Challenging Moments

The economic turbulence seems getting from bad to worse. News on corporate fallout and government bailout are sweeping across every nation in the world. A lot of financial analyst are expecting for something really bad. Something far more worse than the crash in the 80's and 90's. I am not an economist but I read a lot of articles to understand the situation. The impact of the crisis seems starting to reach to ordinary people. Job loses, high inflation, factory closure, suicide, robbery, share market crash and other sad news are occupying our headlines today. Simply talking to my mum, I understand how high the price of good has gone up.

People are living in anxiety and fear. A lot of people are fearful of what will happen tomorrow. God only knows how deep and how long this bumpy ride will be. However, we have access to a peace that passes all understanding. I know it is easier said than done but I really pray that God will give all of us that supernatural peace and that we can say with confident - “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your request be made known to God, and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).

Let us be wise like Joseph (Genesis 47) who stores up goods in anticipation of severe drought and famine. And when the drought really come, we are able to help our family and friends. Sometime it is worth to save the extra that we have from spending unnecessarily.

May the peace of God rule in our heart - "Let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts" (Col 3:15 NLT).

Be blessed.

Shepherd of my soul

When I was studying in Dunedin, New Zealand, I love to observe the shepherds and their flocks in a vast green field. It was quite a sight to watch the shepherd down the valley surrounded by waves of white wool. The scenic view reminds me the story of the Good Shepherd who loves us and willing to give His life for us.

There is a story about a man traveling in a Middle East country, relates how he stopped to watch three shepherds who were at a well watering their flocks. The three flocks were all mingled together at the watering place. The traveler could see no difference between them, and he wondered how they would get them separated again without great trouble. But presently one of the shepherds stood forth and called out, "Menah," the Arabic for "Follow me," and sure enough thirty sheep immediately separated themselves from the indiscriminate mass and began to follow the shepherd up the hill. Then, a second shepherd lifted the cry, "Menah," and a second flock separated themselves and started after him, while the rest of the sheep remained as unconcerned as if no one had spoken at all.

The traveler was so astonished that as he saw the third shepherd preparing to depart, laying his hand to his crook and beginning to gather a few dates fallen from a palm beneath which he had been resting, he stepped up to him and asked: "Would your sheep follow me if I called them?" The man shook his head. "Give me your shepherd's cloak and crook and let me try." The traveler said He even wound the shepherds turban round his head and standing forth began to cry, "Menah, Menah!" but no sheep stirred. They only blinked at him lazily in the sunshine. "Do they never follow any one but you?" asked the traveler. Only when a sheep is sick; then the silly creature follows any one." the shepherd said.

The sheep knows the shepherd's voice. Isn't that powerful!!! Jesus said in John 10:27- "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me."

A true sheep under the leadership of our Lord Jesus Christ will know His voice and abide to His call - John 10:4 - "And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice."

Whose voice are we following today? Are we willing to obey Him as what it is written in the song "Shepherd of my soul"

Shepherd of my soul I give you full control,
Wherever You may lead I will follow.
I have made the choice to listen for Your voice,
Wherever You may lead I will go.

Be it in a quiet pasture or by a gentle stream,
The Shepherd of my soul is by my side.
Should I face a mighty mountain or a valley dark and deep,
The Shepherd of my soul will be my guide.

Be blessed and know that the Shepherd of our soul loves us and He is by your side.

Metamorphosis

Metamorphosis is a biological process by which an animal physically develops after birth or hatching, involving a conspicuous and relatively abrupt change in the animal's form or structure through cell growth and differentiation.

You may be wondering why am I sharing about Life Science today. Continue reading and you will find out more.

One good example that all of us are well verse with metamorphosis process is the transformation of a caterpillar into a beautiful butterfly. When a caterpillar goes through metamorphosis process, the butterfly DNA which has been hidden inside of the caterpillar emerges in all of its glory.

The word Metamorphosis originates from the Greek word “metamorphoo”. In English, it means to be transformed.

The similar word has been used in Romans 12:2 “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

When we accept Christ in our life, His spiritual DNA (his call, giftings, and glory) is implanted in our heart. Our spiritual metamorphosis is intended to get that DNA from the inside of us to the outside of us where it can be observed. That is why we must be transformed, or more literally, metamorphosed.

Do take note that Romans 12:2 speaks about renewing of our mind as a key for our transformation. But the question remains, "How do we get our minds renewed in this way?" I believe this involves spending time in His presence, reading His Word and letting Holy Spirit to take control of our mind. The Greek word for renewing means 'to align your thoughts with God's'. Abandon those self-defeating thoughts that tell you "you're not, you can't, and you'll never be able to". God says: "You are, you can, and you certainly will be able to," because of His indwelling power! John writes, “For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith” (1 John 5:4 NLV).

