There Must To Be More To Life Than This

Reminiscence

2011-01-30T02:10:00.002+08:00

Oh how fast the days fly. The young ones are young no more. The old ones are young once more.

We have all grown. Some for the better. Many for the worse.

I take joy in seeing the ones who have grown so much in their faith and walk with God. Surely our labor wasn't in vain.

What Is Life To You?

2010-11-16T14:31:00.003+08:00

We live in a world where everyone is out to achieve their own personal dreams and ambitions. It's all about what you have done, what you have achieved, what cars you drive and how many people know you or about you. It's a competitive world out there. People look at you and judge you by your achievements and looks. If you are pleasant looking, they like you, if you don't look beautiful or sexy or hot, you become an outcast. If you are pretty, guys all line up to bring you out for dinner, if you are not, go dig your own grave. I am being realistic here. That's the world MOST of us live in. That's the world I live in now that I am in involved in the arts, media and entertainment industry. If you have a talent, people like you, if you don't, you struggle to have one to join the group.

They live each day thinking about how to earn money, and when that's done, they think about how to earn even more money. By doing so, their lives are all filled with agendas, meetings and events after events. It's a cycle. You wake up, you get ready for a day full of meetings, you end it by bringing different girls out for dinner (if you are a girl, you wait for guys to ask you out). It's a cycle. You close one deal, you seek to make another. It's all about me, myself and I. That's the reality.

But I know I am called to live a life different from what I have seen and been in.

I am called to live a life of purpose. Not just any purpose but one that is above all purpose, self achievements and personal gain.

It's ironic.

I am called to lose my life so I can find it.

I am called to give up so I can win.

I am called to let go so I am let in.

I am called to be still in the midst of chaos.

I am called to be the salt.

I am called to be the light.

I am called to die so I can live.

After all that has been done and achieved, one question still remains, "What does it matter?"

Does it matter what car you drive?

Does it matter what clothes you wear?

Does it matter how famous you are?

Does it matter how much you have achieved so far?

Really, what does it matter?

What is life to you? Is it all about being more successful than the "others". Is it all about achieving your personal goals? Is it all about being praised and looked up to? Is it all about having all the fun you can get while you are alive?

Really, what is life to you?

I know what is life to me and I know what matters. I am on a personal journey to work these both out and bring them into completion. Until the day comes, expect surprises. I am Zlwin Chew, a follower of Jesus Christ.

"Happy are you whose work is ministry. Blessed are you when your reward is less on earth for doing what matters! Keep your eyes on the Lord!" - Pastor John Beh.

If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself, take up his cross and follow me. - Jesus Christ. (Matthew 16:24)

I must die in order to live. Go figure.

I Am A Revolutionist.

2010-08-19T14:30:00.008+08:00

Last night I was watching this movie, Bodyguards and Assassins, which was released about a year ago. The movie was based on the historical story of the uprising and revolution to overthrow the corrupted Qing Dynasty, which was the last dynasty in China. The whole movie was based on the revolution. Dr. Sun Yat-sen was coming to Hong Kong and his arrival and safety is of utmost importance. In the movie, the Qing Dynasty sent a whole lot of assassins to assassinate Dr. Sun when he arrives. And Li Yu-tang, a businessman and important figure who provided money to empower the revolution took the heavy task of organizing a team of bodyguards to protect Dr. Sun. Dr. Sun Yat-sen is a strong political figure and a powerful revolutionist. He was the pioneer of Nationalist China, the man who started and fueled the revolution against the Qing Dynasty. That was the main reason the Dynasty wanted him assassinated. He came to Hong Kong because he wanted to meet up with the Tongmenghui, a secret society and underground resistance of the revolution. This meeting was very important because after this, the many leaders will go back to their respective places and start the uprising. If Dr. Sun was killed, the revolution might not happen. The movie showed how the bodyguards (all from various walks of life, some rickshaw pullers, some farmers, some street people, some from wealthy families, etc) sacrificed their lives for one cause – to keep Dr. Sun safe so the revolution could start. The assassins were all over the city, each group well organized and positioned to attack Dr. Sun’s entourage while they travelled through the city to meet up in a secret location. In the end, all the bodyguards died… but not in vain. Dr. Sun managed to finish his meeting with the Tongmenghui and left Hong Kong safely. In the next few months, the revolution started everywhere. Finally, the Qing Dynasty saw its fall.

Dr. Sun quoted, “Revolution is blood.”

“Revolution requires blood and sacrifice.”

I couldn’t agree more with this statement. Each and every revolution that happened in history, be it good or bad, requires blood and sacrifice. People die for a cause, for a country, for a nation. Soldiers give up their lives and families for a greater and higher calling. Revolutionists stay underground, planning and planning, waiting for the right time, then they rise up altogether in an organized revolution and start revolting, shedding blood whenever necessary.

2000 years ago. The greatest Revolution of all time started with one Person – Jesus Christ. Jesus came to earth to turn it upside down and inside out. He came with a higher purpose and calling, he came to give up his life, to shed his blood and to sacrifice himself for the world.

Jesus came to start a Revolution. And it has started.

We Christians are Revolutionists. We revolt against the systems of the world that contradicts God’s Word and Laws. We revolt against murder, corruption, injustice and everything evil. We are called to sacrifice, maybe not blood at the time being, but to sacrifice our time, our resources, everything that is necessary to make this revolution a success. We are called to share God’s love and grace to all who have not heard of it before. We are called to rise up against the things that are not of God. We are called to be different, to be radicals, to be strong and courageous. We are called to REVOLT.

You are a Revolutionist. What are you sacrificing for the Revolution? What are you willing to give up and do in order to see the Kingdom taking Sovereign Rule one day?

Revolutionists fear not the government, they don’t fear the dynasty that is ruling, they are bold and brave because they know whatever they are doing is the right thing. They live among the people but they are different from the rest. They blend into the society and hide, and when the right time comes, they rise up altogether and start revolting. They are willing to give up anything that comes in the way of the revolution. They are loyal to the cause of the revolution and nothing could move them. Divided, they are weak and powerless. United, they can conquer and move mountains and even shape the world map.

Revolutionists live to fight and they die to win.

I am a Christ Revolutionist.

Who are you?

John 18:36
Jesus said, "My Kingdom is not of this world... My Kingdom is from another place."

Philippians 3:20
But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.

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I Have A Sinister Plan

2010-04-20T02:53:00.010+08:00

This blog of mine has been with me for many years now. It is like my personal journal of my life's happenings and also a very good place for me to feed upon God's Word. When I blog, I not only talk to my readers, I am actually talking to myself too. As if a mirror was placed in front of me, I write and I tell myself things.

Now life has changed pretty much for me. It does not take an expert to see how I have moved on from the Zlwin then to the Zlwin now. Let's just say, the Zlwin now is more "worldly"?

I am pretty sure many of you out there must be keeping a close watch on my life and what I have been doing, where I have been going and where I will be going. Am sure many of you want to ask me why do I do this and that. Feel free to approach me anytime but don't judge me just yet. If you want to, judge wisely.

1 Corinthians 9:19-23
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 became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law so as to win those under the law. To those not having the law I became like one not having the law so as to win those not having the law. To the weak I became 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 this for the sake of the gospel.

I am "cursed" to be radical in nature and in everything I do. I want to be different. I think inside the box, because everyone thinks out of it. I want to be outstanding and be loud. And I am sure many of you out there are just like me too.

I am radical. And that is why I do what I do and go where I go.

And I fear not of what people think or say or speak about me.

In 1 Corinthians 9:19-23, Paul speaks about him being like a chameleon, to change his skin color according to the environment he is in. There is nothing much I can decode from the verse that you have not already decoded if you read it well and understand it carefully. He is telling us that if we want to share the Gospel to a certain group of people, we must become "like" them. Not to be one with them or be them but to be like them. There is a fine line between both, care that you do not blur it.

I choose to be loud. The louder you get, the more influence you will have. The louder you are, the more people can hear you.

I have a plan. I have a "sinister" plan. And I am working this plan out. The process will be long and lonely. Many will not travel with me where I am going. Many will dream of travelling but they cannot. Many who has travelled this road has never come back. Many who travel this road with a solid plan in hand finds that the plan backfires at them. But. I have a plan. And I will work this plan out. I welcome people who has the faith and courage and boldness and strength to come on board with me.

While at it, I will have a lot of fun along the way.

And I have given the key to a few trusted individuals in my life to come into the pits and pull me out if ever I fail to stick to the plan.

I am still the Zlwin you knew years ago. Only better.

To Jesus be the Glory, forever and ever. Amen!

Romans 12:2
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.

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There's Gotta Be More To Life!

2010-04-15T12:20:00.002+08:00

No, I will not remain silent! Am still going on and going strong. Nothing will take me off my mission that I am so aware of. Nothing will stop me from fulfilling my higher calling!

I know.

There's Gotta Be More To Life!

This song by Stacie Orrico never fails to inspire me. Even though it may not be termed to be a Christian song, but it has so much more Christian values and thinking and lyrics in it than many other Christian songs.

I have not gone, I have not strayed. If I do, I will be back, stronger than ever!

March onwards, Christian soldiers!

A higher calling awaits!

In Christ Alone,
Zlwin Chew

What Are You Fighting For?

2010-01-28T12:46:00.002+08:00

There are many things in life we can fight for. We fight for love, we fight for a good cause, we fight for hate, we fight for courage, we fight for redemption, and the list goes on.

But we all have only this much, or this little, of energy within us. The resources at our expense are limited. We only have this much of time, this much of energy, this much of potential, this much of strength.

And with all that, we are fighting for so many things.

I wonder how much more we can achieve if we were to use all those things in us and those things we have to fight for but one thing.

1 Timothy 6:12

Fight the good fight of the faith.

This year I have many plans and many goals and many things to fight for. But I will seek the Will of the One above and fight for only one.

What about you?

All Authority Given

2010-01-10T14:48:00.002+08:00

Last Saturday night we had a gathering for the youth leaders of Grace Assembly in Sherrene’s house. It was a fun night with them bunch of energetic souls. Grace Youth Camp 2009 was a blast and they all did what they thought was best for their group and members.

As I was looking at them, I thank God that he was still in the midst of us, touching individuals through the lives of the older leaders. I thank God that we can still inspire them and spur them to move forward and growing deeper in God.

Everyone is called to lead in one way or another. Everyone have the potential to be influential in their own specific ways. But not everyone wants to rise up to take the challenge to be a leader that leads people to God. I don’t blame them; it is not an easy task.

This world is crying out for people who are willing to take their stand in their faith. We are in need of people who are daring to voice out louder than all the other voices around. The world desires people who will do things in a different light.

Comes the age old question, “Whom shall I send?”

And we know the age old answer, “Here I am. Send me.”

To really tell God, “Here I am. Send me.” takes much courage, boldness and strength, not forgetting to mention sacrifices as well. God will send you out like sheep among wolves but rest assure that He will shepherd you through.

If only we could really mean what we say…

I believe, like dough, God is slowly working in the lives of a few individuals who will one day be big and blow up loud. He is slowly stirring the lives of this young generation to rise up to take their rightful place in their territory. The devil may have big plans, but God has bigger ones.

I want to be included in God’s plans. But I have to deny myself, take up my cross and follow Him. Will you do just that?

The theme for the church this year is “Power to Empower Completely”.

Matthew 28:18-20
Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

All authority.

In heaven and on earth.

Has been given to Jesus.

Wow.

So what are you waiting for?

No one can tell you, “No, you can’t share Jesus here.”

No one can stop you.

Because Jesus said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go!”

