I remembered my leader used to tell me that he wants to be like Shamgar.
I would like to be Jared Leto then.
Inspired to inspire.
Monday, July 26, 2010
I would like to be
I remembered my leader used to tell me that he wants to be like Shamgar.
I would like to be Jared Leto then.
Inspired to inspire.
Worship is an arrival.
After the generation that left Egypt died in the wilderness, except for Joshua and Caleb, Israel was ready to enter the land God promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The land was already possessed by people that God characterized as corrupt and unworthy of maintaining occupation of the land. He wanted to give it to a new people, a people that would worship Him, a people whom He could bless with all the benefits inherent in this rich and fertile land.
God directly told them, “As for the towns of the nations the Lord your God is giving you as a special possession, destroy every living thing in them. You must completely destroy the Hittites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites, just as the Lord your God has commanded you. This will keep the people of the land from teaching you their detestable customs in the worship of their gods, which would cause you to sin deeply against your God” (Deuteronomy 20:16-18). This time in Israel’s history is known as the Era of Conquest and lasted a little over 400 years.
These 400+ years were characterized not by continual blessing but by a reoccurring pattern of Israel’s sinking into social and religious apostasy and idolatry, followed by God’s judgment in the form of oppression at the hands of the very peoples they were supposed to remove from the land, followed by repentance and return to God and His ways, followed by God’s blessing of peace and prosperity in the land. The book of Judges records seven periods of apostasy and oppression and seven corresponding periods of deliverance. The subject lived during the period of the second apostasy and was instrumental in Israel’s second deliverance. His name is Shamgar.
Judges 3:12-31 records the second apostasy and second deliverance. The Israelites were subject to Eglon of Moab for eighteen years. But when Israel cried out to the Lord for help, the Lord raised up a man to rescue them. His name is Ehud son of Gera, of the tribe of Benjamin, who was left-handed. So Moab was conquered by Israel that day, and the land was at peace for eighty years” (3:12-30). Ehud was the main deliverer during the second deliverance. The Moabites lived east of the Dead Sea. They threatened Israelite territory from the east and from the importance given to the judgeship of Ehud they seemed to be the main threat toward Israel during the second apostasy-oppression. But according to Judges 3:31, Moab was not the only threat. The Philistines, who lived along the Mediterranean Sea coast, threatened Israel from the west. As a contemporary, or near contemporary, of Ehud, Shamgar was the one God used to repel the Philistines.
Shamgar is an interesting figure. Only one verse acknowledges Shamgar’s role in the history of Israel: “After Ehud, Shamgar son of Anath rescued Israel. He killed six hundred Philistines with an ox goad” (3:31). While Ehud seems to be the national judge that God called to bring peace to Israel, Shamgar seems to have been a local judge (Schultz, p. 104) that organized a successful resistance to a Philistine invasion. Other judges recorded in the book of Judges were also local—Tola, Jair, Ibzan, Elon, and Abdon (Schultz, p. 104). While the better-known judges-–Othniel, Ehud, Deborah and Barak, Gideon, Jephthah, and Samson—had a wider sphere of influence, the local judges, or deliverers, had narrower spheres of influence.
Shamgar is an example of a man who was willing to be used by God for the purpose God designed for him. For the place and time God had for him. Shamgar was ready when God needed him. And that is the main lesson we learn from Shamgar. We have no idea what Shamgar did for a living prior to his battle with the Philistines, or after that battle. Shamgar could have been in any occupation. It is unlikely that he had a full-time spiritual ministry, like a pastor or religious schoolteacher. He was most likely an ordinary Israelite who responded to an extraordinary threat from one of God’s enemies. Shamgar did not wait for a spiritual leader to take care of the Philistines. He became that leader. God sent His spirit to search out someone who would respond to this particular need. And He found that man in Shamgar. By his valiant fight against the Philistines, he inspired others to fight. Shamgar showed up when God needed him.
Worship is an arrival.
An arrival of God and the arrival of man.
What Shamgar saw..
"A time where the Truth ran free (he became that leader). Birth of a song; Death of a dream."
Shamgar came Closer to his Edge.
When you cross that edge, there is an awakening. You are no more dreaming.
Shamgar must have ran through these thoughts:
"Are you scared to lose control? A subject to the gravity of that fall?"
"Are you proud of a bloodless stain? You want to avoid conflict in your hands?"
"Are you worried about falling short of temporary glory? Being a nice judge for a nice peaceful moment?"
To Shamgar, it was like the end of the world. Something was happening.
He took up the mantle for war.
1. He arrived at the scene.
2. He had a weapon.
3. He chose Deliverance.
That 3 simple responses became an awakening for him.
What is your worship?
Are you closer to your edge?
What kind of a price will you pay to deliver?
All God wanted from Israelites was purity of worship.
And He engaged War.
If this is War, then this is the Edge.
This is being a leader for the spirit of worship.
Come to the War.
Come to the Edge.
You will see what I mean.
You ready?
God directly told them, “As for the towns of the nations the Lord your God is giving you as a special possession, destroy every living thing in them. You must completely destroy the Hittites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites, just as the Lord your God has commanded you. This will keep the people of the land from teaching you their detestable customs in the worship of their gods, which would cause you to sin deeply against your God” (Deuteronomy 20:16-18). This time in Israel’s history is known as the Era of Conquest and lasted a little over 400 years.
These 400+ years were characterized not by continual blessing but by a reoccurring pattern of Israel’s sinking into social and religious apostasy and idolatry, followed by God’s judgment in the form of oppression at the hands of the very peoples they were supposed to remove from the land, followed by repentance and return to God and His ways, followed by God’s blessing of peace and prosperity in the land. The book of Judges records seven periods of apostasy and oppression and seven corresponding periods of deliverance. The subject lived during the period of the second apostasy and was instrumental in Israel’s second deliverance. His name is Shamgar.
Judges 3:12-31 records the second apostasy and second deliverance. The Israelites were subject to Eglon of Moab for eighteen years. But when Israel cried out to the Lord for help, the Lord raised up a man to rescue them. His name is Ehud son of Gera, of the tribe of Benjamin, who was left-handed. So Moab was conquered by Israel that day, and the land was at peace for eighty years” (3:12-30). Ehud was the main deliverer during the second deliverance. The Moabites lived east of the Dead Sea. They threatened Israelite territory from the east and from the importance given to the judgeship of Ehud they seemed to be the main threat toward Israel during the second apostasy-oppression. But according to Judges 3:31, Moab was not the only threat. The Philistines, who lived along the Mediterranean Sea coast, threatened Israel from the west. As a contemporary, or near contemporary, of Ehud, Shamgar was the one God used to repel the Philistines.
Shamgar is an interesting figure. Only one verse acknowledges Shamgar’s role in the history of Israel: “After Ehud, Shamgar son of Anath rescued Israel. He killed six hundred Philistines with an ox goad” (3:31). While Ehud seems to be the national judge that God called to bring peace to Israel, Shamgar seems to have been a local judge (Schultz, p. 104) that organized a successful resistance to a Philistine invasion. Other judges recorded in the book of Judges were also local—Tola, Jair, Ibzan, Elon, and Abdon (Schultz, p. 104). While the better-known judges-–Othniel, Ehud, Deborah and Barak, Gideon, Jephthah, and Samson—had a wider sphere of influence, the local judges, or deliverers, had narrower spheres of influence.
Shamgar is an example of a man who was willing to be used by God for the purpose God designed for him. For the place and time God had for him. Shamgar was ready when God needed him. And that is the main lesson we learn from Shamgar. We have no idea what Shamgar did for a living prior to his battle with the Philistines, or after that battle. Shamgar could have been in any occupation. It is unlikely that he had a full-time spiritual ministry, like a pastor or religious schoolteacher. He was most likely an ordinary Israelite who responded to an extraordinary threat from one of God’s enemies. Shamgar did not wait for a spiritual leader to take care of the Philistines. He became that leader. God sent His spirit to search out someone who would respond to this particular need. And He found that man in Shamgar. By his valiant fight against the Philistines, he inspired others to fight. Shamgar showed up when God needed him.
Worship is an arrival.
An arrival of God and the arrival of man.
What Shamgar saw..
"A time where the Truth ran free (he became that leader). Birth of a song; Death of a dream."
Shamgar came Closer to his Edge.
When you cross that edge, there is an awakening. You are no more dreaming.