Spiritual metamorphosis is process that will change our thinking. It is a process that will change us to be more Christ-like in our daily walk. It is process that will change us from a conformer to a transformer. Being a transformer will help us to choose to get behind the wheel of life and take charge instead of choosing to stay in the passenger seat singing “Que Sara Sara. Whatever will be, will be”.

Yield to the ongoing work of God's Spirit in our life today! Trust in the finished work of God's Son today! And praise the greatness of God's love and the glory of His grace that planned it all.

Arms high and Heart abandoned

“So what can I say,
And what can I do,
But offer this heart, O God,
Completely to You…

So I’ll stand With arms high and heart abandoned
In awe of the One who gave it all.
I’ll stand, My soul Lord to You surrendered,
All I am is Yours.”

Last Sunday, our very own Youth Impact song leader, Melissa Cheah together with the Youth Impact worship team and Bro. Alvin, lead the congregation in Praise and Worship for our Sunday Service. It was an awesome time.

One song that moves me deeply was the song “The Stand by Hillsong United” (lyrics above). The song says, “I’ll stand with arms high and heart abandoned, in awe of the One who gave it all”. It is a call for complete surrender…..surrendering my live completely in the loving arm of Jesus.

The reason I am so moved with the song is because the song reflect the ultimate sacrifice that Jesus has given me. He gave His all for me. Jesus was perfect but He gave Himself up for me – an imperfect, sinful me. He gave Himself, that I may have life. Ephesians 5:1-2 - “Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”

There is no other choice but to offer my heart completely to God. He alone deserves the highest praise and worship.

Note: Image is from http://www.christart.com/clipart/

God's will

Last Thursday was a very sad day for the leaders of my church when our pastor announced his decision to move as the Lord is leading him to another place yet to be determined. He is simply obeying to the still small voice of the Lord. As for me, on Thursday, I saw a real man of faith who is willing to give up every thing and prepare himself go to the unknown and knowing that the Lord will take care of him. I know it is not an easy call for him but he believes obedience is better than sacrifice.

It came as a surprise to many of the leaders. None of us wants him to leave. He has been serving our church faithfully for 17 years. For me, he is my mentor and my spiritual father. During 2.5 years in the church, he taught me a lot of things and give me the space to serve God.

The whole decision of our pastor to leave is narrowed down to one point -- following the will of God. I remember in 31 December 2005, the Lord spoke clearly to me during the watch night service that our time in Melaka is over and He told us to get ready to move to a new place. It is not easy at all especially leaving our newly purchased house, friends, a stable work with defined career path and others to a new unknown place. Trust me, it was not easy at all. But today, as I look back, I thank God for the obedience in listening to His still small voice. HE is faithful to lead us through and HIS plan and will are perfect for our lives.

George Muller, an English evangelist and philanthropist wrote an essay on the will of God. Here is what he set out to ascertain the will of God in daily basis:

• I seek at the beginning to get my heart into such a state that it has no will of its own in regard to a given matter. Nine-tenths of the trouble with people generally is just here. Nine-tenths of the difficulties are over come when our hearts are ready to do the Lord's will, whatever it may be. When one is truly in this state, it is usually but a little way to the knowledge of what His will is.

• Having done this, I do not leave the result to feeling or simple impression. If so, I make myself liable to great delusions.

• I seek the Will of the Spirit of God through, or in connection with, the Word of God. The Spirit and the Word must be combined. If I look to the Spirit alone without the Word, I lay myself open to great delusions also. If the Holy Ghost guides us at all, He will do it according to the Scriptures and never contrary to them.

• Next I take into account providential circumstances. These often plainly indicate God's Will in connection with His Word and Spirit.

• I ask God in prayer to reveal His Will to me aright.

• Thus, through prayer to God, the study of the Word, and reflection, I come to a deliberate judgment according to the best of my ability and knowledge, and if my mind is thus at peace, and continues so after two or three more petitions, I proceed accordingly. In trivial matters, and in transactions involving most important issues, I have found this method always effective.

Jesus himself taught us that knowing God's will and living in obedience to the Father's will is the key to life abundance. We are his clay and He is our potter. As we surrender to His will, He will shape us to be more Christ-like. So surrender your life daily and spent time at the feet of Jesus. Be blessed.

‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declared the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future’ - Jeremiah 29:11

Leaving a Legacy

In life, one thing is certain - DEATH. What we don’t know is the date, time and how it will happen but death is certain. Life & death is in the hands of the Mighty One. When our time is up, He will call us back to be with Him.

