I have attended more weddings than any nineteen-year old has a right to (and none which bride or bridegroom I have any relation to!), pledged to do all in my power to uphold these marriages (oops!), and eaten at the (long!) dinners that followed. I've seen weddings that have been presentations, gatherings, performances, and reunions; sadly, not all have been celebrations.
You see, in the midst of getting the perfect wedding, some couples (and their family and friends) forget the discipline of celebration.
The discipline of celebration? "An oxymoron!", you say. Well, it takes discipline to relax. It takes discipline not to run around getting everything done "just right" when it is time to celebrate, cheer, and go a little wild.
Few weddings have exemplified "celebration" as much as "The Great Hwa Wedding" did. It wasn't the five pastors (inclusive of an actual bishop!) running the service (and the multiple others attending). It was...
It was the almost seamless service conducted in English and Cantonese for the benefit of the bride's family who, I understand, are non-Christians. The flawless transition in songs, polished translation, and vows in English by the groom and in Cantonese by the bride all served to make everyone at home, at ease, and welcome. Unlike many other bilingual services, this one did not drag or even feel lengthy - such work had been put into it.
It was the freedom to laugh when the ceremony did not quite go right: when the bride started giggling immediately after exchanging rings and saying her vows - giggling that bubbled over into laughter that made her double over (the usually solemn moment was a rather joyous one); when the largely English-speaking congregation wasn't sure when the Cantonese translation had finished and thus failed to respond; when the liturgist (pastor) announced the cut-caking that would follow in the canteen.
It was the immaculate preparation and decoration that had been done before-hand, so that on-the-spot running around was kept to a bare minimum (at least as far as I could tell), allowing everyone to fully participate.
It was the many people who had been touched by the Hwa family(s) in their many years of ministry and who really wished the bride and bridegroom the very best. Spontaneous clapping took place at every juncture of the ceremony.
It was the relaxed attitude and genuine fun that all shared. One Rev Hwa was in such a jovial mood that his son asked, "Pa, are you drunk?", and various irreverent youth speculated on whether Jesus had turned the water in this particular "jar of clay" into wine.
Such celebration - for once, I regretted that the wedding service was too short - such celebration could not be possible without discipline.
Saturday, August 05, 2006
Monday, July 17, 2006
Thomas Kempis, the Inspiration of the Methodist Church?
John Wesley read Thomas Kempis' book, The Imitation of Christ, while in his youth - just before or during his time at Oxford. While he felt that Kempis was in error in refusing to enjoy anything in this world and in monastic isolation, he also recognized a call to holiness that was very absent from the overwhelmingly Christian population of England. The influence of Thomas Kempis' and other similar writings led Wesley to question his own faith and salvation and begin a search over a period of many years for what it meant to be a Christian, and what it meant to be saved.
At the end of his search, Wesley came to the conclusion that we are saved by grace alone, through faith alone. However, going against the grain of his time, he closely associated faith and holiness, proclaiming along with James that "faith without works is dead," - that faith without evidence of change of life and heart and growth toward holiness could not be saving faith, but rather the faith of the devil who "believes that there is a God and shudders." His rationale was this: if a person did not grow toward holiness (given the opportunity and proper teaching) it was either because that person did not know God's love and grace and thus could not respond to it, or knew God's love and grace yet failed to respond to it. In the first case, the person had not received salvation; in the second, the person had rejected it.
Sin, in Wesley's mind, is the opposite of faith. Willful sin (as opposed to sin of ignorance, poor judgment, etc) - whether sin of commission or omission - has no place in the Christian life. While an act of willful sin does not invalidate a Christian's faith an salvation, Wesley held it as a matter of utmost seriousness. This was in deep contrast to the practice of his day and, may I say, the practice of today in which forgiveness is emphasized, repentance is made easy, and the topic of sin is rarely touched upon. Few Christians are repulsed by the thought or idea of sin - that is how comfortable we have become with it.
John Wesley's insistence on holiness and the seriousness with which he viewed sin caused an uproar in the Church of England and in the larger society. The Methodist Society (which was still under the Church of England) went through great opposition, even persecution. Still, the movement grew. In his defense of the use of laity in ministry, he said, "Give me a hundred men who love nothing but God and fear nothing but sin...for such men will storm the very gates of hell." His statement proved true as the Methodist revival became the longest lasting revival since the early church, and became known as the Second Reformation.
