, even death on a cross (Phil 2:8).

If one of the key issues in life were suffering and the alleviation of it, Jesus need not have entered the world in the most humble of manners. He could have displayed his infinite might by coming down in a pillar of fire and taken charge of the governments of the world by proclaiming Himself as the rightful King. He could have, in a loud voice, rebuked all the natural disasters of the world and shouted, "BE STILL!" He could have removed all diseases and plagues threatening to engulf all biological life on earth.

He could have...

But instead, He came "under the radar", dwelt within the throes of humanity, subjecting himself to all the physical rules that He Himself set in place, being one of us in all our weaknesses.

So whilst we might never fully understand why God allows suffering, we know that HE has suffered too. And more importantly, Jesus Christ WILL come again to end ALL suffering.

Come, Lord Jesus. Come.

Blessed are the poor in spirit

2008-05-13T22:45:00.004+08:00

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."

These are the first words of the most powerful, dynamic and theologically rich sermon in all history. It is also impossible to keep.

I wonder how I would react if I were there at the Sermon of the Mount...
Would I have been so filled with the Spirit that I would rise and proclaim the Kingdom to all I meet? Or would I listen to the Words of Christ and lose all hope in ever being a disciple...

Murder... being angry with anyone and calling him/her stupid (something I’ve done countless times)

Adultery... looking at any woman lustfully (gosh! I might as well be blind and deaf!)

Oaths... even using words like “honestly”, “seriously” can be considered as unnecessary swearing

Prayer/giving/fasting... how often have I felt good and quietly pleased with my own efforts and selfishly hoping that someone would notice and commends me.

the list goes on.....

and to top if off... "be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect." (Matt 5:48)

Preposterous!

At this rate, I might as well pack my bags, learn survival skills and go live in the deepest jungles of Brunei! But yet, in this very same sermon, Jesus calls me to be salt and light of this world. He calls me to "let my light shine before others"

Jesus' words are absurd!

But the deeper I thought, I realised... "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."

Jesus didn't preach this sermon to cumber us with impossible standards. He's there to show us what GOD is like. Our human eyes see the unachievable, our spiritual eyes see the character of God Himself.

Why love my enemies? Because God makes the sun rise on the evil and the good. (Matt 5:45)

Why live without worry? Because God knows what we need and will care for us. (Matt 6:32-34)

Why pray? Because if your earthy father knows how to give good things, how much more will God give good things to those who ask Him.

Jesus did not preach these "impossibles" to make us downhearted over our inability to attain these standards. He preached these godly and holy ideals to show us that:
1) GOD is perfect.
2) after sin, we were NEVER supposed to reach perfection by our own efforts
3) GOD's safety net of grace catches us when we fall from these ideals.

This is our God.

A God who shows us our spiritual bankruptcy, our unworth, our insignificance... so that we might get on our knees in repentance and humility; in desperation for the grace and salvation of Jesus Christ.

A God who then lifts us up in the shadow of His wings, to comfort, love and provide for us.

A God who then helps us, through His Spirit, strive for Christ-likeness

A God who says...

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."

The Jesus we worship

2007-04-10T10:29:00.000+08:00

Amazing Grace! How sweet the sound-- That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost by now am found, was blind but now I see.

For the past 2-3 mths, these words of what might be the world's most famous hymn echoed in my mind. It started when the film Amazing Grace was released in the US and Chris Tomlin sang the hymn for the film, (You can watch the MTV here and him teaching you how to play it here).

At first, I just loved the way that Chris did the hymn but as I recalled its history, and as I tried to put myself into the shoes of William Wilberforce & John Newton... and as I learned of the context and true meaning of Redemption, the Amazing Grace of God grew even more real for me.

I shared and sang this song quite a bit after that and it was definitely no coincidence that the theme for Easter this year was "Amazing Grace, How Can It Be?" BSF too sang this hymn after we studied Rom 5 and this was after I shared about this hymn during fellowship (wasn't planned).

And as I was preparing for what to share for the Easter service, God brought me to a deeper appreciation and understanding of slavery. Perhaps this concept is far flung and distant for a lot of us... and we sometimes don't really connect the scars and sacrifice of Christ with slavery... but to me, I started seeing the connection.

Slaves were bound with chains. Often at the feet, hands & sometimes the neck too. They had no rights. They were beaten, bruised, despised and tortured. Their cries of agony fell on deaf ears and the even the walls take no heed. The scars they bear are testament to man's moral depravity and the evil that man can sink into.

But not even slaves die a humiliating death.... they don't have their nakedness and blood spewed across a whole city, for all to mock. They don't have to endure the emotional pain of seeing the ones you love betray you, condemn you... the ones who'll eventually kill you. They don't experience the indescribable torment of divine separation.

This playlet, entitled 'The Long Silence' says it all...

The Long Silence

At the end of time, billions of people were seated on a great plain before God's throne. Most shrank back from the brilliant light before them. But some groups near the front talked heatedly, not cringing with cringing shame - but with belligerence.

"Can God judge us? How can He know about suffering?", snapped a pert young brunette. She ripped open a sleeve to reveal a tattooed number from a Nazi concentration camp. "We endured terror ... beatings ... torture ... death!"

In another group a Negro boy lowered his collar. "What about this?" he demanded, showing an ugly rope burn. "Lynched, for no crime but being black !"

In another crowd there was a pregnant schoolgirl with sullen eyes: "Why should I suffer?" she murmured. "It wasn't my fault." Far out across the plain were hundreds of such groups. Each had a complaint against God for the evil and suffering He had permitted in His world.

How lucky God was to live in Heaven, where all was sweetness and light. Where there was no weeping or fear, no hunger or hatred. What did God know of all that man had been forced to endure in this world? For God leads a pretty sheltered life, they said.

So each of these groups sent forth their leader, chosen because he had suffered the most. A Jew, a negro, a person from Hiroshima, a horribly deformed arthritic, a thalidomide child. In the centre of the vast plain, they consulted with each other. At last they were ready to present their case. It was rather clever.

Before God could be qualified to be their judge, He must endure what they had endured. Their decision was that God should be sentenced to live on earth as a man.

Let him be born a Jew. Let the legitimacy of his birth be doubted. Give him a work so difficult that even his family will think him out of his mind.

Let him be betrayed by his closest friends. Let him face false charges, be tried by a prejudiced jury and convicted by a cowardly judge. Let him be tortured.

At the last, let him see what it means to be terribly alone. Then let him die so there can be no doubt he died. Let there be a great host of witnesses to verify it.

As each leader announced his portion of the sentence, loud murmurs of approval went up from the throng of people assembled. When the last had finished pronouncing sentence, there was a long silence. No one uttered a word. No one moved.

For suddenly, all knew that God had already served His sentence.

This is the Jesus we all worship. This... is the Jesus of the Scars.

Jesus of the Scars

If we have never sought, we seek Thee now:
Thine eyes burn through the dark, our only stars;
We must have sight of thorn-pricks on Thy brow,
We must have Thee, O Jesus of the Scars.

The heavens frighten us; they are too calm;
In all the universe we have no place.
Our wounds are hurting us; where is the balm?
Lord Jesus, by Thy Scars, we claim Thy grace.

If, when the doors are shut, Thou drawest near,
Only reveal those hands, that side of Thine;
We know to-day what wounds are, have no fear,
Show us Thy Scars, we know the countersign.

The other gods were strong; but Thou wast weak;
They rode, but Thou didst stumble to a throne;
But to our wounds only God's wounds can speak,
And not a god has wounds, but Thou alone.

*took the above 2 from John Stott's 'The Cross of Christ'*

The God-centredness of God

2007-03-12T10:36:00.000+08:00

Which attributes of God in this lesson give you great comfort? Why?

groan........ not again.....

Having faced the above question (or variants of that question) for the past few weeks, I was left wondering if the BSF writers ran out of originality. Not realising how pompous that thought was, I happily proceeded to write down "His grace, mercy and wisdom" in the space provided. When it came to the Why though, my fingers just stopped. Well yeah there are the obvious reasons that in spite of man's depravity and hopelessness, God has provided a way out, a redemption plan for man... but did that give me great comfort?

For the sake of context, this is the passage for that week:

"[21] But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it--[22] the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: [23] for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, [24] and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, [25] whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God's righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. [26] It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus."

Rom 3:21-26

Well, this wasn't to say that God's grace, mercy and wisdom didn't give me comfort. It was just that... I didn't feel that I put thought into the question. Can I say that those attributes of God were what impacted me? I tapped my fingers on my desk, stared at the wall, fiddled with my pen, made strange noises with my lips, etc... nothing. Ok fine. I closed the Bible and left that question blank.

On the bus-ride to BSF, (I do some of my best thinking on bus-rides) I was still thinking of that question and my mind was brought back to one of the books which changed my Christian thinking: "The Pleasures of God" by John Piper. I won't elaborate on my thoughts but the key thing was that I realised that the attibute of God which brought me greatest comfort was the God-centredness of God.

The God-centredness of God.

Hallelujah! I immediately turned to Rom 3 and read again these words: "...This was to show God's righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. [26] It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus."

This refers to God putting forward Christ as a propitiation, for the justification & redemption of man. But why? Because this divine act displayed God's righteousness! In the Old Testament, on the Day of Atonement, the blood of a sacrificial animal was used to make propitiation for the sin of man. This did not take away sin however as the blood of animals could not take away sin (Heb 10:4). On the contrary, the Day of Atonement was to remind man of his sin (Heb 10:3). So, God's wrath toward sin had yet to be averted and therefore, Christ's death on the Cross was necessary. Perfection and sinlessness had to be stained for God's righteousness & justice.

So was the Cross an act of love for man or an act of righteousness? Both! But God's righteousness and glory is paramount and HE takes precedence! Our God cannot put His love for man before the love of His own glory. If He does, that'll be idolatry! God cannot insult what's infinitely beautiful and glorious and thus, He has to put supreme value on his own perfection and worth. For THAT is righteousness--God's God-centredness.

In the pettiness of our thinking, this might seem to be pure, unadulterated vanity and arrogance. But that's man being man-centred. God's God-centredness is the very heart of righteousness.

We also sometimes fail to see that the very foundation of our hope and salvation lies in God being God-centred in the first place! For in the 2nd half of verse 26 it says, "so that he might be just and justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus". We see clearly that our salvation and justification lies in the very righteousness (justice) of God. Because God is perfectly righteous, through the propitiation of Christ, He is able to acquit us (justification) and therein lies our hope and our redemption! Hallelujah!

For "The God-centredness of God is the foundation of his grace to the ungodly. If God were not committed first to vindicate the worth of his own glory, there would be no gospel and no hope, for there would be no glorious God. " (John Piper)

Therefore, God is the centre of the gospel and the exultation of His own glory is its driving force; not the depravity of man nor the fact that God loves us.

For the God-centredness of God is the attribute that brings the ultimate hope and comfort for all people.

The Marriage Miracle

2007-02-19T18:59:00.000+08:00

I found myself getting asked the age-old-CNY-question-that-is-aimed-at-any-unattached-young-adult umpteen times this year.

"When are you getting a girlfriend?"

And what used to be joke seems to have taken a dramatic turn.

"Adrian ah... here's wishing you good results in your studies, that you might find a job fast and you might find a girlfriend and settle down soon."

And when the conversation gets steered to what everyone did during the recent Valentine's Day, my answer was... distinctly different *wink*

"Oh, I spent Valentine's Day calling and talking to 15 guys."

I have to say that some of their shell-shocked stares was hilarious :)

This was the predominant topic of discussion at both paternal & maternal sides of the extended family. But perhaps what was most interesting was finding out what my relatives (both cousins & aunties/uncles alike) thought about relationships.

To me, my view of relationships is being molded by the Word of God and the life experiences that He's putting me through. I feel that one of the greatest miracles of life is Marriage. A miracle where 2 people, whom God has put together, bound by a love for Him, a love for each other and a load of commitment, spend the rest of their lives being each other's partner. A union which encompasses the physical, the mental, the emotional and the spiritual. A miracle which mirrors the indescribable love that Christ has for His Bride, the Church.

Would I love to get married? YES! I would love to have someone--a friend, a companion, a lover who I know will always be there for me through thick and thin. A someone whom I can share my storms and rainbows with. A someone whom I can promise my heart too as well.

Am I ready for a relationship however? I don't know. I would like to think that I am but its not really up to me :) But I trust that God will bring that someone who'll love me as much as I love her in His own timing.

For marriage is more than just attraction and love. Its about commitment, lordship, servitude, self-sacrifice, give-and-take, ministry, perseverance, encouragement, understanding. Its about loving your wife above yourself. It will sometimes lead you to letting go to what you cherish, for the greater godliness for both. Tears and heartache are guaranteed... coupled with delirious joy and life-defining moments. Practically speaking, you might have to sacrifice that football game you were looking forward to so much if your wife needs you. At times, the man will have to suck in his pride to admit that he was wrong. At other times, it will entail him having to take on his role as head of the household to remind his family that Christ-likeness is always the goal.

Marriage is about glorifying God.

So Lord, accept my efforts at surrendering my will to you. My life, my loves, my relationships, my heart. Be it singlehood or marriage, may Thy name be glorified. Amen.

Full Circle

2007-02-07T19:22:00.000+08:00

I'm beginning this post not too sure of what I'm gonna write.

What I'm sure however, is that I'm compelled to. For deep withing me, I sense that 2007 will be a different year. Why? I can't say for sure... perhaps it might be due to the fact that BOTH church & BSF are doing Romans this year... a book I've always wanted to cover in depth since 4 years ago.

It's as if God were saying to me, "Well, you wanted to cover it in depth right? Here's the opportunity on a silver platter. So don't try to laze off Adrian, as you usually do. I want you to know me from this book. Don't just try to accumulate Bible knowledge. Embrace my gospel and see what I've accomplished in my name. Fall on your knees, confess your sins and repent. Change your lifestyle O prodigal son and know that I love you so much and have chosen you to belong to me. For you know full well that NOTHING will be able to separate you from my love. NOTHING. "

10 years ago...

I knelled before him, terrified and trembling. What little ounce of courage I had left was spent trying to hold back tears. I couldn't afford to show him any fear but he knew... He knew that I had never been so afraid in my entire life. The thick incense in the room was suffocating and it took immense effort just to take that next breath. The stuffiness and humidity caused my back to be drenched in sweat but I was still shivering. Behind him stood a iron statue and its evil eyes glared at me. It seemed to pierce straight into my soul, stripping me bare and exposing me to his booming voice.

"You are bad, Adrian... and your guardian angel is sad. He wants to leave you and not bother about you anymore. I'm trying to persuade him to stay but he wants to go. Cos you have not been good. Remember that I'm the incarnate of (some god) and I have power. Don't try to play with me. All the Christians and Catholics who come here don't leave Christians or Catholics. They all see who I am and what I can do..."

That night, I stared at the ceiling, still shivering. I kept on hearing his voice... "You are bad... your guardian angel wants to leave you... I have power..." I used to be afraid of the dark when I was younger but now, the darkness seemed even more desolate and foreboding. I felt so... alone, abandoned, afraid. I never dared to tell my parents and couldn't even if I wanted to as they were out of town. I tossed and turned, the sheets in disarray with all my movement. For that moment, the knowledge that I was a Christian was a distant, forgotten concept... Until from amidst the darkness, this line came to my mind:

"neither death nor life, not angels nor demons.... separate us from the Love of God..."

With renewed hope, I leaped out of bed and rushed to my Bible, frantically flipping through page after page, looking for that life-line... and there it lay--Rom 8:38-39.

"For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels or demons, neither the present or the future, not any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Rom 8:38-39

Oh sweet Word of God! Oh the wonderful power and love of Jesus! At that moment, it was like a tremendous light burst into my room and all darkness disappeared in fright. Over and over again, I read aloud those 2 verses. Oh the nectar that is the God's promise! How many times did I read those verses? A hundred? A thousand? I don't know. But what I do know is this: that night, with my Bible clutched to my chest and the page opened to Rom 8, I fell into one of the most peaceful night's sleep I had in my life. Blessed Assurance, Jesus is mine!

