Did you hear that?

Recently in a sermon by Dn Philip Shee, he pointed out that many tend to listen sermons for others. What does he meant by that??

How often do you find yourself acknowledging within you that such-and-such a person should listen carefully to this sermon - it is so relevant to them! They should change their ways just like the speaker suggested or just as God requires....

That is exactly, what Dn Philip meant. It hits me like a brick! Although, I do not consider myself more righteous then others or having the "holier than thou" attitude... I can't help but realize that I do, at times listen for others - quite naturally.

Could it be our upbring and/or education system that had inculcated this natural trait of comparing ourselves with others? And usually, it is against our stronger capabilities that we'll affirm ourselves that we're better. Just like the parable below....

Lk 18:10-14 - "Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as the rest of men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week; I give tithes of all that I get. But the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote his breast, saying, God, be thou merciful to me a sinner. I say unto you, This man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be humbled; but he that humbleth himself shall be exalted."

We often tend not to reflect upon ourselves in most situations... and most quickly assumed it was someone elses fault.

Lord Jesus highlighted that is often not good to indulged ourselves in such behavior without checking on ourselves frequently. This will led us to be proud or worst becoming a hypocrite, just like the Pharisee in the above parable.

Lk 6:41-42 - "And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother`s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Or how canst thou say to thy brother, Brother, let me cast out the mote that is in thine eye, when thou thyself beholdest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, cast out first the beam out of thine own eye, and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote that is in thy brother`s eye."

I thank God that I'm generally conscious of my thought, words and actions. Often the first thing that comes into mind is to reflect upon myself to see if I, too was guilty. I think this is a trait that I've to be thankful to my parents too, who had often taught me and reminded me of the need to always consider our actions and be considerate to others.

Since such comparison come naturally to us, it would be good if we also consciously learn to empathize with the others that we're compairing with and ask God to help them. At the same time, be conscious of what we had just done and reflect upon ourselves that we're not found guilty of the same.

May God help us all....

Always possible to "U" turn

Another interesting learning raised during the neighborhood fellowship bible study wrt 1Sam 18, was the character of King Saul.


We knew since a few chapters before, King Saul had sinned and God was displeased with him and had actually got Samuel to anoint David to be king over Isreal. As described in 1 Sam 18:10 - "an evil spirit from God came mightily upon Saul, and he prophesied in the midst of the house: and David played with his hand, ..." - King Saul's favour before God had continued to whirl downward while he still seems to be unaware of his situation.

Many times, he had tried to kill David and failed. Did King Saul not know what he did was wrong? I believe he might have considered his actions and his evil schemes but sin and jealousy may have blinded him to this fact.

OR may be, King Saul might have felt that he is too deep into sin to turn back and therefore continue to ignore his mistakes. Just like what he did in 1 Sam 28:6-8 - "....Saul disguised himself, and put on other raiment, and went, he and two men with him, and they came to the woman by night: and he said, Divine unto me, I pray thee, by the familiar spirit, and bring me up whomsoever I shall name unto thee." - King Saul knows very well what he did was wrong and definitly not pleasing to God, therefore he disguised himself to seek after the medium.

Given this two hypothesis, consider how familiar these might sounds to us or someone we knew. Have you found yourself or someone you know, in the same situation where they felt that there is no "U" turn for them anymore and that God is not listening to their prayers or had forsaken them?

These are very simple and convincing reasons that we gives to ourselves for not turning up to church services or to just continue doing what we knew is wrong.....

My advice is... quickly perish such thoughts! If there is really no "U" turns then Jesus would have came to die for nothing. If God had taken the trouble to come personally to became a sacrifice for our sins - how can there be no "U" turns?!

The question lays in whether we are willing to put on the brakes and retrospect on our actions and resolve to turn from the wrongs that we were doing. Repent sincerely before the Lord and confess our sins to Him. Depending on the seriousness of our sins, it is all up to God to forgive and accept us again.

I sincerely believe that if we truly repeat from the evil that we do, we'll have His compassion.

Therefore, if you're in such situation... don't give up on yourself. God have not given up on you!

1 Jn 3:20 - "...if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things."
1 Jn 4:8 - "....for God is Love"

Is there EVIL found in GOD?

An interesting question was raised during our home fellowship bible study while we read 1 Samuel 18.

In 1 Sam 18 v 10 - "And it came to pass on the morrow, that an evil spirit from God came mightily upon Saul,...." - this verse clearly stated that there is evil spirit coming from God...! Is that possible?

