The Eagle's Eyes

The Eagle have very powerful and unique eyes.

Staying high up in the heavens, food is scarce. Therefore they developed binocular eyesight to search for food. The eagle can determine with much accuracy the location of its prey even if he is flying very high in the air and his prey looks like an ant. One of the reasons for this powerful eyesight is his hunger.

Hunger.

Likewise, God has given us the gift of hunger. If we truly hunger for the things of God, we will be able to develope binocular eyesight to see clearer and spot better. Your spiritual eyes are very important as they allow you to see the things of God which are true gems.

The unique pair of eyes of the eagle is still the center of study by scientists. His eyes, with one blink, can look directly at the sun and fly towards it without getting blind. With another blink, he can look down and see everything below him clearly. He is able to look up and down and yet his vision is not affected.

Vision.

It is important that we not only see the things that are visible on earth but also be able to see the things that are above. With such spiritual vision, we look not only to the things temporary but also the things eternal. Look up, plan your flight and soar with God to the your calling.

In the coming season, my desire is to have a deeper and a more genuine hunger for God. I also pray for a more powerful vision so that I can see clearly the plans of God in my life. I want to work towards it and see His beautiful plan unfolding before my very life. It is rather important that we genuinely seek God and seek to know his plans for us. Otherwise, we are no better than a blind mice searching for food.

Just like Paul, I will come to say, "I consider my life worth nothing to me. If only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me - the task of testifying to the Gospel of God's grace." Acts 20:24

In Quietness and Trust

Elijah the prophet was told to go to Kerith, near the River Jordan and stay there for a long time. From it's waters, Elijah drinks and is filled and he was miraculously fed each day by the ravens. You could imagine how bored and lonely he was. Alone, no one to talk to for days and nights. The solitude, the loneliness, the quietness, the long days and nights, the punctual arrival of his food everyday, and the evident working of God's supernatural hand serve to develop within Elijah a deep sense of dependence upon God.

As time goes on, the waters begin to dwindle and soon it was all gone. Then God asked him to move to another place to continue his mission.

Elijah may not realize it but his experience in Kerith was in preparation for his big day at Mount Carmel where he had to face the idol worshippers of Baal and be challenged by them. In the quietness, Elijah learnt to tune his ear to hear God. In his loneliness, Elijah learnt to speak to God and really know that He is there. Through the waters and food fed by the birds of the air, Elijah learnt to trust in God for his needs.

A time of solitude and quietness is needed. It is even much more necessary in times like this when the world moves so fast and everything happens so fast. The challenges in life, the demands, the wantings, everything, is taking a toll on us. We may not realize it but all the things that are around us can be distractions in disguise. They are there to make everything look good, to make our activity look good but in actual fact, they are merely distractions.

Having been so busy this whole year doing what I was passionate about, I did not have my time to sit down and be quiet and to just listen. I was too busy to allow myself to be quiet and still. So many voices around me, which one to listen to?

We need to find our time of solitude, where we can be still and be quiet and to learn to hear the voice of God.

This is what the Sovereign Lord says, "In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength..." (Isaiah 30:15)

Be quiet... Listen...

Trust...

Renew your strength...

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Quick Updates

Hey people!

It's been a long time since I last updated this blog of mine. I have lots to share with you guys about what I have learnt from the Bible each day. Lots. But lack of time to put them into words.

I will be back to blogging God real soon. In the mean time I want to let you know that I am really having a very busy busy busy month.

Lots of shows coming up and preparation is crazy. Working on a lot of new magic and mentalism effects. Apart from that I have tons of photography gigs coming up this month.

I am venturing into another new area. Not entirely new but something that I love doing as well. It is more of a business thing which relates to magic and life. Working with my friend (shall not be named now) on this and we are moving into new territories.

Lots of things on my hand.

So many plans and so little time.

God, help me to focus on things that matter.

Here's a quick bite:

There are many battles in life. We constantly fight for things that we want, things that we desire and those of the like. We spend our time, energy, effort, strength, money and everything necessary to win that battle and take the prize. But I want to let you know that there are many battles which are merely distractions in disguise. They are there to distract you from the real battle that you are suppose to be fighting.

Do not fight battles which are not worth fighting.

Use your time, energy, strength and everything else to fight for the things that matters only.

As for me, the things that matters are the things that matters to God.

What about you?

I will be back.

Lamentations.

I have travelled quite far in my journey now. Looking back at where I was 11 months ago, I felt as though I was in a race track and driving at a constant 120kmh.

Lots of doors have been opened to me and lots of doors shut as well. Some doors I choose to open myself and some I choose to close myself. Every move I make matters as it will either make me or break me.

I am so so so busy nowadays with studies, magic, photography, social life and many others including my passion to serve in the church. It is taking a toll on me. If I do not slow down, I will crash soon =)

So glad to be reminded of a verse from the Bible:

Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails.
-Proverbs 19:21

So true. I have kept this verse in my heart long time ago when I first read and memorized. However I guess I forgot about it until tonight. Yes, we as humans are full of potential. With the 24 hours that God has given us, we can do so much and so little. We make plans, short terms and long terms. We decide which path to take. We make things and design ideas and work them out. So much we can do.

But I know. At the end of the day, it boils down to just one question, "Does it matter?"

Does it matter if I take up this responsibility? Does it matter if I decide to do this or that? If it matters, what does it matter for? If it matters, to whom does it matter?

With all I have. I want to move forward with God, keeping in mind that whatever I do, I must have God in the middle of it all.

Lots of doors are opening. But I dare not cross the gates that guard them. If I do dare, does it matter?

Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails.
-Proverbs 19:21

Doing What Matters

I still find each day too short for all the thoughts I want to think, all the walks I want to take, all the books I want to read, and all the friends I want to see.
- John Burroughs

So... I do what matters more.

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It's Dangerous Out There, But Go Ahead.

Everyone of us go through many transitions in life. There are many stages in life. Psychologist Erik Erikson broke them down into 8 stages. In this post I want to speak specifically to those who are in their teens and transitioning to early adulthood. Age 17 to 21.

Erikson states that people from 12 - 18 years old goes through Identity Vs Role Confusion. This is where we develop a sense of self and a personal identity. If one is successful in this stage, he will be able to stay true to himself and move on well. However those who fail at this stage will feel lost and confused about his role and will lead to a weak sense of self.

Two weeks back the Youth Church brought a few of the Form 5 students to One Utama to have some fun before they sit fro their SPM Examinations which will mark the end of their hig school days and the beginning of a whole new journey.

This is what I shared with them.

After you leave school. You will be moving on to college and university. You will be exposed to a whole new culture and will be given a new outlook at life. Things will change. Things will be different. People talk a different language. They dress a different style. They walk differently. Everything is fresh and new.

The challenges grow.

You will be facing decisions on what you want to do and who you want to become. You will make decisions on developing your identity. And when you fail at it, you will face confusion. There are a lot of dangers out there. Friends will influence you to do things that otherwise you might not want to do and go to places you might not want to go.

My advice is. Go. But go where you know God wants to lead you to. Do not conform to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind. The church needs to go into the world and infiltrate the society out there. To be a light in the dark. To be the salt in a whole pot of hot curry.

I have been out here for 2 years now and I have seen a lot of things. I have been exposed to a lot of cultures and there are more to be explored. I want to warn you, that it is a terrible place out there. Go with the grace of God and bring God along in your journey.

You are filled with potential. Like a bomb waiting to blow off in right timing. Mould yourself and root yourself in the Word of God. Do not fall away from the faith. Stay with God. Stay with the church. Stay with your Christian friends. Life is just too short to waste. If we would only realize that we are but permanent residents on earth, we will be able to do so much more. If we would only realize that the world is just a transition stage and heaven is waiting, we would be able to be much more radical. There is more to life than this, my friends.

Identity Vs Role Confusion?

Your Identity is in Christ.

What Happens Next?

We are always moving forward and moving on. There will be many seasons in life and many transitions we have to go through. And through each transitions, our challenges changes and our challenges grow and become stronger. Through each transitions, we leave behind the old and face the new and uncharted territory.

What are you transitioning from and where will you be transitioning to?

Last week I had a the privilege to spend some time with a few friends who will be taking their SPM examinations soon. I shared to them about transitioning. Because once you are done with your secondary school life you move on to the college and university life which is a whole new territory. It can be scary. It will be dangerous.

The bigger question is: Are you bringing God along in your transition or are you leaving him behind?

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Two Roads Diverging, Which One Will You Choose?

What do you do when you face two roads infront of you? Both roads are equally good for your benefit. One road leads you to where you want to go and another road leads you to where you are called to go.

There will always be two roads to choose from. The decision you make will determine your tomorrow. There will always be two journeys to choose from.

After being in the Youth Church ministry for so long I am beginning to realize how hard it is for youths to choose between these two roads they face. There will come a time in their life where they choose to follow the world fully or choose to follow the One that created them. It is sad to see that leaders are giving up on their "ministry" and "moving on" in life.

Is it really hard to be a leader in the church? Is it really hard to lead people to Christ? Is it really hard to serve?

When youths come to the college and university stage in their life, they tend to feel that they are so busy with assignments and works and other stuff and they have no time for the church. Everyday they are caught up with doing assignments and struggling to meet datelines and study for exams to score well and do well and beat everyone else in the class. And little by little they think it is okay to let go of some church commitments.

When will we realize that serving in the ministry is not a job or work or responsibility or something that everyone must do? I have no words to describe what ministry is. Serving in the ministry is not a task, it is not a work, it has not words in the dictionary to explain it! Serving in the ministry is more than a work, it is more than people, it is more than time, it is more than commitment, it is more than everything else. Serving in the ministry and doing the work of God is about Jesus! It is all about Jesus!

It is depressing to see youths choosing the other road instead of the road that God has called them to choose.

Being a Christian is all about following Jesus, it is all about Jesus. It is about doing the work of God, it is about going where God wants to bring you, not where you want to bring God. It is about sacrificing the good things in life for the better things in heaven. It is about giving your time to God and asking him to work out your schedule for you. It is about giving yourself fully to the work of God and denying your own desires and selfish ambitions. It is about praying and asking God, "What's next?"

Know that if you are a leader in the church, you are not serving a ministry, you are serving a huge God. It is not a work, it is more than life, it is about Jesus.

When two roads diverge,

Will you take the one less travelled?

Don't give up on your service in the church.

Don't give up on Jesus.

Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labour in the Lord is not in vain.

(1 Corinthians 15.58)

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From The Scriptures

Words, words, words.

We are all good with our words and we know how to "play" with people's feelings eh? Evangelists often go onstage and deliver a heart warming message accompanied by a tear-inducing story. Well, it works. People are often moved by such things.

So often we rely on stories and other elements that we forget to tell people about the core of the Bible and of God's love. It is vital to share a testimony or two but we must remember that only the Word of God has the power to transform the heart, tuning it to God's frequency. Nothing else can be as powerful as the Word.

Paul knew it well enough.

