Building Relationship with LOVE

This is an interesting entry by Jon. Not sure if its God's timing but it happens after Jon had a heated arguement with a Sister in church... Seriously she is God-damned rediculous and he does not feel like seeing her again ever...

This particular day, Jon even seek consul from one of his mentor - to seek third party advise. That evening, he found this message in his face...

BBG (Business Breakthrough Group) meeting of City Harvest Church at NTUC Building at 1 Marina, on October 2, 2008. 7.30pm
Speaker: Ps. Meng (choongtm@pacific.net.sg)

Bible verses:

Read Psalm 23 especially verse 6:
"Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever."

Psalm 107:9:
"for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things."

Jeremiah 31:25
"I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint."

3 John 1:2
"as your soul prosper, so are you as a whole. Be prosperous in your walk with Christ."

These are 7 Spiritual needs for us in BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS:
Spirituality
Love
Self-esteem
Knowledge
Security
Freedom
Aesthetic

On this occasion Ps. Meng, focus on building relationships particularly with LOVE.

The thing about love is that it requires you to work it out with one another. There are 10 criteria for a successful relationships:

1. Speak a little less, listen a little more. Just like some ancient Greek philosopher wisely mentioned, we are created to have 2 ears and 1 mouth; meaning, you should listen double than you speak. Apart from that, listen with interest for example watch the body language of the speaker as you listen.
2. Which is more important? Being right or maintaining harmony? If your answer is “being right” it means that you are maintaining your personal pride. Maintaining harmony is the answer as you are able to back down. Let people made their mistake, as they may learn from their mistakes. Do not force feed your opinion. No matter how right you are. Do not gloat, but readily offer a helping hand when they are in trouble due to their mistake.
3. You must know when to keep silent.
4. Avoid gossip
5. Forgiveness
6. The right motive.
7. Must have one-ness. Do not harbor jealousy and be considerate toward one another. You can’t reach people’s heart if you’re being too straightforward. Learn to paraphrase your wordings. You would want to be treated as how you treat others.
8. Inject humor in your relationship. Learn to enjoy one another. Be able to laugh at yourself.
9. Work to improve your relationship, not over analyze it.
10. Learn to have concern and detachment. Showing concern is okay but don’t be clingy as sometimes we forgot to detached our lives away from the others for them to lead their own lives.
    
    Remember a good friendship is able to offer goodwill.

Frankly after that evening, one of the struggles that Jon faces each day is point Number 2 - Being Right or Maintaining Harmony. Seriously, this is a struggle for many Christians as they try to juggle right living with God and disciplining others. It takes righteousness to correct oneself and it takes humility to maintain harmony... Only Jesus can achieve both.

My Financial Views II

This is an email exchange between Brother Albert and Jon...

As usual our Big Brother Albert has adopted a more balanced approach in this topic but Jon felt that he should stand his ground to speak the truth for God...

It's true that there are a lot of grey areas in life and there are no real "rights" or "wrongs" in certain topics, but as long as we pressed on for the truth, there is nothing for us to worry about when the day comes to be accounted for.

Anyway here's the emails:

From: jon [mailto:jon@stxch.com]
Sent: Monday, September 22, 2008 12:44 AM
Subject: RE: Wake Up Call

Hi Guys,

Frankly I did not really research much on investments and related topics. In fact the closest I did was to buy some AIA funds using my CPF money when the government first open up the door for investments and I convert it back to $$$ to pay off my house down payment. It was a $20,000 investment and I managed to make around $2,000 after several years of “parking” the money there… Can I call myself a “proven investor” now?

Anyway my philosophy is always asking myself “biblical logics” on everything that I stumbled on… from gay/lesbian staff to what “NEW ISRAEL” is in the End Times and now the recent financial crisis. In fact I have recently watched Schindler’s List and Hitler-The rise of the Evil and I am currently pondering on his Holocaust idea… dun worry I am not thinking of killing people… just wondering how a man could mislead a nation into doing something so insane, yet they do not realize its wrong and they are still so proud of it.

So can you imagine the same kind of persuasion on other things that do not involve killing people? I think we can name anything under the sun and anyone can easily mislead someone.

So continuing with this financial topic and how many of us are misled by what we are doing… here’s a recent news article about the protests in HK over the Lehman issue, please read this piece of news as I find it very interesting:
http://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSPEK7193220080921?feedType=RSS&feedName=topNews&pageNumber=1&virtualBrandChannel=0

Here’s a few extracts that I want to highlight:

The protesters, many of them elderly retirees, accused the government of failing to provide proper oversight and said local banks did not do enough to warn of them of the risks involved.

"They were misleading investors on the risk. They said the minibonds were highly stable," said W.H. Chiu, a 66-year-old retiree.

An advertisement issued by a unit of Sun Hung Kai & Co Ltd touted the product as "a strong collection letting you invest with peace of mind", while noting in fine print that the notes involved "a high degree of risk".


Please take a second look at the above underlined, is it familiar to some of us? If this is not biblical (in misleading people) I really do not know what is… How many people look at the “fine prints” when they are doing their so-call speculation/investments? Based on my entire life experiences, I always hear people telling myself and others that this is stable, that is safe and things are fine… But none of them will tell you the fine print behind. To our surprise these so call “fine prints” are usually the ones that are most important. Point is, many people always based their BIBLICAL KNOWLEDGE on the worldly visible prints rather than the important fine truth…

Like I said before, you will not see the light until darkness come… and sorry, I am now enjoying shining light on the fine prints in the dark right now. Please do not judge me as I am only boasting about the biblical truth.

Like I point out on Friday CG, these are some verses that are so relevant that I think everyone of us can hold on to in whatever financial/business situations you are about to do:

Proverbs 20:23 “The LORD detests differing weights, and dishonest scales do not please him.”

Proverbs 11:1 “The LORD abhors dishonest scales, but accurate weights are his delight.”

Hope its enough to open up some of our mind… Anyway guys please do not get me wrong. I am not saying that it’s not biblical to speculate/invest… me for one would go to have some fun in casinos if I have a chance to go Genting, Macau or even Las Vegas. In fact I am waiting to check out our local casinos too… My intention is very simple. To identify and draw a line between plain harmless gambling fun from Biblical Truths. Also it’s important that we do not try to justify our pure harmless gambling fun by “spiritualising” it…

Okay, that’s all for my Sunday musing. I would like to sign off with this:

Proverbs 20:15 “Gold there is, rubies in abundance, but lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel.”

Jon




From: Albert Wang
Subject: RE: Wake Up Call
Date: Friday, 19 September, 2008, 11:57 AM

Hi,

Any arguments can be skewed. Such is the topic on investments. So let me try to add some balance to it.

So in perspective. The whole economy is based on what we call "Unfair scale". Unless we understand this system, we will be rob by the lack of knowledge. The issue of AIG is a lesson that only our God is the true security. By no means that we should avoid exercising common sense. In live, anything can be gamble. In business can be gamble. In marriage, can be gamble IF we do not make risk assessments criterias.

In investment/business, we should never use what we can't afford , that is risk money. In Godly stewardship we are called to do what we know best in terms of management of His in our stewardship. In any case, It is not encourage to jump in to financial instruments. Namely stocks, forex, options, bonds, funds w/o due diligence. This area need knowlege and proper money management skills. It takes many hours of discipline and never a stroke of luck or what so ever for those who succeed. And it is true that market is down, wealth is not created nor destroyed. It is simply TRANSFERRED. This is system we live in, with the introduction of fiat currency and departure from gold standards.We are "robbed" since day one we were born. And ppl do make lots of money when it is down. And they legally "ROB YOU" in terms of inflations, investments draw downs etc. (e.g Oei guy makes millions and wealth is transferred)

Now think about this, those ppl, fund managers, gambled our money. If they have in mind our interest, it would not have been like this today.And you never know , in case we put faith in our CPF money, may one day go to smoke. Nothing is for certain. And our bank currencies may come to nothing. Cos they are nothing as theyare digits and numbers. Think about it.Lets put faith in God, what we can't change He will in due time. Mean time, be a good steward and not be lazy nor ignorant, in how we use our dime, time and resources. Hope this present a balanced view ont his topic.

God bless,
Albert

My Financial Views

Recently Jon has a few email correspondents with some people, and think its good that we journal it up for others to take a look and share their views...

From: jon@stxch.com
Subject: Wake Up Call
Date: Fri, 19 Sep 2008 11:15:14 +0800

Indeed it's a wakeup call for everyone in financial sector. All these happen as PANIC grips the credit markets in the world financial sectors. Even conservative financial organization such as insurance giant AIG is not spared...

I remembered people always argued with me regarding speculations/investments been safe and secure as long as they are "smart in STUDYING market trends". Some even argued that they can make good speculations/investments even if market goes down. Worse of all people would go for so-called "guaranteed profits" by doing "shorts" without coming out cash at all. I really hope that these so call Christian speculators/investors, who insist that all these are “NOT GAMBLING” can reap profits through these turmoil.

