Pastor's Wife

2011-09-30T23:10:00.000-07:00

Since moving to the new church building, there was this strange feelings each time I go to church; that I am going to a totally new church and a new beginning.

I am thanking God each day for the wonderful place that we are having right now and each day I am reminding myself that this is only the beginning of the excitement that we could experience with God. I kept on reminding myself of the purpose of having a building there and am alert of the responsibilities thereof.

To start with, the canteen has been a blessing. The brothers from the drug rehab center found a new way to serve God and maybe to be trained to run a canteen/café in the future. They are pretty excited with the work and they did a wonderful job, learning to bear responsibilities (something that they don’t really understand but are learning in the drug rehab center, otherwise, they will not abuse themselves with drugs).

Secondly, the church members found a place whereby not only they could serve but also a place where they could fellowship and to organize activities that are meaningful to bring their friends to church. We could make use of the facilities that we have to plan evangelistic channels whereby our friends and relatives could come and hear the gospel in a “non-threatening” environment.

Lastly, I found it personally a place whereby I could call “HOME”, a place where I belong to. As I have mentioned earlier, it is a new beginning and a new church to me. I am looking forward to the many blessings in this church and am excited with God’s way of working among us. Though we still have a lot of obstacles and new challenges ahead of us; probably a whole new set of challenges that could throw me out of my chair but still, I am thankful for the opportunity to be “HOME” and a New beginning with YOU, my dearest family of God!

What is the most important thing in your life?

2011-07-15T21:56:00.000-07:00

Joshua 24:15
“But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living.

But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.”

Making choices seem to be an unavoidable matter in life. There are choices we made which we will enjoy the results but there are also choices we made which will leave us feeling frustrated. Sometimes we can be so taken by the results that we forget the process of making those choices.

Being a pastor for many years, I have made numerous choices/decisions in life of which some I was pretty proud of but also there are many which I am rather disappointed with. Some was such blunder that I would wash my face with tears each day and yet some were so good that would leave a smile when I sleep.

Still, does it mean that after making all those mistakes, I will stop making decisions? Does it mean I will be so careful that I will have to consider every possibility before I make that final decision? Some who came to me for advice often ask this question, “What is the right choice in making this decision?” My answer often would be, “Enjoy the process and leave the rest to God.”

Saying this does not mean to be irresponsible but rather recognizing God in the process of making important decisions. We acknowledged God in every plan that we embarked on and we recognized His participation in every move that we made. When the end results are not what we have participated, while we know that we have done our best, that counts.

Some plans fail but it has left a greater impact in my life that those successes. If I am truthful in making honest evaluation on those choices, I will learn many good lessons that I will never forget for the rest of my life. In fact it will leave an indelible impression in my life and so to mould me to be a better person.

No matter what choices that we made, remember to include God in it, just like Joshua, in that important moment of his life, he declared to the Israelites, “As for me and my household, WE WILL SERVE THE LORD”… NO REGRETS!!!

Therefore, each choices that we made, enjoyed the process, commit to God and let the result take care of itself. Learn from each of those processes… you will surely be wiser in your next choice J

What will I do in the year 2011

2011-02-01T09:07:00.000-08:00

It has been awhile since I have written anything on the blog. I have been very busy last year with travelling to different places in the world. Mission? More like mission exposures – exposing myself to different cultures and seeing what God is doing through the lives of the many who have given up life conveniences for the sake of the gospel. My observation: I truly salute those who have taken those steps to vow to do something different and dare to launch it.

After a year of ‘seeing’, I am rather ashamed of myself. I have been in the ministries for more than 20 yrs now but all that I could do is still taking “mission exposures” to educate myself in this field. I also rendered myself helpless in the face of the many needs that I’d seen and felt along the way.

I thought I have done a lot already; served Him faithfully (and secretly took pride in some of the ‘successes’ in the ministries); preached fervently and taught powerfully (at least that’s what I thought I was). Yet none could match all those missionaries who have given their lives to a culture totally different from their own and trying to immerse into some work which could be beyond themselves. The huge task of accomplishing what started as a “vision” took a long way to finish and it seems not much has taken place… as yet.

Frustration is the word and I marveled at the stressed level that they undertook yet remained firm and focused. Compare to all these “humbled servant of the most-high God”, I have nothing to boast, seriously.

Recalling all these trips that I have made, one word kept creeping into my thoughts – ‘AWESOME’! I serve an AWESOME GOD; and I witnessed some AWESOME GODLY SERVANTS OF GOD; I saw some AWESOME WORK/MINISTRIES.

So last year was a great year for me. I am grateful for His provision, for His love, for His protection and for opportunities opened for me. The year also ended with a great harvest in China which further boosted our morale to welcome another fruitful and wonderful year ahead. If there’s a report card to submit, I think I am pretty impressive.

The year 2011 finally came! With lots of expectation, I welcomed the year. I was ready to take on the world again as I “used to”. BUT it was not so.

The year began with quite a bit of sad news – with a number of deaths and sicknesses to start with. More disappointment came when relationships began to fall apart one by one before my eyes. It ripped me totally to see my dear members suffer from broken relationships because of carelessness.

“Careless” because as Christians we are careless with our words, with our actions and even intentions. Motifs unchecked or misread further complicate the matters. As a result, for the first round this year, the enemy has taken control of some and won. That’s how I felt right now!

The news that came to me for the past couple of weeks is not only horrific and it is beyond that I could handle. Like tonight, I couldn’t sleep and I tossed round on the bed, my thoughts swirled around all those who are involved and affected. My heart aches and I couldn’t contain my tears anymore. I cried to my God, “O Lord, be merciful and give me grace and wisdom to handle each of these delicate lives whom you have entrusted to me.” I am totally helpless!

My soul refused to be consoled because I felt the hurts for my people; some are so dear to me and have been with me for years. I saw the resentment in their eyes and words hurled to protect themselves from getting more hurt. I prayed to my God that they will find comfort and that they will receive console from the Holy Spirit.

Even now, my heart aches and I couldn’t do anything about it. All that I could do is to stay still in His presence and allow the Holy Spirit to soothe the wounded soul within me. An old old song came to my mind:

There is no problem too big, God cannot solve it

There is no mountain too tall, He cannot move it

There is no storm too dark, God cannot calm it

There is no sorrow too deep, He cannot soothe it

If He carries the weight of the world upon His shoulder

I know my brother that He will carry You

If He carries the weight of the world upon His shoulder

I know my sister that He will carry You

I now am convinced that nothing is too big for my God of whom I have put my trust. I shall let my burden go and I shall let God be in control.

