PSALM 117

A new song unto the Lord.

PRAISE THE LORD

Praise the LORD, all you nations;
Extol Him, all you peoples.
For great is His love toward us,
And the faithfulness of the LORD
Endures forever.
Endures forever.
Praise the LORD.
Praise the LORD.

Indeed, let all the nations and peoples praise the Lord. For His love and faithfulness endures forever. Let us praise the Lord!

Stranded

Who likes the feeling of being stranded alone? Sounds like a comment of lament. Nah! It is actually a reflection point. The Lord has been pin-pointing this issue to me for the past few months. Coming back to that question, I must say the feeling is never good. No matter what, a human has a need for belonging. And once that belonging is threatened, it puts one into a very stranded state. I had been in such situation before all my life. Intitally, the feeling is nothing more than feeling unwanted. Haha! Even as I had experienced such tragedy, I chose not to feel sulky or fire the gun at those who cause the tragedy. In fact, I realised that the Lord has let me to understand that man will fail but He will not. And also He has shaped me to be sensitive to people who are neglected. I remembered once, quite a few years back, had a youth outing to someone's home. Was taking a bus from Simei to that someone's house. I always make an effort to be the last to board the bus. I guess that day I was too tired so I wasn't too observant. I forgot 2 of them. They were left stranded at the busstop. I only realised slightly later. Both of them were deeply hurt and run back home crying. I knew how they felt and to be frank I was very upset with myself. I thank God that we had been reconciled in that manner. But yet, it taught me a priceless lesson.
As I say, this is nvr a complaint but it's a point of realisation. Sometimes it is very sad to see that some people are just contended as long as they are in the 'comfort and safe' zone. They either are not sensitive to the stranded or they find it too much a hassle. I guess it's not for me to judge others but I know that Christ nevers leave anybody behind. Even if someone is left behind, it will be He Himself. I always believe that if everybody holds on to such principle, none will be left behind becoz everybody is looking after one another. But I guess everybody is for themselves. I'm not perfect but in my best effort, I want to hold on to this principle for those who think they have been found are lost and they who are lost will be found. Let me have the passion for the lost.
Have we missed somebody in our lives?

I was flipping through my old PC and came across a few archived letters that I had sent to my mentors. As I read the letters, I was laughing at that the things that happened and also yet grateful that all this while, God has been here with me, guiding me along. In one of the letter, I mentioned about reading a book by Joshua Harris. And in one of the chapter, he mentioned:

“God knows all things. ....................................... But that doesn’t mean our task is to discover what He already knows or to worry that we might miss His perfect plan. Our responsibility is to love Him, study His Word, deepen our relationship with Him, and learn to evaluate our choices in light of biblical wisdom. If we’re doing, these things, we can make our decisions in the confidence that we aren’t somehow missing God’s will.”

This verse really impressed upon my heart. Sometimes in our weaknesses, in our eagerness, in our impatience, we rush to God and start pestering Him for answers. And we totally missed the point of living. And in His words:

Isaiah 55:8-9

8 "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD.9 "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.

Sometimes, it is better for us not to know certain things at that point of time. We may not be prepared and in fact by knowing, we end up being stumbled. So let's trust in God that He knows when is the best time to let us know certain things.

In my own reflection, I learn this: God has already given me the best thing, Salvation and why would He want to hide away other good things from me. I thank God for Jesus Christ because without Him, even if I own the greatest treasures on earth, it will mean nothing.

In our wait and discovering of God's answers, our responsibility is to get closer to Him, learn His word and at the same time, act out in faith.

small = BIG ???

Now I remembered another thing that happened which had impressed upon me. One of the weekdays while studying in church, I took a break and went to Chapel to fine tune my composition. At first the Chapel was empty. Then after a while, 2 ladies and 1 patient entered the Chapel to pray. As I didn't want to disturb them, I stopped playing my composition. Being me, I was feel that music helps to create an atmosphere for prayer. So with whatever skill I have, I started to play on the keyboard. I played As the deer, I will never be the same again. These are the 2 of the limited songs I know how to play decently on the keyboard. After they left, I wondered to myself if I had done more damage than aiding them in prayer. Haha! As I was on my way back to study, I met the 2 ladies and had a quick chat with them. So as I left the lift, I heard one of the lady commenting to the other lady that it was ministering to have music while they were praying in the Chapel. My heart melt at that point. (Maybe they were being sacarstic. haha) No lah! I really felt that it was the presence of God. What I played was so simple and in fact, bland but yet God use it to minister to the people's heart. Something small in my hands is being MAGNIFIED BIG in GOD'S HANDS.

Lesson learnt: small = BIG in GOd's hands.