Many non-Christians today are uncomfortable with the idea that it is possible to be saved merely by believing that Jesus died for our sins - and in a way, they are right. We are saved by grace alone, through faith alone, but faith without works is dead. We do not preach holiness as we should, and we forget that we are called to "be perfect, even as our Father in heaven is perfect." Oh that we would understand God's love, and because we fear anything that would separate us from it - however briefly - we would fear sin and strive for holiness in such a way that all around us would either mock us or wonder at the power of God in our lives and thus be drawn to Him.
At the end of his search, Wesley came to the conclusion that we are saved by grace alone, through faith alone. However, going against the grain of his time, he closely associated faith and holiness, proclaiming along with James that "faith without works is dead," - that faith without evidence of change of life and heart and growth toward holiness could not be saving faith, but rather the faith of the devil who "believes that there is a God and shudders." His rationale was this: if a person did not grow toward holiness (given the opportunity and proper teaching) it was either because that person did not know God's love and grace and thus could not respond to it, or knew God's love and grace yet failed to respond to it. In the first case, the person had not received salvation; in the second, the person had rejected it.
Sin, in Wesley's mind, is the opposite of faith. Willful sin (as opposed to sin of ignorance, poor judgment, etc) - whether sin of commission or omission - has no place in the Christian life. While an act of willful sin does not invalidate a Christian's faith an salvation, Wesley held it as a matter of utmost seriousness. This was in deep contrast to the practice of his day and, may I say, the practice of today in which forgiveness is emphasized, repentance is made easy, and the topic of sin is rarely touched upon. Few Christians are repulsed by the thought or idea of sin - that is how comfortable we have become with it.
John Wesley's insistence on holiness and the seriousness with which he viewed sin caused an uproar in the Church of England and in the larger society. The Methodist Society (which was still under the Church of England) went through great opposition, even persecution. Still, the movement grew. In his defense of the use of laity in ministry, he said, "Give me a hundred men who love nothing but God and fear nothing but sin...for such men will storm the very gates of hell." His statement proved true as the Methodist revival became the longest lasting revival since the early church, and became known as the Second Reformation.
Many non-Christians today are uncomfortable with the idea that it is possible to be saved merely by believing that Jesus died for our sins - and in a way, they are right. We are saved by grace alone, through faith alone, but faith without works is dead. We do not preach holiness as we should, and we forget that we are called to "be perfect, even as our Father in heaven is perfect." Oh that we would understand God's love, and because we fear anything that would separate us from it - however briefly - we would fear sin and strive for holiness in such a way that all around us would either mock us or wonder at the power of God in our lives and thus be drawn to Him.
Monday, June 26, 2006
Reflections: The Imitation of Christ
I must say that The Imitation of Christ irked me on many counts. The basic premise of total and utter dependence on God is sound. However, at various points, the author seemed to portray the physical as evil (as opposed to the spiritual, which is good). He maintained that we should not delight in anything in this world (should we not appreciate God's creation? can I not enjoy eating my roti canai and satay?). He even put forth the idea that we should not look to others for consolation and support, but be only dependent on God, which (I feel) borders dangerously on a lone-ranger mentality. Being a big believer in the importance of community and accountability, the last point triggered an alarm in my belief system every time I came across it.
Having said all that, I understand where Thomas a Kempis is comping from, and wonder if I will ever be able to depend upon God as far as he writes. Recently, I have been meditating upon the need to come to God empty, devoid of everything, and the importance of "going for broke" for God. What am I willing to give up? I disagree with Kempis when he says I should not take pleasure in anything but (spiritual communion with) God and should disassociate myself from my friends, but I recognize the need to be ready to give up any pleasure and friendship. Am I up to that challange?
The point is this: I have never been particularly attached to possesions or wealth - I have seen my parents more than content with the basics of life and have adopted that for my own. My one vice would be computer games - and I think I have learnt when to put those aside. I might even be willing to give up the little pleasures of life - and yes, I have considered the cost of my reputation, a question I cannot easily answer, but hope, by God's grace, to persevere. Career I believe I have given over to God. Until reading this book though, I had not considered the love of family and friends (separation and death seems much easier). It is indeed a scary price - a sacrifice I hope I never have to make, or even consider making. In light of the family and friends I have, I doubt I will have to do so. Still, there it is. If anyone would not deny his own father and mother for My sake...
Having said all that, I understand where Thomas a Kempis is comping from, and wonder if I will ever be able to depend upon God as far as he writes. Recently, I have been meditating upon the need to come to God empty, devoid of everything, and the importance of "going for broke" for God. What am I willing to give up? I disagree with Kempis when he says I should not take pleasure in anything but (spiritual communion with) God and should disassociate myself from my friends, but I recognize the need to be ready to give up any pleasure and friendship. Am I up to that challange?
