Sivin Kit's Garden

Random thoughts after Toastmasters

"The Magic Eyes" was a really good fable from "Forgive & Forget: healing the hurts we don't deserve" by Lewis Smedes I used for my "storytelling" Advanced Speech No.1. The response was more positive than I expected. the message of forgiving was clear I think!

I enjoyed interacting with two fellow toastmasters for supper. One Christian, the other well-informed non-Christian. Both of their minds have an interesting mode of operation. :-)

"Bonhoeffer: Agent of Grace" was a good realistic movie we watched this morning. The quotes in the movie on lying and truth, on a new form of Christianity and the prayer/poem on "Who am I?" rocked me a little.

Got two books from Pastor Chan (quite a intellectual-academic-pastor) on "Radical orthodoxy" which caught my attention some time ago. wow! these books which are part of this so called Radical Orthodoxy Project are expensive. Milbank is the name that captured my attention. Sharp ideas don't come cheap these days, let's see what they have to offer tonight!

OUCH ... the headache was bad after the morning session and lunch. Wonder why. A short nap helped a bit. We are embodied beings!

Stepped into LCMS HQ office after a long gap ... the comments kind of caused me to wonder what is in people's minds these days. What keeps those brain waves electrifying the matter in between the ears?

Enjoy feeding Gareth every morning or whenever I can. he's got great appetite. Some impatience here and there. Overall .. a cool kid as he approaches one years old. Time shoots ... it doesn't just fly!

Wondered about "compromise" .. when is it when we are compromising? or what can or cannot be compromised?Even in Christian practices... if I don't do a traditional "altar call" does that mean I am compromising in preaching the gospel and inviting people to the kingdom? What happens if I do it differently like asking them to join a "inquirer"-seeker class and/or ask them to come up to communion to be prayed for? Is not the substance what we are looking for?

How about big meeting crusades whether it's with the healing component or not? So if I feel the better strategy is to empower local churches and ordinary members to pray for healing and share the gospel, and downplay the traditional "evangelistic" big meeting ... does that mean we are in danger over accomodative?

When were certain practices "non-negotiable"? I do not mean to say that these methods have no value ... many have been blessed and channeled into the kingdom of God through these means. But, the priority is "to invite people into the Reign of God" right? - that is non-negotiable ... and we must not compromise that ....! As for methodology .... if something doesn't necessary work, or may even paint a misleading picture of what discipleship, GOD, and Christian life is all about ... or some "teachings" which are not really core to our faith (e.g. Christians must be "nice" - what about the nastiness of the OT prophet? or even Jesus to the pharisees and Paul to false teachers!?). I'm open for giving those methods (& teachings) up for better ones, revise them, or re-construct them .. whatever ... it's a long journey!

Grace, Gospel, GOD - must not be compromised! Amen to that ... our well-intentioned, culture-mixed (whether it's sub-culture or ethnic-culture or foreign-culture) good ideas and well-intentioned ways ... well ....

"The magic eyes" metaphor (i.e. a new way of seeing) maybe translated to this discussion ... as well. It's a start not the end though. Thanks Dr. Luke, Acts 15 was a great help to put things in perspective! Gentile Christianity had loads of construction involved after that 1st letter ... check out the other letters from Romans to Revelation!

Luther: rebel, genius, liberator

http://lutherthemovie.com/ .. cool!

and review from Christianity Today A Reformer's Agony
A high-caliber film shows how messy it was when Luther helped change the course of history.

Transformational Leadership

After reading some thoughts on how one struggles with "leadership" in the his job and overhearing how some Christians practice leadership even in so called "Christian ministry" (which sickens me honestly), I walked through Transformational Leadership: Max DePree - Todd Hunter Lecture Notes again to get some sanity and was captured by the heart warming-mind sharpening insights either from Max or Todd in bold (this is going to be long with my earthly responses in between):

Leadership is an art to be learned over time, not simply by reading books. Leadership is more a weaving of relationships than an amassing of information…and thus hard to pin down in every detail.

I remember reading from John Maxwell to Stephen Covey, from Peter Senge to Warren Bennis, you name it. Been to the seminars, overloaded before and downloaded as well. Good stuff, but DePree liberates so nicely and beautifully. Simple and absolutely right!

Though necessary and desirable, it is easy to include people procedurally in committees, lunches, or even in profits, just as it is easy to write contracts.

It is more difficult, but far more important, to be committed to a corporate concept of persons, the diversity of human gifts, covenantal relationships, lavish communications, including everyone, and believing that leadership is a condition of indebtedness.

Yeah ... copying a job description is peanuts, writing contracts is chicken feet for some huh? (not me!). Anyway, the more important stuff is always slower, time consuming, relationally demanding ... not short cuts here. The achiever in me wants fast results - efficient and effective work. The human in me craves for relationships that flourish as well. Can we have both? lots of effort here!

What is real? Reality? The most real? Great leadership avoids the deceptive simplicity of a single bottom line. Rather, having a self-perception faithful to reality, it demonstrates a quality of leadership and service arising from an understanding of and commitment to a common good, by which Max means a quality of life that touches every one.

It is fundamental that leaders endorse the concept of persons being created in the image of God, and that God has done this creating in a "population mix". The "good goods" of the art of leadership is the sacred (dedicated to God) nature of our relationships.

Sad to hear that Christian businesses and even ministries profess "GOD" but seem to have a "functional athesim" in their midst (please refer to the notes for explanation on this!). How tragic. This angers me, and frustrates the real plans fo GOD. Lots of repenting needed - lots of changing ... advertising results and glory makes no difference to me. I'll give GOD the glory ... the methodologies and actions speaks louder than professed philosophies of ministry. Maybe I'm harsh, I don't want to doubt people's integrity or sincerity ... but what's happening I believe is destructive ... in a subtle way. The potential and creativity is stiffled or squashed .. It's sad when one want to improve the quality of life of others while destroying their own.

A legalistic atmosphere controlled merely by things like rules and job descriptions creates an environment of spiritual and psychological mediocrity that paralyzes the noblest impulses of a workforce.

On the other hand, a more covenantal, relational approach-where words like love, warmth and personal chemistry dominate--releases creativity, risk-taking and new ideas.

