A couple of us, Christians of various denominations and theological inclinations, were having a casual discussion while enjoying a good cup of coffee. Many topics were talked over pretty quickly. It got a little heated up when it came to “worship” or, more precisely, “worship styles.” I knew it was going to be “ugly” but I let the discussion go on. I soon regretted that decision when two of them got really heated up over each other’s opinions. I had to stop them, with the help of the others of course.

Is worship style really that important? Important enough for two good friends to argue like bitter enemies? I really do not think so. Granted, a suitable worship setting does help us to praise God well. Is that to say, therefore, that we cannot praise God properly in another setting? Unfortunately, many of us get bogged down by such trivial trappings.

Scripture has always been exhorting us to live a life worthy of the Gospel. To me, it would mean that our lives are to be of the highest standard in terms of morality, ethics and spirituality. We are to be exemplary in our conduct of speech and action. It really has not much to do with whether we sing contemporary or “Hymns – Ancient and Mouldy,” drum or no drum. It really has everything to do whether we worship in spirit and in truth. It does not matter much if the preacher is eloquent or not. Sadly, to many it does. I would think that it has a lot to do with whether our lives are touched and changed by the message.

I wonder in which of the seven letters to the churches in the book of Revelations was it ever written that we are judged by the way we sung. As far as I know, we will be judged by the way we lived according to the commandments of God. They testify to our work, toil, patient endurance of persecution, love for God, being fervent and living by faith. There is really nothing to justify high or low tempo. Brothers and sisters, let us major on the important things and do them well. The trivial stuff will take care of itself and are not worth any squabbling.

God Bless

My son loves to find out about how we lived in the past. Since we were in the stairwell, we spoke of the lights along the stairs. These lights were for safety and security. In the past, however, when we were staying in the farm, the light outside of the house was not primarily for safety or security. We did not have much for others to come and steal. The light at the porch was left on throughout the night for us to find our way home. Rural areas can be really dark at night. The light always provided comfort to us when we see it, no matter how dim it was. Somehow, it made it all that different just to see that light on the front porch of home.

Yes, it is easy for any of us to lose our way in the crazy, maddening world today. We are spun so fast that even the most stable among us lose bearing at times. It is during such times that we need a steady light, to help us find ourselves again. No matter how dimly lit or how insignificant it may seem, we derive comfort and a sense of safety from it. Ask any naval personnel from Singapore about the comforting feeling of seeing Horsburgh Lighthouse as they are coming back from an exercise or overseas trip.

God leaves the light on for us. For those who are lost, that light (i.e. Jesus Christ) seeks to guide us back to our real home (heaven). Though we knew this, we still often strayed. The world and its attractions have a way of drawing us out of the real happiness that is in Jesus Christ. Praise be to God that He never gives up on us. He leaves the light at the porch on, no matter how dim it may seem sometimes, to help us find the way back home. He is the loving father who never gave up on the prodigal son. He is constantly looking out for us. It is up to us to want to pay attention to that light breaking through all that darkness.

God never rejects anyone who wants to return. In fact He meets us half way through His son Jesus Christ. If you are struggling, don’t. Just return to Him. Return to the peace and joy that can only be found in Jesus.

God bless!

A friend shared with me that he had just painted his house. During the process, the different layers of paints in hidden corners of the house reminded him of different times in his life. It was to him a cache of history stored there without the knowledge of anyone. It was but a key to unlock and bring to the surface that which was in a far corner of our memory.

We are never alone and never “blank.” Our history consists of people, places and events (happy or otherwise) interacting with us all the time. It cannot be taken away nor denied on our whim. If we fill our memories (past, present and future) with “rubbish,” then all we have will be rubbish. If we fill our memories with wonderful and good things, then we have much to rejoice. Such memories are vital to us in times of hardship.

That is why it is crucial for us to have a close relationship with God. It is He who will pull us out of whatever doldrums we get ourselves into. Only He has the ability and power to do so. But He wants us to participate in the process. He does not want us to be a passive “victim.” He wants every one of us to be an active conqueror together with Him.

How does one learn to trust God? By remembering all that He had done for us during the good times. Read the Psalms, the Prophets, the entire Bible, and you will see the constant reminder of all that God had done in the past. Because He is faithful in the past, He continues to be faithful today, as well as the days to come. This is not a dwelling on yesterday’s glory, because God is still working with us today. If you do not build up that relationship with God now, how would you “remember” when it matters.

Learn to use the GPS on roads that you are familiar. When you are in unfamiliar territories, you can then trust that GPS. Learn to lean on God today, giving thanks along the way. On the way of darkness, you will be able to find strength to trust Him.

My friends, God loves you. Do not put Him to a dark corner and hope to find him when needed. Put Him first and at the very forefront. Then you will not need to search for Him when you encounter difficulties.

God bless!

            We were at a friend’s house when he was joking about the house feeling like a prison because of the steel grilles. The bigger-than-usual padlocks did not help either. He had them installed as a security measure. Yes, it did have a prison-like feeling. The good news was that they will deter and keep potential thieves / intruders out. The bad news was that they also lock the residents in. Trying to get out in an emergency may be a little difficult.

            There are inevitable choices that we make in life. There can be no two ways about them. You want security; go with the “prison” feel. You want privacy, don’t have bodyguards. Safety or privacy, you cannot have both.

            It is the same with believing in Christ. You have to die to yourself and trust in Him. One cannot be in Christ and still live as an unrepentant sinner. You cannot enjoy the privileges of a marriage without taking on the responsibilities of a marriage. Co-habitation is not “cool” with the Lord, no matter how you argue from the human perspective.

            Likewise, one cannot call oneself a Christian engages in homosexuality. A Christian homosexual is a big lie and does not exist. By ‘homosexual’, I mean one who is actively practising homosexual acts. I do not mean anyone who has an inclination but refrain from practising exchange of bodily fluids. Read Leviticus 20:13. Christians are not against the homosexual as a person. We do however, abhor the homosexual act. If anyone wants to engage in active homosexual activities, then he should stop saying that he believes in God. There are no two ways about it. You cannot twist the Word of God to suit you. You cannot be holy while engaging in an unholy act.

            Yes, it is a difficult path to live a life pleasing unto the Lord. However, it can be done. We need to die to ourselves and live the life of Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit. Then, and only then, will we be safe in the arms of God.

 

God bless!

I’ve gained three and a half kilogrammes in my short stay in Kuwait. The hospitality of the Chinese brothers-and-sisters-in-Christ there was overwhelming. Some of them do not have much in material processions, but their love for Christ was definitely in abundance. They really warmed my heart (and increased my waistline along the way). They do not have a pastor (long-term) to shepherd them. It is also not easy for them to have one, being in a restricted nation with harsh living conditions. That, however, did not stop them from wanting to learn the Word of God and to live it out. Being resourceful, they did what they could to listen to the teaching of God’s Word (DVDs, CDs and written sermons left by visiting pastors). Praise be to God for their perseverance. As much as they thought that we were an encouragement to them, they were an encouragement to us.
We, in Singapore, are most blessed in terms of being able to worship God freely. There are numerous churches (more than 400) and enough resources to “drown” anyone in search of God’s Word. Oh, how we should really give thanks to God! I really do not know if the abundance had caused us to be less hungry for the Word of God. We may have taken it for granted. So, many spent their time on frivolous living than learning the Word of God and living it out. A case of too much of a good thing, perhaps?
I really pray that we do not take for granted what we have, little or much. Whatever God provided for us, be it one talent or ten talents, we will have to account for it someday. Prayerfully, we do not have to sweat over the accounting. May it be that we will receive the commendation from God – “you good and faithful servant, come into my rest.” May we not be sent away empty.
Let us pray, together with our brothers-and-sisters-in-Christ elsewhere in the world, that we, alongside them, will cling close to God and stay faithful.

