Sometimes encouragement comes from unexpected ways..
On Sat night, we had gym night for the University Fellowship. Before we head off to eat, I decided to do a little sharing from John 15 (the vine and the branch). I relate to how I am going Singapore for a mission role. Someone brought some guests to our gym night and one of the guests afterwards came over and pray for me.
He's probably about 17 or so. We stood by the side and pray for a bit. His prayer was full of passion.
I was quite encourage by this. Very thankful by how God provides supporters in little and unexpected ways.
Showing posts with label fellowship. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fellowship. Show all posts
Monday, August 29, 2011
Monday, August 8, 2011
Encouragement
I was digging through some of my old stuff and found this note...
Date: Nov 05
Dear Cliff,
Julian and I would like to help you with fixing your teeth. We know that you don't have a dental plan and it'll be very expensive. I know it's not too much but I hope the enclosed cheque does help. I am so encouraged by your attitude Cliff. You are so positive and faithful. Though you have only been a Christian for a short period of time, you are passionate to learn and be a better Christian everyday. I've been a Christian for a long time and sometimes I feel that I have lost that passion. Thank you for sharing your faith and passion with Emmanuel, and for inspiring us to always remember to put our trust in God, in all situations.
Love in Him
Jen & Julian
Date: Nov 05
Dear Cliff,
Julian and I would like to help you with fixing your teeth. We know that you don't have a dental plan and it'll be very expensive. I know it's not too much but I hope the enclosed cheque does help. I am so encouraged by your attitude Cliff. You are so positive and faithful. Though you have only been a Christian for a short period of time, you are passionate to learn and be a better Christian everyday. I've been a Christian for a long time and sometimes I feel that I have lost that passion. Thank you for sharing your faith and passion with Emmanuel, and for inspiring us to always remember to put our trust in God, in all situations.
Love in Him
Jen & Julian
Friday, October 15, 2010
Dietrich Bonhoeffer: On Community
Excerpts from Dietrich Bonhoeffer's Life Together The Classic Exploration of Faith in Community
Innumerable times a whole Christian community has broken down because it had sprung from a wish dream. The serious Christian, set down for the first time in a Christian community, is likely to bring with him a very definite idea of what Christian life together should be and to try and to realize it. But God's grace speedily shatters such dreams. Just as surely as God desires to lead us to a knowledge of genuine Christian fellowship, so surely must we be overwhelmed by a great disillusionment with others, with Christians in general, and, if we are fortunate, with ourselves.
By sheer grace, God will not permit us to live even for a brief period in a dream world. He does not abandon us to those rapturous experiences and lofty moods that come over us like a dream. God is not a God of the emotions but the God of truth. Only that fellowship which faces such disillusionment, with all its unhappy and ugly aspects, begins to be what it should be in God's sight, begins to grasp in faith the promise that is given to it. The sooner this shock of disillusionment comes to an individual and to a community the better for both. A community cannot bear and cannot survive such a crisis, which insists upon keeping its illusion when it should be shattered, permanently loses in that moment the promise of Christian community. Sooner or later it will collapse, Every human wish dream that is injected into the Christian community is a hindrance to genuine community and must be banished if genuine community is to survive. He who loves his dream of a community more than Christian community itself becomes a destroyer of the latter, even though his person intentions may be ever so honest and earnest and sacrificial. (ala my post, How to Destroy a Fellowship).
Christian community is like the Christian's sanctification. It is a gift of God which we cannot claim. Only God knows the real state of our fellowship, of our sanctification. What may appear weak and trifling to us may be great and glorious to God. Just as the Christian should not be constantly feeling his spiritual pulse, so, too, the Christian community has not been given to us by God for us to be constantly taking its temperature. The more thankfully we daily receive what is given to us, the more surely and steadily will fellowship increase and grow from day to day as God pleases.
Christian brotherhood is not an ideal which we must realize; it is rather a reality created by God in Christ in which we may participate. The more clearly we learn to recognize that the ground and strength and promise of all our fellowship is in Jesus Christ alone, the more serenely shall we think of our fellowship and pray and hope for it.
Innumerable times a whole Christian community has broken down because it had sprung from a wish dream. The serious Christian, set down for the first time in a Christian community, is likely to bring with him a very definite idea of what Christian life together should be and to try and to realize it. But God's grace speedily shatters such dreams. Just as surely as God desires to lead us to a knowledge of genuine Christian fellowship, so surely must we be overwhelmed by a great disillusionment with others, with Christians in general, and, if we are fortunate, with ourselves.
By sheer grace, God will not permit us to live even for a brief period in a dream world. He does not abandon us to those rapturous experiences and lofty moods that come over us like a dream. God is not a God of the emotions but the God of truth. Only that fellowship which faces such disillusionment, with all its unhappy and ugly aspects, begins to be what it should be in God's sight, begins to grasp in faith the promise that is given to it. The sooner this shock of disillusionment comes to an individual and to a community the better for both. A community cannot bear and cannot survive such a crisis, which insists upon keeping its illusion when it should be shattered, permanently loses in that moment the promise of Christian community. Sooner or later it will collapse, Every human wish dream that is injected into the Christian community is a hindrance to genuine community and must be banished if genuine community is to survive. He who loves his dream of a community more than Christian community itself becomes a destroyer of the latter, even though his person intentions may be ever so honest and earnest and sacrificial. (ala my post, How to Destroy a Fellowship).
...
Christian community is like the Christian's sanctification. It is a gift of God which we cannot claim. Only God knows the real state of our fellowship, of our sanctification. What may appear weak and trifling to us may be great and glorious to God. Just as the Christian should not be constantly feeling his spiritual pulse, so, too, the Christian community has not been given to us by God for us to be constantly taking its temperature. The more thankfully we daily receive what is given to us, the more surely and steadily will fellowship increase and grow from day to day as God pleases.
Christian brotherhood is not an ideal which we must realize; it is rather a reality created by God in Christ in which we may participate. The more clearly we learn to recognize that the ground and strength and promise of all our fellowship is in Jesus Christ alone, the more serenely shall we think of our fellowship and pray and hope for it.
