Priority

The heart behind the art

2024-03-27T12:55:00.002+08:00

Behind every action, there is intention. Sometimes, there can be many different intentions that lead to the same action. Therefore, while inwardly good decisions/thoughts will lead to outwardly good deeds, some good deeds are the result of inwardly bad decision. In lift, those who commit wrong usually can justify (to themselves mostly) their actions. We see this not only with criminals, but even when observing famous people (i.e. celebrities, politicians, etc.) or those around us (i.e. friends, colleagues, neighbours, bosses, etc.).

God looks at the heart. This means that as Christians, we need to do things with the right intentions. Take for example the reasons why Christians don't swear. Some may choose not to because they want to be seen as good Christians while others do it as to not stumble a fellow Christian or be a good testimony to the world. In a way, the former are like the Pharisees that Jesus called hypocrites. The latter does it because they love God.

In the bigger picture, the question that most (if not all) of us keep asking is, "What is my purpose in life?" Is it to do well in our studies? Or perhaps it is to chase worldly success? Others may make it their life goal to earn wealth. There is also some who simply want to enjoy life and be happy always. There are also those who want to live a legacy or advance a cause. At the end of the day, our lives are our own to decide what to make of it.

The problem with chasing worldly purpose is that it is never enough. The satisfaction we get from it is temporal at best. In short, we all have a God-shaped hole in our heart that can not be filled with the things of the world. It is only when we seek after God that we find fulfillment that satisfies. Jesus told the truth when He said to the Samaritan woman that He will give living water that whoever drinks of it will never thirst again (John 4:14).

Those who study the world can see this. No matter what subject or which legacy others have left behind; those that are of God and from God, those are the ones that last throughout the ages. Everything that people have seek for themselves will sooner or later be forgotten or become irrelevant. The world cannot tell you what is your purpose because it didn't make you. Only your Maker in heaven can truly tell you what you are meant to do.

But God doesn't always reveal some unique or specific plan for our lives. Not everyone will know what is God's specific will for them. Actually, it doesn't really matter. God has told through the bible of what we are to do. In Matthew 28:19, Jesus's last commandment was for us to "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit," Jesus also said in Matthew 7:21-23 that not all those who have called Him Lord will go to heaven because they did not have a relationship with God. Throughout the bible, God has said obedience is better than sacrifice. Jesus also said those who love Him/God are those who obey His commands.

This means that as true Christians, we are to form a relationship with God. To form and keep that relationship, we need to live for Him, obeying His word. It's painful and difficult but if we truly want to know Him, it is necessary. As we live for Him, we will want to obey His commands which include encouraging and leading others to be closer to Him. We need to ensure we do this for the right intentions because the wrong ones will lead to burnout and a Christ-less eternity. When our art reflects the right heart, God is there to help us through it and we will draw closer to Him.

Do you really know?

2022-03-09T21:54:00.002+08:00

¹⁰The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. - John 10:10

God so wants to pour out His love and His blessings on our lives. Most of the time, this involves us just stepping out in faith. But we don't do it. We are afraid. We choose not to obey. Why? The Holy Spirit has revealed to me that there are 3 reasons why this happens and they all revolve around knowing.

The first reason is that we don't know who God really is. We forget that this is the same God who created the whole universe in 7 days. The Bible is full of examples of how great He is:

For every beast of the forest is Mine,
And the cattle on a thousand hills. - Psalm 50:10

He made the Pleiades and Orion; He turns the shadow of death into morning And makes the day dark as night; He calls for the waters of the sea And pours them out on the face of the earth; The Lord is His name. - Amos 5:8

If we believe that God really is all-powerful, we would dare to ask Him for anything we need to move forward. It's just like if we need to borrow money, we would go to the bank because we know they have the ability to loan us the money. We wouldn't go to a friend whom we know is broke. We need to constantly remind ourselves that our God is able to do all that we ask of Him and more.

The second reason is that we don't know who we are. I mean, from a Biblical perspective. Let's see what the Bible have to say about us human beings:

I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Marvelous are Your works,
And that my soul knows very well. - Psalm 139:14

¹¹For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. - Jeremiah 29:11

¹⁶For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life - John 3:16

God made us and He loves us so much, He was willing to send His son to die for our sins. We have forgotten how precious we are to Him. If we truly know that we are so loved, that God always has our backs, wouldn't we believe that we can do anything He asks of us?

It's very easy for us to forget or to not believe who God is and who we are to Him. That's why it's important we also know God. We can only trust that God is with us and we are with Him when we have a relationship with God. When we need help, we often ask those closest to us first, not those we barely know. When we are close to someone, we would know what pleases them and what doesn't. That's why Jesus said, "If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you." - John 15:7. It's only when we have a close relationship with God will we know His character. Then, we will dare step out in faith and ask Him of what we need. When we are close to Him, we will know what pleases Him and what doesn't.

This is why we need to have a relationship with God. That's why Jesus has to come and bridge the gap between us and God. Life with God doesn't mean there's no challenges; it's just easier to go through because we know how powerful the one who has our back. It's like when Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego answered King Nebuchadnezzar:

¹⁶Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego answered and said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. ¹⁷If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. ¹⁸But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up.” - Daniel 3:16-18

They were confident because they knew their God and what He can do for them. Can we say the same about ourselves?

What we want isn't what we need

2021-12-07T20:38:00.000+08:00

A man walks into a bar and asks for a glass of water. The bartender pulls out a shotgun and fires it; barely missing the man. The man says "Thank you", leaves a tip and walks out. Why?

That riddle above shows that sometimes what we want and what we need are 2 different things. Human beings are irrational in that way. The best part is, we may not even know that we needed it. I'm sure we all have likes and dislikes. We prefer certain movies, songs, shows, etc. We also have weird cravings from time to time. And I'm sure that at times, we can't actually reason out these preferences when asked why.

To a certain extent, I believe God wired us that way. It makes us all... unique. It would be a boring world if everyone likes the same music, have the same taste in fashion, and enjoy the same food. No diversity.

In some matters, it could be conditioning. You listen to a music enough time, you make end up getting sick of it. You may also hate certain things because it's associated with a bad time in your life. I know I do. Then of course, sometimes we bow to external stimulation. We have (whether we like to admit it or not) decided to eat at certain places due to their advertisement before.

But sometimes, it could be due to something deeper. The most popular example is comfort food. To one person, it may just be sustenance. To someone else, it could life their spirits enough to go through the day.

So who knows really what we need? Clearly it's not us! It has to be the one who made us. A robot can't tell you what it needs, its creator will tell it/you. How nice for us that our creator has written a manual detailing all that we actually need! Now all we need to do is study that manual...

Who has your back?

2021-12-07T20:33:00.003+08:00

When I was in secondary school, there was a time when I should have been whacked by my friends. However, they all left me alone. I was initially puzzled then a friend explained to me: it's because my mom was a teacher in the school. She had my back.

16 Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him, “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. 17 If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us[a] from Your Majesty’s hand. 18 But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.” - Daniel 3:16-18

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego was so courageous before King Nebuchadnezzar because they knew that God has their back. No matter what trouble they face, they know they can charge forward because of who was supporting them.

If God was with them all those years ago, we can take courage that He is similarly with us when we follow Him. In today's world, there is so much danger. There's constant talk of war. COVID-19 is still rampant around the world. Closer to home, there's snatch thieves ready to strike at any moment. Drivers on the road seem like they learnt from a blind guy. Don't forget all the haters on social media and all the criticism laid on Christians. It's so easy to give in to fear.

But how do we stop fear? It looks unstoppable. With our own strength, we cannot. We can't stop all wars. The world doesn't have a cure for COVID-19. We are no match against dangers coming at us with parangs. There will always be that bigger, stronger foe in front of us. We have to look to the bigger, strongest one there is: Jesus Christ. I step out into the world confident not that I won't catch the virus, won't run into danger. I step out with confidence that when these dangers approach me, God will take care of me. He protects, He comforts, He heals, He restores.

That’s why I only want to go where God is. Back to my teenage life example, I'm only safe because my mom was nearby. If my mom was in another school, I wouldn't have that protection. So it is with my spiritual walk. I wanna be near Him because it's only near Him that I'm covered by the shadow of His wings. Near Him, I'm protected. When I am near Him, He can comfort me. I'm near enough that He can heal or restore me. God can't whisper words of encourage if I'm far away. How to be near God? Simple; pray to Him, listen to His word, obey His commands. And when we see His miracles at work in our lives, worship Him.

What are you willing to lose?

2021-12-07T20:17:00.003+08:00

There's been a question that has been on my mind without me knowing it. If you read the Bible, you will read of God's many promises. You would read of how God loves us and wants to bless us. And since we know and experience so much of God, why do we find it so hard to follow Him? Jesus simply said, follow me. And yet, we find it so difficult to do so. We have so many excuses or simply a flat out no. Many heard/hears the gospel, so few actually obey. What is stopping people?

It finally hit me: following Jesus requires sacrifice. It's not that people don't want to claim all the Jesus has promised, they are afraid of what they would have to give up to do so. Following Jesus has never been the popular choice. To be a true follower, it means being shunned by your peers, family and friends. Maybe even going against the government. We want to be accepted by our loved ones, by our community. Risking that acceptance is very hard.

Following Jesus also means going His way, not ours. Those childhood dreams? You gotta let it go. Wanting your way, wearing the clothes you want, eating the food you want? You may have to give it up. That dream career you wanted, the lifestyle you were going to live with that career? God demands us to surrender it. And for many, they can't do this. It's a dream of many years. It could be something we have worked on our entire life. Our identity may be tied up in it.

Is it worth giving all these up? Is it worth losing your identity, what you've known yourself to be since you could remember? Is it worth living all on your own, not having anyone on Earth to depend on? If you ask King David, Samuel, Jesus disciples... the answer is a resounding yes!

Jesus promises that whatever we give up, as big as it is, He has something better for us. That dream life you wanted? God can take that sacrifice and provide it in His way. In fact, He can give you something that you think was beyond you. That community that shunned you? God gives you a new community; one that supports you like you were never supported before.

Flip the perspective. That lifelong dream? It's only been yours for a couple of decades. What is that compared to eternity with God? The angels and saints are cheering you on; ready to back you up all the way. You will see miracles that you never thought possible. What did you dream you could achieve? God can multiply that beyond your comprehension. And you have forever in heaven to enjoy it.

The price seems big but looking at the prize, it's worth it. In life, we need to sacrifice something to gain something else. We sacrifice time at work to grow our career. We sacrifice (sell/dispose) things to make way for new things. To win the tournament, athletes sacrifice their food, their time with friends and family, their comforts. All in the pursuit of the highest goal. So if the highest goal in life is to be with God, shouldn't we also expect to sacrifice something equally valuable if not more valuable?

Here I am

2021-05-08T22:56:00.001+08:00

8 Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!” - Isaiah 6:8

Many a times, we want to follow after Christ. But what does that mean? And are we "good enough"?

Reflect back on your life. How many times have we "waited" to hear a specific direction from the Lord? Perhaps we think we can only be used when we have retired? Or only those in full time ministry will hear the audible voice of the Lord? Then there are the times that we disqualify ourselves. Oh, God can't use me... I don't have the right personality/character/skills/abilities/<insert our lack here>

But have God ever sent the able? Did the heroes of the Bible have it altogether when God sent them out? Reading the bible, we see the apostles still learning as they preach to the world. Paul had to chastise Peter. David still had his faults when he fulfilled God's prophecy of becoming king. Esther had doubts till the day she spoke to the king. Jonah had unforgiveness even after he gave the message of God to Nineveh.

These examples that clearly, God isn't sending those who have the necessary tools for the job. In fact, He seems to prefer sending those who don't have the tools. So what is God really after? Isaiah has shown us the answer in his reply: God is looking for those who will say "Here am I. Send me!".

We frequently forget that God is the ruler of the universe. He has all the tools for the job. If he can create the world in 7 days, what can He not do? But God wants to partner with us. He wants His glory to happen through the faithful; those who will obey Him unquestioningly. God is looking for those who are available. The ones who is willing to follow Him anywhere and everywhere. To be used like putty in His hands.

I have uttered the same words to God many times in my life. I still do till this day. It's a blank check to God for Him to use me as He sees fit. When I first obeyed, it wasn't to do something I was good at. It was doing something I have a track record of doing badly. How weird is that?! And for the next 10 years, God kept calling me to do things that I am not good at. To do things where I had no one to depend on, not even myself. So many times I have felt out of my depth. So many times have I seen myself not good enough. So many failures in my eyes.

But that is also the time when I saw God at work in and through me. I have seen Him bless the multitudes through my inadequacies. I have seen His power, His majesty, His blessings, His glory at work. Where my hands have failed, God has picked up the slack. When I had no one to depend on, God was all I had. He work in powerful ways; making my work not just satisfactory but very successful. I've seen Him provide. I've seen Him sustain. 'Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,' says the Lord of hosts - Zech 4:6b

In the end, the question to us is still the same: will you go? Nothing else matters, not our strength nor our weaknesses. Not the skill or knowledge we have nor the failures that have happened in the past. When God comes and meet with us, the only question He asks is the same that Isaiah heard. Will you go for God? To live completely for Him; obeying him in everything regardless of who we are and where we are heading? Will we simply, obey?

It's not about me

2020-03-16T20:51:00.002+08:00

As a Christian, what is our purpose? What has God put us here on Earth for? Are we simply to worship Him? Love Him and praise Him? The angels are already doing that (probably better than us actually). Did He save me because I'm that important? Contrary to what all of us like to believe (or subconsciously believe), we are not the centre of God's attention. The Earth isn't the centre of our solar system. Our solar system isn't in the middle of the Milky Way galaxy. And the Milky Way isn't even in the centre of the universe! If there is one thing that astronomers have shown: we are not in the centre of anything, definitely not that important.

So it's not about me. Then what is it about? Well, we are meant to go into the world and tell others of the good news (Mark 16:15). So how do we do that? The simplest is showing God's love to a hurting world. Have extra money? Give some to those who need it. Got a car? Drive people around and especially, to church. Blessed with a gift you don't need? Find a use for it to be a blessing. Have talent? Use it to proclaim God's goodness, mercy & grace.

But it's not all about them either. We point them to God so they can them proclaim the goodness of God. A virtuous cycle continues until the whole world is praising His name. But we are also meant to give to one another. When we have a community, we show the world what God's love compels us to do and how powerful it can be to enable and lift up a family, a generation, an entire city. When we are compel by God's love, we will love others. We will give sacrificially. And who benefits? Everyone around and it'll come back to us.

But it's not just that. Ultimately, it is pointing back at Him; the author and finisher of our faith, our lives. The first and last, no one can compare to Him. Our testimonies proclaim of His generosity, His power, His majesty, His ability and definitely, His love. When we proclaim Him, the devil hears and shudders. When you hate someone, can you hear what is good about them? No, it is pain in the heart and a dagger through our heart. So when Satan hears of the goodness of God, we hurt him bad. We are advancing God's kingdom and Satan is forced to retreat.

This is a war that we are winning and will win at the end.

And from the time John the Baptist began preaching until now, the Kingdom of Heaven has been forcefully advancing, and violent people are attacking it. - Matt 11:12 (NLT)

It's not about me; it's not about you; it's not about us. It's about pushing forward and bring Heaven down to Earth.

Leaving a Legacy

2013-05-17T12:40:00.004+08:00

In the Bible, the book of Ruth is a very interesting book. It is one of 2 books named after women (Esther being the other one). Through revelation, I also realize that it is one of the few books where God is not portrayed tangibly. Nowhere in this book does God speak to someone nor does a prophet speaks His words. We also don't read any of His miracles being performed. Actually, you can say the book is most like a romance story. Girl leaves home and finds love again.

However, it is more than that. But before I explain myself, let's refresh our memories on the story of Ruth. Ruth was a foreigner, who chose to follow her mother-in-law (shocker!) back to her homeland without any means of livelihood or support. Once back, she decided to work to get food and through this, met Boaz. Taking her mother-in-law's advice, she approached Boaz and they got married. The end.

After reading this, a thought popped into my head: why is this book in the Bible? As I mentioned earlier, we do not see God's presence manifested in any way. However, what we do see is God's law put into practice and fulfilled as its meant to be. Added to the fact that King David was her descendant, we see how through simple obedience, Ruth and Boaz have left a legacy better and far futher consequence for us.

In the Old Testament, we all know that God explicitly told the Israelites not to mix with the foreigners in their land. Through their history, we see how their disobedience to this cause the nation to suffer. Nevertheless, God does allow foreigners who choose to serve Him to be welcomed. In Ruth, we see this. Both Ruth and Orpah loved Naomi, but Ruth went the extra mile: she vow to never leave her. In her words:

“Entreat me not to leave you,
Or to turn back from following after you;
For wherever you go, I will go;
And wherever you lodge, I will lodge;
Your people shall be my people,
And your God, my God.

Where you die, I will die,
And there will I be buried.
The Lord do so to me, and more also,
If anything but death parts you and me.” - Ruth 1:16-17 (emphasis added)

In Israel, there is a law not to reap their harvest to the edge of their fields (Lev 19:9-10). We see in Ruth, the value of this law as Ruth can now go out among the fields to collect food for herself and Naomi. Through this fulfillment of the law, we see how God cares for those who follow Him and how He has already planned for their need way ahead of time. The other thing I caught is how Ruth must still go out into the fields and work for it. In short, God provides but we have to play our part too and go out and work it out.

Then we see God work His miracle. He brings Ruth to the field of a very generous man, Boaz. Furthermore, Boaz is Naomi's relative. Here we see how God not only blesses just enough but blesses with overflowing blessing. He didn't just give her food, He gave her protection and also brought her back into family. It could have been any generous man's field but God specifically brought Ruth to Boaz.

Why did He do that? In Ruth 3, we see the reason. We learn that Ruth obeyed not only Naomi's advice to ask Boaz to redeem them, but to do it in accordance with Jewish custom at that time, strange as it was. By doing so, she respected and trusted Naomi and she also gave respect to Boaz.

From Boaz's reply, we realize that he also has been thinking of redeeming Ruth and Naomi. Now, we see Boaz's integrity and respect for the law. He knew that there was a kinsman who was closer and should have first right to redeem them. Instead of simply redeem Ruth behind that kinsman's back, he chose to enlighten him to his right even if it means losing Ruth. He also made a promise to Ruth that he will sort it out and he went through with his promise. As it were, the kinsman refused and Boaz was now free to marry Ruth. Of course, we all know what was the outcome of that marriage.

In studying the story of Ruth, we learnt that it is one of God's law being fulfilled and how it is a blessing to us instead of hampering us. In Ruth and Boaz, we see 2 people who chose to honour firstly His word and to do things His way. We see great submission, unselfish love, deep respect and faithfulness so evidently lived out in their lives. We may not see God's presence manifested but the reason we have the book of Ruth, is to see God's word being fulfilled in everyday life and how His plans work out for the best; today and in our generations to come. In Ruth and Boaz, we also see how their commitment to righteousness; and how that added into King David's life.

Personally, I'm encourage to continue to live faithfully for God. Though it's harder, though I can't see the reward, I know I am leaving a legacy, one that would far exceed my expectations in the generations to come. We talk about leaving a legacy of a better world... and we often equate this to a greener world. I put it to you, that a better world also means living a life of righteousness and leaving that legacy to the future generations. That, to me, is the better gift.

Shield of Faith

2012-04-14T07:37:00.003+08:00

The Bible talks about the shield of faith. Have you ever wondered why our faith is our shield? Recently, I have. And some of the enlightenment I received makes for an interesting development...

As we all know, the shield is a defensive weapon. Warriors carry it into battle to provide protection against enemy attacks. The shield helps to deflect potential attacks away. It can also catch the offensive weapon, allowing the warrior to parry and attack in response. Just like in our life, our faith leads us past potential mistakes and troubles. At times, it will catch the attack and allow us to respond; attacking the issue with the sword of the Spirit. Of course, we will have to carry it into battle. We need to hold it up and use it.

Interestingly, the shield is also an offensive weapon. As Pr. Kenneth puts it, we can move forward as the shield of faith deflects potential attacks. The shield deflects, we then can move forward. If you can't imagine how, think of how riot police move forward. While protesters try to attack them, the police put up their riot shield and are able to march forward. Soon, the riot would be dispersed. Another illustration of shields in attack is that used by Captain America. Hey, who doesn't get excited when he throws the thing?! Notice how it will fly through the air and knocks out the enemy. Because of our faith, we can knock the enemy away. Remember that when we pray, we pray by faith; seeking to break down enemy strongholds, breaking chains of bondage.

Lastly, the shield is used for battle identification. Armies of old march into battle with their allegiance painted on their shields. Shields are used in coat of arms. As we profess our faith, we nail our colours to the cross. We identify that our faith comes from God alone. It shows our dependance on Him and ultimately, that's what will help us breakthrough.

You know how sometimes we just don't have a logical answer, when we just have to say we have faith it will happen? I used to fret over whether we can defend our faith with logic. Then I realize that sometimes, saying that we move just due to faith is the best answer we ever have.

By faith these people overthrew kingdoms, ruled with justice, and received what God had promised them. They shut the mouths of lions, quenched the flames of fire, and escaped death by the edge of the sword. Their weakness was turned to strength. They became strong in battle and put whole armies to flight. - Heb 11:33-34

Gain Christ

2011-08-24T00:20:00.000+08:00

All things are for you. Lord, what we do, what we do not do; it is all for You and You alone.

Everything is about gaining Christ. Truly in all that we go through, in all the decisions that we make, there is only one aim. It is all to lead us to Christ. For us to know Him more. It is vital that we remember and be reminded of this fact constantly. Nothing else is as important, everything else is secondary.

To that end, that is why we do our Quiet Time everyday. If this life is all towards Him, then we should spend TIME with Him. Through daily Quiet Time, we remain constantly in touch with Him. Through this, we will know Him more and more. Through this, we come to know His will and His plans for us.

Furthering this, constant prayer will. I don't know about you, but I enjoy the constant communal with Him through prayer. It is having your best friend walk with you, every step. Since we desire companionship, it is wonderful that we can have it all the time with Him. Why not claim it? He wants you to.

This is why we go to church. Don't go because someone ask you to. Don't go because you have to. Rather, go because you want to seek Him. Because you want to receive from the Lord. Go, so that He can move in your life and those around you. Go, to experience His goodness, His mercy, His grace. Go, to praise Him, to worship Him and to glorify Him. Church is not a weekly gathering that we do out of habit. Church is where we meet with God, seeking Him and learning of Him.

More than that, this purpose should dictate our every move. The events that we go. The work that we do. The service that we give. Whether we go full time or work in the marketplace. It is all to serve Him and to know Him. When we do this, we can't go wrong. For it is not us, it is Him who leads us through the right path.

Thank you for this revelation, Lord. Thank you, for Your wisdom.

Spiritual Earthquake

2011-06-05T01:11:00.000+08:00

I just came back from Re:Union 2011: Taking It to the Next Level. The Holy Spirit was really evident and many lives were touched. I believe we all will never be the same again. But then again, this is just another manifestation of the Revolution that God has started. He has started a spiritual earthquake here in Malaysia.

Just as earthquakes have hit parts of the world, an earthquake has also hit Malaysia. Except this is a spiritual earthquake. God has shaken the very foundation of all that we use to believe in and brought our dependence back to Him. He took financial stability and proved what a sham that was. He shook the earth to show that even the physical foundation cannot be depended on. He has rattled the usual order of things in the country to show that things will never be the same again. And He wants to shake our personal belief to the core... so that we may again know that He alone is God and the only foundation we can depend on.

When an earthquake comes, it causes untold destruction. God also wants to destroy things in our life. He wants to take our old views and deconstruct them. He wants to take our perspective on life and prove it false. He wants to take our perspective on Him and throw it out the window. For how could we ever fully comprehend Him? His thoughts are higher than our thoughts (Isaiah 55:9). We can never be completely certain. And all we can always do is to continue to look to our God.

Earthquakes come fast. God is moving fast. Do not be fooled by the natural things around us. Do not also be deceived when He delays. He delays so that we may grow in Him. But He moves fast. Just read the book of Acts. Instant healing, immediate speaking of tongues, lives transformed on the spot. And don't forget, He made the whole world in only 7 days! God clearly does not move fast. Right now, He is even hurrying us. His movement is spreading like wildfire.

Now wildfires are a firemen's worse nightmare. They burn many trees in a very short amount of time. They spread uncontrollably fast. But that's how God is moving. For when something is out of our control, it's in God's control. That's better! Now He has taken over and is moving it forward faster than we can blink! Through this, we see His power and acknowledge that it is truly only through Him, nothing to do with us.

So I beseech you, brothers and sisters, rise up. Take hold of all that God has for you. Hold on to it, and let God take control. Let go of the steering wheel and surrender it to Him. We were always meant to be the co-pilot. The journey may be tough but it is oh so rewarding. For there is nothing better than to Pray, Listen and Obey the promptings of God. Amen.

I'm not OK, but it's OK

2011-05-17T00:42:00.000+08:00

There's a story of a cracked jar who thought it was worthless. It carried half the water of the full jar. but the farmer, who knows of the crack, still uses it to carry water. In fact, the farmer uses the crack to water beautiful plants. Without the crack, there may not be any plants.

What light shines the brightest? Naked, unhindered light. Those that come through transparent objects, cracked glasses. For what happens if we completely cover the light? It won't shine. It is completely sealed away, not able to be of use.

So what happens if we seal away our life? When we cover up our sins, hiding them away. God's light can't shine through. How will people see God if His light can't be seen through us? So we need to open up. Be transparent. Reveal our cracks so that His light can shine through, brightening up those lives around us.

And it doesn't matter who you are or how set your life is. You may seem OK, but I know that there's always cracks. For we are human. Humans make mistakes. Humans mess up. We mess up big time. We all always end up cracked, broken, soiled, full of the holes made by our errors.

So what do we do with these holes? We can cover them up or... we can allow God to shine through it. Surrender them to Him. Offer it as a sacrifice. For God takes it and in His wisdom, makes it all beautiful.

2 Corinthians 12:9 - But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. (NIV)

The Next Level

2011-05-15T23:30:00.001+08:00

Imagine you are on the 2^nd level of a hotel. As you look out the window, you see a wonderful view. Unfortunately, it is blocked by the trees and that construction site.

So you want to get a better view. How do you do that? You take the lift to the 6^th floor. There, much better. Still, the construction site is blocking part of the view. So how now? No choice, you have to take the stairs to the roof. Aaaahhhh… here you get the best view. That view you like, it’s clear now. In fact, you can see a much further view, and it’s more beautiful.

Isn’t that like what God has for us? From where we stand, we can see some things. Even as God points out the future, we can’t see the full picture. Challenges block our view. We are also blocked because we only see the work in progress.

So God says, “Come, let’s go to the next level”.

So we go up. It’s not as comfortable but with God, we are lifted fast and we get a better view. Now we can see past the challenges that lie ahead. Yet, we are still troubled. We still see the work that needs to be done.

So God now says, “Come on, let’s go to a higher level.”

It may take a little more effort though. Nevertheless when we get there, it is a beautiful sight. We now see the full picture. We can see the end result, past the work that is required. We see the rainbow after the storm. Even more, we can see further, see more of what we can do, of what God has in store for us.

Perception

2011-05-01T13:13:00.003+08:00

What your eyes see, your brain accepts. What you perceive, becomes your reality.

There is a secret why people don't get along. There is a reason you and your best friend are mates. Any action, right or wrong, is based on a judgement developed from our perception. A thief steals because he knows no better way to get money. A child cries to get attention. We pay more for branded goods because we think it is better quality.

Perception is a powerful thing. More often than not, it's the reason behind our decisions. It's that X-factor that determines if we like something over another thing. It's the mysterious justification why we love certain brands/people/music/songs/etc.

Perception is built on our experience. What we have gone through, what we have learnt, all plays a part in shaping us today. And as long as we keep learning, we are continuously shaped. Our perception keeps shifting. We either enforce it, or we are led to a different perspective.

