Spiritual Preferences

Thoughts arrived reading from Dr Bruce Demarest "Satisfy Your Soul' (NavPress)


Growth requires an open heart and receptive mind to every overture of the Spirit. If we do not open up to ideas beyond ourselves, we run the risk of shaping God to our views and our ways - making God in our image - and never allow Him to shape us in His.

C.S Lewis in his book 'The Incarnation of the Word of God' (dated 1963) addressed this problem - personal biases that result in a closed mind.

He wrote, "If you venture to speak, you will have an amusing experience. You will be thought a Papist when you actually reproduce a Bunyan, a Pantheistic when you are quoting Aquinas."

As C. S Lewis saw it, we must be open to the best scholarship - the wisdom of ages - to keep on track and free from errors caused by our limited, culturally influenced views. Admittedly, C S Lewis said, the person who explores new ground and carefully weighs new possibilities puts himself at risk. For when he proposes new insights or approaches, he is likely to be misunderstood and resisted.

If you are a Christian, it is very likely you have already formed certain opinion about spiritual experience and growth. For example, you may not care to listen to a spiritual writer who lived prior to the sixteen century or you may dislike certain written prayers.

Centuries ago, Augustine (dated 430) uttered the following prayer: "Lord, Your best servants are those who wish to shape their life on Your answers rather than shape Your answers on their wishes." May this be the prayer of our hearts as well.


My Take:

The tendency to jump quick into conclusion, to dismiss or to label the author, the preacher or church when the real issue can be very much ourselves. We resisted and build our walls of resistance towards inner growth when we encounter new experiences or new thoughts as we had already formed a grid (pre-conceived idea) in us, basing on our own experiences, cultural and religious training. We further boasted this grid when we spiritualized them in noble and spiritual context where it is actually a personal spiritual preferences.

God is a God of ancient ages to the present into eternality. Studying church history, we will see that the Holy Spirit has flowed through Jewish and Christian history. You will find in the beginning of 1960s, the charismatic renewal in the Catholic church and mainline Protestant denominations has also powerfully impacted lives.

Excuse me, Catholic Church?
Yes, Catholic church. If this is your question.

God is not limited by our angry response when He placed a new and challenging idea which may seem totally contrary to our spiritual preferences, which we choose to call it spiritual accuracies.

Where the Holy Spirit is, there is liberty. He gives the liberty in Him that produces life. A life in Christ is measured by its fruits, and bearing fruits in all seasons. That is a nurture inner life in Christ.

I choose to pray as Augustine pray. I choose to humble before the Knowing King and confessed my vulnerability and acknowledge my lack of understanding and wisdom. In many ways and many times, I can end up belittling those spiritual teachings and teachers when it is just my spiritual preferences. I can possibly fall when I lest think I would fall. For the Lord exalts the humble and humble the self exalted ones.

We are so capable of replacing the Great Teacher.

Have mercy Lord.

This World is Not my Home

"Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised."

(Job 1:21)

Honestly, I am not sure why preachers love to use this verse during funerals and wakes. Maybe, we could better identify with this verse at mourning season. My reflection of this verse this morning tells me that this is an all-time verse.

#1) This is a verse of Stewardship

It simply brings out that God is the Master, we are His steward. Including all material possession; blessings; health; gifts; relationships, the gift of life and all that is found in planet earth. We cannot give anything to ourselves, only God could.

Therefore, everything on earth is just a loan to the earthlings. There is a time we must return 'all loans' to the Master. The call for us is to be responsible and accountable in the 'loan period' that we do take good care and to fulfill the 'terms and guidelines' tied to the loan. 

Ownership is not ours; Stewardship is.

#2) It is verse of Worship

How we handle what we have been given is an act of worship. Our thoughts, our actions, our language and even the intent of our hearts is an act and expression of worship.

To be able to acknowledge that 'The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away' requires a still soul, a surrendered heart and a sound biblical mindset.

