Never Be Satisfied

It has been a week since I last blogged. It has been a tiring five days for me as I had to do a couple of things - interestingly, they are all related to the Missions Ministry which I am involved in.

On Monday and Tuesday I was reflecting, evaluating and putting my thoughts into words for a report which I need to write for the last Local Conference - compulsory for all ministry leaders in the church.

Anyway, I shared in my report that I struggle to list out the number of projects and programmes which the ministry has done for the past year. As I have stated before, I always feel that being a church one should not be too engrossed with statistics. The danger comes when we give each other a pat on the shoulders for a job well done and after that we fall into complacency.

Perhaps it is the nature of the ministry I am doing where the committee members do not just deal with administrative matters but issues concerning lives of individuals. This being my fifth year being the chairperson of the ministry, I learnt that the work of missions will never end till Jesus comes again. There are still many lives to be touched and every Christian should continue to be mindful of the people around us so that we can shine God's light so that others may be drawn to us, curious to know who is this God whom we are worshipping.

My conclusion is that the church can do more and every member should be involved in the harvest field where the labourers are always few. Well, my prayer is that God will move more to step out of their comfort zones and be bold to let the love of Christ overflow in their lives to their neighbours. :)

Yesterday I was helping out at a fair where I helped two dear brothers-in-Christ sell children's clothing and bedding items at Lock Road. This is the first time I am involved in such a fair where there were 45 stalls, majority manned by the expat community. Even majority of the customers are expatriates.

Though the hours were long, I enjoyed myself thoroughly especially when I mingled with the children. It was also a good training for me especially in how I interact with my customers and promote the products accurately. At the end of the day, I learnt one precious lesson which I do not know whether it would be an idealistic thing to do in the long run. That lesson was the attitude towards the business - that it is not just for the sake of selling the mechandise and making profits but also to make friends so that the love of Christ is shared to them.

Well, in the next few months there will be a few more fairs which I will be assisting, I shall trust the Lord to lead me accordingly and probably learn more lessons as I go along. :)

After the fair, I had to rush to the Mission Committee's monthly meeting. I was slightly late as I had to grab a bite. As always, I enjoyed the time of fellowship with members of the Committee. It is always wonderful to work with people who have the same heart for a cause we are doing - probably "cause" is not the right word. I guess "calling" would be more accurate since it was a Commission given to all Christians by Jesus Himself.

We deliberate on matters concerning the ministry and we also spent a considerable time praying.

Though it has been exhausting mentally and physically, spiritually I was refreshed. I am glad the weekend is here. I shall try to find some rest.

God is always good! Hallelujah!

"He told them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field." Luke 10:2

Ministry Evaluation

I just received an email from the Church Administrator requesting for all ministry chairpersons to hand in their annual reports by the beginning of next month. Since then I have been reflecting and evaluating on what had happened in the past one year in the ministry which God has entrusted me.

In a recent blog I wrote, it is my prayer for the church that every leader and member do not fall into the trap of playing church by showing statistics that we have accomplish this and that and after that just feel good about it, giving each other a pat on the shoulder and then carry on the same cycle again.

Perhaps it is the nature of my ministry that makes me think of this one thing I want to share - how many of us Christians, regardless of which church we worship in, really live out our lives where others can see Christ in us? I also wonder how many of us see where we are - be it in school, at work, at home, and even in the church (I include the church in because sometimes I do not see love being shown to one another in there) - as a mission field where we are touching lives with the love of Jesus which we have experienced ourselves?

The above questions are precisely something I am pondering in relation to my own church. I am not trying to judge every member who are in the congregation but more so, crying to God that He will use each one to reach one with the kind of lifestyle we embrace.

Well, even for my own life, I am assessing whether I have been a good testimony to Christians and non-Christians alike. For now, all I can say is this - there is room for improvement.

Back to the report, I guess I will begin writing my thoughts down tomorrow and may God lead and guide me accordingly. May His name be glorified!

“I have set the LORD always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.” Psalm 16:8

"They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved." Acts 2:42-47

"You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:13-16

Jesus Is NOT A Product

I do not know how to start my blog for today because I am going to share about something pretty touchy in Singapore - a main topic brought up by the Prime Minister during his speech at the National Day Rally.

