Genesis 26:18
Isaac reopened the wells that had been dug in the time of his father
Abraham, which the Philistines had stopped up after Abraham died, and he
gave them the same names his father had given them.
At every demise of someone younger, it always makes everyone who knows the departed sit up to reflect about life.
Attending one night of Hui Xuan's funeral was a very heartbreaking moment for many. As you witness the passing of a young, intelligent girl made many feel that she seemed robbed of her days, having gone so early when all others are given years more to live their life. Some may feel that she passed away without living through a full life of a ripe-old-age. Yet the undeniable truth is she passed away having left on a great legacy and a life well lived, even in the short 10+ years that she had.
The
fact of the matter is we'll all die someday. Some live really short lives, others average and still others long lives. Being human, we fear death and just want to avoid having to live a short life. The importance, however,is how good was the quality lived and if it was of
purpose.
Why are some of us blessed with more days than those who are called back at a young age? Compared to many young kids who passed away, what are you doing with the added days of your life.
Well in dry and arid land bring water to the thirsty and life to man and their animals. The enemies of past would often destroy these well by choking it with stones, dirt and pollutants such that the water could not be reached and be polluted andundrinkable. To reopen the well would often take much effort as one painstakingly clear the blockage, flush out the old waters and redig into deeper depth. Some may find it easier to dig another well rather than to restore an old blocked well. Most would find it too painful and tough to redig and would simply abandon it, leaving to find somewhere else to settle - sadly, abandoning the land of their inheritance.
Just like the verse above, God has a
habit of giving many chances to us. Like Isaac who reopened the closed
wells of his father, God is in the business of giving us opportunities to reopen our
lives and make it alive again. Some of us may have allowed life to choke us of our God-given calling, others may have allowed the devil to block up that which is to make us live righteously. Gifts, calling, dreams, prophesies and promises could all be abandoned like blocked, forgotten wells.
Yet, God can and will reopen those wells. He'll also rename them as they were originally. A restoration of life that is meant to realign all that is good and purposeful in the days that you live for Him, and Him alone.
You who have more days of life than those like Hui Xuan. What are you doing with the added days of life given to you? May you allow God to reopen that which no longer possess life, that your life would flourish with fresh springs of water and be a mighty blessing to all who come your way. Live well and end well.
Blessings,
M.
14 March 2013
27 February 2013
In loving memory of Oh Hui Xuan
Genesis 2:1
Thus the heavens and the earth were completed in all their vast array.
As I woke up this morning in Shanghai, I received a message informing me of the passing of a 11 year old AR girl.
It breaks my heart to know that she is no longer with us. She had battled with brain cancer and throughout the illness, she had endured through it all and even occasionally attended Rangers and even came for a day in Camporama 2012.
As I sullenly contemplate the shocking news of her passing, I am mindful that she's now with Jesus and yet, how sad the family must be to have her go before them.
I'm grateful to have known and taught this chatty, intelligent girl who always had something to share and talk about. Even in her illness, she would be her usual self and able to put across her voice and opinions to all.
Goodbye Hui Xuan, I shall keep precious memories of you because it must also bear witness to me to live life well. Someday, we'll meet up in heaven and all the tears of today will be forgotten.
M.
Thus the heavens and the earth were completed in all their vast array.
As I woke up this morning in Shanghai, I received a message informing me of the passing of a 11 year old AR girl.
It breaks my heart to know that she is no longer with us. She had battled with brain cancer and throughout the illness, she had endured through it all and even occasionally attended Rangers and even came for a day in Camporama 2012.
As I sullenly contemplate the shocking news of her passing, I am mindful that she's now with Jesus and yet, how sad the family must be to have her go before them.
I'm grateful to have known and taught this chatty, intelligent girl who always had something to share and talk about. Even in her illness, she would be her usual self and able to put across her voice and opinions to all.
