Last week I caught up with a friend whom I have not seen in a few months. When we meet each time, I usually ask him, " how's your spiritual walk? " His answer would be, " I have been praying and reading the bible. " Then I would reply that I was asking about his state of being, his relationship with Jesus and not what he does. Strangely enough, my friend will looks at me confused at this stage. We will then have to observe a minute of awkward silence before 'normal' conversation continues.
That is, until last week. When his reply was simply, 'I think Eric, I have not grown, at all."
The simple confession was powerful and I was almost at a lost for words. Almost. I said, in a most candid way, "I know. We all know. We could tell. " He replied, "You all did?" And then we all laughed. I know because I've fooled myself many times this way too. Many of us do. And if we're honest to ourselves, we all do.
You see, I think my friend was loving Jesus in an 'intellectual' way but he wasn't able to 'feel' him. What I told him next may make you fall down from a chair... I told him that he should be a carnal christian.
He was shocked beyond belief. Are you kidding? All these years we were taught that christians are meant to avoid lust, greed, sloth... etc and here I am saying that you should be carnal.
And by carnal, I don't mean lust, greed and sloth... but almost. You see, being a christian has a lot to do with EATING. Eat from the Tree of Life god says. Eat the bread of life and drink the forgiveness of sins. TASTE and SEE that the Lord is Good. It also has a lot to do with carnal feelings. More than once, God has told us to ask that our JOY be made complete. LOVE Him, Love people. Rejoice. Shalom peace. Feeling words. Carnal words.
No one can tell you how delicious a meal is until you have experienced it yourself. It's like a kiss, it's like a bite of cheese, or that first bite of steamy nasi lemak or ckt. I can show you pictures but it ain't the same if you haven't experienced it yourself.
I think the christian walk is like that too. Taste and see that the Lord is good. Taste Him. Experience him. Don't just 'think about it'. Live life. Live life. Experiment with Him. And when we have drunk the best wine - the son of God, Jesus - before we know it, we'll be drunk in the Spirit.
Showing posts with label life. Show all posts
Showing posts with label life. Show all posts
Monday, March 14, 2011
Sunday, June 06, 2010
time and chance OVERTOOK them all.....
Recently, I've put in a lot of effort into this business. I have become a certifed property agent.
Yes I have.
For the last few months, so much effort has been put into the business but sadly,it just isn't taking off. It seems like no matter how much effort I put in, the wheel is just not turning. I seem to have all the right ingredients (I formed a team with some really experienced ppl, I had great seaview looking private property to sell, I had nice landed property to rent....) to cook the soup but it just isn't happening.
People around me seems to say that you simply have to work harder. Put in more hours, more marketing dollars and more creativity. But to me, I believe something was amiss.
"...the race is not to the swift and the battle is not to the warriors, and neither is bread to the wise nor wealth to the discerning nor favor to men of ability; for time and chance overtake them all. "" (ecc 9.11)
I finally understood what Solomon, the wisest man, the richest man, was talking about (and for that matter, what Pastor was teaching about this passage). Being the fastest, being the smartest, being the best is no guarantee of your success. In fact success has nothing to do with you. I repeat, your success has nothing to do with you.
But time and chance OVERTAKE them all.
It's no wonder so many of the business people worry about fengshui (tian he, di li, ren he), worry about luck, worry about karma. Because they know that success or failure depends on that undefinable 'randomness'.
We can increase your chances of success for sure (maybe) by preparing, but we can't prepare for randomness.
So, lets do some exegersis. The word OVERTOOK there in hebrew is qarah. It means to encounter, to HAPPEN. Literally, time and chance will happen to them all.
The first time the word qarah is used is in gen 24.12....He said, "O LORD, the God of my master Abraham, please grant me SUCCESS today, and show lovingkindness to my master Abraham.
The word SUCCESS there is qarah!!!
Take some time to let this sink in to you. OVERTAKE-HAPPEN-SUCCESS.
It took me sometime to understand this. Unless 'qarah' is with me on a certain task, I will be forever striving, swimming-upstream, uphill fight. But when qarah is with me, things are 'in the flow', in the zone....etc
I believe many of us experienced this in our life. We tried so hard to gain so little. Or in my case, gained nothing. We cried over all our wasted effort, time and resources. And without prejudice, time and chance happen to us all.
But in all this randomness, there's hope for us. The pslamist says, the steps of the righteous are ordered by God. In Him we can do All things....etc While the world depends on 'risk management', we have a good shepard that leads us. He is the qarah. He can cause the time and chance to happen to us.
This was what I have experienced in the last week. After being despair that the real estate business isn't taking off, I prayed for new and fresh ideas. One of them is giving tuition. Qarah is with me. Within 1 week = 7 days, I'm now giving tuition everyday. And I have 2 more enquiries with 1 more student coming in 2 weeks time.
When I told a friend here about this, he had a faraway look - he went back to memory lane. Where at one point he was a failed business man deep in debt. It was then that he learnt about qarah. 5 years later, today, our friend now is doing very well. very very well.
Qarah - Your Qarah - is waiting for you to go to Him and ask so that He can lead you to life and life more abundantly. Go to him now. Rest in Him. And see His miracle working.
Yes I have.
For the last few months, so much effort has been put into the business but sadly,it just isn't taking off. It seems like no matter how much effort I put in, the wheel is just not turning. I seem to have all the right ingredients (I formed a team with some really experienced ppl, I had great seaview looking private property to sell, I had nice landed property to rent....) to cook the soup but it just isn't happening.
People around me seems to say that you simply have to work harder. Put in more hours, more marketing dollars and more creativity. But to me, I believe something was amiss.
"...the race is not to the swift and the battle is not to the warriors, and neither is bread to the wise nor wealth to the discerning nor favor to men of ability; for time and chance overtake them all. "" (ecc 9.11)
I finally understood what Solomon, the wisest man, the richest man, was talking about (and for that matter, what Pastor was teaching about this passage). Being the fastest, being the smartest, being the best is no guarantee of your success. In fact success has nothing to do with you. I repeat, your success has nothing to do with you.
But time and chance OVERTAKE them all.
It's no wonder so many of the business people worry about fengshui (tian he, di li, ren he), worry about luck, worry about karma. Because they know that success or failure depends on that undefinable 'randomness'.
We can increase your chances of success for sure (maybe) by preparing, but we can't prepare for randomness.
So, lets do some exegersis. The word OVERTOOK there in hebrew is qarah. It means to encounter, to HAPPEN. Literally, time and chance will happen to them all.
The first time the word qarah is used is in gen 24.12....He said, "O LORD, the God of my master Abraham, please grant me SUCCESS today, and show lovingkindness to my master Abraham.
The word SUCCESS there is qarah!!!
Take some time to let this sink in to you. OVERTAKE-HAPPEN-SUCCESS.
It took me sometime to understand this. Unless 'qarah' is with me on a certain task, I will be forever striving, swimming-upstream, uphill fight. But when qarah is with me, things are 'in the flow', in the zone....etc
I believe many of us experienced this in our life. We tried so hard to gain so little. Or in my case, gained nothing. We cried over all our wasted effort, time and resources. And without prejudice, time and chance happen to us all.
But in all this randomness, there's hope for us. The pslamist says, the steps of the righteous are ordered by God. In Him we can do All things....etc While the world depends on 'risk management', we have a good shepard that leads us. He is the qarah. He can cause the time and chance to happen to us.
This was what I have experienced in the last week. After being despair that the real estate business isn't taking off, I prayed for new and fresh ideas. One of them is giving tuition. Qarah is with me. Within 1 week = 7 days, I'm now giving tuition everyday. And I have 2 more enquiries with 1 more student coming in 2 weeks time.
When I told a friend here about this, he had a faraway look - he went back to memory lane. Where at one point he was a failed business man deep in debt. It was then that he learnt about qarah. 5 years later, today, our friend now is doing very well. very very well.
Qarah - Your Qarah - is waiting for you to go to Him and ask so that He can lead you to life and life more abundantly. Go to him now. Rest in Him. And see His miracle working.
Friday, March 26, 2010
What's enjoyable...