The point is this: I have never been particularly attached to possesions or wealth - I have seen my parents more than content with the basics of life and have adopted that for my own. My one vice would be computer games - and I think I have learnt when to put those aside. I might even be willing to give up the little pleasures of life - and yes, I have considered the cost of my reputation, a question I cannot easily answer, but hope, by God's grace, to persevere. Career I believe I have given over to God. Until reading this book though, I had not considered the love of family and friends (separation and death seems much easier). It is indeed a scary price - a sacrifice I hope I never have to make, or even consider making. In light of the family and friends I have, I doubt I will have to do so. Still, there it is. If anyone would not deny his own father and mother for My sake...
Friday, June 16, 2006
Thoughts on a passage from Hebrews
It's been a long time since I've typed a post like this. The style dates back to the days of TMsquared, so I've decided to put it up here, despite it already being on my blog. Besides, going into Hebrews was inspired by something I read in Brother Lawrence's book.
A few days ago (I can't remember exactly whether it was Tuesday or Wednesday), I scanned the book of Hebrews for the verse on 'approaching the throne of grace with confidence', and found it in the fourth chapter. Reading from my pocket New American Standard Bible, I was struck by the preceding verses, linked in groups by the word 'therefore'.
I shall first quote Hebrews 4:7-16 from the NASB (paragraphing mine).
He again fixes a certain day, "Today," saying through David after so long a time just as has been said before,
"TODAY IF YOU HEAR HIS VOICE,
DO NOT HARDEN YOUR HEARTS."
For if Joshua had given them rest, He would not have spoken of another day after that. So there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God. For the one who has entered His rest has himself also rested from his works, as God did from His.
Therefore let us be diligent to enter that rest, so that no one will fall, through following the same example of disobedience. For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do.
Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin.
Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
The New International Version begins the passage with:
"Therefore God again set a certain day, calling it Today..."
Today if we hear his voice, let us not harden our hearts. To me, it's like what C.S. Lewis wrote in The Screwtape Letters, that the Present is the only place where we are given grace and can make decisions and choices. The Past is frozen and the Future is unknown, but our problems and circumstances impinge upon us in the Present.
Petra wrote, in their song 'Woulda, Coulda, Shoulda':
"Tomorrow is a chance that may not come
Today is still the day God gives us to see things done."
Since God has given us this gift of the Present which no power in earth, heaven or hell can take away, how are we to respond? Verses 11 to 13 indicate that we are to be diligent to enter God's rest, persevering that none should fall by disobedience.
But what is this 'rest' that we are to enter? Surely it is not that we are to sleep all day, or desire permanent rest in death. Instead, I think St Augustine gave us a hint when he said, "Our hearts are restless until they find their rest in Thee." And I think it is echoed in the life of Brother Lawrence, who found himself at all times living in the tangible presence of God.
Sometimes, this rest is peace; sometimes, it is assurance; at others, it may be conviction; at all times it involves constantly obeying God's Word and pursuing righteousness, desiring the company and presence of God.
The 'Word of God' in this passage has often been taken to refer to the Bible, but it works equally well in context when applied to Jesus Christ himself. Brian McLaren in his New Kind of Christian trilogy, again and again stresses that we will be judged, in the end, not by a set of rules or a court system, but by the character of Christ himself. The question is, how much have we been conformed to the image of Christ?
Nothing is hidden from God, and we will not be able to defend ourself against our Judge, for he already knows everything, and far more than we ever will. A human judge can only consider actions, but God pierces through to the secret thoughts and intentions of the heart, as the account of the woman at the well (John 4) shows. Thus the NIV translates verse 13:
"Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account."
Would that the Christian walk were that simple! Yet these verses are a stumbling block to many (if not most or all) Christians, for we have all fallen short of the grace of God through our sin, and sometimes we even try to hide from him. This is not new, for even Adam, Eve and Cain attempted to conceal their shame. And in the account of John 8:1-11, Jesus himself told the bloodthirsty mob, "Let him who is without sin cast the first stone [at the adulterous woman]." One by one the mob disbanded.
But our hope is greater than anything we can ever fear. For Jesus, who is our Judge, is also our Great High Priest, the mediator between man and God. He experienced everything we experience, from temptation and thirst to depression and drudgery; indeed, the entire plethora of human emotions are found embodied in the character of Jesus Christ, and there is no shortage of them upon the rich pages of the Gospels.
Jesus can, and does, sympathise with our weaknesses. And he intends that we share in his victory, that in our temptation we may not fall, and in our moments of weakness we shall not be crushed. Indeed, he is the Way, the Truth and the Life. So the NIV exhorts us:
"...let us hold firmly to the faith we profess."
