It has been a while since I listened to a refreshing talk on the Kingdom of God. The one main point I picked from this video is that my failures are part of God's winning strategies. So refreshing!! This video is taken from Reaching the Unreached 2011 Conference.
Gospel ministry according to the parable of the sower - Andy Mason from Reaching the Unreached on Vimeo.
Showing posts with label kingdom. Show all posts
Showing posts with label kingdom. Show all posts
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Monday, November 8, 2010
Justice and Money
Taken from my friend's blog...which she took it from an article written by Tim Keller:
A few more thoughts (mostly my opinion). I think it is much easier to preach Jesus and sins then tell the congregation to invest money for the Kingdom of God (side note: this is not just about giving tithes or weekly offerings). I would even wanna say it is easier to tell the congregation to spend more time with church activities (insert go to Prayer Meeting, go to Fellowship, join a program...) than tell them to spend for the Kingdom instead of their own consumption needs (in North America, often this is a self entertainment purpose and not a necessity like food or shelter..). Money is a mix topic. It is personal and tabboo. Perhaps this is the ... this is my money. I have the right to spend it the way I want. What gives you the right to tell me how to spend it.
How often we think of money as a blessing from God...and how often the Bible also often warn about the love of money is not compatible with following God (Jesus in Matthew 6. Jesus and the Rich Young Ruler. James talk about the love of money is root of all evil.)
It is truly an upside down way of living....when we strive to live with the Kingdom investment first....then spend secondary for oneself. Rather than follow the culture of I make as much as I can, find ways to save as much as I can so I can spend and enjoy as much as I can.
Yesterday, I was sharing with a youth ministry about a mission trip we went earlier in the summer. The pastor asked me about missional living...I shared about purposely trying to hold back from owning a car as long as possible in order to use that money for mission purpose. In highschool, owning a car is a symbol and status of independence and freedom. Priorities definitely change when one's eye is on the Kingdom.
So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
However, many people have imbibed not only an emotional resonance for rights and justice from our culture, but also a consumerism that undermines self-denial and delayed gratification. While they may give some of their time, they spend large amounts of money on entertainment, their appearance, electronics, and travel. For a great number, then, volunteering is part of their portfolio of life-enriching activities, but it is not a feature of a whole life shaped by a commitment to doing justice, including radical generosity with one’s finances.
Our culture gives us a mixed message. It says: make lots of money and spend it on yourself; get an identity by the kind of clothes you wear and the places you travel to and live. But also do some volunteer work, care about social justice, because you don’t want to be just a selfish pig. However, Christians’ attitudes toward our time and our money should not be shaped by our society; they should be shaped by the gospel of Christ, who became poor so that we could become rich (2 Corinthians 8:9).
A few more thoughts (mostly my opinion). I think it is much easier to preach Jesus and sins then tell the congregation to invest money for the Kingdom of God (side note: this is not just about giving tithes or weekly offerings). I would even wanna say it is easier to tell the congregation to spend more time with church activities (insert go to Prayer Meeting, go to Fellowship, join a program...) than tell them to spend for the Kingdom instead of their own consumption needs (in North America, often this is a self entertainment purpose and not a necessity like food or shelter..). Money is a mix topic. It is personal and tabboo. Perhaps this is the ... this is my money. I have the right to spend it the way I want. What gives you the right to tell me how to spend it.
How often we think of money as a blessing from God...and how often the Bible also often warn about the love of money is not compatible with following God (Jesus in Matthew 6. Jesus and the Rich Young Ruler. James talk about the love of money is root of all evil.)
It is truly an upside down way of living....when we strive to live with the Kingdom investment first....then spend secondary for oneself. Rather than follow the culture of I make as much as I can, find ways to save as much as I can so I can spend and enjoy as much as I can.
Yesterday, I was sharing with a youth ministry about a mission trip we went earlier in the summer. The pastor asked me about missional living...I shared about purposely trying to hold back from owning a car as long as possible in order to use that money for mission purpose. In highschool, owning a car is a symbol and status of independence and freedom. Priorities definitely change when one's eye is on the Kingdom.
So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
Matthew 6:31-33
“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.
“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it."
Monday, October 4, 2010
80% chance of rain, 100% of children in need being saved
I did not come up with the title to this post. Jessi was the originator of the title from her photo album taken at this event.
And then there is the bike ride. The event have different distances for us to select; 25 k, 50 k and 100 k.
We selected the 25 k route.