Today, I was listening to the 4 worship songs I'm required to play for the incoming audition for church. I've played twice and I think this third one will be the last leg of the audition.
The criteria for playing for church is to play as close as the CD as possible. No adding 7th or 13th or anything else. One has to follow all the lines as close as possible. That is what it takes to play here in this church.
So while travelling on the bus/mrt for 1hr, I listened intensely to the 4 songs as closely as possible trying to discern the different harmonies the 3 guitars are playing, the keyboard, the bass...etc Some parts are indeed quite tricky!
On my second run though, I found myself having a headache because the guitars were too 'noisy'!
Me? Finding the guitar parts were too noisy? Yes! I think they're over the top! Waitaminute, is that me talking? Me who sleeps listening to death metal in my teens?
Wife says, it's me mellowing. Hahahah.... and you know what? I find that idea very likeable. And I admit, nowadays I find myself relaxing more to some jazz pieces than some of the rockish worship songs. I mean I still like Vai, Greg Howe...the but if I find myself playing for a worship jazz quartet, I'll be quite happy.
So to give myself a break in the bus, I turn on to Michael Battersby and Brad Mehldau. Youtube them, you may just like it too.
The criteria for playing for church is to play as close as the CD as possible. No adding 7th or 13th or anything else. One has to follow all the lines as close as possible. That is what it takes to play here in this church.
So while travelling on the bus/mrt for 1hr, I listened intensely to the 4 songs as closely as possible trying to discern the different harmonies the 3 guitars are playing, the keyboard, the bass...etc Some parts are indeed quite tricky!
On my second run though, I found myself having a headache because the guitars were too 'noisy'!
Me? Finding the guitar parts were too noisy? Yes! I think they're over the top! Waitaminute, is that me talking? Me who sleeps listening to death metal in my teens?
Wife says, it's me mellowing. Hahahah.... and you know what? I find that idea very likeable. And I admit, nowadays I find myself relaxing more to some jazz pieces than some of the rockish worship songs. I mean I still like Vai, Greg Howe...the but if I find myself playing for a worship jazz quartet, I'll be quite happy.
So to give myself a break in the bus, I turn on to Michael Battersby and Brad Mehldau. Youtube them, you may just like it too.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
He leads you to quiet waters...
When the psalmist - David aka Beloved - wrote that He leads you to quiet waters, it means the Lord leads you to life. It means that when He leads you to do something, it feels good to do it.
This was exactly what happened last night when wife and I discoverd that we've lost/misplaced some important documents. We couldn't remember when we last saw it or took it out from its rightful place. It was past midnight at that time. But for some reason, I had an urge to sweep the floor.
So after 30mins of frantic searching to no avail, I took out the broom and started sweeping the floor. Lo and behold, the documents were somehow found under the couch. I was shocked and thankful.
He works wonderfully.
This was exactly what happened last night when wife and I discoverd that we've lost/misplaced some important documents. We couldn't remember when we last saw it or took it out from its rightful place. It was past midnight at that time. But for some reason, I had an urge to sweep the floor.
So after 30mins of frantic searching to no avail, I took out the broom and started sweeping the floor. Lo and behold, the documents were somehow found under the couch. I was shocked and thankful.
He works wonderfully.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
How to change your being. Pt 2
The sum of our beliefs makes very much who we are. So to change us we have to change our beliefs.
Doesn't this sounds like it's from some secular motivation course you've paid thousands of dollars for? (and now reading for free) hehehe :)
Indeed, to change our being, we have to change our believes but how do we do that?
Firstly, I belief, as a christian, that the best changer of believes is God. While I do feel that there are many examples in the bible depicting such processes... some that comes to mind immediately are convertions in acts, apostles paul...etc but I'm not sure how to teach that in a practical way. A powerful encounter with the love of God always change us.
I have seen radical transformation of behaviour in an instant done by God before. Even for myself, I have experienced many such transformation - which are permanent. Therefore I believe that God can change our beliefs in an instant. And if you want to change something about your beliefs, I ask you first and foremost to pray for that change. Sometimes those changes will come immediate to you by His grace.
However, what I learn in the past few months takes a bit more effort on our part.
You see, our beliefs are like our underlying programming. Unlike computers, we can't just hit the 'delete' button and have them erased. These believes have been reinforced again and again by our habits. As a famous philosopher once said, (i think it's plato), we are what we repeatedly do. That is why change is so hard. We can try and be patient for 1 week but when the 'will' wears thin, the pressures high we revert back to our old habits.
The most important thing to change is to question why the initial programming is there in the first place. Why are you afraid of dogs? Were you bitten by one when you were a kid? The FIRST encounter - where the basic programs are written - are crucial. It's no wonder psychologist always ask us to think back to our childhood.
If you know why you are programmed that way - why you belief what you belief - then the next question is to ask yourself what do you want to be? Where do you want to go?
A recent example for me was that I discovered that I tend to want be above average but when it comes to excellence, I self -sabotage myself. I cannot bring myself to aim for an 'A'. I feel bad about excelling. Everytime when I'm closed to be being 'good', I see myself going down in flames.... Actually this issue has been going for quite awhile and it's reflected when i'm playing on stage or playing game or even trading.
For the longest time, I just couldn't figure it out why this programming was there. I obviously love to be 'dominating' and yet everytime I rise to the top, I have many self-sabotaging habits that will ensure my own going down. Only last week, I remember 2 incidents that may started this belief in me.
The first was me getting scholded for my math score in primary school. I got 99 out of 100 but my best friend got 99.5 . My mom often compared me to him and she scolded me for not being as good. I felt terrible. I felt horrible. I remembered I cried and cried and cried. its 99!!!!!!
The second thing I remember was a child, whenever I was good at something, I would be put on the spot to 'prove it' - which I hated. And sometimes because I was good at something, I was made fun of. Oddly, I cannot remember any examples of this but just a flurry mix of emotions. I can remember once mom asking me play the organ for strangers in my play time and when I didn't do as good critise me. All I remember was, I was being made fun off, compared with and belittled.
There was just no incentive in being good - because it was never good enough. Besides, being good gives me added risk of being made fun off, poked at, laugh at... and a constant pressure to stay on top (so that mom won't scold me further for deproving).
I think it was then I decided early in my age that I shall become always above average. It was safe there. I'm better than most without the pain of being the best :) It was a humbling discovery. I was so afraid of rejection that I stopped myself from being the best that I can be! Imagine that.
So once I know about this, I took captive of all this and submit it to the Lord. I told Him that I want change, help me.
I also thought about what I want to be: a man that is confident in himself - at the best of himself. I shouldn't feel ridiculed if I'm doing the best I can. I shouldn't feel shy either because I am good. I shouldn't feel bad either by comparing. I am what I am - and I do the best that I can.
"I can do ALL things in Christ who strengthens me" "I am like a tree plated on rivers of water that shall bear fruit in its season, its leaves shall not wither and what I do shall prosper" "I am the beloved son of God, of whom He is well pleased with" " I'm the righteousness of the Most High God" I repeat, again and again and again the promises of God.
And each time, when I feel the old programming coming in. I stood firm in the promises of God. I remember his goodness to me - the things he has done and is doing and lastly, I THANK him for changing me.
I do it again and again and again. In other words, I am reprogramming my beliefs. The bible calls it 'transforming ourselves to the image of christ by beholding His image' (somewhere in 1cor) . I keep that new image of me, which is an image of Christ, in my head and I keep focus on it.
This is how I became a better trader as well. I looked into my own beliefs that was stopping me - the underlying programming of why I took my stops out early, why I took my profits out early, why I was chasing, why I hesistate...etc It was a very tough time dealing with myself. And when I found out my erroneous beliefs on the market and on my trading system, I took captive of that and designed a trading regime to help me reprogram that. I do that again and again and again
I wrote out what I feel were correct beliefs on stickies in front of my pc and read them everyday. Where I was- an ugly point A was a long walk to point B where I wanted to be. I beheld point B in my head - the way I would trade, the emotions and kept that image.
Lastly, I thank God for changing me because, in some ways, I knew He was helping me a lot. A little daily nudge goes a long way. And as I work towads point B, I repeated those verses as well - my favourite "whatever I do shall prosper".
