Passing the baton

News spread very fast when you keep your lips tight shut. It is such irony that people get to know it before you can even tell them. Well, I guess life is such that you don't even bother what it will come out to be and let nature take it's course.
Well, I guess by now, the cat is really out of the bag...no more hiding and running round about, I'm taking over the youth ministry mantleship. Its a mixed feeling. I felt my heart tugging and fretting over it ever since the bomb exploded in my face 2 weeks ago. I don't know if I'm ready for it. I tread this ground with trepidation.
The youth leaders had a meeting with the church leaders over this matter and I remember one of the church leader telling me this, "Well James, you do have a choice. You either take it up with fear and trembling or you rise up to the occassion." Am I ready to rise up to their expectations? Surely if I say I want to do His work, He will provide that necessary resources to build me up. Wah, so many things to think about and so little neurons to decipher what's next. It seems like a data-overload on my inconspicuous bean-shape brain.
But I'm determined to let God have the last say, even though people have the facts. I will always remember that in ministry, it is people first, then the place and then the programs.
God, I leave it all to you now!

What's with you lately?

Me, myself and I. The centrality of me versus the world. What absolute rubbish! Lately, I've been hit with this 'Me' mentality. Sad to say, sometimes we succumbed to it too often that we don't see the pitfalls of mankind. It is the 'me first and the rest later' syndrome that is a bit too hard to swallow.
Jesus said that we if we want to be first, the we will shall be last. What's that, you may ask. You see, the kingdom of heaven is such that whoever wants to be great and first in the kingdom of heaven must serve others and thus become last for the sake of others. There is no room for egos display and the carnal trinity, Me, Myself and I. Jesus said that we need to humble ourselves before Him. And whatever self that we have, we are to crucify that flesh and come broken and contrite before Him. Simple said then done, but then it takes a lot for us to lay down whatever we don't want to give up.
So what's with you lately? Full of yourself or do you want to empty yourself and come before God to say, "Lord, I'm nothing without You."

Losing The Battle To Win The War

What does it mean to be chastened by God? When God chasten us, he is not trying to get even with us for our sin. Sometimes, we hastily conclude that God must be angry for something we did. The Bible says that God 'hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us with according to our iniquities.....As far as the east is from the west, so far hath He removed our transgressions from us' (Psalms 103:10,12). God's chastening is not God's way of getting even: God got even at the cross.
In fact, it is God's way of preparing us for something better, more valuable and worthwhile. God chastens us 'for profit, that we might be partakers of His holiness' (Hebrews 12:10). Sometimes, God chastens the very one that at that point of time don't deserve it or need it. Take the case of Job. He was a perfect and upright person (Job 1:1). Seriously, you don't have to do anything wrong for God to decide to chasten you! And that is a very sobering fact!
When God chastens you because you have done right - and you take it well - then you can be trusted. Not everyone who is chastened can find an immediate reason why. God could have vindicated us on the spot, but He has chosen not to. I tell you why, because it is better to lose a battle in order to win the war. God had a lot in mind for the kingdom of God than our own personal vindication.
Are you suffering right now because somebody has said something about you that is not nice? Has somebody done something to you that is not very kind? Do you yearn for some vengeance, for the moment where everybody can see the truth? Of course, you do. But if you can't keep quiet about it and you begin instead to act as a busybody, trying to protect yourself and your self-esteem, God will back off the whole situation. He will let you handle it and you will lose the war. The wisest thinng one can ever do when mistreated is to be quiet. God want us to lose the battle so that He might win the war for us.

A Good Break!

Holidays are good. Do you feel that you need a break from the mundanes, routines and the dulls? I do. That's why I went for a short break overseas. It's good to know that your senses needs to feel, taste, hear, smell and see the different myriads of new things which you can only experience once you are out of this concrete jungle call Singapore. And once you come back from the break, you are a totally different person that will just exudes that changed in you. You'll be able to handle things in a different way, have a changed mindset, and most important thing, not take people and things for granted. If you feel like going for that holiday break, tell you what, don't let anything stop you from going. Go and be refreshed. You'd be dying for that change. Time to go smell that rose! What are you waiting for?