THINKing..... ALOT!!!

Have been thinking alot recently? Dun know whether good or bad! In management terms, it will be considered planning. In human terms, it is called hmmmm.... thinking. Thinking about the present, the near future, the future......... Haiz..... Really a lot of mixed feelings.

At present, feeling a bit tired, trying to pick up on my studies for exams. A bit slow siah! Have to try to push myself to be more consistent, that's all, nothing more, nothing less. Come on, X.J, you can do it. Last semester! (pat on my own back)
Got quite a few things happened which impressed alot but just can't recall. One of which that happened was yesterday. Went to this church in Bedok. They had invited this taiwan-borned Christian singer cum pastor, based in Los Angeles(if i'm not wrong). His name is Chuck Huang. Didn't really know who he was. He was leading in worship and the songs were composed by him. Really very meaningful becoz the lyrics relates to testimony of what God had done in people's life. Amazing. I am really inspired by him. Then he also share about this mentor of his. The mentor was the wife of a pastor. He was sharing that she was a true blue- evangelise. Every moment of her life, she will spend it to spread the good news. Until one point of her life, she had been diagnosed with terminal stage of cancer. And her request was to go to China. Every one person she met, she will tell that person about Christ. My goodness. I was really touched. And Chuck wrote a song about her passion for Christ - One way ticket. I really wish I am able to be so daring and free in my sharing of Christ. And also I want to brush up my mandarin. I would love to be able to compose and write song in mandarin.
Talking about writing song, I wrote another song. Haha! I was in church studying, den study until cannot, went to chapel. Then I was flipping thru the bible and came to Psalm 27. Then the melody came, and bit by bit I added the lyrics. The song is entitled, House of the Lord. The theme to the song is about when we dwell in the presence of God, we need not fear or be afraid but trust that our God is in control. Nothing can bring us down or harm us. I am so excited. hehe!
Today just attended Roysten and Joey's wedding. Haha! Very lovely. Then the page boy very cute. He was very serious in his walk. Take one step at a time. End up very slow. Den Evangeline, the flower girl, was like behind trying to push him to walk faster. hahaha! So cute. Weddings are so beautiful. Then the reception also very nice. Good food! Yeah! Next week will be Charles and Emily's wedding. A huge highlight for the youths. I guess the youths are more excited than Charles and Emily. Haha! Den December will have Zhi Yang and Pei Ren. 3 weddings in 1 months. Woah! Then next year also got a few more wedding. David Chew and Caroline. Larry and Jenny. Hmmmm.... Keeps me thinking. Hmmmm.... Thinking too much. Hahahahahaha!
Well! At least there's still Mission trip to keep me motivated. I really love Cambodia. I'm very excited. Maybe I should just commit myself to go Cambodia for 1 year. Maybe! It will be even better if........ Hahaha!

FUNNEH SIAH! (AGAIN)

The 80 year-old said, "The best thing that could happen to me would just to be able to have a good pee. I stand there for twenty minutes, and it dribbles and hurts. I have to go over and over again."


The 85 year-old said, "The best thing that could happen to me is if I could have one good bowel movement. I take every kind of laxative I can get my hands on and it's still a problem."


Then the 90 year-old said, "That's not my problem. Every morning at 6:00 am sharp, I have a good long pee. At 6:30 am sharp I have a great bowel movement. The best thing that could happen to me would be if I could wake up before 7:00 am."

FUNNEH SIAH!

Once upon a time, there lived a man who had a terrible passion for baked beans. He loved them, but they always had an embarrassing and somewhat lively reaction on him. One day he met a girl and fell in love. When it was apparent that they would marry, he thought to himself "She'll never go for me carrying on like that," so he made the supreme sacrifice and gave up his beloved baked beans, and shortly after, that they got married.

It was his birthday a few months later and, on the way home from work, his car broke down.


Since they lived in the country, the man called his wife and told her he would be late because he had to walk.

On his way home, he passed a small cafe and the wonderful aroma of baked beans overwhelmed him. Since he still had several miles to walk, he figured he could walk off any ill effects before he got home. So he went in and ordered, and before leaving had three extra large helpings of baked beans. All the way home he 'putt-putted'. He 'putted' down one hill and 'putt-putted' up the next.

By the time he arrived home he felt reasonably safe. His wife met him at the door and seemed somewhat excited.


She exclaimed, "Darling, I have the most wonderful surprise for you for dinner tonight!" She put a blindfold on him, and led him to his chair at the head of the table and made him promise not to peek.


