A LOVIN' 2009!

Why must the world ends 2008 with WAR? The war between Israel and Hamas (Gaza) has seen many civilians being killed! Truth be told, that the world will not get any better. It will get colder (the usual "I, me, myself" syndrome) and more people will be seeking for love. Whatever love they can find including homosexual love which has grown bolder and more acceptable nowadays.

What does this mean to Christians in the times we are living in?

Greater opportunities to serve God and love people! Yeah! Huh? More work? Got to get dirty? Or maybe getting hurt because of rejection? Are you still keen?

Things to do in 2009....

1. Love God with all my heart, with all..aiyah, everything you got lah.

2. Love your family members, starting with grandparents right down to the hyperactive toddlers.

3. Love your spouse (Give him/her a surprise love gestures)

4. Love your bros and sis in the church, everyone, yah, even those you don't like. (Please don't make faces at me)

5. Love your friends (I am NOT suggesting romance, please!) Love them with the love of God! Share with them how God has been so good to you.

6. Love everyone, even your enemies (whew!) This one can be done only after much being in God's presence.

Yes, yes, yes. Love, love, love. The world may end 2008 and begin 2009 with war but we must reverse that with...you know what...LOVE!

PS: Have a Blessed 2009!

THE MOMENTS OF 2008

The year 2008 is now fast approaching its end. Looking back....hmmmm okay lah, not that bad but not really satisfied with what has been accomplished. I think I put too much time on the Internet coz I love to read, that's one reason and more so, it is the in-thing, Facebook, My Space, Blogs, E-Mails and MSN etc etc.

Ministry 2008

YES BCM; Missions trip to Cambodia; Youth Cell; Blazin' Aces; Youth Pastor School; Huge Camp; Youth Camp; and other church work.

Personal 2008

Trip to Bangkok; Taken three Masters' courses; etc

The Best Moments 2008

1. When my nieces accepted Jesus.

2. When someone accepted Jesus.

3. Youths being baptised

4. Youths serving together preparing for Christmas

The Worst Moments 2008

1. When I was dry and weary.

2. When I fanned the rumours of Tom Cruise's death (it went out of control)

The Best-Remembered Things I had learned in 2008

1. To be radical for God like King Josiah

2. Jesus is coming soon (excited yet scared)

The Most Surprising Moments 2008

1. That God used me to do a little for the nation by allowing my opinions be published in the Star Paper. (Pseudo - RON, Kuala Lumpur)

The Most Regretful Moments 2008

1. I was a bit lazy this year.

2. I spent too much time on the computer.

That's it! All in all, I pray that God would forgive me for not doing what He wants me to do and also pray that whatever I had done for Him that Jesus' Name be magnified and lives be touched for His glory!

PS: When you have a bad year, there is always a new year to look forward to.

ALL FOR YOU, LORD!

THANK GOD FOR ALL OF YOU! (plus Sher-Mayne)

When I looked at this picture (copied from Facebook), I kinda felt that God is giving me a last look at a team that has been together for the last three to four years. Next year, we will be having a different structure of leadership in the youth ministry and that doesn't mean (I repeat, doesn't mean) that the present committee is history. They will continue to play important roles in V2 (if they want to lah) due to their experiences both good and bad. Take a look at the church right now, we have quite a lot of youth already. Enough to make an impact in the city (Jesus needed only 12). Not forgetting those who will be graduating from Sunday School next year. We already have an exploding Sunday teen class (about 15-16). I want to thank Ps. Anne sincerely for a well done work in SS! Dear outgoing com, all the effort you sacrifice is slowly but surely paying off!

All in all, let all glory be given to God!

Dear God, Forgive us for sometimes we want YOU to explode our V2 with hundreds of youth but in YOUR wisdom, YOU decide to give what's best for us. We thank YOU for that! YOU desire spirituality more than numbers so that we can best reflect YOUR glory! We continue surrendering ourselves to YOUR will for we know YOU will eventually bring the revival that we desire for YOUR glory! In Jesus' Name, Amen!

HUGE SUCCESS!

It's another HUGE success as far as I am concerned. We have the smallest crowd in terms of numbers, abuthen, the Move of the Spirit was BIG! My nephew told us enthusiastically after Huge Camp, "I want to go to church!" He was touched! Andrew Tong, another firsttimer said, "Awesome!" And then we have Jenn Ming playing the rhythmic guitar in the fantastic YAM band...I tell you, it was out of this world! It was added flavour because we have four Africans on the band and we all go wild! Also we have our own Tee Juan going international with his trademark Video in Huge Camp. He was the official Video man. YAM may want him to serve in the APYAC (Youth Pacific Youth Alive Conference - 10-13 Dec 2009) as the Video man as well. TJ also songled one night with other pastors' kids in the band! V2, way to go! You guys did us proud! All for God's glory!

