Just last week, I was given the opportunity to meet up with the mum of a young gal that I counseled last year. Though we met in the funeral but really I was actually blessed by the 2 nights of conversation with her.
The moment she saw me she said this "WOW! Seeing you again is like seeing a long time friend!" =) I was so blessed with this statement. As a full- time pastor, most of the people that I hang out with are Christians. It will take extra effort on my part to make new friends who are pre-believers. So, whenever I'm introduce to someone who is yet to be a pre-believer, I'll jump at that opportunity. This mum was one of those opportunity that I jump at. In the midst of counseling her daughter last year, each time I visited them, we got to talk quite a lot of things on life issues. It was a time that I also listen to what she was going through. =) Many people around us actually need a listening ear more than telling them what to do.
She was updating me with what she went through for the past year after she and her family went to KL and settled there. How she went through so much different situations that she felt herself falling into depression. That's when she said that she remembered the conversation that we had when she was in Melaka. She shared how those conversation just helped her walk out of it and now she's able to use them to help others as well - like her friends and workers that were coming to her.
On the first night when we met, while chatting n listening to her - I was constantly whispering a prayer in my heart "Lord, how can I introduce You to her in our conversation? Open the door of opportunity for me." It was on the 2nd night, (which I was actually physically tired n was planning not to go but eventually felt that I needed to just to spend some time with her) she asked me a question "Do you believe that this world will come to an end?" "Who is God's enemy?" I told her, yes I believe that this world will come to an end. But, before I answered her 2nd question, I asked her why did she asked me that question and does the answer really matter to her? Why don't she just take time to get to know the God that created this universe?
Her replied was this "Because this world is now control by the evil one. We are being control by it even without us knowing it." I was like!! WOW!! This is it! Open door for me to share that Christ has come to give us liberty from the evil one..She listen as I shared..I was also able to give her a book the next day as a tool in her hands - for her to get to know more about our Saviour.
Living our life with God is really an exciting one. Sharing Him with others is even more exciting!! Knowing that there are so many others out there who are actually wanting to hear and know about God is even more encouraging!
Let's share at every opportunity given. People are seeking and searching for authenticity and the truth! All we need to do is to discern the leading of the Holy Spirit who knows the hearts and conditions of all men. =)
Friday, September 24, 2010
Monday, September 6, 2010
New Harvest Field????
One of the changes that I've decided to add on into my life was to start going back to the gym for exercise after stopping for 3 years. I really want to thank one of my campus student - Danielle, who actually asked me to go to the gym with her for the past 1 month when she came back for her holidays....That was how i started my gym sessions again - though I only went with her twice while she was here, that was already a great start for me! Thanks Danielle!!
Today was my first morning going to the gym by myself after Danielle when back to campus yesterday. I really had a surprise at the gym today. While I was exercising - one of the aunty came up to me and she just chatted - we exchange conversation and before I know it, she started sharing with me her life story for the past 66 years..how she went through a certain phase of her life-----I was like---WOW! It must be God's favor - to have a stranger whom I do not know walk up and just shared her past life and current life...
The more exciting part was when she found out my age and that I was a pastor, she shared even more..and after all her sharing, she even thank me for listening! I was like surprise but thank her for sharing her stories with me. Thereafter, as we continue to exercise separately, she started to introduce me to 2 of her friends (as she's a regular there - she goes to the gym everyday to work out!! Amazing right--- at the age of 66), she was telling her friend my age and also that I'm a pastor..even told the owner of they gym!! =)
Will this be a new harvest field for me? This experience really inspire me to make sure that I'll not find any excuses for not going to the gym..but to go there and work out once a week on my off day and may God use me as an instrument to share His love. Anywhere can be our harvest field, if only we'll realize that the harvest is plentiful but the laborers are few. However, I too know that it must start with me showing genuine love and building relationships with others so that they can experience God through me.
May all of us rise up and see the urgency of the need and time - being God's light that will shine n God's love that will touch n impact others!
Today was my first morning going to the gym by myself after Danielle when back to campus yesterday. I really had a surprise at the gym today. While I was exercising - one of the aunty came up to me and she just chatted - we exchange conversation and before I know it, she started sharing with me her life story for the past 66 years..how she went through a certain phase of her life-----I was like---WOW! It must be God's favor - to have a stranger whom I do not know walk up and just shared her past life and current life...
