At the moment I'm leading an outreach team for 6 weeks in the province of NAN in Northern Thailand. It is the first time I've been 'the leader' of a team. Previously I've been a leader or staff on outreaches, but not 'the leader'. I've had leadership responsibilities but the responsibility of being the leader. When chosen as the leader for the team I immediately started doubting that I should be the leader. I mean wouldn't someone else do a better job, someone that would make less mistakes, that wouldn't lead these students down the wrong path. Oh man I don't want all this attention, everyone looking to me thats too much to take, too much responsibility.
... God however has reassured me that I'm the man for job, inadequacies and ALL!!
he wants to teach me something, He wants to change me, he wants to grow me, and he has to make me a leader in order to know how to really serve, and I need to respond and serve in order to really be a leader.
God doesn't want me to be a perfect leader with no flaws, I don't even have to be confident of where I'm leading the others, I just have to be confident in the one I'm following. And above all to serve with joy in the place that God has called me to be.
"Service with a Smile"
December 21, 2005
December 05, 2005
October 21, 2005
Something I'm not proud of
It has occured to me lately how much my flesh rules over me, on Fri last week I went to Mae Sai (Burmese border) to get another 3 month entry stamp for my visa, and it was a real rush getting there and back. And picked up some food really quickly before leaving to come back into Thailand, there were a bunch of homeless beggar kids, and they spotted the white guy and figured they'd found gold.
The first guy to come up to me saw that I had some food, and was pointing to that, but being so controlled by my flesh as I was I figured it would be better to give him some money as I was in a rush and wouldn't get a chance to get anything to eat for the next few hours. At the time I didn't think anything of it, until Wed, when reading the Matthew 5 and was majorly conviced by Jesus's radical teaching, about giving to all that ask, and I realised my error in just passing off the street boy, too concerned with meeting the desires of my own flesh.
Then another thing that stuck out to me how much my flesh controls me is that I slept in today, slept throught exercise. I let everyone down by not being there as we are all supposed to be there and as staff we are to set a good example.
But God is working in me and its taking some sacrifices to weaken the flesh.
The flesh has lost all its power over us, but often we give it power that it doesn't deserve to have.
The first guy to come up to me saw that I had some food, and was pointing to that, but being so controlled by my flesh as I was I figured it would be better to give him some money as I was in a rush and wouldn't get a chance to get anything to eat for the next few hours. At the time I didn't think anything of it, until Wed, when reading the Matthew 5 and was majorly conviced by Jesus's radical teaching, about giving to all that ask, and I realised my error in just passing off the street boy, too concerned with meeting the desires of my own flesh.
Then another thing that stuck out to me how much my flesh controls me is that I slept in today, slept throught exercise. I let everyone down by not being there as we are all supposed to be there and as staff we are to set a good example.
But God is working in me and its taking some sacrifices to weaken the flesh.
The flesh has lost all its power over us, but often we give it power that it doesn't deserve to have.
September 02, 2005
Comfort Zone
I'm an easy going guy, and for the most part its an asset, especially here in Thailand, but being too easy going means I back away from the difficult or the uncomfortable
I love peace not confrontation, I love comfort not challenges
I love the fruits, but not the hard work
The thing is I'm the one missing out,
God has called me to do more than just the easy
As much as I want it too the Bible DOESN'T say
"All things will go easily for those who love the Lord"
Everythings is cruisy in my comfort zone
my comfort zone comprises of things that I've done before, things I know I can do, anything anytime anyplace where I am self-competent and self-confident.
I manage to hover around in this area alot, occasionally puting one foot out
God never intended for me to live here though
Its time to shift residency, its time to jump right out there into the unknown void of known as the "Uncomfortable Zone"
This zone comprises of things that I'm pretty sure I can't do, it comprises of relying on God ... and relying on Him for things that I never have before, to enable be to do things I've never done before, I don't even trust myself in this area to trust in God.
