Farewell to a Great Man of God

Last weekend was an emotional day for our church as it marks the last day for our Senior Pastor, Rev. Geoffrey Yee serving as our senior pastor. About six months ago, Ps. Geoffrey announced to the church that God is taking him and his family to a new place. At that point of time, he was clueless where God is leading him but out of obedient he responded to God's call. When he made the announcement, many of the members were caught by surprise and in fact shocked.

I know it takes a lot of courage for him and his family to answer God's call in such a time as this. To many people, leaving behind a role of a Senior Pastor in a growing and well financed church, and venture into the unknown maybe something insane or crazy decision. But Ps. Geoffrey only desire is to obey and move forward.

During the Youth Impact service last Saturday, many of the youth came forward and share how Ps. Geoffrey have impacted them and their family. This man of God has impacted some many lives in his 18 years service in our church.

For me and my wife, it was one the best time of our Christian walk to be under the leadership of Ps. Geoffrey. He has taught us a lot of insight to God's word and given us the opportunity to serve God in greater heights. In fact, he is so easy to be approached and a man who is humble and down to earth. He has been a great blessing in our life, he cared for us, his love to us is real, and he see us much beyond ourselves and our own ability.

I believe the new church that he is going to needs his service more than us and I strongly believe that God is taking Him to a new season and experience in the Lord.

I will definitely miss him but I rejoice in the blessed hope where one day we shall meet again.

I want to end this article with a poem for Ps. Geoffrey. The author of the poem is Unknown but it speaks a lot of Ps. Geoffrey. Be Blessed.

To Our Pastor

Our God has sent you to this place
To lead us in the way
That He would have us work and think
And live from day to day.

No matter the hour; whatever the need,
You go the extra mile -
Always ready and willing to share
A comforting thought and a smile.

We're grateful that you're here with us
To teach us from His word,
And we will try to do our best
In service of our Lord.

We thank you for your ministry,
Your guidance and your care.
His greatest blessings for your life
Is our most humble prayer.

Love cares more for others than for self

Love cares more for others than for self. - 1 Corinthians 13:7 TM

Many of us would rather settle for achieving less than put up with 'people-problems'. But fulfilling a great dream usually means having a great team. And great teams are made up of people with strengths - and weaknesses. God seldom calls us to do the job alone; He calls others to stand with us. So, do you know who belongs in your life?

Jesus chose 12 disciples to help Him fulfil His mission on earth. One of them doubted Him, one denied Him and one betrayed Him. Yet He called them, knowing what they were - and could become.

After listing hardships that would make your worst day look like 'a walk in the park', Paul writes, "Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of... all the churches" (2 Cor 11:28 NIV). How did Paul evangelise Asia, guide the church and write half the New Testament? Through a team; he introduces them in Romans 16. Let's look at one of his team-building secrets. It's called:

Love. If you don't genuinely care about people they'll sense it and they won't stay with you. If you've a high turnover in your relationships, that could be your problem. Even your best team members will go through times that affect their performance. Jeremiah got so stressed out that he wanted to quit the ministry and go into the motel business (See Jer 9:2). Paul advised his right-hand man Timothy to "use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses" (1 Tim 5:23 NIV). Here's a helpful prescription for the stress that goes with people-problems. Write it down on a small card and read it regularly. "Love cares more for others than for self" (1 Cor 13:7 TM).

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

Earth Day - 28th March 2009 8.30 p.m.

ViveAlive proudly supports the Earth Hour Project. Please show your support together with me by switching of your lights and other non essential electrical apparatus from 8.30p.m. till 9.30p.m. on 28th March 2009.

Here is an extract from Earth Hour official website:

In 2009, Earth Hour is being taken to the next level, with the goal of 1 billion people switching off their lights as part of a global vote. Unlike any election in history, it is not about what country you’re from, but instead, what planet you’re from. VOTE EARTH is a global call to action for every individual, every business, and every community. A call to stand up and take control over the future of our planet. Over 74 countries and territories have pledged their support to VOTE EARTH during Earth Hour 2009, and this number is growing everyday. We all have a vote, and every single vote counts. Together we can take control of the future of our planet, for future generations. VOTE EARTH by simply switching off your lights for one hour, and join the world for Earth Hour.

