Too busy not to blog

2009-09-18T10:42:00.001+08:00

It has been long since I design a webpage...

Check this.. my latest design.

Whispering... Are you a Christian?

2009-09-13T19:57:00.000+08:00

Today's sermon makes me think about this...

How could the non-believers tell that we are Christians?
What do they think a Christian should look like?
What presupposition do they have about Christian?

I'm curious...
What do they see in a Christian that will cause them to ask, "Are you a Christian?"

I received a similar question years ago in my work place after I told an auntie that I am a Christian..
Her immediate reaction was... "Hah!!!?? You are a Christian?"

She couldn't tell I am a Christian.. that's why she was shocked to hear that I am one...
Then I asked her so what should a Christian looked like?
She says, "like Mr Tan (not real surname) lor... so quiet one. Always alone."

Her IMAGE of a Christian was that! - Quiet! Alone!

I wonder what are the rest?
Kind? Good? Gentle? Loving? Honest? Cute? Fun? Happy? Nice guy!

I was talking to a friend... HE IS NICE GUY! but he is not a Christian! A faithful buddhist..
He has great compassion towards those who go against him. He forgives people easily... He sympathize those who did wrong things.

I will continue to ponder on this question...

"How could they tell that I am Christian?"

If you are a Christian, think with me... :)

Godliness

2009-02-03T13:13:00.000+08:00

1 Timothy 6:6-7 - But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.

What is godliness? Some thought it is a means to financial gain (1 Tim 6:5).
Being godly makes you rich? Were the reason they taught was to gain respect and wealth? Could be...

Even today, I heard stories about people who become pastors because of good welfare! good pay! gain respect! good reputation!
I want to avoid judging them, but sometimes from their preaching or teaching, I couldn’t help but wondered who do they really want to glorify!
What is their goal of preaching and teaching?

Is it because they want people to know Christ or know them?
(This serves as a reminder for myself too!)

In fact, godliness itself is richness. It is already considered great gain when you are godly!

What is godliness? - according to this text, a godly person is someone who realized and live out the truth!
In this context, the truth is that we brought nothing to this world and we can take nothing out of it..

And when we realized this truth and live out this truth in our life...

1. We will be content with the food and clothing we have - contentment! don’t even dare to ask for more!
3. We will overcome temptation over the love of money - victory! always alert!
4. We will keep his faith in Christ strong, and not wander from the faith - faithful! Worship One God! no idols!
5. We will live with joy and not griefs (fear of losing money or not earning money) - joy! no fear of loosing things in life!

Godliness is not a TITLE given to us by our members, leaders or pastors -
“I hereby declare you godly” ?

but it is a transformed Life in Christ - Content! Victorious! Faithful! Joyful! ..

And people says: “From your life, I am certain that God is real!”

My Calling, My Pleasure...

2009-01-25T16:56:00.000+08:00

1 Tim 2:7 And for this purpose I was appointed a herald and an apostle—I am telling the truth, I am not lying—and a teacher of the true faith to the Gentiles.

What does God wants us to do? What is my purpose on earth?
This is one of the most asked question in Church. (And outside of church too)
it’s understandable.. because we want to find the right direction in life...
No one wants to head for the wrong direction.

Today, I had quite a long conversation with a brother on facebook. The conversation reminded me how God called me to become a pastor. We talked about how we used to think of becoming a pastor when we were younger (I mean very young). Of course both of us did not pursue that dream when we become older ( i mean not that old).
Rev Choo’s message also reminded me of my journey with God for the past 8 years. Indeed God is always there for me! I always say this, it is by the grace of God, I am called to serve Him in His Church.

After a very very short swim, I came across this verse in the Bible, 1 Tim 2:7 - The purpose of Paul’s calling is to preach the gospel about Jesus Christ to the Gentiles!
Sounded simple but not an easy task for him certainly (Don’t believe, Go and read The Book of Acts).

Clearly God is speaking to me today! through sermons, conversations and His Word!
God, “Do you still remember the purpose of your calling? Stay Focus!”

What does God wants me to do? Many many tasks? tasks which changes every year? Could be organizing event! Preaching! Visitating! Teaching! meeting... etc..

However the purpose of all these tasks are the same!
What is the purpose?
Simple! to create an opportunity to preach the Gospel - The true Gospel about Jesus who died in our place.

Back to that popular question - “What does God wants me to do?”
Why do we failed or struggle to find the answer for the above question?
Perhaps the answer did come to us directly, but we failed to notice it..
or we chose to ignore it?

Why? Two reasons I can think of...

1. I think one of the reasons why people missed God’s calling is because they are concern whether it works for them rather than whether it works for God.
We asked the “Will I survive if I do this” question and not the “What God can do if I do this” question.

I personally have this attitude within me when God was calling me to quit my job and go for full-time training. I struggle! I waited! I rejected! I even said, “Cannot be lah!” and assumed that God did not call.
I asked, “Will I suffer?”, “Will people laugh at my words and thoughts?”, “Will people criticize me the way I do ministry?”, “Will I have enough money to support my family?”, “Will I be able to do it?” And did not ask “What my God can do...”
Of course I repented and follow His call.. or else I won’t be experiencing His grace so much today.

So by the time they finished asking those questions... passion is gone!
And the answer is usually, “No! I can’t do it!”

2. Another reason is because we did not get the purpose right.
We have our agenda in mind rather than God’s agenda.
I think we should always examine ourselves before we want to know God’s will.
Ask - Am I seeking God’s will because I want the gospel to be shared to the whole world? Or
I’m just want to know my calling to feel good and feel safe about my future. Hopefully a bright future! Yeah!

So imagine when the purpose is not right to God... Do you think we will be able to do God’s work correctly?

Someone thanked me over the SMS for teaching him the Bible. I did not reply him immediately.. I paused...
It’s a SMS which reminded me to examine myself again! In fact we should always examine ourselves..
Why I am doing what I am doing? Am I doing it with passion? or forcing myself to do it?

And my answer to that SMS was - “My calling, my pleasure...”

I hope whoever is reading this post...
My prayer for you is you will say the same thing when you do something for God - my calling, my pleasure...

Stand by me, my Lord..

2009-01-19T12:07:00.004+08:00

Read this from a conclusion of a sermon entitled, "Why is life so unfair?"

The great Christian hymn written by Charles Albert Tindley entitled "Stand by me" Let this be your prayer of faith in the midst of an unfair world.

When the storms of life are raging, stand by me..

When the world is tossing me, like a ship upon the sea,

Thou who rulest wind and water, stand by me.

In the midst of tribulation, stand by me,

When the host of hell assail, and my strength begins to fail,

Thou who never lost a battle, stand by me..

Now! The modern way of expressing 'stand by me'

Find these videos meaningful! from youtube.. enjoy it!

The boys can't sing reminded me,

Who can stand by me all day? beautiful girls or God?

The cartoon video prompted me to think -

Would I stand by my brothers and sisters like how the Lord stand by me each day?

The Privileges of being a Pastor - No monday blues!

2009-01-12T23:32:00.001+08:00

Many asked the same question when I told them that I am a pastor working in the church. They asked, “What does a pastor do huh? nothing much right? Just talk and people give you money!”

Let me give you the ten things that I do as a pastor.
1. Teaching
2. Leading
3. Preaching
4. Talking
5. Helping
6. Meeting
7. Planning
8. Driving
9. Serving
10. Managing

To most people, they will respond, “Oh! So this is the job of a PASTOR! You’re a busy man!”
To me.. this is a not a job, but my OBEDIENCE to God’s call and my PASSION to people.

Surprisingly, until today I don’t feel like I’m working.
Instead I feel that “Everyday is Sunday!” Everyday there is a purpose to live for!

This is one of the privileges of being a pastor...
No monday blues!

It’s a new day that the LORD has made! His mercy is new every morning! His faithfulness endures forever!

Victory over what?

2008-11-13T11:00:00.000+08:00

1 Chronicles 18-20

The Lord gave David victory everywhere he went... (18:6, 13)
They fell at the hands of David and his men... (20:8)

What is victory to David? Reading these chapters...
Obviously it is telling us that victory to David is “Winning battles against his enemies!”

My name is Vincent - is of Latin origin, and its meaning is "prevailing" - Victorious!
Do I live up to my name? A victorious man?

But I wondered what is victory to me?

Overcome my enemies? Kill them? But who are my enemies today?
Who goes against me today? No one! Or people who go against God are my enemies?

When we talk about victory over something...defintely, it’s no longer about killing our enemies.
We are not living in the past where war was the solution.

SOOOOOooo... victory over what?

To David, it is victory over his enemies (These enemies did not worship GOD)

To us, it is victory over “THINGS” which stop us to love God!

Remember what Jesus said?

“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money...”

Who am I?

2008-11-11T00:01:00.000+08:00

Read 1 Chronicles 17

In this chapter, we find God’s promise to David and David’s response to God.

I am moved by the way David responded to God at vv. 16-17.
David said to God, “Who am I, O LORD God, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far?”
David thinks that he is unworthy to receive great care from the worthy ONE!

Monday is a good day to watch TV program. Watched this chinese program which showed two celebrities leading a group of volunteers to help families who are in need. They volunteered to refurnish the house of a family. The purpose is to give a better environment for the sick daughter.
Close to the end of the show, someone donated a wheelchair especially made for the sick daughter.
The father was touched! I expected him to say “thank you“ to them...
BUT, he said, “I did not expect you to give us a free wheelchair!”

To the father, it is an unexpected gift because he did not expect someone to be that generous.
He must be wondering, “Who am I? I’m not related to you.. Why give it to us?”
The father knows he doesn’t deserve to receive the wheelchair from someone he doesn’t know..

Whenever God bless us, what is our usual response? Just “Thank you Lord?” As though we expected Him to bless us? As though we think we deserve His blessings? Or just being courteous to God?

Jesus died for our sins... what is your response to Jesus? Just a thank you Lord.. period?

I think it is more than a “thank you”
Are you grateful? Do you think you deserve it? Have you taken His True Love for granted?

Dear Lord,

Who am I, O Jesus? that you are willing to die for my wrong...
Because of my sin, because of your love, you chose to die on the cross..
Who am I, O Jesus? that you are so mindful of daily...
Because of your long, wide, high, deep love, I know you will not forsake me.
Who Am I? I am the unworthy one saved by the worthy ONE...

Amen!

THE MIGHTY MEN

2008-11-06T10:06:00.000+08:00

1 Chronicles 11-12

11:9 - And David become more and more powerful because the LORD Almighty was with him.

David became powerful because God is with him...
But not to forget - THE MIGHTY MEN! 11:10 to 12:40 are records of those men who fought with David!

David has mighty men to help him! He is not alone. Yes.. he killed Goliath but that doesn’t mean he is going to killed the rest of the enemies by himself. He is a king, of course he needs mighty warriors to fight for his kingdom. God gave him mighty men to fight the battle!

In our life, how do you treat the “mighty men” around you? Those who help you in your walk of life.
Yes! God is the one who helped us in times of difficulties. We often praise Him for that!
But we shouldn’t forget about those “mighty men” whom God has sent to help us! Especially godly faithful servants of God. We seldom praise them for helping us... instead we criticized them...

David can’t fight the battle alone! so God gave him warriors!
(The recording of the warriors in this book shows that they played an important role! not to be forgotten!)
We can’t fight the “battle” in life alone too! So God gave us A FELLOWSHIP of believers to support us!

Are you Part of a FELLOWSHIP of believers?
How are you treating your fellowship of brothers and sisters?
Treat them as EXTRA? Treat them as “JUZ CHURCH FRIENDS”? Or you treat them as “MIGHTY MEN”?

I believe Brothers and Sisters in Christ do represent the presence of God too! Not that they are God, or they replace God, but their presence shows you that God cares for your life! God sent them to support you!
God is with us when we are together!

“God with us” must be felt and experienced!
Not something we imagine! No way! God is not an imaginary person! If He is just an imaginary God, that will make him fake..

O Lord,

Thank you for the fellowship of “mighty men” you have sent to support me.
I experienced your presence when they are with me.
May you bless them and protect them..

Amen!

R. I. L

2008-11-05T10:14:00.000+08:00

Try reading 1 Chronicles 1-9 in one sitting...

Imagine 100 years later, do you think someone will remember your name?

Not possible! unless your name is recorded somewhere; in someone’s diary? or in a yearbook? And that book or diary must be well-kept and pass on from generation to generation... then maybe! Someone will remember your name...

The book of Chronicles opens with a long list of names... Try reading it in one sitting... you will Zzzzz....
Why genealogies? Why bored the readers?

My thoughts are ...

1. Remember your root! At least the first man, Adam! When you remember Adam, you remember that we human are created by God. Not pop out from rock! Thank God this is recorded... I can’t imagine my origin
is an ape or rock! l do not have faith to believe I am “Pop out!”

2. Is it a detailed records? No! not at all! if it is, a book is not enough to record the details of history. But NAMES are recorded! Why names? Names are important for an individual. Your name is your identity! What’s your identity? To the Israelites they knew they are the people of God! For us, we know we are sinners saved by grace. What a special identity God has given to us!

3. Kings’ name are recorded too! Leaders has an important role. They can influence good or bad to his people. A lot of bad kings in those days. It is because of them, the people worship idols. If you are a leader today, think! what are you giving to your people? good or bad influence?

Three thoughts - Root, Identity, Leadership.

O Lord,

I am wonderfully created by you...
You are my Creator!

I am amazingly saved by you...
You are my Savior!

I am specially picked by you to lead your sheep...
You are my great shepherd!

Amen!

Everlasting God..

2008-11-02T23:43:00.002+08:00

Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord
We will wait upon the Lord
We will wait upon the Lord

Our God, You reign forever
Our hope, our Strong Deliverer
You are the everlasting God
The everlasting God
You do not faint
You won't grow weary

Our God, You reign forever
Our hope, our Strong Deliverer
You are the everlasting God
The everlasting God
You do not faint
You won't grow weary

You're the defender of the weak
You comfort those in need
You lift us up on wings like eagles

A few good men...

2008-10-29T10:48:00.000+08:00

When you read 2 Kings, you will often find this phrase,
“As for the other events of king...., and all he did, are they not written in the book of the annals of the kings...?”

The book of Kings is indeed to record what the kings have done!
Notice the contrast between a good king and a bad king?
- The good walked in all the ways of his father David..
- The bad caused the people to worship idols!

I have transfered my lecturer’s notes to give you a big picture of the book! It’s all about the kings..
1. The age they started
2. The duration of their reign
3. Did right or evil?
4. What have they done?
5. Isn’t it written in the book of annals?

Synthesis of 2 Kings

Chapter 1-17 Later divided kingdom

1 Ahaziah (Israel, Evil)
2:1 - 8:15 Joram (Israel, Evil)
8:16-24 Jehoram (Judah, Evil)
8:25-9:29 Ahaziah (Judah, Evil)
9:30-10:36 Jehu (Israel, Evil)
11 Athaliah (Judah, Evil)
12 Joash (Judah, Good)
13:1-9 Jehoahaz (Israel, Evil)
13:10-25 Jehoash (Israel, Evil)
14:1-22 Amaziah (Judah, Good)
14:23-29 Jeroboam II (Israel, Evil)
15:1-17 Azariah (Judah, Good)
15:8-12 Zechariah (Israel, Evil)
15:13-16 Shallum (Israel, Evil)
15:17-22 Menahem (Israel, Evil)
15:23-26 Pekahiah (Israel, Evil)
15:27-31 Pekah (Israel, Evil)
15:32-38 Jotham (Judah, Good)
16 Ahaz (Judah, Evil)
17:1-6 Hoshea (Israel, Evil)

Chapter 18-25 Surviving Kingdom (all Judah)

18-20 Hezekiah (Very Good! Not just did right but also destroy paganism!)
21:1-18 Manasseh (Evil)
21:19-26 Amon (Evil)
22:1-23:30 Josiah (Good too! Found the book of the Law! Renew the covenant! Destroy paganism too!)
23:31-34 Jehoahaz (Evil)
23:35-24:7 Jehoiakim (Evil)
24:8-16 Jehoiachin (Evil)
24:17-25:21 Zedekiah (Evil)

6 out of 28 kings are good! Only 20% of the kings are good!
And the good kings are from Judah!
And only Hezekiah and Josiah tried to remove the idols!

I got one truth about man from this whole book!
Today.. it’s also difficult to find a good man! a good leader! a good king! a good husband! a good worker!

Why?

Answer: Idols...

Great things for the LORD! but ...

2008-10-16T09:15:00.000+08:00

Read 2 Kings 10

Jehu has done a lot of slaughtering in the name of the LORD!
v. 7 When the letter arrived, these men took the princes and slaughtered all seventy of them.
v. 14 "Take them alive!" he ordered. So they took them alive and slaughtered them by the well of Beth Eked—forty-two men. He left no survivor.
v. 17 When Jehu came to Samaria, he killed all who were left there of Ahab's family; he destroyed them, according to the word of the LORD spoken to Elijah.
v. 25 As soon as Jehu had finished making the burnt offering, he ordered the guards and officers: "Go in and kill them; let no one escape."

When you read a chapter like this, what is your interpretation?
God loves killing? He allows it to happen? God is cruel? We should kill the evil ones, especially those who worshiped other gods?

Read on! Don’t just “aiyoh! aiyoh! so much killings!”

v. 28 So Jehu destroyed Baal worship in Israel. v. 29 However, he (Jehu) did not turn away from the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat, which he had caused Israel to commit—the worship of the golden calves at Bethel and Dan.

v. 31 Yet Jehu was not careful to keep the law of the LORD, the God of Israel, with all his heart. He did not turn away from the sins of Jeroboam, which he had caused Israel to commit. v.32 In those days the LORD began to reduce the size of Israel.

