tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13318624963010533082024-03-14T05:11:11.207+08:00Soul of a Christian TriathleteRandom thoughts of how God is moving in my life.....Cliffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03227378544813320248noreply@blogger.comBlogger720125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1331862496301053308.post-44125289476198159872013-07-13T15:55:00.002+08:002013-07-13T15:55:36.030+08:00This blog is moving.....Hi everyone,<br />
<br />I want to thank you for reading and subscribing my blog all these years. I am sure you noticed since I came to Singapore I hadn't been as active in posting. I apologize for that.<br />
<br />
I hope you find this blog an encouragement. I never consider myself much of a blogger. This blog is more of a space for me to put down my own thoughts and convictions. It is amazing as I read some of the older posts to see how the Lord changed me through the years. Simply awesome :))<br />
<br />
I am in the processing of creating a new blog at <a href="http://www.clifftam.com/">www.clifftam.com</a>. I will start blogging there. If you like to continue to follow me, please go to <a href="http://www.clifftam.com/">www.clifftam.com</a>.<br />
<br />
Take care and God bless!<br />
<br />CliffCliffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03227378544813320248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1331862496301053308.post-8198039968573383852013-06-03T12:01:00.001+08:002013-06-03T13:49:00.243+08:00Easier life or stronger man?<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">"Do
not pray for easy lives. Pray to be stronger men. Do not pray for tasks equal
to your powers, pray for powers equal to your task." <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span class="style9"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">- </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Phillip
Brooks<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Cliffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03227378544813320248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1331862496301053308.post-30065132078661602212013-05-26T21:14:00.001+08:002013-05-26T21:14:33.653+08:00My Missionary Manual: So I send you<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51yhX42I0tL._SY300_.jpg" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I picked this from my wife's bookshelve when I first got married. This is perhaps one of the best books I read on preparing as a missionary for a long time. I always learn a lot from Oswald Chambers' writings. I read his devotions, <a href="http://utmost.org/">My Utmost for His Highest</a>, on a daily basis. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This book is deep and solid. Some of the thoughts and wisdom behind it is so deep that there are times I have no idea what he is trying to say. At the same time, I am always thirsting for more.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I highly recommend this book for anyone who is serious in follow Jesus. I don't think this book is particularly for missionaries. Though, missionaries will find this book helpful in them be fueled by the Holy Spirit and not by might.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Cliffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03227378544813320248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1331862496301053308.post-10454822298580951532013-05-14T21:57:00.002+08:002013-05-14T21:57:42.213+08:00What does it mean to help the poor?This has been the question on my mind for a while now....<br />
<br />
Tomorrow, my wife and I will share about poverty to teenagers at a school. As I am preparing my slides, I re-read <a href="http://www.amazon.com/When-Helping-Hurts-Alleviating-Yourself/dp/0802457053">When Helping Hurts: How to Alleviate Poverty without Hurting the Poor...and Yourself</a>.<br />
<br />
The author used a classic illustration of how sometimes our good intentions might do more harm than help!<br />
<br />
<br />
<i>And now we have come to a very central point: one of the biggest problems in many poverty-alleviation efforts is that their design and implementation exacerbates the poverty of being of the economically rich—their god-complexes—and the poverty of being of the economically poor—their feelings of inferiority and shame. The way that we act toward the economically poor often communicates—albeit unintentionally—that we are superior and they are inferior. In the process we hurt the poor and ourselves. And here is the clincher: this dynamic is likely to be particularly strong whenever middle-to-upper-class, North American Christians try to help the poor, given these Christians' tendency toward a Western, materialistic perspective of the nature of poverty.</i><br />
<br />
<i>This point can be illustrated with the story of Creekside Community Church, a predominantly Caucasian congregation made up of young urban professionals in the downtown area of an American city. Being in the Christmas spirit, Creekside Community Church decided to reach out to the African-American residents of a nearby housing project, which was characterized by high rates of unemployment, domestic violence, drug and alcohol abuse, and teenage pregnancy. A number of the members of Creekside expressed some disdain for the project residents, and all of the members were fearful of venturing inside. But Pastor Johnson insisted that Jesus cared for the residents of this housing project and that Christmas was the perfect time to show His compassion.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i> But what could they do to help? Believing that poverty is primarily a lack of material resources—the last row in table 2.1—the members of Creekside Community Church decided to address this poverty by buying Christmas presents for the children in the housing project. Church members went door to door, singing Christmas carols and delivering wrapped toys to the children ineach apartment. Although it was awkward at first, the members of Creekside were moved by the big smiles on the children's faces and were encouraged by the warm reception of the mothers. In fact, the congregation felt so good about the joy they had brought that they decided to expand this ministry, delivering baskets of candy at Easter and turkeys at Thanksgiving. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Unfortunately, after several years, Pastor Johnson noticed that he was struggling to find enough volunteers to deliver the gifts to the housing project. At the congregational meeting, he asked the members why their enthusiasm was waning, but it was difficult to get a clear answer. Finally, one member spoke up: "Pastor, we are tired of trying to help these people out. We have been bringing them things for several years now, but their situation never improves. They just sit there in the same situation year in and year out. Have you ever noticed that there are no men in the apartments when we deliver the toys? The residents are all unwed mothers who just keep having babies in order to collect bigger and bigger welfare checks. They don't deserve our help."</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>In reality, there was a different reason that there were few men in the apartments when the toys were delivered. Oftentimes, when the fathers of the children heard the Christmas carols outside their front doors and saw the presents for their kids through the peepholes, they were embarrassed and ran out the back doors of their apartments. For a host of reasons, low-income African-AmericanAfrican-American males sometimes struggle to find and keep jobs. This often contributes to a deep sense of shame and inadequacy, both of which make it even more difficult to apply for jobs. The last thing these fathers needed was a group of middle-to-upper-class Caucasians providing Christmas presents for their children, presents that they themselves could not afford to buy. In trying to alleviate material poverty through the giving of these presents, Creekside Community Church increased these fathers' poverty of being. Ironically, this likely made the fathers even less able to apply for a job, thereby exacerbating the very material poverty that Creekside was trying to solve!</i><br />
<br />
Fikkert, Brian; Corbett, Steve (2009-06-24). <a href="http://www.amazon.com/When-Helping-Hurts-Alleviating-Yourself/dp/0802457053">When Helping Hurts: How to Alleviate Poverty Without Hurting the Poor . . . and Yourself.</a> Moody Publishers. Kindle Edition.<br />
<br />
This is not a post to be cynical about every project we endeavour to stop poverty. Rather, we need to be discerning and analytical whether what we are doing really does help to stop poverty. The point of stopping poverty is to love our neighbours as ourselves. This include the poor as well. <br />
Cliffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03227378544813320248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1331862496301053308.post-42471795017281145552013-05-07T12:17:00.001+08:002013-05-07T12:17:19.526+08:00Six Months<br />
<i>A long overdue post. Sorry. Sometimes, the longer I don’t blog, the longer I don’t want to. It is probably because I feel like I missed so much already. But sometimes it is good to come back to an old habit that helps you jot down and reflect upon a portion of your life.</i><br />
<br />
Six months. I’ve been married for six months. I cannot imagine how things have changed so much in six months.<br />
<br />
As <a href="http://blog.kitesong.sg/">Wai Jia</a> and I spent last weekend celebrating being married to each other for six months, I started to realize how much I have changed. I understand a lot more about her which I never had before. I discovered there’s a lot more I do not know about her, about myself and about us. Above all, I am in awe at how God has brought us together.<br />
<br />
After watching our <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jflEPT-oLCE">video</a>, many people often think our story is a fairy tale. In a way, it does portray that things were dreamy and beyond both our imaginations. When I first read about Wai Jia on her <a href="http://blog.kitesong.sg/">blog</a>, I just thought it would be nice if we were together but never seriously considered the steps I would take to court her. In fact, there were many moments where we sought the Lord when it concerned us. Those moments, though, were not just asking the Lord to bring us together. We simply surrendered our relationship to the Lord and let Him lead.<br />
<br />
For me, these spiritual experiences and lessons taught me greatly about our Father’s heart and His Ways. He wants us to trust Him. He wants us to follow Him. He wants us to surrender to Him. He wants us to love Him so much that wherever He goes, we will follow. There’s a strong security and assurance in this Love. Perhaps this is why Jesus tells His disciples to abide in His love. I find it amazing, how the idea of love (agape), the sacrificial love, is one of the key characteristics of the Holy One. Just reading <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+13&version=NIV">1 Corinthians 13</a> is a small glimpse of this love. It is not a doctrine too far for us to grasp. It is real and it is genuine. This love from Him is the solid ground where we can build our livesupon.<br />
<br />