Here's the report that some might want to read: http://sg.news.yahoo.com/afp/20080919/tts-us-finance-banking-972e412.html

Here's an extract:

A move by British market regulators to ban short-selling -- a technique that profits from falling share prices -- lifted hopes that other markets may follow.

In the US, new rules aimed at curbing speculative "naked short" sales that aim to profit from falling share prices took effect as a probe was launched into market manipulation.

New York state attorney general Andrew Cuomo announced a probe into illegal short-selling practices that may have hurt finance firms including Lehman Brothers and Morgan Stanley.
Cuomo said that short-selling itself is legal but that "what is illegal is if you are spreading false information, rumors, and you join a conspiracy to purposely drive down the price of a stock, and you are profiting from the decline," he said in an interview with CNN.

Cuomo said the manipulation of the price of a stock with false information is securities fraud.
"Companies like Lehman, companies like Morgan Stanley, companies like Goldman Sachs who are seeing the rapid (share) declines, we have complaints that there are episodes of illegal short-selling, and that is what we are investigating."


For those who claimed that all these are not unbiblical as it is not written in the bible...please think again... Here’s what the bible says:

Matthew 16:26What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul?

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

1 Corinthians 1:20Where is the wise man? Where is the scholar? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?

Revelation 18:23The light of a lamp will never shine in you again. The voice of bridegroom and bride will never be heard in you again. Your merchants were the world's great men. By your magic spell all the nations were led astray.

Anyway as in Revelation 18:23, “Your merchants were the world’s great men”... the collapse of these worldwide companies are exactly managed by the world smartest people playing top CEOs in these well known organizations. It's sad to see all these financial problems but I thank God for the financial shaking so that our people are awoken from this "false dream" of financial stability based on massive borrowing and debts. Now let's continue to see how many more companies need bailing out...

Back to speculations/investments-is-not-gambling topic. Let me say at least in casino people "gamble" with their cash on hand and they would stop when their cash runs out. The bankers do not play unless your bets are on the table. At least people would not lose more than they have... So which is worse? Gamblers or Speculators/Investors? My answer is they are both the same. Money make Money or Money lose money. Bible teaches us that it's our hard labour that should produce fruits, nothing else.

As usual, I hereby continue to claim that the financial world is the darkest place of all because of all kinds of unbiblical "credit dealings" going on in the financial marketplace. May God continue to open those eyes of people who refuse to acknowledge that...

May God also protect our Christian brothers/sisters working in banks and asset/fund management companies that they can receive deliverance through His mighty hands.
Also lastly may God protect our government, local banks and financial institutions that we remain stability and well managed. (By the way Temasek seems to make some $$$ after the bailing out of Merril by Bank of America ... so that’s good news for Singapore.)

JON TAN

Jon life as at July 2008

It has been a long time since Jon last posted. In fact it is more than 1.5 year!!!

Time really flies. This is the time that Jon wished it could fly faster as he realized that a lot of people were reading his posts and secretly drawing up prejudging mental image about Jon. Sceptics and pretenders were among those who were quick to draw a line from him as they continued to live in their disbelief.

So now that everyone seemed to focus their eyes elsewhere, Jon starts to breath freedom again. Free to speak, free to express and free to critic without finding offence knocking at his doors.

Jon feels that writing and keeping a journal is important. You never know one day you might lose some parts of your memory. It could be due to too much distractions. It could due to too much going-ons in life. It could be that you are chasing future and ignoring past. So journal helps to bring back the good old time, even though some were setbacks in life, it does not matter now. Life is full of learning curves. You are never a loser, only concern is not living out the abundance that God has in stored for you.

However before Jon begins, here are some highlights in Jon's life that God blesses him during his "absence". These are some important moments in his life and shall not be forgotten. (Well, he will continue to update this list whenever he remembers something...)

1. Kissed singlehood goodbye in 24/12/2006.
2. Wed the love of his life, Anne in 07/07/07.
3. Bought his first property, 4-Room HDB at Boon Tiong Road in February 2007
4. Property boom means HDB of $300,000 raised to $500,000+ in valuation (Praise The Lord)
5. Bought his first car in January 2008, Red Mitsubitsu Coltplus
6. Own a semi-full fledge photography studio at Hamilton Road
7. Hired 4 staffs in the company, They are Eden, Lena, Michelle and Finn.
8. Forming BLM CG with Chandra, David & Sandy
9. Organized and celebrated first Christmas celebrations at our home
10. Joining Tag United in Hope Soccer League
11. Helped secure 4th position in Hope Soccer League, advance to Semi-Final, facing FC2024
12. Attended New Creation Church and are so blessed and so "unlocked" by Pastor Prince's insights of the WORD OF GOD
13. Buy back the company share from Seowliang
14. Gaining wisdom bit by bit as the anointed oil starts following through his life.

That's it for now... will come back here again to extend this wonderful lists.

May Grace and Mercy continue to follow Jon as he seeks God fervently. =)

Sex & The City

Its been a while since i posted, anyway here's something i wrote to my CG which I think its interesting:

This morning when I turned on the TV, Channel NewsAsia was showing the preview of “Little Children” staring Oscar nominee Kate Winslet. In the movie, someone asked her, “Why do you commit affair?” She replied, “I don’t. It’s hunger. Hunger to live differently. Hunger to live out unhappiness.”

This movie generally talked about this lady committing affairs because of unhappy marriage. Yesterday someone was telling me the story of Potiphar been incompetent, thus leading the wife yearning for someone else to satisfy her physical needs.

Well, one would feel sorry for these people… anyway this morning I was somehow awoken up before my alarm ring to read this verse which was raised during our guys-secret-discussion last night. Ok ok, what else but Sex and The City… ha ha!

Mathew 5:27-30 (from biblegateway.com)
27"You have heard that it was said, 'Do not commit adultery.'[e] 28But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 29If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. 30And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell.

Here’s the simple explanation from my application bible in The Message version.

The OT Law said that it is wrong for a person to have sex with someone other than his or her spouse. But Jesus said that the DESIRE to have sex with someone other than your spouse is mental adultery and thus SIN. Jesus emphasized that if the act is wrong, then so it is the INTENTION. To be faithful to your spouse with your body but not your mind is to break the trust so vital to a STRONG MARRIAGE. Thus is condemning not natural interest in the opposite sex or one healthy sexual desire but the deliberate and repeated filling of one’s mind with fantasies that would be evil if acted out.

The implications:
It causes people to excuse rather than to stop sinning.
It destroys marriages.
It is deliberate rebellion against God’s Word.
It always hurt someone else in addition to the sinner.

Note:
Sinful actions are more dangerous than sinful desires, and that it is why desires should not be acted out. Nevertheless sinful desires are just as damaging to obedience, left unchecked, wrong desires will result in wrong action and turn people away from God.

Question:
Anyone ever pondered why Jesus, although figuratively, mentioned about the eye and the hand? Why not ear or leg? Guess it’s a very simple answer to squashed away arguments to other areas that people sometimes committed other than sex outside marriage. Eye satisfies your mind, hand satisfies body right?

One brother gave a very good valid suggestion. To make a vow to God and seeing it been fulfilled. I must agree it is better to experience the pain of REMOVAL (getting rid of bad habits or something (sin) we treasure) than to allow it to bring judgement and condemnation.

May God bless your HOLY weekend!

BREEZE

Someday I would like to be a breeze. Just the name itself sounds so cool. No emotions, no problems, no worries, no pain, just BREEZE.

Today I feel like flying to the sky, with a “snap” I will carry myself up with a leap.

Tomorrow I feel like going down under, with a “plunge” I will dive low with a dip.

Maybe I can dash through the fence. Maybe I will squeeze through the whole in the rock. Maybe I would wet myself in the middle of a storm. Maybe I can sail through the heat in the desert. No matter what I go through, I know I am always cool like a breeze.

I can kiss those I love on their heads. I can smack those I dislike on their cheeks. I can embrace their faces to freshen them up. I can flip through their hair to mess them up.

I could die down anytime, I could re-appear with a slight blow. I know I am full of freedom. I am always filled with great delight.

Somehow everybody loves breeze. You can be the fiercest person on earth. You can have the coldest look. You can be the most unfriendly. Maybe you are the most snobbish of all. However I know I could always bring out a smile in that pretentious shell.

Breeze oh breeze, how I adore you. If life is like a breeze, then wouldn’t it be a great joy…

HELPLESS

Sometimes we would find something in life vanishing despite how careful we are.

A lot of things happened around us as lessons for us to learn, but we simply miss them.

Everyday there are people who have kidney failures despite how healthy they are.

Everyday lives are lost despite how careful they are.

Everyday accidents happen no matter how much safety precautions we take.

Everyday wallets are lost despite how secure we are.

Everyday people fell in love regardless how they avoid.

Everyday people divorcé despite how much counseling they went through.

It does not matter if you are very spiritual or gifted, or whether you are a great prophet, when the crisis decides to strike you, you could not prevent it.

