Channel [C]

Quotes...

2010-08-26T10:40:00.002+08:00

Discipline, a deliberate conscious effort in maintaining a constant practise.

Quotes...

2010-08-26T10:31:00.002+08:00

Maturity doesn't means to complicate things, rather to maintain purity and simplicity.

Reminder to myself

2010-04-01T09:27:00.003+08:00

It is not about winning the argument,

It is about speaking the truth, and doing what is right.

I cannot determine how the listeners would respond and react,

it is entirely up to them to decide.

In speaking the truth and doing what is right,

I might lose the argument,

that's OK.

I might even lose my own life,

and that's OK too.

Because I know the ultimate victory has been won,

I know, I'm already living in eternity.

Dysfunctional man, dysfunctional church

2009-11-10T23:11:00.004+08:00

There is a dysfunctional church,
because there are dysfunctional families in the church.
There are dysfunctional families,
because there are dysfunctional marriages in families.
There are dysfunctional marriages,
because there are dysfunctional husbands and wives in marriages.
There are dysfunctional husbands and wives,
because there are dysfunctional men and women.
There are dysfunctional men and women,
because men and women disobeyed God, going about doing whatever pleases themselves, neglects the responsibilities that God has given them.

Husbands are given the responsibilities of leadership in a marriage, not only in physical and material, but more importantly in spiritual leadership. Wives are given the responsibilities to support and submit to the leadership of the husband.

Sadly, men and women have not been fulfulling thier responsibilities. Just as Adam did not took on the leadership in seeking God, allowing his wife, Eve, to take on that responsibility. Desire to be like God, Eve, persuaded by the devil, ate the forbidden fruit, then in turn, she persuaded her husband, Adam to do the same, thus both disobeyed God.

A dysfunctional man resulted a dysfunctional woman, when both became dysfunctional husband and wife, they formed a dysfunctional marriage, gave birth to dysfunctional family, established a dysfunctinal church.

Husbands, please be responsible in taking leadership in regards to spiritual matters of your marriage and family! When you don't, your wife would, not because she will, but because there's a natural yearning and desire towards spiritual matters in everyone of us, that is, to seek God. When your wife does, and you as husband decides to follow her, rather than leading her in seeking God, your marriage and family turn into "DYSFUNCTIONAL".

Unity base on economic benefits?

2009-10-06T12:37:00.002+08:00

Part article from thestar.com.my
(http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/10/6/nation/4845994&sec=nation)
------------------------------------------------------------------
PM: Cash in on our diversity
By CHOI TUCK WO

PARIS: Malaysia can leverage on its diversity to bring economic benefits to the people, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

He said the 1Malaysia concept should be seen not only from the cultural and social contexts but also from the point of strategic economic value.

Najib drew attention to the country’s multi-racial, multi-cultural and multi-religious population which bore elements of Asian civilisations.

He said Malaysia could, for instance, turn these into strategic advantages to facilitate its relations with countries like China, India, the Malay world and the Middle East.

“Let’s say if China were to make a decision to buy palm oil from Malaysia, it’s the people who will benefit most, including smallholders and Felda settlers,” he told more than 200 Malaysian students during a dialogue here on Sunday.
------------------------------------------------------------------

With such sayings from the PM of Malaysia, I think the "1Malaysia" concept is making a very dangerous turn towards a unity based upon wealth. This needs to be thought through seriously, for the motivation and intention of unity would ended up based on economical benefits. This, I would say, is a wrong motives for being united.

What message are we giving to the people, to the younger generation? If I am not benefiting from you, then I'm not going to "unite" together with you? If he is of no value in benefiting me in anyway, then I have nothing to do with him?

Such corrupted concept!!! It corrupts the true value and meaning of unity!!!

If such is the concept of 1Malaysia, I don't want to be a part of it. I pray that Malaysia would not be led into such corrupted state of unity.

My Past 30 Years On Earth - Part 1

2009-09-15T23:14:00.005+08:00

Beginning 10 years, playfully blur... no idea what I did in my first 10 years on earth.

Mid 10 years, full of schools (2 primary, 3 secondary and 1 college), full of homeworks and exams. Full of friends, which I don't keep in touch very often now.

Last 10 years, full of changes (from company to company, from study to work, then to study and then back to work). Full of church, cell group, conference, camp and christianity, which I was not very fruitful as a Christian.

What on earth was I doing for the past 30 years?

Let me go repent, pray for forgiveness and pray for a purposeful and meaningful 30 years to come (If I live that long). Will be back to reflect on that question.

2009-07-19T00:50:00.003+08:00

What kind of doctor would complaint to the patient about another doctor, and somemore ask for the patient's opinion regarding the other doctor?

SpongeBob Behind Trush Collectors' Truck!

2009-07-17T09:51:00.006+08:00

What is SpongeBob doing hanging behind a trash collectors' truck?! And smiling so cheerfully!

The trash collectors are creative and mindful enough to use SpongeBob - "whom someone consider him to be a trash" - to decorate the back of the truck, and make him a blessing to the person behind him. ME.

This little scene cheers me up and make my day as I was driving home. SpongeBob made me smile as he is smiling so joyfully. And all thanks to the trash collectors.

For once, I enjoyed staying behind, following the trash collectors truck.

Just a thought...
The trash collectors are like God, who uses someone whom people consider them "trash," to bless those who are willing to follow Him.

Employment, Deployment, Appointment

2009-06-24T10:11:00.004+08:00

Employed by the church, or deployed to the church?

An employment from the church, or an appointment from God?

It makes a great different in our attitude towards ministry and the way we minister.

Dictionary.com defines...

Employment - an occupation by which a person earns a living; work; business.

Deploy - to spread out strategically or in an extended front or line. To come into a position ready for use

Appointment - the act of appointing, designating, or placing in office

2009-06-06T00:53:00.006+08:00

Imagine a hospital with sick people who thinks that they are not sick, and yet keep on telling the doctors how to be a doctor and what a doctor should do.

Hospital in a mess.

Doctors are frustrated.

Sick people ...

Finally! A Short Moment of Rain.

2009-05-13T12:13:00.006+08:00

Yes! Finally there was a short moment of rain yesterday night, the weather changed slightly. There was, at least, a light breeze of cool wind. And I'm able to sleep well. Thank God!

Was not able to sleep well for the passed number of days because of the hot and humid weather. On top of that, I had quite an hectic weekend.

Friday and Saturday was trying to finish up the video presentation for Mother's Day and prepare songs for Phos Teens felloship.

My sister called on Saturday morning asking if I could make it back home on Saturday night to have a surprise birthday celebration for my dad. I could not confirm with her until 9pm as my conscience tells me I should go back no matter what. The speaker of Phos Teens fellowship hasnot finish his message even though it already 10.20pm! So I had no choice but to leave before it ends and I "terbang" in speed to get to my parent's place in time.

Next day, as it's Mother's day, I had to rush back for lunch after Sunday worship service. The lunch ended about 2 something. I got home about 3 something, took a nap. And I had to go pick up my parents and attend my cousin sister's wedding dinner. We finish off our dinner and left early my parent needs to attend another wedding dinner. Again in a hurry!

