The first news that greeted us for the New Year of 2008 is that there will be price increases for most commodities and services. First, the price hike on taxi fares, then the price increase for sundry goods. The latest now is that prices for all CNY goodies will be at least 30% higher than last year. Last check I did for a 1Kg pack of Bakwa from Lim Chee Guan cost S$54....and we are still a good 3 weeks away from CNY.
My sister told me that we will be having a steamboat feast for reunion dinner this year. The traditional feast of Shark Fins Soup, Abalone and Prawns among the rest seems to have been taken off the menu, for obvious reasons. I am totally in agreement with her. With the prices moving steadily upwards, it doesn't make economical sense to spend unneccessarily. After all, it is meant as a time for the family to come together to celebrate the coming new year...never mind what is on the table, right?
While in Johore Bahru on business, I picked up 2 boxes of love letters to try out. The price is half of what you will pay in Singapore. My wife told me the taste is not as good. However, 2 days later, there is only half a box left. I think the strategy to buy from JB is worth a second look ( Maybe Malacca?)
I wonder what the family will say if I tell them they will be getting less in their "Ang Pow" this year....
Friday, January 18, 2008
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Are You Jesus?
Received an email from a friend who relates a story of a blind girl selling apples along the street. Her cart was accidentally knocked over and apples were all over the floor. A good samaritan came to help and set everything up for her including buying all the battered and bruised apples. When he handled over the money to her and started to leave, she asked, " Are you Jesus?" It left him with that question burning and bouncing about in his soul: "Are you Jesus?"
Having read this, I recalled a similar message in today's devotion on Genesis 37:36; 39:1-6.
"The sovereign God of Israel was intimately involved in Joseph's life. He guided him. He gave him facility in the Egyptian language. On top of all that, he gave him favor in the eyes of Potiphar. Clearly, God was the secret of Joseph's success. Luck had nothing to do with it.
Joseph didn't have to tell Potiphar that the Lord was with him; Potiphar could see it for himself. "Now his master saw that the LORD was with him" (v. 3). Furthermore, Joseph didn't use his spirituality as a manipulative tool to get benefits from his boss. Simply because the Lord caused all that Joseph did to prosper, Joseph found favor in his sight. Notice, it doesn't say that Joseph asked favors from Potiphar; he found favor with Potiphar."
Do people mistake you for Jesus? That's our destiny, is it not? To be so much like Jesus that people cannot tell the difference as we live and interact with a world that is blind to His love, life and grace. If we claim to know Him, we should live, walk and act as He would. Knowing Him is more than simply quoting Scripture and going to church. It's actually living the Word as life unfolds day to day. Like Joseph, we should reflect who we are in Christ Jesus that people will see less of us and more of Him.
Having read this, I recalled a similar message in today's devotion on Genesis 37:36; 39:1-6.
"The sovereign God of Israel was intimately involved in Joseph's life. He guided him. He gave him facility in the Egyptian language. On top of all that, he gave him favor in the eyes of Potiphar. Clearly, God was the secret of Joseph's success. Luck had nothing to do with it.
Joseph didn't have to tell Potiphar that the Lord was with him; Potiphar could see it for himself. "Now his master saw that the LORD was with him" (v. 3). Furthermore, Joseph didn't use his spirituality as a manipulative tool to get benefits from his boss. Simply because the Lord caused all that Joseph did to prosper, Joseph found favor in his sight. Notice, it doesn't say that Joseph asked favors from Potiphar; he found favor with Potiphar."
Do people mistake you for Jesus? That's our destiny, is it not? To be so much like Jesus that people cannot tell the difference as we live and interact with a world that is blind to His love, life and grace. If we claim to know Him, we should live, walk and act as He would. Knowing Him is more than simply quoting Scripture and going to church. It's actually living the Word as life unfolds day to day. Like Joseph, we should reflect who we are in Christ Jesus that people will see less of us and more of Him.
