A friend forwarded me this link to keep me up to date on various Christian events. What caught my attention though is their "Word Prayers for 10 days". The word document can be accessed from this page:
http://www.globaldayofprayer.com/10_days.htm
I feel that the subjects of the prayer expressed here shows right priorities and probably expresses and comes from a right relationship with God. In the reading through of these prayers, may they feed you as much as it did me. :)
[Side note: Just heard a real-life inspirational story that a youth group, who had planned and is implementing an entrepreneurial project on behalf of a voluntary welfare organisation (VWO), spent around $300+ and were able to make sales of $4000+ over the past 2 weeks by integrating the altruism instinct in people and by giving customers/donors something of real value back. What is more amazing is that the method is so simple, it is laughable. What I learn from this is that the simplest plans are the most effective. Well done people!]
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
Saturday, May 20, 2006
Battlefield God
I've come across this fun philosophy game that is probably written by an atheist. This 'battleground' was probably constructed so that the author of the game can help to sell more books promoting atheism and evolution.
It can potentially be stumbling to the Christian who decides to take the test at face value without the desire to examine his/her rational/logical thought later on (it will be thought-provoking for all other theists though!) For the uninformed Christian like me who desires to do a little redundant work though, it can potentially be an eye-opening experience to marvel at how the laws of the universe (including the laws of logic) can be rationally and logically consistent with His precepts and characteristics if you will sieve through the entire thought process with a good critical thinking book (much as it is mind-boggling and a tough exercise. Having said that, there are probably still inconsistencies that I am unaware of. :p)
I think that there are certain areas that the battleground had neglected to consider in their process and being an atheist, the person had probably written the test with preconceived notions about theism - strawmen he himself constructed which he then dismantle and point as evidence of irrational/illogical/inconsistent thought. I'll be glad to share my results (and thoughts on it) if you will share yours. ;)
With all this said, take this test at your own risk.
http://www.philosophersnet.com/games/god.htm
On a side issue, I read this description on another part of their website:
http://www.philosophersnet.com/games/whatisgod2.php
The metaphysical engineers are finding it hard to understand how, on your conception of God, one can have a personal relationship with her.
Personal relationships appear to depend on a number of things. Sufficient similarity between the persons in the relationship is one. Another is that both are persons, or are, at least, person-like, as some higher primates, for example, appear to be. The problem is that in our universe there seem to be no genuine personal relationships between things of great difference. And God, as you have described her, is vastly different from human beings.
People can have feelings for things which are similar to those they have towards people. Affection or love for places or objects, for example, is common. But this is not the same as having a personal relationship with them. In a similar way, people have relationships with animals, maybe a cat. But this does not seem to be the same as a personal relationship, because of the great difference in the way the person relates to the animal and the way the animal relates to the person. Perhaps this is the kind of relationship which you envisaged?
--End
Much as it seemed demeaning to see ourselves as cats and dogs (perhaps sheep? Not goats :p )in our relationship with God, I'm incline to think that the author(s) above have hit closer to home than they know. In a separate post, I have likened God willing to love us sinners as of greater magnitude than say us loving cockroaches, unworthy as we are to receive it yet amazingly, He does. In fact His love is so great, He had adopted us as His sons and daughters! (Ever imagine adopting a cockroach? Like ewwww... :( )
In light of the incredulity shown by these atheists, isn't it even more awesome to know of His love for us?
For unbelievers, the question then becomes if you're willing to humble yourself and acknowledge your sinfulness and unworthiness and thus need His salvation, His way, not ours, in order to be made right with Him and to enJOY the greatest gift of all? "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." (Pro 3:34) There is compelling, historical evidence that Jesus Christ exists and that He is God because He says so. And because He exists and lives now, "If you really knew (Jesus), you would know (His) Father as well. From now on, you do know (God) and have seen him." (Jn 14:7) Will you accept Him now?