...
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Belonging and Community
Recent events brought back memories a few years ago. These memories are painful reminders. They are key points on my definition of a Christian community (or the Church).
This memory is similar to the post, Fall Short.
I can still remember those times in Junior High and Highschool when I do dumb things to feel like I belong. I remembered in Grade 9 I stole somoene's calculator and gave it to a friend because he wanted it.
To be accepted. To have friends appreciate you for who you are. It is a good thing. You feel secure. You don't feel the world is out to get you. Life is very different when you have no one to trust or rely on. Instead of joy, life becomes a bully that push you around from one day to the next.
Another gentleman, Frank, came into the Young Career Fellowship when I was leading. He was a bit off. Despite that, we tried and welcomed him. Frank was particular. He rarely talk. The type that hang out in the background.
After every fellowship event, he would often ask if people wanted to go to Bubble Tea.
A while later, Frank decided to accept Christ. We go through the basics with him. Who Jesus is, why we believe in what we believe as Christians, interviewed by the elders. Frank was a smoker. He was told that during the interview that after accepting Christ, he had to give up that habit. He agreed.
I still remembered the day he got baptist. As with every baptism, there was joy and happiness.
A few weeks later, Frank started to act a bit strange. It was more difficult speaking to him. He would be with you in person but his mind seemed to be wandering off. He started to smoke again. An elder told me to talk to him. So I did.
By my immaturity, I condemned to stop because it was bad for him to represent Christ in this manner. After either of us raised our voice, he reluctantly agreed.
Things continued to deteriorate. Frank also seemed to have some mental issues. Sometimes talking to him is like he wasn't there. His mind alway wandered off.
He would only show up after prayer meeting or fellowship and just wanted to hang out. By now I was tired. And no one wanted to either. Frank slowly came to church and fellowship less and less.
I still remember those times when I tried to ask other brothers and sisters to hang out with him. Perhaps I am not good at being a leader. But it is so hard to tell people, hey can you be this person's friend? Maybe because Frank's particular personality. Or my assumption that no one thinks is worth the time to contribute. Frank was quite generous in his ways. He would offer his home for us to go watch movie.
With the busy-ness of life. With programs and church events. I spent less time with Frank. He attended my church less. I don't even know when was the last time I saw him in person.
Last week, a brother was sharing how someone he knew might have a personality disorder. I immediately remembered Andrew. It is amazing how memories forgotten can bring back like an open wound. Had I know then what I experience now, holding back tears, I told my friend if I had to do it all over again, I would give all my money to Andrew. Every dollar.
This afternoon I was chatting with another brother about church and conversion. Frank popped up in my head.
This is what I said...
me: i still remember frank
he got baptize
then he just disappeared
i think he got baptize b/c he wanted to be accepted.
Friend: aww man =(
me: if you think that's sad?
I don't know if it is even more sad
the fact that he didn't feel connected
as a community should
...a community that welcome the lost
the whole point is not to convert them
ok u are saved and move on
to be a Christian as far as i can tell
it is to follow Christ and reflect through our Christian commutniy aka church.
I still think after all these years, Frank came to church because he wanted to feel like he belong.
And this pains me because that's precisely what Jesus came to do. He came to restore those who are on the out back to Him. That's why the blind, the sick, the poor, the leper, the tax collector, the sinners...all those that are socially excluded flocked to Him. And He welcomed them.
I don't think Frank asked for much. Sometimes a simple friendship can mean so much more. And it probably cost the most. Especially in a lifestyle of running around, got things to do, plans to make, and endless errands. AKA My life is too busy for Frank. And there is always that tendency to say, 'well that's Frank's problem. It ain't mine. I have my own problem to deal with.'
hmm...
What about Acts 2 Church when the brothers and sisters take care of each other? Or in Philippians when Paul wrote to look after each other interest? Or in First Corinthians when Paul wrote that if one member suffers, the rest suffers as well? Or James condemning those who pray and should physically take care of his brothers as well?
We should always remember that being a Christian ain't just a game to tell people the right answer to the four spiritual question as fast as possible. It ain't all about making sure that if someone die they end up in heaven.
Having the right answers is important. Without the love of grace from above showing in physical ways. The right answers just feel hollow.
Jesus preached that the Kingdom of Heaven is coming. He told everyone He would be the one that fulfills the prophecy in Isaiah 61. And His News is the Good News. He comes to restore broken relationships, to heal the sick, to bring comfort to the needy.
The church is a reflection of this Kingdom. A Kingdom where those that are excluded can come together and be united. In the church, there is no boundary, as we are all children of God and all are saved through Christ. All contend in One Spirit and in One Unity. When one of us are lost, we all should feel a sense of lostness as well. We should always be generous and patience with others. Because that's precisely how Jesus dealt with us. Lots of grace and mercy.
Despite the 'pain' and despite all that happen....this is the Hope that I rely on.
A while ago, someone mentioned...
To which I reply....
Note: I emailed Frank earlier today to see if he wanted to hang out. I have to always remember that the Holy Spirit is a Spirit of Reconciliation. Him I follow, this I do.
[Additional: The dream of the Christian Community is too irresistible to give up...even if at the present it is not working and it 'fails' over and over, we should always strive to live out the gospel as it is bestowed upon us with the best of our ability. Besides, the Spirit is working....(even at times we don't 'feel' it).]
This memory is similar to the post, Fall Short.
I can still remember those times in Junior High and Highschool when I do dumb things to feel like I belong. I remembered in Grade 9 I stole somoene's calculator and gave it to a friend because he wanted it.
To be accepted. To have friends appreciate you for who you are. It is a good thing. You feel secure. You don't feel the world is out to get you. Life is very different when you have no one to trust or rely on. Instead of joy, life becomes a bully that push you around from one day to the next.
Another gentleman, Frank, came into the Young Career Fellowship when I was leading. He was a bit off. Despite that, we tried and welcomed him. Frank was particular. He rarely talk. The type that hang out in the background.
After every fellowship event, he would often ask if people wanted to go to Bubble Tea.