The bible tells us clearly in 1 John 1 v 5 - "....God is light, and in him is no darkness at all." and in 2 Cor 6 v 14 - "....for what fellowship have righteousness and iniquity? or what communion hath light with darkness?" - there is no EVIL can be found in God.

How? Is the bible contradicting itself?

It was then pointed out that the word "evil" here does not refers to the devil or any thing similar. Instead, it is used to describe a judgmental action to be carried out by an angle of God. We can draw on the context from the following examples:

2 Kings 21v12-13 - "therefore thus saith Jehovah, the God of Israel, Behold, I bring such evil upon Jerusalem and Judah, ....And I will stretch over Jerusalem the line of Samaria, and the plummet of the house of Ahab; and I will wipe Jerusalem as a man wipeth a dish, ....."

2 Kings 21 v 15 - "because they have done that which is evil in my sight, and have provoked me to anger, since the day their fathers came forth out of Egypt, even unto this day."

In the first example, God says He will brings "evil upon Jerusalem".... the reason is found in the second example. In many instances in the bible, we know that God uses many different ways to bring judgment on His people when they sinned against Him and often, He uses man to carry out His judgment e.g. by allowing the enemy of Isreal to oppress them.

We read from 1 Kings 22 v 19-23 - "I saw Jehovah sitting on his throne, and all the host of heaven standing by him on his right hand and on his left. And Jehovah said, Who shall entice Ahab, that he may go up and fall at Ramoth-gilead? And one said on this manner; and another said on that manner. And there came forth a spirit, and stood before Jehovah, and said, I will entice him. And Jehovah said unto him, Wherewith? And he said, I will go forth, and will be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets. And he said, Thou shalt entice him, and shalt prevail also: go forth, and do so. Now therefore, behold, Jehovah hath put a lying spirit in the mouth of all these thy prophets; and Jehovah hath spoken evil concerning thee." here, we can clearly understands that "evil work" of causing people to lie was carried out by an angle (spirit).

So the conclusion to this question is, there is NO EVIL to be found in God.

God is LOVE.

A God that cares......

Found this short clip which reflects our belief in God.



Our heavenly father is definitly different.... for He not only tells us how to come back to Him by the Word that He had left with us - the Bible. He also came down from His heavenly throne to deliver us and with great love shares in our suffering that we, who are in dire need may seek Him - "Since then the children are sharers in flesh and blood, he also himself in like manner partook of the same; that through death he might bring to nought him that had the power of death..." (Heb 2:14)

For He is One who understands, all our fears and need.... "For we have not a high priest that cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but one that hath been in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore draw near with boldness unto the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy, and may find grace to help us in time of need." (Heb 4:15-16)

Jn 3:16 - "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have eternal life".

Lesson from Personal Mastery

Recently in a course on "Personal Mastery" ran by my company Training Dept, I came across a beautiful and admonishing poem.

Watch your THOUGHTS, they become WORDS;
Watch your WORDS, they become ACTIONS;
Watch your ACTIONS, they become HABITS;
Watch your HABITS, they become your CHARACTER;
Watch your CHARACTER, it becomes your DESTINY.

Reflecting on the wisdom carried in the poem, it reminded me of similar warnings in the bible.

The Lord Jesus says that it is from our HEART came forth our THOUGHTS, WORDS, ACTIONS and HABITS - "..out of the heart come forth evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness.." (Mat 15:19) and "..the things which proceed out of the mouth come forth out of the heart; and they defile the man." (Mat 15:18)

The author may have taken from the same teaching of Jesus and had paraphrased it so that we may learn to control the outcome of our THOUGHTS, WORDS, ACTIONS and HABITS. All these feeds on our weaknes and drives our LUSTS / DESIRES....

Are your LUSTS / DESIRES evil, selfish, self-edifying and malicious? We need to heighten our self-awarness at all times to avoid falling into this state - "..lust, when it hath conceived, beareth sin: and the sin, when it is fullgrown, bringeth forth death." (Jas 1:15)

The author had aptly portraited CHARACTER to describe what we became... a progression which elder James described as a growing process (conceived and bear-forth).

While the author had wanted the poem to be general, elder James is very specific.... DEATH! is the DESTINY of sinful CHARACTER.

In Personal Mastery, we're taught to be self-aware and proactively make changes to our personal life to influence our THOUGHTS, WORDS, ACTIONS and HABITS to nurture our CHARACTER and so we can control our DESTINY and be SUCCESSFUL in any aspect of our life.

