Of late I have been bombarded by email articles of the impending doom of society and that rebutted by the overwhelming victory of the Grace of God that overpowers such prophecies of doom. The environment is filled with one Christian group mocking the other for its ways one way or another, "We are not a works church, we are a grace church", or "this grace group does not preach the full gospel". Then there are those who pound their members to better their ways, and another group that would swing the pendulum completely to the other side. The irony is that all these groups claim to represent Christ ( and they do ). But in all this fight,it's incredibly difficult to find Christ in the equation. Jesus seems to be absent. The believer's close relationship with God seems to be closed off by a barrier of confusion. Have we not understood that the more we argue about such non-essentials, YES! I said non-essentials, the more we confuse and stumble those looking for direction?
Have we lost sight of the power of "example"? Jesus' preaching was effective only because he lived it first.His life was too attractive to ignore. His success was simply his adherence to the principles, 'love God, love your neighbor as yourself'. The first 'Commandment', he epitomized in the garden of Gethsemane when he said, Not my will but Thine be done (Matthew 26:39) and the second by His sacrificial death on the cross as Paul puts it in Romans 5:8 "God shows his love to us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us". Peter the apostle caps it off brilliantly by saying, " For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:1 Pet 2:21"
If our example and the way we live the Gospel is attractive, people will follow. The truth is that no matter how we try to present Christianity with our methods, it has not been attractive enough for the world to want to follow in a big way. That's our problem.
As a former life insurance agent I've been taught that those who make it big in the business are the ones who truly believe. How do you know if an agent is a believer? Ask him how much coverage he's bought on his own life. That shows how much he believes in what he is selling. Do we really believe enough to walk the talk? (Romans 12:1-2). Is our talk filled with condemnation? Is our talk filled with superficial excitement? Can you see how this confuses the world? We may deride the world for it's bad values sold on the media but the truth is that they have not seen an alternative strong enough to rival it.
Recently I read an article that said it was sad that Christian efforts (e.g. arts, music, programs) are always associated with mediocrity. WOW!. We are always half baked in the things we do, double minded and we are receiving the just reward as James put it, NOTHING!!!!
By the way, the article was in a Christian magazine.
I believe that the world has yet to see a revelation of the sons of God who without fear will manifest his glory in the world. I also believe that the key is in our imitation of Christ. Paul said in Ephesians 5:1, "Therefore be imitators of God as beloved children and walk in love as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God."
Imitate God? Wow!that's a high calling. But that's what it is. Thomas Aquinas in his last days stopped writing and arguing theology and spent his time in contemplation of God.The longer I stay in church the more I find that Christ is becoming less and less apparent. O that we may see him in all his glory plain and simple in our lives again.
Open the eyes of my heart Lord
I WANT TO SEE YOU
To see you high and lifted up
Shinning in the light of your Glory
Pour out your power and love
As we sing Holy Holy Holy.
God Bless
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Escaping Mediocrity
I think the one enemy of mankind that has kept us from greatness is the sense of mediocrity that we sometimes feel obligated to. That's right! I said 'obligated to'. In Asia where we live, mediocrity has become part of our culture. Under the pretense of being humble we submit to mediocrity. We train our children to be falsely humble making them deceptive. One bumper sticker I read put it really well. It read, 'Kiasu University, Be smart, Act blur'.
As Christians we sometimes submit to mediocrity under the guise of humility, and piety. Realistically speaking though, mediocrity has never characterized our Christian faith in any way. The manger in Bethlehem was a bold statement, the cross and the suffering were bold statements of excellence. It was never halfway but all the way. When Jesus healed the sick he did a complete and thorough job. When he fed the masses, it was spectacular.When he calmed the storm he commanded respect.When he led Peter to his biggest catch, it was above speculation, and when he rose from the dead, it was beyond compare.
So why do we who claim to represent his name wallow in the mire of mediocrity? We do the bare minimum in social aid and justice. We start schools and hospitals to take care of the basic needs of people. Our rehab homes say a warm 'bye bye' to the inmates once the program is over only to find them going back to the habit once they are out there. We are content in doing our 'part'. Completion is not an important factor.
In our churches we are content with mediocre talent serving in ministries. Don't get me wrong. We should welcome the gifts of willing individuals but those gifts must progressively be honed and sharpened to serve. The church has to be the City set on a Hill for all to follow.
In business, there are those who hold back because they are still under the delusion that one can't do well in business without being dishonest. The truth is that the Christian businessman is a pastor and an evangelist in the world and to the world that he has been called. His message is that God is his boss and Heaven is his resource. His mission statement is summed up in Joshua 1:8 and his charge is Joshua 1:9. His benefits are measured according to Philippians 4:19. The Christian is identified with the Eagle not the Turkey.
As we face a new year and a new decade, we need to shake off all trappings of mediocrity that would keep us in the miry clay. Be the best, plan big goals not small ones. Challenge your own inhibitions and have a great time doing it.
The Lord is my Shepherd.... I SHALL NOT WANT!!!!! Psalm 23:12
Give me that Mountain..... Joshua 14:12 ( Caleb's request at 85 years of age)
Let no man's heart fail because of him, your servant will go and fight this Philistine 1 Sam.17:32 ( David's challenge against Goliath)
The Bible is filled with many more like this. It's worked for them, it will work for us.
Have a great year ahead.
As Christians we sometimes submit to mediocrity under the guise of humility, and piety. Realistically speaking though, mediocrity has never characterized our Christian faith in any way. The manger in Bethlehem was a bold statement, the cross and the suffering were bold statements of excellence. It was never halfway but all the way. When Jesus healed the sick he did a complete and thorough job. When he fed the masses, it was spectacular.When he calmed the storm he commanded respect.When he led Peter to his biggest catch, it was above speculation, and when he rose from the dead, it was beyond compare.
So why do we who claim to represent his name wallow in the mire of mediocrity? We do the bare minimum in social aid and justice. We start schools and hospitals to take care of the basic needs of people. Our rehab homes say a warm 'bye bye' to the inmates once the program is over only to find them going back to the habit once they are out there. We are content in doing our 'part'. Completion is not an important factor.
In our churches we are content with mediocre talent serving in ministries. Don't get me wrong. We should welcome the gifts of willing individuals but those gifts must progressively be honed and sharpened to serve. The church has to be the City set on a Hill for all to follow.
In business, there are those who hold back because they are still under the delusion that one can't do well in business without being dishonest. The truth is that the Christian businessman is a pastor and an evangelist in the world and to the world that he has been called. His message is that God is his boss and Heaven is his resource. His mission statement is summed up in Joshua 1:8 and his charge is Joshua 1:9. His benefits are measured according to Philippians 4:19. The Christian is identified with the Eagle not the Turkey.
As we face a new year and a new decade, we need to shake off all trappings of mediocrity that would keep us in the miry clay. Be the best, plan big goals not small ones. Challenge your own inhibitions and have a great time doing it.
The Lord is my Shepherd.... I SHALL NOT WANT!!!!! Psalm 23:12
Give me that Mountain..... Joshua 14:12 ( Caleb's request at 85 years of age)
Let no man's heart fail because of him, your servant will go and fight this Philistine 1 Sam.17:32 ( David's challenge against Goliath)
The Bible is filled with many more like this. It's worked for them, it will work for us.
Have a great year ahead.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Almost Mugged on the Highway
Everytime one of you sends me a scary email I always check it up on the web at truthorfiction. com to verify the story.
well you won't have to do it with this one. This one which is a real textbook popular email case happened to me.