Our belief system governs our thoughts; promotes feelings and prompts our behaviour. Most importantly and essentially, our belief system must arrived from the truth, the Word of God.

This verse points us back to the Rightful Sole Owner and Master. It gives us the basis of how we should response and not react when 'loans' are being removed from us at times, usually unexpectedly times.

If this is so, why gripped on to our 'loans' so tightly? Loans are temporal and on short term leased.

Learning and never on graduation - The art of 'Holding Gently' and not 'Gripping Tightly' onto the loans.

Remember, it must be returned to the owner. And the Owner has always His alarming, painful yet gentle ways of reminding me whenever forgetfulness slips in.

It calls me for a heart of surrender. And in sweet surrender, is worship.

#3) It is a verse of Kingship

I love to be king. King of my life, king of all my relationships, my possession, my ministries. "I, Me, Myself' is so attractive and tempting. (The heart is deceitful. Check it out). Though we proclaim ourselves to be followers of Christ, there will be incidents and traces when the King of Self will merge its ugly head.

The King of Self loves to completes with the King of Glory. Sometimes, cleverly camouflage with noble and spiritual reasons. Until and unless the counterfeit glory is stripped to its nakedness, we will still be like Moses, who puts a veil over his face of what is literally passing away. (2 Cor 3:13)

'May the Name of the Lord be praised' is often happily shouted in the midst where we usually gained outwardly or regained again.

'May the Name of the Lord be praised' is often joyfully proclaimed in the midst where we are outwardly wasting away, inwardly renewed. 

Same praise with two different tones and voice of the heart.

Nothing right or wrong. It is just the timing of the Lord for the lessons to learn in seasons.

So, when the time comes for the King to give, Praise Him.

When the time comes for Him to take, Praise Him.

We may not understand why and He doesn't owe us any explanation either.

We just need to understand one underlying truth:

He is the King and He is Lord. It is in His Sovereign and Providential Will for Him to give and to take.

He numbered it.

Conclusion:

1) This verse is not to be understood and only known at mourning season. It is a sweet surrendered journey from day to day.

2) At all times, do not be caught with an unguarded; unprepared and unwilling heart.

For Stewardship and Worship calls for the saints' responses.

However, Kingship is solely His.

Don't try to change that; and we never could.

3) When the Lord gives you pain now, it is to protect you from further future pain.

When the Lord allows some loses in you now, it is to keep you from further damaging loses in the future.

When the Lord removes the good from you, it is just that He is going to give you the best.

He is the King.

One of My Favourite Song (in Sunday School days) - This World is not my Home


This world is not my home I'm just passing through
my treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue
the angels beckon me from Heaven's open door
and I can't feel at home in this world anymore

O Lord you know I have no friend like you

*** Chorus
if Heaven's not my home then Lord what will I do?
the angels beckon me from Heaven's open door
and I can't feel at home in this world anymore

They're all expecting me and that's one thing I know

My savior pardoned me and now I onward go
I know He'll take me through though I am weak and poor
and I can't feel at home in this world anymore


Just up in Glory Land we'll live eternally
the Saints on every hand are shouting victory
their song of sweetest praise drifts back from Heaven's shore
and I can't feel at home in this world anymore

The Prodigal Season

I came across this article some time back. So much to learn about Acceptance in the Prodigal Season

His name is Bill. He has wild hair, wears a T-shirt with holes in it, jeans and no shoes. This was literally his wardrobe for his entire four years of college. He is brilliant. Kind of esoteric and very, very bright. He became a Christian recently while attending college.

Across the street from the campus is a well-dressed, very conservative church. One day Bill decides to go there. He walks in with no shoes, jeans, his T-shirt, and wild hair. The service has already started and so Bill starts down the aisle looking for a seat. The church is completely packed and he can't find a seat.

By now people are really looking a bit uncomfortable, but no one says anything. Bill gets closer and closer and closer to the pulpit and, there is still no place for him to sit so he just squats down right on the carpet. (Although perfectly acceptable behavior at a college fellowship, trust me, it had never happened in this church before!)