Paul vigorously refuted the Jews in public debate, proving from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Christ. (Acts 18:28)

Throughout the book of Acts we can see Paul, Peter and the other apostles sharing the message through the use of Scriptures, they recognized the power in it. In Acts chapter 2, Peter shared to more than 3000 people in just below 10 minutes. His short sharing was full of the Scripture and the message was so sharp and in line with the Scripture. At the end of his short sharing, 3000 people decided to give their lives to Jesus. What a miracle! His secret? Share from the Scripture.

People may ridicule and not believe what you tell them from the Bible. It doesn't matter, the more you try to explain to them the more they put up fences. Make it short and simple and go to the main point. The Gospel is meant to be offensive. People do not like to hear about Jesus because the Bible goes against all their thinking and beliefs. The Bible sets the rules of life that they are not willing to follow. But whatever it is, you do your job and share to them, tell them about the love of Christ and then let God work in them. Don't force it down on them.

"Defend the Bible? I would as so on defend a lion! Unchain it and it will defend itself." - Charles Spurgeon.

The Word of God has power, once we recognize it and acknowledges it, we will be able to pierce hearts with it. The message of the Gospel is very simple. But many are unwilling to give their time to hear just a little about it.

Like Peter and Paul, share from the Scriptures. Do not sway away from the real message.

To those who do not know about Jesus and happens to read this, fear not. We are not out there to convert you. We just want to share with you what we know and in the hope that you will give us some time and hear us out. Anyway, it wouldn't be ethical if we withheld a cure for AIDS if we have one right? We would love to share it.

=)

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A New Start

Hey there friends,

Let me introduce you to my new baby. The Nikon D90 with 18-105 VR Lens and SB900 flashlight! Wee hee!!! =D I got them last Sunday and it has been a joy so far! Loving it a lot.

I want to thank God who provided me the means to get the camera as well as a good friend of mine who was so kind!

I am going to start shooting once more. The thief came and took away my previous gears but he forgot to take away my passion, which he obviously can't! =D

Life has been really tough on me this year especially. And since I started my Psychology course in Damansara, my time has been really cut short. I miss blogging and writing devotional stuff about the One I am in love with. But don't worry. I am still on track and will be blogging my story with Him as much as I can.

For the mean time, I want to let you know that I am moving on to higher grounds with the things I have at my disposal. I am moving forward.

Trusting God in every cicumstances should not be a challenge.

Teach me your ways, O Lord, that I may walk in your Truth. Give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your Name.

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For Where Your Treasure Is, There Your Heart Will Be Also

I rented a house in Damansara to stay because it is near HELP University College, the place where I will be for the next 3 years studying Psychology.

Last Thursday afternoon my friends and I left for class at 11.45pm. We came back about 4pm.

I came down from the car, opened the front gate and to my surprise... I saw the door and middle gate opened. I shouted, "Our house got robbed!" I rushed inside. Looked at the table in the living room, my laptop gone. I ran upstairs, went to my room, saw everything in a mess, my DSLR camera and all its equipment gone. My friend lost his harddisk and another a RM4000 newly bought laptop.

This sucks.

I was in a state of shock. Quickly SMSed to my friends so that I might be able to get some comfort you know. I did. Many of them called me up and talked with me calming me down. I felt better. But it still sucks. I lost my photography gears and my laptop. Not only that, I lost forever a couple's wedding pictures. I was there to shoot their wedding and I had everything done, editing and compiling and all. And all gone, even the backp copies which was in my friend's harddisk. Argh! This will forever be a scar in my memory. Sigh.

I told myself to be strong and to get back on my feet again. My laptop is exceptionally important to me for my work. My camera too. Now part of my income which is photography is halted for a moment.

But not for long.

You know what is funny about the robbery?

On the way back from class, we were in the car and we were listening to this song Blessed Be Your Name. When the bridge part came, I was singing it at the top of my voice. It goes,
"You give and take away. You give and take away. My heart will choose to say. Lord, blessed be Your Name!"

Hahahahahahahahahahahaha!

When I got to the house, indeed, "You give and take away. You give and take away. My heart will choose to say. Lord, blessed be Your Name."

God can be a real joker at times =) He's Da Man!

And yes, I thank God. I thank God for friends who were there to comfort me and help me. I thank God for a few individuals who were so selfless that they gave me angpows even though I didn't want to receive them. I thank God for my pastor who called me up personally and asked about my situation and offered to help. Above all, I thank God for reminding me that where my treasure is, there my heart will be also.

Luke 12:33-36

Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

I will be back in photography soon.

ReCharge

RECHARGE is here once more!

This time Recharge is going to give you an event you will never forget. Click HERE.

A group of us went over to Tin Valley, Ipoh for the event last week. It was an awesome night. The highlights of the event was really something to talk about!

One of the highlights was the super cool photo booth. They had a platform and mini studio set up at the entrance before entering the club. A photographer will snap a picture of you and then it will automatically be uploaded unto a huge huge LCD screen. And you can touch the screen and rotate the picture, enlarge it, etc. Just like those cool gadgets you see on CSI. So cool!
And guess what? You can actually send the picture to your email! Just play around with the screen and type your email address and press send! Simple! =D

And they had this Recharge CO2 Cubicle. Basically you stand inside the cubicle, cover your ears (optional haha) and then a burst of air! I do not really know what is that but when you smell it, it is like you are drinking Soda water through your nose! Gives you a temporary boost haha! Nice! Want to try that again!

The entrance is really awesome. They had this thing which blows out icy cold mist and then a projector projecting images through it. Awesome!

International DJs and MCs were featured that night and they rawked the house down! Come for the next Recharge near your city!

See you at the next ReCharge stop!!!

Click HERE for more pictures.

I Have Learned... But Have We Really?

I’ve learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back. I’ve learned that I still have a lot to learn. I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what... you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.

- Siew Wei Chaw

I remembered the first time I went to the youth church gathering in 2003. I was new there and didn't know anyone - not a single soul. I felt like stepping into new territories and I held up my guard. I was lonely and felt left out.

Then came a young boy, he greeted me and talked with me. And in no time, we were seated together side by side in the hall filled with strangers. He wasn't a stranger there, he knew people there and people there knew him. And even so, he came and reached out to me.

That forever changed my life.

I felt cared, I felt important, I felt that my presence was felt.

He became my close friend until today and it was because of his act of kindness, I am who I am today. If it wasn't for him, I think I would not attend church services again because my first experience there was filled with loneliness.

Thank you, Poh Leong.

The quoted words from Siew Wei rings true in our life. We should not let each day pass without reaching out and touching someone. There are many souls out there which needs healing and lots of it. There are people out there who are confused and let down. There are people who need compassion more than judgment.

What is life?

I have discovered that life is not merely about me, myself and I.

Father, Father, help us. Send some guidance from above. These people got me, got me questioning, "Where is the LOVE?"

- Black Eyed Peas.

A new commandment I give to you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. All men will know that you are my disciples if you love one another.

- Jesus Christ (John 13:34-35)

The entire law is summed up in a single command: "Love your neighbor as yourself."

- Paul, (Galatians 5:14)

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I Have Become All Things...

Woo hoo!

So glad to meet rads!

Last night I had a chat with Darren Teh of Army of Three and An Honest Mistake band. If you have heard of Army of Three (AoT), you will know what kind of music they play. They play heavy metal music and guess what? Their lyrics are all about God! Awesome. When I first attended one of their gigs, I was like, "What? How can Christians play such music and call it Christian music???" I shunned away from AoT that time. Then I began to realize that they were doing it not for us who are into country music, they are doing it to target those people who are into such heavy metal sounds. And last night Darren shared a little with me about what AoT does. It was amazing.

Another radical that I have the privilege to be friend with is Leonard Chua from City Harvest church. He is managing a club (yes, a club) at Mont Kiara, and it goes by the name Envy Club (I wonder why haha.) He is one nice guy and is passionate about what he is doing. He parties till late at night and always manage to wake up early to attend church service. He knows almost all the big guys in the entertainment industry and he tells me, "We have to be the salt." I know God is opening doors for him to minister to those people he works with.

As for me, I am doing what I can and what I need to do. With magic, I pray God will open doors for me to go to places others cannot follow and others will not follow. Above all else, God is the main focus of what I am doing and will be doing. Pray with me.

I am going off to Port Dickson now for a camp. Will be doing a Magic Night on the second night of camp. Was told not to share the Gospel. But guess what? I am in chains for Christ, so there is no way I am not sharing the Truth! =) I will be performing my usual magic routine but will subtly add Gospel elements inside. And at the end, give 'em a solid one to think and swallow =)

Magic.

1 Corinthians 9:19 - 24

Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. To the Jews, I become like a Jew, to win the Jews. To the weak I become the weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all things for the sake of the Gospel, that I may share in its blessings.

Be Radical in The Things You Do.

=)

Moving Into Different Territories

This year has been a rather crazy year for me. I did not expect myself to be where I am today. 9 months went pass me and many things changed.

I am moving into different territories.

I am aware that there are people out there who are talking about me and against what I am doing. They are starting to point fingers at me and the people I work with. Well, go on, guys. I don't care. Someone has to do it right?

If no one will, no one will.

God is still my main focus and the center of my life. It has been a challenging 9 months. Trying hard to be on track and to be a lighthouse in the church and outside the church. I am starting to see the other side of the world which I have only heard of before. I am starting to feel the pressure of the challenges out there. Everyone wants to be different and to make a change. But who really wants to do it? You? Me?

God is interested in sending us out like sending the sheep to a pack of wolves. But who would stay alive and who would become sheepish-wolves?

Be strong and courageous.

To be strong and courageous you need to be in a position where your strength can be tested and your courage can be shown. You can't possibly stay at your comfort zone and yell out, "Behold, I am one who is strong and courageous. Look at me!" God told his people to be strong and courageous, then he sent them out to face the enemies and God was always by their side.

I have a great passion to serve the young people and help them to rise up to their own individual calling in their life. I still have that passion and it is ever growing.

"Who shall I send?"

"Here I am, send me."

=)

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God Is Dead. And We Have Killed Him.

"God is dead. God remains dead. And we have killed him. How shall we comfort ourselves, the murderers of all murderers? What was holiest and mightiest of all that the world has yet owned has bled to death under our knives: who will wipe this blood off us? What water is there for us to clean ourselves? What festivals of atonement, what sacred games shall we have to invent? Is not the greatness of this deed too great for us? Must we ourselves not become gods simply to appear worthy of it?"

- Friedrich Nietzsche

He was a 19th century philosopher who boldly told the world that, "God is dead." However what he meant wasn't literally the death of God. In other words, he meant to say that the modern world no longer needed God.

How true can this be?

Everyone proclaims that they are self-made men and they are entirely in control of their lives and everything that happens to them. No one wants to report to a higher authority. The need for a Superior Being to watch over man seems to them a poetry.

Yes, God is dead. And we have killed him.

We killed him with our selfish desires and dreams. We killed him with our need to satisfy the human body. We killed him when we stood up and supported communism. We killed him when we decided that forgiveness is pure crap. We killed him when we thought that we are self-sufficient and self-sustaining. We killed him when we took full control of our own lives, not recognizing a higher power.

We killed God in so many ways.