This too, I felt is what every true Christian should strife and work hard on to please our Lord. Amen!

Smelly Feet...!

Came across a *really funny Ad on the subject which reminds me of one of my nephew... many years back.

We're all in my car heading towards the Singapore Zoo when all of us in the car get this "knock-out" smell.

We all quickly wound down our windows to get smell out. I asked if anyone might have stepped on some poo and got everyone to check their soles but nothing!

This repeated a couple times.... I guess, that nephew of mine might have finally figures that it must be his feet! 'Cos the moment he took off his shoes, there came the smell.

Watch this.....


I finally knew who was the culprit when we reached home that afternoon. When he walks in minus his shoes.... phew! GET THOSE FEET WASHED WITH SOAP.

Today, he is OK -- no such problem.

The moral of the story is NEVER wore your socks more then a day AND always wash your feet when you gets home.

What is LOVE?

Friday (14-Sep) -- I heard a sermon by Bro Kong concerning the significance love, which revived my thoughts about the same subject many years ago. From the time when I was a teenager, this had been my favourite research topic. Guess, I could share some of my thoughts on this topic of LOVE, from my own notes.... *if you care to read ;P

LOVE is an abstract that is beyond feelings, care and physical. It is something many teenagers (just like me before) had found it curious or even mysterious. Unfortunately, very often when they quest for more knowledge in the matter - inevitably, most tend to get entangled in the physical aspects and bring on themselves much problems.

You may be wondering what is LOVE's physical aspects? By my definition, these are the aspect where all our senses can detect. Don't let your narrow mindedness, restrict your understanding - it is not just about lust and sex.... broaden your mind and think again!

This is where most parents are having headaches with their teenagers, especially in today's moral standards. But, apart from highlighting the dangers, problems and responsibilities that comes with their reckless acts - trust me, there is nothing much any one parents can do. It is a journey of self-exploration for each teenager and a test of their maturity.

Like every other thing, not all will grow to fully understand and appreciate LOVE. Each individual will have different level of understanding and may at some point determine the meaning of LOVE for themselves and stop their quest. If you are one of them who had stopped (whether you be a teenager or an adult), you do not understand LOVE even if you may think you know.

Believe me, it takes a life time to know what is LOVE........ for eventually, the true seeker of LOVE will find it and will meet face to face when we dwell in LOVE.

Therefore, as Christians it is important for each of us to seek and understand LOVE.

1 Jn 4 v 16 – “….God is love, and everyone who has love is in God, and God is in him.”
1 Jn 4 v 8 – “He who has no love has no knowledge of God, because God is love.”

Bearing this basic in mind, I’ll share with you more of the attribute and significant of LOVE in my next few postings.

At the mean time, feel free to give me any comments or queries on my view.

Lesson from the friendship of Jonathan and David (1 Sam 18, 19, 20)

Attended a home fellowship tonite at Bro.Richard's place and we had a discussion on the topic stated above.

For all who knows the story, knows how close these two friends are and how loyal are they toward each others. Specifically, to mention Jonathan's love for David, just like it is described in Ps 18 v 24 -- "...But there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother".

The courage of Jonathan that stands for righteousness even in the wrath of his father Saul -- is something to emulate. Apart from this there are also others characteristics in this relationship that most of us will know and could easily recognize, like.....

Mediating for each others -- do the role of a peacemaker (Mat 5 v 9) - "...for they shall be called sons of God."

Love others like you love yourself -- the strong friendship that bosom between Jonathan and David is based this. As stated in Mk 12 v 31 - "...Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these." Brethren in-Christ, should strife to emulate this then the name of God will be glorify.

All these, was not the point of discussion.... instead, a different aspect of the relationship in the story was shared.

This is about the relationship between all three main characters in the story. They are all "working" for God in their own way e.g. Saul as the anointed king, both Jonathan and David was defending Isreal against their enemy.

While Jonathan admired and loved David for his ability, capabilty and charisma..... Saul, on the other hand was sore and jealous of David. This leads him to desire for the life of David.

Drawing from this, we can learn some lessons on how to conduct ourselves while serving God.

Like Saul, Jonathan and David, each of our servitude to God can differ according to our ability. Just like David, some of us are "superman" who does everything very well in our service to God. While some of us are just "normal" - nothing fantastic to boast about... we did what we're assigned with.

But we should be careful that we do not fall into the trap of Saul..... that, we became jealous and suspecious of each others. It is important to remember that we're all no more than servants serving our master and there should not be any different how we're serving our Lord.