At this point he was beginning to feel another one coming on. Just as she was about to remove the blindfold, the telephone rang. She again made him promise not to peek until she returned, and she went to answer the phone. While she was gone, he seized the opportunity. He shifted his weight to one leg and let go. It was not only loud, but ripe as a rotten egg. He had a hard time breathing, so he felt for his napkin and fanned the air about him. He had just started to feel better, when another urge came on. He raised his leg and 'rrriiiipppp!' It sounded like a diesel engine revving, and smelled worse. To keep from gagging, he tried fanning his arms awhile, hoping the smell would dissipate. Things had just about returned to normal when he felt another urge coming. He shifted his weight to his other leg and let go. This was a real blue-ribbon winner; the windows rattled, the dishes on the table shook and, a minute later, the flowers on the table were dead. While keeping an ear tuned in on the conversation in the hallway, and keeping his promise of staying blindfolded, he carried on like this for the next ten minutes, farting and fanning them each time with his napkin. When he heard his wife saying goodbye (indicating the end of his loneliness, and freedom) he neatly laid his napkin on his lap and folded his hands on top of it. Smiling contentedly, he was the picture of innocence when his wife walked in. Apologizing for taking so long, she asked if he had peeked at the dinner. After assuring her he had not, she removed the blindfold and yelled,

"Surprise!!"

To his shock and horror, there were twelve dinner guests seated around the table for his surprise birthday party.

CONCERT

(DISCLAIMER: I know some of my church's youths are going for a Hillsongs Concert but what I am going to touch on later is by no means targetted at them but on the general Christians. This is my personal conviction impressed upon by what the Lord is speaking to me and what I have witnessed. If you disagree or have any inputs, pls feel free to leave a comment )

Hillsongs are coming once again to Singapore. If I’m not wrong, one of the mega churches has invited them. And everybody is going around talking about the Hillsongs Concert. Who doesn’t know who Hillsongs is. They are a spiritual band with spiritual leaders and singers, with beautiful and spiritual songs. They are role models to many of the Christians individual and bands. I personally do love Hillsongs, especially Reuben Morgan. I always find his composition very down to earth and yet so meaningful and spiritual. For example, “Who compares to You” and many many more.

For the last 7 years, I had attended countless Christian concerts and I must say I am very blessed by the spiritual elements. My understanding of God has improved, my understanding and application of worship, individually and corporately has been broaden, my passion for music has been widened. I see that there is no reason why I shouldn’t attend more of such concerts. Or am I wrong?

Theoretically, I should and would want to throw myself into any opportunity to witness and encounter any Christian concert that comes along the way. But somehow or rather, the Lord is speaking to me. He is giving me a new perspective of the way I should look at Christian Concert. He is still talking to me and showing me the different angles but as for now, I will just like to share with you what He has spoken to me.

I guess the first thing I will talk about is the word “Concert”. By far, this is the word that has been used by the general to mention about the event. I am not trying to be legalistic here but I feel it is important not to take things or words for granted. I believe in justification. What do I mean by that? If we were to check the dictionary, what does the word Concert mean? Quick definition will be Performance, Show. We as Christians know that worship is never a performance or a show. It is an outward, sincere expression of our love for God. The word itself has undermines the true faith and does not justify our sincere worship unto God. Another point is that, if I were to mention that there is a secular so and so Concert, what does it tell you immediately? The concert belongs to the so and so band. For example, there is an XYZ Concert and we will immediately register it as a concert that focus on XYZ band. Likewise, calling it Hillsongs Concert, or whatever name Concert, it does not emphasize on the focus point. There is a chance that many or rather some will be pulled away from the main focus, which is God, and instead place their focus on the band or the music (disclaimer: I am not blaming the bands. I am just making a point that the word Concert is not a very good word to use). Having critically assessed the word, so is there any solution? I have thought through if there are other better words. Conference. Sounds too secular and management. Symposium. Hmmm, another word for conference. Outreach. Threatening to non-believers. Fellowship. Something that I like but the word sounds too heavy compared to Concert. I don’t have a definite solution. I guess the word Concert in itself denotes a safer and less threatening environment and I believe very much the main attraction is FUN. I personally am fine with the word Concert (no! I am not contradicting myself). I wish that there could be a better word to justify our worship onto God. Even though the word Concert is to be used because of practical reasons, then as a Christian, I must know that my worship is never a concert.