Short-term solutions leading to long-term problems. It's tough in Malaysia where all talk is development, investment, expansion, keeping afloat, and beating the competition, etc. Listening for three years to Young Adults in BLC has made me conclude ... many noble impulses are already paralyzed if not going to. And worse is when this is brought into the Christian community ...Red Alert ...

The "glory" (dignity) of work: work properly understood and practiced is good for the soul; it is one of our greatest privileges. People are nourished by transforming work, growth and reaching their potential. Only by continually renewing its members can an organization continually renew itself. A vital organization is full of vital people.

I hear it again and again ... "Wouldn't it be nice if I don't need to work?" That's how low work is nowadays? Any revolutionaries out there ... before we just surrender and hide in our cocoons hoping the world will change by itself?

The art of leadership is liberating people to do what is required of them in the most effective and humane way possible. Thus the leader is the "servant" of his followers in that he removes the obstacles that prevent them from doing their job. In short, the true leader enables his or her followers to realize their full potential.

The driving force in our organizations ought not be goal achievement or asset management or quantifiable growth, important as these are. Rather, our society badly needs organizations and people that move relentlessly toward reaching their potential

the most effective and humane way possible. I like that. We're not just here to have a "buddy-buddy" feel good hug. No we're here to get things done ... EFFECTIVENESS is crucial but not at the expense of HUMANITY. Can we Christians set the trend? Thanks Max De pree for pioneering the way...

In very real change, risk seems to be the essential ingredient. The success of both innovation and renewal in organizations depends on the degree of risk the group is prepared to take. "Risks" are the opportunity to move closer to our potential. BUT…
1. Risks involve ambiguity and uncertainty
2. Risks result in a kind of learning available in no other way
3. Risks may entail a loss of control and an acceptance of vulnerability
4. Risks accompany abandoning the old, but abandoning the old makes way for the new
-Endings
- Neutral Zone
- New Beginnings
5.Risks on the part of individuals are the only way to improve our world
6. Humility invites risk; pride discourages it

"Faith is spelt R-I-S-K" ... I always loved the way John Wimber said that .. loved it. Steve Sjogren says "Ready, Fire, Aim". Mike Yaconelli taught me to "Jump First, Fear Later" .. enough said.

Heal people with trust, caring and "forgetfulness". When trust permeates a group, great things are possible. (Trust helps us get by when something or someone has gone wrong or made a serious mistake. Trust is rooted in a personal commitment to respect others and to take everyone seriously. Trust is earned by being able to be depended on to consistently and competently do the right thing for the organization and it's people. It cannot be commanded, bought, inherited or enforced.)

It's hard to Trust people nowadays ... and I'm not sure whether I can ever too easily trust people .. somehow the older we get the bank account of trust runs lower especially if we've been betrayed before. There's always that bugging thought in our minds, Can I trust this person? Time will tell ...

But, I can grow into a person who's "Trustworthy". I can allow GOD to shape me into someone others can trust. I know I've flopped before, I've messed up, and I've stumbled. But the way of Trust is one way I know I can't do with out. So help me GOD!

Know that organizations are social environments; they are "whole life" not just places of making money. They need to have good "order"; that is civility, good manners, great communication, sensitivity and forgiveness, etc.

"whole life" and not just places of making money. That's not the way many people around me see it ... but we spend so much time at work at least 40hours a week. .. most of us more than that! Time to change the way we look at work .. that's the place to start ... personal opinions and viewpoints aren't going to get us there. Getting plugged into GOD"s story as revealed in the Scripture is a better deal starting with Genesis 1 and ending with the book of Revelation.

The challenge presented by DePree's philosophy is not like the intellectual demands of rocket science or brain surgery. It is far more challenging; it requires serious personal growth and development. We must first be transformed before we can become transformational leaders. The organization can never be something that I, as a member, don't choose to be. We cannot become what we need to be by remaining what we are.

Personal change precedes corporate change ... New Wine needs New Wineskins but New Wineskins need New Wine. Internal and external change go hand in hand ... the real change in organizations happen when people change ... and a group of people change starting one by one. It's stating the obvious ... I know. We forget ...

We are not victims of our corporate cultures, we are co-creators of them. Thus, grow and change as a person. Learn to embody selfless, secure love. Be a model, because leaders reproduce in kind.

I like that! We are not victms . We are co-creators .. It's great when one is included to play and not sidelined.

Strictly for Matrix Fans ...

Just came back from an interesting lunch with a pastor who pastors a church nearby BLC, a Christian active in social work & action, his son who's in Bible College, his auntie and uncle (two seniors) who are owners of the beautiful restraunt we ate in. We spent a fruitful time together especially for me ... listening to the senior uncle talk about his opinions and views on matters. Wise man indeed.

Before I leave the thinking room, I thought I'd post this link I got from another blog. I find it amazing not by the explanations given but the amount of effort and energy devoted into such a project.

After the last blog on Study, I'm getting back to put effort and energy on what really matters for me as a human being - starting with the Bible, the Willard book then looking through some homework a couple of BLCians and my AYALI students passed up to me. I may leave the thinking room but thinking does not leave me ... heheh!

Study

I've made a "commitment" to work through Willard's "The Divine Conspiracy" with a study guide, so I suppose this is going to be at least about 10 weeks worth of study.

Willard's comments (in bold) in the foreword to the guide is noteworthy (p. 1-3) - my thoughts in brackets.

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.. Until the present century, Christians assumed that anything that was important had to be studied and restudied and studied again. they did not think that studying something many times was strange. It is the twentieth-century illusion that you can comprehend aspects of Jesus and his teaching in a quick, snappy sermon.

(More and more nowadays .. I'm reading slower, I'm re-reading stuff I thought I read years ago. More and more, I'm highlighting, scribbling, reflecting and responding with actions that I believe will make a difference. I remember at one phase of my Christian pilgrimage when I finished reading the New Testament once I was not motivated to re-read it again. How wrong I was? Now every passage is worth unending re-studying)

In the nineteenth century, for example, people heard long difficult sermons at church in the morning. then they went home and discussed the meaning of the sermons with neighbors and family in the afternoon. We can not imagine people doing this today.

(Frankly, I have a difficulty sitting through a long difficult sermon myself. In many ways, I'm a child of my age - i.e. can multi-task and yet unable to plunge the depths of issues. But, I think this can be unlearned and relearned into a new mode of thinking. This process of "renovation" (there that word goes again!) takes time ... I'm just beginning to enjoy its fruits now .. that's after 4 years of Seminary and another 6 years of pastoring, about 15 years when I "conciously" affirmed my faith in Christ and got back on the journey with Jesus ... 31 years of learning to live out the promise of my baptism as a baby (if you want to count the day of God's chosenness from infant baptism)! I think BLC's effort with a whole morning dedicated to worship & learning is kind of a "revised" version of a long diffucult sermon, heheh! The LiFE group sharing has been rewarding thus far ... still rom for improvement

We need to return to the idea that we have to put thought into God's kingdom and how it works. We accept that someone spends years becoming a dentist and even more years training to become a surgeon, but we do not accept that we need to spend years giving serious though to the nature of the soul, the nature of God, who Jesus was, and how it all works. In early periods of the church, it was assumed you would devote your whole life to understanding the fullness and complexity of God' kingdom.

(emphasis mine. I feel that last line liberates me from rushing and squeezing too much too soon. I still hunger for learning and yet I know it'll take a lifetime for the processing and progressing to take place. Such Grace! As for the analogy of training, it shames the Christian community when even leaders take short cuts, and recently this "cheap"-"short-cut" theological degrees specifically doctorates have raised quite a number of eye-brows. Lord have mercy. Now wonder, Christians follow suit in their dicipleship. With out making it in accessible, or over intellectualized (the danger in Malaysia is anti-intellectual), time to make ammends... REPENT?!)

Yet rarely this happens in churches today. We recruit church members in a quick and easy manner so that Christians and non-Christians think they do not have to study. We have copied the media and the educational establishment by doing so. Both say that the public will not look at or try to understand the intricacies of complex issues, so they produce "dumb down" versions that people will look into because they are easy to understand. Yet understanding anything important requires major effort. Understanding Jesus' teaching is more important than learning algebra, which takes a great deal of effort; yet most Christians have never put the same amount of effort into understanding Jesus' teaching that they've put into solving algebraic equations.

(I believe in simplicty, I believe God's truth is not just for scholars but for the ordinary - it's plain. And I also believe with whatever capacity we're able, we're called to put effort into it. Looking at how we're willing to put effort in pursuing education, making a living, creating opportunities for pleasure and entertainment. I wonder why is it so hard to do the same for what is the most important - our re-forming of our worldviews, the shaping of Kingdom values, the nurturing of authentic relationships, the cultivation of a right & healthy lifesytle, the investment into the next generations, add to the list...?) Ok! after complaining, now it's time to get our hands dirty and start constructing!)

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Free MP3 Radio

I was originally looking for "instrumental" music so I could enter prayer easier for the "Sacred Space" site.. I found what I wanted and got surprised by WINAMP.COM so clicked on this ...

Always wondered what "ambient" music is (like how come ambient is under electronica) ... I like the word. then wahlah! ... woaaahh ... that was fun!

But the pleasant find was "electic rock" .. liked the so called "electic intelligent rock" stuff ... :-) which led me to ...

yup .. movies and music ... for now, the music ... Michael Hedges - Prelude to Cello Suite #1 (JS Bach) is good! Followed by Sinéad O' Connor's You Made Me The Thief Of Your Heart. from In The Name Of The Father (Soundtrack) a pretty good movie as well! This stuff is my kind of music man .. whoah!

Pilgrim's Zone 8:10am

Nicely angled, I put the rectangular placetic table facing the sky and greenary (whatever that's left behind the Father's House), the wall behind my back and the fan turned to a gentle 3.

The weather was cooling for a Malaysian morning. Though it may seem gloomy and cloudy without a strong sunshine, but I liked the calm environment. It's amazing how near I am to the heart of the city since we're at the edge of Bangsar, but there's Sacred Space carved out even here! And now, the "Pilgrim's Zone" as I like to call our newly cemented, fan & light equipped former eating area is transformed to a place where God's Word can restore life into my soul (i.e. life)

The "Pilgrim's Zone" is kind of an in between "sacramental space" to keep me along the pilgrimage with the Spirit. I like it. It's new and renewing. Makes me want to come earlier to the Father's House and be slower to run to the computer. Because when that happens .. then the roller coaster day rolls really fast!

Hand

Nothing in all creation is so like God as stillness. -- Meister Eckhart

(Thanks Chin Hor for this beautiful picture of Gareth's hand when he was sleeping!)

Sacred Space

Got linked here by Brian McLaren's church website. It's a site run by Irish Jesuits (thus the catholic flavour).

It's a new experience to spend some time to create some Sacred Space for God in front of the computer. Yes, even what is most mechanical (humanly speaking) can be redeemed to be a tool for the Mystery of God's presence to be recognized!

Spirituality - work in progress

I guess the 2nd Year Christian Spirituality course in seminary made a significant impact in me (thanks to Dr. Voon for her spiritual direction as well). It was here that I was introduced more systematically to this whole idea clearer. This is also when I started reading Henri Nouwen and Richard J. Foster more seriously. I also grew more appreciative of the best from the roman catholic and eastern orthodox traditions. So, a whole journey of integration - and renovation began! Still on the journey ...

Lately, I have found Dallas Willard to be a wonderful guide of course I need to be patient slowly chewing his thoughts (cf. The Renovation of the Heart is great! I'm still working through the Divine Conspiracy - got a study guide to help yesterday). The whole process I believe helped me to progress beyond a busy-bee ministry, and I felt especially liberated from legalism or guilt-shame based discipleship. One major progress is seeing that God works in the ordinary of my life, and the "body" dimension musn't be neglected. Any form of "super-spirituality" got a severe beating from then onwards (cf. I was very exposed to and involved in the charismatic-pentecostal world - the best & the worst) . I've been enjoying the humble, quite work of the Spirit ever since (with some "dark nights of the soul here and there.)

It was also in seminary where we used to get these free World Vision Australia newsletters "GRID" and the name Rowland Croucher stuck with me, here's his article on "Individual and Corporate Spirituality" His writings has added a nice Aussie touch to my life(no wonder we have one Aussie family in BLC!) Here's a very useful intro:

Spirituality (from its 17th century French usage) is mainly about how I relate to God. 'Spirit' in the Bible equals breath, life. The opposite of spirit is not matter, but death. 'Spiritual' worship is the offering of all we are to God (Romans 12:1). It's about my 'desire', how I pray (the very best index of who I really am). So Spirituality is about the work of God's Spirit, enlivening, enlightening and empowering us to become holy, or 'saints', so that our desire is to love God with all our heart, mind, soul and strength, and love others as ourselves. The Eastern Orthodox prefer to call it 'mystical theology' which they define as 'loving knowledge' or 'wisdom or knowledge that is found through love' (William Johnston). (emphasis mine)

Beyond application - increase Participation

I always wanted to do this so I went ahead and did it.