A while later, Frank decided to accept Christ. We go through the basics with him. Who Jesus is, why we believe in what we believe as Christians, interviewed by the elders. Frank was a smoker. He was told that during the interview that after accepting Christ, he had to give up that habit. He agreed.
I still remembered the day he got baptist. As with every baptism, there was joy and happiness.
A few weeks later, Frank started to act a bit strange. It was more difficult speaking to him. He would be with you in person but his mind seemed to be wandering off. He started to smoke again. An elder told me to talk to him. So I did.
By my immaturity, I condemned to stop because it was bad for him to represent Christ in this manner. After either of us raised our voice, he reluctantly agreed.
...
Things continued to deteriorate. Frank also seemed to have some mental issues. Sometimes talking to him is like he wasn't there. His mind alway wandered off.
He would only show up after prayer meeting or fellowship and just wanted to hang out. By now I was tired. And no one wanted to either. Frank slowly came to church and fellowship less and less.
I still remember those times when I tried to ask other brothers and sisters to hang out with him. Perhaps I am not good at being a leader. But it is so hard to tell people, hey can you be this person's friend? Maybe because Frank's particular personality. Or my assumption that no one thinks is worth the time to contribute. Frank was quite generous in his ways. He would offer his home for us to go watch movie.
...
With the busy-ness of life. With programs and church events. I spent less time with Frank. He attended my church less. I don't even know when was the last time I saw him in person.
Last week, a brother was sharing how someone he knew might have a personality disorder. I immediately remembered Andrew. It is amazing how memories forgotten can bring back like an open wound. Had I know then what I experience now, holding back tears, I told my friend if I had to do it all over again, I would give all my money to Andrew. Every dollar.
This afternoon I was chatting with another brother about church and conversion. Frank popped up in my head.
This is what I said...
me: i still remember frank
he got baptize
then he just disappeared
i think he got baptize b/c he wanted to be accepted.
Friend: aww man =(
me: if you think that's sad?
I don't know if it is even more sad
the fact that he didn't feel connected
as a community should
...a community that welcome the lost
the whole point is not to convert them
ok u are saved and move on
to be a Christian as far as i can tell
it is to follow Christ and reflect through our Christian commutniy aka church.
I still think after all these years, Frank came to church because he wanted to feel like he belong.
And this pains me because that's precisely what Jesus came to do. He came to restore those who are on the out back to Him. That's why the blind, the sick, the poor, the leper, the tax collector, the sinners...all those that are socially excluded flocked to Him. And He welcomed them.
I don't think Frank asked for much. Sometimes a simple friendship can mean so much more. And it probably cost the most. Especially in a lifestyle of running around, got things to do, plans to make, and endless errands. AKA My life is too busy for Frank. And there is always that tendency to say, 'well that's Frank's problem. It ain't mine. I have my own problem to deal with.'
hmm...
What about Acts 2 Church when the brothers and sisters take care of each other? Or in Philippians when Paul wrote to look after each other interest? Or in First Corinthians when Paul wrote that if one member suffers, the rest suffers as well? Or James condemning those who pray and should physically take care of his brothers as well?
We should always remember that being a Christian ain't just a game to tell people the right answer to the four spiritual question as fast as possible. It ain't all about making sure that if someone die they end up in heaven.
Having the right answers is important. Without the love of grace from above showing in physical ways. The right answers just feel hollow.
Jesus preached that the Kingdom of Heaven is coming. He told everyone He would be the one that fulfills the prophecy in Isaiah 61. And His News is the Good News. He comes to restore broken relationships, to heal the sick, to bring comfort to the needy.
The church is a reflection of this Kingdom. A Kingdom where those that are excluded can come together and be united. In the church, there is no boundary, as we are all children of God and all are saved through Christ. All contend in One Spirit and in One Unity. When one of us are lost, we all should feel a sense of lostness as well. We should always be generous and patience with others. Because that's precisely how Jesus dealt with us. Lots of grace and mercy.
Despite the 'pain' and despite all that happen....this is the Hope that I rely on.
A while ago, someone mentioned...
Oh I am glad so and so ain't weird. Or else I don't want to hang out with them.
To which I reply....
If they are weird, no problem. Send them to me, I will hang out with them.
Note: I emailed Frank earlier today to see if he wanted to hang out. I have to always remember that the Holy Spirit is a Spirit of Reconciliation. Him I follow, this I do.
[Additional: The dream of the Christian Community is too irresistible to give up...even if at the present it is not working and it 'fails' over and over, we should always strive to live out the gospel as it is bestowed upon us with the best of our ability. Besides, the Spirit is working....(even at times we don't 'feel' it).]
Friday, June 25, 2010
Encouragement: See what He sees
[Email sent to my fellowship this morning]
Hi everyone,
In light of what's going on in church and what we talked about last night...
This morning I came across this blog post which i found rather encouraging...
The post was notes taken from a discussion in the Old Testament...
Zechariah pulls back the curtain so that God’s people could see with his word what they could not see with their eyes
...
It would be reason enough to continue if all you see in a lifetime of ministry is one living stone because that living stone is a witness to the reality of God in the world and to the reality of his coming. This ought to be enough to get us temple-builders up in the morning.
...
Our view of God’s kingdom can become blinkered by what is going on in our patch. We can imagine that the church is in decline. We talk of living in a post-Christian era. This is de-motivating. We take on a bunker mentality.
We need to get excited about being part of God’s huge, worldwide project. Even if our part is slow-going, it is a privilege to be part of what God is doing.
There can be no standstill when God shows you reality. But we must let God’s word show us reality.
We need to get excited about being part of God’s huge, worldwide project. Even if our part is slow-going, it is a privilege to be part of what God is doing.
There can be no standstill when God shows you reality. But we must let God’s word show us reality.
Hopefully you not only see what I see...but you see what HE sees :D
[I need to go back to OT and rediscover what Hope that our Lord promises :)]
Romans 8: Hope
Tonight at fellowship, we discussed briefly on Romans 8.
We were talking about hope. What hope that Christian has and what hope Jesus will bring. At the end, we were talking about how encouraging 8:28 was.
