2006

It's been quite a year. Too bad I couldn't game all the solitaire games I know within the 365 days. On the topic of things not done this year, among many are...

1. Becoming more discipline.
2. Settle down in Penang.
3. Blog once a week.
4. Get a regular timing for Quiet Time.
5. Get more involve in church work.

However, there are some notable achievements such as

1. Experience working life.
2. Discover what I'm more passionate about.
3. Get used to life in Malaysia.
4. Discover more about Malaysia.
5. Watch more football.

Finally, things I wanna see get done in 2007 (can say like new year's resolution):

1. Blog about latest personal events and thoughts ASAP.
2. Apply to MENSA and take their IQ test.
3. Join MUSC in SS2.
4. Keep up to date with friends, online presence and relatives (not in that order).
5. Be fluent in Cantonese/Mandarin (this might not happen though).
6. Get a regular QT and be active in church.
7. Build a good personal timetable and stick to it as much as possible.
8. Do what I say I'll do ASAP.
9. Concentrate on the Important, not the Urgent.

On a reflection back... it's been quite an okay year for me. Nothing worthwhile to note but I'm satisfied. For 2007, I'm gonna aim to be extremely over the moon over what I have achieved when I look back.

Note: Probably need someone to keep me in line. Any takers?

Adsense

Yes people, I've shamelessly decided to put Adsense on my blog. It is but a small thing at the very top, hopefully it should not impact your reading pleasure. However, any comments over it, I'm more than happy to hear. Carry on...

Instant Update

Haven't blog for so long though I have a million and one things to blog about. Oh well, better late than never. Minor news that I want to get off my chest are like:

1. Went for my cousin's wedding. Very traditional like. 2nd cousin wedding in 2 years. That makes 1 cousin on my father's side married and 2 cousins on my mother's side married. Gee... times like this make you realize that all my relatives are getting older. Heck, all the older generation are already talking about who is next. Times like this makes me glad I'm quite far down the line, hehehehe...


2. Drove home with all green lights from the roundabout till Springfield. Okay, so there was one yellow near PISA but hey, rare is it that I don't have to stop the car at a traffic light on my way home. Happened twice to me already, maybe I should have bought 4-D. Hehehehee...


3. Went to the new Queensbay Mall already. Nothing of note; it's basically a smaller version of Mid-Valley. Don't see why every Penangite wants to be there at the opening week though. Half the shops aren't even open and the GSC cinema only opens in January. The only thing that's of interest is that it's the only other mall on the island like Gurney Plaza and that it's in the southern area. This means that those of us who live in Bayan Lepas now no longer need to travel all the way to Gurney (and endure massive traffic jams as well as get a headache finding for parking space) for weekend entertainment. (Updated: Queensbay is now quite easy to get in now since it's curiousity factor has all been worked out. Gurney is back to usual busyness for now but I foresee Queensbay taking up a major percentage of Gurney's patrons once it's fully operational.)

A new beginning

Today marks my last day at work. Yes, for those of you who don't know it already, I've left the company. I took the voluntary separation package which basically means I was laid off. Reason given was my skills don't fit the skill set they need but I wasn't completely interested in the job either. They gave good compensation though.

Actually, this is good news. I was contemplating leaving the company anyways. Not that there was anything wrong with the company, my colleagues and boss or the working culture. It's just simply that I didn't find the job interesting. I guess it's finally time for me to work out what I'm actually good at and what I really have a passion to do.

Therefore, I'm taking time off to really think about what kind of job I want and what qualifications are needed. In fact, I'm going to take advantage of this time off to settle some personal projects I have still pending and do some new experiences I planned to do earlier. Onwards to the future!

The New Me

How do you like it? For the first time, I went to a hair salon and change my hairstyle. Gelled it up and coloured it green. Can you see the colour? This is the picture I took when I reach back to my room with my housemate's help but can't be sure if can see or not.

For our sake

Here's an interesting fact: everything that happens to us and everything that we do is not only for God's sake or other's sake, but also for our sake.

God works in mysterious ways for sure. For us to receive good things, we must first do good to others. If we are hurting, the best way to get over it is to love another. If we are going through a bad time, we should help others get over their bad times and we will heal faster!

Similarly when we share the Gospel with others, we will learn more about God. As we continue to spread His word and do His work, we will learn new things and see God in a different way. Serving others not only lifts them up, it also brings us up!

And enduring pain is also for our sake! As Richard Blackaby said yesterday, there are some things about God that we can only learn through pain. And it is only through pain that we learn just how far we will go for God. It is always easy in peaceful times to say we love God, we will follow all His commands etc. And of course, it's always easy to be Christlike when everything is going our way. But when trouble comes along, when we hit a wall, what would we do then? Would we still sing His praises? Would we defiantly state our love for Christ? Will we continue to be Christlike or will we abandon it all just to fit in the crowd? God knows how we will do when trouble comes along, He allows it to come so that we would know how much we love Him.

In short, while everything that we do and everything that happens is for God's plan to come about and also to lead others back to Him, it's also to grow us. How amazing is that? Everything that happens has a threefold aim. And it fulfills it everytime. So remember, everything that happens is for our good and for our sake, not only the sake of others or God's.

An Awesome God!!

Wow! Can God be more awesome?

Yesterday I went for a talk, "How to Hear God's Voice" by Richard Blackaby. Had my doubts at first about it but it was great! I felt the presense of God as well as it reminded me of how God truly is always with us. I learn a little more about God and what He speaks to us about.

An amazing example has been the last 5 days. I not only injured my toe, but I also develop a cold (along with it's side effects, cough and sore throat) and to top it all, I dented my car. In anyone's books, that's gotta be a pretty bad week. Course, I also started the week with some bad news about my performance but yet, I'm not angry, sad, depondant or unmotivated. If anything, I'm more carefree, happier and more motivated! It can't be me, it must be the spirit comforting me and leading me on. I can't even feel sad that my car looks ugly now! I just so in awe of how God can really work in me.

Richard Blackaby pointed out that when God speaks through someone on stage, the same speech can speak different things to different people in the audience. And speak personally at that. That's how amazing God is. One event, one speaker, and many learn more about God in many different ways personally. Each audience feels like the speaker is speaking to them directly. Now that's an amazing speech. And it can only happen when God does the speech.

Toe injury

What a week! Played futsal on Thursday and injured my big toe. At the same time, caught a cold. So I was aching all over, weak, tired and hurt for half the week. Nearly took leave...

Went to Teluk Kumbar to eat seafood last night. Spent a big too much but was really good. Got really full. Hopefully can find more 'kaki' then it'll be cheaper next time around. And next time, we won't miss the place...

Scratch the car on Friday though it's just bodywork damage. Was going to have to go to the workshop anyways. The nice thing is the scratch makes it look like some cool design. So if i can't bang back the bodywork, I'll just ask the workshop to dent the other side!

Coming down to KL next weekend so if anyone wanna meet up, call me!

A Different Perspective

In comparing between how God sees this world and how we see this world, it's intriguing that it really is world's apart (pun intended). Let's list down the ways...

God's view	Our view
Heaven is our permanent home, Earth is temporary	Earth is our home.
Life on Earth is very short (70+ years vs eternity)	We have a long time on Earth now (70+ years!!)
All things have been planned in Heaven. There is no such thing as luck.	Coincidences and luck exist. And some people seem more lucky than others.
Our lives have been planned out since conception. It's a matter of whether we choose to follow His plan for us.	There is such thing as accidental birth. Our choices determine our next move and the future is uncertain.
All things work for our own good.	Why do bad things happen to good people?

So, since Christians are suppose to be filled by the Holy Spirit and thus, see God's view of the world, it's no wonder we can no longer be of the world! Because how the world interprets the things is so very different from how God interprets them. Of course, having a different perspective albeit a correct one will still cause others to call you crazy. But, the prize at the end is well worth it...