Shamgar must have ran through these thoughts:
"Are you scared to lose control? A subject to the gravity of that fall?"
"Are you proud of a bloodless stain? You want to avoid conflict in your hands?"
"Are you worried about falling short of temporary glory? Being a nice judge for a nice peaceful moment?"
To Shamgar, it was like the end of the world. Something was happening.
He took up the mantle for war.
1. He arrived at the scene.
2. He had a weapon.
3. He chose Deliverance.
That 3 simple responses became an awakening for him.
What is your worship?
Are you closer to your edge?
What kind of a price will you pay to deliver?
All God wanted from Israelites was purity of worship.
And He engaged War.
If this is War, then this is the Edge.
This is being a leader for the spirit of worship.
Come to the War.
Come to the Edge.
You will see what I mean.
You ready?
"God loves the most unlikely choice."
"It was one of the most amazing discipleships I ever had. Something happened. Whatever you preached before, there was continuation. That was so amazing. i was blown away."
"Hey melvin! I just came from a mission trip. Really enjoyed myself. I realized that our mission team was really filled with people that are so willing and ready to serve! Under your leadership, though we are all stretched them, but at least we felt so contented and a strong sense of fulfillment and satisfaction."
"Love all your messages, your goofy jokes, and you just being you."
"You are a treasure to me, Melvin."
________________________________
Tomo practiced to become a concert violinist; he started to play when he was 3 years old until he turned 19. Then he discovered heavy metal. He told his father that he wanted to play the guitar, so they made one together. His uncle, Željko "Bill" Miličević, is a virtuoso violinist and orchestra teacher at Farmington High School in Farmington, Michigan and he has got the Ph.D. Tomo has been playing guitar professionally for years. He started writing his own music by the age of 17.
He went to culinary school and finally graduated as an executive and pastry chef, but music stayed his true passion.
He decided then to definitively leave the music business and to sell all his instruments. It is at that time that Shannon Leto, told him about an audition for 30 Seconds to Mars, because Solon Bixler left the band. Tomo was already one of their biggest fans since the beginning. He was selected amongst 200 musicians, first for his talent, but also for his kindness and personality. Five days later, February 3, 2003, he played with Jared Leto, Shannon Leto and Matt Wachter on the The Late Late Show with Craig Kilborn.
_________________________________
The first time I ever went up on a stage to lead.
YL just handed me a guitar and said, "Mel, go up and lead."
I had a heart attack that day. I was caught unaware.
When I went up that stage, I saw an unfamiliar crowd and sang.
YL told me, "I know you could do it. Because you have it on the inside. I believe you can do it."
Years now, I went up on that same stage. Still the same unfamiliar crowd.
"Melvin, that was awesome!!!"
"Mel, that second song.. it blew me away!"
"That presence of God was so strong. You were amazing."
The moment you choose to fight. It comes with a price.
"But out of this, them who have been hurt or affected are still in contact with their salvation and stay on."
"Melvin, what was your revelation to fight on despite of it all?"
"God loves the most unlikely choice."
The introduction for the week:
"Melvin is a very conservative leader!"
lol.
"Hey melvin! I just came from a mission trip. Really enjoyed myself. I realized that our mission team was really filled with people that are so willing and ready to serve! Under your leadership, though we are all stretched them, but at least we felt so contented and a strong sense of fulfillment and satisfaction."
"Love all your messages, your goofy jokes, and you just being you."
"You are a treasure to me, Melvin."
________________________________
Tomo practiced to become a concert violinist; he started to play when he was 3 years old until he turned 19. Then he discovered heavy metal. He told his father that he wanted to play the guitar, so they made one together. His uncle, Željko "Bill" Miličević, is a virtuoso violinist and orchestra teacher at Farmington High School in Farmington, Michigan and he has got the Ph.D. Tomo has been playing guitar professionally for years. He started writing his own music by the age of 17.
He went to culinary school and finally graduated as an executive and pastry chef, but music stayed his true passion.
He decided then to definitively leave the music business and to sell all his instruments. It is at that time that Shannon Leto, told him about an audition for 30 Seconds to Mars, because Solon Bixler left the band. Tomo was already one of their biggest fans since the beginning. He was selected amongst 200 musicians, first for his talent, but also for his kindness and personality. Five days later, February 3, 2003, he played with Jared Leto, Shannon Leto and Matt Wachter on the The Late Late Show with Craig Kilborn.
_________________________________
The first time I ever went up on a stage to lead.
YL just handed me a guitar and said, "Mel, go up and lead."
I had a heart attack that day. I was caught unaware.
When I went up that stage, I saw an unfamiliar crowd and sang.
YL told me, "I know you could do it. Because you have it on the inside. I believe you can do it."
Years now, I went up on that same stage. Still the same unfamiliar crowd.
"Melvin, that was awesome!!!"
"Mel, that second song.. it blew me away!"
"That presence of God was so strong. You were amazing."
The moment you choose to fight. It comes with a price.
"But out of this, them who have been hurt or affected are still in contact with their salvation and stay on."
"Melvin, what was your revelation to fight on despite of it all?"
"God loves the most unlikely choice."
The introduction for the week:
"Melvin is a very conservative leader!"
lol.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Happy-in-your-own-sense
"Jump as high as you can.
Jump and touch the sky." - Jared Leto
I will live my life.
I am so tired.
Why should I help.. When I am despised.
Feeling very unappreciated.
But I have not quite yet regret.
I thought I could sleep a little longer..
But I had to take care of the sick at home.
I thought I could have some time..
But anytime a phonecall, I lose sleep.
Like what Pastor said, it is a test.
Then let me pass it.
She said "Smile at it."
"I know you are tired and prepared a lot."
Then let me have wisdom to walk through it.
"Closer to the edge"
____________________________
"Hello Melvin, thank you for yesterday, and for your life and energy. :)
I know I keep saying this but you're an amazingly different happy-in-your-own-sense leader.
Happier week melvin."
"An awesome, awesome, awesome time of praise and worship dg @melvinlye"
"Just wana thank you for the discipleship yesterday. The msg was good, the praise and worship was encouraging. :) Thank you for your precious time."
Jump and touch the sky." - Jared Leto
I will live my life.
I am so tired.
Why should I help.. When I am despised.
Feeling very unappreciated.
But I have not quite yet regret.
I thought I could sleep a little longer..
But I had to take care of the sick at home.
I thought I could have some time..
But anytime a phonecall, I lose sleep.
Like what Pastor said, it is a test.
Then let me pass it.
She said "Smile at it."
"I know you are tired and prepared a lot."
Then let me have wisdom to walk through it.
"Closer to the edge"
____________________________
"Hello Melvin, thank you for yesterday, and for your life and energy. :)
I know I keep saying this but you're an amazingly different happy-in-your-own-sense leader.
Happier week melvin."
"An awesome, awesome, awesome time of praise and worship dg @melvinlye"
"Just wana thank you for the discipleship yesterday. The msg was good, the praise and worship was encouraging. :) Thank you for your precious time."
Can you imagine a time that the Truth ran free?
"You are my everyday hero."
"Maybe it is your calling to do this..
You know..
Many people got blessed in the end."
______________________________
Go to this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AQHv-fhHq9Y&feature=related
When I tried to be different, I got shot down.
But I am not saying sorry.
God wasn't apologetic.
Can you imagine a time that the Truth ran free?
Super unappreciated. But I will not be angry.
No I won't.
We are designed to fight odds.
And we only discover it..
When we are closer to the Edge.
"Maybe it is your calling to do this..
You know..
Many people got blessed in the end."
______________________________
Go to this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AQHv-fhHq9Y&feature=related
When I tried to be different, I got shot down.
But I am not saying sorry.
God wasn't apologetic.
Can you imagine a time that the Truth ran free?
Super unappreciated. But I will not be angry.
No I won't.
We are designed to fight odds.
And we only discover it..
When we are closer to the Edge.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Never mind. It's ok.
People brave the new world: detaining ungrateful and forgiving unapologetic. - cranberries_empty
___________________________
I got a Farewell letter.
From my student:
'I'm really sorry though, that sometimes, I'm more of a problem than of a help, more troublesome than useful. Yet you always smile and said: "Never mind. It's ok."
You're always concerned about the amount of work we are given but in truth, you have the most work. I feel bad for complaining to my friends about my work when it's nothing compared to yours.
