October 31, 2003
Mike, Mahathir, Martin
Today is a mixture of all sorts of feelings and thoughts.
I just got news that Early Thursday morning, October 30, we lost a friend, a father, an inspiration. Co-founder and owner of Youth Specialties (YS), Mike Yaconelli, was in a fatal car accident in northern California late Wednesday evening. Ihad been blessed tremendously by his articles and especially his book Dangerous Wonder which taught me that child-like faith is to Jump first, Fear later! (something we forget so easily!)
Malaysia's 78 year old Prime Minister for the past 22 years will be stepping down today. A man full of vision, focus, paradox and even controversy (especially with recent remarks on the Jews in his OIC speech and even advice to the Jews!) too needs to steps aside and allow history to unfold in a new way for us in Malaysia. Personally, I don't know what to say. I guess, I'll ride on what My young friend Wai Nyan's has posted a personal tribute for him.
It all started 486 years ago when Luther nailed his Ninety-Five Theses on the door of the Castle Church on October 31st, 1517. Reformation Day is to remember the spark that has changed the course of Christian history ... in fact, world history (For more check out Project Wittenberg , he's even got a movie and a new book out this year!) Like the song goes, "It only takes a spark to get a fire going!"
October 30, 2003
Church As An Organism
Was drawn to the questions (in bold) posed by Fred Peatross in his blog on Church. In many ways, the fact remains that I and those of us in BLC are part of an organization (humanly speaking) but we must never be reduced to only that!
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The church of Jesus Christ is a mystery. It’s a mystery in part because of its unique spiritual-physical genetic structure. Yet throughout history, church leaders and theologians have often reduced the wondrous mystery of the church to more easily grasped human-size models—the church as a building, a hierarchy, or an institution. The New Testament church gets lost in such approaches.
Think of the church as a complex organism and then ask:
Where is God in this spiritual organism?
Where would one place the pastor and other leaders?
Where do all the members of the body fit in?
Where does this organism fit in the larger society in which you live?
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Reformation Celebration
We managed to practice 6 songs yesterday for this celebration. It's been quite a while since I've lead worship in such a big context. I enjoy working with the BLC Worship Band (both musicians & vocals) set up for this celebration. With a whole line up of various presentations from different congregations tommorrow, I hope apart from enjoying ourselves we'll be drawn to honour GOD and appreciate His gracious work in and through Luther from 486 years ago and the Lutheran church the last 50 years. There's still a long way to go, much more to do.
I thought Gareth looks a bit like Luther in his Monk Hair-style
Surprised by the Spirit
I came back tonight delighted that the Spirit (I believe) opened up an opportunity for conversation and prayer. Sometimes, when you least expect him to work. He pops up and moves in his own way. The art for us to be ready to respond and act when that happens.
Yesterday morning when I decided to read through the book of Malachi using Eugene Peterson's The Message (my current favorite Bible to read stuff in one sitting!) Then load of passages just came of the page and started re-shaping me again! I love that when it happens ...
Then this morning, I thought of getting a leather bound of the Message at the NavPress bookstore here. I was halted (I'm sure May Chin would be happy to read this) and they said come later in December during the sales time. The extra bonus was that I found copies of Renovation of the Heart (hardcover) priced at RM49 (previously RM95) ... it's like I should bring a few for BLC pilgrims to consider getting the book at this great buy (at least BLC library will surely get one)! But more important is this whole discussion on Renovation of the heart is relevant to us here and now.
Read an article due in Mustard Seed and was blessed at how God may use a simple Renovation of our premises to achieve his main agenda in our lives - the stuff that really matters. Surprised that GOD will do this? no ... Surprised on how he chose to do this? yes ...
Keep on Surprising us HOLY SPIRIT ...
October 28, 2003
"Nourishment" when one is weak
Sneezing & coughing ... since I stepped down from the bus after the Pulau Besar camp. Physically, pretty worn out partly because I'm not used to long journeys like this. But, we had a good time in the 9th Mile Lutheran Church Youth camp. I learnt a lot and discovered more about the youth & young adults in the camp. And these guys and gals can really play! My prayer is that they've begun the process of discovering GOD's purpose in their lives ... at least begin "Seeing" it ... happening!
After coming back - just imagine, before I could seriously get some rest I attended one 11am meeting for the Reformation Celebration this Friday and the LCMS education meeting at 2pm (phew! with tissues, hankercheifs, vicks etc.!)
So, when I managed to read Winn's blog & Eric's blog about their two days with Eugene and Jan Peterson - what a contrast with my last few days. Somehow reading what they posted "nourished" me when I'm so physically weak. Here are some parts of their Q & A with Peterson that "struck" me:
From Winn__
... For him the Holy Spirit creates the church, not us. We should be careful not to develop strategies to beef up our own significance. Size is not what brings true significance, influence is....