Having considered God's calling, our rightful response and the way God has prepared for us, the passage concludes with the verse I sought in the beginning, which I now quote from The Message, along with verse 15:
"We don't have a priest who is out of touch with our reality. He's been through weakness and testing, experienced it all —- all but the sin. So let's walk right up to him and get what he is so ready to give. Take the mercy, accept the help."
The chorus of the song 'As David Did' goes:
"We can come before Him, and worship Him today
We can now adore Him, Jesus made a way."
Maybe we've tried bringing our problems to Jesus. And maybe they didn't disappear as we thought they would. Is that any reason for not continuing to do so? For seated on the throne of grace is not a genie, but God Almighty, and it is not our duty to make sure the genie obeys, but that God is obeyed. And he asks us to bring all that we are before him: our good days as well as our bad days, our devilish side as much as our angelic side.
Indeed, as Lewis wrote in The Great Divorce, we are to make no mistake about it. There are only two kinds of people in the end: those who say to God, "Thy will be done," and those to whom God says, "Thy will be done." For God will not force himself upon those who refuse to obey him, any more than the ears of the deaf pick up sound waves.
As I typed the above, I realise I have described an ideal which I am still far from achieving. Lewis said with a candid graveness in The Four Loves, that "Those like myself whose imagination far exceeds their obedience are subject to a just penalty."
Nevertheless, this entry testifies that so long as God gives me breath, I will seek him, and I will commit myself to living for Him in every area of my life, doing things His way. If I fail, I will seek His forgiveness; and if I should succeed, I will give thanks and move on. As for the penalty for my imagination, I will trust my Lord's judgement, for He is Master, not me.
To God be the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.
A few days ago (I can't remember exactly whether it was Tuesday or Wednesday), I scanned the book of Hebrews for the verse on 'approaching the throne of grace with confidence', and found it in the fourth chapter. Reading from my pocket New American Standard Bible, I was struck by the preceding verses, linked in groups by the word 'therefore'.
I shall first quote Hebrews 4:7-16 from the NASB (paragraphing mine).
He again fixes a certain day, "Today," saying through David after so long a time just as has been said before,
"TODAY IF YOU HEAR HIS VOICE,
DO NOT HARDEN YOUR HEARTS."
For if Joshua had given them rest, He would not have spoken of another day after that. So there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God. For the one who has entered His rest has himself also rested from his works, as God did from His.
Therefore let us be diligent to enter that rest, so that no one will fall, through following the same example of disobedience. For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do.
Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin.
Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
The New International Version begins the passage with:
"Therefore God again set a certain day, calling it Today..."
Today if we hear his voice, let us not harden our hearts. To me, it's like what C.S. Lewis wrote in The Screwtape Letters, that the Present is the only place where we are given grace and can make decisions and choices. The Past is frozen and the Future is unknown, but our problems and circumstances impinge upon us in the Present.
Petra wrote, in their song 'Woulda, Coulda, Shoulda':
"Tomorrow is a chance that may not come
Today is still the day God gives us to see things done."
Since God has given us this gift of the Present which no power in earth, heaven or hell can take away, how are we to respond? Verses 11 to 13 indicate that we are to be diligent to enter God's rest, persevering that none should fall by disobedience.
But what is this 'rest' that we are to enter? Surely it is not that we are to sleep all day, or desire permanent rest in death. Instead, I think St Augustine gave us a hint when he said, "Our hearts are restless until they find their rest in Thee." And I think it is echoed in the life of Brother Lawrence, who found himself at all times living in the tangible presence of God.
Sometimes, this rest is peace; sometimes, it is assurance; at others, it may be conviction; at all times it involves constantly obeying God's Word and pursuing righteousness, desiring the company and presence of God.
The 'Word of God' in this passage has often been taken to refer to the Bible, but it works equally well in context when applied to Jesus Christ himself. Brian McLaren in his New Kind of Christian trilogy, again and again stresses that we will be judged, in the end, not by a set of rules or a court system, but by the character of Christ himself. The question is, how much have we been conformed to the image of Christ?
Nothing is hidden from God, and we will not be able to defend ourself against our Judge, for he already knows everything, and far more than we ever will. A human judge can only consider actions, but God pierces through to the secret thoughts and intentions of the heart, as the account of the woman at the well (John 4) shows. Thus the NIV translates verse 13:
"Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account."
Would that the Christian walk were that simple! Yet these verses are a stumbling block to many (if not most or all) Christians, for we have all fallen short of the grace of God through our sin, and sometimes we even try to hide from him. This is not new, for even Adam, Eve and Cain attempted to conceal their shame. And in the account of John 8:1-11, Jesus himself told the bloodthirsty mob, "Let him who is without sin cast the first stone [at the adulterous woman]." One by one the mob disbanded.
