"As for me and my whole household, we will serve the Lord."Joshua 24:15
Our Prime Minister is very serious about “One Malaysia” and insists that it should be our very own Malaysian culture. Whether this will be a reality or not, at least some efforts are seen in promoting it.
A good culture is not just a matter of talking and implementing. It is a process, a very long and painful process. It takes not only the people in the leadership to take the drastic step to implement it but also taking that effort to embrace it as part of their lives as well. It takes years to cultivate and the leadership must cast the vision to the people from all walks of life; from the grass-root to the royalties. Line by line, precepts by precepts … penetrating through every level of the societies.
In our church, we are also developing some cultural identities that belong to us as Peace Charisians. What is the culture that we are looking for? What identity can we associate ourselves with? Allow me to cast the vision for you.
First and foremost, let our church be a church where the people love the Word of God. We want to see believers gathering together, not gossiping or backbiting each other, slandering with negative remarks towards one another or the leadership; rather their mouth shall be full of encouragement and admonition from the Word of God. (Eph 5:19)
Secondly, the church should be a prayer and worship house (Mark 11:17) where anyone… I mean anyone (believers and non-believers alike) shall find comfort in God in this place. A church who prays earnestly and passionately will be a church who will be kind and compassionate towards the people around them. The church will be able to see what God sees and feel how God feels for the people of God and for the world. No genuine prayer warrior should be judgmental but is compassionate and full of love for the people, just like our Lord Jesus Christ. This is true when the church worships God. When we are ‘lost’ in the presence of God, then we are found in Him.
Lastly (but the list could go on) Peace Charisians should be actively involved in community service, not being ignorant nor non-concern attitude towards the happenings around them (James 1:26,27). In order to thrive at the edge of ministering as God’s servants, we need to be alert towards the society’s needs at all times. Do you know the community where you live? Do they know that you are a Christian and that you are available to help them or be the resourceful person to refer them if you are not an expert on the said subject? Or you are the ‘quiet, no nonsense, apathetic’ neighbor who mysteriously disappears each Sunday for a couple of hours?
So what culture are you developing now personally? Are you seeing the mentioned culture above forming in our church? If no, what are you doing about it? If yes, shall we be diligent to improve it? As for me, the culture that we embrace here at home and in the church is, (we would like to imitate Joshua) “As for me and my whole household, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15). I think this will summarize all. Amen!
Friday, January 29, 2010
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Burnt Church – “WE FORGIVE!”
"WE FORGIVE!"
Last week, after confirming renting a room (we rented it from Metro Tab) for Ian near his college, we had a small talk with one of the pastors from Metro Tab. We thanked God for pastors who have a great vision for the Lord and we believe in God’s provision even in granting a permit for their new premise that would be ready for use anytime.
The next day, we heard that the church was burnt. I quickly called the pastor to enquire and to render our prayers. The same day before I left for church, I saw in the TV news the image of the church. The first reaction was angry and then in prayer I felt sad over the actions by some who thought that they have the right to do what they pleased. Then I was elated because with this in the news, I knew that the people in Malaysia were made aware of the existence of this church. So I sent a sms saying, “What the enemy meant bad, God means for good.” I thanked God for the free publicity and I knew that this is a blessing in disguise.
The next day, Rev Ong Sek Leang in the news said, “We forgive!” What a testimony! We do not condone arson but we are in no position to react negatively; rather the phrase “We forgive!” speaks louder than any actions or reactions.
True enough, it has the attention of all the top ministers to “come to church” and a RM500,000 was granted to rebuild and a permit given. What a blessing because we choose to forgive!
This brings to our attention to our daily walk with our Lord. When something un-called for happened, we often looked at the negative side first. We give no room for God to work through even the worst situations in our lives. If only we learn this lesson, “We Forgive!” our church will be a place of refuge for many who walk through that door. Sadly, when something bad happens, the first thought and the first talk is often negative.
Maybe we should change our attitude a bit. Switch to the POSITIVE MODE at all times when we face life situations. Things don’t have to look grim all the time. That’s why I often tell the church, “We have challenges in life, not problems”; Challenges that we could take up positively and face bravely and courageously with our Lord who never leaves us nor forsakes us.
Allah or not, He is the Almighty God. That is a fact! He is YAHWEH, our Lord! Amen!
Last week, after confirming renting a room (we rented it from Metro Tab) for Ian near his college, we had a small talk with one of the pastors from Metro Tab. We thanked God for pastors who have a great vision for the Lord and we believe in God’s provision even in granting a permit for their new premise that would be ready for use anytime.
The next day, we heard that the church was burnt. I quickly called the pastor to enquire and to render our prayers. The same day before I left for church, I saw in the TV news the image of the church. The first reaction was angry and then in prayer I felt sad over the actions by some who thought that they have the right to do what they pleased. Then I was elated because with this in the news, I knew that the people in Malaysia were made aware of the existence of this church. So I sent a sms saying, “What the enemy meant bad, God means for good.” I thanked God for the free publicity and I knew that this is a blessing in disguise.
The next day, Rev Ong Sek Leang in the news said, “We forgive!” What a testimony! We do not condone arson but we are in no position to react negatively; rather the phrase “We forgive!” speaks louder than any actions or reactions.
True enough, it has the attention of all the top ministers to “come to church” and a RM500,000 was granted to rebuild and a permit given. What a blessing because we choose to forgive!