In a sense, I've come full circle. The epistle that God used to comfort and reassure is now before me-- open and ripe for studying. 10 years on and I'm just as grateful to Christ for that redeeming love and act of propitiation. And I know now that if I should fear anything or anyone, it should be a fear for the Lord and not any created being or demon.

So, while I started out clueless as to what I should write for this blog entry, God has led me to share this testimony of mine; which few know of. He's leading me back to remembering AND testifying to His goodness, faithfulness and love. He's leading me back to the cornerstone of my faith--Jesus Christ and the gospel.

He's leading me back to Himself.

"For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen."

Rom 11:36

Photos from India--The Taj Mahal pt 3

2007-01-03T20:25:00.000+08:00

The final installment to my trip photos. For those who've been faithfully looking at the various batches which come in, hope you've liked my small attempts at photography. For those who've just come on board, look at the first post... way down...

Took this picture from this angle to show how flat the surface is. The patterns you see are NOT paintings. Rather, they're semi-precious gems carved and encrusted into the white marble and filed flat! And when you shine a torch unto them, the gleam and glitter. And as you can see in one of them, people have tried to pry out these gems. tsk tsk.

What you see above is one whole slab of white marble and the flowers are all carved from the marble. The pictures below are basically the individual "buds" carved. Tried to take them from an angle which shows off the 3-D effect.

And that's a wrap :)

Photos from India--The Taj Mahal pt 2

2007-01-03T19:38:00.000+08:00

This entry's mainly of the various views of the Taj... once again, experimenting with angles

Photos from India--The Taj Mahal pt 1

2007-01-03T17:49:00.000+08:00

And I present to you... one of the 7th Monumental wonders of the world... the famous (but not all that fantastic) Taj Mahal! Well, I have to give credit where credit is due so... yes, the Taj Mahal is a fantastic feat of engineering and design. And it is beautiful. But at the end of the day, it is but a lavish tomb.

Brings to my mind once again of Man's preoccupation with death. Doesn't matter what race or civilisation he comes from, death is the final and greatest sting that Man has always (and is still trying) been trying to defeat. But when will he ever accept that Man cannot and will not defeat death, for death HAS BEEN defeated :) That's the Hope that we have as Christians. That there's something greater than death. Something more eternal, something brighter... And that something is a someone :)

Thank You Jesus Christ

The passage in Mark 13 also came to mind. A reminder that for all the beauty and wisdom of man, these stones will fall away. But the Word of the Lord is eternal :) Hallelujah!

Anyhow, these few posts are basically different angles of the Taj.

The Taj in the light of the early morning... didn't manage to catch the Taj @ sunrise though :( But nice enough I guess

This particular picture wasn't taken by me but by my bro!

This is the position of the sun when we arrived at the Taj

Underexposed the shot to display the reflective characteristics of white marble... reflection looks as though its off water

Photos from India--Miscellaneous

2007-01-03T17:24:00.000+08:00

Taken from Jaipur, these pictures were, but they were, shall we say... different :p

The 2 pictures above taken from the the Hawa Mahal.

Yes, there was a lovely blue sky in India... but take a look at the brown "fog" below... and for one of the explanations for that brown? Look below... typical Indian traffic.

Photos from India--Jantar Mantar pt 2

2007-01-03T17:11:00.000+08:00

I particularly like this set of pictures as I took the liberty to try to play with angles and lines... do leave comments as to what you think :)

The pictures above and below are actually pictures from the small sundial. (look at the previous post) Loved the fact that the sky was nice and blue. Oh, and if you're wondering who's the boy in the picture, that's my bro.

These 2 instruments are sundials too--there's actually 2 of them, one for each half of the day (east & west). Once again, trying to play with lines.

The time of the day when we were there... I can't read the words though :P And if I recall correctly, we where there at about 4+

Photos from India--Jantar Mantar pt 1

2007-01-03T13:40:00.000+08:00

Pictures from the Jantar Mantar in Jaipur, India. The Jantar Mantar is a collection of architectural astronomical instruments built in the 18th century and the amazing thing is that the instruments are still accurate today! Though its mainly a tourist attraction now... and if you didn't know, it looks like an amusement park... just look at the first picuture... its a view of the the whole place.

What do you think is in common with the instrument above and below?

Well, both are acutally sundials! Yeap, the smaller one above has an accuracy of 20sec but the Maharaja "buay song" and decided to cut the accuracy to 2sec! So, he built a sundial 10 times bigger! And thus, the bigger sundial (Samrat Jantar) is the biggest sundial in the world.

This is the intricacy and accuracy of the astronomers, craftsmen & engineers of that time... all this carved into marble

Photo reflections from Nepal--Miscellaneous pt 2

2007-01-03T13:10:00.000+08:00

Ok, these are really totally random pics taken from everywhere.

I was hoping to capture a greater contrast in the lighting so that the shape of the bare tree stands out more but didn't manage to do it that well. But in any case, it was a stark reminder to me about how one can become leafless & fruitless when one not roooted and connected with Christ. Also, in the winter months of life, do I continue to flourish? Or do my leaves wither and fall off?

There were obstacles in the way so I couldn't get a better angle to capture both the silver motorbike and bicycle gleaming in the sun. An evolution of technology side by side :)

I title this picture.... "A Man and... A LOT of monkeys" :p

If you can give me the correct number of monkeys in this picture, I applaud you :p Welcome to Pashupatinath, where in the evenings, the number of monkeys outnumber the number of people by... A LOT.

Interesting couple of signs don'tcha think? ;)

Photo reflections from Nepal--Miscellaneous pt 1

2007-01-03T13:02:00.000+08:00

Ok, final 2 sets of pics from Nepal... rest will be from India :p

During this trip, the clouds followed us EVEYRWHERE, not too sure why... anyhow, God blessed us with fine weather on our last day and cleared the skies :) Saw the Himalayas and the Annapurna range from Kathmandu but decided to post up these pictures that were shot from the plane. (more up-close)

My facination with taking pictures of fire and flames continue with this picture and the one below

Photo reflections from Nepal--Jo's factory & Sophia's Home

2007-01-03T08:58:00.000+08:00

As the title suggests, pics from Jo's new Touch Nature factory (taken during the official opening) & Sophia's Home (which I visited).

Jo's gleaming white factory. It stands heads above the neighbouring buildings and is a lot more colourful and cheery. I can understand why her ladies all enjoy coming to work :)

There's actually a panoramic view of Kathmandu from the roof but I just chose this picture which I think best captures how the other buildings look like. Now you know why I say that Jo's factory stands out!

Where Sophia's Home is now located--their building

Ahh... the days of a printed out time-table :p

The girls from Sophia's

Photo reflections from Nepal--Wildlife pt 4

2007-01-02T23:27:00.000+08:00

Last set of wildlife pics features cute animals :) Technically, these weren't taken in Nepal but in India... but they're still cute :p

Photo reflections from Nepal--Wildlife pt 3

2007-01-02T22:56:00.000+08:00

We visited a huge bat cave and well, it was pitch dark except for the torches used... and this was above our heads... more and more bats

A bit morbid I know but I've been wondering... when they die (fried to death) how in the world do they still hang on??

This is a poseur elephant! Knew we were taking its picture and decided to look more stylo... l

Mommy & 2-week old baby :)

Photo reflections from Nepal--Wildlife pt 2

2007-01-02T22:45:00.000+08:00

These poor goats didn't realise that they were chained up and reared for the sole purpose of sacrifice... brings new meaning to the word "loggerheads" :p

Baby was having dinner from mum...

Visual example of what Paul was talking about when we raised up the concept of being unequally-yoked in 2 Cor 6:14-18

Photo reflections from Nepal--Wildlife pt 1

2007-01-02T22:17:00.000+08:00

Don't know if I should really clasify this category of pictures as "wildlife" as not all of them are in the wild but well, they're all still pics of animals ;)

Now, this IS a WILD rhino. Managed to see them while we had a 2-hr elephant ride :) It was really enjoybale as the elephant ride went into the forest/jungle itself and cos the elephants we rode on hid our smell, we were thus able to come close to animals like the rhino :) Other animals (which both Dad and I didn't manage to take) included deer, wildboars, monkeys. We didn't see any tigers though; but we did see the carcass of a dead deer. And it was the distinct work of a tiger as the neck was bloodly and twisted at an impossible angle. I didn't take any pictures as my dad had the camera and the kill was within the trees, but we could see that the kill was fresh, just a couple of hours old... we were wondering if the the tiger was secretly looking at us from somewhere...

What an a**! :p

A 1.8m long giant just basking away... barely 15m away from us. And our only form of protection? Silence and the hope that the croc was full....

This guy was further than the previous but he looked bigger :p

Photo reflections from Nepal--"Sun" shots

2007-01-02T21:58:00.000+08:00

Throughout this whole trip, I just couldn't taka a decent sunrise/sunset! The clouds, fog followed us everywhere! So, this is second best--taking the sun in various scenerios.

Know that the clouds look a little dark and stormy here (as opposed to white and fluffy), but hey, this way, brings more meaning to the phrase "every cloud has a silver lining? right? ;) Also shows I guess that no matter how dark things might be, God is always there, shining :)

Sunrise... loved the deep hues of orange so I underexposed the shot a little to bring out the colour

Taken during an early morning walk through the forests of Pokhara while bird-watching.

Another sun-rise photo that I tried to take... this one taken with digital zoom... my 12x zoom not close-up enough :p

This is how foggy the mornings can be in Pokhara... think I took this at 8am.... and it was still this foggy!

Photo reflections from Nepal--Flowers

2007-01-02T21:46:00.000+08:00

Phew, after so many days, I can FINALLY upload the rest of my pics!

Anyhow, these here are some of the pictures of flowers taken :)

You see fields and fields of this plant throught Nepal. And it brings to mind the famous Christian parable that Jesus spoke of. Can't figure out what plant this is? Look at the next pic of the close-up.

This is actually the mustard plant! Not sure if its the same species of plant that Jesus was talking about in Matt 17 but it helps in putting some graphics and visual actualisation into His parables :)

Not sure what this flower is either but it also grows everyone in Nepal... might be a weed...

Photo reflections from Nepal--Retreat pt 3

2006-12-26T22:03:00.000+08:00

Lastly, these are some random pics of the building and other miscellaneous photos I took :p

The beautiful retreat centre that Josephine brought her staff to was this home built by a Korean Missionary Couple. It is no longer a home now and its used by many of the Nepalese churches to hold their camps or retreats.

I've no idea what this plant is but its beautiful red leaves litter the whole retreat centre, really cheering up the whole place :)

peek-a-boo! I see you!

This is Hana. She's also a YA (24) and was one of my translators. If you remember my earlier pictures, she was also the one who helped me facilitate the games :) Josephine asked her to do that as she's a youth leader and a worship leader for her church. Her enthusiasm is highly contagious and she has a tremendous zest for life... truely a firecracker :p AND, she has a great voice to boot! haha... Works as a sales girl at Josephine's Thamel (Kathmandu's Orchard Rd) TouchNature shop. Though in this picture, I wonder what she was doing hanging out of the window... reminds me of Eutychus (guy who fell sldeep, fell from the 3rd story, died & got raised from the dead) in Acts 20:7-12. :p

Photo reflections from Nepal--Retreat pt 2

2006-12-26T21:23:00.000+08:00

The group of them singing their hearts out for the Lord :)

My parents acting out some skit... never did come round to asking them what they did :p

My youth/young adults and I :) Thank God that I had a very good time with them. On my right is Devi, my translator. She's also Josephine's accountant-to-be... still under training as attends college (for her Bachelor of Accountancy) in the mornings and works for Josephine in the afternoons.

Tse Wei with the married couples.

Photo reflections from Nepal--Retreat pt 1

2006-12-26T20:55:00.000+08:00

Some snapshots of people and some of the activities that we did.

The children and an OM helper (they helped us plan activities for the children)

My wake-up game for Jo's staff

This got them all talking for days... was glad they enjoyed the games

Photo reflections from Nepal--Lunch!

2006-12-26T16:39:00.000+08:00

Here we see the kids having lunch! Which by the way is at 10.30am :p

At the end of the day, food is itself a universal language of sorts :p BUT... take a look at the amount the children eat!

Photo reflections from Nepal--Babies!

2006-12-26T13:39:00.000+08:00

The next few posts will consist of events and pictures taken from the retreat that the Team organised. I was very busy at this retreat as I had to perform multiple roles--devotion leader, workshop leader, games co-ordinator, photographer, etc... Therefore, some of these pics were not taken by me but by others as well. Nonetheless, hope you enjoy them and can catch a glimpse of what I did there.

This is the whole group... it was so large that us helpers couldn't fit into the pic!

My favourite baby! He LOVES to pose for me :p Here he is in his "I wonder what Santa's gonna get me for Christmas" look ;)

Ok, techinally, she's not a baby but still...

Photo reflections from Nepal--Its people pt 4

2006-12-26T13:02:00.000+08:00

This page takes an honest look at the children of Nepal and each one tells a story.
I'll leave you to think.

Photo reflections from Nepal--Its people pt 3

2006-12-26T12:52:00.000+08:00

relief from the blazing sun...

if you can't already tell... these children love red! :)

Photo reflections from Nepal--Its people pt 2

2006-12-26T12:41:00.000+08:00

crikey! look at all those bananas!

yes... men play carrom EVERYWHERE

Photo reflections from Nepal--Its people pt 1

2006-12-26T11:23:00.000+08:00

Only the first one in this set is in black & white while the rest are just snapshots of the people in Nepal.

Washing clothes by the side of a main water pipe... that's how most of them wash their clothes in Kathmandu

Don't ask me what he's doing... i just liked his pants :p

If you think this guy is good with his head... you should see what some of the women can do!

I'll be coming round the mountain when she comes... on my super-duper, immensensly-overloaded bicycle

Photo reflections from Nepal--B&W

2006-12-26T10:09:00.000+08:00

I've been back (from Nepal) for almost a week now and today's the first day where I can catch my breath! :p With the flurry of Christmas preparations and the need to find my feet on Singapore soil after treading the foothills of mountains, the past week was spent in a blur.

And now... I can finally sit down, think, reflect and share some things that I've learnt.

But first, my first set of pictures taken... I present to you, the B&W collection :)
(I welcome and encourage any comments :p)

Traditional wood-cutter... Glad to see a man working in a Nepali village... its a rarity

Up to this day, I simply cannot recall what captured the children's attention and what had the woman's (in the background) attention... *ponder*

When I see the elderly working hard to make a living by selling huge baskets of vegetables, I'm often left speachless...

Tibetan woman spinning wool for the carpet weavers to use. "The North Face" vest she's wearing adds a spin to the scene :p

One of my favourite pictures. She posed for me and smiled that gentle smile... wonder what she must have been thinking... hmm...

Dating

2006-11-17T19:02:00.000+08:00

Bizarro-171106

Remember

2006-11-08T23:56:00.000+08:00

Remember…

Slippers and a rolled-up towel.

Dollar coins and a movie stub.

A receipt.

A Post-It note.

My pockets emptied of these things I leave behind, I step into the rushing froth.
A sparkling pool forms at my feet with coarse sand filling the gaps between my toes.

Warm beams of the setting sun shine on me, surrounding me in a blanket of orange.
The wild salt settles on my face with the gushing east wind ruffling my hair.

I close my eyes and listen…

The mighty ocean rumbles and its waves crash into the rocks; the trees dance and rustle their leaves to the tune of the wind; seagulls squabble over a fisherman’s dropped bait; children laugh and families chat; a vessel bellows as if expressing his satisfaction over a hard day’s work; a busker earning his keep with a fiddle and a pipe.

And through it all, I hear the beating of my heart and I remember…

I remember blessings past— where playful banter and exposed secrets filled the air with melodies and whispers. I remember ice-cream and strawberries, seafood and wine; fireworks and stars, chilly nights and busy mornings; phone calls and cards, books and poems. I remember honesty and openness, friendship and love.

I remember.

But a voice calls out and reminds me of something deeper, of something stronger, of something that dwells within the depths of my heart, soul and spirit—
“This is my body, broken for you. Remember me.
This is my blood, poured out for you. Remember me.”

