Because He Lives*

Wednesday, January 30, 2008
11:18 PM

I don't know why but I am excited to serve on the 1st - 3rd Feb. Strange isn't it?

Did a whole lot of shopping with a newly-found acquaintance, Kim.

When: I got to know Kim early this month.
How: I was bringing Coco down for a walk and she brought Snowy down too.
Where: Blk 419 playground
Commonalities: Salty things (I just found out today), whole family from same secondary school, detests cockroaches and wearing specs/lenses..........

To cut a long story short, God really placed me in a strategic location for me to do His works. And I'm taking it very slowly. Ultimately, salvation is His, but I'm a willing vessel and I will be praying for the family's salvation.

This is the day that the Lord hath made, I have rejoiced and was glad in it.

Do keep her in your prayers too.

-v-

This is a new beginning we're taking here today,
For the Spirit of God is moving;
Revival's on its way,
Be prepared my people,
For my move has begun;
Be prepared my people,
You will not walk, but run.

Get ready for my battle,
Get ready for my call;
For when I set my plans up,
Revivals going to fall.

This will be quite a movement,
The wine is going to flow;
And my people who will drink it,
I never will let go.

For I am going to use you,
In the coming days;
And you will bring my people back,
In many different ways.

So stand up if you're with me,
My people start to pray;
And you will see revival fall,
Upon your world today

*He guides me in paths of righteousness

Because He Lives*

Saturday, January 26, 2008
2:09 AM

After browsing through my latest archives, I realised that I didn't really update much about myself. For those who really care and want to know, I'm doing well. Very well in fact.

I'm now trying to get my life in order - to know what I want in many areas of my life. Sometimes I think I know what I want, sometimes these wants seem foolish to me. I love working @ church, and serving God wholeheartedly. Seriously I can't see myself in any other jobs but this, yet, a part of me wants to try something else as well. I will go where my Saviour leads me.

Father, help me to know what YOU want to do in my life as I confess with my mouth and make you Lord over my body, soul, mind, spirit, will and emotions.

L.I.F.E - Living It For Eternity (Aaron Yeh)

-v-

Give me light Lord Jesus.
I need it to set me free.
Give me light Lord Jesus;
shine it bright before me.

Lord Jesus, give me the light.
I need it to guide me through this life.
Lord Jesus shine it bright,
so I may find some peace of mind.

Give me the light Lord Jesus.
Shine it and make me whole.
I do still love you Jesus.
For it was You who saved my soul.

But I've strayed from your light Lord Jesus.
I need you once more to make it shine.
So give me light Lord Jesus;
direct this life of mine.

For you have been my dearest friend
and your light has led me through.
Now I need your light again.
Please bring me back to you.

You've used your light all along I know.
You never turned your back.
But I have had on some real dark glasses,
so shine your light and get me back on track.

Bring me back to you Dear Jesus,
the way I use to be.
Please, once more shine that light
and get Satan away from me.

*He guides me in paths of righteousness

Because He Lives*

Thursday, January 24, 2008
3:01 PM

Chinese Traditions and Beliefs

On a sporadic basis, I would often ask myself or my parents about the differences between Buddhism and Chinese Traditions. My dad mentioned to me that traditions should be kept, but know how to draw the line at idol-worshipping and the likes. On the other hand, my grandma rebuked traditions claiming that in Christ we have been freed of such bondages for she feels that as Chinese festivals neared, there will be much hustling and bustling around preparing for it or else. Or else people will look at you differently to the point that sometimes people feel forced to celebrate the occasion just to “fit in”.

My mum loves to make ang pow lanterns and if you had been to my humble abode before, you can see them hanging below the fans. It somehow seemed, to me, rather clashing to have one wall that says “Your word is a light to my path and a lamp unto my feet” and another wall hangs a free calendar with the top half bearing the pictures and descriptions of the 12 Chinese zodiac signs.

My opportunity came when Ps Song received complimentary passes to hear a sermon or a talk regarding this: A Biblical approach to Chinese traditions and beliefs.

