The past 2 Sundays I went out with some of the youth leaders from my church to talk to youths on the streets… It was a first time for some of them, quite an interesting experience. Am really glad they chose to do this despite their worries and doubts, to step out of their comfort zone and challenge themselves to reach out to people whom they don’t know. Had some meaningful conversations with people. Last Sunday 3 people made the decision to follow Christ. PTL! Pray that they will continue to know God more… The opportunities are vast out there, when we’re out there, it truly brings alive what Jesus meant when He said that ‘the harvest is plentiful but the workers are few’.
Next week the leaders will be bringing out the younger ones for a prayer walk around the neighbourhood, then the following week we’ll go out to the streets together! Someone said that he felt that this was a small step to something greater. I pray he is right.
Today I went to buy a packet of soya milk from a provision shop just downstairs from where I stay. I wanted to give the lady at the cashier a tract I had but was hesitant. But I offered it to her anyway, thinking she will reject it. To my pleasant surprise, she looked quite interested, like she had found something she had been looking for... It was priceless. She thanked me for it and I left with more than a packet of soya milk. My small effort had not gone to waste.
Remember my friends: A small gesture can last for eternity.
Learning to Walk on Water
Sea of Galilee, Israel
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Sunday, October 28, 2007
TGIM
The weeks seem to be passing faster and faster. Friday comes faster than I think, and the weekend passes in the blink of an eye. It's been slightly more than a month since I officially stepped into the 'marketplace' or 'work world' whatever you call it. Feels like a total new phase, though the past 2 years of attachment stints did give me a preview of how it'll be like, so the transition hasn't been too sudden. Though sometimes I feel quite 'stuck' at one place, being 'cut off' from the rest of the world for that 10 hours or so when i'm at work. But this is where God has put me for this time, so it's where i will try my best to do my best for him.
Been reading this book by John C. Maxwell entitled "Life@Work - Marketplace Success for People of Faith". Learnt some insightful stuff that I wanna share with you guys:
The author talks about a ‘schizophrenic’ person: a Christian in the marketplace. The Christian side is accommodating, understanding, patient and all. And the business side is more practical, demanding and performance oriented. Which side should he follow? The answer is: both.
People of faith must learn to be comfortable, valuable, and intentional in 2 worlds: the world of the kingdom and the world of the commercial, the world of faith and the world of work.
For most people, work is bad. We don’t associate work with paradise. In fact, most perceptions of paradise are marked by the absence of work: relaxing on a beach with nothing to do, on board a 5-star cruise liner, etc.
I had the idea that work is part of the curse of the Fall. But I failed to realize that God had already ordained work before the Fall. Genesis 2:15 reads, “The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it”. Work is not the result of sin. Work was part of God’s original creation. Sin distorted it.
As designed by God, work was not just something for men and women to do, but He designed it to be a deep participation in the life and work of God Himself. The purpose was to “take care” of the earth, to steward it. We are entrusted with taking care of God’s resources in the same manner He would. That mandate for work did not change after the Fall. Man’s continued stewardship is the lynchpin of understanding a theology of work.
That does not mean, of course, that every workday feels like “paradise”. We still have to deal with the thorns that have grown up since man’s fall in the garden. It is not the circumstances of my day, but my seizing the workday as a God appointment that stages a fresh return to paradise.
I used to think that work is worldly and secular. That it prevents us from doing more “sacred” things such as prayer, bible study, church, etc. Don’t get me wrong, these are great things, but this spilt between secular and sacred is contrary to Scripture. These two should be married together - work can be used to glorify God, and is part of God’s everyday involvement with people. Many Christians, if asked to list their priorities, would order them as such: God, family/friends, self, work. I used to think that way too, but this is a very segmented sort of life. God should be involved in every part of our lives: family/friends, self, and yes, work!
I consider myself a “workaholic”. I feel stressed if I don’t have work to do. Which is not really a good thing. Cos I realize that work starts to become my god, and that my identity and sense of security gets wrapped up in my work. That in order to feel secure, I must do well at work. The difference between workaholism and feeling passionate about your work is one of motivation. Am I working to seek success and feel good about myself? Or am I working in the view of glorifying God? The truth is that work is a great environment in which to discover God and glorify God, but it is not God.