The second point I want to bring up is the purpose of the concert (for practical reason, I will use the word concert when mentioning about the event). I remembered my first concert was when I was 17 or 18 and I attended the Festival of Praise. I was a new Christian then and I was very encouraged, inspired by Hillsongs Australia. My spiritual life has changed after since. And after every subsequent visit to such concerts, my life grew. However, I came to this point of realization. What’s my intention of going for such concert? The music, the big crowds, the occasion, the fellowship? I start to question my intention. As I looked at the concert, I realized that the original intention was always to be an evangelistic outreach. That’s the purpose of the concert. All these while, I have been attending such concert because I found it beneficial to MYSELF only. Never have I once even contemplated to bring or invite any non-believer to the concert. I see no purpose in going to such concert and not bringing or even inviting a non-believer along. Don’t get me wrong. I am not discouraging or judging those who go and not bring a non-believer. If an individual feels that he/she is blessed by God when he/she goes for the concert, by all means go. But personally, I feel that I would have missed out on the best blessing if I do not bring a non-believer. Until I have seen God doing a miraculous work in a non-believing friend, I can firmly say I have not seen the full blessing of God.

The third point is more of a precaution to all Christians. Such concerts are always beneficial and a blessing to our spiritual life. But at the same time, it can swing to the other side. Every time I attend such concerts, I always see the charismatic side. Everybody is pouring forth their voices, hands risen to the max, jumping to the beat (in some cases, catching up with the beat), dancing to the melody, speaking forth in tongues. This is in fact a beautiful sight. Every tongue and tribes will worship the Lord. Yet after witnessing such sight, I couldn’t help wonder if every single one is an authentic worshipper or not. How’s their personal worship like? Is it consistent with the way they worship when worshipping corporately? Back in their own church in the service, are they able to worship with the same attitude together with the more traditional congregation? Some may argue that they feel more comfortable to worship in such occasion than back in church where everything is less ‘charismatic’. True! I agree! Sometimes back in our own church there is certain style or inadequacies that restrict the more ‘charismatic’ worship. But let us remind ourselves, worship is not about convenience. It is about sacrifice. God is like a 7-11, always there but by no means is He a convenience shop. Come to the Lord with awe and reverence. And also, our personal worship dictates our corporate worship and not the other way round. So if even in your own personal worship time, you can’t even raise your hands or sing out to the Lord, I don’t expect to see these when you are worshipping corporately. If one’s personal worship does not reflect one’s corporate worship, then I must say the word Concert fits perfectly into that one’s life.
Another precaution is addiction. Such concert becomes an addiction. It becomes a booster to people spiritual life. After such concert, they feel energized and ready to go out to battle and when they have lost energy, they come back for another booster. These people are no different from a drug abuser. Let me get myself right. Such concert do having refreshing, renewing, healing purpose but then it should not draw our focus away from God because all the refreshing, renewing, healing are from God and not the event. If such events are not held, then will you still be able to be refreshed, renewed, healed?

It is not my intention to discourage people to go for such concerts. If the concert can bless you richly, by all means go. But I just feel that we should go with a purpose. It’s more than just for worship because we all can worship God anywhere, anytime. If it’s an evangelistic outreach, then do make an effort to bring a non-believer. If it’s fellowship, then invite the whole church and not be exclusive. At that same time, I want to end with a note of thanksgiving to God. I thank God for raising so many wholistic Christian band who have committed their life to bring the good news to the world. My prayer is that we as Christians will know and most importantly carry out Your purpose.

Finally, I have decided. It is YOU!

Yes! I have decided. I have been thinking hard, I have been planning, I have been seeking advises, I have been hesitating, I have been searching high and low, I have been sleepless and appetite-less(ok this is exaggerating). I have come to a conclusion. It has to be you. I had make a choice and I will stay with this choice. I have decided what to wear for Charles and Emily's wedding. I will wear YOU on that day! Yeah! Cheers!
Haha! I'm mad! y^v^ Actually wanted to try something else. This is bad but I know most of the rest of the guys will be turning out in white-long-sleeved with a tie and I refused to be in the same dress code as them. Haha! I actually wanted to wear a biege-top with a white vest. So was looking high and low for the WHITE vest. Couldn't find any, so also dun have much time to shop around. So I guess, I just go to my wardrobe and mix and match. And guess wat? I manage to match some tops. Haha! You want to know wat i will be wearing? DUN TELL YOU! ^O* (background: "erh scuse me, like who cares to know what you'll be wearing! once a dumpling, always a dumpling! Doesn't matter wrapped in leaves or plastic!) *o*" Hahahahaha! I'm looking forward to the wedding but yet also not looking forward to the wedding. Why? Becoz firstly it means exams are nearing. Secondly, haiz......... NVM! tsk tsk! Let's rejoice in this ocassion. Hehe! Naughty me! I'm thinking when we will see Charles Junior! Muahahahaha! Den 1 more toddler to play with! Pro-creation is good and it is in line with God's will

Genesis 1

28 God blessed them and said to them, "Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground."