Sunday, April 29, 2007
Acts 10:15 "The voice spoke to him a second time,"Do not call anything impure that God has made clean."
Acts10:34,45"Then Peter began to speak:"I now realise how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right."
There is so much I learnt from this passage, and these few verses were screaming out at me. I wish I had time to go into it all, I wish I had the words to explain my thoughts, but I'm spaced out. However, I do have one thing, What is our response toward sharing the gospel? Do we do selective sharing? Do we deem some people less deserving to hear the gospel than others? Do we show favoritism? It may not be explicit, it may not be intentional, but do we still do that anyhow? Do we feel some people are too poor for church? or maybe we feel we won't connect with them, so we don't try?
2 Timothy 2:22"Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart."
For a long time, it has bothered me that how some youths cannot see how their lives displease God. I thought I had the answer, I thought I could talk some sense into them. Then in a morning devotion on my couch, it was as if God just spoke to me:
2 Timothy 2:23-26 "But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife. And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, in humility correcting those who are opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will."
Does this mean I give up and sit back, leaving this burning passion inside me to die out?
2 Timothy 3:16-17"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work."
It's a long process, but it's a solution. Please don't ask me to explain the problem again...
Dan
11:51 pm
Saturday, April 28, 2007
Today was a VERY eventful day for me. I had breakfast with Charlene at a french breakfast place, and was the original plan. We hadn't met for almost a year I think, so when we caught up it was really good. So here is a recount of the days events:
We decided to go to this french place near Brunswick at 11. On our way there, we met this chap on the tram. He noticed we were looking for breakfast places, and he recommended one further up (seeing as how we had missed our stop). I thought, quite a nice fellow. Next thing I know, he was hitting on Charlene. And it was SO obvious. Not to mention he was that much older. So she shot me a look when he asked for her number, and I guess she gave it out of politeness, then we got off at the next stop, and backtracked to the french place. At this point, I must add that no self-respecting Singaporean man, will be able to pull the stunt that the tram man did on a normal day. Personally I was shocked at the audacity the man had. He talked to her like I was not even there. Not like I'm her boyfriend of anything, but at least acknowledge my presence!
The french breakfast was fantastic, and I think it was the best croissant I've ever had. We chatted, and by the time we left, it was 11am. Charlene had missed her class for the day. So we decided to walk about more then. And ended up walking all the way to Brunswick again (we had backtracked to the french place near college square). We walked and talked, it was fun. Then we went into a shop, and I ended up buying a shirt, and by that time, it was 130pm. I had missed my class for the day. So we decided to visit the courts!
Yes, the courts. It was so strange, but so cool at the same time, the security was tight. We felt quite out of place considering how we were dressed, but we still managed to pass off as law students, well I did. We sat in on a session where a man had been convicted of 3 counts of burglary, and unauthorised possession of a firearm. It was all good until Charlene's phone rang in court!!!The judge looked so pissed, and asked her to take it out quickly, and people were shooting us glares. And by the way, when you leave the court and enter the court while the judge is there, you need to bow to the judge first. And stand when you address the judge. I was so scared, yet intrigued by the whole system. Lucky I didn't choose to be a lawyer. I don't think I'll ever be able to pull it off.
Then it was E-night. It was fantastic. Turn out was great. Skit went well. I think it was awesome.
Dan
12:24 am
Friday, April 27, 2007
I had a terrible shocking realisation today. First, let me say that I am terrible with faces, and so don't be surprised if ten years from now I walk past you without even saying HI. I might not even remember you, that is a fact. SO during my first management tutorial I looked at the faces around...all of which were unfamiliar, less Clement's. There was this group of Asian girls who were sitting at one table, and as it turns out, they are from Singapore, and just graduated from trinity. I didn't think much of it. Our first management assignment was handed to us a few weeks later, and so I started to spend a considerable amount of time in the library.
One day, I was sourcing out a management book, when this girl was looking for a book in the same isle as I was. She looked familiar, and I thought she was from my management class, so I said Hi. Needless to say, she gave me a strange look, and whispered a Hi, as I moved on. I figured, well she could have been for friendly since we're in the same tutorial but never mind, maybe she was shy. So I didn't think much of it. A few weeks later, OCF had an inter OCF captains ball competition, and guess what? She was there, walking to the park in her MGS jacket. I didn't play, but as she was playing, she looked and waved at me...or in my direction...though no one was behind me. So I thought, well OK, maybe she's more friendly now.