There’s another myth that the book addresses. It’s the myth that work that is anointed always spells success. There are many stories of skilful men and women who zoom up the career ladder of success. But then there are other stories that also appear in Scripture and in the lives of people we know: people of genuine skill who do not live in the glow of a successful career. They work hard and well, and yet little career good happens. A God-filled life does not always equate with career success. What we should seek is not a Christian key to unlock worldly success, but God’s key to unlocking His intended design for our work, whatever its circumstances or outcomes might be.
The author identifies 4 Tools for Life@Work:
Psalm 78:70-72
[God] chose David (that is calling) his servant (that is service) and took him from the sheep pens; from tending the sheep he brought him to be the shepherd of his people Jacob, of Israel his inheritance. And David shepherded them with integrity of heart (that is character); with skilful hands he led them (that is skill).
Keep posted for more... :)
Hope you have a meaningful and gracious week ahead, be it at school, work or play!
Been reading this book by John C. Maxwell entitled "Life@Work - Marketplace Success for People of Faith". Learnt some insightful stuff that I wanna share with you guys:
The author talks about a ‘schizophrenic’ person: a Christian in the marketplace. The Christian side is accommodating, understanding, patient and all. And the business side is more practical, demanding and performance oriented. Which side should he follow? The answer is: both.
People of faith must learn to be comfortable, valuable, and intentional in 2 worlds: the world of the kingdom and the world of the commercial, the world of faith and the world of work.
For most people, work is bad. We don’t associate work with paradise. In fact, most perceptions of paradise are marked by the absence of work: relaxing on a beach with nothing to do, on board a 5-star cruise liner, etc.
I had the idea that work is part of the curse of the Fall. But I failed to realize that God had already ordained work before the Fall. Genesis 2:15 reads, “The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it”. Work is not the result of sin. Work was part of God’s original creation. Sin distorted it.
As designed by God, work was not just something for men and women to do, but He designed it to be a deep participation in the life and work of God Himself. The purpose was to “take care” of the earth, to steward it. We are entrusted with taking care of God’s resources in the same manner He would. That mandate for work did not change after the Fall. Man’s continued stewardship is the lynchpin of understanding a theology of work.
That does not mean, of course, that every workday feels like “paradise”. We still have to deal with the thorns that have grown up since man’s fall in the garden. It is not the circumstances of my day, but my seizing the workday as a God appointment that stages a fresh return to paradise.
I used to think that work is worldly and secular. That it prevents us from doing more “sacred” things such as prayer, bible study, church, etc. Don’t get me wrong, these are great things, but this spilt between secular and sacred is contrary to Scripture. These two should be married together - work can be used to glorify God, and is part of God’s everyday involvement with people. Many Christians, if asked to list their priorities, would order them as such: God, family/friends, self, work. I used to think that way too, but this is a very segmented sort of life. God should be involved in every part of our lives: family/friends, self, and yes, work!
I consider myself a “workaholic”. I feel stressed if I don’t have work to do. Which is not really a good thing. Cos I realize that work starts to become my god, and that my identity and sense of security gets wrapped up in my work. That in order to feel secure, I must do well at work. The difference between workaholism and feeling passionate about your work is one of motivation. Am I working to seek success and feel good about myself? Or am I working in the view of glorifying God? The truth is that work is a great environment in which to discover God and glorify God, but it is not God.
There’s another myth that the book addresses. It’s the myth that work that is anointed always spells success. There are many stories of skilful men and women who zoom up the career ladder of success. But then there are other stories that also appear in Scripture and in the lives of people we know: people of genuine skill who do not live in the glow of a successful career. They work hard and well, and yet little career good happens. A God-filled life does not always equate with career success. What we should seek is not a Christian key to unlock worldly success, but God’s key to unlocking His intended design for our work, whatever its circumstances or outcomes might be.
The author identifies 4 Tools for Life@Work:
Psalm 78:70-72
[God] chose David (that is calling) his servant (that is service) and took him from the sheep pens; from tending the sheep he brought him to be the shepherd of his people Jacob, of Israel his inheritance. And David shepherded them with integrity of heart (that is character); with skilful hands he led them (that is skill).
Keep posted for more... :)
Hope you have a meaningful and gracious week ahead, be it at school, work or play!