By now the people are really uptight, and the tension in the air is thick. About this time the minister realizes that from way at the back of the church an Elder is slowly making his way toward Bill.

The Elder is in his eighties, has silver-gray hair and a three-piece suit. A godly man, very elegant, very dignified, very courtly. He walks with a cane and, as he starts walking toward this boy, everyone is saying to themselves that you can't blame him for what he's going to do. How can you expect a man of his age and of his background to understand some college kid on the floor?

It takes a long time for the man to reach the boy. The church is utterly silent except for the clicking of the man's cane. All eyes are focused on him. You can't even hear anyone breathing. The minister can't even preach the sermon until the Elder does what he has to do.

And now they see this elderly man drop his cane on the floor. With great difficulty he lowers himself and sits down next to Bill and worships with him so he won't be alone.

Everyone chokes up with emotion. When the minister gains control, he says, "What I'm about to preach, you will never remember. What you have just seen, you will never forget. Be careful how you live. You may be the only Bible some people will ever read."

I am 45

I turned 45 on 14th May this year. Every year, at least an hour before midnight, I would spent the crossover hour with my Lord. A tradition I would uphold to give my first hour to the Lord that gives me life; sustain my life and promises me abundance life and more. 

I thought for a start, I would pen down all the blessings that different people had send me on my birthday this year. You never know how much these blessings and messages had spoken to my soul, especially when I am in times of discouragement and pain; God would surface these blessings and realign me back to me. So in order to ensure it is registered in my heart; I would love to have these registered here as well. 

Sabrina Huang & Kevin Bass

Happy Birthday Pastor Lili. We love you

Priscilyn Mok

Number one 'Mei Nu' Pastor Lili. A very blessed and joyous birthday to you. May you always stay pretty, young, attractive and healthy. You have done so much for the Chinese Ministry. Thank God for you. :)

Joanne Chua

Happy Birthday Sis 

Joel Kang

Happy Birthday Ps Lili. Your heart for the Chinese never fails to amaze me. So much dedication and pride for the ministry, for God. You are a great leader, parent and person. God bless. Have fun.

Shermen Ng

Happy Birthday precious Lily in God's precious beautiful garden. Psalm 92:13

Donovan Khong

Happy Blessed Birthday Auntie Lili. God bless you greatly on this day and may you have a blast!

Tony Clayton Chong 

Blessed Birthday Ps Lili. Thank you for your faithful ministry. I see updates in Tommy's FB about Happy Thursday. Really glad to see the people growing in the fellowship through you and this committed team.

Sabrina Leong

祝你生日快乐! Ps Lili. God bless you richly. Have a super day.

Joslen Jaya

Happy Birthday Ps Lili. Blessed birthday wishes to you. Love you Pastor.

Terence Ng

Happy Birthday! Wow how old are you? Cannot really tell lah :) Thank God for your great pastoral heart for His people. Always believing that God's faithfulness is enough for you. Bless you with many more youthful days ahead and stay cheery in His will.

Lai-Kheng Pousson
Thanking God for a beloved pastor who serves with heart, with no strings attached. Love your spirit and your zeal for the Lord! Happy Birthday, Lili!


Shalyn Yong
Auntie Lili, 24 hours later, Happy Belated Birthday. I love you and am forever grateful. You helped me become a better person, and I'll never forget the long nights you would spend praying with me over the phone. Thank you for everything and keep investing in other people's lives. God bless.

Andrew Low
Pastor Li Li, happy blessed belated birthday. Thank you for being a great friend to Karen, looking out for Isabel and praying and investing in our family. We value the friendship that you and Matthew brings.

Sarah Lim
Dear Li Li, missed wishing you a blessed birthday, but I guess it's never too late to bless someone :) Here's wishing you divine strength, abundant grace and breakthrough after breakthrough this year. Out of the ashes, the Lord has fashioned a truly beautiful handmaiden fit for His use. 加油美女

Antonius Sulimro 
Hey Pastor Lili. Happy belated birthday. May the Lord continues to bless you and be your fortress and strength. Thank you for helping me in molding me and guiding me in my spiritual life :) I'll see you soon in the church camp.