This verse alone we can relate to when we go through trials and when things are not going to our ways.
I dug a bit deeper and kept going.....
Not only did God picked us. He called us to Him. He even justified us and glorified us. We see how much God cares for us that He did all that for us.
Even God, in His plan to redeem us, He even give up His Son. How much more would He give us all...everything!
I skipped the middle verses and talked about the end of chapter 8.
This is how secure our Hope is. His love for us is so solid that nothing can separate us from Him. He secure all these for us. I then shared with the group, this is what He is doing...that no matter what we are going through, nothing can take that away from us.
A lot of times in trials and 'suffering' (especially suffering for being a Christian), I know I tend to focus on the pain and the hurt. However, Paul in this case, paint a picture of the riches and generosity of God. He gave so much to us. That's our Hope. Even when we face death, we need not to fear because God gave so much to us.....
Hmm..focus on the Hope..not in the pain.
Romans 8:28 is encouraging...and I find the rest of the chapter even more so. Paul just listing the things that Father give. This and that. Even His own Son to bring us back to Him.
Hmm...so much to thankful for....AMEN!
We were talking about hope. What hope that Christian has and what hope Jesus will bring. At the end, we were talking about how encouraging 8:28 was.
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
This verse alone we can relate to when we go through trials and when things are not going to our ways.
I dug a bit deeper and kept going.....
For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.
Romans 8:28
Not only did God picked us. He called us to Him. He even justified us and glorified us. We see how much God cares for us that He did all that for us.
What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? 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 8:31-32
Even God, in His plan to redeem us, He even give up His Son. How much more would He give us all...everything!
I skipped the middle verses and talked about the end of chapter 8.
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:38-39
This is how secure our Hope is. His love for us is so solid that nothing can separate us from Him. He secure all these for us. I then shared with the group, this is what He is doing...that no matter what we are going through, nothing can take that away from us.
A lot of times in trials and 'suffering' (especially suffering for being a Christian), I know I tend to focus on the pain and the hurt. However, Paul in this case, paint a picture of the riches and generosity of God. He gave so much to us. That's our Hope. Even when we face death, we need not to fear because God gave so much to us.....
Hmm..focus on the Hope..not in the pain.
Romans 8:28 is encouraging...and I find the rest of the chapter even more so. Paul just listing the things that Father give. This and that. Even His own Son to bring us back to Him.
Hmm...so much to thankful for....AMEN!
Monday, April 5, 2010
Fall Short
This morning before heading to church for Easter Sunday Service, I had a memory relapsed.
Andrew was very thankful. He kept saying, "don't worry, Cliff. I will pay you back. I have a lot of money in the bank. I own you one."
It was back in Winter '06 and Spring '07 when I was leading the young career fellowship.
There was a gentleman name Andrew. He was a bit off. Didn't get along with anyone.
There was one night where he made a comment to all the females in the fellowship that was way off. We knew he had a mental problem. But not exactly sure.
I didn't know his background. He lives with his parents and from what I gathered, they were wealthy. He lived in a penthouse. Never worry about work.
One day Andrew gave me a call. He was at the laundry mat with all his stuff. His parents kicked him out.
I didn't know what to believe. He had mental problems.
Is he really saying the truth? Is he lying?
This was taken place during winter. It was cold. He was in a desperate situation. Without thinking much, I drove over.
There he was. With a backpack and a bag with all his clothes. That night, my fellowship was gathering at a Chinese restaurant and I brought Andrew along. We pretended nothing happen.
I did my best to tell a brother and a sister in my fellowship about the situation. They didn't know what to do. I pulled them aside and told them, "let the Holy Spirit lead and if you want to give a few bucks to help him out, do it."
Since he didn't had a place to stay, I drove down to the nearest hotel and drop him off. I didn't had time to find a cheap motel or cheap rates. The matter was urgent and Andrew needed a place to stay.
I put down my credit card and told Andrew that he can pay me back later.
I still remember how I felt.
I am going to drop one hundred and something bucks for this guy. What about me, Lord? You see how tight my money situation is. I am already barely enough to have my teeth fix and pay bill (and train!).
I didn't give much thought to it. I told him stay here for two nights (up to Saturday).
Andrew was very thankful. He kept saying, "don't worry, Cliff. I will pay you back. I have a lot of money in the bank. I own you one."
I picked him up on Saturday. I suggested Andrew to stay one more night then head to church on Sunday. He didn't what that and didn't know what to do. I dropped him back to the laundry mat.
....
On Sunday, he gave me a call. He was on the street. He needed a ride and I picked him off a major intersection. It was snowing and he had a little suitcase with him. I remembered picking up that suitcase and in haste dumped it in the back seat. Because of the snow from the roller on the suitcase, I thought it ruined my car seat. I cursed.
Andrew heard it and apologize. By then I was ticked off.
I asked him where did he want to go.
I am tired of being his chauffeur. If he had the money, why didn't he use it?
At that moment, he gave me cash for the hotel. I dropped him off at the subway.
....
A few weeks gone by. Andrew called me. He told me he was in a shelter somewhere in Scarborough, a 40 min drive from my city. I asked him if he could speak to his parents and reconcile. He didn't want to.....
That was the last time I heard from Andrew....
I didn't know why I thought about him today. Of all the things that happened, I know I fall short.
I was so blinded by my own needs I couldn't see the dire situation Andrew was in. I could have go and talk to his parents (I never met them before but I could have try). Who gives a rip about a car seat when there is a brother that is living on the street?....
I fall short.
Since the last time I heard from Andrew, I learnt about Acts 2 church and sharing with brothers and sisters in Christ (Acts 2:45), the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37), and the parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-31)...all will go to waste if I just know it in my head but not in my heart.
It is sad and painful when looking back and realize I should have done more. I just pray to the Lord that these painful memories is etch forever in my heart. So that my faith and my action works together (James 2:14-26).
Lord, may I do what Your Words say and not just listen to them.May I not just grow in knowledge and become self righteous and live in an ivory tower.