To simply sum up all the preaching in Huge...

"Give your heart to God and God will set it on FIRE!"

PS: Let us all gear up next year for APYAC! Revival is coming throughout the world!

GOD AND THE PIRATES!

A strange mystery story in September 2008 happened in the gulf of Aden where a lot of ships have been hijacked by Somali pirates. Everyone knows about that hijack and Somali pirates but not many knew of a Iranian ship the (MV Iran Deyanat) which was hijacked and returned to Iran without ransom paid. It happened when the ship was hijacked and when the pirates opened the containers, they fell sick and 16 died mysteriously. They said they found powdery sand looked like some chemical inside. The dead were found to have suffered skin burns and hair loss likened to radioactive materials. The ship just sailed from China and the stuffs would be transported to somewhere else via the seas close to the coast of Israel.

The US even offered to pay USD7 million just to inspect it but refused by the pirates which deepened this mystery. They were in for the money and they refused. Finally one Iranian minister managed to negotiate successfully to free the ship.

THEORY - Some guy suggested that the Iranian wanted to blow up the radioactive material close to the coast of Israel and the dangerous radioactive dust would fall onto the land of Israel itself. That would be catasthropic! Millions would be affected.

If that is true then God has averted the disaster on Israel by using the wicked pirates as a tool to save Israel.

By the way, Iran has always depend on oil money to run its country. But now, according to the president Ahmedenejab, their economy is in big trouble with a low price of oil. (The president of Iran constantly wants to destroy Israel)

PS: God still has a plan for Israel. No one can destroy it with God around!

THE SKY WAS SMILING!

The picture above was taken by someone and I copied from TJ's blog (stealing from him, hehehe). That SMILING picture reminds me of God's amazing grace. The heart breaking episode in Mumbai's murderous campaign by a group of leng chai's definitely made the world angry like hell! But hell is far from the mind of God at this point of time. Since Jesus gave His life on the cross for the sins of the world, God has been SMILING from 'ear' to 'ear' so to speak. He is SMILING because sins had been atoned for. He is not angry with people anymore! His grace is amazing! The door to Him has been open ever since and anyone (I repeat, anyone) can come right through. And if they come, God will forgive them. What if the lone terrorist that was caught alive comes to Jesus? Yes, God will forgive him too. Are you jealous or even angry with God's grace? If you are, then you need grace too!

BUT, the smiling will stop one day! The Bible says the sky will turn dark, the moon red. No more smiling sky. The world will stop smiling too. There will be the GREAT TRIBULATION that the world has never experienced before. Natural disasters during that time will make tsunami 2004 like child's play. Wars will go nuclear, hundred times more intense than the atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

Don't wait until that day! Look up to the SMILING sky today and say, "God, I want to walk with You today". And God promised...

(Rev 3:10-11) Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come upon the whole world (The Great Tribulation) to test those who live on the earth. I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown.

ALL FOR CHRIST ON CHRISTMAS!

DON'T SIMPLY CLOSE YOUR DOOR!

CHRISTMAS IS COMING! The V2 youth is busy preparing for the event highlight of the year. Most of them will be involved in the play one way or the other. Last Saturday, I was fascinated by the youth in their commitment displayed. Some of them stayed back right after the tiring VBS and continued on with the Christmas preparation. Salute x3.

I believe God is very very very proud of all of you. He will definitely bless all our effort in making this evangelistic play a great success! Not only the audience will be touched and transformed, God will add joy and peace into our own lives as well.

So, give your best to God! Your labour of love will not be in vain! This time, I want to challenge the youth to bring your friends (especially non-Christians) and fill up the seats in the church. Let us all believe that God will help fill up every inch of sitting (and standing) place in the church on Christmas day!

PS: Those who blog frequently, please blog about the Christmas play to your friends! Thank you!

THE CHRISTIAN WORLD-CHANGERS!

There are few world leaders today who are Christians in the true sense of the Word. Although they may hide their Christianity in view of their position, they have the potential to make this world a better place. The Bible tells us that prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective (James 5:16b) and you can partner with these leaders in changing the world! So, I challenge you guys to pray for them as they serve God in their respective countries as head of state.

Obama, US - A born-again Christian

Gordon Brown - G.Britain

Son of a Prebysterian Pastor

Angela Merkel - Germany

Daughter of a Protestant Pastor

Kevin Rudd - Australia

Strong conscentious God-fearing Christian

Lee Myung-bak - South Korea

Elder of a mega church

.....many more Christian leaders in some African countries and even our very own, Lim Guan Eng, Chief Minister of Penang.

OBAMA, THE MAN OF GOD?

Barack Obama, the world's most important man!

THE RISE OF SODOM!