This brings to our attention to our daily walk with our Lord. When something un-called for happened, we often looked at the negative side first. We give no room for God to work through even the worst situations in our lives. If only we learn this lesson, “We Forgive!” our church will be a place of refuge for many who walk through that door. Sadly, when something bad happens, the first thought and the first talk is often negative.
Maybe we should change our attitude a bit. Switch to the POSITIVE MODE at all times when we face life situations. Things don’t have to look grim all the time. That’s why I often tell the church, “We have challenges in life, not problems”; Challenges that we could take up positively and face bravely and courageously with our Lord who never leaves us nor forsakes us.
Allah or not, He is the Almighty God. That is a fact! He is YAHWEH, our Lord! Amen!
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Dear Shyju
Dear Shyju,
Thank you for your ministry last Christmas. It has been such a blessing to our church. On the first night, the Holy Spirit already began the healing ministries, breaking bondage in many lives. The next morning which was Christmas morning, it was just awesome. The wonderful presence of the Holy Spirit among us further brought us into a deeper relationship with Him. And the fire went on… we are looking forward to a wonderful, fruitful year ahead along with a vision on mission.
You know son, I often thank God for your ministries at such a young age. You have matured greatly in all aspects and that brought such great joy in my heart. Recently, I read some comments on the last article on you which were not altogether pleasant. I was surprised as the article was written a long time ago, yet last month the people began to dig into this past article and commented negatively on it.
When I read the comments the first thing that came to my mind was, “Thanks to all who commented.” Thank you for taking notice of this young man, Shyju Mathew. Truly God is working through this young man. Secondly, I was wondering, why was the article being misunderstood. I was trying to paraphrase what you said in such a short essay or maybe I have not phrased it as close to what you have said and somehow someone get to read it in some other ways. How strange?!
Yet, whatever their comments were, let me share with you this: NO matter how well we are doing, or how right we are, there will be some who would disagree with us, based on their own opinion. If these opinions are not attacking us as being personal, we should just take it in God’s grace. We can’t please everyone and the only One whom we fear is our God.
In the many years in the ministries, I have experienced numerous times when people began to criticize for the sake of criticizing. There are those who meant well but also those who just too prejudiced to have a good word on anything that we do.
When I keep quiet, they would say I don’t care; when I make some comments, then I am bossy. Or when I allow the people to have the freedom to serve in their best capacity, the comments are the pastor and the church were without directions but when I began to chart out the church’s vision, then the pastor was not understanding enough to give them the freedom to serve. Tell me son, what is more difficult than to serve those who already have pre-conceived idea of who you are.
So I resolved with this: I will only speak what I think is right and is the will of God. I don’t ask for a 100% acceptance to my suggestions or opinions, rather I will allow God to prove Himself in our ministries.
Ministerial life is a lonely journey sometimes. We could be misunderstood, misread and mistaken for being proud and arrogant. But we know who we are in the Lord. We know our relationship with God and that is something no other person could interpret. Cherish that!
Lastly, let me say this: I believe in your ministry! I believe God will continue to use you greatly if you allow Him to. We are blessed! :)
Thank you for your ministry last Christmas. It has been such a blessing to our church. On the first night, the Holy Spirit already began the healing ministries, breaking bondage in many lives. The next morning which was Christmas morning, it was just awesome. The wonderful presence of the Holy Spirit among us further brought us into a deeper relationship with Him. And the fire went on… we are looking forward to a wonderful, fruitful year ahead along with a vision on mission.
You know son, I often thank God for your ministries at such a young age. You have matured greatly in all aspects and that brought such great joy in my heart. Recently, I read some comments on the last article on you which were not altogether pleasant. I was surprised as the article was written a long time ago, yet last month the people began to dig into this past article and commented negatively on it.
When I read the comments the first thing that came to my mind was, “Thanks to all who commented.” Thank you for taking notice of this young man, Shyju Mathew. Truly God is working through this young man. Secondly, I was wondering, why was the article being misunderstood. I was trying to paraphrase what you said in such a short essay or maybe I have not phrased it as close to what you have said and somehow someone get to read it in some other ways. How strange?!
Yet, whatever their comments were, let me share with you this: NO matter how well we are doing, or how right we are, there will be some who would disagree with us, based on their own opinion. If these opinions are not attacking us as being personal, we should just take it in God’s grace. We can’t please everyone and the only One whom we fear is our God.
In the many years in the ministries, I have experienced numerous times when people began to criticize for the sake of criticizing. There are those who meant well but also those who just too prejudiced to have a good word on anything that we do.
When I keep quiet, they would say I don’t care; when I make some comments, then I am bossy. Or when I allow the people to have the freedom to serve in their best capacity, the comments are the pastor and the church were without directions but when I began to chart out the church’s vision, then the pastor was not understanding enough to give them the freedom to serve. Tell me son, what is more difficult than to serve those who already have pre-conceived idea of who you are.
So I resolved with this: I will only speak what I think is right and is the will of God. I don’t ask for a 100% acceptance to my suggestions or opinions, rather I will allow God to prove Himself in our ministries.
Ministerial life is a lonely journey sometimes. We could be misunderstood, misread and mistaken for being proud and arrogant. But we know who we are in the Lord. We know our relationship with God and that is something no other person could interpret. Cherish that!
Lastly, let me say this: I believe in your ministry! I believe God will continue to use you greatly if you allow Him to. We are blessed! :)
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