God bless!

I was at a neighbourhood shopping centre when I saw a young lady at a distance. She had her face fixed on her fruity phone and was walking toward the escalator. The only problem was that she was heading toward the wrong side of the escalator. And sure enough, she stepped on it and fell backwards. The people around her laughed loudly at her, instead of helping. I was too far to be in a position to warn her, although I suspect that she would not appreciate the warning.

Many of us are aware of the various types of dangers (physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual) around us. The question is, are we alert enough to avoid them? Are we even bothered with them in the first place? Most are too distracted by non-essentials just like the young lady who found out too late and embarrassed herself (or worse, she could have got seriously injured).

Do we have the moral courage and fibre to sound the alarm? Or are we just waiting to see “how they die”? It is difficult to be the watchman at the gate nowadays. There are too many distractions and “noises” that people pay attention to. No one wants to hear a doomsday prophet; everyone loves a happy blessing message. Watchmen are frowned upon in an affluent city. “Man! What can go wrong?!” Well, it is up to you to honestly consider. Look beyond instant gratification and see the signs.

What is essential and what is not? This is the question that we really need to think about in such a time. Jesus taught us that it is futile that one should gain the world and lose one’s life. Spend time with God, family and friends. I mean real time, not face time. Spend considerable time with the family before we start to miss them and cry in the night. No amount of photos can replace the real memories etched into our minds.

Make the effort to know God well, really well. Study His word so that we are not deceived. In the end times (now) there are many who will come and deceive you with all kinds of claims. Be aware and safeguard your own salvation.

God bless!

Not too long ago, a foreign workers’ dormitory that was to be built received much attention and protest from the locals. Many came out to speak against the building and quite adamantly “declared” that such “foreigners” were not welcomed. What made it more interesting (or sad) was that the most vocal dissidents were of a certain religious persuasion – yes, you guessed it, Christians. And I was given the understanding that a few of them were leaders in their church. Considering that the Bible taught, in no uncertain terms, that we should take care of the sojourners (foreigners) in our midst, this incident was a very sad reflection of the followers of Jesus Christ. It is no wonder that the Christian witness is so weak outside of the church.
Yet when we go overseas, we expect others to accept us with open arms. And many talk about how to welcome “sojourners” into our midst in churches. Is this a case of “No Action, Talk Only” or “welcome them as long as it is not in my vicinity”?
If Christians want to be a witness of their faith in the public square, then it is vital for them to live out their faith in the most genuine manner. One cannot say one thing and do another. Our walk and talk have to be congruent. Do not be too fast to say that “It is not me. I am not like them”. Jesus mentioned many examples of such in the Gospel.
It is vital for us to look deep into ourselves. Do not judge others but judge ourselves. What are we doing? Are we living lives that are worthy of the Gospel of Christ? Am I pointing fingers but doing nothing myself? Even if we are trying to change, we do not want to point fingers at others. Watch ourselves; no one else is responsible for us on Judgement Day. We answer to our own doings.
Let us live a life that will inspire others to give glory to God. Do not let our lives be a stumbling block to those weak in conscience. Remember the world watches us to see if we are genuine in our faith. More importantly, the audience of One is whom we must always be aware of.

God bless!