There are big demonstrations in America right now for same-sex marriage to be legalised in every state in the US. As of today, only 3 states legalised same sex marriage while California just rejected it. The number of homosexuals in the world is rising and they want to be treated as equal as those normal people. In Sweden recently, a pastor was sentenced to three months in prison for preaching against homosexuality in his church. In many places, there are debates going on regarding homosexuality and whether they should be accepted as normal people.

I took the write up below from what I wrote 2 years ago...

The main question is "what is God saying about all this?"

(Rom 1:25-28) They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator--who is forever praised. Amen. Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones. In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their perversion. Furthermore, since they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, he gave them over to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done.

(1 Cor 6:9-11) Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And that is what some of you WERE. But you WERE washed, you WERE sanctified, you WERE justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.

(1 Tim 4:1-2) The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron.

So, humans can twist and turn their words, through whatever experiences they encounter, they would still be wrong (darkness) when God's Word (light) says otherwise. Why are these people still think they are right and "twist" God's arms for it? Simple. To make them feel relieve for what they know it's wrong. Thieves will justify why they steal. Rapists will justify why they rape. Murderers will justify why they kill. Terrorists will justify why they murder innocent lives. God will love us anyway, isn't He?

All of these come out from the sinful hearts of humans. The Pharisees questioned Jesus why His disciples did not wash their hands when eating. Jesus said....

(Mat 15:17-19) "Don't you see that whatever enters the mouth goes into the stomach and then out of the body? But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these make a man 'unclean.' For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander.

(Prov 16:25) There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.

God loves gay and He loves them changed for His glory! It's possible, like the Christians in the Corinthian Church! There are help available. Most churches today (I believe) are now trained to love homosexuals but we absolutely DO NOT condone their lifestyle.

I predict that homosexuality will become a normal practice in the world in days to come. Sodom and Gomorrah will rise again!

Followed by judgement.....

THE PAIN OF JAMES BOND!

The stunning Daniel Craig, the new "James Bond" is the man! The role of 007 agent is surely thrilling and even powerful as the whole world watches the latest Bond movie. Since the 1960s, James Bond has become a trademark and household name across the globe. Apart from glory and fame and money, what other things a "James Bond" needs to go through?

Daniel Craig, while filming the latest movie, cost him eight stitches, a severed fingertip and several bruised ribs. Woaaa! Wait a minute! You mean there is a cost to it? Yahh..ahh....!! Yet he got no regrets! Even though it may hurt, he still feels good! What a man!

What can we learn from him? Whenever we serve God and do the difficult things, sometimes it can be painful. Even at times, you don't feel nice or appreciated. Let me assure you that on this earth, in serving God, many times, people couldn't be bothered about you.

At the end, when you are in heaven, woooowww, Jesus will surprise you with "out of this world" treasures and rewards! Just like Daniel Craig after the shooting of the film, he sat back and relax and said, "Hey, I like it". Hey, Daniel, so do millions all over the world!

HORROR WORLD

In Somali, a 13 year-old girl went to report that she was raped by three men was dragged by authority to a stadium and stoned to death. She was alleged to commit adultery. She pleaded for her life but was ignored by those "righteous" people. In the stadium, she was buried in the ground with only her head exposed and there she was stoned by many people until she died. There was no mercy shown and no trial at all. (BBC report)

A woman caught in adultery in Jesus' days was to be stoned to death as the Law required. Jesus came and told the people, "Whoever is without sin, cast the first stone". Did Jesus break the Law? No! He died on her behalf!

Laws must be just and fair for everyone! Jesus did not die for the rich and the famous but everyone! And Jesus did not come for the 'righteous' (like those who cast stones on the poor child) but to save the sinners!

PS: This post is not for the faint-hearted. And it is not for Christians to get angry with people but to have the urgency for preaching the gospel!

OBAMA, THE NEW U.S. PRESIDENT!

(Latest: It's confirmed! Barack Obama is the new President!)

As the countdown continues, unless something drastic happens, Barack Hussein Obama will become the new President of The United States of America! The first black President to move into the White House in the history of US politics.

Yesterday, one day before the elections, he gave ONE WORD that summed up the mood of his supporters all over the world. That word that took my breath away! What could it be, I thought? The word Obama gave was.....TOMORROW!

In "Annie", a line in the theme song goes like, "Tomorrow, Tomorrow, I love you, Tomorrow,..." Tomorrow talks about Change that Obama has been preaching about! Tomorrow brings Hope to the world. Tomorrow might be better than today!

Can one man change the world? In America, many people believe one man can. One president can make the world a better place or vice versa. Barack Obama is a powerful orator (speaker) and his speech can really move you. But will it move God??

