Glorified be Your name

Posted on October 27, 2011 by clay

It’s a kind of his last day. So he showed me his piece of work. As always, he and his work impressess me very much. It’s a kind of “perfect” piece of work. But this one is little bit special. He took little bit time explaining, and I saw it’s indeed a very wonderful piece. It’s the best, I said; because nobody can ask more something better. No user would ask something more, because this is probably what best is.

Somehow, the word connects me with the prayer Jesus taught. He started by saying, “Our father in Heaven, glorified be your name.” I was told and often tell also, that God is the most important, and the most important thing ever, to glorify His name. I don’t deny tat it is true. But that evening, I thought of something which could give the word another significance.

I thought, that’s probably the heartfelt attitude God desiring for us. For as we realize He has done the best for us, best as in the sense BEST. It leaves us with nothing more to ask. We simply can’t ask for something better. He’s given done the BEST for us. So at that position, I believe……we can only cry out, Father, hallowed by thy name. That our most desire……cry out for God’s name to be praised!!

If that’s true, then when our prayers are filled with a lot of asking, probably shows our lack of understanding what he has done for us. We failed to recognize the much he has done. That we forget to give thanks, and asking for the less and small things.

So yah, I thought, what a beautiful reminder. Thanks J for your works.

Posted in Joyful, Matthew, Providence, Thankful | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

A Fake Christianity

Posted on October 25, 2011 by clay

Had a short conversation this afternoon … I got a feeling that if this should continue… would eventually lead to what’s consider as true christianity. True as based on agreed criteria. Though these days ppl seldom to talk openly as to what’s true & false (due to many reasons). I hoped I didn’t have to correct the person on the spot. But if I have to, i hope i would do it gently.

What i see as dangerous…the temptation of false christianity. It’s very easy to embrace the false. For the world is under the prince of darkness. And what he offers, what our flesh crave. Basically….we all like the feel good, think good, be good message. Hence it’s very easy to put it that Christianity is all about Jesus. Jesus is good, says good thing, done good things……….hence follow Him means do good, say good, and be good thing……and life would be good. This i think the kind christianity which is very dangerous. It appeals to the old man, but miss the point. It’s actually talking about Jesus, but making him our excuses…that we can still live and do our own lives, what we like, etc.

As i read my Bible again, from Old till New testament….from the angels, prophets, even Jesus……all of them points to one thing..GOD. God’s mission, God’s decree, God’s name, God’s agenda, etc…..They’re all very zealous about God. The prophet speak of God’s word regardless the cost. The angels speak of God’s glory and majesty. Jesus himself is full of God’s mission….to accomplish what he was sent to. He didn’t try to be good man, or say good thing, or thinking positvely. All about him, is to please God.

It’s very stark contrast with the christianity being offered nowdays. Full of Jesus / God on the outside, but on the inside, is full of self. Self pleasure, self-indulgence, self-glory, self-seeking, self-fulfillment, etc…………

Posted in Concerned, Truth vs Lies | Tagged , | Leave a comment

The always told story

Posted on October 18, 2011 by clay

This morning, I can’t remember how it came. But i know this what the Lord impressed on me. The scene where a woman, name Mary, pour out very expensive perfume, all…, on a man’s, name Jesus, feet. Something that never crossed my mind before. And depth of the scene….

I was told that the perfume was very hard earned by the woman. It’s probably her entire life’s saving. According to the culture during those days, woman works and saves to buy the expensive perfume for their big day. It took them about 17 years just to save enough to purchase it.

Besides the point (imagine it was not so, due to today’s sceptisicm) … the passage alone tells us it’s very expensive item. Also beside the point of how precious hair to woman, and how dirty a man’s feet is (imagine you’re telling this to sceptist audience). The point is, deep inside every of us, we all know what is precious, lovely, adorable, lofty and what is lowly, despised, disgusting, dirty. Throughout ages, no matter what culture…….woman’s hair is always treated with high respect and carries certain dignity. Throughout ages, feet is always the bottom, the lowliest, the smelly and dirty part of the body. And expensive remains expensive acrros times.

So, this thing the Lord impressed on me. What Mary did on that day, has turned the world upsided down. She demonstrates an acceptable service to God. By giving out her best, for the most humble cause. Yes, giving the BEST for the WORST. It certainly something that didn’t occur to me before. It’s true that we’re giving our best for everything. Be it great or small matter, we’re to give our best. However…when it comes to the ugliest part…where it doesn’t demand an attention….would we still giving our best? Knowing that it just doesn’t fit?

