Christ Followers in KiasuLand

Have you met any "kiasus" (Hokkien dialect word to describe someone who is afraid of losing) recently? It's really easy to spot one. Some characteristics of "kiasus" are:-

* Their favourite words are "Me", "Myself", "Mine" and "I" in big bold capital letters.

* They make choices solely on the basis of what benefits them the most.

* They are resistant to the fact that anyone can be better than them.

* They want to win at all cost, even willing to sacrifice integrity, relationships and health at the altar of success.

If you have problems finding a "kiasu", let me tell you a place where you can likely find one. Look at the mirror! Jab! Jab! Ouch! That's painful, isn't it? But it is so terribly true. Let's admit it. We live in a "me" era. However, many of us are sophisticated enough to mask our "kiasuism" with subtle packaging.

Our pride is called ambition. Our greed is named "hunger for growth". Our seeking for fame and popularity is hidden under the veneer of "marketing our talents and skills".

Don't get me wrong. I am not anti-growth or anti-competition. Godly stewardship of our marketplace position entails a strong focus on productivity, growth and profitability. However, my concern is that we may focus entirely on self interested motivations and on winning at all cost that we end up being another "kiasu" in kiasuland.

Surely, our calling as marketplace Christians should compel us to see beyond salaries, profitability and increasing of market share. Laura Nash in her book "Believers in Business", noted a covenantal approach among some evangelicals to the competitive drive in business.

In a covenantal approach, the first question asked is not, How much money did we make? but how is the customer faring? In other words, the primary purpose of Christians in the marketplace is the creation of value for others.

In Philippians Chap 2 Verse 4, the Bible said, "Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." That seems to be a value creating call to me. And, it is also a warning against "kiasuism".

I'll end with some questions on how we can create value for others:-

* In your workplace, what does it mean to be more of a giver than a taker when it comes to adding value to your organization?

* Is your organization a better place to work because you are on the payroll?

* If Christ were to have your job, how would He create value for your bosses, peers, subordinates, clients and society at large?

As Christ followers, let's focus on creating value for others. It's the antidote to being a self seeking "kiasu". (By Wong Fook Meng, Graduate Christian Fellow i-Commentary)

Tags: Christianity, Christian, Kiasu, Kiasuland

Late Christmas Celebration

Normally some events were postponed due to unforeseen circumstances but to go against the world's calender to celebrate a worldwide event was too much.

In Democratic Republic of Congo, a particular sect celebrates Christmas Day itself on 25 May, yeah just 5 days back only. Weird????? Why is that so?

Main Reason: Members of the Kimbanguist Church believe Jesus Christ was born on 25 May and not 25 December. I'm not confused by them but I'm confused by the World Council of Churches ("WCC")

Kimbanguist Church is a member of WCC and I wasn't able to verify their membership status as todate as WCC has questioned Kimbanguist Church's teachings (under Membership paragraph in the linked website) in one of their Executive Committee meeting held in Aug 2004.

The church has around 3 million believers, mainly concentrated in central Africa. It was founded in 1921 by Simon Kimbangu, a self-styled healer and prophet, who was educated by Baptist church missionaries in the west of what was then the Congo Free State. In 1999 the leaders of the Kimbanguist church decided that after several prophetic "revelations", Christmas should be celebrated on 25 May instead of in December. (source: BBC News/Africa)
Tags: Democratic Republic of Congo, Congo, Sect, Christmas Day, Kimbanguist Church, World Council of Churches, Simon Kimbangu, Christianity

Bible - An Indecent/Violent Book?

At first, the Bible was used as an assault item in a fight.

Now, the Bible has been cited in the Hong Kong's court calling for the book to be labelled as an obscene/indecent/violent book that those below 18 years old could not buy. In Hong Kong, when a book is listed in such category, it has to be wrapped up (similar to Playboys magazine) to prevent people from flipping through it.

An anonymous website known as Truthbible, has placed the following banner:-
Can't understand the rest of the website's content (bananaman!). I'm sure it did mention more about the reason behind the said banner. From other readings, Truthbible did mention that the Bible contains "rape, cannibalism and violence in both the Old and New Testament" and so it was deemed obscene/indecent/violent.