The last morning he suggested that followers of Jesus should be aggressive in their attentiveness to God and apathetic to what others say about their attentiveness. Aggressive attentiveness and apathy should be seen as spiritual disciplines.
From Eric __
living is hard
-there is a lot to know
-people are messing it up not because there stupid, not because they are dumb, but becasue they are impatient.
How would you do a small group?
ask them to commit to studying becauses conversation implies that ther is no truth or authority. but, there is stuff to know, scriptures to understand. ... how else is a gathering going to reach past church and get into kindgdom?
Story
-story is the heart of language,
-we don’t have to figure them out, thats the holyspirits job, to teach people, not ours, we just present the story and move on.
-we can add definition later if they want more
Eric added extra stuff ... Today. This really "struck" me!
a man dying in 3 years called eugene and asked him "who should i be reading" eugenes response that he wanted to give was "you should have been asking this question 20 years ago"
October 23, 2003
Random Thoughts B4 Pulau Besar
wow! this is the first time i'm going for a camp at 10pm and sitting in a bus through the night. then we'll hop on a boat to Pulau Besar. thanks to 9th mile lutheran church youth ministry, i.e. oasis ministry, this will be on my memory list. Lord, thanks ... & take care of us along the journey
thankful that the outline is worked through and there's a mixture of different ingredients for the 18-23 year olds, more college than youth actually. Lord, thanks again ...
will miss May Chin & Gareth a lot ... i'm even feeling it now. will miss the BLC pilgrims as well ... Lord, be with us!
the LiFe Group meeting was enriching yesterday. our facilitator has improved in his facilitation and there's was a generally good flow (trust the scripture and spirit is shaping us!) Lord, thanks triple ...
glad to see a LiFE Group member return after some time in the other group. Lord, many thanks ...
visited my toastmaster friend who hurt his back after picking up a soap in the bathroom. ouch! we managed to pray for him at the LiFE Group last night. Lord, have mercy ...
listened to someone share his disappointment when people are "declining" his invitation. wonder how Jesus feels when we constantly "decline" his invitations? Lord, we're sorry ...
thought about how often we are so caught up with ourselves and give excuses to stuff that really matters in the long run. Lord, we're sorry ...
read somewhere when one is avoiding healthy christian fellowship that signifies a need to get connected back to a healthy fellowship with GOD. guess it works both ways huh? it's not just socialization .... Lord, shape us ..
reminded that if this is the right way to go - perseverance - endurance - not giving up - is critical. Lord, help us ... "TOLONG" (help in Malay)
loads of stuff when i return - LCMS education meeting on Monday, MMU christian fellowship meeting on tuesday evening, wednesday & thursday rehearsal for reformation service, friday reformation service, saturday BLC housewarming, sunday apart from the regular there's toastmaster commitee meeting, AYA anniversary dinner. Lord, help me .... TOLONG!
is there something is wrong with the way we discipled in the past ... a segment of younger late teens & early twenty-somethings who were part of our youth ministries are not plugged into following Jesus. excuses already abound, but then i'm hearing that some don't even "believe in GOD" anymore. hope in the midst of rejecting a version of "religion" which imprisons or means little to them, they won't reject "TRUE religion" which liberates them from selfishness, pride, meaninglessness .. and initiates them into the REAL thing! Lord help them!
thought about generations the past two days. the marketing segmentation - gen X or gen y or whatever. the wider generational shifts - pre-modern, modern, post-modern (as defined by the west). a more down-to-earth foot on the ground - life in my generation in Malaysia, my time, my life .... Lord help us all!
October 22, 2003
New Url ...
According to my techno-mahaguru Kiffer Fong, I should inform everyone that this Garden's Url currently is http://sivinkit.doubleukay.com/ (the http://kifferfong.cjb.net/sivinkit/ will be phased out soon!) Please make the necessary updates.
Energizing Emails
I was just saving some emails from two mentors whom I respect tremendously that really encouraged me ... and found some statements that helped me along the journey. I thought of posting some which really meant a lot to me ...
On my present season in life ...
" every life has seasons in them; even seasons where one is focused mostly on their family. You will be fine, a new season is just around the corner...but never let it make your family second..." ~ April 2003
On engaging my own Malaysian Context (which got me reading Thiselton),
"Thiselton made clear (The Two Horizons, Erdmans 1980) that our first task is to study the first environment of the Biblical Canon, and every group of Christians of every country should engage in that. The second task is to see how the Scriptures could be relevant to our second environment. The post-colonial environment is hugely different, and that means the theological task has changed radically. The trouble is that many of our evangelical interpreters have never engaged with the second environment of churches all over the world, so what they wrote is relevant to western Christianity, but often unhelpful (if not misleading) for the growing churches in China, Malyasia, Indonesia, India, Africa, and South America.
