Exactly one year ago...

Tonight I leave for Sydney, Australia. Tonight I leave to immerse myself with a stadium full of worshippers. Some people have asked me, "Why travel all the way there?" or "Is God in Sydney?"

John chapter 4, the passage on worship says it doesn't matter where we worship. I agree wholeheartedly. I'm not going for this conference just to meet God, although I know I definitely will. I meet up with Him constantly in places like Bakers' Inn @ Tampines One or Burger King @ Raffles City. And if I don't have the time, I invite Him to accompany me on the walks home from the MRT.

It isn't about where we worship. No.
The fact is I want to be where the worshippers are. That is where God moves and transforms people. I feel a tinge of sadness that the band of believers that have rallied together in Charis cannot join me for this. I experience God whenever we're meeting to have 'Kingdom Talk' over tao hui and you char kui. Or when we bring the unsheltered for tea.

I have seen the effects of the revelation of Jesus in the lives of some of us. We've gotten started. But there is something more to learn here. Pastor Tan-Yeo spoke this morning about an invitation given by God to the Israelite leaders to come up higher. I have been saying, "Give me a destination and a purpose!" Today she invited us to run with her and come with her closer to God. I won't be at the starting line but this is a run I will definitely join.

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I wrote this on 5 July 2008. Exactly one year ago, when I was waiting for the Barney, Michelle, Elissa and Cheryl to arrive from Melbourne.

"... and now, here in Sydney, new circumstances seem to be forming. Father, teach me to see true beauty. As always, I enjoy your sweet presence, Spirit of Jesus. Let me be constantly aware of your attendance. I love you, precious Holy Spirit. Sustainer, Guide, Comfort, Teacher, Advocate, Vindicator, Defender, Giver, Entertainer, Empowerer, Counsellor, Life-changer..."

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Cheesecake & Coffee With Jesus...

It has been ages since I did this. At least, it really feels that way. Jesus has been calling for a date and I haven't had the time to respond. I have been learning, receiving, listening, giving, doing and ministering. In fact, it seems like I've been doing so more intensely these few weeks. Ever since the XS leaders starting catching some sort of passion. This absurd hunger for Jesus and the Word. The inevitable is happening. Some might call it a fad, some might call it hype. I think it is a revolution.

There are many things that amaze me but few as much as seeing youth on fire for God. The very thing that God has been preparing me for is starting to happen. No amount of resistance or inertia can withhold such a move of God. I find myself being a part of this revival even though I hold no official role in the XS ministry. By being obedient to the calling of God, I see the 3 areas of my calling coming to fruition.

Worship leading and ministering with music.

Being an inspiration to the youth and helping them develop sustainable passion.

Bringing the experience of God to the world. Constant missions.

I look forward to seeing greater increase in these areas. The increase in anointing and influence in worship and youth has been astounding and very much unexpected. I want to come to a point where I'm no longer surprised that God is blessing me but at how much He's blessing me with. I trust that it will always be more than what I can ask or imagine. My faith stands because He is faithful to fulfill what He has promised. The anointing will develop as I remain in the presence of God.

I don't speak of the anointing so as to justify my shortcomings. Neither do I wish to boast of talents given to me. The anointing is meant to glorify Jesus.

...whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
- 1 Corinthians 10:31 -

And if I do boast, I will boast like Paul did. I will boast of the areas of my life that were not surrendered to God. I will boast of a lousy lifestyle and a stinking attitude, my weaknesses. I will boast of a loving, patient God who chose to direct His anger and wrath towards Jesus so that I would have chances at Abundant Living. Coffee and Cheesecake with Jesus is always so refreshing. He is so gentle and loving. Always firm, never harsh. Bringing correction without condemnation. Has the church forgotten the character of God?

I recall a recent prayer meeting that I attended. I was there early that evening, all excited because the focus would be on the youth ministry. I had helped to set up the microphones, laid out the wires, and prepped the sound system and projector. I was a bit thirsty after all that work so I decided to get a coke from the dispenser. I sat at the back row of the chapel, relaxed, enjoying the presence of God while sipping the cold beverage. There was a lady seated beside me so, trying to be friendly, I turned to her a flashed a big, warm smile. Nothing prepared me for the tone of what she said next. With an unwavering expression, she remarked, "This is a sanctuary!"
I was almost about to say AMEN and begin sharing about the presence of God when I realised that she was not looking at me but at the red can that I held. My ears burned. I quickly got up and walked out. I felt lousy.

Maybe the real reason is to keep the chapel free of ants or rubbish. I don't think God really minds us eating and drinking in His presence. Maybe I should have mentioned Psalm 23 where it says that God prepares a feast for me in heaven. Or that we are meant to partake of the feasting table of the Lord. (1 Corinthians 10:21)
I don't think God was offended by my drinking in the chapel. I know it offended her. Maybe 1 Corinthians 10:32 applies to me.

Give no offense to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God, just as I try to please everyone in everything I do, not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, that they may be saved.

I know Jesus didn't overlook my service to Him. That is all that really matters.

You Did It For Me...

"How can I stay here with you and not be moved by you?"

| Lifehouse - Everything |

I couldn't help myself. I had to go back to them. I had to see them again and be with them. I had to baptise them with His Love because I felt I might drown in it otherwise. I had to release the thickness of His presence or I would suffocate. Is there such a thing as too much of God?

Sani became introspective today... He asked questions that many of us have struggled with. Why am I like this? How did I come to this state?

I kept silent. Some questions sound better if they are left to linger.

My heart was so full, I had to remind him of how we met. I tried to suggest that we were God's Love showing Him that he was remembered... and treasured. I was hoping with every fibre of my being, willing the words I spoke to take root in his heart. He needs it. He deserved better.

I admired the relationship that he and his Chinese friend had. They had a world of difference between the both of them, I wondered how they managed to stay friends for so long. God reminded me, you know very well about friendships that should have disintergrated but didn't. He was right. There are friendships that were built to withstand even the worst of people. The worst of me.

We all need relationships to keep us going. We all need to be around people that challenge us. In ways that keeps us fresh and relevant. It surprises me how much we depend on the people that we place importance in.

Sani has unwittingly become my teacher, my Jesus. And yet, its time to look out further.

Just What Did We Do?

