Tribute to 2001_Youth 7

This is my group of friends who quite simply brought me through my Secondary School days. What was originally a society where you join because "it's the rules" turned out to be a place where tears were shed, laughter were cracked and lives were shared. The reason why I pay tribute to our Group is because this is our 10th Anniversary knowing each other. Although we've left school for quite some time now (almost 5 years to be precise), we're still close and we do meet whenever we return to our beloved hometown Ipoh. We also go for trips together such as to Pangkor and Penang.

Background.

What a name for a group of BFFs. 2001_Youth7 if you ponder, really sounds like some url address or code more than a name for a group. And rightly so, it is our group name on Yahoo! Groups and I don't think we did "registered" or have an official name. 2001 is obviously the year. In fact it was our penultimate year at Malaysian Red Crescent Society Unit Youth 7 (hence the name)- that's the society where it all started. Our official activities include (but not limited to) marching, bandaging, first aid (obviously!), fundraising , camping and other crazy stuffs that a uniform club does. Unofficial activities: (dot)A lot, including "ponteng" (skipping) weekly meetings. These official and non-official activities were what built the relationship into what it is today.

Coincident or Destined?

I guess it doesn't take a bang that the universe was what it is. Neither are friendship or colliding of lives by chance. So I think we all do appreciate it a lot. I know I do and I am not afraid to admit I LOVE all of my heng dais (brothers). Thanks for the time together. As our Yahoo Group has it : Friendship Forever !

In the picture (Chinese New Year Gathering 2005):

Back Row: Wong Zan Yi, Leng Pang Huei, Leong Yuen Jee, Lim Tuck Choy, Tang Seng Hong, Tung How Run, Lee Mun Yew
Middle: Ang Kah Woh, Hor Sien Pin, Lee Chun Keat, Yap Chen Joon, Puah Chee Hung,
Front: Cheong Theng Meng, Cheong Mun Kin, Fong Wooi Joon, Wong Chun Wah

Absent with Apologies: David Leong, Ooi Goon Keat, Chan Kin Fei, Lim Kuan Yang, Foo Mun Hon, Yoong Loong Hey (They are outstation/overseas)

Back to 'School'?

My last post was 'The I Heart Revolution' by Joel Houston. Make no mistake about it. It has been 7 months since I updated my beloved blog. In fact, as I was logging in, there was a slight worry that the blog may have by any chance been suspended due to inactivity (like my Maybank account after 1 year being in Australia). Well, it hasn't - and I'm back to make a "long awaited comeback".

I guess I owe an explanation to you as a "loyal fan" if indeed you are/were on the delay. But it's the new year and explanation/excuses would not convince anyone most of the times. Of course, the last half a year or so was a period of tremendous change in my life. For one, I finally graduated from Uni. I can officially declare myself as a LLB holder/a graduate/ a degree holder and what not, but I was told it doesn't mean much in this part of the world. Moving on, I've also embarked to pursue a new cert - the Certificate of Legal Practice (CLP) in Brickfields Asia College (I shall not put in the url here as my adopted policy of not advertising for ANY private institutions since KDU misled me into doing so for my school magazine without any remuneration). CLP is notorious for its low passing rate so you can understand my situation. More importantly, I am also currently in my first job (permanent) at a law firm. So this is the long awaited new season in my life and perhaps it has passed the transitional period that I have decided to start blogging again (hopefuly I will endure to post several more within this few months).

Fast forward to 2008, I have already worked for 5 'whooping' months already and it was an awesome experience! to say the least. I have had my fair share of the busy days, the boring days, the excursion days (meeting clients with my boss) and challenging days (mistakes,mistakes,mistakes!)- but I am not sacked yet/not fired - now that's what I called an achievement. And as a matter of tradition and as well as a "taking-stock" thing, it is good to review the past year and preview the coming 12 months.

2007

Breaking Chains and Rising Up was the theme for my 2007. To a certain extend I have broken chains and rose up - but perhaps I could have done better. Making meaningful and great new friends and exploring a new place at another part of the world seems to be the highlight for most part of the first half of the year. And jumping into working-life in the second half was a blown-away and challenging experience as well. I thank all my friends in Tassie, in Malaysia (2001_Youth7 & others), as well as my family and the most supportive and loving Yean- Love you all. Most of all, I thank the Good Lord for taking me through both the challenging, the exciting, the saddening, the happy moments of '07 -To God be the Glory.

2008

Already it had been a eventful year for a few (Chua Soi Lek and The Royal Commission, for instance). And with CLP exams in July, it will be a year to be reckoned as well. They say it's good to put down all your resolutions come the new year, I find listing them down here a little uncomfortable- but enough said- the quote below does reflect my wishes and dreams and aspirations for 2008 - Year of the Rat:

To laugh often and much; To win the respect of intelligent people and the
affection of children; To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the
betrayal of false friends; To appreciate beauty, to find the best in others; To
leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a
redeemed social condition; To know even one life has breathed easier because you
have lived. This is to have succeeded.

- "What is Success?” by Bessie Anderson
Stanley in Heart Throbs Volume Two (1911) Edited by Joseph Mitchell Chapple

Happy New Year 2008 - Sincere Wishes from a Friend who Cares

The iHeart Revolution

A Message from Joel Houston ...

