:P
Saturday, January 28, 2006
Thursday, January 26, 2006
Gong Xi Fa Cai
To all my family, friends, faithful readers and those who drop by this blog accidentally, a very Happy Chinese New Year to you. May your year be prosperous as the Lord enables and blesses you. Have a good holiday, and remember to drive safe!
新年快乐!
恭喜发财!
年年有余!
恭喜发财!
年年有余!
Tuesday, January 24, 2006
Random post...
Don't really know why, but even with the current temperature:
IT JUST FEELS SO HOT! Air-cond in the office is the set to the max and yet it feels like Arizona in the summer. I guess this gotta have something to do with Chinese New Year being around the corner... sigh...
IT JUST FEELS SO HOT! Air-cond in the office is the set to the max and yet it feels like Arizona in the summer. I guess this gotta have something to do with Chinese New Year being around the corner... sigh...
Monday, January 23, 2006
Passion's "How Great is Our God"
| Many of you know that I'm a Passion Worship Band fan, and I can't wait for their latest album, which is currently in the making after their 2006 Passion Conference, to be released in March of this year. Apparently, some of their songs are out on iTunes, but being in Malaysia does not allow you to buy it from there. However, the album depicted on the left is from their 2005 conference, which was held in New York. This album entitled "How Great is Our God: Live Worship from Passion 05" also includes a DVD that contains some background info about the conference as well as a sermon by Louie Giglio. |
Sunday, January 22, 2006
The Jesus I Never Knew - Philip Yancey
I'm currently reading Philip Yancey's 'The Jesus I Never Knew" and have already learned so much from the first few chapters. I'm not even halfway yet, but the amount of insight gathered from this material is incredible. This is a must-read book for those of you who are still contemplating whether the book is worth the buy. |
Some interesting links...
Here're some interesting links that're worth your time...
http://www.joshuaproject.net/
http://www.268generation.com/2.0/splash5.htm
Don't worry... these are not prank websites.. :P
http://www.joshuaproject.net/
http://www.268generation.com/2.0/splash5.htm
Don't worry... these are not prank websites.. :P
Saturday, January 21, 2006
On this day...
On this day of January 22nd in...
- 1843 Birth of Friedrich Wilhelm Blass, German biblical philologist. His 1896 "Grammar of New Testament Greek" became a foundational work in New Testament studies, and is still in print.
- 1855 Birth of Carrie Ellis Breck, American Presbyterian poet. Several of her verses later became hymns, including "Help Somebody Today" and "Face to Face with Christ My Savior."
- 1882 The Fifth Street Presbyterian Church of Troy, New York, became the first church in America to be illuminated by electric lighting.
- 1939 Uranium atom 1st split, Columbia University
- 1945 Heavy US air raid on Okinawa
- 1963 Swiss Reformed theologian Karl Barth wrote in a letter: 'In Jesus Christ, God and man...are already at peace, not as enemies but as true companions. In Him salvation is already present and at work.'
- 1971 John & Yoko record "Power to the People"
- 1977 Birth of Christ-passionate, people-focused, multi-talented, world's-greatest-cook, hyper-thoughtful, present day missionary, most-beautiful-in-my-eyes, and my wife-to-be, Angeline Yong.
Can Christians Be Held Hostage by the Sins of the Beloved?
Excerpted from A Godward Life, Book One and A Godward Life, Book Two, 1999 by John Piper
Can Christians Be Held Hostage by the Sins of the Beloved?
When Is Mercy Merry and When Does It Mourn?
The Sins of those we love can be as painful as the labor of childbearing. I have seen women who labored so long and hard that blood vessels broke in their faces, only to be relieved by a cesarean delivery. Paul groaned over the imperfections of his spiritual children. "My children, with whom I am again in labor until Christ is formed in you... I am perplexed about you" (Galatians 4:19-20).
Not only that, we know that Jesus himself wept over the sins of Jerusalem: "When He approached Jerusalem, He saw the city and wept over it" (Luke 19:41). Yes, and even the Holy Spirit can be grieved by our sinful speech: "Let no evil talk come out of your mouths... Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, in whom you were sealed for the day of redemption" (Ephesians 4:29-30, RSV).
But here's a question: Should the sins of others hold us hostage in the prison of sorrow? In one sense, sorrow over another person's sins is a mark of compassion and love. We long for them to be holy and pure in heart, because "the pure in heart…will see God" (Matthew 5:8). So our sadness is evidence of longing that others would know the fullness of joy that comes with righteousness and peace: "The kingdom of God is... righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit" (Romans 14:17). Surely, then, this sadness of ours is a form of love.
On the other hand, there is something very wrong, it seems, if sinning people have power to steal our joy by their own sinful choices. This is, in fact, a kind of blackmail. "If you claim to love us, you must pay for our sin with a broken heart." Well, yes... and no. God does not put the strings of our hearts in the hands of sinners. He puts them in the hands of Jesus, who loves sinners. And this Jesus says, "These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full" (John 15:11).
The same Jesus who wept over Jerusalem's sinfulness rejoiced over the sovereign hand of God in choosing who would see and who would remain blind: "[Jesus] rejoiced greatly in the Holy Spirit, and said, 'I praise You, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and intelligent and have revealed them to infants'" (Luke 10:21). In other words, even in his weeping over Jerusalem, there was an unshakable joy in the purposes of God being worked out in the world. Jerusalem could not blackmail Jesus with her backsliding.
Similarly, Jesus gives us that same unshakable joy: "Your heart will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you" (John 16:22, RSV). No one can take us hostage by sin and steal our joy, demanding a ransom of Christian misery. No one can blackmail the saints of God with bad behavior and threaten to nullify our love if we will not pay up with the sacrifice of our joy. If our joy is lost, Christ is belittled, and what then has love to offer the beloved sinner?
How then shall we love sinners? Shall we be indifferent to their sin and peril? No. Let us not be content with sins, but let us be content with God in relation to sinners. Can you distinguish between being content in circumstances but not being content with circumstances? Can you imagine weeping over a wayward son and resting in the sovereign goodness of God who does all things well (Mark 7:37)?
May God give us the solid joy of Christ, even as we mourn over those who will not share it but cannot steal it. For God "accomplishes all things according to the counsel of his will," and he is good (Ephesians 1:11, RSV; Psalm 100:5).
Can Christians Be Held Hostage by the Sins of the Beloved?
When Is Mercy Merry and When Does It Mourn?
The Sins of those we love can be as painful as the labor of childbearing. I have seen women who labored so long and hard that blood vessels broke in their faces, only to be relieved by a cesarean delivery. Paul groaned over the imperfections of his spiritual children. "My children, with whom I am again in labor until Christ is formed in you... I am perplexed about you" (Galatians 4:19-20).
Not only that, we know that Jesus himself wept over the sins of Jerusalem: "When He approached Jerusalem, He saw the city and wept over it" (Luke 19:41). Yes, and even the Holy Spirit can be grieved by our sinful speech: "Let no evil talk come out of your mouths... Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, in whom you were sealed for the day of redemption" (Ephesians 4:29-30, RSV).
But here's a question: Should the sins of others hold us hostage in the prison of sorrow? In one sense, sorrow over another person's sins is a mark of compassion and love. We long for them to be holy and pure in heart, because "the pure in heart…will see God" (Matthew 5:8). So our sadness is evidence of longing that others would know the fullness of joy that comes with righteousness and peace: "The kingdom of God is... righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit" (Romans 14:17). Surely, then, this sadness of ours is a form of love.
On the other hand, there is something very wrong, it seems, if sinning people have power to steal our joy by their own sinful choices. This is, in fact, a kind of blackmail. "If you claim to love us, you must pay for our sin with a broken heart." Well, yes... and no. God does not put the strings of our hearts in the hands of sinners. He puts them in the hands of Jesus, who loves sinners. And this Jesus says, "These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full" (John 15:11).
The same Jesus who wept over Jerusalem's sinfulness rejoiced over the sovereign hand of God in choosing who would see and who would remain blind: "[Jesus] rejoiced greatly in the Holy Spirit, and said, 'I praise You, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and intelligent and have revealed them to infants'" (Luke 10:21). In other words, even in his weeping over Jerusalem, there was an unshakable joy in the purposes of God being worked out in the world. Jerusalem could not blackmail Jesus with her backsliding.
Similarly, Jesus gives us that same unshakable joy: "Your heart will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you" (John 16:22, RSV). No one can take us hostage by sin and steal our joy, demanding a ransom of Christian misery. No one can blackmail the saints of God with bad behavior and threaten to nullify our love if we will not pay up with the sacrifice of our joy. If our joy is lost, Christ is belittled, and what then has love to offer the beloved sinner?
How then shall we love sinners? Shall we be indifferent to their sin and peril? No. Let us not be content with sins, but let us be content with God in relation to sinners. Can you distinguish between being content in circumstances but not being content with circumstances? Can you imagine weeping over a wayward son and resting in the sovereign goodness of God who does all things well (Mark 7:37)?
May God give us the solid joy of Christ, even as we mourn over those who will not share it but cannot steal it. For God "accomplishes all things according to the counsel of his will," and he is good (Ephesians 1:11, RSV; Psalm 100:5).
Friday, January 20, 2006
The Sovereignity of God
When the oceans rise and thunders roar
I will soar with you above the storm
Father you are king over the flood
I will be still and know you are God
-Lyrics from "Still" by Hillsong
5 years ago, I made a decision in Barnes & Noble to keep a journal (I saw this really cool blank page journal book, and it was on discount!). Initially, I only penned like once in 3 months. Most of the stuff I wrote is in regard about the improvements I need to accomplish within myself. However, many of it contained prayers asking God to accomplish so many things within my life.
Somewhere around 2003, I picked up pace in journalling down my life, where I increased the frequency of my writings to bout 3 times a week. However, when I started this blog, that frequency toned down, but the journal is still not forgotten. I still look thru it, and occasionally, still jot down things that I can't in my blog.
Now to the point: My journal has allowed to remember so many things my mind can't. For instance, I recalled a time when all I wanted was to get rid off of all my debts. During my uni days, credit cards have managed to bring my debt level to thousands of US dollars. And yet I know, that when I left the US, I have cleared all my debts. Praise the Lord! There are many other points where at the moment of my life then, things seemed very bleak, but yet, God pulled me through. He graciously brought me to the place of His purpose.
Last night in the youth meeting, I shared about Lazarus and his sisters. I asked a question to the youth, which seemed to have gotten many of them thinking. It went like this:
John 11:5-6 states: "Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. Yet when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days." My question to the youth, why did Jesus procrastinate His visit to Lazarus for two days? Why did Jesus basically wait for Lazarus to pass on? Evidently, many of us when reading this account never stop to ponder on this point (that is when we read the whole of John 11), but yet, it so essential, and more so to our faith.
This is where I believe the sovereignity of God comes in. He is such a great God. He does not need to adhere to anyone's rules or wishes. He is not limited by the laws of nature, and especially not the laws of men. However, the great thing about this is that He is a good God, and all His ways are just, even, when our eyes fail to see it.
God willingly waited for Lazarus to pass on. And this is because Jesus knew that "his sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God's glory so that God's Son may be glorified through it" (John 11:4). Many times God allow trials to come into our lives. And yet, He still a just God. A God of love. These trials do not change His character, but He allows it so that we can be changed. God is in control, even in our most difficult times...
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers (and sisters), whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." - James 1:2-4
I will soar with you above the storm
Father you are king over the flood
I will be still and know you are God
-Lyrics from "Still" by Hillsong
5 years ago, I made a decision in Barnes & Noble to keep a journal (I saw this really cool blank page journal book, and it was on discount!). Initially, I only penned like once in 3 months. Most of the stuff I wrote is in regard about the improvements I need to accomplish within myself. However, many of it contained prayers asking God to accomplish so many things within my life.
Somewhere around 2003, I picked up pace in journalling down my life, where I increased the frequency of my writings to bout 3 times a week. However, when I started this blog, that frequency toned down, but the journal is still not forgotten. I still look thru it, and occasionally, still jot down things that I can't in my blog.
Now to the point: My journal has allowed to remember so many things my mind can't. For instance, I recalled a time when all I wanted was to get rid off of all my debts. During my uni days, credit cards have managed to bring my debt level to thousands of US dollars. And yet I know, that when I left the US, I have cleared all my debts. Praise the Lord! There are many other points where at the moment of my life then, things seemed very bleak, but yet, God pulled me through. He graciously brought me to the place of His purpose.
Last night in the youth meeting, I shared about Lazarus and his sisters. I asked a question to the youth, which seemed to have gotten many of them thinking. It went like this:
John 11:5-6 states: "Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. Yet when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days." My question to the youth, why did Jesus procrastinate His visit to Lazarus for two days? Why did Jesus basically wait for Lazarus to pass on? Evidently, many of us when reading this account never stop to ponder on this point (that is when we read the whole of John 11), but yet, it so essential, and more so to our faith.
This is where I believe the sovereignity of God comes in. He is such a great God. He does not need to adhere to anyone's rules or wishes. He is not limited by the laws of nature, and especially not the laws of men. However, the great thing about this is that He is a good God, and all His ways are just, even, when our eyes fail to see it.
God willingly waited for Lazarus to pass on. And this is because Jesus knew that "his sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God's glory so that God's Son may be glorified through it" (John 11:4). Many times God allow trials to come into our lives. And yet, He still a just God. A God of love. These trials do not change His character, but He allows it so that we can be changed. God is in control, even in our most difficult times...
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers (and sisters), whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." - James 1:2-4
Wednesday, January 18, 2006
Chinese New Year
Chinese New Year is just around the corner. 10 days more to be exact. However, many of us Chinese lack the knowledge of the origin of this celebration. Check out this link to learn a little bit about this annual celebration.
By the way, 2006 is the year of the Dog. That would make my dad, who was born in the year of the Dog in 1946, 60 years old this year. Wow...
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
4000 hits!
4000 hits since Feb 2005. Only 996,000 more to a million.Even Jau Meng seems excited about it...
Sorry, this is a lame post...
VOIP Stunt: Make Free Internet to Phone Calls...
For those of you interested in making international calls for free, check out this website which offers free VOIP calls. You might have to pay for certain countries though, but there are many which offers free calls. Note that the software offered is still in beta though.
Monday, January 16, 2006
Passion: Hymns, Ancient and Modern
I've been a Passion Worship Band fan since they issued their first album in 1998. Most of their earlier songs included covers of other singers such as Matt Redman, Delirious and David Ruis. But over the years, as they recruited more permanent band members such as Charlie Hall, Chris Tomlin, Christy Nockels, and David Crowder, I find that the songs are improving, not just in the arrangement, but also in their presentation.
Though their album, Passion: Hymns Ancient and Modern has been released for some time now, I still enjoy listening to it. This album made use of hymns that are at least a hundred years old, rearranging it by adding choruses as well as using a modern tempo to give it a more contemporary feel. In the end, what we have are worship songs with lyrics that are rich and truthful, and with melody and harmony that will make you want to listen to it over and over again.
Do pick up a copy of this album and listen it for yourself. If you've already heard it, leave a comment and let me know what you think of it...
Though their album, Passion: Hymns Ancient and Modern has been released for some time now, I still enjoy listening to it. This album made use of hymns that are at least a hundred years old, rearranging it by adding choruses as well as using a modern tempo to give it a more contemporary feel. In the end, what we have are worship songs with lyrics that are rich and truthful, and with melody and harmony that will make you want to listen to it over and over again.Do pick up a copy of this album and listen it for yourself. If you've already heard it, leave a comment and let me know what you think of it...
Sunday, January 15, 2006
Featured Blogger: Jau Meng
I've known Jau Meng for many years now. However, I've only managed to get know more of him during the past four years. A true gentleman, a faithful friend, and a dilligent worker would be my description of him.
Recently, he has joined the blogging scene. You can catch his new blog at http://chatting.wordpress.com. For those of you who don't know him, here's a pic of him:
Ok, ok.. maybe this is not the best picture of him...
So, here're some better ones...
So Jau Meng, if you're reading this, keep up the good work, and for the love of all, get married soon... :P
Recently, he has joined the blogging scene. You can catch his new blog at http://chatting.wordpress.com. For those of you who don't know him, here's a pic of him:
Ok, ok.. maybe this is not the best picture of him...
So, here're some better ones...
So Jau Meng, if you're reading this, keep up the good work, and for the love of all, get married soon... :P
Thursday, January 12, 2006
The Spirit Filled Life Bible
To those of you who are considering to get a good bible, I would highly recommend 'The Spirit Filled Life Bible' - NKJV published by Thomas Nelson.
Here's a brief description about the book:
'Dr. Jack Hayford, founding pastor of The Church on the Way, has led a team of anointed leaders to produce the New Spirit-Filled Life(R) Bible, which offers a fresh look at the Scriptures and the work of the Holy Spirit. Now, this dynamic Bible is available in two contemporary new styles, both with durable, smooth-textured Leathersoft material. This new edition addresses important issues of Spirit-filled living in the context of solid biblical scholarship. Readers will be glad to see the popular "Word Wealth" feature and the "Kingdom Dynamics" feature throughout the Bible. A new generation of believers seeking to become biblically equipped for kingdom building will eagerly read and embrace the New Spirit-Filled Life Bible.'
To get one for yourself, dropby your favorite Christian bookstore, or, you could purchase one online thru Amazon. Here's the link conveniently placed for you below.. ;)
Here's a brief description about the book:
'Dr. Jack Hayford, founding pastor of The Church on the Way, has led a team of anointed leaders to produce the New Spirit-Filled Life(R) Bible, which offers a fresh look at the Scriptures and the work of the Holy Spirit. Now, this dynamic Bible is available in two contemporary new styles, both with durable, smooth-textured Leathersoft material. This new edition addresses important issues of Spirit-filled living in the context of solid biblical scholarship. Readers will be glad to see the popular "Word Wealth" feature and the "Kingdom Dynamics" feature throughout the Bible. A new generation of believers seeking to become biblically equipped for kingdom building will eagerly read and embrace the New Spirit-Filled Life Bible.'
To get one for yourself, dropby your favorite Christian bookstore, or, you could purchase one online thru Amazon. Here's the link conveniently placed for you below.. ;)
| |
Sunday, January 08, 2006
2006 Resolutions...
Another year has come, and by now, many of us would've realized whether the resolutions we made are being kept, or they are already out.
I guess it's a good thing for resolutions to be made. It sort of helps us to know where we are and where we need to go. But making resolutions just for the sake of making it serves no purpose.
Anyway, how are you guys and gals doing with your resolutions. I hope that God is giving you strength to keep it.
Today's entry gonna be another short one. Have a great week!
I guess it's a good thing for resolutions to be made. It sort of helps us to know where we are and where we need to go. But making resolutions just for the sake of making it serves no purpose.
Anyway, how are you guys and gals doing with your resolutions. I hope that God is giving you strength to keep it.
Today's entry gonna be another short one. Have a great week!
Thursday, January 05, 2006
Featured Blogger: Joshua Teoh
I've known Joshua for quite some time now. We once played the guitar together for one of the Christmas services some years back. However, we're never that close but I guess blogs somehow in one way or another let people get to know each other better.
Joshua recently wrote a song in Chinese titled "Jui Mei De Ju Fu" or "Wondrous Blessing", which was featured during our recent Christmas service at church. It's a good song and I want to share it with the rest of you. Click here to visit his site, and here, to be able to listen to his song as well as see the lyrics.
Good job Joshua! Keep it up!
Joshua recently wrote a song in Chinese titled "Jui Mei De Ju Fu" or "Wondrous Blessing", which was featured during our recent Christmas service at church. It's a good song and I want to share it with the rest of you. Click here to visit his site, and here, to be able to listen to his song as well as see the lyrics.
Good job Joshua! Keep it up!
Wednesday, January 04, 2006
Bored?
Here's something you could BETTER NOT do...
http://www.crushcalculator.com/content/love/691842455
Have fun Be careful!
Disclaimer: Due to some recent complaints, please be forewarned that the above is a prank. Thank you.
Disclaimer: Due to some recent complaints, please be forewarned that the above is a prank. Thank you.
Monday, January 02, 2006
Philips Mistral GC2125 Steam Iron
Recently, I got me a new iron after the old one died. I didn't know iron these days came with so much features and technology. Here's the one I got:
Philips Mistral GC 2125
It states the following:
"Steam iron with durable, easy-gliding and highly scratch-resistant Ceralon soleplate, variable steam (up to 28g/min) and even steam distribution. Extra shot of steam, incl. vertical (60g/min), drip-stop and large 250ml water tank.
The Mistral iron gives you great value for money. It has a streamlined yet powerful design and excellent performance and convenience features, such as integrated Calc-Clean, variable steam output for different fabrics and even and efficient steam distribution thanks to the two rows of steam holes. The Ceralon soleplate with 3-layer coating is ideal for ironing a mixture of fabrics. "
Unfortunately, ironing skills sold separately. The outcome?
Sigh...
Philips Mistral GC 2125It states the following:
"Steam iron with durable, easy-gliding and highly scratch-resistant Ceralon soleplate, variable steam (up to 28g/min) and even steam distribution. Extra shot of steam, incl. vertical (60g/min), drip-stop and large 250ml water tank.
The Mistral iron gives you great value for money. It has a streamlined yet powerful design and excellent performance and convenience features, such as integrated Calc-Clean, variable steam output for different fabrics and even and efficient steam distribution thanks to the two rows of steam holes. The Ceralon soleplate with 3-layer coating is ideal for ironing a mixture of fabrics. "
Unfortunately, ironing skills sold separately. The outcome?
Sigh...
Sunday, January 01, 2006
2006
2005 have come and gone. I can't believe it's 2006 already.
In the last few weeks of 2005, I was praying for God to reveal to me my goals and vision for 2006. More than just 'resolutions', I look to God for revelations as well as guidance. During one of these prayers, God reveal to me in my spirit that 2006 will be a year of breakthrough. When I heard that, my heart suddenly experienced such peace.
2006 will be a great year. I know it will be because God told me so. Doesn't matter if more calamities or tragedies were to take place. That's not the point. The point for me is that God has promised breakthrough for His children. And my prayer for all of you who are currently reading this, is to ask God for a breakthrough in your own life.
Today's entry is gonna be short. Just felt I should share this.
Happy 2006!
In the last few weeks of 2005, I was praying for God to reveal to me my goals and vision for 2006. More than just 'resolutions', I look to God for revelations as well as guidance. During one of these prayers, God reveal to me in my spirit that 2006 will be a year of breakthrough. When I heard that, my heart suddenly experienced such peace.
2006 will be a great year. I know it will be because God told me so. Doesn't matter if more calamities or tragedies were to take place. That's not the point. The point for me is that God has promised breakthrough for His children. And my prayer for all of you who are currently reading this, is to ask God for a breakthrough in your own life.
Today's entry is gonna be short. Just felt I should share this.
Happy 2006!
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