"If everyone could do what you do, there wouldn't be need for jail..."

| Sani* - Unsheltered |

Such weighty words! Such high praise! But what was it that we did? What were the selfless acts of kindness? What sort of generousity deserved such thick gratitude? Was it salvation? Was it redemption? Reminders of righteousness? Or Grace? Did we clothe them? Or feed them? Or break their chains of bondage? Did we preach to them or heal them?

No...

It was one bloody dollar spent. A cup of tea.

We should all be amazed at how simple it is. Tea with the unsheltered helped the conversation along. From loneliness to relationships, cigarettes to lifelines, jails and families. We made them curious just because we listened to them. They didn't say it but you could see it in their eyes. I'm guessing it made them question. Why were we so confident and assured? People don't normally slow down to talk to us.

I was surprised at how quickly we found our groove. It made men, wise and authoritative, out of the boys. Strength & beauty were revealed in the girls. All bold, all brave. We began to see a depth of His power & the fidelity of His Word. I saw believers raring to become doers. The Greek word, Poietes, doesn't just mean a doer. It also means producer, author, maker, and my favourite, poet. There is creativity, authenticity, originality, beauty when believers become doers and not just hearers. What good is our doctrine and theology if it doesn't inspire or benefit? What good is it learning about Jesus if we don't recognise that He is the white-haired Chinese man who speaks in broken English. Or is the light of Jesus so dim and His voice so feeble that we can't see or hear Him through the dark skin and Malay accent of Sani?

I know this. The Love of God is unstoppable. No amount of bad decisions, or bad attitudes or sin can stop His Love. It will find a way even through the lethargy and ignorance, the prejudice and procrastination of the church. I know this. Because He found the most unlikely. He found me.

* Not his real name

Tea In A Takeaway Cup...

I found it interesting how often he brought up the topics about the Catholic and the Christian Church. It was interesting how he noticed that Christians were the only ones who bothered to visit the unsheltered. Tonight, he seemed genuinely pleased and more comfortable with us. He spoke about the same topics and repeated stories that became clearer each time he told it. The years lined in his face seemed to fade away as he sipped his sweetened tea.

He spoke of his 13 years unsheltered. Most would blame it on their bad luck. But he was thankful. Thankful for coincidences. He remembered the times when hunger pangs would steal his sleep, but somehow his needs would be met. Someone would leave Nasi Lemak with him. Or a packet of Kopi. I think God loves him more than he knows.

He was conflicted when it came to religion. He praised Christianity and its good works. And yet spoke of those who converted from his religion to Christianity as weak and foolish. They were usually drug addicts and ex-convicts. He spoke of the generosity of pastors and priests in the respective churches. He often brought other unsheltered friends to get handouts. But he himself could not step into a church. Was it fear? Or tradition? I think it was the awe of God. I think he could not bring himself to come close to God.

I believe we are God's response. We are to bring Love to him. The presence of God in the form of tea in a takeaway cup. He was smiling when we walked back to his regular spot. I could see peace on his face. This may not be evangelism as we know it. This is baptism into the presence of God.

First Things First!

Its been quite awhile since I've preached and I'm grateful to Pastor Andy and the XS committee for giving me the opportunity to speak at combined cell. I spoke on the Great Commission.

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What do you understand by The Great Commission?
The common answers will be “BRINGING PEOPLE TO CHURCH”, “EVANGELISM”, “ SPREADING THE GOSPEL”, “GETTING PEOPLE TO BECOME CHRISTIANS”, “MISSION TRIPS!”

Let’s take a close look at the passage today. I want us to read this together in just a moment.

Matthew 28
16Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. 18Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in[a] the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

THE LEAD UP TO THE GREAT COMMISSION.
They went to Galilee…
You know… sometimes, as Christians, we tend to overcomplicate things. When we think of evangelism, we think it is some difficult, complex debate that we have to win when we share the gospel.
But the lead up to the great commission starts off with a simple act. They went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. They simply did what Jesus told them to do. Obedience.
When I say obedience, I’m not talking about having to be perfect. Always making the correct decision. I’m talking about just being faithful with what God has told you to do. The bible says that if you’re faithful with the small things, he will reward you with much. Obedience is the starting point for greatness. I see this occurring consistently in the bible and it can also be true in your life.
Abraham, Moses, Joseph, David, Jesus, The Disciples, Paul,

When you are obedient, Jesus will reveal Himself to you! Not the ‘peekaboo’ kind of revealing but an understanding of His Word, or a discovery of His character, a show of His Power in healing or miracles.

Matthew 11:25 -> Revealed them to children.
Luke 17:11-19 -> Ten Lepers get healed AS they went…. Only the samaritan worshipped

The Jews of Judea and Galilee disliked the Samaritans because they were not true Jews.

As a religious sect, the Samaritans are a strict, Torah-observing party with a resolute pride in their religious heritage. They maintain that they and not the Jews are the bearers of the true faith of ancient Israel as expounded by Moses and as practiced at Mt. Gerizim in ancient times.

Which brings me to my next point.
When they saw him…
When you have a revelation of Jesus Christ, you will Worship.
What is worship? What has it got to do with The Great Commission? EVERYTHING!!!
John Piper, theologian, preacher, and author, once said that Missions exists because worship doesn’t.

Proskuneo
1. to kiss the hand to (towards) one, in token of reverence
2. among the Orientals, esp. the Persians, to fall upon the knees and touch the ground with the forehead as an expression of profound reverence
3. in the NT by kneeling or prostration to do homage (to one) or make obeisance, whether in order to express respect or to make supplication

Luke 5:6-8 -> Peter gets a revelation of Jesus Christ and confesses Him in Luke 9:18-20
Exodus 3:10,12 -> God redeemed the nation of Israel so that they might serve or worship God on this mountain. God wants worshippers!!
John 4:21-24 -> Worship in Spirit and in Truth. But He still wants worshippers!

We have the awesome-mest God
Jesus says one of the most amazing, controversial statements ever recorded in the bible. Sometimes I feel that our reading of the verse doesn’t do it justice.
“All authority in heaven and on earth HAS BEEN GIVEN to me!”

How powerful is your God? Is he the same one we sing about in Sunday School song, “My God is so big, so strong and so mighty. There nothing my God cannot do!”