Inspired by Off-the-Map where I got the idea of Five-minute meetings after the session speaker finishes, so starting this year (I think) after my Sunday message sharing I'd invite people to pair up or form triplets and share something that touched them or struck them with each other. The whole idea was to allow immediate application. Sometimes this would end with a time of mutual prayer.

Then a couple of weeks ago I was toying with the idea why don't we view the whole "sermon" (message) - Word sharing moment as a process we all participate together. I still do what I think I'm gifted and called for - i.e. the preaching & teaching (where the picture is one who proclaims what we trust is God's message for us)- kind of a more vertical process. Then, building on the 5 minute idea let's expand it to getting into groups of 5 or 6 for a time of comments and even Questions! All this done with a scribe-presenter who takes all these comments and questions down.

Yesterday, each group shared at least a couple of comments and posed one or two questions, and I responded to the questions on the spot. There was a kind of spontanaity and dynamism in the approach (a bit more western socratic approach or Asian confucian approach).

I was trusting the Spirit to speak horizontally through one another and was delighted with some of the responses.

Picked up a cool Acronym (from Leonard Sweet)
NUTS (Never Underestimate The Holy Spirit)

I collected the Questions & Comments and hope to deal with them more reflectively through the week. Probably sending the answers to everyone via email - or blogging ... haven't decided yet.

I believe coming to be part of a worship gathering where nowadays about 45 of us adults gather together it's not about attendance and showing up, it's about participation, conversation and of course RENOVATION of our hearts!

Internet Resource Buffet

Thank you Robert I. Bradshaw for all the hard work of designing, setting up and maintaining these sites!

http://www.biblicalstudies.org.uk/

http://www.theologicalstudies.org.uk/

http://www.earlychurch.org.uk/

http://www.medievalchurch.org.uk/

Creationism & the Early Church

Martin & Music

"I wish to see all arts, principally music, in the service of Him who gave and created them. Music is a fair and glorious gift of God...I am strongly persuaded that after theology, there is no art that can be placed on a level with music; for besides theology, music is the only one that is capable of affording peace and joy of the heart...the Devil flees before the sound of music almost as much as before the very Word of God." ~ Martin Luther

Changes ~ Adam & Eze

Follow the Rabbi

Bonhoeffer for Monday!

"Action springs not from thought, but from a readiness for responsibility."- Dietrich Bonhoeffer (Another cool website!)

A "small candle"..

Thoughts from my friend who is not a Christian ... he's on some pilgrimage that's for sure (nothing edited here) ___________________________________________

Nothings is more important than to "Be a good "example" as a good human with care & love" :)

so ya...we all have the common direction ne :)
Human Heart Peace----> world peace. :)

Help them to help themself...ne...Teach them a catch of fish ne..

Ya...no need to be a big candle that can be lighten for very long time but Not as "Light" as compare to be a "small candle"..but can lighten up a lot of others candle...

Ya, we are here to lighten up the others.. :) ne :)

Ya... God love every humans for what they are :)
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I'm sitting here after almost all the inside of the Father's House is completed. I really like the new Cross we put at the center (it's kind of like a modern stain glass-icon flavoured IKEA procut!). Rev. Wolfgang reminded me one day that it would be good for the Cross to be at the center. (100% agree)

This takes me back to the "little candle" that burned two thousand years ago in the life, death & resurrection of Christ that's central to us as Christians. And the way he lights up our darkness ... is equally important.

After being part of BLC, I'm thankful for a healthy Rhythm of action and contemplation. I've seen my share of "boom"-"bang"-"bright" fireworks ... in Christian ministry and activities in the past and even now amongs the Christian world. There's hardly any breathing space for relationships or can I say space for God the Spirit to blow upon us in many of our churches. Sorry Lord.

I just heard how one is questioning "why do we do what we do?", what's the motivating force within us? Love? compassion? achievement? fame? money? sex? power? What on earth is happening to Malaysian Christianity? Sorry Lord, again ...

Songs sung, words spoken, with no heart or little heart ... the forms are there, the style a bit here and there. .. but, where's the light? where's the warmth? ... the God-kind of life, love and light ... Sorry Lord, Triple ..

I know as a Christian it's more than about being good (now me and my friend who emailed have some starting point in that sense we have some common direction)... but it's beyond commitment to the good .. it's about connection to GOD (the source of all goodness)... getting connected to the one who can truly give life and let life flow in and through us. I want that, I want to share that. So help me GOD!

I like his thought on a small candle that can light up other candles ... when i was a youth pastor many people expected be to be a kind of BIG light ... but after more than three years of "Renovation" I want to encourage other "small candles", together we can light up the world. Jesus definately is taking the lead And it's more fun too! So help us GOD!

The Body of Christ

Graham Old blogs :

Webber writes, in The Younger Evangelicals

The image of the Church as the “body” of Christ has resulted in a new awareness that the church is the continuation of the presence of Jesus in and to the world.

This may seem at odds with Jesus’ suggestion that it is the Spirit who is to act as his replacement, to continue his presence (Jn. 14:15-21). But it might be possible to understand the continuing incarnational ministry as fulfilled by the Spirit, through the community of disciples. Elsewhere, John has Jesus clearly insist on the need for the sent-disciples to go forth in the power of the Spirit (Jn. 20:21-23). So I think it’s reasonable to view the body of Christ as a continuation of the presence of Jesus on the earth – or at least as a locus within which the Spirit manifests the continuing presence of God (see Acts 1:1; 1 Cor. 12:7; 14:24-25).

~ this is exactly what I pray, hope and envision BLC will embody & express in this time, age and world!

Why consider blogging a spiritual discipline?

Why consider blogging a spiritual discipline? (perhaps like journaling or spiritual writing) By Tim Bednar

~ no wonder I find it easy to do it ... I've been keeping a spiritual/personal journal since my teenage years (that would be about 15 years ago! Phew ... I've been promoted to talking in decades now!)