Eating Roti Canai with a fork and Chicken Chop with a spoon

For this week, the most unusually thing was I had to eat my breakfast with only a fork due to lack of cutlery. If that wasn't weird enough, the next day I had to eat my lunch with only a spoon! Course, manage to do it successfully, proving that it doesn't take much to enjoy a meal. hehee...

Also, celebrated 3 colleague's birthday at Victoria Station.

Speeding doesn't pay

About a month back, I was driving home after dinner in the city when this 4WD passed me on the road. Obviously he was in a hurry. I forgot all about him till I caught up with him at a traffic light about 5 km away. And then, I was just behind him all the way home. Geee... going faster obviously doesn't mean reaching earlier...

This week, I was on my way home when i passed this car. Again, I went off and this car was left behind. Yet, I find the car right behind me all the way till we split.

2 incidents, both proving one thing: it's doesn't pay to speed in the city. You go nowhere fast. Still, people tend to speed. Dunno why though. Gain any advantage? Quite obviously, no.

Ultimate Sacrifice

How great is Heaven! It is the ultimate prize! It's worth the ultimate sacrifice! Countless times, those who follow after the King of Kings lay down their everything in order that they may see His face. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego rather be thrown in the fire then bow down before another. Daniel was thrown to the lions for praying to God. The apostles were tortured, persecuted, killed because they choose to believe in Jesus Christ.

In fact, Jesus even said that "If your hand or your foot causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life maimed or crippled than to have two hands or two feet and be thrown into eternal fire. And if your eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into the fire of hell." (Matthew 18:8-9). Heaven is so great that to enter into it is better than anything the world can ever offer!

Bearing that in mind, we must know what is expected of us. To live a Christian life is effectively signing a death sentence.

Figuratively speaking, that means dieing to His cause and His ways. What that means is to follow His words. What He says, we do. We no longer simply follow the whims of our hearts or of our own desires for we are now in the Lord's army. We move when He moves, we act as He wants us to act. Quite often, the choices that He makes for us are extremely hard to make but it's a choice we must make in order to fully understand His glory and to fulfill His great and merciful plan for us and the entire planet.

Literally speaking, it means the world will hate us. Because we are now Christians, we do not see the world as others see it. Our thoughts are now in tune with God's thoughts. We start to see the world through His eyes. It's the ultimate paradigm shift. Life on Earth is short and temporary. We do not belong in the world. Our REAL home is now Heaven. Earthly happenings no longer trouble us because we know He is in charge. The people around us can't understand us because we no longer see eye to eye with him. And what people can't understand, they fear. Not only that, but because we set new standards, others now see how far they have fallen. And being humans, they'd rather not know these things. In fact, if we do follow God wholeheartedly, I believe one day we will encounter people who hate us so much, that they want to kill us.

If it's not the physical killing, it's the spiritual and mental. They question your faith. They try to break your spirit. They plant doubts in your mind. Even the situations can be used against you. One common question which I think Christians all face from time to time is "How can such a loving and merciful God allow all the atrocities going on in this world to happen?"

And that's why it's important to be grounded in God. To know Him, to have a relationship with Him. Through constant talks with Him during prayer and through the Bible, we can gain the knowledge to properly back up our faith. As we defend God, we also educate the world and lead people to Christ.

I'm so excited! Every problem we came across leads us and others one step closer to God. It is very true, those who lose their lives for Christ gain everlasting life in Heaven.

Love & Sacrifice

I'm curious about this thing called love. As dictionary.com defines it;

1. A deep, tender, ineffable feeling of affection and solicitude toward a person, such as that arising from kinship, recognition of attractive qualities, or a sense of underlying oneness.
2. A feeling of intense desire and attraction toward a person with whom one is disposed to make a pair; the emotion of sex and romance.
3. An intense emotional attachment, as for a pet or treasured object.
4. A person who is the object of deep or intense affection or attraction; beloved. Often used as a term of endearment.
5. An expression of one's affection: Send him my love.
6. A strong predilection or enthusiasm: a love of language.
7. The object of such an enthusiasm: The outdoors is her greatest love.

When we say we love something or someone, we end up spending the most time with that special thing/person. We are willing to sacrifice time for that.

In terms of possesion or activity, we often find ourselves centering our lives around it. Not only that, we are willing to do almost anything in order to have it or to be able to do it again. Nothing can stop us.

As for people, we want to be near them at all times. As countless love songs have reminded us, we are willing to die for them. We'd sacrifice everything just to be with them.

So as Christians, how do we show that we love Christ? By the definitions above, it means to want to be close to Him at all times. It means never letting go and doing anything so that the relationship is not destroyed. But how to do that?

Since Christ knew not sin and sin turned us away from Him, quite obviously to get close to Him, we should not sin. Though it's near impossible not to sin, but we should ensure we sin less. And of course, ask His forgiveness when we do.

And as John 14:15 says, "If you love me, you will obey what I command." In other words, since we as Christians say we love Christ, we must show our love for Him by doing as He has commanded us. That includes the 10 commandments and all His teachings. A few good examples are like loving your neighbour and loving your enemies.

And yet, this is not happening. God said love Him with everything that we have. Making Him the center of our lives. Sacrificing it all just to follow His commands. It's not like we don't know His commands. Even if we have not heard Him, we know what He commands through the Bible. But not all Christians live this faith out. I know Christians who hate their enemies. Christians who put their needs before others. Christians who are jealous, angry, lust, etc.

Well, that's not to say those who love God will never do all that. Just that they try their best not to and if it ever happens, they will straight go to God for forgiveness. But what really grinds me is how come Christians are willing to spend more time with God. Granted, there are many ways to serve Him and only Him alone knows how much we are willing to sacrifice for Him but still, there should be some outward showing.

Anyways, in the end this is something between each person and God. I'm not here to judge, just my observations. A good indicator is asking yourself, how much time a day do you give to God? Not just quiet time but as in letting God work through you. Do you put your work in His hands and trust that He alone will deliver you? Do you spend time with Him? Do you worship Him at every opportunity you get? Does everytime you speak, Your love for Him shows through? At the end of the day, if someone points a gun at you and say, "Renounce your faith in Jesus or I'll blow your brains out." will we comply or will we stand our ground?

For me, the choice is simple. There is no other answers other than He is my saviour and I will never forsake Him. He has given His life for me. The least I can do is stand up for Him.

6 Reasons Why I will never abandon God

1. He gave me a reason, a mission, a purpose for life. I am here today because He has a plan for me, a plan to bring about His might works.
2. He gives me comfort and strength to go out and do His work. I can confidently go out into the world and follow my heart knowing that He has my back always.
3. He promises to protect me always. No matter what situation I am in or what kind of danger threatens me, I am not afraid because I'm secure in the knowledge that His angels are watching over me always.
4. I have heard Him. I have felt His holy spirit. And I have seen His angels! He has given me much joy! He has comforted me in my sorrows. He has done all this and much more for me!
5. I have seen Christians who live full on for Him! They are loud! They are fearless! They dare do the impossible and the dangerous because they know their God has said so and it SHALL be done! At the same time, I see that on their own, they have done little but God has brought about so much more!
6. I have been to God-centred events. With His presense strong in that place, He moves among us. The event becomes awesome! It becomes incredible! More than that, it becomes a life-changing event. Truly, with Him at the centre of everything we do, not only do we succeed at it, but we reap rewards far beyond our expectations!!

Relaxing Weekend

Aaaahhhh... well, it's been a very relaxing weekend. Both me and my housemate spend more than half the time sleeping. Goooooood sleeeeppp....

Don't believe me? My Saturday program became waking up late (near lunchtime), have lunch, take a nap, go for Youth Ministry, laze around, dinner, movie and sleep.

Sunday was better! Woke up nearly as late, surf internet, lunch then sleep again till dinner! Course I ended up staying up later than I'd want to but hey, good rest all around.

The effect is tremendous! This week, I've been able to concentrate harder on my work. Just goes to show you how important sleep can be...