The above situation could have arose from the situation where a Hong Kong univeristy's student magazine had published certain indecent stories. Subsequently, the Obscene Articles Tribunal ’s (OAT) has called for a ban on the student magazine. Thereafter, OAT and Television and Entertainment Licensing Authority (TELA) have received more than 2,300 complaints about the Bible calling for similar ban describing a number text or verses that depicts obscenity.

The 2,300 people would have been the students from that particular university. A uniformity displayed here just to fight for their cause but dragged the religious book into controversy. Does the Quran book and other faiths' religious books depict similar text/verses?
Reading: From Indecent Student Magazine to Indecent Bible - Global Voices
Reading: The Hong Kong Monkey Trials - One Man Bandwidth

Tags: Bible, Hong Kong, Obscene, Indecent, Violent, Obscene Articles Tribunal, OAT, Television and Entertainment Licensing Authority, TELA, Quran

The Seed

A successful Christian business man was growing old and knew it was time to choose a successor to take over the business. Instead of choosing one of his directors or his children, he decided to do something different.

He called all the young executives in his company together. "It is time for me to step down and choose the next CEO," he said. "I have decided to choose one of you."

The young executives were shocked, but the boss continued. "I am going to give each one of you a seed today - a very special seed. I want you to plant the seed, water it, and come back here one year from today with what you have grown from the seed I have given you. I will then judge the plants that you bring, and the one I choose will be the next CEO."

One man, named Jim, was there that day and he, like the others, received a seed. He went home and excitedly, told his wife the story. She helped him get a pot, soil and compost and he planted the seed.

Every day, he would water it and watch to see if it had grown. After about three weeks, some of the other executives began to talk about their seeds and the plants that were beginning to grow. Jim kept checking his seed, but nothing ever grew.

Three weeks, four weeks, five weeks went by, still nothing. By now, others were talking about their plants, but Jim didn't have a plant and he felt like a failure.

Six months went by - still nothing in Jim's pot. He just knew he had killed his seed. Everyone else had trees and tall plants, but he had nothing. Jim didn't say anything to his colleagues, however. He just kept watering and fertilizing the soil - he so wanted the seed to grow.

A year finally went by and all the young executives of the company brought their plants to the CEO for inspection. Jim told his wife that he wasn't going to take an empty pot. But she asked him to be honest about what happened. Jim felt sick at his stomach. It was going to be the most embarrassing moment of his life, but he knew his wife was right.

He took his empty pot to the board room. When Jim arrived, he was amazed at the variety of plants grown by the other executives. They were beautiful--in all shapes and sizes. Jim put his empty pot on the floor and many of his colleagues laughed. A few felt sorry for him!

When the CEO arrived, he surveyed the room and greeted his young executives. Jim just tried to hide in the back. "My, what great plants, trees, and flowers you have grown," said the CEO.
"Today one of you will be appointed the next CEO!"

All of a sudden, the CEO spotted Jim at the back of the room with his empty pot. He ordered the financial director to bring him to the front. Jim was terrified. He thought, "The CEO knows I'm a failure! Maybe he will have me fired!"

When Jim got to the front, the CEO asked him what had happened to his seed. Jim told him the story. The CEO asked everyone to sit down except Jim. He looked at Jim, and then announced to the young executives, "Here is your next Chief Executive! His name is Jim!"

Jim couldn't believe it. Jim couldn't even grow his seed. How could he be the new CEO the others said? Then the CEO said, "One year ago today, I gave everyone in this room a seed.

I told you to take the seed, plant it, water it, and bring it back to me today. But I gave you all boiled seeds; they were dead - it was not possible for them to grow. All of you, except Jim, have brought me trees and plants and flowers.

"When you found that the seed would not grow, you substituted another seed for the one I gave you. Jim was the only one with the courage and honesty to bring me a pot with my seed in it. Therefore, he is the one who will be the new Chief Executive!"

If you plant honesty, you will reap trust
If you plant goodness, you will reap friends.
If you plant humility, you will reap greatness.
If you plant perseverance, you will reap contentment
If you plant consideration, you will reap perspective.
If you plant hard work, you will reap success.
If you plant forgiveness, you will reap reconciliation.
If you plant faith in Christ, you will reap a harvest.

