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?