Why Some People Cannot Wait

The topic was wait. And people just can't wait for the sermon to finish. Where do you think they are hurrying to? It beats me to think that they are not even interested in whatever we say.
Had an interesting thing happened to me recently. A young guy came out responding to my senior pastor's message on waiting upon the Lord. He was crying and told me to pray for him as he just broke off with his girlfriend. He was asking me to pray that his girlfriend will go back to him and he would like to start all over again with her, on her terms. What pride! Man, this sounds like he's desperate to have her back in his life! When young people get into a relationship, they just loose their mind and character. Don't they ever think before they jump? Imagine having young people coming to me and say, "Hi James, I need to inform you that we just got hitched." Sorry lor, am I an information counter? Which comes first, accountability or the adage, "Just Do It?" As I see it, I'm going to be overwhelmed by such things. It's not new to young people to feel love and to be loved. What I really need is, "hey, give me some time to react lah!" I can listen. I can advice, but would you want to commit yourself to God first, then seriously think through what you might get yourself into.
Human love is definitely selfish. In a relationship, you pay the price for the commitment and the responsibilities towards each other. Don't diminish that. If you can't even achieve these two objectives.....don't celebrate. Looks like celibate is more for you. So please, please, look before you jump into it. Otherwise, don't say I never warn you.
WAIT! It will do you more good than harm! trust me.

You Want A Blank Cheque?

If God will to say that He's going to give you a blank cheque, what would you do?
a) Write the biggest amount and bank in.
b) Reject it because you think it's a hoax.
c) Don't know what to do with it and probably will sit on it for a long while.
d) Cannot imagine because you have never received such blessings before.
If your answer is (a), good for you. God's intention is always to bless us bountifully, beyond what we can ever imagine. If your answer is (b) and (c), you probably never experienced God's love in a tangible way. Where have you been when God is already here! God's promise has been spoken in John 3:16, God love us so much that He allowed Jesus to die for the sake of redeeming us. isn't that a blank cheque? Guess what, God is the owner of the biggest bank in the universe. God has no other ulterior motives when He wants to bless us. If your answer is (d), then I recommend that you check His words out. He said in Jeremiah 29:11-14, Malachi 3:10 & 11, Matthew 7:7 & 8, Matthew 5:3-12, James 1:12 and many more. I haven't even scratch the surface! The Bible contains so much blessings that not even the whole world can contain.....so what are you waiting for?
God is not going to give us a blank cheque, He's going to give us more than a blank cheque! Received with thanksgiving. Amen!

You don't stand a chance in hell!

Where would I be if I have never been told of God's love for me? Have you ever consider this question at all? Life will still go on, but I've been told that it will go on to another level in heaven! Have you got a passport to heaven? God's purpose for us is to enjoy Him forever.
When I think about the number of BB Boys that came and went and not knowing who Jesus is, it got me wanting to do something. Surely, these Boys are precious in His eyes. As much as I've received His Christ when I was in BB, I knew that these Boys needed Him just as much.
Hell is a terrible place. I don't mean to scare you into God's kingdom, but that's the truth, hell is indeed a place you don't want to be in.
So look into the eyes of the person who has yet to know Jesus, do you see confusion and dejection. Let's put on a heart of compassion and usher them into God's kingdom. Do it now!

Electrifying moment 

Have You Counted The Cost Of Being A Follower?

Lately, I've been waking up early in the morning tending to my nephew, due to his unearthly feeding time. It had not been easy as I looked at my him when he opened his mouth and gave me an earful, craving for his four-hourly fix. What used to be a novelty began to sink like the Titanic. If only I wish I could have a intravenous auto feed right into his mouth, that would have given us extra snooze time.
Come to think of it, the Bible tells us that we were once baby that needed milk more than solid food. We needed liquified food so that we can digest well, not get choked.
In my younger days, when I was a new believer, I was zealous for Him. I couldn't care what it takes to follow Jesus, as long as I knew it was pleasing in His sight. I was like a bull charging towards the matador, the prize of my target. Well, as you know, in the process of charging towards him, I've got pricked and poked, and probably killed too! The price that I paid for being a follower got higher. No wonder Paul exhorted this word to the church in Philippi, "For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain." Philippians 1:21. What matters most for him was the life that he had, is not as important as to know His Savior, who gave His all for all.
Have you counted the cost of following Jesus? Stop counting! Let's get out of control. He is in control of your life.

