Pastorpher's Adventures!!!

Consider this: God seeks to break the barriers of faith that limits our understanding of Him. As far as the history of mankind goes, people have always tried to contain their faith in capsule which they feel comfortable. Yet, God is so much bigger and greater than the limitations that we put in our approach and understanding of Him. Jonah reflected the typical mindset of the Jews in his time who thought that God’s love and mercies are exclusives to the people of God, Israel. The disciples thought that the coming of the Kingdom would mean the reestablishment of the political autonomy of Israel. The early church leaders thought that the gospel was primarily for the Jews until the persecution scattered them and the gospel was preached to the gentiles. The coming of the Holy Spirit on the lives of Cornelius and his household broke the social barrier in Peter’s and early church leaders’ lives…..etc. If we are in God and walking in Him, then we can be sure that once a while God would drive us out our comfort zones and break the barriers of our faith.
One more thought before I bring this to an end. When the Lord called the disciples to follow Him, He did not give an overall view of what He is going to do (His Missions). It amazes me to discover that each one of them had their own ‘ideas’ of who Jesus is and what He has come to do. Little did they realize what they were really getting involved. He just called them into a relationship with Him. Along their way He corrected their perceptions, broke their mental and spiritual barriers and prepared them to fulfill His purpose on this earth. So if you haven’t figured out everything about your faith yet….don’t worry, it okay and normal. Just walk with the Lord. He knows what He is doing in your life, even when you might be unsure.

I was enjoying my breakfast this morning at the ‘mamak’ stall, when I saw some pigeons feasting on some bread thrown by a costumer, eating nearby. There were about 10 of them happily eating away, gobbling their food. Then I saw a crow ….just one flying in to plunder the feast. But there was a difference by the way the pigeons and the crow ate the food. The pigeons were eating in a community and they only ate as much bread as each one could, thus leaving the rest for the others. The crow on the other hand, took quite a huge piece…few pieces actually, held its mouth full as it flew away to eat in solitude. What the crow did really captured my attention. I wonder how many of us are pigeons or crows when it comes to sharing in the blessings of God?

I’m afraid I took on a bit more than what I could handle, last weekend. Friday, I was in Seremban to meet with some of the TUMC guys to plan for our national Prayer Conference. Coming back to KL was really bad as we got caught in a massive traffic jam at Subang Jaya entrance. I was so tempted to use the emergency lane, but I didn’t. Decided to uphold the law. Later, at the entrance there was a police man stopping cars that broke law.
Saturday morning, I found difficult to get up as tiredness was setting in. But I pushed myself, with the help of God. Later, the MYF Council decided not to follow me to Raub. I attended the MYF national Council meeting at about 2 p.m. The meeting lasted until about 5. Then, I had my lunch at about 5.30 p.m.
At night, I traveled to Raub. Reached Raub at about 10.40 p.m. Had dinner at my favourate shop. Ginger fish rice…yummy!! I checked in to my former house at about 11.30 p.m. Something strange happened that night. I decided to spend time with the Lord…doing my quiet time. It was a struggle at first because I hadn’t finish preparing my sermon for the next day. But I decided to spend time with God. After that I was simply amazed. God gave me the message to preach. (I have studied the text earlier…in case you are wondering). And the whole process was so quick.
I came back from Raub at about 7 p.m., the next day. Must tell you that there was really a melody in my heart. The two services, both in Raub and Bentong went on well. I felt the Lord’s presence and anointing. In Raub, God really helped me to be myself, when I preached the Word. In Bentong, a few came to see me after the message for prayers. What the Lord taught me on that day was to be myself and to minister as His Spirit leads me. No need to make the message ‘happen’. We just need to be faithful in doing what the Lord has called us to do.
One thing that really brought much joy to my heart was to meet up with some of the young people in Raub. May, just came back for a break from UK. It was really great catching up with her again. Mabel, shared with me about how God helped her out in her studies, especially in her final exams. Wow….God is at work in the lives of these young people. My heart really leaped with joy!
One key thought that sort of stayed in my mind is God’s call for us to be His labours. Sometimes, as His workers we are called to sow His Seeds. Often times we would not be able to see the fruits, but in faithfulness we must do His work, trusting that God will do the work of make the seed to grow into a beautiful tree that will produce abundant fruits. I feel very much recharged and energized after seeing the work of God, last weekend. Praise be to God!