NO! God is greater than Obama (this phrase is for those who think he's a superman)! God is the one who puts him up there to change things by God's standard spelt out in the Bible. Obama have to know that! King Saul became the first king in Israel and pride came into him. Just because people adored him doesn't mean he could do what he pleased. Ultimately, Saul was replaced by David. So, President Obama, be a godly President and fear God or someone could replace you too.

Tomorrow is coming! Hope is being renewed in the world! Not because of the new president of the United States but because Jesus is coming soon!

PS: The seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, which said: "The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will reign for ever and ever." (Rev 11:15)

WHAT A BEAUTIFUL PICTURE!

English Premier League Table- Play; Points

LIVERPOOL 10 ; 26

CHELSEA 10; 23

ARSENAL 10; 20

ASTON VILLA 10; 20

HULL 10; 20

MAN UTD 9; 18 (hehe)

I have been waiting for a long time for this! Yupeeeeeowwwww!!

THE DIVINE STRENGTH OF JULIA HUDSON

Julia Hudson and Greg King (her husband)

After Julia Hudson (sister of Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson) found out that her only son, Julian was dead, she wrote these words on My Space,

"His li'l soul is at ease, I take comfort in knowing that Julian is with my mother and my brother and most of all the Lord, and now he's my angel, he's protecting me," she wrote.
"Now because I chose to do what was natural to me and love someone, it cost me my beautiful family, my wonderful beautiful loving supporting mother, Darnell, my true blue baby brother, Jason, I love u big baby ... and last but never not least, my only son, Julian,"

Julia Hudson's extraordinary strength can only be found in God alone! Julia, we suppose to comfort you but yet you inspire so many lives inspite of this horrendous triple tragedy.

PS: God bless Julia Hudson and her rest of the remaining family in this time of mourning.

"THERE'S PROBABLY NO GOD"

The Atheists of British Humanist Association (HBA), supported by famous atheist Professor Richard Dawkins will put those words above on the buses in London soon. Thirty buses will carry that message for 4 weeks. The complete slogan is "There's probably no God. Now stop worrying and enjoy your life".

They argued that religion provides people unearned respect and the right not to be offended, the right to brainwash children. Dawkins said, "This campaign to put alternative slogans on London buses will make people think - and thinking is anathema (accursed) to religion.

The atheists today are almost like a religion today. They have great faith in saying that there is no God. However these bunch are not so sure because they used the word, "probably", much like the many theories of scientists. And Dawkins was dead wrong in saying that thinking is accursed to religion. There are so many Christians who are great thinkers. So many great Christian organisations built in history that contributed so much to society that it would take a library to contain all the books.

I wonder how people can enjoy life without knowing they are loved by the Creator God who only has good intention for them. He even sent Jesus to die on the cross for humanity when they chose to ignore Him. To Dawkins and gang, Christianity is not do's and don't's but a life lived to its fullest meaning and fulfillment. At the end, I would like to stand before my Creator and hear Him say, "That's what you were on earth for!"

Rev Jenny Ellis summed up well when she said about this bus thingy, "This campaign will be a good thing if it gets people to engage with the deepest questions of life." She added: "Christianity is for people who aren't afraid to think about life and meaning."

HOW TO CHEAT ON YOUR WIFE

Dr. Ling Liong Sik, the former MCA President, former Transport Minister, has come up with a ridiculous idea of how to cheat on one's wife. He is supposed to be an esteemed leader of the largest chinese party of this country. According to the Sun newspaper report, he said men need to burn extra energy and therefore, can go for other women apart from their wives. Here is the secret...teng teng teng....don't let your wife find out, can already loh!

Absurd to the core! The immoral joke of the year! If I am Ling's wife, I better check on his handphone and maybe lipsticks on his shirt.

Welcome to the world of confusion and darkness. A world where right becomes wrong and wrong becomes right. The standard of morality is getting lower and being compromised to go lower.

Christians must take the challenge to keep the standard of the Bible and of Jesus's words. We must not let the world change us but we change the world.

(Rom 12:2) Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.

PS: Cheat your wife to your own doom!

GOD IS SUED!

A US judge has thrown out a case against God, ruling that because the defendant has no address, legal papers cannot be served. The suit was launched by Nebraska state senator Ernie Chambers, who said he might appeal against the ruling. He sought a permanent injunction to prevent the "death, destruction and terrorisation" caused by God.

Judge Marlon Polk said in his ruling that a plaintiff must have access to the defendant for a case to proceed. "Given that this court finds that there can never be service effectuated on the named defendant this action will be dismissed with prejudice," Judge Polk wrote in his ruling. Mr Chambers cannot refile the suit but may appeal. 'God knows everything'

Mr Chambers sued God last year. He said God had threatened him and the people of Nebraska and had inflicted "widespread death, destruction and terrorisation of millions upon millions of the Earth's inhabitants". He said he would carefully consider Judge Polk's ruling before deciding whether to appeal. The court, Mr Chambers said, had acknowledged the existence of God and "a consequence of that acknowledgement is a recognition of God's omniscience". "Since God knows everything," he reasoned, "God has notice of this lawsuit."