Its scary ... I mean 'theoretically' I know God will never me or forsake, 'theoretically' I know God is going to give me the words to speak, 'theoretically' I know God will be my source and my strength.
And all this theory is just great and oh so warm and nice, while sitting in the comfy comfort zone, but its a whole different ballgame in the 'uncomfortable zone' its now all I've got. I find myself scrambling around, trying to find something in my "I've done that before" toolbox to help but there's nothing.
The only thing I've got is God promises
Its time to get uncomfortable ... because while I'm comfortable I will only do whats easy, and if I do that then I'm not going to grow.
Its the difficult times that will grow me, its endurance and patience that leads to faith, a faith that is TRUE and not just 'theoretical'
I love peace not confrontation, I love comfort not challenges
I love the fruits, but not the hard work
The thing is I'm the one missing out,
God has called me to do more than just the easy
As much as I want it too the Bible DOESN'T say
"All things will go easily for those who love the Lord"
Everythings is cruisy in my comfort zone
my comfort zone comprises of things that I've done before, things I know I can do, anything anytime anyplace where I am self-competent and self-confident.
I manage to hover around in this area alot, occasionally puting one foot out
God never intended for me to live here though
Its time to shift residency, its time to jump right out there into the unknown void of known as the "Uncomfortable Zone"
This zone comprises of things that I'm pretty sure I can't do, it comprises of relying on God ... and relying on Him for things that I never have before, to enable be to do things I've never done before, I don't even trust myself in this area to trust in God.
Its scary ... I mean 'theoretically' I know God will never me or forsake, 'theoretically' I know God is going to give me the words to speak, 'theoretically' I know God will be my source and my strength.
And all this theory is just great and oh so warm and nice, while sitting in the comfy comfort zone, but its a whole different ballgame in the 'uncomfortable zone' its now all I've got. I find myself scrambling around, trying to find something in my "I've done that before" toolbox to help but there's nothing.
The only thing I've got is God promises
Its time to get uncomfortable ... because while I'm comfortable I will only do whats easy, and if I do that then I'm not going to grow.
Its the difficult times that will grow me, its endurance and patience that leads to faith, a faith that is TRUE and not just 'theoretical'
August 22, 2005
Cultural emphasis
being in another culture really opens your eyes to alot of things ... and many times you have to go deep and look at some of your pre-programmed areas of your life and see whether or not they need re-programming.
This is just one area that I was challenged when I caught myself in a wrong mode of thinking yesterday.
Someone in a Thai youth service was teaching on the importance of dressing a certain way, not wearing sleeveless shirts, not wearing too much jewelry ... and I started to think how maby what they were sharing was not so important ... I mean in the west its not a big deal you can pretty much wear whatever you want these days when you goto church. In the west dress has somewhat become a non-issue. The the standards in some of the scriptures of the Bible are outdated and no longer good for use as a guideline today.
Then it hit me!! that this issue is really important here in Thailand... respect for authority, and respectful dress is something held in high regard. The teaching had seemed to me a little bit old fashion-ed because of our 'prgressed' thinking in the West... have really progressed though? its really a degression! we no longer place such an emphasis on this matter, and I had allowed that to shape my thinking, that there are more important things when going to church than how you dress.
But I realise now that it was I was wrong, not the Thais, instead of judgding I should be holding onto this gem captured in this wonderful culture.
The respect for God they show by coming to church in neat and respectful clothing, comes out of their respect for authority, something we in the West have basically thrown out the window.
Now though things seem to be changing with the younger generation here as well, the 'west' have alot to answer for in our influences of other nations.
The progression and advancements that they are learning from us the west are even taking away some of the beauty that God has placed in this culture.
This is not a 'bashing' the west session, but I did realise how I myself make wrong judgements.
None of us have it all togethor, and when we become Christians because of our cultural backgrounds we place more emphasis on different teachings in the Bible... they are all important as each other. We need to be careful not to think we already have an area covered and it doesn't need to be dealt with anymore.
