3 Weddings and 1 Tired Guy

2 Down... 1 To Go!!

Yeah 1 attended 2 Weddings in the past 2 weekends...

Wedding #1 - 18th Sept
I missed the wedding which was on 17th Sept at 11am. I did attend the reception held at KL Renaissance on the following day. The bride is a good family friend of mine. We're from the same hometown and secondary school. E-Ling was my junior (3 years) in school. Every since she,her father, brother and her sisters accepted the Lord, that's when we began to get closer.

So anyway the reception was not much of a highlight for me because I was lost in a sea of people whom I didn't know. I was surprised to meet a DUMC member at the wedding. Emily a backup singer in church. So we just talked while a friend's kid bugged me from time to time.

*Prior to the reception I was involved with a Christian band competition (All Rise) from 12pm till 5pm. Wasn't anything great, my guitar sifu (Chris), Bernard (ex-cell member) and I entered the competition for fun. The title of our song was "Jesus Don't Let It Rain". It was just the chorus of the song, nothing else.. I'll post the song and have a look at the song which (honestly) didn't have much to do with Praise or Worship aspect to it. Most bands presented their items and were also performance based, but hey.. whatd'ya expect.. it's a band competition.*

The next day I got up early and went on to church to serve in the Dew Crew (a Ministry arm in my church that serves the people using our expertise in handling the sound and video system in church). That was followed by Band training session for members of the Worship team to hone their skills etc. We had a great time with our own rendition of "Lift Him Up" by Ron Kenoly

Needless to say that it was a tiring weekend

Wedding #2 - 25th Sept & 26th Sept

A distant cousin of mine, Edwin Ambrose got married to his long time girlfriend of 8 years. Her names Joanna or as her old friends call her Sze. Pronounced "Zee" I went to this wedding actually to represent my parents.

*So.. okay... I've been a wee bit busy and unable to complete this blog entry.. It's now 14th of October.. so the 3rd wedding's already over*

So yah, talking about my cousin Edwin's wedding. From what I remember about the wedding. It was quite cool. The wedding actually started on time unlike many other weddings where the bride's usually late.

After the wedding held at St Ignatius Church (along LDP), we adjourned to a lunch reception which was actually quite nice. I met up with my uncles and aunts. I didn't know many people there apart from them.
My cell member Angie who's moving to Malacca also met up with my aunt at the reception. I think both my aunt and Angie will get along quite well when they meet up over there in Malacca.

As usual the uncles and aunties will ask the customary question "When's your turn?" And they'll try to introduce you to some distant cousin or some other single and available candidates, which is quite fun anyway.

It's quite cool once you're single and secure in the Lord that you are "pressured" by these questions. Of course, in our hearts we all want to seek that "life partner" but, once God comes in and calms all your worries, you know He's got all the bases covered and you no longer need to struggle and strife. I think I enjoy weddings very much especially if the food is good.

Later that night we again met up at Hyatt Saujana Subang. I wore my Cambodian silk shirt for the first time and it felt quite nice actually. Was formal yet casual. No pictures taken though, maybe next time.

There was some confusion and a moderately long wait for us to be seated. I was supposed to have been seated with my aunts and a few cousins, but my aunts did not turn up. So they seated a few of the single and available people at one table. Well there were only 5 of us. 3 of us were first cousins while the other 2 ladies were distant cousins. Was cool to meet up with Sharmani and Melissa. We all tried to talk but the music was too loud and the singer, Vishnu kept on trying to sing some of his own rendition of Love songs from the retro era. Was alright actually, but being a purist I still like the old style.

We parted company and I reached home nearly 12pm.

Wedding #3 2nd October

The wedding was held in Klang. It was the wedding of family friend. Mr James Ragavan and Amenda. Forgot her surname though. I picked up my Aunt's from Sierra Mas, Sungai Buloh and rushed on over to the Church in Klang just in time for the wedding mass.

T'was an old and nice looking church I must say. The wedding went on fine until it after the sermon. The bride's mother and entourage got lost in Klang. So we waited for almost 30 minutes whilst the band played on. The choice of songs were alright, however the acoustics of the church (arches and all) was not meant for a 4 piece band. It sounded very echo-y and muffled. Churches with arches were meant for choral voices and arrangements. Anyways, that's what you get when you become a sound-techie-geek.

Well, the bride's mom and entourage arrived and the wedding went on. Then after the wedding during the lunch reception, I met up with a few old 'kampung' friends from Alor Star and Kangar. Mostly friends of my mom and dad. Again the representative answered the customary questions etc etc. Was really cool to be complimented.