The Eagle's Eyes

2009-12-27T23:04:00.002+08:00

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

2009-12-20T01:13:00.003+08:00

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

2009-12-17T15:45:00.002+08:00

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.

2009-12-06T22:25:00.000+08:00

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

2009-11-20T00:59:00.004+08:00

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.

2009-11-19T23:27:00.003+08:00

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?

2009-11-10T12:57:00.004+08:00

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?

2009-11-07T17:20:00.005+08:00

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)

From The Scriptures

2009-10-29T21:37:00.003+08:00

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

2009-10-29T20:37:00.004+08:00

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.

.

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

2009-10-17T11:19:00.002+08:00

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

2009-10-06T14:03:00.008+08:00

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?

2009-09-27T20:14:00.009+08:00

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)

I Have Become All Things...

2009-09-25T13:08:00.004+08:00

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

2009-09-22T13:09:00.003+08:00

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."

God Is Dead. And We Have Killed Him.

2009-09-08T21:52:00.007+08:00

"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?

Made For Praise

2009-09-03T21:37:00.007+08:00

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.

Leaving God's House In Ruins.

2009-08-27T23:52:00.006+08:00

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.

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

2009-08-20T00:23:00.005+08:00

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.

My Identity, Christ’s Identity.

2009-08-13T20:33:00.007+08:00

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

2009-08-08T01:00:00.002+08:00

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.

2009-08-04T22:55:00.006+08:00

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...

When The World Sees Grace In Action, It Falls Silent

2009-07-26T22:33:00.005+08:00

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.

2009-07-18T15:06:00.004+08:00

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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Man in the Mirror

2009-07-13T23:46:00.009+08:00

As the world mourns Michael Jackson's death, many of us are now beginning to appreciate him. Weird huh? Where were the world when Michael was faced with lawsuits after lawsuits? Ironic.

There's nothing much I can say of Michael that have not been said. This once in a lifetime legend will remain a legend - larger than life, his songs touching the whole world.

I am in no position to judge him for what he has done with his life. I leave that to the critics and the haters.

We have to admit that in the rubble of his life and songs, there are some pretty lyrics he shared with the world. Whether or not he lived his songs we do not know and I will not judge. But words of wisdom are still words of wisdom.

One of my favorite songs from Michael Jackson is Man in the Mirror. The lyrics goes:

Gotta make a change,
For once in my life,
It's gonna feel real good,
Gonna make a difference,
Gonna make it right.

As I turned up the collar on,
My favorite winter coat,
This wind is blowin' my mind,
I see the kids in the street,
With not enough to eat,
Who am I to be blind,
Pretending not to see their needs.

A summer's disregard,
A broken bottle top,
And a one man's soul,
They follow each other,
On the wind ya' know,
'Cause they got nowhere to go,
That's why I want you to know.

I'm starting with the man in the mirror,
I'm asking him to change his ways,
And no message could have been any clearer,
If you wanna make the world a better place,
Take a look at yourself and then make a change.

What thoughtful lyrics. "I'm starting at the man in the mirror. I'm asking him to change his ways. No message could have been any clearer. If you want to make the world a better place, take a look at yourself and make a change."

How true can Michael's lyrics be? To change the world we must first change ourself. We must first know what is wrong with ourself and change. We must learn to forgive. We must learn to be selfless. We must learn to care. We must learn to love.

Many of us are out there to judge Michael, saying that he never walk his talk, or walk his songs in this case. However let us not look at what he did or did not do. Let us look at the man in the mirror. Let us look at us.

What are we doing? Are we living each day selflessly, wanting only to satisfy our desire and wanting?

Here's to a better world. Even if I can't, I will try. I will start with myself.

I'm starting with the man in the mirror,
I'm asking him to change his ways,
And no message could have been any clearer,
If you wanna make the world a better place,
Take a look at yourself and then make a change.

Storm's Too Violent, Abandon Ship Now.

2009-07-07T14:45:00.005+08:00

On the night of August 3rd of 1991, the cruise ship “Oceanos” was attacked by rough seas off the South African coast. The engine room started to flood and all power was lost. When the passengers on board started to realize what was happening it was already too late. They saw the crew members of the ship and the captain abandoning the ship in lifeboats.

There was no announcement by the captain and there was no clear instruction on how to evacuate. What the captain and crew members did was to save their very own lives and leave the rest to fend for themselves. More than 200 passengers including children and elderly people were left behind.

The captain and crew members did not obey the commissioning papers. Their job was to first save the women and children by helping them to escape. The last people who are allowed to leave the ship would be the captain and the crew members after making sure that all passengers have left. However this was not the case on Oceanos.

"I don't care what people say about me,'' the captain later said. "When I give the order abandon ship, it doesn't matter what time I leave. If some people want to stay, they can stay."

He later told the press that he felt he could direct the rescue operations "better from the shore" than from his place on the bridge of his sinking ship.

In the book of Acts we witness almost the same event. Paul was sailing on the ship heading to Rome when the ship caught a huge storm. They were in the storm for many many days with no sunlight or shore at sight. Read Acts chapter 27 for the full detail. In the storm, an angel of the Lord appeared to Paul one night and told him that, “Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trail before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.” Paul then told this to everyone on board and they were relieved and encouraged. However the storm was still raging and it showed no sign on stopping.

What happen was one night the sailors or ship crew members was planning to abandon the ship. They were lowering down the lifeboats wanting to escape when Paul saw what happened and stopped them by reporting to one of the centurions on board.

In times of danger sometimes the best option is to abandon ship and to save ourselves, leaving the helpless to fend for themselves. Don’t we think so? Even though the prophecy was revealed to Paul and Paul told everyone on board, the crew members were still so afraid for their lives that they planned to abandon ship. What was clear is that they entertained fear and they invited fear to reside in their heart. And because of fear, they forgot what God told Paul and wanted to save their own lives themselves.

Too often we choose the easy way out instead of hanging on to God’s promises. We, like the captain of the Oceanos and many other ships with similar experiences tend to abandon our duty on board in times of trouble and choose to save our own lives.

I see us as captains of the many ships, if you may. And the passengers in our ship are those people who have not come to know Christ. When the going gets tough, many of us tend to just derelict our duty and abandon ship.

Let the ship sink. It doesn’t matter.

Does it?

It does.

*Picture used by permission of Poh Leong.

The Call To Adventure

2009-06-29T18:31:00.004+08:00

An ad in London newspaper in the early 1900s read, “Men wanted for hazardous journey. Small wages, bitter cold, long months of complete darkness, constant danger, safe return doubtful. Honor and recognition in case of success.” It was placed by British explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton in preparation for his National Arctic Expedition, which subsequently failed to reach the South Pole.

Frodo Baggins of The Shire from The Lord of the Rings did not expect such an adventure lies ahead of him. He was just like any other ordinary Hobbit enjoying life, but one fateful night came and a great task was upon him. He was called to embark on a journey that will forever alter the course of history of Middle-Earth. Dangerous as it sounded, he answered that call and adventure began.

Whatever it is, a call to do something big is always risky and dangerous.

Centuries ago, one man came into the world to make a call similar to Sir Ernest Shackleton’s but he was different. This man was Jesus Christ and his call is still knocking on the heart’s door of everyone here today.

Jesus’ call was, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. What good is it for a man if he gains the whole world but yet forfeits his soul?”
What a call.

Being a true follower of Jesus will not guarantee you trouble-free and will not guarantee that your life will be a bed of flowers. Many pastors and evangelists give the call of salvation with sweet baits such as, “When you receive Jesus, he will clear all your problems and your life will change.” “Jesus will help you with all your trouble and will make sure you have none.” Although there are truths in those sentences and many alike, that is not the real message that Jesus gave to us. His real message is hard to swallow and until today many Christians still do not know what it takes to be a true follower of Jesus.

Jesus’ call is one that asks us to deny ourselves, to rid ourselves off our selfish desires, wanting and ambitions. It is a call for us to reach out and get the desires of God. Jesus’ call is one call that guarantees nothing but trouble and hardship, and also an eternal life in heaven. Jesus’ call is one that bids us come and die that we may truly live in Christ.

Jesus’ call is one that is hard to accept and one that not many Christians want to know of.

However the call to adventure still beckons to everyone who confesses that they are Christians.

Will you answer it? Or will you wait and see what happens?

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Footprints That Last...

2009-06-24T23:35:00.002+08:00

This man came into my life for a season. A season not too long, oh I wish it was longer! For 3 years, God brought this man into my life, during the early years of my baby Christian life. It was a right timing. That time I was a new Christian without much guidance from anyone. However I was very passionate about the things I do. I was very passionate about my walk with God. I was like a loose cannon. But God knew what was best for me. God brought this man called John Beh into my life for a season. A short one but enough to do what needed to be done.

I had a dream last night, ironically. I dreamt that Pastor John came back to Malaysia for awhile.
The moment I saw him from a distant, I cried and cried. I then ran to him and hugged him and cried even more. He hugged me back and prayed with me. That was all. Nothing much. But the main thing was, I miss him a lot. It was very weird I dreamt that. I seldom dream dreams. But this one came. It came because I knew somewhere inside my heart, I really miss him a lot.

Ever since he left for a new season in Australia, I have been in contact with him through emails. Even through the emails he has been teaching me a lot of stuff and guiding me.

I am not listening to a sermon that he sent to me via email. He preached it in a church in Australia. When I heard his voice on my laptop, I started crying. I am not shy to tell you this. I am an emotional person inside although I look tough outside. I miss this man.

Pastor John, I really miss you!

Thank you for guiding me through the years when you were here. You are indeed a blessing. And as the years passed, I am sure I will not forget you but continue to miss you even more. Till the day we meet again (soon), do take care of yourself and do what you have always been doing. Go and infiltrate the church of God with CHANGE! Go be bold and be more courageous in the things you do.

Indeed there is no one like you. You are special.

I know you are a very strong man. If there is one role model I would want in my life, that would be you!

Many people come into our lives with footprints. Different people leave different footprints. Some leave some good one, some not so good. But yet some come and leave some lasting footprints – footprints that will be carried with us through our lives. Pastor John’s footprints in my life will be the few that will be with me through the days of my life until I come to meet my Jesus.

I do not only remember you when your birthday comes. I appreciate you and remember you all the time. I am who I am not because of you.

Pastor John,

I LOVE YOU!

Blessed 45th Birthday.

.

Bids Me Come and Die...

2009-06-21T18:47:00.002+08:00

“Men wanted for hazardous journey. Small wages, bitter cold, long months of complete darkness, constant danger, safe return doubtful. Honor and recognition in case of success.” Sir Ernest Shackleton, Leader of the National Arctic Expedition.

“If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. For what good is it for a man if he gains the whole world but yet forfeits his soul?” Jesus Christ.

In Lord of the Rings, Frodo Baggins and Samwise Gamgee loved the Shire. They lived in peaceful harmony with their fellow Hobbits. However they decided to embark on a dangerous mission when adventure and call beckons. What choices to they have?

What choices do you have?

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Stick With The Story

2009-06-19T01:50:00.002+08:00

I remembered those early years of my life when I love to read storybooks. I was a naughty boy last time and I even stole books from my school library to read at home because I didn’t want to trouble my parents to buy them. I read a lot. I read while watching TV, I read during the commercials, I read whenever I am not doing anything, I read before I go to bed and after I wake up.

If you have read a story book before you will know the excitement you get, the anticipation that hooks you onto every page. You will want to continue to read until the story ends because it is just so thrilling. Some of my favorite story books are The Adventures of Hardy Boys about two young men who embarks of adventures after adventures filled with mysteries. I can hardly put down the book once I started. I love The Famous Five as well, really good stuff.

Sometimes we read what we do not want to read.