We should keep checking ourselves up against the Word, and be open to those of other cultures who have so much to teach us, and because of the culture God has blessed them with, they have understanding of aspects of God and his truths that we don't.
If we really want to see God for all that he is, we also need to look at his reflections throughout his whole body, every nation, every tongue, every tribe ... and even then we will only have scratched the surface of seeing God in his wholeness.
This is just one area that I was challenged when I caught myself in a wrong mode of thinking yesterday.
Someone in a Thai youth service was teaching on the importance of dressing a certain way, not wearing sleeveless shirts, not wearing too much jewelry ... and I started to think how maby what they were sharing was not so important ... I mean in the west its not a big deal you can pretty much wear whatever you want these days when you goto church. In the west dress has somewhat become a non-issue. The the standards in some of the scriptures of the Bible are outdated and no longer good for use as a guideline today.
Then it hit me!! that this issue is really important here in Thailand... respect for authority, and respectful dress is something held in high regard. The teaching had seemed to me a little bit old fashion-ed because of our 'prgressed' thinking in the West... have really progressed though? its really a degression! we no longer place such an emphasis on this matter, and I had allowed that to shape my thinking, that there are more important things when going to church than how you dress.
But I realise now that it was I was wrong, not the Thais, instead of judgding I should be holding onto this gem captured in this wonderful culture.
The respect for God they show by coming to church in neat and respectful clothing, comes out of their respect for authority, something we in the West have basically thrown out the window.
Now though things seem to be changing with the younger generation here as well, the 'west' have alot to answer for in our influences of other nations.
The progression and advancements that they are learning from us the west are even taking away some of the beauty that God has placed in this culture.
This is not a 'bashing' the west session, but I did realise how I myself make wrong judgements.
None of us have it all togethor, and when we become Christians because of our cultural backgrounds we place more emphasis on different teachings in the Bible... they are all important as each other. We need to be careful not to think we already have an area covered and it doesn't need to be dealt with anymore.
We should keep checking ourselves up against the Word, and be open to those of other cultures who have so much to teach us, and because of the culture God has blessed them with, they have understanding of aspects of God and his truths that we don't.
If we really want to see God for all that he is, we also need to look at his reflections throughout his whole body, every nation, every tongue, every tribe ... and even then we will only have scratched the surface of seeing God in his wholeness.
August 06, 2005
No end in sight...
I'm completely amazed how anyone could be so selfish!!! ... so self-centred!!! Looking out for themselves before others, even to the extent of wishing for what is not rightfully there's! Being so holy on the outside but so full of deceit and selfish attitudes on the inside!!
... that person is me
As soon as I take my eyes off of Christ, my focus immediately turns to myself. Just a glimpse of the glory of God's face is enough to last me a life time, yet I turn at an instance I see something I like.
I utter things to God, such as "all things fade away when I'm with You", but I'm just like a prostitute who whispers sweet nothings to get what she wants.
The problem with me is my focus, I should have eyes for only one. My eyes should be set on Christ, but for a person as selfish as me this seems to be an unfavorable thing. It means sacrifice, it means giving up things that please me.
The very selfishness of my nature is hindering from me being less selfish.
The very thing I don't want to be is what I am. This condition seems to be worse than I thought. It causes more harm to others than I thought, It robs me of what God has for me more than I thought it could.
SELFISHNESS ... you and I are going to have to part ways, I'm sorry I once thought that we could be friends, but I now know that this is a destructive relationship. You are in fact a parasite causing harm to all that come into your reach.
You are a sword that destroys everything around me when in my grip.
I thought that I could control you, but all along it was you who was controlling me.
I had literally become you. No longer will I be entrapped in this deadly cycle of serving you, I will give up the the illusion of life and happiness, to have the Real Thing.
Thankyou God for showing me the light, and giving me a way out
... that person is me
As soon as I take my eyes off of Christ, my focus immediately turns to myself. Just a glimpse of the glory of God's face is enough to last me a life time, yet I turn at an instance I see something I like.
I utter things to God, such as "all things fade away when I'm with You", but I'm just like a prostitute who whispers sweet nothings to get what she wants.
The problem with me is my focus, I should have eyes for only one. My eyes should be set on Christ, but for a person as selfish as me this seems to be an unfavorable thing. It means sacrifice, it means giving up things that please me.
The very selfishness of my nature is hindering from me being less selfish.
The very thing I don't want to be is what I am. This condition seems to be worse than I thought. It causes more harm to others than I thought, It robs me of what God has for me more than I thought it could.
SELFISHNESS ... you and I are going to have to part ways, I'm sorry I once thought that we could be friends, but I now know that this is a destructive relationship. You are in fact a parasite causing harm to all that come into your reach.
You are a sword that destroys everything around me when in my grip.
I thought that I could control you, but all along it was you who was controlling me.
I had literally become you. No longer will I be entrapped in this deadly cycle of serving you, I will give up the the illusion of life and happiness, to have the Real Thing.
Thankyou God for showing me the light, and giving me a way out
July 26, 2005
thats not enough!?!
What do we mean when we tell God "All I need is you"?
Do you we really mean...
"God I need you and some money and then I'm prepared to go wherever you take me"
or "I can do anything with you and qualifications"
or whatabout "I can go anywhere and speak your truth, just give me better public speaking skills first"
how many times have we told God "I will follow you Lord, just let me do this first" (let me go bury my father)
we always find some excuse ...
But being relient on God nullifies our excuses for being inadequate for the job.
We will always be inadequate unless we rely soley on the One who is so much more than adequate!
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me"
Phil 4:13
God all I need is you
Do you we really mean...
"God I need you and some money and then I'm prepared to go wherever you take me"
or "I can do anything with you and qualifications"
or whatabout "I can go anywhere and speak your truth, just give me better public speaking skills first"
how many times have we told God "I will follow you Lord, just let me do this first" (let me go bury my father)
we always find some excuse ...
But being relient on God nullifies our excuses for being inadequate for the job.
We will always be inadequate unless we rely soley on the One who is so much more than adequate!
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me"
Phil 4:13
God all I need is you
July 04, 2005
God speaks
I'm so blessed everytime that God speaks to me ... and I'm even more blessed when i actually listen :)
I was in church listening to a great sermon ... and though not directly related to what the preacher said, the Holy Spirit stirred in me and challenged with a simple statement
"Life is too short, to live for yourself"
People say to me from time to time, "why would you give up so much to do what you do"
but now I realize that I should be asking them "why would you give up so much to settle for 2nd best"
I was in church listening to a great sermon ... and though not directly related to what the preacher said, the Holy Spirit stirred in me and challenged with a simple statement
"Life is too short, to live for yourself"
People say to me from time to time, "why would you give up so much to do what you do"
but now I realize that I should be asking them "why would you give up so much to settle for 2nd best"
June 15, 2005
Are You A Stubborn Brick
Today we were studying Haggai and looking at the 'temple' talked about there,
Haggai 2:9 The future glory of this Temple will be greater than its past glory
To those hearing this prophecy they were certain that the physical temple would be rebuilt and would be even more glorious than the temple that Solomon built, however the temple was rebuilt and they were all disappointed that the temple was nothing compared to the original, their hopes were shattered, the opposite of this prophecy came to pass. This is because it was a Messainic that would be fulfilled with Christ's coming.
We all know that the body is the temple ... but this morning God really gave me a paradigm shift, that too often we refer to ourselves as the temple of God, but we forget that we as the body of Christ - TOGETHER - are the temple of God
EPHESIANS 2:21 says
"We who believe are carefully joined together, becoming a holy temple for the Lord"
Just as bricks are overlaid and joined togethor to make a building that is strong and will stand, so we as the believers are to be like these bricks, not standing alone claiming to be the glorious temple of God. We will be strengthened as we join together, and the FULL GLORY of God's temple will evident.
Think about how good is a brick all by itself? What does a lone brick do?