You see, perception is like two sides of the same coin. It's like the story of the 7 blind men and the elephant. Because they each touch a different part of the elephant; their perceptions of the elephant are all different. Similarly, we see issues and problems through our perception. A war veteran may argue that besting down an enemy is the only way to win. A pacifist may say instead that negotiation is the way to go. Who is right? Both and neither. Sometimes, a peaceful discussion is all it takes. Sometimes, a fight is needed.

That is why it is important to understand the other party's perception of an issue. 2 parties can amicably solve their differences when both can see each other's point. In any argument, we must seek to understand and to be understood.

The phrase "to walk a mile in another's shoes" is very true in this respect. To understand why someone thinks this way, we must first know what is his background. We build our arguments around the proof we experience before. Our past shapes our future. God brought us through that journey to lead us to where we become a blessing.

Please note that the past only SHAPES our future. It does not define it, it does not dictate it. Having a bad childhood does mean you have to live a bad adulthood. It means it can motivate you to live a better life and bless others with the same. Sometimes, only a burnt victim can reach out to another burnt victim.

It's important to know that God can put you in the right situation. What you do with it, what choices you make, that is entirely up to you. The good news is: you have a Best Friend in Heaven who can advise you. Better yet, put your life in His hands and He will lead you into a better life.

God's Purpose For Us

2011-04-30T09:54:00.000+08:00

Last weekend, we celebrated the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Why do we celebrate this event? After all, many have been resurrected before. We celebrate it not because He came back from death, but because He took all our sins away with Him when he died. The importance of the cross isn't the death and resurrection, it's the washing clean of our sins.

You see, God's only desire was to have a relationship with us. Since the fall of man, that's all He ever wanted of us and what He has been working to do with us. But we are sinners and God can't see sin. In olden days, sacrifices were made as a show of repentance and that we desire to turn back to Him. But that wasn't good enough. We couldn't work our way back to Him. So He sent Jesus Christ to be the ultimate, perfect sacrifice. One so pure, that He alone can take all the sins of the world and take the penalty of sin for our sake.

That's the reason Jesus Christ came down from His throne all the way up there, to be born in a manger.He came to die for our sins. Please don't misunderstand this. This is why He isn't just a prophet though He pointed people back to God. That is why He isn't just a good man though He did not sin. He also isn't just a healer though he healed many. For do you not know, but He has granted us the very same wisdom and power, that we also can point others back to God. We can heal many and bring people back from the dead. In fact, the prophets did that before even Jesus came! But what Jesus came to do, was to be our saviour. His purpose in life is to take our sins away, so that we now can come before God; pure and holy.

That's why Christianity is about a relationship with God, not a religion. It's about knowing Him and obeying Him, not following a set of rules. God desires to be with us, guide us and to do life with us. When we mess up, He wants to pick us up again. When we want to let go, He holds on to us, even tighter. And every challenge we go through, every mountain we climb, He is right there with us.

He is so in love with us that everything He does is for our sake. When we are challenged, He builds us. When we are hurt, He comforts us. When we bless others, He blesses us back more. At times, it really can feel like the entire universe is orchestrated for our benefit. Circumstances engineered just for us; so much so that all we can do is take a step back and marvel at the works that He has done.

Which is why it's not about others. It never was about other people. It's not about who they are or what they do. God's only question to us is: "What are you doing?". We give tithe to honour God, not to bless the church. We obey His word, no matter what the other person can return to us.

People hurt us, God asks us to forgive and move on.
People betray our trust, God asks us if we would trust them again.
People let us down, God asks if we would continue to believe in them.
People wrong us, God asks if we would surrender our vengeance to Him.

For it was never about them. It's was, is and will always be about us. God cares about our heart. He wants to build our character, to grow us physically and spiritually. When God speaks to me, it's always "Will you..." not "Will they...".

The best example of this is again, the cross. The very same people Jesus came to save heckled Him. Whipped Him. Condemned Him. Sent Him to die. Even to the cross, God so love us that He would still die for us, even though we let Him down. And after the cross, He still send us to do His will. We make mistakes, we fail. We who rejected Him, left Him alone. He still uses us. He still wants us to be the vessel to do His work.

And it never was about our mistakes or past. You think God doesn't know? He created you! He knows your character, He knows your likes and dislikes. He has seen our past. And He doesn't care. He says, "I have died for you, you are clean now." Your sins? Poof, all gone. Jesus has taken care of it. Your mistakes? Wiped clean. Your failings? God is using them to bring you up and bring others to know Him.

So don't condemn yourself because God didn't condemn you. Don't condemn or judge others, for God has not yet condemn or judge them either. But hold on to God's love and bring it to the world. In the end, that's all God ever ask from us.

Commitment and Focus

2010-06-13T09:13:00.001+08:00

Everyone knows the story of the tortoise and the hare. The moral of that story is slow and steady wins the race. I've recently realize one thing: it's not the slowness that wins the race; it's the steadiness. See the hare had a major factor against him: he wasn't focused on winning the race. He wasn't committed to see the race through. He went off the race path, he decided that he's gone far enough. He kept looking back and look at his competitors; not the finish line.

This also reminds me of another cartoon. Remember those wacky races shown on TV? You have the gruesome twosome, the professor, Penelope Pitstop, the Ant Hill Mob and other racers. And of course, Dick Dastardly and Muttley. If you remember the cartoon, you'd know that Dick will always come out with some trap to sabotage the other cars. While it was enjoyable, it got me thinking: if Dick would just buckle down and race, he would have won most, if not all, the races. I mean, the guy kept getting in the lead! Quite clearly, his car is fast enough to overtake the other racers. So why does he keep losing? Because he was too focused on the people behind him, and not enough on the finish line in front of him.

These 2 examples are very good lessons for us in living life. Paul describes life as a race (Heb 12:1-3, 2 Tim 4:7). The world describes the working world as 'the rat race'. Quite clearly, we are all running races, figuratively or symbolically.

So if we are running a race, that means we are all runners. And runners are only focused on 1 thing: to reach the finish line. Their eyes are on the tape that marks that they are done. And until they reach that line, they do not stop, they do not break. They don't look to the left, nor to the right. They also can't afford to look behind. All they are focused on is: forward.

Just like the blinkers on a horse, it's there to focus the horse on the job of pulling the cart/carriage forward. He's not allowed to look left or right, lest he gets distracted. Then the cart will topple, the carriage will spill its passengers. But having the blinkers on means his view is restricted. He's not able to see much, only forward. Just like a runner can only look forward, he can't see the fans, the officials, nobody and nothing.

So in life, focus and commitment is necessary but it also involves a price. When we see the finish line, everything else becomes immaterial. We will have to let go of some stuff. We can't afford to get sidetracked. It means giving up some stuff, whatever that does not bring us closer to that line. ¹Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. - Hebrews 12:1 (emphasis added)

God has called us to focus on Him. He is looking for someone who will commit him/herself to the cause. You see, to do great things for God is very simple: just say yes when God asks. Volunteer, submit. God doesn't have any prerequisite for His tasks. Why would He need? After all, all that we do is by the power of the Holy Spirit and by His grace. That's why Christianity is very simple. It all boils down to 1 question: will you obey and follow God in all that He asks of you? Will you run the race, fight the good fight, keep the faith? Life is a race, we have to run, be focus on the finish line. Life is a fight, we need to commit to standing up for God and take the punches. But to do both these things, we need faith in God because only with Him can we actually succeed.