You can make difference by participating in the Earth Hour project. Let's make planet Earth a better place to live.

But if you are driving, please make sure your car lights are still on and if you are working in hospitals and medical centers, please ensure you do not accidentally switch off any critical devices. Then it might become a last day for some on earth....ha ha ha...Be wise..!!!

The Joy of Giving

All must give as they are able. - Deuteronomy 16:17 NLT

The Academy Award-winning movie Shindler's List is the story of one man's efforts to make the most of a desperate opportunity. As the director of a munitions factory in Germany, Schindler decides to use his position to save lives. By employing them in his factory, Schindler is able to rescue condemned Jews from the gas chambers. But keeping them on is costly. Little by little, he liquidates his personal possessions in order to keep the business afloat. At the end of the story the Nazis are defeated. The full weight of Schindler's efforts is finally revealed as the dead are counted and the living stagger back to freedom. In one scene, kneeling by the railroad tracks that had carried thousands of Jews to their death, Oskar Schindler has a startling realisation: he could have saved a few more. Overwhelmed with regret, he laments the few goods still remaining in his possession. If only he'd known when the war would end, he would have done more. But now it was too late.

Oskar Schindler is a hero. He's credited with saving more lives during World War II than any other single person. But interestingly, all he could think about was what he didn't do. He wished he had done more.

We can learn a powerful lesson about giving from this man. Because, in the same way, even joyful givers will look back on their lives and wish they'd done more. And as for those who never gave at all, or gave less than they could, imagine their thoughts as they stand before God in the final audit to give an account of how they used their finances - and are rewarded accordingly!

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

Servant-heart Leadership

Sorry for not being able to update this blog often. There are lots of work that is piling up and somehow in the last few days, I don't have much inspiration to write.

Today, I just want to touch base on Christian Leadership especially on Servant-heart Leadership. As I was preparing last week message for Youth Impact, I realize that Prophet Jonah, who is called for to preach to Nineveh, did bring the message to the people but he did it "under protest" or under reservation (refer to Jonah 4). Although God has given him grace of 2nd chance but it has not taken Jonah's anger or hatred towards the people of Nineveh. Deep within Jonah's heart, he still want Nineveh to be destroyed by God Almighty.

I began to realize sometimes in ministry, we may do things reluctantly. Just doing something out of obedience but our heart is unwilling. Yes, God will still move as He did in Nineveh but we become a loser because unforgiveness and hurt will lead us to destruction. The Lord God deal with Jonah through a very interesting way. Although the book of Jonah did not state the ultimate ending but I love to read on how God speaks to Jonah through object lessons.

Now, how do we apply this to Servant-heart Leadership principle? One criteria I believe it is important for Servant-heart Leadership is a "God First Centered Leaders". They are leaders who would serve God without even looking at his/her own reservation or unhappiness. Leaders who would serve without any hidden agenda. Leaders who will put God's desire and will on top of one's own will and perception. It also means that we serve our Master with 100% commitment and do whatever He commands us willingly.

Be Blessed.

Allah Peduli

Recently there was lots of hype on banning the song "Allah Peduli" sang by Indonesian singer Agnes Monica. The direct translation to English would be God Cares or God Knows. I am still trying to understand why this song is so sensitive to some group of people.

Anyway, in my own considered opinion, I see it as an appropriate song for times like this where people are living in hardship and desperate moments. When government or any other institution fails us, our only hope is to turn to God for divine help. Why? Because He Cares and He is a All knowing God.

Anyway, below is the lyric and some translation help for those who only knows English. You can listen to the song via Youtube at the following link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-x_0ChywET8

Banyak perkara yang tak dapat kumengerti
(There are so many things that I cannot understand)
mengapakah harus terjadi di dalam kehidupan ini
(Why things have to happen in this life)

Satu perkara yang kusimpan dalam hati
(One thing that I keep in my heart)
tiada satupun kan terjadi
(nothing will happen)
tanpa Allah peduli
(without God knowing it)


Allah mengerti
(God understands)
Allah peduli
(God knows)
segala persoalan yang kita hadapi
(All problems we face)

Tak akan pernah dibiarkanNya kubergumul sendiri
(He will not let me struggle alone)
s'bab Allah mengerti
(because He understands)

Be Blessed

A day off from office

I had a day off from office on Wednesday. I look forward for days like these because I can spend my time doing my personal errand....some which have been overdue for a long long time. My day started at 10.00 a.m.....yea, finally I am able to get up from bed after 9.00 a.m. Usually I wake up at 6.45 a.m. on a weekdays to get ready for work. I count it a luxury to be able to sleep extra hours in the morning :-)

Anyway, here is my some of my stories for the day. Enjoy it.


