Spiritually uplifting! Emotionally encouraging!!
It doesn’t need to be Charismatic to achieve that.
Appropriate words and songs (that fits the sermon theme) of the worship team makes all the differences. Their body languages and expressions speak more than words.
Good choices of Psalm in worship (and sharing of personal thoughts) bring on the spiritual dimension:
Psalm 100:2,3
Psalm 23
Thank you, worship leader, for quoting Psalm 30:5b as you sense the Spirit leading at the appropriate time of the service.
weeping may remain for a night,
but rejoicing comes in the morning (Psalm 30:5b)
It is an expository message that identifies with the congregation going through this economic crisis. Thank you, Pastor Dr., well expounded and illustrated. We can identify with you as you share your struggles as well.
An empathizing altar call for prayer to those discouraged round up the worship service.
I will definitely worship here again :)
PTL (Praise the Lord)
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Friday, May 29, 2009
My Favourite Hideout!!
End of the month! I decided to take a break and do some personal things …
Went to Singapore Bible College library and do some reading. But the library closed at 4pm. So I was prepared to go to one place I had not been for years… (took some pictures with my handphone)
Look familiar?
Went to Singapore Bible College library and do some reading. But the library closed at 4pm. So I was prepared to go to one place I had not been for years… (took some pictures with my handphone)
Look familiar?MacRitchie Reservoir used to be my favourite running place. Manage to run round the normal 4.8km route twice.
Nice scenery.
It good to be back!! :)
It good to be back!! :)
10 things I hate most
10. People’s habitual slack in punctuality
9. Talk to an insurance agent
8. Keep pestering and asking me to do things I don’t want to
7. Being in a committee where I am not elected but by walkover
6. Caught in a Traffic Jam
5. Bad working attitudes of some people in a group’s project
4. Being wrongly accused of things I didn’t do
3. I misplaced and lost my things
2. When I plan and organize something for others and they don’t bother to come
1. … (Guess What) ??
1. Depend on others for help and end up owing them a favour!
9. Talk to an insurance agent
8. Keep pestering and asking me to do things I don’t want to
7. Being in a committee where I am not elected but by walkover
6. Caught in a Traffic Jam
5. Bad working attitudes of some people in a group’s project
4. Being wrongly accused of things I didn’t do
3. I misplaced and lost my things
2. When I plan and organize something for others and they don’t bother to come
1. … (Guess What) ??
1. Depend on others for help and end up owing them a favour!
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Do Dinosaurs exist on this earth?
After reading the Book of Job, I believe dinosaurs and dragons (a species of dinosaur) do exist in this earth many many years ago.
Job Chapter 1-2 Introduction; Interesting to read
Job Chapter 3-31 Debate; Heavy and difficult to follow
Job Chapter 32-37 Elihu’s speech; A lot of interesting points on God’s attributes
Job Chapter 38-41 God’s rebuttal; Very interesting passages (MUST READ)
Job Chapter 42 Closing; Happy Ending
So in chapter 40 & 41 – God talks about 2 animals called Behemoth and Leviathan. I suspect these animals are what modern day’s people call them dinosaurs.
Behemoth has the following attributes according to Job 40:15-24
· It “eats grass like an ox.”
· It “moves his tail like a cedar.”
· Its “bones are like beams of bronze,His ribs like bars of iron.”
· “He is the first of the ways of God.”
· “He lies under the lotus trees,In a covert of reeds and marsh.”
So Behemoth is an herbivorous dinosaur
I suspect Leviathan is more like a sea reptile (or dinosaur) since Job 41:1 talk about catching it with a fish hook. I check some other references and Isa 27:1 also talk about this creature as a sea creature. Also Psalm 104:25,26 mentions it as a sea creature. Job 41 gives some very interesting description about this Leviathan. In verses 19-21, it can blow fires from its mouth, like a dragon we see in cartoons or Shrek, the movie.
OK, now I am convinced that dinosaurs do exist, but is not called dinosaur in ancient days.
Dinosaurs were called Behemoth and Leviathan.
Job Chapter 1-2 Introduction; Interesting to read
Job Chapter 3-31 Debate; Heavy and difficult to follow
Job Chapter 32-37 Elihu’s speech; A lot of interesting points on God’s attributes
Job Chapter 38-41 God’s rebuttal; Very interesting passages (MUST READ)
Job Chapter 42 Closing; Happy Ending
So in chapter 40 & 41 – God talks about 2 animals called Behemoth and Leviathan. I suspect these animals are what modern day’s people call them dinosaurs.
Behemoth has the following attributes according to Job 40:15-24
· It “eats grass like an ox.”
· It “moves his tail like a cedar.”
· Its “bones are like beams of bronze,His ribs like bars of iron.”
· “He is the first of the ways of God.”
