We want a better world.
We pray for a better society.
We discuss it passionately.
But we take no action and assume no responsibility for its condition.
We can only only influence to make it better when we obey the Lord to be the salt of the earth and light of the world.
We need to follow Jesus and then call the world to follow Him.
We need to be disciples and then disciple the nations.
We need to bow to God in order to bring the world to its knees.
Easy shallow Christianity cannot change the world. It demands every believer to simply live and do what Jesus commands us to . This is not radical Christianity but biblical Christianity.
We are not Christians on sundays only. We are Christians everyday. We need to behave Christ-like in the supermarket, parking lot, highways, home, offices, schools, restaurants....
Let Christians first be healed spiritually from hypocrisy and worldliness before we try to treat a sick world.
Monday, March 26, 2007
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Surprised by God
The Lord spoke to us prophetically on Jan 21, 2007 during the Sunday message entitled 'The Battle Ax' that what the church is doing is 'too small' and that our chuch will be too small for the people that God is bringing in(Isa.49:6,19,20). We have had such prophecies of increase before and so we did not actually pay much attention to this recent word. It was inspiring and encouraging though but we did not expect anything to happen.
It started the sunday after. We had 15 visitors. Then the next sunday, we had 35. Three weeks after the prophecy, the church saw a sudden increase of 80 new people. Our regular English service attendance is about 200. That's a 40% increase in 21 days. More chairs were set up and the church was busy ministering to the new comers. The fervor in worship has risen and the response to the Lord and His word has been wonderful. When God shows up, things happen and people's lives change.
We know that this move of God is from the Lord himself. It is not the brilliance of our strategies nor our mastery of the ministry. Rather it is the Lord fulfiling the word he promised. Faith has now risen to a new high and expectancy for God is intensifying.
During Elisha's ministry, Samaria was under siege by Ben Hadad the king of Aram. The famine was so bad that the people were eating human flesh for survival. Then Elisha gave a word that there will abundance for the Israelites 24 hours from the time he spoke. Nobody believed him BUT it happened according the word of the Lord through him. Yes God spoke and in His time He acted and acted swiftly and effectively. Truly the glory belongs to God alone. (2 Kings 6:24-7:20)
This is just the beginning of what God wants to do in the church for the community we are serving. Our hearts are faith filled yet humble in posture and our lives are furthered yielded to Him to advance His cause to bring Him maximum glory.
God surprised us. He will surprise you too. So don't abandon the dreams that God gave you and the promises He made to you. Faithfully cling on to them even when slapped by unbelief. When the time comes for God to act, He really acts in a big way that will take you by surprise.
It started the sunday after. We had 15 visitors. Then the next sunday, we had 35. Three weeks after the prophecy, the church saw a sudden increase of 80 new people. Our regular English service attendance is about 200. That's a 40% increase in 21 days. More chairs were set up and the church was busy ministering to the new comers. The fervor in worship has risen and the response to the Lord and His word has been wonderful. When God shows up, things happen and people's lives change.
We know that this move of God is from the Lord himself. It is not the brilliance of our strategies nor our mastery of the ministry. Rather it is the Lord fulfiling the word he promised. Faith has now risen to a new high and expectancy for God is intensifying.
During Elisha's ministry, Samaria was under siege by Ben Hadad the king of Aram. The famine was so bad that the people were eating human flesh for survival. Then Elisha gave a word that there will abundance for the Israelites 24 hours from the time he spoke. Nobody believed him BUT it happened according the word of the Lord through him. Yes God spoke and in His time He acted and acted swiftly and effectively. Truly the glory belongs to God alone. (2 Kings 6:24-7:20)
This is just the beginning of what God wants to do in the church for the community we are serving. Our hearts are faith filled yet humble in posture and our lives are furthered yielded to Him to advance His cause to bring Him maximum glory.
God surprised us. He will surprise you too. So don't abandon the dreams that God gave you and the promises He made to you. Faithfully cling on to them even when slapped by unbelief. When the time comes for God to act, He really acts in a big way that will take you by surprise.
Thursday, February 08, 2007
The Pain of Slowness
The turn off road leading to the church has been under construction to widen it for more than 9 months now. Traffic has been re-directed ever so often - closing the left side and then the right and then opens again and then it begins again and again. The construction gets started, stalls, starts again and stalls and ....When the road seems ready, tractors will come and new digging begins. (Sigh). The intention of widening the road is good but it has taken too long for a simple task that would just require a month or the most two.