“Remember me, remember me.”

As I open my eyes and a glistening pearl forms, the last of the amber rays descend beneath the limitless horizon. The wind whittles down to a breeze and breathes gently against my face as if wiping away that tear. In the closing light, in the silence of the moment, I hear my Lord…

“Remember me, remember me.”

With Christ in my heart, a friendship as my surrender and my knees on the sand,
I pray…

And I remember.

another one from Jim...

2006-08-31T22:36:00.000+08:00

"I may no longer depend on pleasant impulses to bring me before the Lord. I must rather respond to principles I know to be right, whether I feel them to be enjoyable or not. "

Jim Elliot

how true.

A Bloke just can't ignore women

2006-08-31T08:15:00.000+08:00

Face it gentlemen... we cannot ignore (nor do we want to on a subconscious level) women. They fill our thoughts, drive our eyes & hearts and more often than not, motivate our actions... both righteous & unrighteous.

A lesson I'm reminded of however, from the late Jim Elliot:

"No one warns young people to follow Adam's example. He waited till God saw his need. Then God made Adam sleep, prepared for his mate, and brought her to him. We need more of this 'being asleep' in the will of God. Then we can receive what He brings us in His own time, if at all. Instead we are set as blood-hounds after a partner, considering everyone we see until our minds are so concerned with the sex problem that we can talk of nothing else when bull-session time comes around. It is true that a fellow cannot ignore women---but he can think of them as he ought---as sisters, not as sparring partners. "

So sisters, be patient with us and pray for us... even as we seek to daily walk in Christ :)

Passion

2006-08-14T17:18:00.000+08:00

Passion... its more than just loving isn't it?

Synonyms include fevor, ardour, enthusiasm, zeal, etc... But even if I combine all those words into one sentence, it doesn't even seem to describe passion.

As a Christian, my passion should be focused on Christ Jesus and for the past week, God has been trying to drum into me that the root my life shouldn't be based on what I do, nor what I can achieve... not even what what I've given up in "sacrifice"... its about the passion I have for him.

Not the emotional passion that the world often thinks of, but that deep-seated, unquenchable thirst for Christ. The kind of passion that yearns after holiness. The kind of passion that equates to waking up in the Master's arms, looking at him as you would a lover and saying, "I love waking up next to you". Romantised as this might be but even the Bible uses the analogy of Bride & Bridegroom to illustrate the passion and love between Christ & His Church. For nothing can beat that fire that's burning between newlyweds. Do I have a passion for God where I become utterly satisfied with all that Christ is for me?

How was I reminded? BSF brought me back to examining Jacob (Gen 27-35). This man whom I once considered scheming and manipulative has found a new found respect from me. I seem to forget that this is the man God renamed to be Israel. To be bestowed the name of a nation... more importantly, God's chosen nation, is... I can't describe the honour. Jacob is the man whom God loved. (Ps 47:4; Mal 1:2-3; Rom 9:13). Yes, Jacob was not perfect and he had his faults (which God deals with throughout his life) but what Jacob had was a real desperation to be God's special ONE. Yes, desperation... his motto must have been "by hook or by crook". But Jacob/Israel had passion for God.

Whilst preparing for last Sat's care-cell on faith, I was led to remember what John Piper said in The Pleasures of God, "the essence of faith is being satisfied with all that God is for us in Christ". I was totally reminded that faith in God isn't blind, it isn't based on intellectual asssent, its based on resting in God alone. Not what He has promised, not what He has done... on Him, just Him.

Reminded once more during Sunday's sermon about whether I have a heart of thanksgiving. Passage was from Phil 1:3-8. As Pastor put it, are we at the counter of complaining or thanksgiving? Have we allowed this comfortable life that we lead to cloud our appreciation of God? We seem to be more exicited over a 15-min fireworks display than the wonders of the night sky and the stars? Even though I can't see much stars in Spore, when was the last time I looked up into that 1 star that I can see and marvel at the Majestic, Creative God?

Passion... Something I long to have... but yet, the sinful part of me is afraid to pray for it. The sinful part says, "Lord, change me slowly can? Bit by bit can already... baby steps... " Pathetic isn't it?

That's where I thank God for His Grace... His Grace that changes me, His Grace that enables me not to sin... His Grace that empowers me to press on in obedience... His Grace that has saved me, made me His own and will make me passionate for Him.

A beautiful wedding

2006-07-30T19:32:00.000+08:00

Phew... the month of July has just flown past and with it, I've attended all 3 of the weddings that I was invited to.

The common thread running through them all? I wonder why I'm always tasked to help out in... fatigue work? ;p (no real complaints though... all to help out friends :) )

But otherwise, it was this last wedding yesterday that struck me most. Their order of service was slightly different from others that I've attended as they had this segment called "Couple Talk". Here, the couple invited 2 other married couples who have mentored them, whom they respect to share a few words of advice and exhortation. Hearing words of wisdom from these 2 older, matured Christian couples was an inspiration to many... even to a single like me :)

This wasn't the only meaningful bit of the wedding as the passage of Exhortation the couple chose was from Isaiah 62:1-5. Personally, I was unfamiliar with this segment of Isaiah and it was the first time that I've heard anyone choose it for their wedding. However, after hearing the speaker preach it in context, I just fell short of tears.

It amazes me each time I learn of how God the Father renews Israel. How He redeems His people, His Bride to Himself... about how our God takes us, desolate and deserted into his presence through the propitiation of Christ on the Cross and marries us... what perfect love... what amazing grace...

This was further reinforced by the hymn they chose as their "Hymn of Encouragement":

Before the Throne of God Above

Before the throne of God above
I have a strong and perfect plea.
A great high Priest whose Name is Love
Who ever lives and pleads for me.
My name is graven on His hands,
My name is written on His heart.
I know that while in Heaven He stands
No tongue can bid me thence depart.

When Satan tempts me to despair
And tells me of the guilt within,
Upward I look and see Him there
Who made an end of all my sin.
Because the sinless Savior died
My sinful soul is counted free.
For God the just is satisfied
To look on Him and pardon me.

Behold Him there the risen Lamb,
My perfect spotless righteousness,
The great unchangeable I AM,
King of glory and of grace,
One in Himself I cannot die.
My soul is purchased by His blood,
My life is hid with Christ on high,
With Christ my Savior and my God!

It's a new hymn to me and I'm listening to the mp3 even as I'm typing all of this... The lyrics are beautiful, true and powerful; the melody sweet and reflective... A hymn of encouragement it is indeed :) For anyone who wants the song, just ask.

The cherry on the top was a performance by the SCGS Handbell Choir! :) I know I sound very suah koo in revealing that this was my first time listening to a handbell choir but there's a first for everything right? ;p I really wish I have pictures to share though... However, it was really refreshing to hear "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" & "Great is Thy Faithfulness" played by nothing but bells! :)

It was a simple wedding all in all but the most meaningful that I've attended. Proably contributed by the fact that I wasn't helping till after the wedding (clean up). Not sure if the couple will read this, but thanks for ministering to me with your wedding Peter & Elizabeth! It was indeed a blessing and it certainly brought God all the glory :)

The Power of Words

2006-07-25T09:07:00.000+08:00

"I doubt many people would argue about the power of the spoken word.

We don't need a master's in psychology to know that our hearts leap at the sound of affirming words. It's just how God wired us. Any co-worker with a new hairdo will agree. Any toddler who is potty training or husband who just closed the “big deal” will nod emphatically as well. We possess a tremendous ability to very simply "make someone's day" with heartfelt praise or to even alter the course of a life with the power of our words.

Oprah, Bill Gates, and Tiger Woods have all, at one point, attributed their early success to the empowering encouragement of someone else. Perhaps it was just a small phrase or statement, but one that was instrumental in building up or perhaps even just holding up hope and belief for a brief second. That can be all the time it takes to get someone to look at the mirror differently.

Conversely, it doesn't take that same graduate degree to know that the power of words can be unleashed as perhaps the most primitive of weapons. Most of us would agree that whoever penned that little ditty about "sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me" was obviously never a fifth grader. Words can not only hurt, but they can leave shrapnel in the soul long after the explosion hits and the smoke clears. Next time you need a reminder about the power of the negative word, dust off the book of James. It's been said that the tongue is the strongest muscle in the body. I think the spirit would agree.

So... having taken a moment to consider the power and impact of both our life-giving, affirming words as well as the life-robbing, destructive power of the tongue... here's one more thought to chew on, (pardon the pun). What about the power of words never spoken? For me, I can look back on my life and count too many times when I'd wished I'd listened to my gut (and the Holy Spirit) and just had the courage to open my mouth and let my heart spill out, regardless of the awkward moment. You've heard the rather overused challenge to live each day as it if were your last... but there is real wisdom there. Why wait to say "I love you?" Why wait one more day to forgive? Or to ask for forgiveness? There is a reason that Paul, in Ephesians 4, encourages us not to let the sun go down on our anger. Perhaps because he knew, as a hunted and persecuted man, that a sunrise the next morning was not something to be assumed. He understood, better than anyone, the importance of keeping his accounts short.

Say it now. Go there. The tongue might be powerful, but so are clenched teeth and a firmly set jaw. And silence can speak volumes we never meant to say. Matthew 12:34 reminds us that what is in our hearts, will come spilling out of our mouths. If your heart is full today, or even broken, consider springing a leak and letting someone know. The relief and healing that may follow will make you a believer in the power of words, all over again."

Nichole Nordeman
Dove Award-Winning Singer/Songwriter

Living in 2 time zones

2006-07-24T13:19:00.000+08:00

The past 2 weeks has been a blur... for some parts anyway.

I've been warping between 2 worlds--the realm of ICT (In-Camp-Training) and the "civilian realm".The only constant? My attire--army no. 4 uniform :(

Speaking in sci-fi geek talk, there seemed to be an inter-dimentional bubble surrounding the army camp I was at. Things moved real slow and I assure you I could probably see the flapping movement of the bees if I looked hard enough. Despite the knowledge that we were booking out on Sat evening, the day seemed like 2 weeks away.

When it finally arrived and I warped into the civilian world, things proceeded at hyperdrive! Care-cell @ Joseph's, dinner at Newton, Church on sun morn, Wedding prac after that... and before the molecular structure of my body could settle down, I was expected back in camp.

The 2nd week in ICT disrupted my circadian rhythm even more as I probably spent more time out of camp then in camp! The wonderful thing about that 2nd week though... I obtained a silver in my IPPT! :) This despite not running since the beginning of this year :p Anyhow, I'm now motivated to turn my 1-pack into a flat-pack (baby steps ;p)

And if I thought that hyperdrive was fast, this past weekend went into light speed! Frankly, I had trouble differentiating between Sat & Sun! Though on Sun, did manage to capture some pics with Bing Jun's camera (I didn't bring mine cos of stuff to do :( )

Now, I have one week to settle down, confirm my modules and get my textbooks before school starts. Good time for me to catch up on things and to relax too :)

At the end of these 2 weeks, I thank God for protecting my mum, maintaining my sanity, paving the way and keeping me healthy. He's God Alone indeed...

You Are God Alone

You are not a god created by human hands
You are not a god dependant on any mortal man
You are not a god in need of anything we can give
By Your plan, that's just the way it is

Chorus:
You are God alone from before time began
You were on Your throne, You are God alone
And right now in the good times and the bad
You are on Your throne
You are God alone

You're the only God whose power none can contend
You're the only God whose name and praise will never end
You're the only God who's worthy of everything we can give
You are God, and that's just the way it is

Bridge:
Unchangeable
Unshakeable
Unstoppable
That's what You are

Billy J.Foote & Cindy Foote
Perfomed by Phillips, Craig & Dean

Ms, are you a virgin?

2006-07-03T16:39:00.000+08:00

Read about this actual incident where a 12-yr old raised his hand and asked his teacher, "Ms, are you a virgin?" Mind you, this didn't happen in a western country but here in good ol' Spore.

This isn't all that shocking, BUT... what if it happened to me?

In a way, the probability of men getting asked that question isn't as high as compared to the ladies. IF however, this question were posed to me, how would I respond to that child in front of the whole class? Its a sombre thought cos my bro's dangerously close to that age already...

So... how should we respond?

Frienships and what binds us all together

2006-06-30T17:10:00.000+08:00

There is a need for everyone to interact, to be united through the simplest and most trivial of reasons. In the film 'Before Sunrise' (yes, I watched the show ;p), all it took to get 2 people talking was an exchange of their shared observations at a couple who was quarreling. The World Cup joins people from various races, from all walks of life... though I must add that the World Cup is NOT a trivial reason for bonding :p Anyway, emerging from this great need for social and emotional support then comes BOTH great pleasure and great distress.

Perhaps one of the greatest joys in life is to watch the sunrise with a close friend beside you. On the flip side is the acute pain of knowing that a frienship can never return to the way it once was. Friendships that were as solid as a rock can, through a touchy situation, turn into something as fragile as a flower petal. Hours and hours of thinking, of deliberation, of tears are spent into handling our friendships and relationships.

Recently, due to my insensitivity, I put a strain on a close friendship. There was an awkward moment and I was well... lost for words. However, the honesty displayed and the openess in sharing was key in putting things right again. And I would dare say, what was a tense time turned out to strengthen the friendship. And more importantly, the reason that we were willing to talk things through was centred on Christ. The bedrock of our friendship was probably the need for righteous living and to carry on in this life as partners of the gospel, as fellow ministers of the Word.

God is indeed wonderful. I take a quote from Chris Chia when he says that God "specialises" in the 'reversal of fortunes'. What is built upon man's "wisdom" is taken down and built upon the foundation of God Himself. He turns our mistakes and misjudements into life-learning lessons. And more often than not, we learn the most through the things we've done wrong.

Good Christian friends are hard to come by. And to me, this is something in life worth taking time and effort for. I rejoice when God is the centre of our relationships and that Christ-likeness is the goal we're all supporting one another for :)

Ending of with Rom 12:9-13. In the paragraph of the NIV, it says "love". In the ESV, it says "Marks of the true Christian". Whatever the case, it was a good reminder of genuine love, shown to others through the love of Christ :)

"[9]Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. [10]Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. [11]Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. [12]Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. [13]Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality."

Rom 12:9-13 (ESV)

3 Weddings & an ICT

2006-06-28T19:53:00.000+08:00

The above phrase describes my July. For those who don't know, ICT stands for "In-Camp-Training"... in olden army talk, its Reservist.

Busy as I might be, attending/helping out in 3 weddings is fun :) I'm heavily involved in one, mildly involved in another, and not sure if I am involved in the last one... though I did impart all that I know to the wedding planner...

I'm not implying that the ICT is like a funeral (ok... maybe I am in a little way :p) but hey, there are better ways of spending your hols as compared to running around in the forests of our beloved Lion City :p

The weddings however, bring about reminders once again of relationships.... AND the stage of life I'm in. However wonderful and joyful weddings might be though, one should always look to the model relationship-- Christ's sacrifice for His Bride, the Church. From there, a reality check--the Man's role in a relationship.

I have yet to hit that juncture again but I thank God for the lessons previously taught. And if I do ever enter into a courting relationship... well, may the Lord give me wisdom to lead myself and my GF into righteousness and Christlikeness.

Spain 3, Tunisia 1

2006-06-20T09:05:00.000+08:00

I'm running the risk of over-spiritualising here (welcome to post-modernism... where the 'Jack & Jill' nusery rhyme can be turned into a holy story) but I was reminded of the Christian life while watching the match between Spain & Tunisia, so... these are my thoughts :)

I didn't catch the 1st half so imagine my amazement when I woke up to Spain trailing by a goal at the 46th min. It was an entertaining half (and by entertaining, I mean that it was one-way traffic with Spain having most of the possession) as Spain surged onward, wave after wave of attack. Tunisia were just packing in their defence, crowding their 6-yard area with bodies, restricting the short-passing game of the Spaniards.