The more exciting part was when she found out my age and that I was a pastor, she shared even more..and after all her sharing, she even thank me for listening! I was like surprise but thank her for sharing her stories with me. Thereafter, as we continue to exercise separately, she started to introduce me to 2 of her friends (as she's a regular there - she goes to the gym everyday to work out!! Amazing right--- at the age of 66), she was telling her friend my age and also that I'm a pastor..even told the owner of they gym!! =)
Will this be a new harvest field for me? This experience really inspire me to make sure that I'll not find any excuses for not going to the gym..but to go there and work out once a week on my off day and may God use me as an instrument to share His love. Anywhere can be our harvest field, if only we'll realize that the harvest is plentiful but the laborers are few. However, I too know that it must start with me showing genuine love and building relationships with others so that they can experience God through me.
May all of us rise up and see the urgency of the need and time - being God's light that will shine n God's love that will touch n impact others!
Trip to KB
I was given an opportunity last month to minister in KB..It was my first time there and it was really a good experience and also was really inspired by some of the people in that church. =) Really thank God for the open doors to be able to worship together with other believers who love Him and are also sold out for Him!
I was really inspired by the lay leaders of the church when they shared with me how the work started as well their stories. I was inspired by the way they raise their children and also their dedication in serving the Lord - consistently in running the race steadily through different stages in their own lives..their faithfulness through different seasons------amazing! God, keep them strong and continue to affirm them and fill them with your anointing n empower them to impact lives!!
1 statement that really struck on to me is what this mum said --- "If as parents, we do not help our kids to put God as their priority in life by ensuring that ----- no tuition classes or activities or even family holiday trips be placed n planned on service time; don't blame God when they backslide in their adulthood - Only the parent is to be blamed!" This is the kind of commitment that this mum has in God and also how she and her husband trains their children in the ways of God! May we all learn from her too!!
I was really inspired by the lay leaders of the church when they shared with me how the work started as well their stories. I was inspired by the way they raise their children and also their dedication in serving the Lord - consistently in running the race steadily through different stages in their own lives..their faithfulness through different seasons------amazing! God, keep them strong and continue to affirm them and fill them with your anointing n empower them to impact lives!!
1 statement that really struck on to me is what this mum said --- "If as parents, we do not help our kids to put God as their priority in life by ensuring that ----- no tuition classes or activities or even family holiday trips be placed n planned on service time; don't blame God when they backslide in their adulthood - Only the parent is to be blamed!" This is the kind of commitment that this mum has in God and also how she and her husband trains their children in the ways of God! May we all learn from her too!!
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Inspired
I took some time out last night to watch an old movie "Facing The Giants" and was really inspired =) I was moved when the coach begin to encourage his team who was being defeated in all their games by telling them that their motives of playing football should go beyond their desire of wanting to win the matches. Instead, they should be playing to honor God - not only honoring God in their playing but in every aspects of their lives: including their studies, their relationships with their parents n etc. When they started getting their perspectives right, life and excitement begin to flow into the entire team - drastic transformation begin to take place in their lives.When things got tough, the coach started to invite God into his situation and chose to praise God in good or bad times, chose to love God in good or bad times and he passed that lesson on to the students he was coaching.
I begin to realize as I reflected on my own life - it's really a matter of choice. It's really up to me whether I choose to love God at every season of my life or not. Many times in my life, learning to praise God in my low moments can be very challenging - in fact it's really a big struggle. But, those times when I chose to praise Him and keep my eyes on Him - He never failed me..However, when the next low moment comes, I'll need to muster extra effort on my side and choose to praise my God and to fix my eyes on Him. This process repeats and becomes an ongoing thing in my life - there were times when I was able to praise Him but there were times when I just couldn't even utter a word of praise.