Among my friends there is one who will only do something at the very last minute. Often it meant that he is in trouble unless people scramble to help him. What made his friends irritated was the fact that they reminded and warned him long before anything was due. The person will procrastinate and delay until “the fire is burning the pants”. Then, and only then, will he do something. Very often such matters could have been done within 5 to 10 minutes if done early. At the last minute, it takes much longer time and frustrations ensue.
I do not know how much attention and importance we give to God’s word and warning. Granted that we do have much to do in this world and we hardly have time for much else. But how high a priority do we attach to our spiritual well-being? It is the word of the Lord Jesus that confronts us, “What will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul?” Many think that we can start living “well” when we are old and have the time and then I will “cramp” for the “final examination”. My friends, THAT is very wrong thinking.
I do not expect anyone to immediately change their priorities and re-order their lives in such a way that the whole occupation of body, mind and soul is on the Lord. Even I have difficulties with that. It must start with a desire to love God, and then work towards putting that desire to action (not just words). If we want to change the world, it will have to start with all of us starting to do an act of random kindness every day. Then we’ll do more as we “grow.” If we start with 5 to 10 minutes of time a day with the Lord (for those outright beginners) and gradually increase that communion time with God and His word, we will find that it is easy to walk and talk with God. The fact is, it was never difficult in the first place; we just made it so by faulty thinking.
The worship of God must be our priority in life. Our time on this earth, no matter how long a life you have here, short relative to eternal life. Make your choice of doing what matters at the end. Choose well and choose life.

God bless!

I spent the evening watching the National Day Parade on TV with my son. The reminder of how Singapore moved from the humble beginnings of an insignificant fishing village to the present-day global city in a very short time was nothing less than astonishing. As for me, I could only say “Thanks be to God.” Quietly, I gave thanksgiving to God as tears streamed down my face (wiped away before my son saw it).
Maybe it was just me, being nostalgic and all. Many of us literally grew up with the nation. We had moved from the time where schools that resembled a small shed became multi-million dollars schools today. A time where we ran to each other’s house to talk, as opposed to sending a text message on the mobile phone. Much had changed and we benefited from it. Indeed we have to thank God for the blessings.
Are we filled with thanksgiving? Or are we filled with unhappiness due to the insatiable greed for more? Did we spend time to thank God and pray for the continual blessing of the nation? Or do we just take it for granted that a good, prosper and stable place is our birth right?
The Bible teaches us to pray for the welfare of the city that we live in, for it is in its welfare that we will find ours (Jeremiah 29:7). Too often we think that what we enjoy comes from our intelligence and abilities. It is the almighty “I” that did it. I can only say that we do not even have control over how our hair behaves, let alone the world. It is prudent for us to change our thinking from almighty “I” to Humble “I”; from “I’’ to “God.”
Let us learn to spend time to give thanks to God and to pray for the nation. Do not just pray for all things “me”; remember that what happens around us in our community/place will definitely affect us. The economic turmoil in Europe and US will definitely affect us, like it or not. Do not hide the head under the sand and pretend that in Asia we are all right. We are not powerless. It is only so if we are prayer-less. We are powerful when we are prayerful.
Let us join our hearts to pray for the nation, for in its welfare we find ours.

God bless!

There are plenty of needs around if you bother to look. Some needs are highly visible and others suffer in silence. Many organisations, I assume with good intentions, were set up to help the lesser known poor and needy. There are, of course, bad eggs that exploit such needy causes in the name of helping them. At the end, it is for their gains. Well and good if they were so called “win-win” situations, but mostly we know that they were not.
Christians are taught to emulate the Lord to help those in needs. Many had done well and glorified the Lord in the process. It is a wonderful thing to help others and the Lord’s name be praised. However, as in all things there will be corruptions. There are some that uses such needs as opportunities to push their agendas – political, fame, exploitative gains, you name it. The sad thing is that they are often packaged in such beautiful spiritual language, for example some bogus missionary agencies. Unfortunately many are fooled and their contributions did nothing to the needy communities.
We, Christians, need to be wise. We do not want to be cheated of the limited resources that we have to do good. Do not allow your good intentions and heart to be exploited for the unrighteous gains of others.
We also need to be honest to ourselves. In what we are doing, are we really doing it for the sake of the Lord? If what’s done is really “win-win” then it is great. Otherwise, we really have to know what it means by sacrifice. We have to be honest to ourselves. Reasoning and explaining our way out is not really the answer. Clear and honest motives are what we should go on. Then, and only, what we do is acceptable unto the Lord.
All being said, I must add this: Do not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up (Gal 6:9). The Lord is watching – not to punish us but wanting to bless us. Do well and be truly blessed by the Lord.

God bless!