Then monday I need to send my sister to the airport even though I'm not too well.

So my whole weekend was hectic and i was tired due to not enough sleep and rest.

However, God is good. Thank Him for the strength!

By Monday night, I was very very tired but still could not sleep well. The hot weather!

And Finally! I heard the sound of thunder as I was praying in the Prayer Meeting, I knew the rain was coming, and yes indeed! Though the rain was just for short moment, but makes a lot of difference.

Thank God for the thunder that comes before the rain. Thank God for the hot weather that was before the thunder and the rain. Thank God for the sleepless night so that I know the strength was from Him. Thank God for discomfort so that I would appreciate what is true comfort.

JUST A THOUGHT...

The economic situation now is like the hot weather that causes my sleepless night.

The chaotic and messed-up government is like the hectic weekend I had.

I'm tired, but the strength for such a time comes only from God alone.

As prayer persist, soon there's gonna be a sound of thunder, and it will be followed by the rain.

Though the rain may be just for a short moment, but it's going to make a lot of difference.

It's going to bring a certain rest.

Do not be disturbed by the hot weather.

Do not loose focus in the midst of hectic weekends.

Know with certainty that the thunder will come, and there will be rain.

Are we prepared for the coming rain?

God, the world needs You!

2009-04-30T12:11:00.011+08:00

When I look around what is happening in the world, I'm always reminded about Your returning. No one knows when will it be. For You have said it is not for us to know.

How soon or how long? This is not the question I should ask. But I should always consider, "Am I pursuing and growing in holiness? Am I living my best in preparation for Your glorious return?"

You've already said that You are coming at the time I do not expect, therefore help me to be watchful and be prepared.

God, please help me live through all in awe.
Lord, please help me surrender my all.
Where would I be, if it's not because of You?
What would I do, if it's not for You?
Place me where You want me to be.
Teach me what you want me to do.
Who would I be, if I'm not to be like You?
Make me the person You want me to be.

The world needs You; the world needs to know You, the world needs to see You.

While patiently waiting for You to return, show me the little I can be, so that others may knowing the greatness of who You are.

Amen.

Update on Channel [C]

2009-04-29T15:51:00.005+08:00

Decided to add an extra "feature" to Channel [C]. I call it CMV, which stands for Christian Music Video, powered by Youtube.

Thought of making Channel [C] a little bit more interesting. Rather than just sharing my thoughts, I would also like to share some of the songs I like. I noticed that my blog will be 2 years old in this coming May 30. This would also be a good update to mark this special day.

Since teenagers and youth likes to watch MTV and listens to music. Hope through CMV, I can introduce some Christian music to you.

I'll update the playlist every week, and it will be my "Weekly Favourite 5 CMV".

If you heard of any songs, new or old, which you think is nice and worth introducing to others, please do share with me too.

best regards,
choycharles

Beautifully Imperfect

2009-04-17T10:41:00.002+08:00

Thanks to a brother who shares this video link in his Facebook.

In any relationship, there will be frustration and disappointment. Simply, no one is perfect. In our life, we would come across many people who might gives us headache and heartache. Simply, no one is perfect. Very often, the person closest to us, dearest in our heart, irritates us and hurts us the most. Simply, you and that person, both are not perfect.

Everyone is imperfect in his or her own way, everyone has their short-comings and weaknesses, but it is possible for us to see the beauty of each imperfect individuals, if only we are willing to love them.

In the eyes of God, every one of us are beautiful. Because He loves every one of us. For that, the Perfect One gave Himself for us, the imperfect ones, in order that we can step into the journey of perfection.

Purpose Driven Death

2009-04-11T14:26:00.005+08:00

Everyone is progressing nearer towards death.

Everyday, we live knowing we cannot escape that.

Every moment of our life will turn into a fading memory.

Every human body are turned into dust after it is buried.

This death is inevitable.

But His purpose driven death made it nothing but temporal.

This death now has become just another phase in life.

This death is now the narrow gate towards eternity life.

Since death is unavoidable in life

It's wise to spend time thinking about death.

Let us not think so much about our life,

But rather reflect upon His purposeful death.

Reflect also upon His words and His life,

So you would have a purpose driven death.

If you want your life to soar,

Then ask yourself, "what am I dying for?"

Since Jesus provides you with an opened door,

Then what are you actually waiting for?

FEAR

2009-04-01T11:03:00.017+08:00

There are two types of "fear."

One, is the type which Yoda (green little thing in Star Wars) talk about...

“Fear is the path to the dark side. Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering." The root of such fear is insecurity in, and of this world.

The other type of fear is what the Bible talks about...

"Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man."

- Ecclesiastes 12:13

The root of such fear is reverence and awe of God, the Creator of this world. Such fear is the answer to the other type of fear which Yoda talks about, for "the fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever." We can be secured in the Lord, because "the ordinances of the Lord are sure and altogther righteous. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge." - Psalm 19:9 & Proverbs 1:7

The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him, and He delivers them.
Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him.
Fear the LORD, you His saints, for those who fear Him lack nothing.
The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.
"Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD."

~ Psalm 34:7-11 ~

Blessings and Prosperity - Psalm 1

2009-01-25T13:43:00.012+08:00

There are a number of preachers who preached about prosperity, focuses only in material wealth, and it creates a bad intention and motives for giving and offering.

Most people know that prosperity is not just about money, but most thinks that it has to start with money. They think money is the key to all other aspects of prosperity, thus money becomes the first priority in their life. This is entirely wrong according to the Bible.

What is the right understanding about blessedness and prosperity? What it means to be bless and prosperous?

Bible gives us a picture of a blessed man, a man who is prosperous. Psalm 1:3 “He is like a tree planted by the streams of water, which yields its fruits in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.”

Jeremiah gives the same image about a blessed man. Jeremiah 17:7-8. "But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit."

The scriptures use a tree to describe a blessed man. The purpose of the tree is to grow strong with flourishing leaf and bear fruits as expected when the season comes. And when it does, it is considered blessed, because it fulfills its purpose of existence.

A tree does not simply take its position by accident nor coincident, it is being planted in purpose by someone, in order that it might constantly receive the nourishment needed to flourish.

When a man is in that position like the tree, he is blessed, and whatever he does, prosper. That is the true image of a blessed man. That is right understanding about prosperity, being at the right position in life, and fulfilling the purpose of his existence.

How does one position himself so to be blessed and prosperous in whatever he does?

The Word of God gives clear teaching about the path to prosperity. How to live and prosper in the sight of the Lord?

1) Do not fashion your lifestyle according to the ungodly one

Ps.1:1, “Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers.”

It doesn’t mean that we do not befriend sinners. It means that we do not accept the lifestyle of the ungodly one and make it part of our lifestyle.

The world tells us, if you want something for yourself, look for the shortest and fastest way, by whatever means possible, reach out and take it. The world tells us, money is the key to all forms of prosperity, thus money is the first priority in life.

But the Word of God says in Prov.14:12 “There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death”

2) Meditates on the Law of God, day and night

Ps.1:2, “but, his (a blessed man) delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.”

The more we immerse ourselves into the Word of God, the more we discover the way of life designed by God. When you live your life according to God’s way, naturally you will be blessed and whatever you do, will prosper. The law of God is like the stream of water that feeds and nurture the tree, when you constantly drink from it, you will flourish and yield fruits like the tree.

Many people would delight in many other things of this world, but sadly, most are not delighted in the Word of God. That’s why many Christians struggle to give even 15 minutes every day for quiet time, devotional time.

I strongly believe, if anyone follows these two simple steps faithfully, he/she will become a blessed person, and whatever he/she does, prospers.

Psalms 1 clearly shows us there’re two ways to life; the way of a blessed man, and the way of the wicked man. Bible has always teaches about two-ways in life. The teachings of Jesus in the Sermon of the Mount also talks about two-ways of life. The two gates and two roads, the two trees and their two types of fruits, two houses and two foundations. (Matthew 7) There’s always two ways to life, one positive and one negative. There’s no third way.

Jesus Himself said it clear enough in Matthew 12:30, “He who is not with me is against me.” There’s no neutral ground in this matter about life. You must either be hot or cold, you cannot be lukewarm, because if you are, God will spit you out of His mouth. (Revelation 3:16)

Ps. 1:4, “The wicked are like chaff that the wind blows away.”

Here is a picture of threshing floor at the time of the grain harvest, the more substantial grain fell back to the floor and collected. The chaff is light without substance, wind would blow it away, separating it from the grains and it is to be disposed and burn. It signifies what kind of consequences the wicked will face. In the end the wicked, those who are not living according to the Word of God will perish.

Ps. 1:6, “For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.”

Now, it’s up to you to choose life. Your choice of lifestyle will naturally bring forth a result; it’s either prosperity or perishes.

I pray that in this year 2009, and also in many years to come. You will be blessed and be prosperous.

B.M. - the common language to communicate

2009-01-20T17:10:00.005+08:00

I went out for lunch with Wai Hong (HLLC administrator) and Joshua (a missionary "wanna-be") today. Wai Hong is not good in English, and Joshua cannot speak in chinese. So as we were on the way to the restaurant, I was either talking with Joshua, and left Wai Hong out of the conversation, or I was talking with Wai Hong and lefted out Joshua. There was also a short period of silent because I don't know what to talk about, and both Joshua and Wai Hong can't talk to each other. So I suggested, "let's use B.M. to communicate." Immediately, Joshua and Wai Hong started to communicate with each other.

As we were having lunch and talking to each other in B.M. (mixing with a little bit os English), I was just wondering if there's anyone around us wondering, "why are these chinese guys talking to each other in B.M.?" And somehow I answered in my own mind proudly, "What's wrong with chinese using B.M. as a language to communicate with another chinese? We are Malaysians, (accept Joshua, the "almost Malaysian" Korean) using B.M. does not mean I'm Malay, but it simply shows that I'm a Malaysian who speaks my national langgauge. And I'm proud of it"

Language is the most fundamental means for human communication. As long as we are able and willing to communicate our message to each other, it doesn't really matters what langauge or how good you are with the langgauge. There's no point being expert in a language and yet we cannot understand each other. There's no point if we are able to communicate with perfect langgauge but yet what we communicated causes arguments and hurts that leads to a fight. Most of all, there's no point being able to speak in a language perfectly, but yet you are not interested to communicate, not even interested to listen to the other person.

I enjoyed the simple fellowship over lunch with Wai Hong and Joshua. I enjoyed speaking to them in B.M.

After a long break...

2009-01-16T15:37:00.018+08:00

Finally, a post after a looooong break.

Yes, I took a long break after I graduated from STM. More than 2 months to be exact. Within that 2 months, I've been to few places and truly enjoyed the time I had.

Immediately after the graduation, I went to Kuching, Sarawak for about a week. Main purpose was to visit Liz's parents and accompany her back to her hometown. We met up with Aston, Moses and Widos. Aston brought us to the crocodile farm. One thing about Kuching is that the food there is definately healthier than those in KL, less oily.

After Kuching trip, I went to Perth, Australia where Liz and her brother is staying. It's my first time to Australia. We spend the first week down SouthWest of Australia, place called Augusta and Margaret River. It's a very nice place for a break-away trip. Life is so relax there. The natural scenery and landscape were wonderful. Most of all, fresh air. The following 3 weeks, I was basically in Perth, joining the fellowships at Immanuel Methodist Church, the congregation which Liz is attending. I also had the chance of preaching one of the Sunday in the evening service. Well, all in all, I had a great time in Perth, enjoying my one month stay there. And I must say, yes, I like the place. Thank God, and special thanks to Liz for a wonderful trip. Thanks also to her parents and her brother for making it a wonderful break-away for me.

After a month in Perth, the next was Holy Light youth camp at Barre I.J. Centre, Cameron Highlands. This place brings a lot of memories because we had youth camp at the same place, twice, a number of years back. It was a great camp for me personally, because I see how God intervene into each of the programs and activities, I also see how God answered our prayer for those who are sick and not feeling well. We had Jacob to be the camp speaker and he was good with those young teenagers. I must thank Jacob for his effort, it wasn't easy to preach 5 sessions continously. I hope those teenagers learned not only from the preaching but also from the activity we had through the camp. Hope that they would live out those lessons and principles in everyday of thier life, because what they experienced in the camp is what they will be facing in their life, if not now, soon.

After the youth camp, the next was family trip to Turkey. This time round just dad, mom, Qin and me. The trip was nice, especially visiting the historical sites. But the food there... imagine I started to missed Malaysian food by the 3rd day of the trip. The rice comes in salty taste, and the deserts were super sweet. I enjoyed only the kebab and bread.

After the Turkey trip, the next was Christmas and preparing myself to start working in the church - which it's already the second week by now. Will post about my work in church soon. :)

So, I wonder, will I ever get another looong holiday like that again.

Reckless Driver and A Furious Man

2008-10-13T10:58:00.005+08:00

Last friday while I was driving on the North-South Highway, on my way back to KL. A car, Satria GTI, came from the back following very close to my car, and the next second, he gave a little bump at the back of my car. My goodness! What kind of stupid idiot driver! I was already driving at 100++ km/h and was trying to take over another car on the left side in order to let him pass. It was so dangerous! He just drove pass me and speed away. I tried to catch up but... my car is no competition with GTI.

Frankly, I was so ... so.... SO..... furiously mad and angry at that time and I forgetten to read his car number plate. I actually hoped that he will get into a car crash and die on the spot. (Lord have mercy and forgive me for such evil thought) Liz was in the car and I guess she must be shocked, not so much by that stupid idiot driver, but by my furious anger.

Friends, if you are reading this post. 2 things to be aware. Firstly, be careful of such reckless driver on the road, and remember to note down their car number if such thing happen to you. Secondly, beware of the 'evil' inside of you and ask God for forgiveness and cleansing.