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
75 Years - Stories From The Heart
Part of the celebration for our 75th Anniversary of our church is the production of a book "75 Years - Stories from the heart ". It is a book of testimonies of how the Lord has work in the lives of PLMC members. As you read through, you begin to see how God has touched lives in many ways. Spiritual healings, emotional and physical healings, God's providence, His peace, etc are all in there. I'm sure that there are numerous people who are similarly touched by God in PLMC and would attest to God's faithfulness in their lives. I thanked God that He continues to be relevant in our lives and doing His regenerative work in us.
I am reminded of the passage in Hebrews 11 where those heroes of faith did what they did, based on their faith in what God has promised them. Paul exhorted us in Hebrews 12:1,
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily hinders our progress. And let us run with endurance the race that God has set before us." ( NLT )
Let us boldly run for Him...
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
The Golden Compass
JUST how anti-God is The Golden Compass? This was the title of an article that came out in the local newspaper reviewing the soon-to-be-launched movie in the local cinemas.
There was already a huge cry from the religious community in America regards to the theme of the movie as well as its co-screen writer, professed atheist author Philip Pullman. The Golden Compass, adapted into a PG-rated movie, is the first book of Pullman's award-winning His Dark Materials trilogy.
In Singapore, it took on rather a mild tone with churches either ignoring the movie or advising their members to take a cautioned approach when watching the movie.
I came to hear of it from email circulating around warning Christians of its dark theme. I don't usually watch movies. However what I have read so far from this article shows how the underlining theme evolve even though it is so subtle. Someone commented, "It's like introducing the kid to atheism. It's a stealth campaign".
I often argued against material that would go against my basic belief. Witchcraft ( The Harry Potter series ) is one of them. I know a lot of people( including my relatives ) differ in this. My point is very simple - even though if you view that there is nothing wrong in watching a movie that promotes the other side, it can be at best, education & entertainment, and at worst distort your belief system, not to mention the targeted audience, the kids.
There is also the Da Vinci Code and now the Golden Compass, all of which rakes in millions for these writers. Why do I want to give to them ? So that they can continue to churn out controversy and untruths - because it sells?
Think of the millions that goes into debunking all these untruths and also those who for the lack of faith, has turned aside to follow the world.
View the following for a better understanding of the underlining theme :
There was already a huge cry from the religious community in America regards to the theme of the movie as well as its co-screen writer, professed atheist author Philip Pullman. The Golden Compass, adapted into a PG-rated movie, is the first book of Pullman's award-winning His Dark Materials trilogy.
In Singapore, it took on rather a mild tone with churches either ignoring the movie or advising their members to take a cautioned approach when watching the movie.
I came to hear of it from email circulating around warning Christians of its dark theme. I don't usually watch movies. However what I have read so far from this article shows how the underlining theme evolve even though it is so subtle. Someone commented, "It's like introducing the kid to atheism. It's a stealth campaign".
I often argued against material that would go against my basic belief. Witchcraft ( The Harry Potter series ) is one of them. I know a lot of people( including my relatives ) differ in this. My point is very simple - even though if you view that there is nothing wrong in watching a movie that promotes the other side, it can be at best, education & entertainment, and at worst distort your belief system, not to mention the targeted audience, the kids.
There is also the Da Vinci Code and now the Golden Compass, all of which rakes in millions for these writers. Why do I want to give to them ? So that they can continue to churn out controversy and untruths - because it sells?
Think of the millions that goes into debunking all these untruths and also those who for the lack of faith, has turned aside to follow the world.
View the following for a better understanding of the underlining theme :
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
The Ultimate Authority
During my devotion today, the Lord impressed on me the example of the Bereans in Acts 17:11. When Paul preached to them the gospel, the Bereans’ eagerness led them to examine “the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so” (Acts 17:11). As a result, many believed.
The Bereans has given to us a fine example to emulate. No matter how gifted or charismatic or well-trained and experienced our Bible teacher or pastor may be, we have to form the healthy habit of checking what is being said against the Scriptures.
As I was surfing through the net researching on a particular topic, I was surprised to see so many different viewpoints. Each of them purporting to speak the truth, to the extent that it degenerate to each calling the other "heresy". With so much information on the web, it has become a dangerous minefield for believers to know what is the truth.