I have a t-shirt.. it has an "I" which I'm thinking is in particular reference to the person bearing the garment.. a heart – which has accordingly become the universal symbol for love.. and an "N standing along side a Y" – which is intended to refer specifically to the city of New York as opposed to other acronymic possibilities such as "nebulous youth" or "ned's yaught"Now I just like the t-shirt.. but the truth is; i heart ny.. I really do.. it's an incredible city; the skyline.. the lights.. the landmarks.. the frenetic pace of it all with it's orchestra of sirens, car horns and life in motion.. a statue called liberty? Banana coloured taxis.. the sky lost amongst scrapers.. and in the midst of it all a jungle within a jungle pretending to be a park.. I love it.. there's intrigue and character to be found around every corner.. it's a city of a thousand personalities.. a cocktail of cultures and colours fused together to create a landscape that in many ways has become a symbol of the modern era.. but what makes new york new york.. and what I love most about the place; is the people.. they are in truth it's definition.. they are the movement, the energy, the life within the structures.. they are the landscape the sound-scape.. the history and the future.. they are ny.. and they are what I heart..see the world is a place made up of places.. and every place has a history.. and every place's history is reflected in what becomes it's culture.. and culture itself is defined through its people.. and the people; well, they are the future… and the future is now..so then - looking at it in the same light but from the other side of the room; at this moment in history, we are the people in the places.. and we are the ones defining cultures.. and we are the ones creating history.. and so the question must be asked…. If we are the future; how's it gonna look..??I don't know about you.. but if our generation is remembered for ipods, myspace, and youtube we missed it.. if history speaks of our generation as self indulgent pioneers of the digital age, reality television and purpose built celebrity we'll have failed.. the world will change by itself.. for better or for worse.. it changes daily.. but who will be the ones to shape it.. and how will it look?in and of itself revolution is neither good or bad.. revolution represents change.. a shift in culture.. History is marked by revolutions.. social and political.. some have represented victory, freedom and justice, however on the flip-side.. too many have become infamous representations of despair, oppression and injustice.. all it takes for evil to prosper is for good men to do nothing.. for the church – the hands and feet of Jesus and His plan for the salvation of this big, broken sphere of dirt, water and life we temporarily call home, this has never sounded with more urgency.. it's time for a revolution.. fuelled by a dissatisfaction with self-centred living and complacent faith.. driven by a desire for truth, love and justice..that's what this is all about…every generation needs a revolution.. and this one needs to look, sound, walk and breathe like love..it's not a new concept.. it's an eternal concept.. it's the reason we are alive.. it's the fundemental call of what it means to be a follower of Christ..Love God.. love people.. that's it.. that's the revolution.. revolutionary I know.. but if we understand what that means.. if we get it.. if we establish in our thinking how that looks.. and we start living it.. we will change the world.. it's not so much about the big stuff.. it's just about the stuff.. it's about the people in the places being the answer - in the places.. and together; becoming the answer to the big stuff.. it's about your backyard.. it's about my backyard..The world has watered love down to slogans and t-shirts.. lollipop pop songs and popcorn munching excursions in visual indulgence... all of which are fine.. but we throw the word around.. we confuse it's definition.. we diminish our understanding of God's command.. love is the quintessential human emotion.. it is the desire of every human being to experience, and in turn express love.. and God himself IS love.. and he desires to be loved.. and who are the carriers of His spirit..?? it's us…So that's the call.. that's the mission.. that's what this is all about..A generation expressing their worship; moreso expressing their heart for worship in the action of love.. toward God.. and toward the world we live in.. and the people who inhabit it.. it's not about highlighting the darkness.. it's about becoming the light that diminishes the darkness.. it's the gospel.. and it is now..we're all in this together..((please note: this is not called 'I heart revolution… we don't love revolution.. we're a part of a revolution fuelled by our love for God.. our love for life.. and our love for people.. it's called "the I heart revolution.."))

The Calling

Dedicated to the God who is Wonderful beyond understanding. May all we do bring glory to Him and Him only.
Dedicated also to my parents, my beloved girlfriend, Yean, and all my brothers and sisters whose continuous support physically, spiritually and prayer helped me to be all the best I can be.

It seems rather strange that I am starting this entry again. I was actually halfway through 15 minutes ago but the inspiration just popped and vanished. Pooh! That is a bad feeling. Frustration etc. But if that is a problem, that is the least of any problems one has to endure. There are days when you feel like Shakespeare, other times you feel literally clueless in writing. But I must write as I am convince to share what I must: God's revelation and His faithfulness, love, grace. Another thing, giving up is no longer in my dictionary, it shouldn't be in yours.

There is a unbelievable but trully comforting verse in the bible that goes like this:
His divine power has given us EVERYTHING we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. (Just in case you don't believe it, it's 2 Peter 1:3). Wow, absolutely fantastice and praise God! Awesome and I can't think of more superlatives to praise Him. I actually am still taking time to understand this truth. Everything is already there for our taking: to live a life according to His promises, to do miracles in His name, and to live a life of holiness for His glory. Because of that, I choose to be joyful, faithful, powerful! And indeed, though there might be weapons constantly forming against me, they shall never prevail against me in the name of Jesus! (Isaiah 54)

The verse above has a nice heading: Making One's Calling and Election Sure. At least that's the heading for an NIV bible. What is a calling? My laptop's WordWeb dictionary (by Princeton University) defines this noun as The particular occupation for which you are trained. Well, occupation?? Meaning that it's the principle work you do in your life? and you're trained to do it? How cool is that? Today I am going to ask you a simple but challenging question then. What is your calling?