Sometimes, I feel that we are rushing into evangelism before we ourselves get to know how great our God is. We try to tell people before we are convinced! We start telling other people’s testimonies!
“You know my Mother’s colleague’s daughter prayed before she took her piano exam and she got a distinction! Praise God!”
What has God done for you! Tell me YOUR encounter. Tell me YOUR experience. YOUR healing, miracle, breakthrough!

Do we know our In-Christ Position? (Eph 1:3) Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places,

THEREFORE!!!!
Go and make disciples - Matheteuo
1. to be a disciple of one
a. to follow his precepts and instructions
2. to make a disciple
a. to teach, instruct
Have we forgotten how to learn from the nations?
I think we should be listening to them and observing them and learning from them so that we can become relevant… And that’s what our missionaries are doing. They have cultural exchanges, where they learn to speak the language, the activities, the behaviour and character of people in a foreign land.

Shouldn’t we be doing that with our own groups of friends? Shouldn’t we learn about them too? Shouldn’t we present our Jesus in a way that they will accept instead of the typical “You’re a sinner, you need Jesus” method?

Baptizing them - Baptizo
1. to dip repeatedly, to immerse, to submerge (of vessels sunk)
2. to cleanse by dipping or submerging, to wash, to make clean with water, to wash one's self, bathe
3. to overwhelm

Bapto (Dip) Baptizo (Immerse)

I believe in baptism. I believe that when confess Jesus as Lord, we’re immersed and mixed up all together with Him. And God sees us as His own children.
But before people are ready to be accept Christ, I believe they need to be Baptoed first. Its like swimming. You can’t throw a young child into the deep end of the pool and expect him to enjoy swimming immediately! You have to let him get used to the temperature of the water, let him wade about before he is comfortable with it.

That’s what we as Christians should be doing. We carry around the presence of God. We are the ones who give them the taste of the presence of God.
2 Corinthians 2:14 àBut thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere.

Teaching them - Didasko
1. to teach
· to hold discourse with others in order to instruct them, deliver didactic discourses (communication of thought by words; talk; conversation: earnest and intelligent discourse. From dictionary.com)

Teaching makes it sound as if we have to know a lot. I prefer the word conversation. Its less threatening for both sides.

Recently, a small group of us decided to visit the homeless in Singapore… And I loved the fact that we didn’t have an agenda for them. We weren’t there to talk about Jesus or to convert them. We just sat at their feet and listened… We became a disciple so that we could find out what they needed, what they were concerned about. I learnt a lot of new perspectives from them. Some skewed, some true, but all interesting.

They were wary at first, and they kept asking where we were from. But about 5-10 minutes after we introduced ourselves, I think they started enjoying the company. I believe God Is concerned about the well being of people. And if we would just learn to show love instead of practicing the 4 spiritual laws, we could actually create some change.

Some of you might be asking God, how can I serve you more, how can I reach more people? As the musicians come up, I want to ask you, have you been immersed together with Christ? Have you experienced and enjoyed His presence? I believe God is telling you today , “Will you just come into my presence and enjoy me? Let me fill you up? Let me show you abundant life!”

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He Did It Himself...

Setting The Standard

I've been reading Chapters 58 - 61 of the book of Isaiah. I see a progression that was not apparent to me before. In chapter 58, we see God rebuking the nation of Israel. He points out the obvious flaws in their attempts to please God. Their feeble attempts at fasting and drawing near to God.

God saw that it was a hopeless situation. He says fasting like that will not make your voice heard up here. Your religious deeds are unseen and unheard because there is a louder cry. Your pitiful attempts are drowned out by the wickedness that is allowed. The unjust situations where the cry of the oppressed, the hungry, the homeless and the naked are louder. They get My attention.

You want to be heard? Meet their needs! Verses 9 and 10 state the requirements for salvation. Remove the burdens, the blaming and the flaming. Pour yourself out for the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted. Honour the Sabbath and use it to serve others. Matthew 2:7 clearly state that God desires mercy. He desires steadfast love to be shown.

Highlighting the Separation

The more I read this passage, the more I see that God knew that we could never accomplish the standards that were set. God mentions in Isaiah 59 that our filthiness have made a separation between God and us. It also says that it is our sins that hide God's face from us. Its funny how we've portrayed God to be some clean freak who cannot stand the dirt. That He leaves at the slightest sign of sin or cannot bear to look at us if we've done wrong.

When I read verse 9 to 15, I picture a man standing outdoors in the bright sunshine. This man, just by living his life, releases pollutants into the atmosphere. Similar to the exhaust from cars or the smell from the waste we produce. These pollutants, over time, block out the sun and soon, we are in darkness. That's just the way it is. It didn't matter if we had good or bad intentions. Our life produced pollutants which blocked us from God!

The more we remained in it, the more difficult it became to fulfill the requirements that God stated earlier. It became impossible to meet the standard, because we couldn't even see where we were going. Salvation was far from us.

Destroying The Wall

HE saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no one to intercede;
then HIS own arm brought him salvation, and HIS righteousness upheld him.
So they shall fear the name of the LORD from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun.
| Isaiah the prophet - Isaiah 59:16, 19a |

That is how amazing God is. He saw that the separation could never be bridged through the efforts of man. He saw that intimacy would be impossible if things stayed the way they were.
Even way back here in the Old Testament, God is giving a glimpse of Jesus. When no man could accomplish the requirements for salvation, or put on righteousness, or uphold justice, God did it Himself

Ephesians 2:14 says that "...He himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility..."
Jesus did that for us so that we might come close to Him. So that we might experience the blessings and favour of God.

If I could through myself
Set your spirit free
I'd lead your heart away
See you break, break away
Into the light
And to the day
| U2's Bono - Bad : The Unforgettable Fire |

Giving Us Purpose
It doesn't end there. It goes on into chapter 61 which start with the words immortalised by Jesus. We should all burn these words into our hearts. I hope that as you read this, God sparks off the same passion and excitement that He did in me.

Remember the standards stated earlier in chapter 58? The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me.....

• To bring good news to the poor
• To bind up the brokenhearted
• To proclaim liberty to the captives the opening of the prison to those who are bound,
• To proclaim the year of the Lord's favour and the day of vengeance of our God
• To comfort those who mourn and give them something beautiful for their ashes
• To give them reasons to be glad and reasons to praise
• To clothe them with righteousness

There is a strong word here. What started off as requirements for salvation has now transformed into the result of salvation.
James states it unabashedly in James 2:15,16,18,22... "If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, 'Go in peace, be warmed and filled,' without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that?
I will show you my faith by my works. You see that faith was active along with works, and faith was completed by works."