We follow the story and suddenly it takes an unexpected turn and your favorite character dies or a plot was foiled or someone dear to you in the story gets kidnapped and killed. The story will bring us where ever she wants us to go. Sometimes I felt so eager to know the ending I cheated and read the last few pages, skipping the whole story and getting to the end, then coming back to where I stopped. It pains our heart to read about things that saddened us in the story.

Sometimes we have the urge to skip.

You will come to a point in a story book where you can’t bear the anticipation anymore, when you are silently yelling, “I need to know what happens next… NOW!” The urge gets stronger and stronger and finally you give in and skip all remaining parts and read the last few pages or maybe just glance through to see whether the main character survives or not or whether it closes with a happy ending or not. Have you done that before? I have to admit I do but not always.

The power lies in the pen of the Author.

Reading a story book will either make your day or break it. If a story does not end the way you wanted it to, you will definitely curse the author for not being kind hearted. You did not want this person to die, but the author killed him. You did not expect them to get away with the crime, but the author willed it. In a story book, you are the audience and sometimes the story itself, and the author is god.

Sometimes we feel like changing the story.

I read through some story books and I have the imagination to create my own story out of the one I am reading. I just do not like some parts the author wrote and feel like changing it to suit my liking. However I always end up continue reading the story book and finishing it.

We just want to fast-forward every minute of our life and to skip all those scary parts and unwanted parts of our story. It is a painful journey to go through and life sucks in a lot of area. Things do not go the way we want it to be. I am sure many of us would want to fast-forward from our muddy situation right now and many would want to change our story.

But when we learn to trust God knowing that He is the Author, we have nothing to fear. The story will end the way God wills it to be and not the way we want it to be. If we would only allow God to come into our life and every situation, we would have a beautiful story to tell the world. And rest assure that your ending, in whatever way, shape or form, will be a beautiful one. Your ending will complete the story written even before you were born.

Do not skip the pages of life.

Stick with the Story.

Jeremiah 29:11
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord.

Both pictures in this post taken by me =)

Camporama 2009 Pictures

2009-06-18T01:24:00.005+08:00

. . . . . Click HERE. . . . .

Serving God's Purpose In Your Own Generation...

2009-06-15T22:30:00.007+08:00

Camporama 2009 was very memorable and it was a whole lot of fun! I had a great time being an Australian at Camporama. For those of you who don’t know much about it, visit www.camporama09.com to find out more.

The theme for the camp was Positioned To Serve and the Bible verse was taken from:

Acts 13:36
David had served God’s purpose in his own generation…

In this verse we see Paul mentioning about David serving God’s purpose in his own generation before he died and was laid to rest.

David was a man anointed by God for a purpose that will eventually lead to the birth of Jesus Christ. David was in the lineage starting from the promise God gave to Abraham. To put in simple term, David was a very very important man in the Bible.

We know that he is the youngest son in his family and we know of the famous encounter he had with the Philistine giant, Goliath. And how he defeated that giant with only a stone and a sling. And we also know that David killed lions and bears to protect his sheep. We also know that he fell into sexual temptation, murdered 7 innocent men and killed the husband of Bathsheba. He also conquered many lands. David was Israel’s greatest king. He might have fell terribly and sinned a lot but in the end, he did serve God’s purpose in his own generation before he died.

What’s more important is that we know David did what he was supposed to do before he died. God called him and raise him up for a purpose, and for a purpose that only David can serve. If David chose not to serve God’s purpose, then his life would have been a waste and God will be faithful to raise up another to take over David’s place.

Do you not know that each and everyone of you have your own calling and a purpose in life? You are not called to only live life like everyone else and doing what everyone is doing. You were not born to eat, sleep, live, have fun, and die.

You were born for more than this.

Even a small flower was born to serve a purpose. First, they slowly sprout from a tiny seedling to a stalk. Then leaves start coming out to make food. After when they are fully grown, their flowers bloom, painting the world with beautiful colors and brightening up the horizon. They were made to bloom, made to beautify the world and to give color, light and scent. And once they have finished what they were suppose to do, they wither and die, but before that, leaving behind seeds for the next generation.

Can you see the similarities between a simple flower and the human life.

Only you can serve God’s purpose in your own generation. If you fail to do so, another life would have come and gone leaving no impact, leaving nothing but fractured bones and decomposing flesh, eaten by maggots.

Take life seriously, seek for a higher calling and seek to do what God has called you to do. Know that there is more to life than this. Your reward is in heaven. Yes, live life to the fullest, but to the fullest according to God’s standard, not men’s standard.

What will people say of you?
More importantly what will God say of you?

“Well done, My child. Just like David and a simple flower, you have served My purpose in your own generation…”

______________________________

Picture above taken by Ryan Lai from Grace USJ.

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What Are You Building?

2009-06-09T13:45:00.008+08:00

Whoa! It has been one week since I last blogged an article. No worries, I won’t quit doing what I love doing most =) Time is not at hand like how it used to be last time. However I will continue to dig deep into God’s Word and share with you the little little gems that I find along the way, in the hope that some of you might benefit from it.

These few weeks have been pretty busy for me. I attended my cousin’s wedding three times in a row. First it was a church wedding, then a tea ceremony followed by a dinner at night in Subang, then last week I was at Malacca with them and I was their official photographer. It has been a fun journey and I enjoyed every bit of it. Awesome. Congratulations to the newly weds Pamela Tay and Michael Cheang!

I will be going off for Camporama 2009 (www.camporama09.com) tomorrow. Will not be able to blog until next Monday. Do continue to watch this space =)

_____________________________________________________________________________

One quote that I wrote about a few years back goes, “Time present and time past are both perhaps present in time future, and time future contained in time past.”

I realize that having been doing so much these few months, I have not been concentrating on doing what matters most. I have been about doing what I want to do but neglecting a higher call and purpose. Do you not know that as each day pass we are suppose to have made that passing day a productive one? If we are not living a life of productivity then we are simply losing life.

We learn as we move on each day. We learn new things and we re-learn old things. Whatever we do, we are building a foundation for the next day and the day after and the day after and so on. We are placing bricks after bricks to build a building.

But we are building too many buildings. Many of which are left half-built.

When we study, we are building education. When we read, we are building knowledge. When we work, we are building future. When we practice, we are building talents. When we do something, we are building something. But the question is, “What are we suppose to be building?”

Psalm 127:1-2
Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain. In vain you rise up early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat – for the Lord grants sleep to those he loves.

Haggai 1:6
You have planted much, but 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.

Haggai’s people struggled to build their own houses but left the house of God out. Therefore whatever they did, they did it in vain. In contrast, the people of Nehemiah rebuilt the destroyed wall of Jerusalem but left their own destroyed houses to be built later. By doing so, the people of Nehemiah prospered.

What I want to get across in this post is not about building the tangible and physical building of the house of God. What is more important is to build the spiritual house of God within us. We strive so much to improve ourselves in our hobbies and talents but do we spend the same amount of time and energy to study carefully God’s Word and to dig for treasures in it?

I personally have to re-evaluate my own life. What about you?

What are you building now?

Pictures from Pamela and Michael's Wedding:

Thank You For Coming

2009-06-02T23:27:00.004+08:00

Here's to wish Blessed Birthday to two individuals who have changed my life in their own different ways.

Sister Kim and Andy Gomes, Blessed Birthday to you both. Loads of hugs from me. I will see you both soon for a hang out.

God bless! I love you both and thank you for coming into my life for a season.

I Dreamed A Dream

2009-06-01T13:20:00.004+08:00

I would assume that most of you would have heard of Susan Boyle, the unexpected singing sensation to hit the world recently. If you have not, check out the video on HERE and you will be blown away just like me (hopefully).

Susan Boyle, a 47 year old single woman and unemployed. She joined Britian’s Got Talent, a talent show quite similar to American Idol, in April. The moment she stepped on stage and told everyone that she wanted to be a professional singer, everyone was cynical and immediately stereotyped her as a failure.

Please watch the video (HERE) before you read further, or else you would not know what I am talking about.

Watch it now…

Done?

Amazed?

I was and still am. Each time I see that video it moves me. When she started singing, I just felt so happy and felt so touch. Maybe I am just too emotional. But I have to agree that she is one real good singer. What captured me more wasn’t her voice but it was the great blow she gave to everyone at the hall and around the world.

Simon asked her, “What’s the dream?”

Susan answered, “I, I’m trying to be a professional singer.”

“And why hasn’t it worked out so far, Susan?”

“I’ve not been given the chance before but here’s hoping that it will change.”

Susan Boyle has a good voice, a wonderful voice in fact, but she has not been given the chance before. That is the problem with the world. We are so quick to judge one another and stereotype each other according to our looks that we do not know we are undermining so many of us. Watch the video and hear the judges’ comments at the end. Piers said, “When you stood there with that cheeky grin and said, ‘I want to be like Elaine Paige everyone was laughing, no one is laughing now.” The lady judge said, “I am so thrilled because I know that everybody was against you. I honestly think that we were all being very cynical and I think that is the biggest wakeup call ever.”

This to me was also a wakeup call. It tells me not to really judge a book by its cover, even though I have heard it so many times, this is the first time it became real to me. Can you imagine what happened to the years before Susan came to Britian’s Got Talent? My guess was that everyone rejected her because they thought that she was one bad singer judging from her looks.

I believe that within each and everyone of us, God has planted something wonderful and beautiful - something that we can use to touch the lives of the people around us in a positive way. If we would only muster the courage within us to express that wonder and beauty, the world would be a much better place to live in. If we would stop being judgmental and start giving people not only a chance but MANY CHANCES, we would see stars brightening up our nights.

Many dreamed a dream, but few get the chances to see their dreams come to pass. Will you give someone that chance?

Susan Boyle’s sang “I Dreamed a Dream”. Check out the lyrics below:

There was a time when men were kind
When their voices were soft
And their words inviting
There was a time when love was blind
And the world was a song
And the song was exciting
There was a time
Then it all went wrong

I dreamed a dream in time gone by
When hope was high
And life worth living
I dreamed that love would never die
I dreamed that God would be forgiving
Then I was young and unafraid
And dreams were made and used and wasted
There was no ransom to be paid
No song unsung, no wine untasted

But the tigers come at night
With their voices soft as thunder
As they tear your hope apart
And they turn your dream to shame

He slept a summer by my side
He filled my days with endless wonder
He took my childhood in his stride
But he was gone when autumn came

And still I dream he'll come to me
That we will live the years together
But there are dreams that cannot be
And there are storms we cannot weather

I had a dream my life would be
So different from this hell I'm living
So different now from what it seemed
Now life has killed the dream I dreamed.

Something, No, Everything, Is Going Wrong....

2009-05-23T15:41:00.002+08:00

Dear Readers,

I apologized for not being constant in my updates on this website/blog. Life have been really busy for me and I hardly even have time to sit down and watch a movie (but I still do find time for it haha).

This question has been in my mind recently, “What do we actually need from this Person we call God? Our world is too real and contains so much entertainment and life that we do not need God.”

Come, let us face the fact. We live in a world where we can have access to everything we want through the computer screen in our tiny little room. We have fun friends around us who constantly asks us out for drinks and movies and stuff like that. The entertainments we have around us are more than satisfying. There are malls, movies, there’s clubs and bars to dance and have fun, there’s sports and football, there’s cyber café for us to release our stress. There are a lot of forms of entertainment around us nowadays. And you know what? We can never have enough of such things. If you have the money, even better, you can enjoy yourself more. If you are not so rich, you still can find so many ways to have fun, fun and more fun!

So the question is, “Where is God in the midst of all these things?”

Does God really have to be a part of these activities? What does it matter if God is not in my mind?

What scares me is that we Christians are being so sucked up by the world to the point that the world is the only real, tangible thing we know and God is just an invisible being, a mystical person maybe, and someone who we can never feel as real. Don’t you agree with me that you sometimes feel like this?

I mean, there are a lot of things we can do and they are way more fun than church activities and much better than going to church on Sundays. We can make a trip down to KL to party, to shop, to watch movies, to hang out with friends, to eat, to drink and to do everything under the sun. So what is the point of me going to church? All I know is that I am a Christian and I am saved, so why the need to be in a church?

I am beginning to put myself in the shoes of the many Christians around me and thinking for them as well as for myself. All these questions are real questions that many of us have.

Sigh.

The cloud of deception thickens, soon the rain will pour. The world is deceiving us, making itself more real than the Person who made the world and everything in it. The creation becomes the centre of attraction and everybody loves the creation but does not know or even want to acknowledge the Creator. It is like admiring the Mona Lisa painting without giving a thought about the artist. Or walking down the Great Wall of China, taking photographs and having fun and not listening to the tour guide telling you about the history and how it was made. And even if you listened, you do not bother.

Dear Readers,

Get yourself together. Spend some quiet time to think. Is life all there is around me? Is there more to life than this?

Remember, we are in the world but we are not of the world.

Concerned Citizen of Heaven,
Zlwin Chew

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Building an Empire

2009-05-18T19:10:00.007+08:00

Alexander, Caesar, Charlemagne, and myself founded empires; but on what foundation did we rest the creations of our genius? Upon force. Jesus Christ founded an empire upon love; and at this hour millions of men would die for Him.
- Napoleon Bonaparte

Conquerors of old wage war to steal, kill, destroy and to build empires from lands that does not belong to them. They take what they want by force. They rule by fear instilled in their people. They have loyalty but few genuine ones. Their empire rise and fall again and again. Their conquests lie deep in the history books.

The greatest "conqueror" of all time did not build his empire upon force or violence. He came and turned things upside down and inside out, challenging every known practices of his time. He did what no one dares to do. Out of love, an empire was born. And until this day, the empire still lives and reigns and grows.

Only one person's blood was shed in building this everlasting empire - Jesus Christ's.

And He rose again, proving that He is more than a conqueror.

Today He lives in us.

What are you going to do?

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Silver Or Gold I Do Not Have, But What I Have I Give To You.

2009-05-13T15:19:00.004+08:00

Many of us might be familiar with the above sentence. It is found in the book of Acts. Peter and John was on their way to the temple to pray when they saw a beggar crippled from birth sitting at the temple gate begging for money. The beggar saw Peter and John and asked them for money.

Peter responded, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” Taking the beggar by the right hand, Peter helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong and the man started walking and jumping, praising God.

I have read this many times before but today as I was reading it again, something caught me. Yes, Peter and John did not have money to offer the beggar, what they had was something very different. I knew they had faith, tons of faith. But this was different. I knew what Peter had.

Peter had the power and authority of Jesus Christ.

Notice how Peter mentioned, “In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” He proclaimed the name of Jesus over the beggar’s situation. There is something about names during the Bible times. A name is more than just a word where people use to call and identify one another. A name bear’s the person’s personality, the person’s being, the person’s attitude, the person’s life.

If you notice, this was Peter’s first ever miracle done after he cowardly denied Jesus three times and fled from Him. I admire the great comeback of Peter. I am in awe how someone close to Jesus could deny knowing Jesus and yet comeback in greater power and authority to heal the crippled! What Peter had was not just faith; a lot of Christian those days had faith. What Peter had was faith plus the power and authority of Jesus.

Many of us do not realize what we have and what we can do. We tend to always speak death into almost all our situations – saying, “Ah, this I cannot do. I am not good enough.”, “I know this will not work out, it is too big a problem.” “We are going to fail doing this, let’s not try at all.” “I am like that, I can’t seem to remove this bad habit. I don’t think I can do it.”

When Peter and John saw the crippled beggar they did not speak death into his situation. They did not say, “Ah, poor man, he can’t walk. What can we do to help him? Do you have some coins with you?” Instead Peter commanded the beggar to look at him and then spoke life into the man’s situation.

With the given authority of Jesus, Peter went forth and did miracles after miracles. With the given power of Jesus, Peter became the first church planter, going from cities to cities to build churches and spreading the Gospel like never before.

When the crowd questioned Peter about the miracle healing, Peter said, “By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has given this complete healing to the beggar, as you can all see.”

When David came face to face with the giant Goliath, David said, “You are coming against me with sword, spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the Israelites armies, which you have defied.”

John 14:14
You may ask for anything in My Name, and I will do it.

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Surfing Above the Storms

2009-05-07T00:38:00.005+08:00

In the book of Mark 4:35-41 we witness the incident where Jesus and his disciples were in a boat when a huge storm came and threatened to overturn the boat. We read that Jesus was soundly asleep in the boat on a cushion right in the middle of the storm.

We could only wonder how a man could sleep soundly in the middle of a storm.

The disciples and Jesus were probably tired after travelling and preaching and they wanted nothing more but rest. However they encountered a terrible storm. Like them, we may expect life to be smooth-sailing, trouble free but we do not always get that. The incident in the boat does not only tell us how powerful Jesus is but is also giving us a message that reminds us that life need not be a fairytale even though we are Christians.

There are all kinds of storm in life: emotional storm, financial storm, relationship storm, tragedies. Some storm come because of our own actions. Some storm comes because of people’s actions. Some storm comes because it is natural. But there are also storms which come from God, the One that we out our blame on for ALL other storms.

But we know that in all things God work for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28)

Before the storm, the disciples knew who Jesus was. The disciples knew that He was someone special, they witnessed Jesus healing the lame. What miracle!

Before the storm, they knew who Jesus was.

During the storm, all they could see was waves hitting on their boat and dark clouds and roaring thunder and flashing lightning! During the storm, they were terrified to the point that they forgot who Jesus was. They did not know that He had the power to stop the storm.

During the storm they forgot who Jesus was.

So often we forget that God is still the One in control of things when we are face head-on with a huge storm. We see the big storm but we do not see our Big God. We need to realize that everything happens for a reason. If the storm comes to shape you, let the storm do its work and you persevere. If the storm comes to change a situation, don’t resist it, face it. If the storm comes to give you a lesson, don’t run, sit down and learn. If the storm is for God, pray that God sends more!

A young boy sailing his small boat in a huge pond cries out after realizing that the boat was beyond his control. He sees an older youth beginning to throw huge stones at his direction and the small boy cries out even louder. After a while he realizes that the stone was not hitting him but the boat was beginning to slowly sail towards the older youth. The rocks hit the water a little beyond the boat, and each ripple moved it closer to shore.

Be patient to go through situations which you have no control over. Pray and put your trust in God and believe for His deliverance. Sometimes the storm that breaks our heart can become the basis of more beautiful things in our lives.

A man once approached Billy Graham (if I am not mistaken, I do not remember which book I read it from) and told Billy that he is so thankful to God. His life is so nice and lovely. There are no more problems and troubles and worries. Everything is fine.
Billy replied, “Then you should start worrying.”

When a Christian suddenly sees his life problem free he should not be rejoicing. He should start worrying. This is because Satan is no more interested in bothering you anymore. Why? Because you are no longer a threat to him. You are not doing anything in God’s Kingdom. Knowing this, you should start worrying.

Also note that there are some storms in life that are not worth going through. Not all storms are beneficial and not all storms are meant to be face. Not all storms in life happen because there is something greater after it. Take heed. Not all waves are worth riding.

Know that Jesus is still beside you when the storm comes. The disciples forgot but you should not.

When the storm comes, sleep in it.
When the waves hit, surf it.

Here is another link to one of my previous post on “Storm Shapes The Mighty Oak”
Do read it as it is a good one and it speaks to me during my stormy days.

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Storm Surfers Rendezvous (1)

2009-05-05T13:20:00.000+08:00

Came back from the Young Adults Fellowship retreat on Sunday. The theme was Storm Surfers Rendezvous. It was a really fun and enjoyable retreat. This time I was a “normal” member, just a participant, unlike youth camps where I will have loads of things to do. This time I just chill and relax and have fun! =D

There were in total 46 of who went for the retreat. My group name was Blind Bay and our leader was Cikgu Wong (we call him Cikgu because he is a lecturer in UM). The three days and two nights was filled with loads of fun activities and outings. I enjoyed the night outing when we went to Malacca’s Jonker Street. One crazy act we did was wrestling on stage in front of a large crowd of people in the middle of Jonker Street. Hwai Tah, Andrew, Jeff Williams and I went on the wrestling stage and we did a funny wrestling show for the enjoyment and laughter of those around us. Good thing the people cheered us and not threw vegetables at us haha. I wished it lasted longer =) Heck, one life to live, do what you want and have a good time!!! So no worries about being embarrass, just go and have fun!

The games organized by the committee were amazing and tough! We had to eat a can of cold sardine! The label was changed to give us an impression that it is real cat food. Some if us puked. Others just went ahead and swallowed everything. Then later at night they revealed to us that it was actually normal sardine and not the sardine for cats. Many of us, including me, believed that it was real cat’s sardine! Good one! Illusion eh =) See how psychology works, if we knew it was real sardine we would be able to consume the sardine with ease.

The night session we had Pastor Henry to share his heart with us. It was good to have him come all the way to spend his time with the Young Adults. Wanted to get him come into the pool with us haha =)

The chill time was fun. We actually did have time to chill and relax at the pool. Lots of things we did. I can’t possibly tell every detail =) but one cool thing I learnt at the retreat was a photography effect called Strobis or something that sounds like that. Professional photographer Joshua Chin taught us how to use the camera and external flash to achieve some really cool effects. We love it. Now I am going to save money to get a wireless transmitter or maybe a Canon Flashlite 580EX II haha.

One nice activity was building a raft and racing with it in the lake. The building was tough, many of us had blisters but it was really a nice experience. Now I know how to build a raft. So if I were to get lost in a jungle, I can ride the waves home =) hehe. Sherrene Teh helped a lot in my team’s raft building. She had experiences in Royal Rangers before so it wasn’t too much of a problem for her. During our race, my group was in the lead but in the end Hermann’s group got first and mine got second. My arms were so weak and my legs were so numb. I did not know where to harness my energy from and I was like reciting verses from the Bible during the race haha. It was tough to row our raft against the current and all. Gosh. It requires lots of strength, teamwork and coordination. We had a little of all three and it was good enough since many of us had no experience in doing this kind of thing before haha.

Check out the YAF blog soon and we will come up with more updates and pictures.

There will be a lot of pictures coming from Joshua Chan. He was the main photographer for the retreat. He has some very good shots. I have a lot of pictures from my camera as well, taken by different people. Not many are “professional” pictures but they are good enough to keep as memories =) more pictures coming soon from my side as well as Joshua.

What Drives You?

2009-04-30T17:51:00.001+08:00

Incredible strength can be borne out of passion. An extra push can be found out of determination. So what drives you?

People are driven by many things. They are driven by the love of money, by fame, by talents.

Esau was driven by hunger and thirst and because of that he lost his mind and sold his birthright to get what he wanted.

Jacob was driven by blessings and because of that he schemed his way through to cheat and get what he wanted.

Peter and Paul was driven by the love of God and because of that they weren’t afraid of being sentenced to imprisonment as long as they can do what God wants them to do.

Jesus was driven by his mission and the love he has for us and because of that he had the strength to go through the pain and torture on the cross.

Unfound strength can be found from the passion that drives you. Whatever that you are passionate about, you will go all out to do whatever it takes to get it.