Oh! Penang International Bridge Marathon was on Sunday morning! I actually went to sleep when the runners had already started. Interesting...

Moved prayerfully.

Oh Lord,

You are great and mighty Lord. Your glory knows no bounds and You alone are deserving of all glory and honour and praise. Lord, thank you for using me so mightily this week. That I may be able to execute all my tasks and make much headway in my work. Thank you Lord that You've always answered my prayers and are always beside me.

I know that chasing after You and following Your ways is tough and extremely difficult. Yet, I am comforted by the assurance You gave that You will never leave me nor forsake me. I can go forward in confidance that no matter what lies ahead, You will protect me.

Lord, I am in awe of the mighty things You have done and the perfect ways in how You keep all Your promises. You are the might God and yet, You choose to be with me and help me. In all things, I know You hand is upon it and that I have nothing to fear.

So Lord, I pray that You will remain in me as I remain in You. Let me never forget your word but have it on my lips at all times. Lord, use me. Use me to rise up a generation that no longer settles for mediocrity but instead is fully submitted to Your will. I know Lord, now is the time. There is a generation who is hungry for Your touch. A generation that is prepared to break the mold. And so Lord, I pray that this generation will get the courage to stand up for You. Mold us so that we may not only change the culture but also change a nation. For I know Lord, only You and You alone can do this. I humble myself before You great power. Amen.

Eventful week

This week has been quite eventful. 2 birthdays and a clubbing.

It all started on Tuesday. Went out for lunch outside to celebrate Jenny's birthday and then later that night, to celebrate it somemore. Quite a fun time even if it was quite hectic what with cell group and all....

Thursday was also another birthday which we end up celebrating in Pizza Hut. Ironically, birthday boy got food poisoning the next day. Sue sama dia!! =P All in all, it was still great fun and enjoyable. Not the food poisoning part though...

Friday night marked the first time I went clubbing in Malaysia. Nothing reeeaaally different compared to clubs in UK but at least the company I had didn't get drunk. Once again, I find nothing special about it. The music only got you to dance coz the bass was sooo loud. You'd sway along to it but it's hollow. Listening to worship songs in my car gives me gets me higher than the clubbing. In conclusion, the reason why I don't go clubbing is not coz to seem more "angelic" but because it's stupid to waste money there when I feel greater going to worship sessions where Christians really pour all out to worship the King of Kings!

And that about sums up my week. Other noteworthy achievements includes paying the bills and installing the new white lights in the living room.

Miracles for the week.

Here's a quick list of all the things He has done for me this week:

1. Get everything that I want done in completed.
2. Giving me fresh new hope everyday.
3. Revealing to me His ways clearly.
4. Open up my mind so I could hear and take to heart His teachings.
5. Allowing me to fix my car up completely.
6. Giving me the way to get tickets for Pirates of the Caribbean.
7. Keeping me safe all the time.
8. Having Shim wake me up so early so that I have time to do all I want to before going on the trip.
9. Giving such wonderful weather for me to enjoy! 

POTC:DMC

Well, it has been an eventful week. Monday was a holiday so quite eventful as I manage to get some things done plus took the evening bus back to Penang.

Tuesday was filled with meetings and cell group meeting so there's plenty of events there. By the way, cell group just became a little more interesting...

Wednesday marked the day I only ate fish for my meals. That's right, fish and chips for lunch, McD fish burger for dinner. No chicken, no beef and most importantly, no rice! Yes!!! Oh, and I got my car fixed. Cost me RM4.20 only.

On Thursday, the only thing worth noting is going for dinner at Old Town. Period.

And yesterday! Yesterday was kinda weird coz I chose to go to McD for lunch and the rest of them followed! Not to mention being in the car in front of me... Other event worth noting is this marks the first time I've gone to the same restaurant for lunch and dinner. Wuahahahaah....

Watched Pirates of the Caribbean 2 last night as well. Dumb cliffhanger, now I got to watch the third one. But it was very nice, albeit a little gross. Funny movie though.

And... that's it! I'm off to the top of the world!!

Cordless

For the first time, I forgot to bring my office keys to work. Luckily, I didn't have to go to lab.

In a nutshell, the new things I've done today:

1) Obtain temp badge from security
2) Carry my laptop wherever I go
3) Not use the laptop stand and monitor

Oh, and I also left early and had an awesome time at CG. Woohooo!

5C's

I have just watch the first episode of 'I not stupid' the series. Man, does it burn me up. As you know, it's a story about 3 boys who society labeled as stupid. But more than that, it's a story about how life's priorities have been turned around.

I think we all know about the 5C's: cash, car, condo, credit card & career (correct me if I got it wrong). In the first episode, the mothers are busy telling the kids about these 5C's and how it's only possible by getting the first C; certificate. And of course, with such a society, being a student in the good class is especially aimed for.

I think it's crap. There are many examples of people who live a luxurious life without getting a cert. Heck, becoming a mee-seller doesn't require a single cert and yet they can drive BMWs! Not only that, motivational/self-help/success story books never talk about the C's in order to enjoy life. Every book I've read about having a good life usually talks about changing our habits and/or soul-searching. Not one says we need the C's to be happy.

It's an absolute crime that today, we are condition to require those things. And we chase it thinking that it'll bring us happiness! Well, I've yet to hear many stories of top students who made it big in the world (hardly any in Malaysia as well). And those who do get there usually isn't a result of their education.

Let's first of all debunk the 5C's. Condo is basically a place to live. Even the people who live on boats can be happy there, why you need the penthouse?! People in the earlier days were happy and yet they did not have as much wealth as us. Clearly cash is not a factor in increasing happiness (and might even result in losing happiness!). Many stories of people with credit cards ending up in debt are out there. You want something to make you broke?! A good career consist of becoming doctor, lawyer or engineer. But the hawkers earn more than them! Fisherman are happier than them! And of course, sportsmen and sportswomen can earn much more than them and enjoy their career as well! And don't get me started on the actors and musicians. Lastly, car seems essential. Yet, many countries have good enough public transport that cars are hardly important. And a nice walk to the store 2 miles down the road never hurt anyone. If anything, it gives you an exercise with both an immediate benefit and long term gain!

Another point is the many idiosyncrasies within the education system. I don't understand how students from one stream can end up with careers that depend on a different stream. If a science person can do an arts person's job, either the arts classes are extremely lousy or the science class is more towards general subjects. Either way, it's a misrepresentation and should be corrected. Education is there to help us know the basic for general daily usage plus help us discover what we want to do in life. And exams are suppose to test us on how good we are at the various subjects. It's not a competition of who can do better and has better tuition classes. If anything, the 'A' means absolutely nothing in less than 5 years. I can think of better things to do that will last much, much longer.

Don't believe me? Take the Malaysian schooling system for an example. Students take UPSR just to get into Form 1. They then take PMR to get the class they want in Form 4. They then take SPM to get into Pre-U of their choice. From Pre-U, they proceed onto a degree. Once they come out to work, the degree is only useful for their first job. The best thing is that most of the time the entry requirements talks about grades and not the subject. So that means if I'm an expert at 8 subjects in Form 3 but lousy at Maths, I can still take Maths in Form 4!

The worst part of it all is that many people work towards achieving the 5C's by hook or by crook. They are willing to do a job they hate/bored/not good at just to get those 5C's. At the end of the day, they are unhappy. And when they retire, what do they have to show for it? Sure, you may have the 5C's but at what cost? You end up working like a dog and not living life. To live is to enjoy life to it's fullest, experiencing highs and lows and loving every minute of the day. People who work just for work sake are not living, they are merely surviving. Well trained dodo birds could do their jobs.

In everything that we do, I believe we must first question ourselves to the motives behind the action. Is it something we can live with? Are we willing to make that sacrifice? And most importantly, on our death bed, will we regret those actions? I want to live life to the fullest. That's why I don't care about the 5C's. Life is too short to waste doing something I don't love. If I'm merely surviving, I may as well be dead. Many people don't realise it but when they don't do something out of passion for it, they are practically dead corpse. Come to think of it, they are zombies.