This is what He did it for...

I hear His song... and I'm singing...

This is so beautiful...

His Heart... It Beats For Only Me...

God speaks to me through songs. He uses songs that I like to communicate His feelings towards me. During the week, we were planning what songs to prepare for our jamming session and Elissa suggested one of her favourites. My heart, by Paramore. (see video below.)

I am finding out that maybe I was wrong
That I've fallen down and I can't do this alone
Stay with me, this is what I need, please?
The song is like a prayer. The prayer starts off with a confession, a request from a repentant heart that realises the futility of trying to live right or do good without God. This is where I've been so many times, living as if I have got it all under control. That is, until I start messing up.

Sing us a song and we'll sing it back to you
We could sing our own but what would it be without you?

I am nothing now and it's been so long
Since I've heard the sound, the sound of my only hope
This time I will be listening.

Sing us a song and we'll sing it back to you
We could sing our own but what would it be without you?
This is the line that I truly identify with. I often long to hear from God. I often ask God to speak to me but I'm usually listening out only for what I want to hear. This time, Hayley Williams, the lead singer of Paramore, listens before making the request again. It amazes me how honest these lyrics are. I could do things on my own, but it would be meaningless without including God.
This heart, it beats, beats for only you
This heart, it beats, beats for only you
My heart is yours
This is the part that gets to me. I've heard this song many times before. I've seen Hayley singing her heart out in that song. Pointing to God when she sings. It is intense. It is passionate.

But in the last week, when I was listening to the arrangement, God just whispered to me. "You asked for my song? This IS my song to you."
And God started singing this to me over the singing of Hayley and the screaming of Josh Farro. I could see Jesus beating His chest with one fist as He sang.

"This heart? It beats, beats for only you. My heart is yours!
These hands, were pierced, pierced for only you. My blood is yours!
My Blood was shed, shed for only you. My Life is yours!"

And the intensity that God was screaming it brought me to tears even as I was walking home from the MRT. And I began to understand what Psalms 40:3 means.

He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the LORD.

It is only when we understand what God's heart is for us, that we are able to sing a new song of praise back to Him. The consequence is that many will see and fear (be in awe of) and put their trust in the Lord.

How Is Your Heart?

I've been thinking about the expectations and standards that we have here in Singapore and how it relates to people like myself. I had a conversation with a friend which left me confused about the way I'm living my life. Its been pretty obvious for quite awhile that I'm different. I have a different way of thinking and behaving which sometimes makes me feel like I stick out. I feel that I sometimes rub those I consider close friends the wrong way. Even when I don't intend to.

I felt that I've never fit in during my school days. Its strange that my route in the education system would be influenced by my Chinese results and not by my character and the way I learnt. Ever since primary four, my Chinese results began to drop steadily. From A's in primary three to C's in primary six. Because of my PSLE results, I could not go to the first school of my choice and ended up in another neighbourhood school. There, I always stood out as the Chinese boy who could not speak Mandarin.
I was a rarity.

The teacher would call on me to read aloud in class. I would be embarrassed to do so. Sometimes, I would get my classmates to read the text to me before class and I would write down the Hanyu Pinyin (the romanisation of Chinese characters). The words would sound correct but the phrasing would naturally be atrocious because I hadn't a clue what I was reading.
They would laugh.

And it would reinforce my dislike for the subject. For four years, The steady decline continued till the final O' Level Examinations where I bottomed out, getting the lowest possible grades for oral and written examination. This again affected my path of education. I went to polytechnic, which at that time was only beginning to change from its image as a school for those who could not get into Junior College, into a respected education path.

In church, I often feel that I am unwanted because I don't fit in. Whether it was because I dyed my hair or pierced my ears, it seemed like there weren't any that thought, spoke, or acted like me. I believe that I have learnt to embrace the difference. Till today, I still remember my brother's words.
God looks at the heart.

I may have been trying to hard to impress the wrong people. I may have wasted too much of my life feeling bad that I could not meet the requirements of the education system or even my own religion. But when I see myself as who God sees me, I see Jesus in me. I start to understand that the experiences I've had has made me the person I am today. I see my talents swell and put to good use. God has blessed me in the area of music and I will use that to serve Him.

Recently, when I led worship for the Earthwired event, there were those who would rather comment on the unfamiliarity of the songs rather than acknowlege the presence of God. I was bothered by that. I was bothered that there were those who didn't enjoy it. But reminders have been coming in through friends and family that I should focus on doing what is right.
There will always be critics.

"...and some will criticise. Pay no attention. Pay no attention.
For greater shall be the company
of those who give thanks and who praise God for your obedience... "
| Simon Potter - November 2007 |

The greatest satisfaction is being able to let God work through me to reach those who are searching for Him. I was encouraged by those who were lost in worship. There was a girl in the first row who was crying and I could sense God saying, "If she was the only one who was touched by me, that is enough."

Focus on the good.

I Give You Back My Voice...

I've had a change of perspective in the last 4 weeks. I've had the privilege of working with some of the most awesome youth. Both in work and in worship.

I've been seeing youth from the SERVE 2009 programme coming to volunteer at COH. Its amazing how they respond to our clients, playing and interacting with them. I know for a fact that the Emmanual Day Activity Centre is a happier place for both instructors and clients because they came.


The beginning of March has been all about preparing for Earthwired - CAC Youth Event 2009. The committee initially approached me to be one of the instrumentalists. But after some changes, they asked me to lead worship instead.

I believe in the Grace of God. More so after this experience. I had almost completely lost my voice the day before Earthwired. My parents will say I was croaking rather than speaking. I was piling on "pi pa kao" and lozanges. But the thing that turned the whole thing around was coming across Proverbs 4:22 again.

For they (Your Word) are life to those who find them,
and healing to all their flesh.

On the morning of Earthwired, my voice was still hoarse and frog-like. I could not sing any of the songs. But with the encouragements of friends and the band, I kept believing that something miraculous was about to happen.... and it did! As we worshipped during the rehearsal just 45 minutes before the actual praise session, I could feel my voice opening up. And during the worship, I was able to give my all in worship!