But our hope is greater than anything we can ever fear. For Jesus, who is our Judge, is also our Great High Priest, the mediator between man and God. He experienced everything we experience, from temptation and thirst to depression and drudgery; indeed, the entire plethora of human emotions are found embodied in the character of Jesus Christ, and there is no shortage of them upon the rich pages of the Gospels.
Jesus can, and does, sympathise with our weaknesses. And he intends that we share in his victory, that in our temptation we may not fall, and in our moments of weakness we shall not be crushed. Indeed, he is the Way, the Truth and the Life. So the NIV exhorts us:
"...let us hold firmly to the faith we profess."
Having considered God's calling, our rightful response and the way God has prepared for us, the passage concludes with the verse I sought in the beginning, which I now quote from The Message, along with verse 15:
"We don't have a priest who is out of touch with our reality. He's been through weakness and testing, experienced it all —- all but the sin. So let's walk right up to him and get what he is so ready to give. Take the mercy, accept the help."
The chorus of the song 'As David Did' goes:
"We can come before Him, and worship Him today
We can now adore Him, Jesus made a way."
Maybe we've tried bringing our problems to Jesus. And maybe they didn't disappear as we thought they would. Is that any reason for not continuing to do so? For seated on the throne of grace is not a genie, but God Almighty, and it is not our duty to make sure the genie obeys, but that God is obeyed. And he asks us to bring all that we are before him: our good days as well as our bad days, our devilish side as much as our angelic side.
Indeed, as Lewis wrote in The Great Divorce, we are to make no mistake about it. There are only two kinds of people in the end: those who say to God, "Thy will be done," and those to whom God says, "Thy will be done." For God will not force himself upon those who refuse to obey him, any more than the ears of the deaf pick up sound waves.
As I typed the above, I realise I have described an ideal which I am still far from achieving. Lewis said with a candid graveness in The Four Loves, that "Those like myself whose imagination far exceeds their obedience are subject to a just penalty."
Nevertheless, this entry testifies that so long as God gives me breath, I will seek him, and I will commit myself to living for Him in every area of my life, doing things His way. If I fail, I will seek His forgiveness; and if I should succeed, I will give thanks and move on. As for the penalty for my imagination, I will trust my Lord's judgement, for He is Master, not me.
To God be the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.
Sunday, June 11, 2006
Be Thou Our Vision
Famous hymn, but when sung in church today, resonated on a whole new level with me. I think it echoes very much the spirit of those like Brother Lawrence and the Desert Fathers and Mothers (see Henri Nouwen's The Way of the Heart) who found themselves in God alone.
Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart;
Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art
Thou my best Thought, by day or by night,
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.
Be Thou my Wisdom, and Thou my true Word;
I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord;
Thou my great Father, I Thy true son;
Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.
Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise,
Thou mine Inheritance, now and always:
Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,
High King of Heaven, my Treasure Thou art.
High King of Heaven, my victory won,
May I reach Heaven’s joys, O bright Heaven’s Sun!
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,
Still be my Vision, O Ruler of all.
Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart;
Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art
Thou my best Thought, by day or by night,
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.
Be Thou my Wisdom, and Thou my true Word;
I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord;
Thou my great Father, I Thy true son;
Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.
Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise,
Thou mine Inheritance, now and always:
Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,
High King of Heaven, my Treasure Thou art.
High King of Heaven, my victory won,
May I reach Heaven’s joys, O bright Heaven’s Sun!
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,
Still be my Vision, O Ruler of all.
Friday, June 09, 2006
A (very late) beginning
OK, I have a confession: I just got my copy of Brother Lawrence's The Practice of the Presence of God two days ago. Yen would certainly not be surprised at this obvious display of procrastination.
The book begins with some thoughts under the heading 'A Pilgrim's Prayer,' which goes as follows:
-----------------------------------------------------
Lord of all pots and pans and things...
Make me a saint by getting meals
And washing up the plates!
Thus Brother Lawrence was able to turn even the most commonplace and menial task into a living hymn to the glory of God.
The conversation and letters of this humble but exalted lay brother have been compiled to show all of us how, at any moment and in any circumstance, the soul that seeks the companionship of God may find Him.
-----------------------------------------------------
I am struck by two things:
Firstly, the phrase 'a living hymn to the glory of God.'
Secondly, the idea that 'the soul that seeks the companionship of God may find Him.'
It is in the spirit of riding these two 'thematic waves' that I undertake the study of this book and meditation upon the thoughts therein.
The book begins with some thoughts under the heading 'A Pilgrim's Prayer,' which goes as follows:
-----------------------------------------------------
Lord of all pots and pans and things...
Make me a saint by getting meals
And washing up the plates!
Thus Brother Lawrence was able to turn even the most commonplace and menial task into a living hymn to the glory of God.
The conversation and letters of this humble but exalted lay brother have been compiled to show all of us how, at any moment and in any circumstance, the soul that seeks the companionship of God may find Him.
-----------------------------------------------------
I am struck by two things:
Firstly, the phrase 'a living hymn to the glory of God.'
Secondly, the idea that 'the soul that seeks the companionship of God may find Him.'
It is in the spirit of riding these two 'thematic waves' that I undertake the study of this book and meditation upon the thoughts therein.
Friday, May 26, 2006
Lessons from unexpected places
Aboard the night train in early December of last year, one of us mentioned how reading ‘Spiritual Leadership’ by J. Oswald Sanders is a guilt trip. One reads about the “essential qualities” and habits of a leader, only to one by one recognize them as lacking in his/her own life (save for, as someone gleefully pointed out, that chapter called ‘the leader and reading’).
‘Celebration of Discipline’ may or may not be less of a guilt trip. For me, just thinking about the book brings to mind the different spiritual disciplines listed and discussed therein, and inevitably, how undisciplined I am.
One realization that’s struck me some weeks back is how it doesn’t have to take some distinguished volume off the Christian racks to stir up, rouse, motivate me about the disciplines. I’ve discovered something else that hasn’t failed to do the job just as, if not even more, effectively.
Although my duty is craft, I do join the singing (and much of the storytelling) session at my Sunday school class. A current favorite with the kids (preschoolers) is the “two house” song:
The wise man built his house upon the rock, (x3)
And the rains came tumbling down.
The rains came down and the floods came up, (x3)
And the house on the rock stood firm.
The foolish man built his house upon the sand, (x3)
And the rains came tumbling down.
The rains came down and the floods came up, (x3)
And the house on the sand went smash!
The kids would answer in unison that they want to be the wise man and not the foolish man. Little do they know that the cheh cheh standing (kneeling, actually. I like to come down to their height.) next to them cannot answer the same as confidently and enthusiastically. As my partner teacher starts flipping to the next song, I’d be left wondering just how much of my house is on rock and how much is on sand. It wasn’t like this when I was their age.
Then there’s this other, more straightforward, song:
Read your Bible, pray everyday,
Pray everyday, pray everyday.
Read your Bible, pray everyday,
You will grow, grow, grow. (x3)
Read your Bible, pray everyday,
You will grow, grow, grow!
Don’t read your Bible, forget to pray,
Forget to pray, forget to pray.
Don’t read your Bible, forget to pray,
You will shrink, shrink, shrink. (x3)
Don’t read your Bible, forget to pray,
You will shrink, shrink, shrink!
Ooh. Ouch… It wasn’t like this when I was their age.
Just goes to show that, Sunday school songs can and do speak to me even after I’ve ‘outgrown’ them. Learning is a lifelong process!
‘Celebration of Discipline’ may or may not be less of a guilt trip. For me, just thinking about the book brings to mind the different spiritual disciplines listed and discussed therein, and inevitably, how undisciplined I am.
One realization that’s struck me some weeks back is how it doesn’t have to take some distinguished volume off the Christian racks to stir up, rouse, motivate me about the disciplines. I’ve discovered something else that hasn’t failed to do the job just as, if not even more, effectively.
Although my duty is craft, I do join the singing (and much of the storytelling) session at my Sunday school class. A current favorite with the kids (preschoolers) is the “two house” song:
The wise man built his house upon the rock, (x3)
And the rains came tumbling down.
The rains came down and the floods came up, (x3)
And the house on the rock stood firm.
The foolish man built his house upon the sand, (x3)
And the rains came tumbling down.
The rains came down and the floods came up, (x3)
And the house on the sand went smash!
The kids would answer in unison that they want to be the wise man and not the foolish man. Little do they know that the cheh cheh standing (kneeling, actually. I like to come down to their height.) next to them cannot answer the same as confidently and enthusiastically. As my partner teacher starts flipping to the next song, I’d be left wondering just how much of my house is on rock and how much is on sand. It wasn’t like this when I was their age.
Then there’s this other, more straightforward, song:
Read your Bible, pray everyday,
Pray everyday, pray everyday.
Read your Bible, pray everyday,
You will grow, grow, grow. (x3)
Read your Bible, pray everyday,
You will grow, grow, grow!
Don’t read your Bible, forget to pray,
Forget to pray, forget to pray.
Don’t read your Bible, forget to pray,
You will shrink, shrink, shrink. (x3)
Don’t read your Bible, forget to pray,
You will shrink, shrink, shrink!
Ooh. Ouch… It wasn’t like this when I was their age.
Just goes to show that, Sunday school songs can and do speak to me even after I’ve ‘outgrown’ them. Learning is a lifelong process!
Monday, April 10, 2006
A thought for Holy Week
A thought for Holy Week, and something I have been thinking about through Lent.
We tend to take for granted that we will be spiritually nourished by reading the Bible and going to church. Our experience often does not match up, however; we find our Bible readings to be dry and church services to be merely going through the motions. There are many reasons for that; sometimes we even need to go through such periods in order to grow. Nonetheless, shoudln't we pray for spiritual nourishment? Shouldn't we pray desperately for it?
Our Father, who art in heaven,
Hallowed be Thy name,
Thy kingdom come,
Thy will be done on earth,
As it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread -
Both physical and spiritual...
We tend to take for granted that we will be spiritually nourished by reading the Bible and going to church. Our experience often does not match up, however; we find our Bible readings to be dry and church services to be merely going through the motions. There are many reasons for that; sometimes we even need to go through such periods in order to grow. Nonetheless, shoudln't we pray for spiritual nourishment? Shouldn't we pray desperately for it?
Our Father, who art in heaven,
Hallowed be Thy name,
Thy kingdom come,
Thy will be done on earth,
As it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread -
Both physical and spiritual...
Monday, April 03, 2006
The Pursuit
The Pursuit
Your life is not random. You do not believe that it is (though it seems that way at times). You certainly do not act that way (when was the last time you checked to see if the sky was raining hair-gel?). Somewhere in that muddled up brain of yours (and mine), you have at least a fuzzy idea of a goal or dream or hope. Never mind that you may not be able to articulate it. Never mind that it may not seem logical or rational to anyone, yourself included. Never mind that the goal may be as near-sighted as finding your next chocolate fix. You have at least a vague idea of how life works (or ought to), and your choices, actions, and habits are steering you more or less to what you hope is your destination.
The problem is, even when you are certain what place you want to go, you really are not sure just exactly how life works or exactly where your destination lies. Some “experienced” travelers hand out road maps, but they don’t match up. Also, you dig into your backpack to find 360 different compasses with 360 different directions for north.
How are you supposed to get anywhere?
What if your destination was of the utmost importance?
“Those who have heard the distant call deep within and who desire to explore the world of Spiritual Disciplines are immediately faced with two difficulties…The second difficulty is a practical one. We simply do not now how to go about exploring the inward life.”
When we turn to the pursuit of spiritual growth, we are faced with conflicting advice. We have heard everything from “Work out your salvation with fear and trembling” to “Be still and know that I am God”. Both ideas make sense and seem to be biblically true, but we cannot figure out how to put them together. The first is frustrating because the task is so immense we do not know where to start. Our best efforts often leave us wandering in circles or making progress in one area of our lives only to be tripped up by yet another. Trying the second option, we find ourselves tired of waiting when there seems to be no change and turn back to the first option or we become so comfortable waiting that we give up any active efforts to grow.
Who is ultimately responsible for our spiritual growth: us or God?
“Picture a long, narrow ridge with a sheer drop-off on either side. The chasm to the right is the way of moral bankruptcy through human strivings for righteousness…The chasm to the left is the moral bankruptcy through the absence of human strivings. On the ridge there is a path, the Disciplines of the spiritual life. This path leads to the inner transformation and healing for which we seek…As we travel on this path, the blessing of God will come upon us and reconstruct us into the image of Jesus Christ. We must always remember that the path does not produce the change; it only places us where the change can occur.”
Perhaps we cannot make sense of our destination. However, we can cry out for the guide. If we are prepared to let go of control without letting go of striving, obediently stay on the path he shows us, realize that our effort only leads us to a place where we are ready for God to change us, and are prepared to submit to his timetable for our spiritual growth, he will make sure we stay on the right path in the pursuit of our destination.
Your life is not random. You do not believe that it is (though it seems that way at times). You certainly do not act that way (when was the last time you checked to see if the sky was raining hair-gel?). Somewhere in that muddled up brain of yours (and mine), you have at least a fuzzy idea of a goal or dream or hope. Never mind that you may not be able to articulate it. Never mind that it may not seem logical or rational to anyone, yourself included. Never mind that the goal may be as near-sighted as finding your next chocolate fix. You have at least a vague idea of how life works (or ought to), and your choices, actions, and habits are steering you more or less to what you hope is your destination.