Paul once reminded the Corinthians, not to be bias with one another ability (1 Cor 3 v 4-11) - "....For we are God`s fellow-workers: ye are God`s husbandry, God`s building.....".

There may be some brethren who perform much better than we or does more "honourable" things than we. Instead of feeling threaten or jealous of them, we should rejoice with them and give them our support and encourage them...... then, we won't be like Saul.

In fact, all the more we should be like Jonathan who did not feel threaten or disadvantaged by David. He continue to be loyal even when he knew that David will one day succeed him to be king.

Similarly in our servitude to God, we should not seek for self-glory and self-edification but only for the glory of God and honour Him. Amen!

If you want to share some your views on the above topic, drop me an email or write me your comments.

There's no Place I'd Rather Be

Happy Birthday! Singapore! Today is our national day... a special day shared by all of Singapore with deep pride. NDP had a very special way of engaging and connecting the people of Singapore and this is the aspect I've always felt that the government of Singapore did very well.

This year one of the theme songs sang by Kit Chan has deep meaning to me and (I believe) to many others as well. It depict the current Singapore where many of her people had travelled far and wide and it tried to reach in to her people to bring forth the desire to yearn for Singapore where home is.

Inevitably it hits another part of me... Aren't we christian, too are considered travellers? We do not belongs to this world but citizen of the promised heavenly kingdom. This world is just a temporary stop where we prepare ourselves to return to our home in heaven.

Unfortunately, many of us tend to loss ourselves at this stop while some had given up our birth-right.

Apostle Peter wrote, "...I beseech you as sojourners and pilgrims, to abstain from fleshly lust, which war against the soul; having your behavior seemly among the Gentiles..." (1Peter 2 v 11-12) to remind us to restrain ourselves and show a good example for a man.

As christian, we should always reach deep into our desire to return home so that we can draw strength to overcome the trials and temptations that are set before us all our days. For God had promise that His grace is enough to sustain us (2 Cor 12 v 9).

There's no Place I'd rather be.... reminds me to uphold His righteousness and to seek His Kingdom always and it reminds me, I'm but a sojourner on this earth for a little time more.

Incredible Best Friend

For all those who felt disadvantaged and distressed. Here is video of a best friend who survive and still make it good.



Hope you like what you see.

Younger Singaporean -- Social Moron

Are you a commuter on public transportation?

How many times have you seen younger Singaporeans lugging along their backpack oblivious to the crowded condition in the train or buses, squeezing his/she way along.... not a word, of excuse.

OR worst, he/she will just stand there not moving choking the passage for the rest of others passengers from moving in or out! NO -- NOT MOVING even if you say "Excuse me". When being shoved, they will stare at the person -- obviously expecting them to say, "Sorry" but will get none. Then the stare will turns so cold and sharp, for a couple of seconds - if the eyes ever meet, it could sure kill.

You ask yourself.... have these people any sense of guilt, that they're so insensitive to their surrounding? Why they grew up being so self-centered and eccentric!?

If you're one of them and you're reading this.... or if you know someone that fit these profile....

PLEASE for goodness sake! PULL OFF that backpack and put it in front of your legs or between them (closer to the ground).

Do the schools or your mummy need to teach you every little things!? Don't be such an insensitive or insensible moron.

Render your service time with reverence

Totally vexed and helpless......

How do you train your children time management? More so, especially when it comes to attending church services. Every service day, is a mad rush and a shouting spree -- at least an hour or more before the family finally gets out of the door!

Iron your cloths, take your bath, eat your dinner, etc... all sounds so familiar over the years and yet we're often late an average of at least 15 mins. On days that we're early, I consider it a BONUS!

Was it just my family? NO (unfortunately). I notice there are many regular late comers too... some had been so used to it that they just stroll in. There are even some chronic case where they just walk in about 15 min to the last prayer!

Often I asked my kids, what is their attitude to attending services in church. Do we just take it as just another obligation, a routine or just to ease our conscience? If that is what coming to the house of God for services is all about for you then no wonder, you're often late or absent.

(Ps 122 v 1): King David wrote, "I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go unto the house of Jehovah." Why was he glad? I can only conclude that it is b'cos to him it is not an obligation nor is it a chore.... but a meeting or a communion with his LOVE.

Would you find it a chore or an obligation to meet up with the person you loved? Would you even think of being lated a minute? -- I dare you! hee.. hee...

King David was glad b'cos he honour and revered God as his Lord and Maker.