Incidentally Thiselton's section on Wittgenstein in The Two Horizons is to my mind by far the most important theological work of the past century - he is about the only theologian who gets him right. Lutherans and all others should study that section on Wittgenstein before doing anything else." 9 September 2003
Extra encouragement ...
"I am glad you are getting some meat from Thiselton. As I said, the book would have been better with just the third part about Wittgenstein. Many give up in the heavy first two sections before they get to the meat.
How wonderful you have had such a happy good first year with Gareth. As Jesus said, learning from a little child to be childlike is the best education for the Kingdom of Heaven." ~ 8 October 2003
On some unsettled feeling in me ...
"You are right be wary of that kind of person. Relax. You are doing fine as you are." ~ 21 October 2003
On my ideas for Master's Thesis,
"I liked your first idea of working in ecclesiology. Why not work at models of how the church actually works in your area. As I suggested you need the first horizon (Thiselton) of the NT, then a study of models which have worked or not worked in our day, and conclude with a proposal for the future." ~ 21 october 2003
October 21, 2003
Set Theory in Church
Another goodiie from Jordon Cooper (he always posts links that make me think, pause, or simply enjoy!). In his words, "Steve Collins posted this visualization from Liquid Church. You will want to spend some time thinking it through."
I first got introduced to this idea from the "Missional Church" book (related to Church/Ecclesiology), then McLaren's "More Ready than You Realize" (related to Evangelism) and Olson's "The Mosaic of Christian Belief" (related to Church History). After my White coffee and "Loh Mai Kai", I'll be thinking it through for a while. This spiral learning thing is quite an exercise, we never stop learning! :-)
October 20, 2003
History of Christianity in Malaysia
Found An outline history of Christianity in Malaysia by John Roxborogh whom I know taught in Malaysia some years ago and was instrumental in the publication of
CHRISTIANITY IN MALAYSIA. A Denominational History. I hated history during secondary school ... I think I enjoyed it when I was a kid. Now, I love it ...
October 18, 2003
Take me to the Cross
I'm looking forward to gather together with the BLC family & friends for worship tomorrow. Rev. Victor Wong agreed to grace our pulpit (mic stand?!), thus I can enjoy a time worshipping as the Kit family as well ... sitting at the cross listening to HIS voice.
Thanks to James Tan again for the pictures!
Two Simple Insights ...
I was delighted to get in touch back with Coach Hunter. As always, his insights spur me on one step at a time and keeps me focused when i start to get cluttered.
Here's two simple insights I got this morning .. (his thoughts in bold, my reflections after his!)
"I don't think we should let a church context determine our ministry. Whether the church is young or old, denominational or non-, etc. makes no difference: we are still trying to make kingdom oriented disciples of Jesus. The only difference context makes is HOW we go about it."
Sometimes, I wonder what would it be like if I were serving in a non-Lutheran denomination or church. Someone asked me lately, do we really need to be "Lutherans" (meaning being part of the Lutheran denomination in Malaysia)? Hunter is right on target - straight to the heart of the matter. .With the CORE making kingdom oriented disciples of Jesus in focus, there's is much more openness, grace and creativity in HOW we operate in our various CONTEXT.
"The micro level is the real level; working patiently with people and finding those with ears to hear are the big keys."
Sitting around a table and launching into "global" concerns and issues can be very stimulating to the mind and expands one's horizons. For me reading other people's blogs, writings and thoughts really sets my heart and mind on fire! But, what is rewarding indeed is when I have a chance to witness people respond to GOD's invitation to Kingdom life not just once but continuously ... and at a micro level - it's UP CLOSE & PERSONAL!
October 17, 2003
Girls just wanna have fun (Boys too!)
After the renovations were almost complete, a bunch of us gathered on a Friday evening to "Re-boot" the Father's House! Someone told me he really treasured times like these ... so here's a glimpse ...
Some ladies were cleaning clothes in the book of Acts, these ladies clean books (Ee Lynn , Hoong Guit, Wan Ching, and Sigrun ) !
Assistant to Pastor (A2P) Moh Foong who's helped me a lot ... and Wife to Pastor (W2P?) May Chin who's helping me my whole life!
Our very own Indiana Joo mutated into the Janitor ...
In his former life he was a Model ... our beloved council member Daniel Ng ...
Keat Lim on the run from who?
As we are sharing, do you notice two young girls at the back (Joanne & Moh Foong) playing
It's more than just moving stuff back to it's place, it's bring meaning back into our lives!
what would happen if we replaced time spent infront of the TV with spent centering ourselves in Christ instead?
Something Good is going to happen!
BLC - the people still work in progress! Here's just a sampling ... some others at home, many more on the way!