"God, give me grace to go through today coz there are those hurts that're deep; hurts and griefs that I could not handle alone. Hurts that I do not want to let go. I wanted so much to just let things go but I was unable to do so. But today, may I learn to trust YOU and to lean on YOUR promises that YOU will never leave me nor forsake me. Help me to be bold to step out and to let YOU hold my hands. Father, lead me to YOUR peace, I cry; lead me to YOUR peace, O Father!"

Being WEAK or being MEEK!

2010-06-14T18:15:00.000-07:00

A couple of days ago, my son and I had a chat. We were talking about behaving in the ministries. I encouraged him to be serious and be alert all the time when you are in the ministries because there will be obstacles whereby we need to learn to depend on God for wisdom and protection.

Somehow we got to bring out some past painful experiences that I had and he said, “Mum, I wish that I am older when you were facing those trials. Then maybe I could shield you from being hurt.” “Son, we need to go through all these so called hurts in order to grow and to learn to lean on God.”

“But mum, I saw you being silent when accused; didn’t explain yourself when words were hurled at you. In a nice way, you are being gentle but on the other hand you were seen as being weak in your leadership.”

I was quiet for a moment, recalling what my son had just told me. “Is that what others think when I kept quiet, WEAK?” I thought aloud. Then I calmed down and I told him this gently, “Son, there is a marginal difference between the WEAK and the MEEK. The weak are those who dare not face the situation and choose to run away. They chose to say hurtful comments behind the person and acted out negatively to bring discord and further pain by discrediting the other person and the church behind their back.”

“But the MEEK are those who know that to retaliate is to showcase your weakness whereas to keep compose in times of trials is a showcase of strength. To have a clear mind and to be gentle at the face of calamities are inner strength when one learnt to depend on the Holy Spirit.”

The world is looking on the outward reaction to determine the person’s strength and weakness. We seldom look deep into the person; whether the person reacts quietly and preferably in prayer instead of backbiting or continuously using negative words against the other person.

I once saw a picture in a very old magazine called the “last days ministries”; a picture depicting who Jesus was. In that picture a lamb was climbing a very dangerous and steep cliff up the mountain. It was evening and the shadow casted on the wall of the mountain surprisingly was a LION. It says, “The lamb who is the Lion of Judah.” I think this is the perfect picture of meekness. We are the lamb, gentle and maybe sometimes an easy target to be bullied or hurt but the inner person exhibits such strength that put him/her in a position of love and forgiveness.

Tell me, is it easier to react or refrain to react. To react and to give back the same way the person is treating you don’t need skill or strength but to refrain from taking revenge and not only do not speak against the other person INSTEAD prayerfully bringing that person before God, really needs lots and lots of energy.

I have to admit that through all these experiences that I had, I have become more patient. I thank God each day for keeping me strong. I thank God for allowing negative happenings in my life for without which I will never learn total dependence. Most of all, the Lord has helped me to see that it is never a person’s desire, especially when they are Christians and professing their love to God, to hurt another soul; it is all misunderstanding and miscommunication because we are DIFFERENT from one another. The sooner we recognize this, the less we will accuse one another.

We are different; the way we work; the way we talk; the way we react; the way we plan; the way we see the ministries. So do not take it to heart when someone is different from us. Just learn to accept and to allow that person to express himself/herself through time. Give your support silently even if you disagree. You never know; you could be wrong THIS TIME.

So son, I am not being weak but trying to walk meekly before God…just like our Lord Jesus! J

Choices - "Fair or Unfair"

2010-06-07T19:57:00.000-07:00

My beautiful pet dog, a Rottweiler whom we fondly named as “Princess Zsa Zsa” came to live with us when she was only four months old. She was my son’s pet before he went to the college. Now of course the job of raising this dog came on my shoulder when he left. I grew to love her more each day and we have established a bond that only we could understand.

As time goes, she became bigger and stronger and before I knew it, her strength overpowered me. I saw lots of bruises on my arms and legs and once while playing with her, she got excited and pounced on my face and actually barely missed my left eye. I felt an excruciating pain and I quickly took an ice bag to relieve the swell. It was an accident but I began to realize that she’s getting really big and strong. I couldn’t handle her if I would take her out for walks because she would drag me.

I knew that she needed to go to obedient school but because of my heavy schedule I kept on postponing it and now she’s almost a year old. My schedule for the year is still very full and I was wondering what should I do. At this time, our church drug rehabilitation center lost their dog and they were asking if they could have Zsa Zsa (knowing that she is getting too big for me).

After weeks of consideration I decided to give it a try. (that is after lots of considerations and lots of thinking). I took her to the center and spent a day there. The moment we arrived, she dashed out into the open field and ran with all her might. Her half brother, “Tiger” who was only three months old was also there to play with her. I saw immediate bond between them and she has never been so happy.

After that day, my heart was more willing to let her go and I did. But I was undermining the attachment I have with her. For the next three days, I was crying each time I saw her pictures and thinking how she has been in the new place. I called to ask about her and they always give me positive answers but I was not convinced.

Finally after the weekend, Ian, my son came back for holiday and we decided to bring her home for a visit. I was elated and was all smile that finally I could see her again. And I kept on repeating to myself that she should miss me and I knew that I did.

When she was finally home, I saw in her eyes that bond that we used to have. She walked slowly to me and immediately fell into my embrace and we hugged and kissed. For the first time she actually walked to me and sat on my lap quietly, allowing me to stroke her gently and to speak to her like I always use to. Tears welled up my eyes and I knew that this bond can never be broken.

I spent the whole night talking and playing with her. She was much gentler now and quieter. For whatever reason, I knew that this is not herself. She was happy to be with me yet she should be happier there with so many people around her and so much space for her to move. (whereas my house has very limited space for her to even run).

I knew I have to make the final decision. As much as I loved her and missed her, she doesn’t belong here. She needs space and the people who have time to take care of her and to be her companion.

Given a choice, I would like to keep her and would take her to the obedient school; but seeing that she’s happier there, am I making the right decision? If I am a pet lover, will I confine her movement just to keep her close to me? There are times when I am busy with a heavy schedule, she will have to be alone till I finished my work at night, then only she got to see me and to play with me. Of course she brought much comfort and joy to me but am I doing the same to her?

Finally, I decided that she’s better off with the people in the drug rehab center who could give her the full attention that she needed. I may miss her greatly but I know that I cannot be selfish.

In our lives, we have lots of decisions to make: decisions that may affect us greatly and may even cause anger and dissatisfactions. We think that it is only fair that we feel happy and comfortable with whatever decision therein as long as we are happy but today I saw decision making with a different view. I battle with the thought of being “selfish” just to keep her close to me, knowing that she’s better off with the other party. But now I am thinking is she happy with me or with them?