I thank you for when I fall short, You are still the Sovereign Lord who is merciful and loving kindness to defend those who are weak.Mold my heart so that I will become a man that stares his face in the mirror and walk away remembering how he looks like.A man that only seeks Your Kingdom and Your Righteousness.A man who looks intently at the perfect law.The perfect law that gives freedom and life!
Ala James 1:19-25
I called Andrew a few years ago. His number had been disconnected.....
I still pray for Andrew from time to time....
Friday, March 19, 2010
Swimming Pool
I went to the pool last night after prayer meeting...
I shared with him my past when I was running away from God, being slaved to sin and how God told me to reconciled those who I wronged.
I had in mind what I need to do.
300 m warm up
200 m One arm drills
200 m Breathing drills
1000m (20 x 50 m) 25 m hard + 25 m easy
300 m Cool down
----
Total 2,000 m
Just as I was on the deck, putting on my goggles and ready to jump in the water. At the corner of my eye I caught a teenager coming up to me. I turned and noticed it was a teenager from my church.
A few exchanges and greets and we started chatting about a various topics. What's happening in our church, my training, my races, what's his future, summer job....
In the end, we ended up talking for an hour instead of swimming.
Though I had planned to go hit the pool and work on my swimming technique, the Lord decided to place him at the same time and we went through some deep discussion on life and seeking God.
I shared with him my past when I was running away from God, being slaved to sin and how God told me to reconciled those who I wronged.
A good night indeed...didn't got my training done...but instead..had a good fellowship at the pool.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Harshness and encouraging
At my fellowship, we are looking to create a mission statement. A one liner as to the purpose of the fellowship.
I was sharing to a friend if the Cliff that was leading back then is leading me now and when I saw the mission statement, my first response would be...
Perhaps I should be less harsh on myself (and others). I am trying to think of what ways I can response in a more encouraging manner.
I was digging around in Gmail last night. I found a mission statement I propose back in the days when I was leading:
Emmanuel is a Christian Fellowship that provides the spiritual growth to the young professional brethrens of the English Ministry of MCAC.
I was sharing to a friend if the Cliff that was leading back then is leading me now and when I saw the mission statement, my first response would be...
"Geez..this is it? That's weak!"
Perhaps I should be less harsh on myself (and others). I am trying to think of what ways I can response in a more encouraging manner.
One of the minutes was to plan till the end of 2007. This is part of the minutes:
After figuring out the 5 W’s…we discussed about our Spiritual Growth, our Spiritual Nourishment? Where will it come from?
1. Bible Knowledge-> Discipleship-> Theology/Discussion
2. Prayer nights
3. Application-> Evangelism
4. Social Concern-> Discussions/debates on 21st Century Topics
One thing Pastor Nelson pointed out was that if we don’t grow, we’ve failed#3(the application) As we are put here on this earth to fulfill the “Great Commission” , we don’t necessarily have to stick to a consistent schedule to do the same things month after month; however, as long as meet our goal at the end of year. We set a goal, an annual target at where we want to be and plan our program around it.
I thought there is some gem in there. Especially the part on Great Comission :).
Monday, December 7, 2009
Lunch
How do you know if you are a Christian?
My friend asked me over lunch a while ago. I didn't have an answer. I simply told him that you know you are a Christian when you know.
I thought about that. Not quite the answer I liked.
Today, over pho, we talked about being a Christian and what it meant to follow Christ. I pulled passages from Acts 2 when Peter told the crowd to repent and baptize in the name of Jesus Christ (Acts 2:38). I told him that those who follow Christ are to repent for their sins and turn their life to Him.
We talked about sins. There were a lot of questions. He asked what about the guy who accepted Christ and go rob a bank and killed someone, is that a Christian? My answer was that those who accept Christ will want to stop sin and be Christ-like (we pulled out Galatians, fruits of the Spirit as well).
I also told him that none of us can go to heaven by being good. I pulled the Young Rich Ruler (Luke 18:18-30). The young rich ruler did everything right in relationship to people (don't murder, obey parents, don't lie). Yet because he chose money over follow Christ he will not get to heaven. Then I pressed hard on the point that none of us are right with God. All of us, are sinners, under the eye of God. I brought out Matthew 5-6 where if we hate someone in our thoughts, that's considered murder in God's eyes.
Then I pulled out a great passage from Luke 23 when Jesus was hanging on the cross and one of the criminal repented (Luke 23:26-43).
A few more questions were asked...what if our loved ones, who passed away and do not know Christ. Without a doubt and with care, I looked at him square in the eyes and told him that Jesus is the only way to heaven. I wish there is another way but the Bible is the truth and this is what I believe.
We had lunch for more than a year now. It is amazing to see how my friend is transformed by grace through the Spirit. Looking back, I really not sure what I done other than be generous and shared many meals together. I don't think I done anymore than being a observer and see God set out to do what He promised.
For the past few weeks, I cried to God for Him to show up. He promised that His Spirit will be among us and He will called back those who He predestined. To see how the Holy Spirit transformed my friend was remarkable. We prayed some more and talked about Baptism. I told him focus on the baptism of the heart. And God will take care of the rest...
I am thankful to be used by God and proclaim His Good News. I will pray more and more for my friend to be strong in faith.
Indeed the Spirit is among us. This is where the Spiritual battle lies...and I refuse to back down...because my Savoir didn't give anything less than His Life.
Praise the Lord.
Amen!
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
What is a Church?
About to talk about what's a church at this week's fellowship. We were suppose to write two sentences about what we think church is.
I wrote one line.
A group of Spirit leaded people living and bringing Glory to God through obedience to Jesus' teaching.I remembered A B Simpson, the founder of Christian and Missoinary Alliance, once said:
"He is showing us the plan for a Christian church that is much more than an association of congenial friends to listen once a week to an intellectual discourse and musical entertainment and carry on by proxy a mechanism of Christian work; but rather a church that can be at once the mother and home of every form of help and blessing which Jesus came to give to lost and suffering men, the birthplace and the home of souls, the fountain of healing and cleansing, the sheltering home for the orphan and distressed, the school for the culture and training of God's children, the armory where they are equipped for the battle of the Lord and the army which fights those battles in His name. Such a center of population in this sad and sinful world!"(A.B. Simpson, A Larger Christian Life. p. 153)
Now that's what church suppose to be :)
Monday, September 21, 2009
Holy Spirit and Fellowship
After being back to Canada for about a week, a part of me still misses Australia. Perhap not so of the geographic area (I still love those beaches). More so of the quiet time and the freedom I have. I am leaning more that perhaps this is a sign that I am carrying too much things in life right now. Need to maintain the travel light mentality.
