Happy Birthday Malaysia!
And I have 1000 hits on my page. Coolness...!
Wednesday, August 31, 2005
Tuesday, August 23, 2005
Some Questions To Ask When Considering A Job
Taken from "40 Days with John Piper" - Selected readings from 'A Godward Life' - Book I & II
Pondering Vocation as Service to Christ
The freedom to choose your vocation is a historical novelty. Until recent times, if you were a son and your father was a farmer or a blacksmith or shoemaker or a baker, it was almost certain you would be too. If you were a daughter, you would almost certainly be a hardworking homemaker and partner in the home-based family business. Choices were few. And a reading like this one would have been almost unintelligible.
But today, very few sons assume that they will follow in their father's vocation. And daughters have a wide scope of career paths they can follow instead of, or alongside, a more traditional homemaking career. Not only that, mid-career changes are not unusual. Which means that the crisis of choosing a vocation happens not just once, but several times for many people.
One of the things I love to do as a pastor is sow seeds of kingdom restlessness. I picture my preaching as taking trees by the trunk and working them back and forth to loosen the roots. My idea is that this will result in the roots of people's lives going down deeper into God's will where they are, or it will result in the roots being plucked up and planted in a different calling for even greater kingdom fruitfulness. Whatever else, I don't want my people to simply drift into a job or coast along in it with little sense of calling or significance for the supremacy of God in what they do.
So I prepared some questions for them in the hopes that they would be stirred to find jobs and do their jobs, as Paul said, "not in the way of eye-service, as men-pleasers, but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart" (Ephesians 6:6, RSV).
Can I earnestly do all the parts of this job "to the glory of God," that is, in a way that highlights his superior value over all other things? "Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God" (1 Corinthians 10:31).
Is taking this job part of a strategy to grow in personal holiness? "For this is the will of God, your sanctification" (1 Thessalonians 4:3).
Will this job help or hinder my progress in esteeming the value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord? "I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord" (Philippians 3:8).
Will this job result in inappropriate pressures to think or feel or act against my King, Jesus? "You were bought with a price; do not become slaves of men" (1 Corinthians 7:23).
Will this job help establish an overall life pattern that will yield a significant involvement in fulfilling God's great purpose of exalting Christ among all the unreached peoples of the world? "Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, 'All authority has been given to My in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age'" (Matthew 28:18-20).
Will this job be worthy of my best energies? "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might" (Ecclesiastes 9:10).
Will the activities and environment of this job tend to shape me, or will I be able to shape it for the Christ-magnifying purposes of God? "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind" (Romans 12:2).
Will this job provide an occasion for me to be radically Christian so as to let my light shine for my Father's sake, or will my participation in the vision of the firm tend to snuff out my wick? "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven" (Matthew 5:16).
Does the aim of this job cohere with a growing intensity in my life to be radically, publicly, fruitfully devoted to Christ at any cost? "If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me" (Mark 8:34).
Will the job feel like a good investment of my life when this vapor's breath of preparation for eternity is over? "You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away" (James 4:14).
Does this job fit with why I believe I was created and purchased by Christ? "Everyone who is called by My name... I have created for My glory" (Isaiah 43:7). "You have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body" (1 Corinthians 6:20).
Does this job fit together with the ultimate truth that all things exist for Christ? "For by Him all... have been created through [Christ] and for Him" (Colossians 1:16).
Pondering Vocation as Service to Christ
The freedom to choose your vocation is a historical novelty. Until recent times, if you were a son and your father was a farmer or a blacksmith or shoemaker or a baker, it was almost certain you would be too. If you were a daughter, you would almost certainly be a hardworking homemaker and partner in the home-based family business. Choices were few. And a reading like this one would have been almost unintelligible.
But today, very few sons assume that they will follow in their father's vocation. And daughters have a wide scope of career paths they can follow instead of, or alongside, a more traditional homemaking career. Not only that, mid-career changes are not unusual. Which means that the crisis of choosing a vocation happens not just once, but several times for many people.
One of the things I love to do as a pastor is sow seeds of kingdom restlessness. I picture my preaching as taking trees by the trunk and working them back and forth to loosen the roots. My idea is that this will result in the roots of people's lives going down deeper into God's will where they are, or it will result in the roots being plucked up and planted in a different calling for even greater kingdom fruitfulness. Whatever else, I don't want my people to simply drift into a job or coast along in it with little sense of calling or significance for the supremacy of God in what they do.
So I prepared some questions for them in the hopes that they would be stirred to find jobs and do their jobs, as Paul said, "not in the way of eye-service, as men-pleasers, but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart" (Ephesians 6:6, RSV).
Can I earnestly do all the parts of this job "to the glory of God," that is, in a way that highlights his superior value over all other things? "Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God" (1 Corinthians 10:31).
Is taking this job part of a strategy to grow in personal holiness? "For this is the will of God, your sanctification" (1 Thessalonians 4:3).
Will this job help or hinder my progress in esteeming the value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord? "I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord" (Philippians 3:8).
Will this job result in inappropriate pressures to think or feel or act against my King, Jesus? "You were bought with a price; do not become slaves of men" (1 Corinthians 7:23).
Will this job help establish an overall life pattern that will yield a significant involvement in fulfilling God's great purpose of exalting Christ among all the unreached peoples of the world? "Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, 'All authority has been given to My in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age'" (Matthew 28:18-20).
Will this job be worthy of my best energies? "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might" (Ecclesiastes 9:10).
Will the activities and environment of this job tend to shape me, or will I be able to shape it for the Christ-magnifying purposes of God? "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind" (Romans 12:2).
Will this job provide an occasion for me to be radically Christian so as to let my light shine for my Father's sake, or will my participation in the vision of the firm tend to snuff out my wick? "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven" (Matthew 5:16).
Does the aim of this job cohere with a growing intensity in my life to be radically, publicly, fruitfully devoted to Christ at any cost? "If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me" (Mark 8:34).
Will the job feel like a good investment of my life when this vapor's breath of preparation for eternity is over? "You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away" (James 4:14).
Does this job fit with why I believe I was created and purchased by Christ? "Everyone who is called by My name... I have created for My glory" (Isaiah 43:7). "You have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body" (1 Corinthians 6:20).
Does this job fit together with the ultimate truth that all things exist for Christ? "For by Him all... have been created through [Christ] and for Him" (Colossians 1:16).
"Home"
What are emotions,
but feeling of winds on our skin.
One moment they comfort,
and in another, they're gone.
but feeling of winds on our skin.
One moment they comfort,
and in another, they're gone.
And yet we persevere,
as climbers of this 'glorious' mountain,
as though conquerers of a great quest,
only to find ourselves confused at the peak.
as climbers of this 'glorious' mountain,
as though conquerers of a great quest,
only to find ourselves confused at the peak.
From love to hate,
from joy to sorrow.
Everything seems too late,
Yet our journey is so slow.
from joy to sorrow.
Everything seems too late,
Yet our journey is so slow.
As travellers we travel this winding path,
with emotional hearts as our compasses.
But our hearts are like wind,
taking us further from our destinations.
with emotional hearts as our compasses.
But our hearts are like wind,
taking us further from our destinations.
Yet with every great quest,
there's always a treasure, always a goal.
And only when we ask where to go,
will we find our way back home.
there's always a treasure, always a goal.
And only when we ask where to go,
will we find our way back home.
Ah, home sweet home,
nothing more comforting, nothing more satisfying.
Sweat as we may, and toil we shall,
but let us not stop till we're back home.
nothing more comforting, nothing more satisfying.
Sweat as we may, and toil we shall,
but let us not stop till we're back home.
My home is heaven,
nothing less, nothing more.
To stop walking would be stupidity,
and yet to die trying is the only way.
nothing less, nothing more.
To stop walking would be stupidity,
and yet to die trying is the only way.
May we continually open our ears,
to the cry that seem so distant.
The call of heaven to go home,
ah, home sweet home.
to the cry that seem so distant.
The call of heaven to go home,
ah, home sweet home.
Let's gather the nations,
from the east to the west.
Let's join the cry of our pilgrimage,
the cry of our hearts.
from the east to the west.
Let's join the cry of our pilgrimage,
the cry of our hearts.
Heaven is in my heart,
and heaven is my home.
Jesus is my lover,
and I'm his, forever.
and heaven is my home.
Jesus is my lover,
and I'm his, forever.
Sunday, August 21, 2005
Land for Methodist Churches
Praise God for His faithfulness to answering prayers!
Taken from The Star Paper Wednesday August 17, 2005
Land for Methodist churches
SHAH ALAM: The Selangor government has approved two sites – one here and another in Pandamaran, Klang – for two Methodist churches in recognition of their good community service.
“The state government recognises the importance of faith organisations in promoting a morally-strong and caring society. Both churches have contributed well to the community,” said state executive councillor Datuk Tang See Hang, a member of the state's non-Muslim religious bodies committee.
Tang said the state recognised religious bodies as a crucial pillar in helping to maintain a strong and healthy society. However, he said, these religious bodies, numbering thousands, must understand there was not enough land to accommodate all the requests.
WISH COME TRUE: Tang (centre) handing over the letters of approval to Rev Ooi (right) and Bishop Hwa, the representatives of the two churches Tuesday.Bishop Dr Hwa Yung, from the Methodist Church, thanked the state government for allocating the 0.48ha site in Kota Kemuning, Section 31 here.
“We will support your call to fulfil the human development aspect of the Selangor Developed State 2005 agenda, where the face of faith, kindness, compassion and generosity is not lost in
the rapid physical development,” he said.
The Methodist Church’s struggle to have its own premises started over a decade ago. It had initially been granted a piece of land in Section 24 here in 1992, but the land was withdrawn by the state government three years later.
Since then, the church had been appealing for a replacement site. Tang said the Pandamaran Chinese Methodist Church was granted a 1,216 sq m piece of reserve land in Pandamaran, adding that Klang MP Datin Paduka Dr Tan Yee Kew had brought the church's appeal to his attention.
Rev Ooi Liang Hung, who accepted the approval letter yesterday, thanked the state for its generosity.
Taken from The Star Paper Wednesday August 17, 2005
Land for Methodist churches
SHAH ALAM: The Selangor government has approved two sites – one here and another in Pandamaran, Klang – for two Methodist churches in recognition of their good community service.
“The state government recognises the importance of faith organisations in promoting a morally-strong and caring society. Both churches have contributed well to the community,” said state executive councillor Datuk Tang See Hang, a member of the state's non-Muslim religious bodies committee.
Tang said the state recognised religious bodies as a crucial pillar in helping to maintain a strong and healthy society. However, he said, these religious bodies, numbering thousands, must understand there was not enough land to accommodate all the requests.
WISH COME TRUE: Tang (centre) handing over the letters of approval to Rev Ooi (right) and Bishop Hwa, the representatives of the two churches Tuesday.Bishop Dr Hwa Yung, from the Methodist Church, thanked the state government for allocating the 0.48ha site in Kota Kemuning, Section 31 here.
“We will support your call to fulfil the human development aspect of the Selangor Developed State 2005 agenda, where the face of faith, kindness, compassion and generosity is not lost in
the rapid physical development,” he said.
The Methodist Church’s struggle to have its own premises started over a decade ago. It had initially been granted a piece of land in Section 24 here in 1992, but the land was withdrawn by the state government three years later.
Since then, the church had been appealing for a replacement site. Tang said the Pandamaran Chinese Methodist Church was granted a 1,216 sq m piece of reserve land in Pandamaran, adding that Klang MP Datin Paduka Dr Tan Yee Kew had brought the church's appeal to his attention.
Rev Ooi Liang Hung, who accepted the approval letter yesterday, thanked the state for its generosity.
Tuesday, August 16, 2005
Christ in me
This thought has been lingering in my head for the past couple of days now. What Louie Giglio said in his message that was included in the "How Great Is Our God" DVD. He picked out his message from Colossians 1:27, which reads "To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory."
Louie pointed out that the Christian walk is not hard, nor difficult but rather impossible. We make promises after promises to God to "get it right" with our life. We tell God: "This will be my last time God", only to commit the very same sin we vowed to repent from. That's why many Christians lead defeated lives. We continue to walk in shame. And Louie made it clear that no sermon, gathering, conference, book, self-discipline can get us out of our bondages. No matter how sincere we were when we made that promise to God, it still doesn't cut it, because here's the point: It's not about our efforts. It never was, and never will be.
That's why this "mystery" that Paul is talking about, which even patriachs such as Abraham, Moses and David not know about it, will set us free. This mystery? Christ in us. When we start to realize that the day when we invite Christ into our hearts, we are literally inviting Him to come in to our body, this temple of the Holy Spirit, to dwell, and ultimately, to take full control of it. Louie pointed out that it is not inviting Christ into our hearts, and they try to live the Christian life. If we could that in the first place, that Christ dying on the cross would be pointless.
Anyway, instead of spilling the whole sermon out, how it affected me is that I now walk with a new confidence, that is, I put my trust not in the knowledge of Christ, nor in the identity of Christ, nor in the fact that I'm his friend but rather, I put my trust in Christ that is living in me. With this, when I walk in the world, I have Christ with me all the time, and as long as He is in me, I am a saint. Oh yes, I can still sin. No doubt about it. But sinning won't make me a sinner because I'm a saint. Just as doing good won't make a sinner a saint. However, it's Christ in me that's gonna sustain my faith, not my will power, not my discipline, and definitely not my efforts.
These 2 days has been incredible as I confessed this truth in my heart. I got stuck in a traffic jam for 1.5 hours today. Imagine after an hour and a half, and you're just 1 kilometer away from where you started. And yet, there was an incredible sense of peace in me. I didn't get agitated. I used to get annoyed pretty fast with jams, but having my music turned on and having this truth in my heart, I just took the time to praise God. I've tried doing that before, but it felt like I was "forcing" myself, but this time, it came naturally. I wonder how long this will last...
Anyhow, if you're reading this, I hope that in your own issues, trials, bondage, and sins, that you will find this truth liberating. Read and meditate the first 2 chapters of Colossians, and try to understand it. This is definitely not the "ultimate fix" for all your spiritual problems, but it's a start. I pray that in your struggles, you will ultimately find Christ as your savior.
"Jesus, I thank You that You're the Lord of all. Above my trials and fears, above my hopes and dreams, You triumph gloriously by destroying the works of the enemy with Your truth. Lord, I know that many of my brothers and sisters are going thru some difficult times right now in their spiritual walk. Many of them find themselves alone, even when you're right there with them. I pray that You will open their spiritual eyes so that they can see You in all Your glory, and have their faith and hope renewed in Your presence. Father, shower them with Your mercy. Let them know how much You love them, even in their brokenness and weaknesses. Break whatever sin that's in their lives and give them the victory that they so desperately desire. In this I pray, that Your kingdom will continue to be established in their hearts just as Your will be manisfested in their lives. In Jesus' name I ask and pray, amen."
Louie pointed out that the Christian walk is not hard, nor difficult but rather impossible. We make promises after promises to God to "get it right" with our life. We tell God: "This will be my last time God", only to commit the very same sin we vowed to repent from. That's why many Christians lead defeated lives. We continue to walk in shame. And Louie made it clear that no sermon, gathering, conference, book, self-discipline can get us out of our bondages. No matter how sincere we were when we made that promise to God, it still doesn't cut it, because here's the point: It's not about our efforts. It never was, and never will be.
That's why this "mystery" that Paul is talking about, which even patriachs such as Abraham, Moses and David not know about it, will set us free. This mystery? Christ in us. When we start to realize that the day when we invite Christ into our hearts, we are literally inviting Him to come in to our body, this temple of the Holy Spirit, to dwell, and ultimately, to take full control of it. Louie pointed out that it is not inviting Christ into our hearts, and they try to live the Christian life. If we could that in the first place, that Christ dying on the cross would be pointless.
Anyway, instead of spilling the whole sermon out, how it affected me is that I now walk with a new confidence, that is, I put my trust not in the knowledge of Christ, nor in the identity of Christ, nor in the fact that I'm his friend but rather, I put my trust in Christ that is living in me. With this, when I walk in the world, I have Christ with me all the time, and as long as He is in me, I am a saint. Oh yes, I can still sin. No doubt about it. But sinning won't make me a sinner because I'm a saint. Just as doing good won't make a sinner a saint. However, it's Christ in me that's gonna sustain my faith, not my will power, not my discipline, and definitely not my efforts.
These 2 days has been incredible as I confessed this truth in my heart. I got stuck in a traffic jam for 1.5 hours today. Imagine after an hour and a half, and you're just 1 kilometer away from where you started. And yet, there was an incredible sense of peace in me. I didn't get agitated. I used to get annoyed pretty fast with jams, but having my music turned on and having this truth in my heart, I just took the time to praise God. I've tried doing that before, but it felt like I was "forcing" myself, but this time, it came naturally. I wonder how long this will last...
Anyhow, if you're reading this, I hope that in your own issues, trials, bondage, and sins, that you will find this truth liberating. Read and meditate the first 2 chapters of Colossians, and try to understand it. This is definitely not the "ultimate fix" for all your spiritual problems, but it's a start. I pray that in your struggles, you will ultimately find Christ as your savior.
"Jesus, I thank You that You're the Lord of all. Above my trials and fears, above my hopes and dreams, You triumph gloriously by destroying the works of the enemy with Your truth. Lord, I know that many of my brothers and sisters are going thru some difficult times right now in their spiritual walk. Many of them find themselves alone, even when you're right there with them. I pray that You will open their spiritual eyes so that they can see You in all Your glory, and have their faith and hope renewed in Your presence. Father, shower them with Your mercy. Let them know how much You love them, even in their brokenness and weaknesses. Break whatever sin that's in their lives and give them the victory that they so desperately desire. In this I pray, that Your kingdom will continue to be established in their hearts just as Your will be manisfested in their lives. In Jesus' name I ask and pray, amen."
Saturday, August 13, 2005
True Love
Jason (Ah Loong): Orkid, how long do you think it takes for 2 people to fall in love?
Orkid: A minute
Jason: It took me less than that to fall in love with you...
"...You don't have to understand people to love them..."
-Sepet (2005)
"Who needs a heart when a heart can be broken"
-Tina Turner (What's Love Got To Do With It)
What is love but a word, or when it involves 2 people, many words. From the timeless portrayal of love from classics such as Romeo and Juliet or maybe even Jerry MacGuire ("..you, you complete me...") I see how at many times, love is but an expression of words. And of many words.
But love, as I believe it, has to be "more than words". Anyone can say "I love you". However, it takes more to live out that love. Poetry and songs are not sufficient to sustain love. Oh yes, it may enhance it, give is some "flava"... but to sustain it, it takes more than that. As I see it, a single act of selflessness can make up for a thousand words. But the cost for that one selfless act.. ah.. it may cost us our lives...
Even as I type right now, I know that in some corner of the world, there are thousands, if not millions of people who are going thru some trying times of figuring out what love is. In the course of wanting to be understood, many at times, we forget what it means to understand. And yet, love endures. I figured if something can be so hurting, humanity in her right mind who have at least be smart enough to stop and move on to something that's more sane. With heart brokens every minute, why is it, in spite of the tremendous emotional turmoil and grief that one has to go thru, we continue to put hope in love?
And so, love endures. As I blogged earlier, I believe love endures because this is part of "eternity". It's an essential part of eternity. Without, eternity would be meaningless. What's the point of having eternal life, alone?
Thus, humanity continues to persevere. We continue to believe in one way or another that "it is better to love and lost, than to never to have loved at all". We perpetuate in taking risks with our most precious parts of our lives, and even when the stakes are high, some of us still believe that it is worthwhile.
I believe, that loves never fail. When two people decides to break-up, that's not love failing. That's two people failing love. And I say this because God is love. Even when he saw that giving us this chance to love was like giving a 5 year old child a 20 tonne truck to drive, he took that risk, so that in all the possiblility of foul-ups and hurts, we can experience the greatest thing in this universe. And love was never meant to be understood. Just like God. We can't possibly understand God and His ways. Its not that God doesn't want us to, but we are unable in our limited and carnal mind. But He has given us enough. Enough to believe, and enough to trust that He is good, and His love is good. And more than that, that He loves us.
I believe also, that until we can experience God's love, without so much the need to "understand it", but so as much to believe it with all our hearts that God loves us, we can never truly love. We can never in our lifetime understand why God would send Christ to die for wretched people such as us. And I guess we were never meant to understand it. However, it is thru that sacrifice, that God hopes that we will believe and trust in Him, even when our eyes and understanding fails us. That to me, is true love. God knew how many would reject His precious gift, which is Christ. And yet, out of some cosmic insanity, He still saw it was worthwhile for Christ to be mocked, beaten, humiliated, broken, spat on, whipped, and finally, crucified. For us. But oh wait, I believe, that it not us that He finds worthy, for who are we. I believe however, that God found that for His love to be shown, and for the chance that it is received, the cross was still worthwhile this risk. And so, we love not because we understand, but love because we believe.
Even with books such as "Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus" (I've never read it though)... it may enhance our understanding, but it's not sufficient to sustain true love. Like I said, we don't love because we understand a person, but because we believe. And believe in what? Believe in hope. Believe in eternal love. Believe in the cost of eternal love. And ultimately, believe that no one is worthy of true love, but God alone, and God has commanded us even in spite of this, to love. To love like we love ourselves.
"Were the whole realm of nature mine
That were an offering far too small
Love so amazing, so divine
Demands my soul, my life, my all"
Orkid: A minute
Jason: It took me less than that to fall in love with you...
"...You don't have to understand people to love them..."
-Sepet (2005)
"Who needs a heart when a heart can be broken"
-Tina Turner (What's Love Got To Do With It)
What is love but a word, or when it involves 2 people, many words. From the timeless portrayal of love from classics such as Romeo and Juliet or maybe even Jerry MacGuire ("..you, you complete me...") I see how at many times, love is but an expression of words. And of many words.
But love, as I believe it, has to be "more than words". Anyone can say "I love you". However, it takes more to live out that love. Poetry and songs are not sufficient to sustain love. Oh yes, it may enhance it, give is some "flava"... but to sustain it, it takes more than that. As I see it, a single act of selflessness can make up for a thousand words. But the cost for that one selfless act.. ah.. it may cost us our lives...
Even as I type right now, I know that in some corner of the world, there are thousands, if not millions of people who are going thru some trying times of figuring out what love is. In the course of wanting to be understood, many at times, we forget what it means to understand. And yet, love endures. I figured if something can be so hurting, humanity in her right mind who have at least be smart enough to stop and move on to something that's more sane. With heart brokens every minute, why is it, in spite of the tremendous emotional turmoil and grief that one has to go thru, we continue to put hope in love?
And so, love endures. As I blogged earlier, I believe love endures because this is part of "eternity". It's an essential part of eternity. Without, eternity would be meaningless. What's the point of having eternal life, alone?
Thus, humanity continues to persevere. We continue to believe in one way or another that "it is better to love and lost, than to never to have loved at all". We perpetuate in taking risks with our most precious parts of our lives, and even when the stakes are high, some of us still believe that it is worthwhile.
I believe, that loves never fail. When two people decides to break-up, that's not love failing. That's two people failing love. And I say this because God is love. Even when he saw that giving us this chance to love was like giving a 5 year old child a 20 tonne truck to drive, he took that risk, so that in all the possiblility of foul-ups and hurts, we can experience the greatest thing in this universe. And love was never meant to be understood. Just like God. We can't possibly understand God and His ways. Its not that God doesn't want us to, but we are unable in our limited and carnal mind. But He has given us enough. Enough to believe, and enough to trust that He is good, and His love is good. And more than that, that He loves us.
I believe also, that until we can experience God's love, without so much the need to "understand it", but so as much to believe it with all our hearts that God loves us, we can never truly love. We can never in our lifetime understand why God would send Christ to die for wretched people such as us. And I guess we were never meant to understand it. However, it is thru that sacrifice, that God hopes that we will believe and trust in Him, even when our eyes and understanding fails us. That to me, is true love. God knew how many would reject His precious gift, which is Christ. And yet, out of some cosmic insanity, He still saw it was worthwhile for Christ to be mocked, beaten, humiliated, broken, spat on, whipped, and finally, crucified. For us. But oh wait, I believe, that it not us that He finds worthy, for who are we. I believe however, that God found that for His love to be shown, and for the chance that it is received, the cross was still worthwhile this risk. And so, we love not because we understand, but love because we believe.
Even with books such as "Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus" (I've never read it though)... it may enhance our understanding, but it's not sufficient to sustain true love. Like I said, we don't love because we understand a person, but because we believe. And believe in what? Believe in hope. Believe in eternal love. Believe in the cost of eternal love. And ultimately, believe that no one is worthy of true love, but God alone, and God has commanded us even in spite of this, to love. To love like we love ourselves.
"Were the whole realm of nature mine
That were an offering far too small
Love so amazing, so divine
Demands my soul, my life, my all"
Monday, August 08, 2005
Created for eternity
"He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end." - Ecclesiastes 3:11
Here's a thought. God has set eternity in our hearts. To me, I guess what this means is that's our standard. So by right, we should not lose sleep (or worry) bout anything that has an expiry date, which, pretty much covers everything here on earth, but rather, pay more attention on eternal things.
"Lord, give me heavenly eyes to be able to see what you see, that I might not squander my time and resources on things that don't last. Help me to understand the important things in life, such as people, people and people. May my heart be gripped as much as your heart is gripped, knowing that some of them are walking on to perishing destinies, and give me courage and boldness to obey You in bringing light to them. Your kingdom come, your will be done. In Jesus' name, Amen."
Sunday, August 07, 2005
"A Prayer..."
Father,
Today I thank You for another wonderful day. Thank you that I could rejoice in it, because this is the day that You've made. No matter what happens, I could still rejoice. Thank you Lord.
Lord, I ask today that You give me strength to persevere. Only You know what the hurts and wounds are in my heart. And even though I know I deserve them, yet in Your infinite mercy, I ask for Your healing. I ask for Your Spirit to come and restore my heart. Lord, forgive me. I need the blood of Jesus to come and wash me clean again. Oh Lord, please come. Come and lift me up from this miry clay. Take me and set me upon the solid ground, which is Your word. Father, in my unrighteousness and unfaithfulness, I ask for Your love that surpasses my understanding, and that peace that only you can give, to fill my life. Create in me again Oh Lord, a clean heart. Renew a right spirit within me. Jesus, cast me not away from Your presence, and Lord I cry out, please do not take Your Holy Spirit away from me. But instead, I ask of You to restore the joy of my salvation, and again Lord, renew a right Spirit within me.
Father, I ask You to right now lift my face. Cause Your countenance to shine upon me. I thank you Father that Your word is ever true. In Your faithfulness, Lord I can come to You and have my hope renewed and my faith restored. Thank you Jesus for making this possible by giving Yourself on the cross.
Lord, I pray now that my Spirit be set free, and cause me to not just look at myself, but instead Oh Lord, let me intercede for brothers and sisters around me and around the world. The persecution and worldly troubles that they have to face, Lord, I ask that may You continue to strengthen them! Let Your Spirit reign victoriously in their lives Lord. Cause them to look to You no matter what their situation may be. I thank you Jesus that I count on You on times like this! Thank you Jesus!
Above all Lord, I ask for Your kingdom to come and You will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Thank you Lord! Thank you for all You've done!
Lord, You said that if I've asked, You would give me the nations as an inheritance to me. I ask now Oh Lord for the nations. I ask for more souls to be added to Your kingdom. I ask that Lord you will cause Your army to rise up and crush the work of the enemy. Thank you Jesus!
In Your will O Lord, I pray for more love in my life. May I seek to love more in this life, as how Jesus've loved all those around Him. Thank you Father for promises that I can count on!
In Jesus most precious name I pray, AMEN...
Today I thank You for another wonderful day. Thank you that I could rejoice in it, because this is the day that You've made. No matter what happens, I could still rejoice. Thank you Lord.
Lord, I ask today that You give me strength to persevere. Only You know what the hurts and wounds are in my heart. And even though I know I deserve them, yet in Your infinite mercy, I ask for Your healing. I ask for Your Spirit to come and restore my heart. Lord, forgive me. I need the blood of Jesus to come and wash me clean again. Oh Lord, please come. Come and lift me up from this miry clay. Take me and set me upon the solid ground, which is Your word. Father, in my unrighteousness and unfaithfulness, I ask for Your love that surpasses my understanding, and that peace that only you can give, to fill my life. Create in me again Oh Lord, a clean heart. Renew a right spirit within me. Jesus, cast me not away from Your presence, and Lord I cry out, please do not take Your Holy Spirit away from me. But instead, I ask of You to restore the joy of my salvation, and again Lord, renew a right Spirit within me.
Father, I ask You to right now lift my face. Cause Your countenance to shine upon me. I thank you Father that Your word is ever true. In Your faithfulness, Lord I can come to You and have my hope renewed and my faith restored. Thank you Jesus for making this possible by giving Yourself on the cross.
Lord, I pray now that my Spirit be set free, and cause me to not just look at myself, but instead Oh Lord, let me intercede for brothers and sisters around me and around the world. The persecution and worldly troubles that they have to face, Lord, I ask that may You continue to strengthen them! Let Your Spirit reign victoriously in their lives Lord. Cause them to look to You no matter what their situation may be. I thank you Jesus that I count on You on times like this! Thank you Jesus!
Above all Lord, I ask for Your kingdom to come and You will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Thank you Lord! Thank you for all You've done!
Lord, You said that if I've asked, You would give me the nations as an inheritance to me. I ask now Oh Lord for the nations. I ask for more souls to be added to Your kingdom. I ask that Lord you will cause Your army to rise up and crush the work of the enemy. Thank you Jesus!
In Your will O Lord, I pray for more love in my life. May I seek to love more in this life, as how Jesus've loved all those around Him. Thank you Father for promises that I can count on!
In Jesus most precious name I pray, AMEN...
Sunday, July 31, 2005
Friday, July 29, 2005
"He Reigns" - Newsboys
It's the song of the redeemed
Rising from the African plain
It's the song of the forgiven
Drowning out the Amazon rain
The song of Asian believers
Filled with God's holy fire
It's every tribe, every tongue, every nation
A love song born of a grateful choir
It's all God's children singing
Glory, glory, hallelujah, He reigns
He reigns
It's all God's children singing
Glory, glory, hallelujah, He reigns
He reigns
Let it rise above the four winds
Caught up in the heavenly sound
Let praises echo from the towers of cathedrals
To the faithful gathered underground
Of all the songs sung from the dawn of creation
Some were meant to persist
Of all the bells rung from a thousand steeples
None rings truer than this
All God's children singing
Glory, glory, hallelujah, He reigns
He reigns, He reigns
All God's children singing
Glory, glory, hallelujah, He reigns
He reigns, He reigns
And all the powers of darkness
Tremble at what they've just heard
'Cause all the powers of darkness
Can't drown out a single word
When all God's children sing out
Glory, glory, hallelujah, He reigns
He reigns, He reigns
All God's children sing out
Glory, glory, hallelujah, He reigns
He Reigns, He reigns
All God's people singing
Glory, glory, hallelujah, He reigns (hallelujah)
He Reigns (He reigns), hallelujah
All God's people singing
Glory, glory, hallelujah, He reigns (hallelujah)
He Reigns (He reigns), hallelujah
All God's people singing
Glory, glory, hallelujah, He reigns (hallelujah)
He Reigns (hallelujah…)
All God's people singing
Glory, glory, hallelujah, He reigns (hallelujah)
He Reigns (hallelujah…)
All God's people singing
Glory, glory, hallelujah, He reigns (hallelujah)
He Reigns (hallelujah…)
All God's children singing
Glory, glory, hallelujah, He reigns
He reigns
All God's children singing
Glory, glory, hallelujah, He reigns
He reigns
Tuesday, July 26, 2005
"You Said"
"You Said" - Hillsong Australia
(Performed by Rita Springer)
You said,
Ask and you will receive
Whatever you need
You said,
Pray and I'll hear from heaven
And I'll heal your land
You said
Your glory will fill the earth
Like water the sea
You said, Lift up your eyes
The harvest is here,
the kingdom is near
You said,
Ask and I'll give the nations to you
O Lord, that's the cry of my heart
Distant shores and the islands will see
Your light, as it rises on us
O Lord, I ask for the nations (repeat)
你是我最深愛的人 (You are my beloved)
你是我最深愛的人
Words & Music by:永邦
愛上了一個人
能夠為她犧牲
就算付出了生命
我甘心為了你
兩個人在一起
分享愛的命運
永遠都不會忘記
我們生活點滴
你是我最深愛的女人
你有最美麗的嘴唇
你擁有最動人的眼神
你帶給我幸福和快樂
我是你最深愛的男人
我的愛絕對是永恆
做什麼都值得
愛上了一個人
Words & Music by:永邦
愛上了一個人
能夠為她犧牲
就算付出了生命
我甘心為了你
兩個人在一起
分享愛的命運
永遠都不會忘記
我們生活點滴
你是我最深愛的女人
你有最美麗的嘴唇
你擁有最動人的眼神
你帶給我幸福和快樂
我是你最深愛的男人
我的愛絕對是永恆
做什麼都值得
愛上了一個人
Sunday, July 24, 2005
Friday, July 22, 2005
What's in a coffee?
Make a trip to Starbucks or CoffeeBean and you'll be spoiled with choices for coffee. However, I always wondered what's behind those fancy coffee names, and sometimes, I guess I'm just too proud to ask. Anyway, I've managed to get a list, and to all the proud coffee lovers, here's what your coffee's made of...
Cappuccino
1/3 Espresso
1/3 Hot Steamed Milk
1/3 Frothed Milk
Dusted with chocolate powder
(Served in a Large Porcelain cup)
Caffe Latte (Cafe Au Lait)
1/4 Espresso
3/4 Creamy Hot Milk
Topped with a delicate layer of a foamed milk
(Served in a tall, thick glass)
Espresso
A short black or standard pour.
Drawn for 15-20 seconds (50-60ml)
Presented with a rich, golden "creama"
(Served in a short glass or porcelain cup)
Vienna Coffee
A Double pour of Espresso
(Served in a tall glass or cup, topped with whipped cream)
Syrup Cappuccino
1/3 Espresso
1/3 Hot Milk
1/3 Frothed Milk
Your choice of Syrup...
Espresso Macchaito
An Espresso 'marked' or 'stained' in the center of the crem
with a dash of hot foamed milk.
(Served in a short glass or porcelain cup)
Irish Nut Latte
Irish creme and hazelnut syrup
1/4 Espresso
3/4 Hot Milk
Flat White
1/2 Porcelain cup of Espresso coffee
Topped with Hot milk
Hot Chocolate
20g of Chocolate added to 150ml of Fresh Cold Milk
Frothed with steam wand of Espresso machine to produce a rich creamy Hot Chocolate.
Mocca (Pronounce as 'Moh-kah' not 'Moh-cah'...)
1/3 Espresso and Chocolate Syrup
2/3 Frothed milk
(Served in a tall glass or cup and dusted with chocolate)
Long Black
A pour of Espresso usually extended to three quarters full.
(Served in a regular size glass or porcelain cup)
Wednesday, July 20, 2005
"You And Me" - Lifehouse
What day is it?
And in what month?
This clock never seemed so alive
I can't keep up and I can't back down
I've been losing so much time
Cause it's you and me
And all of the people with nothing to do
Nothing to lose
And it's you and me
And all of the people
And I don't know why,
I can't keep my eyes off of you
All of the things
That I want to say
Just aren't coming out right
I'm tripping on words
You've got my head spinning
I don't know where to go from here
Cause it's you and me
And all of the people with nothing to do
Nothing to prove
And it's you and me
And all of the people
And I don't know why,
I can't keep my eyes off of you
There's something about you now
I can't quite figure out
Everything she does is beautiful
Everything she does is right
Cause it's you and me
And all of the people with nothing to do
Nothing to lose
And it's you and me
And all of the people
And I don't know why,
I can't keep my eyes off of you and me
and all of the people with nothing to do
Nothing to prove
And it's you and me
And all of the people
And I don't know why,
I can't keep my eyes off of you
What day is it?
And in what month?
This clock never seemed so alive
And in what month?
This clock never seemed so alive
I can't keep up and I can't back down
I've been losing so much time
Cause it's you and me
And all of the people with nothing to do
Nothing to lose
And it's you and me
And all of the people
And I don't know why,
I can't keep my eyes off of you
All of the things
That I want to say
Just aren't coming out right
I'm tripping on words
You've got my head spinning
I don't know where to go from here
Cause it's you and me
And all of the people with nothing to do
Nothing to prove
And it's you and me
And all of the people
And I don't know why,
I can't keep my eyes off of you
There's something about you now
I can't quite figure out
Everything she does is beautiful
Everything she does is right
Cause it's you and me
And all of the people with nothing to do
Nothing to lose
And it's you and me
And all of the people
And I don't know why,
I can't keep my eyes off of you and me
and all of the people with nothing to do
Nothing to prove
And it's you and me
And all of the people
And I don't know why,
I can't keep my eyes off of you
What day is it?
And in what month?
This clock never seemed so alive
Tuesday, July 19, 2005
Peace of God
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." - John 14:27
These were the very words that Jesus spoke of before that fateful night of His betrayal. He knew that His time was near, and instead of being filled with fear and panic, He took the opportunity to speak words of comfort to His disciples.
Jesus spoke of the peace of God. He made it clear that this peace is different from the peace that the world gives. This made me think. What kind of peace does the world gives anyway? Not much at first thought. But suddenly, when you do take time to think more about it, there seems to be alot. From relationships to finances, to governments and political systems, and even institutions and social structures, we see how all these systems that were established for years seemed so secure in its foundation. For example, the current generation in Malaysia has no concept of how devestating war could be except from the images that the media carries. We carry this sense of security that allows us to sleep at night knowing that when we wake up tomorrow, things will remain the same as it is yesterday. We call "this" peace. But is it? As history has shown for centuries, peace in a country never lasts, no matter how strong or secure the government is. From the grandeur of Rome's government, what's left of it is only its name and some ruins. So, if a government, regardless of its size and strength, can be so fragile, what more of the systems that it tries to protects. From financial to educational institutions, all these will fall when the government crumbles.
However, it is in instances like these that Jesus mentions we can still have the peace of God. This is because no one is greater than God. He is a sure foundation. No one can move Him. And the strength and security of God, if we choose, can become our peace. For Christians, the peace of God has become something that's mundane for us because we've heard of it so many times. But until we treasure it in our hearts, it will remain just a "good idea". This peace was never meant to be just a good idea, or an option / alternative for Christian to hang on to during troubling times. Rather, it was meant to keep us steady, with our eyes fixed on Him, and our hearts and minds still filled with His purposes and will regardless of what's going on in our surrounding. It was this peace that Christ died on the cross so that by His sacrifice, it is something that we can have.
I guess the opposite of the peace of God, would be the wrath of God. Spending a week listening to John Piper preaching on this topic has opened up my eyes to another side of God - God is not only love, He is also just. And oh the price that Christ paid so that we can stand justified in the sight of God, if we only knew what it cost, we would change the way we live.
May we not treat the peace of God lightly. It's given to us so that in calm and stormy times our lives, this peace will remain our anchor that keeps us close to God.
"Lord, I thank you for this peace. I thank you that in my wretchedness, you've found favor in me thru Your Son Jesus. But may I be continually changed, and may Your peace that surpasses all understanding, keep and guard my heart in Christ Jesus. Amen."
These were the very words that Jesus spoke of before that fateful night of His betrayal. He knew that His time was near, and instead of being filled with fear and panic, He took the opportunity to speak words of comfort to His disciples.
Jesus spoke of the peace of God. He made it clear that this peace is different from the peace that the world gives. This made me think. What kind of peace does the world gives anyway? Not much at first thought. But suddenly, when you do take time to think more about it, there seems to be alot. From relationships to finances, to governments and political systems, and even institutions and social structures, we see how all these systems that were established for years seemed so secure in its foundation. For example, the current generation in Malaysia has no concept of how devestating war could be except from the images that the media carries. We carry this sense of security that allows us to sleep at night knowing that when we wake up tomorrow, things will remain the same as it is yesterday. We call "this" peace. But is it? As history has shown for centuries, peace in a country never lasts, no matter how strong or secure the government is. From the grandeur of Rome's government, what's left of it is only its name and some ruins. So, if a government, regardless of its size and strength, can be so fragile, what more of the systems that it tries to protects. From financial to educational institutions, all these will fall when the government crumbles.
However, it is in instances like these that Jesus mentions we can still have the peace of God. This is because no one is greater than God. He is a sure foundation. No one can move Him. And the strength and security of God, if we choose, can become our peace. For Christians, the peace of God has become something that's mundane for us because we've heard of it so many times. But until we treasure it in our hearts, it will remain just a "good idea". This peace was never meant to be just a good idea, or an option / alternative for Christian to hang on to during troubling times. Rather, it was meant to keep us steady, with our eyes fixed on Him, and our hearts and minds still filled with His purposes and will regardless of what's going on in our surrounding. It was this peace that Christ died on the cross so that by His sacrifice, it is something that we can have.
I guess the opposite of the peace of God, would be the wrath of God. Spending a week listening to John Piper preaching on this topic has opened up my eyes to another side of God - God is not only love, He is also just. And oh the price that Christ paid so that we can stand justified in the sight of God, if we only knew what it cost, we would change the way we live.
May we not treat the peace of God lightly. It's given to us so that in calm and stormy times our lives, this peace will remain our anchor that keeps us close to God.
"Lord, I thank you for this peace. I thank you that in my wretchedness, you've found favor in me thru Your Son Jesus. But may I be continually changed, and may Your peace that surpasses all understanding, keep and guard my heart in Christ Jesus. Amen."
Friday, July 08, 2005
Thursday, July 07, 2005
"She Will Be Loved" - Maroon 5
Beauty queen of only eighteen
She had some trouble with herself
He was always there to help her
She always belonged to someone else
I drove for miles and miles
And wound up at your door
I’ve had you so many times but somehow I want more
I don’t mind spending everyday
Out on your corner in the pouring rain
Look for the girl with the broken smile
Ask her if she wants to stay awhile
And she will be loved
She will be loved
Tap on my window knock on my door
I want to make you feel beautiful
I know I tend to get insecure
It doesn’t matter anymore
It’s not always rainbows and butterflies
It’s compromise that moves us along
My heart is full and my door’s always open
You can come anytime you want
I don’t mind spending everyday
Out on your corner in the pouring rain
Look for the girl with the broken smile
Ask her if she wants to stay awhile
And she will be loved
She will be loved
I know where you hide
Alone in your car
Know all of the things that make you who you are
I know that goodbye means nothing at all
Comes back and begs me to catch her every time she falls
She had some trouble with herself
He was always there to help her
She always belonged to someone else
I drove for miles and miles
And wound up at your door
I’ve had you so many times but somehow I want more
I don’t mind spending everyday
Out on your corner in the pouring rain
Look for the girl with the broken smile
Ask her if she wants to stay awhile
And she will be loved
She will be loved
Tap on my window knock on my door
I want to make you feel beautiful
I know I tend to get insecure
It doesn’t matter anymore
It’s not always rainbows and butterflies
It’s compromise that moves us along
My heart is full and my door’s always open
You can come anytime you want
I don’t mind spending everyday
Out on your corner in the pouring rain
Look for the girl with the broken smile
Ask her if she wants to stay awhile
And she will be loved
She will be loved
I know where you hide
Alone in your car
Know all of the things that make you who you are
I know that goodbye means nothing at all
Comes back and begs me to catch her every time she falls
Sunday, July 03, 2005
Tea & Sympathy
'nuff said....
"Tea And Sympathy" - Jars Of Clay
Fare thee well
Trade in all our words for tea and sympathy
Wonder why we tried, for things that could never be
Play our hearts lament, like an unrehearsed symphony
Not intend
To leave this castle full of empty rooms
Our love the captive in the tower never rescued
And all the victory songs
Seem to be playing out of tune
But it's not the way
That it has to be
Don't trade our love for tea and sympathy
'Cause it's not the way
That it has to be
You begin
And all your words fall to the floor and break like china cups
And the waitress grabs a broom and tries to sweep them up
I reach for my tea and slowly drink in
'Cause it's not the way
That it has to be
Don't trade our love for tea and sympathy
'Cause it's not the way
That it has to be
Don't trade our love for tea and sympathy
So fare thee well
Words the bag of leaves that fill my head
I could taste the bitterness and call the waitress instead
She holds the answer, smiles and asks one teaspoon or two
Don't trade us for tea and sympathy
Don't trade us for tea and Sympathy
We can work it out
Don't trade us for tea and Sympathy
Don't trade us for tea and Sympathy
We can work it out
Don't trade us for tea and Sympathy
We can work it out
"Tea And Sympathy" - Jars Of Clay
Fare thee well
Trade in all our words for tea and sympathy
Wonder why we tried, for things that could never be
Play our hearts lament, like an unrehearsed symphony
Not intend
To leave this castle full of empty rooms
Our love the captive in the tower never rescued
And all the victory songs
Seem to be playing out of tune
But it's not the way
That it has to be
Don't trade our love for tea and sympathy
'Cause it's not the way
That it has to be
You begin
And all your words fall to the floor and break like china cups
And the waitress grabs a broom and tries to sweep them up
I reach for my tea and slowly drink in
'Cause it's not the way
That it has to be
Don't trade our love for tea and sympathy
'Cause it's not the way
That it has to be
Don't trade our love for tea and sympathy
So fare thee well
Words the bag of leaves that fill my head
I could taste the bitterness and call the waitress instead
She holds the answer, smiles and asks one teaspoon or two
Don't trade us for tea and sympathy
Don't trade us for tea and Sympathy
We can work it out
Don't trade us for tea and Sympathy
Don't trade us for tea and Sympathy
We can work it out
Don't trade us for tea and Sympathy
We can work it out
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