If you're invited to a banquet with your country's Prime Minister or President.... would you be late? Won't you make sure that you're early at least 15 - 30 mins before the event? Some even make sure they are there hours before the VIP.

In retrospect, for us who are regular late comers -- where did we place God in our heart? Did He gets your love as much as the other human? Did He gets the respect and honour as much as the other VIP?

(Mat 7 v 22): ".... Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy by thy name, and by thy name cast out demons, and by thy name do many mighty works?". It is time, to reflect on our sincerity toward our God. Are we just paying lips service and body service to Him?

Why is He not your true LOVE and your VIP in normal life BUT only when trouble be fall us do we call out to Him?

My heart cried with sadness for the way we've treated our LORD and Saviour.

Offering & Service to the Lord

When I was informed that my No.Two -- Teddy (Theadeus) and another brother had approached the Service Dept to offer their service as pianist for the church, I was duly surprised.

I knew for certain, he wasn't ready to perform such service as he needed much practise to put up a decent performance. I spoke to him regarding this news and he was surprise at the news. Such is a classic case of "lost / changed in transmission".... likely, scenario is someone might have suggested to recruit him and the other brother and thus over many mouths it got to became so.

Anyway, I took the opportunity to teach him the proper spirit of offering....

It is good for one to have the desire to offer our talent(s) and resources to God. However, it had to be done in sincerity and reverence. With humility and not for show. Having full knowledge that our offering are nothing BUT gratitude and obidence for God is the creater of all things and need nothing from us.

(Act 5 v 1- 6): Let us not follow in the foot steps of Ananias and Sapphira whose offering was deemed to be insincere. They both wanted to show that they too like many others sold their lands and offer up the taking to God. In present days term, let not our service to God stamp from peer pressure and/or seeking for individual glory.

(Mal 1 v 6 - 8): "....you offer the blind for sacrifice, it is not evil! and when you offer the lame and sick, it is not evil! ....". Today, let us reflect on our service. Did we tell ourselves we'll put more effort in serving God when we retire or when we're are free... etc? How much different are we from offering up the blind and the lame?

I'm glad that Teddy is very much aware of these. As parents, it is important to constantly on any available opportunity, remind our children of these which they may already knew. So that they may remember them and not turn from them in their days.

The Potter's Clay

In our recent home fellowship, we touched on the topic of King Saul disobeying God to totally annihilate the Amalek (1 Sam 15). The discussion went on to ask -- on humanitarian reasons, why did God wanted to do this?

My personal view:
(Isa 55 v 8-9): "For my thoughts are not your thoughts,....... so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts."

Isn't it true there are many events and actions recorded in the Bible that are just beyond our comprehension? Some of these events are used for our teaching today and others may still be a mystery.

We may try to explain the events based on social, political or whatever circumtances during that period to justify or give a reason to each BUT it is still at its best an "informed" guess.

Very often we wanting to "stand on God's side" or otherwise, unwittingly force in our own opinion and assumption.... eventually, created a "lie" that is so convincing that we became a believer of our own "lie".

One very good example is "Da Vinci Code", which the Discovery Channel had produces a documentary to debunk its claim.

It is important that when we study biblical events and are unable to explain the motives or significant of it then it is better to skip it. Otherwise, beware of trying too hard and commit the mistake of forming our own opinion on it and reject all others.

We being the lump of clay in the potter's hand...... who are we to ask the potter why and query his rights? (Rom 9 v 20-21)

I would rather recognize myself as just the Potter's Clay and allow him to form me in anyway pleases him.... so are the events in life, aren't all these His sole jurisdiction? Life and Death are in God's hand, who are we to query His action or decision?

If you're in a situation where you would have probably asked, "WHY ME.... LORD?" then you might likely fall into the trap of trying to reason it out and may ended up discouraged or worst giving up!

We're just the Potter's Clay (Job 2 v 10): ".... shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil?.....".

We need to learn to appreciate the situation or event that we in and place our full trust in the Lord that all will work out well for those He loves. Amen.

Do you have a situation.... a testimony to share, which you may have overcome?
May God bless you.

What is a full 100% in life?

Recently I received a slide-show on what does it meant from a mathematics point of view is a full 100% in life. Let me know what do you think of it.......

IF A=1, B=2, C=3..... Z=26.
What do you think that the following attribute meant in life?

HARDWORK = 8+1+18+4+23+15+18+11 = 98%
KNOWLEDGE = 11+14+15+23+12+5+4+7+5 = 96%
APTITUDE = 1+16+20+9+20+21+4+5 = 96%

Mmm... is it not quite apt that Knowledge and Aptitude (which is quite similar), sum up SAME!
What about other areas, like....

LOVE = 12+15+22+5 = a low 54% ?! ...no wonder, nobody give much of this nowadays
LUCK = 12+21+3+11 = a surprising 47% ! ... definitely not dependable

What about....

MONEY = 13+15+14+5+25 = 72% ...see, proven that money is NOT everything
LEADERSHIP = 12+5+1+4+5+18+19+9+16 = 89%

So... what really makes 100%? Is there something that is so sure, perfect and powerful?

Well, everything should have a solution (right?) it only require us to change our
ATTITUDE = 1+20+20+9+20+21+4+5 = 100% !!

It is OUR ATTITUDE towards life, work and God that makes life 100%

You change your ATTITUDE and you'll change your LIFE !!!!!
You can make SUCCESS in life!

*Sign.... unfortunately, in the world today - what takes is.....

BULLSHIT = 2+21+12+12+19+8+9+20 = 103%! ... and
ASSKISSING = 1+19+19+11+9+19+19+9+14+7 = 118%

So, now one can conclude based on our small mathematical model that - while HARDWORK, KNOWLEDGE and APTITUDE will get you close and ATTITUDE will get you there, it is BULLSHIT and ASSKISSING that will put you over the top!

Sadly, this is the hard facts of life.... proven mathematically.
(my teacher never tell me that maths, can be used in so many ways! Amazing, isn't it)

What do you think about the above hypothesis? Do you have a comment?
Do you have your own hypothesis that you can share?

Oh - "...that we may get a heart of wisdom."

Over the week end, we attended a Spiritual Convocation and it ended today with a 80th Anniversary Commemorative Service. The service was filled with thanks giving, hymnal and choir presentation. We even had a multi-media presentation that brings us back in time to when the "truth" was first brought into our shore.

It was a great commemorative service, our ministers and international representatives were here from IA, Taiwan GA and Malaysia GA gave encouragement and shared their memories of their past experiences of divine services in Singapore.

Psalms 90 v 12, 14-17: "So teach us to number our days, that we may get us a heart of wisdom...... Oh satisfy us in the morning with thy lovingkindness, That we may rejoice and be glad all our days. Make us glad according to the days wherein thou hast afflicted us, And the years wherein we have seen evil. Let thy work appear unto thy servants, And thy glory upon their children. And let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us; And establish thou the work of our hands upon us; Yea, the work of our hands establish thou it."

A very fitting verse for the occassion.

Already 80 yrs had past since the "truth" was preached in Singapore. 80 yrs, not a long time but still it a measure of a life-time.

"So teach us to number our days...." (Ps 90 v 12)

It is indeed important that each of us should learn to number our days then only will we understand that we should live each day as if it is the last and be committed to do all things for the glory of HIS name.

"Remember therefore, your God in the days of your youth..." (Ecc 12 v 1)
for only when we learn to number our days, will we realise the importance of each period in our life and see to it that we dedicate them to our Lord and Saviour.

Looking back... do you find a period in your life where you don't see God or where you're so busy with your own that you've not granted any service to God.....?

Brethren, let us retrospect on our life and number our days that we may have a heart of wisdom.

Great - Stredded Chicken & bean curd porridge

Porridge -- not those watery type. It is thick and mixed with strands of chicken meat torn into fine thread and bean curd. Add in a little Marmite and some soy sauce. Stir well and serve.

That was dinner for me today. My good wife serve this up and it was heavenly good taste. Recommend, if you wanted something simple and fast (to eat).

Try out the above recipe and let me know what you think... write me your comment.

Bon Appetit!

Are not five sparrows sold for two pence?

Last Friday (4-May), I heard a very inspiring sermon which I'll like to share with you part of the portion that touches me very much, in my own words and understanding. Hope it inspire you too.

It was told that in those days, the offering sparrows were sold at one pence for 2 and for 2 pence you get an additional, 1 for free -- that makes 5 sparrows for 2 pence. So, what do we learn from Luke 12 v 5-9...

The sparrows are small birds used by the poor to make an offering to God, to many these are of not much value. May be just like us.... we may not be great or wealthy in the eyes of man, in fact, some times we felt that we may be despise by people around us.

We feel depress, worthless, fearful, etc....

ALL sort of NEGATIVE thoughts and feelings surround us but we forgot we have GOD. You see the focus here, is not about the 4 sparrows that cost 2 pence BUT the 1 that comes FREE -- Zero (0) value!!