--> Drive to CIMB (the true Malaysian bank....China India Melayu Bengali Bank) in USM to deposit a cheque which is almost 3 weeks old and then update my Amanah Saham Wawasan 2020 pass book. The book has not been updated since 1998. Surprisingly my investment of RM100 is still there plus with some good dividened payment. I am surprised to see ASN is giving much better dividend compare to EPF. Maybe we should ask ASN to manage our EPF savings. Anyway, I saw there was no dividend transcation for couple of years. According to the CIMB officer, I need to go to ASN office in the mainland (there is only 1 office in the whole state of Penang) to check the status of the missing payment.

--> I drove to mainland to look for ASN office. Make couple of wrong turns. After few rounds, manage to locate the office. Only 3 counters available but there were so many people waiting in-line to see the officers. It took me a good 1.5 hours of waiting before my turn. The officer at Counter 1 was pretty good and I am amazed with the level of service given. I give my thumbs up for ASN Penang office. The officer explain that prior to 2004, ASN normally issue cheque for dividend payment. Somehow due to my multiple time of shifting house in Malacca, the cheque did not come to my hand. Partly it is my fault. I have forgotten to update my new mailing address with ASN since the investment is so little......Maybe I forgotten the importance of an old Malay proverb..."Kecil kecil lama lama jadi bukit"....direct translation would be "small small long long become hill". Anyway, the officer told me politely that I still can claim those dividends that are not claimed but there is a processing fee of RM10 for every year of claim made. I told her to forget about it as the dividend is less than RM10 for every year. I then enquire the officer whether is there any unit of Amanah Saham Wawasan 2020 available? She said, for non-bumi, there is none available but for bumi, there are still lots of unit available. According to the officer, 51% is allocated to bumi’s and the balance to non-bumi’s. I wish Malaysia will be for all Malaysian and that none of us would be differentiated by our race, religion and gender. I wish that all of us can enjoy the produce of the land freely with such complicated quota system.

--> My next stop was the Touch N Go office in Penang bridge. I wanted to change my Touch N Go so that I can enjoy the special discount given to the Penangites. Do you know that you only need to pay RM5.60 when you are using the Penang Bridge if you have this special Touch N Go card? The man in the counter told me that it is impossible for me to change the card. I got to purchase a brand new card. Somehow the entire Touch N Go sales looks very disintegrated. If you want to enjoy a special discount when using the PLUS highway, you need to get a special Touch N Go card at their Juru or Sg. Dua office. Maybe all of us will land up with 2 or 3 Touch N Go card. In the world of IT, this should be a piece of cake for integration but I wonder why these highway operators are making life so difficult to their users. Anyway, I got my card and use it for the 1st time yesterday....yahoo...I can save RM1.40 every time I use the bridge from now till someone crazy change the rules.

--> After a busy day in the mainland, I drove back to island. Couple of the activities was done such as sending Sathy's car to mechanic for routine maintenance, send my car to Honda for warranty parts replacement and buying some food stuff from Tesco.

All on all, it was a long but fun filled day especially doing something that is not in my daily routine.

A great time at S.U.R.F

Finally, S.U.R.F is over but the excitement can still be felt till today. We thank God for a great night of dance, drama, worship, games, message and food. Above all, we thank God that we can shine for Him through events like this.

My special appreciation goes to every Youth Impact members who have put in lots of effort in prayer, practice and ground work to make this event a success. I know for some of them, it is toggling between a busy schedule at school/college/work and preparing for the concert.