Last 6 months has been a great journey and it is the FIRST time in my life Ive experience this change. This wonderful change in me. I AM indeed a new creation!
So in summary, to chnage your beliefs you:-
Doesn't this sounds like it's from some secular motivation course you've paid thousands of dollars for? (and now reading for free) hehehe :)
Indeed, to change our being, we have to change our believes but how do we do that?
Firstly, I belief, as a christian, that the best changer of believes is God. While I do feel that there are many examples in the bible depicting such processes... some that comes to mind immediately are convertions in acts, apostles paul...etc but I'm not sure how to teach that in a practical way. A powerful encounter with the love of God always change us.
I have seen radical transformation of behaviour in an instant done by God before. Even for myself, I have experienced many such transformation - which are permanent. Therefore I believe that God can change our beliefs in an instant. And if you want to change something about your beliefs, I ask you first and foremost to pray for that change. Sometimes those changes will come immediate to you by His grace.
However, what I learn in the past few months takes a bit more effort on our part.
You see, our beliefs are like our underlying programming. Unlike computers, we can't just hit the 'delete' button and have them erased. These believes have been reinforced again and again by our habits. As a famous philosopher once said, (i think it's plato), we are what we repeatedly do. That is why change is so hard. We can try and be patient for 1 week but when the 'will' wears thin, the pressures high we revert back to our old habits.
The most important thing to change is to question why the initial programming is there in the first place. Why are you afraid of dogs? Were you bitten by one when you were a kid? The FIRST encounter - where the basic programs are written - are crucial. It's no wonder psychologist always ask us to think back to our childhood.
If you know why you are programmed that way - why you belief what you belief - then the next question is to ask yourself what do you want to be? Where do you want to go?
A recent example for me was that I discovered that I tend to want be above average but when it comes to excellence, I self -sabotage myself. I cannot bring myself to aim for an 'A'. I feel bad about excelling. Everytime when I'm closed to be being 'good', I see myself going down in flames.... Actually this issue has been going for quite awhile and it's reflected when i'm playing on stage or playing game or even trading.
For the longest time, I just couldn't figure it out why this programming was there. I obviously love to be 'dominating' and yet everytime I rise to the top, I have many self-sabotaging habits that will ensure my own going down. Only last week, I remember 2 incidents that may started this belief in me.
The first was me getting scholded for my math score in primary school. I got 99 out of 100 but my best friend got 99.5 . My mom often compared me to him and she scolded me for not being as good. I felt terrible. I felt horrible. I remembered I cried and cried and cried. its 99!!!!!!
The second thing I remember was a child, whenever I was good at something, I would be put on the spot to 'prove it' - which I hated. And sometimes because I was good at something, I was made fun of. Oddly, I cannot remember any examples of this but just a flurry mix of emotions. I can remember once mom asking me play the organ for strangers in my play time and when I didn't do as good critise me. All I remember was, I was being made fun off, compared with and belittled.
There was just no incentive in being good - because it was never good enough. Besides, being good gives me added risk of being made fun off, poked at, laugh at... and a constant pressure to stay on top (so that mom won't scold me further for deproving).
I think it was then I decided early in my age that I shall become always above average. It was safe there. I'm better than most without the pain of being the best :) It was a humbling discovery. I was so afraid of rejection that I stopped myself from being the best that I can be! Imagine that.
So once I know about this, I took captive of all this and submit it to the Lord. I told Him that I want change, help me.
I also thought about what I want to be: a man that is confident in himself - at the best of himself. I shouldn't feel ridiculed if I'm doing the best I can. I shouldn't feel shy either because I am good. I shouldn't feel bad either by comparing. I am what I am - and I do the best that I can.
"I can do ALL things in Christ who strengthens me" "I am like a tree plated on rivers of water that shall bear fruit in its season, its leaves shall not wither and what I do shall prosper" "I am the beloved son of God, of whom He is well pleased with" " I'm the righteousness of the Most High God" I repeat, again and again and again the promises of God.
And each time, when I feel the old programming coming in. I stood firm in the promises of God. I remember his goodness to me - the things he has done and is doing and lastly, I THANK him for changing me.
I do it again and again and again. In other words, I am reprogramming my beliefs. The bible calls it 'transforming ourselves to the image of christ by beholding His image' (somewhere in 1cor) . I keep that new image of me, which is an image of Christ, in my head and I keep focus on it.
This is how I became a better trader as well. I looked into my own beliefs that was stopping me - the underlying programming of why I took my stops out early, why I took my profits out early, why I was chasing, why I hesistate...etc It was a very tough time dealing with myself. And when I found out my erroneous beliefs on the market and on my trading system, I took captive of that and designed a trading regime to help me reprogram that. I do that again and again and again
I wrote out what I feel were correct beliefs on stickies in front of my pc and read them everyday. Where I was- an ugly point A was a long walk to point B where I wanted to be. I beheld point B in my head - the way I would trade, the emotions and kept that image.
Lastly, I thank God for changing me because, in some ways, I knew He was helping me a lot. A little daily nudge goes a long way. And as I work towads point B, I repeated those verses as well - my favourite "whatever I do shall prosper".
Last 6 months has been a great journey and it is the FIRST time in my life Ive experience this change. This wonderful change in me. I AM indeed a new creation!
So in summary, to chnage your beliefs you:-
- find out your underlying beliefs
- find out why they are there
- find out where do you want to go from point A to B?
- Submit the situation to God
- Behold point B in your head
- Meditate on verses day and night to help you. (Meditate in hebrew means utter under your breath)
- Thank Him for changing us!
- Repeat and rejoice!!
Monday, May 04, 2009
How to change your being. Pt1
Recently, a few friends ask me how do I change my 'being'. I used to be impatient in waiting for my trades and now I seemed to be a lot more 'patient'. So how did I do it? Not easy I replied :)
I'll try to explain it here in the next few posts:
What is being?
The key came to me while i was reading the book 'trading in the zone', later on everything 'clicked' when I thought about who Jesus was. You see, Jesus never had to try to have more patient, or have more faith, or have more wisdom, or have more discipline. He just was. When people ask him, who are you? His general answer was: "I am" Take this for an example:
John 8:58"I tell you the truth," Jesus answered, "before Abraham was born, I am!"
Did he do anything to be? No, He just is. He is wisdom, patient, love, faith... etc personified. He declares, ".. I am the bread of life", "I am the way the truth and the life". Truth is truth. You cannot be more truthful than the truth. Same with patient, you either are or you're not.
We either am, or am not.
My wife gave a good analogy the other day. Lets say you're the diplomat of a country, what do you have to do? Nothing! You're appointed as one, and then you represent your country.
The same question can be applied to our identity. What do you have to do to BE a man? Does peeing standing up makes you a man? Does shaving makes you a man? Does marrying a woman makes a man? Or does muscles and grease and dirt makes you more of a man?
Doing all the things above don't really make you a man. But being a man probably leads you to do all the above, easily, without much effort. (I'm not sure what being woman means, so most of the time my wife is a mystery to me, which is exciting, sometimes).
Similiarly, waiting for the right signals would not make you patient, but by being patient, you'll naturally wait for the right signals to come to you. The characteristic about "being" or "belief" is such that it underwrites all your actions.
Many people believe that exercise is very important to their life but not many actually exercise on a regular basis. Many people believe that the end of the recession is near but they will not buy citibank shares at $1. A guy says he love this girl but keeps on cheating on her. What does all this mean? They don't really belief what they say!
Our action ALWAYS speaks of our belief- it seldom contradicts, if at all. That's why the bible says where your heart is, there your treasure is also. See a man who spends money and time on spiritual things, you find a real spiritual man. See a man who eat solar, drink solar, sleep solar, you find a man who really believe in renewable energy. See Jesus, the man who heal the sick, teach the people, feed the hungry, die for us on the cross, you find that He is LOVE.
These people's action are driven by who they are. They simple ARE.