Mr Chambers, a state senator for 38 years, said he filed the suit to make the point that "anyone can sue anyone else, even God". (From CNN)

God has downgraded Himself to be judged by a human judge. Poor God! He is now the defendant and must be seated at the box in a court room. To Mr. Chambers, God may need a good lawyer to defend Him, the One who created the whole universe. Poor God!

Let us all blame God for all the calamities in the world. He must apologise to all humans for so much suffering. If Chambers won the case, how much would God have to pay him, I wonder?

(Luke 23:33-39) When they came to the place called the Skull, there they crucified him, along with the criminals--one on his right, the other on his left. Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." And they divided up his clothes by casting lots. The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, "He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Christ of God, the Chosen One." The soldiers also came up and mocked him. They offered him wine vinegar and said, "If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself." There was a written notice above him, which read: THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS. One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: "Aren't you the Christ? Save yourself and us!"

All have sinned and fall short of God's glory....and we sue God! Duh!

PS : But they will have to give account to him (Jesus) who is ready to judge the living and the dead (1 Pet 4:5).

TOM CRUISE IS ALIVE, PRAISE GOD!

I have fallen victim to a rumour and a hoax report concerning Tom Cruise's death. Two friends sent the news citing two different Internet sources. I think they were rightly denounced as "Internet Garbage" by Tom Cruise's spokesperson.

I should have waited for the truth before I wrote my article. My article was intended to be read by just a small number of young people friends. I am terribly sorry if I did cause any hurt to anyone.

MELTDOWN

There is a meltdown in all financial centers in the world right now. The stocks are falling and falling and no one knows how this is going to end, even the experts. One expert from Santa Clara University, finance professor Meir Statman said of the stock market sell-off. - There are some things happening in the world that are pretty scary. We have every right to be scared.

And governments all over the world do not know what else to do but to wait!

With the advances in technology and so much knowledge in the world today, no one knows what to do! That's why God tells us time and time again not to put our trust in man, rather to put our trust in God!

In the very middle of the Bible in Psalm 118:8 (Chinese say, yat yat fatt fatt), this is what it says,

It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man.

And in 2 Sam 22:3, David sang,

My God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation. He is my stronghold, my refuge and my savior..

Therefore, if you trust God, you are in safe hand!

PS. Read Ps. Leslie's blog for further comments.

THE TALLEST TOWER IN THE WORLD!

Burj Dubai, under construction.

Burj, Dubai. The artist impression.

Dubai, a city in the Middle East is currently building the world tallest structure. It is been kept secret of its final height and rignt now, it is 707 metres and still going higher. Some predicted it would be 818 metres and 162 stories high. When completed, it will also have a whopping 200 metres of dancing water fountain right at the foot of the place. The tower is called Burj Dubai.

Imagine, almost 1km up the sky! I believe when we get to the top, you can touch clouds. Perhaps, spiderman may even have problem scaling that high. Man and technology advances are now able to build the "Tower of Babel" literally. Burj Dubai will stand supreme as far as man-made buildings are concerned.

But what about the condition of humans today? Is God proud of human beings for building tall towers? Can we stand tall and say, "we have lived well"? The earth has never experienced lasting peace as far as our history is concerned. Still today, untold sufferings through endless wars and man-made calamities plague the world.

Let not Christians stand in awe of tall buildings, rather let us stand tall in awe of what God can do through us.

Ps. When it's finished, it's almost double the height of the Petronas Twin Towers!

LET'S GET HISTORICAL!

1998 - V2 (Vineyard Vessels) was born. Samuel Song was the first president. Very excited.

1999 - Meeting every saturday and building the foundation.

2000 - We started our first V2 Cafe in church. Rebecca Wong took over the helm. More youth join.

2001 - More youth join. More outing too. More souls won for Jesus.

2002 - Sher-Mayne became president. Rebecca went to UUM. V2 grew more solid. Some youth grew up from Sunday School joined us while some youth flew elsewhere (some hilang too).

2003 - Worship came to the forefront. Tried training leaders for future. More visions envisioned.

2004 - V2 stabilized. More youth saved. More youth grew up from SS and joined the youth.

2005 - Leon Wong took over. Sher-Mayne flew to Australia. Youth spiritual lives intensified.

2006 - More youth joined. More programs. More leaders. Kay Renn went Bible College Malaysia.

2007 - Tee Juan went BCM too. Youth Cell started in homes. More youth joined.

