Sunday, February 20, 2011

Consider thy ways - Haggai 1:5

The Paradox of our Time!

The paradox of our time in history is that...

We have taller buildings, but shorter tempers.
Wider freeways, but narrower viewpoints.
We spend more, but have less.
We buy more, but enjoy it less.

We have bigger houses and smaller families.
More conveniences, but less time.
We have more degrees, but less sense.
More knowledge, but less judgment.
More experts, but more problems.
More medicine, but less wellness.

We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly,
laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry too quickly,
stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little,
watch TV too much, and pray too seldom.

We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values.
We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often.
We've learned how to make a living, but not a life;
We've added years to life, not life to years.

We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet the new neighbor.
We've conquered outer space, but not inner space;
We've done larger things, but not better things.

We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul.
We've split the atom, but not our prejudice.
We write more, but learn less;
We plan more, but accomplish less;
We've learned to rush, but not to wait;
We have higher incomes, but lower morals;
We have more food, but less appeasement;

We build more computers to hold more information to produce more copies than ever, but have less communication.

We've become long on quantity, but short on quality.

These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion; tall men, and short character; steep profits, and shallow relationships.

These are the times of world peace, but domestic warfare; more leisure,but less fun; more kinds of food, but less nutrition.

These are days of two incomes, but more divorce; of fancier houses, but broken homes.

These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throw away morality, one-night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill.

It is a time when there is much in the show window and nothing in the stockroom; a time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to make a difference, or to just hit delete...

Dr. Bob Moorehead

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Theme Song 2010

Nothing is Impossible (Planetshakers)
1
I'm not gonna live by what I see

I'm not gonna live by what I feel
Deep down I know that You're here with me
And i know that You can do anything
1
Chorus:
Through You I can do anything,
I can do all things
Cause its You who gives me strength,
Nothing is impossible
1
Through You blind eyes are open,
Strongholds are broken
I am living by faith,
Nothing is impossible
1
Bridge:
I believe, I believe
I believe, I believe in You

Listen to it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xmohQ4d-FLI

Monday, January 4, 2010

A Fresh Start

Each new year always brings along new beginnings and an opportunity for us to make a fresh start in different areas of our lives- relationships, career, quiet time etc.
1
I used to be very cynical about new year resolutions and "new beginnings" as they seem more driven by emotional hype than a genuine desire for lasting change. However, the start of this year feels a little different for me... it feels that God has deposited within me a new hope for the future and the ability to believe that things in my life can be different, things can change.
1
Cynthia and I embarked on a new Bible reading programme for 2010, a new one year Bible that organises the entire Bible chronologically into 365 daily readings. I love the way the readings are organised! Makes everything flow so much more smoothly and logically (the NLT translation is superb for daily reading too!).
1
On the sidelines, we are also doing a 90-day "Renewing your Spiritual Life" devotional as a supplement. Honestly not the most in-depth devotional on the market, but something easy to digest and with lessons on everyday christian living.

We are hoping to blog our daily devotions over here as often as we can, just in case some of you may be interested to give it a read when you are free. :) Do also feel free to blog your own quiet time too! We would love to find out what God has been speaking to all of us about.

As we begin the new year 2010, let us throw aside all cynicism and pessimism, believing that "He who began a good work in you, will be faithul to complete it in you". This will be our best year yet.

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

"Up up and away...."