The answer is obvious and I am willing to LET GO because I love her too much to make her unhappy. Sometimes we need to learn this lesson of “LETTING GO” because of love. We let our children go in order to allow them to grow (though we would think that it is better off if we continue to make decisions for them); we let go of our painful past in order to move on (to allow the other party to live on as well). Do not wrestle with the thought “fair” or “unfair” because this will only deepen some hurts and bring us into deeper depression.

Walk out and let go! When I did that, I realized that my heart is at peace and I knew that though I will miss her, she’s never far from my heart.

Kathmandu, Nepal

2010-06-02T22:49:00.000-07:00

After eighteen hours of travelling, crossing three borders and four airports, we finally arrived at Kathmandu. It was a small airport but what welcomed us was the news that one of our luggage decided to ‘delay’ its arrival till the last flight, leaving us anxious about where it was. The airport officers assured us that the ‘naughty luggage’ would definitely arrive and we would be able to see it tomorrow.

So with a very tired body and a heavy heart we left the airport and met Jason, a friend of a friend who was so kind to take us for a meal and thereafter to our guest house, rightly names as “Mercy Guest house” cause that’s exactly what we needed at that moment.

After a good rest, we met the rest of the team from Singapore and of course our very naughty luggage and headed towards Kavre where we will be staying for a week.

As we travelled away from the dusty city, the four-wheeler took us up to the mountainous area and our breathing actually became smoother. It was an awesome picture all the way. Finally we arrived; that’s what I thought we did. But that was only an arrival at the feet of the hill that we were going to climb. When I saw the roads leading up, my jaw dropped and I gasped “What?!” (refer to some of the pics)

I finally gather myself together and managed to coax my nerves to strengthen up and I started the courageous climb. The first hurdle was manageable but as I climbed, the steeper it has become and the harder I breathed and the climb became a crawl. Before long my two faithful companions, each holding a side of my arms just like what Aaron and Hur did to Moses at the battle field came to the rescue. But the difference here was, Aaron and Hur were standing beside Moses, supporting his arms whereas I was literary hurled up the roads with my friends pulling my arms. Such a shameful state I have to admit. One of the local brothers even offered to carry me on his back and I shyly declined even though for a moment I was tempted to so doing thinking that it was not a bad idea at all. J

What welcomed us after that dreadful climb was worth all my ‘effort’. Serenity and majestic mountains filled my eyes. I marveled at God’s creation and I breathed in a deep sense of tranquility, “God, indeed great is your faithfulness for they are new every morning.”

The next few days were teachings, preaching, working in the field, helping to build a green house for the ‘food for every family’ project and of course helping out in the kitchen. We had dhal bhat (it is rice and vegetable and a dhal curry) everyday, for almost all the meals except a bit of variety along the way. Thanks to our sisters who insisted in helping out in the kitchen and suggesting some new things that we would like to try (just to break the routine). But I have to admit that I got to love those dhal bhat because I realized that I got lighter and healthier with less meat and lots of exercise.

The Nepalese are very gentle people. Their culture are quite similar with the Indians with a mixture of Chinese (you don’t believe this; this is because they are next to Tibet). Their hearts are open but bound by tradition and religious piety.

But for the few who have accepted the Lord, they are fearless in presenting the gospel in the face of persecution and a hard ground to plough. Yet they relentlessly and diligently ministering out of love for their own people. In comparison with what we have here in the so-called civility, our church has fallen into contemplation which any changes may mean crucifixion on the cross.

If there is one thing I have learnt, it is their fervent prayer and total dependence on our Lord Jesus Christ. They have nothing much, yet much is given. When they do not have, they lean on the Provider; when they suffer, they draw from Comforter; when they are in lack, they call on the Great Shepherd. What a faith they have; a practical faith in their lives. May God continue to bless our brethren in Nepal and raise up many more churches to bring the good news to those in need. Amen!

Pre-conceived Idea - An irreversible Judgment

2010-02-28T06:46:00.001-08:00

Pre-conceived Idea - An irreversible Judgment

A very young mother-to-be, into the second month pregnancy was experiencing a very bad morning sickness and she needs to be in bed almost 24 hours a day. I visited her and showed my concern over her extreme condition. She declared that she already expected it this way because her mother had earlier shared with her of the difficulties during her pregnancy. Looks like she already expected to be in this condition even before she’s conceived and she did went through everything that she has expected it to be till the delivery.

Another young mother-to-be also into her early pregnancy but she was ok. Her mum has passed away and she has no knowledge of what pregnancy is all about except through reading books and also some chatting that she has with me. I told her this, “Enjoy your pregnancy because this is a gift from God.” She actually did!

Now I am not undermining some cases whereby pregnancy is difficult but to expect it even before it ever happens is an irreversible judgment pronounced upon oneself. The first lady actually expected the same for the next few pregnancies and thus developed pre and post-natal depression.

Let’s have another scenario. A young man who has pierced nose and wearing a one-sided earring, head shaved and worked in a movie house part time, came to church to worship God. Be honest, what would you do if he is seated next to your beautiful teenage daughter? After church what would you do to greet him? What question would you anticipate in asking him? OR if in come a very well-dressed promising looking young man giving full concentration to the worship service and speak eloquently with confidence, what comes to your mind? Preconceived Idea!

We are ‘educated’ by people around us as to what is and what is not without experiencing it ourselves. We don’t even give it the benefit of doubt that it may not be what we see. What we see may not justify who the person is.

I am pretty upset when a person would come to me and give a judgment about the others or him/herself even before a decent conversation or working alongside the person nor giving that person a chance to prove him/herself. I have a young Christian girl in church whom most would have consider her a free spirit and possessed an untamable behavior. Many have already passed the judgment that she will make a mess in her life. But she proved to be the most sensible girl even though in her youngish ways may have made some mistakes but these are all part of learning and growing up experiences. I trusted her fully that she will carry herself sensibly before the people and most of all responsible to God.

The young man that I mentioned earlier who shaved his head and wearing nose and one-sided earring is actually a youth pastor in London whom I knew who is very passionate about young people’s ministries. He loves them with all his heart and together with his wife has established a very sound doctrine to guide young people back to God. The young people in return loved him dearly. I saw the bond between the pastor and youths and it touched my heart that he actually stooped down to their level in order to win them.

We meet a lot of people along our life path. Some we really appreciate and some we don’t. Some were already in the cold storage even before they are given a chance to cross our paths and yet for some we just knew that they will be our friends.

Sadly, those whom we trusted may turn out sour and those whom we least expected became our greatest port where we could rest our worries upon. As the old saying goes, “Don’t judge the book by its cover.”