The problem comes when you are not sure of who you are. Your beliefs are in contradiction. What happens then? Answer: we hesistate, we feel loss, we don't know what to do. Many simply just 'go with the crowd'. They play 'follow the leader' in their life. Pastor says.... The great ang mo says... But because their beliefs are not aligned to their action, most of the them end up NATO members . No action. Talk only. And if they do take action, they usually end feeling messed up.
Let me explain. Say you're in a Long position of a stock. You feel that it's turning on you and based on your system you should quit. But deep inside, you believe that you are right on the Long. So you end up holding the Long. Worse, you move your Stop Loss to accomodate more downward movements. In the end, your Stop Loss is still hit and you tell yourself - I knew it! I should have followed the system!
Think about this: if I REALLY knew, wouldn't I closed it immediately to minimise my loss? The truth is, my contradicting belief messed up my brains! Liping concludes without reading the book 'trading it zone' - In the end, it just shows that we don't believe in our trading system!
That is why the bible also says in James 6 ".... but let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. "
Even in things of God, we are to be sure. And God wants you to know who you really are. Be brave for we are complete in him and know that whatever we ask of Him, will be given, so that our joy may be complete.
In summary, our being is the sum of our beliefs.
I'll try to explain it here in the next few posts:
- In the 1st post I shall explain what 'being' is.
- In the 2nd post I shall explain how to change your 'being'.
What is being?
The key came to me while i was reading the book 'trading in the zone', later on everything 'clicked' when I thought about who Jesus was. You see, Jesus never had to try to have more patient, or have more faith, or have more wisdom, or have more discipline. He just was. When people ask him, who are you? His general answer was: "I am" Take this for an example:
John 8:58"I tell you the truth," Jesus answered, "before Abraham was born, I am!"
Did he do anything to be? No, He just is. He is wisdom, patient, love, faith... etc personified. He declares, ".. I am the bread of life", "I am the way the truth and the life". Truth is truth. You cannot be more truthful than the truth. Same with patient, you either are or you're not.
We either am, or am not.
My wife gave a good analogy the other day. Lets say you're the diplomat of a country, what do you have to do? Nothing! You're appointed as one, and then you represent your country.
The same question can be applied to our identity. What do you have to do to BE a man? Does peeing standing up makes you a man? Does shaving makes you a man? Does marrying a woman makes a man? Or does muscles and grease and dirt makes you more of a man?
Doing all the things above don't really make you a man. But being a man probably leads you to do all the above, easily, without much effort. (I'm not sure what being woman means, so most of the time my wife is a mystery to me, which is exciting, sometimes).
Similiarly, waiting for the right signals would not make you patient, but by being patient, you'll naturally wait for the right signals to come to you. The characteristic about "being" or "belief" is such that it underwrites all your actions.
Many people believe that exercise is very important to their life but not many actually exercise on a regular basis. Many people believe that the end of the recession is near but they will not buy citibank shares at $1. A guy says he love this girl but keeps on cheating on her. What does all this mean? They don't really belief what they say!
Our action ALWAYS speaks of our belief- it seldom contradicts, if at all. That's why the bible says where your heart is, there your treasure is also. See a man who spends money and time on spiritual things, you find a real spiritual man. See a man who eat solar, drink solar, sleep solar, you find a man who really believe in renewable energy. See Jesus, the man who heal the sick, teach the people, feed the hungry, die for us on the cross, you find that He is LOVE.
These people's action are driven by who they are. They simple ARE.
The problem comes when you are not sure of who you are. Your beliefs are in contradiction. What happens then? Answer: we hesistate, we feel loss, we don't know what to do. Many simply just 'go with the crowd'. They play 'follow the leader' in their life. Pastor says.... The great ang mo says... But because their beliefs are not aligned to their action, most of the them end up NATO members . No action. Talk only. And if they do take action, they usually end feeling messed up.
Let me explain. Say you're in a Long position of a stock. You feel that it's turning on you and based on your system you should quit. But deep inside, you believe that you are right on the Long. So you end up holding the Long. Worse, you move your Stop Loss to accomodate more downward movements. In the end, your Stop Loss is still hit and you tell yourself - I knew it! I should have followed the system!
Think about this: if I REALLY knew, wouldn't I closed it immediately to minimise my loss? The truth is, my contradicting belief messed up my brains! Liping concludes without reading the book 'trading it zone' - In the end, it just shows that we don't believe in our trading system!
That is why the bible also says in James 6 ".... but let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. "
Even in things of God, we are to be sure. And God wants you to know who you really are. Be brave for we are complete in him and know that whatever we ask of Him, will be given, so that our joy may be complete.
In summary, our being is the sum of our beliefs.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Something's not right..
As I'm waiting for the movers to come with my stuff, I went on facebook to find out about the latest gossips on my friends. You know, 3 of my best buddies from high school are gay now. I just found out that 2 of my closest girlfriends frmo that time are lesbian too.
A friend who's now a school teacher is telling me that in every class, there's about 3-5 kids from single parents.
The world is more 'sexual' and yet there's more sexual problems. MTV has shown a lot of skin and but the world has a lot less love.
We've got more communication but a gotten a lot more isolated.
A friend who's now a school teacher is telling me that in every class, there's about 3-5 kids from single parents.
The world is more 'sexual' and yet there's more sexual problems. MTV has shown a lot of skin and but the world has a lot less love.
We've got more communication but a gotten a lot more isolated.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Acceptance.
(Kinda a response to chris's post)
hey dude, what a nice post :)
I just came back from the wedding that you were just in. During the time of catching up, wife told me that someone said something about me that it's downright insulting...
When she first told me what was said, I was shocked. I mean it doesn't feel good to be demeaned, insulted directly or indirectly. I got over it fairly quickly (because God is a very skilled healer). And now that I thought about it, what she said revealed more about her than me...
Like you said man, "...Not everyone knows us through and through and we end up getting unnecessarily hurt by these people." In the end, we get hurt by ppl whom we want acceptance from... or our need for acceptance.
Acceptance is a funny thing. By itself it's not a bad thing nor a good thing. It's when we need that accpetance from a 'wrong' person. And when that person say things hurtful, we feel pain.
Anyone can say anything about us really. Someone wise once said, opinions are like assholes, everyone has one. But for me, I'm concerned only with the one who has the final say- Jesus. He says I'm blessed.
It's interesting to note too that as smart, likeable, warm, loving...etc Jesus is, He isn't liked by everyone. In fact, most people hate him. During His days on earth, He was called names, ridiculed, stones were thrown (at least Bush got only shoes!) and in the end murdered and betrayed.
So if the best man on earth can be hated to such levels, what more me, a mere mortal? Furthermore, I'm far far from perfection.
Someone told me recently that at any one time, chances are, 1/3 of the ppl like us, 1/3 hate us, and 1/3 are undecided. Our job is to convince the 1/3 of undecision to come to our side. Math wise, it looks simple and logical. Still our hearts want to be love by everyone. Perhaps my pride is way too big to acknowledge that 66.6% of the world out there can't be bothered about what I'm saying or hate what I'm saying. Being rejected by 66.6% or 4 billion people isn't a good feeling. Imagine 4 billion rotten tomatoes coming at me!
But that is reality. Especially for us who are gifted (even less ppl understand us!) . Who can understand Galileo when he said that the world is round? (He should have just gone to China, they already knew) Who can understand Picasso when he drew those 'ugly' pictures? Who can understand Warren Buffet when he buys when everyone is selling? Who can understand Paul when he talked about the Gospel of Grace?
These men 'see' in their mind's eye.... who can understand Jesus when He said, " Believing is seeing but seeing is not believing". These men are seldom liked when they are alive. They could see where we could not and because of that they are rejected. Are they right? For sure. Are they liked? Not really.
And we are all gifted in our own ways. I can't see what you see, but I can allow you to express that which you see. And if I can do just that, you will feel and know that the love I show you is genuine - then you and I will both feel accepted. My life will also be made richer by your gifts to me. What a wonderful world that will be.
hey dude, what a nice post :)
I just came back from the wedding that you were just in. During the time of catching up, wife told me that someone said something about me that it's downright insulting...
When she first told me what was said, I was shocked. I mean it doesn't feel good to be demeaned, insulted directly or indirectly. I got over it fairly quickly (because God is a very skilled healer). And now that I thought about it, what she said revealed more about her than me...