2008 - Sandra went HillSongs. Youth Cell stabilized. More youth joined. Blazin' Aces staged.

To all those who have helped and contributed one way or the other, V2 thank God for you, for your labour is/was not in vain!

11th October 2008 -
10th Anniversary of V2.
Come celebrate with us!

RAPTURE READY II

Yesterday, the whole world watched in horror when US stock market dropped 777 points and lost RM4 trillion in one day! RM4 trillion goes like this, RM4,000,000,000,000.00. Banks all over the world trembled and some had folded or being bought over by others. There will be more job cuts all over the world. Is the world's economy really really breaking down this time? The world had rebounded many times before and will it rebound this time? Will things get back to normal again?

It may or it may not. If not, then we will have social problem. Meaning, people will get angrier by the day because of all the pressure in life. Crime rate will go up. Family break up will also rise. People will fight to get what they want and things may get awry.

What can we do as Christians when that happens?

1. Cling on to God who owns the world.

2. Stay positive in reading (and understanding) the Bible.

3. Involve and revolve yourself around the church, the Body of Christ.

4. Serve God and others.

5. Live within your means and have a simple life. (No more new handphones for now)

PS: Beware, you may even disappear.

IF JESUS RULES THE WORLD TODAY!

I believe the first thing Jesus would do if He rules the world today is to close down all borders and barriers of countries. There will be no United States, Malaysia, China or even Israel but only one, Kingdom of God. So, no one will go and kill another for the sake of his or her nation. Only a city will be there, Jerusalem, the city of peace where Jesus reigns.

Secondly, I believe all peoples will be taught a language that will bind them together for common good. Race or tribal issues will be wiped out. The most important identity you have will be your name and your attitude towards God and mankind.

Thirdly, Jesus would appoint judges to rule for Him without injustice, impartiality and no bribery at all. Absolute fairness. Wrong is wrong, right is right and don't even think of an excuse or blame someone for misquoting you. No more politicians. Aren't you glad? I don't know how Jesus would punish offenders. (Remember the words of Incredible Hulk...Don't make me angry....)

There will be many more things that Jesus would do. Everyone will have enough food to eat, water to drink and fuel to travel. No one will be left behind in the Kingdom of God. If you get bullied, just call, "Jesus" and help will be right away. The strong would be willing to help the weak and the rich help the poor. You just walk in the street anytime and will feel safe.

PS: Jesus is coming soon!

WILL BLAINE GO BLIND?

David Blaine, the magician and escape artist, is to hang upside down for straight 60 days in Central Park, New York. That what's he claimed to do. And doctors had warned he could go blind. Blaine could go blind. But he loved to do something no one else had done before. For what! For publicity lah! For being famous. And when life gets back to normal, he would try other stunts to catch attention.

Isn't he sometimes like us? We would want to do something to get attention and satisfy ourselves with the applauses of men. Why didn't he hang upside down in his house (maybe with a friend to witness it) and do it for God? No camera. No applause. No nothing. Just him and God. I believe millions of Christians who served God today did not announce themselves to the world and some even gave their lives away unnoticed. No camera. No applause. No nothing. Just them and God.

What about us? Do we serve God to please men? Do we do it to satisfy our ego? Or do we do it to glorify God no matter what?

PS. Blaine who supposed to hang upside down continuously for 60 hours caught by onlookers to have come down to rest many times. Blaine may not be blind. Thank God!

RAPTURE READY

Are we on the brink of economic collapse of the whole world? USA, the largest economy in the world is breaking down, slowly but surely. Someone said, when USA catches a cold, the whole world sneezes and that's true and it's happening. Many people are already scared with the high price of essential goods, lost jobs, and now, the stock markets are crumbling.

One day, billionaires will become hundredaires. CEOs' will be car attendants. General Managers will become general workers. What will happen to us when suddenly the price of a loaf of bread costs RM200? Results: looting, violence and absolute chaos!

This could be the scenario and it could happen. The Bible predicted of such a time of chaos where the lawless one (Anti-Christ) would rise to prominence. He will convince the world of a solution thereby ended up being the 'saviour' of the world. Anyway, most people today are looking for some superheroes to save this world.

In USA, the Americans are looking for change and they are looking at Obama who is very popular. To some, he could be the 'superhero' to save America and the world. And when Obama becomes President, people will find him being just another human.

They will then start looking for another SuperHero and one day (which is soon), this Anti-Christ would come. Is the final countdown! Teng teng teng teng...

As Christians, when we see such a scenario coming, we are encouraged to look up. Why? To see Jesus coming for our salvation (I mean complete salvation - from being mortals to immortals) which is the Rapture. What a day it would be! But for now... live a simple but significant life for JESUS!