Paul was initially the most influential persecutor before he turned the most influential executor of the gospel. Who are we to judge whether the person is qualified to serve or not to serve; to lead or not to lead; to love or not to love. If Jesus died for ALL HUMANKIND, then salvation is for ALL and we need to LOVE ALL. Smile when you read this J coz there will be someone we wish we will never have to meet again. I believe if God allows the person to cross our paths, it is for us to learn and to embrace while we have that opportunity.

So do not be too quick to pass an irreversible judgment with a preconceived idea. Allow that person to prove himself in some ways and allow God to work through that life. You’ll never know, we may have another Paul in the making and one day he/she may rock the world with the gospel. Therefore, spend some time with those whom we thought should enter the ‘cold storage’ and give one another a chance to love, to share and to encourage. J

Hot Air Balloon

2010-02-08T03:05:00.000-08:00

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. (1 Thess 5:11)

Last Saturday, the young people were studying on a topic: “hot air balloon” (a chapter in the book ‘Habitude-Vol 2 by Tim Elmore). The author mentioned that the way to keep the hot air balloon flying in the sky is to make sure that there’s enough hot air in the balloon.

In our life, the way to keep the hot air (a person’s spirit) up is through encouragement. A person’s level of encouragement could be used up and then deflated to a dangerously low level. This could happen when a person who is constantly being spoken to negatively and receive no positive praises in his/her life. So in a community, it is important that these acts of encouragement should be constantly practice in so that we could continue to be effective and most of all happy.

The question is: How should we do it? Nowadays there are a lot of so-called encouragement and praises done out of an act of manners instead of sincerity from the heart.

I received a personal note from one of the young people during the weekend that said: “Pastor, thank you for taking care of us and the church and making it (the church) the place, a time of the week that I look forward to”. To put it simply, “thank you for making the church a place where we belong”. When I read that I was truly moved and I replied with a sms thanking her for making my ministry as a pastor meaningful.

A short note, written out of sincerity, specifically stated and personal will make any encouragement meaningful and this has definitely pumped in more hot air in my balloon. It may not necessary be something large or big but a gesture of love will be the agenda of the day.

Early last year was a ‘bad year’ for my hot air balloon because I have experienced more deflated moments that left me most of the time discouraged about ministries. A number of times I have asked God to remove me from this place and get me somewhere else where I can be more effective. Yet for reasons only God knows, I am still here. We have looked for pastors to come in, yet again for reasons only God knows, there weren’t any who responded positively. Even for matter such as this, there were rumours that there was actually a pastor candidate but because he was more popular than I do, so I did not venture to ask him to come in because I was afraid that he would be better than I. What rubbish this can be?

Though it looked bad from the outside but the dealings of God in my life is definitely a positive one. I have learned to love, to accept and to forgive much more deeply than before. Instead of harbouring hatred and distrust, in fact I have learned to trust people more. When some would have expected to leave me with a negative remark like: if she is right, then why are people leaving one by one? So she must be wrong all these years? Won’t you feel discourage with such remarks? If I say I don’t, then I am lying. If the persons who made such remarks meant to discredit me then he/she had succeeded.

But what was meant for bad, God took over and make it good. Instead of remaining deflated, God moved so many others to fill up my hot air balloon… people who trusted us for who we are; people who live with us and walk with us and choose to believe that these accusations are just not the whole truth.

So my friends, if you are reading this, do this:
1) If you are the one who are discouraged, choose today to be encouraged by changing your mind to focus on Jesus and on those who love you for who you are and not just for what you have done.
2) AND if you are the one who often complains about your life, your work or even your pastors, start by reverting your tongue and your mind to something positive. I can give you 101% guarantee that God would be pleased if you do so.

So don’t wait, start to fill up one another’s hot air balloon with sincere words of encouragement and start RIGHT NOW!

2010-01-29T20:05:00.000-08:00

"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!

Burnt Church – “WE FORGIVE!”

2010-01-12T22:16:00.000-08:00

"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!

Dear Shyju

2010-01-02T07:46:00.000-08:00

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! :)

In Him, is Peace and Grace...

2009-11-24T05:26:00.000-08:00

“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
======================================================
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!

13 Nov 09, Friday 饮水思源(yin shui si yuan)

2009-11-12T19:04:00.000-08:00

“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!

From the Street to the Cross

2009-11-12T06:09:00.001-08:00

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!

10 Nov 09, Tue Scripture Reading: Proverbs 10

2009-11-12T01:53:00.000-08:00

“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.”

09 Nov 09, Mon Scripture Reading: Proverbs 9

2009-11-12T01:50:00.000-08:00

“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.

08 Nov 09, Sun Scripture Reading: Proverbs 8

2009-11-09T05:32:00.000-08:00

“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.

07 Nov 09, Sat Scripture Reading: Proverbs 7

2009-11-07T23:25:00.000-08:00

“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!

06 Nov 09, Fri Scripture Reading: Proverbs 6

2009-11-05T22:01:00.000-08:00

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.

05 Nov 09, Thurs Scripture Reading: Proverbs 5

2009-11-04T20:27:00.000-08:00

“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!

04 Nov 09, Wed Scripture Reading: Proverbs 4

2009-11-04T03:33:00.000-08:00

“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)

03 November 09, Tue Scripture Reading: Proverb 3

2009-11-03T07:20:00.000-08:00

“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.

02 Nov 09, Mon: Scripture Reading: Proverb 2

2009-11-02T00:59:00.000-08:00

“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.
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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

2009-11-02T00:56:00.000-08:00

“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.
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Pray for
Pray that the present leadership in our country will walk the talk in their efforts to create 1Malaysia

Devotional notes on Proverbs

2009-10-29T02:09:00.000-07:00

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

My Heart's Desire

2009-10-11T22:36:00.000-07:00

“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!

Oct 09, 2nd Week... Appreciated!

2009-10-11T01:47:00.000-07:00

"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!!!

In Everything Give Thanks (Part 2)

2009-08-25T02:15:00.000-07:00

“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!!!

In Everything Give Thanks (Part 1)

2009-08-14T22:36:00.000-07:00

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)

Dear Ian

2009-08-05T08:53:00.000-07:00

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

Mega Church Vs Mini Church

2009-06-25T04:47:00.000-07:00

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!

Stressed or desserts...

2009-04-22T18:02:00.000-07:00

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!

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!

The Journey to Reconciliation

2009-03-09T07:50:00.000-07:00

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?!

What kind of pastor are you looking for?

2009-02-16T02:21:00.000-08:00

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.

Misunderstood!

2009-02-10T23:00:00.000-08:00

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!

OCBC

2009-02-01T04:41:00.000-08:00

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!

Memoirs of Aberdeen

2009-01-26T10:15:00.000-08:00

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 what 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!

Shattered dreams and Broken hearts

2009-01-16T10:09:00.000-08:00

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.

