Life's Manual

I had an interesting conversation with my Assistant Pastor and a Lay Ministry Staff while we were on our way back to the church office from lunch. We were talking about cars and I asked them whether they read the instruction manuals when they first acquired their automobiles.

Both of them said they did not but will refer to them when they are unsure of certain functions or parts of their vehicles.

Anyway, the topic went on to another manual which we agreed that sadly many have stopped reading or have not read at all. We were talking about the Bible which is the Manual of Life. There are some who read the Word of God faithfully and I believe these individuals are walking in step with our Lord and growing in Him.

There are many though who only refer to this Manual when they are in need or in trouble, just like my two dear brothers-in-Christ who only refer to their car manuals when in doubt. In fact, there are even others who do not read the Word at all!

I guess it is not the same for the Manual of Life that God has given us. It is to be read daily and covered from front to back so that we know how to function effectively and maximise the full potential of the gifts God has given uniquely to every individual.

Many times we think that the Bible is not important hence we live our lives according to our human wisdom and understanding. Usually sooner than later, we would go off-tangent and that is when we become shaky in our faith and also disillunioned with what life is all about. Slowly we become bitter and instead of letting our lives attract others, we repel and cause many to stumble.

Read the Manual God has given to all and trust me, you will never go wrong and your walk will be so in order that others will want to know how you did that! When they see Christ in you, that is when Christ will also enter into their lives through you.

Don't wait. Start now. You will never know when your life will go haywire. By then, it may be too late. :)

"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." 2 Timothy 3:16

Stop Pitying Self! Start Loving Others!

I was actually planning to sleep when I happened to chance upon a Channel U travel programme entitled, "Find Me A Singaporean 2" - this is the second season running, hosted by a Mediacorp's artiste, Belinda Lee.

In my last blog, I mentioned how sometimes we get so engrossed with our "misfortunes" that we actually forget about others who are worst-off than us.

Well, in one of the segments, Belinda followed a fellow Singaporean, a Christian, working in Mongolia, to the home of this old lady who is neglected and in need. When they brought some foodstuff for her, this forgotten individual in society cried continuously.

As you read this, please do not entertain the thought that since this is a TV programme, therefore they have to show such touching scenes to entice viewership.

You may be right but please do not forget that there are actually many of such individuals in this world. Perhaps in Singapore it is hard to imagine these poor souls because we are simply too blest. Even the poor in this island-nation have more compared to those elsewhere in the world, who have nothing at all.

I cried when I watched this programme. You know what the old lady said to Belinda just before they left? She said she was touched by the kind gesture of the TV crew simply because she is deprived of human love.

What are we doing about this? There is already one soul crying out, "Love me!" yet here we are complaining, "Poor me!" I wonder now who is the one in need of compassion and love!

Well, I thought I needed to add this on - "Stop Complaining! Start Loving!"

Stop Complaining! Start Living!

I do not know whether it is justified and fair for me to make this statement but I will still share as it is a burden in my heart. I feel that many in the society (Christians included) are too engrossed with their problems that they fail to see the needs of others which may be more pressing than theirs.

In fact I sometimes wonder whether these "problems" we think are so serious are really that bad afterall. These self-pity and self-centered mentality have caused many to fail in helping the needy.

Narrowing the above-mentioned to that of a Christian's point of view, it is sad that we have failed to be contented with what God has already blest us with.

Recently I have come across the following complaints made by some Christians:-

1) There are a couple of them complaining about the courses that they are doing in their respective academic institutions because the subjects taught are not to their likings;

2) There are some who are so concerned about whether they can get a job after graduation that they are feeling discouraged and lost;

3) There are yet others who are unhappy about their family members just because certain remarks were made against them;

4) There is a certain individual by the name of Andy Chew who actually got frustrated as to what he should be eating for dinner because there were simply too many to choose from;

5) There are also many (Andy Chew again included here) who keep changing their mobile phones just so that they can own the latest when in actual fact the basic purposes of this communication device is to make calls and send messages. How hi-tech does one desire their mobile equipment to be?

The thing about what I have mentioned so far is not that we do not have them - in actual fact, we have the privilege to be given proper education; many employment opportunities in Singapore; family members by our sides; so much food for us to choose and eat till our tummies can explode; and at least one mobile phone in our possession.

WE basically HAVE all these blessings! Yet, the way we live our lives makes us look as if we have nothing. If we really do not have then perhaps we are justified to make some noises about our misfortunes. In fact, come to think about it, even if we are poor, we would naturally learn to be contented for the little we have because if one has nothing but yet given something, it is already a luxury.

Sadly the parties mentioned above also involved leaders who are supposed to be more mature in their faith but yet the mindset we have is so childish.

How can one make an impact in the lives of others when that individual is not even thankful for the basic things in life? Are we falling into the traps of the evil one hence rendering us ineffective in being light to the world and a testimony to those who do not know the God whom we regard and worship as our Lord and Saviour?

I need to reflect on what I have written myself because I am equally guilty. If I am not wrong, I think I have shared something similar in my previous blog but as humans, I guess I need to be reminded again of my role and purpose as a child of God in this world I live in.

Anyway, the past two days, work has been easy-going though I had to do a major presentation yesterday morning. Thank God all went well! Initially I was so afraid to tackle the Question and Answer session but the worry came to naught because the feedback given to me by the management was that the presentation was clear enough for all to understand. All glory to God for that! :)

I also enjoyed some moments of fellowship with a dear sister as she did some revisions for an examination coming up in two weeks' time while I did some report and also computer stuff.

Well, thanks be to God for the adventures so far.

"So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness." Colossians 2:6-7

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons: "My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son." Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live! 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. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. "Make level paths for your feet," so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed." Hebrews 12:1-13

Being Like-Minded

Have you ever experienced this before? When you are in the midst of like-minded people especially in the fellowship of siblings-in-Christ whose hearts are for God and His people, there is always this sense of joy and edification?

By saying the above-mentioned, I am not trying to sound snobbish or exclusive in any way. It is just a refreshing experience which simply cannot be contained. It is my desire that others will also share this same feeling as it is very uplifting.

Well, this weekend I had a great time!

Yesterday morning I met a brother for breakfast and we were just sharing our lives to one another - how our walk with the Lord has been; how some of the things we have learnt from the Word challenged us to do something which we had never imagined ourselves to embark in; how when you are in step with God, even the highest mountain or the deepest valley seems easy to conquer because you have this assurance that God will never fail!

Then in the evening I met a very dear sister to have dinner with her and then we went shopping together because it is now the Great Singapore Sale! I only got to know her about a week ago through the wedding coordination I did. Though this brother-sister relationship just started, there was already this connection because we were able to build each other up through encouragement of the Word and prayer. We also share some common interests.

Coincidentally both siblings-in-Christ were from other churches and I am happy that I am able to have these opportunities and privileges!