The modern man now sees that each person has the power to do whatever he wants because he can. With that, there is no need for a God. Why the need for a God when I can study and get a job and work hard and get rich and enjoy life? Why the need for a Being who is unseen when we can enjoy all the things we can see on earth?

If these are your thoughts, then my prayers are for you.

God is Not Dead.

He lives evermore. He lives everlasting in the hearts of men and women and children who believes and acknowledges Him.

God is so big he holds the universe in his hands. Yet so small to live in our hearts.

Hard to comprehend?

The modern world thinks that God is so dead. They are wrong. A remnant of faithful soldiers are rising up. A revival is going to sweep over the nations and then the Truth will be known to all.

God is Not Dead. And so are His soldiers.

But these are only my words. Who will stand with me to prove my words? Will you?

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Made For Praise

When God made humans, he knew what to give us. One of the desires God gave to us humans is the desire to worship. We have a heart of praise and worship. We long to praise something and worship something. God gave us this desire to bow down, to extol, to lift up on high, to praise, to shout and to honor and glorify.

He also knew our temptation to squander our praises on lesser things.

That is the reason God gave us the first commandment in the Ten Commandments:

"I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. You shall have no other gods before Me. You shall not make for yourself an idol, or any likeness of what is in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the water under the earth. You shall not worship or serve them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God." (Exodus 20:2-5)

There wouldn't be a need for such a command if we were not prone to praise and worship. But God knew what humans were capable of. He knew if there weren't such a command, his people will look elsewhere to give their praises and worship to. God knew we would direct our praises to objects, to people, to idols and to other gods.

We roar for sports idols, wait in line to get autographs of celebrities and stars, watch red carpets and follow up on our favorite singer and actor, we pay tons of money to fly to another country to watch our favorite band performing, we look at stars in amazement and praise the beauty of the mountains and hills. We stand in awe at extraordinary mortals just like us, only "better." We rise to our feet in concerts and strain to catch a glimpse of performers on stage who stand no closer than we are to the One who made all of us.

And God knew that we would squander our praises and worships on lesser things.

So God gave us the one eternal thing that exists that can never be praise long or loudly enough, that can never get all the glory it deserves: He gave himself.

Mary moved forward to Jesus' feet and broke a jar of costly perfume. In full sight of all present, she poured the expensive and fragrant perfume over the feet of Jesus in a gesture of love, honor and worship. The whole room went silent.

As the rich fragrant filled the whole room, she knelt before the King of Kings and wiped the perfume into his feet with her hair. What she did was crazy. It was extravagant and considered an awful interruption. It may be intimate and perhaps even embarrassing to others in the room.

The object of Mary's affection had summoned her worship. She could no longer hold it anymore. She took the most valuable possession she had and gave it as a love offering to Jesus. She found no other means to show how in love she was with Jesus. Breaking the expensive jar of perfume that she probably spent her whole life saving on for Jesus was the only way she could think of to worship.

She was made for praise, and she found the One who was worthy to receive it.

Have you?

Click here for a beautiful song based on the story above - The Alabaster Jar.

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Leaving God's House In Ruins.

Haggai 1:5-6

Give careful thoughts to your ways. You have planted much, but have harvested little. You eat, but never have enough. You drink, but never have your fill. You put on clothes, but are not warm. You earn wages, only to put them in a purse with holes in it.

This was what the Lord told the people of Haggai who were neglecting the house of the Lord and building their own houses instead.

While the house of God lay in ruin, the people were busy building their own houses. And all their labor were done in vain. They planted, no fruits. They ate, not full. They drank, not filled. They wore clothes, not warm. They earn, not enough. They did everything, not satisfied. They toiled, in vain. Nothing. Nothing. Nothing.

This account paints a symbolic picture yesterday, today and tomorrow.

Christians are more occupied building their own houses instead of God's house.

That is the reason why we are often not satisfied with our houses.

Houses here does not necessarily represents the building and four walls we live in. "Houses" can mean the selfish things we do for ourselves for our own good. It can be a career, a business, a hobby, a life. Anything.

I tremble whenever this verse comes to mind. Only tonight as I was quieting myself and reciting verses from my memory, I came upon this verse. It is as though God is reminding me of something. I have to re-evaluate my life and the things that I have been doing and am doing and will do. I have to start asking myself, "Am I building God's house or my house?"

What is the thing that we give most of our time to?

Is it our hobby? Is it our job? Is it our friends? Is it the internet? Is it something that is not productive? If it is productive, in what way? And is it for a kingdom cause? Or it is for personal gain and personal interest and everything personal? What is it?

I am not only writing this to all of you out there who are reading. I don't even know who reads my blog nowadays. But it doesn't matter. I am writing this to myself and to remind myself. What I speak to you convicts my heart more than it convicts yours.

God, help me.

Know that if whatever you do that is not significant to your faith, you are certainly wasting your time. No matter how good you are at doing what you are doing, when you are dead and gone, everything will not matter at all! Only your labor in the Lord and His work will matter and will last for eternity. You may be prospering in whatever that you are doing. Good on you, mate. God has blessed us with ability to think, to learn, to work. With that ability we can do almost anything and everything. We will definitely prosper and do well in whatever we put out mind, heart and soul into.

BUT...

No matter how much you prosper, God does not care. The only thing that matters to Him is that you gather all your strength, skills, talents, mind, heart and soul and build the house of God. And the house of God does not necessarily mean the church building. Note that.

So, back to the question.

Are you building your house while leaving God's house in ruins?

Deuteronomy 1:6

You will sow much seed in the field but you will harvest little, because locusts will devour it. You will plant vineyards and cultivate them but you will not drink the wine or gather the grapes because worms will eat them.

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Another Season Will Pass, And I Will Still Be As Strong, Maybe Even More.

Next week will mark the end of my 6 months holiday break =(

There are mix feelings inside me now. I am excited to start my degree course but at the same time I am missing my free time that I had been having for the past 6 months. Next week I will be starting my 3 years degree course in Psychology in HELP University, Damansara.

A lot has happened during the past 6 months. I did not know how but it happened. I got very involved in my magic hobby and it brought me further than I expected to go in such a short period of time. For the past 6 months I have been exploring different areas of magic and exploring different jobs I can get with magic. It has been a fruitful exploration so far. There has been lots of encouragements from family and friends and leaders from the church as well. I guess they know what I am doing and they are keeping me in prayers.

I am now the Resident Magician for one of Kuala Lumpur's top clubs - Zouk Club KL. I did not expect this to happen. Was just going to Zouk one afternoon with my good friend Poh Leong for interview. And after that, everything happened so fast I lost track of time haha. My stint at Zouk so far has been very memorable and enjoyable. And I have to tell you, the challenges a Christian face at those kind of areas are huge haha. Girls go there as though cloths are the top on the Extinction List. But do not worry, I know what I am doing there =)

I ask myself, if no one will, who will?

If no one will, no one will.

Gospel Magic was the main thing that inspired me to venture into the Art of Magic. And it is still my passion - to use magic to capture people's attention and then lead them to the knowledge that what they see are just illusions and the real magic happens in the hands of God. Only God can do real "magic" and He is the "IM Possible" and He is the real "Magician".

So next week begins the next chapter and season of my life. I will be meeting new friends and getting new contacts. Schedules will be changed and time will be so limited for me. I have to start using every second wisely and MAKE IT COUNT for something. I have to make everyday fruitful!

Next season will be one of further exploration in preparation for the even more challenging coming days.

I do not know where is God going to lead me. I can only plan and uphold my plans to Him, the one who is in control. I can only pray and seek the hand of God in my life.

I know that God is not through with me. He has greater plans for me. Plans to use me to impact lives one at a time, no matter how slow the process and how long it takes. Because I believe that there is more to life than this.

There is more to life than enjoying and making the most out of each day.

There is more to life than building yourself a career and empire.

There is more to life than getting rich or die trying.

There is more to life than climbing the corporate ladder.

There is more to life than everything you are doing right now.

There is!

Another season will pass, and I will still be as strong, maybe even more!

Romans 8:28

And we know that in all things God works for THOSE WHO LOVE HIM, who have been called according to His purpose.

Proverbs 3:5-6

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways, acknowledge Him and He will make your paths right.

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My Identity, Christ’s Identity.

I am first and foremost a Christian. In whatever that I do, I pray that God will remind me that I am first and foremost a Christian.

Too many people call themselves Christians and then go out doing things that totally contradict any of the Bible’s teachings. Their acts resulting in the world having distorted views about Christianity. Being a Christian requires a different standard of living. Being a Christian requires you to think differently, to act differently, to talk differently, to mingle differently, to judge differently, to everything differently.

Being a Christian is to BE Christ.

Often times when we act out of anger, we forget that Jesus only acted in righteous anger.

Often times when we accuse people of sinning and so quickly punish them, we forget that Jesus told the crowd who were about to stone to adulteress woman, “If anyone of you is without sin, let him be the first to cast a stone at her.”

Often times when we segregate ourselves from people who are low class and of different standard, we forget that Jesus sat down and ate with sinful tax collectors.

Often times when we complained that we do not have a better place to stay, we forget that Jesus the Son of God had no place to lay his head.

Often times when we curse the world for being unfair to us, we forget that Jesus was crucified by the world.

And it goes on…

I have to admit that at different situations in our life, it is hard to BE a Christian. However it does not need to be so. It isn’t hard and it isn’t possible. Although being a Christian is more than just confessing that Jesus is Lord, it is not hard to live a Christian life.

If we only try. And give ourselves room for failure. And muster the strength to rise again each time we fall.

But it is sad to see that today many Christians do not even bother to lead a Christian life. All they have in mind is to do whatever it takes to be rich and famous and enjoy life. They go to church but they do not bring their heart there. They pray but only when the need arises. They sing and praise God but only to feel good on a Sunday. They raise their hands towards heaven but their hearts have already been surrendered to the world.

They don’t care.

But you should not.

I try. And I keep trying.

I am first and foremost a Christian.

My identity = Christ’s identity.

2 Corinthians 5:16-17

So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has gone, the new has come!

The pictures found in this post were taken by Joshua Chan during Grace Youth Identity Conference and Rally at Grace PJ last Saturday 8th of August 2009. I wasn't able to attend the night rally and hear the preaching. But this is what I understand about Identity=Christ.

What's Behind

This post was taken from Yoke Pei's blog - www.deeperthanlove.blogspot.com

I do not want a tongue piercing anymore!

Never! Yes, I am renouncing it publicly. Haha. Well, not that I was serious on getting one but yeah, I thought it was simply cool and all, you know. Ahaaa, until Bill Sudduth shared on Tattooing and Piercing yesterday. Thank God I was taught the ugly truth behind the ink and holes. Tongue piercing actually speaks I-Am-A-Lesbian. *gasp* I was not, am not and never will I be okay.