So what to do? Go back to the Scriptures. Charles Swindoll commented that "the Scriptures are your measuring tool for making sure the teaching you receive is straight and true. Keep comparing. The teachings need to be congruent between what’s being said and what has been written in the Bible. If you can’t support it with the Scriptures, there’s something missing in the teaching. Don’t believe the teacher. Stay with the Scriptures. They remain your ultimate authority for faith and life."
AW Tozer wrote :
"Whatever it may be in our Christian experience that originates outside of Scriptures should, for that very reason, be suspect until it can be shown to be in accord with them.
If it should be found to be contrary to the Word of revealed truth no true Christian will accept it as being from God. However high the emotional content, no experience can be proved to be genuine unless we can find chapter and verse authority for it in Scriptures. "To the word and to the testimony" must always be the last and final proof.
Whatever is new or singular should also be viewed with caution until it can furnish scriptural proof of its validity. Thoughout the twentieth century quite a number of unscriptural notions have gained acceptance among Christians by claiming that they were among truths that were to be revealed in the last days.
The truth is that the Bible does not teach that there will be new light and advanced spiritual experiences in the latter days; it teaches the exact opposite! Nothing in Daniel or the New Testament epistles can be tortured into advocating the idea that we of the end of the Christian era shall enjoy light that was not known at its beginning.
Beware of any man who claims to be wiser than the apostles or holier than the martyrs of the Early Church. The best way to deal with him is to rise and leave his presence!"
The Scriptures remains the ultimate authority to discover truths. All others will be at best, an aid, not the final authority.
The Bereans has given to us a fine example to emulate. No matter how gifted or charismatic or well-trained and experienced our Bible teacher or pastor may be, we have to form the healthy habit of checking what is being said against the Scriptures.
As I was surfing through the net researching on a particular topic, I was surprised to see so many different viewpoints. Each of them purporting to speak the truth, to the extent that it degenerate to each calling the other "heresy". With so much information on the web, it has become a dangerous minefield for believers to know what is the truth.
So what to do? Go back to the Scriptures. Charles Swindoll commented that "the Scriptures are your measuring tool for making sure the teaching you receive is straight and true. Keep comparing. The teachings need to be congruent between what’s being said and what has been written in the Bible. If you can’t support it with the Scriptures, there’s something missing in the teaching. Don’t believe the teacher. Stay with the Scriptures. They remain your ultimate authority for faith and life."
AW Tozer wrote :
"Whatever it may be in our Christian experience that originates outside of Scriptures should, for that very reason, be suspect until it can be shown to be in accord with them.
If it should be found to be contrary to the Word of revealed truth no true Christian will accept it as being from God. However high the emotional content, no experience can be proved to be genuine unless we can find chapter and verse authority for it in Scriptures. "To the word and to the testimony" must always be the last and final proof.
Whatever is new or singular should also be viewed with caution until it can furnish scriptural proof of its validity. Thoughout the twentieth century quite a number of unscriptural notions have gained acceptance among Christians by claiming that they were among truths that were to be revealed in the last days.
The truth is that the Bible does not teach that there will be new light and advanced spiritual experiences in the latter days; it teaches the exact opposite! Nothing in Daniel or the New Testament epistles can be tortured into advocating the idea that we of the end of the Christian era shall enjoy light that was not known at its beginning.
Beware of any man who claims to be wiser than the apostles or holier than the martyrs of the Early Church. The best way to deal with him is to rise and leave his presence!"
The Scriptures remains the ultimate authority to discover truths. All others will be at best, an aid, not the final authority.
Friday, November 16, 2007
Lifestyles of the Rich & Famous
Recent events in the papers has highlighted the misdeeds of a number of charities in Singapore. This has led the government to announce an audit of some of the biggest charities in Singapore. Among those are a number of christian organisations and churches.
Just last week, Ren Ci Hospital and its CEO was found to have questionable practises and are now under probe.