Goodbye Hui Xuan, I shall keep precious memories of you because it must also bear witness to me to live life well. Someday, we'll meet up in heaven and all the tears of today will be forgotten.
M.
02 January 2013
Looking ahead
Hebrew 11:10
For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God.
Faith is forward looking.
Someone shared to me today that our memories must never be greater than our dreams. How timely it is to note as we start the new year.
It is only a calendar year change, but it allows us to also recognise a ticking forward of time that must motivate us to do more to achieve the dream and goals that we are called by God to accomplish.
I dislike new energies because of a new buzz word that people adopt with every new year, just to have no consistency in following through the rest of the year. However, it's often very tough to stay steadfast in the tough seasons and emotional moments of the days, weeks and months that will come.
Abraham is an inspiring character and called the father of faith because he examplified how to live the time on earth, hanging onto the leading and promises of God till his death. even though he never received the full promises come to fulfillment, the bible says he saw them and welcomed them from a distance.
In the new year, stop staring at the back mirror of memories-good or bad. Look ahead, see what God is planning to accomplish through you and take action this year to nurture the purposes of God in your life.
M.
For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God.
Faith is forward looking.
Someone shared to me today that our memories must never be greater than our dreams. How timely it is to note as we start the new year.
It is only a calendar year change, but it allows us to also recognise a ticking forward of time that must motivate us to do more to achieve the dream and goals that we are called by God to accomplish.
I dislike new energies because of a new buzz word that people adopt with every new year, just to have no consistency in following through the rest of the year. However, it's often very tough to stay steadfast in the tough seasons and emotional moments of the days, weeks and months that will come.
Abraham is an inspiring character and called the father of faith because he examplified how to live the time on earth, hanging onto the leading and promises of God till his death. even though he never received the full promises come to fulfillment, the bible says he saw them and welcomed them from a distance.
In the new year, stop staring at the back mirror of memories-good or bad. Look ahead, see what God is planning to accomplish through you and take action this year to nurture the purposes of God in your life.
M.
28 December 2012
Come to God.
Matthew 11:28
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
The year is coming to an end. Actually on 21 Dec, the world was suppose to come to an end too! No thanks to the naysayers who chose to interpret the Mayan prophecies wrongly and proclaim doom to all.
It has been a really tough journey even as Christmas came because here I am back at work with tons of stuff to clear, but the mood of wet, cool weather is simply not helping me to be productive.
I am looking forward to closing this year on a note where I can find some rest. Too much has happened, and too many emotional scars have been created in the year as I struggle to come to an understanding with what is happening.
Fortunately, God always remains faithful and be the source of life. Rest is all I need and I shall spend some time to seek for the God of my rest.
Richard C. Woodsome says it well: "You can never change the past. But by the grace of God, you can win the future. So remember those things which will help you forward, but forget those things which will only hold you back."
As I cautiously tread towards 2013, I cannot help but want to stretch out my tiny hands to God's and have him hold me as I journey onwards.
M.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
The year is coming to an end. Actually on 21 Dec, the world was suppose to come to an end too! No thanks to the naysayers who chose to interpret the Mayan prophecies wrongly and proclaim doom to all.
It has been a really tough journey even as Christmas came because here I am back at work with tons of stuff to clear, but the mood of wet, cool weather is simply not helping me to be productive.
I am looking forward to closing this year on a note where I can find some rest. Too much has happened, and too many emotional scars have been created in the year as I struggle to come to an understanding with what is happening.
Fortunately, God always remains faithful and be the source of life. Rest is all I need and I shall spend some time to seek for the God of my rest.
Richard C. Woodsome says it well: "You can never change the past. But by the grace of God, you can win the future. So remember those things which will help you forward, but forget those things which will only hold you back."
As I cautiously tread towards 2013, I cannot help but want to stretch out my tiny hands to God's and have him hold me as I journey onwards.
M.
15 December 2012
Faithfulness of God
Deuteronomy 32:4
He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is He.