If even this worthless sparrow has found grace in the sight of GOD -- how much more do you worth to GOD?! Why are you afraid? Why are you depressed? Why do you feel small amoungst the people when you are "somebody" in the sight of GOD?

Trust Him, rely on Him and offer up your trouble to Him... He is there to hear you and will definitely uphold you -- you're not without support. In fact, if you believe.... you have the Almighty behind you!

For He had declared.... "the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not: ye are of more value than many sparrows."

Be strengthen and look to the POSITIVE aspect of things. It will definitly work for YOU!

Five Loaves & Two Fishes

On Monday, my district held our regular bi-weekly Home Fellowship at one of our brethen's home. This year we're trying out a slightly different approach for the Home Fellowship and that night we had one of those new programs that we wanted to try out.

We've a discussion and sharing session on "Internet Ministry" in what is our churches world-wide are doing in this area of work. One of the item that was brought out was the BLOG. This carries the same name as the title. However, it is currently down.

But the name of the blog had trigger me to thought of the teaching of "Abundance". Many of us misses the fact that the world had a lot to offers, there shall not be any lacking. It is just that our mind and sight is too focus and narrow to see the other aspect, the other opportunity and the other benefits.

We were taught from young there is only one, number #1 or we need to take as much as we can or we loses out -- thus, the "Kia Shu" mentality. I believe this is the main cause of depression, anxiety, stress, unhappiness, suspicion, anger, inferiority, etc....

In the bible, after Jesus taught the crowd -- it was late in the afternoon and Jesus had compassion on the people who had came to hear him. So he asked his disciples to give them some food before sending them home but they were far from the vilage and there are 5000+ of them!

The disciples must be told Jesus, where do we get enough money to feed all of them?! And Jesus asked them to go into the crowd and find what they can take out to share. Had it not been the selfless little boy who offer up his 5 loaves and 2 fishes, Jesus will not be able to perform a miracle to feed the 5000+.

There is always enough to someone that has GOD. I always remember a short story that was told to me when I was much younger......

There was this loving couple, who was so in love with each other that in the end they married and became husband and wife. They live a very loving life together until one day the husband came home to find that his wife was rather sad.

He loved his wife very much and seeing her state, he asked, "What is the matter? Why are you feeling so sad, today?".

To this his wife answered, "Will you still love me as much as you do today, if we had an addition to the family?". With a little tear in her eyes, she looked up to her husband in anticipation of his assurance. The man was over joy! They are going to have a baby in the family!!

With a broad smile in his face, he reaches out to draw his wife near and whispered, "My darling, I'll love you just as much. You see... LOVE cannot be divided. LOVE Multiples".

The more you give, the more you have -- that my friends, is "Abundance".

Do they know the value of money??

I was in a SBS Transit bus (on my way home). Out of the ordinary, I was seated at the rear of the bus. Usually, I like to sit in the front portion of the bus but today due to crowding during the peak hour I was kind of "force" to the back.

For the first half of the journey it was nothing extra ordinary until a teenager (probably in JC) changed seat and came sat next to me at the rear. There is nothing extra ordinary about the event or the character but then I noticed he was carrying 2 huge paper carry bag.

It caught my eyes not just that it is big... it was golden with the word "Gucci" printed on the side. I peeped in and concluded -- definitely genuine!

Not out of envy but more toward curiosity, I thought to myself.... how do this youngster get all that money to buy such expensive goods?! I looked again and guess what there was another similar carry bag inside the bigger bag! Now, this is really a lot of MONEY.

Does a teenager need to be so vogue... flashy... do you have a word for it?!
Why are his parents supporting such lifestyle? This guy is probably not even working and already he is spending like nobody business.

Are we breeding a generation that are so superficial and that believe in showmanship then in the values that our parents used to teach us -- Truth, Honesty, Modesty, Perseverance, Diligence, etc... i.e. the true value of things.

Does he (as an example) knows the value of the money that he had just spent?! With such attitude, will they even know the value of relationship, friendship and secerity? Or will they treat these just like trophies or fashion accessories for them to show-off.

As a parent, I felt that children should be taught the value of things. Call me traditioned or out-dated but I strongly believe these affect character building to a great extend.

Lessons from the Eagles

I recently received an email from a friend, Jason Pow and I found it inspiring. It not only reminded me of the great wisdom of GOD, it reminded me that HIS wisdom shows in every creations.

ONLY if we care to observe and learn....