This is all too true when it comes to changing our lives for the better. We know our weaknesses and what needs to be changed. We make the right decision to change and invite God to aid us. We start well but often slip back into our comfort zone and neglect steps in. The help of God is available and He brings the need to our attention. Yet our lack of focus and yieldedness to Him stalls the regeration process time and again.
Though spirtual growth and character change is a never ending process, yet the degree of change has been painfully slow. We need to give priority to inner change. We choose broadband over dial up access, we want same or next day courier services, fund transfer at the click of the mouse. Isn't it time to speed up on inner change. Imagine how happy your family would be when you deal with your anger ably after having put up with you for so long. Imagine what your office environment would be when you start responding cooperatively and cheerfully. Or how your sports team will benefit when you decide to deal with your indiscipline and lack of commitment. We all need to change. Let the changes be visible and let it take less time. It would save ourselves and others a lot of pain. Get on it today and be a better you.
This is all too true when it comes to changing our lives for the better. We know our weaknesses and what needs to be changed. We make the right decision to change and invite God to aid us. We start well but often slip back into our comfort zone and neglect steps in. The help of God is available and He brings the need to our attention. Yet our lack of focus and yieldedness to Him stalls the regeration process time and again.
Though spirtual growth and character change is a never ending process, yet the degree of change has been painfully slow. We need to give priority to inner change. We choose broadband over dial up access, we want same or next day courier services, fund transfer at the click of the mouse. Isn't it time to speed up on inner change. Imagine how happy your family would be when you deal with your anger ably after having put up with you for so long. Imagine what your office environment would be when you start responding cooperatively and cheerfully. Or how your sports team will benefit when you decide to deal with your indiscipline and lack of commitment. We all need to change. Let the changes be visible and let it take less time. It would save ourselves and others a lot of pain. Get on it today and be a better you.
Sunday, January 21, 2007
Making a Difference
I was invited to a dinner with my wife Pas Sheila at the Equestrian Club in Bukit Kiara. More accurately, Pas Sheila was the invited guest and I was just the driver. The occasion was a cheque presentation ceremony by a Kiwanis Club to three social homes of which Rainbow Home was one of the recipients. We arrived 20 minutes early and was led to a room at the restaurant. I was surprised that they were having a committee meeting there before the ceremony. The actual surprise was actually that the Committee consisted of all ladies only. I was told that the membership of this particular club admitted only ladies. Immediately I felt a little awkward being there. But I consoled myself that I was just being a good husband fetching my wife there. One of the members later jokingly admitted that it was not always easy for the ladies to work together but they have survived. Bravo ladies, men are not indispensable.
As we waited for the ceremony to begin, their meeting conversation could be heard from where I were sitting. I was not particularly listening in to their discussion but I got an overall sense that it was very well conducted and good leadership was provided in the coming projects they were planning for. And they were enthusiastic with what they were doing. O yes, enthusiasm is so vital in anything we do. It turns tasks into a mission, and drudgery into dream making.
As the ceremony got underway, their President introduced the clubs mission. Their focus was on children and one of their former projects was called FireFlies - to motivate and encourage underprivileged children who are weak in their studies. Most groups would offer scholarships to outstanding achieving students but this Kiwanis group felt the need to assist those who have little interest in studies. In fact it was that project that they came into contact with Rainbow Home because one of our kids was in the school where the project was launched. I felt that their approach was fresh and their hearts were pure. They simply wanted to make a difference.
Here is a group of ladies who used their time, talent and finances and may I say their differences, to be a blessing. They looked beyond their own concerns and comforts. These ladies are from different backgrounds, faith and nationalities but their mission brought them together and their passion gets the work done. Yes they wanted to make a difference and they are.
This 'Making a Difference factor' I believe is inherent in all of us. We need to peel off the layers of self-centredness and insecurities to serve others. You know, only people with a healthy self esteem and confidence can put their ego's aside and help someone else in need. We dont have to take centre stage all the time.