Like you said man, "...Not everyone knows us through and through and we end up getting unnecessarily hurt by these people." In the end, we get hurt by ppl whom we want acceptance from... or our need for acceptance.
Acceptance is a funny thing. By itself it's not a bad thing nor a good thing. It's when we need that accpetance from a 'wrong' person. And when that person say things hurtful, we feel pain.
Anyone can say anything about us really. Someone wise once said, opinions are like assholes, everyone has one. But for me, I'm concerned only with the one who has the final say- Jesus. He says I'm blessed.
It's interesting to note too that as smart, likeable, warm, loving...etc Jesus is, He isn't liked by everyone. In fact, most people hate him. During His days on earth, He was called names, ridiculed, stones were thrown (at least Bush got only shoes!) and in the end murdered and betrayed.
So if the best man on earth can be hated to such levels, what more me, a mere mortal? Furthermore, I'm far far from perfection.
Someone told me recently that at any one time, chances are, 1/3 of the ppl like us, 1/3 hate us, and 1/3 are undecided. Our job is to convince the 1/3 of undecision to come to our side. Math wise, it looks simple and logical. Still our hearts want to be love by everyone. Perhaps my pride is way too big to acknowledge that 66.6% of the world out there can't be bothered about what I'm saying or hate what I'm saying. Being rejected by 66.6% or 4 billion people isn't a good feeling. Imagine 4 billion rotten tomatoes coming at me!
But that is reality. Especially for us who are gifted (even less ppl understand us!) . Who can understand Galileo when he said that the world is round? (He should have just gone to China, they already knew) Who can understand Picasso when he drew those 'ugly' pictures? Who can understand Warren Buffet when he buys when everyone is selling? Who can understand Paul when he talked about the Gospel of Grace?
These men 'see' in their mind's eye.... who can understand Jesus when He said, " Believing is seeing but seeing is not believing". These men are seldom liked when they are alive. They could see where we could not and because of that they are rejected. Are they right? For sure. Are they liked? Not really.
And we are all gifted in our own ways. I can't see what you see, but I can allow you to express that which you see. And if I can do just that, you will feel and know that the love I show you is genuine - then you and I will both feel accepted. My life will also be made richer by your gifts to me. What a wonderful world that will be.
Monday, November 03, 2008
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Media bias against China Olympic? What's your say?
A friend of ours wrote this:
****************
Dear NBC Sports,
We get it. We really do. We're all well aware of China's poor track record when it's come to human rights. We've also become familiar with the Chinese training setup, and how children are trained up for years apart from their families in a relentless pursuit of excellence. We know that it's all alien to the American culture.
But can you please refrain from constantly calling China and everything Chinese into question during your coverage of these Games? Can your commentators actually focus on the athletes and the competition? Would it be possible to find another human interest angle, since you've saturated your coverage so far with all this commentary about China?
And if President Bush comes to the studio for another interview, could you actually talk to him about the Olympics, instead of human rights, other world conflict, Sudan, and steroids in baseball?
Can you please do all that? Or can you at least put a muzzle on Bob Costas?
Please?
This is not to say those issues are not important. They are. But there is a time and a place to discuss them, and the Olympic Games are surely not the place for it. Not when people have poured forth every ounce of effort they have to get to Beijing. They are the ones you need to be talking about. Leave the political commentary to the ones best suited to it.
Signed,
An Olympic fan who'd like to actually listen to Olympics-related commentary.
***********
What do you think?
****************
Dear NBC Sports,
We get it. We really do. We're all well aware of China's poor track record when it's come to human rights. We've also become familiar with the Chinese training setup, and how children are trained up for years apart from their families in a relentless pursuit of excellence. We know that it's all alien to the American culture.
But can you please refrain from constantly calling China and everything Chinese into question during your coverage of these Games? Can your commentators actually focus on the athletes and the competition? Would it be possible to find another human interest angle, since you've saturated your coverage so far with all this commentary about China?
And if President Bush comes to the studio for another interview, could you actually talk to him about the Olympics, instead of human rights, other world conflict, Sudan, and steroids in baseball?
Can you please do all that? Or can you at least put a muzzle on Bob Costas?
Please?
This is not to say those issues are not important. They are. But there is a time and a place to discuss them, and the Olympic Games are surely not the place for it. Not when people have poured forth every ounce of effort they have to get to Beijing. They are the ones you need to be talking about. Leave the political commentary to the ones best suited to it.
Signed,
An Olympic fan who'd like to actually listen to Olympics-related commentary.
***********
What do you think?
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Father's hand
Firstly Hillary, I wanna say what a great idea to start a 'sunday sharing' on the blogs!
When I think of my father's hand I think of my father - the man that he is. You know man is often identified with 'things they do' and what they do with their hands speaks volume about who he is, as a person.
My dad works tirelessly. He loves his work. I know that because through the years I've seen him happiest when he is working, both at the office or at home fixing stuff. And whatever he did, he put in all he had. Even after he retired, he worked on other things like languages (he now speaks and write japanese fluently), business...etc
Like all children, I grew up thinking 'I don't want to be like my dad'! But as years goes by, I think we are more alike than I think. Looking at him enjoy his work has certainly shaped me. I love me work too and if I had ALL the money in the world I'd still be working. *smiles* I am afterall my father's boy.
On hindsight though, I didn't have much chance to talk to my dad on a heart to heart basis. It's kinda hard for guys to open up this way. We like to 'tell' but we seldom, if ever, share what's in our heart. I'd like to tell him that I love him and all that... but when we meet, we talk about how our businesses are doing...etc
But the last few years has seen my dad grown more 'cool', which is a great thing. My ego has also gotten milder :) and there were a few occasion where we actually talked. It was one of the best times I had with him. I look forward now to go home and have a chance to just talk to him.
My wife's dad pass away a few years ago. He passed away at a difficult time and sometimes at night I still hug my wife as she think about her dad. She misses him still. I wonder what her father's hand meant to her? I would never understand... but dad (in law), you've raised a great gal!
When I think about my heavenly father, I think about Jesus. Since He said, if I have seen him, I've seen the Father.
What kinda hand does he have? I thought His hands praying. I thought about His hand that heals when He touched someone, His hands that worked on wood, . What does this pair of hands look like? This image came up:
But that picture isn't accurate at all. Far from it! Jesus' hands would be have been ugly! So ugly beyond recognition, pierced on the cross with 2 holes!
and because of that I have beautiful hands now, unscared, unpierced thanks to Him.
When I think of my father's hand I think of my father - the man that he is. You know man is often identified with 'things they do' and what they do with their hands speaks volume about who he is, as a person.
My dad works tirelessly. He loves his work. I know that because through the years I've seen him happiest when he is working, both at the office or at home fixing stuff. And whatever he did, he put in all he had. Even after he retired, he worked on other things like languages (he now speaks and write japanese fluently), business...etc
Like all children, I grew up thinking 'I don't want to be like my dad'! But as years goes by, I think we are more alike than I think. Looking at him enjoy his work has certainly shaped me. I love me work too and if I had ALL the money in the world I'd still be working. *smiles* I am afterall my father's boy.
On hindsight though, I didn't have much chance to talk to my dad on a heart to heart basis. It's kinda hard for guys to open up this way. We like to 'tell' but we seldom, if ever, share what's in our heart. I'd like to tell him that I love him and all that... but when we meet, we talk about how our businesses are doing...etc
But the last few years has seen my dad grown more 'cool', which is a great thing. My ego has also gotten milder :) and there were a few occasion where we actually talked. It was one of the best times I had with him. I look forward now to go home and have a chance to just talk to him.
My wife's dad pass away a few years ago. He passed away at a difficult time and sometimes at night I still hug my wife as she think about her dad. She misses him still. I wonder what her father's hand meant to her? I would never understand... but dad (in law), you've raised a great gal!
When I think about my heavenly father, I think about Jesus. Since He said, if I have seen him, I've seen the Father.