So, be careful what you plant now; it will determine what you will reap later. Two thousand years ago Paul wrote to the church at Galatia the same story but with fewer words, "What you sow, so shall you reap" (Gal. 6:7).

We are grass that will wither and die but the incorruptible seed of God's Word will live forever - sow it daily into the life of your family! --Author Unknown
Tags: Seed, Executive, CEO, Incorruptible, Christianity

Easter Drama

Me and 4 other guys put up a short skit during our church's Easter Dinner celebration that was held at Bukit Jalil Golf & Country Club. It was entitled "Two Brothers". Obviously, I'm one of the 2 and a good elder brother too. Came out from the rural village in search for better life and love, both of us ventured out to the metropolitan city.

Upon arriving at the city, both brothers were totally in awe of the high and lows. Mini-skirts that were high up; Blouses with low cuttings. And also high .......... heels this time.
Unsatisfied with the slow progress of life, Ah Loong, the younger brother (in red) took his chances with gambling. Got to know a bookie (in blue) who has every kind of gambling ideas. And a guaranteed SURE WIN!

Even the F1 was fixed by his higher ranked bookies.
Ah Loong had gotten a credit earlier from the bookie and placed a heavy bet. Unfortunately, the bet on Kimi Raikkonen to win was dashed as he crashed (just before the line). In the process of getting the money back, the bookie got into a fight with Ah Loong. With all the kung fu and boxing styles displayed, he was stabbed by Ah Loong without even lifting a finger.

Ah Seng, the elder brother, (that's me) so happened passed by the area and saw the incident.

As both were very lost, Ah Seng demanded the brother to exchange the shirt they were wearing.
He was shirtless.....hehehehehehee and to the bewilderment of the crowd ....hahahaha. Was wondering any ladies fainted during this point of time.
As blood was found on Ah Seng's body, the police arrested the elder brother and brought him to court where he was sentenced to death "Gantung Sampai Mati".
Next scene, Ah Seng appeared hanging, swaying a bit here and there (notice that I was on my toes to have that swaying effect).
Ah Loong found out that Ah Seng was hanged due to him and pleaded to the judge to have him arrested. The judge said that his place has been taken over by the elder brother and Ah Loong was free to go.

Moral of the story: Jesus Christ has died on the cross and the blood that flowed out signified that it has washed away our sins. Jesus Christ died to fulfil the God's plan so that all who believes in Him shall not perish but shall have eternal life (John 3:16).
Tags: Easter, Bookie, Jesus Christ, Sin, Eternal Life, Skit, Two Brothers

Easter

Easter Day is being remembered as the where Jesus Christ resurrected from death, 3 days after he was crucified. Today is a of celebration for that Jesus overcame death.

BUT somehow the hotels and restaurants had commercialised such important religious celebration into a day of Easter bunnies, chocolates and eggs.

It is where we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. His resurrection gave you and I a second chance, a do-over, a brand new life! Jesus knows every dirty, sinful thing that you and I have done. He took it all, bundled it and took it to the cross with Him. His death there paid the price for every crummy thing we have done and even for every good thing we didn’t do when we should have. He took all our guilt to the grave, far away from us so we don’t have to deal with it anymore. When Jesus rose from the grave, He led the way into a new reality. This is a new life, fresh and full of the promise of God. - Born again. (source: Christian Living)
Tags: Easter, Jesus Christ, Christianity, Chrisitan Living, Born Again

Good Friday

Today is Good Friday. The significance of it is the crucifixion of Jesus Christ on the cross at calvary.

It is fitting that Christians glorify the Cross as a sign of Christ's resurrection and victory over sin and death, of course. But we should remember each time we see a cross that the Cross of Jesus' crucifixion was an emblem of physical anguish and personal defilement, not triumph -- of debasement and humiliation, not glory -- of degradation and shame, not beauty. It was a means of execution, like a gallows or a gas chamber. What the Son of God endured for us was the depth of ugliness and humiliation. We need to be reminded of the tremendous personal cost of love.

Reading: Gospel [Passion]: John 18:1 - 19:42
The reading leads us to the incidents/happenings on how and when Jesus was crucified as reflected in the movie, The Passion of the Christ.