John 10:10b - I (Jesus) have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

Knowing more roads

After Youth Ministry, went rounding a little. Discovered an alternative way to Greenlane as well as new places in Georgetown. If this keeps up, I'll know Penang better than I know KL. Side note: have installed Google Earth but unable to see anything. I blame the processor, heh.

P.S.: England is out of the World Cup!! Celebration time, come on!!

Coincidences in abound

Though I was alone in the car, I was not alone on the ride home. First off, I met WS as we were coming out of the workplace. Then, at the traffic light, my buddy was behind me. After the 2nd traffic light where we went different ways, SKC was a few cars behind/in front of me all the way home. How's that for company?

Simplicity works best

It still blows my mind. Sometimes, the best Christians out there are those with NOTHING to their name. It's amazing to note that when we truly have nothing to depend on and we depend solely on Him, He will deliver us in such amazing ways!

God truly redefines life. The helpless are made strong. The poor are made rich. The sick is healed and the dead is raised to life! He is a God of miracles yesterday, today and tomorrow!

One thing I have learn is that while He can do all in an instant, most of the time the waiting is so that we can learn to depend solely on Him for salvation. I've just realize that in order to go to Heaven, it's not do this, this and that but actually, trust in Him more and more to do all that and more! I've never heard a good and powerful testimony about how someone has done wonders by themselves. It's always about how they allow God to take control.

King of Kings, Lord of Lords, Prince of Peace, You are truly the might God. And I will worship You all of my days. Lord, I pray today that you will help me yield more and more of my life for You. Let my life be a real living sacrifice and in everything, let You be in control. Amen.

It's hard

Living a life in obedience to God is very hard. It's probably the most difficult thing anyone can do. Obeying God means doing things as how Jesus would have done. Of course, that means giving up a lot of things. Course, you have your basic giving up sinning and maybe even some of your time and money to do His work but what I've realise is that to be a man after God's own heart, there's more to sacrifice.

First of all, living for God means sacrificing all my wants, needs and ambition in order that I may receive God's ambitions for my life. I know it's the best option but it's hard to follow! His ways is higher than mine, His thoughts are higher. So quite many things He has asked me to do don't make sense to me. Some of what He has done for me in the past, I now see why He did it. The staggering thing is there are still things that He has done for me as well as things He will be doing that I still do not understand!

Also, it means sacrificing my time and money for His work. Funding the church in all that they do for His glory. Volunteering for church work. Sacrificing my personal time to spend time with Jesus. Letting go of my free time to spend it in church, to know more about God. But it's good! Because it draws me closer to God and I am able to know Him better.

But more than that, it also means sacrificing anything that may make others not see God in me and may even draw them away. It means no longer cursing or blowing up at others. To me, to be more Christlike means forgiving those who cut me off in a traffic jam. It means taking on His value system and His way to do life. Personally, it makes me stop buying pirated goods.

But it's not all that bad or harsh. I'm able to control my anger better. In fact, I've only once let my anger control me since I came back to God. More than that, I now have to confidence to do all things because I know God is always by my side. And that no matter what happens, He will protect me and provide for me. Through His promises, the worries of the world no longer disturb me. Money, fame, fortune, security, comfort no longer matters to me because I have the one thing that matters; a relationship with God.

Matthew 13:44-46 - The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.
Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.

The Christian Life

Many a times, I've often wondered what is really the Christian life? Is it the holier-than-thou, most liked person in the neighbourhood life? Or is it just another set of moral standards to live by?

One thing I have learnt is that it's neither. Christians are set apart simple because they choose to honour and obey God. I now learn that that means following all His teachings and all His commandments. God has a specific plan for our lives. He doesn't tell us all the steps right away but He has them. And there's where faith comes in. It's telling God that we have no clue what He has plan for us but we believe and trust that His plan for our life is better than any other, even our own.

What is this Christian life like? Well, it's like playing a jigsaw puzzle with God passing you each piece, one by one and you can't get the next one till you've placed the piece in hand. We don't always know how the pieces fit together but once it's finish, we'll understand. Sometimes, we might understand straight away where the piece fits and what it shows but usually, we can't see where it fits or what is it purpose on the board.

To live an exemplary Christian life, we must fully obey God. We recognize the people who fully obey Him and chase after Him through their actions. When God told Abraham to move, He moved. When God told Peter to throw down the net, he throwed down the net. It basically means when God says jump, we say, "how high?". Whatever He says whether it's killing a son or a giant, leading a massly outnumbered army with only jars of clay and torches or building an altar for sacrifice soaked completely in water then asking for fire from heaven, we simple say, OK, let's do it.

It's a scary life. I think of it like bungee jumping with an invisible bungee cord. I can't see the cord but because God told me to jump and that the cord is there, I'll trust Him and do just that. But what if the cord is not there? Or if it snaps? God has promised time and time again (you can read about this in the Bible) that He will take care of it. That means also trusting that God has really tied a bungee cord and that it's 100% strong. Another good if not better example is like piggy-backing God as He rides a unicycle across a highwire without any balancing apparatus or safety net. It's fully depending on God's ability to keep me safe and secure. The neat thing though is that my part is simple this: do as He says and rest, knowing that He'll do the rest.

It's a scary life sometimes. It's a difficult life. But it's an exciting and AWESOME! life as well. It's like riding a 2 seat tandem with God in front. He'll lead you up the mountains and down the valleys of life. He'll take the dangerous routes and especially, the routes not taken. You won't be safe and it's not going to be easy at all, but you'll have the most fun through it all.

John 10:10b - I (Jesus) have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

It's coming...

There's a change coming. More and more people are standing up for their one true King. Old values combine with new energy. The morals standards maybe have changed, society has evolved and yet one cause remains...

Can you hear the transformation? The winds of changes are blowing our way. A generation is looking for a purpose in life, a higher purpose than mere living. There is a generation that refuses to let society dictates their lives. As such, they are looking for a purpose, a passion to ignite the fire, to fill the hole they find within them. A cause that will anchor their life, something to live their entire life for. A voice is rising up that begs the question: what on earth are we living for?

Can you see the transformation? Gone are the days of traditional degrees and traditional paths to success. Time again, conventional methods have been proven wrong by mere individuals. Sportsmen and sportswomen no longer come through expected channels. Universities are offering every kind of degree under the sun. The students of today are given a thousand and one choices after secondary education. Idols of today are no longer the model of perfection.

Can you taste the transformation? Asian cuisine can be found everywhere in the Western world. Authentic Italian cuisine is now available worldwide. A burger is no longer just a burger. Even to get a simple meal, we are open to a hundred and one choices. Supermarkets stock almost every kind of frozen food. There is nearly no meal that a microwave cannot prepare.

Can you smell the transformation? Smell and sights that used to be uniquely in one location are now available at a location near you. Themeparks constantly upgrade to give visitors an experience of the whole world in one location. Couch potatoes can now tune into shows showcasing the cultures and lifestyles all around the world. The Internet connects us to all the interesting places we could never hope to visit in a lifetime. We can now 'visit' the world and see all the sights it has to offered with just a click of a button.

Can you feel the transformation? There is a rumbling within the earth, it recognizes the change in times. Disasters broadcasted throughout the world bring together humanity to help those in need. The fragility of human life has made many wonder about a life after death. The horror and dangers of day to day living has made us sit up and realise: we could die today. And for many, in the pursuit of happiness, fame and fortune, we have forgotten the things that are really important. But now, many are turning back to a life centred on family and the pursuit of what really makes us alive.

There is a revolution sweeping the nations. Leaders and idols are recognized for who they really are: mere mortals who live, eat, sleep just like us. Society's many levels are being broken down as more and more recognize how we are all equal. In a world where all our needs can and are fulfilled, a new generation is rising up, searching for a true purpose to life. The youth of today seek to make a mark in the world or to find true peace and happiness in life. They seek to commit their life to a cause that satisfy the soul and changes the world.