I used to be one of those people who was so tired of listening to 1 Corinthians 13 at a wedding. I would tighten up and tell myself, this is out of context. Though it is true that Paul wasn’t writing this letter with marriage in mind, I cannot help but see that our marriage is filled with that same agape love. Marriage should be the spiritual union of two people formed through this type of love. And why not? After all, God is the one who created the institution of marriage (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=genesis%202&version=NIV">Genesis 2</a>). He also uses marriage as an analogy between Jesus and His Church (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+5&version=NIV">Ephesians 5</a>). In this case, marriage, my marriage, should reflect His Love and His Glory.<br />
<br />
When it comes to marriage, there are generally two groups of people. The first group is the cynical group. This often portrayed by the media that once you are married, your life is over. Perhaps this is also related to some of the heartaches we have seen when marriages didn’t work. Then, divorce takes place and families are broken. Maybe this is why we are cynical. It is a very personal and painful subject that we need a defense mechanism for. On the other end of the spectrum, we have this fairy tale belief that once you have found your partner, it will be happily ever after. There will be no more heartache.Perhaps, we also sold ourselves into the ideas projected from movies.<br />
<br />
I believe that both views of marriage are incorrect. Marriage is neither a living hell nor a heavenly paradise. The truth is Wai Jia is not perfect (though she is great in many aspects!) and neither am I. We both have our strengths and our weaknesses. We both have our differences. We have our own struggles and our own aspirations. When two driven individuals who grew up in opposite ends of the world come together, there is bound to be conflict from these differences. Because of the commitment we promisedeach other through marriage, we aim to encourage and build each other up, not tear each other down.<br />
<br />
Many missionaries told me that when you are out on the mission field, all the sins which you thought you had dealt with will rise to the surface very quickly. I see that in myself. I thought there were areas in my life which I thought I had dealt with. The marriage helped me expose areas where I needed to work on. I honestly believe that conflicts within marriages are usually not the other person’s fault. They are mirrors of the sinful nature which I need to put away. The fleshly part within meneeds to die (and die QUICKLY!).<br />
<br />
This is hard work. It is hard work because not many of us want to talk about it. This is one of the differences between dating and marriage. When Wai Jia and I date, we just want to have fun: go to a nice dinner orwatch a movie. Sure, we pray and read the Bible together but it is nothing like the intensity of living with someone on a day-to-day basis.<br />
<br />
When I sin, she bears the consequences. There are some sinful actions or words I wished I didn’t do or say to hurt Wai Jia. She, in her very forgiving and loving nature, doesn’t give up on me or ridicule me. Rather, we talk about it. We pray against it. We accept each other. We try to help each other grow.<br />
<br />
Whenever I read about Paul’s passage that we have to be worthy to live out the calling of being God’s children,, these words become reality when I grapple with my sinful self. In <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=colossians%203&version=NIV">Colossians 3</a>, Paul says we have to put our old selves to death, while in <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=ephesians%204&version=NIV">Ephesians 4</a>, he says we are to lay our old selves down and put on our new selves. Wow.<br />
<br />
As I look back, some of the best things thathappened to our marriage were in the preparation stages before being together in marriage. The <a href="http://www.cscc.org.sg/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=86&Itemid=133">Marriage Preparation Course</a> taught us the “<a href="http://www.marriagemissions.com/the-speaker-listener-technique/">Speaker-Listener technique</a>” to work through our differences. It really helped us invest in building a foundation for our marriage. For me, to be one with Wai Jia is far more important than the logistics of a marriage (getting the house, what type of furniture to get etc.) Stuff comes and goes. They are important but they are not the most important. Investing in ourselves and in each other, building each other up, loving each other are far more important.<br />
<br />
I hope I can still say the same thing a year, five years, ten years, and twenty years from now.<br />
Cliffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03227378544813320248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1331862496301053308.post-13189241108988198312013-03-27T18:51:00.001+08:002013-03-27T18:51:06.512+08:00Following Jesus to Smokey MountainThis is how <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smokey_Mountain">wikipedia</a> describes Smokey Mountain:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Smokey Mountain is the term coined for a large landfill located in Manila, Philippines. The area was cleared decades ago and became the site of numerous public housings for the impoverished people living in the slums surrounding the landfill. The slums were also cleared, which was the home of 30,000 people that make their living from picking through the landfill's rubbish.</i></blockquote>
<br />
A CNN report wrote an <a href="http://edition.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/asiapcf/04/05/philippines.smokey.mountain/index.html?_s=PM:WORLD">article</a> about her experience at Smokey Mountain:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>It's this looming mass of decomposed rubbish, standing more than 20 meters high. From a distance it looks like an enormous mound of Earth, almost of equal height to the towers that stand next to it, but on closer inspection you can see the layers of plastic bags, tires and bottles all squashed together -- the remains of 50 years of Manila's trash.</i></blockquote>
<br />
A few weeks ago, Wai Jia had a sudden burden for Smokey Mountain. She visited there a few years ago with a friend. The same friend is now serving there full time. She received news that the kids had very yellow eyes and not sure what's the illness (or the cause). I felt this is like the Macedonia calling. We've been discussing and wondering what we can do. Yet where we like to help, the doors were closed. <br />
<br />
It was a Sunday afternoon. We sat and we prayed for Smokey. We didn't know what to do and we just told God that we are available and like to help. He just had to open doors for us.<br />
<br />
A few doors were open. Wai Jia was able to get leave in last minute notice. I was able to get our tickets online. Just last night, a doctor gave us a bunch of multivatimins for the kids. <br />
<br />
Since we got married and the past few months, I've been re-discovering what it means to follow Jesus. What it means to depend solely on Him. I was medidating on a verse in Genesis 18 when God appeared before Moses and Sarah. God told them they would have a child next year. Sarah didn't believed it. In return, God said...<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Is anything too hard for the Lord? </i>(Genesis 18:14)</div>
<br />
Jesus is drawing me once again. To follow Him. Just as He called the disciples. Peter, John, Matthew. Just follow Him. Not to worry about what to eat or what to wear. Not to worry about money or other things. Follow Him.<br />
<br />
Living in Singapore, there's a tendency for me to become complacent. Wai Jia and I spent a lot of discussing and praying where God will take us. When will we 'help' the poor. How do we love our neighbours who live below the poverty line?<br />
<br />
Going to Smokey Mountain we don't know what God will show us next. We are ready to be use by Him. We are ready to follow Him. We are ready to give stuff up (they are a blessing from Him, anyways). <br />
<br />
And so here we go. Tomorrow afternoon. Wai Jia. Me. A suitcase fill with mutlivitmains that will last for two months or so. We don't know what God will do. But what we pray for is for Christ to show up in the darkness. We pray for His Spiriti to work through us to show His Glory in the midst of poverty. We pray for Him to work in our hearts. More compassion. More mercy. More grace.<br />
<br />
Let's focus on the weightier matter of the law...justice, mercy and faithfulness. To spend on behalf of the afficted. To share the Good News of Jesus Christ. To love our neighbours as ourselves.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. (Matthew 23:23)</i></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i> and satisfy the needs of the oppressed,</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>then your light will rise in the darkness,</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i> and your night will become like the noonday.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>(Isaiah 58:10)</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIY-CIq_avgl1EeVzRS4XZFSsEI7HffN9ICgBwZ2AnzpobU9x_uXA64EYkMgyxQcw5Tj2nStcq_mBs8UAUpnXqVbtDC-8Nsn-3h0VscsHDor0eVS-AI7djSUCAGrHEML51n39n8-WefAw/s1600/305231_10152672014825635_557708340_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIY-CIq_avgl1EeVzRS4XZFSsEI7HffN9ICgBwZ2AnzpobU9x_uXA64EYkMgyxQcw5Tj2nStcq_mBs8UAUpnXqVbtDC-8Nsn-3h0VscsHDor0eVS-AI7djSUCAGrHEML51n39n8-WefAw/s320/305231_10152672014825635_557708340_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-m07vNimZ2NRqQJzy-WzfGHvLb6G0IFYFCoepPp_jP0d9F3KQUi43-t8_2hoHXidlnjP6tlcOJA9ImZ180x6s8a2Pb4w-ifdrUst9SA-99FQJqDCIzN8OxZBp3nyOw3Y1QZigKSH8IWE/s1600/216790_10152684437485161_1803229263_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-m07vNimZ2NRqQJzy-WzfGHvLb6G0IFYFCoepPp_jP0d9F3KQUi43-t8_2hoHXidlnjP6tlcOJA9ImZ180x6s8a2Pb4w-ifdrUst9SA-99FQJqDCIzN8OxZBp3nyOw3Y1QZigKSH8IWE/s320/216790_10152684437485161_1803229263_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<i>Wai Jia wrote a post about this experience. You can read it <a href="http://blog.kitesong.sg/2013/03/smokey-awaits.html">here</a>.</i></div>
Cliffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03227378544813320248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1331862496301053308.post-87561779261011062242013-02-19T22:56:00.004+08:002013-02-19T22:56:50.308+08:00Lighten Your LoadA vivid dream from last night...<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>I was in my highschool and I was cleaning up my locker. The locker was shared with someone else. While I was going which things I needed to pack, I noticed there were a large amount of Singaporean dollars. Since we were in Canada and my locker partner had no use of Singapore dollars, I took it with me. I put all my things in my bag. I had a race tomorrow and the weather would be cold. I was figuring out what type of running gears I should wear. Should I wear a short sleeve technical shirt with a long sleeve over? I was trying on a piece of clothing but it was too tight! </i></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>The school bus was leaving in a few minutes. But my bag was too heavy for me to get to the school bus on time. My alternative was taking public transport. It was would take a long time to get back home....</i></blockquote>
<br />
...and then I woke up.<br />