The host for the night was Aaron Tan and Sue Lyn. The night started with a dance by our very own dance team led by Theresa Teh. The high energized dance team captured the audience with fast and synchronized movement following the beat of two songs. After the dance, it was Praise & Worship by Melissa Cheah, Nicholes Ong and Youth Impact worship team. With excellent combination of vocal and music, they perform like a professional band with many years of experience. There were lots of dance and celebration in the floor as the team led them with a number of familiar songs. It was then followed by the drama, Jaws (the Youth Impact version), led by Joshua Yee. There was non stop laughter among the audience. After drama, it was game time hosted by Aaron Tan and Nicholes Ong. They turn the floor into four teams called Chinese Warrior, Cowboys, Red Indian and Beggars. There was lots of noise and excitement as each team respond to the attack by another team. The Cowboys and the Chinese Warrior was selected the winner of the day.

Rev. Clement Wong was our speaker for the night. He shared the word of God in such a simplistic manner yet the truth was delivered with such clarity. There was a lot of jokes by him that kept the audience attentive to the message. During the altar call, 15 youths responded. We have a number of them give their life to Jesus. All glory to Him. The event ended with a SURF draw where Youth Impact gave away 5 Philips MP3 players.

Behind every successful event like this, there is a big crew that works behind the scene and many times go unnoticed. Special thanks go to our coordinator of the event, Yi Lin. She took up the leadership in organizing the event and she did really well. Special appreciation to Cui Lin, Derris and Chester (and the other helpers) for the excellent and superb work of art in decorating the sanctuary. I know many of you spend hours in the church painting the surf board replicas. Special thanks to Cui Lin for the promotional materials. Also not forgetting Daniel Cheah, Jo Ann and Jo Vin who manages our lighting for the night. Our appreciation goes to Derris, Ephraim and Eric for managing the multimedia and sound system. You guys are awesome. Not forgetting our usher crew led by Win Shern. You guys did a superb job in managing the crowd and the altar call.

To all of you, whose name is not mention here, I want to thank each one of you for your commitment and dedication in making this event successful. God knows every little sacrifice that you have made for His Name sake.

Be Blessed.

Unless the Lord builds the house

The Lord has been reminding me of Psalm 127:1 “Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain" for this whole week. As we were preparing for our church Youth Concert, the reality of His truth become so evident.

Let us have some serious thoughts on this verse and may our hearts and lives be changed by its truth. I believe strongly when we know the truth; the truth shall set us free. There is in this text the realization that human effort apart from the grace of God or the strength of God is a futile exercise. As churches, ministries and individuals looks forward and as there are plans to expand the ministry and fulfill the purpose of God, this must remain at the forefront; that God must be the source of all that we do.

Many of us today try to build our ministries and our churches with our strength. Along the way, we get frustrated and began to introduce legalism into it and along the way we hurt many. We try to control everything by ourselves rather than fully relying on God alone.

According to the bible, other than Jesus, King Solomon was the wisest person who ever lived on Earth. Solomon wrote Psalms 127. Solomon sees God as the ultimate builder. Solomon starts the verse with the word “Unless”. Friends what we see here in Solomon is a certain single-mindedness and utter dependence and confidence in God. There must be total dependence upon God in all pursuits. Solomon here realizes that it is a waste if what is done is not being done or was not done by God. In Solomon’s mind, the Supreme builder is God.

The difference between a growing ministry/church and dying ministry/church is on how much Jesus that we bring into our ministry or church. Unfortunately many of today's highly-starched, wing-tipped, wearing-neat-and- clean, decent-and-orderly pulpiteers and pew-sitters whose level of energy and excitement about Jesus bring to mind those commercialized characters so desperately in need of Duracell batteries.

I strongly believe a ministry or church that allow Jesus to be the forefront in their serving will be a thriving ministry or church. It is simply because we allow His grace and mercy to flow through our ministry and churches. The world needs us to show the Grace and Mercy of our Savior and not a set of rules and regulations. I believe in order and good governance but it should be encapsulated with the grace of God and with His love.

A story was told one day a pastor was sharing to the Sunday school kids. The pastor said: "When I say a word, I want you to say the first word that comes into your mind." So the pastor said "Frog." A little boy blurted out "Jesus!" That confused the pastor who asked "Why did you say Jesus when I said frog?" And the little boy answered, "Because I knew you didn't call us down here to talk about frogs."