The 7th Singapore Camporama 2012 is over and soon the year will be too. Before I can settle down to breathe, I'm now planning for the 20th anniversary of Faith RR and as many of us start to compile pictures of the past years, I cannot but feel priviledge to still be in the outpost as one of the pioneering leaders who has been there since its inception.
It is a very special feeling to have to look back at the many years of joy, sacrifice, mistakes, heartbreaks and still look at my own two feet and acknowledged that I'm still standing and serving after all these years. It is only because of the faithfulness of God and His hand in my life that I've gone through so much in 2012 and also in my 19 years in Faith RR.
As I reflect, through the years, I've made much mistakes, lost many lives and have suffered many heart wrenching pain, many of which I still feel deeply. Today, I stand like a wounded warrior with battle scars and wounds of my years of service. I wished it was all joy and happiness, but life is never like such. I must confess, that through the most painful of losses, I've often stood aimless and contemplated if it was worth the pain and if I should just cut my losses and give up.
But my life is not mine to define. I've learned about this many years ago and it has resonated through the tough days when I desperately wished the pain to disappear.
Perhaps it is such that I can always acknowledge that God is faithful. His mercies have pulled me through, His blessings and encouragement have keep me moving one slow step at a time at the worst of my days, and have allowed me to leap in joy when all was right.
I've many mental pictures of the past days in 2012 and even more of the past 19 years as a Ranger commander. Many of which are joyful, but some of which evoke a sense of pain I look at the faces of those who are no longer with God. In spite of the inperfect situation, something inside of me knows that the God of my creation will continue to be there for them and there's always a hope for them to return.
As I forge ahead, I'm grateful for contemplative moments where I can take stock of the losses and pray through the faithfulness of God. God and God alone will always turn the downside up and I must prevail in my own limited faithfulness. Someday, surely, I'll live to see the Lord's salvation.
To those whom I no longer have along with me, may you always know that my heart has never forgotten you.
M.
He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is He.
The 7th Singapore Camporama 2012 is over and soon the year will be too. Before I can settle down to breathe, I'm now planning for the 20th anniversary of Faith RR and as many of us start to compile pictures of the past years, I cannot but feel priviledge to still be in the outpost as one of the pioneering leaders who has been there since its inception.
It is a very special feeling to have to look back at the many years of joy, sacrifice, mistakes, heartbreaks and still look at my own two feet and acknowledged that I'm still standing and serving after all these years. It is only because of the faithfulness of God and His hand in my life that I've gone through so much in 2012 and also in my 19 years in Faith RR.
As I reflect, through the years, I've made much mistakes, lost many lives and have suffered many heart wrenching pain, many of which I still feel deeply. Today, I stand like a wounded warrior with battle scars and wounds of my years of service. I wished it was all joy and happiness, but life is never like such. I must confess, that through the most painful of losses, I've often stood aimless and contemplated if it was worth the pain and if I should just cut my losses and give up.
But my life is not mine to define. I've learned about this many years ago and it has resonated through the tough days when I desperately wished the pain to disappear.
Perhaps it is such that I can always acknowledge that God is faithful. His mercies have pulled me through, His blessings and encouragement have keep me moving one slow step at a time at the worst of my days, and have allowed me to leap in joy when all was right.
I've many mental pictures of the past days in 2012 and even more of the past 19 years as a Ranger commander. Many of which are joyful, but some of which evoke a sense of pain I look at the faces of those who are no longer with God. In spite of the inperfect situation, something inside of me knows that the God of my creation will continue to be there for them and there's always a hope for them to return.
As I forge ahead, I'm grateful for contemplative moments where I can take stock of the losses and pray through the faithfulness of God. God and God alone will always turn the downside up and I must prevail in my own limited faithfulness. Someday, surely, I'll live to see the Lord's salvation.
To those whom I no longer have along with me, may you always know that my heart has never forgotten you.
