Thoughts… off the shower

This is a special post to all old friends… (didn’t expect TJ & Alvin to read my blog!)

Anyways, this is a big "hoy!" to you guys - TJ, Alvin, Jason, Kev L, Homer, Joey etc.  Hope you guys are keeping well, in the Lord and at work!

And, since I’m at it, I’m sending a huge "G’day" to all my SAJC friends!  They say when one gets older, one reminisces of the yonder days a bit more… guess I am getting older… hehehee…  Take care you all, hope to catch up with you soon.

BTW, Laine and I have secured air-tickets for us to be in Singapore & Malaysia from 21st Jan to 17th Feb 2006 - not too long now!

Catch ya soon!

Note:  I hope the brothers/sisters mentioned below don’t mind what I’m saying in this post about them.  But if you don’t like, tell me, and I will make some changes.

Saturday night was the 1st night of Kairos 2005… it was a night of tremendous power and tender mercies.  God is so great and faithful, He brought so many things to pass and showed me so many things.  I cried a fair bit that night - tears of immense joy.

The 1st time was when I laid hands on Handy as Ps Tim was praying for him.  Praise be to God that He drew Handy to Himself!  Just before Ps Tim started praying for him, I saw something within Handy that was surrendered - something very beautiful and touching.  As he broke down, I experienced such overwhelming joy and a bursting desire to hug him with comfort.  While he was being prayed for, I cried…

Don’t think anyone who was there on Saturday night can forget what happened to Arthur… oh, such humility, such preference for others before self… but also, such desire, such need for God to touch him.  As Ps Tim prepared to pray for him in front of everyone, I saw many brothers surged to Arthur to lay hands, and I climbed over the benches to get to his side.  A great sense of relief and joy welled up within me as he was being prayed for - that he had received something from God - and a stream of tears flowed as I thanked God for His touch.  Our love for God drives us to serve Him, but we need to be replenished from Him every so often - and so, I felt as if at that time, God was re-fueling Arthur…

I called her "little girl" on both Saturday & Sunday nights, but Gillian has grown so much in the last 4 years.  Never will I forget the sight of her sitting on the beanbag on early Saturday mornings, wide-eyed, just so eager to learn from God of God.  These days, she still adopts that "come, teach me" posture, but there is now an aura of maturity and purpose.  Twice, when I approach her during Kairos, the words "little girl" came to mind and mouth, and twice tears welled up as I embraced her with great joy.  That "little girl" is now so ready to take on that up-coming mantle, and I can sense a flame burning within…

Through many other instances thoughout Kairos, the Lord showed me great and wonderful things - all telling me: "here is the generation I have prepared, see My Faithfulness".  Many more tears were shed as I prayed, as things were revealed, as the leaders who have just stepped down passed on their dreams, and as I saw the faces of the generation who will lead OCF into the new era…

Thank you Lord for Kairos, it was indeed The Appointed Time…

It’s going to be a very exciting, powerful, full-on & also tiring 3 days… speaking at OCF on Friday night, and 2 full days of Kairos 2005 on Saturday and Sunday.

The leaders of OCF Adelaide have asked me to speak on a range of issues, which are also very close to my heart.  These issues look at what a Christian is doing with his/her spiritual growth - and I hope to present a case for the Christian to (1) be serious with Christian things, (2) yearn for the deeper things of God, and to (3) be personally interested & responsible for his/her own spiritual growth.  It’s going to be my 3rd time speaking, I can sense that this is going to be the most important of the 3.  The 1st time was for an OCF Chinese New Year gathering, the second was on the topic of "Personal Quiet-time and BIble Study" in church - both are fantastic experiences, and God has allowed me to learn much from them.  But this one, I’m very excited about, because it deals directly with subject matter I’m terribly interested in, and I really hope the message can pose a real challenge to the OCFers.

People who have known me well in the last 5 years know that I emphasize the attainment of biblical/divine knowledge in a Christian’s spiritual growth - not to the detriment of the other aspects, but as a basis for other aspects.  As the Lord Jesus Christ taught that we should "worship God in spirit and in truth", how would one then be able to worship "in truth" without the enlightment (as to the personality and will of God) attained from a careful study of the Word of God?  Of course, a Christian who is less achieved in spiritual knowledge will still be able to worship God "in truth", by the application of his appreciation of the Work of Christ and his heart-felt acceptance of the Lordship and Saviour-hood of Christ.  But, I firmly believe that when we search deeper into the Word of God for truth, we will be rewarded with a deeper sense of awe and wonder at the infinite beauty and holiness of our Creator God.

Kairos 2005 is a combined leadership retreat, organised for the 3 OCF centres in South Australia (Adelaide Uni, Flinders Uni & UniSA).  I praise God for placing this need, for an integrated leadership training retreat, into the hearts of Delwin, Kevin and their team (and others whom I’m not fully aware of).  In the years I’ve been in OCF, there have not been an event like this been organised.  I believe this 2-day retreat will be a time of tremendous power - where current & up-coming leaders will be grounded in leadership issues and challenged as to their perception of leadership & their position in God’s Kingdom.  Some of those who are attending this retreat may not get a chance at leadership in OCF, but I pray that they will receive a lot from this event to prepare them for their contribution to God’s Kingdom post-OCF.  After having the privilege of being involved with some planning on this event, I’m fully convinced of how God will move through this event.  I guess, the only "bad" thing is that those of us invloved in the execution of the event (all of us already working) will be pretty tired by Sunday night - and it’s back to work on Monday… *sigh*  …but, thank God that it’s a long-weekend after this!

And so, with great excitement and anticipation, I await Friday night, Saturday & Sunday…

How would you like to learn more about him???  The bible does not say too much of him, except of 2 issues - tithing & "Priest-King"…

There are 3 important offices recorded in the Old Testament: King, Priest, Prophet.

God is the King; the Levites were appointed priests, for the people Israel, before God; prophets arose in various times and places to speak for and speak forth from God.  Sometimes, OT introduces us to some significant characters who occupy 2 of the 3 offices: Melchizedek - Priest-King; Moses - Prophet-Priest; David, son of Jesse - King-Prophet

All 3 offices together can only be found in the Person of Jesus Christ.  He is the King of Israel (who will set up His righteous rule when He comes again), the Prophet of God (being One with the Father, He is able to speak for and speak forth), the Great High Priest (who provided full atonement for those whom He stands before God for, and His Priesthood is permanent and perfect).  Hebrews 5:10 tells us that Jesus is a high priest after the order of Melchizedek, but He is obviously greater than Melchizedek, if you don’t believe, read the whole book of Hebrews for the perfect presentation of the argument.

You thought I would have said something more of Melchizedek?  Sorry, can’t meet your expectations!

Last night, during the lunch break of the SBS telecast of the last day of the 5th and final test of the 2005 Ashes Series, Laine and I watched the SBS World News.

You (who reside in Ozland) would have known by now that SBS World News is the only good source of knowing what really is happening around the world today, from a free-to-air TV channel.

Anyways, towards the end of the news bulletin, I commented to Laine "This world is really getting into a mess!"  We had just heard news updates of (among others):

  - the efforts of recovering from hurricane Katrina’s destruction.

  - the typhoon sweeping through China.

  - the soaring petrol prices, and the suspicion that the big 4 petrol companies are profiteering.

  - the latest outbreak of violence in Belfast, North Ireland.

Tragedies brought about by human dissension and the degeneration of nature.  But, one of the last new stories is that of the grandiose opening of a brand new Disney-world in Hongkong.  The whole "wonderland" is said to cost $2billion, and will expect 5 million visitors in its 1st year of operations (1/3 from China).  Now now, this "wonderland" project really makes me wonder (as with many human endeavours to make a name / make more money / satisfy one’s ambition etc.): what if that $2billion had been split up to (say):

  - $1billion used to wipe out 3rd world debt (yes, I know there’re issues…)

  - $1billion dedicated to the rebuilding efforts after the natural disasters we’ve seen, since last December’s South Asian Tsunamis crisis…

Now, if that happens, that would be something!  But, I don’t expect anything close to this to happen…

Do you know that some MNCs earn $2million each day?   *sigh*

Note:  This is but a commentary, based solely on my observations, analysis, and more importantly, my emotions.  I have not been asked to present anyone else’s view here.

When Friday 16-Sep-05 comes, an era would have well and truly ended.  I am referring to my beloved OCF Adelaide.  Just as I witnessed and experienced an era’s end myself in 2001/2, the coming year will see SW leading OCF into a new era.  So, what did I see that caused me to herald this as the end of an era?

3 things:
            - Centre Size
            - Church Affiliation
            - Committee Make-up

The year 2004/5 saw OCF Adelaide’s regular attendence jump above the 60-70 zone, probably for the first time since the birth of OCF UniSA.  Not only did attendence increase, the number of BS groups went from 6-8 to 10-12!  The number of leaders (in committees and BS groups) have also almost doubled.  As we enter 2005/6, I expect the numbers to plateau out near the 100 mark (if not exceeding), and the number of BS groups would have to grow to between 11-14 to make BS meaningful.  With the increase in size comes challenges and opportunities, which I have presented to a few people already, and I shall not elaborate on.

When I was in office in 2001/2, church affiliation was probably 75% AACC & 25% others.  Before my time, it was probably 90% AACC, 10% others.  As we step into 2005/6, the stats will read an approximate 50% Southside, 25% AACC and 25% others (my "arga-ration").  The centre as a whole has moved marginally towards the "charismatic end of the spectrum".  One very obvious (to me) change that this has wrought is the selection of speakers at OCF Adelaide.  I hasten to add that I do not see this in a bad light, in fact, I don’t see this in any particular light, this is a change (pure and simple) - just that.

The 3rd point is more of a personal thing.  When the new committee steps up into office, therein will not be anymore representative from the committee God has allowed me to lead (albeit G has been the only rep since 2003/4).  Everyone who makes up this committee are 2 generations after the one I was part of, those who have not heard of the "great and mighty deeds" of the likes of… Kev Lim, John Lee, TJ, the Chens, Joey Yeoh etc…  Also, 2006 will see EXCO in OCF-SA, led by one who I will always remember as the "very teachable young girl".  So I guess, this (sadly) completes my move from OCFer to OCF-uncle!  BUT, don’t call me that just yet!  (Hey, ask Tucky how many eras he’s seen though!)

I‘ve always viewed changes in a positive note, as much as I may not like them.  Change prevents complacency, sparks ingenuity, and ignites new passions.  I’m excited by this new era, it will be great fun, but more importantly, I can sense great awakening… but, before that, I will shed a tear of remembrance for the ending era.

Praise the Lord for what He has done in OCF Adelaide though the ages, and praise Him for what He will accomplish in the years to come!

What are some names of God you know?  I’m thinking of names that refer to God (Three yet One), not just one of the Persons.

Adonai - The Master (Lord)
Alpha & Omega - The Beginning and The End
El Elyon - The Most High God
El Shaddai - The Almighty God who gives strength to and satisfies His people
Elohim - The Strong and Faithful One
Jehovah - The Self-existent One who reveals Himself
(The Great) "I Am"

Which is your favourite?  For me, it is (The Great) "I Am"… reminds me of the ever-existing and present (from eternal past to the eternal future) state of God.  "Adonai" is another that I really like, since it implies the Sovereignty of God over all.

Do not think that I spend a lot of time blogging… I don’t, I spend a lot of time thinking, and when the fruit of thought ripens and drops to the ground, it buds into a blog…

Thoughts… I read somewhere before that this is one faculty sentient beings have over those without self-consciousness.

God created us "like unto Himself", but we have a physical state that God does not present Himself in (save for the incarnation of the Son).  As sentient human beings, we are defined in 3 realms - Body, Spirit and Soul.  I believe that the faculty of thought lies in the realm of the Soul.

The Body is made from dust, it is organic, it contains compounds of carbon.  It needs nourishment (food - carbo, proteins, vitamins, minerals, fibre etc.) and rest (physical rest - ceasing from physical exertion).  If we flex not our Body, it deteriorates…

The Spirit is given by God; to me, it is the voice of one’s conscience, and part of the breath of life from God as illustrated in Gen 2:7.  The Spirit seeks out God, it yearns and longs for fellowship with the One who caused it to be.  It needs nourishment (eg. the Word of God, fellowship) and exercise (eg. prayer, fellowship).  Without exertion, it dulls and loses justice for the conscience.

The Soul is also given by God; to me, it is the other part of the breath of life from God in Gen 2:7.  The Soul gives a person character; therein lies the faculty of thought.  Some call it the "heart and mind of a person".  I believe the nourishment and exercise the Soul seeks includes ideas and the processing of ideas, emotional exertion.  (I’ve never studied Psychology or Human Physiology or Psychiatry, so don’t quote me on this - there are just plainly my thoughts.)

You know, the brain is a muscle, so is the heart… which means, if we stop or reduces exercise of these muscles, they degenerate!  So, put on your thinking cap to work the brain, and thrust your heart unto love, concern and sympathy.

So, once again I procrastinate… threads of loose thoughts… maybe someone else’s "thought-provoking thoughts"…

I am stunned, everytime I read someone’s blog…

Because I didn’t know they thought that way… because I didn’t know they encountered that… because I didn’t know they are involved with that… because… because…

I want to reach forward and know… who? what? where? when? how? why?

As one walks along (linearly) the timeline of his/her life, acquaintances turn into friends, friends into acquaintances…  many familiar faces and exciting events are collected in the grey mass called memory, while only a selected few managed to be anchored into multi-coloured focus.

A blog is a beautiful thing… but only as beautiful as a portal where one can PUSH data about oneself out into the cyber-world.  Whoever would come around to collect and transform the data into information, one would not know… but alas, one cannot be blamed for not trying to PUSH data out about oneself.  To try and PULL information about someone one cares for is much more difficult, isn’t it?  One huffs and one puffs, but one just can’t seem to PULL the house down… guess one can only wait for the object of concern to PUSH out data on his/her own accord… then quickly, one will try to synthesize that into information…

Well, here concludes another data PUSH…

It’s Friday - OCF day!!!  So… here’s another hymn for your soul…

Hallelujah! What a Savior
Words and Music by Phillip P. Bliss 1875

Man of Sorrows!  what a name
For the Son of God, Who came
Ruined sinners to reclaim.
Hallelujah!  What a Savior!

Bearing shame and scoffing rude,
In my place condemned He stood;
Sealed my pardon with His blood.
Hallelujah!  What a Savior!

Guilty, vile, and helpless we;
Spotless Lamb of God was He;
“Full atonement!” can it be?
Lifted up was He to die;
“It is finished!” was His cry;
Now in Heav’n exalted high.
Hallelujah!  What a Savior!

When He comes, our glorious King,
All His ransomed home to bring,
Then anew His song we’ll sing:
Hallelujah!  What a Savior!

The great thing about these old hymns is their theological coherence, and how they always present the gospel in the whole (including the promise of the return of Christ).  It’s a beauty!