Let's bring more of Jesus in our ministries and churches. Let His Grace and Mercy be the important theme in everything that we do. Remember "Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain".

Be Blessed.

S.U.R.F....S.U.R.F.....S.U.R.F.......

This Saturday would mark the first evangelistic event for 2009. It is called S.U.R.F (Student Uncovering Real Faith). The excitement is charging up in me. After all the prayers, planning and practices, we are trusting God to move in an unprecedented way. I believe we will see a breakthrough....I am looking forward to see God moving in an awesome way because when we pray, God works. I am excited!!!!

It is a fun packed evening with lots high energy program but above all, it is a night to celebrate the ultimate giver of life, Jesus. He is the reason for our existence. If you are in Penang, why not join us for this event. There are lots of goodies to give away...e.g. MP3 players...wow..!!!!

Be Blessed.

Camporama 2009

http://www.camporama09.com/

Watchman

My article today is not about movie review on the super hero film called Watchmen directed by Zack Snyder. It is about a man named Ezekiel in the Bible.

Last night as I was reading Ezekiel 3, I am reminded of the importance being on guard in the last days. God said to Ezekiel, "Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; therefore hear a word from My mouth, and give them warning from Me" (Ezekiel 3:17). I

In the days of Ezekiel, it was common practice for nations to appoint guardians to watch the borders of their territories and warn the people of approaching danger. It was the watchman's duty to sound the trumpet and warn the people the moment he saw the enemy coming. If he saw the enemy coming, yet failed to sound the alarm, his failure was considered a criminal act, and every death brought by the enemy's sword was a murder charge for the watchman.

Just as the watchman appointed to guard the city gates, Ezekiel has a God-given commission to serve as "a watchman for the house of Israel." Ezekiel role was to warn the wicked among his people of the certainty of death if they failed to turn from their sinful ways.

I believe we are called to be watchman too. A watchman that will show the grace of God to the lost. A watchman that brings message of hope and salvation. A watchman that will guard and watch at the "gate" of the church. Being on guard against current trends of deception that are sweeping through the body of Christ..

In Mark 13, we see that Jesus is telling us of the things to come regarding the Last Days. He exhorts us all to be on the alert, to be watchful of the things to come. It seems we have all been called to be in a constant state of watchfulness in some capacity as believers in Christ: "Take heed, keep on the alert; for you do not know when the appointed time will come. It is like a man away on a journey, who upon leaving his house and putting his slaves in charge, assigning to each one his task, also commanded the doorkeeper to stay on the alert. Therefore, be on the alert -- for you do not know when the master of the house is coming, whether in the evening, at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning -- in case he should come suddenly and find you asleep."What I say to you I say to all, 'Be on the alert!'" Mark 13:33-37

Steven Mitchell writes in his article "Watchman Arise,"

"Since God mentions this ministry several times throughout the Bible with great clarity, we do well to read, heed, and learn to be men and women with this attitude for the church today. While we may not be under the threat of physical invasion today, or living in literal walled fortresses, Satan and his workers seek to destroy and lay siege to the church today through false teachers and ungodly philosophies. He seeks to lead us into false forms of worship and unbiblical teachings that masquerade as truth. He has engineered and orchestrated a full-out assault on the people of God today, complete with deceptive false ministers and non-prophets who no longer view His Word as the primary basis for true doctrine. The church is definitely under attack and, therefore, definitely and desperately in need of watchmen in this age."

Be Blessed.

The Importance Of Small Things

Whoever sows generously will also reap generously. - 2 Corinthians 9:6 NIV

Have you ever gone to a restaurant with somebody whose meal cost $8, and watched them struggle over leaving a tip? They have $2 in change, and they know that leaving just $1 might be thought of as stingy. Yet do they leave $2? Not on your life! That would be too much. Instead they'll waste ten minutes getting change for that second dollar so they can leave $1.50 tip and save themselves 50 cents, rather than "sow generously" and leave a little extra. What would have happened if they'd left the full $2? They would have made the waiter or waitress's day. Fifty cents may not seem like much, but the message that goes along with it can mean the world to someone. It says, "Thanks, you did a good job, I appreciate you, you're valuable." Maybe this message gets lost - your server just sweeps up the tip without counting - but you, the one who "sows generously" will still "reap generously" (2 Cor 9:6 NIV).