Personally, I have found that in Jesus Christ. He has given me peace over my past and peace during the storms in my life. He has put goals and dreams in me, purposes that will impact the world. And best of all, He has given me His assurance that He will be with me through it all, never letting me go and being my protector through it all.

Psalm 118:6 says, "The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?"

Rain

It's been raining off and on in Penang for the past 2 weeks or so. Reminds me of England. Unlike KL where it either rains heavily for 3 hours or so then heats up like an oven the rest of the day, Penang rain is more like really scattered showers. It can rain for 1 minute, then stop, then rain for an hour. Heck, it can rain as much as 5 times a day!

Not that I'm complaining though (except in the mornings when I really have to get outta bed!). I like rain. Don't like swimming though. Course, having rain so off and on makes it difficult to choose my outdoor wear (again, England comes to mind) and for me to make up my mind whether to wash my car.

Amazing isn't it? Rain in KL means having to rewash the car. Rain in Penang means I can postpone washing for another week! Life is good...

Unfortunately, the floor mats are getting quite dirty so car wash, here I come! Now, note to self: wear cap everywhere...

Monthly roundup

A simple roundup on what's been going on.

2 weeks ago, my group had a teambuilding event which I helped organize. It was fun though the rain halfway through meant a change of plans. Was very tired but it was well worth it. More on this in a later post along with pictures.

Last weekend, I attended a seminar on temperaments and love languages. In layman's terms, I figured out what sort of character I am and what translates to me as love. Don't confuse it, it's 2 different topics that are no way related to each other! Mostly, learnt about what are my possible weaknesses so I can work on fixing it.

Also, spend some time getting to know more people and my friends better. Definitely worth the RM30 though I'm still tired.

Also, World Cup is here again! England and Brazil seem to have enough luck/skill to scrap into the second round while Argentina and Spain showed why they are considered powerhouses in world football. Argentina is especially scary since they have yet to play Tevez and Messi yet. And Spain can afford to leave great midfielders such as Guti and De la Pena back home. Serbia and Montenegro has been largely disappointing though it seems to me that that's due to Vidic being suspended/injured. Too bad Ivory Coast is out, they are quite good. France has scored their first WC goal since the 1998 finals but the chances of them qualifying for the next round seem slim. Out of the 5 African teams here, only Ghana has a clear shot at getting pass the group stages though Ivory Coast can be called unlucky to be in the "Group of Death". Ironically, Ghana's group seem more like the Group of Death now since all 4 teams seem quite even. South Korea still remains the best Asian team with one win and one draw as well as being the only Asian team to have won their match. I would say Japan lost to better substitution tactics and Iran were let down by poor finishing. Saudi have at least gotten drawn one match so it's an improvement from their last showing.

Well, off to bed! And tomorrow, I shall awake to news of England's lost (I hope!)

What are you willing to die for?

"Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13

There are many things we love. Some people love cars. They know everything about them. Some people love sports. They can quote statistics like a walking dictionary. Some people love food. They know where the best restaurants are and the best food around. And then, there are those who are in love. They spend most of their free time with the people they love.

All the different people listed above have one thing in common: they all love something or somebody. You can even say their lives revolve around that thing/person. But when you love somebody, you can do something extra which is to die for the person.

In today's world, not many people are willing to lay their lives down for anything. We value life so much that we are not willing to make this final sacrifice. But for those who do, what do they lay their lives down for?

Usually, it's someone close to their heart. Maybe it's your spouse. You would rather have died instead of them dying. Maybe it's your family. Parent, siblings who get into trouble and you are willing to do anything to help them, even your life. It's common.

For others, it may be for a cause someone is championing. We believe that someone is doing something very right, we are willing to die so that they may live on and carry on the good fight. These people are willing die for the righteoness.

Still a few are willing to lay their lives down for a friend. Mostly, I see this in Chinese gangsters in movies but hey, it's still possible in reality. We like our friends and we believe that they are right so we are willing to sacrifice ourselves for them.

In all cases, the sacrifice is made due to a love for the person/cause. But what about a stranger? Someone we do not know, are we willing to die for them? Maybe, some of you anwer. Depending on whether we judge them to be worth saving by trading our lives. Heroes do that. They are willing to lay their lives down for the greater good so that others may live.

But what about our enemies? When was the last time we heard or see someone dying for someone else who they've hated their whole life? We don't even see movies which end with the hero dying so that his enemy can live.

Or how about prisoners? People whom we have already decided are sinners and are worthy to be punished. Unknown faces who we all know deserve that they got. Murderers, rapists, thieves. Is there anyone willing to die for them so that they may live?

Even more personally, a murderer/rapist/thief who has done something bad towards you. Would you be willing to say, "I know he/she has down something bad towards me that's worth them dying but please, take me instead."

We know people love us by how much they are willing to sacrifice for us. People who are willing to lay their lives down for us are people who truly and deeply love us. By that definition, I know understand just how great Christ's love for me truly is. For in God's courtroom, we are all sinners and are sentenced to death. In other words, we are all sitting on the death row now. But Christ has intervene by dying for us on the cross 2000 years ago so that we may live on.

His death wasn't a quick one either. The movie "The Passion of Christ" depicts quite accurately the brutality that He went through for our sake. We who deserve every bit of the whipping and the crown of thorns do not have to go through it because our Lord and Saviour has taken it for us. In fact, not only did He died for us, He went to the cross for the very people who put Him there in the first place! The pharisees, Jews and Roman soldiers who presecuted Him and did the whipping and nailing Him to the cross, He died for all of them too!

Such is His love for all of us on this Earth, I relate it as seeing all this people who He knows is sitting on the death row in Heaven and because of that, He chose to endure the cross for our sake. He saw nations going to hell and He decided to die, so that there is now a way to skip hell and go to Heaven. It's like if we were to go to all the prisons in the world, and say to all the wardens, "Count the number of death row prisoners you have and kill me, so that they may live on."

Now, I realize what the Bible meant when it is written in John 3:16 - "For God so loved the world, that He gave His one and only son..."One son, one person and He chose to die, so that we all may live and have a relationship with God. Is there any greater love?

Tiring Weekend

With all the work I do during the week, it's always nice to have the weekends to unwind. Unfortunately, that's not gonna happen.

This weekend started with me helping out at the Silver Jubilee Home for the Aged. Ended up during admin work which was labelling all their assets for audit. Quite tiring since I had to move around the office and wards from one furniture to the next (and back again) but not as tiring as what the others did. Still, couldn't finish it since they have such a big area to cover, even with the others who have finished helping out. In the end, another 2 of us are going back next weekend to help them finish the labelling.

Direct from the home, I went for the youth ministry. Today, we talked about Mary and her dependability which is why God gave her the privilege to bear Jesus Christ. Found out she was only 14 when she got pregnant! Now that's dependability.

Later that night, went to see Over the Hedge. Well, didn't go there with the intent of seeing it but considering The Da Vinci Code and Poseidon were sold out and M:I:III had been seen by my friends previously, it was the only English movie left. No regrets though. The movie was really funny. Not many quotable quotes (in fact, I can't think of one) but the action was great! Really worth a watch if getting a laugh a minute is your thing. As it is sometimes with comedy, many of the actions were exaggerated but hey, that's what makes it funny! =P

Spent Sunday resting at home after church and lunch so manage to recuperate somewhat. Unfortunately, that meant the bills have to be paid next weekend and there goes relaxation again...

1U

Went to 1 Utama to meet up with a friend today. Boy, was that an adventure...

Since I didn't know the way there, I got directions from some other friends which was quite straightforward. Ran into my first problem when I didn't see the TV3 building. As a result, I missed the right turning and had to take the next one which was the Ikano Power Centre turnoff. (on the bright side, I now know where Ikano is as well as The Curve and Tesco)

Through some clever deduction (and a lot of guesswork and dumb luck), I manage to find my way back to 1U. "At last!" I thought. Then silly me went under the building and found myself back where I started. Haih...