Generally, in the ancient days and even until today, tattoos are done as an act to gain power, acceptance and protection from the demonic spirits. And tattoos are often linked to prostitutions, convictions, slavery and perversion. A number of pictures were shown, from the Egyptian god Bes to the African's scarification, cicatrization and even, tongue slitting, ear plugging and lip plugging. The slides definitely freaked us out. Or at least, myself. Clearly, I was not exposed to things like this and it gave me a big, big shock. =O

I never thought that anyone would tattoo their face even! Yeah, a beautiful woman to have "goatee" on? And do you think it's worthy just because one finds pleasure in checking out the "amazed" look on their fellow friends when they proudly exhibit their slitted tongue? Very cool, huh? I looked at those pictures and I went all like, " What!? How sick can one be?" I'm sorry, I don't think it's cool at all.

Leviticus 19:28 -

"Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put your tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the LORD."

There are certainly some spiritual aspects that we must be aware of in the case of tattooing and piercing. God warned us not to impair the image He has created in us as our body is the Temple of God and shall be kept holy. When we allow the ink to seep into our blood stream or when we get our body pierced, we're actually opening the door for the evil. Our different body parts are like gates to our inner self. The ancestors used to get their face and body tattooed just to make them look more like the idols that they were worshiping. And eventhough they were from different nations, we could see the resemblance in the designs of the tattoos. Coincidence, you think? No, it's the work of the Satan who came to steal, kill and destroy. To make God's people like you and me to fall into sins as such to worship and carry the image of idols instead. And now that the end days are near, we have to be extremely cautious in overcoming this growing "culture".

God doesn't want us to condemn ourselves, to condemn the way He formed us. However, the permanent marks are made to mar the body, a reckless act to allow the unrighteous take charge of us and as a sign of rebellion against God. Oh, and there's no such thing as a Christian tattoo at all. The Lord is the LORD. He does not need a tattoo of the cross on our arm to be glorified. It does not make us a Christian either. Jesus paid the price for us on the cross and rose again. We're made pure by faith and He looks deep into the beauty of our heart. It is the heart of worship and the passion to serve that He's searching for.

You may say, "Come on lah, tattoo's just an artwork!" or "Piercings are the now-thing", just ask yourself this "Do I really want to put myself at risk?" Well, not just spiritually (of course, spiritual damage is the ultimate deadly one!) - physically too. You might end up with a real bad infection and lose your parts. If vanity is the reason, then why at all? Right now, if you're thinking of laser as a back-up plan, do check out the cost and the duration of treatment first. And the ink has long-term affects on your health too. We don't need the scientific terms like Ferum (II) oxide here but I'm sure you all pretty much know that ink contains chemicals and most chemicals are hazardous, yes?


Be wise, to those who are on the verge of making a disastrous life-time decision. The choice is still yours. I'm just done sharing what I've learned from the talk and I hope that you'd gain something from this post too.

And to those who have fallen into this, it is not too late to learn, repent and rejoice in the Lord again. Pray and seek for forgiveness, not from men but from God. Remember, He's not only our Creator; He's also our Healer.

Isaiah 1:18 "Come now, let us argue this out", says the Lord. "No matter how deep the stain of your sins, I can remove it. I can make you as clean as freshly fallen snow. Even if you are stained as red as crimson, I can make you as white as wool."

AMEN! (:

I Am Not A Peaceful Alien.

It's been another long and tiring week. There is only 24 hours in a day. It is either enough or not enough. We are the ones in control of the time given to us. Are we being productive? If yes, in what way?

I was just thinking about aliens recently. As much as we love this world and love to dwell in it, we have to realize the fact that we do not belong here. We come as foreigners and visitors.

There are rumours that we belong to another world - not this.

How true it is? I can't answer that for you but I know.

We Christians are called to one purpose - that is to share the knowledge that we have. The knowledge that we have, no one wants it hear it and no one likes to hear it. Because it is offensive. It causes them to think. It requires them to give up the things that are most dear to them. It gives them confusion.

We are aliens on planet earth. Our home is not here but in heaven. Paul has this to say:

Philippians 3:20

But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, our Lord Jesus Christ.

He knew that his citizenship was not on earth, nor in the country that he resided it. With that conviction in his heart, he lived his life differently. He was one of the movers and shakers of the early Christian church.

Our life here on earth is temporary. Like a passing wind. The moment we realize and understand that, our values will change. The way we see things will change. The way we treat people will change. Our ambitions, goals and dreams will change. Our desires will be different. We will start to talk differently. We will start to prioritize differently. We will begin to live our life differently.

Only if we realize what Paul realized.

We are all aliens but we do not come in peace...

We come to this earth to create havoc. To stir the enemy. To infiltrate the enemy's camp and to turn the camp upside down. We come to earth not bringing flowers from another planet but bringing a sword. An offensive weapon. We come as aliens raging war with the values, teachings, and beliefs of this planet. We come as warring aliens.

When Jesus came to the earth. He came bringing a sword. He defied all the laws of the political parties during his time. He defied the laws of the Pharisees, Sadducees, Zealots, Helots and many more. He went against each and every of the political parties' teachings and beliefs. He came to cause havoc! More on this in one of my older posts. Click HERE. It is a good read.

I am an alien on this planet. This world is not my home. I am only a temporary resident given a timeframe for me to do what I am to do. I am only passing through. My citizenship is in heaven.

I am an alien on this planet and I do not come in peace...

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When The World Sees Grace In Action, It Falls Silent

Nelson Mandela, the famous African leader, taught the world a lesson in grace. Being released from prison after twenty-seven years and being elected president of South Africa, he asked his jailer to join him on the inauguration platform. No one would want to offer such an honorable position to a jailer who kept you in prison, Nelson did.

Seeing the natural and common pattern of hate, vengeance and revenge, he decided to set up an official government panel. This panel was headed by Archbishop Desmond Tutu and the name was the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. The panel was created to deal with people who oppressed one another because of their differences in race and tribe.