As the game wore on however, I was just absolutely amazed at how calm and patient the Spanish were. Though their final passes to Torres & Raul (their strikers) were being intercepted time and time again, they just regained possession and tried again. Drifting the ball from flank to flank, patiently waiting for an opening, they continued pressing. Never once did they start to look desperate and pump in high balls or shoot like mis-aimed cannons from long distance They knew what they had to do and they stuck to it. Eventually, they were rewarded with goals coming in the 72nd, 76th and 90th min... winning the game 3-1.

So, what was going through my mind? Well, when something worrying happens in life (like the unexpected 0-1 lead by the Tunisians), I begin to worry and doubt creeps in. Are you sure I'm supposed to follow God's word all the way through? Don't you think that maybe, just maybe God hopes for me to try it out this other way?

The way the Spanish played, consistent & patient, reminded me that sometimes, that's the way the path of righteouness works. Our first instinct would be to react and cry out, something's wrong here! This shouldn't be happening! But what is often needed is to follow through on God's commands, tough and seemingly "unrewarding" as it might be. To press on and fix our eyes on Jesus along the way. Too many of us have grown to develop a "rewards-right-now" theology. Where we half-expect our rewards to be given to us on earth. However, that ain't the way God works. Yes, He does, in His grace, reward us in multiple ways on earth... but our full inheritance isn't to be found here, its when we finally get to glorify Him over and over again... for all eternity! That's our inheritance and reward :)

May we be patient and long-suffering... keeping to his commands of righteousness and learning to be faithful to our Lord and Saviour. Stirring each other onward and pointing always toward Christ. For in the light of eternity, the narrrow gate and hard way leads to life eternal...

[13]"Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. [14]For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few."

Matt 7:13,14 (ESV)

Wonderful Merciful Saviour

2006-06-18T14:16:00.000+08:00

There aren't many songs (to my knowledge at least) which focus on man's state of helplessness and the grace & work of God. Too many are written on a works-based, music-focused theology.

I echo the words of Geoff Bullock when he says, "Worship has nothing at all to do with what we have done and everything to do with what God has done... worship is an identification with brokeness, and a realisation that our strength comes not from what we have done but only from what God has done for us, and so we live our lives in response." (taken from 'the BRIEFING', Apr 29, 1999)

Therefore, I welcome songs which look at who God is and strip it down to look at who we actually are. "Wonderful Merciful Saviour" is one of those songs and I was reminded of it this morning.

Wonderful Merciful Savior

Wonderful, merciful Savior
Precious Redeemer and friend
Who would have thought that a lamb could
Rescue the souls of men
Oh, You rescue the souls of men

Counselor, Comforter, Keeper
Spirit we long to embrace
You offer hope when our hearts have
Hopelessly lost the way
Oh, we hopelessly lost the way

~Chorus~
You are the one that we praise
You are the one we adore
You give the healing and grace
Our hearts always hunger for
Oh, our hearts always hunger for

Almighty, infinite Father
Faithfully loving Your own
Here in our weakness You find us
Falling before Your throne
Oh, we're falling before Your throne

Wonderful, merciful, saviour, precious, redeemer, friend, lamb, rescuer, counsellor, comforter, keeper, hope, almighty, infinite, father, faithful... these are the adjectives that are used to describe and glorify our God Almighty in this song. Is this list exhaustive? I certainly hope not!

Question is, do we take the time to praise God for who He is and not only for what He has done? To marvel and glorify His attributes? I think that when we do, we'll realise that our finite and limited languages aren't enough to describe our King and Lord.

And as we do that, we'll realise that there is only one response and posture that seems befitting... on our knees, falling before Him. Understanding and accepting our brokeness, realising the darkness of sin, the frailty of our mortality and the inability of our actions to appease our just God.

For we worship a Wonderful, Merciful Saviour.

P.S. I have the song for those who want it

Faithful Friend

2006-06-16T10:49:00.000+08:00

Lovely song... Reminds us of how we should treat our brothers and sisters in-Christ... as I was reminded of recently ;)

I pray that that we'll be that kind of friend to all and that God will bless you with that kind of friendship... the same way that He has blessed me :)

Faithful Friend
(Twila Paris & Steven Curtis Chapman)

Everyone knows you as a man of honor
I am glad to know you simply as a friend
You've always taken time to be my brother
And I'll be standing by you in the end

But I will never put you on a pedestal
I thank the Lord for everything you do
I'll be there to pray for you and for the ones you love
I believe that He will finish all He started in you

I will be an open door that you can count on
Anywhere you are, anywhere you've been
I will be an honest heart you can depend on
I will be a faithful friend

I am one of many whose path has been made clearer
By the light you've carried faithfully as a warrior and a child
God has used you greatly to encourage and inspire
And you've remained a true friend all the while

So I will never put you on a pedestal
'Cause we both know all the glory is the Lord's
And I'll be there to pray that He will keep you by His grace
And I always will remind you to be seeking His face

I will be an open door that you can count on
Anywhere you are, anywhere you've been
I will be an honest heart you can depend on
I will be a faithful friend

Should it ever come your time to mourn
I will weep with you
And every single time you win
I'm celebrating too
I will celebrate with you

I will be an open door that you can count on
Anywhere you are, anywhere you've been
I will be an honest heart you can depend on
I will be a faithful friend, I will be faithful
I will be a faithful friend

red=Twila Paris
blue=Steven Curtis Chapman
green=Deut

P.S. I have the mp3 if you want it :)

The Greatness of our Lord II

2006-06-14T04:01:00.000+08:00

The previous post looked at the greatness of our God in the awesome, the breathtaking. Who doesn't love a glorious sunrise? :)

Now though, these flowers display the intimate nature and intricate creativity of our Lord :) I can just imagine our Father taking a stroll through Eden with Adam showing him every single flower, explaining to him the little wonders of this planet earth; of the garden Adam was to lovingly tend.

I thank God that I had the oppurtunity to appreciate my Creator God in both the majestic and the familiar. May I continue to take more of these instances to catch glimpses of God in what He has made; and to further praise Him, knowing that all these came about through his spoken word.

The Greatness of our Lord

2006-06-12T19:03:00.000+08:00

Its been a long time since I last blogged but I'm back :) To earmark a new season of blogging, I'm opening with this picture of a sunrise I took in Cameron Highlands. As I'm still in the midst of my exams, blogging will be slow-going for a while... check back for more as time passes :)

The blurry life of the past 2mths

2006-01-03T17:15:00.000+08:00

Life's been a blur these past 2 months! From the last time I blogged....

14/11-29/11... Preparation for my India trip(I was in church virtually everyday prior to departing!)

30/11-13/12... India(It was a TIRING trip... but I thank God for his sustenance)

14/12-24/12... Recuperation from India, Rushing through Christmas cards, shopping, Preparation for Christmas service, catching up on emails, etc.... (save for the 14th, I was out every day!)

25/12-31/12... Preparation for Watchnight service (first time I was chairing the organisation comm & I was leading the service as well)

1/1-2/1... Young Adults Ministry(YAM) leaders reflection & planning retreat (it was an honest time of sharing, unifying our vision & practising gospel-living)

And here I am, finally having a breather to reflect on the past year and the new year...

And yes, I am still thinking of a new motto for this year. Or should I just keep my old one:
sup specie aeternitatis (in the light of eternity)? *thoughtful*

Thanksgiving

2005-11-14T09:47:00.000+08:00

"Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;for his steadfast love endures forever! "

1 Chronicles 16:34

"I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds. "

Psalm 9:1

"giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ"

Ephesians 5:20

"And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."

Colossians 3:17

"give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."

1 Thessalonians 5:18

As you can see from the few verses that I've quoted above (all verses from the ESV-English Standard Version), I really wanna give thanks to our mighty, awesome, gracious, just and steadfast God :)

I woke up Sat morning feeling fine. However, by Sat afternoon I uncharacteristically had no appetite for lunch. (anyone who knows me well enough would be surprised :p). But I still attempted to eat something and accompanied Mum for lunch at the foodcourt near our house (she wasn't feeling too good too and stayed home to rest). I picked at 4 dumplings and told Mum that I couldn't take another bite... though I didn't wanna worry her in saying that I was feeling a little nauseous too. The cat got out of the bag though when on the short walk home, I had to do a "merlion" (vomiting to the uninitiated :p) twice. It wasn't a pretty sight.

Getting home, I knew I needed sleep. My head was throbbing and I felt a little chilly. The only catch was that I was only halfway through preparing for that afternoon's Bible Study with the Young Adults and we were venturing into the theological minefield of 1 Cor 14 that day. What was on my mind too was my music practice that same evening for my Worship Service Chairing on Sunday morning. Mum told me not to go for Bible Study and to stay home and rest but I told her that I'll see how things went. I popped 1 panadol and drifted into sleep. Woke up 2 hours later (didn't plan to sleep so long!) feeling slightly better but not all that great. However, I was determined to make it through the BS & practice. I said a short prayer and left for BS... all the while feeling a little guilty that I never really finished preparing for BS as well as I wanted.

The BS went off pretty OK though I still felt that I could have been better prepared (lesson to myself: prepare BS way, way in advance!) The unfortunate thing was that as the BS wore on, I was starting to have a fever and by the time BS ended (6pm++), I estimated that I was experiencing a 38degrees++ fever. Thank goodness Chee Ling(aka Sarah) had panadol with her (I foolishly forgot to bring some with me) and I popped 2 before going for dinner. I also felt encouraged greatly when both Jan and herself prayed for me.

Once again, I had no appetite for dinner and I just sat there while the others ate. Didn't have energy to talk too. On the way back to church for my music practice, Simon saw me in my most unflattering of moments as I "merlioned" 3 times. However, I immediately felt better after that and music practice went on pretty well. That night as I lay on my bed before retiring for the night, I prayed this prayer...

"Heavenly Father, you know I need the rest so please grant me a good night's sleep. I don't know why this sudden ailment has come upon me but I know most of all that You have allowed it. Please sustain me through tomorrow's chairing as I know you would... for finding a replacement at this last, last minute might only seek to disrupt tomorrow's service. Honour my service to you and may it be pleasing in your sight. Amen."

With that, I slept.

Woke up early Sunday morning doing my pre-Chairing practice of prayer, scripture-reading and mental rehearsals. I was feeling ok dispite the fact that I puked once that morning too. After which, I took some anti-vomitting medication and took 2 'pao's for breakfast. With that, I thanked the Lord that He brought down my fever, committed the day to Him in prayer and left for church.

In God's wonderful mercy, I felt good throughout the service (albeit the slight feeling of lethargy) and most of all, he sustained me throughout the whole day! For lunch, I was able to finish a whole bowl of fishball 'mee-kia' and for dinner, another whole bowl of macaroni soup :) and all this without any medication at all! And when I woke up this morning, the uneasy feeling in my stomach was gone... though I am gonna stay off milk for a couple more days.

At the end of it all, this was indeed God's healing at work. My humble opinion is that when we have a job to do for God, stick with it all the way. More often than not, we back out at the first sign of suffering and trouble. However, dear friends, perservere and our God will work miraculously and wonderfully :) And after everything, never fail to give thanks and to use these testimonies to encourage others as I hope that this experience of mine will :)

Hallelujah!

Quote of the Day

2005-10-27T11:22:00.000+08:00

"It's better to burn out than rust out for Christ"

A simple pleasure in life

2005-10-26T16:57:00.000+08:00

I don't know about you, but I love going to the barber. Its kinda... theraputic and relaxing for me :p

Hehe... why? Well, I just find sitting in a comfy chair, closing my eyes (with my 700+ degrees for both eyes, there's no difference even if I opened them!) and letting someone do all the work somewhat pamapering :) Yes, call me wierd but I also enjoy the gentle humms of the electric shavers, the lightning-fast snipping of the scissors and the smell of the icy-cold shaving cream wafting through the air :p At the tail-end of the hair cut, I anticipate with glee the 10sec or so of hot air from the hair-drier, coupled with the barber running a brush through my hair whilst massaging my scalp.

For that short 20min, stress just ebbs away...

Wierd? I call it a simple pleasure in life ;)

Sentimentalism

2005-10-19T19:29:00.000+08:00

Are you a sentimental person? I know I am.

'Sentimental', as defined by the Merriam-Webster dictionary is:
1a. "marked or governed by feeling, sensibility, or emotional idealism" and
1b. "resulting from feeling rather than reason or thought"

I first thought about this when I was reading a friend's blog... and I was thinking about how the Cross of Calvary is often sentimenalised. About how its dramatized into a overwhelmingly rich and powerful self-sacrificial love story that overstimulates our senses and pulls at our heartstrings.

I'm not implying in any way that the Cross isn't about love and I'll be the first to shout out that the love of God has touched me deeply in ways that my limited vocabulary cannot express. The Cross IS about love. However, I will also be the first to shout out that its more than that.

Sadly, sentimentalism has numbed our zeal for true knowledge and reduced us to people who react only to the latest fad or experience.

Paul the apostle recognised this danger of over-sentimentalism and therefore prayed this prayer in Philippians 1:9-11...
"⁹And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, ¹⁰so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, ¹¹filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God."

Paul prayed that the Philippian's love may abound more and more with knowledge and all discernment. He didn't want the Philippian's love for one another to just be the sentimental, love-ballad, romeo-and-juliet kinda love. He wanted their love to be the original 1 Corinthians 13 kinda love (sad that 1 Cor 13 is often reduced to a sentimental passage to be read during weddings... sheesh..) As stated here, their love was to be bolstered and reinforced by knowledge and discernment. Don't just feel... think! This isn't to say that Paul was a cold, hearless human being. On the contrary, Philippians is the most heartfelt and personal letters that Paul ever wrote! (and personally, that's one of the reasons why its one of my favourite books in the bible... now you know why I'm a sentimental person :p) And why the need for this love? So that they might do what's excellant, to be pure and blameless till the day of Christ (v10).

Besides the Cross and Love, Fellowship has often been sentimentalised too. How? I won't elaborate but ultimately, true fellowship sources from partnership in the gospel. And being partners in the gospel is often more about work than enjoyment. Its about labouring on despite the tough circumstances, its about the self-sacrificial support that you need to provide for your brothers and sisters, its about suffering for the sake of Christ. Blood, sweat and tears... that's partnership in the gospel.

So is there any room for sentimentalism? Of course there is... Being sentimental is what gives that spark in a romance, its often the thing that puts that smile on our faces. But sentimentalism doesn't give rise to love... nor does it lead to joy.

Love comes from knowing our Heavenly Father. Not an intellecutual stimulatation, but an intimate knowledge of his character. Joy comes from seeing fruit that results from the fellowship of believers participating in the work of gospel, united in proclaiming the name of Christ... till He comes again.

sub specie aeternitatis

Righteousness

2005-10-17T08:40:00.000+08:00

During the sermon yesterday, I was embarrassed to say that I had no idea how the Mandarin character above is read :p (though to those who know me well, it doesn't come as a surprise at all ;p in fact, it would come as a greater surprise if I did know how to read the word!)

Anyway, the mandarin word above means 'Righteouness' and from the diagram above, it further consists of 2 words--Lamb & I. In summary, the Mandarin character for righteousness suggests that righteousness isn't really about doing what's "right". Ultimately, righteousness is submitting and surrendering to the Lamb--Jesus Christ :)

Intersting yeah? ;)

^"20But that is not the way you learned Christ!-- ²¹assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus, ²²to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, ²³and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, ²⁴and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.

²⁵Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another. ²⁶Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, ²⁷and give no opportunity to the devil. ²⁸Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need. ²⁹Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. ³⁰And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. ³¹Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. ³²Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you."

Ephesians 4:20-32 (ESV)

Now, if you have noticed, I have not revealed how the Mandarin character in question is read ;) Hehe... well, 'Righteousness' in Mandarin is read as... *drumroll*... yì :)

Now, be honest here, how many of us knew how the word is read before explanation? ;p

Dear God...

2005-10-13T08:45:00.000+08:00

Not sure how many of you received, via email, this reel of pictures containing what kids would write to God about... And I must say that some of them are indeed hilarious! Kids really say the darnest things! ;) Below are some of my favourites... enjoy!

Dear God...