Well, it has been the talk of the town since then - religious harmony in Singapore. A Christian couple were also mentioned by Mr. Lee Hsien Loong for how they have been distributing tracts to people of different faiths and as a result for their insensitive acts, they have been charged and sentenced to imprisonment.

Many times Christians have been targetted by many as ones who are enthusiastic (sometimes overly enthusiastic) in spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ to others.

When it comes to this, I can see two groups of Christians here: one who sincerely want to share with others how God has touched their lives; the other who just want to sell Jesus Christ as if He is a product.

Let me just touch on the first group because in doing so, we can see the futile effort of the other, which usually gives a bad name to Christianity.

In my 24 years as a Christian, I have been in both groups and my conclusion is this - let your lifestyle speak the loudest. Christianity to me is not a religion. Another 'r' comes to mind - it is a relationship between God and me. If I cherish this relationship, whatever God teaches me from the Bible; speaks to me during prayers; spurs me during my fellowship with my siblings-in-Christ, I will surely want to be transformed and not be conformed any longer to the patterns of this world. If I constantly keep in step with Him, surely there will be a marked change in my life.

Then, in my speech and action, people will see the difference - they will see Christ in me. Though I am still work in progress (as I still have my weaknesses and flaws), I have shared Christ to people about my testimony when they asked about my faith and why I embraced it. I will then leave it as that. Once in while I will pray for them and allow the Holy Spirit to touch their lives.

With this, I want to encourage my siblings-in-Christ reading this blog to have a genuine relationship with God. This also serves as a reminder for me. In the process, we do not have to sell Jesus to others but in turn, they will be curious to know who He is and that is when we can testify to them about God's transformational power in our lives. If they so conclude that this God is real, then nothing more need to be said. They themselves will naturally be drawn to Him.

Well, I hope I make sense in what I have written. Let us be people of God who attract and not repel.

"We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all the saints — the faith and love that spring from the hope that is stored up for you in heaven and that you have already heard about in the word of truth, the gospel that has come to you. All over the world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing, just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and understood God's grace in all its truth. You learned it from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf, and who also told us of your love in the Spirit. For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins." Colossians 1:3-14

Aspire To Inspire Before We Expire

Remember yesterday when I mentioned perhaps the dream where I was running away from the T-Rex was interpreted by me as running away from something? I gave quite a bit of thought to that and there is one thing I am definitely running away from.

That one thing is that of going deep in my fellowship with my siblings-in-Christ and in my interaction with people outside church. This is where I mentioned in my past blogs which showed the introvert side of me.

Though I may be involved in ministries like missions, youth and music where they are very people-oriented, as much as I can I would love to steer clear of interacting much with people. It is very tiring in the first place and it can also be very discouraging when people you are trying to reach out to shut you out completely.

I attended a talk this morning where it dealt with relationships with people. As much as I am discouraged that there is superficiality in today's Christian fellowship, I was reminded and challenged that I should not just dwell in misery but to do something about it.

A statement (paraphrased) by Socrates, the philosopher, opened my eyes yet again, It says, "He who wants to move the world must first move himself." How true that is. Many times Christians want to move the world when they see so many things that need to be transformed but when they are overwhelmed by the immense work to be done, they just talk about them but never act upon them.

In the example I stated above where I mentioned about Christians being superficial - if I want to change that, I have to go deep first myself. As I was praying about it after the talk, I told God that it is not easy for me since I have to drag myself to open up to others but I also told Him that I want to. Someone needs to start no matter how difficult the going may be.

I am praying those who are reading my blog especially the siblings-in-Christ from my church to start living out as a church (where lives are constantly being transformed by being interested in each other's walk) instead of playing church (by merely going through the motion and once in a while giving statistics to show that we have done this and that).

As for being a minister in the market-place, I also need to show others that I am interested in their lives by being real myself. Many in this world (myself included) are wearing a mask as they do not wish people to invade their privacy. As much as I respect that, Christians need to bring the presence of God everywhere they go - to let others know that we are genuine in wanting to know them as who they are and not judge them; to shower God's grace upon them in their struggles.

