Sivin Kit’s Garden

Slipstream: Leaders in Formation (HT: Jason Clark)

Looks like an interesting development from UK Evangelicals …

Pastor’s Wisdom: Kent Anderson

I’m a little late on this but thanks Scot for a great series. Great questions: “If you knew then what you know now, what would you have focused on? Or, in light of what you now know, what would you advise young pastors to focus on? ”

Hindsight is 20/20 but it often comes at less than productive moments but sometimes it does make a difference. I have served churches in Iowa, Michigan and Illinois; in rural, small town and suburban environs. I have dealt with everything from murder to suicide to sexual abuse to goofy boards to cranky members to bats in the church to you name it. Knowing this - the one thing I would make sure of if I was starting over again is this – read the Bible.

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Why do this? In every other element of my position I know that there are people in the church who know more about leadership and vision casting, finances, building construction and maintenance, pedagogy and the care and feeding of copiers. But I need to know the Bible. I need to know it intimately, its themes (large and small) the people who populate it and its flow. I need to know it personally to be able to carefully use it professionally. The more I read it the more I am drawn to it. And I discover more about myself in reading the Bible. I love Leviticus and its lessons. Judges is the most contemporary book for our land. David is always in trouble in Psalms. The personalities of the gospels are amazing, and Revelation can be breathtaking.

Pastor’s Wisdom: Cindy Nicholson

Another one … good for the soul.

When I reflect on that time, the one thing that I would have focused on more has nothing to do with the art of pastoral ministry – and everything to do with it! I would have more diligently protected my times set aside to sit quietly before God, scriptures in hand, and to listen, to think long, slow thoughts and to let him inform my mind, soften my heart, and open the doors of my spirit to be filled again with the Holy Spirit .

Is the political enterprise a result of the Fall?

This would be handy for the forum I’m involved in on Saturday!

I think that the role of government is not simply the negative task of restraining evil (which is true because of the Fall), but also the positive task of working for the common good (which would have been the case with or without the Fall).

Post Charismatic?

I can relate to this. Interesting comments.

my understanding of what counts as ‘prophecy’ has changed somewhat. I would understand particularly socio-political theological engagement (e.g. aspects of liberation theology, and books like Colossians Remixed) to be sometimes profoundly prophetic, for me more so than the ‘I had a picture but don’t know what it means’ variety. But through whatever manner God chooses to speak I want to be ready to hear (1 Thess. 5:20 ‘don’t despise prophecies’; 1 Cor. 14:1 ‘Pursue love and strive for the spiritual gifts, and especially that you may prophesy’).

Ministering Angels

The core meaning of ministry is what we need to get highlighted these days.

Instead of offering blueprints for bigger congregations, the Lilly program focuses on spiritual growth. Most religious sociologists track the fortunes of Protestant clergy on the basis of salary, status and professional mobility. All of this information can be useful, but it skews the core meaning of ministry, which according to the New Testament is first and foremost about service. Nor do macro-analyses capture the passion for ministry often found in out-of-the-way places and in devoted pastors like Isaac

Ah … grace!

"Grace" is a beautiful and empowering word.  But it’s also once which is often misunderstood and even abused. Grace is a window to the liberating presence of God.

Jesus was not playing semantic games with us when he declared, ‘He who has seen me, has seen the Father’ (John 14:9). There is no God behind Jesus Christ. In Jesus, we see the full brunt of God’s attitude to us, and it is one of unbridled grace.

Islamic Democracy

Gems coming from Kuwait.

What do Joseph Ratzinger, Walter Kasper, and Hans Küng have in common?

I love stories.

10 Reasons Men Should Not Be In Ministry

I think I may have posted this before. Todd has the original links … I thought I should end today’s links with some humor.

7. Man was created before woman, obviously as a prototype. Thus, they represent an experiment rather than the crowning achievement of creation.

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5. Some men are handsome, and this will distract women worshipers.

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2. The New Testament tells us that Jesus was betrayed by a man. His lack of faith and ensuing punishment remind us of the subordinated position that all men should take.

Blogging live in Parliament

Now this is surely a first in Malaysia I wonder whether Jeff can keep it up even when Parliament is in session.

FACE TO FACE: Dr Bridget Welsh

Need to catch up with some of these Face to Face interviews.

7. Imran Imtiaz Shah Yacob: Can Anwar Ibrahim claim the prize of being Prime Minister? What in your view are his weaknesses at this stage.