To loose the chains of injustice...the rain continued to come down. Rain drops were heavier. It didn't matter. I prayed as I rode back. Pray for Cambodia. Pray for the girls that were still lost. Pray for God to intervene. Pray for a nation that is in the midst of poverty. Pray for the courage to fight against a bigger cause.
We were back just as soon as we left. It was a joyful moment.
It was good. It was good to ride for a cause bigger than myself. It was awesome to see everyone helping out with donations. Many were so generous. In the end, it was good to be part of God's plan in extending His Kingdom!
For the need is out there is great. And we will keep going. Even amidst the rain. We will not stop.
There are events in life where one must jump in full force. Yesterday was one of those times when I decided to go do it without thinking too much.
Thinking, reflecting and discerning is useful. There are times we need to plan properly before we act. We might have to weight different options. We need to play with different scenarios and make sure we are picking the right one.
There are times when we have to act before thinking too much. Maybe it is too hard. Maybe it is impossible. Maybe we think we can't do it. And we talk ourselves out of it and walk away.
Every first Sat, I attend a prayer meeting and we prayed for Cambodia. A mixture of different Christians, from different churches, from all walks of life, come together with the sole focus to pray for a country half way around the world.
Someone mentioned that there is a event coming up called Ride for Refuge. We can use this event to sponsor Ratanak.
I talked to my friend, Paul, and suggested we should put a team together. After the prayer meeting, I went back home and created a team page.
I am not a very keen person on raising money. I don't think I am very good at it. I don't like asking people for money. I have no clue who will be interested.
I did it because there is a huge need in Cambodia. We prayed for Ratanak and other ministries in Cambodia. This sermon was on praying and acting afterwards. To pray without action = nothing.
And there is much need indeed.
Paul and I asked everyone and anyone. I started off with a goal of $1,000. Then it bloomed to $1,500. On the night before the race, we raised over $2,000. $2,260. It was awesome. You can check out our team page at http://bit.ly/Ride4Ratanak.
And then there is the bike ride. The event have different distances for us to select; 25 k, 50 k and 100 k.
We selected the 25 k route.
I haven't rode a normal bike for a long time. I had to borrow one from my friend's.
Yesterday was a chilly day. Paul and his wife, Jessi, brought his family along (a five year old and a four months old). We prayed and then we were off.
The 25 k route was around the area I use to train for Ironman. It was great to be back there again. Patches of trees and farm lands. Quietness on the road. On occasions, we would pass horses or cows grazing the field. Paul and I were moving along discussing different topics...including different styles on approaching theology. It was great.
There were volunteers along the route to guide and cheered for us. They were wonderful. As we were heading back, the rain started to come down. It was getting chilly and windy.
Then I thought about the reason why we were riding. For Ratanak. I thought about the girls that were sold to sex slavery. Some girls chose to sell their bodies because their family was too poor. The same girls being taking care by Ratanak. The many prayers items we prayed for those who are lost and those who are oppressed. I thought about this verse from Isaiah...
There were volunteers along the route to guide and cheered for us. They were wonderful. As we were heading back, the rain started to come down. It was getting chilly and windy.
Then I thought about the reason why we were riding. For Ratanak. I thought about the girls that were sold to sex slavery. Some girls chose to sell their bodies because their family was too poor. The same girls being taking care by Ratanak. The many prayers items we prayed for those who are lost and those who are oppressed. I thought about this verse from Isaiah...
"Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen:
to loose the chains of injustice
and untie the cords of the yoke,
to set the oppressed free
and break every yoke?
To loose the chains of injustice...the rain continued to come down. Rain drops were heavier. It didn't matter. I prayed as I rode back. Pray for Cambodia. Pray for the girls that were still lost. Pray for God to intervene. Pray for a nation that is in the midst of poverty. Pray for the courage to fight against a bigger cause.
We were back just as soon as we left. It was a joyful moment.
It was good. It was good to ride for a cause bigger than myself. It was awesome to see everyone helping out with donations. Many were so generous. In the end, it was good to be part of God's plan in extending His Kingdom!
For the need is out there is great. And we will keep going. Even amidst the rain. We will not stop.
..and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry
and satisfy the needs of the oppressed,
then your light will rise in the darkness,
and your night will become like the noonday.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Seek First His Kingdom
I am taking the course Worldview Spirituality at McMaster Divinity College (Mac Div) for this term.
I went to my first class on Monday. The prof ended the class with an illustration using a jar, sand and rocks.