I enjoyed what I did the whole of today. In the morning, I met a dear brother-in-Christ to discuss with him about a fundraising dinner that my church is holding in August. Because we had this desire to serve the Lord in this event, when we came together, though it was purely planning, the joy was there in our discussion. Too many plannings can be drag sometimes but not for this meeting I had. Thanks be to God.

Then of course I also enjoyed the time of fellowship with my God-Son and his parents. We had lunch together, did a bit of shopping. After that I went to their home to do some homework that my God-Son was given. We went on to join the MacRitchie Running Fellowship gang and that was also a time I enjoyed as we caught up with one another. There are just so many things to share about!

I felt a little feverish since morning but thank God I am better now. Funnily it did not bother me at all simply due to the wonderful time spent with the above parties of friends!

That said, I cannot deny there will be times when there are conflicts and discouragement - maybe because we have not been disciplined enough to walk in step with God or that we are not being sensitive to one another or that we just take things for granted. These then break the fellowship and every one involved will be affected.

The above paragraph is not something we should not put us down. Instead we should see this as opportunities to spur one another on and in a concerted effort, help one another in our pilgrims' journeys! Slowly, the fellowship will be restored and when that happens, it is even a more wonderful experience than what I have mentioned in my opening paragraphs.

I hope I am making sense here. :)

Anyway, the challenge is always for us to build each other up. Even when moments when it is not happening, we should press on with one another.

Okie, I promised my sister whom I went out with yesterday to sleep early as I am unwell. I shall be an obedient brother and heed her advice!

Good night, everyone and have a blessed week ahead!

"How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity! It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron's beard, down upon the collar of his robes. It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. For there the LORD bestows his blessing, even life forevermore." Psalm 133

"If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others." Philippians 2:1-4

Bearing With Our Parents

I am going to share something quite private about my family. I decided to do so because I want every one to know that in every household, there are conflicts and differences between children and their parents. I spoke to mum and dad about this and they gave me the green light to share.

I grew up in a tumultous family where my parents used to quarrel quite a bit. There were occasions where the word "divorce" was mentioned. I was abused quite a bit from my hot-tempered mother - caned badly till marks stayed on my flesh for a couple of weeks; my head was smashed against the wall once (if I am totally shaven, one should be able to see the scar); I was left to kneel on the floor for several hours in front of the idols; fresh chilli padis were rubbed against my face and mouth each time I used vulgarities.

I hated mum to the core! She belittled me all the time - makes me wonder why she liked to compare me to my cousins since I was that useless.

Because of the physical, emotional and mental abuses, my natural reaction was to rebel. The more she asked me to study, the more I would not. The more she asked me to behave, I would create troubles.

My results were affected during the Primary School Leaving Examinations (PSLE); I was sent to the normal stream - I attempted the 'O' Level examinations twice which meant I did my secondary education in 6 years wheras my peers either completed it in 4 or 5 years. Things began to change for the better when I decided to do the 'A' Level examinations in a private school. Thanks to a Senior Pastor who changed my attitude and perspective towards my parents and life in general. I will share more about this later.

Dad was always henpecked by mum. He was a man of few words. He still is actually. He listened to mum all the time. There were many occasions where I found him to be a weakling. I wondered sometimes whether he was a man at all!

I have not shared anything good about my parents yet, if you realised. Well, if you were in my shoes, with bitterness and unforgiveness, you would not be able to see anything good in my parents too!

When my Pastor counselled me as to what I wanted to do with my life, that was the beginning of transformation and healing of emotions. I took time to reflect and I sought the Lord for forgiveness for my waywardness. I remembered praying for the courage to forgive mum and dad. Of course it was not immediate but things began to improve because I did not want to let the devil control the situations at home anymore by bearing grudges and hatred against my parents.

Now as I look back, I know my parents meant well but of course, in practice they did not reflect it... probably because mum and dad themselves came from a troubled background with their own parents.

Mum and dad slogged hard at work, just so my brother and I could have a comfortable life. Actually we did - what we wanted, we got it; our pocket money was on the higher side (I think it was S$250 monthly and this was in the 80s, mind you). Mum worked like mad for the sports equipment business she was running; dad never once, in his 30-year career, took medical leave (I am not kidding about this) - even when he was slightly ill, he still went to work. They brought my brother and I for holidays.

When I looked at what my parents did for the family, I cried because it opened my eyes to the struggles they themselves were going through. Sometimes to the point where they got frustrated and of course they would bring all these back home. It was then it occured to me that mum and dad are humans too.

When I did well for my 'A' Level examinations and moved on to the university to do my basic degree and a few years later my Masters degree, mum saw this miraculous change in me. I remembered after I got my 'A' Level results, she came to my room, cried and sought for my forgiveness for having abused me when I was younger. The release came when I nodded my head. I also asked for her forgiveness and that was when the bondage was totally broken and the devil had lost his grip on my family.

There are still some things which are not too positive about my parents - mum burps rather loudly (sometimes in public). The Richter Scale can hit a 3 or 4 if there is a build-up of gas in her. If ever you experience a tremor, it may not necessarily be from Indonesia. Mum may be nearby. She also has this tendency to choke on her food and drinks. Whenever all these happen, I just want to hide my face somewhere. Dad is still quiet. He can be quite petty at times.

But now they do not irk me as much as before because I now remind myself that my parents will never be perfect. If that is the case, I should let go of this idea of having my ideal parents.

I am not ashame to write this account because that is the reality of my family. I think you have your own account about your parents. It troubles my heart every time I hear friends or the youths in church complaining about their parents.

May I challenge all of us to jot down the weaknesses and strengths of our parents; the wrongs that they have done against us; some of the habits we dislike about them. Once you have done that, commit all these to the Lord and ask Him to give you courage to forgive them and also the humility and self-control to accept them as who they are. The bondage against hatred or grudge against our loved ones need to be broken. Only then will we experience peace and harmony. If not, it will always be a struggle and a thorn in the flesh which we will carry for a real long time.

This can also become a generational curse where what our parents did to us, we will do the same thing to our children; our children will then do it to their children and it goes on and on and on.

Do you want that to happen? Food for thought and do act upon them now, not later!

"Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged." Colossians 3:20-21

"Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. "Honor your father and mother"—which is the first commandment with a promise — "that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth." Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord." Ephesians 6:1-4

"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity." Colossians 3:12-14

Superficiality Is Not Cool! Let's Go Deep!

I happened to chance upon the Tyra Banks Show Season 3 in the evening. I watched it with much sadness especially when the featured individuals found identity in themselves in what they wear - by this, I mean the brands they go for.

In one segment, Tyra switched the labels - several unknown-branded clothes were tagged as the more well-known ones. When the individuals wore them, they felt good. Of course, these same persons felt lousy when they wore the other sets of clothes which were actually from well-known brands but tagged otherwise.

When the truth was revealed to them, they started making excuses as to why they felt this and that way about the clothes. The crux of the matter is this - it is not the clothes that make a person but learning to accept yourself as who you are matters more!