Of course if I am asking you, I obviously had some thoughts on it. I think I probably started to ask this question not more than 4 or 5 years ago. When your heart is touched by God, you naturally want to give your all to Him- and you ask 'how?' .. And I started to ask God concerning my calling. I started also to look at what I have in my life that would be amounted to this "calling". I started to see 3 significant things in my life - and began to think, "is that it?"

. . .

I believe that when I seek, I shall find. So recently, I got this knowledge: Calling comes from a purpose, vision, conviction. How does this then change into a revelation- I believe that it is by action. To positively press on even when you don't feel like it; to encourage when you feel discouraged; to love; to knock; to ask; to read. And surprisingly I don't feel tired because of the revelation from Him who is above all. It is like what my pastor from ELC said, 'freshly baked bread'. The call to persevere is a call to be renewed, not to be stagnant. Praise God.

I recently read about 2 people that had great callings in their lives. (Note: this was the part that I lost inspiration on just now, hope I fare better this time around). They are Samson and Paul. Samson was the judge who would deliver his people from the Philistines. Paul's calling was to bring the Good News to the Gentiles, to the Jews, and to kings. Both callings were explicitly written in the bible. Both had experiences that were more to shameful than to be proud of. But in the end both "ran the good race" and accomplished what they were destined for. Awesome.

Do not be mistaken that you need a vision (as in the dream-sort) from God for a calling. God has spoken through His word. Making disciples and baptising them, to name a few. But if you do get that specific calling, pursue it vigorously for we are responsible for that passion. As James wrote, "Show me your faith without actions, and I will show you my faith with actions."

What is my calling? One word: ENCOURAGEMENT. Ironically, this is what Pastor Dave preached on this morning in church. God is funny but interesting.. and His timing far exceeds Perfection.

I pray, my brothers and sisters, that as you move closer to the fulfillment of your calling, you will be feeling like how I feel after completing this blog: looking back, smilling and praising your Creator.

One last thing, it is your calling but never your call. To believe is to obey :)

Remember, Remember the Lord your God

And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it,and gave it to them,saying, "This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me."

For the past 3 weeks, I've been taking the Lord's supper week after another because I visited another church. This is always argued as an coincidence of course. But I strongly felt that there is some implications this time. It was a very busy 2 weeks, with datelines and sharing and moot, to a point that my life is wholly consumed by the events surrounding me. It may be a cliche to say that sometimes we may be doing stuffs religiously but the danger is that we do those for the sake of doing it, not for the sake of pursuing His Kingdom. So, it was good to take the communion 3 weeks in a row, so that I remember in who I am and in what I'm doing, it is in the Lord Jesus.

Not that we should completely ignore things that we have and events that happens in my life. I do have a strong conviction that God uses these to glorify His name. I'm sort of drawn to Moses' staff and Joshua's sword and Peter's net. What were in their hands, God used them to do wonders... That's so amazing about those common people and common tools and common jobs. The Red Sea would part. The Jordan would stop flowing. And the people will be fished into God's kingdom. So, today I take account of what I have, and wait in eagerness, that He would use these to capture a generation. May Jesus be glorified.

Then the Lord said to him, "What is that in your hand?"
"A staff," he replied.
...

"...But take this staff in your hand so you can perform miraculous signs with it"

Exodus 4:2 & 17

Energizer MEN

Talk about investment! 20-22nd April of 2007 is what I call a "fulfilling" weekend for me. With AUD$25, I managed to attend my church's Men's conference. As I have always said, I'm not a boy, but a man already. There was not a single doubt that the conference would speak to me as the bible says "Seek and you will find...". The conference was in line with my life's theme this year from Hebrews 12 and being a hero.

On the first night (Friday), the speaker Gary Rucci shared about MINDSETS. What do we have in our MINDSETS? What do I have in my MINDSET that is hindering the breakthrough that we so yearn for as men (and for women as well, too!).

The second day (the whole day) was totally SERIOUS stuff. Gary continued with the breaking of mindsets? What was the triggering events that formed our thought patterns. What is it that your father had passed on to you? Is your Father in Heaven same? (Obviously not, see my previous blog on UNCONDITIONAL LOVE). In the final night, the finale I would call it, he talked about leaving a legacy. The challenge was what are we leaving beyond the grave? What do you want to be remembered by in your funeral. PROFOUND!

In fact, I've known all these things previously. But as some say, head knowledge is not half as important as heart knowledge. INTENTIONS are not as important as ACTIONS. The sharing kept me thinking about ACTIONS. I know I have been doing some actions recently but I know I could do more. What are the excuses that I've been giving for my INACTIONS. WHat should I do that would leave a legacy? To impact this generation and THE NEXT?

...

The more I think about it, the more I must write it down because I hope my blog would be an encouragement to others, as Lik Ee (how are you?) has always encouraged me to. Above that, what am I doing about my passions?

I will continue this journey with faith AND action (James), and I know His grace is sufficient for me.

Acts 10: Cornelius.

P/s: Cool to have foosball table and pool in a conference! Amazing comeback!

Easter Camp: Tribute to the Heroes and Heroins

My Classmates - You guys made the right choice by coming - mid-term is still only in 4 days time.
This is Mr Camp Commandant Jason (middle, aka the Brain from "Pinky and the Brain") and Sherwin - hahaha - joker!
"The Fellowship of the Cursed" - The Dark Wizard and the sad guy.
Don't even remind me about me acting as a spastic!

Kim - The Amazing, Fabuloso Cook of the Camp!