Reading: The Easter Story - Canadian Bible Society
The reading takes us to the betrayal on Jesus Christ till His resurrection day.

Tags: Good Friday, Jesus Christ, Cross, Christianity, Crucifixion, Calvary, Gospel

Quilt of Holes

Before each of us laid our lives like the squares of a quilt in many piles; an angel sat before each of us sewing our quilt squares together into a tapestry that is our life. But as my angel took each piece of cloth off the pile, I noticed how ragged and empty each of my squares was. They were filled with giant holes. Each square was labeled with a part of my life that had been difficult, the challenges and temptations I was faced with in every day life. I saw hardships that I endured, which were the largest holes of all.

I glanced around me. Nobody else had such squares. Other than a tiny hole here and there, the other tapestries were filled with rich colour and the bright hues of worldly fortune. I gazed upon my own life and was disheartened.

My angel was sewing the ragged pieces of cloth together, threadbare and empty, like binding air. Finally the time came when each life was to be displayed, held up to the light, the scrutiny of truth. The others rose; each in turn, holding up their tapestries. So filled their lives had been. My angel looked upon me, and nodded for me to rise.

My gaze dropped to the ground in shame. I hadn't had all the earthly fortunes. I had love in my life, and laughter. But there had also been trials of illness, and wealth, and false accusations that took from me my world, as I knew it. I had to start over many times. I often struggled with the temptation to quit, only to somehow muster the strength to pick up and begin again. I spent many nights on my knees in prayer, asking for help and guidance in my life. I had often been held up to ridicule, which I endured painfully, each time offering it up to the Father in hopes that I would not melt within my skin beneath the judgmental gaze of those who unfairly judged me.
And now, I had to face the truth. My life was what it was, and I had to accept it for what it was.
I rose and slowly lifted the combined squares of my life to the light.

An awe-filled gasp filled the air. I gazed around at the others who stared at me with wide eyes.
Then, I looked upon the tapestry before me. Light flooded the many holes, creating an image, the face of Christ. Then our Lord stood before me, with warmth and love in His eyes. He said, "Every time you gave over your life to Me, it became My life, My hardships, and My struggles.
Each point of light in your life is when you stepped aside and let Me shine through, until there was more of Me than there was of you."

May all our quilts be threadbare and worn, allowing Christ to shine through! And so ye are blessed! God determines who walks into your life....it's up to you to decide who you let walk away, who you let stay, and who you refuse to let go."

When there is nothing left but God that is when you find out that God is all you need.
Tags: Christianity, Inspiration, God, Angel, Jesus Christ, Quilt

Palm Sunday

Yesterday was Palm Sunday, a day where Jesus Christ rode on a donkey into Jerusalem city. The Gospels go on to describe how Jesus rode into Jerusalem, and how the people there lay down their cloaks in front of him, and also lay down small branches of trees.

Palm Sunday is a feast in the Christian calendar which falls on the Sunday before Easter. The The palm branch was a symbol of triumph and of victory, in Jewish tradition, and is treated in other parts of the bible as such (e.g. Leviticus 23:40 and Revelation 7:9). Because of this, the scene of the crowd greeting Jesus by waving palms and carpeting his path with them has given the Christian festival its name.
Tags: Palm Sunday, Christianity, Religious, Easter, Jesus Christ

Does God Exist?

This is one of the best explanations of why God allows pain and suffering that I have seen. It's an explanation other people will understand. A man went to a barbershop to have his hair cut and his beard trimmed. As the barber began to work, they began to have a good conversation. They talked about so many things and various subjects. When they eventually touched on the subject of God, the barber said: "I don't believe that God exists." "Why do you say that?" asked the customer.

"Well, you just have to go out in the street to realize that God doesn't exist. Tell me, if God exists, would there be so many sick people? Would there be abandoned children? If God existed, there would be neither suffering nor pain. I can't imagine a loving God who would allow all of these things. "The customer thought for a moment, but didn't respond because he didn't want to start an argument. The barber finished his job and the customer left the shop.

Just after he left the barbershop, he saw a man in the street with long, stringy, dirty hair and an untrimmed beard. He looked dirty and unkempt! The customer turned back and entered the barber shop again and he said to the barber: "You know what? Barbers do not exist." "How can you say that?" asked the surprised barber. "I am here, and I am a barber and I just worked on you!"