"Love and pray for your enemy" - this is really a very very difficult thing to do. Quote Ms.Ho (my Church History and Christian Ethics lecturer), "Without grace of God, Christian life is not difficult, it's impossible."

Lord have mercy on me.

p/s: Thank God for His protection. Both me and Liz are fine, and the car back bumper just suffered a minor bend.

Faith, Facts and Feelings

2008-09-24T09:33:00.001+08:00

It's important to know the right facts in order to have the right faith, so that our faith would not be driven by feelings alone.

However, it's more important to have the right faith, because faith opens up our understanding to facts yet to be seen, and facts authenticate our feelings driven by our faith.

Truth and Reality

2008-08-29T23:00:00.008+08:00

Now only I realized, I actually wrote this last year in September, and it was kept as draft all this while.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Truth based on evident or faith?
Can Truth be proven by evidence?
If something is being proven with evident, therefore is truth?
If something cannot be proven by evidence, can it still be truth?
Can truth be accepted by faith?

What is proven with evident, is reality.
What can be seen with eyes, is real.
But what is not proven with evident, may not be unreal.
what eyes cannot see, may not be unreal.
Reality is something from the perpective of man on earth,
Truth is something from the perpective of God in Heaven.
Man can prove reality on earth, but cannot prove Truth in Heaven.
Truth is not the same as reality.
Man can depend on evident to prove reality,
but man can only depend on faith to show Truth.

What is Truth? What is reality?
Truth is reality, but reality may not be Truth.
Man may not be able to prove Truth by evident, but it does not mean is not a reality.
Man are able to prove reality by evident, but it does not mean is Truth.

In reality, death cannot be overcome for centuries.
but the Truth is, death had been overcome centuries ago.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I had a dream...

2008-08-29T22:21:00.006+08:00

This morning before I woke up, I was dreaming...

In my dream, someone very close to me (I mean very closely related to me... related in blood) accuse me of a murder case.

I was very very angry at the person for making such false accusation. The police came and detained me and was on the way sending me to lock-up for further investigation.

I was also very depressed, disappointed, feeling a sense of deep hurt, complaining to God that why does He allow such accusation upon me, why is it the person who are close to me making such false accusation upon me, and I remember, I said something like this with agony(in my dream), "Ok, just let me die and let my life end here."

Then in the police station, just as I was about to walk into the lock-up... I heard the song in the album Brand New World by Juwita Suwito, "Benediction" ...

"Now, unto Him who is able to keep.... able to keep me from falling..."

... it's my mobile phone alarm tone ... and I woke up.

I can only think of two possible factors which might have contributed to this dream,
1) too much of CounterStrike (which I have been playing lately) and
2) too much of "Psalm of Lament" (which I have been working on for my assignment)

2008-08-27T22:05:00.006+08:00

Many people says that God helps those who help themselves,

but the Bible says that God helps those who cannot help themselves.

"It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."

- quote Jesus (Mark 2:17) -

Enlighten Discipleship?

2008-08-13T08:59:00.015+08:00

God used life stories to teach and to train His chosen leaders.

Christ used life parables to teach and train His disciples.

Today,

we uses mechanical scientific appraoch and critical systematic method to teach and train church ministers.

And one wonder, why are there so many problems with the church today?

Truly Malaysian - Manglish

2008-08-11T12:21:00.007+08:00

I 'finally' get my car washed after... 7 months. :P

I noticed this board while I was waiting for my car. It display the kind of language I'm familiar with. My kind of laugange.

So, what's wrong with it? We read it, and we understands it. It manage to get their point across to people, and cars are 'packed' waiting to be washed. FYI, they did a great job cleaning my car. If you want to know where is it, look at the road sign.

The 'contextulized' language - Manglish, truly the Malaysian style. I like.

A role model - Christian, the lion.

2008-07-11T10:49:00.004+08:00

Information taken from wikipedia.

Christian was a lion purchased in 1969 by two Australians living in London, John Rendall and Anthony 'Ace' Bourke (sometimes erroneously cited as Ace Berg) — from Harrods department store.

Rendall, his girlfriend Jennifer Mary, Bourke and Unity Jones cared for the lion as it grew too large to remain their pet. After meeting Bill Travers and Virginia McKenna, who starred in the film Born Free, Rendall and Bourke agreed to have Christian sent to Kenya with the assistance of conservationist George Adamson — in order that Christian be rehabilitated into the wild at Kora National Reserve.

After Christian had been in Kenya a year, Rendall and Bourke returned and visited their former pet. The animal recognized them, reared up, grasped and nuzzled both Randell and Bourke. The following video of the event received widespread dissemination around 2007-2008, more than 35 years later.

Video taken from Godtube.com

This is really amazing to me. I thought to myself... if it was a man, the man would probably go insane in the wild and not recognizes his caretaker and master when he returns for visit.

Do we remember our Master? Will we recognizes Him when He returns? Will we run towards Him and grap Him, hug Him and kisses Him? Are we like Christian - the lion? Are we Christian?

God created man with the highest intelligent capability, but many times our intelligence got over ourselves, it blinded our heart. When that happens, should I say, "man becomes less than animals?!"

The Master desires your heart and not your head.

Beware that you only recognizes your Master with your head but not your heart!

STM Picnic 2008

2008-07-07T17:14:00.029+08:00

After 4 months of not updating any post on my blog, I've decided to post something up. As a statement of ... "I'm still alive! Channel [C] is still alive!"

Today is STM Picnic day. (A once in a year occasion where lecturers and students of STM goes somewhere to "hang-loose" together) This time around, the student body has decided to go to Sepang Gold Coast. (A place which I know it exist in Malaysia only last week when annoucement was made)

Thanks to all the students who put in much effort to plan and organize this outing. Appreciate the effort you guys put in.

The day started with "assembling the students and lecturers together," (A task more difficult then gathering the sunday school children) and organizing the cars to go in 4 groups of convoy. (20 cars!)

Photo: Road to Sepang Gold Coast

During the convoy journey, this is the car infront of mine,

which has a car sticker at the back mirror that says,

"I'm the princess. We'll do it my way."

Guess who is the princess?!

Video: Road to Sepang Gold Coast

*don't ask how I took those photos and videos

Sepang Gold Coast: Getting ready to start

We started with 2 songs of praise and follow by competition among the pastoral group in "building Noah's Ark." Again, I must emphasize this... getting the attention of STM students is more challenging than getting the attention of sunday school children. The game master had to take 20mins to explain the game, due to hyper-active aged-kids (STM students...) playing, talking and doing their own things.

The Noah's Ark we made. Specially dedicated to our pastoral group lecturer, Dr. Lim Kar Yong. We gave it a name, Dr. Lim's Honeymoon. Er.. as to why the skull? erm... Dr.Lim is a pirate?! :P

Photo: "The Ark" in action

Video: "The Ark" in action

By 1.00pm, we were led to a restaurant near by for lunch. (Which is another challenge of guiding 20 cars to the restaurant - a place un-known by most people) Well, along the way, some cars went missing, but thank God for handphones ... those "lost sheeps" were found in the end. (If you are asking how on earth did He used handphones to find back those who got lost? I must say, I have no idea, He is just... God.)