How long are we going to wait till we allow God to use us to touch the lives of others; or for that matter to let others have a chance touch our lives? Do not wait too long before it is too late. As the blog title states. "Let us aspire to inspire before we expire." Yes we are expiring so let us make good use of our lives as God purposed it for.

Well, these were some thoughts which ran through the whole of today.

"Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching." Hebrews 10:23-25

"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. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." Colossians 3:12-17

The Tale Of The Dinosaur

These few days I do not know why I tire easily. Yesterday my head felt pretty light when I was on my way home, the same feeling I had a couple of weeks ago. I took my blood pressure and the readings were low but then again when I went to donate my blood just now at around 4.30pm, the doctor who attended to me said my pressure was a little high. Hmmm...

Anyway, I shall monitor the above-mentioned and if I still feel tired and my blood pressure still erratic, I shall go for a medical examination.

My mum went for her medical check-up and scans on Wednesday and today. The doctor said she is improving but I shall take that result with a pinch of salt. That was said in her last check-up and in the end, mum ended up in hospital again.

I still feel mum is weak as she has been sleeping early. In the afternoon she naps quite a bit too. She has been going out which I think is good but I just hope she is watching her diet.

I had a very weird dream two nights ago where in it I was chased by a T-Rex, not in Jurassic Park but in my very home. I was running everywhere and very fast. When I thought I have shaken off the pre-historic monster by hiding behind my fridge, its giant foot caught hold of me from above it. The dream ended there. So weird.

I shall not ask for that dream to be interpreted lest I get some interesting divine message. Haha. I actually gave a thought to it and my interpretation was this - no matter how we try to hide from God, He still knows where we are as He is omnipresent. Am I running away from something? I shall reflect on that and should there be anything, I shall blog it the next time.

I still think of the blog I wrote on "The Consequences of Procrastination." I would love to let it go but it is not easy. It has been a while since matters of the heart have bothered me and when it happens, it means I am serious about it except the part on courage which always let me down.

Every night I pray I ask God to take that burden away but I am still bothered by it.

Anyway, some dreams I guess are meant to be released after one reaches a certain age.

I guess that is all. I shall sleep early as I have a leadership training session to attend tomorrow in church.

Praise God for seeing me through the week. :)

"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Matthew 6:33-34

Plans Down The Drain

This is the worst National Day I have ever had. I missed most part of the event as I was late. I had to wait for the MacRitchie Running Fellowship members to finish their run. In the first place every one started late (run supposed to start at 4.30pm but they only started at 5.15pm) and by the time they completed their route, it was already quite late.

We did not park at the correct location. We were in Shenton Way area which was far from the main show and by the time we tried to walk to the ideal spot, there were already road blocks erected by the authorities.

What I was really disappointed about is the fact that I missed completely the capturing of the fireworks display in photos, the march-past and also taking the pledge with the rest of my fellow Singaporeans. Where was the running gang in the end? Up on the 52nd storey of Capital Tower which did not give us a clear view of the fireworks display! Argh! The club also did not participate in the pledge-taking as every one was busy eating. How sad!

Anyway, I learnt two things from the above-mentioned - one, if ever I want to photograph events like fireworks display, I should do it with only a handful of people who are like-minded - photographers basically. They also must practise the discipline of being punctual as it is not fair to others who are punctual and excited over the event. Two, it is sometimes a blessing not to have a car as it can be a problem especially in finding a suitable place to park. That is why I still do not see the need for me to get a car hence no urgency to get a license. Too bad to those who disagree with me in this.

Well, I thought I could post some nice pictures as I had set all the functions of the camera to its ideal mode in capturing the light-works but I guess I have to wait for another occasion to do so.

Okie, I shall not dwell on this further.

Sleep would be a good thing to do next.

Good night, all. Enjoy another day of holiday tomorrow and have a blessed week ahead!

Consequences Of Procrastination

I am dead tired but I just needed to blog to release something that has been bothering me the whole day.

Sometimes I feel I lack the courage in acting upon something that is close to my heart. Majority generally see me as someone who is confident, outgoing and sometimes outspoken but there is a part in me which I am insecure especially of myself.