He first showed the empty jar and told us that the jar represent the times we have. Everyone is fair in this area in that we all have 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. He then poured the sand into the jar. The sand represented the many worries and tiny things in our lives that often grab our attention. The sand filled most of the jar. When the prof tried to add the rocks, some of them spilled over. The rocks are the big and important matters in our lives.
He then took another jar and place the rocks in it first. Then he poured the sand into the jar.
When we focus on the important matters in our lives, all the other stuff will fit right in.
He then asked if there is a message that is similar to this in the Bible.
A student said....
In Matthew 6:31-33, Jesus said..
Normally, I would read from verse 19 until 34. It is almost one unit explaining money, God, and everything in between.
I've seen the jar, sand and rock illustration before. Though that night, I grasped a bit more. Perhaps it is because of the period of life I am in.
There are many worries. About career, about house, about getting marry, about paying the bills. The things that my age group long for and go after.
Like the illustration Jesus was using, food, drink and clothing, these are what's matter in most people lives.
Jesus flipped these and teach that the most important matter is to seek His Kingdom and His Righteousness.
On the drive home, I was thinking about this. How much faith and how bold one must be in order to say..."I will seek His Kingdom first....first over my career, my friends, my fun things, my vacation, my car, my house, my relationship...."
Notice that Jesus didn't say denial of these things but rather He promises that these things will be given to us by our Father. We have a Father that knows we need them.
I can already foresee, is that what future is like? More daily worries? Yes, there are more responsibilities (raising a family etc.). Is this what being a children of God is about? How does following Christ makes a different in this?
As I grow up, I started to notice how the sand of my life absorb my time and attention so quickly. Two years ago when I first applied for Mac Div, my plan was to give up part of my career and take more courses. Two years later, I am still in the same situation....perhaps I am clinging onto what pagans run after.
The passage is not a condemnation. I don't think Jesus is telling us, "ah-ha. You see how you run after worldly things. You should be ashamed to be called my follower." Rather, Jesus is gently reminding us that we indeed have a heavenly Father who will provide for us. As such, we can rest on that alone.
I am joyful because I have confidence in what Jesus say. It is an encouragement. It is like an affirmation from Him it is ok to go all out for His Kingdom.
This is a very bold and courageous way to live. To live in faith is not merely passive or be nice. It is, often, goes against the grain of what's seem to be normal or logical. And sometimes it goes against the cultural and life expectation. Though, when one's life is align with the Father's Will, what doesn't make sense in this world makes perfect sense in His Kingdom.
Where once, I worried my next paycheck or not enough money or need more money for this or that [haha, notice how often the thought of money springs up?], I shouldn't.... the same Father who provides for the birds in the air and clothe the flowers in the field will provide for me.
AMEN....
Focus on the BIG rocks.
I went to my first class on Monday. The prof ended the class with an illustration using a jar, sand and rocks.
He first showed the empty jar and told us that the jar represent the times we have. Everyone is fair in this area in that we all have 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. He then poured the sand into the jar. The sand represented the many worries and tiny things in our lives that often grab our attention. The sand filled most of the jar. When the prof tried to add the rocks, some of them spilled over. The rocks are the big and important matters in our lives.
He then took another jar and place the rocks in it first. Then he poured the sand into the jar.
When we focus on the important matters in our lives, all the other stuff will fit right in.
He then asked if there is a message that is similar to this in the Bible.
A student said....
"Seek first His Kingdom..."
In Matthew 6:31-33, Jesus said..
So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
Normally, I would read from verse 19 until 34. It is almost one unit explaining money, God, and everything in between.
I've seen the jar, sand and rock illustration before. Though that night, I grasped a bit more. Perhaps it is because of the period of life I am in.
There are many worries. About career, about house, about getting marry, about paying the bills. The things that my age group long for and go after.
Like the illustration Jesus was using, food, drink and clothing, these are what's matter in most people lives.
Jesus flipped these and teach that the most important matter is to seek His Kingdom and His Righteousness.
On the drive home, I was thinking about this. How much faith and how bold one must be in order to say..."I will seek His Kingdom first....first over my career, my friends, my fun things, my vacation, my car, my house, my relationship...."
Notice that Jesus didn't say denial of these things but rather He promises that these things will be given to us by our Father. We have a Father that knows we need them.
I can already foresee, is that what future is like? More daily worries? Yes, there are more responsibilities (raising a family etc.). Is this what being a children of God is about? How does following Christ makes a different in this?
As I grow up, I started to notice how the sand of my life absorb my time and attention so quickly. Two years ago when I first applied for Mac Div, my plan was to give up part of my career and take more courses. Two years later, I am still in the same situation....perhaps I am clinging onto what pagans run after.
