Archive for April, 2008
The problem with many of us is when we THINK we sees things as they really are when it’s really not what it is. Our vision and perspectives are easily clouded by baggage from the past, prejudice of the present and fears for the future. And of course, the good old way of saying this is … we are sinful creatures and our minds and hearts are corrupted or easily corruptible. We may think we SEE but maybe we are BLIND to many things God is showing us. Apostle Paul when he was Saul is a good example, and who can forget Jesus long-winded dispute with the religious leaders in John Chapter 9 on the healing of the man born blind. It wasn’t merely about a miracle it was about what was the meaning the miracle was pointing to.
We are afraid of darkness, and surely think it’s tragic to be blind. But today, the good news is God is present even in the midst of the valleys of pitch darkness .. perhaps being the ONLY light we can cling on too … and the bonus would even be the warmth of his presence. The first step to see again, is to admit our blind spots .. the second, is to open ourselves for his touch that the scales from our eyes will fall away.. and we can see again.
* * *
It’s a challenge to pray together as a family in our hurried world. In fact, for some of us, it may even be a challenge to eat together regularly. But the old saying, "a family who prays together stays together" cannot be ignored. The alternative of all of us dragged into our own fragmented existence is not very promising for the present or the future. This question of "What memories of God am I creating for the ones I love?" is worth spending time on. And it’s worth our effort to spend time in answering the question with practical steps immediately after reading this. I think the "praying together" bit is one thing to work hard towards even more for those of us who are struggling, but there are little beginnings we can start. And for me, after I shut down the notebook it’s when we’re on the way to school … Elysia and me 
those 15-20minutes on the road is a time to turn an ordinary car into an extraordinary sanctuary …
* * *
We have so many ideas of who a leader is? what they should be? how they should behave? We have lists whether written or unwritten on how do we determine their success or failure (which reads whether they have failed us or not)? We want them to be strong and yet we want them to be personal. We hope they will be competent and require character. We can go on and on …
And then suddenly, we find ourselves in leadership. The questions get redirected at ourselves. I’m not limiting myself to church leadership here, but even beyond the church – whether in the office or on the streets! When we are in some "position" or "responsibility" then we begin to realize the inner ramblings and musings of a leader. We also become aware of the fears and challenges it involves. The demands and the hard decisions which needs to be made.
That’s why in my limited hitting my head to the wall experience, the consistent need for outer help to face the inner battles is crucial. It comes in the form of trusted people who offer genuine support in prayer and encouragement – note the word EN-Courage … – these are people who are instruments of both comfort and courage. They serve as signs of God’s grace upon our endeavors as leaders in our respective sphere. But at the end of the day, especially when no one is looking, it’s not a cliche when we mean it that God is our ultimate source of strength and courage. Not the God of our ideas and rationalizations or experiences, But the God of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob … Moses … Joshua … David … Isaiah .. Jeremiah … Daniel … Nehemiah … Jesus … Paul … Polycarp …Alopen … Luther … Bonhoeffer … etc.
* * *
These harmonics vibrated from April 21-24, 2008
"My faith is something like my radio: God is always sending me messages, but I’m not always in the right place to receive what God is sending. Sometimes my mind and heart aren’t tuned well enough to hear what God is sending, and I need to follow Jesus’ example."
I believe many of us can relate to what is highlighted above. Wouldn’t it me better if we were more "in tune" with what messages are sent our way? But merely saying our that desire is a step, what is needed is the decision to create "space" and be at "places" both internally amidst the inner chaos of our daily pilgrimage, and externally facing struggles and even attacks from all ends. For me, while I can talk about what happens inside and outside separately, in reality, it’s much more closely related. Interestingly, the way in towards getting the heart in tune begins from the outside. The plain simple taking a shower, sitting down, slowing down my breathing to pray and center myself, pick up the pen and open my journal to begin writing … nothing fancy but the results are fantastic (like writing this reflection). When I get ready for a small group meeting with fellow pilgrims, getting the kids ready for Sunday worship, making sure Elysia wears her shoes the right way, carrying Ewan into the car seat … the list goes on. Very earthy external stuff … but it’s the way in. Like putting the radio in the right place to get the best reception … nothing fancy but the results are fulfilling … when we manage to hear what God is saying, how can we not be change?
* * *
I was in a conversation with a friend in transit from Penang to Australia, and she brought out an personal insight. She described how when she was back in her home city and often because there’’s so many homeless people on the street that she felt dumb to the reality. Perhaps, she suggested, we have a kind of defense mechanism which allows us to move on with our own life without allowing these needs to paralyze us.
But then during her time in Penang, she shared how in a trip to give some food supplies to the Burmese refugees, the whole experience shocked her to the core. Suddenly, while one is in a totally foreign context away from home, the suffering of others hit home harder than when she was home. Perhaps, she wasn’t that cold after all.
And I suppose each of us will have our won story to tell. And what’s important is not to keep on beating ourselves up, or being preoccupied with the failure of others. Both exercises is a sure energy draining program. What is needed is that (1) Being open to what is right before our eyes and near to our ears. (2) Go to places where we can open our eyes and open our ears, (3) No matter what we feel whether cold or warm, we ask … What’s next? What baby step I can take? (4) Talk with someone, and ask them to join you or keep you accountable.
Usually, by simply stepping out of our comfort zones into the unknown brings unexpected the joy and fulfillment of not only doing what is right, kind, and unassuming … but feeling alive in the best sense of the word!
* * *
These harmonics vibrated from April 17-18, 2008
It’s been a while since I posted up some books that I have been reading. And there is still so much I need to catch up with whether it’s for my Masters (which is stuck in transition), book chapters or articles I owe people.
So, I thought I’ll try and get into the groove with this interesting book. Now the fact is, these posts I put up are never really books reviews. I think there are plenty of good ones out there.
What I tend to do is to pull out excerpts which has captured my attention or helps propel my imagination forward. Thus, it tends to be more personal and local.
It was nice to "bump" into this book from the local seminary Malaysia Theological Seminary or Seminari Theoloji Malaysia (STM). It’s the place where I look for stuff I can’t buy
For starters, I liked the introduction and managed to at least read the chapter focused on Ecclesiology.
The Five Thesis on the "Theoretical Status of Liberation Theology" (pp. 1-5):
Thesis 1: The theology of liberation is an integral theology, treating all of the positivity of faith from a particular perspective: that of the poor and their liberation.
Last Sunday was the first time, I spent a little bit more time on the subject of "prosperity gospel" in one part of the message. The impulse for that is I get the sense that at least for the Church in Malaysia especially the city, most of us have no clue about the plight of the poor and what liberation for them means. We tend towards spiritualizing our talk about the poor and usually land up just saying how fortunate we are in comparison to them and then end there. The conversations floating in our heads and often in the space between us tends towards our self-preservation or self-advancement divorced from the wider realities of our "neighbors".
The little theology of liberation I have reflected on shouts to me loud and clear … "Shame on us!". I was tempted to add some stronger language after that sentence and restrained myself upon second thought. Our hearts are often too hardened that even after exposure to the realities of the poor in Malaysia, we need better language to help us not only think about it, but do something about it. And this "something" must go beyond pity, shame and guilt … that kick is needed, but to take it further long term I found some resource and language from our brothers and sisters in Latin America.
Now this is surely a first in Malaysia I wonder whether Jeff can keep it up even when Parliament is in session.
FACE TO FACE: Dr Bridget Welsh
Need to catch up with some of these Face to Face interviews.
7. Imran Imtiaz Shah Yacob: Can Anwar Ibrahim claim the prize of being Prime Minister? What in your view are his weaknesses at this stage.
Bridget Welsh: The reality is that Anwar Ibrahim has re-emerged as a major contender for power. His rise will depend on the success of the opposition working together, the ability of the BN to reform (thereby reducing his chances) and his acumen in promoting compromise. Anwar Ibrahim faces a few key weaknesses – 1) the political opposition is fragmented and he is weakened by its divisions and the weakness of the opposition – inexperience – noted above. 2) Despite his comeback, Anwar still has a trust deficit among non-Malays who criticize his policies while in the BN (education and Islamization) and now has a trust deficit within the Malay community (in that he is seen by some as violating interests of the Malay community through changes in NEP). He will need to continually address these areas. 3) He lacks resources for his party. The opposition as a whole is now completely overstretched. Thus, a critical issue ahead in fulfilling promises is to build the policy capability of all parties.
…
10. Imran Imtiaz Shah Yacob: What’s your assessment of Najib Razak? The Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia.
Bridget Welsh: He is a good administrator, and has played a key role in the Abdullah administration. This is not generally known about him, and he is not given credit for the important contributions he is making to running government. He is intelligent and strongly committed to Malaysia. There are clearly issues, however, that cloud his leadership, from rumours involving submarine deals to the ongoing Mongolian trial. These issues need to be resolved in a transparent manner in order for Najib Tun Razak to gain greater credibility nationally. His public image needs to be stronger if he is to continue to lead effectively. His strength remains within his own party, not the general public. Today, it is essential to have both party and public mandates.…
12. Imran Imtiaz Shah Yacob: If you met Abdullah Badawi today, what would you say to him?
Bridget Welsh: After praising him for allowing a more open system to emerge in Malaysia, I would urge him to listen to a wider group of advisers, empower more effective policy implementers and fulfil the promises of reforms that Malaysians are calling for. I would wish him the best in traversing the difficult road ahead.
We are watching closely aren’t we? It’s best not to insult the Rakyat’s intelligence and resolve.
The phrase "mixed signals" leaped out. The question will be how can BN get unstuck? Many have waited long and hope to see more … every action counts especially when one’s credits or credibility is running low.
Hisham apologises for keris act
A question more out of curiosity, would he had done it if the results of the March 8th Elections were different? I don’t think I’m the only one who has questions lingering, of course some have stronger words to say in Hisham’s ‘keris’ apology: Your say
Cheese on toast and with a little bit of wine. These are pleasures indeed.
I recall years ago listening to a message by Bill Hybels on keeping a watch on our RPMs. The last one year has been moving forward much more quickly than I expected. I’m a little surprised I’m not burnt out yet. … but I’m watchful.
The weekend is already full. There are some extras coming up next week before we go on our leader’s retreat in Cameron Highlands which includes a visit to our sister congregation in Batu 20th. I’m glad there will be a guest speaker next Sunday. So, I can have a free mind on more administrative matters.
After talking with my associate pastor Naomi, it dawned on me maybe I need to adjust again how I get myself writing for my part-time Master’s program. Rather than a once a week one day arrangement, maybe I should just accumulate the days into one week and make an intense run for it. I guess that’s how I operate, a little bit more under pressure, or when I get into a rhythm I’m in the groove. It’s jump starting that which is a challenge.
I do hope to make it one day to the Maranatha Retreat House. I think I need some time there. The arrangement for that is more challenging than before especially with 3 kids and one wife. So, the balance is between family time and personal time. But so far, it’s been good. Now towards something better.
I’m thankful I’m not burnt out … while it’s tiring physically and sometimes emotionally. But a rigid Monday Sabbath has been life-saving. And most of the "stuff" I’m involved in is REALLY rewarding and I believe strongly contributing to good healthy change in the long run for the church as well as for society. So, when that is clear then I’m not bogged down by the slow or the lack of results in the near future.
Encouragement from like-minded people and friends make a big difference. This is one area which through the years has been a consistent gift I have experienced again and again. There were down times no doubt, and there were seasons of elation, nowadays it’s simply simple paths I’m walking on … but these companions along the journey both older and younger have been a tremendous blessing.
Conflicts, critics, cautious, chaos … it’s still there … I tend to dodge some, ignore others, re-frame a few, face some head on, … many ways to deal with different situations. At times, I’m more composed, other times I’m in crisis mode. All in all … some Cheese and toast with wine helps one go a long way… plus, having a healthy distance with some burning issues helps too.
Well, got into rhythm for some random thoughts tonight. Until the next one.
Just in case you needed to relax …. I did.
So far we have a few frequent guests commenting, which is good. So far, I’m wondering whether they are all men. At least, we got comments from East Malaysia, which is a good development.
49. Jeremiah Liang (07/18/2008 05:55:00)
I said that Christians should act decisively when there are issues that affect our society spiritually. For example, the decline of law and order affects all citizens. How can a Christian be stirred to act for his own kind when crime affects everybody.
A Christian who voted for Pakatan Rakyat is actually in a dilemma because if you look at it, the vote is also for PAS which advocates an Islamic state, a concept that will affect not only Christians, but all other Muslims who are against hudud laws imposed on them.
So why do Christians take a stand against BN in the last GE? It is only after weighing the pros and cons of PR. It is a protest vote to check the power of BN.6 total posts | view profile
48. potts (07/17/2008 10:19:54)
If I read Mr Liang rightly, he says that of all matters, big issues that infringe on spiritual matters should move us to act. Such as destruction of churches, religious extremism – these are issues that concern Malaysian christians.
The problem with such a point of view is that he is saying we should really act when issues that affect us (as Christians) arise. For other issues, our attitude will be "biasa-lah". That would be no different from Malays who care only when the Malay agenda is affected, or Indians who agitate only when Indian interests are harmed. Or Chinese who are roused only when their own rice bowl is threatened. Would we really say that this is what the Bible teaches us to do?5 total posts | view profile
Sometimes our debates are distracting, other times it helps us clarify the issues. Bart Ehrman verses N.T. Wright, so we are in the later catergory.
Philosophical Fragments by Sören Kierkegaard
This quote brought me here … I love the word "Paradox"
"If . . . subjectivity is truth and subjectivity is the existing subjectivity, then, if I may put it this way, Christianity is a perfect fit. Subjectivity culminates in passion, Christianity is paradox; paradox and passion fit each other perfectly, and paradox perfectly fits a person situated in the extremity of existence" (Johannes Climacus, Concluding Unscientific Postscript to Philosophical Fragments)
Another great excerpt …
In his remarkable book, Jesus For President, Shane Claiborne includes an excerpt from a letter written from Aristides the Athenian to the Roman Emperor in 137 A.D. In the letter, it is clear that the early disciples understood the Christian life as a process of becoming, a process of devoting themselves to the Jesus Way. In taking on particular practices, the early Christians set themselves apart from life in the Empire. In this way, the Christian Way was remarkable. In his letter, Artistides writes:
“It is the Christians, O Emperor, who have sought and found the truth, for they acknowledge God. They do not keep for themselves the goods entrusted to them. They do not covet what belongs to others. They show love to their neighbors. They do not do to another what they would not wish to have done to themselves. They speak gently to those who oppress them, and in this way they make themselves friends. It has become their passion to do good to their enemies. They live in the awareness of their smallness. Every one of them who has anything gives ungrudgingly to the one who has nothing. If they see a traveling stranger, they bring him under their roof. They rejoice over him as over a real brother…If they hear that one of them is imprisoned or oppressed for the sake of Christ, they take care of all his needs. If possible they set him free. If anyone among them is poor or comes into want while they themselves have nothing to spare, they fast two or three days for him. In this way they can supply any poor man with the food he needs. This, O Emperor, is the rule of life of the Christians, and this is their manner of life.”
A Spirituality of Gladness, Joy, and Celebration
We are PRO-Life in the fullest sense of the word …
We were created for life, to give life and to enjoy the presence of our Creator because our God is a God of life, not death.4 In Jesus we see a God who is not foreign to celebrating, enjoying meals, opening Himself up to others, dialoguing, weeping, rejoicing—in summary, living and drinking in life in all its dimensions. In fact, Jesus loved the table fellowship so much, and all that it implies emotionally, socially, and spiritually, that He was accused of being a glutton and a drunkard!5 Our intimacy with Jesus should have implications for our daily walk with Him. Our spirituality, or the spirit by which we live, should reflect our desire to follow our Master, to understand and make the same choices as the man from Galilee, Jesus of Nazareth.6
“I have come so that they might have life, and have it to the full.”7 I think this verse has usually been interpreted as referring solely to the fullness of life we experience after death. However, I believe it’s more inclusive than that. The verses preceding Jesus’ statement of abundant life tell of a present situation: the sheep hearing the shepherd’s voice and following Him while they are alive! Jesus came announcing the Kingdom of God’s eruption into history and inviting humanity to participate in it. Jesus laid down His life for us so that we could live like Him on earth and experience and celebrate the fruits of life now, as well as enjoy the bliss of being in God’s presence for all eternity.
Spiritual formation strikes back …?
WHEN WE ADMIT our weaknesses …, we discover one of the greatest secrets of the spiritual journey — that in our weakness lies our strength. This is one of the most powerful spiritual truths that we will ever discover. Rather than rejecting us because of our weaknesses, it opens the door for God to come alongside us and help us overcome what had previously defeated us. God’s strength can lead us beyond our weakness and enable us to grow spiritually strong.
- Trevor Hudson
One Day at a Time: Discovering the Freedom of 12-Step Spirituality
(via Upper Room Daily Reflections)
I remember hearing something similar from my senior in seminary during my first year Words of wisdom which has been ingrained in me for a long time. There’s always a lot of talk about how to deal with our weakness (usually meaning how to overcome it) or focus on our strengths. But before we even head towards that, I think we need to take a step back and have a fresh look at what is really going on here. How is God knocking on our doors especially in times of weakness as well as when our weaknesses become more visible under pressure or failure?
It’s tempting to slip into some self-bashing mode which is never helpful. Then another reaction is damaging when we turn on the magnifying glasses looking for someone to blame. I guess either way, we see that we need to be responsible as well as acknowledge the responsibility of others. But what we really need beyond getting trapped and immobilized from "growing as a person" or "moving on in life" is a redemptive mode of existence and living. Redemptive …. I like that word .. I love what it signifies … and the action in which it points to.