I must say, it was the most exciting thing I've had to do this year! It was so encouraging to see the youth jumping in praise, to see the hands lifted in worship, to see the tears on the faces of the youth as God encounters them. God gave me back my voice so that I could sing and minister to His people.

I was born
I was born to sing for you
I didn't have a choice but to lift you up
And sing whatever song you wanted me to
I give you back my voice
From the womb my first cry, it was a joyful noise...

Justified till we die, you and I will magnify
The Magnificent
| U2 - Magnificent |

Get Insurance With God And Do A Good Deed...

A girl stopped me today while I was walking around Toa Payoh Hub. She was nice and seemed genuine. She gave me compliments and was interested to get to know me more. She asked me about my family background and wanted to know my dreams. It seemed like every piece of information I divulged was extraordinary. She asked. She listened. And listened... and listened. I felt special. Her acceptance made me powerful.

She was an insurance agent.

I was just looking for a place to sit and write when she popped up. I don't know whether I was glad that I had someone to talk to or not. I guess I didn't really mind the interruption. But that interruption took about 2 hours. I never really liked insurance agents who use fear to influence the buying of policies.

The conversation made me think about my beliefs. Insurance has never been my top priority because first of all, I believe that the believer's life should be one constantly lived in health. My reason for getting a policy cannot be one done in fear or faithlessness.

Does that mean you will never get ill or have to go to the hospital?
I don't think I would even answer that because I will never ask myself that question. Rather, my statement of faith will always be that my insurance policy comes from heaven. My Father God is the one who provides the best coverage against death, disability and disease.

I am immortal until my work is accomplished.
- David Livingstone -

It is only from this foundation of faith that we can make wise choices about insurance policies or health plans. The Bible says to seek first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness and everything else will be taken care of.

Get insurance with God and do a good deed...
Psalms 37:3 (The Message)

I like how The Message interprets this verse. It speaks of trusting in God and being active at the same time. We can only do good if we are fully aware of the benefits and the coverage of the most amazing insurance policy ever created. The premium is only to believe and the rewards are limitless.

The Christina Noble Children's Foundation

Prepare, Get Ready, Build

I must be honest. I have been distracted lately. But the thing is, I haven't realised what I've been distracted by. I have not been as passionate about my dreams and my goals as I used to be. There is always something to be done. Chinese New Year means little to me, but it seems to provide the most life-changing thoughts. Maybe I am more traditional at heart than I realise. Chatting with Pat on MSN stirred up the dream again. The dream that would raise eyebrows and make people think that I am still... dreaming?

There must always be a passion to drive you towards a goal. Contentment in Christianity is despicable and selfish. I'm not talking about contentment of material things. Paul shared that when it comes to our needs, we're to be content. But Paul was never content to stay in one place for very long. He was never content to sit in an office in front of a computer. He went places. Because there were always needs. Paul had a passion that could not be taken from him. He remembered Jesus in 1 Timothy 6 11, 13 & 14. When you take out the connecting words in that passage. Paul says, "But as for you, O man of God... ...I charge you in the presence of God... ...and of Jesus Christ... ... to keep the commandment unstained and free from reproach..."

Paul was not talking about the instructions of the letter to Timothy's congregation. Commandment is singular. The commandment Paul was referring to can be found in Mark 16:15-18. That is the commandment. That is Paul's vision, Jesus' instruction and God's heart.

Prepare your work outside;
get everything ready for yourself in the field,
and after that build your house.
Proverbs 24:27

Am I prepared? Am I ready? Changes were put in place in 2008 so that in 2009 we can Look Out.
This is the year we prepare our work outside.
I want to go outside.

Travel is fatal...

I'm 26 years old and I want to travel. Not just to holiday or to see the world, but to give something of myself to people. To leave an imprint of Christ with the people I meet. I've visited a few countries in the first quarter century of my life, but being young and ignorant, there were so many things that I did not take note of.

I've been to Israel when I was in primary school, but at that age, I was more interested in practicing my football techniques with pebbles along the roads than learning about the rich history and culture of God's chosen people. I've been to New York but being there with my parents visiting relatives seemed a little boring to me. I was too preoccupied with disguising my inferiority complex with vices.

I've been to the United Kingdom, to Finland and Sweden, to France, and to Australia. To Myanmar, Nepal, Malaysia, Thailand and China. And the issue that keeps resurfacing is how come I've not seen so much? Questions like "Why didn't you know about this?" and "How can you not be moved?", come to mind.

How can you even attempt to change the world when you know so little about it? I think Mother Teresa best describes it when she reminded us that "Jesus said love one another. He didn't say love the whole world."
I pray for opportunities.

"Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness."
| Mark Twain |

Her name is Grace...

She cannot stay still. She always looks out. She looks at who She can help. She is beautiful and free. Her moves, eternally intimate, capture my fascination. Dancing lightly out of the reach of the proud and envious. She is close to those who never expected Her. I never did.

Meeting the flaws of those who search, covering the gaps, smoothing over the mistakes. Turning them into lessons, easy to swallow. She's been taught to inspire those She's helped to care for others. She wants to move you. She is the Gift and She wants you to see the Giver. Its time to stop seeing Her and I as separate. Maybe then We will begin to recognise those who have not received.

No longer about your past, the mistakes, the wrong choices... That is over.
No longer about your present, they are just decisions for you to make...
No longer about your future, the possibilities, the dreams. That is selfish.
There comes a point in time where it is no longer how you look with or without Her. You've been dealt with. You are loved, clean, whole. Your life is settled.