Musings for the past 3 weeks of my Life

muAt last I got my hand to seriously sit down and do a blog entry. It had been a crazy several weeks in which I did much seeing, listening, talking, and (as usual) thinking. God has ordained my steps since my last entry. Praise God!

With the amount of "receiving" (some would use the term impartation) in recent days, its really hard to determine exactly where to start. But first of all, the OCF Easter Camp was amazing! I sound so cliche but I try to "get the message across" nowadays rather than using some fanciful, alien phrases. Seeing God's presence fall and frienships grow are just two of the reasons why we spend the effort and time (3 days) in a foreign and cold place! But what I am constantly aware of and continuingly remind everyone is: bring what you got and learnt back to "reality". And just as God had taugh me about total surrendering and relying on Him, let this be a constant surrendering and not one-off. Jesus, want more of you!

Bringing me to the next thing, about surrendering and humbling, I have written on this before some time ago. Yet, head knowledge is rather different from heart knowledge (cliche again!). What dear Papa in heaven had really banged on me this few weeks, really worthed more than my 6 years as Jesus' disciple (counting back from my confirmation). Part conviction, part rebuking, but mostly breakthrough :) To cut the long story short, 1) grace and love of God cannot be earnt. 2) Growth is when you see your Lord more and see yourself less.

On a lighter note, I discovered this jazz singer named Madeleine Peyroux - really COOL! And the stacks of blog I discovered for the past week including Allison Mack ('Chloe' from Smallville) and from my beloved pal Richard- cool cool cool. All these things do give a testimony about the author's life. Occasionally, we need some inspiration - thank God for blogs and songs and heroes.

Heroes - That's what Joe King shared on in church last sunday. Have to admit it spurred me! Being called 'chicken' or the likes is not a good feeling, believe me- guys, stand up and be heroes and role models for the people around us- not because we ARE heroes, but because Jesus is our ultimate HERO! Time is to little for us to waste.

Finally, that SCARY thing called FUTURE is sorted out by the moment. Fingers crossed, and by God's grace, this ... and this ... I will do (I'm not revealing as yet). But one thing I can share- I finally got this thing clear about part of my burden and calling- YOUTHS. Leaders and heroes of tomorrow, the roaring generation- you guys are too precious for waste in alcohol, sex, and drugs. God loves you!!!

Till next time, pray for one another, OK??? ;)

Wish it were THAT easy

Adelaide February 2007

As you can see, I'm so dark already. But its not as if the chance to be in Adelaide during summer is something that happens all the time, so I'm glad I did manage to enjoyed myself thoroughly (besides being a 'king' in my aunt's house too).

It's been too long since I last blogged. Just didn't had the motivation to do so since I got back about a week ago. But its been busy- busy is good; forces a person not to be waking up at noon or later.. But may God's grace only bring me through.

For anyone who doesn't know who is it in the picture with me, it's not some random South Australian. She is, in fact, Merrilyn Teague- or Aunt Merrilyn as she is fondly called by so many that she had influenced. And I'm one of those who God graciously put in her path in that chapter of my life that seems so different and distant now. Indeed, meeting Aunty Merrilyn was one of those "defining moments" of my life. I had made some hard decisions since then - some I regret of, some I don't - but the point is, I have grown since then and how He brought me through still seem astonishing to me. Indeed He brings us through, and as some say carry us when we need Him most.

I wonder what the new semester brings, but I do know I could see that big figure somewhere near by. And that big figure is not big problem, but a big God that is much much bigger than those big problems.

The Author of this Blog will be on Vacation

Time of rest and time of refreshing - God give me a fresh anointing and a new day!

Bonjour, Adelaide 10 to 24th February 2007

The Second Test

5Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. 6"If you are the Son of God," he said, "throw yourself down. For it is written:
" 'He will command his angels concerning you,
and they will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.'"

7Jesus answered him, "It is also written: 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.'"

I remember once writing an essay called "The Test", which depicted the temptation of Jesus in a way that is graphical and real. It was English class and as of most centres of "circular" learning, I got a "yellow" light type of comment by classmates and teacher alike. I don't blame them but wouldn't change what I wrote if I do have a chance. After all, it was English Language class and language is the main medium in which something could be communicated, religion being the most important of them.

But that's beside the point. The second test in a series of 3 in the Devil's temptation to Jesus was quite unusual but really relevant. Here Jesus was literally ask to jump from a building. He refused, because to jump down from the apex of the temple would mean you need to be Man of Steel or God to survive. No man could leave unscratched. Jesus' Godship is again being tested. The Devil says "Prove to me that you are God!", and Jesus knows that He is. He has no mistake on His identity. But just to jump would certainly put God to test, and that's not the Father's Will for Him. So many times, we christians think that having the privileges of being called God's own and having "to do all things through His strength" gives us the ability and indeed the right to do things that would test God. Of course, that does not include giving a lot to the church (one thing that God does wants us to test Him). We think we could go 120 because we are protected by Him always. But hey, God's angels only has a speed of 110km/h! I think there are more of the big things that you could think of like going into sin etc., but the smaller things that we take for granted are a "test" to God as well. For exampla, God promises is that I may prosper in all that I do- and I take for granted that I can just have good health all the time by eating all sorts of junk. Or when I just feel that I can just get by with the exams without studying diligently. NO.That would be testing wouldn't it?

I guess this second test also gives us one very big error that most christians make: just choosing to focus on the scripture that suits us- not taking into consideration the entirity and the Bible as a whole. Well, yes, God will send His angels to catch you if you fall - the temptation; and no, He will not be catching you if you throw yourself in voluntarily - that's free will, and suicide.

