Visit me at my new blog.

I am thinking of moving back to WordPress hahaha.

It is very well that at a time I am repenting of the sins from my tongue, there is a whole conference full of messages about words – The Power of Words and the Wonder of God.

The tongue, the bridle, and the blessing: James 3:1-12
War of words: Getting to the heart for God’s sake
How sharp the edge? Christ, controversy and cutting words

Father, not by what my eyes see, my ears hear, nor my heart feels… but only Your Spirit can lead me to speak words that do Your will in the lives of others.

Pray to incline my heart and mind towards serving the interests of others before I meet them.

Because it is against human nature to consider others better than myself the way Jesus did (Philippians 2:5-7), and so I need His help.

I had a long and fruitful discussion with Timo this evening about cell groups, training leaders and discipling others. A good discussion is one that leaves me thinking long after the conversation is over. And today I had this one thought:

Being clear is not the same as being right.

Though there are certain things about ministry which I am able to articulate in a clearer way because I had thought through it, that alone does not make me right. And on the flipside, sometimes though I am not very clear in explaining my thoughts, that alone should not be a discouragement as well.

It was a good lesson about listening – though I think I was so passionate about what I was saying, I talked a lot – and humility.

The funny thing is, I discovered later from Graham that everyone sitting outside Timo’s office could hear us haha! Errr.

A good question was posed rhetorically yesterday: What is the most spiritual experience that man could have?
Answer: To know God in a relationship by grace through faith.

Comparison between experiences that appear to bring one closer to God is moot. Salvation – and therefore a relationship with God – is effective through the blood of Christ, and not through the affections of man.

And another question: What is the most sure way to obey God?
Answer: To trust in the word of God and follow it.

At a time I thought I was merely following what I know is right in the Bible and it’s not as intimate; I felt like perhaps my friends knew God a little better and able to hear His voice and obey Him from personal pointers.

So I am comforted that even in my sinful heart, mundane life and weakest moment of struggle… I know God and I trusted in His word. Therefore my experience was spiritual, therefore I was obedient to Him.

Now to grow in my knowledge of my Lord Jesus Christ and trust in His word more and more.

To be a bondservant of Jesus Christ.

No man can serve two masters; but all man must serve one.

Not to be like any man but Jesus.

It is crucial to point people to Jesus, because the role-model is not the real thing.

I started a conversation yesterday with the person next to me on the train with the intention of sharing the gospel.

My pick-up line was as simple as: “Excuse me sir I couldn’t help but notice you were reading a book about peace. Is it a fiction or non-fiction book?”

I couldn’t believe those words were coming out of my mouth! He was a middle-aged Indian gentleman with a scholarly and well-groomed appearance.

He went on to tell me what the book was about, why he’s reading it, what was he doing on the train, what he does, where he was going – then, I asked, “So what kind of peace do you think matters in life?” – and what he thinks about having peace with a god.

No, I didn’t exactly get to share the gospel.

But I was astounded that it really is possible to start talking to a stranger and lead the conversation to Christ. It really is possible! I came away rich from the dialogue.

I just want to do it again.

A quick mental calculation today told me that…

SMU cell group bible study + SMU message + SMU word leaders training + Sunday School prep + Sunday School = at least 15 hours on each passage.

For all that’s worth, my challenge really is to do what the Word says in 2 Peter, chapter 1 alone:
Remember… (2 Peter 1: 15)
that Christ surely is coming again in glory (2 Peter 1:17) and
the prophetic word is reliable and true (2 Peter 1: 20-21), therefore
stand on the promises and power of God (2 Peter 1: 3-4) and
keep practicing the godly qualities (2 Peter 1: 5-7) so that
I will not fall and will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of God (2 Peter 1:8-11).

A good question someone asked today: Do I really see Scriptures as the light in a dark world (2 Peter 1:19)? Or is the world the one that glitters attractively to me?