Suddenly, I start to notice her in many of my lectures. I didn't think much of it again. But today, I saw her in my econs lecture sitting alone, and being my usual self, I could not remember her name. So I asked Clement since we're in the same management tutorial, and he said he had never seen her before. So I was like...really? I can't be wrong...she and I must have some lesson together, otherwise I wouldn't say Hi to her.
BUT, guess what? I am wrong. That is how bad I am with faces. So I said hi to a total stranger, and now she must think I'm some nut.
Dan
12:02 am
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
House warming was last night, and it was great. The food was a huge spread (hard to believe that 4 girls, and one guy who was the food tester, cooked up so much food). Oh, it was not MY house warming if that is what you were thinking. My house is so small, I can warm it myself. So the party was great, and after a good hour of socialising, people started to get a tad restless, so guess what we, a bunch of university graduates, postgrads, honour students, working adults, and one girl whom I can only describe as underage, decided to do? We played nonsensical games, making sounds which I thought only existed in Dr Suess books. There was "Um-chi-chi, Um-chi", "EEEing..(electricity sound), "Hi-Yak", and I think I heard one at about onion rings and french fries. Which brought me to the conclusion that if the show LOST were to consist of an entire bunch of teenage Singaporeans/Malaysians, we will never be bored. We won't count the days to our rescue, we won't search for other traces of life on the island. In fact, I won't be surprised if we would be sad when rescue eventually came! Of course, no good asian gathering is complete without a set of majong tiles in the corner.
And for those who have been following my tagboard, I met Robert yesterday at the party. I shall not reveal his identity since he likes it so much, but I should warn you that the Robert-invasion is spreading fast, much like how the Germans marched through most of Europe during World War two claiming territories for themselves. So beware of Robert, because he might just be at a blog near you.
We, a bunch of educated individuals, could not end the eventful night on games and noises that damaged our brains, and so we decided to pit our skills against some logical math problems. That sounds reasonable, but at 1 in the morning, I think we were all just crazy. Thanks to Juwen, and his arbitrary line of hatted people who thought of a strategy to save themselves from execution, we guys (yes not girls), were left tearing our minds apart till 3 in the morning just to find out the solution. Suffice to say the answer was very satisfactory, for if it had been some lame answer Juwen would definitely have replaced Robert/Calvin/Kay Weng as the butt of most, if not all, jokes for the year.
Dan
4:55 pm
Saturday, April 21, 2007
Leading a Christian life is hard isn't it? Being different from our friends, sometimes having to sacrifice what seems to be a lot. During OCF the speaker highlighted two common attitudes taken towards Christian living: (1) To abandon the faith because the suffering involved in the lifestyle is too hard, (2) To say we lead a Christian life, but our actions speak otherwise.
Are we living for now, or living for eternity?
I did witness pairing today, my first attempt at street work here in Melbourne since my days in SYFC. It was fantastic. I met this Korean guy, and we started talking about soccer, and his church in Glenwaverly. I invited him to join the church soccer, and for the evangelistic event OCF is having, and to join the futsal club in Melbourne University. Before we parted he said, "you're very kind to me." And I realised it didn't take much to touch/impact/change a person's life. When I came, people at OCF made me feel welcome, and here I am, helping another person feel less alien in this foreign land.
On a separate note, I was going for my econs lecture, and as I past this two Aussies I overheard this conversation.
Aussie1: *doing crossword puzzle in the newspaper* Hey mate, which gas constitutes 78% of dry air?
Aussie2: Hmm...
I was like !!!!! I hate science, but come on, you have to know this, and when I sat down a few rows in front of them, I turned to Clement and said, "How can they not know that!! Clearly the answer is carbon dioxide."
And now I feel stupid.
Dan
3:34 pm
Thursday, April 19, 2007
I think I have a knack for attracting people who either have no manners, or are just plain inconsiderate...if they are inconsiderate they won't have manners won't they??
Today I had lunch with Clement at Union House, and we managed to get a table in the very crowded area. Of course, the place is just like a food court, students standing around waiting for tables to be emptied. The turnover rate is quite high. So we managed to get a table, and we left our bags there and went off to buy our food. I was walking back to the table when I saw this girl standing next to our table. I gave her a weird look, and I'm pretty sure she knew that that was my table. It was as clear as crystal since I had squeezed my way through the crowd to that particular table. Then before I even reach the table, she sits down without even saying a word. No "is this seat taken?" or "can I seat here?". Before I even sit down, like she's trying to reserve the table, which is OBVIOUSLY taken. I'm from an Asian culture, and I know that we have some kiasu-ness in our makeup, but this is totally uncalled for. So what could have been my rather decent lunch ended up being very very awkward.