M.
08 November 2012
Death
Psalms 89:48
Who can live and not see death, or who can escape the power of the grave?
This is a year of deaths and heartbreak, even as it is a year of rewarding ministry.
Today, I received bleak news that Comdr Andj's condition is deteriorating and his brain tumor is bleeding. They would either operate to extend his life by possibly 6 more months, or manage his condition and see him life through another 2 weeks before his system fails.
It is such a heartbreaking news to hear of this that I'm really very down and breaking inside. In this year of much labour, I know of 4 individuals whom I personally in contact with and they suffer from some form of cancer. The prognosis have often been bleak and already 1 has departed and now another is told to be struggling for his life.
Much as I receive the note to not lose heart because the family has already prepared for the worst, it is really painful to see a person demise within a defined time frame.
I know the journey past death is painless and joyous, so there's no need to lament. But such is the reality of life because we find it so difficult to let go of our loved ones and be with God.
I can only take comfort in the truth that the power of the grave does not apply to faithful Christians as the departure from this mortal body will only bring about a release to God's presence in heaven.
I hope you too will live your days well, so the journey of your life after you have taken your last breath will see you in heaven with God. Live faithfully because many do not have the benefit of time that you possess.
M.
Who can live and not see death, or who can escape the power of the grave?
This is a year of deaths and heartbreak, even as it is a year of rewarding ministry.
Today, I received bleak news that Comdr Andj's condition is deteriorating and his brain tumor is bleeding. They would either operate to extend his life by possibly 6 more months, or manage his condition and see him life through another 2 weeks before his system fails.
It is such a heartbreaking news to hear of this that I'm really very down and breaking inside. In this year of much labour, I know of 4 individuals whom I personally in contact with and they suffer from some form of cancer. The prognosis have often been bleak and already 1 has departed and now another is told to be struggling for his life.
Much as I receive the note to not lose heart because the family has already prepared for the worst, it is really painful to see a person demise within a defined time frame.
I know the journey past death is painless and joyous, so there's no need to lament. But such is the reality of life because we find it so difficult to let go of our loved ones and be with God.
I can only take comfort in the truth that the power of the grave does not apply to faithful Christians as the departure from this mortal body will only bring about a release to God's presence in heaven.
I hope you too will live your days well, so the journey of your life after you have taken your last breath will see you in heaven with God. Live faithfully because many do not have the benefit of time that you possess.
M.
02 November 2012
God's special possession
1 Peter 2:9
"But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”
Today, I really pondered long and hard why we are such a battered and defeated bunch of people. Not just ordinary people, but born again Christians.
As I survey, I can't help but recognise that many whom I know are struggling about their lives. Sadly, I don't see a clear affirmation from the church to constantly build into the lives of its sheep because I think we who are called to be eagles get affected emotionally or situationally. This results in us forgetting our God-inspired purpose, and causes us to roll in the mud of sin, depression and debase behaviour akin to pigs in mud or the common disease carrying pigeons.
If is said that when you understand your value in Christ, you will never allow yourself to be abused again by yourself or by any attacks from others.
Live a life worth living, a victorious life because we are chosen by God and are meant to be of God. Arise like eagles!
M.
"But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”
Today, I really pondered long and hard why we are such a battered and defeated bunch of people. Not just ordinary people, but born again Christians.
As I survey, I can't help but recognise that many whom I know are struggling about their lives. Sadly, I don't see a clear affirmation from the church to constantly build into the lives of its sheep because I think we who are called to be eagles get affected emotionally or situationally. This results in us forgetting our God-inspired purpose, and causes us to roll in the mud of sin, depression and debase behaviour akin to pigs in mud or the common disease carrying pigeons.
If is said that when you understand your value in Christ, you will never allow yourself to be abused again by yourself or by any attacks from others.
Live a life worth living, a victorious life because we are chosen by God and are meant to be of God. Arise like eagles!
M.