Same Difference!

Life is a real challenge when your back is up against the wall. Everytime you get out of the situation, someone will just arrive to twist your arm and give it a hard wrench. Never have I ever thought that ministry is a walk in the park. No way! Life is a constant struggle and I'm always trying to keep my head above water. My struggle is like stirring the sea for sharks to sniff me out and grabbing a bite. Sheez! Did I said that I was in the cage?
No wonder King Solomon wrote in the book of Ecclesiastes, saying "Meaningless! Meaningless! Everything is meaningless!" Life is like an endless cycle of routines and monotony!
Wait! Didn't Solomon ended the book with this word? "Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgement, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil." Ecc 12:13-14.
Oops! That must have included the mundane and the boring stuffs too!
Ok God, You win! I submit.

I Felt Like A Punching Bag For Others

Recently, I've been in lots of thoughts about being a effective people developer. Our church has always been lacking in this area. We are not affirming enough of our church members to stretch and develop their spiritual gifts. I'm guilty of it myself too! With so many things to do within so little time, I beginning to doubt if I'm ever a effective leader.
There has been quite a few things that has happened that is affecting my thought patterns and outlook in life. Sometimes it is worth mentioning, but many times worrying to spill out. But there is one niggling factor that has shakened my confidence in handling people, my inability to influence life. Sad to say I'm a bit perturbed and discouraged that we have not arrived what we set forth to do. So much talk but so little actions. Sometimes, I just felt like a punching bag, ready to be used for some people's woes and problems. Maybe it has to do with my character, or just plain ignorance. I've failed to observe trends and anticipate potential hiccups. Whatever it is, I guess the biggest problem could be attributed to one thing, the lack of communications with my charges. We talk about being transparent to one another, but I've get a feeling that we are just having a piece of one way mirror over our face, you can see others, but people can't see you.
You know the end result of being a punching bag? All woes, anger, frustrations and discouragement are deposited on you. And that is what I'm feeling now.

Pray like you never prayed before

What's it like to pray until drops of blood drip down your forehead? I would never understand that nor experience it. Jesus was agonising whether to take the cup of suffering, till He said that this was to be the will of His Father. Back of His mind, I believe He never doubted that He would have to shoulder the sins of the world. I thank God for that immensed responsibility, that cup of suffering that Jesus would have to bear it alone. Simple deal, that if Jesus didn't walked that road, we would all be done in by our sins. Lord Jesus, I thank You for the suffering you carried for me. You died that I might have eternal life, and that I may truly know that You're the Son of God. Lord, it's time for me to take that place, to pray until drops of blood drip down my forehead, for I will never know how much you love me until You said, "Father, not My will, but Yours be done." As in this season of 40 days of prayer and fasting, let us all stand in the gap, pray like we never prayed before, for we are made for such a time like this!

Help! I'm sinking!

Ever stepped on quicksand? I wonder how it feels like? That sinking feeling, perhaps? Life is like that sometimes. You step on something that you're not suppose to step on, plonk, down you go!. Next time when it happens, grab anything your hands can get on, it might save you a heap! look where you're treading, it make sense to be alert and watch where you're going. Nobody's going to be around when you do that sinking feeling routine! Ha!

Confused!

I wonder how long am I'm going to feel this way? Sense that something dangerous is coming my way, but just don't know what it is! Maybe its just me, worrying over many things and too concerned with ways that doesn't matter. The drift sure coming very strongly. Getting many conflicting signals form above, don't know what is the real thing and what's not. Sure hope that this feeling will go away soon! Exit, stage left!!!!!

Crazy times ahead!