Roslyn Yong
Happy Birthday, Ps Lili. A woman of strength and courage. Undaunted by nothing. May the Lord lead and guide you each step of the way ... more exciting adventures with God. Love

Evonne Teng
Happy Blessed Birthday Ps Lili. Thank you for your guidance all these years and also in helping me to grow in the Lord each time I approach you to have a chat with you. You've always been one who U turn up to. So I pray that you will continue to be who God has made you to be and also to be a blessing to many others just like you have been to me.

Brenda Leong (KK, Sabah)
Happy Birthday Pastor Lili. God bless. And I am missing you.

Too Teh Hsin
Pastor Lili, another year younger? Soon you'll be 13. Thank you for loving God and loving us. Thank you for serving God with such joy and vigor. Thank you also for keeping an eye out of both Joyce and I - like a shepherd guarding her sheep. God bless you and your family beyond your wildest dreams. Happy Birthday.

Benjamin Tan
Hi Auntie Lili. happy Belated Birthday. (Guess I'm first to wish belated) but anyway thanks for modeling that Godly compassion, especially for the people in Happy Thursday. May God bless you and your family. - Bear Bear

Eric Goh
Pastor Lili 美女， 祝你生日快乐, your:

Loving tender heart towards others
Inspiring woman to woman casue
Long suffering 'never give up' spirit
Incredible unwavering faith in God

These really are a blessing an an inspiration to many. Uniquely woman of substance for God! Persevere and continue your good works. Continue the journey - Woman Inspiring Woman. Blessed Birthday

Tiffiny Goh
Ps Lili, you sure make my husband - a man of few words to say so much about you. Thank you for encouraging me to serve God in leading worship in the Agapeland and now the Vibrant Moms. You are so encouraging and I thank God for you. Blessed Birthday and enjoy your day.

Evonne Teng
Happy Blessed Birthday Ps Lili. Thank you for your guidance all these years and also in helping me to grow in the Lord each time I approach you to have a chat with you. You have always been one I turn up to. So I pray that you will continue to be who God has made you to be and also to be a blessing to many others just like you have been to me.


Josh Lee
Lili 牧师！生日快乐！ God bless your ministry as a Pastor and shepherd of your flock, especially the Chinese Nationals as you move ahead courageously. Enjoy your special day!

Petrina Soh 
happy birthday auntie lili! I will always remember you as a leader in agapeland and how you always managed to connect with the kids :D may you have a blessed time on this special day with the people you love! have a meaningful and lovely day today (:


Roslyn Yong
Blessed birthday Ps Lili. A woman of strength and courage. Undaunted by nothing. May the Lord lead and guide you each step of the way...more exciting adventures with God. love.

Ps Sok Hwee
Dear Lili, I have met many inspiring women in my life but none has inspired me more than you! I see God in you + especially when you deal with deep trials in your personal life, relationships + ministry. Not only do you NOT give up, you also manage to have a godly response every time. Your submission + devotion to God truly touches me. And, I thank God for a special friend like you. One whom God has used to encourage me many times. You're thoughtful, sensitive + sacrificial. Lastly, I appreciate your love for my boyz too! This verse came to me as I was praying for you - Ps 108:13 'Through God we will do valiantly, And it is He who shall tread down our adversaries'. Happy birthday dear friend!