Beware of what you ask. You know why? You might get it!

I want to share with you what happened when Yong Guang and I were in Tioman (tropical island). It was the morning when we went out for our snorkeling trip. Both of us were quite excited. We got on the hotel shuttle bus. We purposely sat on the last seat at the rear end of the bus. We had this look on our faces….or at least I had. We told ourselves that we are craving for some adventure. We joked about it. And then we paused and thought for a while (yeah…I know that this rarely happens). God might actually grant us our request! Do we really want this?

So to cut the story short, we got into this very small speed boat with a young driver. He was really fast; so fast that we were literary getting drench. We had a firm grip on the boat, hoping not to get thrown out into the water. And there was this grin on my face. Yes…adventure!! We went to five different spots. The water was great. So many fishes and so near….and the corals. It was simply out of this world experience. We even saw a group of divers underneath us….checking out the corals. Wow…this is like National Geography.

There were three couples in our boat. One British, one Chinese, one Malay. Every time we got into a spot, I would dive in. Boy, I was enjoying this. And then it happened….the ultimate adventure. (at least for me)

I was so caught up feeding the fish that I didn’t realize that I was been swept away by the current. My brother Yong Guang alert me. I tried to swim to get back but I couldn’t fight the current. Yong Guang tried to help me but it was just too much. He decided to go back to the boat to alert the boat driver.

I was drifting towards this big rock. I could see the shell stuck on the rocks and I thought I would get wounded. And then because of the current somehow, I was swept away from the rock. (Hmm…think that God had a hand in rescuing me from the rocks).

Then I went further and further away to the open sea. And frankly, I panic. I was drifting until I couldn’t even see the boat. Oh dear…..is this the end?

A few minutes later, my deliverance came. The boat picked me up. And my speech to my fellow boat mates, ‘I think its time to go home.’ And everybody laughed.

Anyone here for some adventure?

I had an interesting thought, one I believe was inspired by the Holy Spirit as I was driving to work. Coming to think about it, it is simple impossible to live the kind of life that God expects one to live! Just take me for example, just a short extra minute, a second of mind wondering can lead me away from God in an instant. Sooner it will become a moor hill, too embarrassed to be mentioned. More and more, I am realizing my heart’s condition is so frail that I can easily wonder away, drifting in our own world and imagination. Maybe, you don’t have such a problem. But I think it would be fair to say that many with good and noble intentions have tried to live a holy life, and persevered much but only to fall flat on the ground time and time again. So, why try? Or is there another secret to this pursuit?

One bible verse that a friend gave me recently sort of offended me. But this morning I am reminded of that Word again as I did my quiet time. “Unless you become like a little child you will not inherit the Kingdom of God.” ‘Hey, hello…..are you sure you are giving the right word to the right person.’ (Yes, you are not wrong if you detect some pride and arrogance behind such thinking).

But this is what God has been teaching me. It is when I realize that I am weak, that I can do nothing much without him (in fact the very opposite would most probably happen…ask Rhema!) and when I beg him for His help and yes, grace (God’s unmerited gift to one who do not deserve) that I do truly become like a little child and inherit the Kingdom. God will give supernatural power / ability to live the natural Christian life.

The new phrase came to mind to sum this up, “Supernaturally Natural Christian Life.” I wonder whether you understand what I am writing. Forgive me if this lesson seem element, but it has hit me like a ton of bricks!

The following are some thoughts about Post Modernity. They are personal reflections gathered from the Post Modernity Seminar that I’ve attended in Singapore, recently. I welcome you to read it and to give your feedback / comments.

Post - Modernity is a reaction to Modernity. In a certain sense, it is much deeply felt in the west, since western civilization is very influenced and affected by philosophical thinking and development such as the enlightenment. Events such as world wars, and holocaust has left deep imprints in western civilization.