What kinda hand does he have? I thought His hands praying. I thought about His hand that heals when He touched someone, His hands that worked on wood, . What does this pair of hands look like? This image came up:
But that picture isn't accurate at all. Far from it! Jesus' hands would be have been ugly! So ugly beyond recognition, pierced on the cross with 2 holes!
and because of that I have beautiful hands now, unscared, unpierced thanks to Him.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Got my back buddy?
Recently I learnt that I have a weak lower back. My ego was seriously hurt when I discovered that I'm doing the same weights as me wife!
Come on man... how can la?
But I am! A little more investigation showed that I do have REALLY weak lower back. Like when I run, the first place that gives way is my lower back. It starts to ache and standing straight seems tiring.. you know the feeling?
So I started to do more lower back exercise. One of them, my favourite, for giving me maximum 'pain' is the dead lift. Basically you stand straight with your butt sticking out and back straight and just bend down to pick up a weight (bend the knees a little forward but not more than your toes). I start off very light... ok ego aside, I only do light weights! can?
Yes the lower back is that weak.
I remember this friend I have - CCL. She's a petite girl with outstanding posture... she only stands or sit or walk ith her back straight (or almost arched back). So straight that we all know she has got a nice butt :) I don't know how she does it but if there's something she can't do - she can't hunch over and pick up a pen! (hahahahahaa.. but i can! ngek ngek ngek)
because I start sweating just holding the weights standing like that. Especially the butt sticking out part, it targets the lower back really good.
Anyway I'm working on the back really hard and I do hope it gets stronger. It's gotten a bit stronger since a couple of weeks ago when i started and already I can run, swim, sit up straight much easier.
Now that I think about it, was that the reason why I had a bad posture. (It used to be worse!)
Anyway I'm glad I found this out now... lets see how I will feel with a stronger back.
Come on man... how can la?
But I am! A little more investigation showed that I do have REALLY weak lower back. Like when I run, the first place that gives way is my lower back. It starts to ache and standing straight seems tiring.. you know the feeling?
So I started to do more lower back exercise. One of them, my favourite, for giving me maximum 'pain' is the dead lift. Basically you stand straight with your butt sticking out and back straight and just bend down to pick up a weight (bend the knees a little forward but not more than your toes). I start off very light... ok ego aside, I only do light weights! can?
Yes the lower back is that weak.
I remember this friend I have - CCL. She's a petite girl with outstanding posture... she only stands or sit or walk ith her back straight (or almost arched back). So straight that we all know she has got a nice butt :) I don't know how she does it but if there's something she can't do - she can't hunch over and pick up a pen! (hahahahahaa.. but i can! ngek ngek ngek)
because I start sweating just holding the weights standing like that. Especially the butt sticking out part, it targets the lower back really good.
Anyway I'm working on the back really hard and I do hope it gets stronger. It's gotten a bit stronger since a couple of weeks ago when i started and already I can run, swim, sit up straight much easier.
Now that I think about it, was that the reason why I had a bad posture. (It used to be worse!)
Anyway I'm glad I found this out now... lets see how I will feel with a stronger back.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Recipe for revival
After my healing, we went for a run. When I came back, I quickly took my shower and got ready to go out for dinner. But before we headed out again... I took my watch and put it to my ear.
Hahaha. Tick tick tick.... I smiled and cried all at the same time in my room as I praised God for the wonderful gifts.
It was easy for me. I prayed and He delivered. Pure grace. Easy for me. But it didn't come cheap, He paid for it with a price.
Grace is cheap? Hardly. It's easy though.
That's the hard part for many to accept I suppose. It seems that we would rather prefer to work for something than to get it free. No wonder Paul was so mad at the galatians when he ask, " let me ask you one thing, did you receive the gift of the holy spirit through work or through faith?"
The word 'revival' is not used in the NT. Surprise? I think there's no need to use it because it's an on going theme. Whenever the gospel is preached, there's 'revival'- if revival means there's a lot of ppl coming to the lord.
I can remember 2 occasions recorded for us that this happen. First was by Peter in which 3000 ppl got saved and the other by Paul, 'almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord'.
So what happened during these 2 'revivals' recorded for us in the bible?
1. Peter to the Jews at Pentecost:
Act 2:38 Peter answered them, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the Holy Spirit as a gift.
Act 2:39 For this promise belongs to you and your children, as well as to all those who are far away, whom the Lord our God may call to himself."
2. Paul to everyone:
Act 13:38 Let it be known to you therefore, brothers, that through this man forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you,
Act 13:39 and by him everyone who believes is freed from everything from which you could not be freed by the law of Moses.
Notice the common theme?
Repent, which means change your mind in greek. Change your mind from what? What does Peter tells the 'men of Israel' to change their mind from? That the law of moses cannot save you (Act 2:36 Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.")
AND through this man is preached, is proclaimed the forgiveness of sins to you by which you are freed from everything you could not be freed from the law of moses! Then you WILL also receive the gift of the Holy Spirit - as a guarantee.
It is ALWAYS through Him, the foundation of our faith, the cornerstone, that 'revival' starts. Nothing else matters.
Those who believed, received the gift of the Holy Spirit and the promise. (What promise? ALL the promise in the bible)
That is the gospel - the only recipe needed for a 'revival' - the good news, the best news of God that He came to save and all sins are forgiven - your present, past and future ones. The key by which the New Covenant takes place. Hallelujah.
Believe in it.
Still I see ppl find it hard to believe. They feel that there's still 'sin' in them. They need a 'touch' from God since their 'last sin'. They still feel guilty that unless they are 'purified' from all 'sins' God cannot work in them or through them. They feel that they have not been completely obedient.
Well from what I read in Hebrews, the only disobedient the author was concern is this: that you stop believing that your conscience is cleared. Therefore the author say: strive to enter that rest. The 'rest' that it's now no longer our efforts, it's been done for us by Chris. And throughout the book, the unbelief is refered to as sin. And in its context:
Heb 10:26 For if we go on sinning (to stop believing that we have been forgiven) deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins,
Heb 10:27 but a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries.
So if we want to 'do' revival do this, believe that through this Man, is preached the forgiveness of sins and by Him all that believe are justified from all things from which you could not be justified by the law of Moses.
.
.
.
.
It's a few days now since the healing and I'm still enjoying hearing my watch tick. It's so funny, I feel like a little boy every time I put my watch to my right ear. It's as if I have heard it for the first time. Just like the gospel it seems I have just heard it for the first time, again, today.
Hahaha. Tick tick tick.... I smiled and cried all at the same time in my room as I praised God for the wonderful gifts.
It was easy for me. I prayed and He delivered. Pure grace. Easy for me. But it didn't come cheap, He paid for it with a price.
Grace is cheap? Hardly. It's easy though.
That's the hard part for many to accept I suppose. It seems that we would rather prefer to work for something than to get it free. No wonder Paul was so mad at the galatians when he ask, " let me ask you one thing, did you receive the gift of the holy spirit through work or through faith?"
The word 'revival' is not used in the NT. Surprise? I think there's no need to use it because it's an on going theme. Whenever the gospel is preached, there's 'revival'- if revival means there's a lot of ppl coming to the lord.
I can remember 2 occasions recorded for us that this happen. First was by Peter in which 3000 ppl got saved and the other by Paul, 'almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord'.
So what happened during these 2 'revivals' recorded for us in the bible?
1. Peter to the Jews at Pentecost:
Act 2:38 Peter answered them, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the Holy Spirit as a gift.
Act 2:39 For this promise belongs to you and your children, as well as to all those who are far away, whom the Lord our God may call to himself."
2. Paul to everyone:
Act 13:38 Let it be known to you therefore, brothers, that through this man forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you,
Act 13:39 and by him everyone who believes is freed from everything from which you could not be freed by the law of Moses.
Notice the common theme?
Repent, which means change your mind in greek. Change your mind from what? What does Peter tells the 'men of Israel' to change their mind from? That the law of moses cannot save you (Act 2:36 Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.")
AND through this man is preached, is proclaimed the forgiveness of sins to you by which you are freed from everything you could not be freed from the law of moses! Then you WILL also receive the gift of the Holy Spirit - as a guarantee.
It is ALWAYS through Him, the foundation of our faith, the cornerstone, that 'revival' starts. Nothing else matters.
