On another note, I was just thinking a lot about stuff these couple of days.. Yesterday I went to the Changi airport viewing gallery and spent some quiet time alone..
What led to this pensive mood was the quarrel with my mum two days ago.. It's a long story and it's not nice to wash dirty linen here.. But the thing is that I blew my top la.. I just lost it totally.. Yup good old soon wee can get angry.. I am not as nice as everyone thinks.. Ok I have to admit I think I have quite a good temper and I don't get angry easily.. Or at least I won't show my anger easily.. But I guess God is using this to show me that I am as sinful as anyone else, and not as good as I think I am.. I guess I was getting even proud of myself and judging others..
But through these 2 days of reflection, I think that I wasn't good at all.. God is showing me how sinful a person I am.. For one, on the outside, I look benign and holy-moly.. But on the inside, sinful thoughts run wild and there is a lot of buried anger and dissatisfaction.. I mean I find it easy to be a nice guy to outsiders, put on a smile, say nice things.. no vulgarities, no alcohol, no quarrels with anyone.. But at home, when there is no one to display my holiness to, at best I am indifferent to my family members or I spend a lot of time outside home and studying in school.. At worst, the anger and dissatisfaction will spill over like on Thursday..
I am also selfish, only thinking about myself and my own happiness..
I am judgmental, thinking I am a better person than so-and-so..
Petty..
Impatient..
But I think the biggest problem is still indifference.. I just don't care.. And I guess that gives people the wrong impression that I am nice.. Cos I am indifferent.. I will just try my best not to step on other people's toes.. I don't care whether they are stepping on each others' toes..
In summary, I am not a good person.. But I am glad God is showing me how rotten I am, and how in need I am of his grace and mercy.. In the past few months, I have become so complacent that I hardly pray, and when I pray, it is half-hearted.. It is as if I no longer need God's help.. that I am good enough..
I think this is the kind of discipline God is talking about in Hebrews.. I am going through all these turmoil because of God's discipline.. and because He loves me..
So I am really thankful.. And I am thankful for what happened 2 days ago.. Cos it brought me closer to God.. And a realignment of my life and my plans..
Attending today's wedding also served as an encouragement to me.. Especially when I saw Kevin's sincere words to his mum and dad.. That really touched me and reminded me of how unfilial I have been..
And it reminded me of what a Christian relationship should be like.. that it is not about 2 people madly in love with each other in oblivion to the people around them.. but a good godly Christian relationship is always outward looking and always involving the people around them..
So all in all, it was a good wake-up call, to submit to God and to ask God for forgiveness..
Anyway, after the wedding, I prayed with S and I got a box of chocolates for my mum.. Wanted to write a card.. But in the end, I think I felt too embarrassed to do so.. But the chocolates did the trick.. Or rather, I think 3 words did the trick la -- "Dui bu qi".
I thank God for giving me the courage to say "I am sorry".. And to mean it.. sometimes, it's easy to say sorry without actually meaning it.. But I think this time round, I meant it from my heart.. I truly thank God for humbling me..
I do pray that this change of heart and behaviour won't be a spur-of-the-moment knee jerk reaction.. But I will really change the way I am.. Fellow brothers and sisters, do keep me in check and keep me in prayer.. =)
Saturday, December 15, 2007
A joyous occasion
Today is Kevin and Carilyn's big day.. Congratulations to you two again!
It's such a joy to see people getting married.. And more so to see two fellow Christians getting hitched. And more so to be involved and helping out!
So I guess, barring my own wedding next time (Heh!), this must count as one of the more memorable weddings! For one, I was one of the brothers (xiong di) for the first time.. Thanks Kevin for asking! It definitely was fun.. Wearing blazer.. Sitting in an S-class Merc.. Going to Carilyn's place to do funny things like humming to the tune of Doraemon and making ourselves look silly.. And of course most memorable was that ice-cubed cricket thingy with wasabe that we were all supposed to eat.. That really sucks man.. But it was fun haha..
I have attended a few weddings this year.. And I guess one of the greatest things about Christian weddings is to see all the brothers and sisters working so hard to make sure everything goes on smoothly for the bride and groom. It really is the most beautiful manifestation of Christian love and fellowship. You know, now we even have a TYS (2 year series or maybe 1 year series) of emcee scripts passing around.. And some of us are seasoned wedding singers, musicians, emcees and planners! I find that really amazing.. =)
And I guess one thing that stands out from Christian weddings is that it is not only about 2 people getting married. But rather it is a display of God's work in their lives. And it is also about the people around them. The family. The fellow believers.
It is my prayer that Kevin and Carilyn will continue to encourage each other in Christ and continue to serve him as a couple! Cheers =)
Looking forward to the dinner tomorrow too...
It's such a joy to see people getting married.. And more so to see two fellow Christians getting hitched. And more so to be involved and helping out!
So I guess, barring my own wedding next time (Heh!), this must count as one of the more memorable weddings! For one, I was one of the brothers (xiong di) for the first time.. Thanks Kevin for asking! It definitely was fun.. Wearing blazer.. Sitting in an S-class Merc.. Going to Carilyn's place to do funny things like humming to the tune of Doraemon and making ourselves look silly.. And of course most memorable was that ice-cubed cricket thingy with wasabe that we were all supposed to eat.. That really sucks man.. But it was fun haha..
I have attended a few weddings this year.. And I guess one of the greatest things about Christian weddings is to see all the brothers and sisters working so hard to make sure everything goes on smoothly for the bride and groom. It really is the most beautiful manifestation of Christian love and fellowship. You know, now we even have a TYS (2 year series or maybe 1 year series) of emcee scripts passing around.. And some of us are seasoned wedding singers, musicians, emcees and planners! I find that really amazing.. =)
And I guess one thing that stands out from Christian weddings is that it is not only about 2 people getting married. But rather it is a display of God's work in their lives. And it is also about the people around them. The family. The fellow believers.
It is my prayer that Kevin and Carilyn will continue to encourage each other in Christ and continue to serve him as a couple! Cheers =)
Looking forward to the dinner tomorrow too...
Friday, November 16, 2007
How deep the Father's love
Decided to blog cos I can't set down to studying.. Ha feel excited..
Tomorrow's my church friends' wedding (as in both the bride and groom are from my church) and some way or another, the emcee role fell on me.. It wasn't meant to be me but the original emcee couldn't make it.. And I bravely bit the bullet and agreed to it haha..
It's my first time emceeing a wedding, and furthermore it's in mandarin! So exciting! Ha.. I feel excited.. As if I am getting married haha..
Yah I am still poring through my script, and hoping I won't screw up tomorrow. I definitely wouldn't want to draw unnecessary attention to myself.. So that's why I am not exactly in the studying mood..
Speaking about studying, the stress level is slowly but surely increasing.. I am counting down already.. And for all the medicine people out there, it's going to be double digit counting down soon.. I don't feel prepared at all..
But I am thankful to God that my surgery SIP has been manageable so far and we have had the opportunity to go around seeing cases and practising our examination techniques.. Though there is not much time to read up on what we have seen..
And my thumb drive had to crash that day.. All my typed out ortho notes are inside, and I haven't backed up my files.. Hard lesson learnt.. But I am still praying that I will be able to retrieve my files.. Though 2 computer shops have pronounced the "death sentence" on my files.. But a third opinion from Nic says that there might still be hope.. so I am keeping my fingers crossed.. and meanwhile, I am backing up my files on my home desktop, my laptop and my new thumb drive.. That's called once bitten, twice shy..
Just want to share this Christian song with you, one of the songs we will be singing at the wedding tomorrow.. It reminds me of who I am as a Christian and what Jesus has done for me.. That a sinner like me has done nothing to deserve God's mercy.. Yet He has freely poured out his love unto me.. I am grateful and satisfied.. I am also thankful that even at times when I was disobedient and drew away from Him, His love doesn't fail and He continues to draw near to me.. Thank you Lord..
How deep the Father's love for us,
How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure
How great the pain of searing loss,
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the chosen One,
Bring many sons to glory
Behold the Man upon a cross,
My sin upon His shoulders
Ashamed I hear my mocking voice,
Call out among the scoffers
It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished
I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrection
Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom
Tomorrow's my church friends' wedding (as in both the bride and groom are from my church) and some way or another, the emcee role fell on me.. It wasn't meant to be me but the original emcee couldn't make it.. And I bravely bit the bullet and agreed to it haha..
It's my first time emceeing a wedding, and furthermore it's in mandarin! So exciting! Ha.. I feel excited.. As if I am getting married haha..
Yah I am still poring through my script, and hoping I won't screw up tomorrow. I definitely wouldn't want to draw unnecessary attention to myself.. So that's why I am not exactly in the studying mood..
Speaking about studying, the stress level is slowly but surely increasing.. I am counting down already.. And for all the medicine people out there, it's going to be double digit counting down soon.. I don't feel prepared at all..
But I am thankful to God that my surgery SIP has been manageable so far and we have had the opportunity to go around seeing cases and practising our examination techniques.. Though there is not much time to read up on what we have seen..
And my thumb drive had to crash that day.. All my typed out ortho notes are inside, and I haven't backed up my files.. Hard lesson learnt.. But I am still praying that I will be able to retrieve my files.. Though 2 computer shops have pronounced the "death sentence" on my files.. But a third opinion from Nic says that there might still be hope.. so I am keeping my fingers crossed.. and meanwhile, I am backing up my files on my home desktop, my laptop and my new thumb drive.. That's called once bitten, twice shy..
Just want to share this Christian song with you, one of the songs we will be singing at the wedding tomorrow.. It reminds me of who I am as a Christian and what Jesus has done for me.. That a sinner like me has done nothing to deserve God's mercy.. Yet He has freely poured out his love unto me.. I am grateful and satisfied.. I am also thankful that even at times when I was disobedient and drew away from Him, His love doesn't fail and He continues to draw near to me.. Thank you Lord..
How deep the Father's love for us,
How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure
How great the pain of searing loss,
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the chosen One,
Bring many sons to glory
Behold the Man upon a cross,
My sin upon His shoulders
Ashamed I hear my mocking voice,
Call out among the scoffers
It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished
I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrection
Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Blogging
Supposed to be typing my ethics case write-up.. But sigh.. great inertia.. I hate write-ups.. Really quite meaningless at times.. and quite a chore that sticks at the back of your mind.. giving you stress and preventing you from doing more important things.. Sigh...
Forgot to apologise in the previous post about the infrequency of me blogging. The reason for not blogging is multifactorial. First, no time. Second, lazy. Third, my comp likes to crank up from time to time.. and it targets certain sites like my hotmail, msn and blogger.. Fourth, just don't feel like blogging..
But the reason why this blog was set up remains the same.. It is not so much for you to find out what is happening in my life. Cos it is not that interesting anyway.. It is not an outlet for me to whine, that was for my previous blog.. I want to let you know how God is working in my life.. from day to day, in my life goals, views etc.. in the hope that perhaps, someday, you might come to know God if you haven't.. And if you are a Christian, I hope you will be encouraged by how God has and is working in my life, and perhaps you can pray for me now and then..
I wonder how many people are still reading my blog.. I know the numbers have dwindled greatly cos I blog so infrequently.. but I will still blog now and then when I feel like it, even if there is just one soul out there reading it.. hopefully, this benefits the odd non-christian who is reading this.. and I really pray for you that you will be challenged and convicted enough to go on to find out more about God and Jesus by reading the bible..
I think if you are a non-Christian, the best way to use my blog is to go back to my earlier entries and read about why I became a Christian and stuff..
Ok I better start typing my write-up! =)
Forgot to apologise in the previous post about the infrequency of me blogging. The reason for not blogging is multifactorial. First, no time. Second, lazy. Third, my comp likes to crank up from time to time.. and it targets certain sites like my hotmail, msn and blogger.. Fourth, just don't feel like blogging..
But the reason why this blog was set up remains the same.. It is not so much for you to find out what is happening in my life. Cos it is not that interesting anyway.. It is not an outlet for me to whine, that was for my previous blog.. I want to let you know how God is working in my life.. from day to day, in my life goals, views etc.. in the hope that perhaps, someday, you might come to know God if you haven't.. And if you are a Christian, I hope you will be encouraged by how God has and is working in my life, and perhaps you can pray for me now and then..
I wonder how many people are still reading my blog.. I know the numbers have dwindled greatly cos I blog so infrequently.. but I will still blog now and then when I feel like it, even if there is just one soul out there reading it.. hopefully, this benefits the odd non-christian who is reading this.. and I really pray for you that you will be challenged and convicted enough to go on to find out more about God and Jesus by reading the bible..
I think if you are a non-Christian, the best way to use my blog is to go back to my earlier entries and read about why I became a Christian and stuff..
Ok I better start typing my write-up! =)
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Final Year
Yup this is day 3 of year 5 medicine.. Happy or sad? Well.. I am ambivalent.. I don't want to be too enthusiastic and set a list of goals and targets lest I fail to meet them and become depressed.. Neither do I want to feel sad and wallow in self pity and complain about how tough year 5 will be... One step at a time.. See how things go.. After all, God is good.. I need not worry too much.. =)
Doing geriatrics at TTSH (Tan Tock Seng) now.. Geriatrics = old people.. Guess what's after 2 weeks of geriatrics? Paediatrics.. Babies and young children.. Haha.. Doing both extremes of age groups within a month.. how interesting.. How's geriatrics? Well.. not too exciting I must admit.. Everyone is just so frail and wrinkly and sickly here.. And everyone's problem list is so super long, you dunno where to start with.. Then of course, there's the language barrier (somehow, the Cantonese patients decided to admit themselves into the ward I am attached to..) And the memory problem.. Yesterday when I talked to my patient, she asked me which year of medicine I was in at least 4 times, and congratulated me for going to become a doctor the same number of times.. Ha.. And she claimed she stayed with her eldest daughter when her children said she lived alone.. Hmm..