For the next two and a half years, the people of South Africa listened to reports of the unusual ways the TRC dealt with crimes and punishments. The rules of the TRC was simple: if a white policeman or army officer voluntarily faced his accusers, confessed his crime and fully acknowledged his guilt, he could not be tried and punished for that crime.

This is NONSENSE – according to many people who were affected by the criminal crimes committed by such offenders.

It is an OBVIOUS INJUSTICE.

But Nelson insisted that the country needed healing even more than it needed justice.

At one hearing, a policeman named Van de Broek recounted an incident where he and other officers shot an eighteen-year-old boy and burned the body to destroy evidence. Eight years later, Broek returned to the very same house and seized the boy’s father. The wife was forced to watch as the policeman bound her husband on a woodpile, poured gasoline over his body and ignited it.

The courtroom grew hushed as the elderly woman who had lost her son and husband was given a chance to respond. “What do you want from Mr Van de Broek?” the judge asked. She replied saying that she wanted Broek to go to the place where they burned her husband’s body and gather up the dust so she could give him a decent burial. Broek’s head was down, he nodded with agreement.

Then she added a further request, “Mr Van de Broek took all my family away from me and I still have a lot of love to give. Twice a month, I would like for him to come to the ghetto and spend a day with me so I can be a mother to him. And I would like Mr Van de Broek to know that he is forgiven by God, and that I forgive him too. I would like to embrace him so he can know my forgiveness is real.”

Spontaneously, some in the courtroom began to sing “Amazing Grace” as the elderly woman made her way to the witness stand, but Broek did not hear the singing. He had fainted, overwhelmed.

Justice was not done in South Africa that day, nor in the entire country during months of agonizing procedures of the TRC. Something beyond justice took place. “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good,” said Paul.

Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu understood that evil can only be overcome by one response. Revenge gives birth to more evil. Justice punishes evil.

Only grace can overcome evil, absorbing it and not allowing it to go any further.

Jesus Christ showed this pattern of otherworldly grace in his life and death.

When the world sees grace in action, it falls silent.



*This post was inspired by one of Philip Yancey’s writings in his book, Rumours of Another World.

When Life Hands You Lemons, Make Lemonade.

I love the quote, "When life hands you lemons, make lemonade." I do not know its origins though but it is so true don't you think so? Who in a right mind who like lemons? As in lemons, just lemons, without drinks, squeeze the juice out of the lemon into your mouth! How long would you be able to stand the sourly taste? Not for long. Talk about chilled lemonade.. Now that's a different story. Who wouldn't want one cup of icy cold lemonade with ice on a hot day?

When life hands you something that you do not like, turn it into something useful!

Many of the greatest Christian leaders in the world and those around you did not grow up in the church. Their lives revolves around sneaking out of their house on Sundays to attend service with risk. They risk their parents finding out and disciplining them for going to church. They were raised in homes where alcohol and abuse was everywhere.

Many great leaders and motivational speakers in the world did not grow up in a huge white mansion. They grew up in the slums and back alleys and under the bridges. Their childhood days were spent scavenging for food in rubbish bins. They played with discarded toys thrown away by rich children. They ate left overs and knew not what McDonald's taste like. They sleep on card boards.

But their disadvantage did not bring down many of them. Many were inspired instead to change their life and they grew up strong, having in mind to change the way they are living. And those who were successful in leading a good life did not just stopped there, they turned back and were determined to help those who were in need and those who were like them when they were young.

Their disadvantage did not take the upper hand. Their disadvantage gave them an advantage. Their disadvantage became the fuel that fire the engine of change. Their disadvantage was the gunpowder that provided them with the power to turn things around for themselves and those who were like them!

Their disadvantage became their advantage.

In the Bible we see that God do not care about the people's short coming or disadvantages. Because God is God, God can use your disadvantage and turn them into advantages!

Moses could not speak well and he stuttered. He complained to God saying that he is unworthy to carry out duties. Moses complained to God! Moses told God to choose another one to take his place! Moses was also a murderer! God used him to change the course of Israel's history.

Abraham had the hard time of trusting God to give him an offspring when science proofed that his wife is barren. Come on, who would be really able to believe that a BARREN woman can give birth? No way right? But Abraham stayed faithful. He then became the father of children as many as the stars.

Jonah was a coward! He was so scared of the people of Nineveh and he even FLED after hearing God commanding him. Who in their right senses would run away even after hearing an audible command from God? I mean, we yearn to hear God so much yet when we do, we do not really know whether is it real or not. But Jonah knew. He knew God spoke to him. Yet he FLED from God's command. What a coward! But God used him to change the hearts of EVERYONE in Nineveh. I do not know how many people were in Nineveh but I sure know that there were A LOT of people.

David was a normal and low class shepherd boy. He had nothing else to do except look after sheeps. But God had different plans for him. In the field, God trained David to trust in God for the ultimate protection from a shepherd. God trained him how to fight off wild animals and how to use the sling and stone. With that David defeated the enemies of Israel.

Peter was a normal fisherman with no other abilities other than to FISH! I am sure he knows how to bargain for good price and how to talk his way through to get a good deal for his catch. But I am sure he would not be able to be courageous enough to stand in front of thousands telling them that Jesus is God! I mean, he would be stoned for blasphemy! That coward Peter even denied knowing Jesus - thrice! His disadvantage was COWARDICE but God turned it into a GODLY COWARDICE. Peter FEARED God! Look what he did in the book of Acts!

These people used their disadvantages to become advantages.

So can you!

When life hands you lemons, make lemonade!

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