The Korean guy killed 32 of his university mates in America. Surely you've heard by now. Wonder what he was thinking before he fired those shots. Why is it that when Asians travel overseas to study, they create trouble, end up killing each other, but back home, where you have an entire university of Asians, you don't hear such trouble? Something is wrong somewhere...Where is the peace?
Ecclesiastes 3:1-9
There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under heaven:
a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain,
a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.
Dan
12:30 am
Monday, April 16, 2007
People have been asking to blog less about my thoughts, and blog more about what life is really like down under. Well if you are expecting something interesting, something wacky, something out of this world, then I suggest you stop reading now.
I've been going to the library for the past few days, attempting to study. I did make some progress in my accounting, clearing up quite a bit of my doubts. But for the most part, I've developed a slight prejudice towards certain students. I think I've been emitting some sort of beacon or something, everywhere I try to study, some annoying whisper, or loud discussion will be going on near by, and by near I mean 2metre radius, and I would get really really annoyed. Which would just destroy my whole mood to study.
I also had my hair cut today. The second one since my arrival. You know how when you've finished your cut, the hairdresser would ask if it is ok, if not you would tell them what adjustments you would like, and they would make the adjustments that you asked for. So, for my first time, I told her to cut it a bit shorter than it was, and she did as I requested. Then, at the end, she tried to style my hair with her Jap wax, and I could see in her face the dull look...Today, all I requested for was to trim the sides, and leave the top. After she was done, she asked the question, if it was ok, and I said yup. And she looked so delighted, she even gave me the thumbs up in the mirror and SAID, "Today looks good". Which got me thinking, what did she think my hair looked like the first time after the cut. By the way, it was the same hair stylist.
So that's life down under for you. Not so interesting now is it?
Dan
11:58 pm
Sunday, April 15, 2007
Again, I'm at some random thoughts so just read...
If you cut the vein of a devote soccer fan, and let his blood flow, his blood would speak of soccer, because that is what his heart is after. If you cut the vein of an apostle, his blood would speak of the gospel, because that is what his heart is after. If your vein is cut, and your blood is let to flow, what would it speak? What is your heart after?
Sincerity is not a good measure of someones faith.
What are we doing to accept fellow Christians with broken backgrounds?
To love Christ, is to love Christians.
How do we know if someones faith is genuine?
Dan
11:51 pm
Thursday, April 12, 2007
For a long time my ambition when I grow was to be a lawyer. I remember the nights I would lie in bed and imagine myself in court arguing court cases in my head. I remember one morning during recess, Marcus, Shaun, and myself were walking down the corridor to recess, and we were discussing what we were going to be when we grew up, Shaun was going to be something into programming or computers, Marcus was going to be a businessman I think, and I was going to be a lawyer. We even suggested working together to create our own business.
Now, five years later, Shaun is in army, Marcus is on the way to becoming an accountant, and I am beginning my journey to becoming a teacher. Have we failed?
Today I was walking home from the library with Marcus, and I told him I wanted to become a teacher, and he was started talking about how research was fun, and when I corrected him, and said I wanted to be a college teacher, and not a university teacher, his first response was where's the money in that? Since when did the future mean money? When we were young, we harboured those ambitious thoughts of being a police officer, of being an air force pilot not for the money, but for the scope the job entailed that drew our interest. Today, when our interest doesn't earn the money, it doesn't seem that worthwhile.
I learnt a concept in management, human resources. One of the aim of human resource managers is to motivate it's workforce, thus creating job satisfaction. There are several ways to achieve this, one of which is through financial incentives. Another way is to motivate the employee so that they find their job meaningful, and rewarding. Of course the former is easier than the latter, but ironically, it's the latter that's more expensive than the former. Can you put a price on the rewarding feeling you get in your job? And that's what your salary tries to achieve.
So knowing this, people start to think that the higher the pay, the more meaningful the job. I wish I can expand on this point here, but reading too much on a blog entry is just dull. Marcus appreciates the art of numbers, and cash, Shaun appreciates the way computers function, I appreciate the way people connect, and react to different responses. What do you appreciate?
Dan
9:49 pm
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
What does it mean to worship in spirit and in truth? That was what all the deep thinking was about during the social outing today. After which we unwound our minds by playing some silly games. I had an opinion formulated, but I shall not blog it, because I can't put it in words.
Belgrave Heights Convention (BHC), went by over the Easter weekend, and I learnt a lot from these few days of sermons from the speakers. Many questions were raised, and many new insights were revealed. So here's one thing I learnt.
What is your greatest need? Do you think that your idea of your greatest need, and God's idea of your greatest need will be the same? This really struck me, because then I realised that more often than not, our interpretation of my needs won't be the same. If this does not scare you, then I think something is wrong. You are you, and of course you would think that you would know what your greatest need would be, but God is God, and He knows everything. If God thinks you ought to have something that you don't have, don't you think you should be concerned? So a little challenge to reflect, what do you think your greatest need is? What do you think is God's greatest need for you?
Dan
10:38 pm
Thursday, April 05, 2007
Thank you Robert for giving me the answer!!Indeed it is hard for them to change. And I am reminded of the epistle of first Peter, where in 1 Peter 2:12, we are challenged as Christians to live our lives as a living testimony to those around us, so that they may "glorify God in the day of visitation."
One problem, sin, and one solution, Christ. So why then is it so hard for people to believe? I like the way my dear friend Robert (thanks) phrased it, " Could it be because if one were to believe in Christ (who died for one's sins), one would have to turn from their sinful way of living to living under God's control. "
So first it is acknowledged that they know that Christ died for their sins, perhaps they were told by their friends, or they heard it from another conversation. Second, they know that their way is sinful, and to believe in Christ is to lead a totally different lifestyle. And third, they know that by believing they have to commit their lives to God.
These group of people know, and choose to reject, because it's too hard? Possibly. Psalms 118:22 "The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone." Maybe too hard to see the metaphors? 1 Peter 2:6 "Behold, I lay in Zion a chief cornerstone, elect, precious, and he who believes on Him will by no means be put to shame."
As Christians, we believe, and we know that we will not be put to shame. That by committing our lives to God, is probably the best decision we can make in our entire lives. True, such a decision will be difficult to make, and risk adverse people will choose to stay with what they know. But Christians are living testimony!! We took that risk, and we are showing and living the results. Christ was rejected once, by people with this same mentality, and was nailed to the cross. He came back 3 days later, just as He promised, and gave these same people a second chance!!
For some people this is too good to be true, they choose Buddhism, where they feel they earned their redemption, or they choose freethinkers, because they are too lazy to decide. Christians are afraid to share the gospel because they don't like to talk about death, and condemnation to strangers, but truth is, there is no other religion that condemns the way Christianity does. We charge you with death before life, we charge you with sin before salvation. And you are offended. But do you think you deserve different?
Dan
12:51 am
Monday, April 02, 2007
I've been having some random thoughts so I'll just splutter on (is there such a phrase??). The church is not perfect. Why do people think that the church is perfect? Is it because of the doctrine that is taught, that is preached? Perhaps. Then there are those who refuse to be Christians because they see Christians as hypocrites. Sadly I cannot agree more. But again, the church is not perfect. I'm reminded of the story of Noah, where the people around Noah ridiculed him for his ark. Noah was not perfect, he was human. But he was righteous. Somehow, when the preacher was talking about this topic, I suddenly got this image that the church was Noah, and that the people in his time were the people persecuting now, and one day God will destroy them all.
How do you respond to crises? I'm a Christian, and the first thing I do is pray. I know Singaporeans first response would be to complain. But what is yours?
There is only one way to salvation, and that is through Jesus Christ. It is made so easy. One problem, sin, and one solution, Christ. Yet so many people find it so hard to believe, it is just beyond me. I can speculate, I can make assumptions, but I will never truly understand their dilemma, and I'm glad I'm not in it either.
Jesus got baptised at 12. He died at 33. Is this an example for us all? Of course not to die at 33, but to be baptised at 12. Or is it all relative? To be baptised at that ratio in time in your life, understand? I cannot help but feel that some people are getting baptised for the wrong reasons. It is a cause for celebration, I agree. But what are we celebrating? The baptism process? When you take that first holy communion, what is it that is going through your mind? How does wine taste? Yay!! First communion? Has our celebration gone awry? Are we getting baptised too young, too immature. You may not agree with me. But who's to know?
Rashes, scratches,
Lumps on the skin.
Cooking, washing,
Dishes in the sink.
Reading, studying,
Pressure piling in.
Easter's coming,
Do you remember Him?
A poem by Daniel. Speaks of my random thoughts, my life today, I hope you get what I'm trying to say.
Dan
9:51 pm