My prayer today is that I be really careful in the "faith" that I profess to have when it comes to doing things "for God" and through God. Sometimes it may well be a trick that we play on ourselves because of our selfish ambitions and evil desire. Lest if I fail, I will blame God and others will see me "disglorifying" God.

Every Word that comes from the mouth of God

The Temptation of Jesus

1Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. 2After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3The tempter came to him and said, "If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread."

4Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'(*Deut 8:3)"

The Temptation of Jesus (Part One)
Ahh, I needed to drag myself to blog today. It is not like I'm too tired or anything like that, is just laziness, in which I am bitterly fighting a battle with. I must win.

Anyway, I'm starting a series of (hopefully 3) on the Lord's temptation. Today I start with the one most confusing. It is quite straightforward here that I don't find the need to retell the story in my own words. But why it made me ponder and frankly a little confused was why Jesus, who is God, refused to turn the stone into bread. Was it because it was a challenge from the devil? Was it because it was a lesson he wanted us to learn? Or was He just conceding that after 40 days, He simply didn't have the energy to do a miracle? (The God-human debate?)

I struggled with it and came to a conclusion that the whole point is about God's Will. Jesus said in another occasion that He only does what the Father wants Him to do. This is one such occassion. Ok, no doubt that if He wanted, Jesus could have turn the stones into bread. He could turn the devil into a chicken and eat him. But that was just not within God's Will. I don't think Jesus would have broken any of Moses' law by turning the stones into bread (unlike the second and third temptation), but it just wasn't what His Father willed Him to do- He only does what His Father wants, nothing more nothing less. You see, even the smallest miracle by Jesus is appointed by God the Father in His time. So Jesus' answer was absolutely precise, man does not only do what he needs (bread), he does God's Will (God's spoken Word). Sometimes, we are like Abraham and Sarah, who thinks they can accomplish the ends by their own means (by sleeping with Hagar and giving birth to Ishmael), but God said in His time- He will provide the son that will bring forth a nation. So the lesson is to do what God thinks is proper and not what we think is necessary.

Another reason why Jesus cannot turn the stones into bread could be found in another book of the New Testament. In Hebrews 4:15, it is written For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. Jesus calls Himself the Son of Man with the intention that we might know that He is fully human while He was walking on this earth. This is entirely crucial because God came as man to show man how to live a sinless life- not that we can live a sinless life, but Jesus who was fully human, showed that man can live a holy life. By living as a man, those who came later will not be able to say that Jesus overcame sin and temptation because He was God walking this earth. No, Jesus was facing the same kind of temptation and in the same weak "shell" (flesh) as we are- yet He did not sin. Consequently, it was crucial for him that during His fasting, He remain focussed and remained man and not try to turn stones into rock acting un-humanlike. Now, Jesus faithfulness to His calling as a man is something we ought to learn, ain't it?

I Refuse to be Discourage

It's getting cold over here though supposedly it is still summer in Tasmania. Seems like that's how I would like to describe my blog : "This blog is like the weather- always updating!". But it's just the winds I guess- I'm feeling rather good here actually- been through a lovely and meaningful day. First of all, a couple of 'firsts'- first time I cooked chinese herbs chicken (and it actually taste nice!) and the first time I watch City Harvest Church Singapore's Kong Hee preach- sheer enlightenment.

Secondly, it's 11:28 p.m. and I feeling sleepy! That's new- I usually sleep around 1 a.m. However, the good run today was totally great and I ran and ran and ran- to keep fit and not slim (obviously!). I only reached halfway through my destination but I guess it was an encouragement for someone who has weak stamina like me. I mean, not stopping frequently is already an achievement in itself. But as I ponder upon the subject of running, which is a constant theme this year for me (for example Hebrews 12:1-3), I wonder whether my journey of faith could be equated to my running. I hope not but I seriously thought about that. I was wondering the fact that I didn't reach my destination (to Long Beach) and turn back halfway is something of an "unbiblical" thing - We do see many people stop doing things that they try to pick up- such as quit smoking or dieting- I am a good example for always failing to pick up good habits. And also, I get so short of breath and muscle-strain-- symptons of lacking in stamina.

What I'm trying to get to is that in life as christians- there are all sorts of habits and "incidents" in life that prompt us to equate them with our faith in Christ. But really, those shouldn't discourage us from trusting in Him. Rather, we should learn from these fallbacks and focus on whatever good we could find in the fallbacks. When you hit a wall, try not to focus on the wall but focus on the fact that you are not stagnant but moving forward. This is not being over-optimistic, and we shouldn't over-indulge ourselves in self-pity and trying "force" something wrong into something right (eg. smoking or lust) but we should know our limitations and God's way of working- we are weak as humans and God is more concerned with the process rather than the results. So don't expect that He will always turn your situation overnight; sometimes it could be for a long, long time before we finally see daylight. But we do have all the promises that He is working everything out for our good and He will produce a masterpiece out of our dumpster. So, if you are in one of those seasons where you are hitting the ceiling, rest for awhile and consider His grace; pause and look at things in a different perspective - the God/Loving father perspective- discipline comes with love. And when you realize that, it's time to pray "I can do all things through Him who strenghthens me" and start running again. He will come and save you.

As I was struggling with this "running" issue while I was running, it start to dawn upon me that I seriously can't expect myself to be a marathon runner by running once in a month. I will try again in 2 days time, and try to run the distance progressively. I did not reach my destination but that was the past, the important thing is I will continue to run forward with a direction and a goal set- the desert is almost at the edge, and the promise land is bound to be claimed- so to speak.