Christina Raman 
Hi Lili. Happy, Happy Birthday!!! Every year of life is a gift from God! And I thank God for His gift of a dear friend in you. You feel deeply and passionately, are sensitive to others, a great giver and 'blesser', continuously seeks to upgrade and grow, very relatable and relational, a warm, personal and caring friend. Thanking God for you and may the Lord bless you with the desires of your heart. :)

Tricia Lim 
Happy Birthday Aunty Lili! May the lord continue to bless you in all that you do and may you continue to be a blessing to those around you like how you have blessed me and D'Gap =) People like you are rare.... serving God wholeheartedly and always being a true encouragement, may you go from glory to glory and strength to strength! God bless! ♥

Candy See
Dearest Lili. A blessed, wonderful, exciting birthday to you!!!!!! You are one person that the Lord will call for His great purpose; that though the road will be tough, yet the Lord knows you will break through it no matter what; as long as it's for the Lord. Thank you for being a prophetic voice in my life; esp sounding the 'warning' sign in certain times. Great leader and a friend worthy to have.


Sarah Lui 
Happy birthday Ps Lili/Aunty Lili haha..! God has indeed been using you mightily & it's also because you're a person surrendered and submissive to obey His calling for you. Thank you for your leadership, & serving the Chinese nationals! I'm sure they're greatly blessed by you & yr team! Stay beautiful in the Lord always! God bless you :)

Ps Guna Raman 
Blessed Birthday Lili. You have this ability to let God take the worst situations in your life and bring the best out of them. Your staying power, your devotion, your determination all add up to make you a woman of substance. As you grow older, remember to get younger because it does take a long time to be young!

Jennifer Lim
Blessed Birthday Ps Lili. Rejoice with you as you celebrate your special day giving thanks to God for all the milestones in your life. Appreciate you speaking into my life dear mentor and friend

Tashka Hodge
'But blessed is the (wo)men who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him." - Jeremiah 17:7

Everytime I think about you, I am reminded of this verse because through everything I have learnt from you, the biggest lesson of your life I see, is how you never fail to trust God wholeheartedly through every situation in your life. How you give God full control of your life. How you equate Him into every part of your journey. The one of the many lessons I learnt from you. ;)

Even as you celebrate today, I pray that God will bless you even more each day as how you have blessed me and everyone else. I pray that there would always be 'More of God' in you and that He will give you joy and happiness as you continue serving Him. :) I pray that He will continue to  protect you and your family and keep you healthy. And that with your life and everything you do, you would continue being that shining star for Him.

I also pray that you would continue to be the salt and light of the Earth to bring more and more lost people to knowing Him!

With this, Happy Birthday Auntie Lili! <3 You have been a wonderful auntie to me. Have a wonderful day ahead! I love you, plenty. :)


Ann Eng; Andy Tan; Lim Peisan; Shirley Tan; Esther Lim; Rosemarie Leong; Shermine Lim; Geetha; Khoon Seng; Natalie Soh; Rachel Boo; Ruby Rouben; Tang Ting Ting; Vel Villamor; Savio Leitao; Deeben; Lydia Lee; Ivan CK; Chan Kok Meng; Oh Siew May; Asing; Lydia Fong; Sok Mian; Xiao Hong; Alyssa Tan; Julie Kong; Alex Wan; Lahang: Shermin: Geetha: Khoon Seng; William Lee: Rachael Boo; Natalie Soh; Lydia Fong; Siew Mei; Xiao Hong; Siew Mei; Jayne Han; Tommy Ho; Asing: Bannu and those I had probably missed your names here.

I thank God for everyone of you, who had taken time to pen down a birthday blessing in the FB and through SMS. Everyone of you plays a significant part in my life where God had used to mold me becoming a better person. Thank you for loving me and my family. Finally, all glory to give back to God, the One and Only.

I am a Christian Singaporean

Two days ago, I spoke to my granny over the phone. The first statement that she blurted out after a hello was ‘Wow, General Election is on. Every day the TV is about them.”

In a simple statement, granny is saying – the heat is on! Here comes General Election.

Absolutely, the heat is on. Emotions and sentiments run high. Arguments and opinions flow freely. From the media to the coffee-shops talks, from the markets to MRT rides; in offices; and even in social network like Facebook; anywhere where people congregate; the talk is on.

For the past few days, I have been reading different comments and feedback by different people from various walks of life ranges in all age groups. Some cheered for Nicole Seah preferring her to Tin Pei Ling; while others are tugged by the frail yet passionate Chiam See Tong; some gave a 'thumb up' to PAP George Yeo.….it goes on and on and on.

Indeed, every vote counts! It counts as what they would say, “It concerns the future of Singapore”. Being a responsible Singaporean, I am reminded to consider objectively and wisely in casting my vote.

Surrounded by masses of voices, each stood up for their own/nation’s cause; each fighting to be heard and accepted; the hearers (or voters) can be easily drown in the sea of voices and choices. (or at least for me)

Then, what is God’s voice in this? I am reminded again. I called myself not only a Singaporean, but also a Christian. What is my Christian’s responsibility in this?

Casting aside all emotions running high; all agendas; all prejudice; all opinions...Lord, what do You say?

I want to begin by thanking God for our nation leaders and government. For blessing us all these years with the government He sees fitting for Singapore; who are committed to integrity, service and excellence; and had established strong foundations in Singapore for the past 46 years.

I am asking the Lord to grant us wisdom and discernment above all voices. It is His voice that prevails; His plans and purposes above mine and ours. It is His hands that will guide each vote.

I am declaring that our Sovereign Lord reigns over all political system and succession. Our people (especially Christians) will be discerning and sensitive to God’s prompting; His heartbeat; His divine purpose for our nation; that Singapore’s calling as an Antioch will be fulfilled.

Daniel proclaimed this in the Book of Daniel 2:21-22

“Blessed be the name of God forever and ever. For wisdom and might are His. And He changes the times and the seasons. He removes kings and raises up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise. And knowledge to those who have understanding.” 

God is the One that set up His government. My responsibility as a Christian is to pray for His will and purposes to prevail. My Lord still sits on His throne. He is the Alpha and Omega.

“God’s plans and purposes never get thwarted by historical and political events and changes.” (From the Book of Habakkuk preached at Agape Baptist Church this morning). The call and motivation for Christians is to pray for God’s purposes to fulfill in the nation.

We are here to serve His purpose, not ours. Indeed, God’s purposes will prevail; not ours.

Laid down our rights and opinions for a moment...to just hear His voice for His beloved.

I love Singapore and proud to be a Singaporean

but Who can love Singapore more than Him alone?

Wang Dian Sheng's Testimony

'One thing I ask from the LORD, this only do I seek: 

that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, 

to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple.' 

(Psalm 27:4)

We first met Wang Dian Sheng on 20 September 2010 when Happy Thursday organized an outing at East Coast Park. His hand was bandaged and could hardly move. Shortly, he left. The next time I saw him was 2 weeks later at Happy Thursday. Still in his bandage, Dian Sheng told us that he had injured his hand during work. He had gone through 2 times operation and was still waiting for his workmen compensation. (insurance claims).

Weeks passed. Dian Sheng was very regular in his attendance at HT and then on Sunday night Chinese Fellowship. One night at HT, he received Jesus into his heart.

With his permission to share his journey, and to glorify what Jesus had done in his life. This is Dian Sheng's short account in his stay as a foreign worker in Singapore. 

Living in Singapore became harder and tougher in each passing day. Without work and an injury, Dian Sheng could not learn a proper income. He came to the point that he hardly had money even for his daily meals. Being a man and coming from a strong China tradition background, he felt so broken and shameful to borrow. One night after HT, he came to us with his brokenness and asked for prayers. At the same time, he was willing to do any odd job in exchange for 2 meals per day.

God is near to those who are broken-hearted. He gave us the same compassion to do what we can for this man. Prayers was lifted up to God that Dian Sheng would quickly be compensated by his company. At the same time, we had Dian Sheng to help in simple odd jobs weekly during HT and CF nights. A small token was given to him each time. A member who heard about his plight; had him to help in some personal stuff in her office. She even blessed him with a nice Christmas hamper of groceries. All these were God's language of His love to a helpless man.

Throughout these months, we saw Dian Sheng grew in his walk with God. As he was unemployed, he spend a lot of time reading the bible and pray. And being a reader, he read a lot of Christian materials that we had given to him. He attended the Christian Basic in Chinese; invited his friends to HT and was friendly to relate to anyone that attended HT, sharing his testimony with them.

On 26 March late evening, we received a sms from Dian Sheng. He was finally granted his compensation and will be going back the next afternoon. There were mixed feelings in Dian Sheng, as much as the same emotions the Core Team is feeling. But we are happy and thankful that he could finally be home.

In our last meeting on Sunday and our sending-off, we saw what God had done in this man's life. When I challenged him to start a HT in his home. This is his reply, "Honestly, this is what I am going to do. As I stayed in the countryside, 90% of the country folks are Buddhist and they would just erect an idol to worship. It would be a real challenge for me to start a HT. But I am going to do it. First to begin with my family and relatives. With some songs, icebreaker and sharing of God's Word, that would be a Happy 'Day'. So please pray for me that I will have the strength to do this. And keep in touch as I need to continue to learn God's Word to be equipped."

This was the best encouragement for all the Core Team. We were so awed by what God had done thus far in his life. And we are believing that God will use him in very special way to reach out to his own country men.

王殿胜 is his Chinese name. God gave Psalm 27:4 to him I pray for him. (that fitted into his name well):

It would be appropriate that I ended this sharing with Dian Sheng's sms to the Core Team on 26 March 2011:

你 好! 我是殿胜. 拖了很久的工伤终于解决了. 我可以放心回家了. 当我徘徊在十字路口的时候, 是你们带领我认识了主耶稣. 蒙福主的恩典, 感谢你们无私的关爱和帮助. 给我一盞明灯, 照亮我前进的路, 不管现在或将来, 我的心将与你们一起做主的使者, 传主的福音, 神光照世人, 福播大地. 再见了, 弟兄姐妹, 你们是我的亲人和朋友; 一生有您, 是主给我的赐 福. 有空常联系. 愿你们一生平安幸福! 主与你们同在! 阿们!

You Are Beautiful

“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made."
(Psalm 139:14) NIV

I asked myself “What is the biggest deception/ lie that a woman face in finding herself?”

Thanks to the media, magazines, TV commercials, Internet and even people around us, our definition of beauty is synonymous with severe diets, hyper exercises, branded stuff, sleek outfits and cosmetic surgery.  We are constantly confronted with images of how we should act, look and speak.  Our culture shouts to us every day to conform to the world’s standard and popular norm.  Beauty is reduced to a perfect external form and feature which few of us measure up. 

As women of God, we don’t need more procedures and miracle diets.  We need a new understanding of beauty.  True beauty should reflect something greater than itself.  God intended for beauty to be both internal and external – to reflect Him.

In the Old Testament, the temple furnishings were wrapped in gold and brass.  So when the candles and oil lamps burned, the splendour within the temple is glorious.  The building’s glowing gold reflected God’s bright glory presence.  God designed the temple so lavishly to mirror His beauty.  The physical structural beauty became an icon, a sign pointing to Him.

“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own.” (1 Corinthians 16:9)

The Apostle Paul tells us our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19).  In the same way, our face, body and outward appearance are icons and signs directing  others’ attention to God.  All the more reason we have to take care of our bodies because it belongs to God.  Therefore, we are to honour God with our bodies.  So then, there is nothing is wrong with wanting to look good – but it should be for the right reasons. 

We care for our bodies and set extreme sexual boundaries in order to keep us from dishonouring God; not because we want others to approve us, to love us, marry us or hire us.  Somewhere between ignorance and obsession lies good self-care - exercising regularly, eating well, getting enough sleep, dressing well and not seductively.  This is ‘Beauty.’  And as we care for our bodies, our external ‘glory’ will point others to an even greater glory – God. 