Free personality test (MBTI)

Though not that complete ... but at least you can find out all the four letters in the the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator® (MBTI)...

Complete the free personality test (the MMDI™ research questionnaire)

What is the Question again?

It's not --> "If you were to die tonight would you go to heaven?"...

It is --> "If you knew you were going to live forever what kind of person would you like to be?"

A wonderful reminder by Keith Matthew's message "Living Now in the Kingdom of God Entering the Kingdom of God, Pt. 1" re-aligning us to The Gospel of Jesus invites us to enter His kingdom. But how do we enter this kingdom? Here are three entrance requirements to be met.

My quick notes below ...

PASSAGES FOR THE PUZZLE TO BECOME THE PICTURE
John 3 - Born from above (i.e. Born into a new Reality)
Some key words: "Surrender", "Intention" - not just decision but a "long obedience in the same direction"
"Believe" - not just mental assent but a practical belief.

Matthew 18 - Become like a little child (i.e. exercise humility of a little child age 6-9)
Qualities - Real & unpretentious, self-assertive
& exercise total dependance & trust

Matthew 5 - Righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees & teacher of the law (i.e. kingdom focus not religion-legalism-status quo focus)
- Forsake legalism as a form of righteousness
(Being more important than doing)
(God want our hearts more than our works!)

To Know Malaysia is to Love Malaysia

How much do I know about the country I live in and am part of? So here goes ...

Some basic facts (courtesy of the CIA!)

Tourism Malaysia (A Malaysian perspective to get you visiting!)

Malaysia (A very informative site from Geographia)

The Parliament of Malaysia

Department of Statistics, Malaysia (how accurate is this? a matter of perspective and analysis!)

Prime Minister's Office (Dr. M has been making waves indeed ... he'll be retiring soon in October, what a time of transition for us)

Yellow Pages Malaysia (who needs a thick book at home huh?)

The Star (popular Malaysian Newspaper)

Malaysiakini (online alternative news ...)

Malaysia's National Archives (This site is in Bahasa Malaysia .. our National language)

So that's a good start ... I'm sure there's more ....

A great collection of optical illusions

Static images that appear to move but don't. (got this from Jordon Cooper from Canada)

Proving a point

Got this from a thoughtful friend from my former church ...

Aoccdrnig to rscheearch at an Elingsh uinervtisy, it deosn't mttaer in waht oredr the ltteers in a wrod are, the olny iprmoetnt tihng is taht the frist and lsat ltteesr are in the rghit pclae. The rset can be a toatl mses and you can sitll raed it wouthit a porbelm. Tihs is bcuseae we do not raed ervey lteter by istlef but the wrod as a wlohe. ceehiro

Post-Holiday Desert

Just came back from a two-day & two-night holiday. I can't recall when was the last time May Chin, Gareth & I had a time like this. Timely!

Lots of much needed sleep ... and lots of potato chips (i.e. Mr. Potato, Pringles & Roller Coaster, wow! wee!)

Amused by "overstatements" like this place is the largest whatever at the highest whatever ... and then you see a pretty big area... but doesn't feel like largest ... another funny one was an arrow pointing to a "garden", after stepping in it looked like BLC's backyard (in space as well as plantation). I hate it when church & Christians talk like that as well...

Talked a lot (May Chin & Gareth), played a lot (with Gareth) ... He had loads of fun with his dad), walked quite a bit .... ate quite a bit as well.

Munched a couple of newsweek articles in the bathtub .... the one on "Autism" got me thinking about Type-E (Emphatizing) & Type-S (Systematizing) in guys and girls ...

The latest issue of "Cutting Edge" really nailed some important thoughts on Children ministry & what is true education in a Christian context (this issue is not up yet on the website).

Nothing much on TV ... in fact nothing at all! (more time for talking & listening?)

Picked up Dallas Willard's book The Divine Conspiracy again .... and decided to restart where i kind of didn't get going the last time. Richard Foster, one of my favorite author and founder of Renovare says that "The Divine Conspiracy is the book I have been searching for all my life." (wow! I must read this ... ) ... Some gems so far (I just managed until the Introduction, my comments in brackets):

- "My hope is to gain a fresh hearing for Jesus, expecially among those who believe they already understand him." (p.1, I feel FRESH is the word ... there's just so much noise and confusion nowdays even in the Malaysian Christian world. Worse is people dogmatically representing Christ when it's just dishing out solutions reflecting more of their own values. OUCH! I want the Fresh hearing anytime! In fact Rev. Wolfgang's message did that for me for a Gospel text))

- "... Jesus and his words have never belonged to the categories of dogma and law, and to read them as if they did is simply to miss them. they are essentially subversive of established arrangements and ways of thinking." (still on p. 1, Willard is nailing it again ... how often we Christians miss it, and then those who are not Christians miss it as they try to figure out what we are saying ... Change is needed. Humility precedes change ...)

- "It is the failure to understand Jesus and his words as reality and vital information about life that explains why, today, we do not routinely teach those who profess allegience to him how to do what he said was best. We lead them to profess allegience to him, or we expect them to, and leave them there, devoting our remaining efforts to "attracting" them to this or that." (p. 2, OUCH ! OUCH & triple OUCH ! This got me re-examining how I approached evangelism 7 discipleship the past three years ... some gains & some losses indeed.)

- "More than any other single thing, in any case, the practical irrelevance of actual obedience to Christ accounts for the weakened effect of Christianity in the world today, with its increasing tendency to emphasize political and social action as the primary way to serve God. It also accounts for the practical irrelevance of Christian faith to individual character development and overall personal sanity and well-being." (p.3-4, what a mouth full ... to chew on! following up on the Bonhoeffer bug I caught this year ... Obedience is a good word and a much needed word!)

- "The Bible is , after all, God's gift to the world through his Church, not to the scholars. It comes through the life of his people and nourishes that life. Its purpose is practical, not academic. An intelligent, careful, intensive but straightforward reading - that is, one not governed by obscure and faddish theories or by mindless orthodoxy - is what it requires to direct us into life in God's kingdom." (p. 5, Go Willard ... preach it brother! Again, the Scriptures play a central part in my quest for True Christianity plugged into my context!)

I admit that didn't taste like desert ... but a little buffet of goodies that require time for digesting .... that's what a great book does to you ... (especially ones you need to read again and again!)