"... I went to this wedding and they kissed right in front of the church. Is that okay?"
-Neil

"... thank you for the baby brother but what I prayed for was a puppy"
-Joyce

"... please put another holiday-- between Christmas and Easter. There's nothing good in there now"
-Ginny

"... maybe Cain and Abel wouldn't kill each other so much if they had their own rooms. It works with my brother."
-Larry

"... I want to be just like my Daddy when I get big but not with so much hair all over"
-Sam

"... We read that Edison made light but in Sunday School they said you did it. So I bet he stole your idea."
-Donna

"... I bet it is very hard to love all of everyone in the world. There are only 4 people in our family and I can never do it."
-Nan

Purity (Ruth 3)

2005-10-12T08:46:00.000+08:00

See the cute animal on the left? Its called an Ermine. Part of the weasel family.

And legend has a very interesting tale about this cute animal.
The ermine isn't usually white but it turns that colour in the winter to better camouflage itself in the temperate climates where it lives. When white however, the ermine treasures its coat so much that it'll rather die than see itself soiled. Hunters used this characteristic of the ermine to better hunt it down. They would dirty the entrance of the ermine's burrow with soil, dirt and the like. Therefore, when the ermine races back to its burrow to seek refuge and safety, it'll stop short at the entrance, stand there stunned at its dirty home and refuse to enter. That's when hunters swoop in to make the kill.

This legend (no real scientific record of it being totally true) made the ermine a symbl of purity in the 15th & 16th century.

This quality of purity is vast lacking in the world today. And I'm referring purity in all senses of the word, not only in the sexual sense (though this aspect of purity is most often abused). I mean, with movies like the 40 year-old virgin and a slogan like "Better Late Than Never", it does display about how the world view sex and purity. And if you're saving your virginity for your marriage, well... that's being viewed as cutely naive.

The Bible's view on purity is of course totally different. And both Ruth and Boaz display this quality in their interaction in Ruth 3. Personally, Boaz displayed tremendous righteousness when he literally pushed away a lady who "came on to him". This might not be the main theme of Ruth, but it was something that I was really reminded about.

How we as Christians should learn to be pure in all that we do. We've been bought at a price. And by that, we're now righteous in God's eyes. Will we belittle the work of the Cross by choosing temporary ecstasy than eternal purity? (and this applies to both mind and actions). I end of with this famous and well-used passage:

^"7Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; ⁸for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come... ¹¹Command and teach these things. ¹²Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. "

1 Timothy 4:7-8, 11-12

23 years of God's faithfulness

2005-10-03T12:08:00.000+08:00

23 years of God's faithfulness. Thank you dear Father :)

And... I love this song...

The Birthday Song
Corrine May

Don't worry about that extra line
That's creeping up upon your face
It's just a part of nature's way to say you've grown a little more
Trees have rings and thicker branches
Kids shoes get a little tighter
Every year we're getting closer to who we're gonna be
It's time to celebrate the story of how you've come to be

Happy Birthday, my friend
Here's to all the years we've shared together
All the fun we've had
You're such a blessing
Such a joy in my life
May the good Lord bless you
And may all your dreams come true

So light a candle on your cake
For every smile you've helped create
For every heart and every soul you've helped to grow
A little more
A few more pounds, a little more grey
Don't count the years, just count the way
It takes a little time to go from water into wine
Don't ever lose the wonder of that child within your eyes

Happy Birthday, my friend
Here's to all the years we've shared together
All the fun we've had
You're such a blessing
Such a joy in my life
May the good Lord bless you
And may all your dreams come true

P.S. if you didn't get the link above, you can click here to listen to her entire 2nd album online. Enjoy :)

Ruth 2

2005-09-25T20:30:00.000+08:00

The story of Ruth just gets better and better… if you count the number of times that “chance” comes into the picture, then Ruth is kinda like the “queen of TOTO” :p

First off, Ruth 2:3… “So she set out and went and gleaned in the field after the reapers, and she happened to come to the part of the field belonging to Boaz,”. “…happened to come…”?? Come on! In all the fields of Israel, Ruth just happened to stumble by accident into the field of Boaz?? *eyes rolling*

Secondly, Ruth 2:3b… “… belonging to Boaz, who was the clan of Elimelech”. Wow, this Boaz, whose field Ruth “happened to stumble into”, was a relative of Elimelech, Ruth’s Father-in-law. Absolutely amazing…

Thirdly, Ruth 2: 4a… “And behold, Boaz came from Bethlehem…” This kinda gives you the impression of a magic trick of sorts… ‘And behold, I shall now make this rabbit disappear!” Similarly, “And behold, Boaz came from Bethlehem”. Come on… Boaz just so happened to come back from a trip to Bethlehem on the exact same day that Ruth “accidentally” happened to stumble upon his field?

With “luck” like that, Ruth should really have just bought TOTO, won $10mil and lived happily ever after with Naomi.

All these coincidences finally got through to Naomi and she finally understood what was going on. This was her response after Ruth told her of the day’s events…“And Naomi said to her daughter-in-law, "May he be blessed by the LORD, whose kindness has not forsaken the living or the dead!" [Ruth 2:20] Contrast this with the Naomi of Chapter 1. Naomi finally looked past her past and saw instead the goodness of her God, Yahweh. Not to say that God’s goodness comes only in the positive things in life, but I think Naomi better realized the sovereignty of God and his providence to all His people.

This is the same sovereignty that permeates to every nook and cranny of my life. The sovereignty that chose me to be His child and knows the day and hour of my final breath. Also, this is the same providence that not only works at the level of the miraculous, but also in the very mundance routines of life. A "veiled" providence so to speak.

The response that comes from knowing such a God? Total and Absolute worship. A God whom we should run to, that we might take refuge under His wings. Hallelujah :)

Quote of the Day

2005-09-21T16:23:00.000+08:00

"When we're hurting deeply, so often what we need is not so much an explanation from God, but a Revelation of God"

Ruth 1

2005-09-19T21:21:00.000+08:00

I’ve been studying Ruth in BSF, a book that I haven’t really studied in depth before. BSF lessons, coupled with online sermons from Chris Chia & John Stott, really taught me a lot… and I’m only at Ruth 1! Waiting in anticipation for what God wants me to learn from the next the 3 chapters :)

On a more serious note however, there is a lesson from Ruth 1 that spoke to me more directly.

[20] She said to them, (the whole town) “Do not call me Naomi; call me Mara, for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me. [21] I went away full, but the LORD has brought me back me empty. Why call me Naomi, when the LORD has testified against me and the Almighty has brought calamity upon me?

Ruth 1:20,21 (ESV)

Firstly, something positive about Naomi— despite all that negativity she voiced out, she still recognized the sovereignty of God and addressed Him as Shaddai or Almighty. Tough times or good, let us never forget that God is GOD. He is worthy of ALL worship and forever sovereign. It’s HIS will that matters, and He’ll see to it that things go HIS way.

Back to Naomi… no doubt about it, her life in Moab was terrible, hopeless, a dead end. She lost her husband and 2 sons. All she had left were 2 daughters-in-law. What happened was tragic to say the least and yes, she needed her space to mourn for the death of her beloved. But when she was back in Israel, back to her God Yahweh, her eyes weren’t focused at what lay ahead. She was still pre-occupied with what she lost. A new hope (pardon the borrowed term from Star Wars :p) was set before her by God’s grace and instead of looking to see what God had in plan for her, she moped about what God took away.

And that was when I sat up and took notice. We’ve all dealt with loss before—in all its forms. And one thing’s for sure, its never easy. But Naomi’s attitude was based on self-centeredness instead of being grounded in godliness. The question of the moment: Was/Am I having this same attitude?

When God deals us a “bad hand”, do we mope and cry foul? Do we refuse to lift our eyes from the temporal because we want to wallow in our own filth and self-pity? Do we still look within instead of looking up to heaven, to eternity, to the gospel? Haven’t we learnt that it’s all grace? God disciplines because He loves (Heb 12:6), He judges to save us from condemnation (1 Cor 11:32). All is due to His unending grace.

Life is about learning. Change isn’t automatic for we’re still sinners. However, even as we grow a little older every year, let us learn to grow in wisdom too. Wisdom to know that the past is to mould, the present is to apply and the future is to hope.

Propitation

2005-09-12T10:30:00.000+08:00

I used a big word yesterday--Propitiation.

Yes, say it with me.... prO-"pi-shE-'A-sh&n :p Anyway, I didn't say that it was a big word, pastor did. His sermon was from 1 Jn 1:5-2:2 and I was leading the Singspiration part of the Worship Service. My theme was simply this: Jesus Christ, the propitiation for our sins taken from the last verse of his sermon passage, 1 Jn 2:2.

"He is the propitiation for our sins, and not only for ours only, but for the sins of the whole world".

1 Jn 2:2 (ESV)

I also meditated on Rom 3:23-26 during my preparation.
"[23] for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, [24] and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, [25] whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God's righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. [26] It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus."

And here, I wanna give a short explanation on why I prefer to use the word 'Propitiation' (used in the ESV & NASB) instead of the one used in the NIV--'Atoning Sacrifice', or the one in the RSV--'Expiation'.

Definitions: (quoted from the Oxford Dictionary of Current English)
Atonement -- make amends (for a wrong)
Expiation -- pay the penalty for or make amends for (wrong doing)
Propitiation -- appease (an offended person)
[appease--to satisfy]

The first 2 words, 'atonement' & 'expiation' basically mean that someone has to make amends or to pay the price for something that someone did wrong. That's fine and dandy but if you notice, nothing in both words really describes well what that wrong doing was. In the NIV, 'sacrifice' is added to 'atoning' to indicate that something valuable and precious had to be given up to make ammends.

Which brings us to 'propitiation'. This word is different as compared to the other two. Simply spelt out, it speaks of mending the relationship with that someone who's angry by something you did. This brings out a new dimension that someone, somewhere is angry. And in the context of the Bible, 'propitiation' paints a clear picture that God is angry with us. Why? Sin. Sin absolutely repulses God. Sin absolutely disgraces God's holy name. In fact, from Rom 3:23 (look above), sin is to "fall short of God's glory". Therefore, angry is too... mild a word to begin describing God's attitude toward sin. Rather, the word 'Wrath' is used to describe this strong, holy, divine anger that God has toward sin.

Therefore, 'Propitiation' brings forth the point that God's wrath is against all man because of how they have desecrated his glory. And God's holiness, justice and righteousness disallows sin to be let off scot-free. (I mean, come on... if God lets sin pass by patting your knee and saying to you, "It's all right, I'm sure you won't do it the next time..." or "You didn't mean it right?", what kind of God will He be? Surely not a god that demands our total allegiance and worship) So, the wrath of God which was toward all man had to be averted. And this aversion is found in the death of Jesus Christ.

In a nutshell, this is propitiation: God averting his wrath toward man through the death of His Son.

Lessons from "The Chronicles of Narnia"

2005-08-15T11:31:00.000+08:00

I've been reading "The Chronicles of Narnia" by C.S.Lewis as casual reading and boy does it bring different insights this time round...

For those who are not sure what I'm talking about, "The Chronicles of Narnia" is a series of 7 fantasy books which C.S.Lewis wrote specifically for children. Incorporated in these 7 books are many allusions to Christian ideas and aspects of Christian living. But instead of calling them allegorical, C.S.Lewis prefers to address the Christians aspects of these books as "suppositional". Whatever the case, as a Christian reading these books after many years, I was indeed refreshed by both the mystical and wonderful world of Narnia, as well as the lessons learnt from each individual book.

If you haven't read the books before, I suggest starting out with "The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe" first. Why? 2 reasons... (1) Disney is releasing the movie version this December, and (2) C.S.Lewis intended it to be read as the first book as it introduces the most important aspect of the world of Narnia... and ours as ell.

Anyway, I'm now at the "Silver Chair" and the plot, in a nutshell, is about 2 children on a task to save a prince under the spell of an evil witch.

Without overspiritualising anything, I think I've picked up on one of the aspects of Christian living that C.S.Lewis wrote about. In the book, Aslan (an image of Christ) sent Jill Pole on the mission with these words: "But, first, remember, remember, rememeber the Signs. Say them to yourself when you wake up in the morning and when you lie down at night, and when you wake in the middle of the night. And whatever strange things may happen to you, let nothing turn your mind from following the Signs. " The Signs were 4 guiding points that Aslan gave Jill to help her in the quest of searching for the lost Prince of Narnia. (the heir to the throne) Predictably however, Jill lost the habit of repeating these Signs to herself. (due largely to both her personal pride and the many distractions on her journey) One of those distractions was simply the temptation of creature comforts, namely warm beds and hot soup. (this was a real temptation as their journey was filled with bland food and hard ground where they slept on)

Isn't Jill a lot like us? Where the guiding points in life are all mentioned in the Word of God, the Bible, and instead of meditating on it day and night (as we all must do) we forget and grow lazy. Coming up with excuses like, "Oh, due to mitigating circumstances.... blah, blah, blah..." Yes, we know that the Christian Walk is not an easy one but Christ, in all His grace and sovereignty, has already given us his word that He is always with us (Matt 28:20) and his word of instruction, the Bible.

So...

"[9] How can a young man keep his way pure?

By guarding it according to your word.

[10] With my whole heart I seek you;

let me not wander from your commandments!

[11] I have stored up your word in my heart,

that I might not sin against you.

[12] Blessed are you, O LORD;

teach me your statutes!

[13] With my lips I declare

all the rules of your mouth.

[14] In the way of your testimonies I delight

as much as in all riches.

[15] I will meditate on your precepts

and fix my eyes on your ways.

[16] I will delight in your statutes;

I will not forget your word."

Psalm 119:9-16 (ESV)

sub specie aeternitatis (in the light of eternity)

2005-08-03T08:32:00.000+08:00

I would like to use this entry to summarise the past months.

I was hurt badly. Not a physical hurt but a deep emotional and somewhat spiritual hurt.

On hindsight, it has been a rocky road... a very rocky road. But I know that ultimately, that's what God wanted for me. He knows me infinitely well to know that only a path of emotional turmoil and hardship would wake me up from my slumber. I'm NOT on the road to recovery. Nope. It would be more accurate in saying that I'm on the road of maturity. My experiences have opened my eyes to the ways of this world and to the ways of God. Not that I know a lot more, but that I've grown. And not that I've grown in mere intellectual knowledge, but that I've grown as person--a sinner saved by grace. And I've experienced it all firsthand, and thus am able to assist a fellow brother or sister who might fall into a similar situation.

I disagree with the phrase "Time heals all wounds". For to me, time merely covers them up. I had to learn this the hard way too. There were too many days where the solution to dispelling thoughts and actions was to merely distract myself with other less personal, less soul-piercing thoughts. But that's not healing. And though my ignorant mind understood this, my foolish heart still managed to tangle itself with these... complications. Healing, I learnt, also didn't involve pouring out your feelings and thoughts to others. Not that that wasn't helpful, but I first approached it with a wrong focus. I poured out these feelings and thoughts in the hope of releasing "psychological & emotional stress". Yeah, I know... that sounded so stupid and silly. But God knew that for me to truely learn, I had to take the high and bumpy road. Certain lessons in life are best learnt by living it rather than by being taught it. And I've finally learnt some of these lessons, with both my mind and my heart, as to what healing is about.

Healing begins with surrender. Surrender to the infinite God... Surrender begins with the realisation that its NOT about us finding/searching/looking for our purpose in life...

Surrender begins with discovering who God is.

It then continues with aligning oneself to God, to Christ, to the gospel.

It's not as easy as it sounds, for we're all still imperfect, striving to be Christ-like. Even now, I still feel the pain from the past. But this pain now acts as a reminder of what I've learnt, a reminder of things things I've experienced, a reminder of God's grace to me. And I'm profoundly grateful to Him for that.

I was once again reminded of a proper focus in life when I was studying 1 Cor 9 for Bible Study last Saturday. I end of with a quote from the 1 Corinthians portion of the "Bible Speaks Today" Commentary series... in the hope that we might learn from Paul's example, "Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ" (1 Cor 11:1):

"He(Paul) was living his daily life sub specie aeternitatis (ie. in the light of eternity), and that meant:

evangelism with integrity,
relationships with adaptability, and
personal holiness with single-mindedness."

sub specie aeternitatis

Give to God what is God's

2005-08-01T10:27:00.000+08:00

Went for a talk last Thursday. It was titled "When life has lost its focus" and the speaker was Ravi Zacharias.