I struggled with this for a while in my life - thinking that the more branded stuff make who Andy Chew is. At the end of the day, it was not to be. I have always been more on the horizontally-challenged side... even the most well-known brand of mechandise would not have made me feel good because Andy Chew will still be fat in these clothes.

I struggled with the Lord in this and over time, I learnt that people will still accept and be attracted to me by my character than the clothes I wear. Of course I am not saying that I have one of the best characters in town... I am still "work in progress" and sadly, I still put people off at times. I have to say that I do not feel good when I irk people and I apologise if I have been. I am trying not to and through God's help, may I be a better friend to another.

Well, again I stress it is not the hairstyle or make-up or clothes or accessories or brands we carry which make us to be who we are. If we rely on these, then we are being superficial because if we search within us, we will know there is still this insecurity which will surface occasionally. It will then be a battle we have to keep fighting till the day we breathe our last.

God made all of us different and special - we are one of a kind. Take pride in that because no one can be like us physically, even in mannerism. If we can just accept that and let God continue to mould our character, our lives would be more attractive than even the most expensive diamond available in this world. We are all precious gems - no doubt about it!

Fat or thin; tall or short; blemish-free face or not; receding hairline or a head full of hair; big or small ears; one big and one small eye; flat nose or sharp; big bustline or small; pear-shape or apple-shape, all these are secondary! Just know that you are UNIQUE!

"For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be." Psalm 139:13-16

Keep In Step

I thought I share something funny but at the same time not so funny - I stepped on a thumb-tack this afternoon. I was barefooted and the small little metal object nicked me just at the sole of my right foot. Haha. Thank God it was not rusty. I basically used a bit of antiseptic to clean the wound and went on with what I was doing.

I was careless hence my lack of observation of the thumb-tack. I guess this can be paralleled to that of our lives - that if our walk with the Lord is not in step, not only will we go off-tangent but we will probably stepped on something sharp or tripped over something big which will make us fall.

Some of the lapses would be the way we view our lives; our pursuits of materialism; the words we use; the way we treat others; going against what the Word of God encourages us to do; self-centeredness; pride; discrimination; etc.

Well, let us keep in step with the Spirit and all should be fine. :)

"Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit." Galatians 5:25

I Am A Christian!

Wow! It just occurred to me that this is my 500th post. Thanks be to God for teaching me so many lessons in this pilgrim's journey. It is my prayer that those reading my blogs have been blest by them. All glory to Him!

This morning when I woke up, I felt much better after experiencing a lousy encounter in office yesterday. Praise the Lord for meeting my emotional needs when I needed one.

The whole of today my mind was thinking about a conversation I had with a sibling-in-Christ over MSN where she mentioned something about good and bad Christians. She believes there are but to me, a Christian is a Christian. It is either we are living out the kind of life God wants us to or not at all. Of course, this is an ideal for all who call themselves Christians.

Then again if we are not practising fully what the Word of God says, does that make us bad? I think the devil would want us to think so and along the way continue to taunt us till the point where we feel so guilty that we decide to give up once and for all. When that happens, he wins.

I think what matters at the end of the day is that desire in us to want to live a godly and holy lifestyle... yes, along the way, we fall because we are all humans but we must not believe in what the devil tells us that because of the occasional rebellion, we are bad Christians. So long as we are pressing on in our pilgrim's journey and learning to overcome the sins in our lives, I believe God is pleased with us.

Being a Christian is not something that is passed down from one generation to another. Being borned in a Christian family does not make one a Christian. It is when that individual professes his belief in God that matters. If you are just a Christian by name, then you are not one at all.

We must note that the Christian walk is a journey in itself - along the way God moulds us in our ups and downs. Yes, the downs as well because having overcome them, it strengthens our character and faith.

Well, these are just some of my thoughts for now on the above-mentioned.

It has been a reflective day for me. The other thought I had was something I shared quite some time ago about a struggle I have pertaining to relationships. Well, recently it came to mind again and I realised I have my gutlessness to blame for not pursuing it hence regretting now my hesitation. Well, I guess life has to go on and hopefully I will learn from this. :)

"Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say? I will show you what he is like who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice. He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete." Luke 6:46-49

I Want To Be A Grace-Dispenser

Ever had this experience where you tried to help someone but after a period of guidance there is still no result? Is there a limit to grace? I had to struggle with this for a period. I shall try to leave this account as general as possible.

This morning I had to be involved in an appraisal meeting which caused the panel to make a drastic decision which affected someone. Though it was for the person's good, I felt lousy having to be involved in the decision-making process.

After the session, I left the office to be on my own for a while - speaking to God and praying for the person involved.

Going back to the earlier question regarding whether there is a limit to grace - to me, it should be unlimited. Given a choice, I would as much as I can walk with the person through his or her shortcomings. I always believe a person will eventually overcome their weaknesses.

Some may disagree with me but I will still share my points of view - sometimes we give up on someone simply because we do not have the patience to walk through with the person; other times we begin to stereotype the individual till a point where though there are ways to help him or her, we assume that so and so is like that and will always remain like that.

There are many occasions when we concentrate too much on the person's shortcomings and weaknesses till we forget there are also his or her strengths and giftings. I guess there is also a need to affirm which I remembered sharing this before in my previous blogs.

It is time to build people up than to put people down. I have to confess it is easier to do the latter than the former. Well, I guess that is the shortcoming in me that I need to overcome so that I can see the good in someone and press on with him or her in our lives' journeys.

Sometimes we are too much of a realist that we become a legalist. Ignore this sentence if it does not make sense. Haha.

If God sees people with our eyes, He would not have sent His Son, Jesus to die on the cross for the sins of mankind! I am thankful that He is wiser, more discerning and gracious! Thanks be to Him for that!

Not really a good start to a new week but the journey continues. :)

"Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen." 1 Peter 4:9-11

Face Mistakes In The Eye!

I decided to spend some time blogging now as there is this inertia to start work. After 5 days of break, I guess I just need a little push in order to get into the momentum of things again. :)

Anyway, it has been a wonderful, eventful and also stressful long weekend but thanks be to God, all went well in the end. It is always a comforting and assuring thought to know that my Lord will pull me through everything that I need to do and when I am doing it, there is peace in my heart. All I needed was to let Him use me as an instrument.

The main event for me was the Saturday's wedding that I needed to coordinate for two of my dear siblings-in-Christ. I literally saw one of them grow up in church. It was an honour and joy to have helped them in their wedding planning.

Thanks be to God all went well - of course here and there were slight hiccups but I guess that is part and parcel of what we experience daily. I have concluded this - we can plan all we want but what will go wrong will still go wrong and sometimes it is beyond our control.

This was precisely what I told the banquet manager who shared with me that his first wedding coordination went awry. Since then he dared not take up any more assignments for fear that he would fail again.