Therefore, true beauty is more than the external ‘manicured beauty’ which our culture bombards us daily.  A woman is beautiful not because of who she is, how she looks and what she does.  It is because of who she belongs to.  A woman of God belongs to God; she is a child of God and she is deeply loved by God.

True beauty radiates outward from a heart of being loved and enthralled by God alone, reflecting not a ‘manicured beauty’ but God’s transforming love.  As a result of that security, we see ourselves as beautiful and becoming more so – externally and internally, every day.

That kind of love is more than enough to make a lady feel beautiful. 

Our part is to learn to live in God’s transforming love.

A Pursuit of a Lifetime

Hudson Taylor, the great missionary to China, used to greet his friends with these words, 

"Have you repented yet today?"

Growing people change. Changing people are always renewing themselves and the call to get passionate about change is not to be undermined. 

I did some reflection on this topic this morning. My conclusion: 'I want to be a changing and growing person.' However, there are some considerable factors that is also fore-telling regarding 'Change'.

** Change can be short-lived.

We are surrounded by people who started off with a sincere and genuine desire to want to change for the better. But there are also enough evidences to support that the change is so short-lived or temporary. Why is this so?

a) Who is my change agent?

During the Chinese New Year season, I have been catching up with quite a few documentary films (my favourite - the History Channel; Crime and Investigation Channel. Neo Geographic and Discovery Channel). I chanced upon the Biography Channel which features 'Breakthroughs with Anthony Robins' and saw some clips where people are challenged and stirred, given a new purpose and change in life through the intention of this man called Anthony Robins, a new-age guru. There were emotional moments of reconciliation, forgiveness, new challenges, taking un-chartered paths and it all seem so 'christian' and of course, noble cause.

Before I became a devoted and a serious one follower of Christ, I used to listen to loads of Anthony Robins stuff. Something that my former professional will highly recommend. So, to conclude, I am quite 'used to' and 'accustomed' to this man's sharing. I am a follower of Anthony Robins and other 'positive thinking' personalities.

The motivation to change and grow is real and sincere at that moment. (or even last for quite a while or years). But I also noticed some true facts. The change is rather short-lived for many. Ultimately when you traced down to the core, it can be for 'Self-centered' reasons when changes are made. (I will not elaborate much) and done in the name of 'Noble cause'. And yes, this is possible!

All these are short-lived and became empty easily and fast. Once, the self is not filled up. The graving for more leads to greed. Unmet expectations are piling loads. The change is based on self-efforts; self-driven; self-desire which spelled 'Emptiness'

The next question is propelling. Who is my 'Change Agent?'

No one can really change us except God Himself because He says, "It is His kindness that leads us to repentance." in Romans 2:4 . True repentance is sealed in Jesus' blood and His Name, done and finished, the completed work of the cross. Repentance is an action word that is revealed in transformation and seen by its fruits evidently.

So, not Anthony Robins, not Donald Trumph but Jesus alone can change us from the inside out!

Any change that is not God-centred is short-lived and empty.

b) Am I following Jesus daily, closely, passionately ...then?

While it is true and fact that Jesus is our Change Agent, our change can also be very short-lived and temporary? How can this be true? Just take a good observation you will soon realize - this can be true.

What makes all the difference?

It is the daily and closely following of Christ, to the point that Luke 9:23 became us - Christlikeness. The opposite is also true. Once we stopped following Christ closely, daily and passionately, we stopped repenting, changing and growing to become more like Him.

Hudson Taylor, the great missionary to China, used to greet his friends with these words, "have you repented yet today?" He literally means, 'Have you been following Jesus closely, daily and passionately today?"

The key to change and grow is to follow Christ...part 1

To follow Christ daily, closely and passionately...part 2.

If Part 1 and Part 2 is in us:

• It is impossible to follow a living God religiously.
• It is impossible to be following Jesus and yet not be changed.

May I be a true, devoted, serious and passionate follower of Jesus daily - TODAY!

That's the purpose of life after all.