Find the right thing that drives you and you will see your life worth living.

So what drives you?

PS. I will be away for three days starting from tomorrow. Going for the Young Adults Fellowship Retreat: Storm Rendezvous!

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My Deliverer

2009-04-28T14:56:00.003+08:00

My Deliverer is coming,
My Deliverer is standing by...

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Blood Donation

2009-04-27T15:11:00.003+08:00

I went for blood donation with my magic club last Saturday. It was my first time. I have to admit that I was a little afraid and nervous but then I am all for it and won't quit. A group of us went to PJ's University Hospital to donate blood. It was a really nice experience. Almost half of us were first time donors including me. All of us were a little nervous but thanks to the support of our fellow friends, we managed to get through it.

Wonderful thing to do. To give your blood to those in need. Saving up to three lives with one donation. Furthermore it doesn't cost us anything to donate. Only a few seconds of pain from the needle. After that, you can proudly say, "I have did something good for humanity."

Here are some facts of blood donation that I got from the net:

1. More than 38,000 blood donations are needed every day.
2. One out of every 10 people admitted in a hospital needs blood.
3. Total blood transfusions in a given year: 14 million (2001).
4. More than 1 million new people are diagnosed with cancer each year. Many of them will need blood, sometimes daily, during their chemotherapy treatment.
5. The average adult has about 10 to 12 pints of blood in his body. Roughly 1 pint is given during a donation. (1 pint equals to 0.568 liters)
6. One donation can help save the lives of up to 3 people.
7. You would have donated 48 gallons (182 liters) of blood, potentially helping save over 1,000 lives!
8. A healthy donor may donate red blood cells every 56 days.
9. Sixty percent of the population can donate blood, but less than five percent actually donate.

I am going to donate another time in three months' time. Who wants to follow me??? =)

Do You Dare To Walk On Water?

2009-04-22T22:54:00.008+08:00

Matthew 14:25-31
When the disciples saw Jesus walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear.
But Jesus immediately said to them, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”
“Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”
“Come,” he said.
Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came towards Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Save me!”
Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him, “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”

Most of you are familiar with this story and most of you have heard tons and tons of sermons regarding this. I heard one this afternoon at my college Christian Fellowship and it really did make me think and re-read this passage of Scripture again.

Peter was one darn crazy disciple of Jesus. Who in the right mind would want to get out of a small boat in the middle of a small storm in the middle of the sea or lake? Who in his sanity would even think of doing so. Not to mention to walk on water! Even a magician or illusionist cannot attempt this feat, what more a normal fisherman like Peter.

When the disciples saw Jesus walking on water, they were terrified and probably shouted and jolted one another in fear. They thought they saw a ghost. But Jesus replied them. Then with only one word, “Come,” Jesus said, and Peter got off the boat immediately. Maybe he hesitated for a moment, maybe he prayed in his heart, but whatever it is, Peter did got out of his boat and walked on water!

He had his eyes fixed on Jesus. But the moment he saw the strong wind hitting the sea and water, he felt afraid, and he sank.

You sink when you take your eyes off Jesus.

The disciples in the boat might have reacted in different ways. First, they may have been shocked to see Peter walking on water, and they got speechless. Second, they may have been laughing at Peter’s attempt but quiet down when they saw Peter doing it. Third, they may have been terrified and thought that Peter was also a ghost. Fourth, they would have laughed and chuckled when they saw Peter sinking. Fifth, they would have been scrambling around trying to save Peter and maybe Peter was too far off. But whatever it was, the other disciples did not do what Peter did.

Isn’t it true people use to say that you have got to be blind to have faith.

Peter was either crazy or he was too ambitious or he had faith!

Read the passage again. Peter asked Jesus, “Lord, if it’s you. Tell me to come to you on water.”
And Jesus replied, “Come.”
Peter went.

We ask God many questions and when we get the answer, are we able to do what God calls us to do? Are you willing to leave your comfort zone, fixing your eyes of Jesus and walk on water? Will you have the guts or should I say faith to take crazy steps? Are we truly disciples of Jesus like we claim ourselves to be? Or are we just part of the crowd in the boat.

Peter walked on water, he doubted, he sank. Peter denied Jesus, the Son of God, three times. Peter became the first church planter in history. Peter along with Paul and other men and women of God, started the earliest church and spread the Word of God to the ends of the earth.

What makes you different from the rest is this: walking on water.
Do you dare?

**Picture was given to me by Poh Leong with permission to post in my website. http://www.pohleongkoh.blogspot.com/

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Sean J's Farewell Dinner at ShivZ's, Bangsar.

2009-04-21T01:11:00.019+08:00

Was at Bangsar's ShivZ Cafe last Sunday night for Sean Jesudasen's farewell dinner. We had a fun night taking pictures and chatting with those old buddies. At first we were quite reserved and taking time to open up hehe. Then after the meal, we were all ready and we went about chatting with different individuals.

They were an exciting bunch of people. I remembered this friend Derrick who approached me and talked to me about camera. And this friend Ah Seng, we talked magic haha. So fun. And another friend Eugene Fong, we chatted about travels. Man, I am so inspired to go travelling backpack now haha. One day one day! Anyhoos, it was a delightful party. Sean is sure a blessing to those around him. It was shown at the dinner. People were just giving testimonies after testimonies about Sean. So sweet.

Pictures were taken by me except those you see me in it la. The first few shots I was trying this twirling effect on my camera. One turned out well but the rest not so. Enjoy =D

YAF Cell Easter Partay!!! =D

2009-04-19T18:00:00.025+08:00

On Friday night (17th April 2009) we had an Easter Harvest Party at Hwai Tah's house. It was a really fun night. We had games, laughters, sharing, a great testimony from Sherene and also lots of cam-whoring! Woo hoo! Good thing I brought along my camera that night. We had lots of fun taking pictures and posing. Please check the pictures out and see what we did haha. We tried posing like the actors on Heroes too =)

All the group shots were taken using my faithful Remote Control for my camera. So please don't criticize the bad angles, bad focus, bad everything haha. I just want to have fun taking pictures =) good thing I had my remote control with me. If not I have to run back and forth and set timer and all. Gosh so troublesome.

Anyway, bottomline is we had lots of fun together. Laughing, sharing, poking fun at each other. It was a good Christian gathering. Too bad our host Hwai Tah couldn't be with us because he was held up at his office till late night. However praise the Lord because he managed to lead one of his friends to Christ that day! Woo hoo!

Okay you can stop reading now. Check out the pictures.

Oh one more thing. All the pictures were unedited except for a few. =)

www.zlwinchew.blogspot.com for more pictures.
www.zlwinmagic.blogspot.com to hire me.
www.zlwin.com to feed yourself.

Attendance for the night: Sherene Cheong, Anne, Jasen, Zlwin, Yamuna, Jacky, Stef, Nataly, Wuan Chin, Grace Gan.

It spells "YAF CELL 1" =) hehe.

Felicity's Piano Graduation Recital

2009-04-17T14:23:00.020+08:00

I was at Felicity Thong's Piano Graduation Recital two nights ago(Wednesday night). It was held at UCSI University. What a long journey there. Jeffrey and I was stuck in the jam for almost an hour, with Sherrene Teh in front of us in another car. Halfway through we wanted to turn back or go to Mid Valley haha. The jam was killing. However we managed to endure it for our dear friend Felicity. Thank goodness we arrived early!

Her piano recital was great. Some of the songs I do not understand and can't apprecite well because I do not know classical pieces. But some I like =) however from the piano experts, Felicity did awesome! It was hard for me to take pictures while she was playing. This is because the hall was so silent except for the piano. When I take a picture, my camera shutter makes a very loud noise and it can be heard throughout the hall. So I only managed to get some shots while she was playing. And that happened when Felicity went loud, so enough to cover my camera noise. This is one disadvantage of having a DSLR Camera haha.

After the peformance we went to Jaya One to have our dinner+supper. Had a good time experimenting my camera with Su Ling. She was sitting right in front of me, so I ma take pictures of her lo. Watch out for the wild hog+elf picture of Su Ling haha.

Enjoy the pictures!

Muscles and What You Believe and Say About Yourself

2009-04-15T00:26:00.006+08:00

Last year I was on a muscle development program haha. I came up with my own one. I use to do push-ups everyday and each session I will do 100 push-ups. There were a few days I did an accumulative number of 1200 push-ups a day! Man, I was darn enthusiastic. After each session I would stand in front of my mirror and admire myself haha. And my persistence paid off. After a few weeks I actually developed some pretty good muscles on my arms =) I still have them today. But I kind of stopped exercising already.

Do you know that there are muscles within us? They are just waiting to be developed.

Within each and every one of us, there is strength, there is power, there is courage, and there is passion. They are only waiting to be discovered, developed and strengthened. You can muster all the good within you and use it.

You will never be able to go beyond what you believe of yourself.

If you think that you can’t do it, then you pretty darn well can’t do it. If you think you can do it and you tell yourself you can and you believe you can, you can! Pastor Joyce Meyers was once a smoker. Then she started to do something different. She couldn’t stop smoking but she wanted to and she tried. Each time in her car, while driving, she would have a cigarette in hand and smoking, and at the same time she would tell herself, “I hate smoking, I don’t like to smoke.” She still puffs away and smokes while driving but while doing so she is telling herself, “Smoking is bad. I am going to stop smoking. I hate smoking.” And she continues to puff away.

Three months down the road, she completely gave up smoking.

What you say about yourself matters more than you know.

The words that we utter about ourselves are very important. Whatever we say of ourselves, we will become. It is sad to hear people say, “I can’t change. I am always like that and I will always be like that. It is hard for me to change.” They do not realize the power in the words they say about themselves. If you would only realize that you will be whatever you believe you are, you will be careful about what you say about yourself.

Talk about yourself the way you can be and not the way you are.

This is not a self-motivation post.

1 Corinthians 9:24-27
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the game goes under strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat myself and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.

Pastor John, I miss you.

Most Enjoyable Performance Ever

2009-04-13T14:36:00.014+08:00

Last Saturday night I had a magic performance for a child's birthday party in Bandar Botanic. It was a wonderful experience. One of its kind haha. The crowd was great. The adults were awesome, they were very supportive and enjoyed magic and just loves to have fun. The chidren - speechless. They were not my usual bunch of irritating and annoying kids. These children were very nice and sweet! They were so sweet I almost got diabetes haha! =D They truly enjoyed magic and were not out to "get" me. I love them. They were all smiles throughout the party. The people there, young and old, were very jovial and friendly. The children even asked me to dance with them after the magic show. And I even got tips and they paid me extra for the performance and entertainment =) so nice of them.

I had the privilege to have Jessica Soo with me as the photographer. She did a good job and I managed to get her a pay. The host was kind enough to pay her a pretty good amount of money for the pictures. She used my Canon Rebel XT DSLR camera with its gears. The pictures turn out really nice.

Here are the preview of some of the pictures.

Note that ALL these pictures were taken by JESSICA SOO, not me. She will be posting them up in her blog once she is done with the touch ups and all.

Jessica's photoblog can be found at http://cracking-snaps.blogspot.com
Check out the link in a few days time and you will see the full compilation of pictures.

The pictures of the baby boy is Ahjay Kumar, the birthday boy.

Put On Your Blinders

2009-04-09T16:48:00.009+08:00

Hebrews 12:2-3
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Perfector of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God .Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Have you ever notice that race horses wear a partial blindfold over the sides of their eyes? These blinders ensure that the horses will only be able to look straight and not turn to the left or to the right during the race. Since horses have peripheral vision, they cannot fully see what is in front of them. And if during a race the horse suddenly sees another horse appear at his sides, he might get startled and then try to move away, causing accident. The blinders keep the horses calm so that they will not be able to see his opponent until it is a little in front of him.