One single brick can do cause alot of pain and damage. You're walking along and you stub your toe on one brick, this little brick can cause alot of pain! A single brick can even kill someone if used for what it wasn't originally intended for. It was never supposed to be used as a weapon. Don't be like the lone brick, causing other people harm.
When you look at a house, you don't look at one brick and say oh this brick is so beautiful and great I'd like ONE of those ... no! As the bricks are intertwined in a glorious masterpiece, you see a greater picture, a site that brings you to stand in awe and wonder. And not at the house itself, the house didn't build itself, why should it receive the glory. Instead all the glory and honor goes to the architect!
As a part of the temple of God, it isn't our job to bring attention to ourselves, but to help and support those around us, and to point to the greatness of our architect who places us together.
Don't be a stubborn brick standing alone
Don't be a proud brick proud of where you are
God is the builder of this house.
And as we work in the unity he has placed us in, all GLORY goes to HIM =)
Haggai 2:9 The future glory of this Temple will be greater than its past glory
To those hearing this prophecy they were certain that the physical temple would be rebuilt and would be even more glorious than the temple that Solomon built, however the temple was rebuilt and they were all disappointed that the temple was nothing compared to the original, their hopes were shattered, the opposite of this prophecy came to pass. This is because it was a Messainic that would be fulfilled with Christ's coming.
We all know that the body is the temple ... but this morning God really gave me a paradigm shift, that too often we refer to ourselves as the temple of God, but we forget that we as the body of Christ - TOGETHER - are the temple of God
EPHESIANS 2:21 says
"We who believe are carefully joined together, becoming a holy temple for the Lord"
Just as bricks are overlaid and joined togethor to make a building that is strong and will stand, so we as the believers are to be like these bricks, not standing alone claiming to be the glorious temple of God. We will be strengthened as we join together, and the FULL GLORY of God's temple will evident.
Think about how good is a brick all by itself? What does a lone brick do?
One single brick can do cause alot of pain and damage. You're walking along and you stub your toe on one brick, this little brick can cause alot of pain! A single brick can even kill someone if used for what it wasn't originally intended for. It was never supposed to be used as a weapon. Don't be like the lone brick, causing other people harm.
When you look at a house, you don't look at one brick and say oh this brick is so beautiful and great I'd like ONE of those ... no! As the bricks are intertwined in a glorious masterpiece, you see a greater picture, a site that brings you to stand in awe and wonder. And not at the house itself, the house didn't build itself, why should it receive the glory. Instead all the glory and honor goes to the architect!
As a part of the temple of God, it isn't our job to bring attention to ourselves, but to help and support those around us, and to point to the greatness of our architect who places us together.
Don't be a stubborn brick standing alone
Don't be a proud brick proud of where you are
God is the builder of this house.
And as we work in the unity he has placed us in, all GLORY goes to HIM =)
June 05, 2005
Teh Terik
Thought I'd introduce everyone to great tea that is called Teh Tarik, for those that have been to Thailand and tried chaa yen, its not a whole lot different except its served hot (for the cold version 'teh ice')
Ask any Malaysian worth his or her salt to name their favourite tea, and most likely it is the teh-tarik. Literally meaning "pull tea", the drink is prepared using out-stretched hands to pour piping hot tea from a mug into a waiting glass. The higher the pull the thicker the froth. Often found in Indian hawker stalls or restaurants, preparing the teh-tarik is both an art and science.
In expert hands, the action of streaming tea back and forth the containers is a feast for the eyes. This visual treat involves vigourous almost acrobatic like-movements of the hands and arms, as the tea steadily spills into receiving ends. Poetry in motion.
There is a reason behind this unusual method of serving tea. It is believed that the technique of stretching the tea helps it to mix well with another essential ingredient, the condense milk. Thus, bringing out the strong aroma and the subtle taste of tea. Also, the beverage cools faster this way. Style with substance.
From here
for a pic see here
and for a recipe see here
and now I'm off to get one :)
Ask any Malaysian worth his or her salt to name their favourite tea, and most likely it is the teh-tarik. Literally meaning "pull tea", the drink is prepared using out-stretched hands to pour piping hot tea from a mug into a waiting glass. The higher the pull the thicker the froth. Often found in Indian hawker stalls or restaurants, preparing the teh-tarik is both an art and science.
In expert hands, the action of streaming tea back and forth the containers is a feast for the eyes. This visual treat involves vigourous almost acrobatic like-movements of the hands and arms, as the tea steadily spills into receiving ends. Poetry in motion.
There is a reason behind this unusual method of serving tea. It is believed that the technique of stretching the tea helps it to mix well with another essential ingredient, the condense milk. Thus, bringing out the strong aroma and the subtle taste of tea. Also, the beverage cools faster this way. Style with substance.
From here
for a pic see here
and for a recipe see here
and now I'm off to get one :)
June 04, 2005
Entering the promised land
This week in SBS we are studying the book of Deuteronomy, for all of us the fact that Moses didn't get to enter the promised land after so long of being faithful to God seems hard to swallow ... and quite hard to really understand when we think we know God's grace.
23 "At that time I pleaded with the LORD and said, 24 'O Sovereign LORD, I am your servant. You have only begun to show me your greatness and power. Is there any god in heaven or on earth who can perform such great deeds as yours? 25 Please let me cross the Jordan to see the wonderful land on the other side, the beautiful hill country and the Lebanon mountains.' 26 "But the LORD was angry with me because of you, and he would not listen to me. 'That's enough!' he ordered. 'Speak of it no more. 27 You can go to Pisgah Peak and view the land in every direction, but you may not cross the Jordan River. 28 But commission Joshua and encourage him, for he will lead the people across the Jordan. He will give them the land you now see before you.'
I knew that God wanted to show some truth through this story and after reading the passage above God really spoke to me about two things.
The first wasn't necessarily from the text but I still felt challenged all the same and I felt God asking "If you couldn't go to heaven (your promised land) would you still serve me?" Now this seems like a pretty still question because we know that all those that love the Lord will have and inheritance in the eternal promised land. But it really challenged me ... do I serve God because I get to go to the promised land, or do I serve God because he is God ... and he is worthy to be served whether or not I get to go to heaven. God told Moses he wouldn't get to go the promised land (though he will be in the eternal promised land) yet Moses continued to serve God and lead the people as God wanted him too. So for myself that question still rings in my ears ... would I keep serving God even if I didn't get to go to heaven ... it really points out my selfishness and my motives... am I in this for me or for God ... do I do everything unto the Lord (BIG FULLSTOP) or do I do everything unto the Lord so I can get something in return. God is worthy to be served FULLSTOP ... and praise God is he is overwhelmingly gracious, abundanct in love, never-ending in mercy and has given me passage into the promised land.
The second thing God challenged me about was how Moses was told to encourage and commission Joshua to lead the people into the promised land. Moses had been leading these stinking complainging Israelites day in day out for 40 years, working his butt off, and now Joshua will be the one that gets the pat on the back as he leads them into the promised.
In my work for God whether it be in Thailand, at home, or wherever God has me
"am I prepared to invest my whole life, my whole energy into something even if I don't get to see the fruits of it?" and "will I challenge and commission others after me to keep the work going even if it means they might end up looking like heroes (Even though God is the true hero!!!)"
The missionaries in the South of Thailand have invested 10 years with maybe 1 person a year getting saved, but now after the Tsunami there are people that have only just started working there that are seeing people saved every single day ... but unless these pioneers they prepared the soil there would be no harvest ... there would be no fruits today.
Moses prepared these people for 40 years ... without his life commitment to his God and God's people, the people wouldn't have been able to enter the promised land. God
God I'm not in this for rewards or glory, I am in this for the glory of your name! You deserve to be praised!
23 "At that time I pleaded with the LORD and said, 24 'O Sovereign LORD, I am your servant. You have only begun to show me your greatness and power. Is there any god in heaven or on earth who can perform such great deeds as yours? 25 Please let me cross the Jordan to see the wonderful land on the other side, the beautiful hill country and the Lebanon mountains.' 26 "But the LORD was angry with me because of you, and he would not listen to me. 'That's enough!' he ordered. 'Speak of it no more. 27 You can go to Pisgah Peak and view the land in every direction, but you may not cross the Jordan River. 28 But commission Joshua and encourage him, for he will lead the people across the Jordan. He will give them the land you now see before you.'
I knew that God wanted to show some truth through this story and after reading the passage above God really spoke to me about two things.
The first wasn't necessarily from the text but I still felt challenged all the same and I felt God asking "If you couldn't go to heaven (your promised land) would you still serve me?" Now this seems like a pretty still question because we know that all those that love the Lord will have and inheritance in the eternal promised land. But it really challenged me ... do I serve God because I get to go to the promised land, or do I serve God because he is God ... and he is worthy to be served whether or not I get to go to heaven. God told Moses he wouldn't get to go the promised land (though he will be in the eternal promised land) yet Moses continued to serve God and lead the people as God wanted him too. So for myself that question still rings in my ears ... would I keep serving God even if I didn't get to go to heaven ... it really points out my selfishness and my motives... am I in this for me or for God ... do I do everything unto the Lord (BIG FULLSTOP) or do I do everything unto the Lord so I can get something in return. God is worthy to be served FULLSTOP ... and praise God is he is overwhelmingly gracious, abundanct in love, never-ending in mercy and has given me passage into the promised land.
The second thing God challenged me about was how Moses was told to encourage and commission Joshua to lead the people into the promised land. Moses had been leading these stinking complainging Israelites day in day out for 40 years, working his butt off, and now Joshua will be the one that gets the pat on the back as he leads them into the promised.
In my work for God whether it be in Thailand, at home, or wherever God has me
"am I prepared to invest my whole life, my whole energy into something even if I don't get to see the fruits of it?" and "will I challenge and commission others after me to keep the work going even if it means they might end up looking like heroes (Even though God is the true hero!!!)"
The missionaries in the South of Thailand have invested 10 years with maybe 1 person a year getting saved, but now after the Tsunami there are people that have only just started working there that are seeing people saved every single day ... but unless these pioneers they prepared the soil there would be no harvest ... there would be no fruits today.
Moses prepared these people for 40 years ... without his life commitment to his God and God's people, the people wouldn't have been able to enter the promised land. God
God I'm not in this for rewards or glory, I am in this for the glory of your name! You deserve to be praised!
May 16, 2005
May 06, 2005
Do it!
13 Look here, you people who say, "Today or tomorrow we are going to a certain town and will stay there a year. We will do business there and make a profit." 14 How do you know what will happen tomorrow? For your life is like the morning fog ?it's here a little while, then it's gone. 15 What you ought to say is, "If the Lord wants us to, we will live and do this or that." 16 Otherwise you will be boasting about your own plans, and all such boasting is evil. 17 Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it.
When I was reading this Passage in James chapter 4 it really stuck out to me ... and realized how relevant it was.
We (me included) too often get distracted with our own plans, whether it is the fact we are chasing money, or we want a more comfortable life, or we think we aren't able to do what God wants us to do. But the the truth is we haven't got multiple lives to waste as the Hindus believe. We haven't got time to waste, we can't live for ourselves today making money, and say we'll go out on the missionfield later. The key is to be where God wants us to be, to go and do what he wants us to do, to live where he wants us to live ... Not because we have to do what God wants us to do, but we do it because we know he has the best for us. Why live for temporal riches when the riches in heaven are so much greater ... this isn't some idea made up so we would live self-sacrificing lives ... ITS THE TRUTH, so why don't we live it. If we really are following Christ's example we would give it up when God says do it ... we would be sensitive to the Holy Spirit.
Its a sin not to do what we know God wants us to do (verse 17)
If God tells you to go GO, if he tells you to stay STAY.