For Jon, he just lost his sentimental Braun Buffel wallet. Along with it are cash ($250), NRIC, Driving License, Ezlink Card, Whizzcar member card, Office Access card, Name Cards, POSB Debit Master Card, UOB ATM Card, Hope Church member card & some receipts for claims.

Though all the above can be replaced some how, but the most painful ordeal is the process of replacing them. More money would be spent. More time would be lost. Sentiments would diminish too. What a way to end the old and start anew.

Some how only God knows why some things happen. Some things have to go and be forgotten. Some things have to change. Some things have to evolve. Some things we have to throw. Some things we have to plan ahead. And some things have to be freshened up.

Henceforth we just have to admit that sometimes we can be very helpless in life. So why take life so seriously? Why so bothered about what is fair and what is not? Why so calculative about things in life? Why control your life so much that you can’t breathe?

Take a step back and look at life. Give yourself a break.

A World Of Misunderstanding

It’s time to realize that we are all living in a world of misunderstandings. It doesn’t matter how educated you are to understand the reasons to misunderstandings, the fact that you know more about it only leads you faster to assume certain things based on your knowledge. To some people, misunderstanding can be a basis of a happy life in their ideal world because it’s the easiest way to allow them to see the way things they want.

A simple lunch appointment could be viewed as an evaluation for future dates; a simple dinner outing could be a consent for a romping night’s out. A simple remark could be viewed as a personal attack; a casual joke could be a form of condemnation. A simple smile could be viewed as an expression of interest; a caring word could be a signal of love. A phone call could be viewed as a check on one’s personal life; a home visit could be an intrusion of one’s lifestyle. An enlighten philosophy could be viewed as an affirmation of their beliefs; a bible verse could be a confirmation of their holiness.

Some people really enjoyed this world of misunderstanding, as their lives are as monotonous as the stray cats down the backstreets. They slept wherever is warm, they mated whoever they click, they moaned whenever they like it, they fought as their moods guide, they licked whoever feed them and they ate whatever people feed.

Probably as Jon is writing this someone out there is assuming that Jon hates cats. But the truth is though Jon dislikes cats but he didn’t purposely select cats as an expression of people who love to misunderstand. Frankly, there are just no other animals that best make the match…

Now that we understand the nature of cats, are you still bothered by how you could sometimes be misunderstood? Does it really matter if you could clarify misunderstanding when no one has any idea how to tame a cat? Do you really need to procrastinate how to prevent the next misunderstanding when you are never sure when the next cat decides to cross your path? If serpents are going to lead you to HELL, then cats are going to prevent you from making true friendships on earth. To make matter worse cute cats are the most dangerous of all as people are least defensive against such loveable creatures. Their soft sweet voice and their demure petite body could easily deceive our naked eyes. With cats around, how could we not live in a world of misunderstandings…

Take a break!

Its been a long break since Jon last post.

In life, we all need a break. Some say resting is a form of preparation for the journey ahead, but Jon says resting is a form of avoiding SELF...

We rest so that we could pull out of the current situation to view things in a different perspective.

We rest so that we could wait for the dust to settle down in order to see clearly.

We rest so that some nuisance would fade away.

We rest so that the fire of passion would cool down.

We rest so that silence can be heard gently.

We rest so that no one is looking at us.

We rest so that we can re-focus again.

We rest so that we can be insignificant once more.

We rest so that we can be weak.

We rest so that we could submit.

Many forms of resting, many types of breaks. The best of it all is to wait for God to LEAD.

May God rest us, mould us and use us in His ultimate Glory!

Amen.

Let's Be A People's Person

Attended "Be A People Person" in the workshop during our recent church camp. The instructor mentioned about the five languages of love which Jon thought it is very interesting. In fact our lives with each other could be better if we could understand each other better. Chinese there is a saying, "Zhi ji zhi bi, bai zan bai sheng". It means winning battles if you could read your enemy well. Well, think we should apply that in "winning" friendships too!

Anyway this is the link to the test:

http://www.youthnetsouthampton.org.uk/breakout/lovelanguages.php

Here's Jon's results:

The Five Love Languages

My primary love language is probably
Acts of Service
with a secondary love language being
Quality Time.

Complete set of results

Acts of Service:		10
Quality Time:		9
Words of Affirmation:		7
Physical Touch:		4
Receiving Gifts:		0

Information

Unhappiness in relationships, according to Dr. Gary Chapman, is often due to the fact that we speak different love languages. Sometimes we don't understand our partner's requirements, or even our own. We all have a "love tank" that needs to be filled in order for us to express love to others, but there are different means by which our tank can be filled, and there are different ways that we can express love to others.

Take the quiz

So you guys better know what to do with Jon from now on!

Cheers!

Oh Judas...

It has been more than 1 month already as Jon pondered on his next entry; A follow up on Judas - a character if controversy.

It seems like we are having a good time examining about this chap. In fact, after Jon's previous post about "Poor Judas", Jon received a couple of feedbacks. Many claimed that Gospel Of Judas is a Gnostic Gospel, it lacks credibility. No doubt about it, the Gospel Of Judas is full of controversy. However no one seems to understand Jon's point of view. Jon is not bothered who wrote the Gospel Of Judas, but rather, Jon is more interested in finding out the role Judas is playing more than 2,000 years ago...… Was Judas a villain heading to hell or was he a stroke of genius by God in fulfilling the great "Resurrection" of Christ?

Looking at Jon's last post, many would have seen that Jon had established some facts stated in the bible to "redeem" Judas' name. It really has nothing to do with what the Gospel of Judas had written. The gospel only triggered Jon's interest to examine the role of Judas in further details. After going through several feedbacks and other's comments about Judas, Jon has an urge to "charge" Judas guilty for his villain act too:

This is what Jon has examined:

Mathew's account really catches Jon's eye. In fact Mathew was the only disciple who really criticized Judas heavily as a "Betrayer" and Mathew alone recorded the exact amount of money Judas accepted to betray Jesus - 30 silver coins, the price of a slave (Exodus 21:32).

Though as mentioned in Jon's previous post, many actions prior to the capture were to fulfill what was prophesized, but the prophecy did not mention anything about any specific betrayer. In fact the religious leaders had all along planned to wait until after the Passover to take Jesus, but Judas had offered to betray his master. That had accelerated their plans.

Now, let's examine the actual reasons why would Judas want to betray Jesus? Was Judas really part of God's plans or it was purely based on GREED? If you understand more of the scriptures, it actually explained to us that it was all about man's greed that prompted Judas action. Read Mark 10:35 about "The Request of James and John":

After Jesus had predicted his death earlier, Mark recorded that John and James went to Jesus with their request. James and John wanted honored places in Jesus' Kingdom. The disciples, like most Jews of that day, had the wrong idea of the Messiah's Kingdom as predicted by the OT prophets. They thought Jesus would establish an earthly Kingdom that would free Israel from Rome's oppression, and James and John wanted honored places in it. But Jesus' Kingdom is not of this world; it is not centered in palaces and thrones but in the hearts and lives of his followers. The disciples did not understand this. In fact bible stated in Mark 10:41 that when the other ten disciples discovered what James and John had asked, they were indignant - meaning angered at something unjust!

Irving's comment was spot on: If we looked at Judas, as a Treasurer, he certainly assumed that he would be given an important position in Jesus's "Kingdom". But when Jesus praised Mary for pouring out perfume worth a year's salary, Judas may have realized that Jesus' Kingdom was not physical but spiritual when Jesus mentioned about his "burial". Judas' greedy desire for money and status could not be realized if he continued to follow Jesus. Satan was able to exploit on Judas main weakness and used him to betray Jesus in exchange for money.

So as we see from here, there is "SIN" at play in Judas heart. Though the bible claimed that Judas later regretted over his action, his following action (suicide) did not "redeem" himself. He had forgotten what Jesus said in Mathew 26:31 & 32: "Tonight all of you will desert me." ... "But after I have been raised from the dead, I will go ahead of you to Galilee and meet you there." So by committing suicide, Judas did not really obeyed Jesus' instruction even though Jesus had already assured all his disciples earlier in Mathew 26: 28: "for this is my blood, which seals the covenant between God and His people. It is poured out to forgive the sins of many in my Father "Kingdom". As such, Judas missed out on the Great Commission!

At this point, Jon could not really judge Judas if he should be burned in hell. However we all knew that though we were all redeemed by the blood of Jesus, our calling is to fulfill the great commission. Revelation 20:11-15 about "The Final Judgement" sums up all!

"11And I saw a great white throne, and I saw the one who was sitting on it. The earth and sky fled from his presence, but they found no place to hide. 12I saw the dead, both great and small, standing before God's throne. And the books were opened, including the Book of Life. And the dead was judged according to the things written in the books, according to what they had done.13The sea gave up the dead in it, and the death and the grave gave up the dead in them. They were all judged according to their deeds. 14And death and grave were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death - the lake of fire. 15And anyone whose name was not found recorded in the Book Of Life was thrown into the lake of fire."