Sometimes when I see you so stressed, tired and troubled, I'd wish that I could do something useful to help.
Thank you for teaching me so much, be it about science or about life.
Thank you for looking out for me and everyone around you.
If only I'd meet another supervisor just like you in the future.'
____________________________
___________________________
I got a Farewell letter.
From my student:
'I'm really sorry though, that sometimes, I'm more of a problem than of a help, more troublesome than useful. Yet you always smile and said: "Never mind. It's ok."
You're always concerned about the amount of work we are given but in truth, you have the most work. I feel bad for complaining to my friends about my work when it's nothing compared to yours.
Sometimes when I see you so stressed, tired and troubled, I'd wish that I could do something useful to help.
Thank you for teaching me so much, be it about science or about life.
Thank you for looking out for me and everyone around you.
If only I'd meet another supervisor just like you in the future.'
____________________________
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
If Change was only the constant in life, Trust is the only constant to God.
"God acts in a pattern based on a principle." - A R Bernard.
Truth beholds this: You can get angry at God's patterns. But never at His Principles.
He has never killed anyone based on a pattern. Someone just got killed in a pattern.
God never killed anyone in the Bible who got angry at patterns.
He killed in 1 Chronicles 13:6-12 because of irreverence (NASB and Strong).
Which is why some things are symbolism for some and non-negotiable for some.
Some need to trance and pace to pray while some can remain silent.
Rabbi Simhah of Vitry (France, d. 1105) gives an explanation. He says that young children are taught to sway when they study the Torah, "for thus we find at the giving of the Torah 'And the people saw and they trembled' (Exodus 20:15)".
We are creatures of pattern and adventurers for principle.
But many a times, I fall prey to being creature of principle and adventurer for pattern.
Doubtists over David's unfair immunity.
Doubtists over Andrew's longsuffering.
Doubtists over Elijah's whine attitude.
But my question is this: Was it God's principle or pattern invoked?
I never attempted to answer that question. Simple.
It wasn't written in the bible. So don't go there.
If your life was never framed by His Word, then you will always have new options in your life.
Options that can make your faith obsolete.
Be careful of being too knowledgeable in a pattern that it becomes your principle.
Do your principles supply the pattern or the pattern supply the principles.
It is always a question of source. Where did you get your source?
God has full liberty over His patterns but unconditional presidency over His principles.
The loophole for calvinism and arminism is always rimming and not quite yet tipping over.
They are both arguing about the dimensions of the Cross vertical and horizontal.
"Did God choose to save some and not save some?"
"Why did God change His mind?"
Calvinism is consistently presiding over His patterns (vertically looking at His situations).
Arminism is consistenty liberalizing His patterns (horizontally expanding His options).
God is neither.
God never applied the Cross vertically or horizontally for salvation.
He applied flesh to the pattern on the Cross.
The Cross was the pattern.
The Jesus on the Cross was the principle.
So we are all carrying our crosses and not dying on crosses.
We preach about Jesus though we are not Jesus.
Pattern and Principle revealed. It is a huge difference.
Get it.
Trust to God is fully trialing Him to instill His Principles.
That has been only Constant to Him since the Old Testament to the New Testament.
If Change was only the constant in life, Trust is the only constant to God.
You are never condemned by God but unfortunately fortunate because of His Principles.
Truth beholds this: You can get angry at God's patterns. But never at His Principles.
He has never killed anyone based on a pattern. Someone just got killed in a pattern.
God never killed anyone in the Bible who got angry at patterns.
He killed in 1 Chronicles 13:6-12 because of irreverence (NASB and Strong).
Which is why some things are symbolism for some and non-negotiable for some.
Some need to trance and pace to pray while some can remain silent.
Rabbi Simhah of Vitry (France, d. 1105) gives an explanation. He says that young children are taught to sway when they study the Torah, "for thus we find at the giving of the Torah 'And the people saw and they trembled' (Exodus 20:15)".
We are creatures of pattern and adventurers for principle.
But many a times, I fall prey to being creature of principle and adventurer for pattern.
Doubtists over David's unfair immunity.
Doubtists over Andrew's longsuffering.
Doubtists over Elijah's whine attitude.
But my question is this: Was it God's principle or pattern invoked?
I never attempted to answer that question. Simple.
It wasn't written in the bible. So don't go there.
If your life was never framed by His Word, then you will always have new options in your life.
Options that can make your faith obsolete.
Be careful of being too knowledgeable in a pattern that it becomes your principle.
Do your principles supply the pattern or the pattern supply the principles.
It is always a question of source. Where did you get your source?
God has full liberty over His patterns but unconditional presidency over His principles.
The loophole for calvinism and arminism is always rimming and not quite yet tipping over.
They are both arguing about the dimensions of the Cross vertical and horizontal.
"Did God choose to save some and not save some?"
"Why did God change His mind?"
Calvinism is consistently presiding over His patterns (vertically looking at His situations).
Arminism is consistenty liberalizing His patterns (horizontally expanding His options).
God is neither.
God never applied the Cross vertically or horizontally for salvation.
He applied flesh to the pattern on the Cross.
The Cross was the pattern.
The Jesus on the Cross was the principle.
So we are all carrying our crosses and not dying on crosses.
We preach about Jesus though we are not Jesus.
Pattern and Principle revealed. It is a huge difference.
Get it.
Trust to God is fully trialing Him to instill His Principles.
That has been only Constant to Him since the Old Testament to the New Testament.
If Change was only the constant in life, Trust is the only constant to God.
You are never condemned by God but unfortunately fortunate because of His Principles.
Monday, July 19, 2010
The simplest extension of Faith is faithfulness.
"I wish I can write like you.
You can, and you will. You will do far more greater than me.
You will reap the harvest of faith as you get involved.
Patience, young man.
You are on the right track." - Pst YL
__________________________________
"Greater days of love are about to come. We won't be normal. Jesus died for this. You are a true find.
You are the sole scout in this work you do for God.
You will light up and bring paths you travelled alone for those whom God called.
I am living in times of a giant." - Eujean
__________________________________
"Because of you, we are getting somewhere. :)
Thank you." - Boss
__________________________________
I am really surprised. I remembered the Leadership of the Cross by John C Maxwell.
Leading those who are above, beside, under you.
I am recording these messages down to remind myself to be faithful.
Pastor shared very well on the last prayer meeting.
The simplest extension of Faith is faithfulness.
When I reconsidered these 3 messages this week, I knew it. Janis was right all these time.
I really felt like giving up so many times.
But I always recalled the army experience of fighting the darkness.. is simply by struggling to put one foot ahead of the other.
Don't confuse movement with progress.
But don't confuse progress with heading faithfully.
Maybe this is my calling. To open paths.
You can, and you will. You will do far more greater than me.
You will reap the harvest of faith as you get involved.
Patience, young man.
You are on the right track." - Pst YL
__________________________________
"Greater days of love are about to come. We won't be normal. Jesus died for this. You are a true find.
You are the sole scout in this work you do for God.
You will light up and bring paths you travelled alone for those whom God called.
I am living in times of a giant." - Eujean
__________________________________
"Because of you, we are getting somewhere. :)
Thank you." - Boss
__________________________________
I am really surprised. I remembered the Leadership of the Cross by John C Maxwell.
Leading those who are above, beside, under you.
I am recording these messages down to remind myself to be faithful.
Pastor shared very well on the last prayer meeting.
The simplest extension of Faith is faithfulness.
When I reconsidered these 3 messages this week, I knew it. Janis was right all these time.
I really felt like giving up so many times.
But I always recalled the army experience of fighting the darkness.. is simply by struggling to put one foot ahead of the other.
Don't confuse movement with progress.
But don't confuse progress with heading faithfully.
Maybe this is my calling. To open paths.
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Sharon is still as amazing as ever.
"I was curious to find out ... how are you?"
Serious.
"I said that you were serious because you would fight for the values that you believe for. That was the type of good seriousness I was talking about."
Analytical.
"Your gift is really your ability to analyze matters. You are really sharp."
Forgiveness.
"How did you handle after that? I believe so. You must have been really hurt."
Good.
"Yah lan always said to me that you were a good man! I am blessed to have you in the cell group back then."
Instructional.
"I gave you a list of instructions when I was away. My dad told me that do I actually need to do that? But you were faithful enough to do everything that I listed and still understood my heart! Solid la!"
What a friend I have found.
I am so glad that I had the chance to be discipled by her.