Wrestle with God

24 So Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him till daybreak. 25 When the man saw that he could not overpower him, he touched the socket of Jacob's hip so that his hip was wrenched as he wrestled with the man. 26 Then the man said, "Let me go, for it is daybreak."
But Jacob replied, "I will not let you go unless you bless me."

27 The man asked him, "What is your name?"
"Jacob," he answered.

28 Then the man said, "Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, ^[e] because you have struggled with God and with men and have overcome."

29 Jacob said, "Please tell me your name."
But he replied, "Why do you ask my name?" Then he blessed him there.

30 So Jacob called the place Peniel, ^[f] saying, "It is because I saw God face to face, and yet my life was spared."

31 The sun rose above him as he passed Peniel, ^[g] and he was limping because of his hip.
Genesis Chapter 32

I hated watching Wrestling on T.V. Not because I hate violence or anything like that, but wrestling on TV is show more than fight- wrestlers walking around the ring holding a mic, showing off their baboon outfits. Haha, I prefer not to go to the outfits. But I recently read about wrestling in the bible. One of the more bizarre moments in the entire biblical history- perhaps dramatic and adrenaline-pumping. In the above passage, God came down and wrestled with Jacob. I don't know about you, this is something I just could not fathom. Would that even be a fight? But God came alright, and Jacob actually said "game-on" and they wrestled for the whole night.

Dictionaries define wrestle as "a struggle" or "Engaging in deep thought, consideration, or debate". This was the attitude when Jacob came to a crisis point of his life- he (with all he had) was about to meet with his greatest adversity- his brother Esau (whom he had greatly offended) with 400 strong men. Jacob was possibly about to lose everything. And the night, God came as a man to face him and wrestled with him. Jacob knew this was his only chance- win and he might actually get God Himself to spare his whole family- so he gathered all his strength and fought God!

Until it was nearly dawn, God said "enough is enough", touched Jacob's hip and dislocated the bone there. Jacob was no match. However, he did not give up. He had nothing to lose, he held on to God and said "bless me or I will not let you go". That day, Jacob's life was transformed. For all his life, he cheated and deceived to get all he had. And learnt the lesson the hard way. This day, he met God "face to face" and wrestled with God Himself- and God said he had overcome. Not just that, Jacob got a new name "Israel" . The name that means "he struggles"; the name that was to be the identity of Jacob's house and God's people.

Are you in a situation like what Jacob is facing right now? Much is against your stake; 400 problems stack at your doorstep; or just people who opposes you; dreams unfulfilled? desperate for God but not just quite there yet? In my tiny and inexperience life, I have always find myself in one or more categories of the above- even now- I feel I could get closer to God. But God is not far away, He wants to see you face to face. In fact, He had already provided the way to do so through Christ Jesus. Yet, our Lord wants to wrestle with us- through prayer. He wants to be so desperate for His blessing that we would say "I would not let you go unless you bless me". In Colossians 4:12, Paul writes to the Colossians about one of their local boy Epaphras, who "is always wrestling in prayer for you". Not a wonder why only Epaphras was mentioned as being so intense in the struggle- He was one of them, and cares for them a lot. What had God put for you in your life that you care so much? What is it that you want God to bless you with? Don't struggle with yourself (in your mind) or anyone else- struggle with God in prayer- God will give you the blessing- and maybe a new name.

Are you willing to give your "only son"? (Genesis 22)

I guess God works in strange ways, many times- or rather He works in ways that are unusual. I mean, why would He give Abraham a son (at 100 years old,and his wife, 90) and take away the son's life. Today we explore one of the most amazing story in the bible. Not to mentioned, the climax to my little study on Abraham, as I walk through the Bible.

Here you see one of the strangest command God could give to anyone- sacrifice one's only son (Genesis 22:2). If there's anything we know about God, is that He is absolutely good and perfect- morally superior- and He hates those other gods that men has created who have human sacrifices. The Bible even tells us that "...God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone." (James 1:13) But now, He is asking Abraham to sacrifice Isaac, whom was himself a God-given child of the barren Sarah. Extraordinarily absurd. Well, if you haven't read any commentary or heard sermon on this, you would even be angry. However, the beautiful and crucial part of this incident is not on the act of sacrificing, but the act of obedience. And I would even go as far as saying, this is not really a test from God, but a proof from God why Abraham deserves to be called "father of many nations" (and still is today).

6 Abraham took the wood for the burnt offering and placed it on his son Isaac, and he himself carried the fire and the knife. As the two of them went on together, 7 Isaac spoke up and said to his father Abraham, "Father?"
"Yes, my son?" Abraham replied.
"The fire and wood are here," Isaac said, "but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?"

8 Abraham answered, "God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son." And the two of them went on together.

9 When they reached the place God had told him about, Abraham built an altar there and arranged the wood on it. He bound his son Isaac and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood. 10 Then he reached out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. 11 But the angel of the LORD called out to him from heaven, "Abraham! Abraham!"