It can potentially be stumbling to the Christian who decides to take the test at face value without the desire to examine his/her rational/logical thought later on (it will be thought-provoking for all other theists though!) For the uninformed Christian like me who desires to do a little redundant work though, it can potentially be an eye-opening experience to marvel at how the laws of the universe (including the laws of logic) can be rationally and logically consistent with His precepts and characteristics if you will sieve through the entire thought process with a good critical thinking book (much as it is mind-boggling and a tough exercise. Having said that, there are probably still inconsistencies that I am unaware of. :p)
I think that there are certain areas that the battleground had neglected to consider in their process and being an atheist, the person had probably written the test with preconceived notions about theism - strawmen he himself constructed which he then dismantle and point as evidence of irrational/illogical/inconsistent thought. I'll be glad to share my results (and thoughts on it) if you will share yours. ;)
With all this said, take this test at your own risk.
http://www.philosophersnet.com/games/god.htm
On a side issue, I read this description on another part of their website:
http://www.philosophersnet.com/games/whatisgod2.php
The metaphysical engineers are finding it hard to understand how, on your conception of God, one can have a personal relationship with her.
Personal relationships appear to depend on a number of things. Sufficient similarity between the persons in the relationship is one. Another is that both are persons, or are, at least, person-like, as some higher primates, for example, appear to be. The problem is that in our universe there seem to be no genuine personal relationships between things of great difference. And God, as you have described her, is vastly different from human beings.
People can have feelings for things which are similar to those they have towards people. Affection or love for places or objects, for example, is common. But this is not the same as having a personal relationship with them. In a similar way, people have relationships with animals, maybe a cat. But this does not seem to be the same as a personal relationship, because of the great difference in the way the person relates to the animal and the way the animal relates to the person. Perhaps this is the kind of relationship which you envisaged?
--End
Much as it seemed demeaning to see ourselves as cats and dogs (perhaps sheep? Not goats :p )in our relationship with God, I'm incline to think that the author(s) above have hit closer to home than they know. In a separate post, I have likened God willing to love us sinners as of greater magnitude than say us loving cockroaches, unworthy as we are to receive it yet amazingly, He does. In fact His love is so great, He had adopted us as His sons and daughters! (Ever imagine adopting a cockroach? Like ewwww... :( )
In light of the incredulity shown by these atheists, isn't it even more awesome to know of His love for us?
For unbelievers, the question then becomes if you're willing to humble yourself and acknowledge your sinfulness and unworthiness and thus need His salvation, His way, not ours, in order to be made right with Him and to enJOY the greatest gift of all? "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." (Pro 3:34) There is compelling, historical evidence that Jesus Christ exists and that He is God because He says so. And because He exists and lives now, "If you really knew (Jesus), you would know (His) Father as well. From now on, you do know (God) and have seen him." (Jn 14:7) Will you accept Him now?
Thursday, May 18, 2006
Jesus: King above all kings, the friend whom I know
[Post first started on May 18th, Thursday, 6p.m.
Last edited: May 29th, Monday, 11:15p.m]
Now, this prodigal sister-in-christ is with you, in looking to the day when we will rejoice that we have given up on all we could have put our hopes on; the day when all our tears will be wiped away. May we always be in the passion of our Lord and to always grow in sisterly love.
Received an e-mail from Dave with this header "Talking about Jesus":
--- Start of email
Dear frens,
Any ideas on what an 'evangelical' Jesus look like? hehehe.... :D
Wud appreciate any input from u all cos I dun have much time to prepare for this XXX outing just before the XXXX da vinci code forum...
Cheers
Dave
[Start of forwarded email]
[Someone] says:
Hello brothers
Thanks for agreeing to share your tradition's perspective on Jesus at the XXX meeting this Saturday afternoon. Here as some suggested guidelines you may wish to use to frame your presentation, just to make sure we have some focus:
- Who is Jesus according to your tradition?
- What was/is his ministry?
- How do we interact him? What is expected of us as a result of this interaction?
- Strengths & weaknesses of your tradition's view of/approach to Jesus?
Key point is to discuss the tradition's view of Jesus, rather than the features of the tradition itself, as far as this is possible - although there'll be some overlaps.
If you can plan a 15 minutes presentation with about 5 minutes to interact on whatever questions people might have, that would be ideal. Haven't thought about the order of presentation, but might be nice to have it in some broad "chronological" order:
Catholic (C)
Evangelical (Dave)
Pentecostal/Charismatic (L)
"New Perspective"/NT Wright (A)
Well... let me know if you've any other suggestions anyhow.
May you be edified and enthralled with our Saviour as you make your preparations.