Couldn't do as much reading as I wanted to. But then, this trip was more of a family trip and I loved the time we could spend together, having meals together, play together, walk together ... laugh together, pray together .... my personal spiritual formation was still there but family formation took precedence for the last two days. And that's timely!

Leaders & Followers

Ok last post for today ...

I got linked to these qualities and traits helpful from an article "In Search of Servant Leadership" (which actually is part of BLC core values, i.e. godly Servanmt Leadership) ... I liked his take on followers too .. we're always both!

20 Qualities of a Leader
by Larry Matthews

Internal Qualities
1. Character: has integrity, is trustworthy, has high ethics, "walks the talk," is consistent.

2. Vision: can see "the promised land" in the mind's eye and heart and the group's place in that vision.

3. Enthusiasm and optimism: is eager to get on with the task, takes pleasure in the challenge and work, and is not easily discouraged.

4. Passion: cares deeply about outcomes; has conviction and a point of view.

5. Sense of urgency: understands the importance of the passage of time.

6. Imagination: finds solutions and new possibilities, or recognizes them in the ideas of others.

7. Good judgment: is wise and discerning.

8. Humility: has a true servant mentality; puts people first.

9. Devotion: sees life as service to God and intentionally cultivates personal spiritual growth.

10. Courage: knows and accepts that leadership leads to suffering.

External Qualities
1. Communication: excites and motivates others with his or her vision and goals; builds ownership of goals rather than mere acceptance.

2. Work ethic: willingly embraces the work involved in leadership and works hard.

3. Listening: seeks and uses ideas from across the team or organization.

4. Building: accomplishes goals by encouraging, developing and trusting other people.

5. Management: has the skill to recruit, motivate and direct a good team.

6. Priorities: maintains focus and helps others to do the same.

7. Care: empathizes with others and takes their circumstances into account without compromising the vision; is concerned for the spiritual and personal growth of all people involved.

8. Community: builds a supportive and encouraging climate within the organization.

9. Conflict: intervenes as needed for true resolution; is honest and candid with others.

10. Following: has the ability to see their own role in the bigger picture, and the role of the whole enterprise in God's larger plan.

10 Traits of a Good Follower
by Larry Matthews

By studying descriptions of the qualities of an effective leader, it's possible to identify the corresponding characteristics of a good follower. Here's a suggested list. (This exercise assumes that the follower is following a leader who has a vision worth pursuing, has integrity, and possesses at least a modicum of leadership skills.)

The good follower:

1. Listens carefully and asks questions to clarify as needed.

2. Tries to grasp as much of the "big picture" as possible, including the overall vision, how one's contribution helps accomplish larger goals, and the role and value of fellow team members.

3. Is eager to be held accountable, to submit work to be reviewed and to have performance assessed by leader and peers.

4. Abstains from internal rivalries and cliques.

5. Confronts others, including the leader, when necessary, but in a decent and constructive manner.

6. Supports the leader and fellow workers both in encouragement and through prayer.

7. Takes on uncomfortable challenges when asked.

8. Takes advantage of educational and professional development opportunities so as to have more to contribute.

9. Is proactive in making suggestions, and contributing his or her ideas, input and critique for the benefit of the group.

10. Works hard.

DISTURBANCE PRAYER

Lord, make me a channel of disturbance
Where there is apathy, let me provoke
Where there is compliance, let me bring questioning
Where there is silence, may I be a voice
Where there is too much comfort and too little action,
grant disruption
Where there are doors closed and hearts locked,
great willingness to listen
Where laws dictate and pain is overlooked ...
when tradition speaks louder than needs ...
When we refuse to take control of our own lives ...
our own church ...
our own poor ...

Disturb us, o Lord, teach us to be radical
Grant that i may seek rather to do justice than to talk about it
To be with, as well as for, the poor,
to love the unlovable as well as the lovely
To accept responsibility to be church
Lord, make me a channel of disturbance.

(author unknown, The Lutheran (LCA), 21 July 2003, Vol. No. 7)

pre-CONFESSIONS: Coming Out of the Closet ?!

Don't worry I'm not a homosexual (practicing or non-practising). Though a recent question from a younger man sparked me to refine my responses on this issue.

It's been quite a season. The Father's House Renovation, Teachin at AYALI, facilitating a workshop at the SUFES youth worker's conference, wedding dinners (I love them because I get to be with the unchurched or dechurched!), personal conversations (& inner concersations with myself & God) and ministry.

a couple of weeks ago (19 Augu 2003 10:45am to be precise) I picked up McLaren's book "New Kind of Christian" again and committed to begin answering the three questions his book tried to answer for himself and others. they are :

1. Why am I not the same kind of Christian I used to be?

3. How might one become a new kind of Christian one if one is so inclined?

As I used the personal timeline tool for both AYALI's classes and the SUFES workshop (on different matters), I think I can articulate myself better now. (I'm just in the flow you may say). Managed to scribble some draft thoughts this morning after something significant that happened last night at & after prayer with a handful of BLCians. Hope to post the "working answers" soon so others may benefit from my pilgrimage.

It's scary though .. but necessary. I must say the "renovations" of God in my life has been outrageous, tremendous, courageous, earth-shaking, astonishing, disturbing, ... these changes are significant, soul searching and I believe Spirit-led.

That's why, I do sense the Acceptance and Affirmation from God the Father. The Apprenticeship of God the SON. And the Aligning work of GOD the SPIRIT. Thanks ...

The Farting Preacher: Seriously not serious

I saw this and was reminded to run away from certain "individuals" :-) After a very serious couple of weeks - I decided that we shouldn't take ourselves too seriously (we take God seriously .. sure! But not ourselves ... feeble & funny human beings we are!).

Introducing
The Farting Preacher

I'm rich?

When I saw where I was on the rich-poor scale (with reference to the entire population of the world), I was astonished where I was located. Oh how ignorant I am!

I'm the 789,717,224 richest person on earth! Discover how rich you are! >>

Fresh Take on The Commission

This is cool & I want to be part of this! Anyone want to join in?

i have been given say over everything in heaven and earth, so go make apprentices to me among people of every kind submerge them in the reality of the trinitarian god, and lead them into doing everything i have told you to do

now look, i am with you every minute, until the job is completley done
mat 28:18-20 (From Dallas Willard Notes)

A bonus music video "Everything You want" - from emergingminister (Everything You Want - This is a music video we made for the Vertical Horizon song "Everything you Want". Film grain effects applied to the crucifixion with text added. Nice video, even if the song is now a bit dated.)