Poor Judas

Jon met a brother in Christ earlier and we mentioned about The Gospels Of Judas which was screened on National Geographic last sunday and Jon has watched it. However to Jon's surprised, this brother whom Jon was speaking to said that he felf "disturbed" as he had read some articles about Judas' Gospels from the newspaper. He cautioned Jon not to be swayed by his "Gospels". Jon was a little confused. In fact this brother is not the first person who finds this Gospels worrying, there was another sister who also told Jon that this Gospels Of Judas is confusing to the Christians. As for Jon, there is nothing to be confused about at all. Read on...

In fact Jon feels that this documentary is really interesting. Before this Jon only knew about Judas as the betrayer who sold "Jesus" to the Roman soldiers who later hung himself. To Jon Judas was a bad guy. However Jon didnt realise there is the other side of Judas' story. In fact, no one in the church ever spoke about it too. Last Sunday Judas' story finally unfold to Jon.

As it is in the Gospel of Judas, it claimed that God was the one that prompted Judas to the betrayer act. Some people would laugh at this claim, but why not? If everything in life was planned by God, how come Judas' betrayer is not part of the plans as well?

If we look at Luke 22:3, it says that Satan entered Judas to perform the great "betrayer act". As we all know, Satan is also at God's command. Jesus had went on to mention in Matthew 26:53-54 "Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more that twelve legions of angels? But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?"

Isn't it clear in the bible if you read the 4 Gospels in the New Testaments that Jesus knew all along about the whole betrayer act enroute to His capture? In fact, the "betrayer act" was so well planned that the disciples do not know who is the special person "entrusted" with this "important-dirty" task that Jesus mentioned in Mark 14:21b, "It would be better for him if he had not been born." Judas was entrusted with this special calling the day he was borned. Besides finding the betrayer for this "betrayer act", God has also went into the details of Judas' famous kiss on Jesus cheek, preparing the two swords (Luke 22: 37-38) so that someone would cut the ear of the servant of the high priest (note that its not any Roman soldiers), Jesus healing the servant's ear, Peter's denial (3 times), the debate before Pilate and Herod, the exchange of prisoner Barabbas and the final act of the Crucifixion.

Doesn't all the above mentioned pointed that God was the ultimate planner of this great "Redemption Act"- which is to resurrect His Son in the eyes of the world, for our salvation? Henceforthe, why are people still calling Judas a betrayer and look down upon him? In Jon's humble opinion, Judas is one of the most noble man who has sacrificed himself to perform such a heartbreaking act. Ask yourself if your master could show you how to feed five thousand with five loaves of bread and 2 fishes (Mark 6:38), would you betray him with thirty silver coins? For those who are pondering how much are we comparing, we are talking about eight months of a man's wage (Mark 6:37b) against that tiny thirty silver coins...

Lastly Book of John sums it all. John 13:18, "I am not refering to all of you; I know those I have chosen. But this is to fulfill the scripture: 'He who shares my bread has lifted up his heel against me.' (Psalm 41:9)" In fact it was also Jesus who gave the signal for Satan to act on Judas in John 13:27, "As soon as Judas took the bread (from Jesus), Satan entered into him. 'What you are about to do, do quickly,' Jesus told Judas"

Henceforth looking at all those things that had unfold in the bible, isnt it clear that Judas' "act of betrayer" was part of God's great plan. If this is the case, shouldn't we glorify this unselfish sacrificial example? As a Christ follower, we shouldn't condemn Judas further or worse call him "Judas The Betrayer" anymore. Perhaps we should change our perception towards Judas and start calling him with more respectable names like "The Selfless One". By right isnt this what Jesus want all His disciples to practise? Read John 12:25-26:

"The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me."

Judas had obeyed God's will, and he has served Jesus (by handing Him over to the Romans soldiers) even to the extent of "Condemnation". What have we done for Jesus?

What Else Can We Say Further?

Jon was sharing his life testimony with his ex-army friend yesterday. His friend was curious about why Jon accepted Christ 20+ months ago... which was after 28 years of Jon's life.

Taking the cue from the Holy Spirit, Jon began to share the story from the Passion Of Christ movie which first touched his heart, to accepting Karen's invitation to Joel's Care Group gathering, to accepting a prayer request from Elaine, to experiencing all sorts of miracles that happened during the initial setup of Jon's business and to all the amazing businesses God has blessed Jon.

Hoping that his testimony could touch his friend, this guy started to share how he faced life's greatest setback when one of his friend crashed his Nissan Paseo almost 20 months ago and could not pay him damages which left him in debts of over $20k. With his wife pregnant and household expenses mounting, he prayed to Buddha. He went through hardships of working 2 jobs and tasted a hard time until one day he met a swimming instructor who gave him an opportunity to become swimming instructor. That guy who became his mentor also guided him in setting up a business in organising swimming lessons for children which he could do during his free time.

He found himself earning 2 sets of income and he has since been able to clear off all his debts and now he was looking into buying a new Honda Accord. His swimming business has been so good that he is currrently thinking of quitting his job to focus on his growing business which is also his hobby (swimming is his passion). He gave thanks to Buddha for guiding him to meet his "mentor" and also for a job so close to his passion and all the blessings that was poured unto him.

He told Jon that he believed in all Gods and respect them all as they could really bless people. This is a classic "Post Modernisation" thinking, Jon thought. Jon could say not much further as been a Christian, he begged to differ. In his heart, he was thinking why our Heavenly Father could allow such things to happen? If He could control all things, why didn't he stop the blessings from these so-called "Gods" and allow us Christians to impact those people in need instead? Why did He allow these "Gods" to change their lives to the better and in the end make them drift further away from knowing His son, Jesus? It seems crazy if non-Christian is reading this statement, but been Christian means that we denounced other Gods right? Of course we have to live in harmony and peace but didn't the bible states that Jesus is the only way to the Truth?

As for Jon seating opposite his friend yesterday, what else can he say further?

No Clue!!!

Jon is really tired... He has been trying to ask his mum to attend church so that people could pray over on her "problematic" left knees which was swollen since a couple months back. You see, Jon's mum has seen all sorts of doctors over the last few months. From poly clinics, chinese sinseh, specialist on bones to Changi Hospital, she has seen them all. She has also went through X-rays and rehab at CH but nothing seemed to work at the moment. Today, upon hearing from her friend about another bone specialist, she spent another $500++ on X-ray and medication again.

Jon was a little disappointed really. Mum have been listening to all the folks and seen all those specialists, but she just refused to listen to her son's plea of attending the church to see if God can "administer" to her...

To make matter worse, Jon's brother heard about Jon's plea and lamented Jon for been superstitious and teased that he was behaving like one of our uncles who always attended chinese mediums whenever things were not right. Jon was really furious this time. Jon's brother even brought up two occasions when Christians tried to ask one of our uncles and aunties to accept Christ at their "death bed" which both end up dying after doing so. He laughed about the "supremacy" of our God!

Jon responded that it should not be interpreted this way. To make matter worse, Jon's Brother felt strange that Jon was getting $800 from the progressive package by the government ($200 more than his brother) and he laughed about why Jon was earning far lesser than him. He criticised that our God was useless as He could not bless us with more business. Jon rebuked him by claiming that things will be different 5 years from now, if he is still alive to see it from himself! He shot back that he would say the same thing after 5 years. Jon held back his nerves and remained quiet... Jon was really fuming inside.

Frankly Jon was really giving up on his family for salvation. They were a bunch of stubborn creatures. And yes, Jon was impatient towards them too. God, you save them yourself ok? Jon really got no idea what to do as he could only be a bad representative for You because of his "impatientness" and "pridefullness". Jon is just incapable of reaching out to his family. Up to you Lord, since you claim to do the impossible... As for now, Jon is better off "shut up" than arguing with stubborn people, which would eventually tarnish the image of Christian... In short, Jon got no clue at all.

Jesus, You Are So COOL!

Jon have just read a few friends' blogs tonight, and he was inspired to write something too.

A few of the blogs were talking about their experiences from attending some "Soul Winning" conference last Tues where the pastor was encouraging the people to boldly declare God's name to others. In fact, Jon concur to this with both hands up.

Over this 20 over months since Jon accepted Jesus as his saviour, Jon could see how Jesus changed the relationship with his friends and clients. There were many times Jon could be meeting the person for the first time or it could be a meet up after a long break, however whenever there was any mention about Jesus and God, the conversation always lightened up! Seriously, Jesus can really pull two different worlds together. The best thing is whenever we talked about Jesus, the conversation would allow people to be more comfortable and relax. Usually conversations that involved Jesus would become more indepth and fruitful. The communication would be more emotional and in no time, both Jon and his counterparts would be talking like close brother/ sister/ close friend. The mention of Jesus is like it straight away springs us into the Kingdom Of Heaven and we were no longer casual friends or associates. Jon likes that. From the usual casual talks, it became a time of fellowship where people declare how Jesus changed their lives and how they feel the need to reflect on their lives. We talked about life rather than talking about how's things are going on the surface.