There are only 8 words I tell God and will continue to repeat to Him. But in those 8 words, it means I'm focused on Him, I'm committed.

Here I am, send me. I will go.

Ramblings

2010-03-26T00:43:00.000+08:00

It's funny where I pick up insights from.

There's a lot of things that we go through in life. Happy moments. Sad moments. Tender moments, moments of anger. All life is a roller coaster. We meet friends, we lose friends. Friends hurt us but they also heal us.

We're not meant to have the answer to everything in the world. We're meant to be the answer; but not have the answer. We are the light of the world. Evidently, there's nothing we have done to become that light.

Buried deep within us, is our character. Like a character in a video game, we start off with a set of preset characters. Some are emotional, some are steady. There's the "big-boned" and the forever thin. Some will be giants; others dwarf. Some are meant to be leaders; many to be followers. One can hate onions with a vengeance, another could never have enough of it.

Looking at all the different people there are in this world, I sometimes think God made a mistake somewhere. After all, wouldn't it be easier if everyone was the same? We'd all think alike and there'd be no arguments. No debates, no conflicts. Why then, did God make us all so different? We're so unalike to the point that we can hate someone else. The anti-me.

God made us different, so that we are all unique. We are fearfully and wonderfully made. I don't exactly know His plans for it but I have learn to accept it. In fact, I've learnt to enjoy and celebrate it. Just like the hands and legs are not the same, so are we from one another. And yet, we each do our part and somehow, the world is changed; never to be the same again. We look to the Saviour from above and He brings us where we'd never go. In the midst of the uniqueness, the weirdness that is us, God has something so great planned for us. Where we go, no one else can go. What we have experienced, no one have. We are all different but we have the same goal. More importantly, we have the same God, leading us, guiding us to a great and fulfilling life. We bring our worship up; He pours down His blessings. And lives will never be the same again, starting with ours.

Listening to: Heart of Worship (over and over again)
Future plans: see <---

What do you see?

2009-11-07T09:35:00.002+08:00

When you see 2 girls holding hands in mall, what do you see?
Do you see 2 lesbians getting to know one another?
Or 2 sisters taking care of each other?
Or maybe a friend, giving moral support through a simple gesture?

When you see a couple, sitting at the table, what do you see?
Do you see a date on a dime?
Or 2 friends, catching up on old times?
Or perhaps, waiting for a friend who is taking his time?

When you see a person, dressed in a particular way, what do you see?
Do you see a bookworm, out to see some sunlight?
Or a lady getting a stroll in the moonlight? *wink* *wink*
Or perhaps simply you have pre-judge by what seems to be right?

When you see a prostitute on the street, what do you see?
Do you see a slut who'd sleep with everyone and everything?
Or do you see a slave, trying to survive doing anything?
I see a life, calling out for help, who needs the Lord who can do all things.

When you see a rock band, what do you see?
Do you see a group that has given themselves to the dark?
Or a bunch of pretentious people, catering to those with that mark?
Or perhaps rage and aggression that does not have an outlet with which to park?

For who we are on the outside is by no means a reflection of who we are on the inside. When we dig deeper, we find a first impression masks a whole lot of hurt, pain, joy, attitude and character. So the question is:

When you see a person, what do you see?
Do you see impressions, character based on what's on the outside?
I prefer to wait, meet and discover what's really on the inside.

I want to know you - Ronald Wong

2009-11-05T23:38:00.000+08:00

Keeping the faith

2009-08-09T00:22:00.003+08:00

God helps those who help themself

That was what I used to believe back in my teens. As I continue to learn more and more about God, I've realized that this is not true. But at the same time, God isn't asking us to sit back and not do anything. So what exactly is God asking from us?

Today in my quiet time, God showed me what it's all about. It's about having faith in Him and keeping the faith. We don't do good works or be successful to futher our faith; it is because we have faith that we do good works and be successful.

There's a difference there. It's not very apparent on the outside but it's very different on the inside where it matters. God looks at a man's heart, not his works. The Bible doesn't say man was saved by their works. Rather, they were saved by their faith (2 Timothy 1:9).

If we could work out our salvation with just good works, the Bible would be full of laws on how to live our lives. In addition to the 10 commandments, we would have laws governing sex, lies, smoking and every social issue we have to the detail. It would just be a book of law. In fact, we wouldn't need to believe in God; we would just need to have good morals. We would just need to be like the Pharisees!

Now, no matter what was said about the Pharisees, we have to admit that they were very good in keeping the law. In fact, you can say they were about the most morally right people in those days. They were not only leaders, but leaders of upstanding morals. Think of all the good moral things we should do, they probably did them all. They wouldn't smoke, they wouldn't lie, they wouldn't sleep around. They don't steal, they don't kill, they don't break any laws. They give according to what the law say to give. They were very good morally!

Then, why did Jesus rebuke them? Because He saw their hearts. They were more concern with being seen as morally upstanding citizens. Their love of the public's adoration surpassed their love for God. They weren't in it to glorify God, they were only interested in glorifying themselves. What they did was all for themselves, not motivated out of love.

In the same way, we can be the same. We can do good works without having faith in God. We can even do it for good reasons like because we want to help others. Even non-believers can make a stand not to have sex outside of marriage. Atheists can live a life without telling lies. There are many non-profit organizations that help people but are not run by Christians. So quite clearly, we do not need God in our lives before we can help man.

So then, why is faith so important that God would say, "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. (Matthew 6:33)" Jesus even said that the first commandment is, "you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. (Matthew 12:30)" In fact, without faith it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6)!

So if faith is the priority, then there's a very good strategy! We'll just live life how we want and then, only confess and have faith in God on our deathbed. That way, we get to live a carefree life and we can still go to Heaven. And it's something that can work! One of the thief who was hung with Jesus confessed that Jesus is God. And Jesus replied that the thief is with Him now in paradise (Luke 23: 39-43).

But why would you want to do that when there's a better option? It's to confess that Jesus Christ is the Son of God today! After you have done that, you'll live a life with Him in you and you find that, life is so much better after that. You go from strength to strength and you find a life worth living for. As I said earlier, God looks at our hearts. When Jesus comes into our lives, He will give us His love. And His love enables us to go out and do good works. James 2:14-26 explains that faith with works is dead. We show our faith by doing good works.

But wait a minute, you say. Doesn't that bring us back to the fact that we need to do good work? Isn't God asking us to help ourselves and work for it? While that is partially true, it's not the whole truth. We don't help ourselves and do good work to further our faith, rather our faith enables us to help ourselves and do good work! With faith, we know that God is with us and will bless us when we walk in His path. So we do our best knowing that God is in control. We do not fear about the results or the future because we know that God has taken care of it. We do good works because God has given us a heart to reach out and do good works.

It's very hard to do good works without faith. In whatever we do, there will be those who interpret it as being bad as well as those who see it as good. Take any big decisions in history (American Civil War, the bombing of Hiroshima & Nagasaki, US invading Iraq, etc.) and you'll find opinion is divided on it. With such diverse opinions, can we actually tell what is good works and what isn't? We can, with God. Because God will show the way and God is good. So whatever He asks of us, we know that it's good works. We know it will bless people. We know, it will glorify His name and lead others to know of His love.