What an opportunity. We can increase the happiness of others, and bless ourselves, with just pocket change. This is just one tiny example of the many ways in which the small things we do can have surprisingly big repercussions. Small acts of kindness set the tone for our day. Going the extra mile - whether it's a slightly larger tip, an unexpected compliment or gift, or just holding a door open for someone - costs very little and gets you a lot.

And here's one more thought: we can have mountain-moving faith, understand and explain all the deep doctrines of the Bible and get top marks for personal holiness, yet God's Word says that without love "I am nothing" (See 1 Cor 13:2).

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

Balik Pulau

Penang has long been a major tourist destination especially offering its beautiful sandy beaches in Batu Ferringi and also historical attractions in the heart of Georgetown which is the capital of Penang. Penang Island is a paradise for food lovers who come from all over the world to sample the island's unique cuisine, earning Penang the nickname of the food capital of Malaysia. Penang was recognized as having the Best Street Food in Asia by TIME magazine in 2004, citing that nowhere else can such great tasting food be so cheap. Focus for Penang foods normally are within Gurney Drive, Pulau Tikus, New Lane, Swatow Lane, Penang Road and Chulia Street.

Unknown to many new tourist, a small town in the northwestern coast of the Penang Island known as Balik Pulau (simply means 'the other side of the island) has lots of surprises installed for its visitors. Balik Pulau is famous for its durian plantations and it has one of the best durians in Malaysia. Balik Pulau is also known for its ' Assam Laksa', a fish based soup with rice noodles, cut onions, pineapples, cucumbers and vegetables with the sourish "assam". Prawn paste (hae kor) is added as option and cut hot spicy chili to taste. For me, Nan Guang Coffee Shop offers the best laksa in the whole island of Penang. The have 3 selection of laksa soup for their customers. Traditional Assam Laksa, "Siam Laksa' (or also known as 'lemak' laksa) or a mix of both. My personal preference would be "Siam Laksa". Souring a bowl of Laksa goes well with a cup of Nut Meg juice or "Ambra suey boey" juice available in the same coffee shop.

So why not take a drive to Balik Pulau and try something new today. I am sure Alvin Quek and Rachel Fu would agree to this.

Circus in the land!!!

Looks like there is a new circus going on in this land. Much better than The Royal London Circus, I guess. The best part of this circus is that there is a large gathering of "clowns" who makes the nation a laughing stock in the international arena. While the rest of the world is busy coping with global economic tsunami especially in finding ways to reduce inflation and job losses, we are busy showing the world the modern day of ruling a country with Iron fist accompanied with dirty tactics and flip flop decision making. Plus no value given to humanity.......the best thing(or I should call it the worst thing) is that this " clowns" are using whatever government machinery at their disposal to perform their act and to suppress truth . I wonder when will all this nonsense stop and when will this "clowns" starts to focus on the needs of the people who are suffering due to reduction in income and drastic increase of price on essential goods. Somehow we have to blame ourselves sometimes because we are responsible in appointing this "clowns".

I am reminded of a joke shared by friend many years. How true it is today....!!!! Here it goes:

Son: Dad, I have a special report for school. Can I ask you a question?

Dad: Sure son, what's the question?

Son: What is politics?

Dad: Well son, let's take our home for example. I am the wage earner, so let's call me the management. Your mother is the administrator of the money, so let's call her the government. We take care of you and your needs, so let's call you the people. We'll call the maid the working class and your baby brother the future. Understand?

Son: I'm not really sure dad, I'll have to think about it.

That night, the boy is awakened by his baby brother's crying, so he went to see what was wrong. Discovering that the baby had a heavily soiled diaper,the boy went to his parent's room and found his mother fast asleep. He than went to the maid's room, where, peeking through the keyhole, he saw his father in bed with the maid. The boy's knocking went totally unheard. The boy went back to his room and went to sleep.

The next morning...

Son: Dad, I think I understand politics.

Dad: That's great son, explain it to me in your own words.