Today the 4th of Jan 2010 I was driving back from KL via the Sungai Besi road. I made an exit to the road that leads to Mid Valley and Taman desa. As I was driving I was also talking to one of our worship team members on the phone(using my hands free of course)when I heard a honk on my left side. When I turned to look I saw this very ordinary, big brother like Indian guy on a small bike pointing to my wheel and indicating with his hands that there were fumes. ( Somebody mentioned this on an email before) At first I continued driving and talking. Then he honked again and looked concerned so I decided to pull over. Just as I did I noticed he pulled over about 20 yards away from me and got off his bike. Just then, every horror story I've read on the email flashed in my mind and I thought O God, what if this guy's a mugger. I thought quickly, started my car and started driving indicating to him that it's alright. By this time he was already walking towards the car. As I drove off, I noticed about a hundred meters away another indian guy on the motorbike looking back at the scene very disappointed.
I drove to my regular tyre shop (Kee Hin) along Old Klang Road and checked my car and found nothing wrong with it.
Everything they did was classic like from out of an email warning. Pointing at the tyres, pulling up in front and pretending to help.
This is the funny thing though. Most if these cases happen with people with good cars and look wealthy enough to make the robbery worthwhile. I am a middle aged man driving a 1991 Ford Laser Sedan. Most of you have Mobile phones that are more expensive than my car and yet it didn't deter them. Please be careful everyone esp. ladies. These guys seem to be targeting everyone now. Quotas must have gone up. Keep your cars locked while driving, park in very public areas, and don't stop for anything.
Ps 91:11
11 For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.
This verse became real for me today. Thank you Lord for you protection.
well you won't have to do it with this one. This one which is a real textbook popular email case happened to me.
Today the 4th of Jan 2010 I was driving back from KL via the Sungai Besi road. I made an exit to the road that leads to Mid Valley and Taman desa. As I was driving I was also talking to one of our worship team members on the phone(using my hands free of course)when I heard a honk on my left side. When I turned to look I saw this very ordinary, big brother like Indian guy on a small bike pointing to my wheel and indicating with his hands that there were fumes. ( Somebody mentioned this on an email before) At first I continued driving and talking. Then he honked again and looked concerned so I decided to pull over. Just as I did I noticed he pulled over about 20 yards away from me and got off his bike. Just then, every horror story I've read on the email flashed in my mind and I thought O God, what if this guy's a mugger. I thought quickly, started my car and started driving indicating to him that it's alright. By this time he was already walking towards the car. As I drove off, I noticed about a hundred meters away another indian guy on the motorbike looking back at the scene very disappointed.
I drove to my regular tyre shop (Kee Hin) along Old Klang Road and checked my car and found nothing wrong with it.
Everything they did was classic like from out of an email warning. Pointing at the tyres, pulling up in front and pretending to help.
This is the funny thing though. Most if these cases happen with people with good cars and look wealthy enough to make the robbery worthwhile. I am a middle aged man driving a 1991 Ford Laser Sedan. Most of you have Mobile phones that are more expensive than my car and yet it didn't deter them. Please be careful everyone esp. ladies. These guys seem to be targeting everyone now. Quotas must have gone up. Keep your cars locked while driving, park in very public areas, and don't stop for anything.
Ps 91:11
11 For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.
This verse became real for me today. Thank you Lord for you protection.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Where did the Music Go?
In the recent years we have seen a shift in the music culture. When I was growing up I remember that to be a star singer, you needed one vital quality and that was a great voice. Everything else was secondary. In fact as far back as I can remember most great singers were not good lookers. They did one thing really well and that was sing. Of course that was a time when visuals were not a big thing. Most people just listened to their favourite artistes via radio or vinyl, cassettes or 8 track cartridges and CDs. (i grew up in the sixties and seventies) Today, most of the music that we listen to are mere back ups to videos. The artiste is an actor in the movie and his or her song tells the story.
I must say though that some artistes have used this tool very well. Some have not diminished their vocal and songwriting ability by depending on catchy video shots. One person in particular is the late and very great Michael Jackson (although there were some moves that I would not agree with :)). MJ was a master at putting a song to a movie. He never discounted either. The movie's quality was unmatched, the song always a hit and his singing beyond category. When this kind of combination exists you see a work of art and you buy that recording for its intrinsic value.
It's sad though, that in the recent years we are seeing more artistes and the music industry itself creating products that sell indulgence rather than art. Some singers and artistes sell not music but sex, soft porn, open promiscuity and license. The truth though is that some of these singers(and I emphasize 'some') don't need any of that. Their songs and videos would sell just by virtue of their great talent. Of course with these additions, their songs would sell more I guess. Porn and sex are huge sellers. Statistics show that 28,258 internet viewers are viewing internet porn every second and a new porn video is being created in the US every 39 minutes. (http://internet-filter-review.toptenreviews.com/internet-pornography-statistics.html)
Hmmm... I wonder what that says about us as a people. Have we come to the place where we would do anything, cross any line to make it? The trail of bodies that we leave along the way in the way of broken lives, twisted values, messed up minds and unrealistic desires seem insignificant to us when placed in comparison to our need for success. Wow! in fact we have become masters at justifying this need and validating immorality in the process. I'm not trying to be puritanical here but the loss of moral absolutes really creates a chaos and opens a Pandora's box that is difficult to restrain.
This is what Jimi Hendrix had to say regarding the influence of music.
Music doesn't lie. If there is something to be changed in this world, then it can only happen through music. Jimi Hendrix [ More Quotes ] - [ e-Card ]
Almost forty years after his death, we see the validity of this statement. Our world has been changed by the music we sing and listen to. In Hendrix's day, he and artistes like him were the rebels who wanted to break from conformity (which were justified in some areas) so they created a sub-culture that promoted that lifestyle. Today, preachers of morality are called bigots and have become in a large way the rebels to our current 'politically correct' culture. The rebel and liberal have not only gained freedom but have become the lawmakers. The sub-culture has become culture.
Add to that the video aspect. We don't only hear it, we see it being acted out before our eyes. Promiscuity is alright, rebellion is accepted as initiative and non conformity, thus being cool. Morality is a thing of the past and associated with backward thinking.
In his book The Philosophy of Civilization, Albert Schweitzer outlined the idea that there are dual opinions within society; one regarding civilization as purely material and another regarding civilization as both ethical and material. He stated that the current world crisis was, then in 1923, due to a humanity having lost the ethical conception of civilization. In this same work, he defined civilization, saying:
It is the sum total of all progress made by man in every sphere of action and from every point of view in so far as the progress helps towards the spiritual perfecting of individuals as the progress of all progress.(Wikipedia, Civilization)
Music and the arts should never be reduced to a catalyst that moves a culture away from its basic values. On the contrary, they are great tools to build a society. From an ethical standpoint, the marketing strategies of today's music industry promote more destructive elements than creative ones. I wonder how many fathers and mothers would say "bring it on, let my child learn those things." If you are a parent, I hope that you are paying attention. If you are not (yet), just remember that you might one day be and what you think is ok for others to do and follow you wouldn't think about your own child. If the world has changed so much and come to such a negatively liberal stage at this point of time, think of what it would be in a another thirty years.
Lets create music that builds and not music that reacts or destroys.
Please feel free to disagree, comment and or discuss this issue. The last time I checked, I was not the Pope :) Cheers...
I must say though that some artistes have used this tool very well. Some have not diminished their vocal and songwriting ability by depending on catchy video shots. One person in particular is the late and very great Michael Jackson (although there were some moves that I would not agree with :)). MJ was a master at putting a song to a movie. He never discounted either. The movie's quality was unmatched, the song always a hit and his singing beyond category. When this kind of combination exists you see a work of art and you buy that recording for its intrinsic value.
It's sad though, that in the recent years we are seeing more artistes and the music industry itself creating products that sell indulgence rather than art. Some singers and artistes sell not music but sex, soft porn, open promiscuity and license. The truth though is that some of these singers(and I emphasize 'some') don't need any of that. Their songs and videos would sell just by virtue of their great talent. Of course with these additions, their songs would sell more I guess. Porn and sex are huge sellers. Statistics show that 28,258 internet viewers are viewing internet porn every second and a new porn video is being created in the US every 39 minutes. (http://internet-filter-review.toptenreviews.com/internet-pornography-statistics.html)
Hmmm... I wonder what that says about us as a people. Have we come to the place where we would do anything, cross any line to make it? The trail of bodies that we leave along the way in the way of broken lives, twisted values, messed up minds and unrealistic desires seem insignificant to us when placed in comparison to our need for success. Wow! in fact we have become masters at justifying this need and validating immorality in the process. I'm not trying to be puritanical here but the loss of moral absolutes really creates a chaos and opens a Pandora's box that is difficult to restrain.
This is what Jimi Hendrix had to say regarding the influence of music.
Music doesn't lie. If there is something to be changed in this world, then it can only happen through music. Jimi Hendrix [ More Quotes ] - [ e-Card ]
Almost forty years after his death, we see the validity of this statement. Our world has been changed by the music we sing and listen to. In Hendrix's day, he and artistes like him were the rebels who wanted to break from conformity (which were justified in some areas) so they created a sub-culture that promoted that lifestyle. Today, preachers of morality are called bigots and have become in a large way the rebels to our current 'politically correct' culture. The rebel and liberal have not only gained freedom but have become the lawmakers. The sub-culture has become culture.
Add to that the video aspect. We don't only hear it, we see it being acted out before our eyes. Promiscuity is alright, rebellion is accepted as initiative and non conformity, thus being cool. Morality is a thing of the past and associated with backward thinking.
In his book The Philosophy of Civilization, Albert Schweitzer outlined the idea that there are dual opinions within society; one regarding civilization as purely material and another regarding civilization as both ethical and material. He stated that the current world crisis was, then in 1923, due to a humanity having lost the ethical conception of civilization. In this same work, he defined civilization, saying:
It is the sum total of all progress made by man in every sphere of action and from every point of view in so far as the progress helps towards the spiritual perfecting of individuals as the progress of all progress.(Wikipedia, Civilization)
Music and the arts should never be reduced to a catalyst that moves a culture away from its basic values. On the contrary, they are great tools to build a society. From an ethical standpoint, the marketing strategies of today's music industry promote more destructive elements than creative ones. I wonder how many fathers and mothers would say "bring it on, let my child learn those things." If you are a parent, I hope that you are paying attention. If you are not (yet), just remember that you might one day be and what you think is ok for others to do and follow you wouldn't think about your own child. If the world has changed so much and come to such a negatively liberal stage at this point of time, think of what it would be in a another thirty years.
Lets create music that builds and not music that reacts or destroys.
Please feel free to disagree, comment and or discuss this issue. The last time I checked, I was not the Pope :) Cheers...
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Goodbye Freddie
Today while reading some of the posts on a trumpet jazz forum, I discovered that one of my earliest inspirations in jazz trumpet passed away on December the 28th 2008. He was the great Freddie Hubbard whom to most people may seem like no one but to the trumpet world was very highly regarded. The first time I heard Freddie Hubbard play was at a friends house. We were listening to a vinyl recording of him and Stanley Turrentine in a live concert. It featured as backup the virtually 'who's who' in jazz. Herbie Hancock on piano, Ron Carter on Bass and Jack DeJehonnette on drums. It was a full recording that only contained two songs.The moment I heard Freddie on the trumpet, I wondered if I should pursue my interest in the instrument or give it up altogether because I couldn't believe that someone could play like that. Subsequently, I started investing in jazz recordings. The first jazz trumpet cassette that I owned was Freddie Hubbard's Red Clay album. Upon receiving my next paycheck I bought Keep Your Soul Together( which is currently out of print). Then I got a hold of Love Connection on vinyl. To date, I have at least ten of his recordings and consider them some of my favourites.
I was hoping to see him live perhaps during MPO's jazz season. O well. Goodbye Freddie, I will miss you but will continue to buy and listen to your CD's.
The links below are wiki's info on Freddie Hubbard and a Youtube video of his performance.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freddie_Hubbard
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h3FsJ8ZU414&feature=related
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Charity Begins at Home
When I was growing up, my mum used to repeat that line to us time and time again. I thought it was a pretty good line. However when I got born again I used to hear many people make fun of that line because of the fact that it was not found in the Bible but is used as though it was. Let me say firstly that I am a firm believer in the Bible and that as Christians we should not form doctrines apart from it. However lately I have come to ponder on its ties with the Scripture. Is it in the Bible or at least is it a principle derived from Scriptural mandate?
I would like to offer some references from Scripture in support of this phrase. In Exodus 20:12 God gives us the command to honor your father and mother that you may live long in the land. The word honor used here signified a monetary support or kind. Believe it or not, the commitment to financially support our parents is found in the Ten Commandments. And we thought it was about respect and obedience alone.
Secondly in the gospels Jesus rebukes the Scribes and Pharisees with this argument.
"Matt 15:4-6 "For God said, 'Honor your father and mother,' and, 'He who speaks evil of father or mother, let him be put to death.'5 "But you say, 'Whoever shall say to {his} father or mother, "Anything of mine you might have been helped by has been given {to God,} 6 he is not to honor his father or his mother.' And {thus} you invalidated the word of God for the sake of your tradition."
Jesus seems to make the point here that honoring your parents is more important than giving to the temple or (church) because honoring your parents is honoring God who gave us the commandment to do so.
I think the most obvious instruction and rebuke given to this effect is found in Paul's letter to Timothy the bishop of Ephesus.
"1 Tim 5:4 but if any widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to practice piety in regard to their own family, and to make some return to their parents; for this is acceptable in the sight of God."
"1 Tim 5:8 But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith, and is worse than an unbeliever."
I would like to offer some references from Scripture in support of this phrase. In Exodus 20:12 God gives us the command to honor your father and mother that you may live long in the land. The word honor used here signified a monetary support or kind. Believe it or not, the commitment to financially support our parents is found in the Ten Commandments. And we thought it was about respect and obedience alone.
Secondly in the gospels Jesus rebukes the Scribes and Pharisees with this argument.
"Matt 15:4-6 "For God said, 'Honor your father and mother,' and, 'He who speaks evil of father or mother, let him be put to death.'5 "But you say, 'Whoever shall say to {his} father or mother, "Anything of mine you might have been helped by has been given {to God,} 6 he is not to honor his father or his mother.' And {thus} you invalidated the word of God for the sake of your tradition."
Jesus seems to make the point here that honoring your parents is more important than giving to the temple or (church) because honoring your parents is honoring God who gave us the commandment to do so.
I think the most obvious instruction and rebuke given to this effect is found in Paul's letter to Timothy the bishop of Ephesus.
"1 Tim 5:4 but if any widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to practice piety in regard to their own family, and to make some return to their parents; for this is acceptable in the sight of God."
"1 Tim 5:8 But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith, and is worse than an unbeliever."
Here Paul calls the one who does not practice charity at home, among his household first an unbeliever and one who has denied the faith.
Let's learn that the first community God has brought us into is our family and that they are the testing ground for relationship, commitment, charity and piety for which future relationships be it church, workplace etc. will be based on. If we fail in this area we are bound to repeat the mistakes in the others.
This Christmas make it your commitment to bless the socks off your family. Make a New Year resolution to get to know your family more, spend more time with them and heal wounds for it is true as we have seen even in the Scriptures, "Charity begins at home".
Merry Christmas and a Happy and Blessed New Year
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