[End of forwarded mail]
---- End of email
Although it will be edifying to search the scriptures to consolidate all I know about the biblical Jesus (and I hope to do so,) I must say this e-mail led me to (on this commemorative 101st post) reflect on the Jesus I know (Sorry Dave! I'm no help here) - not just through the scriptures (which should rightfully be THE source), but the Jesus whom I had talked with, whined to, trusted and who had shown Himself to me to be King, Prince of Peace, my Comforter and Friend.
My first remembered encounter with Him was at the age of 8 when I was enrolled into a Catholic school. I must have been presented with the sinless, holy God cause I remembered my prayer on reaching home in the afternoon was, "God, I don't think I need Jesus. If you will write off all the bad things I did before, from today, I promise You that I will be a totally good girl and not do a single naughty thing." (I could just hear Jesus laugh at this childish thought, but boy was I determined!) My resolution promptly left my conscious memory when retiring to bed that night, I counted off all the naughty things I had done and they numbered around 20.
Last edited: May 29th, Monday, 11:15p.m]
Specially dedicated to the girl who's building her treasures in heaven - LJL. Because of your faithful prayers, you have helped me receive the greatest gift of all.
Now, this prodigal sister-in-christ is with you, in looking to the day when we will rejoice that we have given up on all we could have put our hopes on; the day when all our tears will be wiped away. May we always be in the passion of our Lord and to always grow in sisterly love.
Received an e-mail from Dave with this header "Talking about Jesus":
--- Start of email
Dear frens,
Any ideas on what an 'evangelical' Jesus look like? hehehe.... :D
Wud appreciate any input from u all cos I dun have much time to prepare for this XXX outing just before the XXXX da vinci code forum...
Cheers
Dave
Hello brothers
Thanks for agreeing to share your tradition's perspective on Jesus at the XXX meeting this Saturday afternoon. Here as some suggested guidelines you may wish to use to frame your presentation, just to make sure we have some focus:
- Who is Jesus according to your tradition?
- What was/is his ministry?
- How do we interact him? What is expected of us as a result of this interaction?
- Strengths & weaknesses of your tradition's view of/approach to Jesus?
Key point is to discuss the tradition's view of Jesus, rather than the features of the tradition itself, as far as this is possible - although there'll be some overlaps.
If you can plan a 15 minutes presentation with about 5 minutes to interact on whatever questions people might have, that would be ideal. Haven't thought about the order of presentation, but might be nice to have it in some broad "chronological" order:
Catholic (C)
Evangelical (Dave)
Pentecostal/Charismatic (L)
"New Perspective"/NT Wright (A)
Well... let me know if you've any other suggestions anyhow.
May you be edified and enthralled with our Saviour as you make your preparations.
---- End of email
Although it will be edifying to search the scriptures to consolidate all I know about the biblical Jesus (and I hope to do so,) I must say this e-mail led me to (on this commemorative 101st post) reflect on the Jesus I know (Sorry Dave! I'm no help here) - not just through the scriptures (which should rightfully be THE source), but the Jesus whom I had talked with, whined to, trusted and who had shown Himself to me to be King, Prince of Peace, my Comforter and Friend.
My first remembered encounter with Him was at the age of 8 when I was enrolled into a Catholic school. I must have been presented with the sinless, holy God cause I remembered my prayer on reaching home in the afternoon was, "God, I don't think I need Jesus. If you will write off all the bad things I did before, from today, I promise You that I will be a totally good girl and not do a single naughty thing." (I could just hear Jesus laugh at this childish thought, but boy was I determined!) My resolution promptly left my conscious memory when retiring to bed that night, I counted off all the naughty things I had done and they numbered around 20.
Over time, observation of the conduct of His people made me convinced about the hypocrisy of this religion and I remember swearing at one particular Christian that I'd rather believe in cannibalism than in this God he/she believes in. His/her dire warning led to my final suave throwback of "To hell be the consequences" (How prophetic my words could be huh?) before I marched off, my head lifted high.
The slight blip in my antenna (which I had thought was a disappointing but small incident) was when LJL became a Christian in Sec 4. Although I did not voice it then, I questioned her judgement in my heart and wondered if she walks through life with her eyes close. Don't you know what the Christians are like? You want to be one of them??? Okaaaaaay, it's YOUR life. Many times we would discuss the issue of God and most times, I would out-argue her (U know I did, LJL. :p ) I was smug in my belief that I'll always be free of this wretched religion, but LJL's faith and prayers to the true and loving God, who did not wish anyone to perish, but come to the way to Him, held the more amazing way and gift for me.