He pointed to a famous passage in the Bible--the issue of paying taxes to Caesar found in Mark 12:13-17 (ESV)

Here, one can see that the focus of the Pharisees & Herodians was to trap Jesus (v.13) and not to sincerely inquire of the issue of taxes. And after this plan was orchestrared... oh the flattery! "you are true... not swayed by appearances... teach the way of God" (v.14) This wasn't praise at all! The hideousity of hypocrisy reared its ugly head.

And here, Ravi highlighted to us the profoundness of Jesus' response...

Christ asked the rhetorical question of who's likeness/portrait was on the coin? The wisdom of Jesus came in his next statement, "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's" (v.17 NIV)

One wonders why the Pharisees didn't follow up with the question of "What is God's?" till I understood what Jesus really meant. Give to Caesar what is Caesar's. The denarius reflected the likeness of Caesar; and to God what is God's. So on a similar note, what in this world reflects the likeness of God? When Ravi posed that question, he paused and there was silence all around the hall. The answer to that was understood.

Man reflects the likeness of God.

"...Let us make man in our image, after our likeness..." Gen 1:26

When I understood what Jesus was implying in his reply to the Pharisees' question, I knew why they were left speechless. It was a perfect 1-2 knockout punch.

And yet, their hearts were hardened. They suffered from a symptom that our society today suffers from as well--self-centredness. Man's value has clouded what is of real value--God's value. Jesus doesn't need us; we as sinners need Him! Caesar needed the money, the taxes, but God doesn't need us. In fact, he's estranged from us cos of all our sins! Then why did he mention "... to God what is God's"?

Grace.

"Grace is the pleasure of God to magnify the worth of God by giving sinners the right and power to delight in God without obscuring the glory of God."

John Piper (The Pleasures of God)

Jesus Christ brought divine grace into this world of sinners through the gospel. For He is the centre of this gospel and the exaltation of His glory is its driving force.

So, give to God what is God's... not because He needs it, but because glorifying Him is our privilege.

Hallelujah :)

Time

2005-07-26T21:36:00.000+08:00

Simple Riddle:

What's the one thing every person in the world has in equal share?
Ans: 24hrs in a day

Corny question, I know. But I think this question gives us a little insight into Man's pre-occupation with trying to "extend" and maximise that which everyone has in equal share--time.

In a world where "Time is Money" & "The early bird catches the worm", the people who can best squeeze out the most in 24hrs wins. Productivity and efficiency is a key word in any organisation--both secular and church. Technology is obsessed with speed--the faster, the better. And this is supposedly with the aim of helping businessess & consumers save time; though it doesn't really. "We live in an INSTANT society" was first thought up and used in the early 90s, though in the Spore of today and beyond, it might as well be changed to "We live in an INSTANTANEOUSLY-CONNECTED society" instead.

I havn't been blogging for close to 2 mths now and I praise God for all who were concerned for me and asked me how I was. Your care was an encouragement. The "sabbatical" that I took from blogging was a time for me to think about things. To think about the past, the present and the future. And I must say that it has been painful. However, it was a necessary step. To rethink, evaluate, reflect on Ministry, Emotions, People and Life.

I won't be able to share on all the words of Truth & encouragement that various people have shared with me. But I hope to highlight the famous passage in Ecclesiastes 3. I havn't read it in a while and it reminded me... take the necessary time to think. It's not "time out" or "time off"... its "time to grow". The passage once again made me rethink what Time really is--Oppurtunites to fear the Lord, to obey his commands (Eccl 12:13). "For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil" Eccl 12:14

That's what gospel-living is about. Christlikeness doesn't come in a day, a week or even a month. It's a long term process that sees us going through ups and downs. Times of discipline, times of mourning, tims of rejoicing.

As Full-time Christians, our primary concept of time shouldn't be that its a resourse which enables us to complete tasks and uphold 'deadlines'. No! Time should be viewed through the lenses of eternity, of the second-coming of Christ (concepts that time doesn't have a hold of). Its a gift; oppurtunities for us all to do what's right... to grow into maturity.

To end this blog (don't want it to be too long!), may these words from 1 Peter (a book that a dear friend pointed me to) encourage you and spur you on in Living for God and being Stewards of his Grace

"[1]Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, [2]so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God. [3]The time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do...
[7]The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. [8]Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. [9]Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. [10]As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: [11]whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies--in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen."

1 Pet 4:1-3, 7-11

2005-04-19T11:32:00.000+08:00

A shroud of loneliness and despair envelope my senses.
My God and Lord, why does Thou seem so far away?
Why does Thy Word not refresh?
Why so downcast O my soul?

Shadows loom around, they threaten to darken whatever little light that's still glowing.
My hands and feet hurt from chains that bind me. Chains that seem destined to bind me for life.
The burden on my back grows heavier and heavier--sadly, it doesn't seem to be cross-shaped.

What little strength I have ebbs away...

Someone once said I was an extremely emotional person. Too emotional. Another said I'm a person alive with passion. Whatever the case, the zest for life, for living, for running this race wanes... I end up going through the motions, the systems set out before me. Keeping busy for the sake of it. The crop of genuine smiles grows thin. Enthusiasm's boosted by the need for it, not something that stems from joy.

The Cross, the mighty Cross... I have disappointed my Lord.

This blog was an area where I hope I could encourage others. It was an area where my honest feelings and lessons learnt was shared. Now, as I know little of how to encourage... entries will cease to exist...

Obi-Wan Kenobi and Easter

2005-03-29T20:24:00.000+08:00

For those who read the Sunday Time's comics religiously (like I do), you'd have come across the Foxtrot comic strip. For those who didn't manage to read it, click here.

Chuckling at the strip and humourous as it was, it kinda reminded me of the urgent need for good, faithful, straightforward Bible teaching. This is a comic strip no doubt, but may our answers to those who ask us questions never be "The Bible came first" :p

"[4]Pray that I may proclaim it (the gospel) clearly, as I should. [5]Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. [6]Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

Col 4:4-6[NIV]

Also, its sad to some extent that Jason knows more about Obi-Wan Kenobi & Star Wars (I'm a fan myself) than the gospel. Exaggerated as it may seem, I personally think that there's its pretty true. Borrowing some terminology from John D.Woodbridge, there are many cultural Christians today and a lot fewer authentic Christians. Jesus himself warned about them in Matthew...

"[21]Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. [22]On that day many will say to me, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?' [23]And then will I declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.'

Matt 7:21-23 [ESV]

I've taken a seemingly grave tone from a mere comic strip but I assure you, I'm not condemning Foxtrot or comics as a whole. In fact, I think comics are an excellant way to destress and to take a step back to laugh at yourself and the world. :)

Rather, may we never be ignorant about the state of our world and rest on our laurels thinking that all is fine and dandy. May we understand that time is indeed of the essence and every oppurtunity that is given to us to share the gospel is indeed a gift and a blessing

Lastly, may we be prepared and equipped to even use Obi-Wan Kenobi as a launching pad to share the gospel

May the Force be with you

Via Dolorosa

2005-03-26T10:29:00.000+08:00

Via Dolorosa

Down the Via Dolorosa in Jerusalem that day

The soldiers tried to clear the narrow street

But the crowd pressed in to see

The Man condemned to die on Calvary

He was bleeding from a beating, there were stripes upon His back

And He wore a crown of thorns upon His head

And He bore with every step

The scorn of those who cried out for His death

Down the Via Dolorosa called the way of suffering

Like a lamb came the Messiah, Christ the King,

But He chose to walk that road out of His love for you and me.

Down the Via Dolorosa, all the way...

to Calvary.

The blood that would cleanse the souls of all men

Made its way to the heart of Jerusalem.

Down the Via Dolorosa called the way of suffering

Like a lamb came the Messiah, Christ the King

But He chose to walk that road out of His love for you and me

Down the Via Dolorosa, all the way...

to Calvary.

Visit this site, it has the actual song in audio and a wonderful flash presentation...
http://www.andiesisle.com/viadolorosa-highspeed.html

What does it all mean?

2005-03-22T21:09:00.000+08:00

Havn't blogged in a long while... while one reason's cos my com's been giving me immense trouble (continuous trouble for 2 whole weeks--I was tempted to buy a new laptop at IT show but decided to save the$) the main reason is cos I wonder what to blog about.

From the start, I wanted this blog to be a blessing. A place where I can share with others what God has taught me and the lessons I've learnt. And frankly, it seems that the past few weeks have been nothing but depressing.

Its not physicaly depressing. Nope, God has blessed me with enough in that aspect. Rather, I'm kinda down mentally and spiritually. After preaching, I realised that its really, really hard work. I now respect and admire those who do it week in and week out. After just one time, I feel exhausted at all the reading I had to do, all the preparation.

But the worst thing about everything is that... why does everything seem so academic? What has happened to the joy that I had when serving? When reading the Bible meant so much? When the Holy Communion was really a time I spent praying and thanking God with all my heart for what He has done for me. Why does it seem that the more head knowledge I obtain, the less I feel for my ministry. I mean, when I plow through the Bible, read commentaries, etc I feel glad that I'm able to share what I've learnt and read up with everyone else... but why is it that I don't feel joyful at what I'm learning? Is everything that I've learnt just head knowledge? Have I become so critical and cynical at things around me that my heart has turned cold?

But yet, that can't be cos I still feel and experience the different poles of emotions. Great sadness and joy fill my heart over many areas in my life. Though they all seem to lead back to the same road... but I won't dwell on that now. When ministry comes into the picture, it becomes academic and worst of all, I have become critical about everything. Why?? Why??

I really don't know. And though I know, in theory, that this is what the Lord wants me to go through, it doesn't feel that way. Too many negative thoughts, reactions and emotions seem to have clouded the way I see, think and feel.

The question that haunts me now is this: What does the gospel mean to me? I mean really... I don't want the gospel to merely be just a bunch of verses. The gospel should be so much a part f my life that I want to spend my life proclaiming this good news. The gospel should be so intertwined with my human nature and actions that every minute where I'm still breathing, my heart yells "Hallelujah! Praise the Lord!" But no... I have to say that it's not. It's something that I'm obliged to do... not something I'm compelled and hyped up to do.

The Cross... The Resurrection... this redemption plan... what does it all mean to me?

And why do I feel so lonely?

I've got some major thinking to do...

My first experience at preaching

2005-03-07T08:56:00.000+08:00

After a 2-week preparation, I gave my first sermon on Heb 1:1-3 yesterday during the youth service. Upon reflection, I do realise that my sermons leave a lot to be desired. However, I think I did OK. OK in the sense that I know that I was faithful to the gospel, preaching it faithfully, plainly and clearly :) However, what I would need to improve is to come up with more and better illustrations and examples to make my points :)

Really wanna thank God for all the things He has taught me from His Word as I read up on Hebrews :) Hallelujah!

P.S. for the youth who are reading, I would really appreciate the feedback ;) thanks!

Just growing...

2005-02-23T09:37:00.000+08:00

Today's the 15th day of the Lunar New Year, and it marks the end of Chinese New Year/Spring celebrations... which equates to no more visiting and hong pau's... oh well ;p There's always next year right? ;) hehe...

Been thinking about these 15 days of 'celebrations'. Nothing really special about them. Just that these days have a natural classification--"the 15 days of the New Year". Easier to remember them this way. And honestly, I encountered with "blogger's block" after last Wednesday. Yes, I know this sounds terribly silly to have "blogger's block" but I just did. I just sat there in front of the white screen and thought that I knew what I wanted to share with everyone. But no satisfactory words came. Hehe... oh well...

So, a whole load of tiny snippets in my life have just been accumulating this past week. But one question remained after it all... what kinda Christian am I? What kinda Christian will I be the next CNY?

Why this question? Well for one, I sat in at a Sunday School class (Kindergarten level) last sunday to see if this ministry was one where I could serve in. (The Sunday School Superintendant approached me and asked me to give it a go) And I must say I enjoyed myself pretty much :) The kids were really adorable and one word comes into mind--innocent. Yes, at that level, they are largely innocent of the world around them. From there, 1 Cor 14:20 came into mind...

"Brothers, do not be children in your thinking. Be infants in evil, but in your thinking be mature."

1 Cor 14:20.

In the context of 1 Cor 14 and the issue about tongues in the church, this verse was a real standout. In essence, Paul went down to the crux of his faith, what occupied his thoughts and motivated his actions-- The gospel. This, he explained in Chapt 15. And prior to 1 Cor 14, Paul talked about the greatest way in exercising one's gifts in Ministry... Love. (1 Cor 13). So, from 1 Cor 14:20, Paul exorted us to be mature in our thinking, in our understanding of the gospel. Also, he wants us to be infants, not children mind you, infants in evil...

Therefore, I was left thinking again... how am I as a Christian? Am I mature in my understanding of the gospel and do I strive to be like an infant in the area of evil?

I think that I am maturing, (note the continuous tense) in my understanding of the gospel. And I really thank God for all the people He placed in my life to sharpen my understanding. Special thanks to those who were guiding me 2 years ago, a time period that I can say was life-changing... you know who you are, thank you for being faitful in passing the good deposit to me :) Personally, I have A LOT MORE to learn and A LONG, LONG, LONG way more to go in this area of being mature in my thinking and actions but I know that my Lord is faithful, and that He'll lead me all the way.

Infants in evil... an even LONGER way to go. In this area however, I once again thank those who I hold myself accountable to and in giving me firm and wise advise in the different areas of life.

So, how am I as a Christian? I'm a growing one. Not grown, not fully mature... just growing. Also, I pray that I'll also be able to help others grow in their walk with Christ. In the meantime though, as I eagerly wait 30 days for Good Friday, 222 days for my 23rd birthday, 305 days for Christmas, 312 days for 2006, 352 days for CNY and an unknown number of day for the coming of Christ, I wanna grow... for I'm just growing and glowing for my Lord :)

Servanthood

2005-02-16T16:58:00.000+08:00

"For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake."

2 Cor 4:5

As many of my friends have already mentioned in their blogs, this should be the goal for ministry in the Church :)

When I was thinking about the above verse, what moved me more wasn't the first part, but more of the second.. "your servants for Jesus' sake".

Paul the apostle, this great man of God, didn't consider himself superior to both the Jews and the Gentiles. This man, for the sake of the gospel, identified himself as a servant towards the Corinthians. There was none of that, "Hey, I'm the one slogging in the sun out here, could you hurry up with the cup of water already!". He was dedicated to sharing and proclaiming the gospel to all he met... with words, with sweat and blood, with love. Here was a man who didn't just obey Christ for the sake of being faithful... he loved Christ with ALL his heart. And thus, he loved the people with ALL his heart as well. He spared no effort in encouraging his fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. As John Chapman taught from Acts 20:17-25, here was Paul's efforts in his Ministry...

"with tears and with trials that happened to me" (v.19)

"teaching you in public and from house to house" (v. 20)

"testifying both to Jews and to Greeks" (v. 21)

"for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish everyone with tears" (v. 31)

"these hands ministered to my necessities and to those who were with me" (v. 34)

Paul's strength didn't come from himself. Christ was his all in all. Paul's vision was aimed upwards, and as he mentioned in v. 24, "But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God."

"the gospel of the grace of God". This wonderful grace of God, made evident through the life of Christ our Lord... this King himself taught us to wash each other's feet, to serve one another as children of God.

Ministry ain't about leadership, its about proclaiming Christ and being a servant to your fellow Christians.

In my head now is the lyrics of one of my favourite hymns, Servant King. Will end off by typing the lyrics below. May we recognise the wonderful grace of God in our lives, and may we seek to not only constantly obey Him, but to constantly love Him and others as well.