"No!" the customer exclaimed. "Barbers don't exist because if they did, there would be no people with dirty long hair and untrimmed beards, like that man outside." "Ah, but barbers DO exist! What happens is, people do not come to me." "Exactly!" affirmed the customer. "That's the point! God, too, DOES exist! What happens, is, people don't go to Him and do not look for Him.

That's why there's so much pain and suffering in the world."
Tags: Christianity, God, Barber, Customer

A Happy New Year

"For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."Romans 10:13

Last few days, people everywhere were gathered together to celebrate the first bright moments of the New Year. Yet, for thousands of others, that day mayl be the toughest 24 hours of their lives. For those people, New Year's will serve only as a dim reminder of loneliness and loss. It will simply mark the beginning of another year of failure.

What about you? What's this year really going to be like for you? You may appear to be happy enough. You may be passing out seasonal smiles and holiday greetings just like everybody else. But inside, you may hurt. You may be disappointed. You may even feel like you can't go on. If so, I want you to know something. All of that can change in an instant. You can start your life over today and make this New Year's Day the most joyful day of your life! How many times have you said to yourself, "If I could just start over, I'd do it all differently"?

That doesn't have to be simply an idle wish. Jesus Christ has actually made it possible. That's His Christmas present to you. He paid the price for all your sins. He paid the penalty for all your mistakes. That's the reason He came to earth. That's the reason He was born - so you could start over!

You may look at your life and say, "But I've made some terrible mistakes. I've done some despicable things." That doesn't matter. Jesus paid the price for them all! How can you make a new start? Romans 10:9 says that "if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." It's as easy as saying, "Jesus, I'm turning my life over to You. From this day forward I'm Yours."
What better time to turn your life around than on this first day of the New Year. Right now, wherever you are, just give your life to Jesus. Then jump up and down and holler, "Praise God, I'm starting all over!" And find out what it really means to have a Happy New Year!

Scripture Reading: Romans 10:1-13

Adapted from Faith to Faith A Daily Guide to Victory by Kenneth and Gloria Copeland

Tags: Happy New Year, Faith, New Life, Christianity, Inspiration

Worldwide Holiday on 1 Feb 2019

ENJOY YOUR EACH MOMENT MAXIMUM YOU CAN..... MIT astronomers predicts Worldwide Holiday on Feb 1, 2019 as the world is scheduled to end

The Bible says that only the Father knows the hour. The world and all that is in it are reserved for fire. Revelation talks about a huge blazing mountain being thrown to the earth etc..I believe that this blazing mountain is an asteroid that upon impact, massive earthquakes and volcanic type fire will destroy everthing in its path.

We must not speculate on the date...because only the Father knows. Jesus second coming will be in an hour unknown to man ..like a thief whose coming is not known. Let us just be reminded of the grim reality of how the world is going to end and live for Jesus and the glory of God.

That is why it is even more pressing for us to share with the lost and just continue to keep on sharing and leaving the result to God.

Anyway, NASA has eliminated the chances of that asteroid crashing into planet earth via their report on 2 Aug 2002.

Tags: NASA, MIT, Asteroid, Space, Science, Bible, God, Christianity

My Attorney

After living what I felt was a "decent" life, my time on earth came to the end.

The first thing I remember is sitting on a bench in the waiting room of what I thought to be a court house. The doors opened and I was instructed to come in and have a seat by the defense table. As I looked around I saw the "prosecutor." He was a villainous looking gent who snarled as he stared at me. He definitely was the most evil person I have ever seen.

I sat down and looked to my left and there sat My Attorney, a kind and gentle looking man whose appearance seemed so familiar to me, I felt I knew him. The corner door flew open and there appeared the Judge in full flowing robes. He commanded an awesome presence as He moved across the room I couldn't take my eyes off of Him. As He took His seat behind the bench, He said, "Let us begin."