Life could not be better without Jesus. Jesus is in our lives. Jesus is in our reflection and Jesus is in the air. As Christian, we breathe Jesus and we experienced joy with Jesus. So let's be giving and spread Jesus to those who have not experience such great joy!

Amen.

What An Irony...

After Jon posted the story of Romeo & Juliet, the world suddenly turned into a place of heartbreaks all over. Jon met up with a couple of gals and found out each relationship had its own story:

Miss “A”: Her relationship ended recently. Her ex-boyfriend was stable and wanted to settle down but Miss “A” felt she is still young to do so. Also not prepared to become a housewife as what her boyfriend wanted. To make matter worse, she realized that her ex-boyfriend had not been open and frank enough, so decided to end the relationship. Now she lives a carefree life meeting up with different guys and busy juggling with work and dating.

Miss “B”: In a relationship but not happy. Boyfriend very possessive as he wanted to find out everything that she did and have to “report” to him everyday. Always ended up quarreling over the smallest of things. Feeling very miserable and awaiting for the moment to “snap”…

Miss “C”: Have not found any partner for many years now. Been searching but somehow the right guy just did not appear. Probably she was too workaholic and to make matter worse she is now a VP in a bank; hence most guys were intimated by her work attitude and her present high position.

Miss “D”: Had a bad relationship before and since then quite wary of a having a new one. As she was in mid-thirties, most of the guys her age were already married. Present crop of guys who went after her were mostly younger than her. As she does not want to be appearing as rocking the cradle, she decided to give these guys a miss. Currently looking for the right guy but not in a hurry yet as she does not want to appear desperate into a relationship.

Miss “E”: Planning to get marry now, but recent developments sees her boyfriend having to work overseas for good. Would be prepared to migrate with him once he is settled in his new job, but it will take at least one more year. So now have to leave with separate life and a year of uncertainties.

Miss “F”: A Christian who likes to go clubbing. Got to know a French guy when he approached her in a club one year ago. Wasn’t too impressed with such guy initially but after one year of courtship, found out that this guy was a decent gentleman who has plans for his future family. Beginning to like this guy now and considering a relationship with him. However she does not want to commit yet so that she can continue with her carefree life.

Mr “G”: Yes it’s a guy this time round who was having a broken relationship with another guy. Kind of Brokeback Mountain. Mr “G” wanted to have a stable relationship with the guy but this guy prefer to be free of attachment so that he could meet up with more guys. In short Mr “G” was depressed over this guy’s preference of “no string attached” relationship.

Why is it so difficult to have a stable relationship? Jon decides to look at his parent for answer. In fact there is really nothing special in this relationship. Jon’s dad was neither educated nor rich. He does not have a good temper and patience. He is not handsome or charming. He is not even sensitive and caring towards Jon’s mum. Worse he is so chauvinistic and doesn’t help in house works at all. Yet their marriage is already more than 40 years already. Though there were major quarrels in the past, it seemed to be a thing of a past now. As people grew, relationship grew too.

Besides Jon’s mum is a tolerant, patience and sacrificial woman who gives in and submit to her husband no matter how ridiculous things were. Though sometimes she is in unfair circumstances, she accepts them with grace. As such this marriage lasts this long and the family has been able to enjoy peace this while. Every circumstance needs a hero and no doubt the biggest hero in this family is Jon’s mum. Despite all kinds of situation Jon’s mum was in, she never grumbles or complains. Her silent brought peace into the house. Her patience brought joy into the air. Her sacrifices brought love into this family. The only comparison Jon could compare would be Jesus who came into the world and offer his body as a living sacrifice more than 2000 years ago. To Jon, his mum was as great as Jesus in this family. If Jesus was a classic example for us to live our lives, Jon’s mum was a classic role model for women to learn from as well. So wake up women, stop whining and do what God made you to be- which is to be a woman who supports the man. So shut up and start living by God’s purpose.

Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all creatures that move along the gound." > Genesis 1:26

"If God gave man everything that we have in life, then woman gets to enjoy everything that she has through man. " > Jon Tan

Romeo Juliet (2006)

It was a strange morning as Jon woke up at 3.29am out of sudden. As he was dazing on his bed staring at the dark ceiling, visions of Romeo & Juliet's story came flooding into his mind. Scenes of them dying in each other’s arms... it was touching. As Jon continued to dwell in this famous love story, the story seemed to unfold further…

In this new story of Romeo & Juliet, God sent an angel from heaven to “resurrect” them… on 27/02/06. So they were brought back to life. This time round God gave them special skill in order to survive in this modern era. Romeo and Juliet owned a famous muffin shop in the CBD area. Juliet was the woman behind the famous muffins as God gave her the skills to bake wonderful muffins. Romeo was a given the wisdom to be enterprising as his business acumen enabled him to tie up a lot of business deals for distribution to hotels and other F&B restaurants.

Besides, the angel also taught Juliet to be submissive to Romeo so that he could be won over without words but by her behavior. By doing so Romeo would see the purity and reverence of her life and be touched. As such, Romeo would see Juliet’s great virtue and he would treat her with great respect and would love her even more. This kind of attitude really fostered their love, which was in turn reflected into their muffins they baked.

Business really blossomed due to their undying love. This love had created an aroma that dipped into every muffin they baked, and everyone who ate those muffins got a taste of their great love too. Soon everyone working in the CBD heard about their muffins and began to patronize their stalls. The muffins were not only delicious but were able to heal the broken-hearted and able to provide hope to those who were troubled with work problems. In no time, their business expanded in the CBD and their muffins were able to reach more people in need of emotional comforts.

However news soon spread to the Devil. He was angry that Romeo & Juliet were resurrected and even more raged to see their muffins healing a lot of his “victims”. Hence he came out a plan. He put a seed of “justice” into their mind and an Anti Angel between Romeo and Juliet. The Devil specially created this Anti Angel to be very patience, soft spoken and sensitive to woman’s needs and feelings. As such Juliet was able to see the sweetness of the Anti Angel and started to compare those characteristics with Romeo. Soon Juliet became to see the bad side of Romeo. As both of them were busy working so hard over their business, Romeo could not provide Juliet with the kind sensitivity towards her as well as gentleness and patience that the Anti Angel could provide. Sometimes he would also lose a little self-control and they both end up with small arguments. As time passed, Juliet became to feel disappointed over Romeo.

Upon seeing that Juliet is beginning to judge Romeo by his actions, the Anti Angel came forward and continued to “sow” the seed of “justice” which the Devil implanted in them. The Anti Angel told Juliet that for wives to be submissive to their husbands, the husbands must first show their great character and personality in order to win respect from the wives, so then the wives could be able to submit to them. Juliet now began to judged Romeo even more now and demanded him to be more like Anti Angel. Of course as Romeo was just flesh and blood with emotions, he could not match the standards of Anti Angel. Hence small arguments between Romeo and Juliet became big quarrels. The Anti Angel took advantage of this situation and managed to cause the breakup between them. Hence the great love of Romeo & Juliet became falling apart and they both went their separate way. In the end, the Devil won. The muffins business also fell apart. As such people in the CBD were not able to taste that “Loving” muffins anymore and they continued to live each day with broken-heartedness and bitterness. The Devil continued to rule this fallen world.

So this was the story unfold to Jon in the wee hours of this faithful morning. It was ironic as this broken love story tells us a ironic story. It was a love story that went sour in the name of “imperfection”. It was a story of people constantly looking towards a perfect partner and end up forgetting about the good things of an imperfect person. Jon would like to ask, “Who then shall be considered a perfect person?”

In fact, in the name of a “Great Love” lie 2 important questions:

1. Is a great love a continuous search of a perfect partner? Or;
2. It is a relationship that blossomed from two imperfect partners working towards acceptance of their shortcomings?

Have not the bible taught us in 1 Corinthians 13:4-5

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.”

The final question Jon likes to ask, “Are you able to find real love with a perfect partner?”

The Tree

Jon took this picture during Steve & Jerlene's wedding last Sat. Jon was invited. Jon was very honored, even so for this time as Jon was going there as a guest. The previous 2 times Jon was the traffic marshal. So this time, Jon was able to enjoy himself as an invited guest.

However Jon realized something on this day. A day to celebrate for the couple not necessarily was a day to rejoice for the guests. Many emotions and thoughts could be lingering around. Some rekindled precious memories, some recalled past hurts. Some looked with aspirations, some stared into blankness. Some enjoyed the company of others, some became isolated. Some felt charming, some preferred to stay away from the limelight. For Jon, he found pleasure with these trees.

If anyone asked Jon that day what was he thinking. Jon's answer was this: "To be a tree among those trees." Jon felt a little tired to be a human being. Being a human being means we were all created differently. It was the most tiring thing on earth as others looked at you with different perceptions and judgements. Our actions were a reflective of our personality. Our speech was a reflective of our character. Our appearance was a reflection of a perceived image of others as we were consious of how others look at us.