· “He lies under the lotus trees,In a covert of reeds and marsh.”
So Behemoth is an herbivorous dinosaur
I suspect Leviathan is more like a sea reptile (or dinosaur) since Job 41:1 talk about catching it with a fish hook. I check some other references and Isa 27:1 also talk about this creature as a sea creature. Also Psalm 104:25,26 mentions it as a sea creature. Job 41 gives some very interesting description about this Leviathan. In verses 19-21, it can blow fires from its mouth, like a dragon we see in cartoons or Shrek, the movie.
OK, now I am convinced that dinosaurs do exist, but is not called dinosaur in ancient days.
Dinosaurs were called Behemoth and Leviathan.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Time for soul searching
Reading the Book of Job stirs up in me much soul-searching, heart struggling thoughts.
Like the 3 friends of Job who can only see the outward doings of Job and accuse him of sin, so too people will always jump to wrong conclusions about others.
The debate in this Book from chapters 3-31 is difficult to follow. Perhaps one needs to know Hebrew to have a better understanding?
Violence! Wickedness! Injustice! Calamities! We see them all!!
When others encounters sufferings and mishaps, we conclude: “They sin so they suffer”. But when we face these suffering, we ask: “Where is God?”
For Job, we went into a deep soul searching and recounts his days before disasters struck him (chapter 29), how he was a blessing to all people. Things changed after his sufferings and people treated him repulsively (Chapter 30).
2 wonderful passages to read in this Book:
Job soul searching moment (Chapter 31) and the search for wisdom (Chapter 28)
And He said to humankind, ‘Truly, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding’ (Job 28:28, NRSV)
Like the 3 friends of Job who can only see the outward doings of Job and accuse him of sin, so too people will always jump to wrong conclusions about others.
The debate in this Book from chapters 3-31 is difficult to follow. Perhaps one needs to know Hebrew to have a better understanding?
Violence! Wickedness! Injustice! Calamities! We see them all!!
When others encounters sufferings and mishaps, we conclude: “They sin so they suffer”. But when we face these suffering, we ask: “Where is God?”
For Job, we went into a deep soul searching and recounts his days before disasters struck him (chapter 29), how he was a blessing to all people. Things changed after his sufferings and people treated him repulsively (Chapter 30).
2 wonderful passages to read in this Book:
Job soul searching moment (Chapter 31) and the search for wisdom (Chapter 28)
And He said to humankind, ‘Truly, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding’ (Job 28:28, NRSV)
Friday, May 22, 2009
What is work?
After all that have happened in work this week, I ask: “What is work?”
Having pondered over this, I believe God is the one who started work. We read in Genesis 2:15 that God gave Adam a job – till the Garden. So, doing something that is productive to sustain life is good.
What if you don’t like what you are doing? What if you are stressed by people at work?
Change job!!
Or say: “God ask me to go to another job” (act spiritual)
…… (thinking) ….
As my thought starts to be more crystallized…
Change my attitude :)
Yah, did I write about attitude before, about attitude makes the difference? Never mind. Today, I began to feel better and having a more positive attitude. Forget about those emails and insinuating remarks.
A few weeks ago, I read this book – “Take this Job & Love it” by Stanley C. Baldwin
It talks about dealing with people and boss at work, giving our best in our job and also discuss about full-time job as compare to secular job. We too can glorify and honor God in our secular job, not just the Pastors, church workers and full-time ministry leaders.
Stanley Baldwin in his book reminds me of this:
“When we obey God in our work, we witness to the entire spiritual universe – to angels, to demon, and to man – that, like Jesus, we embrace the will of the Father.
The way to obey God in my work is to see my job as working for the glory of the Almighty.
Let’s honor God even in our secular jobs!!
Having pondered over this, I believe God is the one who started work. We read in Genesis 2:15 that God gave Adam a job – till the Garden. So, doing something that is productive to sustain life is good.
What if you don’t like what you are doing? What if you are stressed by people at work?
Change job!!
Or say: “God ask me to go to another job” (act spiritual)
…… (thinking) ….
As my thought starts to be more crystallized…
Change my attitude :)
Yah, did I write about attitude before, about attitude makes the difference? Never mind. Today, I began to feel better and having a more positive attitude. Forget about those emails and insinuating remarks.
A few weeks ago, I read this book – “Take this Job & Love it” by Stanley C. Baldwin
It talks about dealing with people and boss at work, giving our best in our job and also discuss about full-time job as compare to secular job. We too can glorify and honor God in our secular job, not just the Pastors, church workers and full-time ministry leaders.Stanley Baldwin in his book reminds me of this:
“When we obey God in our work, we witness to the entire spiritual universe – to angels, to demon, and to man – that, like Jesus, we embrace the will of the Father.
The way to obey God in my work is to see my job as working for the glory of the Almighty.