The speaker, Rev. Daniel Tong ponders the dilemmas faced by many Chinese Christians. The talk seeks to provide some guidelines on the cultural practices that believers may or may not be a part of, and offers sound biblical reasons for the decisions. Most of the time, Rev. Tong explains certain festivals and its representation of how these festivals came about. The goal is simply to help Christians live their faith to the fullest, while maintaining the fact that they come from an ethnic group with a long and rich heritage.

As best as I can, I hope I can piece together the notes that I took down and to be able to comprehensively share this knowledge with you.

Most of Rev. Tong’s sharing revolved around 3 principles of engagement:
Origin vs. Legend (Can the origin of certain practices be traced back to olden China? Or is it pure legend?)
Content vs. Connotation (The content and connotation of certain practices differ in different context)
Symbolism vs. Superstition
Proclamation vs. practice

Festival 1: CNY

The Chinese usually hold celebrations for 2 things: Life and Death.

In the aspect of Chinese New Year, it is a focus on life and is a celebration of life among the Chinese. Its origin can be mythological with a strong belief in a legendary dragon waking up once a year to kill, steal and destroy. After many years, they “found out” the tastes and preferences of this dragon. According to them, the dragon dislikes bright lights, the colour red and loud noises, which are also the reason why many families put up fire crackers, switching on all the lights, and displaying red items all over the place.

How much of this tradition and practices are actually factual?

Going back into History, back into olden China, there were no electric heaters, nor warmers nor blankets thick enough to withstand the harsh winter weather. Many will be stuck indoors for months and are eagerly waiting the coming of the spring. This is also why CNY is called “The celebration of spring”.

As Singapore has only 1 season, how does CNY apply to us?

CNY, in fact, identifies with us as an ethnic race.

Due to this fact, there are struggles that we, as Christians face: How much of our Christian faith do we want to keep and yet uphold ethnicity?

Here, Rev. Tong brought us through CNY and their elements.

Practices:

1. Preparation

The buying of new clothes every CNY has been a practice that is still ongoing even in the 21st century. History had recorded the practice of replacing all the winter clothing and items with spring clothing and items after the cruel winter had passed. This is a pragmatic natural development in people which had thus become a tradition to “wear new clothes”. In olden China, even beggars with patchwork clothes will make it a point to wear new clothes on this occasion. This is a form of symbolism and superstition for families that good fortune will await them in the coming year. (Also, a good excuse to expand my wardrobe)

Eating with leftovers is another symbolic and superstitious practice for “abundance for this new year”. It is a symbolic wish for good fortune so that in the new year ahead, there will be more than enough for them.

Spring cleaning is another practice that is allowed until CNY eve, for any other “sweeps” in the house after the eve will symbolize sweeping away all the luck. Not only is sweeping disallowed after CNY eve, the stroke or the way the broom cleans the house have to be taken note of. It is believed that even if there is a need to sweep after the eve of CNY, we must “sweep in” instead of “sweep out”. I couldn’t really imagine how does one sweeps “in” or “out” because a vacuum cleaner does the job more efficiently and effortlessly. Also, what’s the point of sweeping “in” when I’m sweeping because I want the dirt out? Or maybe I just don’t get it…. *confusion*

Rev. Tong believes that we can all follow these practices with a pinch of salt: Not to be obsessive compulsive. It’s alright for choosing not to sweep on the day of CNY, but adhering to the sweep in, sweep out, sweep up, sweep down, sweep left, sweep right, sweep with long strokes, sweep with short strokes, sweep with broom upside-down could be a little too obsessive compulsive. It is also important to take note that the above practices are generally fine unless one goes overboard with the practices such as getting too obsessed with new clothes on new year that one spend beyond his / her means. Eating with leftovers because everyone had their fill is more acceptable that eating with leftovers because it means “abundance” for the coming year. I guess tradition and practices are okay unless you really put all faith in its symbolism and superstition. (My point of view)

2. Reunion dinner

The Chinese believe that the food must be presented to God before the partaking of the meal. For us Christians, we can identify with reunion dinner as a family get-together once every year, but stay away from the worship rituals.
Visitation and reunion dinner in fact have important elements which are acceptable (improving social and family ties, bonding). Always know when to draw the line. For Singaporean families, it is sometimes hard to get together for a dinner, even if it is with immediate families and thus reunion dinner sets aside this time to meet up with one another.

3. Decorative items

As the Chinese give meaning to everything, it is hard to abstain from displaying items with a symbolic meaning as almost everything (to the Chinese) is symbolic. Rev Tong’s advice is to avoid things that are overtly superstitious such as the word 福. Some may argue that sticking the word福 all over the place is still ok, but the upside-down福 is overtly superstitious, with the connotation of “the arrival of fortune in the place”. According to Rev. Tong, pussy willows are generally ok, but the bamboo potted plants and bamboo shoots weaved together is overtly superstitious. The history behind the bamboo shoots is about how a group of assassins (who plotted to murder the King) escaped massacre (by the King) by hiding in a bamboo plantation. Thus, the bamboo plants symbolize warding off evil and are displayed as a good luck charm. Which brings me to a thought: How come no one ever brings bamboo shoots into the exam hall? And also, how does the saving of the assassins lives equate to “good luck”?

The following are questions posted to Rev. Tong:

Q: What is the Christian take on Lo Hei?
A: Lo Hei is a Singapore invention! It is based purely on economic gains. It all started when a restaurant is low on business. The 4 chefs of that restaurant put their heads together to create Lo Hei. However in the Christian context, we take it as fun. Rev. Tong mentioned that when the Chinese lo hei, they believe that the higher they “lo” the more possible their wishes will come true. But there are some Christians who “lo” and say Bible scriptures instead.

Q: What about the giving of ang pows?
A: The Chinese believe that red packets are only given to the old, and the young. The Chinese give to the young to symbolize protection against the dragon whereas red packets are also given to the old as a form or show of respect. However, do not fall into superstition such as “cannot give odd numbers”, “best to give with $8 or the number 8’”.

Q: What about the 2 oranges?
A: As oranges signify gold, a giver who gives 2 oranges with both hands symbolizes generosity in wealth. This practice is more of a good symbolism than superstition.

Festival 2: Hungry Ghost Festival

Unlike CNY, Hungry Ghost Festival (HGF) is a festival for the dead, with its origin lost in history. It is believed that on the 1st day of the 7th month of the lunar calendar, many many 鬼s will be released from hell. To them, 鬼 = ghost = dearly departed. The reason why the ghosts were released could be due to the “compassionate” heart of the King of Hades.
But to us Christians, 鬼 is a form of demonic impersonation.
In the Christian context, the 1st day of the 7th month is also marked as important dates in the Bible.

Leviticus 23:24

The LORD said to Moses, "Say to the Israelites: 'On the first day of the seventh month you are to have a day of rest, a sacred assembly commemorated with trumpet blasts.”

Nehemiah 8

All the people assembled as one man in the square before the Water Gate. They told Ezra the scribe to bring out the Book of the Law of Moses, which the LORD had commanded for Israel.
So on the first day of the seventh month Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly, which was made up of men and women and all who were able to understand. He read it aloud from daybreak till noon as he faced the square before the Water Gate in the presence of the men, women and others who could understand. And all the people listened attentively to the Book of the Law.

Rev. Tong classify these similarities as demonic parallelism and are counter attacks to the Christian belief.

Does the gate of Hell really open on the 7th month?
In 2006, there are 2 HGF back-to-back. Does it really mean that the door of hell open, closes, re-opens and re-closes again? Was the King of Hades overwhelmed by his (its?) “compassionate heart”?
It was concluded that the 7th month is not true as there are many loopholes present with its origin lost in history.

It is believed that Ge Tais are constructed for the entertainment purpose of the dearly departed souls to refrain them from using the entertainment devices in our homes. Where do we, as Christians draw the line?

Then, is hell all punishment and no entertainment? Is that why people are hosting Ge tais all over Singapore to "provide" them with entertainment?

Rev. Tong explained that it is alright for us to be passing by and happen to catch a glimpse of it. But be careful not to engage or participate in its activities like giving money.

Festival 3: Zhong Yuan Jie

ZYJ is a dinner hosted mainly for auctions with its proceeds given to charity. It is also a chance for people to show off their wealth by placing high bids. The highlight of the auction is usually the auctioning of Black Gold. This, in layman’s terms, is also known as charcoal. It is a piece of charcoal. A wild guess led Rev. Tong to assume that charcoal may be precious in the olden days (?). Although this festival has pragmatic roots (to give to the poor, like in this day and age how do we know 100% of our $$ goes to charity), it is starting to change overtime to a show of wealth, status and fame among “donators”. His take is to “avoid where possible”.