So once again I had to take the Ikano turnoff and find my way back to 1U. This time, I took the right turning and manage to get into the carpark. After my mini adventure getting there, the carpark and finding my car later on was no big deal.

It struck me that in effect, I have gone to the same place 3 times in a day. How about that?

I may never use an umbrella again

Today, I walked from my office to my lab. Now, this isn't a very long journey (10 minutes long) but the interesting bit was it was raining cats and dogs. So, it doesn't take a genius to figure out I got soaked.

You know, it's not so bad, walking in the rain. After you get over the initial discomfort of having water soaking your clothes, it's actually quite nice. Just like taking a bath without soap and shampoo but with your clothes on. Quite pleasant to have the rain falling off my glasses and hair. Who said the wet look was out?!

Was completely soaked from head to toe (and I mean that literally!) but it was fun! Spent the afternoon drying off while doing my work in the cold lab but no cold!

Ooooo... here's something else I discover: hair and shirt dries the fastest. The hardest parts to dry is actually shoes, socks and any clothing at the waist area. Course, once your shirt and pants are dry, you don't actually feel the discomfort anymore. And it only took me a couple of hours before I was dry enough to be comfortable. Not bad...

Having done that, there no longer exist a reason for me to use an umbrella. So... anyone want one?

Marker

Quick note: This is the 5th post today. I think this is the most number of posts I've ever posted in a day before. By the way, other than these 5 posts, there's no new ones since February.

In a testament to my busyness with work, church, getting my place cleaned up and settling down, I have not been able to do much online. If Intel did not allow windows messenger, I would not have been online for 3 weeks. All my emails have new mails in them whenever I check. (Considering I have 2 that usually don't have email for weeks) The 2 which have emails nearly everyday always show 20+ new mails when I log in. I have not visited the Low Yat forum except to see pictures faster. And of course, I haven't blog in 2 months now (but that's not a record sadly enough).

Also, I have not been able to do any exercise/sport since I got here, I drove my car down to KL for the 1st time 2 weeks ago and before that trip, my last time down was mid March. Actually, it's kinda weird how whenever I start doing something after a long time, people only comment on it once I've done it more frequently. Hmm...

Latest update.

Ok people, I know you've suffered but bear with me for a little while longer.

I've moved to Springfield condo just before CNY, have gotten all necessary appliances and conveniences in the apartment, getting busier but growing more in work plus being more active in church. There's still some way to go before I would consider being settled down in Penang yet though.

Due to a couple of friends who came up to Penang, I now know more places to eat and places to go to. Also, more familiar with roads around Georgetown now. Give me 6 more months and I'll know Penang roads better than KL and PJ roads, heh. Quite settled with working life in Intel and my aparment is comfortable enough. Only thing left to do is to pack up the kitchen, unblock the bathroom, get a cleaner and newspaper delivery, buy a gas tank and I'll be all set for Penang. Phew!

Thank you visitors!

Here is a quick thank you shout out to all those who still visited my site though there was nothing new for 2 months. Your visits have spurred me on to post more frequently and habitually.

More updates, working life is very stressful. There's always some case to do or issue to tackle. The cliche to enjoy student life because it's the best time of your life is certainly true. You have more free time then too. Though there's no need to work outside 9 to 5 (in most cases), chances are you've spent so much time and energy at work, home is really more a place to relax and unwind. Let's put it this way, in the 7 months I've been here, I have not yet been able to be more active in outside activities. Also, I have not been able to properly clean up my apartment due to using weekends to recuperate from a hard week's work.

1st post using my own streamyx.

Well, 2nd post actually but the first doesn't count coz that's a roll up. Anyways, just to mark the occasion when I finally post something from my room in Penang!!! Wooohooo!!

Speaking about streamyx, actually TMNet was not very efficient. First of all, it took them more than a week to process our application. The best thing about the whole issue was... by the time we got back to them a week later, they still haven't done anything about it!

And then, when we finally got the internet (we decided to set it up ourselves), the internet stop working after 5 days! For reasons unknown to all except TMNet, we could not surf. It would not have been such an issue if we didn't have to bring our modem+router (we didn't buy TMNet's modem) back to the shop just for them to confirm that it's TMNet's problem. Sheesh...

On the plus side, the TM Point we went to at Krystal Point was quite empty so service was relatively fast and there was no problem at the counter. Also, their hotline works till very late and can usually reach them (though they have a separate number for technical support, go figure). Here's hoping to trouble free internet for the rest of my time here.

Quick update

Whooaaa.... 10 weeks since I last posted. Means I owe 10 posts up till now.

Alright, quick update on what's been going on since the end of February. I have bought a washing machine, water filter and subscribe to streamyx. Actually, it's due to streamyx that I've not blog for so long. Gave up going to cyber cafes to blog once I started applying for it. And after I got it, got busy in the office plus couldn't get back the blogging habit. But, that's all gonna change now!

So look out as I post more and more often (especially to catch up with the 10 posts!)

For everything is possible through Christ who is within us.

God is in control of everything in my life. He alone knows me best and everything that happens to me is for my benefit.

He IS the God of the immeasurably more. He can give much more than what I can ask.

Living a life that chases after Him and is centred around His will for my life is the most exciting and most rewarding life I can hope for.

With Him by my side, there is nothing I need to worry about, not money, not relationships, not situations, nothing. He has promise to take care of all that. All I need to do is follow His word and commands and do as He says.

Period.

Once you've tasted heaven...

... it's very hard to come back down to earth.

I'm starting to realize why people who live with certain conveniences today find it hard to give up. For instance, once you find driving so easy and convenient, it's quite hard to return to biking or walking (for me anyways). Once you've driven a BMW, Kancils seem so clunky. Once you're used to excellent services and facilities, it's hard to settle for anything less.

Personally, I find it hard to handle having no internet at home after the fast connections I had in Sheffield. It's hard to go back to mundane routine once something exciting has happen. It's just difficult to settle for something less when you have experience and know that there's something much, much better out there.

After the great experience I had in Hope City, it's hard to settle for anything less than that. I found a church where the congregation is fully motivated to advancing His kingdom in everyway. Powerful sermons, life changing events, exciting worships and genuine Christians who live only for the King. After that, I can't go back to laid back Christianity, Sunday Christianity, not believing that God can do anything we ask and more, living life my own way, quiet worships. It's just something I'm not willing to do. God is the same everywhere so the sincere Christians should worship Him and do things in His name everywhere. The events might differ from place to place as well as the execution but the passion behind it should be the same. If that's not true, I think I'll need to move...

Blogger's Block

Nothing to write.

the only thing worth notice is that i'm settling down well and Man Utd seriously need a new strategy.

Powerful Testimonies (2 Feb 06)

It’s surprising how the biggest testimony and biggest influential thing that we have is our life story. Time and time again I’ve heard and experience first hand how people relating their own stories can connect and bring people to Christ. Some of the most powerful stories I’ve heard comes from how people have manage to come through crisis through God’s hand in their lives. Truly, it’s not the strong that shall be saved but the weak.

Throughout my life, the constant message that people, self-help books, media and community has been conveying is one of being self-sufficient. Another way of seeing it is being strong enough to stand on my own 2 feet. I’ve come to learn that that’s the devil’s teaching.

Christianity teaches exactly the opposite. God says NOT to stand on my own to feet but to lean on to Him and depend solely on Him for everything; salvation, daily needs, health, strength to face the world, etc. the Bible is full of stories of ordinary men who achieve success, victory or greatness not through their own strength but through God. In fact, these people only achieved success, victory or greatness when they trust completely in God. Moses did 10 wonders in Egypt but it was God who gave him the wonders. The Israelites only manage to conquer Jericho when God was in charge of the army. Gideon won an amazing victory (300 men vs an army of thousands!) when he obeyed everything that God told him to do. In fact, this line continues even into the New Testament. When Jesus sent out his 12 disciples, they brought nothing with them except the clothing on their back. They didn’t even bring food or water! As far as I recall, I don’t remember reading anywhere in the Bible that Jesus carried food and water wherever he went either.

From all that I’ve learnt, I realize now that it’s not those who have everything that will be saved; it’s those who realize they need salvation that will be saved. The people who realize they have sinned and deserve death; they will be the ones who will becomes the most powerful Christians.

I think the hardest part about Christianity is the fact that it’s not about the facts or commandments, it’s about how well our relationship with God is. Within the Bible and even today, some of the most powerful men of God I’ve read or seen draw their strength direct from Heaven. They have a personal relationship with God. That is why it is possible for us to memorize every scripture in the Bible and follow all the commandments but still not know the God who loves us and saved us. For if simply accepting that there is a God and following all the commands laid out, that will not differentiate Christians from any other religion. Other religions also teach good moral values. Heck, atheist also have good moral values. Knowing that there is a God out there is also not enough. Anything or anyone can be a God. We can always believe in a pink unicorn God as well. What’s the difference?

The difference is not in the fact that Jesus is real. Since Jesus walked the earth 2000 years ago, it’s not easy to say how real he is in that sense. After all, we only know dinosaurs exist because their remains are found in the earth. So if telling people that Jesus is real and alive in us isn’t enough, what is?

Not only must we know God of the bible, we must also know the living God. The most influence we can ever have on other people is through our lives. Do our lives reflect God living in us? Think carefully because there are ways where we think our lives reflect God’s will when it doesn’t. Becoming a millionaire does not mean God lives in us. Living a blameless life won’t display God’s love for mankind. Achieving great success also might not be honouring God. All these may be the product of God living within us but doing all this will not show God lives in us.

Others can only see how God truly lives in us when we sincerely give up our lives and let God take over. For when God takes over, 4 things will happen:

1. We will do things that the world thinks is crazy and/or foolish.
2. We will make enemies.
3. We will experiences highs and lows through life.
4. Our lives will become very exciting and fulfilling!

In a nutshell, we will become very different! We might not change completely or drastically but people will start to notice. They will realize that we are not the same as them, that we are different, unique. There will be something about our lives that makes others take notice and want. That ‘X’ factor.

I’ve seen people who live completely for Christ. Their lives are exciting and fulfilling. I’ve set a personal target to get what they have because I can see that their lives contain so much joy, so much laughter that truly, the world can’t take it away. They have a powerful ministry that will change the world. I can see God working in their lives and how much He can bless people who live completely for Him. Christianity is not living in the shadows. It’s not achieving the minimum to live by. It’s about living an awesome life that is the envy of everyone around us. It’s being able to say no to the bad things around us not because it’s bad, but because we have something much better than that. It’s about going to war against the devil and winning!

I will always remember what Pastor Russ Evans said at Audacious 2005. He said that he didn’t need ecstasy or disco to get high, he can get higher than that just by reading the word of God. That’s when I realize that for the biggest adrenaline rush, the greatest joy felt, the best motivation stories and the true path to happiness can all be found in His word. Living a life where God is in charge is the biggest adventure you can ever hope for. The challenge is whether you are willing to let go of everything else; your dreams, your personal ambitions, your needs, your wants, your career, your family even your life in order to obtain it.

The God Factor

In all my church hunting, I've realize that many of the churches are quite alike. Or rather, very little difference between one church and another. Yet, Hope City still stands out for me. I've often wondered why. Is it the exciting worship? Is it the atmosphere? Is it the work that they do?

I've come to realize that it's not really any of this. Yes, they're worship is different compared to other churches but the atmosphere is not completely different. And the works they do while some I've only known Hope City to do but majority of it is what almost every other church does too. So, what exactly is it that makes Hope City stand out?

The biggest difference I see between Hope City and other churches, is that the church is 100% commited to God. In everything that they do, they do it for God, believing that God is with them all the time and also, that God will bless their ministry and bring about a greater blessing than they can expect. They actively seek out the lost so that they are save, not to increase the church membership. They see youth as people, not another group. When they go out and do something for God, they don't wait for the situation to suit it, they just go out and get it done.

Most of all, I see that God is really with them always. They can connect with God 24/7. Everything that they do, I can see God's hands behind it. They don't care what others say, they are commited to do everything that God has asked them to do. Even if it annoys other people. In fact, they are not afraid of offending anyone. In a nutshell, as long as God says it, they will do it regardless of the consequences. They are, the new revolutionaries of God today.

I find their worship and sermons powerful not because of the message but because God is talking through them. You can say that everything that they do has God's fingerprint all over it. And this is one church I can genuinely say, it's excellent and every event they organize is awesome. In fact, going for Sunday service there was my highlight of the week.

In many ways, I wanted to live a life that mirrors the church. A life which is completely sold out for God and making him the centre of my world. To live every second of the day for him and not to worry about consequences or other needs. For I now realize that once I live for God, He will provide all my needs and take care of all the consequences. It's not just a theory, it's something that's real. Go see Hope City. Even with their no-apologies in-your-face approach, their ministry is ever increasing because that's how God wants us to live and because God is with them always.

Sincerity (15 January 2006, 11:46 pm)

in today's world, sincerity seems to be a rare resource. I mean, when was the last time we actually trusted someone completely? Parents are constantly warning children to don't speak to strangers. Kids who grow up and find ways to cheat the system (more prevalent in the eastern culture). And when was the last time we actually deal with a company that bases it's business on honest customers?

In the UK, to get a handphone line, one has to have proof of address and proof of credit to pay for the line before getting one. It's like they don't trust us to pay them! In KL, to buy petrol, you had to pay for it first. The major store chains put tags on their goods and detectors at the entrance just to make sure no one sneaks out without paying (which leads to interesting situations but that's another story). Even libraries put magnetic strips hidden within the book's bindings to ensure they are truly borrowed out. What in the world?

Nowadays, it’s quite normal for us to accept that people have to check up on us to ensure our trustworthiness. I find it quite sad actually. it’s like we can’t even trust people’s word anymore. Sometimes, I wonder if we even trust what our friends say to us. Interestingly though, we will trust gossip no matter where it comes from.

Another thing we don’t trust, we don’t trust other people’s sincerity in helping us anymore. Companies offer more job perks because “they want us to continue working for them”. Charity done by companies or celebrities are always publicize because it helps their image in the community. Or worse still, because it’s a “tax write-off”. I wonder whatever happened to helping just because we want to? The kind that not only accepts the anonymity of it, but at times abhors popularity because it distracts from the task at hand.

don’t get me wrong, I also believe there are genuine companies and celebrities who sincerely want to contribute and maybe, use their popularity to increase awareness but the way the world is going, many people are sure to be cynical over their alleged sincerity. I've heard of people who even doubts Mel Gibson did the “Passion of Christ” to show the world what Jesus did on the cross. let’s face it, Mel Gibson is sure to earn quite a bit from the movie and I'm sure some will look at it as a case of exploitation. Of course, no one is going to believe that he donated his earnings to any charity without a big press coverage. It makes me wonder at times...

speaking about celebrities, it also makes me wonder how much passion do today’s artist actually have. When I hear of pop singers who don’t even write their own songs, I wonder what keeps them going. Is it the joy of singing? Or is it the big money and celebrity status they get? Do they ever mean what they sing? it’s interesting how singers whose whole image is based on singing songs related to angst, anger, hatred etc. are actually quite composed in real life. it’s like their songs character and their real character are 2 different worlds. isn’t songs suppose to be the outpouring of your soul? How can you sing such angry songs and yet be happy in front of the camera all the time? One of the other has got to be a fake. There are artists who genuinely act as they sing but that’s another story.

it’s no wonder the world is so cynical. Not only are artists not believed, but there’s a genuine mindset that people take jobs just for the sake of money. I have not heard many stories of people who take jobs because that’s their interest. We even advise kids on which courses to take not due to their interest, but due to the better job prospects! what’s more shocking is how accepted it is!