Belief-O-Matic™

Even if YOU don't know what faith you are, Belief-O-Matic™ knows. Answer 20 questions about your concept of God, the afterlife, human nature, and more, and Belief-O-Matic™ will tell you what religion (if any) you practice...or ought to consider practicing.

I found this questionaire sometime ago. Though the questions are pretty rigid ... but it's an interesting exercise! ~

Spiritual Gifts

Based on this "Opening Your Spiritual Gifts" survey, my spiritual gifts cluster is:

1. Evangelism (I'm sure about this one!)
2. Pastoring & Knowledge (a tie maybe because I am pastoring now and I'm passionately in pursuit of learning!)
3. Teaching (My wife say I have this ... i'm still wondering!)

In the past, I thought "leadership" was a primary gift ... either I've become more realistic about my achievements and rated it lower, or I misread myself.

Of course, these surveys aren't absolute, they just give us some answers to start working with. Other people might have a better view of my spiritual gifts. But, being aware of the spiritual gift cluster has been important to find my place in God's ongoing work in the past, today and in the future! :-)

Questions all the way from Geneva ...

Tita has grown to be a good friend from the Lutheran World Federation specifically YICAS (Youth In Church And Society). ... and she is Gareth's International God-Mother!

She's from such a different context that I come from and I really appreciate that. I think one thing we have in common is the willingness to ask questions. Answering them well is another matter. Here's a few she sent me ... that got me filing them up for "soon-future" thinking. Maybe others in this conversation can give some input.

1. How do we shape our theology and spritual life in a struggle away from a colonized mind/environment?

4. The center of Christianity is moving away from the North much more from the US, how could we contribute or prepare or act (cannot think of an appropriate respond yet) for this phenomenon?

Postmodernity

Andrew Jones really has something to say ... i'm listening & thinking about it. Somehow, I guess, my acting upon stuff will be informed by all this spiral learning!

The Skinny on Postmodernity:
1.Postmodernity and Global Worldviews
2.Being Post-Western:It was all Greek to Me
3.Time and Space:Being No(w)here
4.Pomo Church: Are We There Yet?

Tim Keller

In a time when mainline churches (e.g. Lutheran, Methodist, Presbyterian, etc) seems to be more sidelined. It's people like Keller seems to be a light of hope for us to get back into the frontline of God's Kingdom work.

I'm listening right now Presbyterian Pastoral Leadership Network in Nashville
Plenary Session on renewal and outreach from DJ Chuang's excellent link with loads of stuff to reflect and act upon. It's great to have people like Keller who's charting new paths! And the best is he's doing it with humor! I appreciate his openly Reformed heritage with a open attitude!

He deals excellently with practical stuff here (peppering the talk with great historical resources!) on "How do we, as a denomination, do renewal and outreach in the emerging post-everything United States culture? (“Post-everything” people are those who are now in their teens and twenties – and they are our future.)

9-11 New York City Spirituality Revisited

KIM LAWTON: There's not much to see at ground zero these days -- a gaping construction site that locals call "the pit." Still, thousands of tourists visit the site every day. In the surrounding neighborhoods, many New Yorkers say they're tired of dwelling on the events of 9/11. But religious leaders here say the lingering impact is inescapable. For more read or watch the cover story.

Dangerous Religion

Religion is the most dangerous energy source known to humankind. The moment a person (or government or religion or organization) is convinced that God is either ordering or sanctioning a cause or project, anything goes. The history, worldwide, of religion-fueled hate, killing, and oppression is staggering. —Eugene Peterson (from the introduction to the book of Amos in the Bible paraphrase The Message)

what an intro quote .. for more to add greys to our crowns!
George W. Bush's theology of empire. by Jim Wallis

now to more earthly matters ... off to Siew Poh & Kok Yin's Wedding Blessing Service at Zion Cathedral!

Growing Old or Growing Up?

My friend Kenneth noticed the increasing grey (or white) patches (a matter of perspective) colouring my crown (hmm hair!). Usually, the immediate reaction I get from people is "wah .... how come lots of white hair now ah?" (maybe I'm under lots of stress ... that's possible but I think it's because I think-day dream-reflect-whatever too much?!)

Anyway, when I was younger I felt people didn't respect me because of age (which is common .. I do it myself at times ... pay back time!) so secretly I thought some greys might help (fulfillment of prophecy? haha!). Now, with extra white hair gaining attention .. we wonder whether we're growing old too fast. Such an irony ... we are!

Well, I guess Growing older (or old) is part of life isn't it? But the more important thing is whether we're growing up from our immature thinking, misplaced idealism, misinformed so called realism (which often is just skepticism), emotional baggage, spiritual childishness, relational inadequacy, intellectual laziness, etc. (the list can go on!)

Post 1st AYALI Course thoughts!

I just finished the 6 hours worth of teaching & training with AYALI's 4 students. almost all of the material I used was from Send Me! (a preparatory global mission workbook) Somehow, this "missional vision" I believe God has planted stronger in me these days causes me to see things from a "missionary" lens. And the material here helps one to work through that step by step.

I'm impressed by not only the quality of leadership potential in four of them, but definately encouraged by the quest for authentic discipleship in all of them. My favorite part of this course is to listen and look at their personal timelines, catch a glimpse of their personal mission statement (which includes biblical purpose, values and personal vision.) And the Question & Comments time sharpened our understanding of those presenting and the presenters own understanding I believe. The Focus (or RE-focusing!) was what i hoped to achieve ... and in some degree I believe that process has begun. Terry Walling's stuff at Revitalization/Refocusing Ministry has been a great help!

Deep down I pray that a focused personal discipleship will be at the heart of their development in leadership & ministry. Thus, I end with words from Dietrich Bonhoeffer

"Christianity without discipleship is always Christianity without Christ. It remains an abstract idea, a myth which has a place for the Fatherhood of God, but omits Christ as the living Son. … There is trust in God, but no following of Christ."

... and one from Alice Cooper (yes! weird but he makes sense here at least!)
“Drinking beer is easy. Trashing your hotel room is easy. But being a Christian, that’s a tough call. That’s rebellion.”

Idealist

September 04, 2003 Free report for: Sivin Kit

Idealists, as a temperament, are passionately concerned with personal growth and development. Idealists strive to discover who they are and how they can become their best possible self -- always this quest for self-knowledge and self-improvement drives their imagination. And they want to help others make the journey. Idealists are naturally drawn to working with people, and whether in education or counseling, in social services or personnel work, in journalism or the ministry, they are gifted at helping others find their way in life, often inspiring them to grow as individuals and to fulfill their potentials. (emphasis mine)

Idealists are rare, making up no more than 8 to 10 percent of the population. But their ability to inspire people with their enthusiasm and their idealism has given them influence far beyond their numbers.

The Four types of Idealists are:
Healers (INFP) | Counselors (INFJ) | Champions (ENFP) | Teachers (ENFJ)

Which one are you? For a free test Temperament Sorter II

I did this test before ... it's still the same ... :-) Based on my last test before this I'm a ENFP.

AYALI - Developing Your Vision

I'll be off to the Asian Youth Ambassadors Leadership Institute hopefully in 20minutes time (phew!) ... here's what's install for my "excited" students! hahaha!

Thursday, 4 September 2003
Session One: Introducing the Process
Session Two: Gaining Perspective – Where have you been?
Session Three: Your Personal Mission Statement – Where are you going?
Finding Personal Mentors – Who can help you get there?

Friday, 5 September 2003
Session Four: Presentations
Session Five: Presentations
& Finishing Well – How can you reach your destination?
Session Six: Applications to Youth Ministry

Work .. work ... work! Home or class ...
1. Completion of the following Written Assignments
a. Personal Timeline (1 Page) & Personal Story (2 Pages) \
b. Personal Development Plan Worksheet
c. Mission Statement Exercise & Personal Vision Worksheet
d. Personal Mission Statement (1 Page)
e. Personal Mentors Exercise
f. Personal & Effectiveness Checklist
g. Youth Ministry Application: Timeline-Mission Statement-Resource Exercise (3 Page)

2. Presentation on the following
a. Personal Timeline, Mission Statement & Mentors Exercise (20 minutes)
b. Youth Ministry Timeline, Mission Statement & Resource Exercise (20 minutes)

3. Participation at all classes & exercises.

Camera-Pros

Our very own BLC camera-Pros ... Thanks Guys!

James Tan

Wong Chin Hor

Ordination Snapshots

Getting ready .... I'm the huge guy in white with my back facing you! James did a black & white version of this which is nice

An overview shot!

It's great to have a chance to be Bishop's interpreter for this occassion.

Bishop asking us very important questions, we answer "Yes, I will ... By the help of God!"

When the chaplain for the convention Rev. Tan prayed for us, Gareth was busy trying to grab the cross around my neck, May Chin holding him tight .. I was having a great time enjoying the playfulness of our little boy just being himself in front of God and his people!

Bishop Gideon Chang saying a few things to us ..

James tells me I still look slim in this picture ... what a comfort :-)

Singing and smiling with Mrs. Chang

Bangsar Lutheran Church (those who could make it!) & Friends

Gareth & his papa! (whole family photos coming soon!)

Post Ordination "Focus" Picture

After some random writing ... this picture from James' (again) stuck in my head and warmed my heart to bring "focus" again in all that I am, all that I do and whom I love and serve!

Post-Ordination Random Whatever

Daniel Teh's comment when i stepped into the Luther House Worship Hall was that I looked like a Jedi Knight! I told him wait till you see the Jedi Council walks in .. hmmm wonder who's Yoda?

I was delighted to see so many BLCians come, one or two I thought couldn't make it but they were there ... in fact together with some guests and my parents about 50 people and 10 kids came. Most of them stayed back for a simple lunch at the 4A house!

It was wonderful to see Dad and Mom witness this occassion. It means so much to me.

May Chin painted a wonderful picture by wearing the same dress she did for my graduation in STM. Gareth came in red as well ... pictures coming soon! Adding to that, I was glad Bishop called them up so we could be prayed for as a family. Gareth was busy checking out the LCMS 50th Anniversary Pewter Cross I was wearing around my neck.

It was an honor to translate for Bishop's Message in this occasion - he was talking about the cup of the new covenant of Christ highlighting " the Gospel of forgiveness", then moving to the Psamist's call to lift up the cup of salvation focusing on "holding on strongly to our faith" and lastly alluding to Psalms 23 where the cup overflows closing with the challenge and comfort that many will be blessed through us!

The feeling is great ... very much reminded of me of my STM graduation. Chin Hor asked in the Video Interview whether I felt a relief. Maybe in some ways honestly I must say YES! sure because it's been after almost 6 years in ministry (excluding the 4 years in STM of course). But, like Baptism and my graduation it's actually a beginning ... a kind of NEW BEGINNING into another phase of the journey!

Significant numbers : it's the 50th Anniversary of LCMS. It's at the 27th Biennal Convention (I was born in 1972). It's on 31st August (Malaysia's National Day) ... It's really easy to remember the dates huh? But dates and numbers with meaning!

I'm physically totally knocked out but relaxed at least for now. Three days convention where I translated for most of the interactions (for Bishop and various reports). Phew ... both in English & Chinese. Then working behind the scenes with Rev. Philip Lok was fun, good and yet tiring for the Worship Dinner Celebration on the 30th August at PGRM. Attended May Chin's Friends' wedding dinner last night.

Jessisca called all the way to wish me from FRANCE! Now that was a delightful surprise .. I appreciated that.

Rev. Victor & Kelly - such an honor! The words they penned in a special card touched us tremendously just like the friendship they offer to us unconditionally! Thanks!

The NCD fellas +spouses gave me a special dinner the week before and it's the appreciation and the words in the card as well that lifted my spirit again and again!

Numerous gifts & cards from BLCians also made the day even more special. Good experience love and care + kindness from the sheep as well!

some "visions" & "actions" emerging after the convention .... & ordination :-)

Nothing actually changed "ontologically" (in substance) - I'm still the same in many ways ... functionally & responsibility & also opportunity maybe there's some change ... but the whole process of Ordination propels me to deepn my quest for authentic humanity, a vibrant spirituality and catalytic ministry. Kyrie Eleison (Lord have mercy!)

more later ...