The prosecutor rose and said, "My name is Satan and I am here to show you why this man belongs in hell." He proceeded to tell of lies that I told, things that I stole, and In the past when I cheated others. Satan told of other horrible perversions that were once in my life and the more he spoke, the further down in my seat I sank. I was so embarrassed that I couldn't look at anyone, even my own Attorney, as the devil told of sins that even I had completely forgotten about. As upset as I was at Satan for telling all these things about me, I was equally upset at My Attorney who sat there silently not offering any form of defense at all. I know I had been guilty of those things, but I had done some good in my life - couldn't have at least equal out part of the harm I'd done?

Satan finished with a fury and said, "This man belongs in hell, he is guilty of all that I have charged and there is not a person who can prove otherwise." When it was His turn, My Attorney first asked if He might approach the bench. The Judge allowed this over the strong objection of Satan, and beckoned Him to come forward. As He got up and started walking, I was able to see Him in His full splendor and majesty. I realized why He seemed so familiar; this was Jesus representing me, my Lord and my Savior.

He stopped at the bench and softly said to the Judge, "Hi, Dad," and then He turned to address the court. "Satan was correct in saying that this man had sinned, I won't deny any of these allegations. And, yes, the wage of sin is death, and this man deserves to be punished." Jesus took a deep breath and turned to His Father with outstretched arms and proclaimed, "However, I died on the cross so that this person might have eternal life and he has accepted Me as his Savior, so he is Mine."

My Lord continued with, "His name is written in the book of life and no one can snatch him from Me. Satan still does not understand yet. This man is not to be given justice, but rather mercy." As Jesus sat down, He quietly paused, looked at His Father and said, "There is nothing else that needs to be done. I've done it all." The Judge lifted His mighty hand and slammed the gavel down. The following words bellowed from His lips..."This man is free. The penalty for him has already been paid in full. Case dismissed."

As my Lord led me away, I could hear Satan ranting and raving, "I won't give up, I will win the next one." I asked Jesus as He gave me my instructions where to go next, "Have you ever lost a case?" Christ lovingly smiled and said, "Everyone that has come to Me and asked Me to represent them has received the same verdict as you, ~ Paid In Full ~

Tags: Christianity, Inspiration, Jesus, Satan, Attorney

World's Largest Church @ South Korea

Yoido Full Gospel Church, founded on 18 May 1958, has the world's largest congregation of Christians in a single church situated at Yoido, western Seoul, the capital city of South Korea. It's founder pastor, Rev. David Cho Yong-gi (biography), through God's calling has led a tremendous Christian growth in the country.
Today the church is attended by an estimated 750,000 members with 11 worship services in the main building throughout the week. The church organisation has 527 pastors with 100,113 leaders supporting them.

Yoido Full Gospel Church, has named Rev. Lee Young-hoon as the successor to its current pastor and founder Cho Yong-gi. Lee, who is currently the pastor of the Full Gospel Church's Los Angeles, California chapter, won 435 of the 933 votes cast by church officials in a closed-door vote at the church's headquarters in Yoido on Sunday. Lee, 52, will take over the congregation in 2009 after receiving a two-year apprenticeship from Cho, whose pastorate will then officially come to an end.

Tags: Yoido Full Gospel Church, Yoido, Seoul, South Korea, Cho Yong-gi, Lee Young-hoon, Christianity, Church

Season of Life

Things you can learn which are applicable to our season of life:-
* Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.
* When it's in your best interest, practice obedience.
* Take naps and always stretch before rising.
* Run, romp, and play daily.
* Eat with gusto and enthusiasm.
* Be loyal.
* Never pretend to be something you're not.
* Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
* Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
* Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
* On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.
* When you are happy, dance around and shake your entire body.
* No matter how often you are criticized, don't buy into the guilt thing and pout. Run right back and make friends.

* Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joy ride.
If I had it all to do over I would work less and go for more joy rides with my sons and bride. The anchors on ESPN's SportsCenter often joke that "an injured athlete is day to day, but then again, aren't we all?" The reality is we are all day to day. Even moment to moment. Life can change in a heartbeat. When the opportunity for a joy ride comes along make it a habit to jump on board.

* When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
One thing I can count on when I come in the door is that Hannah will be there vibrating with excitement. Wouldn't it be nice to greet your loved one with that enthusiasm? Be sure to bring smelling salts the first time.