So good works does not lead to faith, good works justify our faith. We must first have faith then we must do good works to prove our faith. But it's not a burden, because God will give us the passion for the good works. We will want to do it because God has freed us from anything that would hinder us from doing good works. We do not do works and say God is with us; where is God in works that man can do? Nor do we sit back and let God take care of our lives; how would we show the world that God is good when we do nothing? We do good works and we believe by faith that He will bring about the result from the good works. We embark on projects He gave us knowing that we cannot do it with our own strength but He will make it happen. We trust Him to work it out. All our part is: to follow His instructions to the letter and let Him make it happen.

For 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. - Jeremiah 29:11

I love you too much to not hurt you

2009-06-27T17:48:00.003+08:00

"I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." - John 10:10b

God said that. And God is good. He keeps His promises. The question isn't whether God will give us this. The question is whether we want to receive it.

For to walk in God's path, it will take supernatural movement. In other words, God must fulfill His plan for our lives because we can't. It's a dream too big for us. But for Him to do so, He'll lead us to the "valley of dry bones". We will come to a place where it seems that He's not there. A place where we have nothing to hold on to except faith like a mustard seed; trusting only God to bring the breakthrough we so desperately need.

And we cry. We moan. We shout out against Him. The same question repeats over and over again in the life of Christians everywhere: How could such a loving God do this to me? Why would such a loving God do this to me? We can't fit His love with our situation. We moan against the cruelty and injustice of it all. We go as far as to doubt that God actually loves us.

Here is the truth: It is because He loves us that He allows such calamity to befall us. Take note that He didn't cause it, just that He lets it happen. Even then, we can't understand why would He allow it at all. Isn't He our protector? How is allowing bad things (in our eyes) loving us?

Bad things happen because God wants to take us to the next level in His loving plan for us. Times like this, we learn to depend totally on Him to be the answer. Times like this, we seek Him earnestly, discovering something new about Him. Times like this, we see His glory manifested in our lives. We see God do His work and show how little power Satan and this world actually have on us.

He is our best friend. And best friends don't allow you to backslide. Best friends don't allow you to stay where you are either because they know that you can and are meant for much more. Best friends will slap you if it will make you go forward. They do their very best to make sure we stay on the right path and we're doing the right thing. If it means rebuking us, they'll do it because they care that deeply for us.

He is our Father in Heaven. Fathers don't sit back and let their child live a lousy life. They push you onward and upwards; grasping all the potential you have to reach the heights you can. They don't allow you to stay "comfortable" because they know there's so much more you can do. They want to you achieve all that you desire and more. They want to make sure you live a life worth something.

And does it involve hard work? Yes. Does it mean sacrifices and tears? Absolutely. Would we be push into a corner, having no other dependence then on God? You can bet on it. For without such push, we would never know the heights which we can reach. The marvellous thing about humans is really we can do anything when God is with us.

But to go higher, we need to first go deeper. Spend more time with God. Talk to Him more. Learn His ways. Discover Him. Allow the Holy Spirit to lead us. In our hurt, in our darkest days, run to Him. Let Him take control. And we will see a breakthrough the likes we would never have seen. We will see our hurt just disappear for good. And we look back and thank Him for delivering us from it. We learn more about Him and we hit the next level in faith. We glorify Him and grow more in love with Him. And at the end of the day, we leave behind a legacy that will uplift many others, for generations to come.

"Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me." - Matthew 16:24

Surrender all, surrender all

2008-10-14T00:14:00.002+08:00

Surrender is never easy. Surrender doesn't make us happy. Surrender isn't something we wish for (except to others). But surrender is what God wants from us. Not for His sake, but for our sake. That He may do wonders in our life, so that we may prosper, and succeed, and know Him all the more.

Surrender isn't necessarily a bad thing. It's just a very difficult thing. As humans, we want control over our own lives. We want to be in the know, the have the path before us laid out wide, tarred and smooth. But God doesn't work that way. He makes corners. Some parts, it's so narrow, we need Him to help us through. More often than not, it's a dirt lane, where we get muddy and dirty and having to scramble through.

And at some point, we'll get to a dead end. We can't turn left, we can't turn right. There's no way forward and going back is not an option. The only way to look, is up. To find God, surrender our will to Him. Let Him take the problems, the burden and let Him work it out. To surrender our lives to Him.

While lots of times I hear about surrendering our lives to God, I didn't actually grasp the full meaning till recently. Surrendering our lives mean giving up our rights to live life as we want to. It means having decisions made for us that we disagree, object or even fight against. To acknowledge that God is king and ruler and to do everything He tells us to, no matter how illogical, how idiotic or how much we don't like it.

He may even ask us to do what we said we will never do! Of course, I don't mean smoking or doing drugs but in other ways... We may say we'll never climb a tree. One day, you may be sitting up in one. We may never want to speak in front of a crowd. He may use us to speak to billions, live.

The hardest part about the whole surrender is that when we do, He'll often take us to places where we're in over our heads. Where we feel like we're sinking without a trace, drowning in the pool of life. At times like this, we hold on, to the one who promises never to let go. To hang on to Him because our lives depends on it. To trust Him to work it out, to bring us through because we know, we can't.

The amazing part is: He does! He not only helps us through the problem, He makes us soar above it! We do head and shoulders better than we ever expected, we exceedingly succeed where we thought we'd fail. He'll bring us to dizzying heights, the like of which we never imagine. The success that we never even dare to dream. The greatness that only God can provide. And rightly so, all glory to Him.

I haven't seen what greats He has in store for me (if I did, I wouldn't be here anymore). But that's surrender. To know that He has that better plan and to trust Him to bring me through it. It's time I stop living by myself and letting God live through me. It's time, to surrender all.

Choices

2008-09-21T01:23:00.002+08:00

Choices. Priorities. Both are connected though not similar. The choices that we make, the decisions that we pursue also show us our priorities. As I mention in an earlier post, how we spend our time shows our priorities. And now, here's another way our priorities show: our choices. Quality vs quantity. Easy vs hard. Time vs excellence. Money vs anything.

If you ask anyone to make a choice, some may take the 3rd option: I'd like both. Well, of course you'd like both! Who wouldn't? We'd all like to finish a work on time and be of the best quality. We want more quality things in our lives. The best deal would be for a cheap but excellent product. In a perfect world, we wouldn't have to lie, cheat or steal!

But what defines us, what matters is which choice we take when we can't have both. We live in a fallen world. Often, it's a choice of either 1 or the other. And I believe, that shows what we really value. You can say you'd like to buy a better server but it's too expensive; I say you just value money more than quality. Who doesn't want a better server if it's cheaper? It's a question of whether you're willing to spend for the quality or not? Of course, sometimes we just don't need the quality but if we do and there's no money, well... that just says it all, doesn't it?