We think that we know Her. We think we've got Her figured out. We claim that She has transformed our lives. We testify that we've been moved. But if She's moved you, why are you standing still?

~~~ Where the streets have no name ~~~
I want to run
I want to hide
I want to tear down the walls
That hold me inside
I want to reach out
And touch the flame
Where the streets have no name

I want to feel sunlight on my face
I see the dust cloud disappear
Without a trace
I want to take shelter from the poison rain
Where the streets have no name

The city's aflood
And our love turns to rust
We're beaten and blown by the wind
Trampled in dust
I'll show you a place
High on a desert plain
Where the streets have no name

Where the streets have no name
Where the streets have no name
We're still building
Then burning down love
Burning down love
And when I go there
I go there with you
It's all I can do
| U2 - Joshua Tree |

It is Two Thousand and Nine!!!

---

Written 23 March 2003
Anyway, the worship on Sunday was wonderful... I prepared myself before the service started. I knelt down at the drums and prayed to ask God to keep my mind free from distractions. I told Him that I wanted to play for Him and not to impress anyone else. I wanted it to be a worship to Him. I wanted the worship help the congregation to experience God's presence. And guess what? His presence was undeniable. I don't claim to be the reason why God's presence was so strong but I believe that factors like how right the worship leader and the musicians are with God play a huge part in ushering in the presence of God.

These are exciting times. I think God is calling certain people to be on fire for Him. Then others will want to catch this fire too! God is great!!! Something great and miraculous is going to happen and I want to be part of it when it does.

---

Almost 6 years ago, it seemed like there was going to be a breakthrough. Father, its time for another. I haven't had time to reflect on 2008. Have I done all that He has planned for me? Have I impacted people's lives? I certainly hope so.

I've been praying for 2009. What will this year bring? I've heard some say that it will be a year of greater things. I've heard some say it will be a year of breakthrough. Luke 4 says it is the year of the Lord's Favour. All I heard God say is Look Out!

Look out because you haven't seen anything yet. Look out because greater things are coming. Look out because its a year of break through. But most importantly, look out because it is time to stop being so darn selfish. Look out because it is time to stop neglecting the Justice and Love of God.

I Will Not Be Quiet

Isaiah 61:10 – 62:3
Salvation is like clothes that can be put on. Righteousness is like a jacket. Isaiah compares salvation and righteousness to stylish clothes and precious jewellery. Like clothes, what we wear can influence the way we behave. Put on an G-Star jacket and watch how the wearer starts to walk differently.

Take any beggar off the streets and clothe him with the latest fashion and the trendiest accessories and he is no longer seen and treated as a beggar. The same way it is with the believer. When God rescued us from the depths of hell, he clothed us with salvation and righteousness. And He no longer sees us as what we used to be. Isaiah says it is like a Bridegroom dressing like PRIEST with a beautiful headdress. A BRIDE with her jewels. When we are dressed by God, our identity is also changed. He no longer treats us like beggars, sinners or scum. But we are now seen BY GOD as pure, clean, like royalty.

A garment is no good if we keep it in the cupboard. Garments are meant to be put on. We cannot be ashamed of God’s righteousness and salvation. We cannot be afraid to put it on. Many of us have been brought up in a meritocratic society and we have been taught to put our best effort into what we do. And we have tried to bring it into our relationship with God. The truth is that we cannot handle the fact that we’re getting something for nothing. That our value is suddenly not based on what we do but what we’ve received. Many of us still try to put on our own righteousness and we try to do things to justify ourselves.

The bible says that our righteousness is like filthy rags. All our efforts to please Him cannot compare to the genuine, authentic forgiveness, the free gift of righteousness that He has provided.
Isaiah 64:6 => All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away.

See the comparison? Our efforts? Filthy rags
His Free Gift of Jesus? Cool clothes and jewellery!
Its not a difficult decision.

---

I Like Christmas Sermons.

---

God says "If you love Me, you'll obey Me"

Flyleaf's World Vision Trip To Rwanda

My Life Is Like A Drawn Out Season Of Heroes

I am really into season 3 of Heroes. (Click here to read up about it on IMDB.com) The thing I love the most is how the story unravels, the confusion is cleared and things start to make sense when all the characters come together.

I think there's a similarity to real life situations. Many times, at any one given point of time, we don't know all there is to know. We don't know the reason why we're in certain situations until much later when we start to see the results of it. It could be in the form of difficult choices, packed schedules, or difficult people to work with. I just love it when God gives me a glimpse of the future. As if He's saying, "Cheer up! You need to learn how to handle this so that you can do more in the future I have for you."

Wild International
I actually got the name from a song that Zack De La Rocha's new band wrote. That name really sparked my imagination. It brought back the dreams of travelling again. This week, I met a Japanese girl, born in Brazil, who lives in Canada. She needed directions to the MRT and I said I'd walk with her. Had a nice time chatting with her on the MRT. A nurse by profession, in a home for the elderly, she was supposed to be on a solo mission trip to Thailand. She had to redirected to Singapore because of the demonstrations there. She said, "I thank God for letting me meet you."

On Tuesday, after the megapraise meeting at Gerald's place, we met an exchange student from China. He was struggling with 2 luggage bags so we offered to help him carry it up to the train platform. Turns out he's an exchange student going back to China. Samuel was chatting with him in Mandarin and talking to him about church and God. But after Thomson and him got down at Aljunied, I spoke to him about my experience with God.
His reply, really humbled me. "Hearing what you've shared with me, I really want to go back and find out more."

What I had thought were my limitations. What I had thought was my lack of ability to speak other languages, my lack of time and finances to travel. What I had thought were obstacles to me achieving God's purpose were vapourised when God's Grace took over.

God says, "For now, I'll bring the nations to you."

Passion Is A Starting Point

We all know that to produce energy, fuel is required. You have stored or potential energy in fuel being transformed through a process like combustion into other forms of energy. (eg. heat, light, sound, kinetic)
Fuel does nothing on its own. You can have a car full of fuel, but it will not move. But when you turn the ignition. Something is sparked off and what was in the car all along starts to burn and the car is moved when gears are in place.

I think God put in every single one of us some fuel. It could be some talent that you have, an interest in a hobby or a desire to do something no one else likes. But these things don't achieve anything if left by themselves. They are just like a full tank of fuel. Sitting there. Achieving nothing!

On the other hand, passion is like a fire. It burns where there is an abundance of fuel. There are different levels of burn. There is explosive, slow burn, glow, flare, or the simple spark. But you notice one thing that is consistent with ALL forms of burning. There is always light. When something burns, light is always produced.

I've heard this preached many times. We are the salt and the light. As light, we are not to light places that are already bright but to be light in places that are dark. The idea is not to make the bright places brighter. Where do we go to shine then? What can I do? Where can I be effective? These are question many of us ask but few find the answer to.

I believe Jesus asked the same question when He began His ministry in His thirties. In Luke chapter 4, verse 1 & 14 tells us that Jesus had been baptised in the Holy Spirit and that He was had power of the Holy Spirit. The passage says that He went to teach in synagogues and it became his custom.

I'm very sure that Jesus, as He served in the the synagogues, was praying and seeking for answers. I bet He was thinking to Himself, "Father, is this it? Is going to the synagogue all you have baptised me for?"
I'm sure He was wondering what that whole ordeal in the desert with the devil was for, if all He was to do was to go to synagogue every sabbath. Picture this. He was in His hometown of Nazareth where He had been brought up. He went to church as He had always been going, saw the same people, did the same thing week after week after week. Doesn't this situation sound familiar?

This is when God sparks off a scripture that would shape His whole ministry. In verse 17 of Luke 4, imagine what Jesus was thinking as he stood up to read the scripture.
"Why do I always have to read the scripture?!?"
You can almost hear Him giving the softest sigh as He unrolled the mundane looking scroll and just as He is about to read, Father God asks Him, "You wanna know what is it you're baptised for?"

The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
because he has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives
and recovering of sight to the blind,
to set at liberty those who are oppressed,
to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor.

And then it clicks. And you can sense His expression changing. You can picture a smile creeping across His face and a twinkle in His eyes as He rolls the old scroll up. There is a huge grin as He gives the scroll back to the attendant and everyone is bursting with curiousity as He returns to His spot on the synagogue floor. Just as an over-inquisitive man takes a breath to ask, Jesus announces, "Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing."

That is the confidence and boldness of the Holy Spirit talking and that is History made. Don't be stuck in verses 14 - 17. Many of us think there's no future in what we're doing. But the truth is, God has not forgotten! Fuel up on the Word of God and the spark will come when you're ready.

The Weapon Of Worship

Someone once asked me why we sing songs in church. And the honesty of his question surprised me. I had never really thought about how people would feel about the worship of God in song. The more I thought about it, the more I realised that there is a big difference between worship and singing. We sing songs in the shower, you sing songs in karaoke bars, at gigs, at campfires, and at football matches. There is a difference between singing and worship but have we reduced worship to singing songs? Then its no wonder that lives are not being transformed.

So anyway, I tried my best to answer him by saying something about how singing is a form of expression of our love towards God. About how its one of the many forms of expression, like dancing or serving in church. I distinctly remember feeling pretty good about myself. Giving myself a pat on the back for a seemingly religious answer. But it wasn't till I was in bed that night, that I heard God ask. "Expression...?"
And I slapped my head in amazement of how pathetically shallow my answer was.

Worship is not simply an expression. It is a reminder to ourselves of Who we believe in and why we believe. It is a declaration of who God is and who we are in Light of Him. It is a battle call to build our faith before the battle. It is a cry for refreshing through His Strength and His Grace. The fact remains. Our words are the key to access His Power. Our words can contain the power.

One analogy I have is way back from army. Words are like bullets which are practically harmless when they are lying around or in a magazine. The most damage it can do is to bruise or scratch someone. That is the level that many Christians seem to be at. Just throwing verses at one another and bruising one another with it. What a shame! What a waste of ammunition. Wrong use and wrong target! The Word should be meditated on, pondered over, loaded or fed into your Spirit. Load that ammunition into your weapon.

What is your weapon?
James 3:1-12 is a passage that talks about the weapon that God has given to us. (See Untame your tongue) This passage refers to a dangerous weapon, powerful, but perverted by evil & having its power used as poison. But when used the way it was intended by God, the tongue is a weapon & the Word is ammunition! Again, we have many Christians pulling the trigger, quoting verses like crazy but nothing happens. They ask, "Why doesn't it work? Why isn't my gun firing? Why doesn't God answer my prayers?"

This is one area where I think is so important to believers. Revelation.
Revelation is the Word becoming real to you. It is the Word making sense in your situation and it lifts you, encourages you and drives you forward. Revelation is akin to the cocking of the weapon. What happens is when the mechanism of the gun or rifle pushes the bullet into the chamber of the weapon. Now it is ready to be fired. This should be the mode that the believer is in. This is the stance of the Christian ready to overcome. Being ready with a Word as what Paul taught Timothy to do in 2 Timothy 4:2.

When you worship God with the Word, singing songs that declare the Word of God, the promises of God, the truth of God, it is an upgrade of firepower. The M-16 is a rifle that has been used for more than 40 years. On this rifle there is a switch where you can select from 3 modes. Safe, Semi, and Automatic. Just like on a rifle, a believer also has these 3 modes.

When a believer is on Safe, no Words are spoken. Believers who are quiet when it comes to the Word are safe to the devil. Because although they read their bible and are loaded with scripture, they do not speak it out. They don't call those things which do not exist as though they did. (Romans 4:17 [NKJV])

Believers who are on Semi are those who try to face enemies by firing a warning shot in the air. Or they fire a single shot and wait to see the results. Then when it doesn't work, or when the situation remains unchanged, or the enemies are still there, they complain that it doesn't work and they switch back to safe. They give up.

What we should be doing is going fully automatic with the Grace of God. I want to be fully loaded with the Word of God! I want to do what Jesus did to resist the devil in the wilderness. Let the devil know that the more he surrounds me with enemies to my peace and wellbeing, the more the situation seems to come against me, the more trouble seems to try to squeeze me and get me to give up, the more I'm going to keep the trigger squeezed. I'm going to keep speaking the Word of God into the situation!

Hebrews 4:12 says, "For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart."

In the light of modern day weaponry, we could read Hebrews 4:12 this way.
For the Word of God is responsive and reactive, faster, sharper, and fiercer than any bullet or weapon of mass destruction. It penetrates and separates soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It lays bare even the deepest thoughts and intentions of the heart.

God has given us the weapon of worship. So don't be afraid of the difficult times. Don't be afraid of tough situations. These are just opportunities to practice your aim. Practice worship and praising God. Practice using the power of the Word that is available to us. Worship God.

There's a pattern appearing...

I think I now know.

Everlasting

How lovely You are
Heaven’s light surrounding me
How lovely Your song
Heaven’s perfect melody

My strength my Rock

To the everlasting
Hallelu hallelujah
Hear our voices rising