<br />This morning as I was praying for God to discern this dream, three words popped in my head.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Lighten</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Your</b></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Load</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
...last night, my wife was praying for me that she felt I was carried expectations from others on my shoulders. I needed to let go and focus on seeking God's approval instead.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
And so now with more prayer to seek Him. And to find ways to lighten my load.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Cliffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03227378544813320248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1331862496301053308.post-4522917490158282842013-02-13T14:37:00.001+08:002013-02-13T14:53:13.961+08:00Missing HomeSometimes you don't realize how much you miss home until you receive an invitation to your best friend's wedding. As you look through the wedding website and see who is the best man and groomsmen, you can't help to feel you should be there....<br />
<br />
....perhaps this is what real friends are. You want to be there to celebrate the good times and reflect on the memories you shared along the way. Playing paintball. Going through University together. Countless ski trips.<br />
<br />
So here's to my close friend's and his special someone <a href="http://www.lizzyandlen.com/wedding">tying the knot</a> in May. Wish I can be there...but I won't be back until June.<br />
<br />
:)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV-nu1IQlOxbtP8Iktip_eBeR1jGemoRysPhmeA57fxEawpBWBGqDeHkfnkBxSuWUrnZRiITknIS1kjwF0JZ4S5l2DC8hUu98EqaEHsNjMLpgVivViRr7hpuV0MIFB_9qumcvEYA2E5vE/s1600/2013-02-13_1452.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV-nu1IQlOxbtP8Iktip_eBeR1jGemoRysPhmeA57fxEawpBWBGqDeHkfnkBxSuWUrnZRiITknIS1kjwF0JZ4S5l2DC8hUu98EqaEHsNjMLpgVivViRr7hpuV0MIFB_9qumcvEYA2E5vE/s320/2013-02-13_1452.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />Cliffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03227378544813320248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1331862496301053308.post-85866615355232836422013-02-06T22:27:00.000+08:002013-02-06T22:27:25.189+08:00Prayer and desire to be independent...I will be honest. I am horrible at praying. Especially to pray for a long time.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
My mind always drift off. I sometimes fall asleep praying. Sometimes I am too busy to pray.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Actually there are many times I am too busy to pray.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
But since the beginning of this year, I am tired of not having a prayerful life.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I remember sitting in the Bible School class in Cambodia last year. The Missionary teacher was teaching. He taught about the characteristics of a God's worker. When he mentioned praying he said with disgust how some called themselves pastors when they don't even pray.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
In today's age, we tend to love to read about new ways of doing church and creative things we can do to draw people to Christ. The idea of relevance, the thoughts of missional and the buzzwords of contextualization are very common in today's Christian circle. (They are not necessary wrong..but I will save that for another post!)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
What I seem to forget is that a God's worker is one sent by God, filled with the Holy Spirit, to do the will of God. God is the one who commission the worker to go out (just as Moses and the Burning Bush). He is the one who equip us. He is the one who lead us. He is the one who guide us.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I am ever impress by how the biographies of all the missionaries I read. The commonality between them is their huge focus in prayer. I am currently reading an autobiography by George Mueller. His whole ministry, opening orphanages and Bible schools, were all dependent on prayers. He wanted the world to see that God is the one who can be trusted and does provide so he made it a rule to never solicit funds. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
There's a portion of his book where he said how refreshing his day would be if he pray an hour before breakfast. This week, Wai Jia and I made a habit to get up and pray before we do anything else. I will be hoenst, it is hard hard work. I can barely pray for 15 minutes. George Muller also wrote that he would pray to God to give him the strength to get up the next day to pray. Wow. I never thought of that and applied to my own walk as well.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I often wonder why we don't pray as much as we should. We hear many sermons. Pray more. Pray more. Before my excuse is that I am too busy since I made a commitment to meet a friend to go out. I need to honor that. Lately, I just chuck that excuse out the window. How can I not honor God and give Him my best time? Plus, I need Him to sustain <strike>my</strike> His ministry. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And sometimes I think I enjoy being independent. Just as a kid growing up, saving enough money to buy his own car. Now he doesn't need to borrow his parents' car anymore. He's a man now. All grown up. Sometimes I think the independent thinking flows into my own spiritual walk. How silly to say, I don't need prayer nor need God to do His work.......BUT if I don't pray, that's what I am saying unconsciously.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Lastly, among the Christian circles, we have pastors that we like because of their skillful way to articulate the gospel. We desire those skills. Maybe it is the way they speak. Or how intellectual they sound. Or the way they get to the heart of the issue. So we eye those skills instead of seeking the source of those skills, the Holy Spirit.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And so, where do I want others to see me. Skillful way to deliver a sermon or one uninteresting person powered by the Holy Spirit. Definitely the latter. Thus, here we go, 2013. This will be one of the point in my life where I draw closer to Him.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Charles Chambers often says that the greatest hindrance to God's work is when we think we can do something for the Lord. It is when we realize we cannot do a thing for Him. We are empty handed and hopeless. Then He begins to work in us....</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Amen and AMEN!</div>
Cliffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03227378544813320248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1331862496301053308.post-40482594740745024072013-02-02T20:42:00.001+08:002013-02-02T20:47:57.771+08:00Doing the works of the Lord and being the works of the LordThis morning I was reading the autobiography of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_M%C3%BCller">George Mueller</a>. One of the early lessons in his walk with the Lord is that he would rely on the Holy Spirit to guide him on what to preach. He reasoned that since he didn't know the need of the congregation but the Lord knew the hearts of every men and women in the congregation, he would solely rely on him.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The evening service I just attended was preached by a very powerful female speaker. She spoke the Truth with authority and with clarity. It was very refreshing. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
After listening to many sermons, you can tell those who are doing the works of the Lord and those who ARE the works of the Lord.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The former relies on individual skills and characters. The latter depends on the Holy Spirit.</div>
<div>
The latter not only does the work but are transformed totally by the Lord. They speak spiritual Truths as if they are prophets in the Old Testaments. Their message is fill with conviction. You can fill His presence in the atmosphere. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The former has a good message. The latter draws people to the point of conviction of sin and repentance.<br />
<br />
Last week, I re-read the book of Acts. The most striking is after being filled by the Spirit. The Christians are not just smarter but they've gain such Spiritual wisdom that they outspoken those who try to refute them (Acts 6:10, Acts 18:28).<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
For my own walk, I would rather be the works of the Lord. Be transformed by the Holy Spirit. Then mere man doing the works of the Lord. I can work hard and might get some recognition. But the man (or woman) who is transformed by the Holy Spirit, their lives are never the same and the glory belongs to Him!</div>
Cliffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03227378544813320248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1331862496301053308.post-71893005744099757922013-01-19T09:43:00.005+08:002013-01-19T09:43:58.954+08:00Devotion: It is the Lord!This is taken from a devotion on <a href="http://utmost.org/it-is-the-lord/">Utmost.org</a>. <div>
<br /></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Beware of anything that competes with your loyalty to Jesus Christ. The greatest competitor of true devotion to Jesus is the service we do for Him. It is easier to serve than to pour out our lives completely for Him. <b>The goal of the call of God is His satisfaction, not simply that we should do something for Him. We are not sent to do battle for God, but to be used by God in His battles</b>. Are we more devoted to service than we are to Jesus Christ Himself.</i></blockquote>
<br />
It is interesting how sometimes when we serve, we serve with our own agenda instead of focusing on the Lord. For those who has a desire to follow the Lord, especially those in ministry, it is a strong reminder that we should lay down our agendas and follow His agendas.<br />
<br />In the <a href="http://utmost.org/it-is-the-lord/">devotion</a>, Oswald used the illustration of the lady at the well (John 4). Jesus asked her to get a drink for Him. She didn't asked Him to get a drink for her. <br />
<br />
Again, the idea to serve instead of being serve is the idea of lay down our lives for Him. True surrender entails even the thought of what I can do for the Lord. Rather, it is obedient to His call and to sere Him.<br />
<br />
He is the King. He is the Lord. And we are not.<br />
<br />Cliffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03227378544813320248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1331862496301053308.post-41882494636393397862013-01-17T17:46:00.004+08:002013-01-17T17:47:25.708+08:00Risk Factor<br />
I am currently attending a course called Project Timothy. This is a course for OMF members. The course focuses on God's calling, our own experiences with God and how He shapes our characters.<br />
<br />
One of the activities is creating a Timeline. It is a summary of how the Lord has shaped me. As I sit and jot down all the critical events and those God moments, I slowly see a pattern of how He moves in my life. I will share the Timeline in another post.<br />
<br />
