“The priority to maturity and to solid biblical food is not first becoming an intellectual person, but becoming an obedient person“
John Piper
Author andrewong2024
Two down and one more to go
Two days ago was my youngest brother’s big day. Now that two has walked down the aisle, there’s only one more left- ME! =p
This was a huge family coming together and more bigger than the first (with my younger brother). I guess that as a family we had learnt from the first experience and this time round had it better planned and managed.
For a positive change, not only was my mum much more involved in this wedding, even I was roped in to contribute. I produced their photo montage and played host/emcee for the wedding dinner. This wedding somehow got the family together. Thank God!
Apart from the sabo-ing my brother as emcee and catching up with my relatives, my personal highlight of the event has to be God.
God made His presence known when He led me to give thanks or grace for dinner before everyone. There were approximately 18 tables in total.
Initially, I was contemplating against it for respect to the muslims and non-believers who were presented. But I reckoned that there wouldn’t be much harm since in Singapore, there is a high level of tolerence towards other’s religious belief. So with faith, I gave thanks (with my brother’s approval) but tactfully saying, “On behalf of the bride and bridegroom, I would like to give thanks or say grace for the food.”
And so I did, “in Jesus’ Name.”
Phew… though thankfully no one walked out offended, but more importantly God was glorified.
I sincerely believe that the prayer part was something unexpected in a normal wedding dinner programme for those presented. And I want to believe that somehow it left an impression in their minds and God in their hearts.
Plugging in
Lately, I’ve sensed deeply a lack of capacity in ministering and leading others towards God. Like got no power like dat…
Siao liao…
I concluded that my present situation was God attempting in taking me to the next level with Him. However it seems I am still operating in the same mode. Hence the “inadequecy” It is similar in how it is incompatible to run a Windows Vista system on a Pentium II computer. The hardware just doesn’t have the capacity to contain and run such a robust upgraded system.
Likewise, God is unable to pour more of His power and love in my current mode. I need to stretch the “wineskins” within me to hold more of Him as responsibilities and obligations mount up.
That is why though sick at home yesterday, I was rather thankful for the time to rest. Besides sleeping more, I was blessed with some “contemplative pathway” moments with God. Ha ha…
I have learnt over these few years that our public lives should never take precedence over our private lives.
This is the “inside-out” approach where I know I have to constantly plug-in into His word and presence to draw ‘nutrients’ to strengthen my inner man to withstand and shine thru the daily demands of this world. (Psalm 1:1-3)
Looks like more time of deep plugging in for me.
Increasing capacity thru prayers
“As you develop patience in waiting, you develop capacity. You can cope with things. Patience is capacity. Your capacity in life will determine how much you can cope with”
Dr Phil Pringle
Back from church camp
Camp’s over!
Wow… what a blast it was! Held at the Hotel Equatorial, it was really a great place to soak in His presence and word. Personally, I vote this camp as the BEST venue so far. Great choice by the organising committee.
More importantly, I am glad I left camp with more clarity over certain issues that I was facing in life. My God is a personal god who lives and loves me =)
Though camp may be over, but in true fact, it has only begun. Now to bring God out of the camp walls and into the world we live in!
We need to be a prevailing generation that truly impacts our society in a radical way for Jesus!
The PREVAILING CG: Qiuyan, Shireen, Doreen (front row from left) and Addy, me, Andrew Liew, Stephen (back row from left).
My Doodling:
Heading to Melaka today for Hope’s Annual Adult Church Camp– Building A Prevailing Generation. I’ll return on 19 June 2007 (Tuesday).
Till then, I will take a break from blogging. Ciao… =)
Anything & Whatever drink ads
The latest novelty drinks- Anything and Whatever have been creating quite an impression on consumers.
Though the contents of the drinks aren’t exactly fantastic, but 100 points for the courage to try something original and creative.
Even their website with its jiggle is done with style. Visit it here>>>
Here are the Anything and Whatever ads. They are really funny ads done with the Singapore flavour.
Watch it!
Ha ha… Isn’t it funny???
WHATEVER…
What whatever???
ANYTHING lor….
What anything leh….???
WHATEVER
Ho ho ho….
Unlike man, God never changes
The game of soccer is more than just about 22 players chasing after one ball. There is just so much dynamism in this universal game.
Personally I follow the soccer news alot, and it is not just about being updated with Man United or knowing the latest scoreline or transfer. There are alot of things that can be learnt (even if you are not a soccer fan) from this game just by observing the happenings that surround this game.
One can learn about leadership, management, marketing, public relations, team dynamics, HR issues and life itself whether you’re observing a player’s lifestyle or a club’s standing and progress.
The popularity of Beckham
Take the recent example of Real Madrid’s intentions of retaining David Beckham. Some few months ago, Real Madrid couldn’t wait to ship him off and he was not even chosen on the first team squad. It didn’t help further that the club’s form was in a dip. Naturally, a scapegoat was needed to take the rap and David Beckham was the one.
Now fast forwarding to the present, Real Madrid is one win away from clinching the Prima Liga Championship. It seems they have sung a different tune and have heaped praises upon praises of David Beckham’s contributions to the club. Real’s president Ramon Calderon express his intent to prize him back from LA Galaxy but was rejected.
Read full story here>>>
Lessons to be learnt
What we can learn from this observation?
1. Humans are fickle-minded– They can like you one day and hate you the next. So as an individual, don’t take criticism personally. People changes with the mood, circumstance and with the winds of trends. More importantly is what God thinks of you as His love is constant (never changes) and never fickled.
2. Expect the blaming game to begin in crisis- It is naturally to expect fingers to be pointed at parties whom one thinks have contributed to his/her downfall or bad plight. When every things is good, everyone is happy. But when crisis happens, that’s when the true feelings, thoughts and character is exposed. So expect this sort of behaviour from people if/when they blame you in a crisis.
“Why you like that?!”
“How come you never do this/that?!”
Again, do not take it personally as it is the carnal nature. If you know in your heart and with God you have kept to His truth and spirit, stand firm. God will clear His name.
In my own thoughts
I think over the years through my personal observations and experiences, I am amazed how God can love us unfailingly and unconditionallly even when we are incorrigible and hopeless in being good and not acknowledging Him. (c.f. John 1:10-11)
Right from the beginning from Genesis, Exodus, Judges, the Fall of Jerusalem and to our present age, mankind has been consistently defiant and stiff-necked with God. But God has remain FAITHFUL to His covenant till now. Wow…!
This truth about God and His love for me over-rides my judgemental spirit towards people and helps me keep on loving people as He loves me.
If He never gave up on me, how can I give up on others?
If He never condemned me, how then can I condemn others?
In God, there is hope for any one and every one through the ressurection power of Jesus Christ!
I have moved
Finally after more than 25 years at Blk 438 as my home, I have moved.
Now presenting my new home- Clementi Heights!
Ha ha… Macham condo name, but actually HDB… =P
Just to avoid any misunderstanding, I’m moving cos of my old home kena en-bloc by the gahmen, and not cos I got married hor… Hee hee…
That’s my view from my room. It’s so near the Clementi swimming complex that one day I might even consider diving into the pool from my window.
Ha ha… Just kidding!
Living in fullness in Christ
“Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything.
I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.”
Philippians 4:11-13 (NLT)
Andrew: Inside & Insights 