This kind of faith is really fantastic! "God will provide the lamb", Abraham knew very clear that he would have to sacrifice his son that moment, although somehow he knew that the Yahweh he knew was going to provide - that God will bring Isaac back to life or somehow turn this whole absurd situation around for Abraham's good! He remembered the promised made to him by this same God that through Isaac will his offspring be reckoned! Now, of course is just too easy to say that without proof and I have doubts about it in the past as well but not anymore. The bible says that this whole sacrificial thing ended with God himself providing the ram to be sacrificed and Abraham (and Isaac obviously) would thought (that was close). Yet with reverence, Abraham did not hold grudges for some kind of joke that God played on him but instead had a new revelation over his life and over the God he serves - from thence Yahweh was Jehovah Jireh - God the provider. Abraham was indeed God's most fanatic friend.

So what's the fuss of all this that it would be so important to Abraham, to God and all of us? The answer is found in the angel's second call from heaven:

16 and said, "I swear by myself, declares the LORD, that because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, 17 I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will take possession of the cities of their enemies, 18 and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me."

If you are following through from the start of Abraham's first encounter with the LORD (from Gen 12), you will find this "declaration" rather familiar- God had promised Abraham these before (see Genesis 12:2 & 13:14-17). Was God therefore just making empty promises the first time round? I think not. I think God, the Alpha & Omega, who sees the beginning from the end and the end from the beginning knew what Abraham would do - and therefore would declare Abraham as blessed and made great promises to him even before this ultimate test of obedience. From the start, God had no doubt about Abraham's faith and obedience- Abraham would give up anything to please the Lord God.

So the lesson for us today is, would we give up our "only son" to obey the Lord God Almighty? That is of course figuratively speaking- what God wants us to do is to let go of the things we regard as most important in our lives - and follow Him. That is consistent throughout the Bible. These things are important and God knows that- but He assures you that if you fix your eyes upon Him and be faithful to Him, He will not disappoint us- He asks us for our "son" and gives us descendants, cities and blessings (verse 17 above). Commit everything to the Lord everything you do, and your plans will succeed (Proverbs 16:3). It is really difficult sometimes, but that is the only way to please God- the rewards however are bountiful.

And last but not least, Abraham sacrificed his son but God provided the ram to spare Isaac, but God sacrifice Jesus and Jesus was not spared. Ever so familiar but ever so important, For God so love the world, that he gave His ONLY SON... (John 3:16). What a great sacrifice- what a wonderful love story, what a stark contrast! It is reminded once again:

He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? (Romans 8:32)

God gave His all to you, how would you respond with all that you are today?

God bless you.

Honoured.

Being in the midst of someone famous and/or someone with position gives me a special feeling. Gives me the feeling of being privileged. Since arriving in Tasmania, has been such a period where I have the honour to meet some of the politicians/ex-politicans which I would not dream of meeting if I were in Malaysia. For instance, my labour law lecturer was once the Attorney-General of Tasmania, and in one of our seminars he invited the minister of forestry and fisheries, Senator Eric Abetz to speak. Those were those very special moments I would feel a little fuzzy and truly honoured. Yesterday, I got to find out that my International Criminal Law lecturer was a fomer amicae curie (friend of court) for the trial of the President of former Yugoslovia Slobodan Milosevic. Indeed, it was a groundbreaking trial and to really get a person that was in the courtroom itself was indeed an eye-opener.

I guess along the way in life, I would be meeting more of these people and feeling elated for nothing. But the reason I am writing this is because I figured, these people are not that special indeed if compared to the most High God Himself. The thing is, I have the opportunity and privilege to go into His courts and into the throneroom anytime I like. Since through the sacrifice of His son Jesus, I have reconciliation with my Creator (the curtain is torn!). Since I have this privilege, I think I ought to spend more time with Him because this is the King of kings here! I guess sometimes I just take for granted, but if I don't treat prayer and being in God's presence a special and most wonderful thing, then I'm just living in a deceit and chasing after wind.

Prayer
Lord help me to chase after your presence- because in Your presence, there is fullness of joy...

Lessons from the Siege of Sodom (Genesis 14)

To tell you the truth, I'm really proud of myself for thinking the title up. Of course, the "Siege of Sodom (and Gomorrah) refers to Genesis 14 where four kings decided to go against five kings in one of the most epic and greatest wars of Abram's time. In this war, the four kings, with the help of the terrain (Valley of Siddim, which was full of tar pits in verse 10) manage to beat the 5 kings, among which were kings of the infamous Sodom and Gommorah. The army of Kedorlaomer and his allies, victors of the battle, however, did an error that cost them much- they kidnapped Abram's nephew Lot, taking his possession with them.

When Abram got to know of the news, he responded positively. Now, backtrack a little, we read that there was a rivalry between Lot and Abram when their herds became too big. Abram, being a wise person that he was, decided that he would choose peace and tolerance- allowing Lot to choose where he wants to go, while Abram would go the opposite direction. Lot chose to pitch his tents near Sodom- and trouble came to him because of that choice.

You see, Sodom was a wicked city- the whole city were really, seriously wicked. By choosing to stay near Sodom, Lot was heading harm's way. The bible says in Proverbs 13:20 " He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm." It is really not that hard to perceive that bad company, leads to bad influence, which leads to bad character. Furthermore, being in a perverse environment would really lower our values, our morality- as you can see how popular culture like Hollywood had influenced today's generation. Confessing myself, I too were influenced by my group of friends long time ago- where my life were running out of the tracks. Only when I came out of the group, was I able to put my life into order again.

Back to our story, the amazing man we have been looking at these few days, decided to launch a rescue effort to save his nephew Lot- forgetting the past rivalry and remembering that "we are brothers" . (Genesis 13:8) Isn't it so important really to have good friends, and brothers/sisters in Christ. These people really take care of you, man! I mean I gotto pause here to thank God really for blessing me with different groups of christian brothers and sisters, who look out for me and love me so much! Hallelujah!