Today, the instructor showed the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jflEPT-oLCE">video of Wai Jia and me</a>. It is again a reminder of God's goodness in our lives. As I saw the video, the verse, <i>I will risk myself in you</i>, spoke to me again.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-D5fLrYSMUN_LjlwY6bV6q8doo6iYk7A0VSjYw_t1cQVuE7D80LC2tWa3_wRObr5J7W7GxxxNT_iUgyyZscn0EsCx6cGL3ZjybKMtqzQsrMQi1WBPUlKluQxwk_OWpuaH8_0OLBYqwkc/s1600/risk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-D5fLrYSMUN_LjlwY6bV6q8doo6iYk7A0VSjYw_t1cQVuE7D80LC2tWa3_wRObr5J7W7GxxxNT_iUgyyZscn0EsCx6cGL3ZjybKMtqzQsrMQi1WBPUlKluQxwk_OWpuaH8_0OLBYqwkc/s400/risk.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
After getting married, a number of single guys shared with me their struggle with relationships. One of the patterns I see is that there's a hindrance in pursuing because it is risky. What if the girl doesn't like me? What if our friendship is broken? How do I know she is the right one?<br />
<br />
Love is very risky. There's no guarantee. No one can tell you what's gonna happen. Perhaps it is meant to be this way. This is what it means to love. To love without knowing the love will be returned. To love not knowing you might get hurt in the process.<br />
<br />
And then there's the Great Love. The radical Jesus willing to risk His life to redeem those who do not love Him in return. <br />
<br />
I love how Wai Jia shared in the video (<a href="http://youtu.be/jflEPT-oLCE?t=11m">11 min</a>) asking is this how we determine who we '<i>love</i>'. Based on the probability that we love have to be perfect in every way. Is our decision based on a risk factor? <br />
<br />
I wonder if we serve the Lord the same way. Looking for the most comfortable and safest method to serve Him. When we reflect of the love of the Father for us, it should make us take more risk, not less. It should get us out of our comforts, instead of fortifying them. It should make us take the risk to love in His name and to love those who do not deserve to be loved. And this is risky too. Because we will have to give up our lives. Just as the Lord has given up His for us.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpwV66w_0I4UQgOrjx03jRXn3TbZeoHP7nEcgtY4wdqafDkFY36UREsYT5Luz_JJSvk8iqX7AwpmTMQMU1MmhAzg8DzkA-wwZsWsKzE-w7RS7AD5_J6fBwoyMUpIneXZA2S360ZZ5FFu8/s1600/risk-text.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpwV66w_0I4UQgOrjx03jRXn3TbZeoHP7nEcgtY4wdqafDkFY36UREsYT5Luz_JJSvk8iqX7AwpmTMQMU1MmhAzg8DzkA-wwZsWsKzE-w7RS7AD5_J6fBwoyMUpIneXZA2S360ZZ5FFu8/s320/risk-text.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
It is amazing to see someone like Peter, a fisherman. After hauling probably one of the largest catch of his life, he just got up, leave everything and follow Him. Peter didn't know where Jesus would take him. But he just followed. Even willing to follow and risked his life for Him.<br />
<br />
Now that's love.<br />
<blockquote>
<br />
When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you <b>love</b> me more than these?” </blockquote>
<blockquote>
“Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I <b>love </b>you.” </blockquote>
<blockquote>
Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” </blockquote>
<blockquote>
Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you <b>love </b>me?” </blockquote>
<blockquote>
He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I <b>love</b> you.” </blockquote>
<blockquote>
Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.” </blockquote>
<blockquote>
The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you <b>love</b> me?” </blockquote>
<blockquote>
Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you <b>love</b> me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I <b>love</b> you.” </blockquote>
<blockquote>
Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!”</blockquote>
<div style="text-align: right;">
John 21:15-21 NIV </div>
Cliffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03227378544813320248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1331862496301053308.post-24849667399071824542012-12-31T22:22:00.000+08:002013-01-04T15:49:56.698+08:00Beggar in Hong Kong<i>Wai Jia also posted the experience on her blog. You can find it <a href="http://blog.kitesong.sg/2012/12/over-cliffs-and-under-bridges.html">here</a>.</i><br />
<br />
Wai Jia and I spent the last few days before the end of 2012 visiting my relatives in Hong Kong. Hong Kong was also a time of us to get away for a mini-vacation.<br />
<br />
On the second day as we headed back to our hotel, we saw a beggar on the street. He had one leg and lying on the ground faced down. I passed some money to Wai Jia to give to the beggar. As we stopped, stooped down and spoke with him, it became apparent that he wasn’t a local. <br />
<br />
People from Hong Kong speaks Cantonese (a Chinese dialect) of which I am used to since I grew up there. Wai Jia, on the other hand, spoke Mandarin, another Chinese dialect which majority of Chinese speak. <br />
<br />
I am glad Wai Jia spoke a different dialect because she was about to communicate with this man. Seeing him on the ground and in the chilly weather, I ordered a BBQ Pork and roasted duck rice for him. In Toronto, I still remembered those times sharing a meal with the homeless. To do the same in my home town, it felt surreal.<br />
<br />
It was surprising to see people stopping on the street and staring at us. They were far enough that they were not able to hear our conversation. It was as if this was the first time they seen someone talking to a beggar.<br />
<br />
In a quick conversation, Wai Jia asked the beggar his name, Zhe Bin. We invited Zhe Bin for dinner tomorrow. Just as we were leaving, a gentleman, who saw us speaking with the Zhe Bin, spoke to us in Cantonese.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>“You are not local. Right?”</i></div>
<br />
He explained to us that in Hong Kong, there are no beggars. It is illegal to beg. This gentleman is doing us a favour by informing us that this beggar is cheating us. They come from Mainland China to make money. It is illegal.<br />
<br />
Wai Jia and I discussed about this. A lot of thoughts pop up in my head. What if this Zhe Bin is indeed cheating us? What does it mean to have compassion and show grace? Is it wrong to help someone who is out to cheat us of our money?<br />
<br />
As my head wrestle with ethics, morals, fairness, compassion and mercy, this encounter revealed to me the discrimination in our society. There’s always a rift between Hong Kong and China. This <a href="http://www.theworld.org/2012/02/hong-kong-mainland-china-rift">article</a> described an incident in the subway sparked off (or revealed) the dislike of one another. Wai Jia and I witnessed this first hand. Zhe Bin, from Mainland China, coming to Hong Kong, to beg for money is illegal. He has no right to do this. <br />
<br />
I was scared. I wondered what if tomorrow when we take Zhe Bin for a meal, the same gentleman would stop us. What if more people, those who walked by, yell at us? Or even physically attack us? <br />
<br />
The next day I took a nap before dinner. As I was sleeping, I dreamt about John 4. In John 4, it was Jesus and the Samaritan Woman at the well. John started off the story explaining that the Jews and Samaritans did not get along (John 4:9). Even the disciples, those who followed Jesus, asked Jesus what was he doing with that woman (John 4:27). The Jews felt they were superior to the Samaritans because the Samaritans’ bloodlines were not pure descendants from Israelites. A Jew would NEVER associate with a Samaritan.<br />
<br />
Discrimination and racism is nothing new. It was in Jesus times and it is here today. Jesus, by speaking to the Samaritan woman, broke these transparent barbed fences in His society. If I am to follow Jesus today, I have to do the same. <br />
<br />
For me, this is hard. This is hard because I worried what others will think of me. I worried about what the gentleman, who I never see will look down on me.<br />
<br />
“<i>What, why are you hanging out with Mainland Chinese? He doesn't deserve it.</i>” This is what he will say. I can already picture this in my head. <br />
<br />
Here I am struggling between what as Jesus follower would do and society conformed me to do. Just as I woke up, Wai Jia informed me the Holy Spirit was guiding her to the same passage as well. Before we went to find the Zhe Bin for dinner, we prayed hard. We prayed hard for the Holy Spirit to come upon us. To guide us. To protect us. More so, to speak to Zhe Bin. That he will experience a divine love he never experienced before.<br />
<br />
The dinner was divine. Zhe Bin had a friend on wheel chair and he joined us as well. We went to a restaurant where there was no one. Wai Jia shared with them Christ and they both accepted Jesus by praying the sinners’ prayers. Realizing that we will never see them again, we encouraged them to find a church in Hong Kong and to continue to seek them.<br />
<br />
Did they really let Jesus in their hearts? We can’t say. Though Wai Jia and I suspected they do as they both realized that they sinned by breaking the law in Hong Kong by begging on the street. Just as Stephen was taken away by the Holy Spirit after baptizing the Eunuch on the road, we never see them again. <br />
<br />
We prayed. In the restaurant, boy, did I pray hard. Pray for the Lord to bless them with work so their dignity is restored. Pray the Lord will bless them so they can support their family. Pray for them to experience Jesus in a supernatural way and changed their heart.<br />
<br />
The discrimination I experienced in Hong Kong is not uncommon. If our hearts are willing, we can discrimination, injustice and unfairness in every society. In Canada. In Singapore. Anywhere. As Jesus followers, we are to act like Jesus, to redeem society by acting in love, in grace and in truth.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3SwlDV5ss-y5BOAJcDYsjooSTK9YxO0ok4psUZaY5eMqvqUxSocVtAVW5ZD7HnVyI5h-Ms-WEKRL0UV_9cqWWJO7yy0Yh6orRS-kuLnjelGVgtw5tLP7cnzKK2KG4ots5t7rn0zaVfOA/s1600/IMG_37831.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3SwlDV5ss-y5BOAJcDYsjooSTK9YxO0ok4psUZaY5eMqvqUxSocVtAVW5ZD7HnVyI5h-Ms-WEKRL0UV_9cqWWJO7yy0Yh6orRS-kuLnjelGVgtw5tLP7cnzKK2KG4ots5t7rn0zaVfOA/s400/IMG_37831.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Sometimes loving others is hard work. It is hard work because society goes against us. Sometimes even followers of Jesus go against us (just as the disciples question Jesus). When our heart is align with God’s heart. When His Holy Spirit floods us with love and compassion, we must respond. We must love as He loves. This is the key to turning the world and seeking the Kingdom of God. The dinner we had was not a fancy meal. It was mere congee, rice with salted fish and a plate of veges. But the reward was great. Two souls were saved. The Gospel was preached. AMEN!!<br />
<br />
PS – One of the conversations I had with Wai Jia is that we need to be on guard from those who cheat us. But if we are TOO critical at everyone who asks us for help, I worried that I will no longer be compassionate. It is better to be in the error of grace than in the error of judgement. Cliffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03227378544813320248noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1331862496301053308.post-48820399901854905992012-12-05T23:27:00.000+08:002012-12-05T23:27:11.895+08:00What my mind munch on....Just feel like sharing what I've been reading, listening, watching the past few days.