Thorn in the Flesh

2008-12-14T04:02:00.000-08:00

Paul recognized there was “this thorn in the flesh, sent by Satan to torment me…” (2 Cor 12:7). I often wonder who is this “thorn” and why does Satan wants to torment us with a thorn and why did God allows it? Have you ever wonder aloud like me?

I went to a seminar where we were divided into small groups for discussions and I was in the leaders group, supposedly learning how to organize choir, worship team etc. The moderator, from Hong Kong has a successful ministry in the music industries and knows a lot of contemporary singers who are very popular and who are Christians. So he shared with us about a “thorn” who has constantly been “poking” him. But the difference was, he said that this thorn was allowed by God.

He was very miserable and has often complained to God about this person and wondered why God didn’t remove him just as he has prayed. After 10 long years, with this guy continuously bugging him, one day his eyes blinked. He realized that though this person has been such a pain in the neck but because of him, he has actually improved greatly. He also realized that this “thorn” was not happy himself. life is still not easy but they managed to become friends, at least.

So he shared with us this: don’t take the “thorns” in your life lightly. Even though we wished that they are not there but in reality everyone has his/her thorn. Face it, with the presence of this “thorn” you have been trying pretty hard to improve, right?

Do you have a boss or senior or superior who often given you trouble and who purposely trying to make your life difficult? Or you have a teacher or a senior person who seem to “bully” you often? Now take a new look at them. Do not ask God to remove them (very likely you are removed before they do). If you manage to weave around them and learn to excel in the most difficult time, knowing that you are not doing it for anyone, nor please anyone but you are doing it unto God (Col 3:17).

Here are some pointers and hope that they will be eye opener for you:
1. Treat them like a friend (Ps Dan often says, “It’s better to have one more friend than to have an enemy”. So it doesn’t matter if they are being difficult – just bear in mind, they are your future best friend.

2. Pray for them daily and commit their needs to God. Remember when you pray, you are breaking down spiritual barriers and walls that hinder the relationship. Prayer will open their eyes to see the truth as it is.

3. Keep up the Christian testimony – “let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” (Matt 5:16) No one says that this is going to be easy but endurance and long sufferings will pay off in the end when you continue to shine for Jesus.

4. Lastly, love your enemy and pray for them. No one could actually reject love. People who seem to reject love is not because they are rejecting you but that they themselves could not accept love. Maybe at one point in their lives, they have been truly hurt and this was not handled properly. It became a gangrene that will not go away until they trust love again. So maybe God is using you to help this person to trust in true love again. And this time, love is none other than in our Lord Jesus Christ.

So I pray that you will be encouraged with these words. I didn’t say that it’s going to be easy but with God’s help, you will overcome. Not only overcome but you will be victorious. You can start with Praying and Loving that person first. Remove the stain glass that you have been wearing all these whiles and start looking with the compassion of God. I guarantee you will see a different picture.

2008-12-06T18:35:00.000-08:00

08, 17 Nov – Kuching
We arrived at Kuching on the 13 Nov, Thursday. The night before, I had a nightmare that the 10th anniversary program did not turn out well. I was all cold sweat and fear but I quickly prayed and asked God for assurance and I thank God for His faithfulness. I knew, at that point that God is in control and I am only one of His servants to make it happen in so that all glory to Him.

Then when we arrived in Kuching both Daniel and myself were dead tired and were feeling really exhausted. I guess it is the happenings for the last few weeks that had drained us out of all our energy. Though now I recognized that these are all spiritual warfare but I was still sad over the incidences. The question: what has happened to our church leaders that they could raise such un-trustful questioning over us? Though the hurts is dimming but the impact is still bearing.

Nevertheless, we tried to sleep and take as much rest as possible before we start the camp the next day.

The camp turned out wonderful. We have three people saved and lots of miraculous healings and deliverance among the people. They were so hungry for God and their faith is so simple. Seeing their child like faith, I give thanks to God for it is for these people that we are called into the ministry.
When the leaders shared with us, they too experiencing lots of conflict in the church and this dear couple also have thoughts of leaving the ministry to go somewhere else. The leaders, though they no longer young, they love the people with their whole hearts. They were not even in full time ministry, yet they poured out their all for the people. I could see that they genuinely love the people as their own. We encouraged them, stating that their problem is not new at all because we are facing the same problem. We too, thought of giving up many times especially in recent weeks, but the Holy Spirit has been convicting our hearts not to do so.

And this is what happen all over the churches. Satan is not persecuting the church with the outside force, rather he is using the internal matters; those that come dear to our heart to smash the confidence among the pastors, to stop us from being effective. I saw this strategy occurring to churches disregard of their sizes in their congregation. Church people are getting “smarter” and they thought that they could run the pastor as well as the church.

Like Pastor Daniel said, “It is not a matter as to who run the church, it is a matter as to who is CALLED.” People in the church began to take the calling of God likely especially in the pastoral ministries. This is exactly what Satan wants to see. In no time, the church pastors, being discouraged and hurt, will leave the ministry and it is not surprising that the churches will suffer like an orphan without the shepherd. Or, the church will be left with so much of hurts that they have no time for evangelism or mission.

Yet, I thank God for pastors who persevere, who do not take the calling of God likely. They knew this is where God wants them to be and they are yet to give up (thought thoughts as such is not uncommon). They are made up of tough material, specially chosen by God to shepherd his people. God will strengthen their feeble legs and will raise them up again to finish the race, a VICTOR. Amen!

Cancer or Not by Rachel Law

2008-11-05T17:01:00.000-08:00

Intro:
Rachel attends our church and presently a student in communication. I find this article thought provoking and reflect some of the real issues in real people. Do read with an open mind and you'll be blessed. The subject of love and acceptance portrayed is beyond some of us but that's what grace is all about...not being judgmental (leave that to God) nor accusing (leave that to Satan). Just learn the Jesus' way - LOVE (Comments and discussions on this matter are welcome)
=====================================

I was shocked –perhaps like the rest of the Christian world- to read about the news regarding Planetshakers' Ps. Mike Guglielmucci's fraud, a two-year deception about his terminal illness.

Of course, it saddens me to know what he has done, especially so when he is in a position of a religious leader, and a great influence for young Christians worldwide. There is no need for me to rephrase whatever the media has published but it is upsetting that many believers are doing exactly what some parts of the world would do when convicting someone.In Youtube, I came across this video made by a fellow Christian. In it, Mike was mocked, using Bible verses! I'm not trying to say that Mike wasn't wrong, but is this the solution to this dilemma?