Hallelu hallelujah

Worlds cannot contain all the glory of Your name
My heart now contains my delight
The Saviour’s name

Look at the stars look at the earth
The universe surrounding
You shape the stars You shake the earth
The universe resounding
| Parachute Band - Technicolor |

Daryl Go Your Way....

Mark my words,
you can't find comfort in the arms of constrictors.
Lift back the scabs of content and prepare for change.

There is a dream that stirs within me. A dream that threatened to become buried under the busyness of a job and service in church. A dream that could quietly become overwhelmed by the tasks at hand that shout their importance. I have not been fueling this dream. I haven't taken time to imagine and develop this. I haven't had time to study the Word and feed my spirit. I've not prayed like I must and ministered as I should. And yet, God causes this desire within me to burn like a thousand candles. Still, He invites me to shatter my limits with His infinite power.

What are my limits?
They are my sinfulness, my pride, my laziness, my unworthiness, lack of ability and finances, and my taking God for granted. Someone told me very concisely that I've been given more opportunities & second chances then most people can dream of. That is precisely my point. When I present my limitations to God, His Grace comes and covers my limitations.

So what is the next step?
Luke 10 documents Jesus sending out the 72 disciples. (some translations 70)
Jesus' specific instructions can be summarised in verse 3 & 9. He says, "Go your way! Heal the sick and say to them, 'The Kingdom of God has come near to you.' "
In fact, much of Jesus instructions to the disciples made them become more outward looking. Never once in the gospel that says that Christians are to sit in church every Sunday listening to a sermon. Almost every teaching of Jesus was meant for believers to take and bring to the world. It is time to make it right.

You are my Strength

Physically, I am drained. Since the beginning of the week, I've been dreading this weekend because of how many things there was to do. But God is just so amazing. Not only did His Grace shine through spectacularly, He even allowed me to do more than what was planned. He's just amazing.

I was talking about travelling and dreams with friends during a dinner yesterday. Meeting with different people this week has reinforced my desire to travel. But God seems to be reminding me about my relationship with Him first. I went to a seminar this morning and something that Rebecca Sundholm said about her son-in-law, Nathan, really struck me. At 12 years of age, he would spend an hour in prayer everyday. I believe she mentioned it before last year. But God really hammered it in today.

God has been sustaining me in terms of service. I'm doing things I never thought I was able to do. But in terms of direction. I need to seek Him. 2008 has definitely been a year of change my church, my workplace and myself. I want to know what 2009 will be like.

---

There are babies in church.

---

In every season, there You are.

I don't know whether to be glad that September is coming to an end. The end of the month marks the arrival of pay day for me. A good thing, considering the fact that I made a heavy duty expenditure this month with the purchase of my Taylor.

September has been hectic so I'm glad that its coming to an end. But with events stacked up in the last quarter, it seems like I've overloaded myself. I really thank God for the amazing people He has put around me to help me with all these responsibilities. People like Julius, my colleague and Programme Manager at work. Keith, friend, XScapade Commandant and superman in church. I really don't know what I'll do without them. These responsibilities have made me realise how far short I am to the standards. I rely on the Grace of God to complete and succeed.

But the thing is, I haven't really been relying on the Grace of God lately. I have been relying on my own ideas and strength. What this means is that I am shortchanging those I am working for. The fact that I am trying my best without the empowerment of God means that the fruits of my labour is second rate and simply not good enough.

I know how to come back though. I know how to get close to God through Jesus Christ. I know how to enjoy the presence of God. I know how to sing to Him, praise Him and honour Him. Its not difficult. I just need to adjust. Too much depends on this. My dream is at stake. Lives are at stake.

Dear Lord, I don't want to be jaded.

My new guitar...

I bought a guitar. This is a picture of what she looks like which I took from the Official Taylor Website.She comes from the 400 Series of Taylor's Acoustic Electrics. More specifically, she is a 414ce, which means she is made of a wood called Ovangkol and has a Grand Auditorium body. This shape means that the sound produced is clearer and brighter. She's nicknamed the performer for her versatility.

She is the first guitar that I have ever owned. Its probably because for many years, my primary instrument was the drums. Well, all that has changed. Maybe because now, I have a song... And when you have a song, it helps to have an instrument that can sing with you. I'm looking forward to bringing her around. She and I are going to see the world.

Your Song for my lips...

"Give justice to the poor and the orphan;
Uphold the rights of the oppressed and the destitute.
Rescue the poor and helpless;
Deliver them from the grasp of evil people."
Psalm 82:3-4 (NLT)

It takes a hardcore band like Underoath to really teach us the bible. This is my interpretation of the message in the song 'Too Bright to See, Too Loud to Hear'.

Psalm 82 is Your Song for my lips. This is Your Work for my hands. So why are we not singing? Why are we not doing? Why have we overlooked the useless, the disgusting, and the unlovable? The reason why the world points and ridicules us is because we look like fools. They stare because the 'freedom' we proclaim has been twisted into chains that adorn our necks, our hands, our feet. The Life we proclaim that Jesus bought for us seems more like death than anything else.

When Paul talked about the Communion or the Last Supper in 1 Corinthians 11:30, he said that is why many of you are weak and ill, and some have died. (fallen asleep)
The cause? We can find it at the start of the paragraph in 1 Corinthians 11:27-29.
"Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself."
Many of us examine ourselves very thoroughly. We confess and repent before taking our communion. But Paul states very clearly the 3 words that many of us leave out.

Discerning the Body...
The Greek word here 'soma' is translated as body, but the word is also used to describe a group of men closely united into one society or family. It is also used in the New Testament to describe the church. It is my strong belief that Paul was not simply asking believers to examine themselves. But to discern is to make separate or make distinct. As the body of Christ, we are to make distinct the body of Christ; we are to stand out as believers!

Isn't that what the early church, the body of Christ did in the Acts? In teaching & preaching, fellowship & feasting, signs and miraculous healings, giving to those in need, praise and worship. This was the body of Christ in action and it was a body that grew! Is there something in that list that we might have left out? Will we remain cold and ignorant? Will our eyes and ears remain closed to the damned and condemned?

~~~ Too Bright to See, Too Loud to Hear ~~~

Good God, if your song leaves our lips
If your work leaves our hands
Then we will be wanderers and vagabonds

They will stare and say how empty we are
How the freedom we had turned us up as dead men

Let us be cold, make us weak
Let us, because we all have ears
Let us, because we all have eyes
Good God

How they knew that this would happen
They knew they knew that this would
(We’re so run down)

Good God! Can you still get us home…
How can we still get home
I’m not dreaming
We’re forgetting our forgiveness
Underoath - Lost in the Sound of Separation