Bridget Welsh: The reality is that Anwar Ibrahim has re-emerged as a major contender for power. His rise will depend on the success of the opposition working together, the ability of the BN to reform (thereby reducing his chances) and his acumen in promoting compromise. Anwar Ibrahim faces a few key weaknesses – 1) the political opposition is fragmented and he is weakened by its divisions and the weakness of the opposition – inexperience – noted above. 2) Despite his comeback, Anwar still has a trust deficit among non-Malays who criticize his policies while in the BN (education and Islamization) and now has a trust deficit within the Malay community (in that he is seen by some as violating interests of the Malay community through changes in NEP). He will need to continually address these areas. 3) He lacks resources for his party. The opposition as a whole is now completely overstretched. Thus, a critical issue ahead in fulfilling promises is to build the policy capability of all parties.

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10. Imran Imtiaz Shah Yacob: What’s your assessment of Najib Razak? The Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia.
Bridget Welsh: He is a good administrator, and has played a key role in the Abdullah administration. This is not generally known about him, and he is not given credit for the important contributions he is making to running government. He is intelligent and strongly committed to Malaysia. There are clearly issues, however, that cloud his leadership, from rumours involving submarine deals to the ongoing Mongolian trial. These issues need to be resolved in a transparent manner in order for Najib Tun Razak to gain greater credibility nationally. His public image needs to be stronger if he is to continue to lead effectively. His strength remains within his own party, not the general public. Today, it is essential to have both party and public mandates.

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12. Imran Imtiaz Shah Yacob: If you met Abdullah Badawi today, what would you say to him?
Bridget Welsh: After praising him for allowing a more open system to emerge in Malaysia, I would urge him to listen to a wider group of advisers, empower more effective policy implementers and fulfil the promises of reforms that Malaysians are calling for. I would wish him the best in traversing the difficult road ahead.

A spirit of intolerance

We are watching closely aren’t we? It’s best not to insult the Rakyat’s intelligence and resolve.

BN stuck in an old paradigm

The phrase "mixed signals" leaped out. The question will be how can BN get unstuck?  Many have waited long and hope to see more … every action counts especially when one’s credits or credibility is running low.

Hisham apologises for keris act

A question more out of curiosity, would he had done it if the results of the March 8th Elections were different? I don’t think I’m the only one who has questions lingering, of course some have stronger words to say in Hisham’s ‘keris’ apology: Your say

Cheese on toast and with a little bit of wine.  These are pleasures indeed.

I recall years ago listening to a message by Bill Hybels on keeping a watch on our RPMs. The last one year has been moving forward much more quickly than I expected. I’m a little surprised I’m not burnt out yet. … but I’m watchful.

The weekend is already full. There are some extras coming up next week before we go on our leader’s retreat in Cameron Highlands which includes a visit to our sister congregation in Batu 20th.  I’m glad there will be a guest speaker next Sunday.  So, I can have a free mind on more administrative matters.

After talking with my associate pastor Naomi, it dawned on me maybe I need to adjust again how I get myself writing for my part-time Master’s program.  Rather than a once a week one day arrangement, maybe I should just accumulate the days into one week and make an intense run for it.  I guess that’s how I operate, a little bit more under pressure, or when I get into a rhythm I’m in the groove.  It’s jump starting that which is a challenge.

I do hope to make it one day to the Maranatha Retreat House.  I think I need some time there.  The arrangement for that is more challenging than before especially with 3 kids and one wife. So, the balance is between family time and personal time.  But so far, it’s been good.  Now towards something better.

I’m thankful I’m not burnt out … while it’s tiring physically and sometimes emotionally.  But a rigid Monday Sabbath has been life-saving. And most of the "stuff" I’m involved in is REALLY rewarding and I believe strongly contributing to good healthy change in the long run for the church as well as for society.  So, when that is clear then I’m not bogged down by the slow or the lack of results in the near future.

Encouragement from like-minded people and friends make a big difference. This is one area which through the years has been a consistent gift I have experienced again and again.  There were down times no doubt, and there were seasons of elation, nowadays it’s simply simple paths I’m walking on … but these companions along the journey both older and younger have been a tremendous blessing.

Conflicts, critics, cautious, chaos … it’s still there … I tend to dodge some, ignore others, re-frame a few, face some head on, … many ways to deal with different situations.  At times, I’m more composed, other times I’m in crisis mode.  All in all … some Cheese and toast with wine helps one go a long way… plus, having a healthy distance with some burning issues helps too.

Well, got into rhythm for some random thoughts tonight.  Until the next one.

Is Our Pain God’s Problem?

Sometimes our debates are distracting, other times it helps us clarify the issues. Bart Ehrman verses N.T. Wright, so we are in the later catergory.

Philosophical Fragments by Sören Kierkegaard

This quote brought me here … I love the word "Paradox"

"If . . . subjectivity is truth and subjectivity is the existing subjectivity, then, if I may put it this way, Christianity is a perfect fit. Subjectivity culminates in passion, Christianity is paradox; paradox and passion fit each other perfectly, and paradox perfectly fits a person situated in the extremity of existence" (Johannes Climacus, Concluding Unscientific Postscript to Philosophical Fragments)

How Can We Know the Way?

Another great excerpt …

In his remarkable book, Jesus For President, Shane Claiborne includes an excerpt from a letter written from Aristides the Athenian to the Roman Emperor in 137 A.D. In the letter, it is clear that the early disciples understood the Christian life as a process of becoming, a process of devoting themselves to the Jesus Way. In taking on particular practices, the early Christians set themselves apart from life in the Empire. In this way, the Christian Way was remarkable. In his letter, Artistides writes:

“It is the Christians, O Emperor, who have sought and found the truth, for they acknowledge God. They do not keep for themselves the goods entrusted to them. They do not covet what belongs to others. They show love to their neighbors. They do not do to another what they would not wish to have done to themselves. They speak gently to those who oppress them, and in this way they make themselves friends. It has become their passion to do good to their enemies. They live in the awareness of their smallness. Every one of them who has anything gives ungrudgingly to the one who has nothing. If they see a traveling stranger, they bring him under their roof. They rejoice over him as over a real brother…If they hear that one of them is imprisoned or oppressed for the sake of Christ, they take care of all his needs. If possible they set him free. If anyone among them is poor or comes into want while they themselves have nothing to spare, they fast two or three days for him. In this way they can supply any poor man with the food he needs. This, O Emperor, is the rule of life of the Christians, and this is their manner of life.”

A Spirituality of Gladness, Joy, and Celebration

We are PRO-Life in the fullest sense of the word …

We were created for life, to give life and to enjoy the presence of our Creator because our God is a God of life, not death.⁴ In Jesus we see a God who is not foreign to celebrating, enjoying meals, opening Himself up to others, dialoguing, weeping, rejoicing—in summary, living and drinking in life in all its dimensions. In fact, Jesus loved the table fellowship so much, and all that it implies emotionally, socially, and spiritually, that He was accused of being a glutton and a drunkard!⁵ Our intimacy with Jesus should have implications for our daily walk with Him. Our spirituality, or the spirit by which we live, should reflect our desire to follow our Master, to understand and make the same choices as the man from Galilee, Jesus of Nazareth.⁶
“I have come so that they might have life, and have it to the full.”⁷ I think this verse has usually been interpreted as referring solely to the fullness of life we experience after death. However, I believe it’s more inclusive than that. The verses preceding Jesus’ statement of abundant life tell of a present situation: the sheep hearing the shepherd’s voice and following Him while they are alive! Jesus came announcing the Kingdom of God’s eruption into history and inviting humanity to participate in it. Jesus laid down His life for us so that we could live like Him on earth and experience and celebrate the fruits of life now, as well as enjoy the bliss of being in God’s presence for all eternity.

Four excellent new books on spirituality: Brian McLaren, Robert Benson, Richard Foster & Leighton Ford

Spiritual formation strikes back …?

Speaking of Faith with Krista Tippet: Evangelical Politics - 3 Generations

Should Christians be involved in politics? and how?

wedding advice

I’ll be conducting a wedding this Saturday …

Elites: Leaving Church?

The church being silly? hahahahah …

For the purpose of meeting these needs, God instituted the church. That evangelical elites are abandoning the church is worrisome not only in that it perpetuates the divorce between average Joes and elites, but more so in that it is a trend toward the abandoning of God’s primary redemptive vehicle. Does the church do some silly things? Sure. Does it sometimes seem like we’re trying very hard to show people the door? Yes. However, all of this doesn’t change the fact that the church is foundational.

John Calvin notes:

“[L]et us learn, from her single title of Mother, how useful, nay, how necessary the knowledge of her is, since there is no other means of entering into life unless she conceive us in the womb and give us birth, unless she nourish us at her breasts, and, in short, keep us under her charge and government, until, divested of mortal flesh, we become like angels. For our weakness does not permit us to leave the school until we gave spent our whole lives as scholars. Moreover, beyond the pale of the Church no forgiveness of sins, no salvation, can be hoped for….” Institutes 1: 4

There is nothing wrong with being involved with a myriad of evangelical organizations that relate to your specific vocation. However, it can never be a substitute for your membership and participation in that new community called church.

a typical untypical work day

Thanks Eugene for giving a glimpse into your work day.