Let’s honor God even in our secular jobs!!
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
God, why must You choose the Jews?
It’s tough working with Jews, especially in business dealings.
We Christians, tend to think highly of the Jews. This is likely because we have read more about Moses, David, Joseph and Daniel and so have a very good impression of the Jews. In reality, they are the slyest people, in business sense.
I have encountered many Jews in my cause of work, since 1987. When you meet one Jews, you meet all Jews, they are the same. These many days are always harping by Jews, through emails. One even writes that I lack integrity. They always try to push down prices, and make a lot of ungracious remarks. Forget about being nice to them. It just gives them more ammunitions to shoot you down. Talk tough. That is how you negotiate with the Jews. So you understand why war and negotiation in the Palestine is long suffering.
No wonder, Hitler hated the Jews.
No wonder, Stalin hated the Jews. (Do you know that Stalin planned to exterminated the Jews in Russia but failed)
No wonder, Haman hated the Jews. (Read the Book of Esther to know more about this guy)
No wonder, William Shakespeare, portrayed the sly moneylender in his novel and play, The Merchant of Venice as a Jew, called Shylock.
Yet, of all the people in the world, they are the chosen people of God!!
How mysterious is our God.
Or is it because the Jews feel that being chosen by God made them superior over other people in the world?
We Christians, tend to think highly of the Jews. This is likely because we have read more about Moses, David, Joseph and Daniel and so have a very good impression of the Jews. In reality, they are the slyest people, in business sense.
I have encountered many Jews in my cause of work, since 1987. When you meet one Jews, you meet all Jews, they are the same. These many days are always harping by Jews, through emails. One even writes that I lack integrity. They always try to push down prices, and make a lot of ungracious remarks. Forget about being nice to them. It just gives them more ammunitions to shoot you down. Talk tough. That is how you negotiate with the Jews. So you understand why war and negotiation in the Palestine is long suffering.
No wonder, Hitler hated the Jews.
No wonder, Stalin hated the Jews. (Do you know that Stalin planned to exterminated the Jews in Russia but failed)
No wonder, Haman hated the Jews. (Read the Book of Esther to know more about this guy)
No wonder, William Shakespeare, portrayed the sly moneylender in his novel and play, The Merchant of Venice as a Jew, called Shylock.
Yet, of all the people in the world, they are the chosen people of God!!
How mysterious is our God.
Or is it because the Jews feel that being chosen by God made them superior over other people in the world?
Monday, May 18, 2009
Thoughts on 1 Sam 21 &22 – David building up his military forces
Different people read Bible Stories differently. That was my thought on last Sunday Sermon.
You can read the passage here: BibleGateway.com - Passage Lookup: 1 sam 21-22
The whole passage is about David building up his forces and military strength and not about surviving difficult times. In building up his forces, he also made two mistakes.
David, being a captain in Saul’s army knows what it takes to build up military strength. You need:
(1) Food and weapons
(2) Allies
(3) Troops
(4) Counselors & advisors (in army term is called General Staffs – S2, S3, )
Introduction
After fleeing from Saul alone, we see that in 1 Samuel 21, David had a few young men with him when he came to the Priest Ahimelech. So there is actually a time lapse between 1Sam 20 and 1Sam 21 for him to gather a small group of people
(1) Food & Weapons (1 Sam 21:1-9)
Why did David go to the Priest at Nob?
David purpose of running to the Priest was to get help for food and weapons, and maybe to inquire from God his direction (1Sam 22;15). The Bible texts tell us that David asked Ahimelech for food and was offered consecrated bread (but only a few). He also asked for weapons and was given the sword of Goliath.
It was likely that David went to the Priest because he had left the sword of Goliath there. After killing Goliath, he kept the sword (1Sam 17:58). So at some point in time, he must have gone to the priest and put the sword there.
After getting the food and weapon, David fled to Gath that same day.
Mistake #1: There was a spy at Nob watching him. He didn’t arrest the spy and later David admitted his mistakes (1 Sam 22:22). He, however, learnt from this mistake, that in any military campaign, do not leave any remnant to leak out your secret (1Sam 27:11,12)
(2) Allies (1 Sam 10:15)
Why, of all places did David go to Gath, the hometown of Goliath whom he killed when he was a youth? What was David thinking about?
Perhaps he thinks that the Philistine are the enemies of Saul and since David is now also an enemies of Saul, King Achish may accept him as his ally. That prove to be a mistake when the Philistine soldiers remember that David has killed ten thousands (1Sam 21:11).
Mistake #2: Seek out wrong ally. To save his life, he had to pretend to be mad. It is not about allaying the fear or insecurity of King Achish. However, this mistake build him up and later, he come back to be an ally with King Achish. (1Sam 27)
(3) Troops (1 Sam 22:1-5)
David now gathered about 400 people to be with him, a very sizeable troop for battle. Remember that Gideon only needed 300 people to fight the Midianite, (Judges 7:8) and Abraham had only 318 warriors to fight the 4 kings (Gen 14:14).
David went to Moab and left his parents safely there. It is likely that Jesse being a grandson of Ruth, a Moabite woman still has relatives in Moab. By putting his parents in safe hands, David is now ready for offensive…
...but not quite, he still need …
(4) Counselor and Advisor (1 Sam 22:6-23)
In ancient time, prophet and priest usually act as counselors and advisors to the king. That is why in our chess set, the bishops are positioned next to the king and queen.
David got his counselor and advisor through Prophet Gad (1Sam 22:5) and Priest Abiathar (1Sam 22:23)
With his military strength fully equipped, 1Sam 23 shows us that David is now ready to be on the offensive.
2 things I learn from these passages:
(1) Learn from my mistakes and that will make me stronger, like King David.
(2) In life and as a church, we need to build up our resources:
1. Skills (= weapon),
2. Friends / fellowship (= ally),
3. Co-workers / ministry partners (= troops),
4. Mentors (= counselors & advisors)
This is what I find different from the Sunday Sermon.
You can read the passage here: BibleGateway.com - Passage Lookup: 1 sam 21-22
The whole passage is about David building up his forces and military strength and not about surviving difficult times. In building up his forces, he also made two mistakes.
David, being a captain in Saul’s army knows what it takes to build up military strength. You need:
(1) Food and weapons
(2) Allies
(3) Troops
(4) Counselors & advisors (in army term is called General Staffs – S2, S3, )
Introduction
After fleeing from Saul alone, we see that in 1 Samuel 21, David had a few young men with him when he came to the Priest Ahimelech. So there is actually a time lapse between 1Sam 20 and 1Sam 21 for him to gather a small group of people
(1) Food & Weapons (1 Sam 21:1-9)
Why did David go to the Priest at Nob?
David purpose of running to the Priest was to get help for food and weapons, and maybe to inquire from God his direction (1Sam 22;15). The Bible texts tell us that David asked Ahimelech for food and was offered consecrated bread (but only a few). He also asked for weapons and was given the sword of Goliath.
It was likely that David went to the Priest because he had left the sword of Goliath there. After killing Goliath, he kept the sword (1Sam 17:58). So at some point in time, he must have gone to the priest and put the sword there.
After getting the food and weapon, David fled to Gath that same day.
Mistake #1: There was a spy at Nob watching him. He didn’t arrest the spy and later David admitted his mistakes (1 Sam 22:22). He, however, learnt from this mistake, that in any military campaign, do not leave any remnant to leak out your secret (1Sam 27:11,12)
(2) Allies (1 Sam 10:15)
Why, of all places did David go to Gath, the hometown of Goliath whom he killed when he was a youth? What was David thinking about?
Perhaps he thinks that the Philistine are the enemies of Saul and since David is now also an enemies of Saul, King Achish may accept him as his ally. That prove to be a mistake when the Philistine soldiers remember that David has killed ten thousands (1Sam 21:11).
Mistake #2: Seek out wrong ally. To save his life, he had to pretend to be mad. It is not about allaying the fear or insecurity of King Achish. However, this mistake build him up and later, he come back to be an ally with King Achish. (1Sam 27)
(3) Troops (1 Sam 22:1-5)
David now gathered about 400 people to be with him, a very sizeable troop for battle. Remember that Gideon only needed 300 people to fight the Midianite, (Judges 7:8) and Abraham had only 318 warriors to fight the 4 kings (Gen 14:14).
David went to Moab and left his parents safely there. It is likely that Jesse being a grandson of Ruth, a Moabite woman still has relatives in Moab. By putting his parents in safe hands, David is now ready for offensive…
...but not quite, he still need …
(4) Counselor and Advisor (1 Sam 22:6-23)
In ancient time, prophet and priest usually act as counselors and advisors to the king. That is why in our chess set, the bishops are positioned next to the king and queen.
David got his counselor and advisor through Prophet Gad (1Sam 22:5) and Priest Abiathar (1Sam 22:23)
With his military strength fully equipped, 1Sam 23 shows us that David is now ready to be on the offensive.
2 things I learn from these passages:
(1) Learn from my mistakes and that will make me stronger, like King David.
(2) In life and as a church, we need to build up our resources:
1. Skills (= weapon),
2. Friends / fellowship (= ally),
3. Co-workers / ministry partners (= troops),
4. Mentors (= counselors & advisors)
This is what I find different from the Sunday Sermon.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
That Illusive Medal
Hard work may not land you to an award or medal.
That is what ex-coach Liu Guodong experiencsd even though he helped Singapore to a silver Olympic medal for the women’s Table Tennis team.