As people were busy mingering around others. Jon steered away from the crowd and admired these trees. How he wish to become one of those trees. Here's something Jon felt:

The Tree

We all look the same.
Our movement are in sync, dancing with the beat of the wind.
And we share the same burden as rain and sunshine pour on us each day.

We are always battered over by the seasons.
However we knew we all grew together in the same way.
Nothing's going to separate us as our roots reaches the same soil.

We were raised by mercy and grace.
Our leaves form a nice background with the mother nature.
We live each day knowing that we are the most fortunate of all things.

People look at us in adoration.
They admire at our beauty which bring pleasure to their eyes.
They own everything but they have nothing.

For we are trees and we live with so much joy.

Prophecy On Moving

Today, my business associate who rent me the office reminded me that we would be renewing the lease for another year. At this moment, I hesitated as I was thinking of moving into a bigger unit this year, if i can find. Knowing that the lease would be renewed in March, I know we are running short of time. Hence my partner and I decided to take our lunch at Craig Road so that we can later walk around to see any nice units available.

Just after we had our lunch at one of the coffeeshop round the corner of Craig Road, we noticed a unit up for rent on a second storey shop unit. We called the agent and found out that the agent was just inside the unit. Hence my partner and I decided to take a look at it.

The unit is very clean and nice. It is newly furnished. Frankly speaking, I like this place. The rent was reasonable. Around $2,400 for 1,600 st ft. It is quite a good price considering its at Tanjong Pagar area and around the MRT. However the whole unit is a bit too big for us to bear.

Anyway, in order to reduce the cost, I called up one of my photographer (female) if she is interested to share this unit so that we can both keep our cost low. Also it gives us opportunities to work together to form synergy. However she does not seem interested as its above her budget.

I am currently leaving this to God, as only He knows best what's in stored for me and my business now. In return, this is what I got from Him tonight: Micah 7:6-7, "For a son dishonors his father, a daughter rises up against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law - a man's enemies are the members of his own household. But for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for GOd my Savior, my God will hear me." Micah 7:11, "The day for building your walls will come, the day for extending your boundaries."

So for now, its pretty obvious what this prophecy is about... hence I'm staying where I am until God shows me the green light to move on! If not, I pray that He would supernaturally provide me with means and solution in getting this unit on our own. Any how, praise God for his grace and mercy unto my business and my life.

Amen!

Prophecy Or Possibly

Prophesy or Possibly?

Frankly speaking, no secular words can express my gratitude and appreciation with regards to what God has done to my business and my life over the last few months! As such, I really enjoyed speaking in tongues while worshipping. However, I realized what’s the point of speaking in tongues when only God understands while no one around me can? That was when I realized how important Prophesy is to me.

For your information, I have been praying for vision for a while already. Sometimes I do experience wonderful visions. Some of these visions touched people while the rest of them I am not quite sure about, as I did not receive any affirmation. In fact it was after my Breakthrough Fasting that I experienced tremendous Spiritual Breakthrough. As I knew God is so near me, I decided to try pray for Prophesy in Words. I meant Prophesy with LIVING WORD from the bible!

I remembered how God spoke to me on 2 encounters with regards to my business after my Breakthrough Fasting Testimony:

1) On what will happen to my Lawsuit:

God spoke to me on Joshua Chapter 2 – Rahab and the Spies

It is about how two spies were saved by a prostitute named Rahab’s while in her house when King of Jericho was trying to hunt them down. They were let go to hide in the hills for 3 days before returning to Joshua.

This Prophesy actually assured me that the “pursuers” will soon go away and I would soon be delivered over the problem.

2) On having a non-Christian business partner:

This time round God spoke to me on Mathew Chapter 22 – The Parable Of the Wedding Banquet

This parable is talking about anyone would be invited to enter the Kingdom of Heaven, but not all will be chosen by God.

This Prophesy spoke to me that my job is to extend my arms to anyone, leave the judgment to Him.

These were the first 2 encounters as I started out to pray for Prophesy. However it only occurred to me two Fridays ago on 10 Fed 2006 during our Sub-district meeting when Pastor Rusty was preaching to us that I saw how powerful Words of Prophesy could do. I was indeed mesmerized and deeply encouraged.

As such, I decided to pray for the Gifts of Prophesy on top of Visions, so that I could interpret Visions with the Living Words and at the same time using Words Of Truth to build people around me.

On Sunday (12 Feb 2006), as I was trying to pray for our 2 overseas friends (Sidney and Audrey), I received another Prophesy as I felt the need to pray for Spiritual Gifts in our CG so that we could reach out to our fellow friends together. Luke Chapter 9 – Jesus Sends Out the Twelve came to me. It didn’t occur to me how important this verse was until at the end of the sermon when Pastor Jeff wanted the CG to pray together, this verse “came alive” and I prophesied to the CG. It was strengthen by Mable (our sub-district leader) when she re-affirmed Andrea and Peishan over their Gifts of Healing which Pastor Rusty prophesied last Friday. Frankly speaking, Luke 9: 1-2 says it all: “When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to preach the Kingdom Of God and to heal the sick.” What other affirmation do you need from God? In fact, as we settled down over lunch, I realized that our CG has just grown to 12!!! Isn’t this Prophesy AMAZING?

Lastly on Friday (17 Feb 2006), As I was preparing to share about Worship - which is the night's theme, Joshua 11 – Northern Kings Defeated came to me. In fact I was puzzled why this chapter as it was all about how God instructed Joshua on how He wanted the Kings to be killed. It was really a very “bloody” chapter. However this time round, during the CG discussion, I realized that God is trying to tell us that in the past, worshipping God is like been obedience and showing via action God is their Lord and Savior. Unlike presently when worshipping is been reduced to merely forms of songs and praying, God wants to remind us that ACTION is the best form of “worshipping” Him. So do go out and show the world by our actions that Jesus is indeed our Lord and Saviour!!!

May God grace and mercy continue to pour out on us. Let the Living Words come alive in our lives! Amen.

A Breakthrough Fasting Testimony

It has been more than 2 months. And yes, like many characters in the bible who retreated into the desert for a period of time, I also went for a retreat. In fact it was more of a "trial" in life. However things have been clearer now compared to the "stormy" weather that clouded my life over the past many months. Read on:

A Breakthrough Fasting Testimony of mine begins here:

13th Nov 2005 (SUN) - First Day Of Fasting begins.

First week into Fasting:

15th Nov 2005 - First Day of Healing Seminar – Pastor Dennis from Hope Kuching revealed a prophecy to me regarding Business Life Ministry.

16th Nov 2005 - Second Day of Healing Seminar – Achieved spiritual breakthrough.

16th Nov 2005 - Major quarrel erupted with one of my designer which resulted her from resigning the following Monday (21st Nov 2005).

18th & 19th 2005 - God blesses me with 2 last minute jobs for me to tide through Nov 2005.

2nd week into Fasting:

22nd Nov 2005 - Spoke to my photographer regarding a merger, but could not find a breakthrough during the discussion.

25th Nov 2005 – God is once again good as I was able to collect a bad debt of around $2,800 after 1 year of chasing payment.

3rd week into Fasting:

2nd Dec 2005 – Received a lawyer letter against us.

4th week into Fasting:

7th Dec 2005 – Stress crept into my business and spiritual life.
Ø Sales have not been good over October and November period and the legal issue is making the whole situation looks really bad. To make matter worse, December and January were the worst months in our business as clients were going on leave.
Ø Difficulty hiring someone as good as my ex-designer as we cannot rely on fresh graduates. On the other end, hiring a professional is costly.
Ø Cost regarding the legal cost is also a worry.
Ø CG activities are troubling my spiritual life as it was always about sowing. It has affected me personally and spiritually, mainly due to the problems I was facing.
Ø Sleeping difficulties as I was totally lost and had no one to turn to.

Eventually I wrote an email listing out all my problems to my CG, & Shepherd Soo Guan for help!

5th week into Fasting:

12th to 18 Dec 2005 – Move my focus on to evangelistic activities.

6th and last week into Fasting:

19th to 25th Dec 2005 – Begin to participate on reaching and the Christmas party as I was one of the organizing members for the combined CG Christmas party. In the end, I managed to bring 3 friends for the Christmas party. Praise Lord!

Coming to the end of the 40-Day Fast, not much breakthrough was achieved. In fact, many things seemed to go wrong as I was faced with mounting problems. Ironically whenever I felt God is near, something bad would happen to draw me away from him.

7th week into fasting (Break Fast period):

28th Dec 2005 – Received an enquiry over some licensed images worth $25,000 per image. This was a lifeline as the sales for December was very bad. And also, I was faced with the challenge of hiring a designer, Christmas spending and attending to the legal case, henceforth this deal could bring my business back on track.