This reminds me of a place I visited a couple of years ago when I was in UK, the London Tower. When I was educated about the history and events that surrounded the tower, especially the killings and betrayals that was done in the name of religion, I could, to a certain sense realize why some people in UK were hostile to Christianity. (This thought struck me when I was at the site)

I also think that post-modernity mind-set is a reaction towards pluralism which the west encountered in the east. Is it possible that the Youths in the West are looking for the people in the East for some answers?

It would not be accurate to say that post modernity does not affect the east. In recent years, phenomenon such as globalisation, the influence of media, the growing use of internet has made the East share the many struggles that exist in the West. For Malaysian, you only have to take a look at a local video called ‘Sepet’ to understand this behaviour.

I believe, the group that is mostly affected by a new world where there is the merging of various ideas, cultures and traditions are the youths. I have noticed certain new ‘mind-set’ developing in the lives of our youths. The difference between the youth in the east and those in the west: the content of their behaviour. The youths in the west are reacting, responding to their culture, where else in the east youths are being influenced and imitating the belief & practices of the west.

If there is some truth in this writing, then we must think of its implications to the way we approach Youth Ministry in the Eastern settings.

One of the first things that impressed me was Dan's approach to YM. He shared with us that he didn't have much background / exposure to YM in the past. He began by asking questions to youths. And most importantly he listened to them. In other words his starting point: he was a learner & his youths were his teachers.

As I heard him say this, i realized that many times my starting point in ministry wasn't from the position of a learner. I am most of the time like Peter. Quick to talk but slow to listen. Think that some attitude adjustment is needed here.

Tony sessions were very stimulating. For me it was just like being back in the Seminary, especially doing Theology. I found that his sessions were very engaging. Tony helped me to understand the background / history behind the development of a post-modern society.

In my opinion, this was basically a western society's problem. But increasely, it becoming a Eastern problem due to globalization, aided heavily by the media.

His explaination on the 'localization of the global & the globalization of the local' also added insights in understand our current situation.

Our two speakers basically saw the 'bridges' that po-mo was making for the gospels. The openness of youths to the whole issue of spirituality is an example of this.

I think they are also seeing the 'adjustments' that Christians need to make in matters of faith in order a whole generation of post modern youths could be reached & ministered effectively.

Tony for example talked about our approach to truth. He emphasied the fact about truth embodied & revealed in a person, Jesus Christ as opposed to concepts or truth statements.

He talked about being immerse in 'faith' so much so that becomes a way of life.

I also observed that Dan for example has really struggled through biblical passages and see how they be effectively related & impact youths. His heartbeat is to see youths experiencing & living out their faith.

In conclusion, I think the discussion on Most Modernity does not end here. Each of us must have a firm grip of our culture, be deeply immerse in the Scripture and workout what all these means and how they interrelate in our present time.

My trip to Penang recently was very meaningful. I had a chance to visit the youths in Penang Wesley; they call themselves 'Joshua House'. They were really enthusiatic and passionate about God. I was really encouraged. One thing which was significant for me is that the guys and gals there prayed for us (Rhema and i). Wow...i just felt so refreshed and encouraged.
One thought that struck my mind as I was worshipping with them was that 'those who know God shall do great exploits!' Indeed, apart from God we can do nothing; but with God....as we abide in Christ, we can do great and might things. Or another way of looking at it is (a more accurate one) that God can do great and might things through us.
I felt this when i was preaching at the second service in Penang Wesley last sunday. I must tell you that when i was about to preach, i told the Lord that i was really tired and felt that i couldn't do a good job. Strange, but i think that it is in moments like this when God shows what He can do through us and that it is not our own doing.
As i began to preach i just sensed God's Presence and anointing. Wow...it was 'out of this world' experience for me. (i think for those who have seen me preach, you know how effective i am at putting people to sleep! hahaha) It was simply the work of God's Spirit....nothing more or nothing less. Indeed, dear friends, if we are with God we can do great exploits for God.