Sharon is still as amazing as ever.
"I believe you and I are really humbled. Having led cell groups who have members that are more matured and older than us. You did well."
Her eyes opened wide when I told her who and what.
"Oh my goodness.. I didn't know that!"
We couldn't talk more. More than enough. :)
But still.. I appreciate. :)
Serious.
"I said that you were serious because you would fight for the values that you believe for. That was the type of good seriousness I was talking about."
Analytical.
"Your gift is really your ability to analyze matters. You are really sharp."
Forgiveness.
"How did you handle after that? I believe so. You must have been really hurt."
Good.
"Yah lan always said to me that you were a good man! I am blessed to have you in the cell group back then."
Instructional.
"I gave you a list of instructions when I was away. My dad told me that do I actually need to do that? But you were faithful enough to do everything that I listed and still understood my heart! Solid la!"
What a friend I have found.
I am so glad that I had the chance to be discipled by her.
Sharon is still as amazing as ever.
"I believe you and I are really humbled. Having led cell groups who have members that are more matured and older than us. You did well."
Her eyes opened wide when I told her who and what.
"Oh my goodness.. I didn't know that!"
We couldn't talk more. More than enough. :)
But still.. I appreciate. :)
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Thank you for living out the 2nd Chance message
"You are solid!" - Eigene
"Yeah I have been praying for you everyday because I have been thinking about you everyday!" - Pst YL
"And your members have been praising you. That is where I know and see that you have come up another level." - Pst YL
"Mel, I love you even before today's service." - Eujean
"Melvin, thank you for loving both of us; the width, length, height & depth you have poured into our lives have brought a transformation to us! Because you first loved, we're able to love to that extent you have been to! Melvin we just want to say we love you too!! Thank you for living out the 2nd Chance message - acceptance and love!" - Aaron and Eliza
"Hello Melvin, my CGL AKA the hero in N182. I really love you. Thank you for the encouraging words to me. And you are always N182 great CGL." - Sarah
"Hello Melvin. Here to share a thought which came across my mind. Thank you Melvin for being not just a cell group leader to me with your sermons/ preachings/ sharings, but being a friend real to me. Thank you Melvin and I love you." - Mag
"Good morning Melvin! Thanks for last night. It was great. Because of you, I've made certain life changing decisions. Though circumstances may change in time, but at least for now I know what's the future like." - Angelyn
"Yeah I have been praying for you everyday because I have been thinking about you everyday!" - Pst YL
"And your members have been praising you. That is where I know and see that you have come up another level." - Pst YL
"Mel, I love you even before today's service." - Eujean
"Melvin, thank you for loving both of us; the width, length, height & depth you have poured into our lives have brought a transformation to us! Because you first loved, we're able to love to that extent you have been to! Melvin we just want to say we love you too!! Thank you for living out the 2nd Chance message - acceptance and love!" - Aaron and Eliza
"Hello Melvin, my CGL AKA the hero in N182. I really love you. Thank you for the encouraging words to me. And you are always N182 great CGL." - Sarah
"Hello Melvin. Here to share a thought which came across my mind. Thank you Melvin for being not just a cell group leader to me with your sermons/ preachings/ sharings, but being a friend real to me. Thank you Melvin and I love you." - Mag
"Good morning Melvin! Thanks for last night. It was great. Because of you, I've made certain life changing decisions. Though circumstances may change in time, but at least for now I know what's the future like." - Angelyn
That 'glory' part
Just ended leading worship for prayer meeting..
Totally exhausted.
But the members came earlier to pray for me..
I was so touched.
I cannot ask more than that.
I am most humbled.
That explained the sights in my eyes..
"Mel, you did it la! That presence! Totally can feel it!"
"Mello, your worship was awesome!! Just like always! You blew us!"
"Melvin. Just wanna say that it's an awesome worship you led. You totally nailed it. We are blessed. And no doubt you will keep getting better for there is no limit with God."
"Thanks Melvin for today. Thanks for just now! You know which part of the worship I liked best? When we were transitioning.. where everyone sang without the music. That was a God-moment."
"Hello Melvin! Tonight's worship was awesome! I could feel the tangible presence of God! I really enjoyed that presence!"
"Melvin! You were awesome!
There are people who lead a 100 to worship.
Pastor always says that "don't be distracted by the person on your left
and on your right".
But you led a room full of people feel like
each one of them is meeting God alone in that room!
Amazing!"
"Wow.. that 'glory' part. Mmmhh!" - pastor YL
Totally exhausted.
But the members came earlier to pray for me..
I was so touched.
I cannot ask more than that.
I am most humbled.
That explained the sights in my eyes..
"Mel, you did it la! That presence! Totally can feel it!"
"Mello, your worship was awesome!! Just like always! You blew us!"
"Melvin. Just wanna say that it's an awesome worship you led. You totally nailed it. We are blessed. And no doubt you will keep getting better for there is no limit with God."
"Thanks Melvin for today. Thanks for just now! You know which part of the worship I liked best? When we were transitioning.. where everyone sang without the music. That was a God-moment."
"Hello Melvin! Tonight's worship was awesome! I could feel the tangible presence of God! I really enjoyed that presence!"
"Melvin! You were awesome!
There are people who lead a 100 to worship.
Pastor always says that "don't be distracted by the person on your left
and on your right".
But you led a room full of people feel like
each one of them is meeting God alone in that room!
Amazing!"
"Wow.. that 'glory' part. Mmmhh!" - pastor YL
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Angels and Devils
I want to thank Michelle for showing me this song as my birthday gift last year.
Somehow it has become my last one..
Angels and Devils crawling in my world.
I dun want to become cold.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
40 to 40 to 40
"Hey Melvin, I just want to say that the message you share on Sat is really good and impactful. I realized so much about myself."
"It was mind-provoking. I didn't expect this coming."
"It was mind-blowing!"
"Melvin, I'm really blessed tonight. You always have the key to unlock people's mind to things unseen. Can I have a piece of your mind please?"
"You are very different. You think really differently and you stay on. I feel a lot about you."
"What is one thing that changed you to this extent?"
"They already have potential. But you were the one who released them. Thank you. That was really something."
_____________________________
My boss pointed me out in the meeting today:
"Thanks Melvin, leading us to the right direction!"
"This was the best data we receive so far!"
I am actually quite tired out.
I just want to be normal.
I don't need liars.
Is this the price?
Did Moses feel that way?
40 to 40 to 40.
In my deepest heart, how much further?
"It was mind-provoking. I didn't expect this coming."
"It was mind-blowing!"
"Melvin, I'm really blessed tonight. You always have the key to unlock people's mind to things unseen. Can I have a piece of your mind please?"
"You are very different. You think really differently and you stay on. I feel a lot about you."
"What is one thing that changed you to this extent?"
"They already have potential. But you were the one who released them. Thank you. That was really something."
_____________________________
My boss pointed me out in the meeting today:
"Thanks Melvin, leading us to the right direction!"
"This was the best data we receive so far!"
I am actually quite tired out.
I just want to be normal.
I don't need liars.
Is this the price?
Did Moses feel that way?
40 to 40 to 40.
In my deepest heart, how much further?
Monday, July 12, 2010
The Calling and Gift
God appears to Moses in a burning bush. - cranberries_empty
The years of the life of Moses are divided into three forties; the first forty he spent as a prince in Pharaoh's court, the second as a shepherd in Midian, the third as a king in Jeshurun. How changeable is the life of man! The first appearance of God to Moses, found him tending sheep. This seems a poor employment for a man of his parts and education, yet he rests satisfied with it; and thus learns meekness and contentment, for which he is more noted in sacred writ, than for all his learning. Satan loves to find us idle; God is pleased when he finds us employed.
The Greatest Employment is always an upcoming during your poorest employment. It is discovered when you are at your most humbled and comfortable. So start looking around. Because there is going to be an arrival. That is your encounter.
je-shu'-run, jesh'-u-run (yeshurun, "upright one," Dt 32:15; 33:5,26; Isa 44:2): Septuagint translates it "the beloved one" egapemenos, the perfect participle passive of agapao), and in Isa 44:2 adds "Israel". Most moderns take it as a poetical or ideal title of Israel, derived from yashar, "upright"; it is held to contain a tacit reference to the word Israel (yisra'el).
Being alone, is a good friend to our communion with God. To his great surprise, Moses saw a bush burning without fire to kindle it. The bush burned, and yet did not burn away; an emblem of the church in bondage in Egypt. And it fitly reminds us of the church in every age, under its severest persecutions kept by the presence of God from being destroyed. Something has become deserving and also undeserving before us.
Fire is an emblem, in Scripture, of the Divine holiness and justice, also of the afflictions and trials with which God proves and purifies his people, and even of that baptism of the Holy Ghost, by which sinful affections are consumed, and the soul changed into the Divine nature and image. God gave Moses a gracious call, to which he returned a ready answer. Those that would have communion with God, must attend upon him in the ordinances wherein he is pleased to manifest himself and his glory, though it be in a bush.
Putting off the shoe was a token of respect and submission. We ought to draw nigh to God with a solemn pause and preparation, carefully avoiding every thing that looks light and rude, and unbecoming his service. God does not say, I was the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, but I am. The patriarchs still live, so many years after their bodies have been in the grave. No length of time can separate the souls of the just from their Maker. By this, God instructed Moses as to another world, and strengthened his belief of a future state. Thus it is interpreted by our Lord Jesus, who, from hence, proves that the dead are raised, Lu 20:37. It is a brand new world for Moses to go interpret and release it upon the people. Your Calling is to interpret The Kingdom Mind unto a World under Fire.
The name Jehovah.
Formerly Moses thought himself able to deliver Israel, and set himself to the work too hastily. Now, when the fittest person on earth for it, he knows his own weakness. This was the effect of more knowledge of God and of himself. Formerly, self-confidence mingled with strong faith and great zeal, now sinful distrust of God crept in under the garb of humility; so defective are the strongest graces and the best duties of the most eminent saints. But all objections are answered in, Certainly I will be with thee. That is enough.
Two names God would now be known by.
A name that denotes what he is in himself, I AM THAT I AM. This explains his name Jehovah, and signifies, 1. That he is self-existent: he has his being of himself. 2. That he is eternal and unchangeable, and always the same, yesterday, to-day, and for ever. 3. That he is incomprehensible; we cannot by searching find him out: this name checks all bold and curious inquiries concerning God. 4. That he is faithful and true to all his promises, unchangeable in his word as well as in his nature;
let Israel know this, I AM hath sent me unto you. I am, and there is none else besides me. All else have their being from God, and are wholly dependent upon him. Also, here is a name that denotes what God is to his people. The Lord God of your fathers sent me unto you. Moses must revive among them the religion of their fathers, which was almost lost; and then they might expect the speedy performance of the promises made unto their fathers. (Ex 3:16-22)
Footnotes:
a. Exodus 3:2 In this report of Moses and the burning bush, "the Angel of the Lord" is identified as the Lord Himself. See especially Exod. 3:4, 6. See also the footnote on Gen. 16:7.
b. Exodus 3:11 "There was something more than humility here; there was a tone of self-depreciation which was inconsistent with a true faith in God's selection and appointment. Surely it is God's business to choose His special instruments; and when we are persuaded that we are in the line of His purpose, we have no right to question the wisdom of His appointment. To do so is to depreciate His wisdom or to doubt His power and willingness to become all that is necessary to complete our need" (F. B. Meyer, Moses, the Servant of God).
c. Exodus 3:15 To know the name of God is to witness the manifestation of those attributes and apprehend that character which the name denotes (Exod. 6:3; I Kings 8:33ff.; Ps. 91:14; Isa. 52:6; 64:2; Jer. 16:21) (John D. Davis, A Dictionary of the Bible). God's name is His self-revelation (Charles Ellicott, A Bible Commentary). The name signifies the active presence of the person in the fullness of the revealed character (J.D. Douglas et al., eds., The New Bible Dictionary).
The years of the life of Moses are divided into three forties; the first forty he spent as a prince in Pharaoh's court, the second as a shepherd in Midian, the third as a king in Jeshurun. How changeable is the life of man! The first appearance of God to Moses, found him tending sheep. This seems a poor employment for a man of his parts and education, yet he rests satisfied with it; and thus learns meekness and contentment, for which he is more noted in sacred writ, than for all his learning. Satan loves to find us idle; God is pleased when he finds us employed.
The Greatest Employment is always an upcoming during your poorest employment. It is discovered when you are at your most humbled and comfortable. So start looking around. Because there is going to be an arrival. That is your encounter.
je-shu'-run, jesh'-u-run (yeshurun, "upright one," Dt 32:15; 33:5,26; Isa 44:2): Septuagint translates it "the beloved one" egapemenos, the perfect participle passive of agapao), and in Isa 44:2 adds "Israel". Most moderns take it as a poetical or ideal title of Israel, derived from yashar, "upright"; it is held to contain a tacit reference to the word Israel (yisra'el).
Being alone, is a good friend to our communion with God. To his great surprise, Moses saw a bush burning without fire to kindle it. The bush burned, and yet did not burn away; an emblem of the church in bondage in Egypt. And it fitly reminds us of the church in every age, under its severest persecutions kept by the presence of God from being destroyed. Something has become deserving and also undeserving before us.
Fire is an emblem, in Scripture, of the Divine holiness and justice, also of the afflictions and trials with which God proves and purifies his people, and even of that baptism of the Holy Ghost, by which sinful affections are consumed, and the soul changed into the Divine nature and image. God gave Moses a gracious call, to which he returned a ready answer. Those that would have communion with God, must attend upon him in the ordinances wherein he is pleased to manifest himself and his glory, though it be in a bush.
Putting off the shoe was a token of respect and submission. We ought to draw nigh to God with a solemn pause and preparation, carefully avoiding every thing that looks light and rude, and unbecoming his service. God does not say, I was the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, but I am. The patriarchs still live, so many years after their bodies have been in the grave. No length of time can separate the souls of the just from their Maker. By this, God instructed Moses as to another world, and strengthened his belief of a future state. Thus it is interpreted by our Lord Jesus, who, from hence, proves that the dead are raised, Lu 20:37. It is a brand new world for Moses to go interpret and release it upon the people. Your Calling is to interpret The Kingdom Mind unto a World under Fire.
The name Jehovah.
Formerly Moses thought himself able to deliver Israel, and set himself to the work too hastily. Now, when the fittest person on earth for it, he knows his own weakness. This was the effect of more knowledge of God and of himself. Formerly, self-confidence mingled with strong faith and great zeal, now sinful distrust of God crept in under the garb of humility; so defective are the strongest graces and the best duties of the most eminent saints. But all objections are answered in, Certainly I will be with thee. That is enough.
Two names God would now be known by.
A name that denotes what he is in himself, I AM THAT I AM. This explains his name Jehovah, and signifies, 1. That he is self-existent: he has his being of himself. 2. That he is eternal and unchangeable, and always the same, yesterday, to-day, and for ever. 3. That he is incomprehensible; we cannot by searching find him out: this name checks all bold and curious inquiries concerning God. 4. That he is faithful and true to all his promises, unchangeable in his word as well as in his nature;
let Israel know this, I AM hath sent me unto you. I am, and there is none else besides me. All else have their being from God, and are wholly dependent upon him. Also, here is a name that denotes what God is to his people. The Lord God of your fathers sent me unto you. Moses must revive among them the religion of their fathers, which was almost lost; and then they might expect the speedy performance of the promises made unto their fathers. (Ex 3:16-22)
Footnotes:
a. Exodus 3:2 In this report of Moses and the burning bush, "the Angel of the Lord" is identified as the Lord Himself. See especially Exod. 3:4, 6. See also the footnote on Gen. 16:7.
b. Exodus 3:11 "There was something more than humility here; there was a tone of self-depreciation which was inconsistent with a true faith in God's selection and appointment. Surely it is God's business to choose His special instruments; and when we are persuaded that we are in the line of His purpose, we have no right to question the wisdom of His appointment. To do so is to depreciate His wisdom or to doubt His power and willingness to become all that is necessary to complete our need" (F. B. Meyer, Moses, the Servant of God).
c. Exodus 3:15 To know the name of God is to witness the manifestation of those attributes and apprehend that character which the name denotes (Exod. 6:3; I Kings 8:33ff.; Ps. 91:14; Isa. 52:6; 64:2; Jer. 16:21) (John D. Davis, A Dictionary of the Bible). God's name is His self-revelation (Charles Ellicott, A Bible Commentary). The name signifies the active presence of the person in the fullness of the revealed character (J.D. Douglas et al., eds., The New Bible Dictionary).
Friday, July 9, 2010
He died for both the Misunderstood and Misunderstanding.
Misunderstanding
Knowing that it ‘s a misunderstanding, what do you think stops people from reconciling right away?
It is because a misunderstanding always has incubation time. The Misunderstood has to sustain tensile testing while the Misunderstanding is afraid of being proven wrong. Most people do not mind being corrected (process - the truth being added in) but they mind having to demolish the already-empire (process – of having to re-dig what was originally thought as well-dug). It is tedious and the correction process is long because it can never be straight-forward. People love instant gratification; it means you get quicker results. That is why Jesus had to specifically bring in the cost of foundation to bring an analogy of a fatality. Basically, Jesus was pinpointing out “could have-been”.
Mark 3:25-28
If you don’t build towards what should-have been, then you have to always listen to endless stories of what could-have-been.
If you are willing to re-dig to re-build, then you start to re-define the answerable. You avoid all other options and there you have the should-have-been.
You will find yourself against a lot of sweepings. The misunderstood always undergoes that incubation time and tensile strength is realized in your length-time of character. Jesus went through all that sweeping as the misunderstood and thus, able to sustain the both great Shame and Humility on the Cross. Shame (Eph 5:12) for warranted sins and Humility (Col 2:18) for unwarranted sins. He died for both (Mark 3:29) the Misunderstood and Misunderstanding. We like to say that the Misunderstood died for the Misunderstanding. True but not true enough.
Jesus did not waste His incubation time He learned to the Cross.
He exchanged all that limited time for a past, present and future.
Addressing both the Misunderstood and Misunderstanding (Matt 19).
The Misunderstood did not die victim of the Misunderstanding.
But Time forgiving the sins of the Misunderstanding.
Knowing that it ‘s a misunderstanding, what do you think stops people from reconciling right away?
It is because a misunderstanding always has incubation time. The Misunderstood has to sustain tensile testing while the Misunderstanding is afraid of being proven wrong. Most people do not mind being corrected (process - the truth being added in) but they mind having to demolish the already-empire (process – of having to re-dig what was originally thought as well-dug). It is tedious and the correction process is long because it can never be straight-forward. People love instant gratification; it means you get quicker results. That is why Jesus had to specifically bring in the cost of foundation to bring an analogy of a fatality. Basically, Jesus was pinpointing out “could have-been”.
Mark 3:25-28
If you don’t build towards what should-have been, then you have to always listen to endless stories of what could-have-been.
If you are willing to re-dig to re-build, then you start to re-define the answerable. You avoid all other options and there you have the should-have-been.
You will find yourself against a lot of sweepings. The misunderstood always undergoes that incubation time and tensile strength is realized in your length-time of character. Jesus went through all that sweeping as the misunderstood and thus, able to sustain the both great Shame and Humility on the Cross. Shame (Eph 5:12) for warranted sins and Humility (Col 2:18) for unwarranted sins. He died for both (Mark 3:29) the Misunderstood and Misunderstanding. We like to say that the Misunderstood died for the Misunderstanding. True but not true enough.
Jesus did not waste His incubation time He learned to the Cross.
He exchanged all that limited time for a past, present and future.
Addressing both the Misunderstood and Misunderstanding (Matt 19).
The Misunderstood did not die victim of the Misunderstanding.
But Time forgiving the sins of the Misunderstanding.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
There is so much to learn from the most misunderstood person in the world.
My 100th Post..
I asked YL, "Haiz, can I just be normal person?"
YL: "It is like PK asking if he can be a normal person lo."
_______________________________________
"Maybe 'thought that 'understood you correctly?
Then you want to explain every single sentence you make?"
I paused. Then.
My answer would be forever yes.
Especially ever more.
_______________________________________
Misunderstanding is god of destruction.
What you missed could be either fatality or answerable. - cranberries_empty
I learned that the one of the toughest lessons is when you give your heart wrongly.
When it becomes intractability.
Misunderstanding has the power to lead. Even if it's mislead.
But the worst fact:
It behaves like 2 monologues on a single train track.
It goes nowhere and gets nowhere done.
So try to track back.
You will see an answer in what you might have missed.
Someone has been doing that for the people consistently.
I think that Jesus was and is the most misunderstood person.
In all His power, He had to resort to parables.
And explain the signs and wonders.
Because they were too instant for any understanding.
And strangely:
There is so much to learn from the most misunderstood person in the world.
I asked YL, "Haiz, can I just be normal person?"
YL: "It is like PK asking if he can be a normal person lo."
_______________________________________
"Maybe 'thought that 'understood you correctly?
Then you want to explain every single sentence you make?"
I paused. Then.
My answer would be forever yes.
Especially ever more.
_______________________________________
Misunderstanding is god of destruction.
What you missed could be either fatality or answerable. - cranberries_empty
I learned that the one of the toughest lessons is when you give your heart wrongly.
When it becomes intractability.
Misunderstanding has the power to lead. Even if it's mislead.
But the worst fact:
It behaves like 2 monologues on a single train track.
It goes nowhere and gets nowhere done.
So try to track back.
You will see an answer in what you might have missed.
Someone has been doing that for the people consistently.
I think that Jesus was and is the most misunderstood person.
In all His power, He had to resort to parables.
And explain the signs and wonders.
Because they were too instant for any understanding.
And strangely:
There is so much to learn from the most misunderstood person in the world.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
I hope you be remembered for trying out different methods.
A new Word over my life.
Thanks to Pastor for speaking
"Beautiful.
Wonderfully and fearfully made.
Walk with Abba Father to the ends of the world.
Walk with Abba Father for the rest of life."
After she said that, tears flowed like never before.
Being accepted makes a big difference.
____________________________
Eujean spoke to me.
"Thank you for your methods.
Thank you for your roots.
Thank you for your being alone."
"Melvin, by choice, You do forgo the result if the root of it was not truth.
In that you are a seeker of truth, trier of methods.
I hope you be remembered for trying out different methods.
Now I know why what Janis said means so much to you."
Once again.
"A leader braves the storm and creates new paths for people to walk on by smoothly.
My leader did that."
Thanks to Pastor for speaking
"Beautiful.
Wonderfully and fearfully made.
Walk with Abba Father to the ends of the world.
Walk with Abba Father for the rest of life."
After she said that, tears flowed like never before.
Being accepted makes a big difference.
____________________________
Eujean spoke to me.
"Thank you for your methods.
Thank you for your roots.
Thank you for your being alone."
"Melvin, by choice, You do forgo the result if the root of it was not truth.
In that you are a seeker of truth, trier of methods.
I hope you be remembered for trying out different methods.
Now I know why what Janis said means so much to you."
Once again.
"A leader braves the storm and creates new paths for people to walk on by smoothly.
My leader did that."
The Branch is still able to bear Fruit.
Dear Pastor,
"areas of renewal"
Personal Renewal:
I want to be crisis-proficient. Somehow I feel that there will be always an incoming crisis whether in my personal life or ministry. During this season of accepting new people into the cell group, I realized that I have been called to deal with so much crisis "mismanagement". This is especially true when I feel weakest this year. All the hurts I sustained this half of the year is supposed to make me more "skillful". It is this intersection that I become the most involved. Sometimes, it even reflects upon my own life.
Since I cannot beat it, I might as well filter it down. A R Bernard said, "God’s pruning is to make it more fruitful." Which I feel that it is precisely where I have been tested consistently. He went on to describe about the Fruit is observed on the Branches and not on the Vine. This is the point that I feel that I have been put to bear fruits. It may be a crisis season, but the Branch is still able to bear Fruit.
Relational Renewal:
The ones that I allow access to me are really those whom I want to be identified with. For example, I allow a lot of access to Huizhen and Jimmy. It is really more than a choice or a garnishing; it is a learning process from them. I feel that their presence reaffirm a lot on Faithfulness and Integrity. They are people who are very forgiving and uplifting.
I would fight war with those who run the race. We need those people who are being included by the Heroes of Faith from Hebrews 12. Being a minister, it is easy to be consumed by power and favoritism. It becomes important for me remember the healthy intimacy towards those who reassumes my basic needs. It is easy for me to forget my First Love which should have always been my most basic relationship. In like manner, I need to reposition the crucial basics of those who have consistently uplifted me.
Purpose Renewal:
Reexamining the value of every activity in my life, I want to reposition myself in the area of raising more leaders which I have kind of neglected. Ever since last year in N182, I have been doing my best to communicate with the members, new or longer. But the one thing I have been a little slack over would be the disciples that I have in my group.
I want to repent and reposition this area of imparting into more people around me. Recently, I have received many encouragements (from zone and overseas mission trips) from people who have been updating themselves about my life. I need to make full use of the gift I have received from God: Open Doors. I could make use of myself more faithfully. The words and photography have become my tools of encouragement. I want to avail myself to raising good people who can be used for greater works in the longevity of the Kingdom of God.
Structural Renewal:
When pastor shared about "Don't confuse Movement with Progression", I felt checked. N182 has been praised by some leaders as a 'happy cell group' but one of my own fears is that it is becoming an activity center without a spiritual camp. I decided to spend more time on personally meeting up each and every connect group within and share on the topic of Revelation and Dreams.
I really am not sure whether I have done a good job because this is my first time having a mass discipleship other than regular cell group meetings. But to go into every detail fancied by the members' thoughts, I did feel a strange empowerment. I thoroughly enjoyed smiling and talking to each one of them about the Revelations that God has placed over them. Like a structure that needs renewing cells, the Bible says without Visions and Dreams, people perish. By undertaking their Revelations, we are revealing their Vision and Dream tunnels, and there is new life upon the cell group proper. I am already beginning to see the people are slowly getting happier and excited about living life. And this is the real activity of leading cell group: Life is good.
Cultural Renewal:
Pastor started by saying "There is a new shift of the impact of the organization on society." I know that I want to be part of that shift of impact. But it would require Responsibility Thinking.
While I was reading on Victor Lim Fei's writings ever since Pastor Kong's saga, I realized his personal efforts of going against a misinformed media. But more than that, I saw Responsibility Thinking on the inside. He was taking ownership of the situation.
Personally, I am not sure how I can create Cultural Renewal but I want to dare myself in the area of Responsibility Thinking. My new career demands a lot of Responsibility Thinking, especially in the area of leadership and project management. And Moses experienced the same thing, having to "own" God's people as His own. But this is it with dealing the Babylonian or Worldly culture. The first initiative is to "own" or proclaim ownership over the lost.
If you have read this far, I thank you.
Melvin
"areas of renewal"
Personal Renewal:
I want to be crisis-proficient. Somehow I feel that there will be always an incoming crisis whether in my personal life or ministry. During this season of accepting new people into the cell group, I realized that I have been called to deal with so much crisis "mismanagement". This is especially true when I feel weakest this year. All the hurts I sustained this half of the year is supposed to make me more "skillful". It is this intersection that I become the most involved. Sometimes, it even reflects upon my own life.
Since I cannot beat it, I might as well filter it down. A R Bernard said, "God’s pruning is to make it more fruitful." Which I feel that it is precisely where I have been tested consistently. He went on to describe about the Fruit is observed on the Branches and not on the Vine. This is the point that I feel that I have been put to bear fruits. It may be a crisis season, but the Branch is still able to bear Fruit.
Relational Renewal:
The ones that I allow access to me are really those whom I want to be identified with. For example, I allow a lot of access to Huizhen and Jimmy. It is really more than a choice or a garnishing; it is a learning process from them. I feel that their presence reaffirm a lot on Faithfulness and Integrity. They are people who are very forgiving and uplifting.
I would fight war with those who run the race. We need those people who are being included by the Heroes of Faith from Hebrews 12. Being a minister, it is easy to be consumed by power and favoritism. It becomes important for me remember the healthy intimacy towards those who reassumes my basic needs. It is easy for me to forget my First Love which should have always been my most basic relationship. In like manner, I need to reposition the crucial basics of those who have consistently uplifted me.
Purpose Renewal:
Reexamining the value of every activity in my life, I want to reposition myself in the area of raising more leaders which I have kind of neglected. Ever since last year in N182, I have been doing my best to communicate with the members, new or longer. But the one thing I have been a little slack over would be the disciples that I have in my group.
I want to repent and reposition this area of imparting into more people around me. Recently, I have received many encouragements (from zone and overseas mission trips) from people who have been updating themselves about my life. I need to make full use of the gift I have received from God: Open Doors. I could make use of myself more faithfully. The words and photography have become my tools of encouragement. I want to avail myself to raising good people who can be used for greater works in the longevity of the Kingdom of God.
Structural Renewal:
When pastor shared about "Don't confuse Movement with Progression", I felt checked. N182 has been praised by some leaders as a 'happy cell group' but one of my own fears is that it is becoming an activity center without a spiritual camp. I decided to spend more time on personally meeting up each and every connect group within and share on the topic of Revelation and Dreams.
I really am not sure whether I have done a good job because this is my first time having a mass discipleship other than regular cell group meetings. But to go into every detail fancied by the members' thoughts, I did feel a strange empowerment. I thoroughly enjoyed smiling and talking to each one of them about the Revelations that God has placed over them. Like a structure that needs renewing cells, the Bible says without Visions and Dreams, people perish. By undertaking their Revelations, we are revealing their Vision and Dream tunnels, and there is new life upon the cell group proper. I am already beginning to see the people are slowly getting happier and excited about living life. And this is the real activity of leading cell group: Life is good.
Cultural Renewal:
Pastor started by saying "There is a new shift of the impact of the organization on society." I know that I want to be part of that shift of impact. But it would require Responsibility Thinking.
While I was reading on Victor Lim Fei's writings ever since Pastor Kong's saga, I realized his personal efforts of going against a misinformed media. But more than that, I saw Responsibility Thinking on the inside. He was taking ownership of the situation.
Personally, I am not sure how I can create Cultural Renewal but I want to dare myself in the area of Responsibility Thinking. My new career demands a lot of Responsibility Thinking, especially in the area of leadership and project management. And Moses experienced the same thing, having to "own" God's people as His own. But this is it with dealing the Babylonian or Worldly culture. The first initiative is to "own" or proclaim ownership over the lost.
If you have read this far, I thank you.
Melvin
Happiness is expectation met.
Seriously..
I am fully Biopsychosociospiritual being..
Within 48 hours, I would have attended 7 meetings.
- Part Scientist
- Part Manager
- Part Father
- Part Discipler
- Part Church Worker
Eigene was saying that normal people rest on Sat and Sun and work on Mon and Tue.
She works on Sat and Sun and rest on alternate days. So every Monday is Happy Day.
I work from Monday to Sunday. I think only meal-times are spared.
And then, boss asked me along for lunch meeting discussions..
Last week, boss asked, "Can you come out on Sunday or Monday morning meeting 730am? It is urgent."
A new excitement.
Discipleship, sermons, writings, discussions, programmings, even taking care of overseas delegates.
Someone just asked me, "Are you a church staff?"
Yeah, part-time.
So they stop asking me more questions.
Next question, "How come you don't sleep?"
______________________________________
Someone asked me last night, "How do you segment-ize whether you are happy?"
When your ways are committed to the Lord.
That means your (ways) commitment is issued with contentment.
Happiness is expectation met.
Contentment is having met unexpectations.
I want to say.. Everything is happening un-expectedly for me.
Holistic or not.
I am not happy.
Please understand.
Just the going gets Happy.
"Where there are broken hearts, there you find God."
Not the Happy gets going.
I do not know where this is going.
I just told someone close, "I am your Archangel. Praying war with you."
Going to where Giants are going.
I am fully Biopsychosociospiritual being..
Within 48 hours, I would have attended 7 meetings.
- Part Scientist
- Part Manager
- Part Father
- Part Discipler
- Part Church Worker
Eigene was saying that normal people rest on Sat and Sun and work on Mon and Tue.
She works on Sat and Sun and rest on alternate days. So every Monday is Happy Day.
I work from Monday to Sunday. I think only meal-times are spared.
And then, boss asked me along for lunch meeting discussions..
Last week, boss asked, "Can you come out on Sunday or Monday morning meeting 730am? It is urgent."
A new excitement.
Discipleship, sermons, writings, discussions, programmings, even taking care of overseas delegates.
Someone just asked me, "Are you a church staff?"
Yeah, part-time.
So they stop asking me more questions.
Next question, "How come you don't sleep?"
______________________________________
Someone asked me last night, "How do you segment-ize whether you are happy?"
When your ways are committed to the Lord.
That means your (ways) commitment is issued with contentment.
Happiness is expectation met.