PRAY FOR THE NATION

I went to Rev. Sunther's funeral yesterday and it was packed to the brim. He had touched so many lives with his serving God faithfully all these years. Recalling his death, they said he had finished praying at a prayer retreat in Melaka and went back to his room. In the morning, they prised open the door and found him dead sitting on a chair.

I am saddened by his early departure home to be with God but I am inspired by his concern for the nation. In short, he died praying!

Today, our nation is going through a troubled time. The political, economic and social situations are not looking good. And people are already suffering from high prices of essential items, some unkind racial remarks coming from certain people, and the anguish of ISA arrests. In spite of all this, the people of Malaysia stood firm and continued to be peaceful. There are no rioting and violent demonstrations that will worsen the situation. Why? It's because of the prayer of people like the late Sunther and host of others. God has once again spared us from chaos. Christians, as light to the world will make a massive difference to this beautiful nation of ours.

When I did my devotion on 2 Chronicles 19 about King Jehoshapat, I found this verse a great prayer verse for all of us who love our nation. When king Jehoshapat appointed judges in his nation, he told them...

"...Now let the fear of the LORD be upon you. Judge carefully, for with the LORD our God there is no injustice or partiality or bribery." (2 Chr 19:7)

Let there be no injustice, partiality and bribery in this nation. Let there be fear of God!

PS: Sunther, my friend, thank you. Till we meet again!

FAREWELL, MY FRIEND!

Rev. Sunther, arm over Ethan (2nd son), Davian (eldest) and Devina (daughter) and friends

My pastor friend, Rev. Sunther, 40+, passed away this morning in Melaka hospital. He was suffering from serious Asthma attack, leaving behind wife, Lydia and three young children. He came in to BCM in 1993, the same year with me and he became "big brother" for our Class of '93. Just two weeks ago, I was having Teh Tarik with him talking about plans to visit Jerusalem together. Surely and sorely miss him!

Life is fragile and we don't know how our journey will end. Do not waste your life away, give your best shot for God!

PS: He was our first V2 Youth Camp Speaker. He was my songleader for my wedding. I was his songleader in his wedding.

BLAZIN' ACES HAS ENDED!

My feeling is mixed on that day when Blazin' Aces ended on the basketball court. It was a relieve tinged with sadness. Relieve because it's finally over after months of organising, booking, networking, heavy discussions (arguing lah), and etcetera. Sadness. Hmmmm! I don't know...maybe I missed the fun, the togetherness, the friendship made or ... ( you fill in the blanks), the joy of victory and the agony of defeat...wahsei, like real!

To put everything in a small nut, it's a fantastic program. I was glad to be part of it and I believe the committee members were too. To some, we may not fulfill all fairness standard but we did our best! Moreover, this is the first time for us organising in this scale.

To all who participated in Blazin' Aces, I say thanks for your sportmanship, patience and understanding. (For some, pay up also ah! hehehe) For my committee members, I salute you!

The prize-giving ceremony will be held in conjunction with V2 10th Anniversary in October. The date will be set asap and see you there!

PS: I am opening up for comments here. Pls feel free to say anything about Blazin' Aces (only no vulgarity) and if you want to thank anyone, feel free too. (so thickface!)

EXTREMISTS!

Extreme is a great word today where able youths find it very challenging. It's cool, such as extreme makeovers, extreme sports, extreme videos etc. Extremists (here I mean those who love adventure) are enjoying themselves to the max, sometimes dangerously. These are people who usually do no harm to others.

But some extremists, especially the political and religious ones are super dangerous in our world today. They are fanatical about achieving their idealistic dreams no matter what it takes. Anyone or anything that stands in their way should be marginalised or opposed violently! The majority of the people normally suffer at the hands of these extremists, creating unrest and chaos. They would come with a narrow interpretation of religious scriptures (here I mean all religions) with no room for flexibility and without an ounce of being teachable. Logic and reason are strange to them. Therefore, justice and mercy are often side stepped to advance their extreme idealogies.

One day, James and John were walking with Jesus towards a Samaritan village and they saw extremists there opposing Jesus. Samaritans believed God must be worshipped in Mount Gerizim and opposed Jesus and His men for going to Jerusalem instead. Then out of anger, James and John screamed, "Lord, do you want us to call fire down from heaven to destroy them?" With these, they too became "extremists". What about Jesus? The Bible says, Jesus turned and rebuked them (James and John), and they went to another village. (Luke 9)

Jesus knew about the conflict between the Jews in general and the Samaritans. By His actions and words, Jesus presented a godly view of dealing with people. "Love your enemies" was coined by Jesus and showed to the very extreme by His deeds. He demonstrated it by dying on the cross while all of us are yet sinners!