There are so much resources out there online and offline for us to digest. It is truly awesome and at times over whelming.<br />
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><u>Books</u></span></h3>
<h4>
<span style="font-weight: normal;">Finish reading</span></h4>
<h4>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/Generous%20Justice:%20How%20God's%20Grace%20Makes%20Us%20Just">Generous Justice: How God's Grace Makes Us Just</a> by <a href="http://timothykeller.com/">Tim Keller</a></span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<span style="font-weight: normal;">Currently reading</span></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Lasting-Promise-Christian-Fighting-Marriage/dp/0787939838/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1354721024&sr=1-1&keywords=lasting+promise">A Lasting Promise: A Christian Guide to Fighting For Your Marriage</a> by Scott Stanley, Daniel Trathen and Milt Bryan</span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Secret-Place-FIFE-DALE/dp/0883687151/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1352963979&sr=1-1&keywords=dale+fife">Secret Place</a> by Dale Fife</span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Smith-Wigglesworth-Devotional-WIGGLESWORTH-SM/dp/0883685744">Smith Wigglesworth Devotion</a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://books.google.com.sg/books/about/The_Gospel_in_a_Pluralist_Society.html?id=q6tEnRYaHI8C&redir_esc=y">The Gospel in a Pluralist Society</a> by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lesslie_Newbigin">Lesslie Newbigin</a></span></li>
</ul>
</div>
</h4>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><u>Devotions</u></span></h3>
<div>
<br />
<ul>
<li>40 Days with <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dietrich_Bonhoeffer">Dietrich Bonhoeffer</a> (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/newsletters/">sign up at BibleGateway.com</a>)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Smith-Wigglesworth-Devotional-WIGGLESWORTH-SM/dp/0883685744">Smith Wigglesworth Devotional</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<h3>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><u>Videos I've seen</u></span></h3>
</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://vimeo.com/47023694">Jenifer Hanen - A Minimalist's Guide to the Mobile Web - BDConf, April 2012</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ogRJHOr5fEo">Radically Following Jesus</a> by <a href="http://www.francischan.org/">Francis Chan</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ihRmM0aVADU">Christ Centered Relationship (Part 1)</a> by Francis and Lisa Chan</li>
<li><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oj_pMwrxPmA">ROCKHarbor Easter 2012 :: Message</a> by Francis Chan</li>
<li><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wW3bX97ZqYU">CSBC Church Planter Recognition Service Sermon</a> by Francis Chan</li>
<li><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?list=PLEF6DBFA6C9C387C3&feature=player_embedded&v=Kbcgmf6eDKU">OSCON 2012: The Clothesline Paradox and the Sharing Economy</a> by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tim_O'Reilly">Tim O'Reilly</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3dZFxaL7X7A&feature=relmfu">OSCON 2012: Scaling OpenStack Technology. Lessons From The Field</a> by Brian Aker</li>
<li><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=EzpX0TLKS9Q">Slow Tech</a> by Joe Kraus (really good stuff if you are checking your phone all the time!)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=WjSOZI90PmE">Do things the long, hard, stupid way</a> by Frank Chimero</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<br /></h3>
Cliffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03227378544813320248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1331862496301053308.post-17994964033050952912012-12-05T23:21:00.000+08:002012-12-05T23:21:18.897+08:00How's Married LifeWe've been married for a month. Indeed, it is a tremendous blessing to be with <a href="http://blog.kitesong.sg/">Wai Jia</a>. There are a lot of transitions and changes.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Many people asked me how's married life. My answer is <b>AWESOME</b>.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I can never fathom how great it is to have her in my life. Our daily routine of getting up together (well she usually get up before I do because she works earlier), praying and kissing each other before she heads out the door is great. The night, coming home together, sometimes with grocery in one hand. Her preparing dinner while I help clean up. Talk about day to day things. Our desires, our own fears and our expectations. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Perhaps one of the most important thing which I never thought about marriage is in the area of communication and conflict. Through <a href="http://www.cscc.org.sg/">Cornerstone</a>'s Marriage Preparation Course, we picked up the book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Lasting-Promise-Christian-Fighting-Marriage/dp/0787939838">A Last Promise, A Christian Guide to Fighting for Your Marriag</a>e.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
When it comes to marriage and my age group (early 30 something), there's generally two views on this matter. There's the skeptical side that no marriage will ever last. It is far better to be single and be independent. Who wants to be stuck with a ball in chain. Who wants to compromise our own desires and wants. Who wants to face and experience heartbreak and pain. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Then there's the other side where we expect love, relationship and marriage to be like a story from Disney. Prince meets princess. Falls in love. Happily Ever After.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And so often we are caught between one or the either. We are either skeptical of marriage or we are heads over heels falling in love. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The reality is that it is neither and it is both. I am no expert at this as the track record of my marriage is one month and counting. I do see that those who are Spirit-filled, Godly couple (a bit ironic as is there such thing as Spirit-filled un-Godly couple?) told Wai Jia and I countless of times that they are still learning and appreciating each other. These are marriages which have lasted for 10-15-20 years! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
When it comes to wedding and marriage, there's a lot we need to think about. How often we think about the practicality (where you will live after, your career, investment for retirement, wedding, honeymoon). But the greater importance is investing in the marriage itself in the aspect of relationship. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It is through marriage that I see my own sinful nature which needs refinement and address. It is those sinful shadows where we are ashamed to admit. Perhaps it is a burst of anger or irritation. Or a desire to think about me first and her second. It is also through marriage I learn to be self sacrificial (Wai Jia has to sacrifice just as much as I do) for the other person and for the marriage itself. It is the commitment that draws us closer.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It is where when Paul writes about Love being gentle and patient in <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+13&version=NIV">1 Corinthians 13</a> or in <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+5&version=NIV">Ephesian 5</a> when the husband ought to cleanse his wife with the Word. Wow, those scriptures jump out and need application. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
In a world where we strive for independence, our success, our , it is often rare to see a marriage where each party will to self sacrifice. To stand down. To encourage the other half. Perhaps it is true that a joyful Christian marriage is a greatest testimony of all. Especially in a world filled with examples of broken marriages and families.</div>
Cliffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03227378544813320248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1331862496301053308.post-42034228133803153282012-12-05T11:20:00.000+08:002012-12-05T11:20:01.966+08:00Community and being alone..deep stuffThis is taken from today's devotion....wow..very deep.<br />
<br />
<blockquote>
<i>Whoever cannot be alone should beware of community. Such people will only do harm to themselves and to the community. Alone you stood before God when God called you. Alone you had to obey God’s voice. Alone you had to take up your cross, struggle, and pray and alone you will die and give an account to God. You cannot avoid yourself, for it is precisely God who has singled you out. If you do not want to be alone, you are rejecting Christ’s call to you, and you can have no part in the community of those who are called… </i></blockquote>
<blockquote>
<i>But the reverse is also true. Whoever cannot stand being in community should beware of being alone. You are called into the community of faith; the call was not meant for you alone. You carry your cross, you struggle, and you pray in the community of faith, the community of those who are called. You are not alone even when you die, and on the day of judgment you will be only one member of the great community of faith of Jesus Christ… </i></blockquote>
<blockquote>
<i><b>Whoever cannot be alone should beware of community. Whoever cannot stand being in community should beware of being alone.</b></i></blockquote>
<br />
This is from 40 Day Journey with Dietrich Bonhoffer....if you are interested, you can sign up at <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/newsletters/">http://www.biblegateway.com/newsletters/ </a><br />
Cliffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03227378544813320248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1331862496301053308.post-45827294430405167622012-11-11T21:10:00.000+08:002012-11-11T21:13:28.750+08:00I will risk myself on you<br />
When Wai Jia and I planned our wedding a few months ago, we wanted to share with the world our story. A friend introduced us a very talented videographer, <a href="http://www.josiahcreations.com/">Josiah Ng</a>. <br />
<br />
If you haven’t watched it, I hope you can take the next 13 minutes to watch the video below. It is God’s story weaving into ours.<br />
