After more than a month since I had my tattoo mark on my forehead removed, what is left now is nothing more than a slight scar with no visible traces of ink.
Winning over as many as possible
Actually it took me a long time to decide to do this and I finally caved in in order “to win as many as possible” for Him; to be effective and relevant as His marketplace minister.
I guess with human tendencies to stereo-type and exhibit prejudices, it was something practical to do so that my past (who I was) would not be overly-highlighted more than my new life (who I am today) in Him.
I can do all things in Him
For instance, last 2-3 weeks ago I managed to clinch a job interview, but was later turned down before I could meet them after they learnt of my past when I confessed about my criminal record that happened 12 years ago.
I think this is proof that the Yellow Ribbon Project campaign and its message is not exactly getting through society rite? Ha ha….
In any case, this sort of challenges only makes me more determine to shine for Jesus cos I believe God thrives in adversity as He relishes the chance to exhibit His power for His glory!
Being where I am today, I have already crossed many “mountains”. Therefore, I am confident He will continue to enable me to do so as He has done before, in regardless of the obstacles that will lay ahead in my journey of faith.
Andrew: Inside & Insights 
Bro, i’m incredibly proud of you. 😀 thank God for your determination and positive attitude in Christ – “I can do all things thru Him who gives me strength.” Shiok lah… haha!
Remember, AI PIA JIA EH IAH!! Ai piah jia eh iah (爱拼才会赢) You Gotta Fight To Win
东家不打,打西家 或则你可以自己当老板 帮助其他的弟兄！
yeu@nn & joe:
Thanks guys! Let’s fight till the end! The battle is the Lord’s! =)
andrew:
耶 和 华 却 对 撒 母 耳 说 ， 不 要 看 他 的 外 貌 和 他 身 材 高 大 ， 我 不 拣 选 他 。 因 为 ， 耶 和 华 不 像 人 看 人 ， 人 是 看 外 貌 。 耶 和 华 是 看 内 心 。
撒 母 耳 记 上 16:7
joe:
Amen. It is awesome that God is not like man =)
However on the other side of the coin, t still remains a reality that man is not like God. Hence, we still have to some how need to manage this aspect in how we relate with one another (people) in our fallen state.
Andrew:
Bro, your mandarin is not so bad lah.
The problem comes when we compromise & value man’s opinions more than the Word of God.
We worry about what people will think when His Word tells us not to. So we lose the peace from God. John14:26
Then we are eager for success & read books on positive thinking when His Word tells us not to, just follow His Word & HE will bless us. So we lose the blessings of God. Psalm112
Furthermore, since these people are so conscious about your outward appearance, do you think just by erasing a mark, you can please them? Wont they find other things to put you down again?
我 现 在 是 要 得 人 的 心 呢 ？ 还 是 要 得 神 的 心 呢 ？ 我 岂 是 讨 人 的 喜 欢 吗 ？ 若 仍 旧 讨 人 的 喜 欢 ， 我 就 不 是 基 督 的 仆 人 了 。 加 拉 太 书1:10
Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ. Gal1.10
joe:
Thanks for your honest opinion and comments. And as you have rightfully cited “not to seek the approval of men”, I guess that has to include you lar.. Ha ha…
Though it is not necessary for me to explain for my actions in this instance of erasing my mark cos obviously this isn’t compromising God’s values in my life if you compare it to me (hypotechnically) tattoo-ing more marks on my body, but I will just add what Paul said…
1 Corinthians 9:19- Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible.
You are right that whether or not I have the mark or not, it doesn’t guarantee that I please everyone.
However, if it makes some or any difference in order for them to be more receptive (without compromising the WOG) to the Gospel, then I am willing to lay down my rights like a slave as the Spirit moves cos I am secured and confident enough in my identity as His dearly loved child and servant 🙂
Andrew:
To put it simply, when you join a new gang, you follow its new rules/rituals.
Can you say you want to stick to your old rules/rituals, sure kenna wallop one.
Or you join 369, but want to mix with members of Ang Soon Tong, can or not? Sure kenna hamtam jia lak jia lak.
—
It’s the same with being a servant of Christ, bro.
也 没 有 人 把 新 酒 装 在 旧 皮 袋 里 。 若 是 这 样 ， 新 酒 必 将 皮 袋 裂 开 ， 酒 便 漏 出 来 ， 皮 袋 也 就 坏 了 。但 新 酒 必 须 装 在 新 皮 袋 里 。路 加 福 音5:37-38
joe:
Err… actually I dun quite see the parallism and how this is link with my situation, but its okay as I appreciate your input in any case 🙂
Btw, pls keep in touch even though you flying off soon. Bless…
Nevermind 🙂 Seek the Lord. Shalom….
encouraged by your confidence that He will continue to enable me to do so as He has done before, regardless of the obstacles that will be ahead in your journey of faith. Remember, where you are going, God has gone there before. “Behold, the Lord has gone out before you.” (Judges 4:14)
mj:
Thanks sis! All praise to Him 🙂