I recently started on a draft for this entry, but when I logged in again, it somehow disappeared. Anyway, decided to start again from scratch though some of the inspiration has probably been lost...
1
For those of you who have watched the show "UP" you will probably agree with me that it was truly a hilarious and UPlifting (could not resist it) movie. For the benefit of those who did not catch the movie, it was about a lovely couple, Carl & Ellie, who grew up with dreams of one day becoming great explorers to search for undiscovered exotic lands. One destination they were especially fond of was a place called "Paradise Falls", a cliff overlooking a magnificent waterfall. They dreamed of one day finding and building their dream home at paradise falls itself. However, as they both started to get caught up with the busyness of life, getting married, buying a house etc... their dreams of exploring the world, though not forgotten, began to fade into the background.
1
Just when it seemed that they were ready to embark on their adventure, life took an unexpected turn when Ellie, fell sick and died leaving Carl a sad and lonely man. After some years, when Carl was under threat of being evicted from his home, he decides to attach hundreds of colourful ballons to his house, to float away in search of Paradise Falls; an unfulfilled childhood dream that he and Ellie once shared. And so the adventure begins...
1
I must say that I was deeply touched by the movie. As I lay in bed that night, I thought of all the dreams that I had since I a young kid. Dreams of becoming a missionary, dreams of travelling the world, people I love.... I felt a tinge of sadness and fear. The fear of waking up one day old and foggy, realising that all I had left was a bag full of unfulfilled dreams, ambitions and neglected relationships. Many times it takes something drastic to rattle us before we come back to our senses and remember of all the things that are truly important to us. So often people only begin to purue the things that are close to their heart when they discover that they are dying of cancer or some other dreaded disease; I am so glad my mum managed to meet the people she loved and see the cherry blossoms in Japan (something she always dreamnt of) before she passed away; things that mattered to her.
1
What will it take to move you to do the things that are close to your heart? What will it take before you decide to mend that broken relationship, go on that dream vacation, tell that someone that you love and appreciate her/him, forgive that someone whom have hurt you, do something radical for God?
1
I pray that it will not take a crisis, like Carl, before we decide to grab onto all those colourful balloons and live the life and dreams that God has placed in our hearts.
1
"For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope" Jer 29:11

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Good Morning Molecules!

G-od
O-ffers us His
O-utstanding
D-evotion to

M-ake us
O-bedient &
R-eady for a
N-ew day with Him.
I-nspire others please, and
N-ever forget
G-od loves you!

Monday, July 20, 2009

this is the day the Lord has made

It was starting to pour when I was getting ready for school. I thought, in this rain, I might not survive the usual 10 minutes walk from the MRT to school, so I detoured to the side of the road to flag a cab instead.

Ambling along, came a brand new cab. Got in, gave my usual cheerful greetings to the cabbie and indicated my destination towards Jurong East.

He asked, "which way you want to go?"
I said, "TPE-SLE-BKE-PIE, exit Jurong Town Hall Road to Jurong East."
Cabbie said, "my customers told me KPE much better way"
I said, "that is just going backwards and a much longer way"
Cabbie said, "anyway, I've already missed the turning for TPE, have to go KPE now."
I said, "wait a minute. why don't you make a U-turn and head back?"
Cabbie mumbled and grumbled.

For the rest of the journey, cabbie would make presumptuous remarks and then retract them when I asked him about them.
I usually have quite meaningful conversations with cabbies but that morning was a drag.
It then appeared to me that this guy hears but he doesn't listen.
Don't we all know how hard it is to keep a conversation with someone who doesn't listens but intent on only spewing out his own comments.

As the rain poured, the road conditions slowed drastically. At each junction and turns, I would have to remind cabbie or else he would simply drive on nonchalantly. Each time I prompted him, he would reply with a standard, "is it?"

When we were finally on PIE and I thought I could perhaps steal a couple of winks to get ready for the day's teaching. To my horror when I opened my eyes, we were somewhere in Toh Tuck.
By this time I was really dismayed. Not only was the taxi meter ticking past $30. I am going to be late for class as well.

I asked cabbie why didn't he turn off at Jurong Town Hall road. to which, he again gave a stoic "is it?"
I was fuming by then.
I had to deliberately breathe deep and slow to calm myself down to rationalize my reactions to my emotions.

When I finally guided cabbie to the school, the meter stopped at $35, which was about all I had for the day. Great! No money left for even a drink of water!
I remembered stepping out of the cab feeling absolutely pissed and mad. What's wrong with this man? Can't he tell that I need to be on time for school? (which was why I took a cab in the first place) and why can't he even stop his cab nearer to where I wouldn't be drenched by the rain?
This is so going to ruin my day if it hasn't already!

As I walked past the security post and waved to the guards, a ticker-tape like message flashed across my mind.

This is the day that the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it.

You gotta be joking. Rejoice? Over what? You should be glad I wasn't scowling. Rejoice?

As I mulled over the flashing scriptures again, then it all made sense!

I WILL rejoice. It lies with my WILL.

I can choose to be angry and upset by the cabbie, or I can be thankful that I arrive safely in the torrential storm.
I can be thankful that the rain has cooled down the temperatures so much that it is so much more pleasant and conducive to teach.
I can be thankful that the route I took was the only route without any road accidents as were reported in the radio.
I can be thankful that God loves me more than enough than to let me simmer in my frustrations.