Fast forward to my internship, where I met my mentor, a gentle Christian who is overseeing my project work. With quiet humour, he never failed to put me at ease although I was then still shy and awkward. Somehow respect for his quiet wisdom silenced my doubts when he calmly invited me to his church. I remembered those early Sunday mornings, before the first rays of sunlight, when I would "sneak" out of my house to attend his home church at the sleepy hour of 8a.m where we would go for roti prata at around 10:30 after service. I remember this particular sermon where I had felt the beginning of a choice, "Choose Me, or the pleasures of the world? Choose the cross or the broad and easy way? Choose Truth or the life of comfortable ease?" Circumstances were just too easy and gratification too instant for me and I defaulted to the way against Him. In my last unwilling visit to his home church, he gave me a book "The Gift for all people" by Max Lucado, a simple narration that illustrates God's gift which I promptly left in a corner after a quick scan. I've no idea where he is now, but if I see him again, I'd like to see the quiet smile on his face when he realises that I am now God's people.
--- To be continued....
--- To be continued....
Sunday, May 14, 2006
Fully Blessed
"I need a heart operation."
IV, a nutritionist friend I was lunching with, looked at me, goggle-eyed.
Realising I had unthinkingly ignored the more obvious context (again!), I laughed and repeated, "I need a heart operation - in the hospital of heaven."
We laughed.
I had shared many of my uncharitable thoughts and discontentment with IV at this particular lunch and she was lending me her sympathetic listening ear as I aired my grievances and talked aloud the practical options open between removing myself from temptation and standing up to it. Yet whether I have an answer, this much intellectual clarity His Grace has given me (no doubt coming from your (IV's) prayers):
"...train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. " (1 Tim 4:7-8)
"But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs." (1 Tim 6:6-10)
And funnily, right after the moment of complaining most about what I don't have - when I felt the most sulky, discontented and unworthy - paradoxically, it was that moment when I felt the most beloved.
For the all-knowing, holy and sovereign One - who by nature, should have been so far from me - had never failed to care enough - to guide, to comfort or to rebuke (much as I outwardly plead against (and inwardly is pleased by) His nagging) so that I may be a new creation.
The truth is:
And it is this struggle against my sin - this struggle that I am resisting - that also brings me the most comfort, because it is the proof that I am always in His mind and He is with me.
And this is why I am fully blessed. :)
IV, a nutritionist friend I was lunching with, looked at me, goggle-eyed.
Realising I had unthinkingly ignored the more obvious context (again!), I laughed and repeated, "I need a heart operation - in the hospital of heaven."
We laughed.
I had shared many of my uncharitable thoughts and discontentment with IV at this particular lunch and she was lending me her sympathetic listening ear as I aired my grievances and talked aloud the practical options open between removing myself from temptation and standing up to it. Yet whether I have an answer, this much intellectual clarity His Grace has given me (no doubt coming from your (IV's) prayers):
"...train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. " (1 Tim 4:7-8)
"But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs." (1 Tim 6:6-10)
And funnily, right after the moment of complaining most about what I don't have - when I felt the most sulky, discontented and unworthy - paradoxically, it was that moment when I felt the most beloved.
For the all-knowing, holy and sovereign One - who by nature, should have been so far from me - had never failed to care enough - to guide, to comfort or to rebuke (much as I outwardly plead against (and inwardly is pleased by) His nagging) so that I may be a new creation.
The truth is:
I stand before the great eternal throne
The one that God Himself is seated on
And I, I've been invited as a son (err.... daughter)
Oh I, I've been invited to come and ...
Believe the unbelievable
Receive the inconceivable
And see beyond my wildest imagination
Lord, I come with great expectations
(From Steven Curtis Chapman's "Great Expectations")
And it is this struggle against my sin - this struggle that I am resisting - that also brings me the most comfort, because it is the proof that I am always in His mind and He is with me.
And this is why I am fully blessed. :)
Thursday, May 11, 2006
Commercial Break
Cost of getting e-fo from S months before: $0.05
Cost of taking a call from P: $0.10
Catching Steven Curtis Chapman LIVE in concert that very day (and coinciding with friends just next to me!): Priceless
(Thanks friends!)
Cost of taking a call from P: $0.10
Catching Steven Curtis Chapman LIVE in concert that very day (and coinciding with friends just next to me!): Priceless
(Thanks friends!)
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