Festival 4: Qing Ming Jie

QMJ is another festival of the dead with its origin lost in history as well. A common practice associated with QMJ is cleaning up tombs of our ancestors. QMJ however, brings about a question of worship or respect. Imagine an altar with different kinds of gods placed on it. Offerings of cakes and fruits are also in abundance, of worship to the gods. We all call this, worship. (idol-worshipping)

Now, replace all the statues with pictures of your ancestors or dearly departed, ceteris paribus (all things remaining constant). The Chinese calls it respect. To Christians, they are still worship.

Christians believe in a wide divide between humanity and God. But for the Chinese, there is no such thing because human beings can become either an immortal or a鬼 as they believe that we become supernatural entities in the afterlife. For the Chinese, there is also no clear distinction between worship and respect. Setting up an altar on the tombstone should also be seen as demonic rather than divine.

Although in many aspects there is no right or wrong, Rev. Tong believes that the church should have a common decision regarding each gray areas of Chinese tradition and beliefs.

Bowing down to the living, offering tea is a show of respect. (Marriages)

Bowing down to the dead, offering tea is a show of worship. Although the act of bowing down and offering tea is similar, the context changes the connotation.

The Chinese also believe in 3 souls after death. The first soul will go to heaven / hell, the second soul would remain in the tomb, and the third soul will reside in the ancestral tablet.

The Chinese also believe in reincarnation.

Does it mean that all 3 souls would then be combined into one to be reincarnated? If that’s the case, then why should believers burn offerings and items to “send” to their deadly departed since they have been reincarnated? I guess there are too many loopholes and too many questions regarding many traditions / practices.

As for handling the gray areas of certain tradition / practices, a phrase came into my mind:

“Everything is permissible, but not everything is beneficial.”

Enlightened by someone of high Biblical caliber.

In a nutshell, symbolisms are fine, but draw the line at superstition.
Some actions / practices are fine by themselves but placed in a different context will garner different connotation and thus, we as Christians will try to abstain from using it in the wrong context.

Whatever the practices / beliefs are, take it with a pinch of salt and not obsessive compulsion.

Seminar hosted by: http://www.emmanuel-books.com/

Anyway, this book is very interesting (I managed to get a sneak read from Ps Song and it is very engaging): The pattern & the prophecy: God’s great code by James Harrison.

P.S: There is an upcoming seminar on The relationship between Christianity and our Chinese Culture. Although this will not touch on Chinese traditions and beliefs, I believe it will be a breakthrough for many so as to be able to minister to the Chinese.

Christianity has all along been stigmatized as a "western" belief. But this seminar is going to prove it wrong. In fact, in olden China, the King worshipped One God. There are many Bible stories hidden behind the old chinese characters before they were modernized. For more information:

www.cccworldwidetrumpet.com

*He guides me in paths of righteousness

Because He Lives*

Sunday, January 20, 2008
5:48 PM

In worry, God will care:

Jesus said: I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear... Your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek ye first the Kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. (Matthew 6:25, 32-34)

Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall. (Psalm 55:22)

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. (Philippians 4:6)

In loneliness, God will be near:

You, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you. (Psalm 9:10)

I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, "Do not fear; I will help you". (Isaiah 41:13)

My eyes are ever on the Lord, for only He will release my feet from the snare. Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted. (Psalm 25:15,16)

Though my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will receive me. (Psalm 27:10)

God has said:"Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." (Hebrews 13:5)

In failure, God will help:

Though I have fallen, I will rise. Though I sit in darkness, the Lord will be my light. (Micah 7:8)

The Lord is faithful to all His promises and loving towards all He has made. The Lord upholds all those who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down. (Psalm 145:13,14)

The Lord is close to the broken-hearted ans saves those who are crushed in spirit. (Psalm 34:18)

The God of all grace... will Himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. (1 Peter 5:10)

In discouragement, God will strengthen:

From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. (Psalm 61:2)

The Lord said: Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. (Joshua 1:9)

Be still, and know that I am God. (Psalm 46:10)

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13)

In danger, God will protect:

I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust. (Psalm 91:2)

The Lord will keep you from all harm - He will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and for evermore. (Psalm 121:7-8)

Jesus said: Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid... I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. (John 14:27; 16:33)

In distress, God will comfort:

The Lord says: As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you. (Isaiah 66:13)

Answer me when I call to you, O my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; be merciful to me and hear my prayer. (Psalm 4:1)

The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust Him. (Nahum 1:7)

Jesus said: I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. (John 8:12)

O God... when I am afraid, I will trust in you. (Psalm 56:1,3)

Through death, God will give life:

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me. (Psalm 23:4)

Jesus said: I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this? (John 11:25-26)

God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. (Isaiah 12:2)

*He guides me in paths of righteousness

Because He Lives*

Tuesday, January 15, 2008
12:09 AM

Can someone help me create a nice blogskin? :D

-v-

One day, a man went to visit a church. He arrived early, parked his car, and got out. Another car pulled up near him, and the driver told him,

"I always park there. You took my place!"

The visitor went inside for Sunday School, found an empty seat, and sat down. A young lady from the church approached him and stated,

"That's my seat! You took my place!"

The visitor was somewhat distressed by this rude welcome, but said nothing.

After Sunday School, the visitor went into the church sanctuary and sat down. Another member walked up to him and said,

"That's where I always sit You took my place!"

The visitor was even more troubled by this treatment, but still said nothing.

Later, as the congregation was praying for Christ to dwell among them, the visitor stood, and his appearance began to change. Horrible scars became visible on his hands and on his sandaled feet. Someone from the congregation noticed him and called out, "What happened to you?"

The visitor replied,

"I took your place."

*He guides me in paths of righteousness

Because He Lives*

Monday, January 07, 2008
8:12 AM

During the appreciation night, I had a conversation with Pastor Song
through sis Yvonne introduction.

My wife Pat mentioned about a recent clip report we've seen by CBN News about the major Christian today's movement.
The China mission work "old silk road back to Jerusalem" is recognised as the main driver of the good news.

This echoed most of Pastor Song sharing in the church regarding China. China is sending back thru the old silk road via the Muslim nations enroute back to Jerusalem. This china movement is clearly at works by the Holy Spirit which even CBN mentioned as "supernatural".

In this clip entitled "Muslims Converting to Christianity", the testimony of a fanatic Muslim shows that the good news can be preached and embraced by Muslims as well. Predominantly, the China's movement is recognized as mission sending source which will forward the good news back to Jerusalem. It will cross the Muslim world according to the report which has never been successful in the last 14 centuries.

The China movement back to Jerusalem is supposed to enter the "hard" ground which has not happened or been successful for centuries. It is now firmly in the hands of the Chinese people.

Here is the reason why GOD is going to bless China in the 21st century...Watch with prayers.

Praise GOD, when the good news is preached "to the end of the world", the end shall come as mentioned by Jesus our Lord. Even the CBN that represents our current world view at large affirms that China holds the key.

What Pastor Song has been sharing in most of his sermons about China co-relate with this report.

http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=88bc9a6cf8de213b5181

Blessings,
David Tan

*He guides me in paths of righteousness

Because He Lives*

Wednesday, January 02, 2008
2:51 AM

LIVING IS WHAT MATTERS

The moment our breathe stops
We die;
Our past becomes history,
Just memories.

Our wealth & power
Will become useless;
All tears will evaporate,
All our achievements become memories,
Just memories.

Happiness may keep us sound & sweet,
Trials may nurture strength within,
Sorrows should trigger realization of our finiteness,
Failures may force us to be humble,
Success may increase our confidence
But it is only God
Who determines everything we do.

Eternity with bliss
Begins with fragility on earth;
The processes of humility, sickness & sadness
With the intersperse of happiness, wealth & recognition
Must inevitably take place
And then depart.

Only those who are humble & sweet,
Willing to help
Always thinking good
Wanting to do good
Displacing toxicities
Of anger, hatred & unforgiveness
Can be happy.

True living is for the present:
For the good of others
Refusing to trouble or inconvenience
Always wanting to bless, inspire & help
Doing our best at all times with utmost humility.

- Bro Jimmy for 2007 going on 2008

*He guides me in paths of righteousness