Jesus loves and accepts us inspite of our past and wrong doings. We are made whole in His divine love. He said we should love one another. He truly dwells in us when we love and serve. So forget about self and focus on others and love people as Jesus did. Let's make a difference with what we have. Anyone can do it and most certainly you. We just need the heart for it, for the heart will find a way! Especially a heart that is full of God and His love.
As we waited for the ceremony to begin, their meeting conversation could be heard from where I were sitting. I was not particularly listening in to their discussion but I got an overall sense that it was very well conducted and good leadership was provided in the coming projects they were planning for. And they were enthusiastic with what they were doing. O yes, enthusiasm is so vital in anything we do. It turns tasks into a mission, and drudgery into dream making.
As the ceremony got underway, their President introduced the clubs mission. Their focus was on children and one of their former projects was called FireFlies - to motivate and encourage underprivileged children who are weak in their studies. Most groups would offer scholarships to outstanding achieving students but this Kiwanis group felt the need to assist those who have little interest in studies. In fact it was that project that they came into contact with Rainbow Home because one of our kids was in the school where the project was launched. I felt that their approach was fresh and their hearts were pure. They simply wanted to make a difference.
Here is a group of ladies who used their time, talent and finances and may I say their differences, to be a blessing. They looked beyond their own concerns and comforts. These ladies are from different backgrounds, faith and nationalities but their mission brought them together and their passion gets the work done. Yes they wanted to make a difference and they are.
This 'Making a Difference factor' I believe is inherent in all of us. We need to peel off the layers of self-centredness and insecurities to serve others. You know, only people with a healthy self esteem and confidence can put their ego's aside and help someone else in need. We dont have to take centre stage all the time.
Jesus loves and accepts us inspite of our past and wrong doings. We are made whole in His divine love. He said we should love one another. He truly dwells in us when we love and serve. So forget about self and focus on others and love people as Jesus did. Let's make a difference with what we have. Anyone can do it and most certainly you. We just need the heart for it, for the heart will find a way! Especially a heart that is full of God and His love.
Thursday, January 04, 2007
Closer to the Second Coming
The signs pointing to His soon return are todays common newspapers headlines - Wars, Nuclear Threats, Earthquakes, Diseases,Pestilences, Global warming, Tornadoes, Hurricanes and the Increase of violence and wickedness. 2007 brings us closer to the Second Coming of Jesus. The only hope this world has is faith in the Living God.
In preparing the church for Jesus Return, I spoke this message at the 31st Dec 2006 Watchnite service.
1. Christains need to be Faithful to God and His Word.
Scripture warns of many whose love for God will grow cold and some will abandon the faith to follow deceptive teachings. Hymenaus, Philetus and Alexander have shipwecked their faith (1Tim.1:20; 2Tim.2:17,18), Demas left for the world (2 Tim.4:10), and those who love money have wandered from the faith (1Tim.6:10). Be faithful whether or not your path is smooth or rough, peaceful or painful, successful or unsuccessful. There is only one God and He has a son and His name is called Jesus. This is the unchanging truth. This is the eternal truth.
2. Christians need to be Fervent in God's work. We need to work while it is still day. Fan into the flame the gifts of the Spirit and the faith we have in God. Paul challenges Timothy to preach the word in and out of season as the day of Jesus return approaches. Wake up from slumber. The saints of God must be alert and seize every opportunity to make God known. Trim the lamps, add the oil and burn brighter than before.
3. Christians need to be Fearless in the midst of chaos, confusion, trials and challenges. In the last days there will be an increase of wickedness and rising intolerance of Christianity. We are not to shrink back but stand up for the Lord with boldness and love. Our future is secured and God is with us in every situation. Isa 41:10 says that He will strengthen us and help us and uphold us with His righteous right hand.
4. Christians need to be Free from sin and every emcumbrance that weakens faith. Temptations and seductions are assailing humanity in every front. We need to be blood-washed daily by the Lamb. Repentance has to be a lifestlye of believers. Hate sin and root out every sinful habit of thought, word and deed. Jesus is coming back for a spotless bride.
5.Christians need to be Forgiving always. Keep short accounts. In handling negative emotions - be smart. Dump them from your heart and mind. Fill it instead with God's love. Do it daily. You will be a happier and healthier person.
In preparing the church for Jesus Return, I spoke this message at the 31st Dec 2006 Watchnite service.