The Bible is the absolute truth but it is not right to misuse it in such a way like, "If you don't believe in Jesus, you'll go to HELL!" I'm raising the question, "What would Jesus do?" Did Jesus ignore, neglect, insult or in a way or another, look down upon prostitutes, tax collectors, or those with sickness? He had come and is here for those who are screwed up, people who mess up, those living in the dark. He came to heal the sick. As Jesus said in John 8 verse 7, “Those who have not sinned, cast the first stone.”Understandably, when we are wronged , we get angry or upset almost instantly.

But I encourage you Christians out there who may have been cheated by Mike’s doing -whether financially or of trust- to just step back, breathe and look at the bigger picture. We cannot absorb everything and anything the media tells us, and I am speaking from a point of view of a communication student. Bear in mind, there is always the other side of the story. Mike is seeking professional help here, so clearly he is aware of his wrongdoings. And as one fellow believer said, "His lies were wrong, but what he preached about God was not." So let's stop making any harsh generalization here.I believe many of us worldwide have prayed for the healing of his alleged 'sickness'. But don't you think now is the time we should all the more pray for him?

I am positively certain that many of us have had stones being thrown at us. However, that does not mean that we rightfully deserve every stone that hurts us. When a fellow sister or brother-in-Christ falls, don't plunge the knife in further with your malicious words. Take his hand, help him up. Pray and encourage him. Rebuke in love. He needs that more.And if you ask me, "Healer" (written by Mike) is a song saturated with the Holy Spirit. The words and melody of the song are so beautiful, that it is impossible to believe that God was not involved in the composition of this inspiring song. Last but not least. Mike, we want you to know that we are all praying ever HARDER for you.

Pastor's Wife - Big Deal!

2008-10-30T07:58:00.000-07:00

After many years in the church, with a husband who happens to be a pastor, life could fall easily into a “meaningful” routine. By this I mean, we are there for prayer meetings, cooking for home meetings, ladies meetings, children’s meetings and of course Sunday services.

So we have perfected that smile on our face when we meet in all these meetings and services that the church members have expected it that way whenever and wherever.

If you are a pastor’s wife and happen to double up as a full time pastor as well, then you must be a spider woman who has to stretch all eight legs in all directions. Once a lady in the church asked me, “What do you actually do each day?” with curiosity. Then with a smirk she continued, “I don’t really understand your work and it seems to me that you are always available.” By that she means I seem to look very free with my time.

“Hmmm…”, I replied, “Not much really, just routine work each day.” “I often start my day before 6 in the morning and get the children to school. When that is done, I will wash up all the clothes and dishes and clean up the house. By then it’s almost noon and time to prepare lunch.” “O Yes, I will do my devotion (just in case she thinks that I am not spiritual) and will finish my preparation for the teaching lesson for the week (if possible)”

“Then,” I continue, “I will go out for visitation or counseling or if not, will prepare or finish my sermon for the week and squeeze in some shopping in the supermarket for food. When the children come home, I will be there to greet them and also to ring pastor if he’s home for dinner (since he may have last minute appointments).”

“Getting dinner is next in my agenda. And while preparing, I will rehearse the songs that I will lead for the weekend plus maybe thinking about the ladies meeting tomorrow. O yes, I need to think of the parts for the choir tonight too.”

“When the children are finally with their home works, I will be rushing off for the choir practice or a cell meeting.” (while in the church I will meet with some people in charge of the cell meetings the day after) “I will reach home like 10 at night. Before I sleep, I will have to prepare for tomorrow’s breakfast and ironing plus some reading and prayer” (never forget to include this element in your conversation in order to be spiritual)

“Then more reading and more preparation for the service, and help to touch up the bulletin in time for printing tomorrow.”

“At last when I am finally in bed, my last assignment is to lend a listening ear to the pastor who has been out ministering to the people in the church. This could be a long session – I mean long because he has so many things to talk about; the meeting yesterday, the service tomorrow, the counseling the day before…and then lights off!”

“So, not much really…just a normal routine work…just need to learn how to be a better spider woman, that’s all!”

Why are Christians behaving meanly to other Christians?

2008-08-09T01:14:00.000-07:00

Do I have a case here? Yes I do! Through out my years in the ministry I have witnessed and observed there are far too many so-called Christians who often “persecute” those whom they also called Christian brothers and sisters in the name of “admonishing”, “rebuking”, “teaching” and “training” in righteousness.

We forgot that behind all these verbs is one important element – LOVE!

Love includes grace that forgives and accepts one another including the rights and the wrongs. But far too many Christians cannot see this truth and being bound in their actions and reactions, causing many to turn away from God and His abundant GRACE.

What am I speaking here? In some plain words it means, Christians are trying to hold other Christians down in the name of righteousness and performing the art of judging and pronouncing judgment into one another’s life through a series of backbiting, wrong reports or false reports (all based on pre-conceptual feelings and ideas). They make whatever reports that they are presenting “look” spiritual by attaching remarks like “I am telling you what God is telling me.” “I heard another Christian told me this.” “I don’t really mean that he/she is that bad. After all there’s always some good in a person, isn't it?”

Such qualifying remarks make them look real good and the other person under serious scrutiny that brings the listener into serious thoughts as to how this person should be evaluated. How profoundly these statements are being used in the church settings today!

A brother was leaving the church and when an ex member of the same church (left church due to misunderstanding with the pastor) met in the shopping mall, she immediately asked if the brother left because of the pastor. This brother who has left the church because he was sent to work elsewhere by the company looked confused and disillusioned because he did not know why his leaving has to do with the pastor.

But because of preconceived idea that this sister has, anyone who leaves the church will be the pastor’s fault.

Talks began to fly in other members of the church and ex member saying that it was because of the present pastor therefore “many” people are leaving the church. In no time the pastor is given the verdict that he is the main problem that caused the church to split into its present state.

But when you walk into the church, such situation was not found and such statement was not called forth. You would be wondering what has happened but people prefer to listen to juicy negative views than to pray for correct representation of the real situation.

So am I speaking Greek here or you actually know what I am talking about. May I appeal to you as a believer who loves God and who loves God’s people, “Stop treating one another meanly.” Paul understood such concept perfectly. In his epistles (letters) to the churches, he often emphasized phrases like, “carrying ONE ANOTHER’s burden”; “lift up ONE ANOTHER”; “Speak to ONE ANOTHER in psalms and hymns; “love ONE ANOTHER.”

These are familiar verses that we often quote in the church and indeed it’s what we are supposed to be. I went to a church to preach. It is a Chinese speaking church. The moment I entered the church, I was attracted with lots of phrases pasted on the wall in the hall. It read as, “speak in love,” “encourage one another,” “comfort someone,” “stretch out your hand in love,” etc.

I was very impressed by those small slips of paper all over the church, reminding her members to do likewise to one another. My heart was warmed and I smiled.