Our newspaper highlighted that one senator in the US is pushing for an audit into some of the mega churches in the US. A member of the Senate Finance Committee, he wants to know how churches are allocating their funds and whether tax breaks given to charities are being abused and exploited. Among the few highlighted were names we have come to know - Joyce Meyer, Kenneth Copeland, Richard Roberts (ORU).
We seems to see a pattern here. Where charities become successful and their coffers are overflowing, there is a tendency for the organisation to over indulge in material comfort which does little, if not at all to the purpose in which the donating public, or members are contributing for.
It was reported during the NKF fiasco, that for every dollar donated, only 10 cts goes to help the patient it was intended to help. It will be interesting to see how the money of each of these charities are spent, although I believe that these charities will no doubt be found to be sound and adequately managed. It is the exuberant spending that we need to be careful of.
We hear of money being spent to buy executive jets, expensive cars, designer toilets, complete with gold plated taps, etc. I pray that the donations given will not be found to be used for feeding the lifestyles of the leaders and their families. If not for whistle blowers, some of them will never be found out.
As christian leaders, our lives must be an "open book" and the organisation we lead must be able to stand up to the scrutiny of the discerning public.
When you look at the lifestyles of some of these preachers in the US, you cannot help but have questions. I think they are also asking to be questioned. I remember going to US for business trips and always tuned in into Joyce Meyer and Benny Hinn programmes. However I get uncomfortable when I see them solicit for donations, especially when Benny showed a beautiful picture of a jet and tells you how much they could do for the ministry if they are blessed with one.
There is nothing wrong in having money and living well. But by being ministers of the Gospel, I would think that how they appears would be more important to them, so that they can deliver their message without any question of their integrity. I like how Rick Warren has handled his success with his "purpose driven" series making it a part of the ministry and its funding rather than taking the money and buying a big place.
The Scriptures give us a principle on financial accountability that is expected of anyone who handles money which people have given to the Lord's work. When Paul sent Titus on a fund raising tour for needy saints, he also sent along an unnamed brother, to help with the accounting, as Paul said, "taking precaution that no one should discredit us in our administration of this generous gift; for we have regard for what is honourable, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men" ( 2 Cor 8:20-21 ). It wasn't enough to be right with God. It also had to look right to the public.
Just like the widow in the Bible who gave her "two mites" into the temple donation box, many Christians are giving their portions faithfully to the Lord's work. Don't let the work be held back because we choose to decorate our brick and mortar building or ourselves instead.
Just last week, Ren Ci Hospital and its CEO was found to have questionable practises and are now under probe.
Our newspaper highlighted that one senator in the US is pushing for an audit into some of the mega churches in the US. A member of the Senate Finance Committee, he wants to know how churches are allocating their funds and whether tax breaks given to charities are being abused and exploited. Among the few highlighted were names we have come to know - Joyce Meyer, Kenneth Copeland, Richard Roberts (ORU).
We seems to see a pattern here. Where charities become successful and their coffers are overflowing, there is a tendency for the organisation to over indulge in material comfort which does little, if not at all to the purpose in which the donating public, or members are contributing for.
It was reported during the NKF fiasco, that for every dollar donated, only 10 cts goes to help the patient it was intended to help. It will be interesting to see how the money of each of these charities are spent, although I believe that these charities will no doubt be found to be sound and adequately managed. It is the exuberant spending that we need to be careful of.
We hear of money being spent to buy executive jets, expensive cars, designer toilets, complete with gold plated taps, etc. I pray that the donations given will not be found to be used for feeding the lifestyles of the leaders and their families. If not for whistle blowers, some of them will never be found out.
As christian leaders, our lives must be an "open book" and the organisation we lead must be able to stand up to the scrutiny of the discerning public.
When you look at the lifestyles of some of these preachers in the US, you cannot help but have questions. I think they are also asking to be questioned. I remember going to US for business trips and always tuned in into Joyce Meyer and Benny Hinn programmes. However I get uncomfortable when I see them solicit for donations, especially when Benny showed a beautiful picture of a jet and tells you how much they could do for the ministry if they are blessed with one.