1. Christains need to be Faithful to God and His Word.
Scripture warns of many whose love for God will grow cold and some will abandon the faith to follow deceptive teachings. Hymenaus, Philetus and Alexander have shipwecked their faith (1Tim.1:20; 2Tim.2:17,18), Demas left for the world (2 Tim.4:10), and those who love money have wandered from the faith (1Tim.6:10). Be faithful whether or not your path is smooth or rough, peaceful or painful, successful or unsuccessful. There is only one God and He has a son and His name is called Jesus. This is the unchanging truth. This is the eternal truth.
2. Christians need to be Fervent in God's work. We need to work while it is still day. Fan into the flame the gifts of the Spirit and the faith we have in God. Paul challenges Timothy to preach the word in and out of season as the day of Jesus return approaches. Wake up from slumber. The saints of God must be alert and seize every opportunity to make God known. Trim the lamps, add the oil and burn brighter than before.
3. Christians need to be Fearless in the midst of chaos, confusion, trials and challenges. In the last days there will be an increase of wickedness and rising intolerance of Christianity. We are not to shrink back but stand up for the Lord with boldness and love. Our future is secured and God is with us in every situation. Isa 41:10 says that He will strengthen us and help us and uphold us with His righteous right hand.
4. Christians need to be Free from sin and every emcumbrance that weakens faith. Temptations and seductions are assailing humanity in every front. We need to be blood-washed daily by the Lamb. Repentance has to be a lifestlye of believers. Hate sin and root out every sinful habit of thought, word and deed. Jesus is coming back for a spotless bride.
5.Christians need to be Forgiving always. Keep short accounts. In handling negative emotions - be smart. Dump them from your heart and mind. Fill it instead with God's love. Do it daily. You will be a happier and healthier person.
Friday, December 15, 2006
The Willingness of Desire
A person of strong desire is a person willing to pay the price to fulfil or achieve the desire. He is driven in his pursuit and faces obstacles with resolve and grit to move ahead. He stops at nothing. He is captured by it. How wonderful it is when man desires for things above. In a parable by Jesus, he is like a man who finds a treasure of great price hidden in a field and joyfully sells all he has to buy up the whole field (Matt.13:44). He finds it, he desires it, he sells all to buy it and he does it willingly and cheerfully. It had a high price tag but it was happily paid for.
At this Christmas season, let us be reminded that the Magi travelled about 1000km on camel back over rugged terrain looking for the promised Messiah after seeing the Star. They recognized the significance of this momentous event and they sacrificed an enormous amount of time to seek till they find. They were thoroughly prepared. They travelled with lavish gifts to worship the Messiah, though it was very dangerous to do so because of the many bandits preying on travellers. But it was unthinkable to them to appear before the King of the Jews without gifts worthy of His greatness. After receiving knowledge from Herod in Jerusalem that the Messiah was prophesied to be born in Bethlehem, they hurried there and found Jesus the Christ.
Interesting to note however was that Herod and the religious leaders who informed Herod of the birth place of Jesus and the citizens of Jerusalem did not make any effort to seek for Jesus in Bethlehem which was just merely 10 km away.
Herod rebuilt the temple of Solomon yet sought to kill the One who is to worshipped.
The religious leaders knew the scriptures but it did not set aflame their hearts to pursue the Lord but rather opposed His ministry and later succesfully conspired to kill the Messiah promised in the Holy Scriptures.
For the citizens of Jerusalem, they probably did not want to associate with the Gentile Magi in collective worship or they feared the ruthless cruel King Herod of what he might do to them or perhaps they reckoned they cant derive any benefit yet from a baby. All three groups were so near to the Divine Child but they had no desire and therefore made no effort to seek Him.
As we remember and celebrate the birth of Jesus the Christ, let us strongly desire to seek Him, worship Him and share Him to others. It requires a Christian to purposefully and diligently pursue God. It requires him to struggle through every distraction and keep focus on Jesus. He will devalue worldly things and revalue spiritual things onto a higher scale. Give Jesus your gift of a committed heart. Be A God Chaser.
At this Christmas season, let us be reminded that the Magi travelled about 1000km on camel back over rugged terrain looking for the promised Messiah after seeing the Star. They recognized the significance of this momentous event and they sacrificed an enormous amount of time to seek till they find. They were thoroughly prepared. They travelled with lavish gifts to worship the Messiah, though it was very dangerous to do so because of the many bandits preying on travellers. But it was unthinkable to them to appear before the King of the Jews without gifts worthy of His greatness. After receiving knowledge from Herod in Jerusalem that the Messiah was prophesied to be born in Bethlehem, they hurried there and found Jesus the Christ.
Interesting to note however was that Herod and the religious leaders who informed Herod of the birth place of Jesus and the citizens of Jerusalem did not make any effort to seek for Jesus in Bethlehem which was just merely 10 km away.
Herod rebuilt the temple of Solomon yet sought to kill the One who is to worshipped.
The religious leaders knew the scriptures but it did not set aflame their hearts to pursue the Lord but rather opposed His ministry and later succesfully conspired to kill the Messiah promised in the Holy Scriptures.
For the citizens of Jerusalem, they probably did not want to associate with the Gentile Magi in collective worship or they feared the ruthless cruel King Herod of what he might do to them or perhaps they reckoned they cant derive any benefit yet from a baby. All three groups were so near to the Divine Child but they had no desire and therefore made no effort to seek Him.
As we remember and celebrate the birth of Jesus the Christ, let us strongly desire to seek Him, worship Him and share Him to others. It requires a Christian to purposefully and diligently pursue God. It requires him to struggle through every distraction and keep focus on Jesus. He will devalue worldly things and revalue spiritual things onto a higher scale. Give Jesus your gift of a committed heart. Be A God Chaser.
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
Stay Guarded, Stay Pure
We are in a real spiritual war where our adversary is powerful and cunning. The Scripture describes the devil as a roaring lion waiting to pounce on its prey. One of the devil's very effective tool is lust. The media glorifies it and society has embraced it unashamely. No one is invincible and beyond sinning. We set ourselves to fall when we think we can stand up on our own. The foolishness of pride is a sure step towards stumbling. Some ways to stay guarded and pure in this lust-filled world....
1. Examine your heart regularly and deeply. Stop judging others when we should be our own judge. Know your weaknesses for the devil surely knows you well to set the right traps for you. The priest in the Old Testament had to wash their hands and feet daily at the Bronze Laver before doing any ministry. Jump into God's cleansing blood regularly and wash thoroughly.
2. Walk daily with God in prayer and reading the Word. Almost all casualties to temptation will confess that it started with a neglected devotional life. When we are disconnected from the Vine, we dont even know we are easy targets of sin. Our soul is empty of God's presence and power, the armor has rusted and the spiritual radar is busted. Your guarantee for victory is an up-to-date relationship with the Living Christ dwelling in you.
3. Keep the doors tightly closed towards the sources of temptation. Stay away from any sexual content in the internet, movies, videos, music videos, songs, literature and conversations. You are deceived and dead wrong if you think you can control a little sin. Whoever sins is a slave of sin! Scripture tells us not to stand and fight lust, but to FLEE from it.
4. Wake up from self deception. We think that God does not mind a little sin because we see success in our lives and ministry. A growing ministry where souls are saved,healed, delivered and expanding influence does not mean that God is saying ok to a little sin in our lives. How blind we are. God wants us to be holy for He is Holy. God is looking for Holiness not Successfulness!
5. Maintain limits in all relationships. To all my staff and leaders - Put safety boundaries in your ministry. Do not counsel the opposite gender. Avoid unnecessary physical contact. Be visible to everyone when talking to the opposite gender. Do not dine or travel alone with the opposite gender.
6. Love your spouse and family deeply, Stay faithful to them. This is a mark of a great person in God.
7. Don't be careless. Countless accidents and tragedies has happened because of it. Be sober and alert to the tricks and snares of sin. The Lord Himself taught us to daily pray that we be not led into temptation but be delivered from the Evil One.
1. Examine your heart regularly and deeply. Stop judging others when we should be our own judge. Know your weaknesses for the devil surely knows you well to set the right traps for you. The priest in the Old Testament had to wash their hands and feet daily at the Bronze Laver before doing any ministry. Jump into God's cleansing blood regularly and wash thoroughly.
2. Walk daily with God in prayer and reading the Word. Almost all casualties to temptation will confess that it started with a neglected devotional life. When we are disconnected from the Vine, we dont even know we are easy targets of sin. Our soul is empty of God's presence and power, the armor has rusted and the spiritual radar is busted. Your guarantee for victory is an up-to-date relationship with the Living Christ dwelling in you.
3. Keep the doors tightly closed towards the sources of temptation. Stay away from any sexual content in the internet, movies, videos, music videos, songs, literature and conversations. You are deceived and dead wrong if you think you can control a little sin. Whoever sins is a slave of sin! Scripture tells us not to stand and fight lust, but to FLEE from it.
4. Wake up from self deception. We think that God does not mind a little sin because we see success in our lives and ministry. A growing ministry where souls are saved,healed, delivered and expanding influence does not mean that God is saying ok to a little sin in our lives. How blind we are. God wants us to be holy for He is Holy. God is looking for Holiness not Successfulness!
5. Maintain limits in all relationships. To all my staff and leaders - Put safety boundaries in your ministry. Do not counsel the opposite gender. Avoid unnecessary physical contact. Be visible to everyone when talking to the opposite gender. Do not dine or travel alone with the opposite gender.
6. Love your spouse and family deeply, Stay faithful to them. This is a mark of a great person in God.
7. Don't be careless. Countless accidents and tragedies has happened because of it. Be sober and alert to the tricks and snares of sin. The Lord Himself taught us to daily pray that we be not led into temptation but be delivered from the Evil One.
Tuesday, August 01, 2006
The Battleship
I was feeling a bit tired physically after having spent 4 days in Rembia and ending the Sat preaching in PCC, Malacca and then driving back to KL. I got to bed about 2 am on Sun. I sat there in the Baby's room after the pre-service prayer was over on Sun. in KL with 15 min to spare before the main service at 10am which I was due to preach. I needed a few minutes alone to receive fresh strength. A dark, huge object floated in my mind from the right corner of my eye. It was not eerie nor frigthening. As the focus became clearer, I could make out that the vessel was a huge battle ship. It was an awesome, captivating sight. It had cannons, machine guns, a radar and fully loaded missiles. Sailing besides the battleship were other sea vessels. There was a fishing boat, cruise liner, speed boat and a cargo vessel too. The captain on board the battleship shouted to the other boats, 'Where are you going'. All the rest replied, 'We are following you'. The captain gave a commanding order,' Get away and get back. We are going to battle and you are not prepared for warfare at all.'
This vision came to confirm the word He spoke to my heart in my personal prayer retreat in Rembia that is 'Teach My People to Pray'. To advance God's work involves engaging the forces of darkness and winning the spiritual battle. To win it, the church must practice strong effective and persistent praying because the enemy is not flesh and blood but spiritual.
We need to be built tough and fully loaded with God's artillery to dispossess the enemy. The Church needs to exercise more than just intimate prayers with a loving God. To bring God's kingdom on earth, the Lord is raising forceful churches mighty in prayer. Churches that know how to storm the gates of hell and exert the authority of the Most High. We cannot expect to serve using our little and leisurely vessels. We are in a war and the spiritual battle is real and deadly.
Let us be a prayer war machine that will unleash God's immense power to break the domain of darkness. We need to be a battle axe in the hands of God to wield destruction on demonic forces and establish God's kingdom of love and peace. Pray strong, pray hard, pray through!!! Choose to be a prayer weapon in the hands of God.
This vision came to confirm the word He spoke to my heart in my personal prayer retreat in Rembia that is 'Teach My People to Pray'. To advance God's work involves engaging the forces of darkness and winning the spiritual battle. To win it, the church must practice strong effective and persistent praying because the enemy is not flesh and blood but spiritual.
We need to be built tough and fully loaded with God's artillery to dispossess the enemy. The Church needs to exercise more than just intimate prayers with a loving God. To bring God's kingdom on earth, the Lord is raising forceful churches mighty in prayer. Churches that know how to storm the gates of hell and exert the authority of the Most High. We cannot expect to serve using our little and leisurely vessels. We are in a war and the spiritual battle is real and deadly.
Let us be a prayer war machine that will unleash God's immense power to break the domain of darkness. We need to be a battle axe in the hands of God to wield destruction on demonic forces and establish God's kingdom of love and peace. Pray strong, pray hard, pray through!!! Choose to be a prayer weapon in the hands of God.
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