* When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently.I love this one. People often don't know how to react to friends going through a trial like Joni. I wrote an earlier post about being a good cancer buddy that is being published in Crosswalk.com: The Magazine this month. We have found that the mere caring presence of friends has been healing. We don't need answers. We really don't need handy Bible verses. We just need a little emotional nuzzling.

* If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
This really resonates with where I am right now. I want to be a authentic follower of Jesus. And at times the way to do that seems buried in a sea of bad experiences, bad decisions, and bad Christians. But I intend to keep digging. I want to dig into His Word more completely and into fellowship with God more authentically. I want to dig into my shortcomings more honestly and allow the Spirit of God to reveal and repair those more completely.

I am believing in the promise of James 1:5 NIV "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him."
- Burchett Family
Tags: Motivation, Inspiration, Thoughts, Christianity, NIV

The Perfect Storm

After a few of the usual Sunday evening hymns, the church's pastor slowly stood up, walked over to the pulpit and, before he gave his sermon for the evening, briefly introduced a guest minister who was in the service that evening.

In the introduction, the pastor told the congregation that the guest minister was one of his dearest childhood friends and that he wanted him to have a few moments to greet the church and share whatever he felt would be appropriate for the service.

With that, an elderly man stepped up to the pulpit and began to speak. "A father, his son, and a friend of his son were sailing off the Pacific coast," he began , "when a fast approaching storm blocked any attempt to get back to the shore. The waves were so high, that even though the father was an experienced sailor, he could not keep the boat upright and the three were swept into the ocean as the boat capsized."

The old man hesitated for a moment, making eye contact with two teenagers who were, for the first time since the service began, looking somewhat interested in his story.

The aged minister cont inued with his story, "grabbing a rescue line, the father had to make the most excruciating decision of his life: to which boy would he throw the other end of the life line. He only had seconds to make the decision.

The father knew that his son was a Christian and he also knew that his son's friend was not. The agony of his decision could not be matched by the torrent of waves. As the father yelled out, 'I love you, son!' he threw out the life line to his son's friend. By the time the father had pulled the friend back to the capsized boat, his son had disappeared beneath the raging swells into the black of night. His body was never recovered.

By this time, the two teenagers were sitting up straight in the pew, anxiously waiting for the next words to come out of the old minister's mouth. "The father," he continued, "knew his son would step into eternity with Jesus and yet he could not bear the thought of his son's friend stepping into an eternity without Jesus. Therefore, he sacrificed his son to save the son's friend.

How great is the love of God that He should do the same for us. Our Heavenly Father sacrificed his only Begotten Son that we could be saved. I urge you to accept His offer to rescue you and take a hold of the life line He is throwing out to you in this service." With that, the old man turned and sat back down in his chair as silence filled the room.

The pastor again walked slowly to the pulpit and delivered a brief sermon with an invitation at the end. However, no one responded to the appeal.

Within minutes after the service ended, the two teenagers were at the old man's side. "That was a nice story," politely stated one of them, "but I don't think it was very realistic for a father to give up his only son's life in hopes that the other boy would become a Christian."

"Well, you've got a point there," the old man replied glancing down at his worn bible. A big smile broadened his narr ow face he once again looked up at the boys and said, "It sure isn't very realistic, is it? But I'm standing here today to tell you that story gives me a glimpse of what it must have been like for God to give up his son for me. You see... I was that father and your pastor is my son's friend."
Tags: Christianity, Motivation, God

Appreciate What You Have!!

A young man was getting ready to graduate from college. For many months he had admired a beautiful sports car in a dealer's showroom, and knowing his father could well afford it, he told him that was all he wanted.

As Graduation Day approached, the young man awaited signs that his father had purchased the car. Finally, on the morning of his graduation, his father called him into his private study. His father told him how proud he was to have such a fine son, and told him how much he loved him. He handed his son a beautiful wrapped gift box. Curious, but somewhat disappointed, the young man opened the box and found a lovely, leather-bound Bible, with the young man's name embossed in gold.

Angrily, he raised his voice to his father and said, "With all your money you give me a Bible? and stormed out of the house, leaving the Bible. Many years passed and the young man was very successful in business. He had a beautiful home and wonderful family, but realized his father was very old, and thought perhaps he should go to him. He had not seen him since that graduation day. Before he could make arrangements, he received a telegram telling him his father had passed away, and willed all of his possessions to his son. He needed to come home immediately and take care of things.

When he arrived at his father's house, sudden sadness and regret filled his heart. He began to search through his father's important papers and saw the still new Bible, just as he had left it years ago. With tears, he opened the Bible and began to turn the pages. His father had carefully underlined a verse, Matt 7:11, "And if ye, being evil know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more shall your Heavenly father which is in heaven, give to those who ask Him?"

As he read those words, a car key dropped from the back of the Bible. It had a tag with the dealer's name, the same dealer who had the sports car he had desired. On the tag was the date of his graduation, and the words...PAID IN FULL. How many times do we miss God's blessings because they are not packaged as we expected? I trust you enjoyed this. Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; but remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for...

IF YOUR GIFT IS NOT PACKED THE WAY YOU WANT IT, IT'S BECAUSE IT IS BETTER PACKED THAT WAY! ALWAYS APPRECIATE LITTLE THINGS; THEY USUALLY LEAD YOU TO ATTACHMENTS!

Tags: Christianity, Appreciation, Gift

International Worship Music Festival

Almost 200 worship leaders, music pastors, church music directors, church musicians are coming from Florida to bring us this event.
Comprising of a full orchestra and choir, they will be ministering to
us with traditional hymns and contemporary praise and worship songs. Prior to arriving in Malaysia, they will be performing at the Sydney Opera House.

The International Worship Music Festival will be held on 29 - 30 September at the Wisma MCA, Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur.
Tags: International Worship Music Festival, Wisma MCA, Worship, Music, Musicians, Kuala Lumpur

3 Questions

A young man who went overseas to study for quite a long time.When he returned, he asked his parents to find him a religious scholar or any expert who could answer his 3 Questions. Finally, his parents were able to find a scholar.

Young man: Who are you? Can you answer my questions?
Scholar: I am one of God willing, I will be able to answer your questions.
Young man: Are you sure? A lot of professors and experts were not able to answer my questions.
Scholar: I will try my best, with the help of God ...
Young Man: I have 3 questions: 1. Does God exist? If so, show me His shape. 2. What is fate? 3. If devil was created from the fire, why at the end he will be thrown to hell that is also created from fire. It certainly will not hurt him at all, since devil and the hell were created from fire. Did God not think of it this far?
Suddenly, the scholar slapped the young man's face very hard.
Young Man (feeling pain): Why do you get angry at me?
Scholar: I am not angry. The slap is my answer to your 3 Questions.
Young Man: I really don't understand.
Scholar: How do you feel after I slapped you?
Young Man: Of course, I felt the pain.
Scholar: So do you believe that pain exists?
Young Man: Yes.
Scholar: Show me the shape of the pain!
Young Man: I cannot.
Scholar: That is my first answer. All of us feel God's existence without being able to see His shape... Last night, did you dream that you will be slapped by me?
Young Man: No.
Scholar: Did you ever think that you will get a slap from me, today?
Young Man: No.
Scholar: That is fate my second answer........ My hand that I used to slap you, what is it created from?
Young Man: It is created from flesh.
Scholar: How about your face, what is it created from?
Young Man: Flesh.
Scholar: How do you feel after I slapped you?
Young Man: In pain.
Scholar: That's it... this is my third answer, even though devil and also the hell were created from the fire, if God wants, God willing , the hell will become a very painful place for devil.
Tags: Christianity, Funny, Humour, God, Scholar

DEATH!

WHAT A WONDERFUL WAY TO EXPLAIN IT !

A sick man turned to his doctor, as he was preparing to leave the examination room and said "Doctor, I am afraid to die. Tell me what lies on the other side." Very quietly, the doctor said "I don't know." "You don't know? You, a Christian man, do not know what is on the other side?" The doctor was holding the handle of the door; on the other side came a sound of scratching and whining, and as he opened the door, a dog sprang into the room and leaped on him with an eager show of gladness. Turning to the patient, the doctor said "Did you notice my dog? He's never been in this room before. He didn't know what was inside. He knew nothing except that his master was here, and when the door opened, he sprang in without fear. I know little of what is on the other side of death, but I do know one thing... I know my Master is there and that is enough."
Tags: Death, Christianity