Anyways, one of the most joyful moment is reading the Bible and letting God speak to me. There will be moments I will read through a few passages like a breeze. At other times, I will pause and deliberately focus on different aspect (like Holy Spirit, mission, trinity, justification etc.)
It was during Australia that I am enlightened and something caught my eye between Holy Spirit and fellowship. But before I do so, I like to bring up a passage from Acts 2 about fellowship.
42They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. 44All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. 46Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
Acts 2:42-47 (NIV)
This is usually the passage we study when it comes to fellowship. In NIV, Acts 2:42 has a heading, the Fellowship of the Believers. Often, I thought about how important it is to love one another. You have to love one another to the point of sharing everything.
If we read a few verse prior to this, we will see Peter called them to "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call."
I failed to recognize the importance of the Holy Spirit. There is a parallel text a few chapter down.
31After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.
32All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had. 33With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all. 34There were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales 35and put it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to anyone as he had need.36Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means Son of Encouragement), 37sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles' feet.
Acts 4:31-37
This is amazing. Between Acts 2:39-47 and Acts 4:31-37, there is a similarilty...and we see what's the horse and what's the cart.
Receive the Holy Spirit <- the horse
Receive the Holy Spirit in Acts 2:38b and being filled with Holy Spirit in Acts 4:31b
All believers are together and in one heart <- the cart
As a result, everyone share everything with each other.
Acts 2:45 - selling possessions and goods and gave to anyone in need.
Acts 4:34-35 - there is no needy persons among them as people who own possessions will buy and sell and the money will distribute to those in need.
In Acts 2:46: they meet daily in the temple courts. Does this happen in Acts 4? Nope, but I think it Acts 4 description of the fellowship continue to Acts 5 and we see it in 5:12 (meet at Solomon's Colonnade).
The biggest take home lesson for me is the power of the Holy Spirit and its role in fellowship. For me, it is very easy, very easy, to focus on what I need to do. Ok, what do I have to do to have this fellowship to love with one another. Oh, we can do this or do that (insert program or activities). Or how can we make our fellowship more loving (notice the emphasis on us).
Looking at the Scripture, it dawned on me that the love of one another is the cart and being filled with the Holy Spirit is the horse. The believers were first filled with the Holy Spirit, that's why they come together and share everything in common.
What do I come out of this? All I can say is..come Holy Spirit, we need you. I need you. Guide us. If it is a program that you are leading. Reveal to us.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Seeking Christ Down South
I have been in Australia for two weeks now.
One week at the Transplant Games. The next week wander around Fraser Island and Harvey Bay. I brought a few books and the Bible with me. I attended a friend's church and we had great fellowship time.
One of the book I am reading is Life Together: The Classic Exploration of Faith in Community. This is written by Dietrich Bonhoeffer. His books are deep. I spent one week reading and meditating upon the first chapter. It is on fellowship.
Here's some of the thoughts in my mind lately....
- Fellowship with Christ
- Fellowship in Christ
- Fellowship through Christ
One of the point he focus on was that fellowship is only possible through Christ. And the greatest hindrance to a fellowship is human desire (ego etc).
Through a mix of reading, praying and Bible Study at friend's fellowship, it is dawning to me...how significant and crucial Jesus Christ is. This statement might seem trivial as all Christian knows this (or should know it). But do I live it as I know it? By this I thought about when it comes to fellowship for example...we might thank the leader for doing a good job..we might pad each other for helping each other out....but do we thank Christ for reconciling us with God? It is only through being right with God that we can go on to love our brethen (brothers and sisters).
WOW. I was thinking about this and I think Dietrich hit it on the spot. Unless I am right with God, I can never love my brothers and my sisters. This make sense because I am a sinner and an enemy to God. If God is love, then no matter how hard I try no matter how good intention I have, I can never 'love' others as God is the source of love and I am far away from it. It is Jesus and only Jesus who make us right with God. To know such love and to guide us to love others as well.
WOW. I am in awe by that. We are helpless to even help ourselves. And to have fellowship with God it is when Christ sacrifice Himself on the cross..where He died alone, among His enemies and with no fellowship with God (Oh Father, why have you forsaken me?), that we were made right and have relationship with God.
I wonder....when I talk about Christian stuff...do I add more than that...this should be the definitive of a Christian. Do I add more things for others to do to become a Christian (you have to do this this and that...) Or do I simply accept a brethen as someone redeemed by Christ as Christ redeemed me? And shouldn't I celebrate in joy to have receive such fellowship which is given freely from God's Grace???
This might be a vacation but Jesus Christ is all I am dwelling right now.....His fellowship I desire...one Sunday School teacher once commented that according to Paul...Jesus Christ is everything...everything else..like career, relationshps or things....is no a concern to Paul..when I live as a Christian..do i simply skimp on the salvation and then pray to ask for more things?? Or is Jesus Christ as we all sing songs and talk about..is enough?? I pray to Holy Spirit I sure hope so....
Jesus Christ only...everything else is not that important in the end....
One week at the Transplant Games. The next week wander around Fraser Island and Harvey Bay. I brought a few books and the Bible with me. I attended a friend's church and we had great fellowship time.
One of the book I am reading is Life Together: The Classic Exploration of Faith in Community. This is written by Dietrich Bonhoeffer. His books are deep. I spent one week reading and meditating upon the first chapter. It is on fellowship.
Here's some of the thoughts in my mind lately....
- Fellowship with Christ
- Fellowship in Christ
- Fellowship through Christ
One of the point he focus on was that fellowship is only possible through Christ. And the greatest hindrance to a fellowship is human desire (ego etc).