On the way for lunch

Lunch time

After the lunch (quite a nice lunch I must say, cause I ate 3 bowls of rice. Have not been eating that much rice at one go for a long while), a large group of the students and lecturers went off back to STM, but quite a number decided to go for "an educational trip" to visit the near by mushroom farm.

The girl explains the mushroom production process, and Daniel helps to translate (the all time favourite translator). But due to the many "specialized mushroom production terms," the girl had to translate it herself later. :P

An eye opener to Tongkat Ali for me. Guess who's leg is it, and I'll buy you tongkat ali if you got the answer right. After eating this, you either become "superman" or you will find yourself lying on a hospital bed. Most likely the later would happen.

Initially planned to visit also a fishball manufacturing place, but we found out that it was closed when we arrived there. Then we thought of having some 'mui choi bau,' but found out that it's sold out. Well, the next agenda was to go back to STM.

BUT!... my STM Picnic 2008 did not just end like that. It ended with DURIANS! Guess where I had durians with few other students and Rabbi? ...... Nope, not Tanjung Sepang ......

Blossom, Seremban......

Walk, Talk, and the Great Commission

2008-02-29T11:02:00.007+08:00

Some people may be well capable of talking the walk, but yet having difficulties in walking the talk.

However, some people are able in walking the talk, but are not capable of talking the walk.

Then the question is, what is the Great Commission about?

I believe it is about teaching people to walk the talk. Eventhough a person may not be capable of talking the walk, but the whole idea is that the person are walking the talk.

Then question is, how can we take part in the Great Commission?

I believe it is by walking with people, not just talking with people.

This is discipleship.

Jesus, please help me to be willing.

Owner, stewards, the coming Kingdom of Heaven

2008-02-28T15:51:00.006+08:00

Ownership and stewardship, is there a major different? Yes, I would have to say a big YES!

Ownership means that you have the right to keep it to you personally and not share it with others, you have the right to do whatever you want and whatever you like to the thing you own, yet not let anyone knows what you are doing with it. You will have the right to do so and yet no one has the right to say anything, as long as you do not hurt other people and the environment. You can have your own little or big secret with the things you own and no one have the right to demand an explanation of what you do with the thing you own, even if you are doing something extremely wrong with it. As long as you are not doing something upon others with the thing you own. You have the right to keep it to yourself. You owned the thing.

However, stewardship means that the thing is place under your care and supervision for a period of time, it does not belong to you, it belongs to and is still owned by the owner. Therefore you have no rights to do anything as you like and as you want with the thing in your hand except what the owner assigned you to do. You have to get permission from the owner for doing anything with and upon the things that is entrusted into your hand. Can you keep the thing personally to yourself and not share it with others? You have to ask the owner if you can do so. Can you use it in whatever means for your own purposes? You have to ask the owner. Can you keep it as a secret that the thing is in your hand? You have to ask the owner. Can you keep secret about the thing entrusted to you? Yes, if the owner say so. Can you make known to and go around sharing in public about the thing entrusted to you? Yes, if the owner say so. Everything that you want to do upon or with the thing in your hand, you must ask for permission and approval from the owner.

Then the question is, are we given ownership to what is in our hand, or are we given stewardship?

I believe we are all given stewardship, by the Owner, entrusted to us. To care and supervise it, to use it in the way the Owner wants. I believe the Owner wants us to share it with others, not keep it a secret. I believe the Owner wants us to use it in a way which it would help others. I believe the Owner wants us to use it so that its value is multiplied, its usefullness maximized. I believe the Owner wants us to be transparent with the thing He entrusted to us, so that we can help each other to achieve the purpose, the purpose of Him entrusting us with what is in our hand. I believe we are called to be steward of what is in our hand, not owner.

One thing I’m certain, that the day will come whereby the Owner will return and settle account with us. In that day, may we all be found faithful in the eyes of the Owner and be invited to share His happiness. This is the coming of the Kingdom of Heaven.

What are the things and "things" entrusted into your hands today?

Give me the simple life

2007-11-07T14:31:00.000+08:00

I'm not helping to promote the company, but 'the simple life'. Can life really be this simple? Yes, we must strive towards it. The days will come when life becomes fully this simple, when all creation are living simply in peace and harmony together, even singing songs together.

I don't believe in frettin' and grievin';
Why mess around with strife?
I never was cut out to step and strut out.
Give me the simple life.

Some like the high road, I like the low road,
Free from the care and strife.
Sounds corny and seedy, but yes, indeed-y;
Give me the simple life.

ISA 65:25
The wolf and the lamb will feed together,
and the lion will eat straw like the ox,
but dust will be the serpent's food.
They will neither harm nor destroy
on all my holy mountain,"
says the LORD.

Just accompany her

2007-10-09T00:10:00.000+08:00

How do you respond to a 50 plus years old single lady, who is taking care of a 90 years old man, whom is not her real father, when she is sharing with you about her struggles in life? She is no longer working. She can only take care of the old man everyday. She tries to go to church on Sunday, but at times she can't because she can not leave the old man alone. Some church members visits her once in a while, but she don't feel comfortable because her father would act funny in front of people.

She said she thought of ending her own life, she question God "Why did God let her father live such a long age?" She probably felt meaningless and emptines in her life.

I must admit, I responded foolishly.

"Well, aunty, all Christian struggles."

"Hm... God surely has His purpose for letting uncle (her father) live so long."

I would say Liz responded wisely. She just listen attentively.

I realized, aunty just need someone to accompany her.

Asian being Christian

2007-09-27T15:28:00.000+08:00

It's was quite an inspiring message this morning in the STM Community Service. The speaker painted a picture of the movement/spread of Christianity throughout the world. From the beginning in the Jewish nations, to the nations of Roman Empire,to the European nations, and today, the centre of Christianity is in Asia, Latin America, Africa.

He challenges us to "Asianize" Christianity. What it means to be Christian in Asia? What it means for Asian to be a disciple of Jesus Christ? The current Christianity that we have in Asia are still very much embodied as an European and western practise.

How can Asian rise up and present to the world a different perspective in understanding Christianity, in knowing God, in living a life of truth and freedom? The spread of Christianity to Asia, from European and western world, was made possible during the colonial age. During the colonial age, the european and western nations came to Asia with economical strength and political power, and Chrsitianity spread in such a context where Asia was not strong in economy and politics.

Today, the European and western nations are still very much influential in the world, both economically and politically. Though there are Asian countries rising up, increasingly stronger and more influential in these two areas, but still the 'gaints' are the European and western countries.

In such context, will Asian be able to present an Asian understanding of Christianity to the world? Will Asian be able to influence and bring about renewal to Christianity worldwide? Yes, if we can see what is lacking in the European and western world - strength and power in Spirituality.

Asians have always been living with a conscious mind about Spirituality, and this can be the approach for Asians to present a different understanding of Christianity to the world. It may probably bring renewal to the entire Christian faith throughout the world.