Why Every Christian Should ‘Quite Rightly Pass for an Atheist’

Nice opening quotes:

“Only an Atheist can be a good Christian.” -Ernst Bloch

“Only a Christian can be a good Atheist.” -Jürgen Moltmann

“I quite rightly pass for an Atheist” -Jacques Derrida

Why I Love the Bible: Beyond distinctions of intellect and spirit, an ever-transforming affair of the heart. (HT: Maggi Dawn)

I haven’t read any thing by Krister Stendahl in depth yet. Tragically, it’s only in his death that I start with this heart-felt honest piece.

So let me share with you as a tribute to the Bible—and perhaps in a strange way—five "no" statements. It is usual when one is describing love to describe it in positive and glowing terms. But my friendship with the Bible gave me the joy, and the courage, to express my love in five statements of "not." The first is the one I have pointed at: It is not primarily about me. Second, it is not always as deep as we think. Third, even Paul isn’t always totally sure. Fourth, don’t be so uptight. And fifth, it is probably not as universal as we think.

My final Spring Harvest diary: Has UK Evangelicalism changed?

Great quote in the beginning …

"Evangelicalism was about changing the world – then we retired and went indoors. We spent most of the twentieth century singing ourselves to death… But we’re finding our way again."
(Steve Chalke at Spring Harvest Minehead 2008 ‘An audience with Steve Chalke’)

Working in Project Space

Lost my GTD touch … need to kick myself!

Presentation Masterclass - Part 1: Introduction

5 Key Questions When Planning Your Presentation (Presentation Masterclass - Part 2)

Discovered a great quote.

Bad storytelling is beginning, muddle, end. (Philip Larkin)

Jesus is Brilliant

John Frye puts it so smartly

"Jesus was kind; he was sacrificial; he was good. Jesus was also very, very smart."

Is Conversion a Four-Letter Word? Series

The fact is we are always in the process of "converting" or "being converted" - at the most human level.  The religious sensitivity card lurks its head when manipulative proselyzation takes place, or when the whole exercise of sharing our faith is reduced to either sheer numbers game or transferring of information (or ignorance).  I’ll be checking out this series later in the week.

Evolution As Cosmic Warfare

Wow! this is new …

"As my title suggests, the rather controversial thesis I will defend in my essay is that, given what the Bible has to say about Satan and other fallen angels, Christian theists have no reason to assume that the carnage and waste that characterizes the evolutionary process and nature today is all the result of how God designed nature. Indeed, I suggest we view evolution as a sort of epoch-long warfare between the life-affirming creativity of an all-good God, on the one hand, and the on-going corrupting influence of malevolent cosmic forces, on the other. The fact that God is nevertheless able to achieve his creational objectives (for example, the creation of humans in his image) through this corrupted process reflects God’s sovereign wisdom in bringing good out of evil and overcoming evil with good."

Copies of my three most recent books free to download.

Thanks Dion for sharing these gifts for book hungry people like me.  BTW, Dion is one scholar from South Africa we need to hang out with more!

Stuck in procrastination mode? 5 tips to get you ‘unstuck’

Another one from Dion … he’s no Armchair theologian … he’s a Mac Theologian! I have not upgraded to that level yet.

Karpal, Mahathir exchange letters on 1988 judicial crisis

Are there going to be more cans of worms reopening day by day?  At least open letters are for all to read … But reading the eye witness account made me pause.

Pas MP receives standing ovation in Shah Alam Catholic Church

Wow … how come this was not in the mainstream news?  Ok … I haven’t bought any English mainstream newspapers … so maybe I missed it… It will be exciting to see how Christian-Muslim relations will progress forward after March 8, 2008

So Is Islam Hadari To Be Enforced By Whipping Now?

Malaysia: Change is Long Overdue

After the election, can Malaysians build a post-racial politics?

Farewell to the Homogenous Malay

Catching up with Farish Noor articles!

The art of the teleprompter

Never tried using this device and technique before.  But then again, I tend to be in more informal settings … or come across a little more informal even in formal ones

Dick Cavett on improving your speeches

I’ve only been to one "ceramah" during the last Malaysian election campaign period .. and noticed more than a few interesting glitches. The one’s I watched online were better. But this is one link our new MPs and ADUNs need to read (veterans might find helpful too).

How to Be an Expert (and Find One if You’re Not)

Maybe we can at least master one area in our lives and work, but knowing who to ask and then listening for gems is itself an acquired skill which needs to come with the right attitude.

Presentation Masterclass - Part 1: Introduction

You would never imagine the word "respect" to be part of the equation right? It’s so human .. but then aren’t we all?

Waiting until the last minute

Ok .. I’m guilty … I repent!