After the lunch I drove my aunts back to Sierra Mas, but not before getting lost on the highway. It was a good 20 minutes trying to find my way back. Mind you this was the first time in Klang without a guide. So it was an adventure.

Attending 3 weddings in 3 weekends is tiring especially when you're running here and there etc etc. But nevertheless it was very enjoyable. Thus ends this entry.. Phew.. thank God I got it over and done with!

My Father, Your Father, Our Father!

I was went for morning prayer this morning at 5am. Went there to set up the Stage Console (i.e sound mixer etc) for the Worship Team. Was quite blur this morning, but I was woken up with a notion or perspective of prayer which I knew about a long time ago, but it only really sank in well today... this is what I have learnt this morning... please share with me what you think and share that others may be edified!

Preparatory Reading : Ps121

Before we proceeded in a time of singing songs of worship, Pastor Chris shared the beginning of the Lord's Prayer

Mat 6:9
"This, then, is how you should pray: " 'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,"

along with Ps 121:1-2

1 I lift up my eyes to the hills- where does my help come from?
2 My help comes from the LORD , the Maker of heaven and earth.

What is so awesome about the Lord's prayer.. is that we FIRSTLY acknowledge that; God is OUR Father.

It is really a great reference point in the start of our prayers.

1. Recognise that we have a Father, and He created us in His image. Often times, and as the world does it, we create God in our image.
2. By having God as our Father, we can rest assured that His fathering heart is ever ready to bless us according to our needs when we ask of Him
3. He's behind us all the way!
4. God is the object of our prayer and not the things we ask for, because He's the giver. He's our help! Ps 121: 1-2

When we pray we are not making a feeble prayer, but we pray with power and affirmation, because Jesus is interceeding with us. Because when

"For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them" : Matt 18:20

He's agreeing with us when we ask in faith, in spirit and in truth. Therefore it is scriptural to pray together in agreement with one another.

Our prayers are not based on the fact of how strong we pray, but with the conviction and faith in God who is able to make the difference. God can make the difference.

So remember, God is my Father, He's your Father and He's our Father. He can make the difference. We just pray and and agree with Jesus as we pray to the Father.

Spiritual Warfare!

No.. this is not a testimony of Spiritual Warfare that I've experienced. I received this in my email. This is the exact article that was shared by Mart De Haan of RBC Ministries.. Do read on!

*Start of Article*

Been Thinking About: Spiritual Warfare(an article by RBC Ministries President Mart De Haan)

In one of the oldest stories of the Bible, the heart of a mere mortal gets caught in the crossfire between a rebel leader and the King of the universe. According to Satan, God has bought the heart of a man named Job by giving him protection in exchange for his loyalty.

In response to the charge of bribery, God allows Satan to test Job with a series of heart-breaking losses. In the wake of Job's suffering, three friends and a bystander deepen his misery by accusing him of hiding a sin that would explain his suffering. In a series of eloquent arguments and escalating anger, Job and his friends insult and alienate one another until God speaks out of a storm and brings their conflict to an end.

Although God didn't give Job the answers he was looking for, his story combines with the rest of Scripture to give us insight into the ancient art of spiritual warfare.

God builds hedges of protection: Job faithfully interceded for his children. His prayers are an indication of his character. Yet even Job was not able to "pray a hedge" of protection around his loved ones. As the prologue shows, the King of heaven is the one who set the boundaries for Job's spiritual enemy (Job 1:9-12). God is the one who, in His own wisdom and goodness, builds fences and takes them down. If we don't make this distinction, we might put more confidence in our prayers than in our Lord.

The devil isn't our biggest problem: Job's story is a timeless reminder that even though we have adversaries in high places (Job 1; Ephesians 6:12), we have the potential of being our own worst enemy. God had Satan on a leash. The rebel couldn't do anything more than God allowed him to do. The real ambush came from within Job and his friends. They were all blindsided by their inclination to rely on their own understanding rather than to trust God for what He alone could see and explain.

Don't underestimate the enemy: God didn't ask Job to match wits or muscle with the prince of darkness. He reserved that role for Himself. According to the New Testament, to speak arrogantly against Satan is a mark of false teaching (2 Peter 2:10-12). Even Michael the archangel showed humility and deference to God in his own struggle with the devil. Instead of presuming that he had authority over Satan, Michael did not dare challenge his enemy but said, "The Lord rebuke you!" (Jude 1:8-9).