The Servant King

From heaven you came, helpless babe

Entered our world, your glory veiled

Not to be served, but to serve

And give your life that we might live

chorus:

This is our God, the servant King

He calls us now to follow Him

To bring our lives as a daily offering

Of worship to, the servant King

There in the garden of tears

My heavy load He chose to bear

His heart with sorrow was torn

"Yet not my will, but Yours", He said

Come see His hands and His feet

The scars that speak of sacrifice

Hands that flung stars into space

To cruel nails surrendered

So let us learn how to serve

And in our lives enthrone Him

Each other's needs to prefer

For it is Christ we're serving

My tummy's favourite days

2005-02-14T09:42:00.000+08:00

Will take a break from sharing about what I've learnt from MM and share from the first few days of CNY (much like everyone else... how boring can I get? :p)

Anyway, due to my stupidity in not bringing a book and the fact that both my grandma's homes "magically" turn into gambling dens every Lunar New Year (the crackling of majong tiles and the shuffling of poker cards is still in my head), I was kinda left with wondering what to do with my time...

In the end, this is what I did for both days of CNY:

(i) watched cheesy and terribley dubbed afternoon Hong Kong movies on Channel 5 & 8 (imagine Jet Li speaking American! Sheesh!)

(ii) imagined myself to be sword-swinging Aragon and bow-wielding Legolas fighting off hideous orcs, trolls, the Witch King and Shelob in Lord Of the Rings:Return of the King on the X-Box (the most enjoyable activity this CNY actually! :p)

(iii) put on fat from all the pineapple tarts, bak kua, kweh bulu, cashewnut cookies, cock-zai, etc.... (no popcorn to accompany the cheesy matinees!)

(iv) collected ang pows (the cantonese have the tradition of giving them in pairs *wink*)

(v) pretended to be a big, bad monster trying to invade my young cousin's "fortress" of pillows and bolsters (I pity the beds...)

Lesson I've learnt from all of this? Bring a good book! And sadly, unless God-willing, CNY might not be the best time, in my extended family, to try to share the gospel as children are trying to "invest" their ang pows in tiles and cards; all in the effort to gain more dividends. Parents then are trying to cover the "losses" of giving out ang pows.

So far, I think my tummy enjoyed CNY the most ;p (not to mention that its growing bigger!)

At the end of the day though.......

I need to start running again... (running kaki anyone?)

Speak the Truth plainly

2005-02-08T15:51:00.000+08:00

John Chapman gave this very interesting story during his talk... (i'll try to be as accurate in my recall and interpretation as possible... and if I falter, please correct me. For best accuracy, go buy the cd-recording of his talks :p)

"There was once this evangelistic meeting I (John Chapman) went to and the pastor told me, 'Chappo, we have 25 counsellors ready for all the converts tonight' When I heard that,I was pressured. I mean... Old Bill (Billy Graham) averaged a 10% conversion rate and there were a lot less than 250 people in the room. How was I supposed to live up to that?!"

When I heard that story, I silently nodded. This was so true... we live in a world where results matter the most. Heard the phrase, "By hook or by crook, I want it done"? And I had to admit to myself that this mentality has crept into the Church... oh dear...

Which brings me to the second lesson I learnt...

"But we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways. We refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God's word, but by the open statement of the truth, we would commend ourselves to everyone's conscience in the sight of God"

2 Cor 4:2 [ESV]

This verse reminded me of what was REALLY important in Christian ministry-- Speak the truth plainly.

Do I practice cunning ways and tamper with God's word? Unfortunately... I think I have. You know how music soothes the soul? Well, it's true as psychologically speaking, music reaches out to Man on a sub-conscience level. And in a hands of a master, one could easily hypnotise a group to accept an ideology, simply by having conducive music in the background and communicating that ideology in a soothing "DJ" sorta voice. Emotions can be controlled by the person who has power over what is being played over the PA. And I have been guilty of doing that. (not that I have a "DJ" sorta voice :p)

However, this is not to say that music should be banned. Rather, music should be used to help propel the message of the gospel even further and to make it even clearer to all. The problem however, is that music can and has been used instead to cloud people's judgement on what the gospel really means. Intentionally or unintentionally.

John Chapman shared another story about how John Stott was preaching in India and in the middle of his preaching, he could feel that there was an emotional wave flowing through all who were present and listening. Stott then stopped, told everyone to stand up and stretch awhile before he continued.

John Stott broke the 'moment'. This can be described as one of the 'deadly sins' of a public speaker--to break the 'moment'. However, John Stott did it. Why? Cos he didn't want people to accept and understand the gospel on the backdrop of an emotional high. It wouldn't do them any good.

I feel that this all boils down to the fact that we all get so caught up and worried about HOW TO communicate the gospel that we don't realise that the power of the gospel, is the GOSPEL ITSELF. By trying so hard in fine-tuning the vehicle that is gonna carry the gospel, we fail to focus our attentions to fine-tuning our UNDERSTANDING OF the gospel. And in doing so, harsh as it may sound, we have already turned to disgraceful and underhanded ways...

I personally have tampered with God's Word by thinking that if the gospel is not presented in so and so a way, nobody will pay it any attention. This here is the foolishness of Man's thinking: that his wisdom is greater than God's wisdom-the gospel. What's more, we are not just told to merely avoid or stop all these disgraceful and underhand ways... we're told to renounce it.

Lesson I learnt? Strive to speak the truth (the gospel) plainly and clearly.

Now on a lighter note, please go and check out Yifen's blog. She has provided a real neat summary of some things she has learnt at MM, and I must say this... She is A LOT BETTER at summarizing things than me! :p

One more thing though... I've tried to be as clear as I can in as short a blog as possible and I really would tresure any feedback on my blogs ;)

Anyway, this here's another story that I'll leave everyone with and its about another pastor saying these words to John Chapman before he was to speak to his congregation...

"Preach Jesus Chappo, Preach Jesus."

Don't lose heart

2005-02-07T08:23:00.000+08:00

Life has kinda gone full circle in a sense. I wrote my first blog on last year's Project Timothy Bible Conference and now, I'm writing this entry, 45 posts and 11,000 words later, on this year's Project Timothy Ministry Matters Bible Conference ;)

It's interesting to note that the passage that encouraged and taught me the last Bible Conference was from 1 Cor. This time, one of the the passages was from 2 Cor ;p And it was taught by a very good and faithful Bible teacher/preacher, John Chapman. God sure has an interesting sense of humour ;)

In the days to come, I'll slowly outline the lessons I've learnt from the conference in the hope that it'll encourage anyone who reads this blog. For the first lesson though...

"Therefore, having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do not lost heart."

2 Cor 4:1 [ESV]

This verse came in at a very, very apt time for me. Discouragement in service is an easy thing to fall into. Personally, there were times where I felt alone. Alone in minisry, in service, in life. "Why, why, why?!" was the repeated question I shot up to God. However, God in all his grace and mercy, kept me sane through His Word and godly friends checking up on me. Despite all this, I guess deep down, I still felt lonely. And I definitely was losing steam in serving...

When John Chapman shared from this verse, I just sat in my seat stunned and speechless. I stared at my Bible, at this verse for a fairly long period of time. Though I was listening to what Chappo (his nickname) was preaching, this verse kept drumming through my mind... "having this minstry by the mercy of God..."

Mercy... the fact that I'm saved, that God chose me to me his servant, his instrument... thank you Lord Jesus, thank you. Thank you that despite all my terrible wrongdoings, my sin, my evil, you chose me. Christ, in all his goodness, WANTS to involve me in his ministry! Hallelujah! What a miracle! Why? To me, there's no logical explanation. I mean, God can do his work himself--he's powerful enough. But yet, He chose me to get involved. And Paul the apostle says there in that verse... "Therefore, having this ministry by the mercy of God, we DO NOT LOST HEART" Yes, though its only human to feel down and in the dumps, but we do not lost heart cos God saved us. God's gospel redeemed us from the pit of sin and death. And in the light of all that, we... DO NOT LOST HEART. (this set against the backdrop that Paul had every reason possible to lose heart... to know what he went through, read this).

God has given me this gospel. Saved me through it. And "his light shines in my heart to give me the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ"(2 Cor 4:6). And as a response...

"[7]But we have this treaure (look above) in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. [8]We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; [9]persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; [10]always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies."

2 Cor 4:7-10 [ESV]

Amen.

Quote for the day

2005-02-04T08:22:00.000+08:00

Looking forward to this weekend's Ministry Matters conference... thus, I'll be absent for church service Sunday morning. May the Lord also grant me wisdom to share what I'll learn from the conference

Memorable quote for the day:

"Grace isn't a license to sin, it's a license to repent"

Did Jesus rise from the dead?

2005-02-01T20:39:00.000+08:00

I just finished reading "The Case For Christ" by Lee Strobel. Excellant book, for both Christian and non-Christian alike.

And well, this excerpt is the bit that touched me the most. In context, Lee was interviewing Gary Habermas, PH.D, D.D. one of the world's leading theologians in the area of the Resurrection. Lee asked Gary about what he thought was the importance of the Resurrection of Christ and this was Gary's answer... (this may be a bit long, but it's really worth reading)

"I sat on our porch," he (Gary) began, looking off to the side at nothing in particular. He sighed deeply, then went on. "My wife was upstairs dying. Except for a few weeks, she was home through it all. It was an awful time. This was the worst thing that could possibly happen."

He turned and looked straight at me (Lee). "But do you know what was amazing? My students would call me--not just one but several of them-- and say, 'At a time like this, aren't you glad about the Resurrection?' As sober as those circumstances were, I had to smile for two reasons. First, my students were trying to cheer me up with my own teachin. And second, it worked.

"As I would sit there, I'd picture Job, who went though all that terrible stuff and asked questions of God, but then God turned the tables and asked him a few questions.

"I knew if God were to come to me, I'd ask only one question: 'Lord, why is Debbie up there in bed?' And I think God would respond by asking gently, 'Gary, did I raise my Son from the dead?'

"I'd say, 'Come on Lord, I've written several books on that topic! Of course he was raised from the dead. But I want to know about Debbie!"

"I'd think he'd keep coming back to the same question-- 'Did I raise my Son from the dead?' 'Did I raise my Son from the dead?'-- until I got his point: the Resurrection says that if Jesus was rasied two thousand years ago, there's an answer to Debbie's death in 1995. And do you know what? It worked for me while I was sitting on the porch, and it still works today.

"It was a horrible emotional time for me, but I couldn't get around the fact that the Resurrection is the answer for her suffering. I still worried; I still wondered what I'd do raising four kids alone. But there wasn't a time when that truth didn't comfort me.

"Losing my wife was the most painful experience I've ever had to face, but if the Resurrection could get me through that, it can get me through anything. It was good for 30 A.D., its good for 1995, its good for 1998, and its good beyond that."

Habermas locked eyes with mine. "That's not some sermon," he said quietly. "I believe that with all my heart. If there's a resurrection, there's a heaven. If Jesus was raised, Debbie was raised. And I will be someday too.

"Then I'll see them both."

Strobel, L. 1998, The Case for Christ, pp 326-327, Zondervan, Michigan.

2005-01-27T16:47:00.000+08:00

Another touching scene of "goodbyes" in the Bible... notice that despite the grave situation, what Paul's last words to the Ephesian Elders were...

Acts 20:17-38

Goodbyes

2005-01-27T08:32:00.000+08:00

I'm lousy at goodbyes. Period.

To me, there's never a right way to do them. Is the "turn-around-and-never-look-back" approach the best way to contain the floodgates? Or is the "talk-and-share-till-the-cows-come-home" method better? (the one where you share with each other what the other person means to you, how much you'll miss him/her, etc... and at the end of the day, you have to be dragged apart) Or should the tackless, but highly effective, "Last-call-and-I-really-need-to-go-in-now...I'll-call-when-I-get-there" kind of goodbye be employed to save tissues.

I've experienced all the 3 approaches above and lemme tell you... I don't like all of them. Then again, I never liked goodbyes in the first place. Especially the kind which involves someone/s whom you really cherish and love.

All that pondering reminded me of Paul's (the apostle) experience of goodbyes. I flipped to an epistle I just studied-- 1 Thessalonians, and there lay words that spoke of Paul's deep affection for the Thessalonians and the anguish he felt when he had to leave them.

"But, brothers, when we were torn away from you for a short time (in person, not in thought) out of our intense longing we made every effort to see you."

1 Thess 2:17 [NIV]

From here, Paul used really strong words to describe how he felt about his parting with the Thessalonians. They were very dear to him and Paul treated them like like they were his children. (1 Thess 2:11,12) In fact, Paul described them as being his hope, glory, joy and crown of boasting! (1 Thes 2: 19,20) However, what mattered to Paul in the end wasn't the physical distance between him and the Thessalonians. What mattered most to Paul was their faith and spiritual growth. And though he couldn't go visit them personally to encourage them, he sent another close brother-in-Christ, Timothy... and this was what Paul said when Timothy came back with a good report...

"[7]Therefore, brothers, in all our distress and persecution we were encouraged about you because of your faith. [8]For now we really live, since you are standing firm in the Lord."

1 Thess 3:7,8 [NIV]

Wow...

So finally, to whoever may be finding parting and goodbyes difficult, take heart! Its normal to feel sad ;) However, may we be focused on the right things in life. Though the physical distance apart will stretch the friendship a little, we're all united in Christ! :) And what's important is that we keep the other person in prayer, to pray for what's important:

"[12]May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. [13]May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones."

1 Thess 3:12-13 [NIV]

P.S. don't think pam has my blog addy... can phy or sam forward this blog entry to her? i hope it can encourage her :)

Where was God?

2005-01-24T08:51:00.000+08:00

Read this article by Andy Ho in the Straits Times on Sat. Though I don't quite agree with his last 2 lines, thank goodness for writers like him...

Jan 22, 2005
Where God was when the tsunami struck
By Andy Ho
Senior Writer

IT HAS been said that the most serious challenge to the belief in God was, is, and will continue to be the problem of evil, a question that has been bandied around quite a lot in the secular media after the Boxing Day tsunami. Some religious folks have tied themselves up in knots of self-doubt over this conundrum, called the problem of 'theodicy'.

Coined by German philosopher Gottfried Leibniz (1646-1716) from two Greek words - theos for God, and dike for justice - theodicy posits the question thus: If the all-powerful, all-knowing, and all-good God controls all of creation, he must also be the author of, and oversees, all evil too. Yet how can a good God permit evil?

The question engaged Leibniz so much that the first and the last book he ever penned, The Philosopher's Confession, written in 1672 at age 26, and The Theodicy, written in 1709, seven years before he died, both grappled with precisely that issue.

Leibniz argued that God was morally bound to create 'the best of all possible worlds'. But since evil exists, God must have seen that this was the best of all possible worlds to create.

My colleague, Chua Mui Hoong, writing in The Sunday Times ('Where was God when the tsunamis hit?', Jan 16), resolved it even more simply by declaring that God may well be omniscient and omnipresent, 'but I no longer think he is omnipotent'.

For her, God is limited by, first, man's free will and, secondly, by natural laws, such as those which decreed that when tectonic plates shift far enough in the right places, tsunamis inevitably follow.

Many incensed and obviously religious readers and colleagues have clamoured for a rebuttal. It was clear to many that, if ever there were a contest, surely God's will must override man's - or else he is a feckless deity not worth my time. It was also clear to many that if God put all natural laws in place, he could also suspend them at will - unless he is a weakling restrained by something he instituted.

Yet that is precisely why Mui Hoong says her God is less than all powerful. However, an imperfect God is not just a contradiction in terms, but also one who deserves no attention, though Mui Hoong still believes in him because she needs to, and because she 'see(s) God in my daily life'.

This is a mistake but she is in good company: Even Leibniz got it wrong when he said that God was morally bound to create the best out of a range of possible worlds, each one also good, so this one must be the best possible, warts and all.

Here, Leibniz put the cart before the horse: God did not choose this world because it is the best. Instead, it is the best just because God chose it.

Then there was David Hume (1711-76), the boldly sceptical Scottish philosopher, who argued that the pervasiveness of evil argues against the very existence of a benevolent God.

But even if Hume had unproblematically defined 'good', 'evil', and 'benevolent' - he didn't - the inference that a benevolent God will prevent all evil doesn't follow.

Hume assumed that a benevolent deity must, by definition, be benevolent to everything in his creation - every inanimate and animate thing, but especially each and every human being.