Since this is a blog to share about my life's journey, I have to be frank that there are some areas where I have doubts of myself - especially in the area of what others would think of me. Because of this I rationalise a lot and at the end, it may be too late for me to work on what I have been thinking.

Well, at this age that I am at already, I guess there are some pursuits which I should probably give up and be contented with the life I am living now. It is painful but I have to live with some procrastinations I have made in my journey. Please do not get me wrong that it is bad to procrastinate - sometimes it is good not to rush into things but to give ample time of consideration and seeking especially for God's answers to what we are burdened for. Then again, there is also the other extreme where one thinks too much and at the end it becomes too late.

Sorry if I sound vague but that is as much as I would like to share for now.

It is something I am praying God will continue to teach me. As much as I regret not acting upon this particular burden in my heart, I guess it is a lesson learnt which have strengthened my character.

Anyway, it has been a long but enjoyable day for me. Eversince mum fell ill three months ago, I have not had the opportunities to spend time with my God-sons. Today I thank God I had a great time with them - going to Botanic Gardens to feed the fish and swans; had brunch there; then to Island Creamery for ice-cream; it was off to a good friends' home next to visit their baby; after that I went to my God-sons' home to rest; for dinner we went to Changi Village for fish-head curry; and then shopping at the flea market; then back to my God-sons' home again.

I came back only about two hours ago. I am not sleeping yet as I am still doing the laundry which should be done soon.

Well, I guess that is all. Praise God for life's experiences! He allows them to happen to help us learn as we trod this pilgrim's path! :)

Family - God's Gift To Us

I attended a funeral of a dear church member who was one of the few individuals who got me interested in singing when I was a young Christian. I remembered Aunty Daisy coaching me when the church staged a musical, "Friends Forever," in 1989. Her guidance showed me the need/importance to obtain proper vocal coaching should I want to serve in the Music Ministry. I took up a couple of courses and till date I have not regretted going for those trainings as they have aided me in my service as a worship leader, a wedding singer and once in a while a chorister.

It pained my heart to see another individual who has made an impact in my life leave this world but I also rejoice because I know Aunty Daisy is now with the Lord. It won't be long before we meet again because life here on earth is short. I cannot wait to have a reunion with the many who have gone ahead.

As I was sitting behind the sanctuary listening to the testimonies of Aunty Daisy's life by a few individuals, I was prompted by the Lord to reflect on my family that He has given me.

As I was pondering, one thing I have to accept is my family's imperfection because of our sinful nature. Sometimes I wish for an ideal family but I have to admit there is no such thing. I can work on improving the ties but it takes time and effort. I was also reminded of this one word "affirmation" which I shared yesterday with the leader and assistant leader of the Youth Ministry Mission Team.

Evaluating now on the way I carry myself at home, I think there is a lacking in affirming my parents, grandma and brother. Most of the time we fault each other's weaknesses and misdeeds but we hardly affirm our strengths.

Well, I prayed and asked God to give me the desire to do just that - to at least learn to look at the good side of my family members and work on that to bring the ties closer. It won't be easy but with this prompting I received I shall try and keep trying.

It has been an emotional day. I am tired.

"Lord, all the days of my life are in Your hand; use me as You deemed appropriate."

"Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations. Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God. You turn men back to dust, saying, "Return to dust, O sons of men." For a thousand years in your sight are like a day that has just gone by, or like a watch in the night. You sweep men away in the sleep of death; they are like the new grass of the morning - though in the morning it springs up new, by evening it is dry and withered. We are consumed by your anger and terrified by your indignation. You have set our iniquities before you, our secret sins in the light of your presence. All our days pass away under your wrath; we finish our years with a moan. The length of our days is seventy years — or eighty, if we have the strength; yet their span is but trouble and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away. Who knows the power of your anger? For your wrath is as great as the fear that is due you. Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Relent, O LORD! How long will it be? Have compassion on your servants. Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days. Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us, for as many years as we have seen trouble. May your deeds be shown to your servants, your splendor to their children. May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work of our hands for us — yes, establish the work of our hands." Psalm 90