We can see the hunger and thirst of the western and European countries in the area of spiritual renewal. One example is the 'phenomenal' spread of Transcendental Meditation in America. The economical and political growth in European and western countries has cause many to live with complexity, stress and hypertension. Everyone are seeking for spiritual relief from 'spiritual gurus', hoping to obtain relieve out of the hectic lifestyle.

Though Asians are not as strong and powerful in economical and political influence as the Europeans and westerns, but Asians are not as complex and complicated as them as well. And it is precisely in SIMPLICITY that one would grow in Spiritual strength. Asians are (supposely) simple in living, strong in Spiritual aspect of life. However, it is sad to say, that Christianity in Asia has adopted the "Enlightened Christianity" (effects of The Enlightenment upon Christians), and has not been growing or, may I say, "metamorph" from it. In fact, we are getting ourselves into a life of complexity and complication, not only in our daily life, more so in our Christian faith and in our church. We seems to be 'catching up' with the European and western world, but in doing so, we are also 'falling off' from God's blessings.

Christians of Asia, let us get back to what God has bless us - strength in being conscious about Spiritual life. God is Spirit, and we are to worship Him in Spirit and in truth, not with economical strength and political power.

Let the "weak" says, 'I am strong,' let the "poor" says, 'I am rich!'

Beauty and Creativity with Mathemathic!

2007-09-27T10:23:00.000+08:00

Since I have not update anything on my blog for a long time. So I thought that this might be something interesting to share. My friend forwarded me this email, which I think it's really a beauty and more so, creative! Mathematics and numbers is never just about 'dead formulas'.

------------------------------------------------------

1 x 8 + 1 = 9

12 x 8 + 2 = 98

123 x 8 + 3 = 987

1234 x 8 + 4 = 9876

12345 x 8 + 5 = 98765

123456 x 8 + 6 = 987654

1234567 x 8 + 7 = 9876543

12345678 x 8 + 8 = 98765432

123456789 x 8 + 9 = 987654321

1 x 9 + 2 = 11

12 x 9 + 3 = 111

123 x 9 + 4 = 1111

1234 x 9 + 5 = 11111

12345 x 9 + 6 = 111111

123456 x 9 + 7 = 1111111

1234567 x 9 + 8 = 11111111

12345678 x 9 + 9 = 111111111

123456789 x 9 +10= 1111111111

9 x 9 + 7 = 88

98 x 9 + 6 = 888

987 x 9 + 5 = 8888

9876 x 9 + 4 = 88888

98765 x 9 + 3 = 888888

987654 x 9 + 2 = 8888888

9876543 x 9 + 1 = 88888888

98765432 x 9 + 0 = 888888888

Brilliant, isn't it? And look at this symmetry:

1 x 1 = 1

11 x 11 = 121

111 x 111 = 12321

1111 x 1111 = 1234321

11111 x 11111 = 123454321

111111 x 111111 = 12345654321

1111111 x 1111111 = 1234567654321

11111111 x 11111111 = 123456787654321

111111111 x 111111111= 12345678987654321

Now, take a look at this... 101%

From a strictly mathematical viewpoint:

What Equals 100%? What does it mean to give MORE than 100%?

Ever wonder about those people who say they are giving more than 100%? We have all been in situations where someone wants you to GIVE OVER 100%.

How about ACHIEVING 101%? What equals 100% in life?

Here's a little mathematical formula that might help answer these questions:

If: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Is represented as: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26.

If:

H-A-R-D-W-O-R- K

8+1+18+4+23+15+18+11 = 98%

And:

K-N-O-W-L-E-D-G-E

11+14+15+23+12+5+4+7+5 = 96%

But:

A-T-T-I-T-U-D-E

1+20+20+9+20+21+4+5 = 100%

THEN, look how far the love of God will take you:

L-O-V-E-O-F-G-O-D

12+15+22+5+15+6+7+15+4 = 101%

Therefore, one can conclude with mathematical certainty that: While Hard Work and Knowledge will get you close, and Attitude will get you there, It's the Love of God that will put you over the top!

------------------------------------------------------------------

Image of Jesus Christ?

2007-08-23T22:58:00.000+08:00

News taken from http://asia.news.yahoo.com/070823/ap/d8r6nic01.html

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Thursday August 23, 8:08 PM
Malaysian Paper Apology for Jesus Image

A newspaper catering to Malaysia's ethnic Indians published a front-page apology Thursday for printing an image of Jesus Christ holding a cigarette.

Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi criticized the action as hurtful and an insult to Christians, and called on people not to play with religion, the national news agency Bernama reported.
"If the Christians get to know about it, it will create problems," Abdullah was quoted as saying. "I remind them again to stop doing this."

S.M. Periasamy, general manager of the Tamil-language daily Makkal Osai, told The Associated Press that the newspaper published the image by mistake.
"The graphic artist, whom we have already suspended, didn't see the cigarette," Periasamy said. "It was a mistake."

He said the artist downloaded an image of Jesus from the Internet for use along with a quote from the Bible on the paper's front page Tuesday. But the artist overlooked the fact that the image had been, with a cigarette in one hand and another object _ a can or a book _ in the other, he said.

Kuala Lumpur Archbishop Murphy Pakiam, who earlier criticized the image as a "desecration," accepted the newspaper's apology. In an e-mail to Periasamy, the archbishop's office said Pakiam now "considers the matter closed."

However, the Malaysian Indian Congress, a party in Malaysia's ruling coalition, filed a police report and called on the government to close the paper, which has generally been critical of the MIC.

"It's a very serious issue. For certain things you can apologize, but for this kind of sensitive issue, the editor should be sacked and the paper closed," senior party official T. Mohan told the AP.

Makkal Osai is one of two newspapers catering to Malaysia's largely Tamil-speaking ethnic Indians. The other is aligned to the MIC.

Ethnic Indians comprise 10 percent of Malaysia's 26 million people, and are mostly Hindus with a sprinkling of Christians and Muslims; Chinese, who follow Christianity and Buddhism, 25 percent; Malay Muslims, 60 percent.

------------------------------------------------------------------

The question I have in mind would be, "Will this spoil the image and reputation of Christ?" Maybe, and may be not.

For people who are naive and do not know and have never heard of Christ before, maybe. To these group of people, I hope this would get you interested to know more about Christ. I strongly encourage you to find out more about who Christ really is.

To people who already know who Christ is, probably not. To you whom already know Christ, I hope you would not 'over react' towards the mistake of the newspaper press and the graphic artist.

I think Archbishop Murphy Pakiam had really responded wisely. If the newspaper press and the artist had sincerely apologized, we all should also forgive them and consider the matter closed. Lets not respond in the same way as how others had reponded when it happened to them. Christ showed grace, forgiveness and love, let us do the same just as He did.

Christ has been through humiliation, and being treated much worse than this before, however He victor in the end after the whole situation.

The great concern I have is also for you who 'proclaimed to know Christ'. I would say an image of Jesus Christ holding a cigarette being published in the newspaper does no greater harm and humiliation than a Christian themselves holding a cigarette, puffing your life out in public. Many times we are so concern of the images of Jesus Christ being misuse, and we make a big fuss out of it, but have we ever show the same concern of the "real life image of Jesus Christ", which is Christians ourselves, mis-representing Christ?

Lets take a serious look at our own life. Have our life portray the image of Jesus Christ? Can the others see Jesus Christ in us and through us? Have we ever 'make a big fuss' out of ourselves when we know that we are 'mis-using' ourselves as the image of Jesus Christ.

People would not come to conclusion about Jesus Christ when they see an image of Jesus Christ holding a cigarette in the papers, but people would definately make a conclusion about Christianity when they see us.

A day with too much of Singapor... & eans

2007-08-17T01:42:00.000+08:00

Today, I 'finally' started to read through Sherman's article, which was given to us much much earlier as a reference for our Asian Theology assignment. Its about the modernity in Singapore.

Some how as I was reading the article and talking with my friend in the afternoon, a pastor's wife came into our conversation, and I was 'introduced' to an 'interesting' MTV called "China Wine" in YouTube.

NO WAY I'm gonna put it on my blog!

View it at your own risk:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Twxf2LraoEE

How on earth is this "China Wine" going to be a testimony for God? Chine wine rather than communion wine?! Please don't even mention about 'evangelistic tool'.

Then just as I was about to check my emails before I got to sleep (supposely now). I saw this news.

-------------------------------
News taken from http://asia.news.yahoo.com/070817/5/singapore294386.html

Friday August 17, 1:17 AM
M'sian delegation in S'pore to learn about housing, social developments

SINGAPORE : A 40-strong delegation from Malaysia is here on a two-day visit to learn about Singapore's housing and social development policies.

The group is led by Malaysian Deputy Minister of Federal Territories, Wira Abu Seman Yusop.
Their first stop was the Malay Heritage Centre in Kampong Glam.
The visitors were given an insight into the lives of Malays in Singapore's multi-racial society.
The group said it would like to learn from Singapore's experience on how to strengthen social cohesion among its people.

The delegates also visited the Urban Development Authority and Housing & Development Board. - CNA /ls
-------------------------------

Now, where is Malaysia heading towards?
I hope that there would not be any news which leads me to ask the question 'Now where is Malaysia Christians heading towards?
Oh!!! I think I just did.

Need another thesis to be nailed?!

2007-07-26T13:40:00.000+08:00

Ecclesiology Lecture Reflection 4

I'm just thinking, probably Martin Luther would be quite sad and disappointed if he is around to look at the state of the church today. Maybe he might even write another thesis and start another reformation, but the question is, the door of which church would he nail the thesis this time? Because there are so many different doors around.

I think he would be sad and disaapointed not only because the church are so disunited, but probably also because the church are still 'corrupted', if not, more 'corrupted' than the church that he protested against in his days.

'Corrupt' not just in the sense of financial and money (it may be part of it though), but more of what the church has became, and becoming. Ask any Christian if they would say or even feel that the church is HOLY, as in a sense of awe and reverence, be it referring to 'the place of worship' or 'the community of Christ', most probably we are able to say "yes" out of a theory or preposition, but deep inside we know that many have not really experience the true HOLINESS. The 'corrupt' here, refers to a corruption of moral ethics in our daily life, refers also to corruption in the attitude towards God and men in our worship.

Today, would a person sense the Holiness of God when he sits among fellow Christians? Today would a person experience the Reverence of God when he stands among fellow worshippers? Would someone feels and sense an unexplainable stillness and peace when he enters into the community of Christ? Would the person be in awe with joy in the church?

Today, a sense of identification with the world. Today an experience of emotional high. Feeling a sense of unexplainable restlessness. People continues to worry and remain disillusion.

So, any thesis to be nailed?

One is many and many is one?

2007-07-20T02:03:00.000+08:00

How many person you see?

Ecclesiology Lecture Reflection 3

One is Three and Three is One, He is God.

One is many and many is one, she is the Church? But all I see is many, I can't see one. Have we misrepresented God?

Personally, I find difficulties in making a statement such as "Christians are united as one." How can I say so when everyone can see it with thier bare eyes that Christians are so disintergrated, let alone united. If someone ask me, why is there so many different Christian Churches? What is the difference? I think it will take a whole day to explain clearly to the person, because it is a long long history.

Some people may say, "Christians are united in heart and spirit." Probably that is just an excuse of not being able to face the fact. How can Christians be united in heart and spirit, when you hear some pastors or preachers speaking against another church and the pastor of another church?

Sometimes I would think, how is God feeling when He look at His church today? Last time i used to think that it maybe God's plan to spread the Gospel through out the world, but on second thought, "spreading the Gospel through disunity?!" It doesn't really make sense. Or is it that only me seeing it through human eyes and human perpective that this is disunity? I really don't know.

Can't wait to see the presentation from either Uncle Charles or Lee Yng in responding to this question.

This December in cinema, The Golden Compass.

2007-07-09T23:37:00.000+08:00

Another great movie by New Line Cinema coming soon this December.

I search out some information about the story and the author of the story, and I found that there are some element in the story/movie which might get people into discussion about God and Christianity.

http://www.surefish.co.uk/culture/features/pullman_interview.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/His_Dark_Materials

Read up if you are interested to know a bit more.

Colony of the Kingdom of God?

2007-07-03T23:54:00.000+08:00

Ecclesiology Lecture Reflection 2

Why are we driving on the left side of the road and not the right? I clearly remember this question post by my pastor during one of his preaching in the sunday service. The answer is simply because our courtry was under the British rulers before the independence day. Malaysia was colonized by the British in many ways. In our social life, in our educational systems, even in our triffic system as mentioned. We reflects the "British".

I was not in the lecture last Friday, but I a was reading through the notes given by my lecturer. I was reminded of the sermon my pastor preached. He was preaching about "Your Kingdom come" and he said that Christians are to 'colonized' this world which we are living in, in ways of economy, education, culture etc.

I believe we indeed should 'colonized' this world with the culture and lifestyle of the Kingdom of God, 'colonized' in the sense to live what we - the church - truly are, people of covenant with God, being the sign of the Kingdom. We should be reflecting the "Kingdom". How have we done in reflecting and showing the true identity of the church? I would say, "we have been doing a bad job in colonizing the world."

Here, I remember the Israelites entering into the land of Canaan. They are to 'colonized' Canaan but they gradually failed to do so. God was looking if there are any 'remnants' so that Israelite be spare from the wrath of God.

Are we the remnants God looking for? Are we the few who are willing to 'colonized' this world? Are we living in reflection of the Kingdom of God?

Task of human dignity. Communal Responsibility.

2007-06-28T16:12:00.000+08:00

This is a short article a church member emailed me.
---
Taking the Next Step - by Oswald Chambers

. . . in much patience, in tribulations, in needs, in distresses —2 Corinthians 6:4

When you have no vision from God, no enthusiasm left in your life, and no one watching and encouraging you, it requires the grace of Almighty God to take the next step in your devotion to Him, in the reading and studying of His Word, in your family life, or in your duty to Him. It takes much more of the grace of God, and a much greater awareness of drawing upon Him, to take that next step, than it does to preach the gospel.

Every Christian must experience the essence of the incarnation by bringing the next step down into flesh-and-blood reality and by working it out with his hands. We lose interest and give up when we have no vision, no encouragement, and no improvement, but only experience our everyday life with its trivial tasks.

The thing that really testifies for God and for the people of God in the long run is steady perseverance, even when the work cannot be seen by others. And the only way to live an undefeated life is to live looking to God. Ask God to keep the eyes of your spirit open to the risen Christ, and it will be impossible for drudgery to discourage you.

Never allow yourself to think that some tasks are beneath your dignity or too insignificant for you to do, and remind yourself of the example of Christ in John 13:1-17 .

---

This is my personal reflection as a response.
~~~

There are tasks which are truly beneath human dignity, too insignificant for you, him, her or me to do when the task is seen as a personal responsibility, when the task is seen as assigned solely to individual. Such tasks make a person feel isolated and unaccepted.

No wonder the vision of God is fading, enthusiasm is falling, courage is failing, because the tasks were never meant to be a personal ownership.

Yes, "the thing that really testifies for God and for the people of God in the long run is steady perseverance", but this long run was never meant to be an individual journey. It's suppose to be a run of community, a run as a communal body. Even the work cannot be seen by others, but the fruit of the work should be seen by all others, so that in the end no one could claim the glory, so that all others would only see the communal body, the body of Christ, the Creator of this journey.

When each individual is accepted just as he is, when each person is loved just as she is, he or she will no longer feels that the task is insignificant. When each task is seen as a communal responsibility, when each task is seen as assigned wholly to Christ's community. Such tasks become a wonderful human dignity.

Then the vision of God will become clear, enthusiasm will rise, courage will grow, because now, the tasks belongs to all, the tasks belong to Christ and His body.

Yes, we need to take the next step in our devotion to Him, in the reading and studying of His Word, in our family life, or in our duty to Him. That's why in the grace of Almighty God, He has given us each other. So that in our ugliness and weakness, we know we are not higher than the other. In our beauty and strength, we know it is because of each other. In our differences, we rubbed shoulders with one another, but if we are able to be seen as union-ly one still, it means we are really taking the next step.

The task of Jesus Christ was beneath all human dignity, it was so insignificant in the eyes of the His disciples, in the eyes of people, in the eyes of the world. But Jesus knows the task was not to His own, it also belonged to the Father and the Spirit. The task was a communal responsibility.

Now the task is ours, together with Him. The task is a communal responsibility. When we are able to live out this communal responsibility, the gospel is preached, because people sees the communion of the Trinitarian God.

Does not mean I worship...

2007-06-22T13:41:00.000+08:00

Ecclesiology Lecture Reflection 1

As the discussion in the class was going on, I can't help to recall a question asked by one of my aunty, who is a very devoted Catholic. She asked "Why did the Protestant church neglected mother Mary, the very lady who gave birth to Jesus?"

I hope I responded wisely and correctly then, saying "She was not neglected, we recognised her and all that she has gone through. We remember her and appreciate her, we just don't worship her."

I don't know much about Roman Catholics, the purpose of them having figures of Mary and Saints in church and at home. But I was thinking, can it be a kind of expression of showing deep respect and appreciation to such people of the pass who have played a major role and made such a big difference in the history of Christianity, and also in fulfilling the will of God?

Many of us, especially from the chinese tradition, we have our grandfather, or even great grand father's picture display at home, eventhough they had passed away long time ago. It's an expression of rememberance, appreciation and respect to them of thier love and effort in what they have achieved for the family. I believe so, that some people would even 'mumble' a few words to them in heart or when are alone, especially in times of need, in times when the anchestors are deeply missed.

So, I'm just thinking having figures like of Mary, Saints, anyone, it does not necessary mean that we are worshipping him or her. In fact, it may be a good way for us to recall what God has done in and through the life of such people, in order that we may be reminded the grace and mercy, justice and righteousness, love and soreignty of God.

I think when we are able to think like that, the distance and differences between both churches would be draw much closer.

It's sad somehow, I still have to say "both churches" when there should be only One.

Taboo Game

2007-06-18T10:47:00.000+08:00

Taboo is a word guessing party game commercially available from Hasbro. The object of the game is for a player to have their partner guess the word on their card without using the word itself or five additional words listed on the card.

- taken from wikipedia

Valid only in Taboo

What is the next acedemic level after A Level ? B Level - qoute Rajan

What is the past tense of 'Go' ? 'Gone' - qoute Charles and Rajan

Tips for Taboo

For the word 'Exchange' - You have an apple, I have an orange, you want my orange, I want your apple, so we...? by Liz

Young, but courages and bold

2007-06-18T10:04:00.000+08:00

It's really encourages me seeing the few youth leaders, sitting round together, speaking thier hearts and mind out to each other. Though there are still issues left unspoken, but i believe it's a good start for a process of reconciliation and restoration of friendship. I'm truly glad that they have learned and understood that friendship is important, and that relationship must be restored. Keep in mind, it's ridiculous when relationship are broken to advance ministry, for the purpose of every ministry is to restore relationship.

I would say that simple act of willing to sit down, face to face with each other to talk things out, and humility of saying 'sorry' to one another, expressing acceptance of each other, these are misnitry, these are act of muture people. These act of humility and acceptance are what many adults can't even do.

I'm truly encouraged by all your courage and boldness, to humble down ownself and accepted each other, knowing that "you are better than me", "I need you, we need each other".

Let's continue to have this courage, courage to restore relationship, starting with ourselves, begins with our relationship. This is ministry.

Father, how are You feeling?

2007-05-30T01:55:00.000+08:00

Father, when You look at Your church today. Are You glad with what You see?

Is it because I do not know the church You wanted that I'm feeling sad when I look at it. We claimed that we all belongs to You, but we are so divided. I'm sad when it's beginning to happen even among the young people.

How can we say we love others, when we cannot even love our own brothers and sisters? Is not like they do not believe in You. Neither are they neglecting the Commission You gave us. It is simply differences in personal preference. We are simply good at difference things but neither is more superior to the other.

It's ironic when the very thing that we are trying so hard to build turns up to be the very thing which destroy it.

We all are trying hard to obey the Great Commision, but in doing so has disobey the Great Commandment.

We all are trying all that we can to please God, but in doing so we displeased Him the most.

We all are trying our best to glorify God, but in doing so we actually have glorify ourself more.

What are ministry for? It's to heal and restore people with people and people with God. However, we've been so caught up in building 'ministry' that we have forget the very purpose of it's existence. We have forgo reconciling and restoring relationship while we are trying hard to build up 'ministry'. We say we want to restore others, but we rejects each other.

What is the intention and motive deep inside ourself? Is it really to obey and glorify Him? Or is it for our own security and identity?

Father please forgive us. We have been ignorance and selfish.

Father please have mercy on us. We have used Your name for our own agenda.

Father please continue to be gracious to us. We need Your touch once again.

Father please guide us. We have misrepresent You and Your Kingdom.

Father please teach us. We need Your way and Your truth.

Father please do not depart from us. We need You.