The blinders keep them focus on what is in front.

Like these animals, we humans can learn from them and do the same thing. If we have our eyes fixed on the prize, we would give our all to finish the race and win it. We would not be distracted by any other thing.

Jesus fixed his eyes on the reward and joy that was set before him after the cross. Therefore it gave him the strength to go and conquer the cross. It is mentioned in the verse above. If we have our eyes fixed on the ultimate prize, we would not be bothered with the obstacles placed in front of us. We would easily overcome them because we see the joy set before us. Once our focus is set on Jesus, like the race horses, we could jump over each obstacle in front of us and continue running the race until it is over.

A fighter who has his eyes fixed on winning the championship belt will muster all the strength in him and fight, fight, fight until the fight is over. For a brief moment in time, he will know no pain and he will know no fear. He will bear all the beatings and he will fall down and rise up again. Because he has his eyes fixed on the championship belt, he will fight to win.

Until you really do it, you will not know the power you can yield once you have fixed your eyes on Jesus.

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Some Virgin Shots

2009-04-09T16:38:00.004+08:00

Here are some "virgin" shots I took with my not-so-virgin Canon Rebel XT haha. Just toying around with my new camera.

Visit to Grace USJ

2009-04-07T21:52:00.013+08:00

Last Sunday I went down to Grace Assembly USJ to join their Youth Service. They are a great bunch of happening and closely-knit youths and I enjoyed hanging out with them. Very friendly and jovial. Their Big Kor Kor Benny wasn’t around that day so their Tai Kor Joshua Long was the “care taker” hehe.

I had a great time fellowshipping with them and looking forward to more. In the mean time we are in the midst of planning a Grace Youth get-together this coming last Sunday of the month of May which is May 31st. We plan to all meet at Sunway Pyramid to have a fun time of games, makan and chit chat with one another. This will do good to integrate all three churches. So those of you who are in Grace Klang, PJ and USJ, keep 31st May free and we will update you soon on the plan ya.

God bless all.

And oh yea, if you are wondering what happened to my spectacles, I actually changed it with Janice’s specs to take pictures. I like to wear her specs. Makes me feel like I am in a 3D game world =)

Pictures taken with my Canon Rebel XT.

Mei Jean and Pam leading us in worship.

Nice specs eh? =) Behind me is Ryan Lai.

j.Lo (Joshua Long) and I. Behind us is Pam sticking her tongue out and Emily trying to strike a pose at the back.

No thanks to j.Lo for this lur shot haha. Marcus and I.

Everytime we meet we have to have a shot taken with our "eyes" exchanged =) haha. This is Janice Lai.

Spot Pam? =)

Joshua Long, Tai Kor of Grace USJ.

Owen Long.

Janice Lai says, "Ayam Penyet!!!"

Group pic.

Owen praying for the nation.

We had our lunch at this restaurant near church and the name of the restaurant is "AYAM PENYET" and this dish is called... Ayam Penyet hehe. Nice nice. It is an Indonesian delicacy.

Wahaha. Me with Janice's specs. Picture taken at last year's GY Camp.

Hwai Tah, why was your hand shaking? You shocked to see me so handsome is it? =) hehe.

I kind of like this vain shot of me =) here's a poll, should I change from Blue specs to this kind?

Have a good day my dear readers!

ACS Christian Union Gathering

2009-04-06T13:20:00.011+08:00

Last Friday I had a good time with the ACS Christian Union members and others from other schools in Klang. Daniel headed this gathering and we had a night of games, makan and fellowhip together.

Hebrews 10:25
Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing. But let us encourage one another, and all the more as we see the Day approaching.

Lookig forward to go to your school CF/CU to share my faith with you wonderful bunch of youths. God bless all.

*Click on the pictures to get a larger view. Then save it to your pc.
These pictures were not taken with my new camera. Wished I had it earlier hehe.

The Rangers presenting their Australian Hut for Camporama 2009. Don't laugh. It will turn out awesome I tell you! Great works done by these people. www.camporama09.com for more info.

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My New Babies!

2009-04-05T00:12:00.009+08:00

Got myself a DSLR and full accesories! =)

1. Canon EOS Rebel XT (350D)
2. Canon Kit Lens 17-55mm F/2.8
3. Canon 50mm F/1.8
4. Sigma 18-50mm F/2.8
5. Sigma 70-300mm F/4.5-5.6 APO DG Macro
6. Canon Speedlite 430EX
7. Canon Battery Grip BG-E3
8. Canon Remote Controller RC-1

Bought them all second hand from a good friend at a very good price!

Attention ACS CU, I will post up the pictures tomorrow.

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A New Season Begins...

2009-04-03T14:06:00.024+08:00

Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al - Haj
Father of Independence
1957 - 1971

Tun Abdul Razak b. Hussein
Father of Development
1971 - 1976

Tun Hussein b. Onn
Father of Unity
1976 - 1981

Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad
Father of Modernisation
1981 - 2003

Dato' Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi
2003-2008

Dato' Sri Najib Tun Razak
2008-Current.

Today marks the beginning of a new season in Malaysia. Hopefully.
Dato' Sri Najib Tun Razak is sworn in to be our new and 6th Prime Minister.
He will be delivering speeches on change and hope for the nation. He will take up the responsibility to clean up the mess created over the years. He will assure the nation that everything will be alright if everyone were to work together for the betterment of all.

But will he?

The nation looks on as we see our new leader stepping into power. We hope for the best but we anticipate the worse. We are getting worried about what is going to happen to Malaysia. Retired men are hanging around in coffee shops, talking politics over a cup of coffee. They would bring up various political issues as though they are in the Parliament. They would debate on different issues and condemn the leaders of this country for not doing what is right. Youths and young adults are getting all kinds of information on our political system through the Internet. We are fed with a lot of disturbing knowledge.

But what can we do?

Let me tell you something. I am the least worried about what is going to happen. I am the least worried about what the corrupted leaders and politicians of this country will do in days to come to gain more power. For as long as Christ is not in the centre of these people's lives, evil and more evil will be seen and exposed.

I do not care. Because I know my REAL CITIZENSHIP is not of Malaysia, and it is not of this world.

Philippians 3:19-20
Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is on earthly things.
But our citizenship is in heaven.
And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Only choose to do the right thing. Even though it will cost your life.

I won't turn away from what is right.

I will be in support of the truth. To jail I may go. For I am already in chains for the Gospel.

Notice something very perculiar about the names of our past and present Prime Ministers?

1st: Tunku Abdul RAHMAN
2nd: Tunku ABDUL Razak
3rd: Tun HUSSEIN Onn
4th: Tun Dr. MAHATHIR
5th: Dato' Seri ABDULLAH Badawi
6th: Dato' Sri NAJIB

The first letter of all the bold capital letters spell "RAHMAN"

I am anticipating for the Seventh.

Humanity in Print

2009-04-02T15:24:00.004+08:00

Without books the development of civilization would have been impossible. They are the engines of change, windows on the world, 'lighthouses' as the poet said 'erected in the sea of time.' They are companions, teachers, magicians, bankers of the treasures of the mind. Books are humanity in print.
Barbara Tuchman, American historian (1912-1989)

I do not know about you but I really enjoy reading books =) There are just so much treasures contained behind pieces of paper. Nowadays with the entertainment world growing larger and larger, people seldom find time to read books.

If you have any unwanted books. Do let me know and if they are good reads, I would love to have them.

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Awesome Meeting!

2009-03-31T20:11:00.004+08:00

Had a great time last Sunday at magic club meeting! Click HERE to know what was the hype =D

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Philip.

2009-03-30T23:22:00.001+08:00

Does sharing your faith rank top on your list of desired activities? Don’t feel alone. Most Christians would rather do everything else than to tell people about Jesus Christ. Often the excuse would be “I am not good in doing it.” Or “I do not know the Bible much.” Or “I am too shy. No one will listen to me.” And the list of excuses goes on.

If you are interested in learning a few pointers on how you could share your faith, read on. If you do not bother to share Jesus, go to another more “interesting” blog.

Tucked away in the book of Acts chapter 8 is a man who shared the Gospel in such simplicity yet full of richness. This man was Philip.

There was a great persecution against the church in Acts 8 and we see that the believers were scattered to various places. However, they preached the Gospel where ever they went. This shows how passionate the early believers were. One of the believers that was scattered was Philip. Interestingly, Philip was the only one mentioned in the Bible among the many others. Let us see why.

Philip had Sensitivity

An angel commanded Philip to rise and go to a certain road leading to Gaza. Immediately he started out on that journey. There was no hesitancy and doubt. He was sensitive to the voice of God. He neither bargained with the angel nor complained about going to a deserted area.

Philip had Availability

Once he was at the road, there was a chariot carrying an eunuch who was reading the scripture of Isaiah. The Spirit told Philip to go to the chariot and stay near it. Philip was available. He did not say, “Wait, I will go later. I have something to do now.”

Philip had Initiative

As he approached the chariot he heard the eunuch reading from the scripture. Philip asked the eunuch, “Do you understand what you are reading?”
This was a simple yet thoughtful question. He took the initiative in the conversation, setting a tone that didn’t try to impress or insult. He just asked a question. A simple question is sometimes all that is needed to get someone into a topic on spirituality which will slowly lead you to share the Gospel.

Philip had Tactfulness

The Gospel of Jesus isn’t a box of chocolates. Not everyone who gets a taste will say, “That’s nice, could I have more?” The message will offend many because it simply makes a clear distinction between right and wrong.
The eunuch responded to Philip’s question asking, “Well, how could I understand, unless someone guides me?”
The eunuch invited Philip into the chariot and the eunuch asked him more questions.

Philip asked a question, waited for an answer. He listened, he was attentive, he waited for an answer and he waited to be invited into the chariot. He did not push the eunuch and he did not start forcing the Gospel unto the eunuch.

Philip had Precision

Philip began with the passage of Scripture and told him the very good news about Jesus. (verse 35)
He did not debate with the eunuch about religious issues. He did not bad-mouth the synagogues and he did not condemn the eunuch for serving a pagan government. All he did was simply sharing Christ, the foundation of the Gospel.
When engaged with such conversations, people might run away from the Gospel. This is because they may have bad experiences with Christians before. They may have been hurt before. They may be hardened towards the Gospel. However, we must keep it precise and simple, to share the death and resurrection of Christ.

Philip had Decisiveness

After sharing with the eunuch, the eunuch wanted to be baptized. Philip told the eunuch that he may be baptized if he believes in Jesus. The eunuch believed and was baptized.
Note that Philip did not persuade the eunuch to believe in Jesus. He did not pressure the eunuch to be baptized as well. He wanted the eunuch to make his own decision. Philip did not make it for him.
Like Philip we must not shove the Gospel down one’s throat and force someone to pray the Salvation Prayer right after we have shared with them. This is not the right thing to do. It is only our job to share our faith and then let the Holy Spirit do the work. Then we follow up on that person but never force someone to believe in Jesus.

The eunuch went on his way rejoicing (verse39)

These are just pointers to help and guide you. Above all else, if you claim to love God, you will ask for a passion for the lost. And once you get this passion, you will automatically know what you need to do.

Luke 10:2
The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.

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Our 60 Earth Hour

2009-03-28T12:23:00.009+08:00

John 1:5
The light shines in the darkness but the darkness has not understood it.

Are you switching off your light tonight in conjuction with the Earth Hour movement?
The world comes into a decision to switch off all lights in a bid to save the earth.

Do they not know that the earth is in need of light?
Do you know?
If yes, then what are you doing?

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Hidup Melayu?