What kind of problems do geriatrics patients have? Falls.. Incontinence (wetting of pants).. Cognitive impairment (confusion, dementia).. Instability.. and everything else that a normal adult suffers from.. But interestingly, old people do not present with the normal symptoms.. ie. they might not have chest pain during a heart attack but might instead have confusion..
I don't think I dislike geriatrics.. I think every field of medicine is important though some might not be that glamarous or exciting.. I don't mind doing geriatrics in future, just like I don't mind internal medicine, paeds, family med, emergency med or psychiatry.. Hmm..
Just some thoughts about yesterday's lecture on end of life care and how to allow patients to die with dignity and comfort.. 3 things in life are certain.. Taxes.. something which I can't remember and death.. Death is certain.. Whether or not you are good or bad.. Muslim, Christian or free-thinker.. No matter how far science can progress, and how great Man can claim to be, the fact that death will come one day humbles us.. The thought of it used to sadden me and frighten me.. I mean it is scary right.. one day you are alive with thoughts and feelings and heart beating and all and the next moment you are gone.. But if we are really gone just like that, I think our existence is really futile.. I mean what really is the point of me coming into this planet, living for 80 years and dying.. It just seems.. I dunno.. weird.. And how does Man, who thinks he is so great, live with it? By attaching some significance to it.. Accumulating wealth.. Doing good deeds.. Setting up a family.. Climbing up the social strata.. But then it all comes to naught finally right? In fact some lives end earlier and more unexpectedly than others like the 17 year-old triathlete who died 2 days ago.. If you sit down and think about it, you still end up with the same question: What is the meaning of it all?
You know where this is leading to.. You guys know me.. For an atheist who used to believe that life has no meaning and I am just born into this world to live it out and disappear into nothingness, Christianity has given new meaning and purpose.. I mean it is really comforting to know that you are made by someone up there who knows all things and made you for some purpose.. and that someone up there wants everyone to know him and love him and live the life the way he wants it to be.. I think if he wishes, he could have made us robots and made everyone submit to him.. but he made us with our own minds and able to make choices and he wants us to love him and submit to him willingly.. he wants us to make that choice and decision to love him and believe in him..
So now I know I am not some random existence.. I am made for a reason.. And how I live my life matters to the one who made me.. And I know where I will be going after I die.. And I know this life is not all that there is.. And I guess if you were to ask me what's the best manner to die, I would say it's to die knowing God and knowing that this life is not a futile and random existence.. And in fact if you believe in Jesus, then you cross over from death to eternal life and an eternal relationship with your maker..
Doing geriatrics at TTSH (Tan Tock Seng) now.. Geriatrics = old people.. Guess what's after 2 weeks of geriatrics? Paediatrics.. Babies and young children.. Haha.. Doing both extremes of age groups within a month.. how interesting.. How's geriatrics? Well.. not too exciting I must admit.. Everyone is just so frail and wrinkly and sickly here.. And everyone's problem list is so super long, you dunno where to start with.. Then of course, there's the language barrier (somehow, the Cantonese patients decided to admit themselves into the ward I am attached to..) And the memory problem.. Yesterday when I talked to my patient, she asked me which year of medicine I was in at least 4 times, and congratulated me for going to become a doctor the same number of times.. Ha.. And she claimed she stayed with her eldest daughter when her children said she lived alone.. Hmm..
What kind of problems do geriatrics patients have? Falls.. Incontinence (wetting of pants).. Cognitive impairment (confusion, dementia).. Instability.. and everything else that a normal adult suffers from.. But interestingly, old people do not present with the normal symptoms.. ie. they might not have chest pain during a heart attack but might instead have confusion..
I don't think I dislike geriatrics.. I think every field of medicine is important though some might not be that glamarous or exciting.. I don't mind doing geriatrics in future, just like I don't mind internal medicine, paeds, family med, emergency med or psychiatry.. Hmm..
Just some thoughts about yesterday's lecture on end of life care and how to allow patients to die with dignity and comfort.. 3 things in life are certain.. Taxes.. something which I can't remember and death.. Death is certain.. Whether or not you are good or bad.. Muslim, Christian or free-thinker.. No matter how far science can progress, and how great Man can claim to be, the fact that death will come one day humbles us.. The thought of it used to sadden me and frighten me.. I mean it is scary right.. one day you are alive with thoughts and feelings and heart beating and all and the next moment you are gone.. But if we are really gone just like that, I think our existence is really futile.. I mean what really is the point of me coming into this planet, living for 80 years and dying.. It just seems.. I dunno.. weird.. And how does Man, who thinks he is so great, live with it? By attaching some significance to it.. Accumulating wealth.. Doing good deeds.. Setting up a family.. Climbing up the social strata.. But then it all comes to naught finally right? In fact some lives end earlier and more unexpectedly than others like the 17 year-old triathlete who died 2 days ago.. If you sit down and think about it, you still end up with the same question: What is the meaning of it all?
You know where this is leading to.. You guys know me.. For an atheist who used to believe that life has no meaning and I am just born into this world to live it out and disappear into nothingness, Christianity has given new meaning and purpose.. I mean it is really comforting to know that you are made by someone up there who knows all things and made you for some purpose.. and that someone up there wants everyone to know him and love him and live the life the way he wants it to be.. I think if he wishes, he could have made us robots and made everyone submit to him.. but he made us with our own minds and able to make choices and he wants us to love him and submit to him willingly.. he wants us to make that choice and decision to love him and believe in him..
So now I know I am not some random existence.. I am made for a reason.. And how I live my life matters to the one who made me.. And I know where I will be going after I die.. And I know this life is not all that there is.. And I guess if you were to ask me what's the best manner to die, I would say it's to die knowing God and knowing that this life is not a futile and random existence.. And in fact if you believe in Jesus, then you cross over from death to eternal life and an eternal relationship with your maker..
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Another post..
Sorry.. for lack of a more creative title..
And so sorry for the lack of updates.. Not my fault acutally.. Was intending to blog a bit more during this electives period but my computer decided to go on strike.
Doing medicine electives now at Tan Tock Seng Hospital.. Electives has been good here. The tutors here are very nice and eager to teach.. Right from the senior consultants to the house officers.. The HOs here are very knowledgeable too and there's lots to learn from them. Actually during this medicine elective, I start to realise that I am going to be a real doctor soon.. Okay maybe not a full doctor cos a HO is basically just a clerk and odd job labourer.. But still there are more responsibilites.. Especially during night calls when it's just you and the medical officer. And patients might collapse on you any moment. And all these are going to happen in slightly less than a year's time.. if everything goes smoothly.. I feel so unprepared.
Also started thinking about what I want to do after I graduate.. I know I said before that I wanted to be a polyclinic doctor.. but nothing is cast in stone yet. Anyway for those of you who are still confused as to what the path is like for a medical student after graduation. Here's a little explanation. Cos I realised non medicine people have great difficulties understanding what I tell them.. so I always get questions like "are u working now?" and "what are u specialising in?"
As of now as medical students, we are not working and we have no pay.. From year 3 to year 5, we are attached to hospitals, rotating through all the departments including things like anesthesia, forensic pathology, obstetrics and gynecology and psychiatry. What do we do? We don't have patients under our care. We have tutors who will teach us about diseases, teach us how to take a proper history and examine the patients. They can bring us to see the patients in the clinics or wards and demonstrate some signs to us. Sometimes we approach patients at our own time and talk to them and examine them, with their permission of course. Then sometimes we are required to present the cases to our tutors.. "This is Mr so and so.. He is admitted yesterday for a right-sided blah blah.. During examination, I found a blah blah.. My provisional diagnosis is a yahdah yahdah.."
At the end of year 5, we will take the dreaded final MBBS. After which we become qualified doctors and ready to undergo the baptism of fire through one year of housemanship. I think in some countries, they call it internship. After that, we are promoted to the rank of medical officers/residents. Thereafter the rise through the ranks differs from person to person depending on what one wants to do and how good he/she is.. For guys who disrupted NS like myself, after one year of housemanship, we will be medical officers for either half a year or one year.. Then we will go back to the army to serve our remaining 2 years as army medical officers.. After which we will go back to serve out the remainder of our bond in the government hospitals..
Where does specialisation come in? During the time when we are medical officers, we can apply for specialty openings and specialist exams. So this is a supply and demand thing. Some specialties are hotter than others.. Some like internal medicine are not as popular and probably easier to get in, provided u pass your specialist exams.. So all these preparation for exams and taking of exams happen when we are medical officers in the hospitals.. If u pass the specialist exams and a hospital has an opening for that specialty and wants u, then u will become a junior specialist or what we call a registrar.. Normally by the time this happens, it would have been about 3 years already after housemanship.. This varies a great bit cos some people will take longer to pass exams.. Imagine driving test, it's something like that.. A registrar will then need to take higher exams after about 2, 3 years before becoming an associate consultant, then consultant then senior consultant..
So if u don't want to specialise? Actually there might be no such option.. Even if u decide to become a GP, in the past u can just leave the hospitals after finishing your bond and become a GP, but now u have to have a specialist degree in family medicine before u are qualified to be a GP..
Yup, that's what our career paths are like.. what I will be trapped in for the next 10 years or so.. Actually it's the same everywhere.. Just that in the medical profession, it's much more structured and there are really not many options, it's either National Health Group or Singhealth or the private sector..
What am I going to become? I only know I will most probably not be a surgeon, so that excludes surgery, orthopaedics, obs and gynae, ear nose throat (ENT).. =)
And so sorry for the lack of updates.. Not my fault acutally.. Was intending to blog a bit more during this electives period but my computer decided to go on strike.
Doing medicine electives now at Tan Tock Seng Hospital.. Electives has been good here. The tutors here are very nice and eager to teach.. Right from the senior consultants to the house officers.. The HOs here are very knowledgeable too and there's lots to learn from them. Actually during this medicine elective, I start to realise that I am going to be a real doctor soon.. Okay maybe not a full doctor cos a HO is basically just a clerk and odd job labourer.. But still there are more responsibilites.. Especially during night calls when it's just you and the medical officer. And patients might collapse on you any moment. And all these are going to happen in slightly less than a year's time.. if everything goes smoothly.. I feel so unprepared.
Also started thinking about what I want to do after I graduate.. I know I said before that I wanted to be a polyclinic doctor.. but nothing is cast in stone yet. Anyway for those of you who are still confused as to what the path is like for a medical student after graduation. Here's a little explanation. Cos I realised non medicine people have great difficulties understanding what I tell them.. so I always get questions like "are u working now?" and "what are u specialising in?"
As of now as medical students, we are not working and we have no pay.. From year 3 to year 5, we are attached to hospitals, rotating through all the departments including things like anesthesia, forensic pathology, obstetrics and gynecology and psychiatry. What do we do? We don't have patients under our care. We have tutors who will teach us about diseases, teach us how to take a proper history and examine the patients. They can bring us to see the patients in the clinics or wards and demonstrate some signs to us. Sometimes we approach patients at our own time and talk to them and examine them, with their permission of course. Then sometimes we are required to present the cases to our tutors.. "This is Mr so and so.. He is admitted yesterday for a right-sided blah blah.. During examination, I found a blah blah.. My provisional diagnosis is a yahdah yahdah.."
At the end of year 5, we will take the dreaded final MBBS. After which we become qualified doctors and ready to undergo the baptism of fire through one year of housemanship. I think in some countries, they call it internship. After that, we are promoted to the rank of medical officers/residents. Thereafter the rise through the ranks differs from person to person depending on what one wants to do and how good he/she is.. For guys who disrupted NS like myself, after one year of housemanship, we will be medical officers for either half a year or one year.. Then we will go back to the army to serve our remaining 2 years as army medical officers.. After which we will go back to serve out the remainder of our bond in the government hospitals..
Where does specialisation come in? During the time when we are medical officers, we can apply for specialty openings and specialist exams. So this is a supply and demand thing. Some specialties are hotter than others.. Some like internal medicine are not as popular and probably easier to get in, provided u pass your specialist exams.. So all these preparation for exams and taking of exams happen when we are medical officers in the hospitals.. If u pass the specialist exams and a hospital has an opening for that specialty and wants u, then u will become a junior specialist or what we call a registrar.. Normally by the time this happens, it would have been about 3 years already after housemanship.. This varies a great bit cos some people will take longer to pass exams.. Imagine driving test, it's something like that.. A registrar will then need to take higher exams after about 2, 3 years before becoming an associate consultant, then consultant then senior consultant..
So if u don't want to specialise? Actually there might be no such option.. Even if u decide to become a GP, in the past u can just leave the hospitals after finishing your bond and become a GP, but now u have to have a specialist degree in family medicine before u are qualified to be a GP..
Yup, that's what our career paths are like.. what I will be trapped in for the next 10 years or so.. Actually it's the same everywhere.. Just that in the medical profession, it's much more structured and there are really not many options, it's either National Health Group or Singhealth or the private sector..
What am I going to become? I only know I will most probably not be a surgeon, so that excludes surgery, orthopaedics, obs and gynae, ear nose throat (ENT).. =)
Thursday, March 22, 2007
A Post!
Oh dear.. It has been 2 months and a week since I last blogged!
It has been a really busy 2 months. Orthopaedics posting went well. Then studying for patho exams.. In between lots of ministry stuff to do at church. Bible studies.. Talking and building relationships with group members. Ministry is tough.
But God's word is always good. Luke 10:41 "Martha, Martha," the Lord answered,"you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her." Context of this is that Martha was busy preparing for Jesus' meal and stuff, while Mary sat at Jesus feet listening to him. And Martha had lamented about Mary not helping her, and even expressed dissatisfaction and unhappiness with Jesus. I think it's just so easy to suffer from the "Martha" syndrome.. Oh it's not fair, Lord, why do I have so many things to do? Why are people not appreciative? Why is life so hard? Why is medicine school so competitive and stressful? But Jesus' reply is simple. Just sit at his feet and listen to his word. What does it mean for us? It means we got to have a healthy relationship with him. And like all earthly relationships, it can only be sustained through communication. And communication with God? Hearing him through his word, the bible. Talking to him through prayers. I really need to put on the "Mary" attitude and come to God daily..
Last night's evening expositions by David Jackman was really good. Haven't felt so rejuvenated after a sermon for some time.. Will blog about it some other time.
Holidays are here! Rejoice.. Relax.. Refuel.. =)
It has been a really busy 2 months. Orthopaedics posting went well. Then studying for patho exams.. In between lots of ministry stuff to do at church. Bible studies.. Talking and building relationships with group members. Ministry is tough.
But God's word is always good. Luke 10:41 "Martha, Martha," the Lord answered,"you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her." Context of this is that Martha was busy preparing for Jesus' meal and stuff, while Mary sat at Jesus feet listening to him. And Martha had lamented about Mary not helping her, and even expressed dissatisfaction and unhappiness with Jesus. I think it's just so easy to suffer from the "Martha" syndrome.. Oh it's not fair, Lord, why do I have so many things to do? Why are people not appreciative? Why is life so hard? Why is medicine school so competitive and stressful? But Jesus' reply is simple. Just sit at his feet and listen to his word. What does it mean for us? It means we got to have a healthy relationship with him. And like all earthly relationships, it can only be sustained through communication. And communication with God? Hearing him through his word, the bible. Talking to him through prayers. I really need to put on the "Mary" attitude and come to God daily..
Last night's evening expositions by David Jackman was really good. Haven't felt so rejuvenated after a sermon for some time.. Will blog about it some other time.
Holidays are here! Rejoice.. Relax.. Refuel.. =)
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Inspired
After so many postings, I finally got a good mentor!
Really so thankful to have such a good and willing-to-teach tutor for my orthopaedics posting. Especially since the programme at SGH isn't that fantastic, to say the least.
I am so glad I am no longer just a fly on the wall in the clinic. I feel involved in the proceedings. He bothers to teach me whatever is relevant, tell me about the cases. He lets me examine the patients. Even allows me to clerk the new cases and write in the case files. Actually at times, I was actually running the clinic heh..
Yup it's really so important to have a good tutor to guide you in your learning, to pique your interest in the subject and to motivate you to read up on the topics.
Yah and not to forget, he is nice to his patients too!
So for once, I feel inspired and motivated!
Really so thankful to have such a good and willing-to-teach tutor for my orthopaedics posting. Especially since the programme at SGH isn't that fantastic, to say the least.
I am so glad I am no longer just a fly on the wall in the clinic. I feel involved in the proceedings. He bothers to teach me whatever is relevant, tell me about the cases. He lets me examine the patients. Even allows me to clerk the new cases and write in the case files. Actually at times, I was actually running the clinic heh..
Yup it's really so important to have a good tutor to guide you in your learning, to pique your interest in the subject and to motivate you to read up on the topics.
Yah and not to forget, he is nice to his patients too!
So for once, I feel inspired and motivated!
Sunday, January 14, 2007
Meaningful Sunday
I feel super encouraged today! Really, I think God's word is so powerful, so rich..
Led the second Just Looking study today. Just Looking is a series of 7 studies looking at the gospel of John. It is tailored for newcomers. So anyone new in PUNJ, whether Christian or non-Christian, will go through the series. Anyway, while I was preparing for the study, John 3:1-21, I already knew that it was a super difficult study. At the same time, I think it is one of the most powerful passages in the bible.
Coincidentally, I began my Christian walk in PUNJ with JL2. Yup I remembered I could not make it for JL1 and HL had to call and check on me to see if I was still coming for JL. But while I was preparing for John 3, it felt really different reading it now compared to 2+ years ago. I guess back then, it didn't really sink in. But meditating upon it these past few days, instead of having the "yah I already know all this" feeling, I feel surprisingly enriched. I felt that God's word is really powerful.
Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again." And he reiterated,"I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit."
Very short, succinct sentences but they contain a whole lot of truth and meaning. Why does one need to be born again? Why does one need to be born of water? It says a lot about our initial state as human beings, right? If we are already perfect, why do we need to be born again? It's precisely because we were sinful in our ways, rejecting God and shaking our fists at Him, that we were unclean and totally unworthy and not good enough to enter the kingdom of God that Jesus says that we need to be born again. We need to be cleansed. We need to have a new heart, a new spirit.
Our first birth is physical. Everyone goes through our mothers' wombs and came into this physical world. After a while, we will pass away and leave this world. Jesus here offers us a new birth, a spiritual rebirth. Through this spiritual rebirth, we are then deemed worthy to enter the kingdom of God. In contrast to the physical birth which inevitably results in death, this spiritual birth leads to eternal life.
How then can we be born again? How can we be born of water and the Spirit?
"... so the Son of Man (Jesus) must be lifted up, that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life."
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."
If the bible is to be believed, the only way into the kingdom of God, the only way to be born again of the Spirit is through Jesus Christ, through believing in him. Believing in him = Believing specifically in the work he has accomplished on the cross for us, his death and resurrection. And it is very much a personal decision. No one can make the decision for you.
Christianity is simple. No list of do's and don'ts. No list of criteria you have to meet. Just plain belief and trust in Jesus' work on the cross. And recognising your sin.
Christianity is difficult. Because of ourselves. Our intellect gets in the way. We are too clever for our own good. Our pride gets in the way. Our circumstances get in the way. Life is too good, I don't need Jesus. Life is so bad, how can a good God allow my life to be so bad? 1001 obstacles stand between us and Jesus. If only you make that giant leap of faith, and allow God to guide you, you will definitely come to have a personal relationship with God.
And yup I am thoroughly encouraged by the people who came to JL today.. Especially the 2 prebelievers who were really "just looking". Both are foreign students studying in a private school here and will take their O levels as private candidates. One came from China, the other from Vietnam. Despite the language barrier, they were really keen to find out more about Christ.. Besides the language difficulties, they are in a foreign land, they have no friends or family here, they hardly know anyone in church, they have had no prior knowledge of the bible.. Yet with child-like faith and an open mind, they are keen to seek.. and I am sure they will find.
Luke 11:9-10 Jesus says,"So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened."
Led the second Just Looking study today. Just Looking is a series of 7 studies looking at the gospel of John. It is tailored for newcomers. So anyone new in PUNJ, whether Christian or non-Christian, will go through the series. Anyway, while I was preparing for the study, John 3:1-21, I already knew that it was a super difficult study. At the same time, I think it is one of the most powerful passages in the bible.
Coincidentally, I began my Christian walk in PUNJ with JL2. Yup I remembered I could not make it for JL1 and HL had to call and check on me to see if I was still coming for JL. But while I was preparing for John 3, it felt really different reading it now compared to 2+ years ago. I guess back then, it didn't really sink in. But meditating upon it these past few days, instead of having the "yah I already know all this" feeling, I feel surprisingly enriched. I felt that God's word is really powerful.
Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again." And he reiterated,"I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit."
Very short, succinct sentences but they contain a whole lot of truth and meaning. Why does one need to be born again? Why does one need to be born of water? It says a lot about our initial state as human beings, right? If we are already perfect, why do we need to be born again? It's precisely because we were sinful in our ways, rejecting God and shaking our fists at Him, that we were unclean and totally unworthy and not good enough to enter the kingdom of God that Jesus says that we need to be born again. We need to be cleansed. We need to have a new heart, a new spirit.
Our first birth is physical. Everyone goes through our mothers' wombs and came into this physical world. After a while, we will pass away and leave this world. Jesus here offers us a new birth, a spiritual rebirth. Through this spiritual rebirth, we are then deemed worthy to enter the kingdom of God. In contrast to the physical birth which inevitably results in death, this spiritual birth leads to eternal life.
How then can we be born again? How can we be born of water and the Spirit?
"... so the Son of Man (Jesus) must be lifted up, that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life."
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."
If the bible is to be believed, the only way into the kingdom of God, the only way to be born again of the Spirit is through Jesus Christ, through believing in him. Believing in him = Believing specifically in the work he has accomplished on the cross for us, his death and resurrection. And it is very much a personal decision. No one can make the decision for you.
Christianity is simple. No list of do's and don'ts. No list of criteria you have to meet. Just plain belief and trust in Jesus' work on the cross. And recognising your sin.
Christianity is difficult. Because of ourselves. Our intellect gets in the way. We are too clever for our own good. Our pride gets in the way. Our circumstances get in the way. Life is too good, I don't need Jesus. Life is so bad, how can a good God allow my life to be so bad? 1001 obstacles stand between us and Jesus. If only you make that giant leap of faith, and allow God to guide you, you will definitely come to have a personal relationship with God.
And yup I am thoroughly encouraged by the people who came to JL today.. Especially the 2 prebelievers who were really "just looking". Both are foreign students studying in a private school here and will take their O levels as private candidates. One came from China, the other from Vietnam. Despite the language barrier, they were really keen to find out more about Christ.. Besides the language difficulties, they are in a foreign land, they have no friends or family here, they hardly know anyone in church, they have had no prior knowledge of the bible.. Yet with child-like faith and an open mind, they are keen to seek.. and I am sure they will find.
Luke 11:9-10 Jesus says,"So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened."
Sunday, December 31, 2006
2006/2007
It's the last day of 2006! (or rather the first day of 2007 since I din manage to complete typing this post last year)
Actually it's just another day in the calendar, just like birthdays or other holidays.. I guess it just gives us a reason to celebrate. And it does give us a reason to reflect upon the year that has passed.
Is it a good year for me? Well.. I can say that it has been generally good. I think I have grown spiritually over the year.. I think I am a more mature person. Good things happened.. I got closer to some friends.. I definitely am more active in PUNJ. And the fellowship in PUNJ has helped me a great deal in many ways.. I felt that I was not alone in my Christian walk. I learned much more about God's word. I learned to be obedient to God.
In med school, I think I am much more settled this year compared to the last.. I am a bit more comfortable with talking to patients and presenting cases to doctors.. I am a bit more "on the ball" about medicine on the whole.. In terms of reading up, in terms of clerking patients and attending clinics. I guess I still lag behind many of my peers in terms of enthusiasm for my studies and my career. To me, it is still very much about passing tests and getting through every posting smoothly and ultimately passing my final MBBS. Truthfully, I haven't given much thought to what comes after.. I told many people that I am content just being a polyclinic doctor. But I know very well that I have to be more driven.. Not to be content with just being a polyclinic doctor.. But really to work hard towards being a good doctor, be it in general practice, be it surgery, be it obs and gynae.. So perhaps, you can pray for me about this. And to give glory to God in whatever field of medicine I end up in.. And yes including ophthalmology.. =P
And yah I do need to settle my electives soon.. Still feeling a lot of inertia. Perhaps I will fail O&G and don't have to worry about electives.. haha.. See? You do have to pray for me to work hard and be more "on the ball"!
Relationships wise.. I guess I do have to work a bit harder too.. I need to love my parents more.. show them more concern.. be a more filial son.. Sometimes, I do take them for granted and overlook the numerous sacrifices they have made to see me through med school.. I guess I would have liked to grow up in a more conducive environment.. But I can't choose such things.. I can't determine the upbringing of my parents. I can't really criticise the way they have brought me up.. Cos I turned out fine! Hahaha!! But seriously, I do need to work on my relationship with my parents, cos at times, it's really hard to love them.. So pray for me too!
In recent months, I think I may have soured a few friendships.. But hopefully there were no hard feelings.. I always thought I am quite a patient person, tolerant and easy-going.. I guess this year, God reminded me that I was not as good as I thought myself to be.. That I still have a lot to learn, to obey him, to be a better person.. Sometimes, I tend to judge other people.. I become disappointed.. I become frustrated and angry.. And I become angry with myself too.. Cos I know it is wrong to judge other people.. I am not that good myself.. Who am I to judge them? Yah, so I do need to calm down at times.. I need to be less self-righteous.. And humble myself before God..
In terms of a dating relationship.. Am I allowed to talk about it here? I guess it is something which will continue to bother me for some time.. In this area, I will just say that it has been a steep learning curve for me.. At least, I am starting to think about what a Christian relationship should be like.. And what the aim of a relationship should be.. I think what differentiates a Christian r/s from a non-Christian one is that the ultimate and underlying aim is to honour God.. I guess with that in mind, what constitutes a successful or a failed relationship becomes slightly different.. Whether or not it results in a steady relationship or marriage becomes of second importance to wanting to honour God and to serve Him regardless of the outcome of the relationship. Is that too challenging? Ha.. I do find it rather challenging..
Having witnessed the wedding of HL and LC, I really think it takes a lot for a couple to come together.. And it is no less than God's love and God's will that 2 persons of different backgrounds, personalities and habits will come to like each other, to work out their differences and finally to decide to spend the rest of their earthly lives together.
For myself, I really wonder what God's will for me is.. Sometimes, I feel that perhaps I could serve God better as a single person.. But I don't know.. I really need to trust God more in this area of my life and not allow myself to be overly distracted from other equally important (I won't say more important cos I think this is rather important too.. heh..) things in my life. But I know that whether or not I remain single or get married in future, the aim is still to serve God and to worship Him..
Well, 2006 ended on a fun note! I learned 2 things today!
1. I learned what a HIP HOP JELLY ice-cream is.. It's super cool la.. It's wobbly.. and I think the name suits it.. It's cool and hip-hop haha! But I found out that the ice-cream had already been in the market for some time.. Even my mum knows.. She calls it the she tou (tongue) ice-cream.. I guess it does look like a tongue from certain angles.. I probably will be eating the she tou/hip hop jelly quite frequently this year haha!
2. I learned how to roller blade!! In 1 hour flat.. I am a fast learner! Have been wanting to learn rollerblading for some time, but always paiseh to ask people to teach me.. Supposed to play frisbee in the morning with the PUNJers today, but too few people turned up, so we ended up cycling and blading.. Blading is fun! Heh.. Just that I still do not know how to go down slope safely and to stop safely..
I think learning to rollerblade or to cycle is a lot like life isn't it? I know this sounds cliched but while I was blading, I really felt that it reflects life in some ways.. Well, when you rollerblade, if you are overly cautious, you can't move very much forward.. You can't move very fast either.. Of course, if you are too ambitious like me.. You learn it the hard way la.. You keep falling and bruising yourself.. But that's how we learn right? We fall and get up. Fall and get up.. After a while you get used to falling.. And after a while you get used to not falling.. And you will be blading.
I guess I need to practise that in 2007.. Rollerblading.. And learning to fall in life.. Every year we will set new year resolutions like I will be a better person, that things will occur smoothly.. stuff like that. But we forget that failures are part and parcel of life! Year in, year out, we will encounter setbacks.. So this year, I want to learn how to fall.. And to learn to get up..
I want to trust God and obey Him..
So take my life,
transform, renew and change me.
That I might be a living sacrifice.
Happy 2007, Guys! =)
Actually it's just another day in the calendar, just like birthdays or other holidays.. I guess it just gives us a reason to celebrate. And it does give us a reason to reflect upon the year that has passed.
Is it a good year for me? Well.. I can say that it has been generally good. I think I have grown spiritually over the year.. I think I am a more mature person. Good things happened.. I got closer to some friends.. I definitely am more active in PUNJ. And the fellowship in PUNJ has helped me a great deal in many ways.. I felt that I was not alone in my Christian walk. I learned much more about God's word. I learned to be obedient to God.
In med school, I think I am much more settled this year compared to the last.. I am a bit more comfortable with talking to patients and presenting cases to doctors.. I am a bit more "on the ball" about medicine on the whole.. In terms of reading up, in terms of clerking patients and attending clinics. I guess I still lag behind many of my peers in terms of enthusiasm for my studies and my career. To me, it is still very much about passing tests and getting through every posting smoothly and ultimately passing my final MBBS. Truthfully, I haven't given much thought to what comes after.. I told many people that I am content just being a polyclinic doctor. But I know very well that I have to be more driven.. Not to be content with just being a polyclinic doctor.. But really to work hard towards being a good doctor, be it in general practice, be it surgery, be it obs and gynae.. So perhaps, you can pray for me about this. And to give glory to God in whatever field of medicine I end up in.. And yes including ophthalmology.. =P
And yah I do need to settle my electives soon.. Still feeling a lot of inertia. Perhaps I will fail O&G and don't have to worry about electives.. haha.. See? You do have to pray for me to work hard and be more "on the ball"!
Relationships wise.. I guess I do have to work a bit harder too.. I need to love my parents more.. show them more concern.. be a more filial son.. Sometimes, I do take them for granted and overlook the numerous sacrifices they have made to see me through med school.. I guess I would have liked to grow up in a more conducive environment.. But I can't choose such things.. I can't determine the upbringing of my parents. I can't really criticise the way they have brought me up.. Cos I turned out fine! Hahaha!! But seriously, I do need to work on my relationship with my parents, cos at times, it's really hard to love them.. So pray for me too!
In recent months, I think I may have soured a few friendships.. But hopefully there were no hard feelings.. I always thought I am quite a patient person, tolerant and easy-going.. I guess this year, God reminded me that I was not as good as I thought myself to be.. That I still have a lot to learn, to obey him, to be a better person.. Sometimes, I tend to judge other people.. I become disappointed.. I become frustrated and angry.. And I become angry with myself too.. Cos I know it is wrong to judge other people.. I am not that good myself.. Who am I to judge them? Yah, so I do need to calm down at times.. I need to be less self-righteous.. And humble myself before God..
In terms of a dating relationship.. Am I allowed to talk about it here? I guess it is something which will continue to bother me for some time.. In this area, I will just say that it has been a steep learning curve for me.. At least, I am starting to think about what a Christian relationship should be like.. And what the aim of a relationship should be.. I think what differentiates a Christian r/s from a non-Christian one is that the ultimate and underlying aim is to honour God.. I guess with that in mind, what constitutes a successful or a failed relationship becomes slightly different.. Whether or not it results in a steady relationship or marriage becomes of second importance to wanting to honour God and to serve Him regardless of the outcome of the relationship. Is that too challenging? Ha.. I do find it rather challenging..
Having witnessed the wedding of HL and LC, I really think it takes a lot for a couple to come together.. And it is no less than God's love and God's will that 2 persons of different backgrounds, personalities and habits will come to like each other, to work out their differences and finally to decide to spend the rest of their earthly lives together.
For myself, I really wonder what God's will for me is.. Sometimes, I feel that perhaps I could serve God better as a single person.. But I don't know.. I really need to trust God more in this area of my life and not allow myself to be overly distracted from other equally important (I won't say more important cos I think this is rather important too.. heh..) things in my life. But I know that whether or not I remain single or get married in future, the aim is still to serve God and to worship Him..
Well, 2006 ended on a fun note! I learned 2 things today!
1. I learned what a HIP HOP JELLY ice-cream is.. It's super cool la.. It's wobbly.. and I think the name suits it.. It's cool and hip-hop haha! But I found out that the ice-cream had already been in the market for some time.. Even my mum knows.. She calls it the she tou (tongue) ice-cream.. I guess it does look like a tongue from certain angles.. I probably will be eating the she tou/hip hop jelly quite frequently this year haha!
2. I learned how to roller blade!! In 1 hour flat.. I am a fast learner! Have been wanting to learn rollerblading for some time, but always paiseh to ask people to teach me.. Supposed to play frisbee in the morning with the PUNJers today, but too few people turned up, so we ended up cycling and blading.. Blading is fun! Heh.. Just that I still do not know how to go down slope safely and to stop safely..
I think learning to rollerblade or to cycle is a lot like life isn't it? I know this sounds cliched but while I was blading, I really felt that it reflects life in some ways.. Well, when you rollerblade, if you are overly cautious, you can't move very much forward.. You can't move very fast either.. Of course, if you are too ambitious like me.. You learn it the hard way la.. You keep falling and bruising yourself.. But that's how we learn right? We fall and get up. Fall and get up.. After a while you get used to falling.. And after a while you get used to not falling.. And you will be blading.
I guess I need to practise that in 2007.. Rollerblading.. And learning to fall in life.. Every year we will set new year resolutions like I will be a better person, that things will occur smoothly.. stuff like that. But we forget that failures are part and parcel of life! Year in, year out, we will encounter setbacks.. So this year, I want to learn how to fall.. And to learn to get up..
I want to trust God and obey Him..
So take my life,
transform, renew and change me.
That I might be a living sacrifice.
Happy 2007, Guys! =)
Saturday, December 23, 2006
Suffering
I think most of us struggle in life at one point or another.. Whether you are rich or poor.. Christian or non-Christian.. I think some people have the idea that once you become a Christian, life will suddenly become a bed of roses. No more sickness, no more broken relationships, no more financial hardship.. Well, I guess it is evident that that is not the case.. Although Christians do have reason to rejoice and be encouraged even in times of suffering.
Why is there suffering? I think the simple straight forward answer is Man. Man is the cause of suffering, since the time of Adam and Eve. Because Man is imperfect and always falls into sin.. So long as imperfect Man exists, I think there will always be suffering..
The more "cheem" answer would be God.. Again, there are beliefs that God is this happy, go-lucky fella who loves everyone and everything.. And there are people who think that if God is perfect and good, there cannot be suffering. And there are thoughts that suffering is not from God, only the good stuff are from God.. Well, I am not a theologian. But God is in control of everything in the world, so suffering is also from God, and He does allow suffering to take place. It would be too simplistic a view to say that all the good things come from God, and all the bad stuff are not within His control.
Yes, God is loving and good. But he is perfect and holy. He cannot pretend that Man is good. He cannot overlook the wrongs that Man has done. So a perfect and loving God can still punish Man for his sins and allow suffering to occur just like how a good father will not spare his insolent son the rod.. Having said that, not all suffering is a punishment from God..
And of course sometimes God just allows suffering to take place. And we will not know why. Cos we are not God and have no business to question His ways.
I guess this topic sprang into mind some time back when many people around me were facing problems and difficulties.. Broken relationships, study/work stress, bereavements, illnesses, or sometimes just pure "sianness" and lack of direction in life.. I think it is hard to say which problem is worse than which, cos at that particular point when that person is going through something even as mundane as work stress, it can be particularly bad and distressing to him..
I don't really know how to encourage those who are suffering right now.. I guess for myself, it is a lot easier to grapple with these issues because I believe that God is in control.. When I was a non-Christian, I had to depend a lot on myself to deal with failures and disappointments.. I had to turn my focus to another thing and try to forget about the problem.. I could pour out my troubles to a friend who is willing to listen.. I could just pull through with sheer grit.. I could just allow time to pass and mend the wounds..
Having come to know Jesus, I feel that a lot of things can be put in perspective.. My sis is going through quite a bit at the moment, struggling with some major decisions, so I thought of some of the following:
1. Suffering is from God. As above. I guess it can be an encouragement for us who believe in Jesus Christ. Cos God who is perfect, is in control so there really isn't anything to worry about. And nothing much you can do about it anyway. I just have to trust that He being perfect, knows what He is doing.
2. Suffering has a purpose. God put suffering into Christians' lives for a purpose. One of my favourite verses in the bible Romans 5:3-4 "Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance; character; and character, hope." It is only through trials that our faith in God is tested. So that if we persevere in our faith and trust in Christ, and persevere in holding on to what we believe and continue to obey Him, God will mould our character and make us mature as Christians.
3. Suffering on the cross. I don't really know how to put this. But sometimes, we just need to turn to the cross and understand how Christ's death on the cross has redeemed us and made us right with God. And this really makes what we are going through insignificant. I mean God has already saved us. If we truly are Christians. that should be our greatest comfort. So what if we fail a certain posting? So what if our business failed? Of course sometimes, this is easier said than done..
4. Suffering in hope. For those who are suffering almost everyday, facing persecution, starving, facing disasters, the bible promises the second coming of Jesus when everything will be renewed and God's people will be in God's place, a new heaven and a new earth under God's perfect rule. This is a certain hope. It is a hope in the sense that it has not arrived. But this hope is certain because God has promised it. On that day, there will be no more suffering for God's people. For those that are suffering and there seems no respite or end in sight, they can be assured of this hope..
So Christians do suffer.. We do have problems.. We do continue to fall into sin.. But we have a greater someone above who knows us and loves us.. We might not know every time why some things occur but we know that they occur according to His plans and for our own good. I don't think it is self-deceiving or self-motivating. But if we know our God, we can be assured of these things. And every time we get entrapped in a problem, we just keep going back to God in prayer and ask Him to help us and to guide us and comfort us. For me, that keeps me going in life and waking up every morning with renewed vigour.
Why is there suffering? I think the simple straight forward answer is Man. Man is the cause of suffering, since the time of Adam and Eve. Because Man is imperfect and always falls into sin.. So long as imperfect Man exists, I think there will always be suffering..
The more "cheem" answer would be God.. Again, there are beliefs that God is this happy, go-lucky fella who loves everyone and everything.. And there are people who think that if God is perfect and good, there cannot be suffering. And there are thoughts that suffering is not from God, only the good stuff are from God.. Well, I am not a theologian. But God is in control of everything in the world, so suffering is also from God, and He does allow suffering to take place. It would be too simplistic a view to say that all the good things come from God, and all the bad stuff are not within His control.
Yes, God is loving and good. But he is perfect and holy. He cannot pretend that Man is good. He cannot overlook the wrongs that Man has done. So a perfect and loving God can still punish Man for his sins and allow suffering to occur just like how a good father will not spare his insolent son the rod.. Having said that, not all suffering is a punishment from God..
And of course sometimes God just allows suffering to take place. And we will not know why. Cos we are not God and have no business to question His ways.
I guess this topic sprang into mind some time back when many people around me were facing problems and difficulties.. Broken relationships, study/work stress, bereavements, illnesses, or sometimes just pure "sianness" and lack of direction in life.. I think it is hard to say which problem is worse than which, cos at that particular point when that person is going through something even as mundane as work stress, it can be particularly bad and distressing to him..
I don't really know how to encourage those who are suffering right now.. I guess for myself, it is a lot easier to grapple with these issues because I believe that God is in control.. When I was a non-Christian, I had to depend a lot on myself to deal with failures and disappointments.. I had to turn my focus to another thing and try to forget about the problem.. I could pour out my troubles to a friend who is willing to listen.. I could just pull through with sheer grit.. I could just allow time to pass and mend the wounds..
Having come to know Jesus, I feel that a lot of things can be put in perspective.. My sis is going through quite a bit at the moment, struggling with some major decisions, so I thought of some of the following:
1. Suffering is from God. As above. I guess it can be an encouragement for us who believe in Jesus Christ. Cos God who is perfect, is in control so there really isn't anything to worry about. And nothing much you can do about it anyway. I just have to trust that He being perfect, knows what He is doing.
2. Suffering has a purpose. God put suffering into Christians' lives for a purpose. One of my favourite verses in the bible Romans 5:3-4 "Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance; character; and character, hope." It is only through trials that our faith in God is tested. So that if we persevere in our faith and trust in Christ, and persevere in holding on to what we believe and continue to obey Him, God will mould our character and make us mature as Christians.
3. Suffering on the cross. I don't really know how to put this. But sometimes, we just need to turn to the cross and understand how Christ's death on the cross has redeemed us and made us right with God. And this really makes what we are going through insignificant. I mean God has already saved us. If we truly are Christians. that should be our greatest comfort. So what if we fail a certain posting? So what if our business failed? Of course sometimes, this is easier said than done..
4. Suffering in hope. For those who are suffering almost everyday, facing persecution, starving, facing disasters, the bible promises the second coming of Jesus when everything will be renewed and God's people will be in God's place, a new heaven and a new earth under God's perfect rule. This is a certain hope. It is a hope in the sense that it has not arrived. But this hope is certain because God has promised it. On that day, there will be no more suffering for God's people. For those that are suffering and there seems no respite or end in sight, they can be assured of this hope..
So Christians do suffer.. We do have problems.. We do continue to fall into sin.. But we have a greater someone above who knows us and loves us.. We might not know every time why some things occur but we know that they occur according to His plans and for our own good. I don't think it is self-deceiving or self-motivating. But if we know our God, we can be assured of these things. And every time we get entrapped in a problem, we just keep going back to God in prayer and ask Him to help us and to guide us and comfort us. For me, that keeps me going in life and waking up every morning with renewed vigour.
Monday, December 18, 2006
Deezee Soon Wee
For lack of a better title to start off this post..
This will set of a series of ramblings and reflections.. Guess I just needed an avenue to talk about my life.. Some self-reflections and thinking aloud of the year that has almost passed.. For the few of you who bother to know.. Haha..
Emotionally, I guess this has been one of the better years.. I think I have been a happier person generally, though at various times (and like all other people), I lapse into periods of depression (in the layman definition of the word), uncertainty and pessimism. I thank God for this because a large part of this emotional stability can be attributed to a better knowledge of Him and coming to understand better His plans and purposes for me..
Glad to say too that I have grown and matured as a Christian this year.. Seeing things in the right perspective and setting my priorites right most of the time. Thank God for that too.. At the same time, still learning to depend on God for many many things in my life.
Perhaps part of this growth can be attributed to the acute awareness of the greater responsibilities I will be undertaking soon in the youth ministry (PUNJ). In Christian circles, we often use this word ministry.. Not quite the government sort of ministries like finance, health etc.. Ministry, if I am not wrong, means serving.. There are different ways of serving like music, leading bible studies, selling books at bookends, PA system etc..
Anyway, serving is part and parcel of being a Christian.. Not that it is a prerequisite or requirement.. But having received God's love so freely, we should show our love to fellow Christians and to God by serving in church.
When Roger approached me to join the PLT (potential leaders' training) course this year, I was quite apprehensive. I wasn't really sure whether I was ready to lead bible studies and be in charge of a group. To start with, I haven't been a very confident person all my life. In front of a crowd, I will often lose my cool and be all jittery and nervous.. At the same time, I was unable to translate my thoughts into words very efficiently.. I am also overly aware of my actions and words at times, and that prevents me from relating to people very well.. And of course, in terms of time, I am a relatively young Christian and wasn't fully confident of my bible knowledge either..
Yet at the same time, I felt that it was time to step forward to serve in PUNJ. Being in PUNJ for 2 years, I haven't done or contributed much except for being present during bible studies and helping with a few odds and ends.. Interestingly, I had prayed about serving in some capacity at the start of this year. So in a way, God has heard my prayers and given me the opportunity to serve in PUNJ.. So despite this extreme lack of confidence, I allowed myself to be led into this, only trusting in God's assessment of me and His plans for me..
But I must say attending PLT and CLOBS have been very enriching and fruitful and I have grown a lot during these few months.. Apart from being equipped with God's word and learning how to effectively lead a bible study, I am thoroughly encouraged and motivated by the people I met.. Who put so much energies and efforts into serving in church despite their busy schedules.. Who show genuine love for fellow Christians.. Who show real concern for the lives of their group members.. I was really touched and encouraged in these few months. I know that when I face tough times in future, I have no lack of role models to emulate..
I guess I will need to continue to depend on God and pray that He will help me as I make this transition from member to leader..
This will set of a series of ramblings and reflections.. Guess I just needed an avenue to talk about my life.. Some self-reflections and thinking aloud of the year that has almost passed.. For the few of you who bother to know.. Haha..
Emotionally, I guess this has been one of the better years.. I think I have been a happier person generally, though at various times (and like all other people), I lapse into periods of depression (in the layman definition of the word), uncertainty and pessimism. I thank God for this because a large part of this emotional stability can be attributed to a better knowledge of Him and coming to understand better His plans and purposes for me..
Glad to say too that I have grown and matured as a Christian this year.. Seeing things in the right perspective and setting my priorites right most of the time. Thank God for that too.. At the same time, still learning to depend on God for many many things in my life.
Perhaps part of this growth can be attributed to the acute awareness of the greater responsibilities I will be undertaking soon in the youth ministry (PUNJ). In Christian circles, we often use this word ministry.. Not quite the government sort of ministries like finance, health etc.. Ministry, if I am not wrong, means serving.. There are different ways of serving like music, leading bible studies, selling books at bookends, PA system etc..
Anyway, serving is part and parcel of being a Christian.. Not that it is a prerequisite or requirement.. But having received God's love so freely, we should show our love to fellow Christians and to God by serving in church.
When Roger approached me to join the PLT (potential leaders' training) course this year, I was quite apprehensive. I wasn't really sure whether I was ready to lead bible studies and be in charge of a group. To start with, I haven't been a very confident person all my life. In front of a crowd, I will often lose my cool and be all jittery and nervous.. At the same time, I was unable to translate my thoughts into words very efficiently.. I am also overly aware of my actions and words at times, and that prevents me from relating to people very well.. And of course, in terms of time, I am a relatively young Christian and wasn't fully confident of my bible knowledge either..
Yet at the same time, I felt that it was time to step forward to serve in PUNJ. Being in PUNJ for 2 years, I haven't done or contributed much except for being present during bible studies and helping with a few odds and ends.. Interestingly, I had prayed about serving in some capacity at the start of this year. So in a way, God has heard my prayers and given me the opportunity to serve in PUNJ.. So despite this extreme lack of confidence, I allowed myself to be led into this, only trusting in God's assessment of me and His plans for me..
But I must say attending PLT and CLOBS have been very enriching and fruitful and I have grown a lot during these few months.. Apart from being equipped with God's word and learning how to effectively lead a bible study, I am thoroughly encouraged and motivated by the people I met.. Who put so much energies and efforts into serving in church despite their busy schedules.. Who show genuine love for fellow Christians.. Who show real concern for the lives of their group members.. I was really touched and encouraged in these few months. I know that when I face tough times in future, I have no lack of role models to emulate..
I guess I will need to continue to depend on God and pray that He will help me as I make this transition from member to leader..
Monday, December 04, 2006
My most memorable marathon
These are Soon Wee's top ten tips for running your most memorable marathon.
1. Training. Adequate amount of training is the most important. Running twice a week might be sufficient.. So that you don't get too burnt out on race day..
2. It would also be nice to run a marathon in the midst of a nice relaxing posting like O&G.. so that while training for the marathon whenever you can, you don't have to think too much about settling mini-cexes and write-ups and SOPs.
3. Eat well before the race. Make sure you eat lots of junk like chicken wings, fried bee hoon, durian puffs, otak etc.. Then you can be sure that your bowels will be well worked out..
4. Sleep well. Make sure you have adequate rest. That means at least 6 hours of sleep.. That means you sleep at 12am and wake up at 545am in time to make the starting line at 6am.
5. Punctuality. Punctuality is the key if you want to get a good starting position. But nowadays it's fashionable to be late. Starting at 615am when all the rest have started running at 6am will be a good time to aim for. Then at least you wont have to jostle with hundreds of smelly bodies.
6. In case you are really running late, it will be nice to have a powerful car with lots of horsepower and acceleration to bring you to your starting line.. A Hyundai Matrix is not bad for a start.
7. A warm-up before the start of the race is mandatory.. A 500 metre sprint to the starting line to explain to the officials why you are late and to plead with them to let you start running would be the best way to warm up your muscles..
8. Be sure to skip your breakfast so that you can make your money worth by having a concoction of bananas, power gels, water and energy drinks along the way.
9. To top it off, you might as well don't clear your bowels in the morning before the race because you can make full use of the numerous "pit-stops" throughout the race. Having a 5-minute pit-stop and a nice watery diarrhoea is the best way to relax your perineal muscles and to cool down your aching calves and thighs.. You can be sure you will be all raring to go after your nice little pit-stop.
10. But at the end of it all, smile always, especially in front of cameras and cheerleaders!
1. Training. Adequate amount of training is the most important. Running twice a week might be sufficient.. So that you don't get too burnt out on race day..
2. It would also be nice to run a marathon in the midst of a nice relaxing posting like O&G.. so that while training for the marathon whenever you can, you don't have to think too much about settling mini-cexes and write-ups and SOPs.
3. Eat well before the race. Make sure you eat lots of junk like chicken wings, fried bee hoon, durian puffs, otak etc.. Then you can be sure that your bowels will be well worked out..
4. Sleep well. Make sure you have adequate rest. That means at least 6 hours of sleep.. That means you sleep at 12am and wake up at 545am in time to make the starting line at 6am.
5. Punctuality. Punctuality is the key if you want to get a good starting position. But nowadays it's fashionable to be late. Starting at 615am when all the rest have started running at 6am will be a good time to aim for. Then at least you wont have to jostle with hundreds of smelly bodies.
6. In case you are really running late, it will be nice to have a powerful car with lots of horsepower and acceleration to bring you to your starting line.. A Hyundai Matrix is not bad for a start.
7. A warm-up before the start of the race is mandatory.. A 500 metre sprint to the starting line to explain to the officials why you are late and to plead with them to let you start running would be the best way to warm up your muscles..
8. Be sure to skip your breakfast so that you can make your money worth by having a concoction of bananas, power gels, water and energy drinks along the way.
9. To top it off, you might as well don't clear your bowels in the morning before the race because you can make full use of the numerous "pit-stops" throughout the race. Having a 5-minute pit-stop and a nice watery diarrhoea is the best way to relax your perineal muscles and to cool down your aching calves and thighs.. You can be sure you will be all raring to go after your nice little pit-stop.
10. But at the end of it all, smile always, especially in front of cameras and cheerleaders!
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Love
What does it mean to love someone? This has been a question that has bugged me over the course of these couple of months. And coincidentally or perhaps intentionally by God's grace, I have been forced to ponder over it during the Luke bible studies and more recently, the sermons on 1 John.
If you are expecting a blog post about romantic love, I am sorry to disappoint you.. Haha..
It really is so hard to love people at times. And thinking about it, sometimes we are just all wired so differently that inevitably, we step on the toes of each other sometimes unknowingly. We have our own opinions and values and we judge others based on those. At the same time, other people judge us based on their values. But in a way, it really explains how sinful we are and what a fallen world we live in.. That is probably why it is so hard to love people at times.
It probably isn't hard to love the people you want to love. Or people who do good to you or treat you well. In the earlier stages of a relationship, it probably won't be very hard for a couple to love one another no matter how irksome the other party may be.. Such is the selfish nature of man that we love only on the pretext that it will be reciprocated or that we love only those who love us.. And sometimes we don't even love those who love us..
As a Christian, I am always challenged by God's high standards of love for us.. In Luke 6:27-28, Jesus said, "But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you." Then he said something that was most funny, "If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also." I read this when I was a non-Christian and I found it most amusing and unbelievable. How in the world do you continue to love this person who strikes you on your cheek? And continue to bless him and pray for him.. It was something that struck me about the Christian faith and it probably was one of the factors that led to my conversion.
God calls all Christians to a radical, out-of-the-world kind of love that will shock everybody. I think that is what Jesus was saying when he asks us to turn the other cheek. However, it doesn't mean that Christians are meant to be pushed around and bullied. We are not doormats to be stepped upon (in the words of YG). In a way, being bullied and giving in to everything and anything probably doesn't necessarily mean that one is being loving. Sometimes one can just not be bothered to retaliate and continue to harbour hateful thoughts. This is not Christian love at all. The radical love that God calls us to involves a peace of heart and gentleness that will be evident to all. Even in the face of persecution and hatred, we are called to be understanding, to forgive and to love our enemies.
Putting this into practice isn't easy.. After all we are sinful people, even Christians.. I am really challenged to put it into practice.. Yet sometimes, I continue to be frustrated and I fail to carry out God's commands.. And yet at times, it is not clear cut whether a particular act is loving or stumbling to other people; being gentle or being a pushover.. And I continue to examine my motives for certain acts.. My interests or other people's interests? God's interests? And I continue to learn and be disciplined by God's word.
And indeed, despite the incredibility to love everyone and everytime and the impossibility of the task entrusted to each and everyone of God's children, I know that I am not without help or hope. God's word will continue to guide me in my words and actions as long as I continue to obey him and love him. And as Christians, we need no further motivation to love other people.. Because God has already shown to us what it really means to love by sending his son Jesus Christ to die on the cross for us. Romans 5:8 "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Christ died not for people who love him. He died for his enemies - us, who hated him and rejected him. This is true love (however cliched this might sound).
As Christians, we are a forgiven people. We ought to love much because we have been forgiven much. May God continue to guide us and help us love the people around us, no matter how hard it is and how unwilling we are! =)
If you are expecting a blog post about romantic love, I am sorry to disappoint you.. Haha..
It really is so hard to love people at times. And thinking about it, sometimes we are just all wired so differently that inevitably, we step on the toes of each other sometimes unknowingly. We have our own opinions and values and we judge others based on those. At the same time, other people judge us based on their values. But in a way, it really explains how sinful we are and what a fallen world we live in.. That is probably why it is so hard to love people at times.
It probably isn't hard to love the people you want to love. Or people who do good to you or treat you well. In the earlier stages of a relationship, it probably won't be very hard for a couple to love one another no matter how irksome the other party may be.. Such is the selfish nature of man that we love only on the pretext that it will be reciprocated or that we love only those who love us.. And sometimes we don't even love those who love us..
As a Christian, I am always challenged by God's high standards of love for us.. In Luke 6:27-28, Jesus said, "But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you." Then he said something that was most funny, "If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also." I read this when I was a non-Christian and I found it most amusing and unbelievable. How in the world do you continue to love this person who strikes you on your cheek? And continue to bless him and pray for him.. It was something that struck me about the Christian faith and it probably was one of the factors that led to my conversion.
God calls all Christians to a radical, out-of-the-world kind of love that will shock everybody. I think that is what Jesus was saying when he asks us to turn the other cheek. However, it doesn't mean that Christians are meant to be pushed around and bullied. We are not doormats to be stepped upon (in the words of YG). In a way, being bullied and giving in to everything and anything probably doesn't necessarily mean that one is being loving. Sometimes one can just not be bothered to retaliate and continue to harbour hateful thoughts. This is not Christian love at all. The radical love that God calls us to involves a peace of heart and gentleness that will be evident to all. Even in the face of persecution and hatred, we are called to be understanding, to forgive and to love our enemies.
Putting this into practice isn't easy.. After all we are sinful people, even Christians.. I am really challenged to put it into practice.. Yet sometimes, I continue to be frustrated and I fail to carry out God's commands.. And yet at times, it is not clear cut whether a particular act is loving or stumbling to other people; being gentle or being a pushover.. And I continue to examine my motives for certain acts.. My interests or other people's interests? God's interests? And I continue to learn and be disciplined by God's word.
And indeed, despite the incredibility to love everyone and everytime and the impossibility of the task entrusted to each and everyone of God's children, I know that I am not without help or hope. God's word will continue to guide me in my words and actions as long as I continue to obey him and love him. And as Christians, we need no further motivation to love other people.. Because God has already shown to us what it really means to love by sending his son Jesus Christ to die on the cross for us. Romans 5:8 "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Christ died not for people who love him. He died for his enemies - us, who hated him and rejected him. This is true love (however cliched this might sound).
As Christians, we are a forgiven people. We ought to love much because we have been forgiven much. May God continue to guide us and help us love the people around us, no matter how hard it is and how unwilling we are! =)
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
Who is Jesus?
Who is Jesus? I think at the heart of Christianity, and the most important question before we even come to believe in him, will be this: Who is he?
One of Jesus' biggest claims is this: he is the son of God. He was sent by His Father above. If anyone made those claims today, you can be sure he will be sent to IMH in no time. So what credentials does Jesus have in saying those loaded words and claims? Why are so many people convinced that he is God, not a lunatic? Or are we deluded and deceived?
In Luke chapter 3, some of those credentials were being recorded for us.
- 3:22 The Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove.
- and a voice came from heaven: "You are my son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased."
- 3:23-38 tracing his genealogy, Jesus was a descendent of David, of Abraham, of Adam and ultimately of God.
- 4:1-13 Jesus was the only person who resisted the temptations of Satan in the desert. He was perfect and sinless.
Why was Jesus sent to earth? What was his mission?
Jesus stated his mission explicitly in Luke chapter 4 that he was anointed by God to preach good news to the poor, to proclaim freedom for the prisoners, recovery of sight for the blind and to release the oppressed. In the Old Testament, the prophets have talked about such a person coming to bring freedom to God's people and Jesus is saying here that he is the one that fulfils the Old Testament prophecies.
It is interesting to note that Jesus came to proclaim freedom for the poor, the prisoners, the blind and the oppressed. It is unlikely that he meant these solely literally or many of us would not have been saved. But rather, the point here, and later in other parts of Luke, is that only those people who recognised their sinfulness and their need to be saved would respond to his offer of salvation and freedom. In addition to the physical freedom from poverty, illness and oppression that he claimed to bring, the underlying mission is to bring spiritual freedom from the bondage of sin which we are all under.
Despite his preaching of this good news, Jesus himself knew that many would come to reject him and his message, even among his own people, the Jews. Many would ask for him to perform miracles and signs, and yet many would not believe.
Isn't this true for us today? In the face of such good news, we choose to continue to give ourselves excuses and reasons why we cannot believe. We continue to ask for signs and miracles and choose to disbelieve when there are none of those. We choose to believe in these acts of miracles rather than in the person of Jesus Christ. We continue to doubt and question and ask for more evidence for his existence. And yet there are people, when thrown with all the evidence and proof, will choose to reject him..
My point is simple. God sent his son Jesus down only once to offer freedom and salvation to all who choose to hear him. And fortunately for us, this was recorded in the 4 gospels by his disciples. When we want to find out who Jesus is and what he came to do, we can look no further than the 4 gospels in the bible. There is no way for us to look elsewhere for answers or to look internally for our own human wisdom and understanding to decipher this mystery. Which is in fact no mystery at all..
One of Jesus' biggest claims is this: he is the son of God. He was sent by His Father above. If anyone made those claims today, you can be sure he will be sent to IMH in no time. So what credentials does Jesus have in saying those loaded words and claims? Why are so many people convinced that he is God, not a lunatic? Or are we deluded and deceived?
In Luke chapter 3, some of those credentials were being recorded for us.
- 3:22 The Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove.
- and a voice came from heaven: "You are my son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased."
- 3:23-38 tracing his genealogy, Jesus was a descendent of David, of Abraham, of Adam and ultimately of God.
- 4:1-13 Jesus was the only person who resisted the temptations of Satan in the desert. He was perfect and sinless.
Why was Jesus sent to earth? What was his mission?
Jesus stated his mission explicitly in Luke chapter 4 that he was anointed by God to preach good news to the poor, to proclaim freedom for the prisoners, recovery of sight for the blind and to release the oppressed. In the Old Testament, the prophets have talked about such a person coming to bring freedom to God's people and Jesus is saying here that he is the one that fulfils the Old Testament prophecies.
It is interesting to note that Jesus came to proclaim freedom for the poor, the prisoners, the blind and the oppressed. It is unlikely that he meant these solely literally or many of us would not have been saved. But rather, the point here, and later in other parts of Luke, is that only those people who recognised their sinfulness and their need to be saved would respond to his offer of salvation and freedom. In addition to the physical freedom from poverty, illness and oppression that he claimed to bring, the underlying mission is to bring spiritual freedom from the bondage of sin which we are all under.
Despite his preaching of this good news, Jesus himself knew that many would come to reject him and his message, even among his own people, the Jews. Many would ask for him to perform miracles and signs, and yet many would not believe.
Isn't this true for us today? In the face of such good news, we choose to continue to give ourselves excuses and reasons why we cannot believe. We continue to ask for signs and miracles and choose to disbelieve when there are none of those. We choose to believe in these acts of miracles rather than in the person of Jesus Christ. We continue to doubt and question and ask for more evidence for his existence. And yet there are people, when thrown with all the evidence and proof, will choose to reject him..
My point is simple. God sent his son Jesus down only once to offer freedom and salvation to all who choose to hear him. And fortunately for us, this was recorded in the 4 gospels by his disciples. When we want to find out who Jesus is and what he came to do, we can look no further than the 4 gospels in the bible. There is no way for us to look elsewhere for answers or to look internally for our own human wisdom and understanding to decipher this mystery. Which is in fact no mystery at all..
Saturday, October 07, 2006
The best season in life
This is a sermon I typed out from about 2 weeks ago. I thought it was a pretty good sermon to share with you, especially for non-Christians, and it is one of the rare few sermons by Pastor Chris that are simple and short enough to be typed out and easier to understand for the uninitiated.
1 Thessalonians chapter 1, verses 8 to 10:
The Lord's message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia—your faith in God has become known everywhere. Therefore we do not need to say anything about it, for they themselves report what kind of reception you gave us. They tell how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead—Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath.
Pastor Chris:
"Life is about seasons. Good and bad seasons. Up and down seasons.
Here is an account of Christianity in Singapore. Story is about the Anglican bishop of Singapore called John Leonard Wilson during World War II in the 1940s. Bishop Wilson was jailed with 3000 others in Changi Prison by the Japanese. Once he was accused along with 56 others of plotting against the Japanese. So they were questioned and interrogated. He was kicked, punched, lashed and whipped 300 times until there was no more skin on his legs.
World War II ended. The prisoners were released. 2 years after the war ended, Bishop Wilson was conducting a baptism at the cathedral in town. From the corner of his eye, he saw this person come forward. He saw one of the Japanese officers who had tortured him come forward for baptism. Here are the words of Bishop Wilson,"I have seldom seen such great a change in a man."A person who was full of hatred and violence who lashed him and whipped him was now coming to him as a Christian, a convert to be baptised.
The best season in life for us is usually when something bad has ended. The best season is when something good has started. The message of Christianity is about the best season in life. Why so? Because our season of war with God has ended and our season of peace with God has begun. And how has that come about? It has come about because God has sent his son Jesus to die on the cross for us.
And this best season leads to changed people. And the truly changed people are believers in Jesus Christ. The believer in Jesus Christ has 3 main changes in his life.
Firstly, 1 Thessalonians chapter 1 verse 9: "They tell how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God.." The first change is that we have "turned". The word "turn" means conversion. It means a decisive break from idols. And we ask: what is the difference between idols and the living and true God? And many of us who grow up like me in a multireligious setting may not know the difference.
It is a bit like this. You want to go buy a television set. Which should you choose? Samsung, LG, Sony. You want to buy a car. Hyundai, Kia, Toyota. There is no difference or not much difference. It is just a price difference or quality difference. Because at the end of the day, if you really think about it, it is simply a car. It is simply a televison set. But what Paul says here is different. He says it is not the same between idols and God. Idols are dead; God is living. Idols are false; God is real. Idols are human creations; God is the creator, the creator of the universe and the creator of you and me. There is a big difference. The first change in the believer is a decisive break from idols.
One of my relatives is now in his 70s. When he was younger, he was known to be rich, a playboy. He gambled. And he went from one place to another to pray, praying in Malaysia, praying in Thailand, praying anywhere he could find powerful idols. Then by God's grace, somebody shared Jesus with him. He believed and he got converted. You know how this relative now in his 70s now spends his days? He spends his days telling his friends over coffee, over tea, over meals, lunch and dinner, telling them,"Don't waste your time. Idols don't work." It is not that he is rude. But he has experienced being under the bondage , the slavery, the prison of believing in idols. And now he knows the difference between idols and God , and knowing this God personally.
Believers in Christ are people who have done a U-turn in their lives. We are previously going in one direction. We now realised our mistake and do a U-turn. We have turned from false gods and false hopes to the true and living God.
And we must say that an idol is anyone or anything who takes our right love and loyalty away from God. So some modern day idols, some modern day unseen idols could be obsession with money, obsession with sex, obsession with power, obsession with fame. Believers in Christ have made a decisive break from that. He (Paul) now says they have turned from that and turned to what? We turn to an active service of the true and living God.
So believers in Christ are not just U-turners, but we are servants of God. We are no longer servants of dead idols. We are no longer servants of ourselves as little gods.
Last week, our church ARPC took part in a national movement and the person who came was Richard Khalil as part of the Yellow Ribbon Project. The purpose of the Yeloow Ribbon Project is to help former drug addicts and former convicts assimilate into society. Many people came up to me after the service and said that Richard Khalil who shared about his former background and now his conversion and new life is very brave. Not easy to stand in front of people and tell them about your past, your sinful past.
Every single person who comes today for baptism or transfers (church was conducting baptisms and transfers that day) is saying to you: we all have a past. The past was when we served ourselves. And now we are servants of God.
Once I was talking to a parent whose son was on drugs. And he sadly said that his son was still on drugs. And I asked him,"What do you think is keeping him on the drugs?" And he said without hesitating,"It's just his selfishness. It's all about himself."
You know we have an advertisement on our television which basically ask how much do drugs cost. And basically it says taking drugs cost your job, your friends, your family and your life. The actual price of 1 shot may be 60 dollars, 80 dollars. I am not sure, I don't know. The price of it may be 60, 80, 100 dollars per shot but the cost of it is your family, your friends, your job, your life.
And so believers in Christ are saying: we have had enough of that (serving idols and serving ourselves). We are now no longer serving ourselves, we are no longer serving idols. We are serving the living and the true God.
There is a final change in the believer. And the final change is in verse 10: "to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead - Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath." Christians are not just servants of God, we are also "waiters". I do not mean waiters in a restaurant serving food but Christians and believers who patiently wait for Jesus to return. And Paul tells us 2 things about this Jesus who will return.
This son who will return was raised from the dead. Friends, let me ask you, have you met anybody last week who came back from the dead? I don't think so, right? Cos when you and I go to funerals, you expect to bury them, you expect to cremate them. They do not return from the dead. Paul tells us that Jesus is the one whom God has raised from the dead, which tells us that Jesus is the head of a new human race. He is the head of a new human race free from the power of sin, free from the power of death. This man does not die.
Second thing we need to know about Jesus is that he will rescue us from the coming wrath. Friends, how do you feel this Sunday morning? Some may be cold because of the air-conditioning. Some may be hungry because you didn't prepare in time to come here. You missed breakfast. I do not know how you feel this morning. But do you feel or think that God could be possibly angry with you? Do you realise that there is a possibility that God's wrath is upon you and me? The bible tells us that that is the case whether we feel it or not. And Jesus is the only person, it is called here, he is the only saviour who can rescue us from God's anger and God's rightful wrath.
We now live in the best season of human history. Why? We live in the best season of human history because God is offering us a rescue from our sin and from his wrath. And the rescue plan is Jesus as saviour and Lord.
People who believe in Jesus experience change in 3 ways. Firstly, a decisive break from the past idolatry. We turn from idols. Secondly, it is the present experience of serving God, no longer serving selves and serving idols. And thirdly, the 3rd change in the believer is a patient look to the future when Jesus will surely return. We are "waiters". That is why this is the best season of life necause it is the only time left for us to respond to God's offer of salvation.
May you come to believe in the Lord Jesus and experience this best season of your life for all eternity with God."
To listen or watch the sermon, go to http://www.arpc.net/sermons/index2006.htm, God for all seasons, Sep 24 2006, A Season for Retirees (wrong title I think)
1 Thessalonians chapter 1, verses 8 to 10:
The Lord's message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia—your faith in God has become known everywhere. Therefore we do not need to say anything about it, for they themselves report what kind of reception you gave us. They tell how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead—Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath.
Pastor Chris:
"Life is about seasons. Good and bad seasons. Up and down seasons.
Here is an account of Christianity in Singapore. Story is about the Anglican bishop of Singapore called John Leonard Wilson during World War II in the 1940s. Bishop Wilson was jailed with 3000 others in Changi Prison by the Japanese. Once he was accused along with 56 others of plotting against the Japanese. So they were questioned and interrogated. He was kicked, punched, lashed and whipped 300 times until there was no more skin on his legs.
World War II ended. The prisoners were released. 2 years after the war ended, Bishop Wilson was conducting a baptism at the cathedral in town. From the corner of his eye, he saw this person come forward. He saw one of the Japanese officers who had tortured him come forward for baptism. Here are the words of Bishop Wilson,"I have seldom seen such great a change in a man."A person who was full of hatred and violence who lashed him and whipped him was now coming to him as a Christian, a convert to be baptised.
The best season in life for us is usually when something bad has ended. The best season is when something good has started. The message of Christianity is about the best season in life. Why so? Because our season of war with God has ended and our season of peace with God has begun. And how has that come about? It has come about because God has sent his son Jesus to die on the cross for us.
And this best season leads to changed people. And the truly changed people are believers in Jesus Christ. The believer in Jesus Christ has 3 main changes in his life.
Firstly, 1 Thessalonians chapter 1 verse 9: "They tell how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God.." The first change is that we have "turned". The word "turn" means conversion. It means a decisive break from idols. And we ask: what is the difference between idols and the living and true God? And many of us who grow up like me in a multireligious setting may not know the difference.
It is a bit like this. You want to go buy a television set. Which should you choose? Samsung, LG, Sony. You want to buy a car. Hyundai, Kia, Toyota. There is no difference or not much difference. It is just a price difference or quality difference. Because at the end of the day, if you really think about it, it is simply a car. It is simply a televison set. But what Paul says here is different. He says it is not the same between idols and God. Idols are dead; God is living. Idols are false; God is real. Idols are human creations; God is the creator, the creator of the universe and the creator of you and me. There is a big difference. The first change in the believer is a decisive break from idols.
One of my relatives is now in his 70s. When he was younger, he was known to be rich, a playboy. He gambled. And he went from one place to another to pray, praying in Malaysia, praying in Thailand, praying anywhere he could find powerful idols. Then by God's grace, somebody shared Jesus with him. He believed and he got converted. You know how this relative now in his 70s now spends his days? He spends his days telling his friends over coffee, over tea, over meals, lunch and dinner, telling them,"Don't waste your time. Idols don't work." It is not that he is rude. But he has experienced being under the bondage , the slavery, the prison of believing in idols. And now he knows the difference between idols and God , and knowing this God personally.
Believers in Christ are people who have done a U-turn in their lives. We are previously going in one direction. We now realised our mistake and do a U-turn. We have turned from false gods and false hopes to the true and living God.
And we must say that an idol is anyone or anything who takes our right love and loyalty away from God. So some modern day idols, some modern day unseen idols could be obsession with money, obsession with sex, obsession with power, obsession with fame. Believers in Christ have made a decisive break from that. He (Paul) now says they have turned from that and turned to what? We turn to an active service of the true and living God.
So believers in Christ are not just U-turners, but we are servants of God. We are no longer servants of dead idols. We are no longer servants of ourselves as little gods.
Last week, our church ARPC took part in a national movement and the person who came was Richard Khalil as part of the Yellow Ribbon Project. The purpose of the Yeloow Ribbon Project is to help former drug addicts and former convicts assimilate into society. Many people came up to me after the service and said that Richard Khalil who shared about his former background and now his conversion and new life is very brave. Not easy to stand in front of people and tell them about your past, your sinful past.
Every single person who comes today for baptism or transfers (church was conducting baptisms and transfers that day) is saying to you: we all have a past. The past was when we served ourselves. And now we are servants of God.
Once I was talking to a parent whose son was on drugs. And he sadly said that his son was still on drugs. And I asked him,"What do you think is keeping him on the drugs?" And he said without hesitating,"It's just his selfishness. It's all about himself."
You know we have an advertisement on our television which basically ask how much do drugs cost. And basically it says taking drugs cost your job, your friends, your family and your life. The actual price of 1 shot may be 60 dollars, 80 dollars. I am not sure, I don't know. The price of it may be 60, 80, 100 dollars per shot but the cost of it is your family, your friends, your job, your life.
And so believers in Christ are saying: we have had enough of that (serving idols and serving ourselves). We are now no longer serving ourselves, we are no longer serving idols. We are serving the living and the true God.
There is a final change in the believer. And the final change is in verse 10: "to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead - Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath." Christians are not just servants of God, we are also "waiters". I do not mean waiters in a restaurant serving food but Christians and believers who patiently wait for Jesus to return. And Paul tells us 2 things about this Jesus who will return.
This son who will return was raised from the dead. Friends, let me ask you, have you met anybody last week who came back from the dead? I don't think so, right? Cos when you and I go to funerals, you expect to bury them, you expect to cremate them. They do not return from the dead. Paul tells us that Jesus is the one whom God has raised from the dead, which tells us that Jesus is the head of a new human race. He is the head of a new human race free from the power of sin, free from the power of death. This man does not die.
Second thing we need to know about Jesus is that he will rescue us from the coming wrath. Friends, how do you feel this Sunday morning? Some may be cold because of the air-conditioning. Some may be hungry because you didn't prepare in time to come here. You missed breakfast. I do not know how you feel this morning. But do you feel or think that God could be possibly angry with you? Do you realise that there is a possibility that God's wrath is upon you and me? The bible tells us that that is the case whether we feel it or not. And Jesus is the only person, it is called here, he is the only saviour who can rescue us from God's anger and God's rightful wrath.
We now live in the best season of human history. Why? We live in the best season of human history because God is offering us a rescue from our sin and from his wrath. And the rescue plan is Jesus as saviour and Lord.
People who believe in Jesus experience change in 3 ways. Firstly, a decisive break from the past idolatry. We turn from idols. Secondly, it is the present experience of serving God, no longer serving selves and serving idols. And thirdly, the 3rd change in the believer is a patient look to the future when Jesus will surely return. We are "waiters". That is why this is the best season of life necause it is the only time left for us to respond to God's offer of salvation.
May you come to believe in the Lord Jesus and experience this best season of your life for all eternity with God."
To listen or watch the sermon, go to http://www.arpc.net/sermons/index2006.htm, God for all seasons, Sep 24 2006, A Season for Retirees (wrong title I think)
Monday, September 25, 2006
Rambling on..
Tired.. that is one word which best describes my weekend.. helped organise a farewell party for 2 PUNJ friends who are leaving for overseas studies and exchange.. there was more than enough food fortunately.. and pretty good food too! there was shepherd's pie, bee hoon, fried rice, otak, chicken wings, pasta and lots more.. good fellowship with the PUNJers at HL's house.. just that the fatigue was getting a bit to me. then went home and caught the manu-reading game and regretted staying up till 2 am.. seems like i am a jinx to them.. whenever I watch manu play, they will either lose or draw.. sigh.. today's tuition was rather draining too.. had lunch with my sec 1 kid.. then had to go Popular buy a book cos had no papers to go through with him.. can't believe that he is doing O level standard biology at sec 1.. but at least he was responsive and eager to learn.
Happy.. today's service was very good.. sermon was short and simple, nothing fanciful, but very good for pre-believers.. I might type it out or something.. but this was the first time we had english and mandarin service together cos the mandarin ministry's people were joining us.. so quite interesting.. I thought bible reading and singing worship songs in mandarin was kind of interesting.. haha maybe join mandarin ministry in future.. lol.. but the amazing thing about today's service is the amount of people coming for baptisms and cofirmations and tranfers.. so encouraging to see so many people coming to ARPC and accepting Christ in their lives..
Happy for a friend too that she had accepted Christ as her Lord and saviour.. that makes it 3 friends whom I know have come to accept Christ this year.. so amazing.. sometimes I feel it's just so difficult to talk to people about Christ and telling them that they need Christ in their lives.. but God makes it so easy.. God will always find a way to find His own children..
Happy.. today's service was very good.. sermon was short and simple, nothing fanciful, but very good for pre-believers.. I might type it out or something.. but this was the first time we had english and mandarin service together cos the mandarin ministry's people were joining us.. so quite interesting.. I thought bible reading and singing worship songs in mandarin was kind of interesting.. haha maybe join mandarin ministry in future.. lol.. but the amazing thing about today's service is the amount of people coming for baptisms and cofirmations and tranfers.. so encouraging to see so many people coming to ARPC and accepting Christ in their lives..
Happy for a friend too that she had accepted Christ as her Lord and saviour.. that makes it 3 friends whom I know have come to accept Christ this year.. so amazing.. sometimes I feel it's just so difficult to talk to people about Christ and telling them that they need Christ in their lives.. but God makes it so easy.. God will always find a way to find His own children..
Saturday, September 16, 2006
Baptism of repentence
In Luke 3:1-20, John the baptist came to preach a baptism of repentence for the forgiveness of sins. Not that through repentence alone, one's sins will be forgiven.. But rather how through repentence, John will prepare the people's hearts (mostly Jews) for the acceptance of Christ, and through Him salvation.
As is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet: "A voice of one calling in the desert, 'Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him. Every valley shall be filled in, every mountain and hill made low. The crooked roads shall become straight, the rough ways smooth. And all mankind will see God's salvation.' "
And John told the crowd,"Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father.' For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. The axe is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire."
The Jews at that time believed that salvation will be guaranteed based on ancestory alone. Just because they have Abraham as their father and the mark of circumcision, they will be forgiven of their sins and saved from God's wrath. But it is clear here that ancestory will not be a criterion for salvation. Rather they were to produce fruit in keeping with repentence. That means a change of heart and turning over a new leaf, turning back from their old ways.. True repentence requires much more than lip service. It encompasses action and active change and renewal..
I used to believe that religion is very much a culture/tradition thing.. meaning u basically follow whatever your parents are doing.. and that is very much the case for most people I believe.. whether or not they really believe in the act of burning joss sticks, hell money and offering food to ancestors is questionable.. at least for myself, even when I wasn't a Christian, these were merely rituals which I don't believe in.. and almost all the Malays here are Muslims.. so I always thought that religion is a traditional or ancestral thing. if your dad is a Taoist, you will be a Taoist.. if your Dad is Muslim, you will be a Muslim.. and I thought Christianity was so.. but later on, I realised that Christianity was one of the few religions that doesn't really follow this pattern.. I mean most people born in Christian families will still become Christians, but Christianity is probably the religion that non-Christians can convert to.. in fact when you say u have converted, most people will know that u have converted to Christianity and not something else.. but that is also why some people detest Christianity for constantly looking to convert people and boost their membership..
For me, I was at first rather perplexed as to why Christians are so eager to convert other people.. and I still believed that most people are born Christians.. I think it is only when I started attending PUNJ that I realised how wrong I was.. I was quite surprised that many of the PUNJers came from non-Christian backgrounds and have come to believe in Christ only later on in life.. that really challenged my view of religion.. and furthermore, I realised that even those born in Christian families are not born Christians.. meaning no one is born a Christian.. that everyone must make a decision to follow Christ some time in their lives.. no one is a Christian by default.
I think in Christianity, I find truth and credibility based on the fact that people really believed in what they are doing.. People have made a personal decision to follow Christ and not based on ancestory or tradition. They have studied God's word and come to believe in it. Their actions and words stem from their faith in Jesus Christ. And the fact that they are actively seeking people to be converted shows that they are convinced that Christianity is the truth and the way to salvation.
At the same time, there are always "Christians" who merely wear their crosses on their chests as a fashion accessory and continue in their old worldly ways and do not portray the right image of Christianity.. ultimately it is up to God who judges us and sees our hearts.. "Christian" or "non-Christian" is merely a tag that anyone can put on whenever he wishes.. there will always be Christians who are not Christians and non-Christians who are actually Christians.. only God will know.
So I digress a lot.. But why do we need to produce fruit in keeping with repentence? why do we convert? and why do we seek people to be converted? Because the axe is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. Jesus will come to judge and punish. His winnowing fork is in his hand to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire. He will come to judge man's hearts, and those that have believed in him will be saved, and the rest will perish.. To Christians, this is good news.. to others, this may be unpalatable and you may choose to not believe in it..
How certain am I of this? Never 100%.. but so much as the bible is true and is God's word to mankind, I find it hard to simply disregard it and move on with life..
As is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet: "A voice of one calling in the desert, 'Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him. Every valley shall be filled in, every mountain and hill made low. The crooked roads shall become straight, the rough ways smooth. And all mankind will see God's salvation.' "
And John told the crowd,"Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father.' For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. The axe is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire."
The Jews at that time believed that salvation will be guaranteed based on ancestory alone. Just because they have Abraham as their father and the mark of circumcision, they will be forgiven of their sins and saved from God's wrath. But it is clear here that ancestory will not be a criterion for salvation. Rather they were to produce fruit in keeping with repentence. That means a change of heart and turning over a new leaf, turning back from their old ways.. True repentence requires much more than lip service. It encompasses action and active change and renewal..
I used to believe that religion is very much a culture/tradition thing.. meaning u basically follow whatever your parents are doing.. and that is very much the case for most people I believe.. whether or not they really believe in the act of burning joss sticks, hell money and offering food to ancestors is questionable.. at least for myself, even when I wasn't a Christian, these were merely rituals which I don't believe in.. and almost all the Malays here are Muslims.. so I always thought that religion is a traditional or ancestral thing. if your dad is a Taoist, you will be a Taoist.. if your Dad is Muslim, you will be a Muslim.. and I thought Christianity was so.. but later on, I realised that Christianity was one of the few religions that doesn't really follow this pattern.. I mean most people born in Christian families will still become Christians, but Christianity is probably the religion that non-Christians can convert to.. in fact when you say u have converted, most people will know that u have converted to Christianity and not something else.. but that is also why some people detest Christianity for constantly looking to convert people and boost their membership..
For me, I was at first rather perplexed as to why Christians are so eager to convert other people.. and I still believed that most people are born Christians.. I think it is only when I started attending PUNJ that I realised how wrong I was.. I was quite surprised that many of the PUNJers came from non-Christian backgrounds and have come to believe in Christ only later on in life.. that really challenged my view of religion.. and furthermore, I realised that even those born in Christian families are not born Christians.. meaning no one is born a Christian.. that everyone must make a decision to follow Christ some time in their lives.. no one is a Christian by default.
I think in Christianity, I find truth and credibility based on the fact that people really believed in what they are doing.. People have made a personal decision to follow Christ and not based on ancestory or tradition. They have studied God's word and come to believe in it. Their actions and words stem from their faith in Jesus Christ. And the fact that they are actively seeking people to be converted shows that they are convinced that Christianity is the truth and the way to salvation.
At the same time, there are always "Christians" who merely wear their crosses on their chests as a fashion accessory and continue in their old worldly ways and do not portray the right image of Christianity.. ultimately it is up to God who judges us and sees our hearts.. "Christian" or "non-Christian" is merely a tag that anyone can put on whenever he wishes.. there will always be Christians who are not Christians and non-Christians who are actually Christians.. only God will know.
So I digress a lot.. But why do we need to produce fruit in keeping with repentence? why do we convert? and why do we seek people to be converted? Because the axe is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. Jesus will come to judge and punish. His winnowing fork is in his hand to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire. He will come to judge man's hearts, and those that have believed in him will be saved, and the rest will perish.. To Christians, this is good news.. to others, this may be unpalatable and you may choose to not believe in it..
How certain am I of this? Never 100%.. but so much as the bible is true and is God's word to mankind, I find it hard to simply disregard it and move on with life..
Sunday, September 03, 2006
A Saviour born
Was deciding what to blog about, cos I could possibly blog about today's sermon which was quite sobering, friday's bible study or continue to blog about Luke.. Anyway decided to continue with Luke la since I have already started with it.
Luke 2 continues with a record of Jesus' birth. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
Then an angel appeared to some shepherds and told them, "I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."
Luke then went on to record for us the response of these shepherds who returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
Similarly, later in the chapter, a righteous man named Simeon and a prophetess named Anna also gave thanks to God and praised God for the birth of Jesus.
So what we see here, are the responses of 3 groups of people who responded positively to Jesus' birth and gave glory to God for it. Their response was amazing and reflected a lot of faith in the sense that they had not yet known how Jesus will come to save them of their sins. They had not come to know of Jesus' miracles and his death on the cross. However they simply trusted in what God had said. In the Old Testament, God had promised the Jews a Saviour that will come from the line of David, and who will deliver Israel from suffering and oppression. 400 years after the last book of the OT, the birth of Jesus was a fulfilment of what God had promised the Jews and provided great hope to the Jews.
At the same time, this salvation will not only be for the Jews, but will go out to all nations. We see a glimmer of this greater salvation in verses 28 to 32 of chapter 2: Simeon took Jesus in his arms and praised God, saying: "Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel." So this greater salvation, through the person and work of Jesus Christ will go out to all people, including the Gentiles who were the non-Jews.
What does this mean for us? To some, the birth of Jesus probably gives us some reason to exchange presents, eat log cakes and buy christmas trees during Christmas. For some, it doesn't mean anything more than a day of reference for the counting of years.. That's where BC (before Christ) and AD (Anno Domini or in the year of the Lord) comes in. Oh by the way, historians have recently changed the way they name their years to BCE (before common era) and CE (common era) to replace BC and AD to remove the religious affiliations..
But the birth of Christ has greater significance and importance than that. And unlike the shepherds and the Jews living at that time, we are privileged in that we know how Jesus had provided us with salvation by dying on the cross for sinners. We know that the birth of Christ heralds a new era in the history of man and ushers in God's kingdom which will come to include all who believes.
But knowing about the birth of Christ and the crucifixion of Christ means nothing. Only a response by faith in God's offer of salvation, giving thanks and accepting His gift of salvation will save you from God's wrath and grant you entry into His kingdom. For myself and many Christians, knowing this good news about the birth of our Saviour has brought great joy and comfort in our lives. I am extremely thankful that God has not forsaken his people despite our sinfulness and unworthiness and has sent His Son down to earth to save us. Sometimes, people will ask me why there is only one way of salvation. It seems almost unfair and unreasonable that Christianity is the only way. But if you look at how sinful the world is today and has been in the past, and if you put yourself in the shoes of God who looked down at His creation, it is mind-boggling to understand how God has even bothered to offer a way out for us.
Perhaps it will be appropriate to leave you with the famous John 3:16 verse:
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
Luke 2 continues with a record of Jesus' birth. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
Then an angel appeared to some shepherds and told them, "I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."
Luke then went on to record for us the response of these shepherds who returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
Similarly, later in the chapter, a righteous man named Simeon and a prophetess named Anna also gave thanks to God and praised God for the birth of Jesus.
So what we see here, are the responses of 3 groups of people who responded positively to Jesus' birth and gave glory to God for it. Their response was amazing and reflected a lot of faith in the sense that they had not yet known how Jesus will come to save them of their sins. They had not come to know of Jesus' miracles and his death on the cross. However they simply trusted in what God had said. In the Old Testament, God had promised the Jews a Saviour that will come from the line of David, and who will deliver Israel from suffering and oppression. 400 years after the last book of the OT, the birth of Jesus was a fulfilment of what God had promised the Jews and provided great hope to the Jews.
At the same time, this salvation will not only be for the Jews, but will go out to all nations. We see a glimmer of this greater salvation in verses 28 to 32 of chapter 2: Simeon took Jesus in his arms and praised God, saying: "Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel." So this greater salvation, through the person and work of Jesus Christ will go out to all people, including the Gentiles who were the non-Jews.
What does this mean for us? To some, the birth of Jesus probably gives us some reason to exchange presents, eat log cakes and buy christmas trees during Christmas. For some, it doesn't mean anything more than a day of reference for the counting of years.. That's where BC (before Christ) and AD (Anno Domini or in the year of the Lord) comes in. Oh by the way, historians have recently changed the way they name their years to BCE (before common era) and CE (common era) to replace BC and AD to remove the religious affiliations..
But the birth of Christ has greater significance and importance than that. And unlike the shepherds and the Jews living at that time, we are privileged in that we know how Jesus had provided us with salvation by dying on the cross for sinners. We know that the birth of Christ heralds a new era in the history of man and ushers in God's kingdom which will come to include all who believes.
But knowing about the birth of Christ and the crucifixion of Christ means nothing. Only a response by faith in God's offer of salvation, giving thanks and accepting His gift of salvation will save you from God's wrath and grant you entry into His kingdom. For myself and many Christians, knowing this good news about the birth of our Saviour has brought great joy and comfort in our lives. I am extremely thankful that God has not forsaken his people despite our sinfulness and unworthiness and has sent His Son down to earth to save us. Sometimes, people will ask me why there is only one way of salvation. It seems almost unfair and unreasonable that Christianity is the only way. But if you look at how sinful the world is today and has been in the past, and if you put yourself in the shoes of God who looked down at His creation, it is mind-boggling to understand how God has even bothered to offer a way out for us.
Perhaps it will be appropriate to leave you with the famous John 3:16 verse:
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
Monday, August 28, 2006
Runner's world
Posting at SNEC (Singapore National Eye Centre) has been a pretty relaxing one so far. A much needed breather after a rather shiong paeds posting.. quite interesting at first but can be quite tiring and mundane standing in the clinics for hours, especially if there is nothing much to see or do.. getting better with the ophthalmosope, albeit most of the pupils have been dilated and it's easier to see..
Army half marathon went well, better than expected.. especially since I barely ran 5 km 2 weeks prior to the run due to a medial arch injury.. I think most people think I am crazy, taking part in all these runs. I also dunno what motivated me to go through all these runs.. I picked it up 3 years ago when I was slacking away as a clerk in army and decided that I could not get fat sitting in the office every day from 9 to 5.. And I guess running suits me cos it's cheap, in fact almost free if not for the shoes, and convenient.. and it's quite a loner sport. there's no need for a partner or team-mate, unlike in tennis or soccer.. and I guess I do enjoy the quiet and peace of running alone. it removes a lot of clutter in my mind and allows me plenty of time to think about stuff, which distracts me from the physical exertion and the distance. and yup can pray to God at the same time too.. and of course the best method to maintain fitness and burn fat, and safer than lap-banding too..
But it can get quite boring, so you have to either have a lot of creativity in thinking of new routes to run every time, or you just have to have a lot of discipline and motivation to run the same route every time. For me, it's the latter cos I am used to running long dist and I am too lazy and uncreative to think of new routes to run. And it's easier to calculate distance if I run multiples of the same 5km route..
The biggest obstacle for me is time.. especially this year, and the situation wont get any better for the next few years to come.. the long runs can come to 4 hours or so including the warming up, lacing up, cooling down, cleaning up, resting and stuff, and my short runs aren't that short as well.. so you can imagine if I train properly, how many hours a week I can spend running.. I think the challenge is really how I plan my time to juggle studies, running, church, bible studies and social outings. And to remind myself that running is not the most important thing in my life.. Just have to train enough to cross the finishing line safe and sound haha.
Next race is 42.195km in December.. God bless me. =)
Army half marathon went well, better than expected.. especially since I barely ran 5 km 2 weeks prior to the run due to a medial arch injury.. I think most people think I am crazy, taking part in all these runs. I also dunno what motivated me to go through all these runs.. I picked it up 3 years ago when I was slacking away as a clerk in army and decided that I could not get fat sitting in the office every day from 9 to 5.. And I guess running suits me cos it's cheap, in fact almost free if not for the shoes, and convenient.. and it's quite a loner sport. there's no need for a partner or team-mate, unlike in tennis or soccer.. and I guess I do enjoy the quiet and peace of running alone. it removes a lot of clutter in my mind and allows me plenty of time to think about stuff, which distracts me from the physical exertion and the distance. and yup can pray to God at the same time too.. and of course the best method to maintain fitness and burn fat, and safer than lap-banding too..
But it can get quite boring, so you have to either have a lot of creativity in thinking of new routes to run every time, or you just have to have a lot of discipline and motivation to run the same route every time. For me, it's the latter cos I am used to running long dist and I am too lazy and uncreative to think of new routes to run. And it's easier to calculate distance if I run multiples of the same 5km route..
The biggest obstacle for me is time.. especially this year, and the situation wont get any better for the next few years to come.. the long runs can come to 4 hours or so including the warming up, lacing up, cooling down, cleaning up, resting and stuff, and my short runs aren't that short as well.. so you can imagine if I train properly, how many hours a week I can spend running.. I think the challenge is really how I plan my time to juggle studies, running, church, bible studies and social outings. And to remind myself that running is not the most important thing in my life.. Just have to train enough to cross the finishing line safe and sound haha.
Next race is 42.195km in December.. God bless me. =)
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