I basically encouraged this individual to not let mistakes put him down but to learn from them. All of us are humans and none of us are perfect - if we fail once, it does not mean we will always be a failure. In fact all these boo-boos of life make us wiser and knowledgeable. Though I have coordinated more than 30 weddings already, I still err but lesser now because what I have learnt from the past weddings has made me more effective in the present.

Let us be courageous to face this fact. We cannot let failures put us down to the point of paralysis. Instead we must see all these as opportunities of growth and development of our character and organisational proficiency.

Oh yah, we must not forget also that God is there to help us when in need - many times in the midst of our busyness and preparations, we forget completely the invaluable resources God can provide to help us. Once we are in partnership with the greatest Planner, we are on our road to success - of course at the end of it all, all glory to Him!

Well, through the whole course of the wedding, I made a couple of new friends. I praise the Lord for that and look forward to knowing some of them better. I had a good chat with one last night over MSN and I praise God to have known this dear sibling-in-Christ better.

Alright, I guess I shall be a good employee and start work now - the week is going to be a short one. I am thankful it will not be that busy - I am already looking forward to the weekend! :)

Have a blessed short week, everyone!

"It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he enables me to stand on the heights." Psalm 18:32-33

"See You Again!"

I am super-sleepy now because I have not had enough rest since Friday. I also know I have not blogged for a couple of days, not that I did not want to. On Friday I actually finished a blog and was about to post it when it suddenly went blank and the "auto-saved" came on. In the end, it saved an empty page and all my written thoughts were gone in a matter of seconds. Sigh. I was too frustrated to do it all over again. I have procrastinated till now to attempt jotting my thoughts again.

Anyway, I have a couple of things to share but for tonight, I think I will just re-enter my thoughts for the Friday's blog which went missing.

I attended a funeral of a dear brother-in-Christ's father in the morning. I was actually wondering whether I should go as I had a couple of things that I needed to prepare for the wedding which I coordinated yesterday. In the end I felt the need go and encourage my dear sibling-in-Christ and his family. Well, I did not regret the decision.

What struck me most throughout the funeral were these three words that my friend's mother said to her late husband when his coffin was wheeled towards the furnace. They were "See you again!"

That one sentence reminded me of something - that after leaving this world, it is not the end of the road for me but the beginning of another journey; the journey to heaven to be with my God Almighty and with those who have gone ahead of me. This awareness brought a lot of comfort - telling me that I should not be afraid of death because in my heart I am certain where my next destination will be.

I also know my passing will only take me away from my family and friends for a short while because eventually I will see most of them, if not all, again.

I remembered a conversation I had with a couple of siblings-in-Christ when we were younger that should any one of us die first, we will plan to wait for the others at the South gate of heaven. Of course, I do not know whether there is such a gate but the whole gist was that we were comforted to know that one day, we will see each other again.

Many times, the word "death" brings shivers to the spine and many find it too morbid to even mention it. I think as God's children who know what He has planned for us - we should not see death as a scary thing. It should be a glorious experience because we will be with the Lord in glory and all our infirmities will be healed!

This brings me to another lesson I learnt - many times when our family members or friends are sick, we would pray for healing upon them. This is the right and natural thing to do for someone we love. Sometimes, the sick would be well but yet there were other times, some would not and they are now no more with us. Does that mean that those who were healed, God answered our prayers and those who passed away, God did not?

To me, in both situations, God has answered! We must remember that death is the ultimate healing - there will be no more pain. We will be given a new being instead, free from illnesses and suffering.

As I write the above thoughts, in my heart I know I am looking forward to dying and I hope you too. This is not a curse but an encouragement.

Well, should I die the next second, let me say these words that my friend's mother used - "See you again!" :)

"Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!" Then he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true." Revelation 21:1-5

Babies - God's Wonderful Creation

I am actually very tired now though today is the beginning of a super-long weekend since I am on leave from now till Monday! Yay!

I am zombified - all thanks to my doggy!!! She came into my room at 4am and started licking all over my face! I did not know why she did that. I tried to go back to sleep but could not. Sigh. I went online instead and happened to catch a sister-in-Christ still awake. Haha. We started chatting for a while. Since I need to buy some stuff today and since she is also free, we decided to meet up to do some shopping together.

I enjoyed the time of fellowship as we had lunch together - we both craved for Korean food! We headed for Wisma Atria Food Court to buy each a Korean set! After that it was on with our shopping spree. Not that we bought a lot of stuff but we managed to buy one top each which we liked a lot! I am glad I was able to find a shirt - I need one for the wedding that I will be coordinating for two of my dear siblings-in-Christ. Haha.

My sister-in-Christ also needed to have some of her clothes altered so it was off to the tailor whom I always patronise to have my clothes fixed. After that it was window-shopping before we went on our separate ways. She needed to give tuition and I had to be in church for the wedding rehearsal.

I had fun at the rehearsal. We went through the whole wedding procedure of the service. Along the way there were funny incidents and we all laughed! I am glad most of the preparations are already in place! By tomorrow, we should be all set for the big day! All thanks and glory be to our God Almighty!

I am also happy to know that two sets of siblings-in-Christ have become parents - one baby was given birth yesterday and today a pair of twins came into this world. As most in the church know that I love kids a lot, I am happy that I have in total 6 babies to play with. Three others were given birth in the past one month. Haha. Cradle-snatcher I am! :)

Though it has been a great day, my heart is troubled and burdened for a few siblings-in-Christ. I shall not share in detail due to the confidentiality of the matters but I know God will make a way for them. He will never fail and this is the assurance I gave to them!

I shall try to sleep soon as I have another long day tomorrow. I am meeting the older Accountability Group members at 6:15am for breakfast; after that it is off to church to do the wedding stuff; then I have a funeral to attend; then it is back to church again to continue with the wedding preparation; and in the evening I will be joining the Youth Ministry Worship Team for their jamming session.

Okie dokie, I shall stop here.

"An argument started among the disciples as to which of them would be the greatest. Jesus, knowing their thoughts, took a little child and had him stand beside him. Then he said to them, "Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. For he who is least among you all—he is the greatest." Luke 9:46-48

Self-Centeredness Torments!

Today has been an eventful day. In the morning, I had to attend a meeting which lasted two hours and my presentation went well. Praise the Lord!

I took the afternoon off to meet a dear sister-in-Christ from another church for lunch - I have not seen her for 8 months and it was a really wonderful time of catching up and fellowship. We went to a Japanese restaurant, Ikoi, in Miramar Hotel for our ala-carte buffet meal. Though it has been so long, I praise the Lord that we were able to just talk and talk till the last order was announced. I am glad to have known my sister-in-Christ better and pray that we will continue to spur one another on!

We walked to Boat Quay as my sister had a rehearsal to attend while I needed to go and shop for some stuff elsewhere. Well, I did not manage to buy the main item I was looking for and was quite disappointed as I made my way home. Hopefully I will be able to get it by this week.