2009-03-26T23:48:00.008+08:00

With one voice: Delegates shouting ‘Hidup Melayu’ with Umno’s top leaders during the opening of the joint assemblies on Tuesday.

There was a long article in the newspapers about the Umno's joint assemblies with the Wanita, Pemuda and Puteri divisions. Umno deputy president Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak gave a long speech encouraging them all to rise above the current storms and come back stronger. They credited the growth of Malaysia to Umno and spoke highly of how Umno has been the backbone of this country all these years.

What disturbed me was at the shouting of 'Hidup Melayu' at the opening.

Does that mean 'Mati Cina', 'Mati India', 'Mati Lain-lain' ?

How can leaders of this country shout such a thing? Does this not ring a threat to the other races in Malaysia?

Why so racist? Hmm... I wonder do the other races do such a thing at their gatherings and meetings and conventions. Maybe some do.

But certainly not us CHRISTIANS. We do not acknowledge such racist slogans and words of encouragement.

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Break My Heart For What Breaks Yours

2009-03-24T01:05:00.007+08:00

Break my heart for what breaks Yours…
Everything I am for Your kingdom cause…

Above are the lyrics to the song “Hosanna”. It definitely rang clear in my ears last Sunday when I was at Kuala Lumpur for the Feeding The Poor Program.

Around 20 plus of us from Klang Young Adult Fellowship made a trip down to Grace Assembly Kuala Lumpur to attend their morning service, giving them support as well. Then in the afternoon around 1pm we went to the kitchen to prepare the food to feed the poor people from the streets of Kuala Lumpur. We were cramped into that small kitchen, preparing hundreds of packets of Nescafe+Milo drinks and also packing hundreds of food into Styrofoam boxes.

At 3pm, the church hall was turned into a free clinic for the poor. An elderly doctor came in and went to the small room-cum-clinic and then a registration table was set up outside the room. Then patients started pouring in. At first there were only about 10 patients, then as time passed, more and more came and soon the hall was filled with about 30 patients. All of them wore rugged clothing except for a few who were neatly dressed. Most of them were old people and some of them carried luggage bags with them. My guess was that all their life’s belongings were in it. There wasn’t a splendid smell though; the hall was kind of stinky. I can’t blame them, most, if not all, of them were from the streets and I bet they do not have the luxury to bathe even once a day.

Jeffrey Williams was one nice guy. He was the first to make the move to go and talk to these people. I saw him chatting with a Chinese man for quite some time. I stood and observed the people walking in and out and saw their behavior and took pity on them. Then I decided to do what Jesus would do. I walked towards a patient and started chatting with him and getting to know him. I regretted that my Mandarin language wasn’t that good so most of the time I could not understand what my Chinese friend was talking. However I managed to speak to 4 of them and prayed with them together with Jeffrey. Could remember three of their names; Ah Kong, Ah Yang and Ah Meng. Funny how Chinese like to call themselves “Ah something” hehe. They were nice people and I felt nice talking to them and hearing them talk about their street life.

One of them told me that he did not like how the Buddhist Temples treated him. He told me of his experiences where once a temple rejected him because he was poor and he did not have any money to buy joss stick to pray. This is true. Last time when I go overseas, I see that when we visit a temple and when we want to pray, we need to buy joss stick from the monk and pray. And the joss sticks cost quite a lot. Then he told me that he was thankful that the Church is doing such a favor for people like him.

He also told me that he knows that a lot of his friends would have ended their lives if the Church did not do this little thing to feed the poor and provide free medical to them.
Another man told me that he was robbed three weeks ago and got slashed in the arm. The free clinic gave him stitches and medicine. He also said he thanked Jesus for helping him so much. He even preached to me saying, “Jesus gave us two roads, one that leads to darkness and one to light. We must choose the light.” This man was an elderly man sleeping out in the streets.

Another man came up to Jeffrey and me and asked us to pray for him. Jeff prayed in Malay and then I continued in Mandarin. I could only prayed a little because my Mandarin vocabulary wasn’t good. However he was glad that we took time to pray with him. I also had the privilege to share my testimony to two of them and told them how much Jesus has helped me.

5pm came the time for us to go downstairs. When I went down I was shocked to see the number of people gathered there. All of them wore dirty clothing and they looked very unclean. The answer was obvious. These were people most of us regard as “sampah masyarakat” or “good for nothing people”. But I tell you something, Jesus loves them too. Just like how He loves you.

So sad to see an elderly Malay woman asking for another piece of banana when all we could give was only one for each person. So sad to see her walking away with a sad but thankful face. So sad to see elderly man and woman sitting down by the streets to eat their free meal consisting of a packet of rice with chicken and vegetables, a packet of drink and one piece of banana.

My heart broke when I saw this old lady hungrily chowing down on her meal by the roadside. She could be a grandmother by now. I wonder what happened when she was young. I bet you that she had dreams to have a family. I bet you that she had hopes to become successful in life and I bet you she did not dream to be in this kind of situation today. But… what happened? I do not know.

I wonder what was in their minds when they queued up to collect their free meal and their free clothing. Were they thinking, “Oh, how hopeless am I. How useless. I am a 40 year old man, but I am lining up here to collect free meals and clothes from youths half my age.” Don’t you think they feel humiliated and low? I bet some of them do, maybe all of them do.

Sigh. How I wish I could do more. How I wish I weren’t just stand there and taking pity on them without being able to help them one little bit.

Should I feel thankful for my life? Should I? I don’t think feeling thankful is what I should feel. I should be broken!

If every Christian would have meant what they sang in the song Hossana, “Break my heart for what breaks Yours. Everything I am for Your kingdom cause…” then I believe more will come to the saving grace of Jesus Christ.

Would we lay down our lives for kingdom cause? Who wants to work with these people in the streets and help them? Who would? Not many.

Would you?

What breaks God’s heart is to see his people suffering. To see his people living luxurious lives not giving a damn bit about a higher calling in their lives. What breaks the heart of God is when his children do not have a heart for the lost souls and instead putting self-indulgence as the center of their lives.

2 Thessalonians 3:5
May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance.

Jeffrey Williams i fourth from the left.

The people getting their food.

Free clothes for them.

This old lady moved me. So sad.

The joy of getting a little blessing.

What is he carrying? It is more than a discarded piece of card board. It is his bed. I can't help then but to wonder where is his home...

What more could we do? Can we continue doing this until the end of days? Should we? What do you think?

The Watchmen

2009-03-19T14:38:00.011+08:00

The comic-based movie Watchmen is one movie not for the action-seeking, Spiderman and Superman fans. And it is definitely not for kids! Some kids may be bugging their parents to bring them to the movie but I warn you that they will be disappointed. Among some of the reasons are, the movie is too deep for the understanding of a child, and there is too much sexual scenes, especially showing the nudity of the male frontal parts by the revered Dr. Manhattan.

This movie is for those who listen intently throughout the movie. If you go there to criticize the nonsense in that movie, you will be disappointed. As I was watching the movie last night I did not understand what was happening (as most western films nowadays are) until the end. And there was a twist at the end.

Read no further unless you plan to watch the movie.

The whole story revolves around The Watchmen taking up the responsibilities to save the world and to make it a better place. The setting was such; America is at the brink of a nuclear war with Russia. Russia has a huge number of nuclear warheads ready to be fed to America. If 99% of the warheads could be stopped, the 1% that is left out can destroy the world as well. America’s only hope was in the god-like being Dr. Manhattan, who became who he is because of a nuclear accident years ago. He is so powerful that people revered him as a god.

To cut the story short, Adrian aka Ozymandias was one of the smartest man on earth and he came up with a devious plan to end the world war and to create peace. But in order to do so, a lot of things have to be sacrificed, including the lives of millions of New-Yorkers.

Adrian, in the beginning, has already mastered the whole plan. He tricked Dr. Manhattan into creating for him a nuclear reactor that can provide free energy to the world. He planned the murder of The Comedian as well as the failed assassination of himself. He also carefully and smartly hurt Dr. Manhattan and made him exile to Mars so that Adrian has time to carry out his plan. Towards the end of the movie we see that Adrian released the nuclear energy to destroy New York and killed millions of people. The attack was made to be seen as tough it was Dr. Manhattan who did it.

Just about the time where we were going to judge Adrian for his wrong and mass murder, we saw something shocking. On international television, president of America, Richard Nixon, was declaring that America is not working hands in hands with Russia and the whole world to fight the new enemy of the world – Dr. Manhattan. Richard Nixon said that America and Russia has put away their past affairs and hatred and now are willing to work together. When I saw that part of the movie, everything started to come into place.

Ozymandias had to kill The Comedian because The Comedian might destroy his plan.
Ozymandias had to toxic Dr. Manhattan’s close friends with cancerous gas so that America would blame Dr. Manhattan for “killing” his own friends. And this will grieve Dr. Manhattan enough to leave the world and do not care about it anymore. (so that Adrian’s plans can succeed without interference from Dr. Manhattan)
Ozymandias had to kill his co-workers because he did not want to risk them revealing the plan to the world.
Ozymandias had to destroy New York City with millions of people in it so that America and Russia would come together peacefully to fight the “new enemy”.
If Ozymandias did not do all these things, America would have been destroyed by Russia's nuclear warheads.

The Watchmen have to sacrifice their lives for a higher purpose, a higher call. One of the Watchmen, Rorschach, did not want to compromise what he believes in – justice. And he threatened to tell the world what actually happened and what Adrian did. If the world were to know that Adrian and the other Watchmen were behind this plan and mass murder, Russia and America would wage war once more and there will not be peace in the world. So Dr. Manhattan had no choice but to kill his friend and crime-fighter, Rorshach.

Dr. Manhattan now is the world's number one enemy even though he did not do any wrong. Dr. Manhattan chooses to keep quiet about it, knowing that he has now lost his friendship with the whole world. He chose to exile himself quietly somewhere in the universe, unseen but not forgotten. What a sacrifice!

So what is your verdict?

In Jeremy Bentham’s theory of Utilitarianism, he states that the moral worth of an action is determined solely by its contribution to overall utility. It is a form of consequentialism, meaning that the moral worth of an action is determined by its outcome. So what is your opinion about this movie judging from the utilitarianism viewpoint? What would you do?

This movie poses a question so easy to answer yet so hard, “What is the right thing to do?”

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Growing On Rocks

2009-03-12T19:03:00.010+08:00

The picture above was taken last year when I went for my diving trip to Phuket with Pastor John and a few others. It was at one of our dive sites, Racha Rai. What fascinated me was how two coconut trees and another huge tree can grow on nothing but rocks!

Let me give you a bigger picture. The rocks that you see in the picture are a pile of rocks right in the middle of a huge sea! And that pile of rock make up a small island. And that small island has nothing on it except rocks. The small island was our dive site. Its’ size is just about two basketball courts and on it are just rocks.

And on that small island of rocks are two fully grown coconut trees.

Luke 6:46-49
“Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say? I will show you what he is like who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice. He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete.”

I can’t help but to link the verse above with the picture I took of the coconut trees on rocks.

Can you imagine how strong the wind can be in the middle of an open sea? Can you imagine the power of the wind that the two coconut trees have to overcome? Can you also imagine the huge waves splashing against the rocks and trees during bad weather? Do you know how thin and “fragile” a coconut tree is? And given a location like that, right in the middle of the ocean, I am certain that there are a lot of natural elements going against the coconut trees and giving the trees a really tough time.

The trees still grew.

Look at the other picture with of the huge tree (scroll down). Can you see the effects of nature on it? The tree’s branches are all facing one direction and most of its leaves are gone. That shows how much wind and storm the tree have gone through. Yet it is still standing strong and proud.