Having said that, we are still responsible on how we live the life that God has entrusted to us. Recently, I receive a message from my sister informing me that a pastor whom I know passed away suddenly. He is just in his early 40’s. A great man of God. A man who is so passionate about God. We may think what a premature death but this man has done so much for the Lord. His wake service had over 300 friends and church members giving their last respect. During the funeral service, I was told that many people come up and give eulogy about this man of God and what he has done. I have been to wake service where there are hardly 25 people and hardly anything was said about the deceased.

Someone once said that when we die, we leave our inheritance and one of the inheritances is our legacy. Proverbs 13:22 says "A good man leaves an inheritance for his children’s children."

A legacy is something significant, but not usually tangible; valuable, but not always visible. We need to ask ourselves today whether in our action, in our response or in our service, we are leaving any footprints in people’s lives. Of course footprints here is referring to the good things that we leave behind. Some may end up leaving a negative legacy and the world rejoice on their demise.

The Apostle Paul talks about legacy in II Timothy 1:1-7 when he told Timothy “I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that lived first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, lives in you”. Timothy was the beneficiary of a generational legacy of faith – a devout faith that was alive in his mother and, before that, in her mother. Eunice and Lois left a lasting legacy of faith that shaped their son and grandson in a vital and eternal way.

What kind of lasting legacy will we leave for our children and grandchildren? By the grace of God, may it be a positive legacy that will build others.

Noise

We are living in a world that is full of noise and clamor. It is interesting to note that many especially the younger generation are adapting to it so well until they can't live without noise. One good example is when you observe youngster doing their studies. Almost 70% of then need some sort of music being played while they are studying.

These noise that is derived externally and also internally is slowly robing us away from listening to His still small voice. In the midst of busyness and life's struggle, we fail to recognize that He still speaks to us today.

Psalms 46:10 says " Be still and know that I am God" Be still here may refer to "be relaxed", "let go and let God" or "be emotionally calm". It is a call to surrender our struggle to Jesus. Jesus said "Come unto me all who are weary and burdened, I shall give you rest" (Matt: 11:28).

We need to find time to be still with God. Jesus during his earthly ministry have shown us that He himself spend time in isolation to commune with the Father. Richard Parrot puts it into perspective on silence before God. He said "Silence is not the absence of sound as much as it is an attitude of your heart. There is a silence that pushes aside complaining, negative words of the world in order to hear the positive word of God"

So if the noises around you is unbearable, find a quite moment with Lord. Be still and know that He is God.

Be blessed.

Faithful God

Each one of us has our own favorite song that speaks to our heart. For the past couple of months, the song O Faithful God by Mark Altrogge has been my inspiration. There is so much truth about God’s faithfulness in that song. As I sing, there is such a longing and adoration for my Mighty One. Looking back, He has been so faithful in my life. How can I pay back all His goodness in my life? I can only praise Him and give Him all the reverence.

Lord, you are indeed a faithful God. No matter what is the situation, you are always beside me. You are indeed a faithful God.

If you are going through challenges in your life, take courage my friend and know that He is a faithful God.

O Faithful God
Words and music by Mark Altrogge
As recorded on I Stand In Awe

I will praise You all my life
I will sing to You with my whole heart
I will trust in You
My hope and my help
My Maker and my faithful God

O faithful God
My faithful God
You lift me up
And you up hold my cause
You give me life
You dry my eyes
You’re always near
You’re a faithful God

1 Thessalonians 5:24 - Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass.

2 Thessalonians 3:3 - But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.

Deuteronomy 7:9 - Know therefore that the LORD your God, He is God, the faithful God, who keeps His covenant and His lovingkindness to a thousandth generation with those who love Him and keep His commandments;

Life's Journey

Life is Journey and Not a Destination. How true it is especially for us who knows that there is more to life and our ultimate destination in our Christian walk is to be seated beside our Master and giving Him all the praise and worship.

Looking back on my own life, it is indeed an interesting journey. My life's journey has brought me to various places for both short term and long term. Along the way, we make new friends, we learn about people and above all, we reflect on the goodness of our Mighty One. One thing I observe, the Lord is faithful and gracious to lead us along this life's journey. Of course, it is never filled with bed of roses throughout the journey. There are hurdles and storms that we have to face and overcome in this journey of life but the Lord is faithful. "Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord and has made the Lord his hope and confidence - Jeremiah 17:7"

Today if you are going through some rough seas or a tough road ahead, do take courage that the Lord is on your side. He is a faithful God. Jeremiah 29:11 - "I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Flood in Penang

We had a heavy downpour on Saturday starting about 9.00 till late night. Some places in Penang was flooded. Have never seen such heavy rain for sometime. I guess the global climate change has taken its affect in our land. I know a friend of mine was so worried that her flight would be cancelled. Of course her partner was hoping that the runaway is flooded.

Talking about rain & flood, I am reminded about the great man of the Bible called Noah. If it were not for one righteous man Noah, God would have destroyed everything. "This race of men whom I have created, I will wipe them off the face of the earth--man and beast, reptiles and birds. I am sorry that I ever made them." (Gen.6: 7)

After the flood, God made a covenant with Noah. The Noahic covenant is God's promise to never send a flood again. "I will make my covenant with you: never again shall all living creatures be destroyed by the waters of the flood, never again shall there be a flood to lay waste the earth." (Gen.9: 11)

The Noahic covenant is a covenant of love. God recognizes our shortcomings as a race. Because of a few who are righteous, God promises to keep the earth going in continuity from season to season and year to year. The rainbow reminds us of God's promise and His care. No matter how bad things get, God will never destroy us through a flood.

But above all, be reminded that His return is near. So get to know Him today.

Difference between Love and Lust

Last Saturday, Rev. Geoffrey Yee ask the youth an interesting question. What is difference between Love and Lust? Many were stunt for a moment and then he goes on to give the key difference which I feel it is important that I share with my blog readers.

Love is putting the needs of others a head of your wants.

Lust is putting your wants ahead of the needs of others.

I want to add an additional point to his point.

Love builds but Lust destroys.

In my walk of life, I have seen many compromise their Christian faith especially in the area of Boy-Girl relationship. It is important for us to assess our partners. Questions like, "Is the person loving me because who I am or is the person loving because what I have (money, body, fame,...)?", need to be addressed before we enter into any serious relationship. Of course, we also need to look at the word of God especially in this topic of finding a life partner. Many times, our emotion take control of ourselves when we enter into a relationship. This causes the failure to check on the motif of our partner. For goodness sake, please do not enter into relationship just out of feelings. Seek the Lord. Someone told me that she prayed, fasted and seek the Lord for 1 month before entering into a relationship.

I pray that the Lord will give all of us wisdom in this area and that He will protects us from the snare of the evil one especially in this last days.

John 10:10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.

A GOD who looks deep into our heart

This morning, I was reflecting the word of God in Jeremiah 16 and Jeremiah 17. The following verse speaks to me a lot especially taking into consideration of the events that is taking place around us. Jeremiah 17: 5-10 says:

"5 Thus says the Lord: Cursed [with great evil] is the strong man who trusts in and relies on frail man, making weak [human] flesh his arm, and whose mind and heart turn aside from the Lord.

6 For he shall be like a shrub or a person naked and destitute in the desert; and he shall not see any good come, but shall dwell in the parched places in the wilderness, in an uninhabited salt land.

7 [Most] blessed is the man who believes in, trusts in, and relies on the Lord, and whose hope and confidence the Lord is.

8 For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters that spreads out its roots by the river; and it shall not see and fear when heat comes; but its leaf shall be green. It shall not be anxious and full of care in the year of drought, nor shall it cease yielding fruit.

9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and it is exceedingly perverse and corrupt and severely, mortally sick! Who can know it [perceive, understand, be acquainted with his own heart and mind]?

10 I the Lord search the mind, I try the heart, even to give to every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his doings."

Recently, the news of the two great men of God revealing their deep sins shocked the world. One of them is well known to my youth group. Many of them admire him and his capability. His revelation shocked many of us. As I read through the above verses, in the last days, our focus and attention need to be diverted to the Lord and not merely on man. Remember man can fail us but God will never ever fail us. The Lord told Jeremiah to believe, trust and relies of the Lord. Do you notice the emphasis the Mighty One is giving us……believe, trust and relies…...and on top of that He tells us to put our hope and confidence in Him.

So today, let us put our hope and confidence, our trust on Him alone and let us be like a tree planted by the waters for we know that the river of God will water us even during the time of trials and temptation.

Be blessed and stay strong for the day of the Lord is near.

A GOD Who Cares

This morning I was reading Jeremiah 12. In this scripture, Jeremiah talks to the Mighty One on the topic of justice and he was bringing forward his case. I love the opening verse that says “Lord, you always give me justice when I bring a case before you.”

I am so blessed that being a Christian, I have a channel to bring my life struggles, my disappointments and my brokenness down at the feet of the Mighty One. Learning from Jeremiah, I know the Lord will give justice in His time.

Many times, we are like Jeremiah. We wonder why the wicked are prospering but the righteous are suffering. During Jeremiah’s time, it was due to the disobedient of the God’s people, that they have to suffer in the hand of their enemies.

But verse 15 of Jeremiah 12 says that God Jehovah will have compassion on all of them. I believe this takes place when the people of God repent.

Jeremiah 12 talks a lot on the personality of the Might One. He is a God whose door is always open to His children – He is ever ready to hear out petition. He is a God who hates sin. He is a God of compassion. He is a God where I can find justice.