Contentment is having met unexpectations.
I want to say.. Everything is happening un-expectedly for me.
Holistic or not.
I am not happy.
Please understand.
Just the going gets Happy.
"Where there are broken hearts, there you find God."
Not the Happy gets going.
I do not know where this is going.
I just told someone close, "I am your Archangel. Praying war with you."
Going to where Giants are going.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
God sings to them?
I am so inspired today.
A few nights ago, people mistaken me to be a designer and a free lance photographer when I walked into the room.
Some nights ago, "Why do you like strange old things?"
Because someone has put in effort to survive the test of time.
It is not about sight sometimes. It is about a feel from the past.
It isn't a design flaw. It has seen and survived so that we have it today.
Last night, "You haven't changed. :)"
Because from the inside, I haven't lose hope.
I wrote these out.
________________________________
A Lover with love on Your lips and Grace on Your tongue.
In death there's forgiveness, and forgiveness calls on a new life.
Teach me how to love as much as You teach me how to die.
God has Hands that circle us like a Wedding Band.
________________________________
A new thought.
Have you ever wonder the songs you written..
God sings to them?
A few nights ago, people mistaken me to be a designer and a free lance photographer when I walked into the room.
Some nights ago, "Why do you like strange old things?"
Because someone has put in effort to survive the test of time.
It is not about sight sometimes. It is about a feel from the past.
It isn't a design flaw. It has seen and survived so that we have it today.
Last night, "You haven't changed. :)"
Because from the inside, I haven't lose hope.
I wrote these out.
________________________________
A Lover with love on Your lips and Grace on Your tongue.
In death there's forgiveness, and forgiveness calls on a new life.
Teach me how to love as much as You teach me how to die.
God has Hands that circle us like a Wedding Band.
________________________________
A new thought.
Have you ever wonder the songs you written..
God sings to them?
This is how I see you and me and everyone
Song facts about Iris..
1- Lead singer Johnny Rzeznik wrote this. He had a terrible case of writer's block before coming up with this. He even went to a psychiatrist for help.
2- This is about a person with an invisible identity who no one understands. Then, he finds true love. He wants his true love to know that he exists and that she is the only person in the world who can understand and love him - hence the last line, "I just want you to know who I am." The title means this is how I see you and me and everyone.
3- The name "Iris" was inspired by a Country singer named Iris DeMent, whose name Rzeznik came across while reading a magazine. This was confirmed in a 1999 interview with Goo's bass player Robbie Takac in Addicted To Noise.
4- This was nominated for Grammys in the categories Song Of The Year, Record Of The Near, and Best Pop Performance By Duo Or Group.
It didn't win any of them.
1- Lead singer Johnny Rzeznik wrote this. He had a terrible case of writer's block before coming up with this. He even went to a psychiatrist for help.
2- This is about a person with an invisible identity who no one understands. Then, he finds true love. He wants his true love to know that he exists and that she is the only person in the world who can understand and love him - hence the last line, "I just want you to know who I am." The title means this is how I see you and me and everyone.
3- The name "Iris" was inspired by a Country singer named Iris DeMent, whose name Rzeznik came across while reading a magazine. This was confirmed in a 1999 interview with Goo's bass player Robbie Takac in Addicted To Noise.
4- This was nominated for Grammys in the categories Song Of The Year, Record Of The Near, and Best Pop Performance By Duo Or Group.
It didn't win any of them.
What if I just make her a little pair of wings out of paper?
"Hey aren't you that guy..."
Say what you want.
I remembered watching this movie during one of my truant expeditions.
The girl beside me was crying.
And she hated me for NOT crying.
I was puzzled.
Really.
We argued that day. Quite badly because it was firm.
I cannot understand the crying.
What was happening to me everyday was apparently a brand new experience for her.
A sacrifice is never from the conditional.
Only the cost is.
A sacrifice is always stamped out from willingness.
Because the exchange is high rated and needs to be overcome.
Simply put.
If you were given this opportunity, would you let go of everything?
The truth is.
Most people would not.
And that is why it is easy to feel touched.
For the courage that you do not have, you retrieve it from others.
But for those who have the courage.
We have started counting the cost to pay up.
Embarking on that makes you less emotional.
But that courage must be mixed with Truth.
Courage without Truth is just blindness.
And you can check Courage.
By reaffirming it with other angels who will go through the likes, like you.
Just like the Angel who fell in this story.
Seth.
_________________________________
Seth: You're an excellent doctor.
Maggie: How do you know?
Seth: I have a feeling.
Maggie: That's pretty flimsy evidence.
Seth: Close your eyes. It's just for a moment.
Seth: What am I doing?
Maggie: You're... touching me.
Seth: Touch. How do you know?
Maggie: Because, I feel it.
Seth: You should trust that. You don't trust it enough.
_________________________________
Maggie: What happened?
Seth: Free will.
_________________________________
Seth: The little girl asked me if she could be an angel.
Cassiel: They all want wings.
Seth: I never know what to say.
Cassiel: Tell them the truth. Angels aren't human. We were never human.
Seth: What if I just make her a little pair of wings out of paper?
_________________________________
Seth: Why do people cry?
Maggie: What do you mean?
Seth: I mean, what happens physically?
Maggie: Well... umm... tear ducts operate on a normal basis to lubricate and protect the eye and when you have an emotion they overact and create tears.
Seth: Why? Why do they overact?
Maggie: [pause] I don't know.
Seth: Maybe... maybe emotion becomes so intense your body just can't contain it. Your mind and your feelings become too powerful, and your body weeps.
_________________________________
Nathaniel Messinger: Listen, kid: he gave these bozos the greatest gift in the universe - you think he didn't give it to us, too?
Seth: Which gift?
Nathaniel Messinger: Free will, brother. Free will.
_________________________________
Maggie Rice: We fight for people's lives in here, right?
Jordan Ferris: Uh-huh.
Maggie Rice: Don't you ever wonder who it is we're fighting with?
Say what you want.
I remembered watching this movie during one of my truant expeditions.
The girl beside me was crying.
And she hated me for NOT crying.
I was puzzled.
Really.
We argued that day. Quite badly because it was firm.
I cannot understand the crying.
What was happening to me everyday was apparently a brand new experience for her.
A sacrifice is never from the conditional.
Only the cost is.
A sacrifice is always stamped out from willingness.
Because the exchange is high rated and needs to be overcome.
Simply put.
If you were given this opportunity, would you let go of everything?
The truth is.
Most people would not.
And that is why it is easy to feel touched.
For the courage that you do not have, you retrieve it from others.
But for those who have the courage.
We have started counting the cost to pay up.
Embarking on that makes you less emotional.
But that courage must be mixed with Truth.
Courage without Truth is just blindness.
And you can check Courage.
By reaffirming it with other angels who will go through the likes, like you.
Just like the Angel who fell in this story.
Seth.
_________________________________
Seth: You're an excellent doctor.
Maggie: How do you know?
Seth: I have a feeling.
Maggie: That's pretty flimsy evidence.
Seth: Close your eyes. It's just for a moment.
Seth: What am I doing?
Maggie: You're... touching me.
Seth: Touch. How do you know?
Maggie: Because, I feel it.
Seth: You should trust that. You don't trust it enough.
_________________________________
Maggie: What happened?
Seth: Free will.
_________________________________
Seth: The little girl asked me if she could be an angel.
Cassiel: They all want wings.
Seth: I never know what to say.
Cassiel: Tell them the truth. Angels aren't human. We were never human.
Seth: What if I just make her a little pair of wings out of paper?
_________________________________
Seth: Why do people cry?
Maggie: What do you mean?
Seth: I mean, what happens physically?
Maggie: Well... umm... tear ducts operate on a normal basis to lubricate and protect the eye and when you have an emotion they overact and create tears.
Seth: Why? Why do they overact?
Maggie: [pause] I don't know.
Seth: Maybe... maybe emotion becomes so intense your body just can't contain it. Your mind and your feelings become too powerful, and your body weeps.
_________________________________
Nathaniel Messinger: Listen, kid: he gave these bozos the greatest gift in the universe - you think he didn't give it to us, too?
Seth: Which gift?
Nathaniel Messinger: Free will, brother. Free will.
_________________________________
Maggie Rice: We fight for people's lives in here, right?
Jordan Ferris: Uh-huh.
Maggie Rice: Don't you ever wonder who it is we're fighting with?
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