Through a mix of reading, praying and Bible Study at friend's fellowship, it is dawning to me...how significant and crucial Jesus Christ is. This statement might seem trivial as all Christian knows this (or should know it). But do I live it as I know it? By this I thought about when it comes to fellowship for example...we might thank the leader for doing a good job..we might pad each other for helping each other out....but do we thank Christ for reconciling us with God? It is only through being right with God that we can go on to love our brethen (brothers and sisters).
WOW. I was thinking about this and I think Dietrich hit it on the spot. Unless I am right with God, I can never love my brothers and my sisters. This make sense because I am a sinner and an enemy to God. If God is love, then no matter how hard I try no matter how good intention I have, I can never 'love' others as God is the source of love and I am far away from it. It is Jesus and only Jesus who make us right with God. To know such love and to guide us to love others as well.
WOW. I am in awe by that. We are helpless to even help ourselves. And to have fellowship with God it is when Christ sacrifice Himself on the cross..where He died alone, among His enemies and with no fellowship with God (Oh Father, why have you forsaken me?), that we were made right and have relationship with God.
I wonder....when I talk about Christian stuff...do I add more than that...this should be the definitive of a Christian. Do I add more things for others to do to become a Christian (you have to do this this and that...) Or do I simply accept a brethen as someone redeemed by Christ as Christ redeemed me? And shouldn't I celebrate in joy to have receive such fellowship which is given freely from God's Grace???
This might be a vacation but Jesus Christ is all I am dwelling right now.....His fellowship I desire...one Sunday School teacher once commented that according to Paul...Jesus Christ is everything...everything else..like career, relationshps or things....is no a concern to Paul..when I live as a Christian..do i simply skimp on the salvation and then pray to ask for more things?? Or is Jesus Christ as we all sing songs and talk about..is enough?? I pray to Holy Spirit I sure hope so....
Jesus Christ only...everything else is not that important in the end....
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Health of a fellowship
I was speaking with my fellowship leader earlier this week.
We were talking about the health of the fellowship. The question is how do you define if your fellowship is successful? By numbers? By committed people? By how many people show up? By the growth of the fellowship?
As often as it sounds, I do not think this gives a full detail of the health of a fellowship (or church). Perhaps we should be looking for those who are missing and instead of those who are there.
In response to my fellowship leader, I asked him, how many people that have stopped coming to the fellowship? Perhaps we should be defining as to those who are lost and who are on the fringe of fellowship. Or even perhaps we should visit them and see how they are doing :O.
You know, those who stop coming to fellowship. Those who come once in a while. Those haven't come for the past month.
The question should be...for those who stop coming to our fellowship, why did they stop and what happen to them? (Note: this will take real work. Not just a self pride injection of a good job and pat on the back).
This is a hard question because it confront us to face the reality of the situation. Perhaps our fellowship is not as healthy as we thought.
Then again. Jesus did not come to seek the found. He came to seek the lost. Lost son, lost coin, lost sheep. He cared not for the 99 but for the one who had gone astray.
This is a less intrinsic thinking and a better measure of the 'success' of a church or a fellowship. Granted there are others factors (spiritual health, eagerness to hear the gospel, the heart for those who are lost etc). But if we are looking at the numbers game, then we should count on those who really matters. Or very least what matters in His' eyes.
We were talking about the health of the fellowship. The question is how do you define if your fellowship is successful? By numbers? By committed people? By how many people show up? By the growth of the fellowship?
As often as it sounds, I do not think this gives a full detail of the health of a fellowship (or church). Perhaps we should be looking for those who are missing and instead of those who are there.
In response to my fellowship leader, I asked him, how many people that have stopped coming to the fellowship? Perhaps we should be defining as to those who are lost and who are on the fringe of fellowship. Or even perhaps we should visit them and see how they are doing :O.
You know, those who stop coming to fellowship. Those who come once in a while. Those haven't come for the past month.
The question should be...for those who stop coming to our fellowship, why did they stop and what happen to them? (Note: this will take real work. Not just a self pride injection of a good job and pat on the back).
This is a hard question because it confront us to face the reality of the situation. Perhaps our fellowship is not as healthy as we thought.
Then again. Jesus did not come to seek the found. He came to seek the lost. Lost son, lost coin, lost sheep. He cared not for the 99 but for the one who had gone astray.
This is a less intrinsic thinking and a better measure of the 'success' of a church or a fellowship. Granted there are others factors (spiritual health, eagerness to hear the gospel, the heart for those who are lost etc). But if we are looking at the numbers game, then we should count on those who really matters. Or very least what matters in His' eyes.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
How to destory a fellowship
This post might sound quite radical. Please bear with me on this.
I led a fellowship for two years. I repeatedly reminded that the biggest lesson I learn about fellowship was the moment I stepped down leading.
The first year, I have no idea what I was doing. The second year, I had even less idea what I was doing.
Though the second year, I tried a lot of things. I rolled up my sleeve and thought, "alright, since I am a leader. I gotta make this fellowship thing happened. It will be the best. I will give everything I have to make this happened. Then I will be doing God's Work and be a good Christian."
So I picked up a book on how to form small groups in fellowship. I created a committee. I set down a year program. The Committee and I spent a number of nights hammering out every details. Ok, how are we going to do small groups. Who should go into who's small group. How should we split. Everything has to be perfect because this is for God.
The plan never worked the way I envisioned. As a leader I got to lead my fellowship. I have to have a game plan. I got to have everything set up. Each small group has a leader. Check. Make sure we are doing more Bible study so we can become closer to Christ. Check.
And I was excited. And I sold my dream and my vision to my committee. They were excited. We will have the best fellowship ever. We will be closer to each other. We will be closer to God. We will make it happen.
And you know what..it never happened the way intended. Some people felt it was awkward. Some people think this was not real. Some people resented the idea. But they went along b/c as I showed them the plan, they knew how much work my committee and I put into this (they knew b/c I told them).
....
That my friend...is how to destroy a fellowship.
I reflected on this...where did I go wrong? Why didn't it work? It was so perfect. My plan was so perfect.
There was the caviar of the problem. It was my plan and my committee. I used my own strength to do God's work. In the process of building a better fellowship, I lost the sight that the only way to build a fellowship of Christ is Christ Himself.
In the process of program, structure and finding the best way to build community, I focus too much on ME and not enough about Him. In fact, I so focus on my own talent and my resources that I forgot to follow Him. I lacked faith.
"The person who loves their dream of community will destroy community but the person who loves those around them will create community."- Dietrich Bonhoeffer
My ego and my pride of having a perfect program killed fellowship.
As the end of the fellowship, a number of people left. I was surprised by those who stay. This is God's grace. Despite my self center ambition, God's sovereignty still flow through.
If this is not the way to fellowship, where is 'authentic' fellowship? I looked at my own experience. Some of the fondest moment is outside of 'fellowship'. Over coffee or beer. Just sit back and shared a meal. Chat about anything under the sun. Trying to figure out where's God is leading us. That's fellowship.
A brother is going to step up and become a new leader for my fellowship. I told him, "if you want to see authentic fellowship. Do this..scrap all the programs and all the meetings. Have one night a month on Bible study and spend the rest of the nights serving, driving around and loving one another."
If I am leading fellowship again, this is what I would be. I wouldn't 'do' fellowship, I would be part of a fellowship. I will let Jesus lead. I will have no safety net. I will walk blindfolded.
This might sound radical (indeed). Perhaps it is also our culture in a very work centric mentality (gotta do this..and do that). Perhaps it is because we are insecure that we can rely on Holy Spirit to lead and we have to take control of fellowship (oh we need programs..we need Bible study..we need to do more community service).
I cringe whenever one say, "we need to build community." This is as real as going up to someone and say, "I am going to be your best friend by meeting three times a week for a year. Then for sure will be friends."
...
Am I suggest that a fellowship doesn't have programs or structures? By far no. Programs and structures do not build communities.
As Dietrich said, the person who loves those around them will create community.
We have to first love one another. Small steps with lots of love. As we love one another, community will form. And with community, programs and structures will form.
We need to discern and put the horse before the cart. Putting the cart before the horse will not go anywhere. Worst, it will choke the Holy Spirit.
In the process of leading, as I build the plan to break up into the small group, I was so driven in making it work..I forgot to love one another. Without love, everything we do is meaningless.
I led a fellowship for two years. I repeatedly reminded that the biggest lesson I learn about fellowship was the moment I stepped down leading.
The first year, I have no idea what I was doing. The second year, I had even less idea what I was doing.
Though the second year, I tried a lot of things. I rolled up my sleeve and thought, "alright, since I am a leader. I gotta make this fellowship thing happened. It will be the best. I will give everything I have to make this happened. Then I will be doing God's Work and be a good Christian."
So I picked up a book on how to form small groups in fellowship. I created a committee. I set down a year program. The Committee and I spent a number of nights hammering out every details. Ok, how are we going to do small groups. Who should go into who's small group. How should we split. Everything has to be perfect because this is for God.
The plan never worked the way I envisioned. As a leader I got to lead my fellowship. I have to have a game plan. I got to have everything set up. Each small group has a leader. Check. Make sure we are doing more Bible study so we can become closer to Christ. Check.
And I was excited. And I sold my dream and my vision to my committee. They were excited. We will have the best fellowship ever. We will be closer to each other. We will be closer to God. We will make it happen.
And you know what..it never happened the way intended. Some people felt it was awkward. Some people think this was not real. Some people resented the idea. But they went along b/c as I showed them the plan, they knew how much work my committee and I put into this (they knew b/c I told them).
....
That my friend...is how to destroy a fellowship.
I reflected on this...where did I go wrong? Why didn't it work? It was so perfect. My plan was so perfect.
There was the caviar of the problem. It was my plan and my committee. I used my own strength to do God's work. In the process of building a better fellowship, I lost the sight that the only way to build a fellowship of Christ is Christ Himself.
In the process of program, structure and finding the best way to build community, I focus too much on ME and not enough about Him. In fact, I so focus on my own talent and my resources that I forgot to follow Him. I lacked faith.
"The person who loves their dream of community will destroy community but the person who loves those around them will create community."- Dietrich Bonhoeffer
My ego and my pride of having a perfect program killed fellowship.
As the end of the fellowship, a number of people left. I was surprised by those who stay. This is God's grace. Despite my self center ambition, God's sovereignty still flow through.
If this is not the way to fellowship, where is 'authentic' fellowship? I looked at my own experience. Some of the fondest moment is outside of 'fellowship'. Over coffee or beer. Just sit back and shared a meal. Chat about anything under the sun. Trying to figure out where's God is leading us. That's fellowship.
A brother is going to step up and become a new leader for my fellowship. I told him, "if you want to see authentic fellowship. Do this..scrap all the programs and all the meetings. Have one night a month on Bible study and spend the rest of the nights serving, driving around and loving one another."
If I am leading fellowship again, this is what I would be. I wouldn't 'do' fellowship, I would be part of a fellowship. I will let Jesus lead. I will have no safety net. I will walk blindfolded.
This might sound radical (indeed). Perhaps it is also our culture in a very work centric mentality (gotta do this..and do that). Perhaps it is because we are insecure that we can rely on Holy Spirit to lead and we have to take control of fellowship (oh we need programs..we need Bible study..we need to do more community service).
I cringe whenever one say, "we need to build community." This is as real as going up to someone and say, "I am going to be your best friend by meeting three times a week for a year. Then for sure will be friends."
...
Am I suggest that a fellowship doesn't have programs or structures? By far no. Programs and structures do not build communities.
As Dietrich said, the person who loves those around them will create community.
We have to first love one another. Small steps with lots of love. As we love one another, community will form. And with community, programs and structures will form.
We need to discern and put the horse before the cart. Putting the cart before the horse will not go anywhere. Worst, it will choke the Holy Spirit.
In the process of leading, as I build the plan to break up into the small group, I was so driven in making it work..I forgot to love one another. Without love, everything we do is meaningless.
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