I started to be thankful.

It is amazing how when we choose to be thankful, there are so many things to be grateful for.

With this shift in my paradigm, my steps shifted into a hop as well.
So much so that when I stepped into class, I was practically skipping.

Of course, when you skip into class, the students notice. The atmosphere changes.
They quizzed me why I was feeling so happy that day. I told them the story of my horrible morning.
We ended up learning together that our lives are always affected by the choices we make. What seemed like a perfect excuse to be grouchy for a spoilt day can be the catalyst for an amazing experience.

Needless to say, I had a fantastic day. Even some teachers who sat in my sessions commented that they was very inspired.


THIS is the day that the lord has made. WILL you rejoice and be glad in it?

Monday, May 18, 2009

"Realtionships 101"

5 Things That Men Should Do More/Less:

1. Spend more quality time (give undivided attention)

2. Share more of our feelings rather than just facts

3. Listen/understand rather than just give solutions


4. Give priority to each other; don't put things above people

5. Learn to be more gentlemanly and romantic; chivalry is not dead


5 Things That Women Should Do More/Less:

1. Nag less - do not try to dictate everything that guys should/should not do

2. Be more logical and less emotional; especially when problems arise

3. Be supportive; make each other look good in public


4. Be specific with what you want; guys suck at guessing

5. Learn to be more secure; confidence is attractive

Seeking God's kingdom

Just a sharing from Kara... since Can! shared a nice story...


Sun's message was a message in season for me... Pst Rick spoke abt how our past failure can cause us to stay in a certain place and be afraid to tread forward... and also how our previous victories can cause us to celebrate for too long that we don't move on to see future victories....


I started off full of energy and strength but as the battle continued, I find hope waivering. I shall learn to walk away from previous failures and take steps forward this week. I can, because God will move my mountains!


As I responded to the altar call, the minister gave this verse to me:

Matthew 6:33 (New International Version)
33But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

How, Lord? How to seek... I can only do what I know how and wait upon Your response. Really need You to surprise me once again!!!!!


Coming onto my Big Day......

I remember a while ago, I thought to myself... In an average person's lifetime, he/she has only 2 open opportunities to share Christ with friends they care abt on a big scale.

The first would be at their Wedding where close friends would come, unguarded, with no tinted views that we're trying to preach something.

The next event would be at their Funeral, where pre-Christians friends get to hear the eulogy of how God has shaped the person's life and look back at the last words of the person...


I think my last words to all my friends would be:

"See & taste that the Lord is good..." you must get to know the Jesus that I know before you lie in the coffin like me now. HAH!


Seeing more and more of my friends RSVPing on Facebook that they're coming to my church wedding, I feel a sense of excitment! Not because I have beautiful photos or a lovely gown, but because I know it's an open opportunity for them to know Christ. I believe God will start sowing small seeds of love in their hearts as they join in the worship and witness in our matrimony.

I've been inspired to continually look at the wedding as an evangelistic event. It's not just a Randy+Kara-day but the Lord's day! Wanna dedicate that day to the Lord, and hope that people's perception abt Christians will change and they will be more open to Jesus through this event.


Pray along with me! That all my friends who step into the auditorium on 11th July will feel the love of God tugging at their hearts... :)


Looking forward to my Big Fat "Evengelistic" Event!

Saturday, May 16, 2009


Thought I'd share this story


Amazing what a little soap will do

Herman and his wife Lucy never miss church... They're never late and they are always there every Sunday and the same goes for weekly Bible Study too. You probably have seen a couple like this in your church. You may even be like them!

Herman is the laid back type. A hard working man, close to retirement, and never one to complain. Lucy, on the other hand, is the gossiping busy body type. She doesn't have a paying job since Herman's income is pretty good, so she just makes it her business to keep up on everyone else's business.

A young couple moved into the neighborhood, and Lucy invited them to their church. They have been going there for a few weeks now and seem like a pretty nice couple as far as everyone can tell. Besides, if they weren't nice, Lucy would have already told the whole town. She keeps a close eye on them.

One morning while they are eating breakfast, Lucy happened to see the young woman outside hanging the wash out to dry. "Well! That laundry is not very clean", she exclaimed to Herman. "That silly girl doesn't even know how to wash correctly." she said as she was standing at her kitchen sink. "Perhaps she just needs better laundry soap." Said Herman.

Every time her neighbor would hang her wash to dry, Lucy would make the same sort of degrading comments, and she even told a few of the other ladies in the women's Bible study group. Even though Lucy would have strong words of criticism most every day, she would never go over and offer her assistance. She would rather sit there in the comfort of her 'glass home' and throw stones at the neighbor. And every time it happened, ol' Herman would look on, but he would still remain silent.

About one month later, Lucy was surprised to see a nice clean wash on the line and said to her husband: "Well what do you know, she finally learned how to do the darn laundry correctly! I wonder who taught her this?"

Herman said, "I don't know dear, but I got up a little early this morning and cleaned our windows."

And so it is with life. What we see when watching others depends on the purity of the window through which we look.

The Bible tells us to remove the beam from our eye when we tell our brother to remove the speck from his eye. (Luke 6:39-42) This doesn't mean we should not judge. We should. Judge a man by his fruit. It is good to know what not to do. But be sure that as you do this, you will also be judged in the same way. Can you handle it? Either way, it is impossible for us to judge what is on the inside of any man. That is something only God can do.

No matter what, we must love. It is easy to judge someone else, because we never judge ourselves on the same standard. We also never love someone the way God does, and the way He wants us to.

Let us consider our ways.

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Is Jesus Coming Back Soon?

Today at our office's weekly lunch time fellowship, an American couple who lives in Jersusalem came to share about their ministry in bringing reconciliation between the Jews and Christians. Much of the hatred that the Jews have against Christians stems from the fact that Hitler was a baptized and rather devout Roman Catholic since birth. As such, the association between the terrible massacre of the Jews, during the holocaust, and Christianity is still clear in the minds of the Jewish people.

During the sermon, the couple focused their sharing on "the signs of the times" (the indicators that signal the second coming of Christ); the developments in the middle east, the rebuilding of the temple etc. I was honestly quite cynical about the "signs" that they were enthusiastically sharing about as teachings about the Jesus' return has been preached throughout the decades. Will we really see Christ's return in our lifetime? Is it His second coming really that near?

As I was sat there with my pride & cynicism, I truly felt convicted/rebuked by the Holy Spirit. It was as if the Lord was saying to me...

"it doesn't matter whether you know the exact day and time of my return, what bothers me is the condition of your heart. Do you even look forward (with anticipation) towards my return (longing to see me face-to-face) or are you totally unconcerned and indifferent about meeting with me when I return?"

How would you feel if you went away and your spouse or loved ones never once bothered/cared about when you will be coming home? Painful isn't it. I believe that was how God feels when we are so caught up with our lives that we don't long for His return; in fact there are some Christians who even secretly wishes that He delays His return so that we can enjoy more of what this world has to offer. I am ashamed to say that at times, I am one of them.


So is Jesus coming back soon? Maybe a better question is "does it even mattter to you"?

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Have fun in KL!

Our cell blog has been so quiet! My gosh, nobody even blogs here! Hence i shall contribute since I'm bed-ridden and glued to the computer for this week...

Seeing all your emails on your itinerary for the KL trip this weekend, i'm feeling so excited for all of u!! Waiting at Golden Mile for coach, grabbing some rest (if any) and thinking abt what to do when the bus uncle shouts "Berjaya times Square" and u open your eyes... U will definitely have alot of fun!!!!!! All the karaoke-ing, eating and shopping! Wish I could be there too man..

But well just for the record of why I'm not going:

1) I'm currently broke

2) saving 4 my photographic equipments

3) saving for honeymoon(s)

Anyways, here's some of my recommendations of the to-dos when u get there (I'm sure many of u are probably even more well-acquainted with KL):

Shopping:

"The Golden Triangle" - Bukit Bintang area: Sungei Wang plaza


KLCC - my malaysian friend once told me that there's a free tour that goes up to the bridge (connecting the 2 towers) at 10am.. worth a check...

Mid Valley Mega Mall (need to take a train, not within walking distance to your hotel)

Lot 10 - Shop at Isetan (with brands like Mango, SEED etc in there) especially if they're having sale

(Ladies - buy alot of shoes from local VNC... they're much cheaper in KL!)

(I say, don't bother with Chinatown. It's juz a mega pasar malam with fake replications)


My usual-eats:


- Madam Kuan - touted for their Nasi Padangs (abt S$10/serving) - available at KLCC


- KFC - But of coz our neighbour serves up better fried chicken than us


- Kim Gary HK cafe - Thick toasts, baked rice, yogurt drinks


- "CrystalJade" type eatery - at the basement of Plaza Low Yat (u'll pass it if u walk from hotel to Bukit Bintang area)

- HK cafe opp Capitol Hotel - serves nice + affordable noodles, has a chu(1) qian(2) yi(1) ding(1) cartoon mascott outside their cafe

Add to this list of recommendations when u guys come back k?! Have a good trip! ;)

Monday, March 16, 2009

Trust God, Not Circumstances















“On another Sabbath Jesus went into the synagogue and was teaching, and a man was there whose right hand was shriveled. The Pharisees and the teachers of the law were looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, so they watched him closely to see if he would heal on the Sabbath. But Jesus knew what they were thinking and said to the man with the shriveled hand, "Get up and stand in front of everyone." So he got up and stood there. Then Jesus said to them, "I ask you, which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to destroy it?" He looked around at them all, and then said to the man, "Stretch out your hand." He did so, and his hand was completely restored. But the Pharisees were furious and began to discuss with one another what they might do to Jesus.” Luke 6:6-13

Let’s look closely at the man with the shrivelled hand. This was a deformity, something to be ashamed about. Maybe he kept it hidden in his cloak. Maybe he kept his hand behind his back. But it would have been something he was ashamed of. How did he feel about his hand? Was he angry with God and ask, “Why me?” Was he bitter? We don’t know. But we can guess something about this man’s walk with God from the fact that he was in the temple on Sabbath Day. At the right place, doing the right thing to honour the God he believed. Then imagine this. Jesus stops teaching and looks around. He looks at this man with the shrivelled hand and says “Get up and stand in front of everyone.” Oh, the embarrassment of this! Imagine – it is Sabbath, the synagogue is full and the Teacher asks you to stand up in front of everyone. Every eye is on you. How vulnerable the man must have felt. Then, something ‘worse’ happens. Jesus says “Stretch out your hand.” In full view of the whole synagogue. For everyone to see! That hand that he had probably kept hidden, that hand that was his source of sadness and anger and shame. Yet he obeyed and stretched that withered hand out for everyone to look at. Then the miracle happens. His withered, shrivelled hand is restored! Made whole again! Healed! That which caused him shame now healed in front of everyone and God’s glory revealed! The joy of that moment for this man – can words describe it?

And what did it mean to me? It made me ask myself – what is my withered hand? What shame, guilt, sorrow, weakness am I keeping hidden? What am I being bitter, angry or sad about? And is my heart right with God despite it? God is asking me to trust Him. To stand up, ignore all other eyes, keep my eye only on Him and say “Here, Lord, this is my weakness. This is my shame. This is my worry, my burden.” God is asking me to trust Him with my vulnerability. To trust Him with my pain. To trust Him with my sadness and guilt. And He will heal gloriously. He will reveal His power in my weakness. Our God is awesome.

Father, Hold My Hand

A little girl and her father were crossing a narrow bridge. Afraid that the child might fall into the river, the father said, "Sweetheart, please hold my hand so that you don't fall into the river." The little girl said, "No, Dad. You hold my hand." "What's the difference?" asked the puzzled father. "There's a big difference," replied the little girl. "If I hold your hand and happen to stumble, chances are that I may let your hand go. But if you hold my hand, I know for sure that no matter what happens, you will never let my hand go.... "In any relationship, the essence of trust is not in its bind, but in its bond. Thank God that we have a Father who will never let us go. Even when we stumble and let go of His hand, His grip is sure and He never lets us go.

Monday, February 23, 2009

God's Yellow Pages

Let your fingers do the walking http://www.divinepeace.com/Yellow_Pages.html

Impossible Is Nothing

Haha no this is not an Adidas ad... but maybe I should sell this to Adidas... earn some money to sponsor my children from there.

Well guys, go for whatever you wanna do because
IMPOSSIBLE IS NOTHING, NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE.


When someone tells you that you can't do something...

Look around....

Consider all options....
Then GO for it!

Use all the things God gave you and be creative!
In the end, you will succeed and prove them wrong!

So folks... remember... nothing is impossible if your heart is willing. For I can do all things through Christ who give me strength (Philippians 4:11)