How many of us actually need to remind ourselves constantly of loving one another instead of “killing me softly with his words…” as one song goes.

A professor of mine in expository preaching said this, “Expository preaching needs to be taken seriously in churches today. Preachers need to take their preparation in the sermon seriously and take time to study the word. But,” he continued, “the most important thing after the sermon is prepared, is not how well your presentation is going to be (though it is important) but rather if the congregation is UNITED enough as ONE to receive the word in their hearts.”

In other words, is the congregation ready as a platform for the word of God to take effect in the lives of the believer that ultimately will deepen their relationship with God. Because otherwise, all the preparation of the Word of God could not find the platform to preach.

Are you ready to contribute to this platform in the church? Then, start loving one another genuinely!

A thought on Shyju Matthew

2008-07-16T07:54:00.000-07:00

Shyju is a 22 years old guy from India and preaches everywhere the Lord leads him. He came to our church recently and we have the opportunity to have some time with him.

We can still remember his ministries among us and of course the fact that he got a handsome face stay vivid in our minds :-) (remember bollywood....hahaha)

He has a powerful ministry in preaching and in the moving of the Holy Spirit. We had three meetings with the adults and one with the youths. The one that had made a deep impression in me is the last short meeting he had with the youths.

We have about 30 of us gathering round and we started with ice breakers. It was a fun game called "animal farm". Then Shyju shared about 10 mins about being young and how he had come to be who he is today.

Then I asked him a question: "You seem to be always so 'spiritual'. Is there a time when you also felt tempted to do vices?" (paraphrased)

I like his answer. He said, "When you are so busy with God, you have no time for other things, much less to bother with temptations." (paraphrased)

The thought was, God has offered us all the good things in this world and the best of all is to spend time with Him, knowing Him and seeking His will and doing His will. Yet that is the last thing we ever want to do because it sounds so boring.

"Well, pastor, I'm sure he doesn't mean just praying and thinking about God's things and so on. I'm sure he has other activities as well." I'm sure too but whatever he does, he has God in mind.

For example, if you are a lawyer, you will be working on many cases and so your mind would be filled with these cases all day. This is important to you. You need to think of precedence and to think of ways to get your client out of trouble and to win the case. This is your job and this is your interest.

The day when you lose your interest is the day when you will dread to work. The same here with spiritual thing. Shyju finds it interesting to dwell in the things of God and he enjoys every moment of his life to seek God and to him, this is his destiny.

Just pause for a moment. I'm not asking you to become Shyju the #2 but I'm asking you to rethink of your priority in life. Is there something that you need to discard from your life or slow down to catch up with the spiritual growth? Our paces in life is so fast that we lost track of God in our lives. We forget that He is here. The only time He is visible is when we need Him.

So I would like to ask you some questions that you may have taken for granted because you are a Christian :-)

Have you read your bible today? Have you prayed and sought God today? Have you sang and worshipped God and met Him in the secret chamber? Shut the door and be on your knees!

teens...Teens...TEens...TEEns...TEENs...TEENS #2

2008-07-08T06:02:00.000-07:00

An article in the newspaper related incidents pertaining to this subject: A 15 years old boy committed suicide because the parents locked the computer. He is a good student but he did spend quite abit of time with the internet games. Of course we are not here to blame the parents but we are here to find out a better understanding inside the teenage world in so that we can be effective parents who communicate clearly with our children.

First, maybe the computer games is a way out for him with the busy schedule and he felt justified by using his "free time" to play. But for parents who think that he could use those time to do better in school. The big question is: Are we govern by results or allowing results to govern us?

I am not advocating to "legalize" computer games in the house. What I am saying is, if they are not allow to play the computer games, what other activities beside studying that you would allow them or would interest them? Would you as parents will bring them for swimming or have a game of badminton with them? Or you are too busy with your work and have no time except time to scold them when they are caught in front of the computer.

In yonder days, we didn't have computers but our time were filled with other activities like going to the movies with friends, listening to music or go bowling etc. Looks boring to the youngsters today, but that's how we filled our time.

Then take a look at our kids today. What can we offer them? Are we willing to sacrifice time to be with them in the activities that interest them or we kept on giving excuses (valid ones, I'm sure) for not being there for them.

Teens need to be guided not blamed or scolded for their wrongs. I believe that they are sensible and moreover with the vast exposures to the media, they somehow grow up quicker than we thought that they are. How I wish that my boy will stay the same innocent 5 years old when he first step into school. But we can't expect them to stay there. They grow and so are we.

I believe that as parents, we need to be more alert with what's happening to their world. Don't be too quick to judge their choices but guide them to make the right one.

The one important element is the element of TRUST. We must learn to trust them and allow them to make mistakes and then hold their hands and guide them back to the right path.

Imagine this scenario: The parents are never pleased with the girl and whatever that her choices (clothes, books, music) and so often scolded her for her "taste". She should wear more decently and should read classic and listen to Hillsong all the time. But these are teenagers who also have friends outside. So with each scolding the relationship got more and more sour and after awhile there's only cold war and she does not want to share anymore.

To the teens, her parents just don't trust her and she will not go to the parents if she needs help. Instead she turns to her friends who'll always have the listening ears. Imagine the crowds that she mixes with behind your back because she could not share with you anymore.

Now imagine this one: The parents always share with her and listen to her choices. Though they may not agree but they just briefly bring out their unsettled feelings over certain issues, not outrightly oppose. But they continue to enjoy the fun and intimate relationship with one another.

One day, she has a problem with choices, she felt confident to share with her parents because before these whatever she shares, her parents seem to understand. And if the parents think that this is a bad choice and make it known to her gently, she may not like it but she will listen. Why?

All these are not hypothetical cases but real cases in life. Why is it so different between the two. Simple, because one cares enough to "BANK" into her life every moment when they are together. So when the time for "WITHDRAWAL", even rebuking and not agreeing with her, she can take it because in her "BANK ACCOUNT", there's lots of credit that her parents have made before this.

Ask yourself: Is it easier to talk to a teen that has a great relationship with you or one who always sulk and not talking to you? So before you can actually decide for them what is right or wrong, make sure you spend time listening to them, spend time shopping with them and listening to the kind of music and then state your preference. They will not be offended because they knew that you'd accepted them and they could accept yours as well.

So before you want to shout at that teen of yours, count ten and think, "Do I have any more credit in her/his bank account". :-)

teens...Teens...TEens...TEEns...TEENs...TEENS #1

2008-06-16T18:35:00.000-07:00

Teenagers are very special species of the homo sapiens. Thought they look like us and live among us but somehow they talk differently, have their own language, dress excessively, walk on air all the time and eat most of the time.

Let's start with how they talk and what they talk about. They slurrrr to make themselves sound ambiguous and important. Sometimes I stretched my ear so long that it would just snap off one day to try to hear what they have to say. But strangely, they have no problem in understanding one another, which amazes me.

They talk about music, fashion, internet games (mo xiang.dota...), friendster, mobile phones and most of all what happen to the opposite sex. Try deciphering their sms...sms stands for short message system, right? Theirs is superly short message system. Once a young person sent me a rather long sms but I used two days to try to understand all those short and frustratingly words formed with no vowels and drop off all those ending alphabets. Gosh! It was such a victory when I finally get to read it legibly.

As days go by, I realized that they too have their own language that it will take awhile to understand. The excuse is so "lame" and the hair style is so "shock"; that "dude" is so "cool" and that "gal" is so "hmmmm".

How about hairstyles? The guys keep long hairs and make it stands like the twin tower (when waxed) and the girls keep it short and "bob". My, my...it tests my sensibility to try to differeciate who is who from the back.

Music must be loud and stout; with lots of noise and mumbles fumbles (by this I mean rapping and God knows what else).

By now, you should identify yourself as one of them or you have one of them in your house. Besides all these outward identity, what makes me think is what is inside them. What are they thinking and where are they going from here?

We often complain about them being not responsible and not communicative. But it could be because we have not taken to effort to look inside their world. What is responsibility to you may not be responsibilities to them. For a parent, responsibility is "just do what you are told" for "this is good for you." But what is good for them from our point of view may not be true to them.

to be continued...

I Cried Last Night...

2008-05-16T18:31:00.000-07:00

I cried last night... I was upset with one of my siblings who has misunderstood some of my doings and I cried out of sadness in my heart. Immediately I justified my action and inwardly accusing her for her non-participation in the family plus the distance didn't help at all. So I fell into the being "persecuted syndrome" and cried.

After quite awhile and finally settled these roller-coaster rides of emotions, I switched on the TV and saw the gruelling clips of the Si Chuan's earthquake. I was moved by what I saw; the lost of lives, the homeless and the possible epidemic outbreak. Again I cried last night. Only this time, moved by the natural disaster, indirectly caused by human errors by not loving our earth.

That night, before I went to bed, I took some time to think through these two "moving" events that cost my tears to flow; one out of anger and the other out of compassion. I was all of the anger and compassion at the same, within an hour. How foolish I have been, I thought?

There are tens of thousands who lost their loved ones, another tens of thousands more are made homeless in China and Myanmar and here am I, troubled with some foolish siblings rivalry which results in hurts and contemplation.

I began to rethink of my values in life. Ministries in church could blind me from seeing real needs in people's life; mainly because we are so concerned about the results that we forget about the process to these important life matters. I cried again last night.

This time, it is a cry of repentance before God and asking for His mercy and grace that I will not take things for granted; rather I will learn to cherish all that the Lord has given me or allowed me to experience in this life.

No one became siblings coincidently, and no one misunderstood one another without a reason. Just like the Chinese saying goes: When there's waves, its because of the wind. So nothing happens out of nothing, except the Creation of God in Genesis 1.

So I resolved in my heart that I will learn, not to major in things that are minor and "casting my cares upon Him" means trusting Him to handle my life in His own way.

My prayer goes to those people in Si Chuan and Myanmar and also to that sibling of mine who has wrongly understood me in her own interpretation. I love You for you are my family!

The PK - pastor's kids.com

2008-05-04T02:29:00.000-07:00

Pastor's kids are from outer space. They were expected to talk differently; to behave saintly; to live purely; to partake (eat) spiritually and most of all, to be involved in all the ministries obediently and to attend all services willingly.

I don't know about your kids but my pastor's kids are expected to live NORMALLY! Normal because I recognized that they are of the homo sapiens who eat with their mouth and walk with their feet.

Even though members in the church will expect them to be "above average" than the others when it comes to spirituality (infact they should have read through the bible when they are 10 yrs old; should be preaching when they are 15 and spilling out scripture verses whenever needed...phew...wonder how many of those church elders will be able to do likewise), they sometimes conveniently forget that these kids are also human.

So pastor's kids are normal and they face the same pressure that all kids do and they will have to go through difficult decisions when tempted and they may even fall into more temptations and bad habits (you mean they actually sin? O Yes! They do, just like You) , just like any kids their age would have to go through.

I live with two pastor's kids and if you would ask me how is it like raising up two pastor's kids, I would say, "No Problem!" Because the problem is not me raising them up but that they have to live with two pastors in the same house. It is already bad with one but imagine you have to live with two of them under the same roof. I think no one in their right mind would want to live with a pastor unnecessarily and without a dire purpose.

But, do they have a choice? (smile) So instead of us having the pressure, they were facing pressure living under our scrutiny and holding on to their nerves in the church.I think they are very courageous because they have to brave through many storms and many challenges and yet remain sane and sound.

I thank God for my two pastor's kids, Ian and Sue Anne because though they live a different kind of lives than the others yet they have exhibited great patience and love for us, the pastors and to the church.

My appreciation to you and all those pastor's kids out there. Hang on because your patience and love will pay off and God is watching you growing and your life is different because God meant it that way - He meant it well for you because again not anyone is a PASTOR'S KID but YOU ARE!

16 April 2008

2008-04-25T02:01:00.000-07:00

16 of April is the day my husband, the pastor was born. Let's take a moment to consider him: came from a poor family of 6 but 2 brothers died of drug overdose; mixing with the wrong gang and ended with the police many times; not to mention how he fought with practically everyone (and even threw a shoe to his father); hated by all the people in the neighbourhood and was cursed each day...

He was at the brim of destruction when he tried to overdose himself to death or trying ways to kill himself. One day he met Jesus (details will share with you next time), and then through many years of struggle (not the fairy tales of a sudden change), went through numerous traumatic experiences in life and then now a pastor for more than 18 years, he finally found the meaning in his life-to help other drug dependents to overcome drug abuse.

Through these 18 years, he suffered two deaths (his brother and a nephew); broken family; diagnose with hep C third stage; pioneered three churches before; suffered from nervous breakdown; now pastors a merger church; and finally a drug rehabilitation center.

And last week he celebrated his 42 birthday and he was full of smiles... though the future is still uncertain but his faith in God goes un-wavered. He always says, "I live on 'given days'. I should be dead long ago but God gave me my life and I live each day with His life..." (Gal 2:20)

So a little recollection on the pastor on this pastor's wife's blog. If you ask me how is it like living with a husband who's passion is for the ministry and his days are always shared with the others- It's UNTHINKABLE but I can live with it --- just as yet... so stretch your imagination as I will share with you more as days go... A...........MEN!

(Comments welcome)