Crazy times with crazy schedule. Phew! Haven't much time to breathe. Recently, I've been flooded with BB activities. Imagine having 5 camps and 6 parades within a span of a month. No wonder I've been acting a bit strange lately. Surely, there's a better way to spend my June than to get so intensely involved with the BB Boys. But then, there's no complain. Afterall, I'm paid to do all these things. So what am I saying? Enjoy it while you can, for when the days of trouble arrives and the years approach when I say, "I find no pleasure in them" - I'll be in really big trouble! Just as king Solomon wrote that in Ecclesiastes 12:1. I'm also reminded that in everything I do, fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgement, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil. Ecc 12:13,14. So enjoy every thing that God has given us.

Relax! God's still in control

Had my youth cell retreat in Port Dickson, Malaysia just last week. Before that, I was quite stressed out concerning where to go for our cell retreat. Price, convenience, transport and accessability were all that we considered before we firmed up on Port Dickson. Actually, I had my reservations about driving up there, as I'm doing it for the very first time without much help from maps and experience.
Anyway, I was pestered by my cell members to get a place in Malaysia for a cell retreat. Desaru was my first choice, but when Ps. Gordon suggested Port Dickson and he would help me to enquire about the resort, I had more or less made up my mind to get there. So I got uncle Jeff's MPV and stuff the eight of us in it to get to Port Dickson.
Still, the fear of the unknown kept hitting me - what if I lost my way, what if I've met with an accident....? Doubts after doubts swept my mind, but after Ps. Gordon told me that he would be accompanying us on the first day, I was very much put at eased. It actually help me to be a bit more calmer and put everything in the right perspective. Well, it was indeed an adventure for me, trying to remember all the routes and where to turn, the traffic rules in Malaysia and all the signboards in Bahasa Malaysia. Phew! Glad to say I've survived and am happy to know that I've enjoyed it too! So, Malaysia highway, here I come again in the near future.

God meant it for good

How many of us can really say that bad things in life are good for us? Meet Joseph. Sold into slavery at 17, sent to a foreign land far far away, jailed and accused. What more can he endured? Well, it turned out that God had a plan and purpose for what he went through. As for me, it is a lesson of great humility. Joseph had a special gift, the ability to interpret dreams. Greatness was about to come into his life. Knowing full well what you'll be going through really makes me wonder the kind of life I'm living for God. I am truly humbled by God's intervention in the life of Joseph, his total submission and reliance on Him is really amazing. Nothing beats having God direct your path in whatever you do. Me, out of control. God, you take control!

Nehemiah 4 - rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem

It's the season of rebuilding. As I read the book of Nehemiah, I can't help but marvel at what God can do through Nehemiah, who renounced his life of luxury in the courts of King Artaxerxes, travel back to Jerusalem to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. In Nehemiah 4, the enemies of the Israelites mocked at their idea of rebuilding the wall, saying what's the use of having walls when the city is in ruined? But God has other plans. As we can see, the enemies were flabbergasted. They lost their confidence and recognised that this work was accomplished through the help of their God. The people of Israel were focused on doing what they came for, rebuilding the walls of the city. Likewise, God has a purpose of planting this passage in my heart. God wants me to rebuild lives that were broken. I believe God has given me the necessary tools to do His work in YMM. It is time to do what is timely, for there are words that needs to be heeded. God wants us to be faithful to Him. Nehemiah 4:20 says, "At whatever place you hear the sound of the trumpet, rally to us there. Our God will fight for us." If God is for us, who can be against us?

Is there any other way I can do it better?

I can feel it! Something good is coming my way. I don't know, but it's getting stronger. At the same time, I know the forces of evil is also getting stronger. Nevertheless, I still hold on to the fact that God is still in control. There is an air of expectancy, something I haven't felt for a long time. Everytime, this thing happens, I know God is asking me to get into the thick of action to be in the frontline. This means war with the enemy and no compromise. But I know that God will always be with me, for I'm carrying His banner into the battle, lifting up His Name wherever I go. "God, I'm am Your child, and I'm willing to be used for Your glory, in work, in school, in whatever places You have placed me to be. Let me be Your feet, Your hands to carry out Your missions and keep me focused in my everyday battle for truth and for Your righteousness sake. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen."