Beauty of Creation

I am an outdoor person and I love nature.I am always amazed with the beauty of creation. Everything that we see around us in nature points to His Majesty and His awesome creative ability. God alone is able to create something out of nothing. I believe all creation was designed to inspire and lead us to love God

One of the sweetest experiences of my childhood days is the experience of growing near a seaside. Growing up in the state Pahang, we are blessed with some of the finest beaches in Malaysia. With the strong waves from the South China Sea, Teluk Chempedak, is an awesome place to relax and also to reflex the goodness of God's creation. The best moment when we watch the sun rising over the ocean, and the view of the golden reflection on the oceans surface is breath taking. 

This visual imagery brings to mind two Bible passages.  The first is a declaration by the great apostle Paul, affirming the observation of God’s creative ingenuity in everything we see. Paul said "For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse (Rom. 1:20)".

The second is a statement by Job, further confirming God’s wondrous creativity and constant miraculous intervention in His Creation. "He is the Maker of the Bear and Orion, the Pleiades and the constellations of the south.  He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be numbered (Job 9:9,10)."

Take a few moments now to notice and appreciate God’s creation around you. Then notice the goodness He’s created in you, too, and thank Him for this blessing!

Be Blessed.

Gearing up for "Rough Sea"

The most anticipated Chinese New Year(CNY) holidays is almost coming to an end. Many are returning to work. In times like this, we thank God that there is still work available for us and our companies do not have to intorduce long shutdowns. The sad news of unemployement and company closure are becoming more intensified recently. Some of the American and European based companies have already taken drastic measures since December 2008 and now we are seeing the Japanese companies are starting to introduce their cost reduction measures.  The latest is from Panasonic where they are closing down the Batu Berendam plant in Malacca.

The general atmosphere of CNY holiday already given some clear indication of the current state of economy. We observe the hawkers and restaurant owners started their business on 2nd day of CNY.  Normally this traders will close for at least 3 to 5 days. The normal excitement of CNY is totally missing this year. Less firecrackers, less lion dance drum beat and reduction of the noise from "mahjong" tables are making CNY holiday like another weekend. 

It is call for all of us to be prudent in our spendings. We need to start spending on essentials (our basic needs) and not in our wants.  The world says "cash is king" in times like this.  I believe God is our Jehovah Jireh. He will live up to His name by providing to our needs and He will live up to His name Immanuel. He will be with us and carry us throught this challenging moments.  

Young people, times like this  is where you can make a difference. You can start helping your parents by reducing your own expenses. I know many of your parents would not tell you the full details of the struggle and challenges that they are facing in their working place. Many have to take a pay cut inorder to keep their job. Review back your spending. Items like prepaid reload, petrol/travel expenses and your purchases can be reduced or eliminated.  Reduce your outings with friends. Maybe meet up with at your respective home instead at the kopitiam or mamak stalls. It is time that you take responsibility and help your parents.

Let's gear up for the "rough sea" ahead of us in this challenging moments. But cheer up because Jesus is cruising along with us. When He is in the boat, we have the assurance that He will calm the seas.

Be Blessed.

Until The Last Spike Is Driven

Stephen Ambrose's book, Nothing Like It in the World, tells the story of the building of the Transcontinental Railroad in America. He describes the moment when construction was to begin and certain people decided that there ought to be a great ceremony. A host of dignitaries were invited together at the place where the first rail was to be laid. One of those invited was Collis Huntington, perhaps the railroad's most important West Coast backer in California. But he declined, saying, "Anybody can drive the first spike, but there are months of labor and unrest between the first and the last spike." When construction of the railroad was finally completed in May, 1869, the last spike, a golden one at that, was pounded into place and a telegram sent to President Ulysses S. Grant: "Sir, we have the honor to report that the last rail is laid, the last spike is driven, the Pacific Railroad is finished." Now Collis Huntington had something to celebrate!

Paul felt that way too: "Forgetting what is behind...I press on toward the goal to win the prize" (Php 3:13-14 NIV). Almost fifty years ago Thomas Merton wrote, "If you want to identify me, ask me not where I live, or what I like to eat, or how I comb my hair. But ask me what I think I am living for, in detail, and ask me what I think is keeping me from living fully for the thing I want to live for - Christ!" That's a question we each need to ask ourselves - daily!

Be Blessed.

Note: The article is taken from The Word for Today", by Rhema Broadcasting Group in association with The Vine - www.thevine.co.nz

Happy Chinese New Year -- Gong Xi Fa Chai

ViveAlive wishes all our Chinese readers Gong Xi Fa Chai and extend our best wishes to you and your family. May your New Year celebration be filled with love, joy and happiness. May the favor and blessing of the Almighty God be upon you always especially during this time of great challenges. For us who are Christian, may this seasonal celebration brings a deeper meaning of "Xin Nian", "新年", a new year, as it represents a new year of new opportunities, hope and joy to serve and glorify God.

"Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God." (1 Corinthians 10:31) and give thanks to God. Let us rejoice and offer praise and thanks to God for this blessed season as there are much goodies and cookies to eat during this occasion.

To the rest of us, wish you a good holiday. Drive safely and don't forget to remind your rear passengers to wear their seat belt while you are traveling.

Be Blessed.

Level of Intelligence

My latest posting yesterday have created some interesting discussion. One of it is from my dearest Melissa Cheah who seeks to make a comparison in terms of gender intelligence. I decided to do some search in the internet with regards to this topic. The basic test to measure on intelligence is based on IQ Test.Here is some data I manage to get from Wikipedia.

A 1995 study performed by the American Psychological Association in response to the book The Bell Curve (which investigated intelligence differences between different social classes) shows no difference in average IQ between sexes.

A 1999 controversial study by Richard Lynn in which he analyzed data from a number of published tests (such as the standardized g-loaded Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised) found that the mean IQ of men exceeded that of women by approximately 3-4 IQ points. Lynn's meta-analysis, conducted in 2004, examining sex differences on the Standard and Advanced Progressive Matrices (comprising various g-loaded tests of non-verbal reasoning) also found that men exceeded women by an average of 5.0 IQ points.

Males aged 17 - 18 years were found to have an average of 3.63 IQ points in excess of their female equivalents in a 2005 study from the University of Western Ontario. These differences in G (factor) were found through the whole distribution of scores, at all socioeconomic levels and noted in several ethnic groups.

Other recent studies have concluded IQ performances of men and women differ little. Analyzing data from 2,404 individuals "California Verbal Learning Test " concluded that "When mediating variables were controlled, gender differences tended to disappear on tests for which there was a male advantage and to magnify on tests for which there was a female advantage." In his book, Developmental Influences on Adult Intelligence: The Seattle Longitudinal Study, K. Warner Schaie concludes that there are few gender differences in spacial competencies.

I like the statement from Donald Trump's blog site(http://www.trumpuniversity.com/blog/post/2008/02/are-men-smarter-than-women.cfm) that states "An analysis of 30 different studies shows that men and women are fairly equal in terms of overall IQ, but women tend to underplay their own intelligence while men overestimate theirs."

In my personal opinion, I believe men and women are equal in terms of ability to develop intelligence. It is one's choice and willingness to acquire wisdom and knowledge that will determine the level of intelligence.

Be Blessed.

P/S Melissa Cheah is one of our vibrant worship leader at Youth Impact at TOP. Check out her blog site at http://www.chattylass.blogspot.com

Man Vs Woman

The debate on Man Vs Woman has been centuries old topic of discussion. Infact we tend to debate and challenge all areas of humanities with regards to this topic. My posting today has nothing to do on this debate especially on who is the greatest or so, but just to admire some of the graphics and appreciate it. I discovered some of the graphics when I was reading the blog site of Anna Teoh (http://mashpotatomato.blogspot.com)

Some of the graphics does speaks the characteristics of the different genders by topics.

On the topic of complexity (understanding each other) :

On the topic of shopping (I am sure many would agree to this):

On the topic of decision making(as simple as what to drink):

On the topic of weight management (this is classic):

Oh well, in my personal opinion, Men and Women are interdependant and God is above both and all of creation. Neither sex can survive without the other. All of humanity depends on Man and Woman partnering together as God designed.

Be Blessed.

Living Your Fullest Life

My purpose is to give life in all its fullness. - John 10:10 TLB

Living your fullest life requires three things:

(1) A good mentor. Paul writes: "Dear brothers and sisters, pattern your lives after mine" (Philp 3:17 NLT). Good mentors lead by example; they know that in order to be followed they must first be respected. They carefully tailor their instructions by understanding your strengths and weaknesses - knowing whether you are right-brained creative/intuitive or left-brained analytical. They know whether you learn visually or verbally. They know when you need a pat on the back or a kick in the seat of the pants. If you have such a mentor you're blessed. If you don't, ask God for one.

(2) Your best effort. Andrew Carnegie said, "There's no use whatsoever trying to help people who don't help themselves. You cannot push anyone up a ladder unless he is willing to climb himself."

(3) A little extra. This is the "extra mile" principle Jesus taught (See Matt 5:41). It involves:

(a) A little extra effort. Art Williams said, "You beat 50% of the people by working hard; you beat the other 40% by being a person of honesty...and the last 10% is a dog fight." If you want to win that fight, make up your mind to always do a little extra.

(b) Extra time. "Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come" (Hab 2:3 NIV). Gutzon Borglum, the sculptor who created the memorial to the American Presidents at Mount Rushmore, was asked if he considered his work to be perfect. He supposedly replied, "Not today. The nose of President Washington is an inch too long. It's better that way though. It will erode and be exactly right in 10,000 years."

Be Blessed

Note: The article is taken from The Word for Today", by Rhema Broadcasting Group in association with The Vine - www.thevine.co.nz

Club PATI.....Charity Drive....

It has been almost a week since I last updated ViveAlive. The year 2009 brings along lots work load and much less time for me. Well, I hope I would find some time after office hours to catch up on what is happening around us and to update this blog.

This year our social club, Club PATI, have decided to adopt an underprivileged children home and plan to organize monthly activity. As a club, we try to meet the needs of this precious young people and focus our giving in the area where people don't normally give.

In January, we decided to bless the home with Milo and Milk Powder that can last for at least two months. Surprisingly the children home do not get enough sponsors of Milo and Milk powder supplies. They have ample supplies of Rice and other provision. We thank God for a generous soul that gives us a sum of money and ask us to bless any children home. They found out our involvement in supporting this home. It came as a surprise. I have not seen or talk to the person for ages. The donor just walks to me and give the cash. Amazing Right!!!

The project for February is to supply undergarments for the girls in the home. One of our members manage to contact a prominent manufacturer of undergarments. We (mean the ladies in our club) took the measurements and we provided it to the manufacturer. The manufacturer has agreed to supply us with 42 sets of undergarment of various sizes. This translates to almost two pairs for each girl in the home. We will be sending over the undergarments in first week of February. When we mention the brand name to our friends, lots of them almost fall down from their chairs. It is one of those well known up market brands.

I realized that giving is something that no one can take away from us. The rewards of giving go far beyond money and material things. Giving is something that we will be able to take with us wherever we go for the rest of our lives.

Isaiah 1:17 instructs us to Learn to do right! Seek justice, encourage the oppressed, defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow. Then James 1:27 encourages us with a simple, yet thought provoking understanding of what pure and lasting religion is in the sight of God. He said, “…we must care for orphans and widows in their distress...”

David Livingstone, who served as a Scottish missionary in Africa, said “I will place no value on anything I have or possess except in relation to the Kingdom of Christ. If anything I have will advance the Kingdom, it shall be given or kept whichever will best promote the glory of Him to whom I owe all my hopes both for time and eternity.”

Be Blessed.

The Rock Cries Out

Over the weekend I was busy clearing some old stuffs at home. While cleaning, I came across an old cassette that I purchased in the early 1990. It was my first Christian rock music collection and it was a compilation of songs from a group called themselves Petra. Talking about purchasing music album, it is something precious to me in my younger days. I need save enough money from my pocket money for school and normally I am able to buy a maximum two cassette year. It was not easy to find much money those days. The cassette becomes so precious.

Anyway, back to Petra. Petra was a prominent Christian rock band, regarded by many as a pioneer of the Christian rock. I love their music as it is a mixture of traditional and original praise songs with a rock style of music. Furthermore rock music was the trend for music during my teenage days. The title of my first Petra's album was "The Rock Cries Out". It is the eleventh release of Petra and their first praise album. It was released in October 3, 1989. The music is mostly a collection of traditional praise songs with a rock style. However, there are two original songs, both written by band founder Bob Hartman. I remember I would listen almost every day to their songs. Such an inspiration.

There was strong opposition from within the churches when Christian rock music was introduced especially in the 80's and early 90's. In fact there was a lot of comment given those days. Terms like Devil's music and so on was the common remark made. Some even stop their members from listening to such music. I am glad our church leaders taught us the importance of discernment.

Petra was formed in 1972 and after 33 years of music and ministry, Petra decided to officially retire the band. December 2005 marks the end to a ministry that has boldly and consistently proclaimed the gospel in the United States and abroad. The decision to retire the band was mutual by all members.

The band has impacted generations of musicians and fans alike over the years with over seven million CDs sold, four Grammy Awards, 10 Dove Awards and an induction into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame. Petra Praise paved the way for the rock genre perhaps more than any other in the Christian music industry. Though a rotating cast of musicians comprised Petra's lineup over the years, the band is closed strong with over 20 albums to its credit. I am glad to see Petra's album is still being sold in our local Christian music stores.

To all of the band members of Petra, thank you for being a blessing.

Be Blessed.

Busy...Busy....Busy

Sorry for not updating this blog for couple of days. Been extremely busy with some urgent stuff at work recently. Manage to find sometime at home to browse the internet. Here I am sitting at my sofa set and having some thoughts of some of the current world news.

I am having a good laugh in some of the comments made by one of our past leader (no name will be given but you know who lar) with regards to protest against Israel aggression in Gaza and against their strong ally, US.

The leader suggested that we should quit working from American firms......Ah?? Quit? What joke!!!! I wonder this leader will feed us and our family when we follow his advice especially when jobs are so scarce nowadays..!!!! Come one... give me a break!!!! Sometimes I wonder whether this leader actually think before he speak out. Hopefully no one take heed to that advice.

The second action item is to discourage Malaysian from using US products. This is lagi funny.....looks like sooner or later companies like MAS will run out of business if Malaysian take heed to this advice....mine you that MAS is using Boeing as part of their fleet of aircrafts. Boeing is an American company....!!!!! How about Personal Computer.......the two largest PC Microprocessor manufactures are American based company.....looks like all government office, banks and others will have to halt their operation because they are using American products.....!!!!!! There are many more examples I have but I guess I better stop here.

Sometimes, we also need to remember Newton's 3rd law of motion......"Every action there is an equal and opposite reaction." What happen if the American reacted to our suggestion? What happen if they stop buying our products? I guess they have much more stronger buying power than us...just compare their population against us. One good example.....our seafood export industry almost crippled when the European put a temporary ban on our seafood products.

In my personal opinion, there are many other ways to show our support to those who are being oppressed rather than the suggestion made by our past leader.

Have a great week.

Where God guides, He provides!!!

Dave Demola says, "Where God guides, He provides." If you're doing all you know yet nothing's happening, it could be that:

(a) it's your season for sowing, not reaping. So be patient;

(b) you're in a time of training and preparation. So learn each lesson well;

(c) you could be off course, doing something God didn't call you to do. So go back and check with Him.

Moses told God: "If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us" (Ex 33:15 NIV). If God's not behind it, you don't want to be involved in it. Humility demands that sometimes we stop and say - "Oops, that was me, not God."

Does this mean it's always smooth sailing in God's will? No. Even when God is in something you'll still deal with delays, discouragement and setbacks.

Paul wrote, "A great door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many who oppose me" (1 Co 16:9 NIV).

Opportunities and obstacles, they go together. What you don't want to do, however, is allow it to become a self esteem issue: "Does God love me? Has He really called me? Am I in His will?" Jesus took His disciples on a trip that involved going through the worst storm of their lives. All you need to know is that He's on board. Why? Because He's promised to bless His plans, not yours. If God's guiding, providing and blessing you in spite of the storm, rejoice. If He's not, seek fresh direction. Ask Him what He wants you to do. God will bless you every time - when you're doing what He's
told you to do.

Note: Article is taken from "The Word for Today" by Rhema Broadcasting Group, a provider of daily devotional email service.

Slow Down!!!!

In a world of chaos, spiritual emptiness become so evident. We maybe active in church activities but deep within us, we maybe empty. We live in a chaotic world where there’s no time or emotional energy to sit down with our Bible and to read and to reflect, to consider how God might be wanting to talk to us and guide us and lead us. As a consequence of spiritual emptiness, our hearts are shrinking. Our desire for worship is disappearing. Our compassion for the needy, for the poor, is nonexistent. This might be described as an inner erosion of our soul, where our spiritual life is malnourished and starving. We are spiritually empty.

We might be living a life of a fast pace, sometimes cranking up the RPMs. Maybe it is time to pull back on the throttle a little bit and re-examine your life.

Jesus said something that applies to us today. Matthew 11:28, Jesus said, “Come to Me, all who are tired from carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest.” Jesus says, “Come to Me! You’re tired. Let Me give you rest. My way will lead to rest.” That if you follow God’s way, God wants to simplify our lives. He doesn’t want us to live life with the throttle all the way to the ground. He can give us rest.

The study of the life of Jesus, look what Jesus had time for deep relationships, rest, influence and above all Jesus had time for God.

I believe it is time re-examine our values. When we live our life by the world’s values, we are going to be hurried.

But I pray that we would align our values to the values of God. He is our Creator and He created us in His image. He knows what is the best for us. Let's align our life and direct our life based on His values. Let's learn His values and draw closer to them, and those are going to be the guiding forces of our life.

Is God tossing me?

Many times in live, we maybe wondering why we are tossed from one side to another. Sometimes we wonder whether God is toying with us. Have you felt like you are walking from trap to trap? Maybe sometimes we feel the God who calls us to be holy, perhaps He is putting us in moments of temptation and lead us to sin. Have you ever doubted the goodness of God?

Today, I want to assure you that God will not, he won't seduce, attract, or woo you to sin. Why? It would be a horrible violation of His very character!

James 1:12-15 "Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death." (James 1:12-15).

James stressed “Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and He himself tempts no one.” Notice what James does. He makes a critical distinction. He teaches that God will try you for the purpose of your growth and refinement because God knows that you will only experience true righteousness when you come to the end of yourself, but He will never tempt you to do evil, to sin.

God will not tempt you and lead you to sin. He would never do that. He is holy, loving, gracious, faithful to His promises. He would never do that. That would be a violation of His character and His plan. He is a trustworthy God.

Be Blessed.

Christmas Drama

This is the first posting for 2009. Last Christmas, I was given the honor to direct the Christmas play for our Christmas Musical Night. The interesting part of this Musical Night is the entire program is for our Hokkien speaking congregation. Here am I, an Indian man, directing the drama for a Hokkien program........I was wondering how am I going to manage it. Language is the biggest barrier.....how am I going to understand what the actors are saying.....The Lord is gracious. We selected a mime and went on practicing. The cast for the mime includes Uncle Adrian, Rachel Ruth, Derrris, Jane, Valarie and Joseph supported by a great ground crew that includes BA Lim (co-director), Jessy, Sathy, Alyna@Tiormm, Esther Tham & Aunty Joyce.

The team practice pretty hard for couple days especially to perfect the coordination between the body movement and background music. Some of them cast have to sacrifice their other programmes to join the practice. I thank God for their dedication and commitment.

I did not have the opportunity to view the mime on the actual day performance as I was away to Kuantan. The feedback I receive is that it was an awesome play. All Glory to God. I pray that many lives will be touched by this mime and the rest of the performance.

I learn one thing throughout this event. When we are willing to give ourselves as a vessel to be used by God, He will honor our willingness and use us to bring Glory to His name. God can use imperfect vessels like us. In fact, He often delights in choosing the most unlikely people to accomplish His purposes in this world. Everyone around us may consider us the least likely job candidate, but fortunately, God works as His own employment recruiter! No matter who we are, if we will yield our life to God, we can become a vessel God can use.

Be Blessed & have a great weekend.