Son: While the management is screwing the working class, the government is fast asleep (my version would be the government is actively involved in clowning), the people are being completely ignored and the future is full of crap.

When we pray, God works

A friend of mine shared an interesting quote with me yesterday. Here it goes:

When we work, we work
When we pray, God works!

As I reflected on it, it truly speaks lots of truth in it. Psalms 127:1 says "Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it;". We are totally dependent on God in every aspect of our life. My focus today is in our ministry. Many times, we use our own strength and expertise to get the ministry going. Somehow at a certain junction, we will give up because we have focusing in our strength. Although it is necessary to put in hard work and expertise to toil the land, without a conscious dependence on the Lord of heaven and earth, all of our good efforts will be futile and our ministries will ultimately collapse into ruins.

As the lyrics in Ng Wah Lok’s song, "Every time I pray", espouse: … every time I pray I move the hands of God, my prayer does the things my hands cannot do. When we pray, and we’ll see God’s will done in our lives, in our ministry and in everything we embark on. When we pray, God works!

Be Blessed.

Thumbs up for Slumdog Millionaire

Yesterday evening, myself and Sathy decided to watch the movie Slumdog Millionaire. Now we understand the reason behind the many awards that was given to this movie. Hats Off to the Story Writer, Screenplay, Editor, Director and the whole team involved in making of this film. The music also played much role to make viewers get involved in the situations with much more deeper sense. It is simply awesome especially the storyline about the long and arduous journey of Jamal Malik and his brother Salim, the main characters of the movie, traversed in their relatively short life.

The movie is truly exhilarating and awe-inspiring fable about destiny, perseverance, struggles, true love and how all of them are undeniably intertwined.

There are many lessons that we can learn from this movie. One of it is that all of us are given the free will to choose the path of life that we want to go. In Slumdog Millionaire, Salim, the older brother, decided to choose the path of crime as his destiny but Jamal decided to go through the school of hard knock and work his way out as a Tea Boy a.k.a. "chai-wallah" before winning India's version of "Who Wants to be a Millionaire.

A true survivor, he draws on his own experiences and lessons learned from the streets to overcome the obstacles that the protectors of the status-quo put in his path. He trusts his instincts, believes in himself and the nobility of his cause. He is comfortable with who he is despite his lowly origins, is confident that he can beat the system, and knows that he is deserving simply because of the higher purpose he is serving.

Slumdog Millionaire is highly acclaimed, named in the top ten lists of various newspapers. On 22 February 2009 the film won eight out of ten Academy Awards it was nominated for, including the Best Picture and Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Sound Mixing, Best Film Editing, Best Original Score, and Best Original Song. It is only the eighth film ever to win eight Academy Awards.[55]

The film also won all four of the Golden Globe Awards it was nominated for, including Best Drama Film; five of the six Critics' Choice Awards for which it was nominated; and seven of the eleven BAFTA Awards for which it was nominated, including Best Film.

Knowing What Season You're In

Be ready in season and out of season. - 2 Timothy 4:2 NKJV

We live our lives in seasons, and seasons have beginnings and endings. So, diversity is the key to longevity. If you don't understand this, you can lose your sense of purpose, because when one season is over you've nothing left to carry with you into the next. That's why successful farmers keep rotating their crops. They plant corn in one field, then when it goes out of season they plow that field and let it rest. At the same time they're busy elsewhere harvesting alfalfa to make hay, after which that field goes through the same process. In spring they change the order of things so the field where corn once grew now produces alfalfa, and so forth.

When Paul told Timothy, "Be ready in season and out of season," he was encouraging him to broaden his spiritual horizons. In Timothy's case he needed to understand there's a time to correct people, and a time to comfort them (See 2 Tim 4:25 NKJV). Timing is so important. The Psalmist compared the blessed man to "a tree... which yields... fruit in season" (Ps 1:3 NIV). To succeed, you must recognise what season you are in!

And you must also understand that God is more concerned with the depth of your roots than the height of your branches; more interested in quality than quantity. With God 'the quality goes in before the name goes on'. That's why He takes your struggles and uses them to cultivate the kind of soil (and soul) necessary to produce good fruit. And one more thing: from time to time He will permit storms to blow away those people and things that hinder what He's working to produce in you.

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