Monday, October 22, 2007
When It Was Over
This song brought back tears to my eyes…
When it was over and they could talk about it
She said there’s just one thing I’ve got to know
When in that moment when you were running so hard and fast
Made you stop and turn for home
He said I always knew you loved me even though I’d broken your heart
I always knew there’d be a place for me to make a brand new start
Oh love wash over a multitude of things
Make us whole
When it was over and they could talk about it
They were sitting on the couch
She said what on earth made you stay here
When you finally figured out what I was all about
He said I always knew you’d do the right thing
Even though it might take some time
She said
Yeah, I felt that and that’s probably what saved my life
Oh love wash over a multitude of things
Love wash over a multitude of things
Love wash over a multitude of things
Make us whole
There is a love that never fails
There is a healing that always prevails
There is a hope that whispers a vow
A promise to wait while we’re working it out
So come with Your love and wash over us
When it was over and they could talk about it
She said there’s just one thing I’ve got to know
When in that moment when you were running so hard and fast
Made you stop and turn for home
He said I always knew you loved me even though I’d broken your heart
I always knew there’d be a place for me to make a brand new start
Oh love wash over a multitude of things
Make us whole
When it was over and they could talk about it
They were sitting on the couch
She said what on earth made you stay here
When you finally figured out what I was all about
He said I always knew you’d do the right thing
Even though it might take some time
She said
Yeah, I felt that and that’s probably what saved my life
Oh love wash over a multitude of things
Love wash over a multitude of things
Love wash over a multitude of things
Make us whole
There is a love that never fails
There is a healing that always prevails
There is a hope that whispers a vow
A promise to wait while we’re working it out
So come with Your love and wash over us
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Life@Work/Play
Things at work are starting to gain some momentum… Given more responsibilities slowly. I’m learning for my work to be scrutinized by my boss. Not that my boss is not nice, but just that she’s very very sharp and smart! A lot of times I feel like an idiot (like… why didn’t I think of that?), but my collegues say that this is normal when you’re new. So I’m learning just to laugh at myself, be humble and learn from my mistakes...
Aside from work, I’ve finally decided to learn driving after a lot of debate. Sometimes I still wonder if this is the right decision, but since I’ve started it, I’ll just continue it. I’m also signing up for guitar lessons, in an attempt not to let myself stagnant at where I am, and to motivate myself to play my guitar more often, and equip myself to play guitar for worship. Another thing I want to take up is Malay classes, so I’ll be able to better communicate with the malay inmates and my malay collegues at work. Will also come in handy when I go to Malaysia! I wanna learn Hokkien too (been trying to scout for Hokkien classes even!) but seems that there are none. Guess I’ll just have to pick it up here and there… heh. Been trying to brush up on my Mandarin by watching more Chinese news and shows too. I didn’t expect that a prison officer has to be so multi-linguistic! Next year I’ll be starting a bible correspondence course from America to try get through the Bible in more depth. Also thinking of taking up sailing lessons, something I’ve been wanting to do for sometime already… That’s quite a lot I wanna do… heh.
I feel like I’m becoming more like a Pharisee. I try to set into place spiritual disciplines, only to find that I struggle to do them. I know that I don’t have to do them to earn God’s approval or what, but I know that it is beneficial if it is done in the right attitude. Yet another part of me is reluctant to do it. So in the end, I’m torn as to whether I should do it or not. It’s a mental and spiritual battle each day, and gets quite draining… Is this why Paul used the analogy of an athlete disciplining and training himself/herself to run to describe the christian walk? Is that why he said that he "beats his body and makes it his slave so that he will not be disqualified for the prize after he has preached to others" (1 Cor 9:27)? Is that why i find it so hard to do these spiritual disciplines? Or am i taking things one step too far. Pray that God’s truth would set me free from this, and that I’ll do what is pleasing to the Lord with the right attitude and heart.
I’m helping to organize a street evangelism outreach for the youth ministry in church… it’s been something that been on my heart for sometime, and it’s amazing how this opportunity came about. It’s both exciting and daunting at the same time. I’m afraid to fail, but I know that this is the Lord’s and it’s not for me to make it a ‘success’, just to be faithful in what He calls me to do… Pray that hearts will be touched and lives transformed through this =)
Anyway, here's a song by Bebo Norman to share with you all. He's one of my fav singers. Enjoy and be blessed!