I truly believe that money is not everything. I know there are those who believe in this as well but how far would you believe this? If choosing between a bigger company with more pay and a smaller company with less pay but having a vision aligned with yours, which would you choose? Or the choice between paying less for goods vs. doing the right thing? When I say I believe money is not everything, what I meant was in my list of priorities and value, money is dead last (if it even makes the list in the first place). I find it hard to keep to that (what with all the things we need money for these days and the fact that I'm quite skint) but I'm trying hard.

“Lord Almighty, you are the Lord of the heavens and the earth. I pray now not
that You grant me great wealth, but that I may be able to willingly and happily
give You all my wealth for You to use as You will. For I know that You are able
to provide for all my needs and that all that I have, it’s because You gave them
to me first. I pray that I may not think of how much I’m using but how much it
can be used to bless others. Amen.”

Springfield ho!!

This marks the first blog post since I've moved to my permanent Penang home. It's been quite a week actually. Discover a new area in Penang which consist of mainly the place around my new home. hehehe...

This week also marks the end of the training program ran by my department. Plus, got a case which I start off on my own!

Actually, I remember doing some things worth blogging about but can't recall any of them due to what I've done just now. Went for a dinner cum video presentation on the relevancy of the bible and God today. Think I've found a direction, sort of.

Also, it reminded me of what I was looking for in a church. I'm looking for a church where the congregation is commited to living completely for God. I'm looking for a church that believes in everything the bible says and believes that there is no other alternatives than to live for God. In some ways, I'm also looking for a church that would inspire, motivate and excite me. I firmly believe that church should be the highlight of every week. I think I'm closer to finding it now.

~It's amazing what God will do with one person in one day, with one passion for His name. - Mal Fletcher~

Work week 02'2006

Right now, I'm in a cybercafe so it's hard to think of anything to write about. But, for the cause of a New Year resolution (and to avoid another free meal!), here's a post!

Let's see... it's been an up and down week, but then again, it's always been an up and down week since I reach Penang. I still miss ACTS and Hope City and there are days when I seriously consider quitting Intel just to go back. Sometimes, I wonder if missing those 2 churches is more to do with me or the churches here.

Other than more thought provoking sessions (i.e. cellgroup and church), I have also picked up Warcraft and DotA! WAahahahahahaaha... but not seriously (I hope!). I see it more as a chance to entertain myself and enjoy time with friends. But, we will see how things proceed from here on.

Countdown... 14 days till house shifting and 21 days till CNY.

Week #2

Okay, here's my second week in a row of posts! So far, no resolution breaking yet, hah!

Been quite a long week for me, dunno why. After all, it's only 4 days of working! Maybe it's the multitude of things I've learnt. Or, could be the exciting things coming up. Anyway, hard to believe the weekend is finally here! Oh, here's something interesting...

I post up 3 posts last week but only 2 are dated 1st January. Anyone knows why? I did'nt change the dates either! Yes people, those dates up there are true! Come on... it's not that hard, is it?

3 paths in life

I've realise that there's 3 basic paths to take in life, the normal non-Christian path, the success-story Christian path and the Christian path. There's a poem I used to know (well, coz it was in my English Literature book but...) about the path less taken. Can't remember the author though. I think he meant between the path which everyone takes and the path that hardly anyone takes. Anyway, I relate that to life in the sense that everyone usually follows the 'norm'. Those who decide to forge out new paths (breaking the norm) usually find it tougher but more worthwhile.

Those who follow the norm are those who lead a normal path. I equate that to getting the basic needs in life such as food, shelter, etc. People who just get a 9-to-5 job to pay for their needs. The kind that most parents would ask of their kids. You know, get a decent job with a decent salary, get married, have kids, be happy and get grandkids. Nice, normal, simple. This kind of life is not very interesting though. Granted, there will be times of joy and adventure but those are far and few between and not to mention, comes through external sources. It's a very passive lifestyle.

Those who lead the success-story lives are far more interesting. They forgo the 9-to-5 safety net in order to reach their (as they believe it) full potential. These people live out their dreams and are commited to it no matter what. I've read stories of such people who sacrifice so much for their dreams, sometimes even food becomes a luxury. But in the end, they will achieve great success and can coast the rest of their lives, living on the major earnings they now pick up. Or, if not coasting, then they will be the people who get to live life luxuriously. The ones who have 4 storey bangelows and 4 cars in the garage. But they all had to struggle hard and be extremely dicipline to work at their dreams. It's very exciting during the initial stage coz they start without a real safety net. But at the end, it gets a little...monotonous? maybe not, maybe they just keep getting excited at the prospect of expansion. *shrug*

And then, there is the Christian style of living. If you think the above was wonderful, wait till you hear this one. I akin this lifestyle to a rollercoaster. A rollercoaster that starts the day you decide to live fully for Christ and stops when you die/Christ comes back. For I have learn that the only way to live for Christ is to give my all for Him. This means my money, my ambitions, my current lifestyle, everything! In fact, the only thing I would have to fall back on is Christ Himself! That's because in order to fully experience God's works in our lives, we have to first be in a position where the only way out is God doing a miracle. Then, and only then will the biggest and best testimonies from our lives come out. For if we have money/parents/anything to fall back on, we won't put our full faith in Him to bring us through. The problem with having something to fall back on is that you can't reach far holding on to it (which explains how successful people succeed). However, giving everything to God has great benefits. On Earth, we will be His witness to many miracles and enjoy many success. Sure, we will have our down times but what's most important is to remember that God has a plan for our lives and the up times is much, much greater than how bad the down times can be. That, I believe, is what God meant by giving us life to the full. It's to live a life sold out for God and to enjoy the maximum of His promises for us on Earth. And the best part is, the biggest joy and blessings for us is reserved for enjoyment in Heaven! So, no matter how much we will enjoy now, we will enjoy later!

I know that some Christians don't really live a very exciting life now. I believe it's because they have not yet fully commit to Christ. Commiting to Christ doesn't mean giving up your job yes that's true, but commiting to Christ means saying "Yes" to whatever God tells you to do, no matter how difficult nor how crazy it might sound. When you live for God (and that, I believe, is the true Christian living), you will be ridiculed, you will be mocked, people are sure to fight you and definitely, you will have people who want to kill you. I guess, maybe that's why not many Christian go down this path. Accepting Christ as your personal Lord and Saviour don't just mean church on Sunday and having life after death, it's an enrollment into the biggest and longest war in history, the battle between God and Satan. One thing for sure, your life will never be dull again and, you will end up winning (i.e. be successful) most of the time. And usually, you'll realise that you don't deserve the success! Coz it was not through your own strength that you gain victory, it's because God gave you victory. Now that's the kind of life I want. What kind of life do you want?

New changes

Hehe... fast right? Anyway, just to warn you all that I had to turn on the word verification coz somehow, my blog has spammers! Wonder why though...

Happy 2006!!!

Well, it's the new year! Along with it, comes 2 new resolutions for this blog of mine. The first, is to keep it updated at least once a week (I know, I've made this promise since the beginning of time but now, it's for real!). Secondly, I'm going to be changing the blog around as I learn more and more about websites. So, look forward to seeing new things in the coming months!

Ok, quick look back on 2005. Audacious changed my life forever. Hope City will always remain in my heart. In fact, 5 months since I've left it, I'm still missing the friends and the church! Sighhhhhhh

For those who haven't known yet (where have you been?!) I'm now working in Intel, Penang for about 2 and a half months now. Getting settled down not only on the job but also with life in Penang. Only thing is still haven't found a good church. Too many decent ones. Pray for me please!

Other things I've been up to includes attending my cousin's wedding in singapore, visitting Batam, going on a mission trip to Pengkalan Hulu, getting into another accident, bowling a 100 points game, got my car washed so it looks like new (not now though, never park under trees if you want your car to look very new!) and went church hopping. Feeling very lost now...

Oh well, that's all for now. See you all later!