<br />
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/jflEPT-oLCE?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<p> </p>
<br />
There was a sentence at the end of the video; <b>I will risk myself on you</b>. <br />
<br />
The video is a story of me risking everything to come to Singapore. At the same time, I see a bigger dimension of risk. It is God’s risking Himself, His Son, onto the world (John 3:16). <br />
<br />
It is the Father saying …<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Cliff, I risk my very own son to come to save you. He is my beloved. He has to come to earth and to die on the cross to save you. </i></blockquote>
<br />
Wow. Our God is a risk-taking God. He takes huge risks to save those who rebel against Him. And I am still in-awe. All the things happened within the past year since I left Canada, it is all from Him. He provided a way to Singapore. He provided the provision for the wedding. He provided a Josiah to help us. It is all Him. What this means is that He is trust worthy. Even right now, Wai Jia and I don't know our future. We can have peace because we know He is faithful.<br />
<br />
<br />
In the Old Testament, whenever God did something great, the Israelite would build a landmark to commemorate God’s faithfulness and remembered His goodness. Like in Joshua 4:4-9, the Israelite placed twelve stones in the middle of the Jordan to remember it was the Lord who stopped the river so they could cross. And this wedding, it is a landmark in my life of God’s provision and His Guidance. <br />
<br />
Note: I've been meaning to write a blog post on our wedding. Very sorry! I've been busy with settling down ever since our very special day :))) Will post it soon!<br />
<div>
</div>Cliffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03227378544813320248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1331862496301053308.post-81925685711326236172012-11-08T13:32:00.002+08:002012-11-08T13:32:56.070+08:00Justice, Mercy and FaithfulnessIn preparation for the church's Christmas Drama (I am playing Pilate), I started to read the life of Jesus leading up to the Crucifixion. Particularly from the Gospel of Matthew.<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
In Matthew, Chapter 23, Jesus gave seven woes against the Pharisees and calling them hypocrites.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
There was one woe that I was drawn to...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—<b>justice, mercy and faithfulness</b>. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former. You blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel.</blockquote>
<br /><br />
<div>
As we walk with the Lord, there are times when we stop and evaluate how we are doing spiritually. The common considerations are...</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>do I tithe</li>
<li>do I go to church</li>
<li>do I pray and read the Bible daily</li>
<li>do I go to fellowship</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
As someone who has a desire to follow the Lord, we should focus on things which are major in His eyes. I like this passage because we often think of ourselves as a Christians list above. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div>
What if I start evaluating my spiritual walk with the more important matters of the law:</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>am I fighting for justice</li>
<li>am I merciful (or when was the last time I show mercy)</li>
<li>am I being faithful to the Lord</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
Cliffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03227378544813320248noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1331862496301053308.post-71063211902818439512012-11-07T16:40:00.000+08:002012-11-07T16:40:11.274+08:00ChoresA while ago, I read an article relate to those who work in the IT field. Since most of our work are virtual (bits and bytes), there's a invigorating feeling when we perform physical work, like chores. The rationale is we get to physically see and touch things we accomplished.<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Perhaps this is why I enjoy chores. Yes it is work as it is tiring. I am not a clean freak. My mother can attest to that. I do enjoy doing the laundry and ironing. Watching the transformation from a pile of clothes to neatly iron and lay out shirts and pants. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Since I am married for a week and now after honeymoon and living together, I found myself doing more chores than I was living alone. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
To some, chores might seem an inefficient way to spend time. There's so much more we can do. To others, it is not a man's job. I am wondering about the idea of chore, and work in general, and how we often groan at the thought of it. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
A few weeks ago, I came across a blog post on the <a href="http://markbuchanan.net/2012/10/27/establish-the-work-of-our-hands/">Theology of Work</a>. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
When it comes to mundane work, even the work we are passionate to do has a bit of mundane work, there are usually a few response:</div>
<div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>we should rush it and get it done so we can have more fun</li>
<li>we avoid it all cost and let someone else suffer</li>
</ul>
<div>
I like how the author considers viewing work as an act of worship. I rather if the work that lies before me, at my job and at home, especially the really 'boring' types, I treat it as an act of worship instead of frowning upon it.</div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us;</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i> establish the work of our hands for us—</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i> yes, establish the work of our hands </i>(Psalm 90:17).</div>
</div>
Cliffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03227378544813320248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1331862496301053308.post-14445246048123936392012-10-18T11:22:00.002+08:002012-10-18T11:34:59.581+08:00Marriage Vow<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>I promise to love you, to comfort you, to honor and protect you, forsaking all others and remain faithful to you for as long as both of us shall live. </i></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>I acknowledge you, Tan Wai Jia, to be my wife, to have and to hold, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love, cherish, and honour, according to God's Holy Law and this is my solemn vow. </i></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>I give you this ring as a symbol of our marriage, with my body I honour you, with all that I am, I give to you, with all that I have, I share with you, within the love of God, Father, Son and the Holy Spirit.</i></blockquote>
<br />
This is not cut and paste. I spent the past few days memorizing this. We decided to memorize the wedding vow because we both believe this is important.<br />
<br />
And I never realize how serious this is until a brother prayed for me a few days ago in which he said,<br />
<br />
"Pray for Cliff as he will be making a vow before You, Holy One. How can a mere man make a vow before You."<br />
<br />
What's a vow? Didn't Jesus says don't make a vow or swear before Heaven? I don't want to get too deep into analyzing this (at this not in this post).<br />
<br />
For me, a vow, is made before the Lord a promise that you will do in His Name and for His Glory. It is serious because it is a contract in which I made with the Lord. It is almost like a covenant. <br />
<br />
The only other time I made a similar promise like a marriage vow was in <a href="http://soulofachristiantriathlete.blogspot.sg/2008/01/go-deep.html">Dec 25, 2007</a> when I signed a contract with the Lord that I will seek Him first in everything I do. It was a declaration that my life belongs to Him. I am heading my life over. I no longer belong to myself. He's my witness. He's also the one I am making the contract with. This is like a covenant. Except that a covenant is an agreement God made with man (not vice versa).<br />
<br />
The instant I signed the contract, I was scared. I was scared because I know there will be moment when I am weak and I will want to back out. Then God will throw the contract in my face and tells me, <i>"Look, Cliff. I keep my end of the bargain. Why are you not keeping yours?"</i><br />
<br />
You might think, <i>Cliff, isn't it better not to make a promise you can't keep? Don't you feel trap? God never ask us to sign anything. We should live freely and enjoy all His Blessings</i>.<br />
<br />
This is an incorrect way in following God. The contract I signed, though at times it is painful, it helped me laid a stronger foundation to seek Him and follow Him. The reality is that I am not strong. There are times when I am like Jonah. I want to run away. I want to live my own life. I want to be independent. I want to be happy. I love stuff. I want to dictate how I live and how I serve. In another words, I don't want to be a disciple. I want to be disobedient.<br />
<br />
It is exactly because of this contract, I am reminded and re-evaluate those situation where I have to make a choice to seek Him or not. And this contract helped me walk His ways. Not mine. <br />
<br />
I am not here advocating every Christian must make a vow or a contract with God. But I am here to say if we are to say we follow Jesus (aka being a Christian), then we better walk the talk. If we are to walk, we better surrendering everything. Everything means everything. It means our lives.<br />
<br />
I looked at John Piper, Tim Keller and D A Carson in this <a href="http://www.christianpost.com/news/john-piper-da-carson-tim-keller-on-the-key-to-marriage-50949/">article about marriage vow</a> and is encouraged. These great role models of faith shared the vow kept their marriage strong. <br />
<br />
In a few days (27th October), I will be standing before my family, before my friends, before the church, before the Holy One, and make a declaration that I will love, cherish and honor my wife to be. Like the contract that sustained my walk with Christ. This declaration will sustain our love and our marriage.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Dietrich Bonhoeffer told a young couple about to enter into holy matrimony: “It is not your love that sustains the marriage, but from now on,<b> the marriage that sustains your love</b>.”</i></blockquote>
Cliffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03227378544813320248noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1331862496301053308.post-31336237632178207462012-09-08T00:55:00.002+08:002012-09-10T11:40:49.325+08:0036,000<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>“36,000!"</b></div>
<br />
My friend exclaimed.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>“That’s not a lot. The government takes away 20% off that immediately.”</i></div>
<br />
We were having lunch over <a href="http://www.hungrygowhere.com/singapore/mr_prata_evans_road/">Mr Prata</a> today. I was sharing with him my journey of Ironman back in 2006. It was definitely a different time. I just got started in triathlon. It was my first job after University.<br />
<br />
To be honest, it wasn’t a lot. To make matter worst, during a commute bike ride, I fell over and broke my teeth. During that summer, for a few months, I was missing a front tooth and a half tooth. Because of the missing teeth, I can’t pronounce properly. <br />
<br />
I had no dental plan and everything have to pay from my own pocket. I remembered crying to the Lord because I don’t know whether they could fix my teeth. On top of that, the medication I took for my liver transplant made my gums swelled, making things more complicated to fix my teeth. All of these happened two months after my baptism. I joked to my Pastor whether this was God’s way of punishing me. He said NO, don’t think like that.<br />
<br />
My friend had a background in business. He is now studying MBA and Law together. He is going to do an Ironman. Over prata and curry, he spent the conversation picking my brain. He knows money inside out. To hear someone making 36,000, after graduation is like a joke. There are times when I am ashamed of how little I make. <br />
<br />
The more I reflect, the more I realize it is actually good for me to make so little. This tragedy of the missing teeth, in a way, is a blessing. It has taught me that I have a Heavenly Father that provides. <br />
<br />
I continued to share that despite the circumstances; God provided the fund whenever a dental bill was due. I learnt how to cut back and live simply. Not over indulge or spent on un-important things. I learnt how to live simply. A prerequisite for a missionary. But the most important lesson of all, it is to live by faith. <br />
I looked someone like Abraham. He obeyed God and left everything at an ripe age of 75 (Genesis 12:4). God told him to go and he became a stranger in a foreign land. He left his families, his land, his identity, simply he has the faith that the Lord will provide a better identity, better land, better inheritance for him (Hebrews 11:8-11). <br />
<br />
My friend then shared one of his colleagues is flustered over life because the windows on his Mercedes won’t close at the same rate. Compare to them, my life is just weird. As I am in Singapore, one of the riches city state in the world, I cling to this lesson of faith daily.<br />
<br />
I am sure at that time of Abraham, all his friends and his relatives think he is nuts. Or Noah building an ark. A life following Jesus, living by faith, should be nuts and weird. I remembered one of Francis Chan’s sermons where he preached that someone who looks at your life should be so different from the world that they either say you are crazy or think, wow, there must be a God.<br />
<br />
The funny thing about faith is that it is not one time event. Just as Abraham’s faith in God grow from one faith to another. From leaving his land to willing to sacrifice Issac, his beloved and only son, Abraham experienced His Faith and he grew. <br />
<br />
<b>Faith begets faith.</b><br />
<br />
I shared with my friend that my teeth incident helped me grow my faith to sell everything and come to Singapore. I know God provided me in the past, He would provide me in the future. As my fiancée and I discuss about going to the mission field, there will be a time in the future, when once again we will have to give up everything and follow Him. At that time, it will be this growing faith we cling on to.Cliffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03227378544813320248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1331862496301053308.post-63028453296391038942012-08-20T03:00:00.001+08:002012-08-20T03:00:23.988+08:00Walking in Faith<br />
Sometimes I go to places like Cambodia or where I am better off than others...and often there's this guilt factor where i feel like i am helpless or the situation is too big to confront. It can be homeless, poverty, human traffic....way too big.<br />
<br />
Do I sing that Jesus can do all things and love Justice and mercy and not able to see Jesus in brothels or among the brokenness? If Jesus is the center of all things and restore the captives and give sight to the blind, won't He be able to take care of these things? In another words, do I have the faith to walk with Him in the darkness??<br />
<br />
The more I read the Bible, the more I see that those who follow Jesus is different. There's no middle ground. A total surrender life is very different than those who give a bit and dictate to God which part they are willing to give.<br />
<br />
It is an uneasy feeling to follow Jesus because I find it I am very different than most people (Christian included). Think different. Act different. Live different. Not better. Priority just shifts. All the 'normal' things are not as important anymore.<br />
<br />
To walk in faith, it is not merely say the problem is too big and walk away. As much as we have an inclination to turn away and go back to our normal life, we, instead, run toward the problem. Not knowing where to start. Maybe doubting our own skills and talents. And slowly lean on Him who supplies us with all good things. We comfort the darkness not because we are capable. But rather in our weakness, He shines even more. Restoring the situation and as well transforming us.<br />
<br />
At the same time, there's also a strong peace feeling. The feeling of awe to know that wow..this is what we mean by seeking the Kingdom. This is not something we read off a book. This is real. We can feel it. We rejoice. This is how the Holy Spirit will work through us and in us. This is good. Soo good and wonderful.<br />
<br />
=====<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<br />“There is a difference between standing in hope and walking in faith. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Faith is not an abstract theoretical proposition. It’s not wishful thinking. It’s substance. It’s action. Most of my life I imagined faith as some kind of force field. And the way we talk about faith dematerializes it. By most definitions, faith is synonymous with hope. But the more I study Scripture, the more I detect a sharp distinction between hope and faith. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Hope is a desire. Faith is a demonstration. Hope wants it to happen. Faith causes it to happen and acts as if it’s already done. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Faith is not content to want it really, really badly. Faith consults the drawings and gets busy building. Hope is the blueprint. Faith is the contractor. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Some of the impossible things we’re believing God for will never happen in our lives if we stand in hope instead of walking in faith.”</blockquote>
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
“Sun Stand Still” by Steven Furtick</div>
Cliffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03227378544813320248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1331862496301053308.post-53749696120109701952012-08-12T23:09:00.002+08:002012-08-12T23:39:00.560+08:00Cambodia Re-visitedI can still remember when I was telling everyone I would be going with <a href="http://www.omf.org/singapore/">OMF</a> to Singapore. I made it a purpose to also say this was a role I can travel to Asia and to Cambodia as well. From Singapore to Cambodia, it was a mere 2.5 hr plane ride. <br />
<br />
Though I said I longed to go back to Cambodia, I was uncertain. Last year I was uncertain-ed because the last time I was there I had a bad case of food poisoning. Since then, I had a lot of conversation in my head whether I could go there and serve. If I do go, would I be able to survive?<br />
<br />
This idea, in a way, was a contradiction of my desire to serve the poor. Especially knowing fully that to serve the poor is to work among them. In many cases, it is dirty and filthy conditions. <br />
<br />
How would it pan out? What would it look like?<br />
<br />
Since I am now serving with
<a href="http://www.omf.org/singapore/">OMF</a> in Singapore, one of the cleanest city in Asia, I could put this debate for a while. Let's not think about it. Let's wait until I settle down in Singapore.<br />
<br />
It wasn't long before my <a href="http://blog.kitesong.sg/">fiancee</a> and I discussed about serving the poor. After all, this is the reason why we got together....I asked her, "I think it will be great if we do ministry together." It was for the love of the poor that attracted us together. <br />
<br />
When she proposed to go on a mission trip sometime this year before our wedding, I hesitated. Would there be enough time? What about cost? What about my role in Singapore?<br />
<br />
Through divine appointment, the Lord put a <a href="http://www.globalrenewal.org/AboutUs/Founders.aspx">missionary couple</a> visiting our church. They served in Cambodia and just shared their experience. Then a number of elders and church leaders approached us.<br />
<br />
They also served in stopping child sex trafficking. <br />
<br />
And so the debate that I subsided slowly resurfaced. It would take a miracle for me to go to Cambodia.<br />
<br />
Not because I am afraid. Because
<a href="http://www.omf.org/singapore/">OMF</a> medical adviser cautioned with liver transplant I shouldn't go to Cambodia while I am in Singapore. That was the condition I could come to Asia to work for them. After asking OMF for permission, to my surprise, they approved. <br />
<br />
And so in the past four days, my
<a href="http://blog.kitesong.sg/">fiancee</a> traveled to a country I visited a year and a half ago I figured I would never return. <br />
<br />
The last time I was at Cambodia, I was shocked. Traffics were everywhere. I can't describe in words. You have to be there in person to witness. Cambodia is Cambodia. Strangely this time, I felt very normal to be in a busy city.<br />
<br />
Perhaps, in a good way, my bad experience in Cambodia, that memory faded away. On the plane to Cambodia, I had no hesitation. <br />
<br />
As finacee and I stayed there for four days, we were more blessed than bless others. The most incredible is the 6 am morning prayer time with the students at the Bible school. The hunger for the Lord was incredible. In a way, it blessed me (and shame me) that these new believers have a huge desire to seek Him. We pray with them and shared them our stories. We pray along the KTVs where the prostitution takes place. We visited a safe home where abused kids where taken care. We visited <a href="http://www.daughtersofcambodia.org/">Daughters of Cambodia</a>. We witnessed a kid hit in the head by a moving truck while crossing the road (and how to love these neighbors as ourselves). And through this trip, no STOMACH ISSUE EVER. Praise the Lord. ((<i>Will blog more as I digest the experience</i>))<br />
<br />
As we boarded the plane back to Singapore, I couldn't help to give thanks. The Lord directs and opens doors. <br />
<br />
As I often do, I thought about the church back in Canada. I thought about those events or conferences where the speaker will ask the audience to participate. Maybe it is a money offering. And of course, to be respectful and to be polite the speaker will say something along the line to give whatever the Lord is prompting you to give. And people will put in 5, 10, 20 dollars in the collection plate. Then I thought about the missionaries and those who gave up their life to come to Cambodia to prevent child sex trafficking. They didn't just give a bit of their lives. They give their whole lives for this cause. They believe this cause is worth giving their life to.<br />
<br />
And how this kind of giving is exactly what Jesus expects His followers to do. <br />
<br />
I am thankful to have a
<a href="http://blog.kitesong.sg/">fiancee</a>, and soon to be my wife, to travel with me on this journey. This journey is not merely a physical one. We both realized that we need to prepare ourselves more in prayers and in the Spirit. This is a spiritual warfare and it is not merely skills, money and talent will get the job done. We are dealing with dark spiritual stronghold. The Lord is on our side. But we ourselves have to prepare. It is like someone training for a triathlon. No one ever go to a race without training. Because the moment the race comes, just like when trials come, we need to be strong and show no compromise. <br />
<br />
We both came back encouraged. The Lord brought us together to serve in ministry. Side by side. Supporting and encouraging each other. Our minds are now open to see what the Lord will do. There are so many potentials and possibilities.<br />
<br />
I always had trouble explaining how's Cambodia is like and the ministries there are. But I am glad she has the heart to go and willing to come. I felt that this trip brought us both closer to each other and to what the Lord has called us to do. :O)))Cliffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03227378544813320248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1331862496301053308.post-64090923791771852612012-07-23T13:30:00.001+08:002012-07-23T13:30:11.047+08:00Excitement of Mission Trip and the 'normal' Christian LifeMy church in Canada sent a team to Suriname last week and I've been following them via Facebook and their blog. It is exciting to hear about their joy and excitement as they train, teach and reach out to the community.<br />
<br />It is this joy and excitement which I am excited about. I wonder how is it different than sometimes we go to church every Sunday more just to get by. Attend a service, listen to a sermon, go to Sunday School, have lunch and go home.......<br />
<br />
I wonder if we can incorporate the spirit of mission with the day to day living of a Christian?<br />
<br />
I first started thinking along this line from a Missiologist named Michael Frost. His idea is to put mission in the center of all the things we do (worship, prayer, fellowship etc.) instead of putting mission as one of the things we do.<br />
<br />
I think this is what happens, like the team in Suriname right now, as they are excited, taking the effort and risk to share the Gospel. In a way, it is almost like what's happening in Acts. <br />
<br />It can be risky and dangerous. It can also requires a huge sacrifice of our time, money and effort. <br />
<br />
I have no solution nor posting one. I was just thinking what if our whole church, instead of seeing Christian life equates to our lifestyle (going to school, climb the corporate ladder, go on a vacation etc.) and we see our whole life is a mission journey. I think this will change the way we view about how we live. For one, we won't be holding on to our comforts as much (this sport car is great but why get this when I can get a van that can deliver sandwiches to the needy etc.) We probably won't be clinging to our identity we find in our career and education. We probably will be willing to go against the grain of today's culture and risk aiming for Heavenly treasures instead of the earthly ones. <br />
<br />
I am on this journey as well. <br />
<br />
The mission team will be in the field for a week or more before going back home. I just pray that the normality of life doesn't took this excitement for missions away from the team.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful. But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.”</i> - Matthew 13:22-23</blockquote>Cliffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03227378544813320248noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1331862496301053308.post-60612057270458101602012-07-17T00:47:00.004+08:002012-07-17T22:43:02.100+08:00Man Up on RelationshipI figure I jot this down while the thoughts are still fresh in my head (and in my heart)....<br />
<br />
I've been through a number of discussion, especially with the male counterparts, about what it means to be Christian man. <br />
<br />
I often joke that as guys we grunt, eat meat or other male stereotypes. Sometimes, the discussion doesn't turn very Christian-like (edifying), as we (myself, too), the men criticize the opposite gender as.....<br />
<br />
I remember once during such discussion, I told the group that we should <i>man up</i>. What does this mean exactly? <br />
<br />
At that point, I was sharing how guys got to know their Bible and be able to teach. <br />
<br />
Lately, I am thinking manning up also means willing to be humble and sometimes even admitting you are wrong. To some, this might not be a manly thing to do. I've seen some guys, in attempt, to live this out, act with macho attitude, pride and throw in the submission part in order to get their way.<br />
<br />
I was sharing with my fiancee tonight that when I get into a relationship, I want her to love God more than me. Many people says that and I often ask myself what does that mean? What does that look like? I don't want to say a cliche and not live it out.<br />
<br />
At the Marriage Preparation Course, there was one line that the instructor repeated again and again.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>It begins with me.</i></div>
<br />
<br />
When it comes to conflict in marriage, it is my duty to fix it. And sometimes it is me who is at fault. <br />
<br />
How do I make her love God more than me? How do I help her worship God more? It begins with me.<br />
<br />
First, am I following Jesus and am I following Him?<br />
<br />
When it comes to disciple making, Jesus has one saying....it is painful but it centralizes everything about what it means to be His follower:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
“<i>Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.</i>" - Luke 9:23</blockquote>
<br />
Sometimes it is dangerous for me to say what I believe. I have to ask myself, am I living this out. The Lord is the Lord of the Universe. I cannot hide my heart. He sees through my veil of lies and deceptions. The world can praise me for my works. But He sees the heart.<br />
<br />
Am I blinded? Is my motives pure? Or am I saying one thing and doing another? Or as James wrote in his letter, am I the fool who stare in the mirror and walk away forgetting how I look like (James 1:23)?<br />
<br />
How is this relate to relationship? Is this some far spiritual talk that has no relevant to husband and wife? <br />
<br />
I love my fiancee dearly. Sometimes she notices that I don't share our love as publicly as I should. And I want to offer her the best thing. The best thing, for those who experience Him, is the experience of God. It is incredible. It changes heart. It changes everything. And I want her to be as close to Him as possible.<br />
<br />
And it begins with me. Tonight, I told her, it begins with me taking up my cross everyday. It begins with me to be honest about my feelings and emotions. It begins with me at times needing to be humble and ask for forgiveness when I mistreat her. It begins staring deep into those moments when I throw a rage or a sarcastic remark because I didn't get what I want. <br />
<br />
And for me, this is the cross I have to bear. In the world, we often blame others. And often we blame our parents, our family, our spouse. The one who we love we place them as enemies and the source of our frustration, anger and disappointment.<br />
<br />
For me, to man up, is to start looking within. <br />
<br />
Last night, I was reading on Luke 6 on the Beatitudes. Jesus said to not worry about the speck of dust in your brother's eyes and worry about the plank of wood in your eye. He points out the hypocritical and pharisee-like attitude we have when we are filled with self-righteousness. <br />
<br />
And so it begins with me looking at my own plank.<br />
<br />
Amen!<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>“Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when you yourself fail to see the plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.</i> - Luke 9:41-42</blockquote>Cliffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03227378544813320248noreply@blogger.com1