The intention of the author is not to tell you to kill more. His intention is to tell you about the king of Israel, Jehu. What he has done! or else he won’t end with this after talking about Jehu - v. 34 As for the other events of Jehu's reign, all he did, and all his achievements, are they not written in the book of the annals of the kings of Israel?

And indeed Jehu the king did great things according to the word of the LORD by destroying the Baal worship in Israel.
BUT… he did not turn away from the worship of the golden calves. He was not careful to keep the law of the LORD. The LORD began to reduce the size of Israel.

Yes! Today! We did lots of great things for the LORD! And it’s according to his commission. We joined a mission trip to a third world country. We preached the gospel. We did lots of BIG things in other nations or within our neighborhood.

But if we are not careful in keeping the law of the LORD, it doesn’t please our LORD too. The LORD might begin to reduce the size of your “territory” too.
The reducing is not just losing out something, but it is a reminder to us that we are not pleasing God!

If our ministry doesn’t grow spiritually and physically… It could be a reminder that one of us is still worshiping the “GOLDEN CALVES” in our lives. The modern day golden calf is not like those days. In fact, lesser people are worshiping idols today. That’s why you hear a lot of people declaring that they don’t believe in anything! Actually they do believe in something, - themselves.

I believe the “golden calf” is a person, an object or a bad habit that hinders us to worship God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength.

Yes yes yes.. you are doing a lot of things for the LORD, BUT! Is there a golden calf in your life?

Destroy it!

Anointed to lead..

2008-10-15T10:20:00.000+08:00

Read 2 Kings 9

6 Jehu got up and went into the house. Then the prophet poured the oil on Jehu's head and declared, "This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: 'I anoint you king over the LORD's people Israel. 7 You are to destroy the house of Ahab your master, and I will avenge the blood of my servants the prophets and the blood of all the LORD's servants shed by Jezebel.

Oil again! This time oil was poured on Jehu’s head to declare him as king of Israel. On Sunday, I preached about anoint oil in the name of the Lord on someone who is ill. Oil was used in different occasion.

In this text, oil was used to anoint someone as king. Jehu was anointed king over Israel. And He has a mission; to destroy the house of the evil ones – those who killed the servants of the LORD.
This reminds me of this - When God anoint us, He has a purpose.

Found this definition in a modern dictionary.
Anoint - figurative nominate or choose (someone) as successor to or leading candidate for a position : he was anointed as the organizational candidate of the party | [as adj. ] ( anointed) his officially anointed heir.

CHOSEN TO LEAD! The Chosen one!
Messiah has this meaning - THE ANOINTED ONE, THE CHOSEN ONE.

Jesus was anointed to be the Savior of this world!
Today, when God anoint us with the power of the Holy Spirit! He expects us to carry out a mission for him!
We don’t just pray, “God! Anoint me with the Holy Spirit.” Then period..
But we pray this.. “Oh Lord, anoint me with the Holy Spirit, so that I can fulfill your mission.”

I believe anointment has this meaning of chosen for a mission and empowerment to carry out the mission.

When someone anoint you with oil in the name of the Lord, do not stop at anointed, but carry on the work after the anointment.
If God healed you today (from emotional or physical illness), do not stop at healed, but carry on the good work!

What is your life mission statement?

My mission statement is ______________________ (fill in the blank)

He promised to...

2008-10-14T09:52:00.000+08:00

2 Kings 8:18-19

18 He walked in the ways of the kings of Israel, as the house of Ahab had done, for he married a daughter of Ahab. He did evil in the eyes of the LORD. 19 Nevertheless, for the sake of his servant David, the LORD was not willing to destroy Judah. He had promised to maintain a lamp for David and his descendants forever.
Jehoshaphat did evil in the eyes of the LORD. However the LORD did not destroy the kingdom of Judah.

Why not? Because he has promised to maintain a lamp for David.

When I read this, I thought of my sin. The evil that I have done before God. My thoughts, my actions, my character. I asked, am I living a righteous life? Of course compared to last time, I am a better man now. But I also know that I’m not perfect.. Thought I sin-less now, I should not take sin too lightly too! It is still real in my life! Because everywhere is temptation! I’m not talking about sexual temptation ONLY!

Tempted to hate people! Tempted to have an object that I don’t need! Tempted to slack! Tempted to boast! etc! etc ! etc!

If I am evil... Why I am still alive? Why I am still in God’s good hands? Why I am still given a chance to serve him?

ALL because he has made a promise... He had promised to maintain a lamp for David! And Jesus is the Son of David (Matthew 1:1) The One who is the brightest! And we are Jesus’ fruit! We are the fruit of His work on the cross! We are sinners who were given a chance to live because He promised!

I don’t know whether you are grateful that you are still living, breathing, serving or not... I AM!

He had promised to maintain a lamp for David

We are living on God’s promise daily... How blessed we are in Christ! Amen!

This is a day of good news

2008-10-13T08:42:00.000+08:00

Read 2 Kings 7

Four men with leprosy went into the camp of Arameans and found out that they have left their camp. The reason the Arameans left their camp is because the LORD had caused the Aramneas to hear sound of chariots and horses and a great army! They were afraid and left the camp. They thought the king of Israel has hired the Hittite to attack them.

The men who has leprosy took things from the tents happily. Then they said to each other... “We’re not doing right! This is a day of good news and we are keeping it to ourselves...”

This is a day of good news and we are keeping it to ourselves...

What are the good news that God has given to us?
All of us has good news to tell someone! Imagine your friend keep telling you all the bad news, how will you feel? feel happy? because you are not in his or her stage? of you feel sad for your friend?

Are we keeping good news to ourselves?

Let me share with you some!
Good news in my life!
1) I have eternal life because Jesus died for my sins - Salvation
2) God is building up a Youth Worship in NLC. Come and join us! - God’s Work
3) I’m getting married in July 09 - Relationship
4) 26 Oct 08, secondary school friends gathering @ Woodlands - Friendship
5) Praying for a new house - Settlement

All of us have good news to tell... Tell it to someone!
People loves good news... This I am sure!

Not only they love good news! But they can enjoy the benefit of good news too!

The GOSPEL.... This is the good news that I believe everyone can enjoy if they know, believe and accept the message...

If people want to enjoy the goodness of God..
Share with them the GOSPEL!

The Gospel has the power to change lives...

So you want to be a man of God?

2008-10-06T11:17:00.001+08:00

Read 2 Kings 1-4

Elijah and Elisha... They were called the man of God.
Who is the man of God? let’s learn from both man of God!

1. Someone who dares to ask for God’s power ( Chapter 1:1-16) ~ He is brave!
1:10, 12. “If I am the man of God.. let fire come down from heaven and consume you and your fifty.” Then the fire of God came down from heaven and consumed him and the fifty.

2. Someone who never leaves his leader (who is also the man of God.) (Chapter 2:1-14) - He is a follower

2:2 Elijah said to Elisha, "Stay here; the Lord has sent me to Bethel."
But Elisha said, "As surely as the Lord lives and as you live, I will not leave you." So they went down to Bethel.

2:4 Then Elijah said to him, "Stay here, Elisha; the Lord has sent me to Jericho."
And he replied, "As surely as the Lord lives and as you live, I will not leave you." So they went to Jericho.

2:6 Then Elijah said to him, "Stay here; the Lord has sent me to the Jordan."
And he replied, "As surely as the Lord lives and as you live, I will not leave you." So the two of them walked on.

3. Someone who speaks God’s Word! He begins his speech with, “Thus says the Lord...” He represents God

2Kings 1:4 "Now therefore thus says the LORD, 'You shall not come down from the bed where you have gone up, but you shall surely die.' " Then Elijah departed.
(2Ki 1:6, 2Ki 1:16, 2Ki 2:21, 2Ki 3:16, 2Ki 3:17, 2Ki 4:43)

4. Someone who has compassion to the poor (4:1-7) - He is compassionate
Elisha performed a miracle so that the widow has more oil to sell. And she can pay her debt and live on with her son.

5. Someone who often ask, “What can I do for you?” and he go and do it! - He has initiative

2:9 When they had crossed over, Elijah said to Elisha, "Ask what I shall do for you before I am taken from you." ....

4:2 Elisha said to her, "What shall I do for you? ....

4:13 He said to him, "Say now to her, 'Behold, you have been careful for us with all this care; what can I do for you? ....

6. Someone who works with God through prayer - He is prayerful!

4:32 When Elisha came into the house, behold the lad was dead and laid on his bed. 33 So he entered and shut the door behind them both and prayed to the LORD. 34 And he went up and lay on the child, and put his mouth on his mouth and his eyes on his eyes and his hands on his hands, and he stretched himself on him; and the flesh of the child became warm.

7. Someone who doesn’t simply gives way to oppositions - He is tough!

2: 23 Then he went up from there to Bethel; and as he was going up by the way, young lads came out from the city and mocked him and said to him, "Go up, you baldhead; go up, you baldhead!" 24 When he looked behind him and saw them, he cursed them in the name of the LORD. Then two female bears came out of the woods and tore up forty-two lads of their number.

Are you a man of God?
If you want to serve God, develop these characters first...

Are you brave, a follower, a representative of God, compassionate, takes initiative, prayerful, and tough?

Good reminders...

2008-10-05T21:50:00.000+08:00

Within a day...

God used three ways to remind me...

1. God’s Word - I am not God!

2. My dear brother from NLC - I answer to God, not to man..

3. My classmate - I have to depend on God. “Only in the wake of God’s intervention can a human shepherd maintain the divinely established order” by Tim Laniak

Thank You Lord... You are so real in my life. Thanks for answering my prayer which I prayed last tuesday! I prayed this, “Lord, I want to experience you more!”

And indeed I experienced Him so much this week! (even when I am tired of so many things)

I want to start NEW each day Lord!

Note Endure Wait...

41 years OR 7 days?

2008-09-26T10:48:00.000+08:00

Read 1 Kings 14:21 - 16:34

Rehoboam - King of Judah, 17 years reign, bad king
Abijah - King of Judah, 3 years reign, bad king
Asa - King of Judah, 41 years reign, GOOD KING
Nadah - King of Israel, 2 years reign, bad king
Baasha - King of Israel, 24 years reign, bad king
Elah - King of Israel, 2 years reign, bad king
Zimri - King of Israel, 7 days!! bad king
Omri - King of Israel, 12 years, bad king
Ahab - King of Israel, 22 years, Did most evil in the eyes of God!

Only Asa is a good king. The rest of them did evil in the eyes of God. They worshiped other gods.
Asa ruled the longest - 41 years. The better you are, the longer you lead?
it is obvious that a good king last longer in his ruling!

Asa ruled 41 years! Solomon ruled 40 years! David ruled 40 years!

Reflection:
If you want to last longer in ministry, what should you do first?
I have been through some difficulties in ministry for the last few weeks... It is not pleasant at all! feel like giving up? I asked, “how to last long in ministry?”

Do what is right in God’s eyes and He will sustain you..

Oh Lord,
I pray for wisdom to do what is right...
I don’t want to do things according to what I like..
But I want to do it according to what you like...
Teach me Lord and I will follow you...
Amen!

How "bad"?

2008-09-19T09:19:00.000+08:00

Read 1 Kings 12

Rehoboam, son of Solomon took over his dad as king. Jeroboam who was fleeing from the King came back and requested Rehoboam to lighten the harsh labor on the Israelites. Rehoboam seek advice from the elders, but he did not listen to them. Instead he listened to his friends (young men) advice. He rejected the people’s request. In the end, Jeroboam was made king!
The Lord fulfilled what He said at 1 Kings 11:31. That he will give ten tribes to Jeroboam.

It’s interesting at v. 15, it is written that this turn of events was from the Lord. What is your reaction when you read something like this... God turned the event! Jeroboam listened to bad advice from his friends, it caused him to lose his authority over Israel. People rebelled against him. And this is from the Lord.

It is like saying, I listened to bad advice from my peers and it caused me to lose something in life.. And you tell me, IT IS FROM THE LORD?

God is bad? He allow bad things to happen in my life? Take away Rehoboam’s kingdom? Take away what I have? Why God always give me bad experience?

It’s about Discipline... because of Solomon, his son has to face the discipline, the punishment...

However, notice that Rehoboam still ruled Judah.. He did not lose the whole kingdom. v. 20 says only the tribe of Judah remained loyal to the house of the David.

In the midst of discipline and punishment... God shown mercy on Solomon’s son, Rehoboam.

REFLECTION
Have you ever experienced the discipline of God? Or you rejected it! And you couldn’t accept that God will discipline you for the wrong things that you have done? You said, “No! God cannot be that bad! He let bad things happened in me????”
It’s possible that God discipline us today.. the purpose is to get us back on the right track!
His discipline might be painful, but take heart, He shows mercy too!
When God disciplines you, do you accept it? do you sense it?

When I was disciplined by God, God shown mercy... He provided a way for me to get close to Him... How close? He gave me the courage to quit my job and joined SBC to study His Word even more closely...

How “bad” God is? He is “bad” and he shown mercy... His “bad” is not bad! And not bad is good!

This is what I meant by God is good all the time! He disciplines you with the bad things too!

Do not marry 1000...

2008-09-17T09:12:00.000+08:00

Read 1 Kings 11

Solomon has changed! He did evil in the eyes of the Lord. He broke God’s command:
“YOU MUST NOT INTERMARRY, because they will surely turn your hearts after their gods.”

Hey! this is the passage for: “Do not marry a non-Christian” too!

A wise man like Solomon will fall in the hands of women? 700 wives & 300 concubines and his wives led him astray. When Solomon became old, his heart turned to other gods. His heart was not fully devoted to the LORD. There are consequences to what he has done. The Lord raised up enemies to go against him. Solomon died after 40 years of reign.

My Reflection:
I remember watching this movie, “The Dark-knight”. In one of the scene Batman said this,

“You either die a hero or you live long enough to see yourself become the villain.”

If you consider yourself good now! very righteous now! very on-the-ball serving in church! Very loving! Very caring! Very Holy!
Watched! Be alert! Be Steady!
Even the wisest man, Solomon turn bad!

Do you think you can be strong all the way till that final day?
Do you think you can finish well? Live long enough and you will see...
I don’t know whether Batman reads the Bible...

1 Kings 11:39
“If you do whatever I command you and walk in my ways and do what is right in my eyes by keeping my statutes and commands, as David my servant did, I will be with you. I will build you a dynasty as enduring as the one I built for David and will give Israel to you.”

If you don’t want to see yourself become the villain.. or turn to other gods or “idols”

WALK IN GOD’s WAY and Do what is right in His eyes all day!

When we.... then hear from Heaven Oh Lord...

2008-09-15T11:26:00.000+08:00

Read 1 Kings 8

Did you notice a pattern in Solomon’s prayer? (vv. 31-51)

“When your people have sinned against you, and when they turn back to you and confess your name, then hear from heaven, your dwelling place and forgive the sin of your people.”

When you sinned, did you turn back before you ask God to hear your plea to forgive you?
How can God forgive us when we have not repent?

The benediction (vv.56-61) - Not one word has failed of all the good promises he have through his servant Moses. God wants to fulfill His promises, v. 61 but our heart has to be committed to Him first! to live by his decrees and obey his commands.
What have God promised us today?

It seems that God’s love is conditional here..
We repented then He forgives.
We obeyed then He fulfills His promises.

Does it mean that God is not merciful? There is no grace? Absolutely not!

I believe in order to experience God’s grace, mercy and love, we have to repent and obey first!
If not, we will be doing the same OLD thing again... and sin stop us to enjoy God’s goodness!

Before I become a Christian and before I obey God’s Word, I don’t feel that God loves me. I always feel that my mom loves me the most! She is the best mom in the world! (Of course you will say your mom is the best! hehe!) But after I became a follower of Christ, and after I started obeying His commands, I begin to experience God’s love. I enjoy reading God’s Word. I obey God’s command joyfully! I know it is good to me and indeed it is good to me!

I become a better man because I read a better book, call the Bible!

It is like the feeling of being managed by someone you truly respect in your life.
I’m sure all of us respect a person very much. He could be your teacher, your parents, your friend, your pastor...

How do you feel when that person pointed out your mistake and corrected you?

Of course you will feel bad about your mistake, but at the same time you are glad that the person you respected so much cares for you and teach you what is the right thing to do. And since you respect the person so much, I’m sure you will do what he said willingly and joyfully! You want to please him too.

That’s what I meant by obeying God joyfully!
When you listen to someone who you respect, you will enjoy doing what he said.
When you listen to God who you fear and respect, you will enjoy doing what He commands too!

So, even if God’s love is conditional (I’m not going to Theological debate) It’s fine! It’s still God’s love!
It’s logical that we repent then he forgives.
It’s logical that we obey then he fulfilled his promises.

I think it doesn’t contradict God’s character of love.
To deepened His love for us, God also make it simple for us but complicated for him.
He chose to become man (Jesus) and died on the cross for the sins we have committed.

When I repent and believe in Christ, then He forgives..
When I obey with Christ’s help (Holy Spirit), then He fulfilled His promises!

Christ is the ultimate expression of God’s Love!

Bigger and smaller

2008-09-12T09:04:00.000+08:00

Read 1 Kings 6,7

It is interesting that at chapter 7:1-12, the author inserted the building of Solomon’s palace. The description of the palace is much shorter compared to the description of the Temple.
One observation that is noteworthy here is the number of years to build both buildings.

Why it is longer to build the palace? 13 years! and the Temple is only 7 years. Reading the measurement, the Temple is smaller than the palace.

Does it mean that Solomon put in more effort in building his own palace?
Or Solomon took his time to build the palace and urgently built the Temple?
Or it was because of practical reason? - the palace needed a greater space for the people. A place to judge, a hall for his wife.

It is not written why the palace is bigger than the Temple. If you read on, the focus goes back to the Temple again. I shall not speculate why... “Oh! Solomon only thinks for himself!”

My Reflection -
God is not limited by space or a building! All of us agree on this.
I might have interpreted that Solomon is selfish! only build big palace for himself but not for God. Humanly speaking, we always think bigger is better! Therefore, we will easily interpret that Solomon only thinks for himself! He wanted the bigger building for himself and not for God!

A youth pastor once said, “Bigger is not better! better is better!”
So what is better here? I think Solomon truly know who God is and how to worship God!
The Temple is not to “keep” God inside (like many temples today), but it is a place for Solomon to meet God! What is better?

A better heart for God is better! Not bigger temple for God is better!

Which is the MOST important?
1) A heart to meet God each day
2) Doing BIG things for God

For His Name

2008-09-10T20:59:00.002+08:00

Read 1 Kings 5

Now the LORD has given Solomon rest, and Solomon intend to build a temple for the LORD. Solomon joined forces with Hiram to build this temple. Hiram provided the cedar and pine logs. Solomon gathered laborers. This is a BIG project friends!!! Don’t play play! Building Esplanade perhaps?

What is the purpose of building such a big temple? v. 5 answers it! “For His Name!”

So that the Lord’s name will be made known to all people!
So that people know the ONE GOD who Solomon worship!
So that people can come to worship and bring sacrifices to the Lord!

Compare the temple during that time to a church building of today!

Are there differences or similarities?
Of course there are differences! But let’s concentrate on the similarity.

What is the purpose of a church? There are so many books written about the purpose of the church! Which is right? What do you think it is? The church exist for ......

I believe the church exist “For His Name!” just like the BIG TEMPLE!

If a church fails to spread Christ’s Name! Fails to make Christ famous! Fails to gather people to worship God! I think that church is not a church! It’s just a social club with fun entertainment.

When the “church name” is more famous than “The LORD’s name”! Something must have went wrong!
Often I hear this... I sure you do too! “Oh! I like that XXX Church. That church is great! Good Music! Good Preachers! Good children programs! good youth program!”

But when do we hear this? ---- “This Church is indeed God’s Temple! I know who Jesus is through this church! Jesus’ name is made known by this Church..”

If you are looking for a church today, what will you first look for?
The children program? The youth ministry? The songs? The choir? The facilities? The preacher?

Look For God’s name first!

Does the Church talks about God? Or it just talk about You and Me only?

What so wise about him?

2008-09-08T10:21:00.000+08:00

Yes... yes yes.. Solomon is wise.. but what so wise about him?

Read 1 Kings 4

Solomon is a wise man! And he is well-provided (4:22-28)! At 4:29-34, it described how wise he was. His wisdom was greater than the wisdom of ALL MEN! He spoke proverbs, wrote songs, described plant life, taught about animals. He was a science teacher!

With his wisdom, Solomon had drawn men of all nations to come and listen to him. What A MAN OF WISDOM! And don’t forget this part too! at 4:1-19, it shows he is wise in ruling over Israel. He appointed priests, secretaries, commander, district officers, personal adviser, IC for palace, IC for forced labor..

So what can we learn about wisdom from this text.

4 things..
1) Solomon wrote Proverbs - What he says..
2) Solomon sing songs - What he loves...
3) Solomon is a science teacher - What he sees...
4) Solomon’s ruling - How he manages...

Are you wise in these areas of your life?
1. Your words... Wise or folly speech?
2. Your heart.. What do your love? money, fame and sex? or God?
3. Your observation.. What do you see? Or you only watch MOVIE? Observe life..
4. Your management.. How do you manage your life? If you are in leadership, how do you manage people?

Wisdom is not a sudden magical feeling that makes you feel “WISE” today! Wisdom is not just the ability to solve all problems in life! Students often thought that is WISDOM. They prayed, “I pray for wisdom to solve my maths problem during exam”

Wisdom is more than that...

What you say, what you love, what you see and how you manage..

What would you say to God?

2008-09-06T11:06:00.000+08:00

Read 1 Kings 3

Have you ever dreamt of you having a conversation with God?
If you have a chance to see God in your dreams, what would you say to Him if He ask you what do you want from me? Think! Normally we asked things for ourselves right? Health, wealth, good results!
What do you want from the Lord?

What about this?
When God said to Solomon, “Ask whatever you want me to give you.”
Solomon reply was,
“Give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and distinguish between right and wrong.”

Solomon did not ask for long life, most king would ask for that! The CHINA EMPEROR! you know who lah!
Solomon did not ask for wealth. However, he asked for wisdom to rule the people. He wants to have the ability to distinguish what is right or wrong!
It is not only for himself.. But for the common good!

My Reflection: What do you ask for today?
If you have a dream about you meeting God.. What would you say to him?
And... for those who are serving in Church.. Did you pray for the ability to do the ministry you are IN? Or you pray only for “candies and chocolates” in life?

Have you ever prayed to God for the ability to know what is right and wrong?
We need wisdom in this age! Everything is grey today! What is white? what is black? It’s getting more and more difficult to distinguish what is right or wrong?
Even in a context of a church... Is it right for young people to sing NICE and COOL Christian Music every weekends, but not knowing why they sing? who they are singing to? Will God punish you for that? Maybe He will say to you... “Who were you singing to that day?” Not to scare you.. but to remind you to pause and think about why you are doing what you are doing.

Wisdom! Wisdom! Wisdom! Ask for it for the common good...

King David says, "I'm dying, so....."

2008-09-05T21:19:00.000+08:00

What will you say to your love ones when you are about to die? Maybe it’s too early for a young man like you to think about this... I wonder what will I say on that final day on earth.

This was what King David said to his son, Solomon when he was about to die.. Read 1 Kings 2:1-9
“Be strong! Observe God’s command! Walk in God’s ways! then you will prosper! Remember those people!”

David did not say, “Take care of yourself! Take care of your mother. Take care of the house I built. I am giving you all my possessions”

He said these...
1. Be Strong!
2. Observe God’s law!
3. Follow God’s ways!
4. Remember people!

These are the words of a dying man. It is obviously the most important thing that he wants his son to know before he dies. For a good king who had ruled a nation for 40 years, certainly he has gained a lot of wisdom from God! Certainly he has experienced a lot of good and bad times too. And now he conclude his life with these words. Take note of his last words! I think it is important for us too!

My Reflection on the first one - Be strong, show yourself a man!
When you fear, you are afraid to move on. When you feel weak, you wish you could slack and sleep... When you slack, people won’t trust that you could lead them! How could such a man be successful in the things he does for God? God wants a STRONG man!

Are there times you “acted” weak? You wanted people to pity you? You wanted people to care for you... So, You “acted” weak! Stop “acting!” Instead of always asking people to care for you.. comfort you... Why not you be the STRONGER ONE!

Be Strong! and be the man of God! Amen!

I'm moving again...

2008-08-28T09:56:00.002+08:00

I am moving to this town on Sunday!

Guess where it is? haha!

No more moving to this town at Aljunied Cresent.. Sad..

Don't ask me why... I was shocked by some decisions...

But still thank God for the new place... though it is very very very far! 17 km away from NLC!

Strike him with terror...

2008-08-25T17:20:00.005+08:00

2 Samuel 17

I read this passage with a weak body! And guess what? the second verse is this!
"I would attack him while he is weary and weak. I would strike him with terror..."

And I prayed...

Dear Lord,
I feel like I was being struck with terror after I preached your Word on Sunday. The enemies seem unhappy! I was so weak that after the sermon, I longed to find a place to lie down my Lord. I went into the room to hide from people. But I did not stay long... I went out and talk to people.

I'm glad I sat with a family. I'm glad I talked to Chris. I'm glad I asked MJ how's her job searching. I'm glad I listened to a 3 year-old girl to recite Psalm 23:1 to me. I'm glad I lend books to Kiwi. I'm glad I preached Numbers 13-14. I'm glad I did not run away from your calling Lord.. Even when I am weary and weak physically.

I know I am able to do it because You led me and You are with me always...
Thank God I can trust in You when I am weary and weak.

Amen!

One + one + one = many

2008-08-15T09:17:00.000+08:00

Read 2 Samuel 11

David turn evil! After winning battles! Showing kindness! now he is too free I think! During his free time, he was walking around the roof top and he saw a beautiful woman bathing. He fell! He committed adultery with Bathsheba. Not only he committed adultery, the worst is ....
He plotted an evil plan to kill Bathsheba’s husband Uriah. Uriah was killed in battle! David sacrificed his army to carry out this evil plan!

All because of one woman who is so attractive to David’s eyes that cause him to sin more and more.. Sin led to more sins! ONCE it started, it’s not easy to stop! And it will displease God (v.27)

Reflect now! What cause you to sin? What ignite your sinful desire?

Your eyes!

If you realize, most of the time, sin begin from the lust of our eyes, both physical and mental eye!

Did you lust over an object, fame, position, man or woman?
If you do... be quick to repent!

But what is lust? - Things that doesn’t belong to you; you want it immediately without asking whether it is from God...

And this was what David has done which displeased the Lord.
He saw Bathsheba bathing...
He slept with Bathsheba!
He sacrificed the army of God just to get rid of her husband!
He married Bathsheba!

At the end, the Holy Scripture says, “But the thing David had done displeased the LORD.”

Don’t always think that, “It’s ok lah! it’s just a little lustful thought.. No BIG DEAL!!”
Sin leads to more sinssss...

Memories to Actions

2008-08-13T09:49:00.000+08:00

Read 2 Samuel 9

In the midst of victories over his enemies, David asked, “Is there anyone still left of the house of Saul to whom I can show kindness for Jonathan’s sake?”
David remembered his friend Jonathan. And later he showed kindness to Jonathan’s son - Mephibosheth who was crippled.

The ways David shown kindness to him are
1. Let him eat at the king’s table (Privilege given)
2. Gave him servants (Daily needs)
3. Live in Jerusalem (Place to stay)

When was the last time you show kindness to someone? Give him food to eat? place to stay? At least a place in your eye?

In the midst of work... have we forgotten to show kindness? Give your direct touch to those who are in need.

King David remembered the dead! He doesn’t just remembers the dead but he do something for the dead’s household! It is not just remembering.. It is turning memories into actions!

We often have difficulties in putting words into actions!
But what about turning what is in our mind into actions too?

What is in your mind today? Is God prompting you to show kindness to someone? Give that personal touch today!

Amen!

Personal agenda vs. God’s agenda

2008-07-30T14:11:00.002+08:00

1 Samuel 23

Saul continues to pursue David. However, (v14) day after day Saul searched for him, but God did not give David into his hands. This whole chapter talks about Saul pursuing David even when David is fighting against the Philistines. It seems that Saul doesn’t really care who David is fighting against (even when it is Israel’s enemy!). The thing that he cared most is to take David’s life so that he could continue his kingship. It seems that taking the enemies’ life is not his priority.

Saul’s agenda - Instead of taking the lives of his enemies, he chose to pursue David!

Personal agenda vs. God’s agenda

In ministry, in working, in schooling – It is so easy for us to do it just for our own agenda! Just like Saul, being a king makes him so easy to fall into the attitude of just fulfilling his own agenda rather than God’s.

Why you are doing what you are doing?

85 lives - 1 life

2008-07-28T08:17:00.000+08:00

1 Samuel 22

Saul accused Ahimelech

v. 8 Is that why you have all conspired against me? No one tells me when my son makes a covenant with the son of Jesse. None of you is concerned about me or tells me that my son has incited my servant to lie in wait for me, as he does today."

Saul ordered Doeg to kill the priests..
v. 18 The king then ordered Doeg, "You turn and strike down the priests." So Doeg the Edomite turned and struck them down. That day he killed eighty-five men who wore the linen ephod.

This is crazy! Killed 85 men! priests of the LORD! It is like killing pastors in the church! Just because they did what was right and they do not know what was happening between Saul and David. I don’t think they purposely wants to go against the king. They regarded David as a loyal man to the king. That’s why they help him.

The priests unintentionally disobeyed the king, but they have helped the man of God, David. And they made a great sacrifice! It cost their lives! Is it worth it? You may say, so silly! this is crazy! so unfair! not worth!

But if you read on! It is worth it! They have helped a man of God! A man who God is going to use him to begin His kingdom! A man whose one of the descendants is Jesus Christ! It is worth it! 85 men for the life of 1 man.

Are the things that you are doing worth doing it?

Sometimes we may spend a lot of time helping one person.. using a lot of manpower for one person.. spending a lot of time preparing Bible study for one person.. Or for me, writing this devotion without knowing who will read it... Is it worth it?

It’s worth it! you will never know the one life who you have made sacrifices for might become a useful instrument for God in future..

Keep doing what you know it’s right! It’s worth it!

What makes you famous?

2008-07-25T06:54:00.004+08:00

1 Samuel 21

1 David went to Nob, to Ahimelech the priest. Ahimelech trembled when he met him, and asked, "Why are you alone? Why is no one with you?"

9 The priest replied, "The sword of Goliath the Philistine, whom you killed in the Valley of Elah, is here; it is wrapped in a cloth behind the ephod. If you want it, take it; there is no sword here but that one." David said, "There is none like it; give it to me."

11 But the servants of Achish said to him, "Isn't this David, the king of the land? Isn't he the one they sing about in their dances:
"'Saul has slain his thousands,
and David his tens of thousands'?

David was all alone now. He starts his journey of running away from Saul.

Interestingly the two places where he went, it is recorded that the people recognized him. They know him as the man who killed Goliath and the man who slain tens of thousands! The servants of Achish even mistaken him as the king of the land.

David is famous! Even when he is alone! When he is on the run! people know who he is. I can imagine everywhere he goes, people will say, "Isn't this David!? who did this and that!"

Yesterday, a principal of a missionaries school in Nagaland told me this,
"Vincent, I can see that God is going to use you to move your church for mission! you are in a good position in your church!" He added that 30 years old is a good age! That means I am going to do great things for the church! And I may become well-known!

David is well-known for what he has done! He is well-known because he did great things for the LORD and his people. Everywhere he goes, people will say, "Look! isn't this David who kills ten of thousand for the LORD!"

If one day I become a well-known pastor, "Will people say, look! this is Vincent who has done great things for the LORD and his people!"

If one day YOU become well-known, you have to reflect why people know you? What makes you famous?

You are famous because you did something for the LORD or you did something for yourself?

if you want to be famous, I rather the reason you are famous is because you did something GREAT for the LORD!

A Christian becomes famous because he did something great for Jesus!

But being famous is not our goal! Making Jesus famous is our goal! Remember!

The things that we are doing, for who we are doing it?

Amen!

The best that I can do for a friend...

2008-07-23T09:03:00.000+08:00

Read 1 Samuel 20:17
And Jonathan had David reaffirm his oath out of love for him, because he loved him as he loved himself.
Yesterday, I went to meet a secondary school friend at Takashimaya Staff Canteen with two Christians. It was a nice and perfect environment to talk. One of them shared the Gospel with him.. I did not say a word during the conversation. I was listening to the conversation.

At the end, he said that he doesn’t have faith to accept that Jesus is true! God is true! Heaven is true! But he also admitted that not knowing how life is like after death is scary!

A friend whom I know since secondary one or two. Do I love him as I love myself? Do I really want him to be in Heaven with me when we both depart from this world?

If I want, why aren’t I sharing the gospel to him in the past? Maybe I did at those cafe with a group of friends. However it was not a conversation at all. More like arguing with them who is right. Maybe I did one on one talk with them... have I stop asking them and give up?

Why must I wait until last night? I admit I do not have faith that he will believe. I always feel this way, “Aiyah! they won’t believe one lah! Everytime they just think they are right!”

Lord, give me faith that whoever I shared the gospel to next time.. that person shall believe your message!

Jonathan has done a lot for David... he tried his best to protect David from his father Saul. They sworn friendship with each other in the name of the LORD.

Today, I want to ask, what have I done for my friends for the past 15 years? If I say I love them, shouldn’t I give them more than friendship? Fun? Happiness? Jokes? Company?

Today, I have the best gift from God - eternal life -

Shouldn’t I share with them this gift from God too?

Amen!

RUN AWAY from...

2008-07-22T07:20:00.000+08:00

Read 1 Samuel 19

Saul told his son Jonathan and all the attendants to kill David

Jonathan warned David. David’s wife also warned him.

Jonathan spoke well of David to Saul. Asking Saul not to kill an innocent. Saul make an oath not to kill him.

However, later on an evil spirit FROM the Lord came upon Saul. Saul tried to pin David on the wall with a spear. But Saul missed!

So David ran away! His wife told him to run by letting him down through a window.

When Saul and his men went to capture David at Ramah. The spirit of the Lord came upon them and they prophesied. Three times Saul sent a group of men, they prophesied. And the last time, he went on his own, he prophesied too! Saul even stripped off his robe in front of Samuel. And he do this all day and night. He cannot do anything to David.

The rising of a new king is not easy huh!
The old king wants to get rid of the potential king, David. David is on the run now! However the Lord still protects his servant, David.

The prophesying commotion was not any “HOLY” moments for Saul and his men. I believed it was to stop them from bringing harm to David.

it is also interesting to see that it was God who sent an evil (injurious) spirit upon Saul. It’s hard to believe that God would send evil on Saul -
“I thought God is good! not evil?”
But take note! God is not the evil spirit here! He sent the evil spirit upon Saul. Just like He hardened Pharaoh’s heart in Exodus.

So, you may ask God orchestrated all these? . I believe God is in control! Even on the evil spirit! He controlled the prophesying! He protects David. and maybe the inaccuracy of Saul when he threw a spear at David too?

David’s journey has begin! He is on the run now! What is God doing in his life now?

I had a dream last night, I was on the run too! I ran away from a prison I think. I became a fugitive! I swam along the river! I ran across HDB blocks! And now I read this passage! What is God trying to tell me?

Good to run? I must run away from my prison?

David is running away from Saul. He has a successful escape from the spear too. He escaped from Saul and his men. He is running away from EVIL.

Are you running away from the EVIL? so that you can become what God wants you to be?

Are you still in prison? A prisoner of sin? RUN AWAY!

David is going to become a king!
What are you going to become? I am sure during this transition, there are obstacles to cross. These obstacles are not to stop you from running! If David doesn’t run, he will die in the hands of Saul. But obstacles are to make you stronger and trust God.

If you don’t run! you will die in the hands of SIN...

RUN AWAY FROM THE EVIL ONES..
Dr. Albert Ting concluded in his sermon on monday Chapel,
“Nowadays I don’t trust myself anymore.”

I don’t trust myself too! I am not able to stand firm all the time. I have to flee from temptation! I have to make an extra effort to run away from the evil ones!

What about you? RUN! RUN! so that you can become purer!
it’s tiring, but at least run first...

Amen!

Fearful of great leaders?

2008-07-21T07:45:00.000+08:00

Read 1 Samuel 18

David was successful wherever Saul sent him out for battle. This was good in the sight of all the people..

Saul became angry when people credited more enemies that had been struck down to David.

Saul stood in fearful awe when he saw David in great success.

Saul planned to harm David by sending him to battles with the Philistines. He hope that David will fall under the hands of the Philistines!

Saul even use her daughter to lure David to go for battle! David will marry his daughter if he succeeded!

David went! He succeed! As often as David went out for battle, he succeeded!
His name was highly esteemed!

If one day someone arose to take over me in the Youth Ministry? English Worship? Much more capable than me! Preach well! Teach well! People love him! People recognize his ability. Bear much fruits! - Very successful man of God! A man doing everything for the Lord and His people...

Will I let go of my position and let this new leader take over and I MOVE ON?

Or will I be fearful like Saul? Thinking of ways to get rid of this new leader arising?

Two thoughts for you...
1. What position are you holding now? Is there any potential leaders who has the ability to take over you? If there is... will you let go of this position and let him take over?

2. When you see someone (A good leader or pastor) doing well in ministry! Edifying God’s people with his teaching, are you happy? or you feel fearful like Saul? Worrying that that good leader will shine MORE than you?

These thoughts is for all of us to reflect!
What if God raise up someone GREAT like David to do his work!
Will you pray for that person? Bless that person? Bless his work?

Or you are jealous and fearful like Saul did to David?

Sermon Preparation in progress...

2008-07-19T09:36:00.000+08:00

Sermon Preparation in progress...

Will update soon..

Pray with me.. Thank you..

ENLARGE YOUR VISION is the title...

ONE SHOT ONE KILL for who?

2008-07-17T08:21:00.000+08:00

Read 1 Samuel 17

David and Goliath.. our most familiar bible story!

What do you understand about this story?
“God is bigger than our problem (Goliath) ?” so don’t be afraid of the problems in our life? I tend to interpret it this way... It’s attractive! It’s encouraging too! God is with me in a battle! (in my school work, in my career)

But look deeper from another perspective.
David is smart! he has the skills! He aimed at the forehead of the giant. And it is ONE SHOT ONE KILL.

He said at verse 47, he said the LORD will give all of you into our hands. It is not just the GIANT.

The death of the giant is just an entry point of the battle. At vv. 51-52, the Philistines were afraid! they ran away when the giant is dead. The battle is still between the Israelites and Philistines. Not David alone.

What is this text trying to point out?

David is indeed the man to be the king!
At chapter 11, Saul was confirmed as king after he led a successful battle. He proved himself to be king.
Now! David is chosen to be king, shouldn’t he prove himself too?

He proved it! HE IS SMART! SKILLFUL! BRAVE! AND of course, he has a heart for God! He couldn’t stand it when Goliath defy the Army of the living God.

This time... A different king! with a different heart!
He is not like Saul - Saul has passion for his people. He became angry when the enemy bring disgrace to his people at chapter 11.

But for David - He recognized that the army belongs to the living God! When the giant defy the army, it is the same as defying the God David worship. He has a heart for God.. not just for the people..

When we serve God, have we been focusing too much on loving the people until we forget about God?

Sometimes we are so involved in talking, listening and playing with people until we forgot to talk, listen and hangout with God...

Saul - Don’t disgrace my people!
David - Don’t disgrace God!

Don’t go to a battle (ministry) without God!

Amen!

Outside or inside?

2008-07-16T09:19:00.000+08:00

Read 1 Samuel 16

The Lord asked Samuel to look for the new king from Jesse. Samuel went to Bethlehem. As Samuel was searching for the man who God has chosen. God told him this...

“ 7 But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."

It is interesting that later at the end, Samuel found someone like this ...

12 So he sent and had him brought in. He was ruddy, with a fine appearance and handsome features. Then the LORD said, "Rise and anoint him; he is the one."

David is good in appearance! But I thought the Lord said that He do not consider his appearance or his height? Why still find a man with handsome features?

Has God contradicted himself? What does He looks at? Handsome or Heart?

David happened to be handsome? or this is one of the characteristics that God is looking for in a king?

I believe God still looks at the heart and Man indeed looks at the outward. This text doesn’t contradict! In fact it should be this way.
David’s good appearance is for man to look at.
David’s good heart is for God to look at.

Only God can see through what is in our heart! Man only looks at the outward appearance, our actions, our words, our behavior... No one knows what is actually in your heart. Only God knows!

So what now?

If man look at the outward appearance, and God looks at the heart. I think that both is important! Don’t forget you are living among man not gods! Your actions, words and behavior count! Don’t misinterpret this text saying,

”Aiyah! I don’t care what others say about what I do! I hack care! I do what I like! I don’t care how he or she feels! God looks at my heart! Got heart can oledi!“

No! do not say these...That’s irresponsible! Man is not God! Don’t expect them to act like God. They can’t see through your heart! Your actions still count!

Towards man, your outward appearance means a lot to them...

Towards God, your whole person means a lot to Him!

Amen!

Bring displeasure to God?

2008-07-15T10:01:00.002+08:00

Read 1 Samuel 15

v. 3 ~ The Lord’s command for Saul is, DESTROY everything as an offering to the Lord. (I will not debate whether God is cruel or not, that was not the point of this text.)

v. 9 ~ Saul and the army DID NOT destroy everything. They kept the good stuff!
vv. 10-11 ~ The Lord said He GRIEVED to make Saul king because he has stopped following Him. Saul took the best things for himself.

vv. 22-23 ~ Samuel told Saul that OBEDIENCE is more important than sacrifices. Disobedience is as bad as the sin of sorcery! Pride is bad too! Since Saul has rejected the Lord’s command, God rejected him as king.

vv. 34-35 ~ Again it is recorded, the Lord was very SORRY he had made Saul king.

Command given, not obeyed, God grieved for choosing this leader.

What is God’s grief? According to Wayne Grudem (a theologian), It is God’s fatherly displeasure. And it often leads to discipline in our Christian lives. A father would not be happy to see his son disobey him. It is not just anger! It includes discipline to make sure the offender is still on the right track.

Read Hebrew 12:10 ~ Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness.

It is for our good! so that we may share in his holiness! So that we may be holy as He is.. HOLY includes all the good characteristic of God. (e.g. Fruit of the spirit Gal 5:22-23)

Saul was disciplined! God rejected him as king! It is for his good! and the common good!
If you are disciplined by God today, what is your attitude? You run away from it? How discipline comes? Through THE WORD. If you read a command that is difficult to obey today, what do you do? Reject it? Oh ya! No wonder people are avoiding God’s word today!

Don’t grieve our Lord... but if you bring displeasure to Him, be prepared for discipline!
Amen!

Honey? or Blood?

2008-07-14T17:51:00.005+08:00

Read 1 Samuel 14: 25-30, 33, 43
33 Then someone said to Saul, "Look, the men are sinning against the LORD by eating meat that has blood in it." 43 Then Saul said to Jonathan, "Tell me what you have done." So Jonathan told him, "I merely tasted a little honey with the end of my staff. And now must I die?"

Who should die? Jonathan or the men? The blood eater or the honey eater? Who broke the LAW? obviously - the men!

Jonathan seems to be smarter than his dad, Saul. Saul is weird! Set an oath of "NO EATING"! No breakfast! no lunch! Why?
Maybe he is afraid that the men will sin against God's law by eating blood and he is afraid something bad might happen to the troops. So in order to prevent them from eating blood, he merely said, "NO FOOD!"

But Jonathan ate something! Honey! Is it wrong? is it against the Lord? I don't think so.
In fact I believe the honey is good! not to harm them! but to give him strength.

Who is right? Saul or Jonathan?
It seems to me that Saul is always concern of DOING something to buy favor from God (at the last minute)
1. Altar - v35 Then Saul built an altar to the LORD; it was the first time he had done this.
2. Implement the "NO FOOD!" oath to prevent failure.
3. Find Strong men - v52 All the days of Saul there was bitter war with the Philistines, and whenever Saul saw a mighty or brave man, he took him into his service.

Do you think Saul trusted God in the battles?
I think Jonathan is the one who trusted God! he said,

v6 "Perhaps the LORD will act in our behalf. Nothing can hinder the LORD from saving, whether by many or by few..."

Nothing can hinder the LORD! And he goes to fight against the enemy..

v12 So Jonathan said to his armor-bearer, "Climb up after me; the LORD has given them into the hand of Israel.

Let's compare both..
1. Saul built a physical altar - Jonathan built an altar in his heart. He trusted God.
2. Saul says, "NO EATING!" - Jonathan ate something GOOD to move on for the LORD.
3. Saul finds strong men for battle - Jonathan goes to battle with the LORD.

Do you trust God? Do you take care of yourself (health, skills, knowledge) before you serve God? Do you just watch and don't do anything? no action?

DOING won't buy God's favor, TRUSTING allows you to work with God.
DO IT WITH JESUS!

TRUSTING JESUS IS THE SWEETEST THING! like the honey which Jonathan ate... it brightened his eyes!

Amen!

Give your last minute offering?

2008-07-12T09:06:00.000+08:00

Read 1 Samuel 13

Saul was thirty years old when he became king! (I am 30 this year! haha!) A new leader walking with his mentor, Samuel.

When the Philistines assembled to fight against Israel, Saul and his troops were WAITING with fear. They were waiting for Samuel to come but he did not come to Gilgal.

Saul did not wait for Samuel and he did what he thinks is right. I think out of fear, Saul’s thought that offering burnt offering would help in the situation. He knows he has not sought the Lord’s favor! It he trying to please the Lord at the LAST MIN?

But when Samuel arrived, he rebuke him, “What have you done?”, “You acted foolishly!”
And Samuel told him another man after the Lord’s heart will take over him as king!

Saul’s mistake
1) He did not wait for his leader to come.
2) He realized he did not seek the Lord’s favor until the last minute.

Which is the main point that this passage wants to point out?

Saul did not wait for Samuel? OR Saul realized he did not seek the Lord’s favor?

I believe it is the latter.
Saul realized he did not sought the Lord’s favor!
His heart wasn’t right. His heart was not after the Lord’s heart!
That’s why Samuel said, “the Lord has sought out a man after his own heart...(v14)

What about you? Do you seek to please God?
Or you wait until the last minute? then you try to please God?

Pleasing God is not a ONE TIME thing you do when you are in trouble!
It is a IN YOU since day-one when you believe in Christ.

Don’t make a last minute offering to God! Offer your life as a living sacrifice! This is your spiritual act of worship! Romans 12:1-2

Amen!

Commit to Pray Pray Pray...

2008-07-11T09:11:00.000+08:00

Read 1 Samuel 12:23
23 As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by failing to pray for you. And I will teach you the way that is good and right.
Today I had a long meeting! From 9am to 5pm!
Our Senior Pastor shared these verses before the meeting.

Mark 6:30-31 - about resting.

Mark 1:35 - about Jesus praying.

PRAYER! PRAYER! PRAYER!

To Samuel, is it a sin not to pray for the people? (Need more study on verse 23)
But one thing we can tell from this verse, Samuel is committed to pray for them! and committed to teach them the good and right?

What about me? What am I committed to? Just teaching my sheep to be good and right? That’s all? What about praying for them?

Yes I did pray for them... but I would say I am not committed to pray for them like the way I committed to teach them...

Make a commitment today to pray unceasingly for someone...

Finally! He is the leader!

2008-07-10T08:05:00.002+08:00

Read 1 Samuel 11:6, 11, 14
6 When Saul heard their words, the Spirit of God came upon him in power, and he burned with anger.
11 The next day Saul separated his men into three divisions; during the last watch of the night they broke into the camp of the Ammonites and slaughtered them until the heat of the day. Those who survived were scattered, so that no two of them were left together.
14 Then Samuel said to the people, "Come, let us go to Gilgal and there reaffirm the kingship."

At first some troublemakers doubted Saul’s ability to lead them.
But now Saul proved it to them that he has the ability to be a king. It is like Saul’s probation period is finally over! He is qualified to be the King of Israel.

What qualified him to be the King? People started to support him! reaffirm him as the King! What has he done?

1) He became angry when the enemy bring disgrace to his people (Passion)
2) He urged people to follow him (Leadership)
3) He assembled the people for battle (Leadership)
4) He planned the battle - three divisions (Skills)
5) He won the war against the Ammonites (Skills)
6) He spared those who doubted him (Merciful)
7) He recognized it is the Lord who rescued them (Dependence)

These are specific things that Saul has done before he was reaffirm.

I am a leader of my flocks... Do I have all these? Passion! Leadership! Skills! Merciful! Dependence on God! Am I qualified to lead them?

What about you? if you are a leader, are you qualify to lead? of course there are many other characteristics of a good leader. But what is the most basic characteristic that a leader should have?

I believe it starts with passion and it preserves with dependence on God.

Without passion, you lead because you are obligated to lead.
With passion, you lead because you love them.
And we know that ONLY LOVE can last..
When you depend on God, it preserves you to persevere on in leading.

What moves a Honda Jazz? The Vtec Engine
How a car engine works?
SPARK PLUG is the passion to ignite the good work!
PETROL is God’s encourage, comfort, reminder, wisdom and direction.

Do I love my flocks?
Do I depend on God?

Amen!

Who do you want to be your King?

2008-07-09T07:49:00.001+08:00

Read 1 Samuel 10:19, 27
19 But you have now rejected your God, who saves you out of all your calamities and distresses. And you have said, 'No, set a king over us.' So now present yourselves before the LORD by your tribes and clans."
27 But some troublemakers said, "How can this fellow save us?" They despised him and brought him no gifts. But Saul kept silent.

Recently I read a book about preaching to a postmodern congregation. One of the characteristic of the congregation today is that they don’t like to be under ONE authority. They don’t like to be told that THIS is the ONLY way. They believe in what they prefer or comfortable with. Therefore it makes preaching more and more challenging. No sense of authority from the WORD being preached.

The Israelites have rejected God as their King, as their authority. They prefer to have a King rather than God. They have rejected THE GOD who saved them out of all troubles.

Does it hurt God?

They cried out for a King.. So God appointed a King. It is written that God seems to put in a lot of effort in appointing Saul to be a King.
But Man is never satisfy with God...
At the last verse 27, still SOME WICKED MAN (NET Bible Translation), troublemakers were dissatisfied with the King chosen by God.
They said, “How can this man save them?”

Does it hurt God again?

Rejected and rejected!
Did you reject God as your King? as your authority?
If God give you a leader to lead you, do you reject that leader too?

Are you someone who doesn’t like to be under an authority?
Why is it so difficult for man to submit to an authority?
Is it because we always think God and Man are never good enough to lead us? We think too highly of ourselves?

Be careful! Don’t become a king to yourself.
No one has the ability to lead himself! this I am sure!
You need God to lead you...

Let’s submit to God and the leaders that He has appointed.
Towards God - His Word is the authority of your life
Towards leaders - Are you willing to follow your shepherd?

Let’s worship our KING OF MAJESTY!
I have desire! just to be with you my Lord! Jesus you are the Savior of my soul.. forever and ever I will give my praises to You!

Amen!

I lost my Donkey but I found the Message

2008-07-08T07:33:00.005+08:00

Read 1 Samuel 9:5-6 and 27
As they were going down to the edge of the town, Samuel said to Saul, "Tell the servant to go on ahead of us"-and the servant did so-"but you stay here awhile, so that I may give you a message from God."

Have you lost something before? Seldom I loose things, but I known of people who kept losing things - Mobile phone especially! haha! Some of you know who I am talking about -The HANDPHONE SIBLINGS. If you lose something today, would you pray and ask God to search for you?

Saul and his servants went to look for his father's donkey! Donkey finding mission! When Saul wants to give up, his servants suggested that they go and look for the seer to inquire which way to take. Which way to go to find the DONKEY? Their agenda is the lost donkey.
But when they reach there... Samuel has something else for him. In fact the donkey was secondary to him. He told him it was found.

Now the primary thing is “The message from God”. Saul is going to be appointed as the King of Israel.

What am I searching for today? I admit there are many things that I want today... but what is the most important thing that God wants me to have?

I believe it is the message of Christ! The Gospel.
The message of Christ is the best of the best thing that you could ever found on earth!

It covers all! It conquers all! it changes all!

“I once was lost but now I am found“ - Amazing Grace..

What are you searching for today? Always “donkey”? Material things? Happiness? Fun? Friends? I believe God has something BIGGER than a “DONKEY” for you?

You will be surprised in the midst of finding something that you want, God give you something even better!

Amen!

Do we need a King? or a Servant?

2008-07-07T17:25:00.004+08:00

An auntie asked me last night at my dearest's birthday party, why did you quit your job and work in church?

I responded quickly, "Church is more important! Helping people is more important!"

To Serve - was the reason why I quit my job 4 years ago... Have I forgotten?

Read 1 Samuel 8:4

Do we need a King when we already have God to lead?

What's the problem with them? They have God as their king! Why do they need a human king?

They need someone visible to make them feel secured? They want to follow others?

So....

Do we need a pastor? do we need elders and deacons? Do we need a small group leader?

I think what we need is a servant of God to take care of His flocks... not a KING to take over God's position.

I realize many people felt awkward to address me as "pastor vincent" I don't know why too.. haha!

Some said, "Wow! you are promoted!"

When I was sweeping the road after the Durian Party, someone made a comment, "Wow! This is a high class sweeper!"

What is a pastor to you? What is a worship leader to you? What is an elder and deacon to you? A "KING"?

A pastor shall never take over God... A servant is always a servant to his master..

This! I will remember... :)

God is still the King! He is the God of all people...

I am His servant...

What about you? When you serve in Church, what position are you taking?

The KING or the servant? (slave)

It is very easy for us to become "King".. Sometimes you don't even want to be the KING, but others treat you like a KING.

I hope when people call me pastor, they treat me as a shepherd, a servant of God who guides them to the green pasture... and I'm not the King!

JESUS is the King of kings... Lord of lords!

Amen!

I need wisdom from God..

2008-06-30T17:12:00.003+08:00

Oh Lord,

How to lead NLYM?

Teach me oh Lord..

How to lead English Worship?

Teach me oh Lord..

How to honor you with my life?

Give the best offering to You!

1 Samuel 2
Eli's sons gave imperfect offerings..
Hannah gave her son Samuel..
Do I give my best to God?

Maybe I have not been giving my best to God...

How to lead NLYM? How to lead English Service?

My role - Guide, Protect and Feed!

Ministry is...

2008-04-19T22:21:00.000+08:00

If you ask me what is ministry.... This is my answer.

Read John 3:30.
The Lord must increase, and I decrease....

This will be my theme verse from today!

Sometimes.. is good to stop using the internet

2007-07-17T12:55:00.000+08:00

I will continue to update my blog after I graduate from Singapore Bible College..

May 2008...

See you readers...

A poem which reminded me...

2007-07-06T23:59:00.000+08:00

O you of little faith..
God has not failed you yet!
When all looks dark and gloomy
You do so soon forget..

Forget that He has led you,
And Gently cleared your way;
On clouds has poured His sunshine
And turned your night to day..

And if He’s helped you to this point
He will not fail you now.
How it must wound His loving heart
To see your anxious brow!

Oh doubt not any longer
To Him Commit your way,
Whome in the past you trusted
And is just the same today

Rev Stephen Tong

2007-06-28T08:04:00.000+08:00

My Hangout Time with God...

Went to listen to Rev Stephen Tong sermon last night.. It was really powerful! More powerful than Transformer! (The movie I watched earlier with 17 youths at PS) I am well fed by his message! And God really spoke to me last night through His servant.. These days I am becoming more and more tired with the things in Church and NLYM.

Thank God! He renewed me again through His Word! His Word is always so precious.

Rev Tong talked about Abraham and Sarah. They did not wait for God’s timing. They found Abraham - Haggai. They thought this will help Abraham to have children. But they were wrong! this is not God’s timing and God’s original plan..
Man tend to do everything for God first when they see God is no moving..

God’s plan for me now is to be equipped.. Sometimes I really wish SBC is far far away from Singapore.. SO that I can fully concentrate on my studies and be equipped by God’s servant. But it seems impossible.. There are people I need to help in church and outside of church. Can I say no to NLYM? Can I say no to Elders and Deacons? Can I said no to Pastors? Senior Pastor? can I say no to friends? haha! Maybe I should say NO to everyone for one whole month.. and see what will happened? haha!

Am I moving faster than God? And I doing more I should be doing now in Church ministry and outside of church? Am I preaching too much? Do I wait for God’s timing? Do I allow God to change me slowly.. equipped me slowly to become a better servant?

Most importantly.. Am I humble enough before God? and let him slowly transform me to become a servant who He can used? Or I am very anxious to become a well trained pastor? I should wait for God’s timing. I’m still have a lot more to learn... I should slow down.....

First thing I want to do... STOP ALL MINISTRY which I AM DOING IN CHURCH.. STOP SAT SERVICE! STOP NLYM! STOP SMALL GROUP!
Anyway... people may not appreciate what you are doing for them (Satan’s voice)

Haha! just kidding.. How to Stop? The world is eating them out!

Many subjects to clear this semester.. pray for me if you can..
My interterm starts today!! Greek class! YEAH! haha!

Revelation 11 - God is in charge!

2007-06-28T07:46:00.000+08:00

- The Two Witnesses

Who are the two witnesses? They are God’s servant. Here to torment the people and prophesy God’s word.

They have power to bring plague to earth. And they can prophesy..

But when they finish their testimony.. they will be killed by the beast (The beast is antiChrist)

People celebrate their death because they tormented those who live on earth.

But the two came back to life and go up to heaven while their enemies looked on.

Then at that very hour! there was severe earthquake and a tenth of the city collapsed.

The survivors were terrified and gave glory to God.

- The seventh trumpet sounded..

Loud voices from heaven began to praise God..

They praise God because He begun to reign!

The time has come for
1) Judging the dead
2) rewarding the servants, saints, those who reverence his name
3) destroying those who destroy the earth

God’s temple in heaven was opened and the ark of covenant was seen.

Reflection

The two witnesses were sent to torment people and prophesy.. What is the purpose of this? why God want to do this? I think God want more people to repent.. I don’t know by that time how many had really go against God..Maybe people has become so deprave that they need more and more discipline and prophesies to bring them back to God. Discipline as in tormenting plagues! Word of God to affirm them that God is still in charge, He still speaks!

Are we going to wait for the two witnesses to come then we start to give glory to God?

Can we be like the 24 elders at v 16 who worshiped God because they recognize God is in charge! God reign..

In our lives... Who is in charge? most of the time is ourselves.. Is it wrong to be in charge? is not wrong to take care of yourselves.. But it is wrong if you do things that is against the command of God.. The overall in charge is still God! The ark of covenant is the Law of God! The Word of God..

Is like God says to us, “YOU CAN take charge of your life... but follow my instruction and you won’t go wrong! because I am still the overall I/C”

God is still the overall in charge.. without God.. there is no right or wrong.. because there is no right standard to follow..

Who is in charge of my life? I admit I am not good enough to handle my life.. I need instruction from God to live.. Without God .. life is heading to no where..

Revelation 10 - Sweet and Sour

2007-06-26T09:33:00.000+08:00

Another interlude appear after the sixth trumpet...

This time is about the angel and the little scroll...

The angel has his right foot on the sea and left foot on the land. Looks like he is a big sized ultraman! This represent judgment on both sea and land.

The voice from heaven say seal up what the seven thunders have said and do not write down... it seem that something is being hide. Not everything we human will know.

But the seventh angels with the seventh trumpet will accomplish the mystery of God.

John was commanded to take the little scroll from the hand of the angel.

He was asked to eat it.. In the mouth, it will taste like honey.. but it will turn sour when is in the stomach.. Refer to Ezekiel 3.

From Life Application Concise New Testament Commentary
This could mean that the scroll was full of words of comfort, as well as gloom. Through the command to eat this scroll, God was confirming John’s prophetic role, as he did with Ezekiel. Receiving the word of God can be a pleasant experience, but it often results in the unpleasant task of speaking judgment on evil. Believers know that victory is sure, but they are pained by the difficulties they must endure and by many people’s stubborn refusal to repent.—

Reflection:
John was asked to proclaim God’s Word... Words that can comfort people or make sinful people feel uncomfortable...

This is the world we are preaching to! people reject God’s Word because it doesn’t sound good to them at all because it reflects a lot of their bad points. They will say is too high standard to reach! the Bible is full of rules that is impossible for man to follow.

But I think it is better to try your best rather than give up the whole book... is like you don’t give up a marathon even when you know you are losing! You enjoy the whole process of the marathon!

Likewise, the whole process of obeying God’s command is an enjoyable one too! is not today you become Christian, you will become perfect.. you steadily run the race in life.. but you don’t give up the race!

The Word of God can be sweet... can be sour... It is sweet when you are sad.. it is sour when you are sinning... Both meant good for you..

I must remember this.. Don’t always preach words to make people feel good only! Sometimes, there are words that I must say to bring them to the right track.. it applies to me too.. don’t just read those comforting words in the Bible!!!!! many choose to read comforting words! or else there wont be so many devotional material about “Words of Comfort from the Bible”, “Words of encouragement” etc...

Just preach what is in the Bible! Sweet and Sour....

Revelation 9 - The depravity of mankind

2007-06-25T08:55:00.000+08:00

5th trumpet

Locusts looked like horses prepared for battle!

They had power to torment people for five months.

These locusts were told not to harm the grass of the earth...... but only those who did not have a the seal of God on their forehead (Non-believers of God).

6th trumpet

Four angels who are bound at the great river Euphrates. (They could be the fallen angel)

They were released to kill a third of mankind. The number of the mounted troops was two hundred million. (They could be a big army!)

They were to kill a third of mankind.

Despite all these plagues .. those who were not killed by these plagues did not repent!

Reflection...

First question I want to ask... if this is symbolic! have these things happened in this world now? people torment in some ways.. there are wars too...

Worst is .. people still do not repent!

They did not stop worshiping demons and idols of gold silver, bronze, stone and wood... Nor they did not repent of their murders, their magic arts, their sexual immorality or their thefts..

The depravity of mankind..
Do human need all these judgment to repent? I mean true repentance!!!!!!!

Revelation 8 - one third!

2007-06-18T08:06:00.000+08:00

1. The seventh seal is opened! There was silence for about an hour.

2. The seven trumpets were introduced. Seven angels holding them

3. One angel had a golden censer

4. The prayers of the saints went up before God.

5. Then the angel took the censer filled it with fire from the altar and hurled is on the earth! There came peals of thunder, rumblings, flash of lightning and an earthquake.

1st trumpet - It affect the land
2nd trumpet - It affect the sea and the sea creatures
3rd trumpet - It affect the drinking water and cause many people died
4th trumpet - The sky turned dark

6. All these affect a third.. not fully.

7. However trumpet 5-7 is different! there is a higher level of judgment?

Reflection:

Why angel hurled the censer down? I think it is a sign of something bad is going to happen which is approved by God.

The land, sea, water and sky will be affected.. 1/3 of it..
Though it is not fully, but it is still consider “BIG”!

Today! are is this one third of destruction happening? Some interpret this as we are already facing it today and some says is in the future.

My thoughts for this passage is...
Today there are people who suffered in this world because of natural disaster. Human cannot do anything! not even the most powerful man can stop all these. It cannot be settled by a war or money! When it comes, it just come! no one can stop it!

Today or Future... if something like what is mentioned in the passage happen to you. What is your response? what is my response? SIngapore.. safe country... what if one day Singapore is no longer a safe country?

Think! what is your response? scare? run? give up? act brave? accept it?
look for help?

The best solution is seek God because there is no one greater.. I don’t know what He will do to help those in disaster.. maybe he do nothing, maybe he will do something.
Whatever it is, I know He has a good reason to allow all these to happen because He is God. Is beyond my understanding...

Revelation 7 - Are you sealed?

2007-06-15T08:12:00.000+08:00

144000 were sealed. This passage from vv. 1-8 is debated about who are the 144000 referring to. Are they Jews or Christians who are sealed?

And who are those in the white robes? vv. 9-17.
There is a long description about who are those in white robes..
1. It’s a great multitude!
2. Every nation, tribe, people and language!
3. There are worshiping the Lamb!
4. They are those who come out of the great tribulation.
5. They have made white in the blood of the Lamb. (In other words, they are people who believed the blood of Christ has the ability to save them from sin)
6. They serve God everyday.
7. They never hunger, thirst, the sun will not beat upon them.
8. The Lamb is their shepherd
9. The Lamb will lead them to springs of living water (eternal life)
10. No more tears...

This passage is an interlude before the last seal. The seventh seal. Why suddenly an interlude? What truth it gives? Although we cannot be sure who are the 144000, we can be sure that God take care of His people. He sealed the 144000 before the four angels bring judgment to the land. The seal is to protect the people and shows that they are the people of God.

After this sealing... John saw a great multitude standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. These are the people who come out of the great tribulation. That means they have survived! And now they receive the blessings from God.

Eternal truth: God is good to His people. He will protect them in the great tribulation and bless them after the tribulation.

Reflection:
I am God’s children because I believe His existence. I worship the One God. I have been cleansed by the blood of Jesus. I believe God is a good God! He is not someone who punish you for nothing.
From the scripture today, I can see that God indeed want to bless His people. He doesn’t want to harm us.

Living in this world of uncertainty, danger, sadness, disappointment, with this eternal truth in hand. How do you live your life? How you view God?
Blame God for of the unhappiness you meet in life? Don’t blame God...
God wants to bless you.. He is good to you..He is going to protect you from the great tribulation and bless you.. Are you willing to accept his blessing?

How?

You just need to do one thing! believe the blood of Jesus is shed for you and me. Jesus can save you from punishment of your sin.. (if you believe you are a sinner)

Are you sealed? When the great tribulation comes... are you able to stand it? This interlude is place before the seven seals to remind you... Are you God’s people? Is not too late to turn to Him now..

Revelation 6 - No one can stand it!

2007-06-14T10:21:00.000+08:00

The seven seals. In this chapter, six seals were opened by the Lamb (Jesus)

1st seal - a rider on a white horse. he held a bow and was given a crown.

2nd seal - A fiery red horse. Its rider has power to take peace from the world.

3rd seal - Black horse. It’s rider hold a pair of scales.

4th seal - Pale horse. It’s rider named Death.

5th seal - souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God and testimony they had maintained.

6th seal - Great earthquake! The sun turned black! the whole moon turned red! and the stars fell to earth. Every mountain and island was removed from its place.

Then everybody!!! v15-16 called to the mountains.. “fall on us and hide us from the face of him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb!”

They cannot stand the great wrath coming to them.. Who can stand?

Reflection:

There are four methods to interpret Revelation! imagine that! This shows that it is not an easy book to understand! so who is right? However no matter which view is right, I think that it is still possible to get the true meaning of the text for the reader. In other words, “What is the eternal truth that the author wants to tell?”

In this chapter, it begins the description of images that seem weird to any human reading it. For example, have you seen a red horse? Questions we will ask, are we going to see a red horse or white horse with the rider holding a bow literally?

I think.. Maybe not! I’m not going to explain why.. but I am going to look straight into the truth John wanted to tell the reader....

The eternal truth is... THERE WILL BE JUDGEMENT ON THIS EARTH! And this judgment you may not be able to stand it.

And this judgment is not so simple like what we see today.. At the last three verses, 15 -17.. It seems that no one can stand this judgment! People wanted the rocks and mountains to cover them rather them facing the judgment!

Who can stand? A question to ask everyone including Christian and non-Christian..

If you cannot stand.. what should you do now?
Do you think you can run away from Judgment? Or you dont even believe there is judgment? Think..

Revelation 5 - Worthy is the Lamb

2007-06-13T07:39:00.000+08:00

John wept because no one could break open the scroll

John seem to know the content of the scroll.

What is inside the scroll? Who is worthy to open it?

v3 says that no one in heaven or earth or under the earth could open the scroll of even look inside it.

But a Lamb is worthy to open it.. Who is this lamb representing? Is Jesus!

He is worthy to open it because
1) He was slain
2) His blood purchased men for God
3) He has made the people to be a kingdom
4) He has made them priests to serve God
5) They will reign on earth

The lamb is to receive power, wealth, wisdom, strength, honor, glory and praise!

Reflection:

Jesus is worthy of our worship! because He died for you and me. To some people, Jesus’ death seem powerless to them or irrelevant to them. It is irrelevant because they don’t know Jesus’ death has such a great impact in the world. it is irrelevant because they did not realize one thing about themselves... they need God in their life.

Whenever I read verses about Jesus’ death for mankind... Immediately I thought of people who rejected His love on the cross... or Christians who take for granted His death on the cross. How I wish they can spend more effort in knowing the true meaning of His death. It is sad that Jesus sacrifice for someone, and that someone reject what He has done..

The angels! the 24 elders! the living creatures (which represent the whole living being on earth) all know the meaning of His death! thats why they keep singing song to praise the Lamb who is Jesus! that’s why in the lyrics of their song, you find this “Worthy is the lamb who was slain...”

Worthy is the Lamb, He is the only one who has the ability to open the scroll! What is inside this scroll? We will read more and find out in the next few chapters...

Jesus... is worthy of our worship! The Bible says so.. He is not merely man. If He is not merely man.. Who is He? Find out more about Jesus...

Revelation 4 - He is worthy because He created all things..

2007-06-10T06:19:00.000+08:00

John saw a throne in heaven with someone sitting on it.

And the one who sat there is full of glory. The description - appearance of jasper and carnelian.

He is surround by a rainbow resembling emerald, 24 elders, four living creatures.

They never stop saying “Holy Holy Holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come.

Whenever the four living creatures give glory, honor and thanks to him who sits on the throne. the 24 elders fall down before him and worship him!

They worship Him...

You are worthy, our Lord and God, to recieve glory and honor and power, for you created all things and by your will they were created and have their being.

Reflection:

Who is this who sat on the throne! This throne is majestic! - The Lord God Almighty..

God is the One who is worth our worship! Amen!

If you don’t know how to worship God.. look at the images depicted in this chapter!

All glory, honor and power to God... He is worth to have all these because He created all things...

Creator.. only the one who creates is worth our worship.
Who created you? Who give you life? Who give you oxygen to breath everyday? Everyday is a miracle..

Once read a book..it says, actually when you see water, you are witnessing a miracle! imaging the billions of molecules required to produce water! Who is the one who bring all the molecules together? and all things together? Who is the one who created all things? Who created human?

I don’t know about your answer.. maybe since young you have been taught the other way of how all things begin.. (Evolution theory or ...) Me too thought that way when I was young! (man evolve from apes.) However, as I grow older... I look at myself, I look at people... It cannot be... Man is so different from Animals.. At least we have this desire to worship a God.. but some give up worshiping God because there seems to be so many in this world.. Confused or believe more in themselves? Some stop worshiping God because they dont want to submit to any authority.

Whatever it is ... We still cannot deny the fact that there must be someone POWERFUL to bring all things together .. or else there won’t be you and me...

I believe God is the one...
Col 1:17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together...

Revelation 3 - Lukewarm

2007-06-09T11:29:00.000+08:00

Sardis - they had a good reputation of being alive, but they are dead. They were asked to wake up! Repent and obey!

Philadelphia - Good church who has kept God’s command to endure patiently. The Lord will keep them from the hour of the trials.

Laodicea - Neither cold nor hot. Lukewarm in their faith. Because they were lukewarm, they will be spitted out of the Lord’s mouth. The Lord ask them to repent! He loves them thats why He discipline. The Lord is always waiting for this church to repent verse 20.

Reflection

Lukewarm? neither cold nor hot? Am I a lukewarm Christian? A very good reminder! At first when I read this passage about Laodicea, I did not feel anything. I did not even write down much in my journal. But... when I was reading one of the sermon manuscript, suddenly this verse came back to me! Jesus is asking me... Am I a lukewarm Christian? Sometime on fire for God.. sometime moody moody, don’t feel like doing anything.. lazy.. or even lost passion in the things that I am doing for God. Am I cold or hot? not here or there? I shouldnt! I am not Satan! who is neither here nor there (location: Hell or earth?) I am the child of God.. I am full of hope! joy! peace! Why should I be neither here or there? I shouldnt be lukewarm! my faith for God should be Hot! always hot for Him! Yeah!

Is amazing how God’s word speak to me each day! Lukewarm Christians... a very good reminder for all Christians.. Don’t be neither cold nor hot... The Lord don’t want us to be lukewarm... repent if you are...

Everything I do, do it with passion! for God, for people... :)

Revelation 2 - First love, Persecution, False Teaching...

2007-06-08T07:36:00.000+08:00

Words for the Seven churches..

Ephesus - They have lost their first love. What is this first love? There are two interpretations. 1) First love for God 2) First love for the lost one.

Smyrna - They are persecuted. They were asked to be faithful even to the point of death, then they will be given the crown of life.

Pergamum - They allow false teaching of Balaam and Nicolaitans. Repent! or Jesus will fight against them with the sword of his mouth.

Thyatira - They tolerate the teaching of a woman Jezebel. She misled His servants into sexual immorality and the eating of food sacrificed to idols. She will be punished severely. Jesus is the one who searches the hearts and minds.

Each words for the churches always end with this phrase “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches” - This means that not only the seven churches need to hear this word. It is also for all the churches in the world. Including us!

Reflection:
Although they have persevered and endure hardships for Jesus and have not grown weary.. but they still lost their love. What is this first love? Is it so important? Let me hold to the Love for God interpretation. The first love is always the sweetest and most passionate. I believe most people experience that kind of love for God when you first repent. Yes indeed is true.. when I repented about 7 years ago.. I wake up at 6am to read God’s Word! I thirst for His words and time with him every morning. But now, busy busy busyness makes me tired and weary.. I cant wake up so early anymore... Why? check my heart.. is it because I have lost that first love for God? or I am really tired? busy? giving myself excuses?

First love for God... I want to experience this first love for God. First... Love His Word!
What about you? Do you remember that first love for God? Find that kind of love back!

Faithful to the point of death? - Think! can I do it? Am I facing persecution now? Maybe not yet. If yes... I think that the persecution I will face in future may even come from my own brothers and sisters in Christ! people may disagree with my preaching! Non-believers may go against my belief.

About non-believer persecuting Christian in Singapore.. this is the most common case ->
Most people reject Christians, because they think that Christians always force people to believe in Christ. They think they don’t respect their religion. They think they are arrogant! some even say Christian are hypocrite (which I agree too to a certain degree)!
Whenever I heard this, I thought when did I force people to become Christian? or don’t respect others religion? Never!

My words for non-believer - Don’t “kill” all Christians because of one bad behaved Christian. Find out more (And I mean read the Bible and understand it) about what we believe in before you criticize.

Do I allow false teaching? - What I am teaching now, is it biblical? Do I agree with some false teaching of other so called “pastor” ? but again, who I am to say they teach falsely? Some of them have more experience than me. The Word of God is the best way to test their words.. Jesus said He will fight against them with the sword of his mouth.. that means His Word.

The Word of God .. Am I preaching the Word of God? Are they preaching the Word of God?
Best tools to check: The Bible. Always go back to the word of God..

Revelation 1 - What must soon take place..

2007-06-07T08:24:00.000+08:00

- To show God's servants what must soon take place

- Blessed is those who hear it and take it to heart what is written in this book.

-Jesus is the one who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father.

- Jesus is the Alpha and the Omega. Who is and who was and who is to come.

- Jesus is indeed worthy to be worshipped! He is the first and the last.

- John received first instruction to write what he has seen, what is now and what will take place later. regarding the mystery of the seven churches.

Reflection:

What must soon take place.. Is it important to know? Yes! of course! if not we will live without hope. without goal, without purpose. without a sense of ultimate victory of good over evil. If we don't know that Jesus will win in the end.. we will live wondering who will win in the end. We may think evil will win in the end. and I think some are used to wanting evil to win in the end due to human sinful nature.

This book should be written! it is so important to know this book. or else we will live each day as though evil will win in the end. And when one live as though evil will win, we will basically anyhow live our life... because evil doesn't care how you live.. evil is just to destroy you!

Therefore, is so important to read this book and not only read it.. we must believe it in our heart! then we will be bless by this book. If we doubt! again we will live our life differently! When we doubt about the truth of this book, this means that we may not want the things mentioned to come. When we don't want it to come... this shows one fact about you! you want a life on earth more than having a life with Jesus in the New heaven and new earth...

Which one do you want? Do you believe what is to take place? Are you bless after you read Revelation?

How to be sure it will happen? Look at who is the one who gave all these instruction.. Is Jesus Christ our Lord! He is the first and the last! Chapter 1 gives you a description of the one who gave this revelation to John. It ensures you that it is not from any normal human or great leader.. He is the first and the last! Who is and who was and who is to come!

He is the beginner of all things! He has the future of everyone! Jesus is not just somebody, He is the one and only true God. He is the One who died for you!

Don't worry! be sure what is going to happen, because you have a reliable source - Jesus.

How to be blessed when you read God's word - Take it to heart! Really believe it! Don't doubt anymore!

Love God...

2007-05-16T20:52:00.000+08:00

Recently.. God makes me think about this... Do I really love Him?

I thought of this...

Is it easy to love God?

1) For some, is hard! because they don't even believe there is God... Loving God to them is just being too religious.. They think the concept of God is just make up by man. They see to believe..

2) For some, is half half... sometimes hard.. sometimes easy.. faith to them is believing in things that had happened before.. but not on things that had not happened.
Though they believe there is God... Loving God is difficult for them because they want to control their own life.. God is just a moral support in life... Or worst! God is just the one who is to be blamed for all those disaster?
They believe Jesus is the one who theoretically saves them from sin BUT does not have a sense of helplessness or shamefulness of their own sinful nature..

3) For some, Loving God is easy because they truly acknowledge that they are helpless in life because of the sins in them. They truly understand why Jesus (God himself) has to die on the cross.. And they believe God is absolutely sovereign. No matter what you do, He is still in control even when you thought you are in control... Therefore, this group decided to surrender to God's sovereign rule in their life.. and they let God do the changing of the person... Is a long process for this group...

Which group are you? 1, 2 or 3?

I was 1 and 2 before... but now I am 3... I hope you are in group 3 too... Believe me.. God want to bless you... If you don't believe me is ok.. Believe in Jesus... go and read what Jesus had said.

Sentosa....

2007-04-06T23:00:00.000+08:00

Another picture for our Youth Campsite.. hahaa! cool huh?

Today is unproductive!

2007-04-02T22:21:00.000+08:00

Today very very very unproductive in school work... but still fruitful!

At least I can confirm the location of my church youth camp 2007! Pheww..... Let go of one big burden! but more to come! haha! haha!

haha! Am I crazy? I seems to like to carry alot of burden! still can laugh! hahaa! hahaa! laugh somemore?

Life is tough! but still full of joy because I am sooooooooooooooo busy for the Lord! Not self-comforting k? Is an experience that I can't use words to explain.. Just like the music I heard today on class 92.4 fm... "I don't know how to love Him (Jesus)" Jesus love me so much that I don't know how to love him back, how to explain to you too.. you have to experience it yourself... :)

3 April is my big brother's birthday! Look at the picture! my mother thought is her birthday! laugh until so happy! hahaa!

Oh ya! That is my suzuki with a new buttock again and again and again..
I have decided to name it "BUMPER CAR" aka "BP Car"
Guess where is this place? haha! I enjoy asking people to guess places...

Long time never blog.. suddenly siao! blog so much for what?
One Aim: Recently found out alot of people are quite stress in work and school, just hope to make my reader happy!

Somewhere...

2007-04-02T22:14:00.000+08:00

This is where I am going to bring my lovely youths to this JUNE HOLIDAY!

REFRESH II: DECISIONS

I strongly recommend this! come! come! come! don't miss it!

2007-03-01T11:54:00.000+08:00

SBC International Night 2007

The SBC International Night is a part of the annual Mission Emphasis Week, where students are provided opportunities to gain a better understanding of missions and to have their hearts stirred for mission work.

During the week, we will have opportunity to listen to mission representatives and visit their booths. Students will set up booths to feature their home countries and introduce their home culture. The grand finale of the Mission Emphasis Week is the “International Night” where students will be dressed in colourful national costumes and present songs, dances, or dramas, in order to bring out the mission message in lively way.

What if?

2007-02-28T08:41:00.000+08:00

Recently, I have been studying alot about prophecy and judgment day.

And I want to share with you this.. I hope every morning when you open your eyes, you will think about this..

My Lord could return today…

If my Lord return today, what I want to do for Him today to show that I love Him.. I appreciate what He has done for me..

blog for what?

2007-02-24T23:38:00.000+08:00

Recently someone told me that my blog is useless. Alot of text.. Always the same thing..very boring..

Thanks for the comment!

This makes me think of.. What is blog for? Is it good or bad? should we spend our time reading blog? Looking at the pictures? What should we post in the blog? Anything? Politics? Bible study? Diary? Our frustration?

I have no answer now.. hahaa! wait for my next post.. I hope the Lord speak to me about this issue...

oh ya! guess what is this? hahaa!!!

Grace: a gift from God.. Ezekiel 8 to 13

2007-02-21T09:09:00.000+08:00

Chapter 8: Idolatry can be found in the house of the Lord. They provoke God to anger and God will deal with them.

Chapter 9: God send the man in linen to kill everyone in Jerusalem except those with a mark on the forehead. Verse 4 tells us they are people who grieve and lament over the detestable things.

Chapter 10: The glory of God departed from the temple (v18). Ezekiel saw the same visions of the four living creatures. Indeed to show the glory of God to him.

Chapter 11: Ezekiel was called to prophesy against the leader of Israel. They have gave wicked advice to the city. V16-25, The Lord promised the redemption of the exiles.

Chapter 12: Ezekiel dug through the wall as a sign that they will go into exile as captives.

Chapter 13: Whitewash wall. The false prophet will be condemned! Those blinded by them will be set free. They will not belong to the council of God’s people or enter the land.

Reflection:
In the midst of judgment, there is grace from God too. God did not just destroyed the wicked ones, He also saved the righteous ones. He put a mark on the forehead of those who grieved over the detestable things, he promised redemption to the exiles, he saved those who were cheated by the false prophet. When God allow exiles, he is actually showing grace to the people. He did not fully destroyed.

Grace and mercy from God. Is it true we are living by the grace of God now? In this wicked world we live in, yes we are! we are living by the grace of God everyday. Today, we are not any better than those days. You see people sin, doing all kinds of wicked and unlawful things just to get rich or get what they want. Whether small or big sin... it is still sin. Still need to be punished. God can just wipe out the whole world. Why he did not do it completely?

Grace.. Do you know the meaning of grace?
Grace is a gift that is given to us not because we are good, is because God is so good to us that He give us time to repent. Do you believe we are living by grace everyday? If you believe, you will appreciate almost every second in your life.

You will know that He is the Lord - Ezekiel 4 to 7

2007-02-20T12:13:00.000+08:00

Chapter 4: Ezekiel was asked to take an iron pan to show it as a sign that Jerusalem will be under siege. He was later asked to lie on his side for 390 days and eat defiled food. This is a sign that the Israelites will eat defiled food. 40 days on the right side for 40 years of siege. God will cut off their supply of food in Jerusalem.

Chapter 5: Ezekiel was asked to shave his head and beard. He will take his hair and scatter in and around the city Jerusalem. Then a fire will spread.

Jerusalem is reminded of their sin of idolatry and rejections of God’s laws. They are even worst than their neighbors. A third will face famine. A third will face enemies’ sword. A third will be scattered. (5:12)

Chapter 6: High places will be destroyed. This is where the idols are placed. The altars they built for the idols. The idols will be smashed and ruined, incense altars will be broken. Because of these idols, the people have turn away from the Lord. They will fall by the sword, famine and plague.
All these punishment is to remind and show them God is their LORD (vv 7,13, 14).

Chapter 7: The end has come (v 6). God will bring the most wicked of the nations to take possession of Israel. Then they will know that He is the Lord.

Reflection:

God's punishment is inevitable here. Enemies! Famine! Plague! Scattered! Imaging today I have to face this. Can I stand it? Can I still thank God for all these? Can I still believe in God?

Hey! but all these punishment are suppose to show the people that God is their Lord. That God is indeed God. That there is only one powerful almighty God! How can it make us stop believing in God?

Today we hear a very common phrase.. "If God is good, why he allow famine, disaster, war ?" He allow it because man had sinned against Him. Man choose to worship idol than the true God. Idol which are make by human's hands. How can we worship a god made by our own hands? this doesnt make sense.. But today it make sense to alot of people.Just because it had always been done like that for many many years (since the Bible times) OR because it can bring them wealth? But it is also clearly stated in the Bible (Ezekiel) that these are detestable to God.

Not only they worship idols, people do want what they want to do. going against the moral values that God give us at the very beginning.

Punishment is to show us God is God.. He is our Lord. I can still believe in Him if He send all enemies, famine and plague to our homeland.. easy to say.. but can I really do it? Can... if I follow God step by step.. He will see me through...

HAPPY NEW YEAR

2007-02-19T09:53:00.000+08:00

Chinatown MRT
Originally uploaded by huizong.

Listen or Fail to listen, still speak! - Ezekiel 1 to 3

2007-02-19T09:38:00.000+08:00

Chapter 1: Ezekiel saw visions of God. The glory of the Lord made him fell facedown. And He heard a voice speaking to him.

Chapter 2: Ezekiel was called to speak to the rebellious nation. Whether they listen to him or not, he has to speak God's Word to them. So that they will know that a prophet has been among them.

Chapter 3: Ezekiel ate the sweet scroll. The Word of God. He is called to speak to the exiles who lived at Tel Abib. He sat among them for seven days.
A warning was given to Ezekiel to speak truth to the people. He is accountable to their sin. This is because he is called to warn them of their wicked ways. If he does not speak, he will be accountable of those who died of sin. But if he do warn the man not to sin, he will save himself.

Reflection:
Speak the truth no matter what happens. Whether they listen or fail to listen, just say what the Lord says. Or else I will be accountable for their punishment of sin.
Being the spokesman for God indeed is hard. I wonder how Ezekiel felt when God told him he will be held accountable for their blood. Sounded scary.

This chapters reminded me of the people in church and friends who don't believe in Christ. If I speak the truth about punishment of sin, they will not like it. If I don't speak the truth, they will be punished in future.

How? How? In dilemma now.. Let them face judgment? and live happily with them now? Then when judgment day comes, they will be punished? And I laugh at them?
This is selfish of me.. If I know the truth... why not just proclaim to them? But they may not listen or believe what you said too.. They may think that is true for me but not for them. How? Speak or not speak?

Of course, according to God's Word, SPEAK! (2:7) whether they listen or fail to listen, just speak God's Word.. so that they will know that God cares for them.. send them a messenger to tell them how to be saved.

But how to speak to this generation now? Everyone know is not easy! because everyone thinks that they are right! There is no absolute truth in their mind. How to do it? I think the best way is.. help them to realize something is wrong with their belief. Help them to discover it themselves, rather than forcing the GOSPEL into their mind. Nobody like to be force today, but many like to be helped.

Remember: Listen or fail to listen.. still speak!

Lamentations to Hope - Lamentations 1 to 5

2007-02-17T10:23:00.000+08:00

Lamentations! 5 chapters of sadness?
Read it at one sitting and you will know.

Chapter 1 - Destroyed
"How deserted lies the city once so full of people."
The city was destroyed! now it is deserted! No one is there to comfort Israel. Betrayed! Mocked! No one cares! Enemies rejoiced! Because of Israel sin, they are destroyed!

Chapter 2 - God punished them
"How the Lord has covered the Daughter of Zion with the cloud of anger! "
The Lord allowed the enemies to attack Israel. The Lord has abandoned his temple. The Lord was determined to tear down the wall around Jerusalem. The Lord has done what He planned!

Chapter 3 - Hope
"I am the man who has seen affliction"
Yet there is hope! because God is love. His compassions never fail. They are new every morning! great is His faithfulness! The Lord is good to those who hope in Him, to the one who seeks him. The Lord will redeem them.

Chapter 4 - Scattered
"How the gold has lost its luster, the fine gold become dull! the sacred gems are scattered at the head of every street."
People are suffering! no food! they cooked their own children? (v10) It all happened because of their sin. The Lord scattered them, and no longer watches over them. But rejoice! the punishment will end one day!

Chapter 5 - Remember us Lord..
"Remember, O Lord, what has happened to us, look, and see our disgrace."
They have become orphans. They are trying hard to survive in times of difficulties. They felt forsaken by God. But they still asked God to restore them to Him! Renew them..

Reflection:
Israel was destroyed because of their sinfulness. They have forsaken the Lord! There were sexual immorality, idol worship, deception, etc... You name it, they have it!
God punished them by allowing other nation to conquer their land. Wall were torn down!
People were hurt or killed!

However all these doesn't change the character of God! God is still the God of Israel! He is still the God of the Universe who created all things. He still rules! Most impt!
He still loves them. That's why there is hope of restoration.

Even when they are scattered! living in difficult situation. The people still called out to God for help! They still believe there is God. they realized they have sinned! The reason God abandoned them is not because God is bad or evil, is because they are evil!
They realized they are the one who were evil. God is punishing them. And punishment is not a bad thing, it bring us back to a right relationship with God. Without punishment, we will never learn our lesson DEEPLY.

Today! many people ask why God is so evil, allow disaster to happen.. "God is playing with us?" No! God is not playing with us.. We are the ones who try to be funny with God. We are the ones who sinned against God! The people in the Bible realized this truth! that's why they can wait for the LORD for salvation (3:26). Sadly, today some people don't.

We always thought that others have mistreated us when we are in difficult situation of our lives.. Why don't we examine ourselves first before we pass on the blame to others or God? Are we that good that we deserve good treatment from others or God?

We are not.. I admit I am not that good after all.. I looked at my heart.. Is so easy for me to be proud.. is so easy for me to lust over a woman.. is so easy for me to hate someone. Is so easy for me to be greedy.. Worst! is so easy for me to forget God and live a life of my own. I have to live each day with God's Word to purify my thoughts.. With the right thoughts, then my actions will be right before God.

Is so easy for us to sinned.. and yet we complaint why others treat us like that!

Is so easy for us to forsake God .. and yet we complaint why God forsake me!

Is so easy for us to make fun of God (Not serious with God).. and yet we think that God is making fun of us!

God's punishment is not for nothing! Is for us to realize we are sinner and we need to go back to Him. And Jesus Christ is the One who the prophet told that there is a Righteous One who will come and redeem us back to God. Our sins will be forgiven!

Now you understand why God is so good to everyone (after Christ came)?
He love us.. that's why he punish us.. but at the same time.. he don't want to punish us because he loves us... that's why he punished Himself by dying on the cross.. and we are forgiven! We are proclaimed OK now!

Wow! Amazing love.. simple and yet not easy to understand huh? Of course not easy to understand.. because we have been blinded by this world.. This world taught us.. "Everything must be complex.. no such things as free.. Is all about money and gains"

Lamentations.. not tears and sadness after all.. I learned a great lesson! There is hope in times of difficulties.. because Christ came for you and me.. He is here to redeem us! and bring us back to a right relationship with God.

Lamentations -> Hope...

My car is hospitalized

2007-02-13T17:27:00.000+08:00

Discipline and Restoration - Jeremiah 31 to 33

2007-02-13T09:33:00.000+08:00

These chapters is about God restoring Israel and Judah back to their land. Is about a new covenant that God will make with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah (31:31). God will not let the descendants of Israel cease (31:36). Someone will come to do what is just and right in the land (33:15) He is called the LORD Our Righteousness.

A new covenant for God's people after the uproot and tear down, overthrow, destroy and bring disaster.. Now is the time to build and to plant (31:28)

A process that God used to discipline His people. Ultimately, God still wants to restore His people.

Reflection:
God is love. God is just. He knows when to discipline His children. He can do it in a hard way or soft way (silence). His compassion is the reason He discipline us when we do wrong. He wouldn't care we are bad if He doesn't love us. I wouldn't care for my nephew if he is not my nephew. Yesterday, I beat his hands because he "stole" something from the kitchen and bite it. hehee.. I disciplined him because I am related to him, I love him, i hope he will grow up to be a good boy. That's why I disciplined him.

However, today, people don't see God as someone who discipline us. They only want God to give them this and that. They see love superficially. They assumed love is just giving things when I prayed for it. No! God's love is not just giving.. Yes He gives.. but He also take away! Things that you should have it.. He knows what is good for you. That is what I call love. All meant good for you... The image of someone who scold you may look bad when he is scolding you.. but after all he meant good for you. I think is a great sacrifice for that person.. nobody wants to look bad towards people. Of course, they are still people who scold out of their sinfulness of anger and pride. But God's discipline is purely righteous discipline..

Jeremiah 32:39 says.. "so that they will always fear me for their own good and good of their children"

Certain things I may see it as good for me. And I want that thing badly. But God see it as no good and He don't let me have it. He can discipline me or remain silence. After all, God's decision for me is still the best. Why not just follow what He decided.

Two Dreams - Jeremiah 30

2007-02-12T12:22:00.000+08:00

I had two dreams last night! Two nightmares with happy ending!

The first was a nightmare of evil spirit in a flat I live in. Is too scary to describe it here. But what amazed me was! I woke up at the happy ending of the nightmare and after I woke up I go to my desk. I was actually quiet frightened after the dream. It was so real! I sat at my desk, look around.. don't know what to do and I saw a booklet.. "NLC LDC Series 200 Pray - Learn Prayer from Jesus"

Yes! Pray! I should pray! I picked up the book and read the content.. As I read, I prayed too.. Every passage I read about prayer, i paused and prayed.. After 30 minutes.. I was reminded one great lesson!

Prayer is not to change God's plan, prayer is to know God's plan! Prayer is to talk to God.. a two way communication! not one way!

After the prayer, there was no more fear in me of the evil spirit. Because prayer changed me! prayer help know that God's will is not fear for His children. I went back to sleep and this time ! another nightmare! but this nightmare is not about evil spirit chasing after me...

It is about some tribal villagers caught me and other church friends! the Tribal head wants to eat us one by one! then of all a sudden! The head was captured and he became a beast made of stone! We were freed but... of all a sudden again! (Dreams always suddenly one) the stone beast turn into a real beast! it looks like a lion!

He chased after us! wanting to eat us up! We were all running for our life! I even jump down from a building but didnt die!

At last, one of my brother said, I think is Joel. He said why not we stopped at a hall and play the movie clip of the tribal head evil past! This is to make him guilty! Then we will ask Vincent to pray for him! make him guilty and surrender!

Indeed we did it! all of us gathered at a hall with a big projector screen! The Lion came in! getting ready to eat me! I was standing on the stage. I told him to stop and watch a video clip! indeed he stopped and watched!

As he was watching.. I began to remind him of his past! How bad he was! Then I started to pray for Him... I asked God to forgive him.. pray and pray until tears roll down from his and my eyes.. We both cried.. and the lion cried too! In the end... the lion repented and I woke up!

Is a long night for me.. didn't have enough rest.. then I went to pick my nephew and go to takashimaya to change a pants that my mom don't want me to wear!

I learned a great lesson! Prayer is indeed very very important in our life... I think the evil spirit attack in the first dream woke me up to pray and be reminded what prayer is, which we tend to forgot prayer is not about changing God!

The second dream shows me the power of prayer! Wow! a great lesson learned in a sleepless night... phewww.... is over! but is the beginning of a renewed prayer life! hahaa! hehee!! hahahaa!

After the first nightmare and after reading the prayer booklet, I read Jeremiah 30.. Is about God's restoration! Oh! God's Word spoke to me... God indeed wants to restore me through prayer! I was sooo tired the last few weeks.. Only thru prayer and the affirmation of His Word can renewed my spirit...

Thank God for everything... but now I need to get more sleep first before I do my work again... Praise God for guiding me thru these two dreams...

PCK tears prompted me to look back and Give Thanks!

2007-02-11T22:05:00.000+08:00

1997 to 2007 - 10 years of laughter turn to tears now.. tears of joy and unwillingness to end the show..

When asked what is your last thought? Gurmit Singh said ...

I want to thank God! (First person he thanked)
I am very touched by the way he thank the whole crew. He said they all made him look great today! He thanked them for wasting time with him to make this sitcom. He also said they could have gone further but they waste time with him to make him look great!

Humble and recognized it is not just his effort! Good job Gurmit! God see your humility and I am sure you have acknowledged it is all God's blessing.
Continue to do the good work for Christ... Always be humble and serve the nation.

PCK also reminded me of my past. Haha! still remember those days! it was poly year one! 1997! This was the time I didn't study at all. Always skip lecture. See girls! try out the latest "in" thing called "surf net surf net with navigators"! and watch TV! PCK was one of the TV series that I seldom miss! is 10 years already! I have lived for 12 years since then.. 29 years altogether! I am glad I am still alive.. I thank God for giving me life.. I thank God for changing me these years..

Four phases of my life...
1. From a poly student who always skipped lecture! see girls! rollerblade! make fun of people!

2. to a Army Comms technicians at 54 SAB who always get fed up by my officer! Cursed the officer..

3. to a Science Park programmer (one of my good friend always call me this, now he add a "ex" and call me ex-sci park programmer) who repented and started to love God more and more! Read His Word everyday! Involved more in church.

4. to a Singapore Bible College student who study for God, for His mission to help more people to know Him.

Wow! God's power to change a person is indeed powerful! Nobody is to say God cannot change you! you may say I am like that, I cannot change.. Yes! you are like that.. But God is not like that! He also don't want you to be like that.. He wants you to be good! God can change your life.. Is all for your good.. not for fun! not to control you! not to give you more trouble! not to disturb your family life! But is all for your good! believe me..

God want to change you for your good... I have experienced it before...

Are you convinced is God's Word? - Jeremiah 26 to 29

2007-02-11T12:37:00.000+08:00

Jeremiah was threatened with death because he prophesied against the city. They want to sentenced him to death (26:11).

However Jeremiah continue to ask them to repent! (Even when he is in their hands.) He just want them to obey the Lord. He is very convinced that what he prophesied is from the Lord. It is what God wants the people to know. (26:13)

Some were scared to offend the Lord. They suggested Jeremiah to be released. He was not sentenced to death (26:24).

Chapter 27 to 28, false prophet said things that God did not say. (27:14, 28:15)
Jeremiah warned them not to listen to these false prophet.
The false prophet was punished and put to death. (28:16-17)

Chapter 29.. A letter given to the Exiles! to encourage them to continue living for the Lord even though they are in a foreign land. During this 70 years in exiles, they need to know that God has good plan for them, then they will seek God with their heart, and God will bring them back to their land.

Again! we see false prophet in this chapter. Jeremiah warned the people to beware of lies.

Reflection:
Am I convinced that the Bible is the Word of God? When I share God's word, do I share with a convincing heart? If I don't I will never be like Jeremiah who continue to proclaim God's Word no matter what happen in his life. Wow! not easy huh!

Imagine one day I am really tired, can I still share God's Word to people? If one day I am caught in a very bad situation? maybe people don't like me? people don't like to listen to me? people go against what I said? Can I still share God's word to people? I think I can't continue... If I am not preaching God's Word, If I am not convince that it is God's Word that I preach.

Don't be like the false prophet, they are motivated by making themselves good, well liked by people, accepted by the government. that's why they "prophesy" good things! They know this will lead them to acceptance by people. But they are rejected by God in the end! because they are not preaching God's Word to the people. Jeremiah warned of this false prophecy too!

How to be a true preacher for God?
1) Convinced that the Bible is God's Word. Be passionate!
2) Share faithfully according to Scripture! Do not be a false preacher! Do not tell lies!
3) Objective: It is not to make people feel good! Is to point people to God's way!

Thank God for your Word today! The principles that I have learned today is so applicable for me and every Christian! To be convinced and share God's Word faithfully to point people to the right way of God!

God VS Idols - Jeremiah 10

2007-02-07T08:14:00.000+08:00

Do not fear the Idols.. they can do not harm nor can they do any good. But the LORD is the true God; he is the living God, the eternal King. These gods who did not make the heavens and earth, will perish from the earth and from under the heavens. But God is the one who made the earth..

Comparing God and idols... by right we should fear God, for he is more powerful than anyone. No one is like God who judges and love at the same time. However, we live each day as though the idols in our life is more powerful than God. We are afraid to offend the idols more than God.

In today's society, they are two kinds of idols..
1. The idols made of wood and stone that is place on the altar
2. The material gains that we crave for. Car, Houses, Gadgets etc...

Do we fear of these idols more than God? Do we fear of idols made of stone and wood which must be carried because they cannot walk (Jer 10:5)? I not against any religion, but just trying to make some sense in the way we worship God today. God is not an object we made with our hands.. God is God. He is the everlasting living God who has the power to judge us and the power to love us sacrificially.

Do we fear not able to achieve the attractive things in life? We do! or else everyday we won't feel so stress whether we are able to earn that much money to pay for this and that. The standard of living is high, we may say. But who set that standard? We ourselves.. it really depend how you want to live a life on earth. Can I can still be happy and satisfy if I earn $500 a month? not easy huh? But is possible! look at the birds in the sky! the trees! they are still growing..

Do not fear the idols in your life! they can do no harm to you.. No one is like God who is great and mighty! God is the one we should fear (worship) in life.

Lord, I want to live a life that only worship you.. I don't want to be tied to those idols in my life, remove them from life. Amen!

Uncircumcised in heart

2007-02-06T08:11:00.000+08:00

Read Jeremiah 6-9

Why there is punishment on the people?
"It is because they have forsaken my law, which I set before them; they have not obeyed me or followed my law. In stead they have followed the stubbornness of their hearts; they have followed the Baals, as their fathers taught them." Jeremiah 9:13-14

Although it is obvious that they go against the Lord, they are not ashamed of their disgusting conduct! (Jer 8:12). They did not admit. They may think that as long as they are circumcised in the flesh, they are ok! Instead! (Jer 9:25) all the circumcised will be punished.

Reflection:
People are so sinful today that they don't even think they are sinful. They think they are ok. As long I am not caught, I am not a sinner! Just like the Israelites, they think as long I am circumcised in the flesh, I am ok before God. However, they do not have a circumcised heart (Jer 9:26). Which means a heart that is set apart for God. A heart that is pure for God. A heart that is true to God.

This reminds me of status and position in church. I may look good from the outside. I may be serving in leadership position but if I do not have a heart for God. I am nothing! I am not serving God, I am just serving my own pride.

That's why I always think that it is good to start from the least ministry in church. The best is cleaning and sweep floor! hehe! It is from this kind of ministry, God can refine and test your heart for Him.. Few years ago, God tested me when I was serving Him in Multimedia.. Did a faithful job for God.. it is from there I learned to serve humbly. Without this ministry, I will never know my heart for God is real or not..

Now! God give me leadership position. More responsiblity. Easier to become proud. Easier to depend on myself rather than God. I have to be very careful. I make sure it all start from my heart for God.
I thank God for His word today. Reminded me to circumcise my heart. Set apart my heart for Him.. and don't be like those people He wanted to punish, who thinks they are ok but actually they are not! In their heart, they have forsaken God!

Whatever I do, always examine my heart... uncircumcised in heart?

Adultery with stone and wood...

2007-02-05T22:49:00.000+08:00

Read Jeremiah 1 - 5

Jeremiah was called to speak for God. 1:9-10.
1. to uproot and tear down,
2. to destroy and overthrow,
3. to build and to plant.

This reminds me of the process how God change a person..

1. God will go deep into his heart and remind him of his sins. Go to the root of all the problems in life.
2. God will break you down! destroy you! humble you! make you feel guilty! lousy!
3. But He will rebuild you! make you a new person for Him to use.

This is the mission of Jeremiah!
Indeed is not an easy task for Jeremiah!

I am called to do this job for God.. Can I do it? Not easy huh for today too I must say.. Just like in chap 2, it tells how they forsake God. They were reminded that they were the firstfruit of God. However their fathers have went astray. They worship other gods! Worst is They have forsaken God! They have backslide!

Today! is so easy for Christian to backslide. Why? Mostly is because of the other gods in their life. Same old problem again and again. People are so busy with the "gods" in their life. "Career", "Entertainment", "Money", "Education" etc... many more I can list.. They don't bother about God anymore. Some may even avoid anything that talks about God. Christian are regard as irritating people who only wants to convert people rather than people who wants you to know God.
Where is God today? Not in the hearts of people.. people have forsaken God..

At chapter 3, it is described as committing adultery with stone and wood!
Jeremiah 3:9 Because Israel's immorality mattered so little to her, she defiled the land and committed adultery with stone and wood.

Committing adultery! imagine next time your husband or wife do this to you.. How will you feel? Furthermore it is committed with someone not better than you! Today, we are like committing adultery against God when we have other "gods" in our life. That is disgraceful thing to do. God must be real sad.. It is like a broken marriage.. that is the saddest thing to happen in a family..

God want us to return to Him.. If you believe you are created by God.. Just go back to Him.. How you go back to Him? His Word tells you clearly.. Go and read it.. Is all there in the Bible.

Let our hearts be pure to God always! Let Him be the one and only God we worship everyday... No more "wood" or "stone" Amen!

Isaiah 52:13-53:12 Jesus the lamb who was slaugther

2007-01-30T09:01:00.000+08:00

My Lord died for me.. before He died he was despised and rejected...

He did not receive any praise when he is on earth. No one clap hand and welcome him. Even when they know He needs to died.. some even ran away.. Jesus ministry ended this way! not many appreciate.. only a few..

Imagine today nobody appreciate what I did for them.. I think I will not feel good.. I will feel very sad.. very rejected.. But at least not that bad for me. People in church still appreciate you (Appreciation Dinner!) But for our Lord.. no one appreciate His sacrifice.. He was rejected by many during His time on earth.

He was not appreciated! He died for our sins.. the punishment brought us peace.. We are no good people.. but Jesus still choose to died for our sin.

Today many people don't appreciate what Jesus has done. It seem so difficult for them to believe this simple truth.. People want more and more complicated things! Simple things they cannot take it. They doubt whether it is true when things seems simple to them. Man had become more and more complex.. Why? Is it because they think too much? think too highly of themselves? they want to be their own lord? they want to be god? many reasons.. but there is only one simple truth that Isaiah prophesied!

Jesus died for your sins.. Do you believe in that?

Yes I believe.. I want to live a life that appreciate what Jesus has done for me.

Isaiah 35 - God Judges! How!!!!??? Die Liao lah!

2007-01-22T08:32:00.000+08:00

Say to those with fearful hearts, "Be strong, do not fear; you God will come...

The chapters before this chapter all starts with "woe to ..." to a place! it is the judgment that God called upon the nation because of their disobedience.

I thought of something.. many people don't read the Bible anymore. People want fast information! if I ask my youths to read Isaiah.. I think they will fall asleep because all judgment and Woe to this woe to that.. sounded repeating.. However... If we don't read the Bible.. We will never know that God actually judges! and the way he judge is not simple simple give you a slap only. It could be a punch! it could be more than a punch!

Does God really judge? Is scary to ask this question huh... if God really judge, I think we everyone will be judge severely because we know it and we still sin against Him everyday.

From Isaiah, we can see that God judges! and it is right judgment! just like today, if you commit a crime of stealing, it is right for the police to catch you and put you into the prison.

Police catch our action! but God catch our hearts! He look into the dark-side of our heart and judges us.. Some people argued that God is unjust! he allow evil to happen.. Why not turn the question around and ask:

Who is the one who do evil? It is not God!

God allow it to happen is because man are so depraved of their sin that He give them over in the sinful desires as a form of punishment! It is the wrath of God revealed to godless people..

Romans 1:24 "Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another."

Is a sinful world we live in... I think everyone agree with this.. How? any solution? Yes there is always hope! Repent and Believe!

Isaiah 35:4
say to those with fearful hearts,
"Be strong, do not fear;
your God will come,
he will come with vengeance;
with divine retribution
he will come to save you."

God will save us from this sinful world.. There is hope people! We no need to be punished for our sin... Believe in Christ... Do you believe Jesus Christ is the savior?

I believe .. is not a blind faith.. is a faith build on strong foundation of the Bible, strong evidence of History.. Peace and love of God that I am experiencing everyday...

God's People..

2007-01-21T21:59:00.000+08:00

Today I got my school results!

2007-01-09T21:31:00.000+08:00

Hahaa!! cute? First time try iChat on my laptop... Gerald show me his working enviroment.. Like provision shop! hahaa!
I got a confession to make, Gerald, I wished the face on the left is Emily's face! haha! kidding! You are so cute!

Oh ya! GOod News! Today I got my results for the last semester! Not bad..

Just wanna thank all of you for praying for me... I believe your prayer play a big part for this result. I'm so glad you are in my life....

Thank you ... and Thank God!

1 Samuel 9-11: Result is out!!

2007-01-09T09:18:00.000+08:00

Samuel annointed Saul as King. However some people doubt his ability to be their king verse 27. Even after Saul is able to prophecies. What are the people looking for in Saul? They are looking for results from his kingship. Without results, people will not trust that leader even when he looks like a leader. This is the fact and nature of man maybe.

At 11:14, we can see that Saul is reaffirmed after he won the war against Ammonites. This is the results that people saw.

Today, as a leader of NLYM. In order to make my youth worker, student leader and members follow me, I should show them results too? Maybe I should..

I think there are good results in 2006. The conversation I had with Joel at starbucks reminded me that God indeed worked in NLYM for the past few years...

We were laughing at our mistakes and the way we run fellowship at the beginning of 2006. Things like, we don't know what program is next week! Worship leader can anyhow lead. COngregation can encore for one more song! Talk show talk rubbish! Everyone sit around slacking on the floor! haha! Everything is so funny! but now is so different!

We see a more organized youth service. We see people leading worship properly! Got band somemore! We see people serving, Zhixiang as PA guy! We see student leaders willing to take up more responsibility. We see youth worker working together! We hear sermon from PIT every week. We see so many changes .. Most important one is ... We see people coming to Christ! We grow in numbers too! What more do we want?

Results of a leadership... is it really that important? Maybe it is .. maybe is not.. But anyway.. the result we see in NLYM is not because the leader is professional leader.. He is still in training.. The result is from God.. We just need to do according to what He said in the Word.. Reach Out for more lost soul.... Plant the seed and he will make it grow..

Everything we do .. focus on reaching souls and love them.... other details we can forget it! I mean it ! Forget it! Don't worry about it. Details make you worry more sometimes.

Can you let go of all those worries and follow Christ heartbeat for the lost ones?

Results of a leadership is given by God... All glory to God.

1 Samuel 8 - Who is your king?

2007-01-07T08:50:00.000+08:00

Starbucks: quiet place to have quiet time with God in the morning...

My Reflection:
The Israelites asked for a King. Why?
Is it because of peer pressure? (People have I also want)
Is it because they rejected God as their king?
Is it because they wanted someone to lead them physically?

They don't really care the consequences of being led by a king who might ill-treat them. They just want a king to lead them. Sounded desperate people looking for a leader.

Is God silence in his leading? Invisible leading? God is spirit. He is leading their spirit. God leads their heart, mind and soul too. I think it is better for God to lead their hearts than leading them physically.

It is like today! People are being led physically by a president. but in their heart, they often disagree with the government. This is no kingship for the president. Physically the president may lead the country, but in the people's heart, not all in fact most are not following him wholeheartedly.

God is not only our king from the outside. But inside us, he rules! Jesus is the one who control my life. He is the Lord of my life. This is what I mean Lord of my life. He is someone who leads my heart and my whole person.

Once my heart follow Jesus.. my physical body will do his will. My heart must follow Him.. My action must follow Him too. Many times, our king is the world and ourselves. We follow the "king" more than God... Sometimes we have many kings too! until we are lost and don't know who to follow! Sigh! why man are so complicated! One is enough but they always want a lot..

Dear Lord,
Forgive me Lord, at times I may swayed away from you looking for other kings to rule my life. Always bring me back to you Lord, you are my king! there is no one else who can rule my heart! Amen!

You are great!

2006-12-04T09:24:00.000+08:00

I thank God for my brothers and sisters in NLYM!

They are sooooo good to me.. Their gifts for me touched my heart.. It is a way they express their love for me.. And it also tells me that they appreciate what I have done for them in Christ.

Whatever I do .. I want to do it for God and His people.. this is my mission statement..

Thanks for all your cute cute and useful gifts.. I like them.. and I love you all!

Hello! I'm a MAC..

Mark 16 - preach it!

2006-12-04T08:26:00.000+08:00

The disbelief of the disciples prompted Jesus to command them to go into all the world to preach the gospel. What they should preach is those who believed in Him and has been baptized shall be saved.

If today we don't preach the gospel.. It is very easy for us to fall away one day. Disbelief! like the disciples.. If you got no one to preach the gospel to.. Preach it to yourself!

I think Jesus wants his disciple to preach the gospel to increase their faith too. If they don't preach, they will forget about Jesus. If we don't preach the gospel today.. we will forget too.

I am going to Northern Thailand on Wed morning.. Pray for our team.
This time.. I am going to preach more about Jesus. I want to lift up His name! I want to tell them that Jesus has risen! Jesus loves you! Jesus can save you!

Mark 15 - Simply Love

2006-12-02T08:18:00.000+08:00

Jesus died on the cross. He was tortured before His death. Not easy for Him to go through all these.. Why he wants to go through all these? Is not just pain... he also felt alone! Abandoned! Left alone to suffer on the cross.. He can simply say I am not God in order to be released but He didn't .. Why he want to go through all these? We said love motivated Him.. yes I agreed. But what kind of love is this? Is Amazing love i think.. man cannot understand this love.. This is unconditional love (Agape). Without anything from us, He died for us..

Christ suffered so much for us.. Sometimes we don't understand why he want to die for us.. non-believers don't understand too. People may ask, "You mean your God died for you and you can go to heaven? So simple? Too simple to believe!"

It may look simple to you but it has a great impact in the world today! His love is not complicated.. is a simple one.. He just LOVE you...

The reason it looks simple to you is because ... Jesus simply died for you! nothing is required from you... it is like 1-1=0 ( Jesus - Your Sin = No Sin )

If Jesus simply died for you.... suffered for you... How do you respond to Him today?

I think I will accept His love, believe He died for my sins, follow His way.

Singapore

2006-12-01T20:00:00.000+08:00

Singapore
Originally uploaded by huizong.

Sometimes...A PIT life is a lonely life.. but is good to be alone too.

Took this picture after dinner at Esplanade Library..

Doing movie files for my youths now.. Hope they will like it..

Most importantly... They can reflect on what they have done in NLYM.. and do it better next year!

Mark 14 - Strong in spirit, but the body is weak

2006-12-01T07:52:00.000+08:00

1. vv.1-11 Jesus was anointed by a woman with expensive perfume. It is to prepare for His burial.

2. vv. 12-26 The Lord's supper. Jesus said there will be a betrayer among the twelve.
All of them denied.

3. vv. 27-31 Jesus predicted Peter's denial of Christ. However Peter insisted he won't.

4. vv. 32 42 Jesus went to pray. He was distressed and troubled. He took Peter, James and John alone. The disciples fell asleep while praying.

5. vv. 43-52 Jesus was arrested and everyone fled.

6. vv. 53-65 Jesus was placed before the high priest. People struck Jesus when he answered He is God.

7. vv. 66-72 Peter broke down because he realized he disowned Jesus three times.

Reflection:

This was what happened before Jesus crucifixion. Only one lady is willing to prepare for his death. The perfume. Judas betrayed Jesus. Peter, James and John fell asleep while praying. Peter disowned Jesus. Everyone fled when Jesus was arrested.

Jesus was left alone. Imagine you are left alone. You are accused. What will your reaction be? Continue to suffer the accusation? or find ways to get out of the trouble?
Jesus can simply tell the high priest he is not God to get out of the trouble. But He did not. He is honest. He is who he is. He did not tell lies. He is full of integrity!

Under persecution... Jesus still move on.. Why he do this? Because He is who He is.. and He loves us..

Jesus said in verse 38 to his disciples.. Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing but the body is weak.

Very often, we are like that, our body is weak.. Our body craved for alot of things. But Jesus is not! He is troubled, but he still pray. He faced death, but he carry on to make his way to the cross!

Jesus is strong in spirit and body when he was on earth.. Can I be like Him?

Mark 13 - Please read this before Judgment Day!

2006-11-30T09:31:00.000+08:00

The End Times! The Judgment Day! End of the Age!

Do you believe The Day will come?

Sometimes we live as if that the Day will never come! Don't you agree?

In fact most of the time we didn't expect it to come or we don't even want it to come..We want alot of things on earth. Fun! Shopping! Movie!

We wasted our time on earth on "THINGS" more than God and people.
We want this and that. We work hard for a career, we work hard for certificates, we work hard for houses and material stuff.. We work so hard until we neglect God and people.

We work so hard until we live as if that Day will never come. We worry so much about our future on earth rather than our future in heaven with God. We are all self-centered creature.. only think for ourselves when we are on earth.

What should we do then when we are living on earth? Some may say, since judgment day will come.. Why work so hard? Why study so hard? Why be a good Christian? Why serve in Church Ministry? Everything will go away one day! No point do so much lah.. just sleep can already and play!

Wait! Don't be like that! You are not here just to wait for that Day..

Don't forget what Jesus said in Mark 13:34.. "It's like a man (Jesus) going away: He leaves his house and puts his servants (Christians) in charge, each with his assigned task, and tells the one at the door to keep watch."

You are given a task in life! You are His Servant. What task were you given? Let me give you a general task for all Christian that you should never forget!

One Main Task for all Christians
You are to live like a TRUE Christian who shine in people's life so that others can see the love of Christ being expressed through you! Get it?

Go and help people in need! Go and love people! Go and share the gospel to people!

Jesus said, "Watch! Be on Guard! stay Alert!"

He didn't say .. "Sleep.. do nothing.."

Mark 12 - Can you defend your faith?

2006-11-29T08:15:00.000+08:00

1. vv.1-12 Jesus told a parable about his rejection by the chief priest, teachers of the law and elders.

2. vv.13-17 They began to catch Jesus' words. They asked him question about paying taxes to Caesar. However Jesus was able to answer it and amazed people.

3. vv. 18-27 The Sadducees who doesn't believe in resurrection asked Jesus question about marriage at the resurrection. They are trying to trap Jesus too, but Jesus was able to answer them by quoting from the Old Testament.

4. vv. 28-34 Another teacher of the law asked Jesus which is the greatest commandment. Jesus answered (from OT) : "Love the Lord your God...." This time Jesus commended the teacher of the law for answering him wisely. And from there no one dares to ask Jesus any more questions.

5. vv. 35-40 Jesus asked whose Son is the Christ? is it David? He uses a verse from Old Testament that delight everyone. "The Lord said to my Lord..."
He also asked them to be aware of the hypocrisy of the teachers of the law.

6. vv. 41-44 Jesus commended a widow's offering. Though she is poor, she still give.

Reflection:
Jesus was challenged by the teachers of the law. They were watching closely to what He said. They try to trap him with questions ... but they failed! Jesus gave reasons of what He believes in.. and notice this? three times he quoted from the Old Testament!

Jesus defend himself by using the scripture. Today how we defend our faith? how we give reason of our faith? Anyhow? just say what we want to say? Or we read books to find out more? Read Bible to find out more? Sadly.. we don't anymore. Even when we read, the books we read are irrelevant to our faith.

The problem with people today is... we don't read anymore. Especially youths.. I was like that when I was a teen. I dislike reading. not to say read the Bible!

However, I regretted for not reading more when I was young. I remember I got a hard time reading my textbook during my first year in SBC. I took longer time to finish a book compared to my classmates. However, I am getting better now. I also enjoy reading now and I really gain alot of knowledge from the readings. I will continue to read more, so that I can know God better...

Do you read to find out more about God? if not.. Started reading now! get books to read... if you don't know what books to read.. Come to my library at home! i give you some! One of them is the Bible...

Ernie

2006-11-29T00:13:00.000+08:00

My Second Birthday gift! Guess who gave me? haha.

Clue: He is sooo cute....

Mark 11 - E-Zone at Jerusalem?

2006-11-28T08:34:00.000+08:00

1. vv. 1-11 Jesus entered Jerusalem with people shouting "Hosanna in the Highest!"

2. vv. 12-19 Jesus cleared the temple. There were "den of robbers"

3. vv. 20-25 Jesus talked about the attitude of Prayer.

4. vv. 27-33 Jesus wise reply to the chief priest when he was questioned about his authority.

Reflection:
Are we making a "den of robbers" when we moved in arcade machine into the main sanctuary? I know that some people said that it is not right to turn the sanctuary into an arcade center. Some boycott the place. Maybe you got your interpretation from this verse in Mark 11:17. "My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations."

Let's interpret the word correctly now. The context is the Jews indeed turn the temple into a market place. They earn money for their own living. Some money may be given to the priest. However, I think that non of the money is given to the poor.
This context is totally different from our carnival. Carnival is to help the poor, not for our own good.

Christians today, where is the house of prayer? Where is the temple of God? It is in us Christians. Our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit...

I think before we analysis whether it is correct to have an arcade games in the main sanctuary, we should examine ourselves first. Whether our whole person is a pure temple for the Holy Spirit. Sometimes our heart is worst than "dens of robbers" during those days.
We are sinful people. We hate, we greed, we lust.....

Mark 10 - Impossible?

2006-11-27T07:59:00.000+08:00

1. vv. 1 - 12 Jesus was tested by the Pharisees about divorce. We can see that Jesus' answer was a hard one. divorce is never right in God's eye.

2. vv. 13 - 16 Jesus rebuked his disciples for not letting the children touch him.
Jesus welcome the little children and bless them.

3. vv. 17 - 31 Another hard teaching of Jesus on how to enter the kingdom of God. It was difficult for those who still have other desires in their life.

4. vv. 32 - 34 Jesus told his disciples about what was going to happen to him. Betray, Kill and rise from the dead.

5. vv. 35 - 45 Jesus taught that those who want to be first will be last. He came to serve not to be served.

6. vv. 46 - 52 Jesus healed a blind man who has faith in Him.

Reflection:
Do not divorce and love one woman in your life - Can you?
Receive anyone and share the gospel to anyone - Can you?
Follow Jesus wholeheartedly, no other distraction - Can you?
Remind yourself of Jesus' death and resurrection and accept His suffering for you - Can you?
Serve others humbly.. not to be served! and not be the first - Can you?
Have faith in Jesus, He will lead you. - Can you?

I have just listed 6 tough challenges. Can you do it? Not easy huh? We know is not easy! Have you ever think why it is not easy?
Distraction? Laziness? Disinterest? etc...

If you feel that it is hard to obey all these.. do something about your faith in Jesus. You claimed you are a Christian but you don't act like one. No wonder so many people say Christian are hypocrite..

Why? simple! because we don't act like one!
Some Christians flirt around with opposite sex,
Some are unfriendly towards people, doesnt care about the people around them (even an old lady who board the bus),
Some still wandering in the attraction of this world,
Some doesn't know why he or she wants to be a Christian,
Some always want to be served,
Some got no faith in God, always blame God.. complained and complained about his or her life.

It is possible to do all these with God. Mark 10:27 "With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God."

Trust God, Have faith in God!