Must he?

Humeian logic betrays a man-centred view of things that is pervasive today even among religionists. But there is an equally good case for a God- centred view, that he makes all things work together for good, not for all his creatures, but only some whom he chooses so his will is worked out.

In this argument, it is God who decrees and brings to pass everything according to his will, for his own purpose and glory. If that makes God sound selfish and self-centred, think about a god who brings everything to pass for someone else's purpose and glory rather than his: That someone is necessarily a creature, like man, which would make that god an idolater who worships creatures. That cannot be.

In a view that everything is primarily about God - not man - the very existence of evil poses no insuperable problem to the believer. When the waves struck, God was where he always is - on his throne, working out his will, perfectly.

A hard saying, to be sure, but the unbeliever can choose not to deal with such a God.

For the believer, though, this is the God with whom he has to do.

Sentimental fool

2005-01-19T10:20:00.000+08:00

I'm a dupe for soppy songs, call me a sentimental fool for loving this one...

That's What Friends Are For

And I never thought I'd feel this way
And as far as I'm concerned
I'm glad I got the chance to say
That I do believe I love you

And if I should ever go away
Well then close your eyes and try
To feel the way we do today
And then if you can remember

Chorus:
Keep smiling, keep shining
Knowing you can always count on me, for sure
That's what friends are for
For good times and bad times
I'll be on your side forever more
That's what friends are for

Well you came in loving me
And now there's so much more to see
And so by the way I thank you

Oh and then for the times when we're apart
Well then close your eyes and know
The words are coming from my heart
And then if you can remember

{Chorus}

Dionne Warwick

God's will for my life?

2005-01-14T09:20:00.000+08:00

Practical and straight-to-the point message from 1 Thessalonians:

"[3] For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; [4]that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, [5] not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God; [6] that no one transgress and wrong his brother in this matter, because the Lord is an avenger in all these things, as we told you beforehand and solemnly warned you. [7] For God has not called us for impurity, but in holiness. [8] Therefore whoever disregards this, disregards not man but God, who gives his Holy Spirit to you. [9] Now concerning brotherly love you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another, [10] for that indeed is what you are doing to all the brothers throughout Macedonia. But we urge you, brothers, to do this more and more, [11] and to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you, [12] so that you may live properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one. "

1 Thessalonians 4:3-12 [ESV]

"[12] We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, [13] and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. [14] And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. [15] See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone. [16] Rejoice always, [17] pray without ceasing, [18] give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. [19] Do not quench the Spirit. [20] Do not despise prophecies, [21] but test everything; hold fast what is good. [22] Abstain from every form of evil.

1 Thessalonians 5:12-22 [ESV]

And in the context of 1 Thess?

That we might persevere while we wait for our Lord Jesus to come again.

Meet the Kuans

2005-01-11T10:52:00.000+08:00

Never knew that wedding planning can take a lot outta you... after 2 days of running around in a suit, I was totally exhausted the whole of Monday. Everywhere I went and everything I did was punctuated with a yawn or two. However, it was a joy to see my 2 dear friends tieing the knot :)

Won't go to great lengths to describe the wedding and wedding dinner... but I was thinking about these verses about marriage in 1 Cor 7...

"[3] The husband should give to his wife her conjugal rights, and likewise the wife to her husband. [4] For the wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does. Likewise, the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does."

1 Cor 7:3,4 [ESV]

For those who have a bit of time now, take a listen to these good sermons... they're the 'Pure Sex' series.

During this wedding, I also had to visit Song of Songs and read bits and pieces of it. And in this book is an incredibly beautiful description of the passion, love and sexual relationship shared between husband and wife.

At the end of the day, I pray for this new couple, Ben & Shiyin Kuan that they'll live their lives in a Christlike manner, enjoying all the privileges and carrying all the burdens of marriage together, with God as the centre of it all.

As for myself? May I learn to surrender all my passions to Christ, trusting that He knows what and who's best for me, in this journey called life.

It is Well with my soul

2005-01-03T11:58:00.000+08:00

During yesterday's service, this hymn came to mind... may the lyrics of this timeless hymn echo in our minds this year:

It is Well

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,

When sorrows like sea billows roll;

Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,

It is well, it is well, with my soul.

Refrain:

It is well, with my soul,

It is well, it is well, with my soul.

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,

Let this blest assurance control,

That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,

And hath shed His own blood for my soul.

My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!

My sin, not in part but the whole,

Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,

Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!

And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,

The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;

The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,

Even so, it is well with my soul.

Horatio G. Spafford, 1873

What a way to start the new year...

2005-01-03T10:51:00.000+08:00

2 Weddings and a tsunami...

What a way to start the new year...

Looking forward to the 2 weddings that I'm majorly involved in. The first one is this sat, yes this sat! Haha... the groom's kinda getting stressed out and he's passing his stress to his Best Men (I'm one of them) but hey, he's a fantastic friend and its his special day, so... tahan :p

The second is on the 22nd of Jan and now, I'm distributing his wedding invitation cards and getting him get the RSVP's too...

My mum was commenting just a few days ago that it seems like I'm getting married! But well, that's the 2 weddings bit... now, the tsunami...

Think enough's said. However, what Sumiko Tan wrote it in Yesterday's Sunday Times made me think... This piece of hers was a moving response to what happened but, does this response differ from that of a Christian?

And if its not much different, shouldn't that ring alarm bells in us? I mean, if nothing's different, then Christ just seems to be another morals-pushing, do-gooder who wants to make the world a better place. However, since Christ is more than that, then what's an appropriate response from a Christian? What should be different about a Christian's start to a new year?

I'm starting this new year with these questions in mind, will you ask yourselves these questions too?

Christmas is over... now to the new year

2004-12-28T11:05:00.000+08:00

In my last entry, I left off wondering if I was really such a pathetic, worthless creature. And that Christmas wasn't really about goodwill to all man, peace of earth, etc. Rather, the picture I was left with was one of gloom and sorrow, of hopelessness.

Because to me, this Christmas period (and the post-Christmas period too) has indeed been a season clouded with negativity. It wasn't a time of festive cheer or jubilant singing. To add on to that, the huge earthquake which triggered off towering tsunamis only added pain and loss to thousands. Many will be spending their new year ploughing through what's left of their belongings, looking for glimpses of hope where there might be none, grieving over the death of loved ones and wondering how life can go on... All of this brings a gloom to a traditionally "festive" period. Also, one's left humbled at the power of nature, of God's creation, of God's wrath.

Yes, Christmas doesn't begin with joy. It begins with recognising the pitiful state of humanity and knowing that hope doesn't lie in humanity itself. How can Man produce hope when everything in this world is subjetive? Heard of the phrase, "one man's meat is another man's poison"? Subjectivity has left us with grasping thin air, leaving us with nothing concrete, nothing trustworthy.

That's possibly one reason why new year resolutions seldom work. The hope of keeping at these resolutions just fades away with time. So what's left? What's absolute in this world?

Jesus Christ. His power, His righteousness, His love. His Birth, His Death, His Resurrection.

Therefore, in these closing days of 2004, should I look to the future or should I look to the past? Or should I just concentrate on the present? The answer to my questions, I have learnt, lie not in the time frame itself, but on the One who put me through those joys and hardships in those time frames.

So, yes I will look to the future--to the various oppurtunites God has placed in my path to glorify Him. And yes, I will look to the past--only to ask for forgiveness of my stupidity and to pray that I'll learn from them. And yes, I'll look at the present--taking each day at a time, worshiping Him and proclaiming the gospel in speech and in lifestyle.

Come 2005, come. A new year, new challenges but the same faithful God.

Christmas is over...

2004-12-26T17:04:00.000+08:00

Christmas is over. What next?

That seems to be the main theme in most of the comics in yesterday's Straits Times. And indeed, this question remains? What next? Continued partying? More drinking? Even more useless resolutions? And besides all of that, there is always the predictable "10/20/50 best ____ of 2004" or "10/20/50 worst _____ of 2004" lists in newspapers and magazines. (fill in the blanks yourself)

That's post-Christmas "traditions" for you.

This year, part of me wishes to put the whole year behind me and just look forward to the future. The other part of me wants to look to history, to think, to reflect... and if left uncontrolled, to wallow in self-pity. I often wonder if I'm the only one who feels this way or whether there are others like me out there?

Am I that pathetic? Hopeless? Worthless? Romans 3:10-18 seems to say so... "[10] There is no one righteous, not even one; [11] there is no one who understands, no one who seeks God. [12]All have turned away, they have together become worthless.... [18] There is no fear of God before their eyes." Harsh words. Painful words even... Isn't God a God of Comfort? A God who's supposed to be there for me? I mean, He sent baby Jesus didn't He? He sent Jesus to save ME right? Why does He then tell me that I'm, I'm... worthless?! Worse still, in that passage of Romans, He says that out of my lips comes the poison of vipers! What?!

This isn't what Christmas/post-Christmast is about! ....... Or is it?

God's world, God's work, God's way, God's Word

2004-12-22T09:58:00.000+08:00

It's been a long time... Kinda miss the screen that's facing me now; the white space inviting me to pen my thoughts to share with the world. To share about how, despite my terrible sins and worthlessness, God still loves me. His judgement comes upon me only because He wants what's best for me. And behind the judgement and discipline comes the heart of a Father wanting to redeem this lost child of his... me.

I'm reminded of why I chose "Humbled Servant Adopted" as my Blog Title. Read the top of the page...

After my GB camp (26/11-29/11) came Church camp (6/12-9/12). After Church camp came NTU/NIE CF camp (13/12-16/12). And after all that, I'm now focusing on the Christmas Service (just 3 days away) in my church.

After everything, I must say that life has changed. Many things learnt and apart from bible lessons, I'm still learning about love... What is godly love? How do I love others? Why can't I love? The love of God... The more I think about the extent of God's love for me, the more I realise how wretched a person I am. Yes, wretched... I'm beginning to understand why John Newton used this word to describe himself in his wonderful hymn, "Amazing Grace".

I know this blog seems a tad bit negative, if you take into account that this is the "festive, tralala period" of Christmas (or as the World calls it, X'mas... I hate it when they use that). But hey, this December period so far has been filled with pain, tears, anger, joy and laughter for me. As you can see, I've experienced a myriad of emotions and I pray that at the end of it all, I'll learn the lessons God wants me to learn.

So what can I share after all of my chatter above? Just an adapted quote from Pastor Chris Chia with regards to the purpose of Man, the reason for Man's existence:

"We've all been placed in GOD's world, to do GOD's work, GOD's way; drawing guidance from GOD's Word"

Blessed Christmas everyone :)

Back

2004-12-01T08:36:00.000+08:00

Got home the day before... boy was the trip physically tiring...

The night hikes and stream trotting experiences were challenging to the girls. Therefore, part of my job was to move up and down the line of 40 girls helping them get over obstacles, come down steep and wet slopes without falling, etc. However, I have to say it was kinda fun. Kinda.

Thank God that Ps 23 went well. It was a different experience teaching about the Bible in front of non-Christians as well. Keeping Christian jargon out of what I was saying was a challenge. However, I think my first experience of "preaching" was not too bad. Psalm 23 ministered to me as well, though I must say that to use this Psalm to pray and to mean it with all my heart... that's a tough one.

Oh well, now, I pray for wisdom as I guide some of the youth leaders going up for next week's church camp to investigate the Book of 1 Jn and to uncover the treasures it holds.

Away

2004-11-25T10:25:00.000+08:00

Going to help out in a GB camp tomorrow. Yes, you read it right... I'm gonna help out in a GB (Girl's Brigade) camp :p No biggy though. I'm just there to help ensure safety, first aid, etc. However, I have been given a task to share/preach on Psalm 23-- to me, the most famous, most often-quoted and most often MIS-quoted psalm in the Bible.

For reference sake, here's the Psalm:

Psalm 23

[1] The LORD is my shepherd,

I shall not be in want.

[2] He makes me lie down in green pastures,

he leads me beside quiet waters,

[3] he restores my soul.

He guides me in paths of righteousness

for his name's sake.

[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.

[5] You prepare a table before me

in the presence of my enemies.

You anoint my head with oil;

my cup overflows.

[6] Surely goodness and love will follow me

all the days of my life,

and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

I pray that God will give me wisdom to share from His Word faithfully and accurately. Also that I'll know how to share the gospel from this Psalm. Well, here I go... later...

Wounded Healer

2004-11-22T08:04:00.000+08:00

A fellow sister-in-Christ shared her testimony in church yesterday. Battling a psychological disorder, she banked on God's faithfullness and mercy, askinging God for healing. God, in all his mercy, did heal her. God's grace, she said, was the only reason she pressed on in her uphill climb during therapy. Now, she serves in the music ministry, among other ministries, in Bethesda (Frankel Estate) church.

One phrase she mentioned stuck in my mind... "Wounded Healer". She likened this phrase to herself as she's now a trained counsellor to help and guide others like her on this healing process. She went through the path of pain and suffering, to serve as a witness to how God can work miraculously and to better encourage others who are like her.

This phrase made me think... are the times of trial and pain in our lives also there to make us wounded healers? Having gone through similar paths before, are our trials put there to enable us to encourage those who are on the same path we once tread? To give us a better understanding of how to direct people to Christ, the ultimate healer, in that situation? I personally think they are.

Thinking about Christ himself... he went through tremendous pain. He shed blood. He was wounded for our transgressions. Christ was made like us in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest. So that he might make atonement for our sins. (Heb 2:17) He went through all that, all the suffering, so that He (the Son of the Almighty God) can help us... what amazing grace.

I'm learning day by day, that this is how we look to Christ in the midst of our suffering. To keep our eyes on the author and perfector of our faith. For it is only through Him that the suffering and pain in this world seem less significant. I can't say that I've learnt this lesson well. In fact, I'm still learning it right now... through the hard way...

There will be times when the pain seems too much to bear. Times when you just sit down and stare blankly at the wall, wondering... why? Nights when you look up at the ceiling wanting to sleep-- to escape the thoughts running through your mind, but yet, sleep eludes you. Times when you wish you had someone to talk to but nobody is free and you feel all alone. There will be times like these... I know, I'm going through them now.

But its at times like these that we need to look to the ultimate Wounded Healer, Jesus Christ. He has come down to us and continues to look out for us, to guide us, to intercede for us. On our part, do we look to Him? I hope we all learn to.

I'm done

2004-11-16T17:39:00.000+08:00

I'm done with exams... and... I'm done for...

Missed

2004-11-01T08:38:00.000+08:00

Missed

The cool wind across my cheek,
comforting, familiar, caressing;
It knows me, greets me as an old friend.
Memory after memory it carries—
The pain, the tears and the hurt.
But sweeter is the love, joy and laughter.
I smile.
With eyes closed, I hear the music it brings
wave after wave, I listen—
Tender whispers and jubilant singing,
Stirring anthems and uplifting songs;
my feet dance to melodious lines.
Then… silence.
The rustling leaves still, the whistles cease,
Incompleteness rings throughout.
It leaves behind a bloom on my shoulder,
A parting gift?
I wait; I listen; a tear...
It is missed.

P.S. I wrote the above poem in a time of pain and distress. Looking at it, friends are saying I should hand it in for some competition or something... anyone any thoughts? Would love to hear them... Pls do fill in your comments...

Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz

2004-10-29T14:01:00.000+08:00

Hope Isaiah gave a nick-name to his son... this I think, could be the longest name in the Bible...

"Then I (Isaiah) went to the prophetess, and she conceived and gave birth to a son. And the Lord said to me, "Name him Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz."

Isa 8:3

I came upon this verse from a Reverend Fun toon I saw. Click here to take a look.

Not coincidentally, learnt in BSF this week that Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz was born to Isaiah (as well as Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz's brother Shear-Jashub) as a sign to their generation of God's promise about a virgin conceiving.

Just a corny scenerio I had in mind... Imagine Isaiah saying this to his son... "Oi! Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz! *pant pant* Dinner's ready!" :p

2004-10-28T13:12:00.000+08:00

care to join me?

2004-10-26T11:59:00.000+08:00

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure