“The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall lack in NOTHING…” (Psalm 23:1)
Last Saturday my bro-in-law passed away peacefully. Last Thursday, he was readmitted to the hospital because he collapsed at home and was unable to move. Since then he was comatized and was unable to regain consciousness.
Boon Sin
One afternoon, Daniel, my husband and I were with him after yet another doctor’s diagnoses – it’s the same: terminal cancer. We prayed with him and Daniel laid his hands on his liver (he was in much pain). The next when we visit him again, he exclaimed excitedly to Daniel, “You know, after you left, the pain also left and since then there was no pain.” And that was when we saw progressive strength returning to him.
Amy
I was with my sister Amy that day in the emergency room and she was crying, “I have totally lost faith… I have no more faith to believe in miracles.” I hugged her and I said, “Amy, it is God’s grace in his life. He was not supposed to come back. He could have died in China because of internal bleeding. He asked God for a miracle and God did give him one. He came back and was able to meet his family especially his two little girls. And that was his faith in God.”
Ameli and Jo Anne (the two little girls)
“Ameli, I know that it is difficult to know that daddy has an incurable illness. Tell me girl, how do you feel now?” “I don’t know, aunt. But I am rather afraid,” Ameli said. “Well, is daddy a Christian?” “Yes,” both of them agreed. “Hmm, if that is so, where do you think he will go if, let’s say if he died?” “Heaven,” both replied. “And where is that supposed to be?” “With Jesus,” they said. “Exactly! Daddy is going to be with Jesus.” “But,” Ameli continued, “I don’t want daddy to go yet, I want him to be with us,” with tears welling up. I tried to stay composed and said, “Well, I know that too. We all love daddy too much to let him go but I think Jesus thinks that it is best that daddy should go back to Him because Jesus loves daddy more. We will miss him but he shall forever be in our hearts.”
With that I ended the conversation and I turned away because tears already rolling down my cheeks. God, was I right when I tell them that? Will they understand your will?
A week has passed when he spent wonderful time with all his family members especially his two little girls and Amy. He was all smiles and he prayed everyday; rebuilding his relationship with God again. Just when we thought we have gained some time, he suddenly collapsed. And since then, everything has become history.
Lynda
“Sis, I have lost faith… I don’t think I could continue to believe in God anymore,” she cried seeing Boon Sin in the emergency room, motionless. I hugged her and we both cried. I was lost for words because I really can’t answer her. What do you think I should tell her? Don’t worry, God will heal him? Or “It’s ok la, God will take care of everything?” Such words are meaningless in that emergency room when we cried our heart to God.
The family
The family members came and saw him for the last time. The aged mother was heartbroken beyond comfort. Seeing them, my heart wrenched, “God, you are their comfort but I have no words of comfort for them for my heart ache as much as they do. He is just too young to leave. He should have some years, at least to give the girls a chance to know him; at least to give him another chance to serve you.”
But I remained calm before them, knowing their pain, they remained calm too. Maybe we were trying to be strong for each other; maybe we are trying to show that it is ok; or maybe we are just acting to comfort one another. I really don’t know but no matter how much we are trying to hide our sorrows, when we see him for the last time, none of our eyes are dry. Tears rolled uncontrollably and hearts aches inconsolably. The exuberant pain is now visible in all our well-hidden emotion.
The pastor reading from Psalm 90
The pastor encouraged us to look to God who gave us life and who ordered our days. It is time to repent to God and to consider His mighty work. How true it is that man tends to forget God when they have many and when disaster strikes, suddenly they remember, “There is a God!”
May we never forget that there is a God who looks from above and who had ordered our days on earth. V12, “Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Yes, when we still have breath, let us be glad in the Lord.
Therefore, I shall proclaim like the Psalmist says, “May the favour of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work of our hands for us – yes, establish the work of our hands.” Psalm 90:17
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After the funeral service, I sat down with Daniel and we recalled some of the recent happenings. "Daniel, don't you dare to die before I do," I retorted. "I don't think I could ever live without you because you have spoilt me and you must be responsible for it."
"It is all in the hand of God," Daniel replied. "Don't forget, I am also a Hep C patient. If God calls me home, I shall have to go." Slowly he continued, "But one thing I am very sure: that God is faithful and He will take care of you."
With tears in my eyes, "I know, but I shall miss you madly... I know I will." And I hugged him tight... not willing to let go!
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Thursday, November 12, 2009
13 Nov 09, Friday 饮水思源(yin shui si yuan)
“Remember your Creator in the days of your youth…”Ecclesiastes 12:1
This Chinese proverb literary means: when you drink, remember the source. In other words, in olden China, the farmers drew water from the lake, the river, the ponds and so on of which the source maybe at the fountain or at the mountain top. The Chinese use this proverb to denote a person that whatever that you do, do not forget your roots and do not forget those who have done good to you.
We were with my bro-in-law and Ps Daniel had a conversation with him and they talked about the yester years when they first started in the drug rehab center (both came from the same drug rehab center). Ps Daniel related how one day when he was assigned to take Fan (my bro-in-law) home for a holiday.
They have decided to do one thing when they go home to Muar that is, Fan is to apologize to the family members and also to all those people whom he had hurt in one way or another; example, those shop owners whom he had extorted for money. So the moment they arrived, they went home and after staying for a night, before they board the coach, they went round the shops and apologize to the shop owners, “I’m sorry for collecting fees from you. I am a Christian now and I have changed.”
After that they boarded the coach and Ps Daniel (then he was just a worker for the drug rehab center) was happily talking to a woman sitting next to him, telling her about Jesus and how he was changed by the power of God. Suddenly the whole bus was surrounded with police. Two of the policemen came on the bus and hand-cuffed both Ps Daniel and Fan. The woman who sat next to Ps Daniel bolted out of the coach. I mean she literary ran for her life.
Next they were taken to the police station where they were questioned separately. The investigating officer accused Ps Daniel and Fan for coming back to Muar to set up a new gang but he denied and said that they have come to apologize and made right with the people because now they have become Christians. The officer did not believe him and said that he will go back to the shops and investigate and if it is false, they will be severely punished.
After like a few hours, the officer came back with two packet of chicken rice and two cokes and said, “You are right. That’s what the shop owner said. Now I believe you. You can go now.”
The reason why Ps Daniel was recalling this to Fan is, “Do not forget how we started… it is all by the grace of God. Now, it is time to think about how God has saved you, took you out from the drench and has given you all these luxury in life. Come back to God and serve Him.”
I told Fan this, “When you get better, come back and serve God together with us. Look at us, we are serving God. Though we may not have as much property as you do but we have more than enough in our life. At least our family has many good memories together.”
Think of God when you are blessed,
“Remember your Creator in the days of your youth…”Ecclesiastes 12:1
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After thought:
Sadly, there are some in the church who are like Fan, who forget how to give thanks and to appreciate those who have given so much to serve God. Take this moment to pray for your pastor and leaders. No matter what they have done: it may hurt sometimes, yet they are servants of God who are called to serve Him. People who do not learn to give thanks are prideful people who do not understand this Chinese proverb 饮水思源(yin shui si yuan). God bless!
This Chinese proverb literary means: when you drink, remember the source. In other words, in olden China, the farmers drew water from the lake, the river, the ponds and so on of which the source maybe at the fountain or at the mountain top. The Chinese use this proverb to denote a person that whatever that you do, do not forget your roots and do not forget those who have done good to you.
We were with my bro-in-law and Ps Daniel had a conversation with him and they talked about the yester years when they first started in the drug rehab center (both came from the same drug rehab center). Ps Daniel related how one day when he was assigned to take Fan (my bro-in-law) home for a holiday.
They have decided to do one thing when they go home to Muar that is, Fan is to apologize to the family members and also to all those people whom he had hurt in one way or another; example, those shop owners whom he had extorted for money. So the moment they arrived, they went home and after staying for a night, before they board the coach, they went round the shops and apologize to the shop owners, “I’m sorry for collecting fees from you. I am a Christian now and I have changed.”
After that they boarded the coach and Ps Daniel (then he was just a worker for the drug rehab center) was happily talking to a woman sitting next to him, telling her about Jesus and how he was changed by the power of God. Suddenly the whole bus was surrounded with police. Two of the policemen came on the bus and hand-cuffed both Ps Daniel and Fan. The woman who sat next to Ps Daniel bolted out of the coach. I mean she literary ran for her life.
Next they were taken to the police station where they were questioned separately. The investigating officer accused Ps Daniel and Fan for coming back to Muar to set up a new gang but he denied and said that they have come to apologize and made right with the people because now they have become Christians. The officer did not believe him and said that he will go back to the shops and investigate and if it is false, they will be severely punished.
After like a few hours, the officer came back with two packet of chicken rice and two cokes and said, “You are right. That’s what the shop owner said. Now I believe you. You can go now.”
The reason why Ps Daniel was recalling this to Fan is, “Do not forget how we started… it is all by the grace of God. Now, it is time to think about how God has saved you, took you out from the drench and has given you all these luxury in life. Come back to God and serve Him.”
I told Fan this, “When you get better, come back and serve God together with us. Look at us, we are serving God. Though we may not have as much property as you do but we have more than enough in our life. At least our family has many good memories together.”
Think of God when you are blessed,
“Remember your Creator in the days of your youth…”Ecclesiastes 12:1
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After thought:
Sadly, there are some in the church who are like Fan, who forget how to give thanks and to appreciate those who have given so much to serve God. Take this moment to pray for your pastor and leaders. No matter what they have done: it may hurt sometimes, yet they are servants of God who are called to serve Him. People who do not learn to give thanks are prideful people who do not understand this Chinese proverb 饮水思源(yin shui si yuan). God bless!
From the Street to the Cross
My bro-in-law, Fan Book Sin was born in the year 1964 in Muar, Johor. He grew up rebellious and joined the gang at a very young age. He went through very tough days on the street, engaging in whatever activities that might bring in money and fame for himself. He got into trouble with the police and ran away many times. He was on drugs and literary slept in the street, living a dog-life.
But in the year 1989, he came to know the Lord when he went to a Christian drug rehab center. Since then, he was totally delivered from his drug addiction and began to live a new life. He went to a church-based discipleship center for a year where he began a relationship with my sister who was also studying in the same school.
Later they got married and he got himself into construction work. He worked hard and his hard work was greatly rewarded with a new house and a great living for his family.
Amidst of all these blessings, he rarely goes to church anymore because of his work. Yet he recognized God’s blessings upon his life. Sometimes he may have made some decisions that he shouldn’t as a Christian and sometimes he was careless with his acts. He lived a nominal Christian life.
The wife and the children continue to be active in the church though they miss the dad’s presence. Just today, my sister remarked to me, “I don’t understand why this has to happen to him today (she meant the terminal illness) but I got my husband with me all the time for the past few weeks.” Look like he has been an absent father and an absent husband for a long time.
Now that he is diagnosed with a terminal illness (last stage liver cancer), for the first time, he came back to God and prayed. He testified to us today that when he prayed, God answered his prayer and performed miracles instantly. He began his journey back to God. I pray that this is the beginning of the many miracles that he will experience from today on. Amen!
But in the year 1989, he came to know the Lord when he went to a Christian drug rehab center. Since then, he was totally delivered from his drug addiction and began to live a new life. He went to a church-based discipleship center for a year where he began a relationship with my sister who was also studying in the same school.
Later they got married and he got himself into construction work. He worked hard and his hard work was greatly rewarded with a new house and a great living for his family.
Amidst of all these blessings, he rarely goes to church anymore because of his work. Yet he recognized God’s blessings upon his life. Sometimes he may have made some decisions that he shouldn’t as a Christian and sometimes he was careless with his acts. He lived a nominal Christian life.
The wife and the children continue to be active in the church though they miss the dad’s presence. Just today, my sister remarked to me, “I don’t understand why this has to happen to him today (she meant the terminal illness) but I got my husband with me all the time for the past few weeks.” Look like he has been an absent father and an absent husband for a long time.
Now that he is diagnosed with a terminal illness (last stage liver cancer), for the first time, he came back to God and prayed. He testified to us today that when he prayed, God answered his prayer and performed miracles instantly. He began his journey back to God. I pray that this is the beginning of the many miracles that he will experience from today on. Amen!
10 Nov 09, Tue Scripture Reading: Proverbs 10
“The blessing of the Lord brings wealth, and he adds no trouble to it.” (10:22, NIV)
How faithful is our God, you may ask. How much does God want to bless us, you may wonder. This verse tells us all. It is God’s desire to bless us and when he blesses us, there is no trouble in all his blessings.
Betty Miller says,
“Wealth that does not come from God is many times a replacement for God in their lives. Those with riches can buy anything they want, so they feel they do not need God”.
How true it is that we want to get rich in our own ways or maybe to get it in ways which does not please God. My brother in law who is critically ill now commented to me yesterday, “We work hard to make lots of money but we lose our health; and then we restore our health and lose all those money that we earned. Now that I have the money but I don’t get to enjoy it.”
The lesson that I learned is CONTENTMENT. I trust God for blessings that come in many forms; in my family, in the church, in my friends and also in material blessings. In all these blessings in my life, I express my utmost thanks to a God who loves me and who remains faithful in His words.
Though at times we may go through troubles but there’s always hope in a God who knows how to bless his faithful people. So put these thoughts into the right perspective and we shall continue to enjoy God’s blessings in our lives.
Peter Marshall says,“God will not permit any troubles to come upon us, unless He has a specific plan by which great blessing can come out of the difficulty.”
How faithful is our God, you may ask. How much does God want to bless us, you may wonder. This verse tells us all. It is God’s desire to bless us and when he blesses us, there is no trouble in all his blessings.
Betty Miller says,
“Wealth that does not come from God is many times a replacement for God in their lives. Those with riches can buy anything they want, so they feel they do not need God”.
How true it is that we want to get rich in our own ways or maybe to get it in ways which does not please God. My brother in law who is critically ill now commented to me yesterday, “We work hard to make lots of money but we lose our health; and then we restore our health and lose all those money that we earned. Now that I have the money but I don’t get to enjoy it.”
The lesson that I learned is CONTENTMENT. I trust God for blessings that come in many forms; in my family, in the church, in my friends and also in material blessings. In all these blessings in my life, I express my utmost thanks to a God who loves me and who remains faithful in His words.
Though at times we may go through troubles but there’s always hope in a God who knows how to bless his faithful people. So put these thoughts into the right perspective and we shall continue to enjoy God’s blessings in our lives.
Peter Marshall says,“God will not permit any troubles to come upon us, unless He has a specific plan by which great blessing can come out of the difficulty.”
09 Nov 09, Mon Scripture Reading: Proverbs 9
“Do not rebuke a mocker or he will hate you; rebuke a wise man and he will love you.” (9:8, NIV)
Sometimes we are too idealistic about helping others that we forget that there are some who just refused to be helped or to learn from their mistakes. Sound pathetic?! But this is true. Only God in His time will be able to perform miracles in some lives.
We can try to point out the problems, warning them about the dangers ahead but all these good advice will fall on deaf ears. Even though some recognize these warnings but they still continue with their ways of life. After many attempts to warn them, you will see them avoiding you as though you are a disease. If you do continue to perform your duty of love to rebuke them, you will not see them again.
Sadly, some of us are also the same. We don’t like hearing people commenting on our weaknesses because this sounds like negative instructions. We want to hear praises and commendations instead of instructions or well-meaning corrections. So instead of accepting such ‘kind rebukes’, we will find faults with the person who has risk this relationship to tell you the truth.
Therefore, there is a time for everything. Unless the person chooses to be wise and have the grace to listen, we should heed the advice from proverb. “Instruct a wise man and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man and he will add to his learning.” (9:9)
Be a wise person and learn from mistakes. Allow God and God’s people to help us to grow.
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Pray for:
Ps Lynda’s brother-in-law, Mr Fan Boon Sin who is now back with his family. He is still in a critical condition.
Sometimes we are too idealistic about helping others that we forget that there are some who just refused to be helped or to learn from their mistakes. Sound pathetic?! But this is true. Only God in His time will be able to perform miracles in some lives.
We can try to point out the problems, warning them about the dangers ahead but all these good advice will fall on deaf ears. Even though some recognize these warnings but they still continue with their ways of life. After many attempts to warn them, you will see them avoiding you as though you are a disease. If you do continue to perform your duty of love to rebuke them, you will not see them again.
Sadly, some of us are also the same. We don’t like hearing people commenting on our weaknesses because this sounds like negative instructions. We want to hear praises and commendations instead of instructions or well-meaning corrections. So instead of accepting such ‘kind rebukes’, we will find faults with the person who has risk this relationship to tell you the truth.
Therefore, there is a time for everything. Unless the person chooses to be wise and have the grace to listen, we should heed the advice from proverb. “Instruct a wise man and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man and he will add to his learning.” (9:9)
Be a wise person and learn from mistakes. Allow God and God’s people to help us to grow.
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Pray for:
Ps Lynda’s brother-in-law, Mr Fan Boon Sin who is now back with his family. He is still in a critical condition.
Monday, November 9, 2009
08 Nov 09, Sun Scripture Reading: Proverbs 8
“Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge than choice gold, for WISDOM is more precious than rubies and nothing you DESIRE can compare with her.” (8:9,10, NIV)
This year the world is hit with the most severe forms of natural disasters; earthquake, typhoon, tsunami, H1N1 etc. Though we are living luxuriously yet when we are hit by such disasters, we are helpless. What would be your greatest desire if you are hit unexpectedly?
Jesus has long exhorted us not to desire things that could perish, rather desire those things that will not pass away with time. “Where your heart is, there your treasure will be also.” Today if you hear Jesus speaking on these matters again, what kind of life you would choose to live?
The world is offering some beautiful and luxurious living; better homes, fine dining, sporty cars etc. The more we have it the more we desire it. Yet the wise man in proverb says, “…desire wisdom than all these precious things in the world.” When you have wisdom, all these will grow strangely dim.
So what can we choose? First of all, choose God. If He is God then He should be first. Second, choose meaningful relationship. We can choose a house but we can’t choose who would be our flesh and blood. They are God-given. Especially in perilous times like this, all the more we need our family. Take time to nurture such important matters.
This year the world is hit with the most severe forms of natural disasters; earthquake, typhoon, tsunami, H1N1 etc. Though we are living luxuriously yet when we are hit by such disasters, we are helpless. What would be your greatest desire if you are hit unexpectedly?
Jesus has long exhorted us not to desire things that could perish, rather desire those things that will not pass away with time. “Where your heart is, there your treasure will be also.” Today if you hear Jesus speaking on these matters again, what kind of life you would choose to live?
The world is offering some beautiful and luxurious living; better homes, fine dining, sporty cars etc. The more we have it the more we desire it. Yet the wise man in proverb says, “…desire wisdom than all these precious things in the world.” When you have wisdom, all these will grow strangely dim.
So what can we choose? First of all, choose God. If He is God then He should be first. Second, choose meaningful relationship. We can choose a house but we can’t choose who would be our flesh and blood. They are God-given. Especially in perilous times like this, all the more we need our family. Take time to nurture such important matters.
Saturday, November 7, 2009
07 Nov 09, Sat Scripture Reading: Proverbs 7
“Keep my commands and you will live; guard my teachings as the apple of your eye.” (7:2, NIV)
The whole passage is about a young man who was enticed to sin by the seducer. The young who lacks judgment (7:7) went straight into temptation without knowing or recognizing it.
Many of us ‘smart alecs’ are just like this young man. We are so careless with our lives that we are not even aware that we are falling into the trap of sin. When we finally realize it, instead of fleeing from it quickly, we linger longer because we actually enjoy sinning. It is man’s nature to sin.
A young couple went for pre-marital counseling. After some initial ‘checks’ the counselor found out that they were staying together. So she advised them to stop this if they wanted to have a Christian wedding; saying their vows before God in a Holy Matrimony. The couple argued, “We are getting married anyway and we are responsible enough to come for counseling and to be committed to one another. So why is this BIG NO?”
After counselling the couple for some time, they finally heeded the counselor’s advice but remain un-convinced. The next few sessions were like a ‘cat and mouse’ race, trying to sort out this struggle before they could actually go into the lessons. The problem here is, this young couple thinks it is ok as long as they are still responsible to each other but they did not know that compromise to sin displeases God a lot.
Is there any area in your life that you know displeases God? It is not worth going on with it and loosing out on His blessings.
Come out of it and start to live a ‘free life” without sinning against God. You will enjoy life more with God when you do not have to bear the burden of sin and guilt. Come join the club – Guilt-Free Club!
The whole passage is about a young man who was enticed to sin by the seducer. The young who lacks judgment (7:7) went straight into temptation without knowing or recognizing it.
Many of us ‘smart alecs’ are just like this young man. We are so careless with our lives that we are not even aware that we are falling into the trap of sin. When we finally realize it, instead of fleeing from it quickly, we linger longer because we actually enjoy sinning. It is man’s nature to sin.
A young couple went for pre-marital counseling. After some initial ‘checks’ the counselor found out that they were staying together. So she advised them to stop this if they wanted to have a Christian wedding; saying their vows before God in a Holy Matrimony. The couple argued, “We are getting married anyway and we are responsible enough to come for counseling and to be committed to one another. So why is this BIG NO?”
After counselling the couple for some time, they finally heeded the counselor’s advice but remain un-convinced. The next few sessions were like a ‘cat and mouse’ race, trying to sort out this struggle before they could actually go into the lessons. The problem here is, this young couple thinks it is ok as long as they are still responsible to each other but they did not know that compromise to sin displeases God a lot.
Is there any area in your life that you know displeases God? It is not worth going on with it and loosing out on His blessings.
Come out of it and start to live a ‘free life” without sinning against God. You will enjoy life more with God when you do not have to bear the burden of sin and guilt. Come join the club – Guilt-Free Club!
Thursday, November 5, 2009
06 Nov 09, Fri Scripture Reading: Proverbs 6
A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest – and poverty will come on you like a bandit and scarcity like an armed man.” (6:10,11, NIV)
As a preacher I have witnessed many “styles” of sleeping in church. Some are really good: they just bow down with their bibles open on their lap, as though meditating; there was also one who closed his eyes as though he was praying while I was preaching but when I shouted ‘Amen’, he was able to respond with a loud ‘Amen’ too. Fantastic! A real ‘experienced ‘sleeper’ in the church!
But these verses are not about sleeping in the church but about being lazy. I can think of two examples; 1) lazy in doing anything, in other words, just ‘plain lazy’; 2) A person who is very hardworking but lazy when it comes to spiritual matters. When you talk about sports, shares or maybe families and gossips, they get really interested and would be keen to ‘help’ to spread the ‘gospel of gossips’ but when it comes to spreading the Good News about Jesus, they just can’t gather enough energy to do it.
God give us 24 hours each day and is definitely enough for each of us. If only we stop for a moment and ponder over the priorities in life, we will realize that there are some things that we can actually do without and there are some important matters we should spend more time on.
Today, before you go on with your prayer, spend a moment to think and be quiet before God and see if you have your priorities in place.
As a preacher I have witnessed many “styles” of sleeping in church. Some are really good: they just bow down with their bibles open on their lap, as though meditating; there was also one who closed his eyes as though he was praying while I was preaching but when I shouted ‘Amen’, he was able to respond with a loud ‘Amen’ too. Fantastic! A real ‘experienced ‘sleeper’ in the church!
But these verses are not about sleeping in the church but about being lazy. I can think of two examples; 1) lazy in doing anything, in other words, just ‘plain lazy’; 2) A person who is very hardworking but lazy when it comes to spiritual matters. When you talk about sports, shares or maybe families and gossips, they get really interested and would be keen to ‘help’ to spread the ‘gospel of gossips’ but when it comes to spreading the Good News about Jesus, they just can’t gather enough energy to do it.
God give us 24 hours each day and is definitely enough for each of us. If only we stop for a moment and ponder over the priorities in life, we will realize that there are some things that we can actually do without and there are some important matters we should spend more time on.
Today, before you go on with your prayer, spend a moment to think and be quiet before God and see if you have your priorities in place.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
05 Nov 09, Thurs Scripture Reading: Proverbs 5
“The evil deeds of a wicked man ensnare him; the cords of his sin hold him fast” (5:22, NIV)
The main problem faced by youths today is: I want freedom, but I get none from my parents, the school or from the government. They desire freedom and they do not wish to be “bound” by some framework set by their parents or other adults. They want to to do what they like, stay up as late as they want, go out with the kind of friends that please them, talk the cool way and dress “loudly”.
But they hardly understand the fact that “un-guided” freedom could bring disaster. You can express yourself freely but will you be responsible for the outcome of that expression?
Sin is always pleasurable but the consequence of it, who can bear? The word of God says, “…the cord of his sin HOLD him fast.” Sin appears like the angel of light, blinding our judgment as we walk God’s way but sin will eventually lead to eternal destruction.
Tell a young person this and he may not pay any attention to such warnings but blessed are the WISE for they shall escape eternal punishment!
Do not take freedom in your hands; it is best that we surrender our freedom to God and allow Him to guide us AWAY from sin and guilt. Let us STAY on God’s trail!
The main problem faced by youths today is: I want freedom, but I get none from my parents, the school or from the government. They desire freedom and they do not wish to be “bound” by some framework set by their parents or other adults. They want to to do what they like, stay up as late as they want, go out with the kind of friends that please them, talk the cool way and dress “loudly”.
But they hardly understand the fact that “un-guided” freedom could bring disaster. You can express yourself freely but will you be responsible for the outcome of that expression?
Sin is always pleasurable but the consequence of it, who can bear? The word of God says, “…the cord of his sin HOLD him fast.” Sin appears like the angel of light, blinding our judgment as we walk God’s way but sin will eventually lead to eternal destruction.
Tell a young person this and he may not pay any attention to such warnings but blessed are the WISE for they shall escape eternal punishment!
Do not take freedom in your hands; it is best that we surrender our freedom to God and allow Him to guide us AWAY from sin and guilt. Let us STAY on God’s trail!
04 Nov 09, Wed Scripture Reading: Proverbs 4
“Above all, guard your HEART, for it is the wellspring of life.” (4:23, NIV)
The heart is the center of life; if your brain stops working it is brain-dead but if your heart stops pumping then you are dead. Physically speaking, we should guard this heart in so that we can go on living healthily. Eat properly, rest well and most of all, maintain a joyful heart always. “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones” (Prov 17:22).
But we have another “heart problem”. The bible warns us that the heart is “deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?” (Jeremiah 17:9). Man has grown to listen to the “heart” and yield to the desires of the fleshly heart. We choose not to be obedient because we prefer what our heart tells us to do. How then can we GUARD this heart and allow it to continue to be the “wellspring of life?”
Psalmist says, “I have hidden (kept) your WORD in my heart that I might not sin against You” (Psalm 119:11). The Psalmist found the solution and that was to keep the Word of God and to meditate on it day and night in so that he would not sin against God.
This is a serious matter. We have heard so much about it over the pulpit, we read about it all the time. Yet many are too busy to even touch the bible, what more to read it. We only take our bible to church once a week and forget all about it for the rest of the week.
GUARD YOUR HEART and your heart will lead you to eternity. Not only to read the Word with understanding but we are to study and to meditate upon it day and night for this will prosper us and make us successful (Joshua 1:8)
The heart is the center of life; if your brain stops working it is brain-dead but if your heart stops pumping then you are dead. Physically speaking, we should guard this heart in so that we can go on living healthily. Eat properly, rest well and most of all, maintain a joyful heart always. “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones” (Prov 17:22).
But we have another “heart problem”. The bible warns us that the heart is “deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?” (Jeremiah 17:9). Man has grown to listen to the “heart” and yield to the desires of the fleshly heart. We choose not to be obedient because we prefer what our heart tells us to do. How then can we GUARD this heart and allow it to continue to be the “wellspring of life?”
Psalmist says, “I have hidden (kept) your WORD in my heart that I might not sin against You” (Psalm 119:11). The Psalmist found the solution and that was to keep the Word of God and to meditate on it day and night in so that he would not sin against God.
This is a serious matter. We have heard so much about it over the pulpit, we read about it all the time. Yet many are too busy to even touch the bible, what more to read it. We only take our bible to church once a week and forget all about it for the rest of the week.
GUARD YOUR HEART and your heart will lead you to eternity. Not only to read the Word with understanding but we are to study and to meditate upon it day and night for this will prosper us and make us successful (Joshua 1:8)
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
03 November 09, Tue Scripture Reading: Proverb 3
“Honour the Lord with your wealth, with the first fruit of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing.” (3:9, NIV)
A child went to a restaurant with his daddy. After the meal he saw the bill included a 15% service tax. The child exclaimed, "God only gets 10% and this waitress gets 15%."
The innocent question from this child actually reflects a lot of us in our daily living that we often overlook. When we talk about “money”, especially in the Chinese society, it often spells challenges. My mum actually gave the excuse for not coming to church because she heard, “If you go to church you are obligated to give 10% of all your earnings.” She didn’t want to give that much.
Another sweet lady says, “If a church talks about money, then the church has no love because love is not all about money.” Well, what do you think about this?
For those who think that giving a 10% tithes have their own thinking too: one member says, “O Well, since I am the one who give, I would like to give it MY way. I will use my 10% for God’s ministry anywhere (mission/buying things for church/whatever) even if I attend this church, I don’t have to pay my tithe to this church. As long as I am using the 10% for “ministry” it’s ok.”
Do you think this is ok? “Do you really love the house of God and want to help in the daily running of the church? Where do you think the money comes from? You mean you DO believe that money can fall from heaven?”
My beloved, where you worship, that’s where you are going to pay your tithes. The OT God-fearers paid their tithes to the temple; any extra giving is not from this portion. May we not deny God’s blessings in our lives by not honouring the Lord with our wealth.
A child went to a restaurant with his daddy. After the meal he saw the bill included a 15% service tax. The child exclaimed, "God only gets 10% and this waitress gets 15%."
The innocent question from this child actually reflects a lot of us in our daily living that we often overlook. When we talk about “money”, especially in the Chinese society, it often spells challenges. My mum actually gave the excuse for not coming to church because she heard, “If you go to church you are obligated to give 10% of all your earnings.” She didn’t want to give that much.
Another sweet lady says, “If a church talks about money, then the church has no love because love is not all about money.” Well, what do you think about this?
For those who think that giving a 10% tithes have their own thinking too: one member says, “O Well, since I am the one who give, I would like to give it MY way. I will use my 10% for God’s ministry anywhere (mission/buying things for church/whatever) even if I attend this church, I don’t have to pay my tithe to this church. As long as I am using the 10% for “ministry” it’s ok.”
Do you think this is ok? “Do you really love the house of God and want to help in the daily running of the church? Where do you think the money comes from? You mean you DO believe that money can fall from heaven?”
My beloved, where you worship, that’s where you are going to pay your tithes. The OT God-fearers paid their tithes to the temple; any extra giving is not from this portion. May we not deny God’s blessings in our lives by not honouring the Lord with our wealth.
Monday, November 2, 2009
02 Nov 09, Mon: Scripture Reading: Proverb 2
“For the Lord gives wisdom, and from His mouth comes knowledge and understanding” (2:6, NIV)
Proverbs 2:1-4, when you SEEK wisdom earnestly, verse 4 says, “then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.” The fear of the Lord and the knowledge of God are made possible in our lives because it is a reward for those who SEEK it. When we SEEK, God GIVES (V 5).
We come to God and ask many things from Him. How often do we ask for wisdom? Remember Solomon in his early days, when the Lord appeared to him and said, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.” (1 Kg 3:5). Solomon asked for a “discerning heart” (I Kg 3:9) and God not only granted that request, He gave Solomon what he did not ask; “riches and honour” (1 Kg 3:13).
We know that Solomon became the wisest man and the richest who had ever lived on earth. He knew that without the Lord’s help (probably through his father, David’s life, he had witnessed God’s mighty deeds); he would never have made it.
Solomon started well with all the wisdom and discernment from God. He SOUGHT for it and God GAVE. But, he did not persist till the end. He turned away from God when he had plenty and he died a lonely man. 1 Kg 3:14 says, “If you walk in my ways and obey my statutes and commandments…,” Solomon began well but he didn’t end well because he had forgotten this command from God.
Therefore, the KEY to continuously dwell in God’s wisdom is OBEDIENCE. Without it we could be like Solomon, who humbly requested for wisdom but proudly lived his own life without acknowledging God.
================================================================
Pray for:
The government of Malaysia will be able to fulfill its commitment to provide a trustworthy source of righteous governance and justice to meet the needs of all people irrespective of race and religions.
Proverbs 2:1-4, when you SEEK wisdom earnestly, verse 4 says, “then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.” The fear of the Lord and the knowledge of God are made possible in our lives because it is a reward for those who SEEK it. When we SEEK, God GIVES (V 5).
We come to God and ask many things from Him. How often do we ask for wisdom? Remember Solomon in his early days, when the Lord appeared to him and said, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.” (1 Kg 3:5). Solomon asked for a “discerning heart” (I Kg 3:9) and God not only granted that request, He gave Solomon what he did not ask; “riches and honour” (1 Kg 3:13).
We know that Solomon became the wisest man and the richest who had ever lived on earth. He knew that without the Lord’s help (probably through his father, David’s life, he had witnessed God’s mighty deeds); he would never have made it.
Solomon started well with all the wisdom and discernment from God. He SOUGHT for it and God GAVE. But, he did not persist till the end. He turned away from God when he had plenty and he died a lonely man. 1 Kg 3:14 says, “If you walk in my ways and obey my statutes and commandments…,” Solomon began well but he didn’t end well because he had forgotten this command from God.
Therefore, the KEY to continuously dwell in God’s wisdom is OBEDIENCE. Without it we could be like Solomon, who humbly requested for wisdom but proudly lived his own life without acknowledging God.
================================================================
Pray for:
The government of Malaysia will be able to fulfill its commitment to provide a trustworthy source of righteous governance and justice to meet the needs of all people irrespective of race and religions.
01 Nov 09, Sun: Scripture Reading: Proverb 1
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline” (1:7, NIV)
Two sisters had different opinion over an issue that challenged their testimony for God and because they could not come to a common understanding, Jane became bitter. Jolene tried to seek reconciliation but she knew, unless she relented to Jane’s request and apologized for something that she strongly stood for, Jane would not forgive her.
Jolene sought the Lord and prayed. After many months, Jane fell sick and Jolene visited her. Jane was grateful but still held grudges against her sister who had not supported her decision.
Jolene prayed for God’s wisdom. At long last, Jane broke the silence and cried, “You are my sister and you are supposed to support me. Why aren’t you? You don’t love me.” Sensing that Jane was still angry, Jolene slowly replied, “I love you Jane but I FEAR GOD more. The deal will not glorify God and I will have to take my stand. But tf doesn’t mean that I don’t love you. On the other hand, it is because I love you so much that I was afraid that you may sin against God and I chose to risk our relationship in order that the fear of the Lord could be seen in our lives.”
There are times when we have to face some real challenges in life and perhaps risk important relationships for the sake of integrity and truth. Do not compromise! Choose to FEAR GOD rather than man! It may not be easy or pleasant at that time but when the truth is revealed, God’s blessings will be evident in our lives.
===================================================================
Pray for
Pray that the present leadership in our country will walk the talk in their efforts to create 1Malaysia
Two sisters had different opinion over an issue that challenged their testimony for God and because they could not come to a common understanding, Jane became bitter. Jolene tried to seek reconciliation but she knew, unless she relented to Jane’s request and apologized for something that she strongly stood for, Jane would not forgive her.
Jolene sought the Lord and prayed. After many months, Jane fell sick and Jolene visited her. Jane was grateful but still held grudges against her sister who had not supported her decision.
Jolene prayed for God’s wisdom. At long last, Jane broke the silence and cried, “You are my sister and you are supposed to support me. Why aren’t you? You don’t love me.” Sensing that Jane was still angry, Jolene slowly replied, “I love you Jane but I FEAR GOD more. The deal will not glorify God and I will have to take my stand. But tf doesn’t mean that I don’t love you. On the other hand, it is because I love you so much that I was afraid that you may sin against God and I chose to risk our relationship in order that the fear of the Lord could be seen in our lives.”
There are times when we have to face some real challenges in life and perhaps risk important relationships for the sake of integrity and truth. Do not compromise! Choose to FEAR GOD rather than man! It may not be easy or pleasant at that time but when the truth is revealed, God’s blessings will be evident in our lives.
===================================================================
Pray for
Pray that the present leadership in our country will walk the talk in their efforts to create 1Malaysia
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Devotional notes on Proverbs
From November 01 onwards for a month, I will feature devotional notes on Proverbs for a month every day. I hope that this will be helpful to you. Continue to grow in God when you read His words and get close to Him each day.
Lynda
Lynda
Sunday, October 11, 2009
My Heart's Desire
“Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:4
“May He give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed.” Psalm 20:4
I ask my heart one day, “What is your desire? What do you want?” My heart, pumping slowly and steadily and gives out a soft whisper, “This is what I desire…”
“First, I desire to see my family growing to love God. My teenage children have grown and are facing many struggles in life. I know their struggles. I can feel their hurts and their urge to fly. I was painful seeing them facing life situations but it was necessary that they have to go through such pain in order to grow. So my heart cries to God each day for His guidance in their lives. I don’t desire to see them ‘successful in life’ but I pray that they will be humble and submissive to God, their Maker!”
“As a wife, my desire is to love my husband more and more. There are times when my heart wrenched to see him carrying out his ministries with his whole heart, yet was not appreciated by some who being ungrateful trying to destroy his reputation. My heart will sigh at this moment for the many moments when he has to deal with issues that he wished will never have to happen in the church, for his only heart desire is to share the gospel. Just as my desire as well, we only want to see many people come to know our God. Our hearts have come together many times, comforting one another in moments of hurts and sorrows but most of all we savour moments when we share sweet memories, leading those who trusted us all these years.”
“The thought of those in the church today caused my heart to leap with exuberant joy! My heart began to pump quicker with excitement and love for the days that are to come. I do not know what the church will be like but I do know that my heart yearns for peace and reconciliation. With the unknown, my heart is full of faith in God in WHOM I trust!”
“Lastly,” my heart quiets for a moment as though in deep thoughts, pumping gently and smoothly and continues, “is that I may dwell in the presence of the Lord forever. I do not know what to do without Him.” My heart was soft and gentle, pondering the past and expecting the future. “God, what can I do without You. You are the anchor in my life. You have taught me to love and to forgive. I remember those times when I wanted to hate but You who have live in my heart, have gently guide me through the storms and lead me into quiet water. You have put a godly fear in my heart and I shall abide in this fear: so that I will not sin against You, my God!”
“Though my heart is still licking its wound but You are ever beside me and comfort me. My heart surrenders under His love!”
Now my heart’s desire is “that I may dwell in His PEACE AND LOVE forever! The heart’s desire is to be close to Him!” Amen!
“May He give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed.” Psalm 20:4
I ask my heart one day, “What is your desire? What do you want?” My heart, pumping slowly and steadily and gives out a soft whisper, “This is what I desire…”
“First, I desire to see my family growing to love God. My teenage children have grown and are facing many struggles in life. I know their struggles. I can feel their hurts and their urge to fly. I was painful seeing them facing life situations but it was necessary that they have to go through such pain in order to grow. So my heart cries to God each day for His guidance in their lives. I don’t desire to see them ‘successful in life’ but I pray that they will be humble and submissive to God, their Maker!”
“As a wife, my desire is to love my husband more and more. There are times when my heart wrenched to see him carrying out his ministries with his whole heart, yet was not appreciated by some who being ungrateful trying to destroy his reputation. My heart will sigh at this moment for the many moments when he has to deal with issues that he wished will never have to happen in the church, for his only heart desire is to share the gospel. Just as my desire as well, we only want to see many people come to know our God. Our hearts have come together many times, comforting one another in moments of hurts and sorrows but most of all we savour moments when we share sweet memories, leading those who trusted us all these years.”
“The thought of those in the church today caused my heart to leap with exuberant joy! My heart began to pump quicker with excitement and love for the days that are to come. I do not know what the church will be like but I do know that my heart yearns for peace and reconciliation. With the unknown, my heart is full of faith in God in WHOM I trust!”
“Lastly,” my heart quiets for a moment as though in deep thoughts, pumping gently and smoothly and continues, “is that I may dwell in the presence of the Lord forever. I do not know what to do without Him.” My heart was soft and gentle, pondering the past and expecting the future. “God, what can I do without You. You are the anchor in my life. You have taught me to love and to forgive. I remember those times when I wanted to hate but You who have live in my heart, have gently guide me through the storms and lead me into quiet water. You have put a godly fear in my heart and I shall abide in this fear: so that I will not sin against You, my God!”
“Though my heart is still licking its wound but You are ever beside me and comfort me. My heart surrenders under His love!”
Now my heart’s desire is “that I may dwell in His PEACE AND LOVE forever! The heart’s desire is to be close to Him!” Amen!
Oct 09, 2nd Week... Appreciated!
"You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everybody.
You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts."
(2 Corinthians 3:2,3)
09 Oct 09, Friday
Today is the last day the mission team from China is in our church. After a week with them, I began to appreciate the mission work in China even more and I was so full of gratitude for those who had gone into China much earlier to spread the gospel even before the cultural-revolution. Seeing them today is like seeing the fruit of their hard labour.
It caused me to rethink of my ministry – sometimes when I felt discouraged and felt like telling God "enough is enough". I don’t even have a good reason to continue because I don’t even want to find one. And yet seeing the fruit of those missionaries and pastors who have gone before in China, their fruit bears testimony to their hard labour, testifying of their fervent enthusiasm in the midst of persecution – and yet they were not here to see it for themselves. Have they also complaint in the midst of hardship? Have they ever thinking of giving up? Seeing their fruit, I guess they didn’t.
So thank you Jesus, because these are the cloud of witnesses before us, testifying to us that we could go on IN LOVE!
11 Oct 09, Sunday
Sunday service today is Children’s day and Teachers’ appreciation day. The teachers and children have come up with a number of wonderful and cheerful programs to help us to see the importance of the children ministries.
Sometimes, those who labour quietly in the Sunday School may not be seen but today we deeply appreciate their hard work and their dedication to help the children to grow spiritually. Seeing the children doing ministry warmed my heart… Xu Bin’s scripture reading is so convincing and he is so confident and so impressive. It was not just reading of scripture but it was reading with full conviction. You know, that he has indeed prepared to do it… not just taking the bible out and read but he must have done it a couple of times before he went up to do the reading.
Then Sue Anne, though she was trembling initially but she did such a marvelous job in the worship leading, don’t you think so? Both are 12 yrs old and I can see such potential in their young lives. These are our future leaders and thank you teachers who have dedicated your lives to nurture them to be who they are today.
The service ends with a surprise for me – "Pastor’s appreciation Day!" I didn’t even know that such a day existed until Sis Lee Leang and the sisters took the cake out and announced that the 2nd week in October is proclaimed as “Pastor’s Appreciation Day.” Can you imagine after more than 20 yrs in the ministry, I was not even aware of such a day. But it was such a pleasant surprise that I was totally overwhelmed.
Thanks to all of you who have learned to appreciate the pastor. I have to say this, “Today I felt that for all that I have done in the church (I may not be perfect in my words and deeds) but my giving was affirmed and you have made it special for me. Though times could be difficult but times like this will stay as sweet memory forever."
Thanks to all those who have made this day special – for me… love you all in Peace Charis!!!
You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts."
(2 Corinthians 3:2,3)
09 Oct 09, Friday
Today is the last day the mission team from China is in our church. After a week with them, I began to appreciate the mission work in China even more and I was so full of gratitude for those who had gone into China much earlier to spread the gospel even before the cultural-revolution. Seeing them today is like seeing the fruit of their hard labour.
It caused me to rethink of my ministry – sometimes when I felt discouraged and felt like telling God "enough is enough". I don’t even have a good reason to continue because I don’t even want to find one. And yet seeing the fruit of those missionaries and pastors who have gone before in China, their fruit bears testimony to their hard labour, testifying of their fervent enthusiasm in the midst of persecution – and yet they were not here to see it for themselves. Have they also complaint in the midst of hardship? Have they ever thinking of giving up? Seeing their fruit, I guess they didn’t.
So thank you Jesus, because these are the cloud of witnesses before us, testifying to us that we could go on IN LOVE!
11 Oct 09, Sunday
Sunday service today is Children’s day and Teachers’ appreciation day. The teachers and children have come up with a number of wonderful and cheerful programs to help us to see the importance of the children ministries.
Sometimes, those who labour quietly in the Sunday School may not be seen but today we deeply appreciate their hard work and their dedication to help the children to grow spiritually. Seeing the children doing ministry warmed my heart… Xu Bin’s scripture reading is so convincing and he is so confident and so impressive. It was not just reading of scripture but it was reading with full conviction. You know, that he has indeed prepared to do it… not just taking the bible out and read but he must have done it a couple of times before he went up to do the reading.
Then Sue Anne, though she was trembling initially but she did such a marvelous job in the worship leading, don’t you think so? Both are 12 yrs old and I can see such potential in their young lives. These are our future leaders and thank you teachers who have dedicated your lives to nurture them to be who they are today.
The service ends with a surprise for me – "Pastor’s appreciation Day!" I didn’t even know that such a day existed until Sis Lee Leang and the sisters took the cake out and announced that the 2nd week in October is proclaimed as “Pastor’s Appreciation Day.” Can you imagine after more than 20 yrs in the ministry, I was not even aware of such a day. But it was such a pleasant surprise that I was totally overwhelmed.
Thanks to all of you who have learned to appreciate the pastor. I have to say this, “Today I felt that for all that I have done in the church (I may not be perfect in my words and deeds) but my giving was affirmed and you have made it special for me. Though times could be difficult but times like this will stay as sweet memory forever."
Thanks to all those who have made this day special – for me… love you all in Peace Charis!!!
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
In Everything Give Thanks (Part 2)
“In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God…”
Giving thanks is not just accepting situation blindly. In fact it is a wise decision that we need to make in order to continually living in His will. We were talking about giving thanks as a will of God and when we give thanks, we will be able to acknowledge God’s faithfulness and embrace his promises in our lives. (Part 1)
Here, I would like to direct you to the heart of “giving thanks.” It starts with a paradox: If we give thanks then we will not COMPLAIN. This is because we cannot give thanks and complain at the same time.
Consider the Israelites: when they were under oppression, they cried out to God. When God brought them out of Egypt, they complained and murmured against Moses and God. When they were cornered in front of the Red Sea with the Egyptian army behind them, they murmured and complaint to Moses. Moses, a young leader cried out to God and he was instructed to touch the Red Sea and it parted. That was the greatest miracle ever happened in human history. They were walking right into a live aquarium on dry land, right in the middle of the Red Sea. But before long, they forgot all about the miracles and the powerful God. Even when God provided “manna” and water, clouds in the morning and pillars of fire at night, they still complaints. They were called “the stiff-necked” people.
Well, we all know the price they have to pay for their faithless attitude: the entire generation died in the wilderness except Joshua and Caleb before they entered the Promised-land.
Complaining and unappreciative attitude are very costly. It could cost us our happiness, our relationship with the others and most of all our relationship with God. When we complain, we forgot to consider faith in Him. It robs us of the joy and peace. Instead of rejoicing, we are bound with revenge and pride. “Pride goes before destruction” Prov 16:18; yet how many of us are seeing pride and revenge go hand in hand. We are not happy with how the other person has taken advantage of the situation, so we revenge. We revenge because we cannot accept to be the underdog.
Instead, giving thanks will release us of such pressures to revenge. I have new visitors to church from another church. I always have the courtesy to ask where they are from and possibly ask why they wanted to attend our church. If they are here because they have shifted to our area, they are most welcomed. But they are some who came because they have problems with the previous church’s pastors/members. Well, I have no problem with that because not all people could get along with everyone, right?
But I will get pretty agitated if they start to ramp on the previous church’s weaknesses especially on the leadership of the church. Frankly speaking this is what happens in my mind: the more he/she goes on with the complaints, the more my mind will swirl into the scenario “what if after attending our church for a while and decided to leave. Will they also complain about us to the next church?” Because complaining is a HABIT- a very bad habit indeed. It will make the other party looks so ugly and they hardly realized that by complaining they are making themselves look real ugly.
If you don’t believe me, the next time when someone is complaining about something, look at their faces carefully. You won’t see any smile but frowning, tight face, brows squeezed together and all the veins surfacing which make them look really unappealing.
So the next time, before you complain, look into the mirror and look yourself carefully. If you can train yourself to look really pretty even when complaining, then you can do so. Otherwise, my advice is, don’t get those wrinkles work extra hard on your face.
My suggestion is this: CHOOSE TO GIVE THANKS. Why “choose”? Because to be happy is a choice! We make choices in life that will affect us – and this is one that’s worth making it right.
So take a deep breath and at the count of three, smile to the first person you meet and I’m pretty sure you will receive a smile in return. Have a ‘smiley’ day!!!
Giving thanks is not just accepting situation blindly. In fact it is a wise decision that we need to make in order to continually living in His will. We were talking about giving thanks as a will of God and when we give thanks, we will be able to acknowledge God’s faithfulness and embrace his promises in our lives. (Part 1)
Here, I would like to direct you to the heart of “giving thanks.” It starts with a paradox: If we give thanks then we will not COMPLAIN. This is because we cannot give thanks and complain at the same time.
Consider the Israelites: when they were under oppression, they cried out to God. When God brought them out of Egypt, they complained and murmured against Moses and God. When they were cornered in front of the Red Sea with the Egyptian army behind them, they murmured and complaint to Moses. Moses, a young leader cried out to God and he was instructed to touch the Red Sea and it parted. That was the greatest miracle ever happened in human history. They were walking right into a live aquarium on dry land, right in the middle of the Red Sea. But before long, they forgot all about the miracles and the powerful God. Even when God provided “manna” and water, clouds in the morning and pillars of fire at night, they still complaints. They were called “the stiff-necked” people.
Well, we all know the price they have to pay for their faithless attitude: the entire generation died in the wilderness except Joshua and Caleb before they entered the Promised-land.
Complaining and unappreciative attitude are very costly. It could cost us our happiness, our relationship with the others and most of all our relationship with God. When we complain, we forgot to consider faith in Him. It robs us of the joy and peace. Instead of rejoicing, we are bound with revenge and pride. “Pride goes before destruction” Prov 16:18; yet how many of us are seeing pride and revenge go hand in hand. We are not happy with how the other person has taken advantage of the situation, so we revenge. We revenge because we cannot accept to be the underdog.
Instead, giving thanks will release us of such pressures to revenge. I have new visitors to church from another church. I always have the courtesy to ask where they are from and possibly ask why they wanted to attend our church. If they are here because they have shifted to our area, they are most welcomed. But they are some who came because they have problems with the previous church’s pastors/members. Well, I have no problem with that because not all people could get along with everyone, right?
But I will get pretty agitated if they start to ramp on the previous church’s weaknesses especially on the leadership of the church. Frankly speaking this is what happens in my mind: the more he/she goes on with the complaints, the more my mind will swirl into the scenario “what if after attending our church for a while and decided to leave. Will they also complain about us to the next church?” Because complaining is a HABIT- a very bad habit indeed. It will make the other party looks so ugly and they hardly realized that by complaining they are making themselves look real ugly.
If you don’t believe me, the next time when someone is complaining about something, look at their faces carefully. You won’t see any smile but frowning, tight face, brows squeezed together and all the veins surfacing which make them look really unappealing.
So the next time, before you complain, look into the mirror and look yourself carefully. If you can train yourself to look really pretty even when complaining, then you can do so. Otherwise, my advice is, don’t get those wrinkles work extra hard on your face.
My suggestion is this: CHOOSE TO GIVE THANKS. Why “choose”? Because to be happy is a choice! We make choices in life that will affect us – and this is one that’s worth making it right.
So take a deep breath and at the count of three, smile to the first person you meet and I’m pretty sure you will receive a smile in return. Have a ‘smiley’ day!!!
Friday, August 14, 2009
In Everything Give Thanks (Part 1)
Picture this: You were struggling to get all your date lines met; your teenage children are trying to stretch your patience; your parents were screaming for attention and protested silently; the church meetings non-stop; events, activities, counseling sessions, important dates etc… and before you knew it, when your mind is full of these do’s and more do’s, you found yourself knocked a motorcyclist and right before your eyes, you saw him flying over to the left side of the vehicle and the motorbike slammed into the opposite direction. Suddenly the mind blank and there were shouting and mourning. The man obviously was groaning in pain and the motorbike was smashed badly.
After some checking, the man insisted that he was okay. He said that he knew me and my husband who is the pastor and that he has come to some of our church major event many times. I was shocked, amazed and then touched by his consideration and concern and instead of me trying to get him to see the doctor, he was trying to comfort me in return. He insisted that he was alright and didn’t need any medical treatment.
Now, can we still give thanks to God? Can we say that this is the will of God? The bible says, “In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus, our Lord.” (I Thess 5:18).
Let’s do a little study on this one sentence:
ἐν παντὶ εὐχαριστεῖτε: τοῦτο γὰρ θέλημα θεοῦ ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ εἰς ὑμᾶς.
In all/every (thing), you give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus in you. (concerning/for)
εὐχαριστεῖτε is in Present Active Imperative. Imperative is something that we should take note of and an important matter to the writer. The whole word means, “You all (a plural) give thanks”.
Paul was exhorting the Christian to give thanks in everything (ἐν παντὶ). Sounds pretty simple! He gave the reason why we should give thanks, “for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus in us.” God’s will is embedded in Christ who lives in us too. So we summarize, it simply means, we should give thanks under all circumstances; under all situation, for God is pleased because this is his will already stated in His Son, Christ Jesus who lives in us. (paraphrased)
From this paragraph, indeed it is Paul’s intention to ask the believers to continuously giving thanks to God, willingly and with emphasis that this is the will of God in Christ Jesus. So putting this into the situation earlier, we shall giving thanks for all these happenings. I began to see the logic if we see it on the other side.
In giving thanks, we should first of all be APPRECIATIVE for all those people around us and be thankful for all the happenings. You may say, “How ignorant! Because life isn’t that simple! How could we still give thanks when we go through calamities like losing our loved ones; experiencing injustice, abused, unloved, accused and etc.” Yes, I believe such challenges are part of life.
My question is, “Will you live better by complaining and storming over spilled milk? What do you get if you complain and stomping your feet in anger?” And so what if you actually get even with your enemy, what do you get? Another enemy, that’s all! Or will the situation actually changed when you cry your liver out and will it yield to your wish when you spent sleepless nights staring into the ceiling? Let me guess… answer is “NO”.
But if we choose to be thankful to God for things we do not understand, for all the injustices and accusations or even abusive behavior we received, we may end up learning a precious lesson that will save us from insanity. How many times we heard of sicknesses related to unforgiveness and bitterness. They are like gangrene and before you knew it, had spread deep into your bones.
When we look at situations with a positive attitude and knowing that though bad things happen to us, we still have our God who promised to look after us. He will not leave us nor forsake us. His promises are sure. “God is not a man, that he should lie, nor a son of man, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?” (Num 23:19)
We must learn to trust God that he cares and he knows and when we put our faith in him, we will find solace and peace and joy that the situation cannot give us. So let’s start by giving thanks to the present situation that you are in right now and see God’s peace and joy fill your heart J
(see you at part 2 next week)
After some checking, the man insisted that he was okay. He said that he knew me and my husband who is the pastor and that he has come to some of our church major event many times. I was shocked, amazed and then touched by his consideration and concern and instead of me trying to get him to see the doctor, he was trying to comfort me in return. He insisted that he was alright and didn’t need any medical treatment.
Now, can we still give thanks to God? Can we say that this is the will of God? The bible says, “In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus, our Lord.” (I Thess 5:18).
Let’s do a little study on this one sentence:
ἐν παντὶ εὐχαριστεῖτε: τοῦτο γὰρ θέλημα θεοῦ ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ εἰς ὑμᾶς.
In all/every (thing), you give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus in you. (concerning/for)
εὐχαριστεῖτε is in Present Active Imperative. Imperative is something that we should take note of and an important matter to the writer. The whole word means, “You all (a plural) give thanks”.
Paul was exhorting the Christian to give thanks in everything (ἐν παντὶ). Sounds pretty simple! He gave the reason why we should give thanks, “for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus in us.” God’s will is embedded in Christ who lives in us too. So we summarize, it simply means, we should give thanks under all circumstances; under all situation, for God is pleased because this is his will already stated in His Son, Christ Jesus who lives in us. (paraphrased)
From this paragraph, indeed it is Paul’s intention to ask the believers to continuously giving thanks to God, willingly and with emphasis that this is the will of God in Christ Jesus. So putting this into the situation earlier, we shall giving thanks for all these happenings. I began to see the logic if we see it on the other side.
In giving thanks, we should first of all be APPRECIATIVE for all those people around us and be thankful for all the happenings. You may say, “How ignorant! Because life isn’t that simple! How could we still give thanks when we go through calamities like losing our loved ones; experiencing injustice, abused, unloved, accused and etc.” Yes, I believe such challenges are part of life.
My question is, “Will you live better by complaining and storming over spilled milk? What do you get if you complain and stomping your feet in anger?” And so what if you actually get even with your enemy, what do you get? Another enemy, that’s all! Or will the situation actually changed when you cry your liver out and will it yield to your wish when you spent sleepless nights staring into the ceiling? Let me guess… answer is “NO”.
But if we choose to be thankful to God for things we do not understand, for all the injustices and accusations or even abusive behavior we received, we may end up learning a precious lesson that will save us from insanity. How many times we heard of sicknesses related to unforgiveness and bitterness. They are like gangrene and before you knew it, had spread deep into your bones.
When we look at situations with a positive attitude and knowing that though bad things happen to us, we still have our God who promised to look after us. He will not leave us nor forsake us. His promises are sure. “God is not a man, that he should lie, nor a son of man, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?” (Num 23:19)
We must learn to trust God that he cares and he knows and when we put our faith in him, we will find solace and peace and joy that the situation cannot give us. So let’s start by giving thanks to the present situation that you are in right now and see God’s peace and joy fill your heart J
(see you at part 2 next week)
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Dear Ian
Dear Ian,
I don’t know if writing to you mean anything to you but I guess if talking may not make any sense, maybe writing will.
Growing up is never fun like it used to be but we don’t have a choice. In one hand, we want to grow up fast so that we could have more freedom; on the other hand, there is this small boy within that cries out for attention that you may lose out as an adult. Juggling between the two will definitely cause some struggles in you which results that sometimes you will feel frustrated over things that you want but didn’t get it and things that you don’t want to do but you are required to do.
So son, what is the balance? The best solution is: MAKE WISE DECISIONS ! By this I mean, when you make wise decisions on your own, you don’t have to listen to all those nagging tones from us; when you make wise decisions on your own, you will enjoy doing it more rather than taking orders from the adults.
For example: tidying room – do you feel better doing it yourself without anyone telling you what to do OR you like it when we ask you to clean up the room? Take another example: Does it feel better when you decide to study on your own instead of us nagging you to study all the time? Which of these will make you feel better? To be asked what to do or to decide to do it on your own?
Another example: you know that watching certain shows are not edifying (building up your spiritual life). Though they may seem harmless and a comedy but the content is definitely out. So what should we do? I could say a thousand times, “Don’t watch it!”. You will still do because you are not convinced that you shouldn’t watch it BUT let’s say one day you realized that these show will not bring any profit to you or that music is not suitable and that habits brings no glory to God and you yourself, on your own decided NOT to do any of these, I tell you son, you will feel GOOD inside because you have make a wise decision for God and for yourself.
So that’s why I said, “Don’t wait till someone ask you to do something because it will not bring any meaning in your life. When you have decided on your own, then it will mean something to you.”
So don’t wait to be asked what to do, son. A mature adult (BTW not every adult is mature) must learn how to make wise decision that will bring meaning to his life. I am waiting for the day when you will have that strength to make your own decision that will not only benefit yourself but also to glorify God and also bring gladness in our hearts.
So I will not be with you for a week. But I will remember you in prayer that you will understand what I am talking here. I’m not going to Cambodia because it’s a duty call but because I enjoy doing it. Not only I have made a decision to go but I also rise to the next level, that is: I have actually enjoyed doing it.
Ultimately son, when you continue to make that wise decision, you will realize that it’s no longer a decision; it becomes a way of life (一种生活方式) which will guide you when you face difficult challenges later on.
So son, make good your life… how you want your future to be, start now! Your future starts today! Whatever your decision is today will affect your tomorrow and your future.
Love you so much…
mum
I don’t know if writing to you mean anything to you but I guess if talking may not make any sense, maybe writing will.
Growing up is never fun like it used to be but we don’t have a choice. In one hand, we want to grow up fast so that we could have more freedom; on the other hand, there is this small boy within that cries out for attention that you may lose out as an adult. Juggling between the two will definitely cause some struggles in you which results that sometimes you will feel frustrated over things that you want but didn’t get it and things that you don’t want to do but you are required to do.
So son, what is the balance? The best solution is: MAKE WISE DECISIONS ! By this I mean, when you make wise decisions on your own, you don’t have to listen to all those nagging tones from us; when you make wise decisions on your own, you will enjoy doing it more rather than taking orders from the adults.
For example: tidying room – do you feel better doing it yourself without anyone telling you what to do OR you like it when we ask you to clean up the room? Take another example: Does it feel better when you decide to study on your own instead of us nagging you to study all the time? Which of these will make you feel better? To be asked what to do or to decide to do it on your own?
Another example: you know that watching certain shows are not edifying (building up your spiritual life). Though they may seem harmless and a comedy but the content is definitely out. So what should we do? I could say a thousand times, “Don’t watch it!”. You will still do because you are not convinced that you shouldn’t watch it BUT let’s say one day you realized that these show will not bring any profit to you or that music is not suitable and that habits brings no glory to God and you yourself, on your own decided NOT to do any of these, I tell you son, you will feel GOOD inside because you have make a wise decision for God and for yourself.
So that’s why I said, “Don’t wait till someone ask you to do something because it will not bring any meaning in your life. When you have decided on your own, then it will mean something to you.”
So don’t wait to be asked what to do, son. A mature adult (BTW not every adult is mature) must learn how to make wise decision that will bring meaning to his life. I am waiting for the day when you will have that strength to make your own decision that will not only benefit yourself but also to glorify God and also bring gladness in our hearts.
So I will not be with you for a week. But I will remember you in prayer that you will understand what I am talking here. I’m not going to Cambodia because it’s a duty call but because I enjoy doing it. Not only I have made a decision to go but I also rise to the next level, that is: I have actually enjoyed doing it.
Ultimately son, when you continue to make that wise decision, you will realize that it’s no longer a decision; it becomes a way of life (一种生活方式) which will guide you when you face difficult challenges later on.
So son, make good your life… how you want your future to be, start now! Your future starts today! Whatever your decision is today will affect your tomorrow and your future.
Love you so much…
mum
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Mega Church Vs Mini Church
I was at a conference helping in interpretation last month. A friend whom I have not seen for awhile came and had a chat with me. We were talking about the conference and then conversation turned to the church that she goes to. I knew that she has been to a new church to help several years ago.
Then she mentioned that recently she has “shifted” to a mega church. Surprised, I asked her why since she has the “burden” to help smaller churches.
She replied, “For my children’s sake. They learned a lot from the church.”
I was taken aback from that answer. Won’t you? What was she implying? Does it mean that all these years, in the smaller or rather mini church, the children learned nothing? What kind of message that she is sending to the children concerning church?
Then she said, “O yes, we have a very good program for parenting.” (She works in a Christian para-organization that deals with Christian courses). At that point, I am sorry to say that I was totally shut off because I don’t think I could trust someone who thought that children could learn more in a mega church is suitable for us. I was raised in a mini church and my children are raised and still are in a mini church and I don’t think they are learning anything less.
I am not against these mega churches. In fact I thank God for their generosity in inviting speakers where otherwise we will never get the chance to hear and offer courses at a reasonable price for those of us who can’t afford overseas trip to hear them. I also appreciate their effort to open all these seminars to benefit people like us from the mini churches.
But why do people have to think that we can learn more from mega churches? I guess the closest that I could think of learning is; we learn different things but not more. Where God has placed us is important. It is not the size of the church that determines our spiritual life. It is never because we came from the mega church and therefore we are more spiritual. If that is so, then where is the place of mini churches? Have the people forgotten that most mega churches gotten their members from other mini churches somewhere?
People like this friend of mine is ignorant of the contribution of mini churches to bring in souls and to disciple them till they are “of age” and then release them to the cities for further studies or work. I salute the work of the pastors from all these churches who are by the way, the majority make up of the percentage of churches here.
Our children need to learn that church is not a place for us just to learn to take and to receive but a place where they can learn to give and to serve. If the church teaches the bible and the people are teachable then we learn much but if there are bible classes, great speakers from half way around the globe but the people are too contented and remained in their comfort zone, then do you think learning is possible?
My recent trip to Cambodia had humbled me greatly. I saw the pastors who earned so little but gave so much of their time into saving souls whereas we saw a few ministries supported by the mega churches and besides giving money have rendered no help nor comfort to them. The pastors from the villages on the other hand have not complaint but humbly serving the community with the little that they have. Their churches are small and tiny (some without water and electricity) and handled by young ladies and young men who serve because they want to see souls saved. Do you think these people learned anything from these pastors?
We from Malaysia, especially in the Klang Valley are really fortunate (or do you call it “blessed”?) because we have so much more. Now we could choose which church to go to. Nowadays people don’t go “church hopping” anymore, I called them “church shopping” because there are so many churches around that allow people to shop from one church to another. This time because the church has a better offer and “on sale”, so we are here. The next month we may go to another because the deals are better there.
Let’s come back to the basics. Let us come back to the meaning of “church going”. Let’s be careful not to fall into the trap of being too selective. God is calling for COMMITMENT from his people; people who are committed enough to be disciples and not just followers. AMEN!
Then she mentioned that recently she has “shifted” to a mega church. Surprised, I asked her why since she has the “burden” to help smaller churches.
She replied, “For my children’s sake. They learned a lot from the church.”
I was taken aback from that answer. Won’t you? What was she implying? Does it mean that all these years, in the smaller or rather mini church, the children learned nothing? What kind of message that she is sending to the children concerning church?
Then she said, “O yes, we have a very good program for parenting.” (She works in a Christian para-organization that deals with Christian courses). At that point, I am sorry to say that I was totally shut off because I don’t think I could trust someone who thought that children could learn more in a mega church is suitable for us. I was raised in a mini church and my children are raised and still are in a mini church and I don’t think they are learning anything less.
I am not against these mega churches. In fact I thank God for their generosity in inviting speakers where otherwise we will never get the chance to hear and offer courses at a reasonable price for those of us who can’t afford overseas trip to hear them. I also appreciate their effort to open all these seminars to benefit people like us from the mini churches.
But why do people have to think that we can learn more from mega churches? I guess the closest that I could think of learning is; we learn different things but not more. Where God has placed us is important. It is not the size of the church that determines our spiritual life. It is never because we came from the mega church and therefore we are more spiritual. If that is so, then where is the place of mini churches? Have the people forgotten that most mega churches gotten their members from other mini churches somewhere?
People like this friend of mine is ignorant of the contribution of mini churches to bring in souls and to disciple them till they are “of age” and then release them to the cities for further studies or work. I salute the work of the pastors from all these churches who are by the way, the majority make up of the percentage of churches here.
Our children need to learn that church is not a place for us just to learn to take and to receive but a place where they can learn to give and to serve. If the church teaches the bible and the people are teachable then we learn much but if there are bible classes, great speakers from half way around the globe but the people are too contented and remained in their comfort zone, then do you think learning is possible?
My recent trip to Cambodia had humbled me greatly. I saw the pastors who earned so little but gave so much of their time into saving souls whereas we saw a few ministries supported by the mega churches and besides giving money have rendered no help nor comfort to them. The pastors from the villages on the other hand have not complaint but humbly serving the community with the little that they have. Their churches are small and tiny (some without water and electricity) and handled by young ladies and young men who serve because they want to see souls saved. Do you think these people learned anything from these pastors?
We from Malaysia, especially in the Klang Valley are really fortunate (or do you call it “blessed”?) because we have so much more. Now we could choose which church to go to. Nowadays people don’t go “church hopping” anymore, I called them “church shopping” because there are so many churches around that allow people to shop from one church to another. This time because the church has a better offer and “on sale”, so we are here. The next month we may go to another because the deals are better there.
Let’s come back to the basics. Let us come back to the meaning of “church going”. Let’s be careful not to fall into the trap of being too selective. God is calling for COMMITMENT from his people; people who are committed enough to be disciples and not just followers. AMEN!
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Stressed or desserts...
With the economic crisis and everyone is wondering about what will happen in the next 5 years, it is a wonder that you may be one of those who keep wondering about your tomorrow. Therefore, people are working harder to keep their job. They strive to excel in order to make sure that the monthly bills are paid plus maybe a little extra for the luxury that one has got used to before this.
So, people are hurrying their steps to try to stay in the front and the management are laying down more and more expectations . . . you are stresssss………ed!
So, people are hurrying their steps to try to stay in the front and the management are laying down more and more expectations . . . you are stresssss………ed!
This will not only affect your mind (to think straight), body (to remain healthy-remember those gastric and indigestion-how long have you forgot to go to the toilet?), soul and spirit (skipping church and devotions and prayers and cell groups and . . . and . . .)
Recently I came across an article in the Readers’ Digest (March 2008) written by Ron Geraci on “Get a Grip” where he suggested some useful tips to manage some of the stress pertaining to emails, sms, voicemails and so on. I would like to share it here with you, hoping that through these suggestions, you may catch a glimpse of yourself and improve on your situation.
Eight Tips to Fight Info Overload:
1. Spot the signs – Feel alone even as you communicate with people all day? That’s a signal technology is dominating your life.
2. Take baby steps – Try being inaccessible for short spurts to see what happens. The world probably won’t explode.
3. Repeat these four words: “I have a choice.” People who say, “My boss wants me to be reachable after 8 pm” are likely exaggerating the control others have over them.
4. Set Limits – Rein in office email and instant message (sms) traffic. Who truly needs 35 daily FYIs on the outcome of a project?
5. Give clear instructions – Try an email signature that reads, “I answer email at 10am, 1 pm and 4 pm. If you need a quicker response, please call.”
6. Make a task list – If you’re interrupted, you’ll get back to work faster if you have a list of what needs to be done.
7. Stick to a schedule – Handle recreational Web surfing and email at set times. Dipping in and out is classic self-interruption.
8. Do a reality check – After five minutes of unplanned surfing, ask yourself, “Should I really be doing this now?”
As for your spiritual health, switch off all electronic devices when you are alone with Him and enjoy worshipping and praying without having being disturbed. You may feel a bit uncomfortable initially (because you think that you are indispensible), but when you actually set aside time to be with God, you can actually accomplish much more. We trust Him (right?)and we believe that He will be with us all the time (right?) and that whatever happen we shall always depend on Him (right?). So start living it out. I have a prayer that I always pray. This is found in one of the book mark that I received when I was a very young Christian and till today it has been my greatest encouragement. It says, “Nothing is going to happen today that YOU and I cannot handle together.” Have a Pleasant Day!
Monday, March 9, 2009
The Journey to Reconciliation
Relationship is a powerful “conjunction” between human beings. It links us to another person’s life and indirectly gave us the right to be “involved” in the other person’s matter.
Broken relationship will not only take away that right, when it turned ugly, will deny us access to anything pertaining to that person’s life. Usually it involves hurts, pain and agony because of betrayal or breach of trust between the persons. When that hurts deepen due to time and further denial or betrayal, a person will go through hatred. When hatred climax, ironically a person will no longer have any more feelings. Reason: a person cannot hate when there’s no more love. You don’t hate a person on the street that has no relation with you.
So, reconciliation is all about bridging two persons together again in an attempt to heal broken relationship and thus to revitalize a feeling of love for one another again. Now you can understand why this process is so agonizingly torturing to two souls. The good news is: This is exactly what Jesus has done for us on the cross. He died on the cross in acute agony in so that we could be reconciled to God, the Father. Once, we don’t even know nor have any feeling toward this Father in heaven but now, Jesus brought us back to where it all started-we are created to worship Him! Excellent!
That sounds easy. How about healing broken relationship between two souls? This seems a different scenario; the matter was worsened if both are saved, delivered Christians who are ardent believers in reconciliation. Did you see the picture?
Yet, reconciliation is desperately necessary if we want to continue to bear the name “Christian” in our lives. Because being “saved” is being reconciled – either to God or to man! So how could we continuously exist as a Christian and allow hatred to reign in our heart. We often say, “to forgive and to forget.” But in reality, we cannot forget and thanks to our powerful makeup of our brain. Could you actually forget the past when someone actually hurt you deeply? We may talk about it as though it happens to a third party but we know we cannot forget that incident unless we have Alzheimer.
But how do we handle broken relationship? We know we have to because Jesus has done it and He wants us to do likewise. I utterly dislike handling such matters because the hurts that was concealed neatly over years will now have to be faced-once and for all! I know that I have to and I really want to; otherwise it will haunt me to my grave.
I took a long time to pray. If I say that it’s going to be easy, then I am not being truthful. Hurts mean hurts. It takes time to have courage to admit that you need God’s strength to help you to open your hearts in so that you could accept the person who has once hurt you. Good news is: we can do it because the Holy Spirit will grant us strength.
Praying is not enough. Let’s face it! We want to just make right with God but we don’t want to face those whom we thought have hurt us. As long as we say sorry to God, then our job is done. NOT TRUE! The next step, which is crucial, in reconciliation is to face the person. The purpose is not to be what we use to be (the relationship before these happens), rather we are making right what was wrong. Whether the person will accept or not, is not our jurisdiction. We just want to obey God and to do the right thing.
There’s effort – great effort involved. Many times because of pride, we wait for the other party to make the first move. Well, the one who moves first is guilty…konon. But the one who makes the first move is blessed because of humility. This is the hardest first step in our lives. But when you actually take it, it could be the best thing ever happen because it is the KEY to unlock joy and freedom.
Trust me, God will be with you when you learn to stay humble. It is okay to eat that humble pie once in awhile. Making reconciliation is not a time to gauge who’s right or wrong; it is a time to say, “let’s move on!”
Remember: we are trying to do what is right in God’s eyes, not attempting to be what we are not. We remain humble because we love God and God’s people. When we take that first move, it’s not because we are guilty but that we are obedient to God’s Word.
So do not sweep the hurts under the carpet. I have done that many times and it just accumulates until the carpet could no longer contain. And so, a lot of small little humps began to gather and I fell over and tripped. I know it’s time to act: because I love God! So how about you?!
Monday, February 16, 2009
What kind of pastor are you looking for?
I was in the fellowship of pastors and we got to share some views on church and the current trend that we found that is not benefitting the church.
The scenario is:
The members or the leaders (mostly educated and highly qualified in the secular world) somehow began to complain about their pastoral staff/s. Somehow, they manage to find faults and dissatisfaction with the pastor or the pastor’s wife (termed as the most misunderstood personnel in the entire church).
Many pastors are discouraged and wondered if there are any more values in serving God. Their only desire is to serve God and the people whom God has placed under their care. But no matter how much they tried and how hard they worked, they don’t seem to satisfy these people.
Now, let me ask you this question (a question that I am sincerely looking for an answer): What kind of pastor are you looking for? What qualities that you think should make up of the 21st century image of a pastor? I think it would be most helpful if you would participate in this and write your comment and pass it on to your friends who may have a comment in this. Because pastors who come across this blog may benefit from it.
But with one condition, please be constructive. If you have any grievances against your pastors, then you are not being objective. Don’t tell us your church’s name. Just tell us about your opinion. I believe we as pastors may benefit and learn much from you.
And if you do come across a good pastor (in your opinion), share with us too. With such positive remarks, let us cut off Satan’s scheme to destroy the church through negative feelings and actions against the pastors in the churches. You love God, right? You want to see God’s church growing and experiencing revival, right? We want to preach the gospel to the end of the earth, right? This could only possible when the pastors and the members are working together as ONE (UNITY). Satan knew this and he is all out to destroy this mutual trust between us. He is destroying trust between good people in the church and caused so much hurts and pains that were uncalled for. So if you care for us, as much as we care for you, please tell us.
The scenario is:
The members or the leaders (mostly educated and highly qualified in the secular world) somehow began to complain about their pastoral staff/s. Somehow, they manage to find faults and dissatisfaction with the pastor or the pastor’s wife (termed as the most misunderstood personnel in the entire church).
Many pastors are discouraged and wondered if there are any more values in serving God. Their only desire is to serve God and the people whom God has placed under their care. But no matter how much they tried and how hard they worked, they don’t seem to satisfy these people.
Now, let me ask you this question (a question that I am sincerely looking for an answer): What kind of pastor are you looking for? What qualities that you think should make up of the 21st century image of a pastor? I think it would be most helpful if you would participate in this and write your comment and pass it on to your friends who may have a comment in this. Because pastors who come across this blog may benefit from it.
But with one condition, please be constructive. If you have any grievances against your pastors, then you are not being objective. Don’t tell us your church’s name. Just tell us about your opinion. I believe we as pastors may benefit and learn much from you.
And if you do come across a good pastor (in your opinion), share with us too. With such positive remarks, let us cut off Satan’s scheme to destroy the church through negative feelings and actions against the pastors in the churches. You love God, right? You want to see God’s church growing and experiencing revival, right? We want to preach the gospel to the end of the earth, right? This could only possible when the pastors and the members are working together as ONE (UNITY). Satan knew this and he is all out to destroy this mutual trust between us. He is destroying trust between good people in the church and caused so much hurts and pains that were uncalled for. So if you care for us, as much as we care for you, please tell us.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Misunderstood!
Edited:
I was lovingly told by one of my reader that I have been a bit too harsh on my words in this particular blog. Very negative in fact. So after much consideration and thoughts and reading through it over and over again, I decided to edit the blog. Yes, I believe a blog as such that sounds negative may "stumble" some. That would be my last reason for writing. I stand corrected. So I edited this blog and put on a more positive note in it. Thnx bro for your concern. God bless.
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Have you ever been misunderstood? Or at least you thought that you have been. How do you usually respond when you think that you have been misunderstood?
To start with, whom do you think have misunderstand you? What was the issue? The people or the matter?
Generally, the first thing that comes to our mind when we think that we have been misunderstood is to explain. In actual fact, because it is a misunderstanding, a lot of factors are involved. Why was there misunderstanding in the first place? Is a third party involved?
Recently, I felt that I have been misunderstood…again! Instead of explaining my way (of which I did try) but the results are not what I ideally wished it to be. Instead, I felt that the relationship was strained and we could never go back to the same way again. This is a complicated problem because it involved a third party.
I was very sad and of course my husband was sad because I was sad. I began to recollect, as a pastor’s wife, how many times I was misunderstood. If I speak, I was dominant; if I don’t speak, then I am not concern. If I serve earnestly, I was bossy; if I don’t do anything, then I’m lazy.
There comes a time when I want to just give up, pack and go…anyway that don’t have human being. I know that’s not possible because even heaven and hell have them. I complain to God, “You have called me into the ministry. I know that I have tried my best to serve you and to please you. But I cannot please everyone in the ministries.
I was asked to read a blog where the members have set up to write against the senior pastor. They sounded so godly and the pastor such a jerk. I don’t really know what happened in that church but I just asked for mercy and grace. Jesus exhorted us to be righteous but also kind and compassionate. Christian principles are rooted more in love and acceptance than hatred and dissensions. Woe unto those who thought they are doing God a favour by causing division in the church! Recognize the source: God or Satan, who like to cause division and dissension?
Maybe there are some who think that by causing such problems in so that “we could be kept humbled”. I almost fell off my chair when I heard that.
Being misunderstood is not a nice feeling; being unable to fully explain myself is a humbling experience. I only want to please God and I have a very simple mission: to preach the gospel and to raise up disciples for Jesus Christ.
So I resolved to not be bothered by negative remarks but to continue to serve God in whatever capacity that the Lord has given me. I will pray harder (if there's such expression); will preach more diligently; to love even more and most of all to forgive ALL!
Sunday, February 1, 2009
OCBC
OCBC means Overseas Chinese Banking Corporation, a Bank in Malaysia. A church member who is a multi-racial personnel (Scottish,Chinese, Indian, Malaysia and who knows what else is in his blood). Officially he’s known as a Eurasian. He has lived in KL for many years. So now, he looks a mix of Chinese and Caucasian. But he calls himself a OCBC – meaning “Orang Cina Bukan Cina”. Reason is he speaks Chinese, his heart feels like a Chinese but he’s not one. What he meant was, though in many ways, he is Chinese but in actual sense he is not.
There’s also another group of people who’s also called OCBC… the “Orang Christian Bukan Christian”. They took on the identity as Christians but they never practice nor even close to being one.
In the bible, Paul called them the carnal (fleshly) Christians whom we refer as “nominal Christian”. Sadly, there are quite a number found in the church, with or without them recognizing it. Reason being, as long as they confess that they are Christians, they think that should be enough to get them to heaven, or at least to see St Paul at the gate.
But the truth is, Jesus has taught us many things pertaining to our Christian walk with Him. James admonished us to become doer and not just hearer of our faith; Paul reminded us that we live by faith and not by works; Jesus gave us instructions during the Olivet discourse where we find the Beautitudes.
But I have a simple principle to follow or to check, in the form of questions:
1. Do I earnestly wanting to read the Bible and hunger for truth? Do I study the bible because I want to live by its principles?
2. Do I find it a joy to pray and worship God? Do I set aside time each day to have communion with Him? Not during rush hour because I only have 5 or 10 minutes to spare.
3. Am I proud of the church that I attend and will not be ashamed to introduce Jesus and the church to my friends? Am I bold enough to admit my belief to new friends?
4. Lastly, do I find it a joy to serve God in the church and the community? Volunteering my time and money for the course of preaching the gospel. Even if I know that dealing with people means making myself susceptible to hurts and pains, am I still willing to serve because I know that I serve God and not man?
I try to follow my heart and listen to the still small voice from the Holy Spirit to guide me each day. I live day by day, moment by moment, taking each day at a time. I will not rush and will not be pressured to act against my principles which I have learned from the bible. Not just someone senior told me so, and I follow, rather I have to be convinced based on the Word of God.
So all those OCBC out there, maybe it’s time to get serious with our faith. Amen!
There’s also another group of people who’s also called OCBC… the “Orang Christian Bukan Christian”. They took on the identity as Christians but they never practice nor even close to being one.
In the bible, Paul called them the carnal (fleshly) Christians whom we refer as “nominal Christian”. Sadly, there are quite a number found in the church, with or without them recognizing it. Reason being, as long as they confess that they are Christians, they think that should be enough to get them to heaven, or at least to see St Paul at the gate.
But the truth is, Jesus has taught us many things pertaining to our Christian walk with Him. James admonished us to become doer and not just hearer of our faith; Paul reminded us that we live by faith and not by works; Jesus gave us instructions during the Olivet discourse where we find the Beautitudes.
But I have a simple principle to follow or to check, in the form of questions:
1. Do I earnestly wanting to read the Bible and hunger for truth? Do I study the bible because I want to live by its principles?
2. Do I find it a joy to pray and worship God? Do I set aside time each day to have communion with Him? Not during rush hour because I only have 5 or 10 minutes to spare.
3. Am I proud of the church that I attend and will not be ashamed to introduce Jesus and the church to my friends? Am I bold enough to admit my belief to new friends?
4. Lastly, do I find it a joy to serve God in the church and the community? Volunteering my time and money for the course of preaching the gospel. Even if I know that dealing with people means making myself susceptible to hurts and pains, am I still willing to serve because I know that I serve God and not man?
I try to follow my heart and listen to the still small voice from the Holy Spirit to guide me each day. I live day by day, moment by moment, taking each day at a time. I will not rush and will not be pressured to act against my principles which I have learned from the bible. Not just someone senior told me so, and I follow, rather I have to be convinced based on the Word of God.
So all those OCBC out there, maybe it’s time to get serious with our faith. Amen!
Monday, January 26, 2009
Memoirs of Aberdeen
The moment we touched Aberdeen, we were greeted by our very excited host. But to top that up, I met someone that I have not seen for more than 20 years. I don’t think it was a coincident. It was a walk down memory lane while talking to him and his wife over the dinner table. I was elated by w
hat God could do in a person’s life when you allow God to take His course.
The next few weeks were meeting new friends in the church, teaching and preaching. I decided to write a short journal of the summary of our visit.
Week #1
We had a seminar, a Sunday Service, seminar, ladies and men meetings. It was so exciting to see so many friends from China who wanted to learn God’s word. We felt such privilege to be able to just be there and to listen to their talk.
We realized that our friends from China loved to express themselves and they just have a gala time talking and relating daily issues with one another. I find it interesting because I have never heard so many people talking all at the same time and yet able to understand one another. I was amused altogether.
The second interesting thing was house hunting. Two of my Malaysian friends had decided to move out from their present homes and we went house hunting. It was interesting looking into different houses because each house has its own character. It did speak aloud of the owner or the previous tenants and how they had lived before moving out. It was fun!
Week #2
The house hunting continued and so was shopping down Union Street. Everywhere was sales or closing down signs. Economy was bad and people are losing jobs. I was told that there was at least 2 million people who are without jobs. It was difficult time. I saw such opportunity to reach out in times like this. When we lost all hope, may God be our lifeline; when all
other fails, God remains faithful! Amen!!
We continued with church meetings and by now we got closer to the people. One interesting meeting was with the youths of 12-16 years. Young as they are, they are excited and full of questions. I have never seen a youth meetings with so many questions asked. I mean, loads and loads of questions. Pause! With so many questions, I didn’t have the opportunity to answer at all. (laugh) So we began the meeting with a tiny whiny question from me and ended with loads of unanswered questions. I closed with just sharing on how great is our God! (next week, they came and said, all their questions were answered. Strange! How did that happen?)
Week #3
Our visit was coming to an end. Our host took us to the highlands in hope to see some snow. One observation: wherever we go (I mean since we realize of this fact a long time ago), somehow that place will get warmer. And it happened this time round. Before we came, there was snow and relevantly cold. Then when we came, it warmed up and when we leave, the snow and cold came in again. So, next time if you want a warmer climate, do send a ticket to us. We will bring the heat wave to you.
The last weekend was amazing. We were invited to dinners and we felt so much love from our friends in the church. We thank God for Steven, Mary, Sharon and Susan and not forgetting Deacon, who had been such a good host to us especially to our children. Ian and Sue Anne (especially Sue Anne) wanted to stay and talked of coming back to study. Hmmm, I wonder how it’s going to work. O well, pray!
Conclusion
I thank God for a fruitful ministry; for meeting up with Michael, May and Mikayla Tayok; for all our new friends in Aberdeen; for the very special youths in the Chinese church; most of all to our host and their hospitality. All these shall be kept in our hearts for a long long time ... :-) Amen!
hat God could do in a person’s life when you allow God to take His course.The next few weeks were meeting new friends in the church, teaching and preaching. I decided to write a short journal of the summary of our visit.
Week #1
We had a seminar, a Sunday Service, seminar, ladies and men meetings. It was so exciting to see so many friends from China who wanted to learn God’s word. We felt such privilege to be able to just be there and to listen to their talk.
We realized that our friends from China loved to express themselves and they just have a gala time talking and relating daily issues with one another. I find it interesting because I have never heard so many people talking all at the same time and yet able to understand one another. I was amused altogether.
The second interesting thing was house hunting. Two of my Malaysian friends had decided to move out from their present homes and we went house hunting. It was interesting looking into different houses because each house has its own character. It did speak aloud of the owner or the previous tenants and how they had lived before moving out. It was fun!
Week #2
The house hunting continued and so was shopping down Union Street. Everywhere was sales or closing down signs. Economy was bad and people are losing jobs. I was told that there was at least 2 million people who are without jobs. It was difficult time. I saw such opportunity to reach out in times like this. When we lost all hope, may God be our lifeline; when all
other fails, God remains faithful! Amen!!We continued with church meetings and by now we got closer to the people. One interesting meeting was with the youths of 12-16 years. Young as they are, they are excited and full of questions. I have never seen a youth meetings with so many questions asked. I mean, loads and loads of questions. Pause! With so many questions, I didn’t have the opportunity to answer at all. (laugh) So we began the meeting with a tiny whiny question from me and ended with loads of unanswered questions. I closed with just sharing on how great is our God! (next week, they came and said, all their questions were answered. Strange! How did that happen?)
Week #3
Our visit was coming to an end. Our host took us to the highlands in hope to see some snow. One observation: wherever we go (I mean since we realize of this fact a long time ago), somehow that place will get warmer. And it happened this time round. Before we came, there was snow and relevantly cold. Then when we came, it warmed up and when we leave, the snow and cold came in again. So, next time if you want a warmer climate, do send a ticket to us. We will bring the heat wave to you.
The last weekend was amazing. We were invited to dinners and we felt so much love from our friends in the church. We thank God for Steven, Mary, Sharon and Susan and not forgetting Deacon, who had been such a good host to us especially to our children. Ian and Sue Anne (especially Sue Anne) wanted to stay and talked of coming back to study. Hmmm, I wonder how it’s going to work. O well, pray!
Conclusion
I thank God for a fruitful ministry; for meeting up with Michael, May and Mikayla Tayok; for all our new friends in Aberdeen; for the very special youths in the Chinese church; most of all to our host and their hospitality. All these shall be kept in our hearts for a long long time ... :-) Amen!
Friday, January 16, 2009
Shattered dreams and Broken hearts
I couldn’t sleep last night. My mind swirled around like a whirlpool, churning and turning over events that happened today.
The picture of the broken lenses kept on appearing and haunting me. I scolded myself for being so careless and foolish. This afternoon, we were so happy, looking forward to the beach. So after lunch we wanted to take some photos but the wind was so strong, and the rain splattered all around us. Just for a split moment, the camera dropped. I took the camera and saw the broken lenses, my heart felt a pinch.
My heart was shattered at that point but I remained calm, but for the rest of the day, the picture of the broken lenses just wouldn’t leave me.
That evening, a lady came and we had a conversation. She has never heard about Jesus or God before. So I took the liberty sharing Christ with her and I was amazed at her openness and my compassion.
Just at that moment, I saw my broken lenses again. Now I saw Jesus, mending broken hearts and shattered dreams. The pain in my heart grew lesser but none the less intense.
As the night grew, I couldn’t close my eyes. My thoughts ran forward to the last few days. Daniel had an accident in the bathroom and had a deep cut on his forehead. We took him to the hospital and they “gummed” the wound and he was discharged. I
was thinking, I was not even worried when that happened and no tinge of anxiety. I just relieved that he’s alright. But why was I feeling such pain when a camera fell on the ground and broke the lenses.
I actually questioned myself for being too “calm” with Daniel’s incident and too “overcome” with the camera. Who and what was more important? But it was not who or what. It’s what you think pinch you at that moment and I guess what pinched me then was the camera because I knew that nothing too serious will come out of the head injury whereas, I was worries if I could get my lenses back.
Sometimes we worry and anxious for the minor and take what is important lightly in our lives. I guess it is the question of priority. I thank God that the pain left when I let go of the broken lenses and allow it to take its cause. When I turn to face Daniel, love and compassion fill my heart.
We often forget how important some people are in our lives; our spouses, children, friends and relatives. We take them lightly; forget to soothe their pain or even notice their agony; ignore their inner cry for attention; oblivious of their loneliness in facing life trials and crisis. Maybe we could take a moment, stop your work and close your eyes. Someone, somewhere needs a shoulder to cry, an ear to hear or maybe a helping hand.
I do hope that I will learn to listen to shattered dreams and broken hearts and be that ear or hand,for there are too many around us who has “lonely voices” waiting to be heard.
The picture of the broken lenses kept on appearing and haunting me. I scolded myself for being so careless and foolish. This afternoon, we were so happy, looking forward to the beach. So after lunch we wanted to take some photos but the wind was so strong, and the rain splattered all around us. Just for a split moment, the camera dropped. I took the camera and saw the broken lenses, my heart felt a pinch.
My heart was shattered at that point but I remained calm, but for the rest of the day, the picture of the broken lenses just wouldn’t leave me.
That evening, a lady came and we had a conversation. She has never heard about Jesus or God before. So I took the liberty sharing Christ with her and I was amazed at her openness and my compassion.
Just at that moment, I saw my broken lenses again. Now I saw Jesus, mending broken hearts and shattered dreams. The pain in my heart grew lesser but none the less intense.
As the night grew, I couldn’t close my eyes. My thoughts ran forward to the last few days. Daniel had an accident in the bathroom and had a deep cut on his forehead. We took him to the hospital and they “gummed” the wound and he was discharged. I
was thinking, I was not even worried when that happened and no tinge of anxiety. I just relieved that he’s alright. But why was I feeling such pain when a camera fell on the ground and broke the lenses.I actually questioned myself for being too “calm” with Daniel’s incident and too “overcome” with the camera. Who and what was more important? But it was not who or what. It’s what you think pinch you at that moment and I guess what pinched me then was the camera because I knew that nothing too serious will come out of the head injury whereas, I was worries if I could get my lenses back.
Sometimes we worry and anxious for the minor and take what is important lightly in our lives. I guess it is the question of priority. I thank God that the pain left when I let go of the broken lenses and allow it to take its cause. When I turn to face Daniel, love and compassion fill my heart.
We often forget how important some people are in our lives; our spouses, children, friends and relatives. We take them lightly; forget to soothe their pain or even notice their agony; ignore their inner cry for attention; oblivious of their loneliness in facing life trials and crisis. Maybe we could take a moment, stop your work and close your eyes. Someone, somewhere needs a shoulder to cry, an ear to hear or maybe a helping hand.
I do hope that I will learn to listen to shattered dreams and broken hearts and be that ear or hand,for there are too many around us who has “lonely voices” waiting to be heard.
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