1. Eagles fly alone at high altitude and not with sparrows or with other small birds. No other bird can go to the height of the eagle.

Eagles fly with eagles.

2. Eagles have strong vision. They have the ability to focus on something up to five kilometers away. When an eagle sites his prey, he narrows his focus on it and sets out to get it. No matter the obstacle, the eagle will not move his focus from the prey until he grabs it.

Have a vision and remain focused no matter what the obstacle and you will succeed.

3. Eagles do not eat dead things. They feed only on fresh prey. Vultures eat dead animals, but eagles will not.

Be careful with what you feed your eyes and ears with, especially in movies and on TV. Steer clear of outdated and old information. Always do your research well.

4. Eagles love the storm. When clouds gather, the eagles get excited. The eagle uses the storm's winds to lift it higher. Once it finds the wing of the storm, the eagle uses the raging storm to lift him above the clouds. This gives the eagle an opportunity to glide and rest its wings. In the meantime all the other birds hide in the leaves and branches of the trees.

We can use the storms of life to rise to greater heights. Achievers relish challenges and use them profitably.

5. The Eagle tests before it trusts. When a female eagle meets a male and they want to mate, she flies down to earth with the male pursuing her and she picks... ... has mastered the art of catching the twig which shows commitment. Then and only then, will she allow him to mate with her.

Whether in private life or in business, one should test the commitment of people intended for partnership.

6. When ready to lay eggs, the female and male eagle identify a place very high on a cliff where no predators can reach. The male flies to earth and picks thorns and lays them on... ... thorns of life come to teach us that we need to grow, get out of the nest and live on. We may not know it but the seemingly comfortable and safe haven may have thorns.

The people who love us ... push us hard to grow and prosper....

7. When an Eagle grows old, his feathers become weak and cannot take him as fast as he should. When he feels weak and about to die, he retires to a place far away in the rocks. While there, he plucks out every feather on his body until he is completely bare. He stays in this hiding place until he has grown new feathers, then he can come out.

We occasionally need to shed off old habits & items that burden us ...

Hope this encourages you as much as it does to me.

Coffee Flavoured Pee -- anyone?

It is the Chinese New Year period and as any chinese families, one may visit one's parent's home for meal a couple of times over the New Year season.

So I brought my family to visit my parent at my younger brother's home last Sunday for "Yu Sang" and steamboat. It was good gathering for my family with my brother's and sister's families together with our parent.

My younger brother has a neighbor who works in a local hotel who will give them pastries and cakes from the hotel quite regularly. So, sister-in-law came out with the coffee flavoured layered cake after dinner. B'cos all of us were so "full" having eaten a lot, we shared it out and take home for tomorrow's breakfast.

Not a lot -- we took back 2 small pcs of the cake (roughly abt 8 x 4 x 4 cm). Now my kids all don't fancy it, so it ended up with me and my wife. Well, the cake tasted ordinary not too sweet at all BUT both of us concluded that it was a lot more.... the chinese will say, "ni" -- while the local will probably say, "jelat" -- well, in English..? - "I don't know!"; it is the feeling that your stomach felt really bloated!

Well that was Monday's breakfast. Amazingly, for the rest of the day -- even until today.... my pee... I could smell the coffee flavour from my hot pee. Does my poo, too? Thank goodness, NO! I guess the flavouring agent must be just water soluble and therefore, just the pee -- smells like coffee!

I'm just wondering, does this flavouring agent does any harm to my body? Seems like it had been circulated all around my body over the last 2 days. Hey, it is not just me -- my wife reported the same symptoms.

Any doctors out there for an advice?

Think I'll skip any other cakes or pasteries from that neighbor.... mmm.. must inform my brother, too.

Roman Mop Need Servicing

Been using the Roman Mop (those that uses a blue color sponge) for quite a few years now and had been quite happy with it. Until recently, when I change a new sponge about one month ago -- things went wrong.

When I pull the level on the mop stick or handle (whatever you call it) to expel the water from the sponge -- the rollers tears the sponge bit by bit and over a few weeks it became quite bad. I wasn't happy with the situation and had been thinking of complaining to the company but have not got around to it.

Tonight, after having dinner at the Kovan Heartland food center I chance upon their promoter and brought my dissatisfaction out to him. After hearing me out, he promptly suggested that I take the equipment to their main office for servicing!?

They didn't tell me when I bought it. Does a mechanical mop stick need servicing?
Has anyone out there actually send in a mop stick for servicing? It will be interesting to hear from you.