I think, that’s probably the blindspot for many of us. Mary knew very well her position. She knows who she is, and who JEsus is. She knew that she can’t never give out enough. That even her very very best, won’t even fit for the ugliest part of Jesus. There’s nothing in and out of her, ever worthy enough for Jesus. Even the lowliest and meanest of all. The best isn’t good enough.

I think, that’s true humility. Till the realization comes…….that our best, just doesn’t fit into His lowliest. Nothing from us or of us which ever be worthy enough for His service. Then only then…….really an acceptable service. A true devotion from the heart.

No wonder that Jesus said to her, wherever the gospel is preached, the story will always be told….in memory of her   (Mark 14:9, Mat 26:13)

Posted in Humility, Love, Mark, Matthew, Richess | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Beautiful Wedding

Posted on October 8, 2011 by clay

About 2 weeks ago, we went up to Bali for one my best friends. We didn’t really make a plan, for it’s just 1 day trip. It’s during the times when airlines imposed additional surchages (i think to cope with the increasing oil price). So we took first flight (9am) to Bali, and first flight in the morning (6am) return on the next day. God is so gracious to us:

1. We didn’t have to go there alone. Indeed God sent two other friends to join us.. So when you’re travelling in group of 4, i think that’s ideal size  Though they departed earlier, we arrived at same time & we travelled together.

2. We got the Blue Bird, who then dropped us at one famous Babi Guling restaurant.. This is another treat for my wife who longs for Babi Guling..

3. The babi guling treat was like a nostalgia for both of us. Still it can’t beat the one we tasted at Ubud. Nevertheless it pacifies our longing little bit.

4. We’re surprised to see the hotel. It’s grand new hotel, just opened about 6 months ago. And the view, everything was just fantastic. It feels like a honeymoon. And to our greater surprise, we got a mini-suite room  It does feel like a honeymoon. And thank God we got with special discount, thanks to my wife. She was busy taking photos with the room, coz the design is quite minimalist.

5. The wedding itself was super great. When we first arrived at the venue, we’re stunned by the beauty of the whole thing. The small chapel just stood at the edge of water, and after that is the open beach. The blue sky, the wave, the view…waow…it just so good. I thought it’s first time in my life to see such view. Indeed when we sang the first song “Still”, the lyric “Father you’re king over the flood”, and at same time, the wave just rolling in…..tears flowed down. It’s such timely and beautiful reminder, that The Great God is….our Father.

6. The dinner was another fantastic treat. It’s a open garden sitting dinner, with a live band. And the songs and atmosphere were perfect. It like those in the movies… So was really enjoyed the nite and the food. Of course after that got to meet our friend and really glad for him. God is good. Now with his wife, may they become godly couple, godly parents, God’s beloved children in their communities. The Lord bless them.

7. Another good friend offered to sent us back. Thank God so much for him, his kindness. So we arrived back, and enjoyed our super beautiful mini-suite…Before we could enjoy our sleep much, we’ve to wake up and catch taxi to airport. It’s still dark, yet the queue is quite long. About 30 mins we’re waiting in the queue for check-in.

8. When we arrived back, we ate our lunch…and i still thought, it just like a dream… The beautiful photos, memories, friendships kept in my heart.

Thank you Lord for the beautiful weekend and catch up with friends. Witnessing God’s goodness & love. Indeed Love is really amazing. Somehow after that trip, i feel more for my wife. It’s a rare experience to watch the night sky together at open sky, beside the beach, followed by live band at background..

God is good.

Posted in Joyful, Providence | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Biblical Vision

Posted on July 31, 2011 by clay

Where there is no vision, the people perish – Prv 29:18a (KJV)

I probably didn’t understand the verse so well then. And so, few thoughts regarding the verse that kind of new thing to me.

1. Vision could have several meanings. Literal meanings would be seeing vision as something similar to dreams. However, another translation put it as prophecy. And there’re some similarities on prophecy and vision, as the book of Revelation is book of prophecy, but John describes many visions inside. Hence they’re probably same or similar thing.

2. If so, then it’s about future realities. They’re not things without meaning, but they speak about distant future realities, of things that will take place.

3. Another name for vision, i would call it “Calling”….something that calls a person towards something…

4. As summary, without Calling / prophecy / dreams / vision….people will be powerless / perish / off…..for there’s nothing to anchor their eyes and destiny towards

5. LAstly, the only true and lasting vision, is not merely absurd dreams occur in random nights, or seeing something about personal things. But true reality is what God show to His people, to equip them for actions. Hence the only true and lasting vision, is Biblical vision. The vision that the Bible projects.

The Word of God, that projects God’s vision for the future of humanity and the world. And calls His children to embrace the whole reality of His Word. Till we believe, we won’t see.

Posted in Faith, Proverbs | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Something that need to be clarified & commended

Posted on July 19, 2011 by clay

Last sunday, we visited a well-known congregation in Qnstown area.

I had respected their founder since young. In fact I have learnt many things from him. I would say he’s one of probably most impactful Christian leader in this era. For all that he had done, I would give him the full credit.

Many years ago, however, I decided not to listen to him anymore. Simple reason is because I don’t benefit much from it anymore as before. The message became more self-centered / inward-looking somewhat. When i heard many comments from people, they just confirmed what I’ve seen before.

Last sunday, however, i happened to visit and listened for the whole 2 hours plus. After spending some times, reflecting on what should I write here, finally I decided to write it down 

First of all, I don’t want to pass judgment on others. A person would be judged by the Word, and his words. And i believe the Word is very clear on this, “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.” Though it seems great now, i wont’ be surprised that one day all these greatness will collapse. There’s none of human greatness that last forever. Probably, now it has already begin declining.

Second thing which I strongly felt, his approach seem contradicting Jesus’ Great commission in Mat 28. For He says, “Go, make disciples of all nations, teach them to obey all I commanded you, and baptize them into Father, Son, Holy Spirit“. It’s very clear instruction, every believers to make all nations disciples of Jesus Christ. Isn’t it? And not disciple of any movements / theology. The difference is very stark. Disciple of Jesus Christ means listening and obeying all what Jesus says. Disciple of certain school / theology / movements means listening and obeying all what the leader dictate (even when quoting Scripture).

If i can meet him and speak with him, I would still bring him these two points. And i do pray for him, that as he’s approaching his seventies….he would grow to be more like Jesus. Many great men in history. And many of these great men fails in the last years of their lives. What a sad reality. I pray that he would not throw his goods at the last league of his race.

Having said all these, I also met another man, who is also in his seventies. He’s equally strong in body & spirit. The difference is that he acknowledges his weaknesses and sinfulness, the need to depend on God’s grace & mercy. He doesn’t boast about his achievements, but working tirelessly and supporting many people & their works across regions. He doesn’t have answers to all theological questions, in fact I could probably give better answer than him. One thing remarkable about this man, the only man whom I know, when he prays, I heard a giant’s prayer. May the Lord also show him mercy & grace, use him for His purpose.

Posted in Matthew | Leave a comment

The Night Sky

Posted on July 1, 2011 by clay

Tonight was certainly special.

In the past, i used to stare at the night sky, and found some inspirations or more importantly a sense of God’s presence and love. There’re several poems titled “Under the nite sky”, which still my beloved treasure. Whenever i read them, God’s presence just seems real.

Actually i think it’s my first encounter with God. Under the nite sky, my grandma brought me outside (i was still so small in her embrace). But i remembered seeing a lot of stars, and I asked question about God there.

Tonite, i went out to buy dinner for us. Initially i was bit reluctant for it’s quite late, and i didn’t feel very well. But the whole thing just to remind me my past practices….looking up towards the nite sky..

Unfortunately, i was surrounded by tall buildings. I can’t imagined SG is full of tall buildings, like the ones i saw in NY…close. The surroundings seem to disappoint me for i can hardly see anything. Till, i saw one bright star shining.

And that’s enough for me. It’s clear, wherever I am, whatever season I’m in, God is always present. Be it in foreign country covered by darkness, there God showered me with many countless stars, or even here in heartland of SG, with my present situation, and surrounded by so many tall buildings. God still shines brighter than anything.

With that assurance, I can rest assured once again 

Posted in Assured | Tagged | Leave a comment

Worthwhile afternoon

Posted on June 9, 2011 by clay

I’m glad this afternoon I met brother Peter.

And I’m glad that the last time I didn’t bring up the issue about our differences.

Now I can see that sometimes it’s not worthwhile to pursue correctness (often we don’t have full knowledge as well), at the expense of greater thing like relationship. One may argue that truth is more important than relationship. I think both is equally important. Hence in order to pursue both, one need to show grace & wisdom.

His encouragement to me is simple. Jesus is with my wife. Jesus is my partner at work. And he quotes from 1 Peter 5, to cast our worries on Him, and he will care for us. Very simple words. With some of his personal testimonies of worries & God’s care.

Posted in 1 Peter, Encouraged | Leave a comment

God’s answer to troubled soul

Posted on June 3, 2011 by clay

I was reading and meditating on Habakuk. Somehow I always learn new lessons from him. He’s kind interesting person with interesting book. He’s asking God very difficult questions. And somehow God answered him in weird kind ways. Yet without clear answer, he so called accepted God’s answer. So it’s always kind interesting to me, dialogue between Habakuk & God, and the resolution that comes as result.

Below just sharing of few lessons I learnt:

Basically, Habakuk’s question is similar to our modern’s day question of “Where is God when it hurts?” or “What God is doing in midst of suffering?” There’re few “key” sentences embedded in the whole entire book, how God answer those questions.

1. “See, the enemy is puffed up; his desires are not upright— but the righteous person will live by his faithfulness.” (Hbk 2:4)

On one hand, it’s answering to Habakuk’s complaint of powerful evil ruler. And God telling him that God knows what’s going on inside the evil ruler, and God will bring judgment to him. Interestingly, God inserted a statement how his people and his children should live in presence of powerful evil ruler. By his faith / faithfulness in some translations.

2. For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD as the waters cover the sea. (Hbk 2:14)

Again, this statement is sounds weird in midst of God’s pronouncing judgment (read v.13 & 15, and the rest). But i think, in midst of presence & future judgment of God, He inserted hope & promise.

3. The LORD is in his holy temple; let all the earth be silent before him. (Hbk 2:21)

And lastly, the concluding statement in chapter 2, as how difference God with idols. While idols are nothing, God definitely the ultimate ruler of the universe. And all the earth must be silent before him. I think this is the third and conclusive lesson God’s answering Habakuk. There’s ultimate ruler, ultimate truth, ultimate conclusion, to our temporary problem & sufferings.

Pulling all these 3 statements together, God’s answer to Habakuk may look like this:

In the midst and presence of evil & sufferings, continue to live faithfully / by faith. The day will come when the whole earth filled with knowledge of glory of God. When that day comes, you will be at rest & peace because every evil & injustices were done. And this will surely happen, because God is the LORD has spoken. 

Indeed, God has not abandoned us. He has answered human cries through His Son. This morning, as I read Paul’s letter to Corinthians, I thought, hey…this is how God answers and brings about His promise through Habakuk.

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, with unveiled face,”beholding” the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. (2 Cor 3:17-18)

How beautiful and wonderful the way of God is. Indeed now, we’re experiencing God’s answer. Everyday, as we’re beholding the Lord, we are transformed from glory to glory. Finally as God promised, the whole earth will be filled with knowledge of glory of God. Currently, we’re transformed into His image….we’re growing from one degree of glory to another. Eventually, the final glory of God will fill entire earth!!

Hence God is saying, look, I’m working on what I promised. Human eyes can’t see, for the Lord is Spirit. But we know by faith, this is true. And as result, we could sing as Habakuk sang:

“…yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior.” (Habakuk 3:18)

 

Posted in 2 Corinthians, Habakuk, Hope | Tagged | Leave a comment

Life was a miracle

Posted on June 2, 2011 by clay

This afternoon, the thought came to me as I was having my lunch.

Many things in life happened not because of my choice. Contrary to holywood movies that telling people, you have a choice. It seems very different for me. I see things just happened, and I didn’t have to choose anything. So here a just a few, and why i think life was a miracle.

I still remember, how all began. I didn’t choose my school, or where i want to go next. There’s a show, my mum and I went there, drop my school result. They called me, gave me scholarship. My dad didn’t allow me to go, coz he wanted me to take local school. One of his good friends then told him, “take the chance”. Then it was, i studied overseas.

Many years later, I received a call at night. My dad was hospitalized. I cried hard that night, also the following morning. While boarding the airplane, God spoke to me, my dad was no more. There’s great comfort there. When i reached home, my mum opened the door, and i was told that my dad had passed away. Everything was dark suddenly. I can’t see anything of future. Then, good friend of our family spoke to my mum, that all the children must continue their education. It’s very hard. My mum would have to support 3 children. But my mum took the advice. So i went back to finish my study. I didn’t say, or choose anything.

Many years later, it’s my mum who’s hospitalized. This time, i pleaded with God to save her life. God’s miracle, my mum survived. It’s very hard time. But this time, I chose to leave. I didn’t go back. It’s also the word of someone whom I didn’t know. But he told me to finish my study, and leave my mum’s to God’s hands.

SO, here i am today. Still alive and survive. And finding ways to get cure for my wife. It has been a very long journey. We have tried many, done many, and the road still very long. It’s like those times when someone spoke a word, that things just moving forward. I wished there would be someone too this time. But here I stand today, I know life has been a miracle to me. It’s impossible to be here, without God’s favor.

Posted in Life | Tagged , | Leave a comment