Those who believed, received the gift of the Holy Spirit and the promise. (What promise? ALL the promise in the bible)
That is the gospel - the only recipe needed for a 'revival' - the good news, the best news of God that He came to save and all sins are forgiven - your present, past and future ones. The key by which the New Covenant takes place. Hallelujah.
Believe in it.
Still I see ppl find it hard to believe. They feel that there's still 'sin' in them. They need a 'touch' from God since their 'last sin'. They still feel guilty that unless they are 'purified' from all 'sins' God cannot work in them or through them. They feel that they have not been completely obedient.
Well from what I read in Hebrews, the only disobedient the author was concern is this: that you stop believing that your conscience is cleared. Therefore the author say: strive to enter that rest. The 'rest' that it's now no longer our efforts, it's been done for us by Chris. And throughout the book, the unbelief is refered to as sin. And in its context:
Heb 10:26 For if we go on sinning (to stop believing that we have been forgiven) deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins,
Heb 10:27 but a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries.
So if we want to 'do' revival do this, believe that through this Man, is preached the forgiveness of sins and by Him all that believe are justified from all things from which you could not be justified by the law of Moses.
.
.
.
.
It's a few days now since the healing and I'm still enjoying hearing my watch tick. It's so funny, I feel like a little boy every time I put my watch to my right ear. It's as if I have heard it for the first time. Just like the gospel it seems I have just heard it for the first time, again, today.
Many things I do not know...
but this I know, once I couldn't hear my watch ticking on my right ear now I can.
It was about last week that I found out that my right ear cannot hear the ticking of my automatic watch while my left ear can. I tried putting it at different angles but I just can't hear it ticking like the way it sound on my left ear.
Today we decided to hear a sermon by Peter Youngren or something. It's one of the sermon from New Creation. To be honest, it's one of the more boring one. But at the end of the sermon, on mp3, He said people are being healed and to pray. So wife and I sat here in our bed claiming we are healed here and there.
I prayed for my ear but I felt that it was such a 'small' thing, it can hear a lot of stuff just not 'ticking' but I hear a voice saying, He can heal everything. So I prayed for my mind to be boosted with wisdom, my ear, my knees...etc
About 5 mins later, Peter said to stretch out your arm/legs to test it out. So I took out my watch and there it was.
It sounds like music to my ears.... tick tick tick tick tick tick.
Hallelujah!
It was about last week that I found out that my right ear cannot hear the ticking of my automatic watch while my left ear can. I tried putting it at different angles but I just can't hear it ticking like the way it sound on my left ear.
Today we decided to hear a sermon by Peter Youngren or something. It's one of the sermon from New Creation. To be honest, it's one of the more boring one. But at the end of the sermon, on mp3, He said people are being healed and to pray. So wife and I sat here in our bed claiming we are healed here and there.
I prayed for my ear but I felt that it was such a 'small' thing, it can hear a lot of stuff just not 'ticking' but I hear a voice saying, He can heal everything. So I prayed for my mind to be boosted with wisdom, my ear, my knees...etc
About 5 mins later, Peter said to stretch out your arm/legs to test it out. So I took out my watch and there it was.
It sounds like music to my ears.... tick tick tick tick tick tick.
Hallelujah!
Thursday, June 05, 2008
Addicted to Oil
Before I write more I want to say that I totally don't agree with the way the government increase oil prices? Why can't they warn everyone first, like 3 months before so that everyone is prepared mentally. It seems they like to 'shock' everyone. Maybe they were trying to prevent prices to 'increase so fast' but that's inevitable isn't it?
As Malaysia is pondering about the shocking price increase I can't stop to wonder, why are we still addicted to oil?
And human race as a whole seems to be a forgetful lot. Take Malaysia for example, just more than a few months ago, we were 'shocked' when fuel prices went up to 1.9. The governement said it'll use all the savings for this and that... now they're spinning the same story. Are we expecting the 'savings' to put to good use again...?
So everytime the oil price hit a new high, the human race cries out. When crude oil first hit 50/barrel then 80/barrel then 100/barrel and then 130/barrel as in now. Each time we cry foul! The airline all went crazy. Then the powers that be produces a bit more oil, bring the prices down a bit... and then.... all is merry again!
The car manufacturers, oil producers...etc are playing all of us suckers! Electric cars (google who killed the electric car) were mass produced 10 years ago. Using 'lousy' batteries in today's standards and yet they still say electric cars are 'not ready'. Comparing electric cars and Hybrids, we would conclude that Hybrids are the 'Low-tech' cars isn't it?
So the Low Tech Hybrid cars are made so 'expensive' today because like all new product, they're going to bring the price down slowly. Does that make sense, you decide.
Yet government don't make efforts to shift us from the addiction. Why don't they give tax exemption for such cars? or restructure incentives to promote alternative energies. The technology is not ready is complete bull. It'll never be 'ready' if it isn't given a chance. Actually I think it's more than ready... just google it and you'll see what I mean or if you don't know how to read or spell just watch discovery. But what's stopping it from happening is $$$, money, mulah.
There's just so much unmade profits! from oil, from electricity...etc power supply is big business.
The other half is that, we're not used to energy being free. Humans are habitual creatures and after 100 years of paying for energy we're just not used to it being free... and it can be free. But in a capitalist world that's not gonna happen. And when there's money, there's greed and with that - even the best projects in the world can fail. (but really 100 years ago, energy are mostly free)
Meanwhile, the weather in the world gets worst. We blame it global warming- which is linked! heloo?!
So back to Malaysia and the world, we're addicted to oil and we're not doing anything about it. Like the guy who's addicted to cigarettes, he tells himself... after his it's the last stick. I was there and I tell you, he's bluffing himself. Until the world becomes convicted, we'll continue to be addicted to oil... so start preparing for 200/barrel and then 300/barrel.
As Malaysia is pondering about the shocking price increase I can't stop to wonder, why are we still addicted to oil?
And human race as a whole seems to be a forgetful lot. Take Malaysia for example, just more than a few months ago, we were 'shocked' when fuel prices went up to 1.9. The governement said it'll use all the savings for this and that... now they're spinning the same story. Are we expecting the 'savings' to put to good use again...?
So everytime the oil price hit a new high, the human race cries out. When crude oil first hit 50/barrel then 80/barrel then 100/barrel and then 130/barrel as in now. Each time we cry foul! The airline all went crazy. Then the powers that be produces a bit more oil, bring the prices down a bit... and then.... all is merry again!
The car manufacturers, oil producers...etc are playing all of us suckers! Electric cars (google who killed the electric car) were mass produced 10 years ago. Using 'lousy' batteries in today's standards and yet they still say electric cars are 'not ready'. Comparing electric cars and Hybrids, we would conclude that Hybrids are the 'Low-tech' cars isn't it?
So the Low Tech Hybrid cars are made so 'expensive' today because like all new product, they're going to bring the price down slowly. Does that make sense, you decide.
Yet government don't make efforts to shift us from the addiction. Why don't they give tax exemption for such cars? or restructure incentives to promote alternative energies. The technology is not ready is complete bull. It'll never be 'ready' if it isn't given a chance. Actually I think it's more than ready... just google it and you'll see what I mean or if you don't know how to read or spell just watch discovery. But what's stopping it from happening is $$$, money, mulah.
There's just so much unmade profits! from oil, from electricity...etc power supply is big business.
The other half is that, we're not used to energy being free. Humans are habitual creatures and after 100 years of paying for energy we're just not used to it being free... and it can be free. But in a capitalist world that's not gonna happen. And when there's money, there's greed and with that - even the best projects in the world can fail. (but really 100 years ago, energy are mostly free)
Meanwhile, the weather in the world gets worst. We blame it global warming- which is linked! heloo?!
So back to Malaysia and the world, we're addicted to oil and we're not doing anything about it. Like the guy who's addicted to cigarettes, he tells himself... after his it's the last stick. I was there and I tell you, he's bluffing himself. Until the world becomes convicted, we'll continue to be addicted to oil... so start preparing for 200/barrel and then 300/barrel.