There is nothing wrong in having money and living well. But by being ministers of the Gospel, I would think that how they appears would be more important to them, so that they can deliver their message without any question of their integrity. I like how Rick Warren has handled his success with his "purpose driven" series making it a part of the ministry and its funding rather than taking the money and buying a big place.
The Scriptures give us a principle on financial accountability that is expected of anyone who handles money which people have given to the Lord's work. When Paul sent Titus on a fund raising tour for needy saints, he also sent along an unnamed brother, to help with the accounting, as Paul said, "taking precaution that no one should discredit us in our administration of this generous gift; for we have regard for what is honourable, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men" ( 2 Cor 8:20-21 ). It wasn't enough to be right with God. It also had to look right to the public.
Just like the widow in the Bible who gave her "two mites" into the temple donation box, many Christians are giving their portions faithfully to the Lord's work. Don't let the work be held back because we choose to decorate our brick and mortar building or ourselves instead.
Friday, November 9, 2007
Homosexuality Debate
Homosexuality and same sex marriages has been in the limelight lately. In Singapore, the motion to repeal section 377a of the homosexual act again brought it to the forefront of our usual debate in the forum page of the local newspaper.
On the christian front, I am aware of the problem facing the Episcopal Church,USA resulting in a schism in the entire Anglican community. This leads to a separation of the Episcopal church from the Anglican community. What I didn't know was that this has also been brewing in our backyard. The United Methodist Church has also been struggling with this issue of gay clergy and the blessing of same sex marriages in Methodist churches for the last 10 years.
I am happy that our local bishop has come out strong regards to this and has published the methodist stand against homosexuality which is available on the Methodist website. The bishop again has to make a statement in the Strait Times to distant the church from one of our ex-bishop, Rev Yap Kim Hao who has supported homosexual lifestyle as one that is a gift from God. I have blog on this in an earlier post.
What concern me is not just the debate on repealing of Article 377A but rather the subtle change in the mindset of those who are placed in power. Issues that are "taboo" suddenly becomes "acceptable". Recent examples are allowing the "Crazy Horse" show into Singapore, opening up of casinos and the most recent homosexual debate.
Let's face it. What is changing in the west will inevitably happens here. As christians, we will have to continue to fight a spiritual battle for the minds and souls of the unsaved. The prince of this world is taking his fight within the church of God by sowing discord and false teachings among its members. We have to continue to heed the call to "Watch and Pray". He who is within us is stronger than He who is of this world.
PLMC has a vision - "We are a family blessed to bless the community and the nation". It is a good starting point - let it begin with us to make a difference.
The Bible exhorts us to continue to pray for our leaders so that we will have peace. Let's us do just that!
On the christian front, I am aware of the problem facing the Episcopal Church,USA resulting in a schism in the entire Anglican community. This leads to a separation of the Episcopal church from the Anglican community. What I didn't know was that this has also been brewing in our backyard. The United Methodist Church has also been struggling with this issue of gay clergy and the blessing of same sex marriages in Methodist churches for the last 10 years.
I am happy that our local bishop has come out strong regards to this and has published the methodist stand against homosexuality which is available on the Methodist website. The bishop again has to make a statement in the Strait Times to distant the church from one of our ex-bishop, Rev Yap Kim Hao who has supported homosexual lifestyle as one that is a gift from God. I have blog on this in an earlier post.
What concern me is not just the debate on repealing of Article 377A but rather the subtle change in the mindset of those who are placed in power. Issues that are "taboo" suddenly becomes "acceptable". Recent examples are allowing the "Crazy Horse" show into Singapore, opening up of casinos and the most recent homosexual debate.
Let's face it. What is changing in the west will inevitably happens here. As christians, we will have to continue to fight a spiritual battle for the minds and souls of the unsaved. The prince of this world is taking his fight within the church of God by sowing discord and false teachings among its members. We have to continue to heed the call to "Watch and Pray". He who is within us is stronger than He who is of this world.
PLMC has a vision - "We are a family blessed to bless the community and the nation". It is a good starting point - let it begin with us to make a difference.
The Bible exhorts us to continue to pray for our leaders so that we will have peace. Let's us do just that!
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