The problem is, even when you are certain what place you want to go, you really are not sure just exactly how life works or exactly where your destination lies. Some “experienced” travelers hand out road maps, but they don’t match up. Also, you dig into your backpack to find 360 different compasses with 360 different directions for north.
How are you supposed to get anywhere?
What if your destination was of the utmost importance?
“Those who have heard the distant call deep within and who desire to explore the world of Spiritual Disciplines are immediately faced with two difficulties…The second difficulty is a practical one. We simply do not now how to go about exploring the inward life.”
When we turn to the pursuit of spiritual growth, we are faced with conflicting advice. We have heard everything from “Work out your salvation with fear and trembling” to “Be still and know that I am God”. Both ideas make sense and seem to be biblically true, but we cannot figure out how to put them together. The first is frustrating because the task is so immense we do not know where to start. Our best efforts often leave us wandering in circles or making progress in one area of our lives only to be tripped up by yet another. Trying the second option, we find ourselves tired of waiting when there seems to be no change and turn back to the first option or we become so comfortable waiting that we give up any active efforts to grow.
Who is ultimately responsible for our spiritual growth: us or God?
“Picture a long, narrow ridge with a sheer drop-off on either side. The chasm to the right is the way of moral bankruptcy through human strivings for righteousness…The chasm to the left is the moral bankruptcy through the absence of human strivings. On the ridge there is a path, the Disciplines of the spiritual life. This path leads to the inner transformation and healing for which we seek…As we travel on this path, the blessing of God will come upon us and reconstruct us into the image of Jesus Christ. We must always remember that the path does not produce the change; it only places us where the change can occur.”
Perhaps we cannot make sense of our destination. However, we can cry out for the guide. If we are prepared to let go of control without letting go of striving, obediently stay on the path he shows us, realize that our effort only leads us to a place where we are ready for God to change us, and are prepared to submit to his timetable for our spiritual growth, he will make sure we stay on the right path in the pursuit of our destination.
Sunday, March 19, 2006
Hear ye, hear ye!
Ever since TMsquared began in June 2004, Soo Tian and I have collaborated on many things. Of these, some were instrumental in moulding us into God-following individuals, while others were *ahem* random adventures on various tangents.
But these pursuits, thoughtful and trivial, each played a part in landing us where we are now. And we feel it is time to expand and bring others into this adventure of ours.
After all, getting cooked alone by cannibals is no fun; but getting cooked in the same pot as your friends is a party: the more, the merrier!
The pictures above were taken at the KL Performing Arts Centre (KLPAC), where we watched a jazz performance on Friday night. The quintet, called Global Spirit, comprised of musicians from various parts of the world, and of various descent, hence the name.
Our move is in a similar direction. This isn't so much an expansion of TMsquared as it is an exploration of wholly new territory. And so a shift from an adventure of convergence (TMsquared) to one of divergence, is one that warrants, and in fact requires, a diverse team.
And for this, we have chosen Alissa, David, Yen Yen and Tee Ming. We now have three girls and three guys: of these, two Methodists, a Pentecostal, an Anglican, a Presbyterian and a Brethren.
Over the past two years, Soo Tian and I read through Eugene Peterson's Message paraphrase of the Bible, and studied the Wisdom Books. This time around, we are going to explore classical and contemporary works in the Christian tradition. They are:
1. Richard Foster, Celebration of Discipline
2. John Bunyan, Pilgrim's Progress
3. Marvin Wong, Between Friends
4. Ronald Sider, Scandal of the Evangelical Conscience
5. Brother Lawrence, The Practice of the Presence of God
In the spirit of divergence, we will not follow any particular order. The idea is simply to read all of them by the end of this year. This blog is for our thoughts along the way, something like a free space within which to chart our exploration.
'Akouo' means 'to hear,' and this is something I'm bad at. I am often quicker to speak than to listen, faster with the words than the wait, more eager to get something done than simply be still.
At least, for me, this is one of the reasons for expanding the vision of TMsquared. There is much I hope to learn from the books mentioned above; but it is the interaction with friends along the way, that I believe will shape me into the kind of person God wants me to be.
Along the way, there will probably be stumbles. As such, this blog is not just for abstract thoughts on our reading list, but also a place to express our trials and triumphs. We're not finished yet; God's not done with us. So let the journey begin!
Thursday, March 02, 2006
Test Post
There doesn't seem to be a Greek word for "a", but....
Get Life
Laqach Zoe
xql zwh/
law-kakh' dzo-ay'
Get Life
Laqach Zoe
xql zwh/
law-kakh' dzo-ay'
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