Adopt a truth-based strategy: When our Lord met demon-possessed people, He often used His authority to send demons running. But when He Himself was tempted by the devil, He resisted His enemy by repeatedly quoting the Word of God (Matthew 4:1-11) in response to each of Satan's propositions. The second approach shows up in a classic New Testament passage that likens our spiritual defenses to the gear of a Roman soldier (Ephesians 6:10-18).

(1) The belt of truth reminds us how important it is to tell the truth. Personal integrity is a priority of spiritual conflict. Even when fear of being exposed tempts us to lie, it is far better to come clean than to trip over ourselves in the presence of our enemies. Lies are self-defeating. A commitment to be honest with God, others, and ourselves is foundational to fighting spiritual battles.

(2) The breastplate of righteousness has at least two implications. First, it represents the protective gift of blamelessness our Lord uses to protect those who trust Him. No one can successfully condemn the person justified by Christ (Romans 8:31-34). Second, this critical piece of body armor reminds us to do the right thing. Our enemy loves to catch us doing anything that would jeopardize our mission and give him an unguarded path of access into our lives.

(3) Feet covered with the preparation of the gospel of peace gives us reason to be ready for action. We have been called to endure hardness as good soldiers of Jesus Christ (2 Timothy 2:3). Our path will not be easy. We need to be ready to run on the difficult, rocky ground that lies between us and those who need our help to make peace with the One who died for them.

(4) The shield of faith reminds people under attack how important it is to trust the Lord rather than their own natural thoughts and emotions. Missions of rescue are not for the timid. The enemy knows how to frighten us with arrows of fear and doubt. Yet it is safer to trust Christ in the heat of battle than to hide in bomb shelters of our own making.

(5) The helmet of salvation is described also as "the hope of salvation" (1 Thessalonians 5:8), and among other things it reminds us how important it is to think future. Like Job we may not be able to understand what is behind the present circumstances of our lives. God wants us instead to protect our minds by taking confidence in a salvation that protects us now and waits for us in heaven.

(6) The sword of the Spirit is the Word of God. In spiritual conflict we need to remember to count on what God has said (Deuteronomy 29:29). Our Father in heaven intentionally withholds many of the answers our hearts cry out for. He asks us to trust Him for what He alone can see.

(7) The alertness of a soldier reminds us that "praying always" for one another is our spiritual guard duty (Ephesians 6:18). Intercession for others is a way of showing that we know our enemy can be defeated not by our strength but by the Spirit of God in His time and in His ways.

And so we pray, Father in heaven, we are often confused by the trouble You allow into our lives. Help us to depend on what You alone can see in this present darkness. We want to resist the Evil One who hates You. Please teach us to bow before You with Your servant Job, acknowledging the overwhelming truth of Your unlimited authority, power, and wisdom.

*End of Article*

A Day of Sharing

Actually I wanted to submit a blog entry yesterday, but suddenly lost the flair for writing. So I just quit at that point and decided to just chat online with a colleague and another ex-colleague. Nice to share with them, catch up with them personally. Did ask them questions about where they were heading faith-wise, and received a response that kind of expected.

One is seeking the Lord, and he's come to the point where he reliases that the relationship that is built with God is a personal one. I wanna give thanks to God that when I shared my own "version" of Jn 3:16 a few months ago did indeed plant a seed. But it actually stemmed from his own interest in the Christian faith.

Another friend (who may incidentally read this blog), has her life pretty much set before her. I do pray for her to continue to seek God, that He will be a more integral part and be evident in her life. I pray that all our lives are not just about existing and doing the things that just give us comfort but a life that will positively impact the life of others; family members, children, friends, relatives and even strangers.

I also had an opportunity to talk to a subzone member, we got to talking about our goals in life about where we're heading and what are our ministry focus and career focus. Came to a point where we were talking about ministry and it dawned on me that, as he is a parent, he is also the first "Evangelist" to his son. What a privilege!!! I shared this with him and it also dawned on him that he's not only just raising his own son.. but also His own son.

At the end of the day as I was having dinner with a Sister in Christ, we just were sharing about our blogs and people we've talked to in the day, and I suddenly remembered Pastor Daniel's sermon over the weekend. And one point came up, "Don't share with people because you feel guilty, but feel compelled to share because you carry the "Good News" for them". It struck me that I had been involved in sharing God's News with them already. I am not saying this to boast, but I guess it's something that's changed in me. I feel a desire to share, of course my methods are still not finely honed yet, but I am sure it'll get better with practice :D.

We are made for ministry and a mission. Ministry to edify(build up) one another and Mission to bring others into the Kingdom & Family of God.

Actually, I didn't start this blog to share what happened to me yesterday... I wanted to share an excerpt from my friend's blog. Mr Ian Chong, http://yahkid.blogspot.com

Have a good read.. and Have a Blessed Day!