Each time when I choose to praise Him, I grow to understand more of God and myself. It's like I've just started to embark on a journey of discovery - discovering more of God and also myself. It's just so amazing. Staying faithful to God and choosing to remain in Him is a choice that I'm learning to make everyday - day by day - one day at a time...and each time, I get the excitement and thrill of discovering myself n also the God that I love =)
I begin to realize as I reflected on my own life - it's really a matter of choice. It's really up to me whether I choose to love God at every season of my life or not. Many times in my life, learning to praise God in my low moments can be very challenging - in fact it's really a big struggle. But, those times when I chose to praise Him and keep my eyes on Him - He never failed me..However, when the next low moment comes, I'll need to muster extra effort on my side and choose to praise my God and to fix my eyes on Him. This process repeats and becomes an ongoing thing in my life - there were times when I was able to praise Him but there were times when I just couldn't even utter a word of praise.
Each time when I choose to praise Him, I grow to understand more of God and myself. It's like I've just started to embark on a journey of discovery - discovering more of God and also myself. It's just so amazing. Staying faithful to God and choosing to remain in Him is a choice that I'm learning to make everyday - day by day - one day at a time...and each time, I get the excitement and thrill of discovering myself n also the God that I love =)
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Personal Changes
Past few months, I have been making a few personal changes in my life - little and small changes to my every day routine with a determination of wanting to create a new lifestyle..the few deliberate changes that I personally made are:
a) Making new connections with others
b) Changing a few personal habits by replacing them with new ones
c) Making an effort to do my spiritual journal entries everyday
One thing I realize about making changes - I need to keep working at it one day at a time. Stay focus and keep doing it regardless of how I feel or how tired physically or busy I may be. There were days when I just wanted to postpone those changes to 'tomorrow' - there were days when I just wanted to procrastinate. But, I know if I do not stay focus, I'll loose my momentum of wanting to make those changes and eventually - I will just remain in my same old lifestyle and remain in my comfortable zone. I'll remain stagnant and not move on.
But, am really glad that for the past few months, I was able by God's grace to stay focus on a daily basis and to keep living out the few little changes I felt necessary in my life so that I can grow to the next level and also to develop a deeper intimacy with God.
Struggles may come during those times of developing new habits, but as long as I am determine and focus - I know I'll reap the results of it.
a) Making new connections with others
b) Changing a few personal habits by replacing them with new ones
c) Making an effort to do my spiritual journal entries everyday
One thing I realize about making changes - I need to keep working at it one day at a time. Stay focus and keep doing it regardless of how I feel or how tired physically or busy I may be. There were days when I just wanted to postpone those changes to 'tomorrow' - there were days when I just wanted to procrastinate. But, I know if I do not stay focus, I'll loose my momentum of wanting to make those changes and eventually - I will just remain in my same old lifestyle and remain in my comfortable zone. I'll remain stagnant and not move on.
But, am really glad that for the past few months, I was able by God's grace to stay focus on a daily basis and to keep living out the few little changes I felt necessary in my life so that I can grow to the next level and also to develop a deeper intimacy with God.
Struggles may come during those times of developing new habits, but as long as I am determine and focus - I know I'll reap the results of it.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Amazing God
God is always so amazing..He never cease to amaze me over and over again how much He loves me and is so interested in every little details of my life...
I was preparing to pass an envelope to a friend 2 Mondays ago. I remember vividly that I actually prepared the content of the envelope, sealed it and put it in my bag. However, when I met her and wanted to give it to her, I realize that the envelope was not in my bag!!! I was really trying hard to recall where I place it, and that was the only memory that I had.
As I was looking for it at home, I chatted with God at the same time. Asking Him to help me recall where I could have carelessly displace the envelope. After some time, I just gave up and just said "God, in the next couple of days, do help me to recall where I left it, ok? Thanks" and I went to bed.
The next day as I was doing some reading (without even thinking about the missing envelope), I just kept having a strong impression to go take a look at my dustbin. At that moment, the missing envelope wasn't even on my mind, LOL!
Anyway, I looked into my living room dustbin and did not see anything particular inside...but the impression got stronger and more specific - bedroom dustbin...I went immediately into my room and check it out - Yes!!! You are right!!! The envelope that I was looking for was right there in front of me!! I'm still puzzle as to how I actually threw it inside without realizing it. LOL!
But, this little incident really reminded me powerfully once again how God is so interested in every details of our lives - that's how real and personal He is!!!