It seems like somebody in the Singapore Table Tennis Association does not like him and fails to nominate him. Even though he has the support of the Project 0812 chairman, Ng Ser Miang and Singapore’s chief de mission at Beijin, Dr Tan Eng Liang.
It bring back memory, when I too missed out on that illusive medal…
It was 3rd July 1987. I was working in Chartered Electronics Industries then. We had a 5km Cross Country Race at the Chinese Garden.
The pace of the race was very slow. About less than 1km before the finishing line, there were only 5 of us at the front. I decided to pull off the crowd and speeded all the way, running alone. Unfortunately there was a cross-junction and both the road marshals and I did not know each other. (we did not know each others, since we were working in different buildings). Runners were also not given any number tags.
So I missed the turn and ended into a car park instead. I waited for more than a minute and then decided to back track to the cross-junction. The road marshals saw me again and realized their mistake in not directing me to the right route as I was running alone then. Because of that fatal error, I was 8th in position out of about a hundred runners and there was no award. Only the first 5 runners received medal.
The two pretty marshals apologized profusely.
A few days later, they gave me this plaque.
At the back was written:
X-COUNTRY
Jasmine Lim
Mary Tan
3/7/87
To some, life is like a race. But it is all right to miss out that illusive medal. There is always a final medal waiting for us.
24Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.
25Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. 26Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. 27No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.
(1 Cor 9:24-27)
That is what ex-coach Liu Guodong experiencsd even though he helped Singapore to a silver Olympic medal for the women’s Table Tennis team.
It seems like somebody in the Singapore Table Tennis Association does not like him and fails to nominate him. Even though he has the support of the Project 0812 chairman, Ng Ser Miang and Singapore’s chief de mission at Beijin, Dr Tan Eng Liang.
It bring back memory, when I too missed out on that illusive medal…
It was 3rd July 1987. I was working in Chartered Electronics Industries then. We had a 5km Cross Country Race at the Chinese Garden.
The pace of the race was very slow. About less than 1km before the finishing line, there were only 5 of us at the front. I decided to pull off the crowd and speeded all the way, running alone. Unfortunately there was a cross-junction and both the road marshals and I did not know each other. (we did not know each others, since we were working in different buildings). Runners were also not given any number tags.
So I missed the turn and ended into a car park instead. I waited for more than a minute and then decided to back track to the cross-junction. The road marshals saw me again and realized their mistake in not directing me to the right route as I was running alone then. Because of that fatal error, I was 8th in position out of about a hundred runners and there was no award. Only the first 5 runners received medal.
The two pretty marshals apologized profusely.
A few days later, they gave me this plaque.
At the back was written:X-COUNTRY
Jasmine Lim
Mary Tan
3/7/87
To some, life is like a race. But it is all right to miss out that illusive medal. There is always a final medal waiting for us.
24Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.
25Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. 26Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. 27No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.
(1 Cor 9:24-27)
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Appreciating Other
People use to say: “It’s the thought that count”.
I use to think so. But now, I think it should be: “It’s the thought and action that count.”
Yah, it is easier to think of good ideas and thoughts to help someone or show appreciation but to really carry it out is difficult for me. I may have a lot of good ideas but very little action.
Sigh :(
That’s what happened last Mother’s day. I was thinking of thanking someone whom one of our fellowship groups uses to meet in her house. We use her place, drink her wonderful ice lemon tea, eat her superb pizza and hang around till the late night (occasionally) and she sometime cook for us. I guess we often mess up the whole place each time we left her house and the amount of cleaning up she had to do.
Then mother’s day came and I thought it might be a good opportunity to thank her. But the thought of getting a gift is a very difficult task. I never know how to choose a right gift for the right situation. So I approached one of the ladies in the group. She gave a very good suggestion but had no time to source for the gift.
And so Mother’s day came and gone. And that thought is still, …just a thought.
No good, no good!! :(
I use to think so. But now, I think it should be: “It’s the thought and action that count.”
Yah, it is easier to think of good ideas and thoughts to help someone or show appreciation but to really carry it out is difficult for me. I may have a lot of good ideas but very little action.
Sigh :(
That’s what happened last Mother’s day. I was thinking of thanking someone whom one of our fellowship groups uses to meet in her house. We use her place, drink her wonderful ice lemon tea, eat her superb pizza and hang around till the late night (occasionally) and she sometime cook for us. I guess we often mess up the whole place each time we left her house and the amount of cleaning up she had to do.
Then mother’s day came and I thought it might be a good opportunity to thank her. But the thought of getting a gift is a very difficult task. I never know how to choose a right gift for the right situation. So I approached one of the ladies in the group. She gave a very good suggestion but had no time to source for the gift.
And so Mother’s day came and gone. And that thought is still, …just a thought.
No good, no good!! :(
Monday, May 11, 2009
Closing Thoughts on the Book of Nehemiah – Making Tough Decisions
How do church leaders make tough decisions?
Nehemiah realized that he needed to make some tough decisions after reading the Law of Moses. He made 3 tough decisions which others did not dare to do for fear of offending people.
(1) Remove corruption - misuse of privileges
Kick out Tobiah, the Ammonite who is staying in the court of God. Tobiah is related to the priest of the temple of God. The priest basically misuses his priestly privileges by allowing a foreigner to stay in the temple court. By doing a right thing, Nehemiah sets himself against the priest. (A priest is a very high official appointment).
(2) Obey God’s law - Institute the Sabbath
Keeping the Sabbath is a very important law for the Jews. To obey this, he stopped traders from selling during Sabbath. Surely, many people will be offended. Also, lifestyles have to be adjusted.
(3) Discipline sin - Remove Inter-religious marriages
Separated marriages of different religions and sent the spouses and children homes. Oh! The pain of family separation is unbearable.
Theses 3 decisions and actions surely created a lot of enemies for Nehemiah. After each action, Nehemiah prayed. “Remember me, O my God …”
Do our church people dare to make difficult but right decisions also, especially if it involve the church session – pastors, elders, etc. When pastors abuse privileges or misuse church funds, what should we do? When church members faced disciplinary actions, should we just stay quiet?
The church is supposed to be a friendly place, so the amicable approach is better. Nobody wants to stir up trouble. So we stay quiet.
Some of the tough decisions I can think of for you to grapple with:
(1) Church funds – overspending for church upgrading and excessive renovations
(2) Disciplinary actions – when a church member sins, how should the church committee deal with it, even though some members already know about it?
Do you stand up and act, like Nehemiah??
My next Bible Reading – the Book of Esther…
Nehemiah realized that he needed to make some tough decisions after reading the Law of Moses. He made 3 tough decisions which others did not dare to do for fear of offending people.
(1) Remove corruption - misuse of privileges
Kick out Tobiah, the Ammonite who is staying in the court of God. Tobiah is related to the priest of the temple of God. The priest basically misuses his priestly privileges by allowing a foreigner to stay in the temple court. By doing a right thing, Nehemiah sets himself against the priest. (A priest is a very high official appointment).
(2) Obey God’s law - Institute the Sabbath
Keeping the Sabbath is a very important law for the Jews. To obey this, he stopped traders from selling during Sabbath. Surely, many people will be offended. Also, lifestyles have to be adjusted.
(3) Discipline sin - Remove Inter-religious marriages
Separated marriages of different religions and sent the spouses and children homes. Oh! The pain of family separation is unbearable.
Theses 3 decisions and actions surely created a lot of enemies for Nehemiah. After each action, Nehemiah prayed. “Remember me, O my God …”
Do our church people dare to make difficult but right decisions also, especially if it involve the church session – pastors, elders, etc. When pastors abuse privileges or misuse church funds, what should we do? When church members faced disciplinary actions, should we just stay quiet?
The church is supposed to be a friendly place, so the amicable approach is better. Nobody wants to stir up trouble. So we stay quiet.
Some of the tough decisions I can think of for you to grapple with:
(1) Church funds – overspending for church upgrading and excessive renovations
(2) Disciplinary actions – when a church member sins, how should the church committee deal with it, even though some members already know about it?
Do you stand up and act, like Nehemiah??
My next Bible Reading – the Book of Esther…
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Mother's Day Thoughts
Born in the time where we children saw more of our mother than father, needless to say that mother is the greatest person to me then (and even now).
We, seven boys without any sisters were always up to mischief and problems. I remember two of my brothers been knock down by cars (at different time though) along the busy Beach Road where my childhood life was. Blood did happen on numerous occasions, like being hit by rascals and group fighting. We often chased after kites and in those busy city places, accidents did happen frequently. Those were the days.
Boys will always be boys!! (You know what I mean; mischief is part of growing up for boys)
Yet, mother is always there.
I remember that year 1969, when you brought all three of us (my two younger brothers and me) to school and back home everyday. The toil and struggle through the whole year taking buses during peak hour was a daily struggle. I remember the bus conductor asking you, “when would we grow up?” Yes, in those days, even the bus conductor remembered all their regular passengers. Those were the good old days.
Growing up and living in a half-room HDB flat with 9 of us clamping together like sardine was a real challenge. The neighborhood wasn’t that “healthy” then. I remember that one of our neighbour was a drug abuser. Gangs were also common. But somehow, we were not influenced by it.
The worry, the nagging, the scolding, sometime caning (from mother). It was through all these that kept us all away from bad company, drug and gang. Those were the days, when mother care was the greatest!
Thank you, mother!!