Spirituality & True Worship

These days, I've been thinking a lot about being "more spiritual" and what does "true worship" mean?

Does true spirituality and true worship mean...
- How fervent your prayer is? - How much vocab you possess when you speak in tongues? - How good you are at prophesying? - How good your body trembles before the presence of God?- How you lift your hands and dance in worship?

By no means! True spirituality and worship is when you...
- Love your wife
- Be faithful in your tithe
- Love one another
- Excel in your workplace
- Be dedicated to the decision of change in your attitude and character
- Be responsible to the task you have been delegated
- Be committed to the things you have promised

All these is true sprituality and worship. Isn't it true that Paul said...

"Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God — this is your spiritual? act of worship." - Romans 12:1

Being a loving husband to your wife, being faithful in your tithing, are signs of a person who wants to please God and offers not just his heart but his entire body and soul as a living sacrifice. His character and his attitude towards the people around him reflects his altitude towards God the Father. Wow, this is just so wonderful. Knowing that each time you give your wife a hug or when you appreciate someone or when you show respect to the host by being punctual, these are true qualities of a person living and abiding as a true worshipper!

Thank you Jesus for this revelation! I love you, Lord! Greater than anything!

Fear, Perfect Love & Faith

This may seem off tangent to what I usually write about. I've been writing about the things that I've been doing and experiencing. Today I share a testimony and the things I am moving on to...

2 verses I'd like to share

• 1 John 4:18 - There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.
• Heb 11:6 - And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

I do not profess to be an expounder of these verse, but more of how these verses have impacted my life thus far.

Fear & Perfect Love: July 2001 - Bible Study with Senior Pastor Book of 1 John

I must confess I don't remember much about the Bible study. The lack of revision of which I am guilty of. Nevertheless it was one of the least places where I'd expect God to speak to me. Well, in my mind, "Bible Study ~ Didactic learning and nothing more!"

God just hit me with a lightning bolt about a situation which I was going through. I was going through a situation where I still had feelings for my ex-girlfriend. I had ideas of wanting to get back with her, but she was already in a relationship that seemed impossible to come through. I lived in fear that she'd never take me back. I lived being bound by these feelings I had for her. But God in His great mercy zapped me with a lightning bolt of realization. I wanted to experience "perfect love" in all aspects of my life, with God, with my brethren, with my family, my future wife and kids. And here I was living in "fear". God just zapped me then, "You want 'perfect love'? Don't fear! Your fear is punishing you. "

And with that realization, God started to bring me back into that right relationship with Him. Because in Him I have nothing to fear. The complete healing did not happen till Oct 7, 2001, which is just another story. But God is merciful and faithful, and He's not a "quick-fix-it" guy, He wants to make sure that we see and appreciate the healing process. God is definitely GOOD!

Faith

This is not something new, but something I am learning more and more about. Often time I find myself as a "people pleaser" and what does that say about my relationship with God? I should daily be a "God pleaser" because nothing else in this world should matter more than my relationship with God. And from the outflow of my relationship with God will come forth an expression of His love to those around me. I do not need to please people, but I need to love His people.

God is definitely pleased when we have faith in Him. To have faith in Him is to completely trust Him in every aspect of our lives. It doesn't not however mean that we should have a "giving up" kind of attitude. But a seeking kind of attitude, to long after His ways, and that God who is loving and compassionate, wants the best for us.

For God's ways are definitely above ours and He's loving and wants to "surprise" us with His love and gifts over and over again! He's just showing us glimpses of the joy that we will experience when we meet Him face to face in Heaven. Imagine the little joys that we have today are just glimpses of what we will experience in Heaven.

Jehovah is such a loving Father, Jesus our Brother and the Holy Spirit our Helper. And yet all 3 are one. Amazing, can't wait to meet them face to face!

Therefore, I wanna grow in faith, because I want to "be sure of what I hope for and certain of what I do not see. " *Heb 11:1

It is a new paradigm for me to implement. I wonder if my understanding is flawed :P.. but this is an area I wanna grow in. So far these are the 2 points I can think of :

• I do not yet see the things God has planned for me, but by faith I am certain that He's gonna take care of it and bring me there.
• I hope to have a great relationship with my family, and by faith I am sure God's gonna mould me into a great father, like He is. I need to learn. Lay the foundations now, Build the Framework and Remain Focused. *Taken from YA Camp 2004.

The list should grow.. :D So do pray for me dear brothers and sisters in Christ.. The Lord Bless You Abundantly!