Monday, May 19, 2008
You're nourishment
When you go, you will be nourishment to the land and the ppl there. You're like the grass, the water and the gardener. You will bring new grass to the land.. and where there's one grass, it spreads very fast. You water it and it will grow bringing new life to the land.
I see a fountain of water and fresh grass growing and reproducing and soon the land is a whole green garden.
So your role/you will be this nourishment. Bringing in new life a fresh new living water.
I see a fountain of water and fresh grass growing and reproducing and soon the land is a whole green garden.
So your role/you will be this nourishment. Bringing in new life a fresh new living water.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Getting fitter
Well it has almost been one year since we went to mount kk. I remember it's that faithful trip that made us realiase how unfit we were both were. So we decided since then to improve our health, fitness.
We started off with just running around kiara park. I remember the first time I ran more than 30mins, my first 10k run. Then I learn how to swim and my first time swimming in the beach where my feet could NOT touch the seabed. (I was saying,' I'm going to drown'.... for 30mins until I realiased that I wasn't going to)
Then in January, we joined a neighbourhood gym. The weights, cardio... hmmmpppmmhh. I must say I enjoy my workouts very much now. My body is leaner. I got 2 1/2 packs instead of 1 big one! The 'V' is starting to form (I'm thinking I'll stop at daniel craig in james bond or matt damon in bourne series) Although I'm still far from my ideal weight and my 10km run is at 75mins (from 81mins) I'm glad I got fitter.
I just feel so much better about my own body. More energy. I look better in my clothes too. Lovin' it.
We started off with just running around kiara park. I remember the first time I ran more than 30mins, my first 10k run. Then I learn how to swim and my first time swimming in the beach where my feet could NOT touch the seabed. (I was saying,' I'm going to drown'.... for 30mins until I realiased that I wasn't going to)
Then in January, we joined a neighbourhood gym. The weights, cardio... hmmmpppmmhh. I must say I enjoy my workouts very much now. My body is leaner. I got 2 1/2 packs instead of 1 big one! The 'V' is starting to form (I'm thinking I'll stop at daniel craig in james bond or matt damon in bourne series) Although I'm still far from my ideal weight and my 10km run is at 75mins (from 81mins) I'm glad I got fitter.
I just feel so much better about my own body. More energy. I look better in my clothes too. Lovin' it.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
You said it best... when you say nothing at all.
After the song got popular, it became a cliche. Ha ha, and how true, how true! And I don't mean it in a sarcastic kind of way.
My journey started after listening to a sermon last year when I 'discovered' that if I give honour to my parents, God will honour me! Wow! He promise to bless me if I honour them. Awesome. Of course, we're supposed to honour them, God just throw in the bonuses if we do them like giving us long satisfying life...etc
Then I 'discovered' that if I honour God, God will honour me too. Simple.
Then I thought, what if I honour my friends? Give them honour. What would happen? Others reciprocate. Give respect and it will be given back. You get to make better friends, love more and learn more about people around. Life got more interesting.
The amazing thing I found out about this is that I have an unlimited amount of honour to give. How much honour can I give? As much as I want! And the more I give, the more I got back in return.
Ok but how do I give this abstract thing called 'honour'? I learnt later that most times, I can give 'honour' to friends by listening to them. People just love to talk. Incredibly, they love to teach! and I get to learn so much from their lives! ..... and all this while I was trying to get people around me to talk more so that I can learn from them but really all I had to do was to keep quiet! hahaha eric just loved to talk!
Thank you Jesus for this important lesson this year.
My journey started after listening to a sermon last year when I 'discovered' that if I give honour to my parents, God will honour me! Wow! He promise to bless me if I honour them. Awesome. Of course, we're supposed to honour them, God just throw in the bonuses if we do them like giving us long satisfying life...etc
Then I 'discovered' that if I honour God, God will honour me too. Simple.
Then I thought, what if I honour my friends? Give them honour. What would happen? Others reciprocate. Give respect and it will be given back. You get to make better friends, love more and learn more about people around. Life got more interesting.
The amazing thing I found out about this is that I have an unlimited amount of honour to give. How much honour can I give? As much as I want! And the more I give, the more I got back in return.
Ok but how do I give this abstract thing called 'honour'? I learnt later that most times, I can give 'honour' to friends by listening to them. People just love to talk. Incredibly, they love to teach! and I get to learn so much from their lives! ..... and all this while I was trying to get people around me to talk more so that I can learn from them but really all I had to do was to keep quiet! hahaha eric just loved to talk!
Thank you Jesus for this important lesson this year.
Friday, December 28, 2007
where we came from
I stumbled on this article about spoilt youngsters. The usual complain about the younger generation not knowing how to appreciate the good stuff given to them. Yes, we've all heard it before, that during our father's time they had meat only a few times... Tough times indeed!
I used to frown on such article, which we have heard a million times. This time it touched me. Perhaps I've grown up a bit. Having been through some tough times in the last few years has indeed changed me. It has thought me about determination, belief and faith....
...I certainly appreciate things given to me much more than I had before. My relationships, my faith in God, my ownerships of toys... they are indeed all blessing from God.
Remembering the times when I had little, really thought me to appreciate things when I have
And so I'm reminded to think about where I came from: for once I was sinner. But while I was a sinner, Christ came for me in His grace that I may inherit his gift of righteousness and be joint heir with Him.
Where I came from?... Man, I don't want to go back there - a very bad place to be for sure.
Where I am now?... as Christ is, who is seated on the right hand God, so I am, as joint heir. Really, it's the best place to be - on earth and on heaven.
I used to frown on such article, which we have heard a million times. This time it touched me. Perhaps I've grown up a bit. Having been through some tough times in the last few years has indeed changed me. It has thought me about determination, belief and faith....
...I certainly appreciate things given to me much more than I had before. My relationships, my faith in God, my ownerships of toys... they are indeed all blessing from God.
Remembering the times when I had little, really thought me to appreciate things when I have
And so I'm reminded to think about where I came from: for once I was sinner. But while I was a sinner, Christ came for me in His grace that I may inherit his gift of righteousness and be joint heir with Him.
Where I came from?... Man, I don't want to go back there - a very bad place to be for sure.
Where I am now?... as Christ is, who is seated on the right hand God, so I am, as joint heir. Really, it's the best place to be - on earth and on heaven.
Sunday, November 25, 2007
the animation that thought me communication...
A picture speaks a thousand more, they say. I suppose then an animation speaks a thousand more. As it is so with this one. I hope blogspot is able to show you the animation. It's a picture of a 'dancing girl'. Now which way do you see her spin? Clockwise, or anti-clockwise.
When I first got this picture, I saw it spin anti-clockwise. (Means apparently, I'm more analytical) and the friend who send it to me saw it spinning clockwise.
As we discuss it over IM, our frustration mounted. No HELL way it's spinning clockwise I said and my friend replied, wtf are you talking about?! It's definitely not spinning anti-clockwise if you ask him.
The spell was broken when a colleague of mine remarked, 'wow, what an interesting animation.. i can see it spinning both ways.'
What the FUCK?! Both ways? Of course I only said it 'internally' (hahaha...)
Finally, after about 1 hour, we analysed the gif file - frame by frame ... (see I guess I'm left brain afterall) and discovered how one can see it go both ways - clockwise AND anticlockwise.
It's been months since I received the picture and since then it has thought me a valuable lesson on communication. I can be right while at the same time wife can also be right. Who's to say she's spinning clockwise or anticlockwise. Both could be right - at the same time. Unless one is standing from the top and looking down we don't know for sure which way she's spinning.
In our daily lives I discovered, sometimes, NO, in fact, many times both are right.
The picture also planted the thought to me that sometimes, if i bother to calm down (hard), listen (very hard) and put myself in the other person's shoes (so so very hard) I may just see things spinning differently. Funnily, the result this is usually a very light and happy feeling!
Now that I can see our lady spin both ways, I'm happy. Hey I may even brag a little about it. It's great feeling to know that I can see more than 'meets the eye'. Knowing this truth it seems has set me (more) free and it should do the same to you too... because whoever you're having an arguement with just now, you were right. Perhaps so was s/he.
*if you're on facebook check out the 'brain game' since blogspot can't show animation
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