October 16, 2003
Acts Outline
Working through the book of Acts at BLC's Worship Gathering and with different LiFE Groups has been a tremendous blessing. We're almost done before the year ends and we're at chapter 18. I found a helpful outline by Vineyard Pastor Bill Jackson linked from The Pneuma Foundation. It's a foundation goal is "to Lead Pentecostal/charismatic believers to a greater knowledge of God's Word and encouraging discussion on the gifts of the Spirit for today. " Let's learn the best from one another ...
Free PhD? Short Cut Doctorates?
I got this from Jordon Cooper. He posts really good links! Thanks Jordon ...
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Free Ph.D from jordoncooper.com
Ever wonder who buys those fake degrees? Apparently professors, doctors, and researchers. Check out this file for all the horrible details. Warning, it is a PDF
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Why did this interest me?
well, first is because I was invited back into my denomination's education committee. Second, because the National Evangelical Christian Fellowship (Malaysia) published in their newsletter (PDF file) sometime ago on cheap degrees (hey in Malaysia we don't get stuff free! But, cheap yes!) Third, I'm saddened by the "drive" or "need" for recognition with a "Dr." in front of your name! I like "genuine" Doctors they inspire me and encourage me (quite a number have been great mentors!) I'm worried about "quacks", whether physically, emotionally, intellectually, etc. I think it hurts the church in the long run. Kyrie Eleison.
My prayer is we pastors and Christian leaders won't join the "crowd" above on this .... Amen.
October 15, 2003
When Good Books Are Put to Bad Uses
Found this article When Good Books Are Put to Bad Uses in Congregational Resource Guide by The Alban Institute
I was struck by the simple insights below:
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“Is this a good book?”
Whether a book is good—in its effects—often depends on how it is used. A well-written book with great insights and practical advice is rarely useful if clergy read it on their own, gain a little momentary perspective, and then shelve it.
In contrast, a book that is neither insightful nor well-written can start a revolution if it raises the right issues and a board, session, or vestry reads and discusses it section by section.
Furthermore, the best books or other resources often contain great potential for misuse. Like any powerful tool, a resource can be not only useless, but harmful.
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Wise words from a Wise Man
Amongst the many Emergent Updates I get, the latest one really struck me with McLaren's honesty and maturity in these challenging times of ministry. It's the constuctive tone of his hopes after some honest assesment is what I value very much!
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1. I hope that we’ll realize that we all have things worth being angry about, and that our anger has to be worked through. But I think of James’ wise words about human anger not accomplishing the justice of God - or Paul's, about being angry, but without sinning. Our anger is necessary, but dangerous.
2. I hope that we will get beyond opinionatedness. For example, if you have been abused by church hierarchy, and in reaction, you are now an anarchist/egalitarian (i.e. never use the word pastor, etc.), I hope your opinion won’t force you into a new legalism or paint you into a new corner. Contrarily, if you have been worn out by disorganization and lack of leadership, I hope your opinions that favor clear structure won’t push you toward authoritarianism or paint you into that corner. Buddhists often call this kind of religious opinionatedness being “notional.” Imagine a Buddhist who develops all kinds of opinions about the various schools of Buddhism, learns Sanskrit, and debates theories of karma, but never meditates and doesn't manifest mindfulness or peace. Are his notions or opinions worth anything? Among the Buddhist masters who truly practice meditation, notions seem to become less and less important. Shouldn't there be something analogous for us?
3. I also hope we get beyond being critical. When people are trying to do something good, it won’t be perfect. Instead of criticizing them for not being perfect, we need to affirm their desire or attempts at doing good. "At least they're trying!" is a gracious addendum to any critique. Dietrich Bonhoeffer talked about this brilliantly in Life Together. He describes how our “wish dreams” for community – our ideals and dreams for how community should and could be – can make us actually hate people who don’t fulfill our dreams and wishes, or who get in their way. At that moment, our own critical spirit is a bigger obstacle to our dreams being fulfilled than whatever someone else is doing or not doing.
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October 14, 2003
Missional Church Planting Model
I remember reading a wonderful chapter in Missional Church on Leadership. The different centered-set & bounded-set circles were a tremendous help in helping me picture what's going on and how we can view the movement in people. I actually used the circles to help me think about BLC's movement. The following image is something I stumbled on online which is more refined than what I did.
October 13, 2003
Sacred Pathways
Sacred Pathways explores our personal style of how one draws near to God. For those who like quizzies they might find this helpful. For me, I've learnt to appreciate all the styles even though there are definately preferences!
The Gospel of John
A couple of years ago, a group of us watched "The Visual Bible" on the Book of Acts (word for word from the NIV Bible) and found it to be helpful. Now they have the Gospel of John (word for word from the Good News Bible).
October 12, 2003
Jesus Loves Me
The great Swiss-German theologian Karl Barth delivered one of the closing lectures of his life at the University of Chicago Divinity School. At the end of the lecture, the president of the seminary told the audience that Dr. Barth was not well and was very tired, and though he thought Dr. Barth would like to open for questions, he probably could not handle the strain. Then he said, "Therefore, I'll ask just one question on behalf of all of us." He turned to Barth and asked, "Of all the theological insights you have ever had, which do you consider to be the greatest of them all?"
This was a remarkable question to ask a man who had written tens of thousands of pages of some of the most sophisticated theology ever put on paper. the students sat with pads and pencils ready. They wanted to jot down the premier insight of the greatest theologian of their time.
Karl Barth closed his eyes and though for a while. then he smiled, opened his eyes, and said to the young seminarians, "The greatest theological insight that I have ever had is this: Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so!"
~ From Let me Tell You a Story by Tony Campolo.
October 11, 2003
The Apostle's Creed for the New Millennium
Here is the The Apostle's Creed for the New Millennium that is attributed to Rev. Harry Wendt (might want to go myself or send a couple from BLC to his seminars in November, looks interesting - I like pictures). Back to the Creed!
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I believe in God the Father Almighty,
Maker and Owner of Heaven and Earth.
We believe that we do not and cannot give God anything,
but merely manage that which belongs to God,
including the body and life God is lending us.
We believe in Jesus the Messiah, God's only Son, our Lord.
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
lived the life of a humble Servant without limit,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and buried,
The third day he rose from the dead,
and has been declared Lord of the universe, time, death and eternity.
Jesus has not withdrawn but has transformed His presence,
and the Holy Spirit, through through Word and Sacrament, makes known
Jesus' invisible presence and His message and mission.
While we wait for Jesus to reappear on that Last Day
when He will raise the dead and judge all,
we live to make Him known as Savior and Lord,
and to serve Him by serving those around us.
When He finally reappears, He us in forgiving grace,
thank us for serving Him in His distressing disguises
during life in this present world,
and then welcome us into His Eternal Home
where He will care for us forever.
We believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy Christian Church, the eternal Messianic community,
the fellowship of forgiven, serving saints
striving to live in unity in Christlike serving community.
We believe in, and proclaim, the forgiveness of sin,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting.
Amen.
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Biblical Errors You Should Never Admit To
- Adam and Eve were created from an apple tree.
- Noah's wife was called Joan of Arc.
- Lot's wife was a pillar of salt by day, but a ball of fire by night.
- Samson was a strongman who slayed the Philistines with the ax of the Apostles.
- Moses led the Hebrews to the Red Sea, where they made unleavened bread made without any ingredients.
- The Egyptians were all drowned in the desert. Afterwards, Moses went up on Mount Cyanide to get the Ten Amendments.
- The First Commandment was when Eve told Adam to eat the apple. The Fifth Commandment is to humor thy father and mother. The Seventh Commandment is thou shalt not admit adultery.
- Moses died before he ever reached Canada. Then Joshua led the Hebrews in the Battle of Geritol.
-The greatest miracle in the Bible is when Joshua told his son to stand still and he obeyed him.
- Jesus enunciated the Golden Rule, which says to do one to others before they do one to you.
-The people who followed the Lord were called the Twelve Decibels.
- The epistles were the wives of the apostles.
- One of the opossums was St. Matthew who was by profession a taximan.
- St. Paul cavorted to Christianity. He preached holy acrimony, which is another name for marriage.
- A Christian should have only one wife. This is called monotony.
From Vineyard's Cutting Edge Magazine which has helped me tremendously since starting BLC (1997 Spring Issue)
October 10, 2003
Thy Kingdom Come - why pray?
Was struck again by Willard's comments on the Lord's Prayer while I just finished chapter 1 of the Divine Conspiracy (slow & steady here!).
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So when Jesus directs us to pray, "Thy kingdom come", he does not meanwe chould pray for it to come into existence. Rather, we pray for it to take over at all points in the personal, social and political order where it is now excluded: "On earth as it is in heaven." With this prayer we are invoking it, as in faith we are acting it, into the real world of our daily existence. (p. 34, emphasis mine)
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This renewed injection of truth makes me "pray" even more intensely for people and spheres where "God's rule" is frequently and sometimes intentionally excluded (for whatever reason or impulse). It hurts when i see those whom God loves are off track or "trying to run their own show." There's so much that's contrary to His will ... Thus, we pray ...
"Thy Kingdom come ... on earth as it is in heaven. Amen!"
October 09, 2003
In God's Time
Finally connected to a "End Time" (Eschatology) resource that's biblical, theological, practical & whateverlah ... so I don't have to be left behind on these matters ... I like the title! (click on picture).
Whether Lawyers, Too, Can Be Saved
I married a lawyer. I'm surrounded by lawyers. I befriend lawyers. Quite a number of people part of BLC are lawyers. i enjoy Lawyers TV-shows and Movies.
I believe like every decent occupations, they play an important role in the public square and the marketplace. So, when I saw this article a couple of years ago "Whether Lawyers, Too, Can Be Saved" and was delightfully suprised how the insights relates to other vocations as well.
One quote to give some foretaste of Prof. Tuttle's Views:
Our professions – these worldly jobs, with all their warts and demanding bosses and annoying clients – have the potential to be divine callings, "masks of God" – places where we participate in God's gracious governance of this world. And yet (here we go back to the first "yes, but") they also hold the potential to be twisted, perverted into instruments of violence, destruction, and injustice.
On the Edge of Chaos
The Father's House before the "Resurrection" 3 years ago in 2000 (totally chaotic!) , the two coconut trees were "near-death" are now their bearing fruit indeed! We kept the outside characteristics of the building and re-worked the inside quite a bit. (more pictures later!)
"The Key to thriving in such a shifting global climate is to strike a balance between the need for order and the imperative to change. Living systemes tend to locate themselves at the edge of chaos. The edge of chaos is a place where there is enough innovation to keep a living system vibrant, and enough stability to keep it from collapsing into anarchy." ~ "On the Edge of Chaos: Navigating through Global Changes" by Jonathan Cambell, cultural anthropologist and entrepreneur
Everytime people ask me where is BLC (because people still see church as a place), I tell them "We're meeting on the edge of Bangsar not where people assume is the most happening place which is kind of the center of Bangsar (where the pubs and restraunts are located)!".
And I like this old former missionary residence cum church. we're meeting a two-semi-d house transformed into what we call "the Father's House" (now with some renovations, cool!). But the meeting place is just a sign & symbol for us as a people to persist in becoming who we believe GOD has called us to be "A New Kind of Church" (a new kind of Christian!) in our generation of chaotic changes!
Cambells comments on Leadership really encouraged me. He ends the article saying:
"Rather than providing answers, leaders have to ask tough questions. Rather than protecting people from outside threats, leaders should let the sting of reality stimulate them to adapt. Instead of orientating people to their current roles, leaders must disorient them so that new relationships can develop. Instead of quelling conflict, leaders should draw the issues out. Instead of maintaining norms, leaders must challenge "the way we do business" and help others distinguish immutable values from the historical practices that have become obsolete."
As far as I'm concerned, GOD has done a load of that in his leadership to me.
October 08, 2003
Brunch Bugs
These two quotes have been bugging me ...
Read this in Jonathan Campbell's article "Releasing the Gospel from Western Bondage"
"It has become apparent to me that the vast majority of churchgoing Christians in America are heretics. The leading--indeed, traditional-- heresy of the day I call pseudodocetism. It is this predominant heresy that intellectually allows the Church to fail to teach its followers to follow Jesus" ~ M. Scott Peck, The Different Drum (p. 297)
The other one (linked from Dan Hughes) especially after watching the "Agent of Grace" Bonhoeffer movie bugged me even more from last week till today (I'm still trying to figure it out or letting it sink in!).
"If your opponent has a conscience, then follow Gandhi and nonviolence.
But if your enemy has no conscience like Hitler, then follow Bonhoeffer." ~ Martin Luther King, Jr.
Happy Birthday Gareth!
Gareth Kit Kye Ler was born one year ago today I think around 4am. Parenthood has been wonderful for both May Chin and I. We're overwhelmed by God's grace, joy and love poured out upon us during this season of life.
October 07, 2003
On "Reading Biblical Texts"
Challenged myself to read "an advanced textbook on "hermeneutics" (the art of interpretation). Like a medium rare big piece of steak, I'm taking one bite at a time. Anthony C. Thiselton's "New Horizons in Hermeneutics" fits that catergory! Two excerpts here that really encouraged me to keep on encouraging the LiFe Groups to let the Spirit "do something" in our lives as we submit ourselves to the Scriptural /Biblical text!
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... text may enlarge the horizons of readers. When this occurs, horizons move and become new horizons. Reading may also produce transforming effects. In this sense, reading biblical texts can become eventful as transforming biblical reading.
... Texts, first we argue, open new horizons for readers. Because of their capacity to bring about change, texts and especially biblical texts engage with readers in ways which can productively transform horizons, attitudes, criteria of relevance, or even communites and inter-personal situations. In this sense we may speak of transforming biblical reading. The very process of reading may lead to a re-ranking of expectations, assumptions, and goals which readers initially bring to texts.
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On "Books"
Next to CDs and potato chips, I buy books ... so when I found this hidden gem insight in the context of his book from Max DePree in his book Leadership is an Art(Outstanding book + his books are always double spaced and expensive!). What he syas here, I believe it applies to any worthwhile book I read (stuff that struck me especially in bold italics):
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In some sense, every reader "finishes" every book according to his or her experiences and needs and beliefs and potential. That is the way you can really own a book. Buying books is easy; owning them is not. There is space for you to finish and own this book. The ideas here have been in my mind for quite a few years changing, gowing, maturing. I will continue to work on them long after this book is published, and I trust you will too.
In saying this, I am expressing the hope you will see that the book demands something of you and that the book is open to your influence and your observations. This book, as you read it, should illustrates many of the ideas discussed, especially ones of participation and ownership. I hope this book, like many well-thought-out buildings, is indeterminate.
As a child, I often watched adults study books and learned one of my first lessons about reading. They wrote in their books. Intent and involved readers often write in the margins and between the lines. (You may end up doing a lot of writing and reading between the lines in this book!) Good readers take possession of what they are learning by underlining and commenting and questioning. In this manner, they "finish" what they read.
You can read this book quickly, but I hope you cannot finish it quickly. It will be worth a lot more to you if you finish it, if you have made it truly your own book.
Many years ago Herman Miller was building an addition to one of its plants. The steel was up when the job superintendent noticed that somehting was wrong. He discovered that the addition was eight inches too high. All the columns had to be cut off. I had two of the ends chrome plated. they stand in my office, as a kind of folk sculpture, to remind me that no one is perfect. That goes for books too.
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Close with a wonderful quote from DePree on "Change" ...
We cannot become what we need to be, remaining what we are.
Spiritual Gifts Discovery Tool & Teaching
I believe discovering our spiritual gifts and integrating them with our calling is more than just doing an inventory or survey. But, this document is a good start to get the "brain juices" boiling ... Download file
On a broader framework, I found Todd Hunter's "Calling ,Mission, and Gifts: How They Integrate in a Disciple's Life" very helpful!
On some Biblical insights, Winn Griffin's "Spirit" article Download fileprovides a good summary of the mains views and the whole idea of "gracelets" which is similar to Robert Webber's "Gifts of Manifestation" in the "Find Your Gift" Workbook we're using in the CALLING class ...
October 04, 2003
How to keep an idiot busy
This is funny .. click here
I've been pretty busy this week ... Toastmasters, Life Group Meetings, Council meeting, District Meeting, tonight's last minute memorial service (a favor for a pastor friend), preparation for the Calling class (just finished notes! yeah!) & Worship Gathering (still got some more), .... it's never ending ...
Hope to resume a better rhythm after this weekend ... :-)
The Return of Hunter
I was so excited that Todd Hunter is blogging again ... I missed his insights tremendously! And the best part (at least for me) ... His latest post starts on 1st October which is my birthday .. cool! The Missional Church notes were really helpful ... And I liked the "resurrection" themed artwork very much .... I just love the word RESURRECTION!
October 03, 2003
Sacred Sunset Time
Yesterday was quite a marathon considering I reached home around 11:30pm. I must say it was one of the more eventful and yet enjoyable council meetings. Eventful because Edward's car broke down so we had to change venue (which is ok!), then my watch broke down (so I totally lost track of time), made a wrong turning on the way (usually not my style) .... Enjoyable,, because the focus of all the council members was on ministry and what we felt GOD has called us to do. There was a fresh healthy appreciation of the reality we're in both in areas where it's beautiful (GOD's grace at work) and where we are broken (God's grace at work in repairing!) An extra joy was because it was not just a so called "business"-"work" meeting ... it was a time of sharing lives, praying and envisioning & committing to serve in whatever way possible ... now that's a blessing!
Sat down with a "broken" soul this afternoon, talked a little .. ate together - one plate of noddles shared, Ice Kacang and a warm drink. I was glad that some sharing occured, prayerfully some connection made - trusting GOD is making connections somehow! I believe ... He can make all things beautiful in His time ...
Tonight, we're going to spend time as a family ... just the three of us. We miss that especially when May Chin is adjusting to new work, I'm still finalizing the renovation and re-orientating BLC ministry, Gareth is growing new teeth and toughening up his legs trying to stand, crawl and walk.
We bring all that is beautiful and all that is broken before you ... all that is within us and all that has been shared to us in one way or another and lay it at Jesus Feet so the Spirit can somehow bless it ....
When GOD's presence is present, time stands still and it's sacred ...
10% Off ... Run! Grab!
I was happily checking out the books at MPH 1 Utama and enjoying what I could get with the fresh book vouchers from the two LiFE Groups last night ... and as I walked to the cashier to pay I saw the two books from McLaren which has been a tremendous blessing of grace and guidance to me selling with a 10% discount (minus RM7.14, pretty good considering the hardcover book is RM71.40). From then on I decided to tell the whole world. :-) It's only natural to want to share something that has impacted you so much.
Anyway, I thought some reviews from others (in italics) would speak for the books and their benefit. I bought both (at different times .. with quite a long interval in between) and devoured them for myself (I remember within a couple of days! And I would read them again), got another two for BLC library (now with Edward but hope BLC members will give them a try) and got another two for a good friend (because I think he wouldn't mind reading something quite different). Hmmm maybe that's why MPH thought there's a market for the books?! thus, from just one or two books hidden here and there -... now a whole stack!
I have a lot of respect for Brian and this book is a rare gift. I fear that some won't hear the essential message because they'll get bogged down criticizing some of the details. I walked away from it disturbed and refreshed - disturbed because Brian challenged me to a deeper understanding of faithfulness; refreshed because he takes the first steps toward clearing a path for those willing to set aside preconceived notions about what it means to be a Christian
Another great title by McLaren. Explores a meta-narrative to live by, and includes some tthought provoking points to reflect on and stew over.
Don't bother with this book if you dont have an open mind. It is challenging, and can at times take a couple of reads of a sectionto really embrace it. If you dont read this book in the way it was meant to by read, in the spirit that it was meant to be view in, then chances are you will hate it.
As for me... I love it, if you are looking for inspiration, go right ahead
October 02, 2003
The highs, the lows & the levels
"Keong Heong" Restraunt needs to give us a discount card. It seems its THE place for "makan" (i.e. eating). Reasonably priced, decently cooked, not-too-hot (with some air-con & sufficient fan-air), occassionaly a malay guitar-singer would entertain us for a contribution, all in all a pretty-good-hang-out.
The two LiFe Groups that I'm mostly involved in now were so kind to give me a treat (they had a lot to eat as well) and a cake too (wah! lah!). And presents yes presents! MPH book vouchers ... they know my needs & wants! HE was there in the high land.
Listened to a friend and could feel some of his pain .. wished could help more ... hope (and willing to help) as he responds in a Christ-like maturity. HE was there in the low land.
Had a good time re-arranging the Thinking Room, Moh Foong moved her PC in with a wireless mouse (I'm dated I admit but I'm still more wired than a lot of others - OUCH .. the need to compare in order to self-comfort is real .. hehe). The revised positions are helpful. HE was there in the level land.
Omnipresence - what a big word for some .. Everywhere present ... Geographically? Sure ...
Chronogically? Sure ...
Meaningfully (in the highs, the lows & levels) of the day? Sure ... absolutely ... I believe (help my unbelief or shaky belief sometimes)
YOU are here!
The Jesus Manifesto
May be it's the entering 30's mode thing (whatever that means!) :-) Jesus started his ministry around this time ... and I do wonder whether I'm really starting only now. Only GOD knows!
Got my free October issue of NEXT WAVE today (this e-zine has been consistently on my reading diet even before BLC got resurrected!), and found this rendition of Jesus words in the Beatitudes ... sobering ... and energizing!
My favorites are the optionless, because they operate in the reign of heaven.
My favorites are those who grieve, because they’ll be surprised by joy.
My favorites are those who heed the voice of conscience, because they can be trusted with the earth.
My favorites are those who pang to experience what’s right, because they’ll be satisfied.
My favorites are the merciful, because they’ll receive mercy.
My favorites are the pure in heart, because they’ll see God.
My favorites are those who work for peace, because they’ll be called children of God.
My favorites are those who are persecuted for doing right, because they operate in the reign of heaven.
My favorites are you! When people insult you, slander you and injure you on my account, keep your chin up and be happy. Your reward is great beyond what you see. Prophets have always been bullied
(A complete, printable version of The Jesus Manifesto is available from Doulos Christou Press here: http://www.douloschristoupress.com/manifesto.pdf. You may freely print and distribute this document.
October 01, 2003
Love & Fear
Here's a prayer from Michael Leunig (which I got from the wonderful world of eggbert ):
There are only two feelings. Love and fear.
There are only two languages. Love and fear.
There are only two activities. Love and fear
There are only two motives, two proceedures,
two frameworks, two results. Love and fear.
Lifestyle Reminders for a 31 year Old!
okay I can't sleep .. it must be the Roti Chanai I ate ... post some reminders so i'll read it this week ...
36 Chistian Ways To Reduce Stress Here's four for starters!
1. Pray
2. Go to bed on time.
3. Get up on time so you can start the day unrushed.
4. Say No, to projects that won't fit into your time schedule, or that will compromise your mental health.
Important List here's three:
1. The best way to get even is to forget.
2. Feed your faith and your doubts will starve to death
3. God wants spiritual fruit, not religious nuts.
Best Gifts To Give I think I better list the whole thing!
To your friend - loyalty;
To your enemy - forgiveness;
To your boss - service;
To a child - a good example;
To your parents - gratitude and devotion;
To your mate - love and faithfulness;
To all men and women - love;
To God - your life.