Extremists cannot understand the language of God although many claim to love Him. They would carry on calling down fires from heaven. Then they wonder why violence breeds greater violence. And why oppression and injustice breed more uglier extremists. "Love your enemies" is unthinkable in the extremists' eyes. For them, it's "Resist to your own peril" or "Conform or be consumed" or even "Either you are with us or die".

This world has become a playground for such people who unknowingly (or knowingly) create such distrust among so many people groups. Among different religions. One day, they may be a clash of civilizations and what remains of us then. If you are sober today and think the extremists should be for adventurers who harm no one, then do your best to love people rather than hate them because of their differences.

But most of all, be like Jesus, and like the ancient texts in (Micah 6:8) He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.

(This article was written by me two years ago. Bringing it up again in rememberance of all the victims in the 911 attacks by extreme extremists)

THE TALE OF TWO 'BOAMS'

There is an interesting story in the Bible of the days when king Solomon died and left his empire in ruins. His son, Rehoboam was geared to take over his father's throne. When he went to Shechem to be crowned king, he met an influential man, Jeroboam (not related to Rehoboam) who was his father's hated official. Jeroboam told Rehoboam that he would tell all the Israelites to support and serve him as the legitimate king if only Rehoboam could relieve his people of all the hardships of heavy taxes when his father placed on them. Rehoboam asked for three days to think.

In these three days, Rehoboam thought it is the best thing to ask for advice. So he turned first to the old, spiritual wise men of his father's time. They told him to give in to Jeroboam and he would be a king over all. And Rehoboam made the greatest mistake of his life that even affected the whole nation. He went to ask advice from his unspiritual young friends who grew up with him. These bunch had been very playful, couldn't be bothered about the things of God. They told him that he should add extra misery to Jeroboam and the people of Israel which Rehoboam agreed to do.

And the Bible tells us that Jeroboam and the people were angry and they became bitter enemies of king Rehoboam. Thus the kingdom of Israel was divided! (Read 2 Chronicles 10) Later, the Bible recorded thousands of lives lost because of these fightings (Chapter 13).

THINGS TO LEARN:

1. It's good to ask advice when there are difficult decisions.
2. It's bad to ask advice from unspiritual people about important decisions in life.
3. It's ugly to follow advice to suit your own pleasures which you already decided that you want.
4. There are consequences to bad ungodly decisions.

MID-LIFE LIFE!

Mid-life is when:

You know all the answers—but nobody asks you the questions.
You are too tired to work—but too broke to quit.
Your work is less fun—and your fun is more work.
Your narrow waist and your broad mind change places.
You have more hair growing in your ears than on your head.

Someone has said that youth looks forward, old age looks backward, and middle age looks worried.

CHURCH AND PUBS

It is reported that the Church of England (Anglican churches) is thinking of setting up 'pubs' in the church premises to get more people to come. The congregations in these churches are dwindling and is a cause for alarm. What a terrific (or terrible) idea!

How far (or low) must Christians go to win back Christians and non-Christians to the churches of Jesus Christ?? Should we also sing their songs, talk their (foul) language, dress their dresses, login their logins in the Internet sites, play their (immoral) games??? Jesus was with the sinners but never once acted like them!! He was Someone different so that they could look up to as a model.

There must be a limit to Christians going into the world and win souls. We are in the world and not of the world. We must set the standard for the world and not vice versa. We must be the light so that their darkness can be exposed. If Christians are drunk in the church, what is the difference of going to pubs and to the church. Would they still be listening to sermons when they are drunk? No! They might think Hillsongs are just loud music in pubs and ladies in the church as those flirty ones in the pubs.

TURNING 45

That's me (in the orange shirt??); How I wish!

It's more than half-way mark of my earthly life! Someone says when you get older, time is so precious to you that it just goes faster. Not only time is precious, every task you put your hand to do must be of worth. If I wasted my time doing unnecessary things, I could get easily annoyed. Speaking of annoyance, the older you get, the more sensitive you become. God, help old people like me! But, I thank God for having the youth in The Vineyard Church being the greatest supporters of my life. You guys have greatly blessed me and lessened my annoyance level! Clap! Clap! Clap! The rest my wife took care of it! (Awesome baby of mine!)

Looking back, I had lived a happy life with no regrets! This is ONLY possible because of the amazing grace of our awesome GOD! What is the best thing I have learned all these 45 years? God has never once looked down on me and said, "You are out of the game!" Yup! He never looked away when I was down, dry and dirty!

So, I am looking forward for something MASSIVE to come as I flow in God's river of grace! Praying God will guide me into His next plan for me as I keep flowing in this river.

PS: Thanks for the 'Surprise Party' sunday! I was so thankful to God that I have you guys celebrating with me. Although it was not a total surprised success, I was surprisingly swept away by the gestures. TERIMA KASIH!