The passage is not a condemnation. I don't think Jesus is telling us, "ah-ha. You see how you run after worldly things. You should be ashamed to be called my follower." Rather, Jesus is gently reminding us that we indeed have a heavenly Father who will provide for us. As such, we can rest on that alone.
I am joyful because I have confidence in what Jesus say. It is an encouragement. It is like an affirmation from Him it is ok to go all out for His Kingdom.
This is a very bold and courageous way to live. To live in faith is not merely passive or be nice. It is, often, goes against the grain of what's seem to be normal or logical. And sometimes it goes against the cultural and life expectation. Though, when one's life is align with the Father's Will, what doesn't make sense in this world makes perfect sense in His Kingdom.
Where once, I worried my next paycheck or not enough money or need more money for this or that [haha, notice how often the thought of money springs up?], I shouldn't.... the same Father who provides for the birds in the air and clothe the flowers in the field will provide for me.
AMEN....
Focus on the BIG rocks.
Monday, August 23, 2010
Lifestyle Living and Kingdom Living
I will do a summary on my experience at St Jamestown Short Term Mission trip later....this has been on my mind for the past two weeks and I need to jot it down. Perhaps seeing the poverty at St Jamestown trigger this post even more so.
This morning I have been eye-ing on the passage Matthew 13 when Jesus uses parables to describe the Kingdom...
A long time ago, I had one of those conversations with a Christian friend that I absolutely loathe. I hated it because it made me feel like I was a Christian police. And if taken the wrong way, friendship would be broken and it made me looked like a legalist or some high nose phraisees.
My friend was mentioning he was having money troubles. I, in return, shared about how God provided when I needed money to fix my teeth from my bike accidents a few years ago. Then a while later, he was talking about getting a new car.
I tried my best to hold my teeth. Let him live the way he live. After all, money is a private matter. Speaking about money with another Christian, from my experience, almost always end up being unpleasant. Not sure what we do with the teachings of Jesus when he talks about money. But more often than not, the response is typically, 'well, I need to live right? I need money. Yes, we all worship one God and believed in Jesus. When it comes to living, I live the life that I want. God gives me the freedom to do that.'
Or it is the, 'isn't being a Christian all about attitude? I need to take a vacation right? I deserve it after all the hard work I've been doing (insert..for the church etc.)'
Or 'really, how practical is it to live according to what Jesus talked about selling everything and follow Him? Obviously Jesus didn't mean to do it practically. It is up to me to decide what to do with the money and I will spend it accordingly.'
So I had a minor confrontation with my friend. I shared how I recall his financial situation before and how he was contemplating of his new purchases. I offered ways that it is more feasible to buy a used car or something of a lower class. It was practical..but no glitz.
After much talk, he asked me how should one live according to Jesus...
This is when I started to compare lifestyle living and Kingdom living...
Everyone lives according to how much they earn.
For example, say I am an accountant and I make 65 k a year. I will go on vacation based on 65 k. I will buy a car based on how much I can afford with 65 k. So on and so fourth. If I make more money, say 100 k (rich accountant!), then I will live according to that. Get a bigger house, a fancier car, a nicer vacation to fit into the 100 k lifestyle.
Kingdom living is wholly different. Kingdom living is according to the Kingdom that Jesus declared (for more on Kingdom living....can read the Beatitudes, Matthew 4-7). Kingdom living focuses on Jesus as the Lord. We live according to His guidance. He, through the Holy Spirit, might call us to go love a bunch of people we don't really care. We give up our lifestyle and live according to what He has given us. And (in most cases in North America where we are much wealthier), we invest in His Kingdom (Matthew 6:33).
I pushed a bit further. I shared the fact that we live in Canada, we are wealthier than 80% of the world. This means, we are rich (even at times we don't look or feel like it). What did Jesus command the rich to do? To give freely to those who need it.
So if I need to get a car, I try hard to save as much as I can to get a second grade car. With the money I saved up, I invest in the Kingdom. Or, every year I go on vacation. Let say I work for 10 years and I went on ten vacations. Is it really give up that much to spend one vacation instead on going to an orphanage?
I will be honest. Looking at the way we, Christians, spend our money, I can say maybe the cost is too high to give up. [Where we spend our money is where our heart is.]
Some believe that to be a good stewards of God's resources, money, we should spend it wisely and make good decisions. Too true. But how often I see we use the money for our own needs neglecting our neighbors. I can go a bit further and go back to Genesis 12:2 when God commands Abraham to be a blessings to others. It's tough to be a blessing to other nations when I am happy when I save money from a good sales and others are still starving.
Today at Sunday School I was sharing how much joy it is to give because I see God's Kingdom at work. And God is using me for His purposes. I think, if someone doesn't get the Kingdom, to them giving is a chore. This is old covenant, performance-based thinking. I give in order to please God because this is what the rule say.
To be filled with the Spirit, to be reborn again, it is a joy to give. To give is a privilege because after seeing what Jesus had done for me, what more do I value? Salvation is so precious. I will sell everything for it. Just as Jesus' parable, those who 'sees' the Kingdom, they will be so joyful that they are willing to give up everything for it.
If there is any encouragement, it is from reading Francis Chan's The Forgetten God.
This morning I have been eye-ing on the passage Matthew 13 when Jesus uses parables to describe the Kingdom...
The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.
Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.
...
My friend was mentioning he was having money troubles. I, in return, shared about how God provided when I needed money to fix my teeth from my bike accidents a few years ago. Then a while later, he was talking about getting a new car.
I tried my best to hold my teeth. Let him live the way he live. After all, money is a private matter. Speaking about money with another Christian, from my experience, almost always end up being unpleasant. Not sure what we do with the teachings of Jesus when he talks about money. But more often than not, the response is typically, 'well, I need to live right? I need money. Yes, we all worship one God and believed in Jesus. When it comes to living, I live the life that I want. God gives me the freedom to do that.'
Or it is the, 'isn't being a Christian all about attitude? I need to take a vacation right? I deserve it after all the hard work I've been doing (insert..for the church etc.)'
Or 'really, how practical is it to live according to what Jesus talked about selling everything and follow Him? Obviously Jesus didn't mean to do it practically. It is up to me to decide what to do with the money and I will spend it accordingly.'
So I had a minor confrontation with my friend. I shared how I recall his financial situation before and how he was contemplating of his new purchases. I offered ways that it is more feasible to buy a used car or something of a lower class. It was practical..but no glitz.
After much talk, he asked me how should one live according to Jesus...
This is when I started to compare lifestyle living and Kingdom living...
Lifestyle Living
Everyone lives according to how much they earn.
For example, say I am an accountant and I make 65 k a year. I will go on vacation based on 65 k. I will buy a car based on how much I can afford with 65 k. So on and so fourth. If I make more money, say 100 k (rich accountant!), then I will live according to that. Get a bigger house, a fancier car, a nicer vacation to fit into the 100 k lifestyle.
Kingdom Living
Kingdom living is wholly different. Kingdom living is according to the Kingdom that Jesus declared (for more on Kingdom living....can read the Beatitudes, Matthew 4-7). Kingdom living focuses on Jesus as the Lord. We live according to His guidance. He, through the Holy Spirit, might call us to go love a bunch of people we don't really care. We give up our lifestyle and live according to what He has given us. And (in most cases in North America where we are much wealthier), we invest in His Kingdom (Matthew 6:33).
I pushed a bit further. I shared the fact that we live in Canada, we are wealthier than 80% of the world. This means, we are rich (even at times we don't look or feel like it). What did Jesus command the rich to do? To give freely to those who need it.
So if I need to get a car, I try hard to save as much as I can to get a second grade car. With the money I saved up, I invest in the Kingdom. Or, every year I go on vacation. Let say I work for 10 years and I went on ten vacations. Is it really give up that much to spend one vacation instead on going to an orphanage?
I will be honest. Looking at the way we, Christians, spend our money, I can say maybe the cost is too high to give up. [Where we spend our money is where our heart is.]
Some believe that to be a good stewards of God's resources, money, we should spend it wisely and make good decisions. Too true. But how often I see we use the money for our own needs neglecting our neighbors. I can go a bit further and go back to Genesis 12:2 when God commands Abraham to be a blessings to others. It's tough to be a blessing to other nations when I am happy when I save money from a good sales and others are still starving.
Today at Sunday School I was sharing how much joy it is to give because I see God's Kingdom at work. And God is using me for His purposes. I think, if someone doesn't get the Kingdom, to them giving is a chore. This is old covenant, performance-based thinking. I give in order to please God because this is what the rule say.
To be filled with the Spirit, to be reborn again, it is a joy to give. To give is a privilege because after seeing what Jesus had done for me, what more do I value? Salvation is so precious. I will sell everything for it. Just as Jesus' parable, those who 'sees' the Kingdom, they will be so joyful that they are willing to give up everything for it.
If there is any encouragement, it is from reading Francis Chan's The Forgetten God.
Things like this happen all the time. As a church, we tend to do this to peoplewho are passionate and bold. We mellow them out. Institutionalize them. Deadem them to the work that the Spirit is doing in them.
...
Instead of encouraging people who are doing courageous things for God and joining them in their discernment process of how to be faithful to what God is calling them to, we tell them to slow down and back off. Instead of being astonished at believers' courage, frequently (and unfortunately) I am astonished at believers' timidity and lack of boldness. What a contrast to the biblical model we are given!
A few months ago I was speaking at a summer camp, and I was speaking to one of the organizations there that sponsors children. This volunteer told me about a sixteen-year-old girl there at t he camp who sponsors fourteen children, on her own. I was astonished by this....She told me that she works year-round and she works three jobs in the summertime to pay for the child support. While other teenagers are saving for a car, she's saving lives! Instead of spending her hard-earned money on herself and her future, she gives it to these fourteen children because she believes God loves them just as much as He loves her.
...
People told us that we were foolish and irresponsible with the gifts God gave us. They said we should at least put some away in case of an emergency. My response back was, "Is it not an emergency that children in Cambodia and Thailand and even the United States are being raped every single day of their lives? Why is that not an emergency?" I think the church often inadvenrtently teaches that the sex-slave trade is not an emergency. And this, I believe, is sin. Is an emergency only an emergency if it affects me and my immediately family?
...
What I am saying, though, is that instead of thinking and telling people they are crazy when they feel like the Spirit is leading them into something that doesn't necessarily make sense to us, we should join them in the discernment process. Instead of discouraging people, we should pray for more insight and boldness. Instead of deadening people to the Spirit's leading with our words and our actions, we should celebrate and join the Spirit's movement in and through them!
Friday, March 26, 2010
Reflection
Fairchild TV is a Chinese TV station in Canada. On Saturday, they are doing a story on me, my liver transplant at Sick Kids and my triathlon and 'athletic' achievements. I use the term athletic loosely as after all the triathlons I completed, I still do not consider myself as an athlete.
For the coming interview, they asked me to invite my friends and my family to come and share my story and my experience.
Coincidentally during this week at work, my coworker told a new coworker that I had a liver transplant and how I am very healthy and active. Naturally I started to share about my past and how it is a miracle that I am alive today.
Heh. It is funny how I often forget. Last month when I taught the Sunday School about how the people in Exodus keep forgetting what God had done for them, that's like me.
Tonight I am looking through the photos to print out for Saturday. As I looked at the races I done. From my first triathlon, to an Ironman, to Transplant Games, I can't stop to realize that wasn't that far ago. It felt very distance away.
At the same time, I pause as to see where God had took me from a few years ago.
When I was in highschool, there were nights when I lie in my bed, telling myself I had to be successful in life. Then at University, the desired to become financially independent was enslaving. Friendships were broken for the sake of a dollar. Right after I graduated and right before I started coming to Church, I wrote a list of things I must accomplish. And guess what, they all revolve around making money and making riches. To support family and be financially independent.
Now in a short five years, that list which compel me to go, no longer dimmed attractive. By God's Grace, I am freed from the slave of worldly wealth. I caught a glimpse of a treasure that is worth more than anything I own or ever will own. Nor can I afford it. Yet it was bestow upon me without a price, yet at the same time with such an immense cost.
And if there is anything, I can testify that God do indeed have the power to change heart. He did it to me. Hehe..without my approval or my awareness.
Tonight, I was at Open Door sorting clothes before heading to fellowship. And as I walked by Open Door where they served dinner to the needy on every Thursday, I was greeted by a familiar face. She and her family were regulars. She remembered when me and my fellowship played bingos with the group last year gave everyone presents.
And this is what I cherish now. The longing of a kingdom that this world desperately needs but does not realize nor care. A kingdom fill with grace, mercy and compassion. A kingdom that is so radical that it welcomes the unrighteous and the 'righteous'. A kingdom that breaks the grip of this world not by power or might, but by humility and gentleness.
I said it before and I say it now, I never consider what I did as something great. Nor can I take credit for what's happening in my life. I am nothing more than an observer of a great One who is working through me. I am just a messenger of the One who came 2000 years ago and will be coming. I am nothing more than passerby in this land. A sojourner. An exile. And someday I will go back to my true home.
Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.
Matthew 13:45-46
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