Oh yah, the both of us detoured to the Chocolate Factory along Robertson Quay to buy some chocolates and a piece of cake. We just could not resist the temptation though my sister is still recovering from a sore throat while I could feel mine coming after eating durians the past few nights (thanks to grandma who has been buying them). :(

Anyway, I had a few unpleasant encounters which I feel was due to the self-centeredness of individuals - one was in the train while I was on my way to City Hall MRT Station. There was this middle-age lady who wanted to exit at one of the stations. The carriage was crowded and there was this gentleman who was kind enough to actually make way for her to pass through but because another commuter moved in to the available space, the passage-way became narrow again. Because of that, that poor gentleman was reprimanded by the lady for not making way for her. She was loud! Even when she was already out of the train, she glared at the guy and continued with her barrage of scoldings! Amazingly, the man just remained cool about it.

As she was so fixed on leaving the train, she has failed to notice what had happened where there was actually someone making way for her. Instead of being thankful, she had wronged a kind individual.

In another case, I was on my way home and again the train was packed to the point where every one looked like sardines stuffed in a can. Of course I was the oversized sardine in there. Haha. Anyway, there was this pregnant woman standing in front of a row of passengers. I was waiting for someone to give his or her seat to this lady. I also did observe that most of them were conscious of her presence. Suddenly from a bunch of wide-awake passengers, there was a sudden release of sleeping gas which made them all doze off. The poor lady continued standing till one of the sleeping passenger suddenly woke up and alighted at one of the stations. It was just so amazing to see that! Would it kill these commuters to give their seats to someone else who needed it more?

Anyway, I was equally guilty of this self-centeredness mentality - I was looking for something for my Senior Pastor and I was hoping to buy it by today because I know I will be very busy the next few days. Having fixed on that, I went to the main office of this particular brand of cameras. I managed to find the item but was told that the stocks were out. When I saw some at the counter, I asked the staff why she lied to me. She explained that those were for a shop which had already placed an order for them. I was again so adamant in getting my hands on one that I tried to persuade her to just sell it to me. She said she would call the shop to see whether she could do that. She came back and told me that she could since that particular shop will only be collecting the items on Friday.

Though I was happy, I also felt disappointed with myself after leaving the showroom. Questions like "what happens if I have got the staff into trouble?"; "What happens if a personnel of that shop which placed the orders has to come back another day just to collect that one outstanding item?"; "Why did I not just accept the fact that the stocks were out and look for a third-party product instead?"

Anyway, I walked back in and told the staff that perhaps I should return the item and buy it another day so that I would not cause any inconveniences to anyone involved. I also apologised. The staff smiled and told me it was alright.

Did I feel better even after apologising? Nope. It was a lesson learnt.

Well, I guess sometimes being self-centered does not make one feel happy - instead it adds on to the frustrations and in the worst-case scenario, causes someone else to be stumbled by our selfish actions.

Reflection time, I guess.

"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others." Philippians 2:3-4

I Am A Rebel For God!

I am on leave today. I was out with three other siblings-in-Christ to Johor Bahru. We did the usual stuff that Singaporeans would do - eating, shopping and then more eating again. Oh yah, we did something else - we went to watch a movie "Iron Man." The price of each ticket was only RM11 (S$4.80). We also found out that on Wednesdays the ticket costs only RM6 (S$2.60). That's it! I am going to boycott all cinemas in Singapore as of now.

I am actually quite tired now from all the walking and eating. When I came back just now, I was all set to wash up. As I was walking to the bathroom, I saw the pile of creased clothes in the hall. I ended up ironing all twenty of them. It felt good though as I have more clothes to wear now.

Anyway, I wanted to blog last night after coming back from the Global Day of Prayer but decided to shelf it till now. I was struggling whether to go or not as I was very sleepy towards the late afternoon when I was in church doing some Missions Ministry stuff. In the end I went and it was a decision I did not regret.

I was simply refreshed from the singing and praying. I went into the Singapore Indoor Stadium lethargic and all but I left the place recharged! Thanks be to God for that! We did nothing but praising God with songs, listening to the Word being preached and interceding for the world and also for Singapore. Throughout I could sense the presence of the Lord in the stadium as there were goose-bumps all over me... seldom do I experience this but yesterday was one of those moments. I asked the rest of the youths who were with me whether they felt the same way and they nodded.

Well, I know God has heard the cried of His people all over the world and there is going to be a wave of blessings poured out upon all nations!

Just before I left the hall, I have decided to continue to be a rebel for God as shared by my Assistant Pastor to the youths when we were in church in the morning. Not those rebellions which make one go against governments, families or people of other religions but to be a rebel against sins, the devil, the spiritual forces, the injustices, prejudices, discriminations, etc. It is time I stand against all these and not be indifferent to them thus causing myself and many others to sink deeper into the pit of death.

It is time to free ourselves from the cluthes of Satan and really live our lives pleasing in the sight of God.

Well, I shall end here for now!

"... if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land." 2 Chronicles 7:14

Caretakers Of God's Creation

Towards the late afternoon, I went with my God-Son's parents to the veterinarian to send their West Highland White Terrier for a check-up. The doggy's all four legs turned blackish over the past three weeks and it was diagnosed to have yeast infection. The total cost was about S$120.

While we were waiting for the staff to prescribe the medicines, a lady in her twenties walked past us and she had a small tub with a black goldfish in it. My brother-in-Christ and I started wondering how come a person would be so extravagant to bring in an almost-dead fish to a vet? The fish probably cost her less than S$10 and the consultation fees alone was already S$25. Looking at the condition of the fish, it would surely die as the body was already contorted and it was barely breathing. Common sense would tell anyone it is better to just let the fish die and use the consultation fees to buy a couple of other goldfish.

Sadly, on our part, we found it quite funny but now as I look back, I think humans, as caretakers of God's creation, should treat even a cheap goldfish as God would. That is stewardship.

I also learnt, being a dog-owner myself, that it is my responsibility to take care of my doggy well and to ensure that her medical needs are met should they arise. Since God has given me the wisdom and freedom to decide to own a pet then it is my duty to be good steward of it.

Many people in Singapore and around the world dumped their pets when they get too old or sick and that, to me, is being irresponsible and cruel. One has to go through thick and thin with these creatures that God has made unless the individual really cannot afford the upkeeping.

This brings me to the next point where I would like to urge people who are considering buying any animals as pets to consider the long-term implications. If you are not ready or cannot afford to care for a pet, then please do not even be tempted to own one... you and the animal will suffer. This is not a snobbish statement but a fact!

Oh yah, I do not get commission from the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) for what I have shared so far. I can be their spokesperson though. Haha. Anyway, after buying Sasha last year, I realised having a dog or any other animals is like having an extra member in the family... we must treat them with equal respect and care. :)

Well, I have said enough. It has been a day of fun and learning while I was with my God-Son and his parents!

Time for me to sleep - looking forward to worshipping the Lord later in church and towards the evening, I am also excited to pray with the rest of my siblings-in-Christ from all over the world as we come together for the Global Day of Prayer at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.