What Jesus said about building your foundation on rocks is so true. When you have your house built on rocks, the wind and torrents and storms will not tear you down. But if you build it on sand, you are a goner.

The teachings of Jesus are so simple and true even nature is inspired by them.

What about you?

Seven Pounds

2009-03-10T00:00:00.004+08:00

You are warned not to red this post if you have not seen the new movie Seven Pounds starring Will Smith. Also please do not read this post if you plan to watch this movie. However if you like spoilers, go ahead. If you don’t plan to watch, go ahead and read this post and I hope you will want to watch it after reading.

You have been warned =)

I watched the movie Seven Pounds a few days ago without knowing the storyline or having read the synopsis. So basically I did not know what to expect. The movie started off with a suffering Will Smith on the phone calling 911. The conversation goes something like this.

“Hello, how can I help you?” (911)
“There has been a suicide.” (Ben Thomas)
“Who is the victim?” (911)
…
“I am…” (Ben Thomas)

And then the movie starts with a flashback. Ben Thomas is seen being an IRS agent but a really good one with a very unusual heart. He loves to help people and throughout the movie we see that he is constantly going the extra mile to make someone happy. In the beginning I did not understand what was he doing and what made him do it.

He donated part of his liver to a patient who is dying of liver failure.
He gave his whole house, a beautiful and huge house beside the beach, to a poor and unwed mother with two children.
He went for a bone marrow transplant and gave his bone marrow to a dying patient.

Somewhere in the movie we see some vivid flashback and there was an accident scene and seven people were killed in the accident. But I did not know what actually happened yet. So the movie goes on.

Ben stalked a blind man and tested him to see whether he was a nice person or not. Then he called up the blind man and made fun of his blindness over the phone, taunting him and scolding him for being blind. The blind man did not respond by scolding Ben but instead gave Ben a warm thank you and hung up. Only at the end of the movie I understood why did Ben do it.

Then Ben made friends with this girl named Posa who was a heart patient and had a failing heart. She was going to die in one month’s time if no suitable heart was found for a heart transplant. As her blood type was rare, it was even harder to find a suitable heart donor. If she does not get a new heart in one month’s time, she will die. In the movie, we see Ben befriending her and making her happy.

Towards the end of the movie, a flashback was shown and in it we see Ben driving a car with his wife in it. He got distracted and met an accident. His wife, along with six others from the other car died from the crash while Ben was the only surviving one.

Then the puzzle started to come into place one by one. Ben was living a life of regret and he felt that he should pay for what he did by giving seven people a new leash of life.

In the end, Ben filled up his rented apartment bathtub with a lot of ice and cold water. Then he threw a dangerous and poisonous box-jellyfish into the bathtub. He went into it. The jellyfish stung him and he died a slow and painful death. The dying scene before, during and after was so emotional. Seeing how he killed himself to save other people was just so touching. The ice in the bathtub could preserve his heart and body so the necessary surgeries could be done.

He had planned for his heart to be given to Posa and his pair of eyes to the blind man. Both of them had a new life. Ben died. But before he died, he gave seven different individuals a new life.

This movie teases your emotion and makes you think. How far-fetched does it sound to hear about a man laying down his own life to give other people life? How real is that in the real world where people are so selfish? Ben’s story might sound ridiculous but it is not.

2000 years ago, Jesus Christ did what Ben in the movie did. Just that Jesus wasn’t living in regret and he did not give only to seven people. Jesus laid down his life to die a painful and slow death on the cross to give life to all of us.

Watch the movie to know more. It will make you think.

Barry And Stuart Wicked Wizards Show!!!

2009-03-07T13:31:00.008+08:00

I went for the Barry and Stuart's Wicked Wizards magic show two nights ago with my Magic Annexe club members. It was a really good treat. The show was awesome. These two Scottish magicians can really make you laugh your ass off haha. They are a two man show and everything they did were planned out well. They gave us a one hour and forty-five minutes show with non-stop laughter and suspense.

Know what? I sat right in front of them haha. My seat was the first row and it was a really nice experience to see them perform close up though it is a stage setting. Felt as though they were performing to me only =) they even "mugged" me and took my mobile phone for one of their magic effects where Barry places my phone into Stuart's stomach. They did many wonderful effects including drawing a bowling ball on a piece of paper then from no where got a real bowling ball out from the paper and then the drawing dissapeared. Fantastic!

More reviews about their show soon. Got to go to church now for prayer meeting.

Go for their show!!! Don't miss it! You are in for a treat!

Guess what? I even got my card signatured by them after the show haha.

My ticket.

"Magician Offer Price" =) Magicians have special privileges too hehe.

The hall at KL Performing Arts Centre. So colorful.

Right in front! Lai is on my left. And Anslem Roy and his wife Rose is at the back seat on my left.

The stage!

Stuart with his famous Rubik's Cube effect. He throws the cube up in the air and in a flash the cube is solved on all sides! Magic!

Barry! He has this device on the table where he plays funny noices and voices out with it.

Audience participation.

You!!!

This is funny! Haha! See the show to know what is it.

Woo hoo!

Fans meeting them.

Aiya. How could I miss the opportunity to have this kind of shots with big time magicians like Barry and Stuart?!

One more!

Now, sign my cards! =)

Yay!

Barry and Stuart!!!

Name Cards, Barry and Stuart.

2009-03-05T13:52:00.010+08:00

I finally got my name cards printed out. And I am so satisfied with the company that printed it for me - M Generation.

Before going to this company, I wanted a quick print and so I went to this newly opened shop in Bayu Perdana/Taman Chi Liung called CCP Image Solutions. Paid RM30 to print 100 copies in 30 minutes. So I paid and waited. Then collected my name card and rushed home. Opened it and saw, to my dismay, the quality was TERRIBLE!!! They enlarged my picture that I gave them and printed. If they are wise, they should know that if you enlarge a picture the picture will be stretched and if you were to print it out it will look HORRIBLE! Wasted RM30 on that. Then I decided to email them telling them how dissatisfied I was. Waited few more days, no reply, sent them another email to tell them how unprofessional they were. No reply. Now I will send them another email asking them to check this post! They "deserve" a mention here. CCP Image Solutions, so sorry for you guys. Imagine, I can't even see my face in the name card. Gosh!

Grace Yeo from M Generation and I had been conversing through email for a couple of weeks now to get the name card properly done. Finally I got my copies today, 100 of them, the other 150 had a little minor problem with the lamination and she rejected them and got new ones for me. They were in perfect condition and I only paid RM52 for 250 copies. That is equivalent to RM75 for 250 copies if I printed at CCP Image Solution and get some really lousy name cards.

Just vending out my frustrations as well as satisfaction here haha.

M Generation good job. And if any of you want to have name cards printed, or flyers, or whatever, do contact M Generation at mgeneration@gmail.com

Don't be mistaken, I don't get any commission for doing this haha. And no one told me to post this, I did it because I wanted to. Just wanting to thank M Generation and wanting to un-thank CCP Image Solutions =)

And tonight I am going to watch Barry and Stuart!!! Woo hoo!!! Will give my reviews about the show when I get back! And tomorrow night I am having a stage magic performance at Gold Course Hotel for Selangor State Police Annual Dinner cum Friendship Day! Woo hoo!!! Will be able to give away my beautiful name cards hehe.

Tata and have a good day!

By the way, my name card when through lots of toil and sweat to get done. I took the picture myself in my room haha with my camera and tripod. I edited them myself on my laptop with Photoshop CS2. And I am satisfied with the end result. =D

Do check out www.zlwinmagic.blogspot.com =)

Why Did Jesus Weep?

2009-03-04T13:45:00.002+08:00

John 11:32-37

When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.”

When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. “Where have you laid him?” he asked.

“Come and see, Lord,” they replied.

Jesus wept.

Then the Jews said, “See how he loved him!” But some of them said, “Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man have kept this man from dying?”
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This is the only verse in the Bible that records Jesus weeping. Take note the Greek for this word “wept” in the verse above did not meant mourning or intense crying. It means a silent weeping or the shedding of a tear or two. So be reminded that Jesus did not fall on the ground and weep like a baby.

But why did Jesus weep?

That is a question that I would attempt to study and answer in this post today.

Did Jesus cry because he loved Lazarus so much? I would say no. Jesus knew that Lazarus was “asleep” and he intended to resurrect Lazarus. Why would he weep then?
Many would argue that Jesus wept because of Lazarus’ death. This is not true. The Bible records that Jesus was deeply moved in the spirit and he was troubled. Why was he moved and troubled?

Jesus wept because of their lack of faith in him. The people would not have buried Lazarus and placed him in a tomb if they had known that Jesus will come to raise him up again. They would not have acted in disbelief if their faith in God was strong. Having been proving God’s power working through Jesus, the people had not yet believed in Jesus that he was the Son of God. For this very reason Jesus was saddened and troubled.

When Mary led Jesus to the tomb, Jesus probably wept silently when he saw that Mary led him to a tomb instead of a house. Because in a tomb, it could mean that they had lost faith in Jesus but if the body was in a house, it could have meant that they were expecting Jesus to come and heal Lazarus.

This little incident tells us that God has emotions too. And God is would be deeply saddened if we His children were to lose our faith in God. Let us think of all the little incidents that we did not trust God and believe in His power. Let us count each and every one of them and see how much we have made Jesus wept.

Mary and Martha were both close to Jesus and they had both listened to Jesus’ messages intently when he shared with them. But even with a personal encounter with God, they could still acted faithlessly. What more we who have not seen God? Could we then be more faithless than these individuals? I would not say so. God has sent us the Holy Spirit to live in us, making us closer to God than we can ever imagine.

Do not make Jesus cry.

O, Lord. Forgive me for my unbelief.

John 11:25
I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live even though he dies.

God Be Glorified In Everything

2009-03-01T23:45:00.001+08:00

In the book of John chapter 11 we read of the dead and resurrection of Lazarus and in the same chapter we find that Jesus, for the first time, wept. The Greek for the word “wept” in John 11:35 denotes quiet weeping like shedding a little tear, not that of mourning. But the question is, “Why did Jesus weep?” I will not attempt to answer that question in this post. But I will bring your attention to something else.

Lazarus must have been a really close friend of Jesus because the sisters of Lazarus sent words to Jesus saying, “Lord, the one you love is sick.” Jesus then said, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.”

No one understood what Jesus meant. Lazarus then died and after four days, Jesus arrived at his place. Martha did not believe that Jesus could do the impossible. Jesus replied her, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you would see the glory of God?”

Lazarus was then raised from the death.

A simple story but a great miracle with a lot of truths contained in it.

What was the reason behind Jesus’ raising of Lazarus? Was it because Lazarus was exceptionally special to Jesus and Jesus loved him more than any other people? Was it because Lazarus was a really good man and he did not deserve to die? Was it because the people were urging Jesus to raise him? No, no, no.

God wants to be glorified.

It was for God’s glory that the resurrection of the dead Lazarus be proved possible. It was for God’s glory that Jesus raised the dead. It was for God’s glory that Jesus did miracles to prove how powerful and loving God is. Whatever was done was done for the glory of God. Everything Jesus did, he had God in mind and he wanted God to take the glory. Before raising Lazarus, Jesus said, “I do this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe you sent me.”

Isn’t it our job then to say, “I do this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe you sent me.”

Yes, you are ambassadors of God and whatever you do must glorify God. Whatever that happens to us will happen because God knows better. God wants the glory. That is why certain things happen to certain people so that God’s power can be seen through our weaknesses.

Psalm 103:1
Praise the Lord, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise His Holy Name.

This post was inspired by Adrian Yap from what he had learnt from his time of struggle. May God see it fit to resurrect you for His glory.