We, seven boys without any sisters were always up to mischief and problems. I remember two of my brothers been knock down by cars (at different time though) along the busy Beach Road where my childhood life was. Blood did happen on numerous occasions, like being hit by rascals and group fighting. We often chased after kites and in those busy city places, accidents did happen frequently. Those were the days.
Boys will always be boys!! (You know what I mean; mischief is part of growing up for boys)
Yet, mother is always there.
I remember that year 1969, when you brought all three of us (my two younger brothers and me) to school and back home everyday. The toil and struggle through the whole year taking buses during peak hour was a daily struggle. I remember the bus conductor asking you, “when would we grow up?” Yes, in those days, even the bus conductor remembered all their regular passengers. Those were the good old days.
Growing up and living in a half-room HDB flat with 9 of us clamping together like sardine was a real challenge. The neighborhood wasn’t that “healthy” then. I remember that one of our neighbour was a drug abuser. Gangs were also common. But somehow, we were not influenced by it.
The worry, the nagging, the scolding, sometime caning (from mother). It was through all these that kept us all away from bad company, drug and gang. Those were the days, when mother care was the greatest!
Thank you, mother!!
Friday, May 8, 2009
Attitude makes the difference
I have been thinking about the working attitude about some of the engineers in my work place.
I have Filipino, Indian, Chinese, Malaysians, and Singaporeans Engineers working in the company.
The Southern Indians are hardworking. They talk less but work hard. The Northern Indians are direct opposite. I have worked with quite a number of Indian engineers and this is my personal perception. There is this Indian engineer who came to work almost every Saturday, even though there is no over time claim for executive. He even volunteered to help me in some projects even though he does not report to me or work in my department! Which of us would want to do more work? How nice if all our Bethany PCES members have such attitude toward church work.
I have also a Filipino engineer attached to me (from another department) for one project. The Filipinos behavior is quite similar to the Malays. (You know what I mean). They are more laid back - take it easy kind of mentality. This Filipino working on one project keep re-scheduling date line, pushing from last year September, to December, to this year February, to April and is still not complete till today. Although there are some delays in the material, it is actually poor scheduling and work attitude. He comes to work at about 9:30 to 9:45am (officially it is 8:30am) and work till after 8:30pm (officially the work day end at 6:00pm). But what he does after office hour, nobody knows. He claims for taxi fare as this is allowed according to the company regulation for executive who work late. I have not tell him off about his work timing because the big bosses are also coming in late for work, setting “the example” for “people” to follow.
Also, this guy is a Christian.
And this Filipino engineer doesn’t go the extra mile by coming to work on weekend.
Anyway, he is just attached to me for this project onlyy and now I have asked him to go back to his previous department.
As for me, my work attitude is according to Col 3:23,24:
23Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, 24since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving
Notice that the verse says - whatever you do,
What is your attitude towards work?
I have Filipino, Indian, Chinese, Malaysians, and Singaporeans Engineers working in the company.
The Southern Indians are hardworking. They talk less but work hard. The Northern Indians are direct opposite. I have worked with quite a number of Indian engineers and this is my personal perception. There is this Indian engineer who came to work almost every Saturday, even though there is no over time claim for executive. He even volunteered to help me in some projects even though he does not report to me or work in my department! Which of us would want to do more work? How nice if all our Bethany PCES members have such attitude toward church work.
I have also a Filipino engineer attached to me (from another department) for one project. The Filipinos behavior is quite similar to the Malays. (You know what I mean). They are more laid back - take it easy kind of mentality. This Filipino working on one project keep re-scheduling date line, pushing from last year September, to December, to this year February, to April and is still not complete till today. Although there are some delays in the material, it is actually poor scheduling and work attitude. He comes to work at about 9:30 to 9:45am (officially it is 8:30am) and work till after 8:30pm (officially the work day end at 6:00pm). But what he does after office hour, nobody knows. He claims for taxi fare as this is allowed according to the company regulation for executive who work late. I have not tell him off about his work timing because the big bosses are also coming in late for work, setting “the example” for “people” to follow.
Also, this guy is a Christian.
And this Filipino engineer doesn’t go the extra mile by coming to work on weekend.
Anyway, he is just attached to me for this project onlyy and now I have asked him to go back to his previous department.
As for me, my work attitude is according to Col 3:23,24:
23Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, 24since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving
Notice that the verse says - whatever you do,
What is your attitude towards work?
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Facebook – a great way to connect
I found my very old friends in facebook!!
I have not got into facebook for a long long time.
Just out of curiosity, I tried to search for some old friends. At my age, it may be hard to see them in facebook, I guess. I tried to search for some foreign friends, those that were with me in University College London (UCL) many years ago. After many attempt, I found my Hong Kong friend, Joseph Kwok. Unfortunately, this is a very common name in Hong Kong and so there are too many Joseph Kwok without faces or “not real” faces. I tried to narrow down the search to UCL. Fortunately, only one Joseph Kwok from UCL appeared. Yep! Joseph has just become my new friend in facebook. What’s more, from his facebook, he seems to join facebook only recently. Just the right timing??!!
I also found my long time buddy when we were students staying Nanyang Technological Institute (NTI), the former name of NTU. We were room-mate in campus and he was perhaps the closest of friends I had then. Somehow, he has not replied my email or facebook message yet. Oversea trips?
I also found that facebook can actually let you “see” what every friend of mine is doing through the HOME tab. This is new to me. And it’s fun now to get into facebook and connect with everybody. We can even comments on one another posting. This is a great way to encourage one another. For that, I want to thanks Lily Wee and Stanley Soh. Yah! Keep the comments coming everybody!!!
Let’s be connected. Cheer! :)
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. (1 Thess 5:11, NIV)
I have not got into facebook for a long long time.
Just out of curiosity, I tried to search for some old friends. At my age, it may be hard to see them in facebook, I guess. I tried to search for some foreign friends, those that were with me in University College London (UCL) many years ago. After many attempt, I found my Hong Kong friend, Joseph Kwok. Unfortunately, this is a very common name in Hong Kong and so there are too many Joseph Kwok without faces or “not real” faces. I tried to narrow down the search to UCL. Fortunately, only one Joseph Kwok from UCL appeared. Yep! Joseph has just become my new friend in facebook. What’s more, from his facebook, he seems to join facebook only recently. Just the right timing??!!
I also found my long time buddy when we were students staying Nanyang Technological Institute (NTI), the former name of NTU. We were room-mate in campus and he was perhaps the closest of friends I had then. Somehow, he has not replied my email or facebook message yet. Oversea trips?
I also found that facebook can actually let you “see” what every friend of mine is doing through the HOME tab. This is new to me. And it’s fun now to get into facebook and connect with everybody. We can even comments on one another posting. This is a great way to encourage one another. For that, I want to thanks Lily Wee and Stanley Soh. Yah! Keep the comments coming everybody!!!
Let’s be connected. Cheer! :)
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. (1 Thess 5:11, NIV)
Monday, May 4, 2009
How to increase membership in an organization?
It takes a tussle of leadership to boost membership from about 300 to 3000 within a short span of one month. That was what's good AWARE has achieved.
Does that spark any ideas for us as a Church how to draw people to Christ?
Still thinking ...
Does that spark any ideas for us as a Church how to draw people to Christ?
Still thinking ...
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Feeling Siong Nowadays …:)
It has been one hectic April. There’s a lot of work in the office that need my attention. Every night is one drain dead tired.
There are many small orders from customers, some difficult projects that I need to compete worldwide, one assistant engineer resigned leaving his job half done, ...
Almost all Saturday (Saturday is an off day), I am working. But then, I just realized that …
“When the siongness gets heavier, the Grace of God gets stronger.”
Somehow in the midst of the many things God is still there with me.
First I manage to survive and complete all these small orders single handed and on time. Then, there is this Indian engineer who volunteered to help me and did a very good job in finishing some of the difficult projects. (Still one more to go, the most challenging one). Also, I still find time to write and blog. And also find time to read, which I didn’t do for a long time.
In gratitude, I invite this Indian Engineer and another in the team out for lunch on 30th April. Eat Sushi!! (Always learn to be thankful, see previous post)
Truly, the peace of God transcends all understanding … (Phi 4:7)
I have an idea. This will be my first verse: Mark Lim TL chapter 1 verse 1:
“When the siongness gets heavier, the Grace of God gets stronger.” (ML 1:1)
How about that?
PS: Siong = tough and difficult situation (for the uninitiated)
There are many small orders from customers, some difficult projects that I need to compete worldwide, one assistant engineer resigned leaving his job half done, ...
Almost all Saturday (Saturday is an off day), I am working. But then, I just realized that …
“When the siongness gets heavier, the Grace of God gets stronger.”
Somehow in the midst of the many things God is still there with me.
First I manage to survive and complete all these small orders single handed and on time. Then, there is this Indian engineer who volunteered to help me and did a very good job in finishing some of the difficult projects. (Still one more to go, the most challenging one). Also, I still find time to write and blog. And also find time to read, which I didn’t do for a long time.
In gratitude, I invite this Indian Engineer and another in the team out for lunch on 30th April. Eat Sushi!! (Always learn to be thankful, see previous post)
Truly, the peace of God transcends all understanding … (Phi 4:7)
I have an idea. This will be my first verse: Mark Lim TL chapter 1 verse 1:
“When the siongness gets heavier, the Grace of God gets stronger.” (ML 1:1)
How about that?
PS: Siong = tough and difficult situation (for the uninitiated)
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