I was preparing to pass an envelope to a friend 2 Mondays ago. I remember vividly that I actually prepared the content of the envelope, sealed it and put it in my bag. However, when I met her and wanted to give it to her, I realize that the envelope was not in my bag!!! I was really trying hard to recall where I place it, and that was the only memory that I had.
As I was looking for it at home, I chatted with God at the same time. Asking Him to help me recall where I could have carelessly displace the envelope. After some time, I just gave up and just said "God, in the next couple of days, do help me to recall where I left it, ok? Thanks" and I went to bed.
The next day as I was doing some reading (without even thinking about the missing envelope), I just kept having a strong impression to go take a look at my dustbin. At that moment, the missing envelope wasn't even on my mind, LOL!
Anyway, I looked into my living room dustbin and did not see anything particular inside...but the impression got stronger and more specific - bedroom dustbin...I went immediately into my room and check it out - Yes!!! You are right!!! The envelope that I was looking for was right there in front of me!! I'm still puzzle as to how I actually threw it inside without realizing it. LOL!
But, this little incident really reminded me powerfully once again how God is so interested in every details of our lives - that's how real and personal He is!!!
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Lessons I Learn during my break
It has really been a long time since I last blog..but have decided that I'll start updating my blog as much as I can...
I was given the privilege to take a 2 month Sabbatical leave after serving in PCC Melaka for 10 years. It was a break that I felt I needed and wanted so that I'm able to take time to rest, spend some family time, have fun and catch up with my readings and some self development..
These are a few precious lessons that I personally learned during my rest time:
1. Just spending unhurried and uninterrupted time reading the Bible and chatting with God is such a thrilling and enjoyable experience.
2. Taking time to read up on books that will help me grow and expand is so much needed and
simply refreshing
3. Spending time with both my mentors were truly inspirational and needed. I was once again
reminded:
a) When my relationship with God is strong, the decisions that I make will be the right ones
But, if my relationship with God is weak, the decisions that I make are mostly wrong
b) I need to plan and I can plan. But, God can intervene into my plans anytime He wants
4. Selecting the right books to read during my break time is very vital
5. I've learn to be more relax and also to enjoy having fun :D
6. Taking time to journal everyday, makes me feel so near and connected to God. At the same
time, it helps me to develop a conscious and deliberate action of listening to His voice
7. Learning to rest in God at all times is needed and important so that I can be energize and
recover to hear Him and serve Him better
8. The basics of my spiritual disciplines must always be my priority - i need to learn to feed
myself and have a personal self feeding program
Breaks and pacing ourselves well to run the race of faith is needed for us to be more effective in fulfilling our purposes and call..Let's form a constant habit of resting in the Lord and hearing from Him
I was given the privilege to take a 2 month Sabbatical leave after serving in PCC Melaka for 10 years. It was a break that I felt I needed and wanted so that I'm able to take time to rest, spend some family time, have fun and catch up with my readings and some self development..
These are a few precious lessons that I personally learned during my rest time:
1. Just spending unhurried and uninterrupted time reading the Bible and chatting with God is such a thrilling and enjoyable experience.
2. Taking time to read up on books that will help me grow and expand is so much needed and
simply refreshing
3. Spending time with both my mentors were truly inspirational and needed. I was once again
reminded:
a) When my relationship with God is strong, the decisions that I make will be the right ones
But, if my relationship with God is weak, the decisions that I make are mostly wrong
b) I need to plan and I can plan. But, God can intervene into my plans anytime He wants
4. Selecting the right books to read during my break time is very vital
5. I've learn to be more relax and also to enjoy having fun :D
6. Taking time to journal everyday, makes me feel so near and connected to God. At the same
time, it helps me to develop a conscious and deliberate action of listening to His voice
7. Learning to rest in God at all times is needed and important so that I can be energize and
recover to hear Him and serve Him better
8. The basics of my spiritual disciplines must always be my priority - i need to learn to feed
myself and have a personal self feeding program
Breaks and pacing ourselves well to run the race of faith is needed for us to be more effective in fulfilling our purposes and call..Let's form a constant habit of resting in the Lord and hearing from Him
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