30th Dec 2005 – Told CG and Shepherd over this enquiry and solicit their prayers. Soo Guan volunteered to do a prayer fast for me. I was humbled and was really touched by his sacrificial life. We begin our second round of fasting the next day. Please note that Soo Guan was also preparing his wedding as his wedding day is on 14th January 2006. Also not forgetting that this time round, fasting was without deadline.

8th week into fasting (Second Fasting period):

Soo Guan and myself meet up over lunch regularly to pray for a direction over this project. At this moment, I was thinking of teaming up with a photographer or to be independent, if so I need a major breakthrough, as the business does not really have a big budget to hire experience designer.

06th January 2006 – Client replied that they had no budget over this job, hence we had to look at alternative images. They were trying to find Royalty Free images which means images that cost less than $1,000 an image. However we continued praying over the deal and I spent the weekend doing researches for the client.

9th week into fasting:

09 January 2006 – Client finally replied cost of project approved and they confirmed buying a total of 4 royalty free images and 2 licensed images. Total package deal after negotiation was worth more than $20,000 and above. For those who were not sure how big this deal to us, I started this business with $20,000 one and a half year ago. Indeed closing this deal was like having gaining faith to move mountains… however I got a full realization of what had happened during this testing period.

A KEY FOR BREAKTHROUGH FASTING

I have come to realize that a lot of us are not really enjoying our life as a Christ follower. Prophet Isaiah is right when he prophesied about us: “These people come near to me with their mouth and honor with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is made up only of rules taught by man.” Isaiah 29:13

Over these few weeks, I have managed to receive a key to unlock Breakthrough Fasting and the stress we experienced as Christians. Despite all the praying and fasting and all the other holy things that we do as Christians, we have forgotten 1 thing. It is “The Greatest Commandment”. It is found in Mathew 22: 37-39 when Jesus was asked by the Pharisees which (of all things that you have taught) is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied, “ Love the Lord your God with all your heart and all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on to these two commandments.”

On the 4th of December 2005 I remembered given the opportunity to do ushering for the church. It was the week when I received the lawyer letter. I was very troubled at that moment. However I put all the problems aside and focus on serving the Lord like how He would serve us. In return, I managed to find Joy while serving the Lord as I received a lot of smiles back from those people I met during my ushering. It was genuine Joy and one that has been missing over the past weeks. From that moment onwards, I decided to turn to the Lord and serve him wholeheartedly. This allowed me to move my focus onto sowing and Christmas related activities with the CG.

Since then I did 2 more ushering, one on the 18th December 2005 (1st Christmas service on Sunday) and the other one was on the 8th January 2006. In fact, all of you could have been a witness to my life.

The service on the 8th of January 2006 was the most memorable one as I was tasked to station at the glass door. I remembered a lot of the church’s members were late that morning due to the nation’s Total Defence’s Drill as some of the MRT’s routes were affected. It was also the day when some Hope Kids joined us at the glass door and we had so much fun greeting the guests. I hope some of you remembered it.

One only needs to take a look at Jesus’ life to find out how He overcomes the stress of going to the cross. The night before, he took Joy in washing His disciples’ feet, even the one who was going to deny Him 3 times and the one who was going to betray him as well. He is teaching us to focus on the little things that can bring Joy, rather than dwelling on the problems in life. By following His teaching, I can assure you that the time will eventually come when you look at everything and you can say, “It was very good.” This phrase can be found in Genesis 1:31 after God has created everything on Earth on the sixth day. God has intended our life to be very good…

Thinking back, the day when I was having so much fun doing my ushering on the 8th of January 2006 was actually one day before my big deal was closed - on the 9th of January 2006! Indeed, all was very good! This deal straightened out all the obstacles I had. Praise the Lord!

In fact, I have intended to end my testimony here initially, but God has installed a bigger surprise for me. As I am still recovering from my great joy, God has given me an opportunity to become one of the 4 emcee during our church’s first ever Event Support Appreciation Night on 20 January 2006, Friday. Though I was running my business alone during that time and had a lot of agendas to attend to, I am willing to sacrifice everything that I have to serve the Lord. In fact, it was a last minute arrangement that we only left with less than 1 week to prepare and there were only 2 days to meet up for discussion, scripting and practice. However God was so good that we managed to pull it off on the actual day and everything was smooth and tidy. We had so much fun. In fact it was a great memory for me as I have never been an emcee before and I guess no one would put a single cent to bet on me as I stammered when I talk.

Let me tell you something when you serve the Lord with all your heart, your soul and with all your mind - God will reward you abundantly. I fully understand 1 Timothy 12-14 when Paul says, “ I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service. Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.” During the Event Support Appreciation Night, I know God has anointed my lips to speak. In addition to this and to my utmost surprise, I was awarded The Most Promising Usher in the entire Adult 1 region. This was a special award to affirm a promising usher who has served less than a year. As for me, I just joined Ushering for less than 2 months and served only 3 times. What have I done to deserve this award? The grace of our Lord is indeed abundant and generous…

Finally two weeks ago, I managed to get in touch with one of my business associates ex-designer who went China for exploratory trip for 2 months. I had once invited him to join our company few months back but he had other plans. However, this time round he seemed open about his options and when I extended my invitation to him again, he accepted with great enthusiasm! He had just signed my Letter Of Appointment on the 26 January 2006. For those who do not know what kind of catch I have got, this is someone who not only has several years of experience in this industry as a creative designer, he can do Digital Imaging, animation and web designs as well. In short this guy can value add to the company’s existing services. Praise Lord for him!

Looking back at the past two weeks in amazement, I must say that God indeed has shown great mercy unto my life. All my problems are beginning to straighten out one by one. The grace of our Lord was really pouring out on me abundantly. Praise God! Let me encourage those who are facing with life’s troubles. Take heart, as we have Christ Jesus as the SAVIOUR OF OUR SOUL! Move your focus away from the troubles and start doing those little things that can bring Joy, to others and to yourself. You shall be delivered through the grace of our Lord too!


Amen,
Jon

My Suffering

Job did not hide his overwhelming grief. He had not lost his faith in God; instead, his emotions showed that he was human and that he loved his family. God created our emotions, and it is not sinful or inappropriate to express them as Job did. If you have experienced a deep loss, a disappointment, or a heartbreak, admit your feelings to yourself and others, and grief.

Job had lost his possessions and family in this first of Satan's tests, but he reacted rightly toward God by acknowledging God's sovereign authority over everything God had given him. Satan had lost this first round. Job passed the test and proved that people can love God for who he is, not for what he gives.

Oh Hosana

Hosana Hosana, whats wrong with this world?
Hosana Hosana, do we really have to depend on you for everything?

You showed us Love, but you also teach us Love not the world.
You showed us Love, but you also teach us to be Obedient and Patient.
You showed us Love, but you also teach us to Give Up.
You showed us Love, but you also teach us to Let Go .

We all learn to love the Lord faithfully,
but we have all forgotten to love courageously.
We all learn to believe in the Lord wholeheartedly,
but we have all failed to work out the moments in life.

Let us die.
Let us perish.
Where is the point of living?
For we all breathe to worship you...

O God, Rescue me.

My Cry

And now, Lord, what do I wait for?
My hope is in you.
Deliver me from all my transgressions:
Do not make me the reproach of the foolish.

I was mute, I did not open my mouth,
Because is was You who did it.
Remove Your plague from me;
I am consumed by the blow of Your hand.

When with rebukes You correct man for iniquity,
You make his beauty melt away like a moth;
Surely every man is a vapor.

"Hear my prayer, O Lord,
And give ear to my cry;
Do not be silent at my tears;
For I am a stranger with You,
A sojourner, as all my fathers were.
Romove Your gaze from me,
that I may regain strength,
Before I go away and am no more."

(Psalm 39)

Say YES to sinners

Sometimes Jon wondered if he would go to hell, despite he is already a Christian. Reason is very simple. He has always been very frank on his opinions on Christianity today. Sometimes he wondered if whatever he has spoken was guided by Satan. For yesterday, Jon spoke about the DARKNESS that have befall on our church. And today Jon got a revelation of the cause of it...

It was the day for Jon to bring his mum and sis-in-law to Church Of Saviour for the special service with Dong Fang Billy. As usual there was praise and worship in Chinese. Very unique indeed as it was first time Jon worships in Chinese. No doubt the spirit is the same. Jon can sense the presence of the Holy Spirit and expects many good things to come.

The time came for Dong Fang Billy to testify about God for all the things He has done in his life. Well, many people have more or less known it. But there was something that Billy mentioned today that struck the chord in Jon's heart. He had been judged by many many people during the early days when he first accepted Christ.

A lot of time we, Christians, studied the bible seriously so that we are able to equip ourselves for fulfilling the Great Commisson - which is to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the son and of the Holy Spirit and teaching them to obey everything "Jesus" have commanded us.

However here's the trap that Satan has created. A trap that many Christians fell unknowingly. And to make matter worse, these people are matured and "well-equipped" Christians who have been serving the church and our Heavenly Father for many years. As they read and understand the bible, they become very good in identifying the good and the bad. The righteous and the wicked. The holy and the stained. And by exceling in this area, they fell deeply by this trap which Satan has camouflaged naturally. These Christians become very good judges themselves. These Christians are quick to identify the flaws. They are quick to share their knowledge of the Words. They are quick to correct others. They are quick to defend our Heavenly Father. And they think that by doing these make them holy...

Now, let Jon the less "matured" Christian tell you the truth. These people have interpreted the bible wrongly. YES, the bible has written everything about the good and the bad. The rights and the wrongs. But NO, the bible is not to be used to become a judgement book for sinners. The essence of the Holy Bible, according to Jon's understanding, should be a testimony of God's GREAT LOVE for His children, despite all the sins (mentioned specifically in the bible) that we earthly people had committed. Remember why our Heavenly Father sent His one and begotten son onto the cross?

So remember this. Our job as His Children is to LOVE first His children. Do not be quick to say "NO" to sins committed by sinners, for what sins is sin to the sinner? But say "YES" to them as they are, so that they can experience our love so that they can slowly identify with His Great Love. Only through knowing His Great Love can the TRUTH be slowly revealed to them and thus comes CONFESSION and REDEMPTION.

Having said, Christians, the next time before we next open our mouth, remember to say "yes", just like Jesus Himself has said YES to us first.

So praise the Lord, after this revelation, Jon can at least be assured that the things that he has spoken so far have been guided by the spirit. Amen.

What Darkness means...

This post is going to make Jon a less popular person in church. Seriously who else dare to speak negative things about what the guys in church do? Who dares to challenge the system of higher authorities which according to Jon, they are plainly man of earth?

It was church prayer meet at Touch Community last night and everything was so high when power failure creeps in. True enough as darkness breaks in like a thief in the night, everyone in church continue to worship and pray as if God befalls.

As expected, the MCs or the pastors-on-stage raised their prayers to control the situation. Some prophesied, as expected, about this is how judgement day comes. Out of a sudden and there will be not enough time to bring salvation to your close ones. Some even prophesised that the holy spirit would interrupt in the midst, which it did, after the lights went on. Some even tried to get the whole church to pray for a miracle power recovery which was later found out that the technician will be coming in 30 mins time.

Whatever it is, Jon has got other prophesy. Well, maybe Jon shall not be too holy. It shall call an idea probably. Jon thinks that this church really needs a "wake up" call. Enough is enough, God would say. All we could do is to preach holiness by mouth. Action? You know best yourself. Talking about sacrificial life and serving God wholely? You know what you can't give up... Talking about the Words? You know best how to distort it at your own interest.

Here's the verse for you people:

Psalm 5: 7-12

But I, by your great mercy, will come into your house;
in reverence will I bow down toward your holy temple.
Lead me, O Lord, in your righteousness because of my enemies-
make straight your way before me.

Not a word from their mouth can be trusted;
their hearts are filled with destruction.
Their throat is an open grave;
with their tongue they speak deceit.
Declare them guilty, O God!
Let their intrigues be their downfall.
Banish them for their sins for they have rebelled against you.
(though it sounded harsh this part, but generally referring to Christians who knows the commandmant yet chose to sin. As such, in chinese there is a saying, 'you should be judged more severely than the commoners")

But let all who take refuge in you be glad;
let them ever sing for joy.
Spread your protection over them,
that those who love your name may rejoice in you.
For surely, O Lord, you bless the righteous;
you surround them with your favour as a shield.

Here it is, something that all of us needs to know. The more we think we know God, the farther we are from Him. The more you think you can speak on behalf of God, the more you speak evil. Just how many of us studied the bible as we should. Can anyone recite the 66 books compiled in the bible?

We need a complete shut down. Serious. God wants us to humble ourselves up and learn to get back to the basics. Thats LOVE. Before you preach your next Word, show people what LOVE is. Without LOVE, its without GOD. Without GOD, to hell to all your Words.

So back to last night, the complete shut down brings us to complete dependent on God Himself. No guitar sound, no organ, no drums, no spot lights, no looking around. Complete listening to His Words. Complete dependence on God again. This is the basic commandment which we as Christians, matured Christians and appointment holders of God needs to do. A lot of time we forgotten. A complete shut down to see God again.

Here's the revelation:

Revelation 21: 22-27

I did not see a temple in the city, because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp. The nations will walk by its lamp, and the kings of the earth will bring splendor into it. On no day will its gates ever be shut, for there will be no more night there. The glory and honor of the nations will be brought into it. Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb's book of life.

Here's the realization. Though serving the church is a demonstration to serving God, as Christians, we need to know what the Words really trying to speak. Some times we thought we have been serving well or growing from strength to strength, but we might be blinded by our own spirituality. When the day comes, it doesnt matter how much you have done for the church but who you are and what have you done for His children as a Christian.

Amen.

My Dong Fang Billy

Frankly Jon is not a fan of this fellow. In fact Jon finds that his mouth is a tat too big for his liking. His action is a bit femine. He talks like an auntie. His songs never even amused Jon at all. But this Sunday, Jon would be "worshipping" him.

This Sunday Billy would be invited to give a talk during the afternoon service during one of the church service in Queenstown. Upon hearing this, Jon decided to invite his family members to attend the service so that they could listen to the gospels, since the talk is arranged as part of a "service" session.

Its been a while now as Jon tried to invite his parents to church. Every Sun morning, they would reject Jon as they would normally meet up with the relatives for breakfast together. After which would swing by one of the relative's house for a day of mahjong session.

So amazingly his mum and his sister-in-law gave in to Jon's invitation (Praise The Lord!). Dad was a little bit stubborn and he would prefer mahjong than listening to some "preaching". Brother is a part-time taxi driver who drives mainly on Sun.

Anyway, this Sunday is one of the rare opportunity and Jon is really praying that God can work wonders through Mr Billy! It doesnt matter if anything could come out of this talk, as long as mum and sister-in-law hears the message and become open to it. God, Jon needs you. Billy, may God be with you!

Amen!

Holy Pool Of Water

Another vision surface yesterday during the worship session.

Jon saw a vision of a pool of water. It was a pool of holy water. It spoke to Jon that for one to really want to repent from his/her sins, one must go into the pool of holy water in order to be fully cleansed, so that he/she could move nearer to God.

In the vision, Jon also saw many people circling around the pool not wanting to jump into the "Holy Pool Of Water". Some simply washed their hands. Others washed their faces. A few of them washed their legs only. However, these people did not realise that such partial washing would not allow them to move near to God.

Is there any difference when you walked towards God with your cleansed hands but unwashed legs? God wants complete commitment to Him. Only total confession and repentence will bring you freedom.

This vision was reaffirmed finally by Pastor Ben during his sermon on the "Spiritual Mysteries Of The Art". Point 3 of the sermon pointed to "The Glory Cloud" which meant Union and Communion. Hebrews 10: 19-22 explained everything about Jon's vision of the Holy Pool Of Water.

Hebrews 10: 19-22

"Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water."

Sinful people. It is time to realise that we are all just not good enough yet... May Mercy God help us.

Christmas Time Soon...

It’s going to be a year soon. A lot of things had happened over the last 10 months. Church is embarking on a 40 Days fasting & prayers soon. Jon is wondering if he could do it. This Christmas would be the 3rd Christmas he would be celebrating his Christmas with Hope Church, really looking forward to it. Anyway, its time to list out what is important in Jon’s life now. It would serve as a reminder of what he would like to pray about and also to achieve in this new year.

On Business:

1. To double monthly sales target of $20,000 a month.
2. To find another business partner.
3. To find funding for business expansion. Eg a new studio.
4. To hire 1 staff.
5. To be able to pay himself a monthly salary asap.
6. To build at least 5 agencies as regular customers and who would support Stock Xchange no matter what. Eg, Just Media.

On Outreach:

1. To really have a breakthrough relationship with Vincent.
2. To really plant spiritual seeds in my close buddies like Seowliang and his gf.
3. To really hope to bring the guys from JM closer to Christ. Eg Shawn, Cynthia, Ken, Robin & Jasmine.
4. To help Yihong in the new CG..
5. To help DJ build up Bernard as a Christian.
6. To help Pearl get back into spirited life.

On Life:

1. Leaving relationship in God’s hands.
2. To serve the Business Ministry more.
3. To equip himself better in the Word of God.
4. Re-read the bible again with Life Application related bible.
5. To be consistent in private & prayer time.
6. To work on the fruit of spirit: Love Joy Peace Patience Kindness Goodness Faithfulness Gentleness & Self Control

On CG:

1. To pray that CG would be united as one.
2. To pray that everyone would nail the “SELF” factor from everyone’s heart.
3. To pray that everyone really Loves everyone truthfully and wholeheartedly.
4. To have a spiritual time always when together.
5. To pray for each other as one.
6. To care and live as 1 family knitted tightly

May God give wisdom as Jon prays.

Amen.