Aside from work, I’ve finally decided to learn driving after a lot of debate. Sometimes I still wonder if this is the right decision, but since I’ve started it, I’ll just continue it. I’m also signing up for guitar lessons, in an attempt not to let myself stagnant at where I am, and to motivate myself to play my guitar more often, and equip myself to play guitar for worship. Another thing I want to take up is Malay classes, so I’ll be able to better communicate with the malay inmates and my malay collegues at work. Will also come in handy when I go to Malaysia! I wanna learn Hokkien too (been trying to scout for Hokkien classes even!) but seems that there are none. Guess I’ll just have to pick it up here and there… heh. Been trying to brush up on my Mandarin by watching more Chinese news and shows too. I didn’t expect that a prison officer has to be so multi-linguistic! Next year I’ll be starting a bible correspondence course from America to try get through the Bible in more depth. Also thinking of taking up sailing lessons, something I’ve been wanting to do for sometime already… That’s quite a lot I wanna do… heh.
I feel like I’m becoming more like a Pharisee. I try to set into place spiritual disciplines, only to find that I struggle to do them. I know that I don’t have to do them to earn God’s approval or what, but I know that it is beneficial if it is done in the right attitude. Yet another part of me is reluctant to do it. So in the end, I’m torn as to whether I should do it or not. It’s a mental and spiritual battle each day, and gets quite draining… Is this why Paul used the analogy of an athlete disciplining and training himself/herself to run to describe the christian walk? Is that why he said that he "beats his body and makes it his slave so that he will not be disqualified for the prize after he has preached to others" (1 Cor 9:27)? Is that why i find it so hard to do these spiritual disciplines? Or am i taking things one step too far. Pray that God’s truth would set me free from this, and that I’ll do what is pleasing to the Lord with the right attitude and heart.
I’m helping to organize a street evangelism outreach for the youth ministry in church… it’s been something that been on my heart for sometime, and it’s amazing how this opportunity came about. It’s both exciting and daunting at the same time. I’m afraid to fail, but I know that this is the Lord’s and it’s not for me to make it a ‘success’, just to be faithful in what He calls me to do… Pray that hearts will be touched and lives transformed through this =)
Anyway, here's a song by Bebo Norman to share with you all. He's one of my fav singers. Enjoy and be blessed!
Friday, October 05, 2007
Thanks...
I think I made a lot of you worry in my last post... Thanks for all your words of encouragement, advice and prayers. Every one of it. Really really appreciate it, they have helped me and is helping me go through this period of change. I've learnt a lot in the last 2 weeks, am still learning. At times I still doubt and fear, but I shall put my trust and hope in the Lord.
Things have picked up since last week. Sometimes I still get stressed and discouraged, circumstances don't change, but I'm trying to be positive and not be too hard on myself... I can't reveal too much details about the nature of my work, because of OSA, amongst other things... so decided to delete my second last post if some of you are wondering. So I have to be very cryptic. Heh.
I've been posted out to headquarters this wednesday. It's a refreshing change, atmosphere is more relaxed. Environment is more open and the work is more office like, including the hours. I don't like to be desk bound to office work, but somehow at times i feel this suits me more. Oh well. Guess the grass is always greener on the other side, so i'll just have to learn to adapt and like both sides of the job :) Just been reading up a lot of papers to get information about the latest projects, which i'll be helping out with. Got word that my training might not start so soon, so i'll be here for sometime. Pray that i'll take this time to learn and give as much as i can. To be faithful in whatever He gives me, and to be the best i can be...
Things have picked up since last week. Sometimes I still get stressed and discouraged, circumstances don't change, but I'm trying to be positive and not be too hard on myself... I can't reveal too much details about the nature of my work, because of OSA, amongst other things... so decided to delete my second last post if some of you are wondering. So I have to be very cryptic. Heh.
I've been posted out to headquarters this wednesday. It's a refreshing change, atmosphere is more relaxed. Environment is more open and the work is more office like, including the hours. I don't like to be desk bound to office work, but somehow at times i feel this suits me more. Oh well. Guess the grass is always greener on the other side, so i'll just have to learn to adapt and like both sides of the job :) Just been reading up a lot of papers to get information about the latest projects, which i'll be helping out with. Got word that my training might not start so soon, so i'll be here for sometime. Pray that i'll take this time to learn and give as much as i can. To be faithful in whatever He gives me, and to be the best i can be...
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