Of course, the hero always wins. Abram and his warriors were not just heroes that day, they were literally "super" heroes. God was with them and fought the battle for them because with only 318 men, they beat an army five nations failed to beat. Absolutely fantastic! Observe what was said about Abram, though. "During the night Abram divided his men to attack them, and he routed them..." (verse 15). Abram was a brilliant commander, and he divided his forces that God gave him well. Likewise, we should divide and utilize the "forces" so to speak, well- our time, our money, our education, our experiences, our all- God can use them to defeat an entire army- or four.

Finally, don't even touch anything that belongs to the wicked- no matter how much we think we deserve them. God detests the wicked and the corrupted- may we never receive any bribes and goods that is "impure" (eg pirated goods???).

22 But Abram said to the king of Sodom, "I have raised my hand to the LORD, God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth, and have taken an oath 23 that I will accept nothing belonging to you, not even a thread or the thong of a sandal, so that you will never be able to say, 'I made Abram rich.'

The Good Shepherd Leads His Sheep

I'm beginning to see and learn more and more why the Lord highly favours Abraham. In Genesis chapter 12 (yesterday's entry), we read of God calling Abram (before he was named Abraham) to leave his country, people and father's household. And of course, we know he was called into the land that his descendants would possess - the "land flowing with milk and honey" Canaan. However at the beginning of the chapter, God did not reveal where he was leading Abram, God simply said "go to the land that I will show you". Astonishing! Abram moved literally all his possession, and left the rest all behind to a destination he did not even know! Now that's great faith.

I believe today God is also calling us to go to this unseen land. Well, we do know a lot of our destinies, but quite often He leaves the locations of our destinations at just the right time- sometimes it means that we need to wait much more patiently (the hard part). Not like He like to torture us mentally, but rather He wants to give us maturity and prepare us for His blessings - in Abraham's case, it was more than 5 generations until Joshua finally brought his descendants into the promised land. To share of my life, I have completely no idea where I'll be and what I will be doing this day next year or for that matter, next 10 years. But I just have to put my head up above the water and continue to hope on the Lord and pray.

The reason why I use "head above the water" because if we are not careful, it is easy to get wash away and drowned in the worries and distractions that are guaranteed along the way. Just like the Israelites who were constantly complaining and worshipped the golden bull when they could not see Moses coming down, and Abram, as we shall see, bearing Ishmael with Hagar, when God had a better plan. So, to sum it up, God's promises is crucial when we are in the journey to the land we are destined for, whether it be where God wants us to be in our work and family, and eternally speaking- heaven. God's plan is to prosper us, to give us a future (Jeremiah 29:11), to let us rise up like eagles (Isaiah 40), to save and not to condemn us. Today, let us confess of the times when we worry of our future and when uncertainties crop into our minds. God sees the beginning from the end, our destination from His creation- and He is a good, loving, awesome God- He must have a good, loving, awesome future for us! Don't lose sight of that, and wait- He will lead the way.

Prayer

Lord, I give thanks that my future is in Your hands. I stand strong in Your Word. Protect my heart as I walk this journey of faith- and lead me to the blessing You have planned for me. Amen

The Lord had said to Abram, "Leave ... " So Abram left

The Call of Abram

1 The LORD had said to Abram, "Leave your country, your people and your father's household and go to the land I will show you.

2 "I will make you into a great nation
and I will bless you;
I will make your name great,
and you will be a blessing.

3 I will bless those who bless you,
and whoever curses you I will curse;
and all peoples on earth
will be blessed through you."

4 So Abram left, as the LORD had told him; and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he set out from Haran. 5 He took his wife Sarai, his nephew Lot, all the possessions they had accumulated and the people they had acquired in Haran, and they set out for the land of Canaan, and they arrived there.

...

If God is a fair and just God, Abraham must have done something really, really wonderful for God to bear with his descendants and calling them His people. The book of Genesis, as I read it through in my bible-in-a-year program, tells of this man's "humble" beginnings. In fact, it doesn't really tells us much about Abram (as he was named) before He was called out of the place called Ur of the Chaldeans. Yes, I always think that is a weird name of a place. So we have to check out his character, personality and life post-Ur. I leave this "checking-out" to you, as I will have no time to do that in this entry.

The first hint/the beginning of a great and wonderful (sometimes Tragic) story of the Jews starts really from chapter 12. Here, the LORD (Yahweh) for the first of many times calls Abram (I shall find out exactly why He picked Abram and not me or you), and speaks a blessing into this man's life. This little one-way conversation apparently changed Abram's life forever. A great demand, yes, to "leave your country, people, and your father's household". Yet, this man of faith did not question God's intention but instead did just as he was commanded. The strangest thing is, Abram did not attend church, or know much about thid God. That IS faith. And he was 75 years old.

I guess, parallelly speaking, we are also called to leave our environment, circumstances and forsake all to take up the cross and follow Jesus- not so much of a different from Abram spiritually speaking. Although one might say he had blind faith, but we shall find out that it was not blind faith. Faith is indeed believing what is unseen, what has not happened- that it will take place in the future. Faith is being obedient to His Word, no matter how inconvenient it could be to us. Faith is being sure that the pain we have, will be nothing compared to the gain we will get. The only way for us to do so today, is to fix our eyes on Jesus- love Him more than anything, continue to endure our faith, and praise Him every moment.



Tomorrow: Abram called to nowhere?