Though I am feeling joyful for what had happened throughout the day, I am also feeling burdened for a couple of siblings-in-Christ. I shall pray for them after I am done with this blogging.

Good night to one and all!

"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. And God said, "Let there be light," and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and He separated the light from the darkness. God called the light "day," and the darkness he called "night." And there was evening, and there was morning—the first day. And God said, "Let there be an expanse between the waters to separate water from water." So God made the expanse and separated the water under the expanse from the water above it. And it was so. God called the expanse "sky." And there was evening, and there was morning—the second day. And God said, "Let the water under the sky be gathered to one place, and let dry ground appear." And it was so. God called the dry ground "land," and the gathered waters he called "seas." And God saw that it was good. Then God said, "Let the land produce vegetation: seed-bearing plants and trees on the land that bear fruit with seed in it, according to their various kinds." And it was so. The land produced vegetation: plants bearing seed according to their kinds and trees bearing fruit with seed in it according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good. And there was evening, and there was morning—the third day. And God said, "Let there be lights in the expanse of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark seasons and days and years, and let them be lights in the expanse of the sky to give light on the earth." And it was so. God made two great lights—the greater light to govern the day and the lesser light to govern the night. He also made the stars. God set them in the expanse of the sky to give light on the earth, to govern the day and the night, and to separate light from darkness. And God saw that it was good. And there was evening, and there was morning—the fourth day. And God said, "Let the water teem with living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the expanse of the sky." So God created the great creatures of the sea and every living and moving thing with which the water teems, according to their kinds, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. God blessed them and said, "Be fruitful and increase in number and fill the water in the seas, and let the birds increase on the earth." And there was evening, and there was morning—the fifth day. And God said, "Let the land produce living creatures according to their kinds: livestock, creatures that move along the ground, and wild animals, each according to its kind." And it was so. God made the wild animals according to their kinds, the livestock according to their kinds, and all the creatures that move along the ground according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good. Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground." So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. God blessed them and said to them, "Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground." Then God said, "I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food. And to all the beasts of the earth and all the birds of the air and all the creatures that move on the ground—everything that has the breath of life in it—I give every green plant for food." And it was so. God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning—the sixth day." Genesis 1

Our Numbered Days

I forgot to share a near-miss accident yesterday... I was walking towards Vivocity to buy my groceries and while I was crossing the road, my mind was occupied with a couple of things. I basically looked at one side of the road for cars but forgot there was the other side - cross I did and an accident I almost got myself into. This motor-bike screeched to a stop and I was startled. He was, of course, annoyed!

When I turned towards his direction, I could see that his bike almost skidded. I was very apologetic because my pre-occupation with some thoughts almost got someone injured or killed. It could have been the same for me too. For a moment while I was heading for the supermarket, I was in a daze. I was also thankful nothing happened to the motorcyclist and me.

While I was in the bus on the way back to campus, suddenly there was a sense of gratitude in my heart, having realised that yesterday could have been my last on this earth. I whispered words of thanks to God for the many areas concerning my life - how He saw me through the tumultous years when I was a delinquent; how I flunked the 'O' Level examinations twice but still had the chance to pursue my studies, doing my 'A' Level examinations as a private candidate; and then being able to pull through that, under the watchful eyes of my ex-Senior Pastor, to move on to university; and now as a teacher; for healing my kidneys when I injured them while playing rugby; for allowing me to grow in the Lord since the day I knew Him in 1985 (though the initial years were a struggle due to my rebellious nature); for bringing salvation to my parents, grandma, cousins, uncle and my late aunty... there were a few other things I gave thanks for but I shall leave them as that.

I reflected further and started to wonder what would happen if I had been killed yesterday? I was reminded that all my pursuits on this earth would have come to a halt; everything I had been working for all these years would have all become meaningless because I would not be able to bring my achievements, possessions, loved ones, etc, with me.

So what matters then? I learnt that I need to live my life as if today would have been my last; to use the time I have here to know my God deeper and to let the knowledge and blessings I receive to overflow to the people around me. Of course I still need to work but only for a living because my numbered days on this earth is not about slogging and in the process sucking my life dry from the many other things I can do which may be more fulfilling.

I am not afraid to share this and by no means does this make me an irresponsible employee to the organisation which I am working for. I still give my best in the hours required of me to work daily and I will still deliver the results. Period.

Well, thanks be to God for His grace and mercy that I am still able to jot all these down. Will tomorrow be my last? I do not know. I will leave that to God to decide.

I came back not too long ago from church. I was with my younger siblings-in-Christ for the Youth Ministry Worship Team rehearsal. It was fun as we jammed a couple of songs. I realised having not played the drums for a while has made me a little rusty. Haha. I was even a little off while singing the songs. Looks like I need to go back to leading worship again once the new year arrives. My Senior Pastor gave me a big hint on Wednesday about this while I was in the church office. :)

Oh yah, I bought a couple of chipboards, nails and hinges - with the help of a brother-in-Christ who is interning for the church, we built a holder to contain the Missions Ministry newsletters which I will mount next to the notice board. It is not the perfect piece of carpentry work but a holder I have now! I hope many in the church will open the holder occasionally to grab a copy of the newsletter and be updated on the various areas of concerns for the ministry.

Alritey, I shall stop here! Have a restful and wonderful weekend!

"O LORD, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O LORD. You hem me in—behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain. Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. If I say, "Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me," even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you. For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand. When I awake, I am still with you. If only you would slay the wicked, O God! Away from me, you bloodthirsty men! They speak of you with evil intent; your adversaries misuse your name. Do I not hate those who hate you, O LORD, and abhor those who rise up against you? I have nothing but hatred for them; I count them my enemies. Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." Psalm 139

Find Rest, My Soul

Last night I attended a prayer meeting in church. Praise the Lord that I was there as it was a time of refreshing for me. About close to 40 members were present and though it was just two hours of prayer, it brought to my heart a lot of joy and excitement. It is a wonderful feeling to be assured that God has heard our cries and have answered or in the process of answering the petitions made.

During the session, the Assistant Pastor encouraged every one in the sanctuary to spend some time in quiet, just listening to God. Though it was a mere 15 minutes of silence, it was enough to help me re-organise certain areas of my life. We always think that we need to spend like hours to do this (not that it is wrong and it is beneficial to do that occasionally) but sometimes in the midst of all the busyness, even 15 minutes of being away from the hustle and bustle will bring our focus back to God. It will then cause us to do things right because we are conscious again of the Lord's presence in our lives and also the testimony we need to show.

I used the word "conscious" because several times throughout the day, we can go through our routines blindly to the point where sometimes when certain things get on our nerves or affect us, we just react and in the process, stumble people with our actions and words. Food for thought for all of us as we persevere in practising this discipline.

Oh yah, when I was praying with my Assistant Pastor and another dear brother-in-Christ about the outreach effort of our church, I was reminded of this phrase which I read from a sister-in-Christ's MSN title - "The mark of a great church is not its seating capacity but its sending capacity." I came out with another which is similar - "The gauge of a growing church is not about the number of members being in there but the number of them being sent out!"

When I said those words, my heart just sank and I asked God to move the church so that we will not be inward looking all the time.

Well, praise the Lord for the reminder and revelation!

I am so happy for a sister-in-Christ from another church - last night she has been anxious about the church camp that she is attending next month. Prior to that she has another trip to China but that trip overlaps the duration of the camp by a day. With that, she has to find ways to travel on her own to the camp venue in Malaysia. Interestingly, there are no coach services from Singapore to the campsite.

I helped her check via the internet; this morning I called several tour agencies and even made a trip to Johor Bahru (JB) with my colleague during lunch-time to make more enquiries but to no avail. The trip was fun though as I learnt that it is much cheaper to take a coach from JB to other parts of Malaysia as compared to taking it from Singapore.

Oh yah, both my colleague and I had a sumptuous seafood lunch... so full to the point where I felt as if the seams of my pants will just rip apart. Haha.

Anyway, when I came back I got a call from this dear sister-in-Christ informing me that her China trip now has been shortened by a day which means to say both trips do not clash anymore. It was an answered prayer for me because last night I was actually quite concerned for her having to travel alone to a place she is unfamiliar with. Well, God is faithful and good as always.

It has been an eventful day at work and also travelling around! It makes life more fun and adventurous.

I am actually still quite full from the lunch - that is why I am not so excited about cooking my dinner. Usually I am all eager to make myself a sumptuous meal. I guess not tonight. :)

"Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost. Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare. Give ear and come to me; hear me, that your soul may live. I will make an everlasting covenant with you, my faithful love promised to David. See, I have made him a witness to the peoples, a leader and commander of the peoples. Surely you will summon nations you know not, and nations that do not know you will hasten to you, because of the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, for he has endowed you with splendor." Seek the LORD while he may be found; call on him while he is near. Let the wicked forsake his way and the evil man his thoughts. Let him turn to the LORD, and he will have mercy on him, and to our God, for he will freely pardon. "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands. Instead of the thornbush will grow the pine tree, and instead of briers the myrtle will grow. This will be for the LORD's renown, for an everlasting sign, which will not be destroyed." Isaiah 55

Spare A Thought Please!

My heart is troubled and burdened over some siblings-in-Christ in Cambodia. From 2000 to 2002, mission teams from my church, which I was also part of for all three years, were sent to train the Khmer youth leaders from all over Cambodia in leadership skills and also to help them have a better grasp of the Bible.

During this period, 7 of these youths took a step of faith and answered God's call to be pastors. It warmed my heart then. Now in 2008, I have been told, just about an hour ago when I called a dear Singaporean brother-in-Christ who is a missionary to this country, 4 of them have resigned. This is excluding the pastor of the Khmer church that my church is supporting. Hearing this news pains my heart. Have they doubted their calling? Nope. They had to make this drastic decision because of the organisation they come under and also for economic reasons - an ideal monthly allowance for a family of four is about US$250 and what they are getting now is between US$70 to US$100. Inflation is high now. Can you imagine a home gas tank (those used for cooking) costs US$34? Rice prices have also sky-rocketed and that's the staple for the Cambodians. No wonder they have no choice but to leave.

I have heard of people making remarks like "How can God's servants because of money issues just resigned. This shows that they are not even sure of their calling in the first place." Sometimes I feel like telling these people off! Are they trying to say pastors and full-time workers do not need money to live? If these insensitive individuals are in the shoes of the pastors and workers, will they be making the same remark? Obviously not! So please think first before making all these unedifying comments.

Sometimes I am saddened that Christians are creating obstacles to their own siblings-in-Christ especially those who have taken a bold step to serve God on a full-time basis. There are bureaucracy almost everywhere but let us not make it worst!

Well, so be it that these four ex-pastors have moved on. I believe God can use them even more effectively now that they are on their own. If they are sure of their calling since the day they made the decision, then I also know these servants of God will be able to make an BIG impact on the lives of those whom they are ministering to.

As a Missions Ministry chairperson, my heart is so heavy as to what else the church can do to help our fellow Khmer siblings-in-Christ. May the Lord show us the way and continue to remind us that the enemy is not our siblings-in-Christ or human beings, it is the devil!

For those of you reading my blogs and are Christians, please pray along with me for the above-mentioned.

I am still in office, finishing some work. It has been a long day but thanks be to God for sustaining me till now.

I have yet to also have my dinner. I guess I shall cook something simple later when I return to my apartment. At least I have food to eat when I go back later. Many from Cambodia and other parts of the world may be hungry and have no food to fill their stomachs as I type.

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints." Ephesians 6:10-18

Communication Breakdown

Sometimes I wonder whether 'advancement' of technology brings human beings forward or backward; whether it makes them more efficient or less productive; whether it causes man to be more superficial towards one another or being more personal.

What I am referring to here is that of communications. This morning I received a call where I was queried as to why I did not attend an emergency meeting last Friday - the day when I was on leave. I simply told the person I did not receive any notification about it. She told me an email was sent to all involved. I reiterated that I did not receive any memo from her. Then she went on to say the chairperson of the meeting was not very pleased with my absence.

I asked her to double-check and she told me she would revert.

Fifteen minutes later, I got another call from her to inform me that she did send me a note but the mail bounced. I suggested to her that in future when there is an emergency meeting, a note along with a phone-call would be helpful to ensure there is no break in communication. She agreed and the matter was put to rest.

This is just one example of many. I am also concerned as to how mediums like email, MSN, SMS and IM have made human beings lose that personal touch when it comes to relationships. Ever had cases where you needed to communicate with someone regarding certain issues and it was done over the above mediums mentioned?

There was a situation which I encountered where I was trying to encourage someone over the MSN who was very bitter about certain things. In a couple of sentences where I did not want to make them sound as if I am shoving my ideas down his throat, I added smiley faces. A replied I got from that friend was this - "How can you still smile when I am actually going through a difficult patch? You think this is a joke?!" I tried to explain myself and the communication was broken because that brother stopped all typing.

In the end I called him and explained and the misunderstanding was cleared. A call was made to clear the boo-boo and yet I did not attempt to call him or meet him in person in the first place when I knew the severity of his mental and emotional condition.

Meeting a person shows a lot that you care enough to put aside everything else to be there for that individual. Sometimes a physical touch will bring a lot of comfort to that friend. Praying with the person also can bring healing and encouragement.

Some may not agree to the above paragraph but do correct me if I am wrong - meeting someone in person and doing it over the MSN can differ with regard to giving that individual 100% attention. I can confidently say that a person behind the computer trying to encourage someone can be doing other things at the same time and I feel this is not fair to that friend who is struggling. It shows a lot about us being sincere to help.

Food for thought for all. Technology may not always make humans more efficient... in fact it may cause them to lose that touch.

Got to go for a meeting now.

Have a blessed week ahead!

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

God Is With Us All The Time

I promised to share about how the Lord healed me of my kidney injury. I shall try to cut the story short. Well, one of them got hurt while playing rugby in Cambridge, United Kingdom, in 1998. I remember it was a match against an Irish team.

While trying to tackle one of my opponents, he pushed me and I fell awkwardly. After the match my back felt sore but I thought that was normal. I suspected it was more of a muscle pull than one of my internal organs being punctured.

Anyway, it was only one week later when I was back in Singapore that something went terribly wrong. While I was in the toilet answering nature's call, there was this smell of oxide - like something in the loo was rusty. When I looked down at the toilet bowl, I got a shock of my life - the whole bowl was red. I was basically urinating blood.

My parents rushed me to the Accident and Emergency Department. After the doctor heard my account and did a preliminary assessment, he warded me. Throughout the next few days, tests were done; scans were made by the renal specialists. Then came the diagnosis that one kidney was punctured.

The doctors were contemplating whether to surgically remove it as it was already infected. Till date I am puzzled as to why it was not done. Not that I wanted to go for the operation though.

Anyway, one treatment was for sure and that was dialysis. Three times a week and each session lasted three hours. I had to apply for a one-year no pay leave as it was a difficult period for me... not just physically but spiritually, mentally and emotionally.

I always feel very tired; I was confused as to why God was making me suffer; I got angry and frustrated easily and I was always in a daze.

The dialysis treatment lasted me four years! It is amazing how I pulled through those trying times. During this period, I also broke up with my girl-friend of three years. It was a difficult decision on my part but at that time, I thought it was better for us to part our ways. She was contemplating whether to stay back to be with me or proceed with a scholarship to study in the United States of America. Then I also do not know what my future was going to be like. Anyway, we still remain the best of friends though she is now married. Oh yah, I got her permission to share this. Haha.

Frankly speaking, if it were not for the support and prayer given to me by mainly my siblings-in-Christ and a few other friends from outside church, I would not have pulled through my struggles.

I almost gave up on God and I was ready to give up on myself.

You want to know why I am still here and pressing on in my pilgrim's journey? During those times when I only saw darkness, my siblings-in-Christ showed me the light - they shared with me God's Word; they prayed with me; they cried with me; they bore with my constant complaints - they literally walked with me till the very day when the doctor told me I need not go for dialysis anymore because my kidney was healed miraculously!

Sometimes I felt like I was one of the scums of the earth; an outcast because of my ailment but when these kind and self-sacrificing individuals stood by me, I was constantly being reminded that I was not.

Now as I write this, all I can say and please take my word for it - God is with us not only during good times but also bad times. It is harder to see Him during moments of trials because our minds are focused on the sufferings... so much to the point where we are tricked into believing that our Heavenly Father has left us (Devil's schemes as always). In actual fact, He has always been by our sides.

Remember, everything we experience in this pilgrim's journey will come to pass. Do not let a moment of pain draw us away from our relationship with God. Life is like a puzzle - there are many pieces and there will be times when we find it tough to put the pieces together. But if we could just press on and one piece after another are put in place, we will begin to see that beautiful masterpiece. Then we know it was worth the experience.

I hope I make sense in what I have written above. It is easy for me now to write the account but it was tough going through it... am I bitter about it? Nope. I am who I am now simply because of all these adventures. All glory to God though. :) There will still be trials to come (no doubt about that) but the past struggles will strengthen us to face those to come. :)

Alright! Time for me to end soon. I have had a long day but I enjoyed it thoroughly - meeting in the morning; another meeting and lunch appointment with a dear sister in the late morning and early afternoon; helped my God-Son's parents to repair their pond; had dinner with them.

Looking forward tomorrow as it is Missions Emphasis Sunday.

Good night, everyone! Please press on in whatever you do! :)

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Romans 12:12

Tuning To The Right Frequency

I only had about 3 hours of sleep as I was up watching the Chelsea-Liverpool match where the Reds lost in the Champions League Semi-Finals. Again it was a moment when my heart-beat sometimes just stopped when I know a goal from the opposing team is imminent. Then when they scored, I just got so worked up that sometimes I could feel as if my heart was going to pop out of my mouth! My lungs too - as I would be screaming out of frustration. Haha.

Well, another season of no trophies for the Liverpool players. Perhaps next year. But I thought I said that already last season? Sigh.

Anyway, I woke up at 8:30am and it was off to the market to buy all the ingredients needed for the popiah party which I attended just now. It was a gathering of friends especially with those whom I have not met for a while as they are either in another church or working overseas. I really enjoyed the time of fellowship with these my siblings-in-Christ and also playing with some of their kids.

I met my God-Son's parents to buy more ingredients elsewhere - as far as Bedok since the popiah skins sold at that location are better and cheaper. I panicked when I was told that I had to order one day in advance when we arrived at the destination. There and then I whispered a prayer for the Lord to provide us with an alternative place - I was then directed by one of the staff to another shop located in the same building but they had sold all the skins already. Again I prayed. Thanks to God for His providence - the owner of that shop directed us to another location near-by and we managed to buy one kilogram of skins.

We also had a nice brunch at the hawker centre where we ate fried carrot cake, Indian rojak, cuttle-fish kangkong and nice cold cheng-tng! Yummy!

That gave me the energy to cook and praise the Lord everything was settled an hour before the party-time. 14 adults and three children all had their fills. Less than a third of the 9kg of turnips was left when every one had finished chomping. I am so happy all enjoyed themselves. :)

Oh yah, in the afternoon after I finished preparing some of the stuff above, I called the steam-boat restaurant about the $10 soups which they did not charge last night. I spoke to this gentleman whom I think is the boss or superviser - he was laughing when I told him about the discrepancy and he said it was okay. He said he did not want to trouble me to come all the way to Bugis just to pay him the $10 and he thanked me for being honest. He said something about this being a first for him. He had encounters of people complaining about over-charging but not with my case.

Anyway, my heart was at ease after that and I had peace with God when the matter was cleared and closed.

Ever had this funny/uneasy/heavy feeling in us when we are about to do something or when we had already done something? Some examples - to seek reconciliation with someone; to rest when we know we are tired, be it ministries in church or at work; to reach out to a stranger we have a burden for; to call someone to share with him or her our burdens for that individual; to stop calling someone when we know what we are doing may be causing some inconveniences to that person; to not buy certain things which we know we may not need them at all; etc.

To me, that is the Holy Spirit's promptings for us not to do certain things which we know may not be right/beneficial or that we need to right the wrong since it has already been done.

The next time you experience this, do not brush it aside but to reflect and evaluate and after that act upon it. After that, you will sense this calm and that is when you know you have done something pleasing and right in the sight of our God Almighty.

Well, our God is alive and He is constantly in communication with us but sadly, many times we missed His calls and do foolish things in the process. Next time tune your ears to God's frequency... you will experience less strife and more peace.

Time to sleep! I am super-tired.

Good night!

"But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you." John 14:26