If the world was perfect, all suits will be comfortable to wear. Things that make us look better won't be so uncomfortable. Heels make girls look nicer but they're horrible for comfort and walking. Ties and a suit enhances a man's image but it does nothing for his well being. Evening wear will never become everyday wear simply because no one would want to wear it everyday! So when someone dresses up or not, it says a lot. It shows whether you prefer form or function. Whether beauty is more important or being comfortable. Does outward appearance more important than inner peace?

There will always be sacrifices to be made. We can't have it both ways because God never made it that way. That's why following Christ isn't easy. It requires us to make a choice: His way or our way. Yes, He made us to have dreams, to have desires. And those dreams and desires are good! But what we have to choose is whether we want those dreams and desires fulfilled our way or His way. Whether pleasing God is more important or pleasing ourselves.

I've been guilty of choosing my way over His way. I catch myself looking out for myself first before what He wants. But I know, His way is better than my way. His will will lead to something far greater than I can ever imagine. It's a process, but one that is very rewarding in the end. To choose life by chooing Christ.

Heart vs Action

2008-09-20T00:45:00.002+08:00

In the Western world, there's a de-emphasis on the idea of dressing smart. In fact, one can say that the art of looking great in a suit is a dying art. Many corporations (Google, Pixar & Intel for example) allow employees to wear as they like to work. Some go further by allowing employees to work as they like too! The incurred 'professionalism' is lost with these ideas. A certain level of 'class' is lost with this too. Gone is the smart suit people who take pride in looking professional everywhere they go.

On the other hand, casualness invites a certain level of calmness with it. Without the contraints of tie and shirt, some people actually perform better. In a relaxed environment, some actually thrive. My ex-housemate even once confessed that he can do more work at home than at work! And on another level, being casual invites people to approach you. The suit, while showing a higher class, can also dispel people away. It's rigit, unconforming, static. The t-shirt is casual, friendly, easy to wear. Personally, I hate approaching people in suits because it's all business. A person in jeans/shorts looks more welcoming and I'd rather spend my time with them.

In looking at the difference between the 2 styles, it also symbolically shows the difference between doing something from the heart and doing something because it has to be done. Anyone can feed the homeless but it takes a really caring and loving heart to care for them. Anyone can donate money to a cause but it takes the sacrifice of those who truly champion the cause to run it. You can serve in church all your life, in all the ways and still, have no heart to see God's plan for yourself. When the heart is right, it doesn't matter what is wore on the outside. The job will still get done, and it will be done excellently.

But what if you find yourself having a bad day? Especially a bad day when you have to face customers/strangers? Would you hide behind a false facade? Or will you let your face reflect your soul? Sadly, many in the Asian world still put a higher emphasis on the facade. We can't lose 'face'. Whatever happens within, don't let it be shown to the outsiders. Maintain that 'professionalism'. And sometimes, it's a dilemma for Christians. If we were in a situation where we can't smile, shall we put on a fake smile? We are meant to be salt and light to the world but how is being sad or down in the dumps being salt and light?

This especially becomes important in serving the Lord. We want to bless those around us. But can we when we feel like our hearts are bleeding internally? When you have to usher people in with a smile but you can't find a reason to smile anymore. When you can't see the wood for the trees, can you still disciple others? Do we pull away, not be part of the service? Or do we just power through; putting on a front that's insincere?

We will all face issues where we become human. Where our lives are not sweetness and hunky dory. Where we get angry, confused, hurt, misunderstood. And sometimes yes, we just got to lay our problems aside because we want to serve others. But we also must go back to the problem and work it out. Don't lay aside a personal problem because it's in the way. God has put that problem there because there's something He wants to teach us through it. So we have to work it out. With His grace, we will!

And when we want to serve, God will provide the will to smile and approach people. We just have to trust in His timing and His will be done. He alone provides the power and the love for us to serve well. On our own, we cannot do it. Our iniquities will not allow us to always be pouring out onto others. On our own, we will crash and burn. The good news is, we don't have to do it alone. God is our helper! He will see things through. He is the great deliverer! Nothing He starts will ever stop or finish badly. He is really just that awesome.

God said everything is permissible, but not everything is beneficial. That means we are still permitted to show grief, to be sad, to get angry. But we must see whether this benefits us. If it does, then let's learn the lesson quick! If it just brings us down, it's time to get rid of it.

So in God, we can both serve well as well as still be in pain. It is His grace and His power that allows us to do both with a sincere heart.But we must continue to be careful: let's serve the Lord with all our heart, all our mind and all our soul. Let's serve Him through a sincere love for Him and a willingness to see His will be done. Let His glory shine down and Him alone be glorified.

God looks at our hearts; so what we wear really isn't a biig deal. I still don't believe in wearing suits and ties and I think I never will be comfortable with that. But there's a reason and as long as God says so, that's what I do. Amen.

Paranoid or Apathetic?

2008-09-10T00:15:00.002+08:00

Television shows are showing the wrong kind of image. That's true. Television influences the perception of people. Yes, it's true. But boys will be boys. They'll pick up guns and play at war. They get muddy. They take on heights that scare mothers half to death. But they may also like to play cooking. After all, how else are good chefs made?

So at the end of the day, boys tend to be a bit rough. And people have watched shows that seem bad but turn out alright. When JK Rowling's books came out, there were a lot of protest but really, how much of it is relevant? While everything has an effect on others, people still will reject what is lousy. So when we protest, are we really doing the right thing? Have we become too paranoid over what the enemy will use? Or have we become so apathetic, we don't realize when the enemy is at the door?

I hate the paranoia that sometimes surrounds us. Many are prone to make a mountain out of a molehill. Some shows have negative protrayals, I agree. But the viewers of that show should be able to take what is right and what isn't. Stopping kids from watching things blow up on cartoons won't exactly make them a better person. Likewise allowing them all the freedom they want isn't beneficial. There must be a certain amount of letting go and pulling back. The ultimate example is Man's free will. God gave us free will so that we can make our own decisions; whether the things we watch are good to learn from or bad that we should avoid. For example, some people can drink because they control their alcohol intake. Whereas some should avoid it entirely because it's going to lead them to destruction. "Everything is permissible"—but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is permissible"—but not everything is constructive. -1 Corinthians 10:23

Speaking of perceptions, I really hate first impressions. I hate the fact that you are judged by simply what is on the outward appearance. Yes, what's inside you will show on the outside. But what's on the outside may be incorrectly judged with the inside. If the outside truly reflected what exactly was on the inside, why does it say that God judges people by what's on the inside?

That's because outward appearances can be wrong! In fact, I'd go on and say it could be very wrong. Just because someone is wearing casual all the time doesn't mean he isn't a model professional. The girl who like to wear black doesn't necessarily have a bleak outlook on life. Wearing a suit and going to church every week doesn't mean you're holy and a good person. In fact, you could be the leader of a church and still be completely rotten!

I know that half the time, the outside judgement may be right. But I'm not willing to take that risk. Nor do I like it. A person is still a person with a soul. Whatever their outlook, whatever their personality, whatever their thinking, there's always something else there. If we only take the time to see past the insignificant outsides, we may find the gold inside. I pity not the person being judged, but the person judging. He/she misses out on a great opportunity; maybe even the opportunity of a lifetime. And those who try to put on an appearance; you also have my pity. No matter what the reason, no matter what the situation; I never believe in looking like 1 thing on the outside and being something different on the inside.