If God is telling you to speak to your neighbour about Christ. If you know God is telling you to give up your job and your unsaved girlfriend and move to Africa as a missionary, then don't be held back. Get rid of the weights that are holding you back (Hebrews 12:1) Run the race.
When I was reading this Passage in James chapter 4 it really stuck out to me ... and realized how relevant it was.
We (me included) too often get distracted with our own plans, whether it is the fact we are chasing money, or we want a more comfortable life, or we think we aren't able to do what God wants us to do. But the the truth is we haven't got multiple lives to waste as the Hindus believe. We haven't got time to waste, we can't live for ourselves today making money, and say we'll go out on the missionfield later. The key is to be where God wants us to be, to go and do what he wants us to do, to live where he wants us to live ... Not because we have to do what God wants us to do, but we do it because we know he has the best for us. Why live for temporal riches when the riches in heaven are so much greater ... this isn't some idea made up so we would live self-sacrificing lives ... ITS THE TRUTH, so why don't we live it. If we really are following Christ's example we would give it up when God says do it ... we would be sensitive to the Holy Spirit.
Its a sin not to do what we know God wants us to do (verse 17)
If God tells you to go GO, if he tells you to stay STAY.
If God is telling you to speak to your neighbour about Christ. If you know God is telling you to give up your job and your unsaved girlfriend and move to Africa as a missionary, then don't be held back. Get rid of the weights that are holding you back (Hebrews 12:1) Run the race.
May 03, 2005
"He wants you" ;)
Are any of you hungry to know God? Are you unsure about where God wants to take you? Is everything else in your life taking up more space than God? Do you want to be challenged? Then maybe a DTS is for you =)
This school changed my life, it was where the rubber hit the road so to speak, where I stepped out of my comfort zone and God met me in a powerful way. As I surrendered my own wants and desires and saught after what he had for my life, I grew in my relationship with God and my total dependence on Him
There is a DTS Discipleship Training School in ChiangMai, Thailand running from Sept 2005 - Feb 2006. It is a Bilingual School ran in English and Thai.
It is a cross-cultural school with students coming from all over the world.
In the 5.5 months, 3 months are spent in a classroom phase, where different topics are covered such as 'Hearing the Voice of God' 'The character of God' 'Clear Conscience' 'Spiritual Warfare' 'The Father Heart of God' 'Relationships' and others.
There are many opportunities to worship and pray togethor. And to catch a vision and heart for the nations.
The other 2.5 months are spent on outreach around Thailand and other surrounding countires. Its a time to put into practice what is learnt in the lecture phase, to make God known to the nations, and encourage to believers.
If you have some time free, or God has been changing your plans lately, and you really want to Know God more then take some time to pray about doing a DTS (in ChiangMai)
Not everyone is called to do a DTS, but we are all called to "Know God and to make Him Known" which is what a DTS is all about
it changed my life and it might change yours
For more information then check out the website right here
If you are interested in doing a DTS somewhere else,
21 Sept 2005 - 17 Feb 2006 there is a great DTS in Penang see this link
and they along with the one in CM are actually two of the lowest costing DTS's in the world :D
... so take the time to pray about it
This school changed my life, it was where the rubber hit the road so to speak, where I stepped out of my comfort zone and God met me in a powerful way. As I surrendered my own wants and desires and saught after what he had for my life, I grew in my relationship with God and my total dependence on Him
There is a DTS Discipleship Training School in ChiangMai, Thailand running from Sept 2005 - Feb 2006. It is a Bilingual School ran in English and Thai.
It is a cross-cultural school with students coming from all over the world.
In the 5.5 months, 3 months are spent in a classroom phase, where different topics are covered such as 'Hearing the Voice of God' 'The character of God' 'Clear Conscience' 'Spiritual Warfare' 'The Father Heart of God' 'Relationships' and others.
There are many opportunities to worship and pray togethor. And to catch a vision and heart for the nations.
The other 2.5 months are spent on outreach around Thailand and other surrounding countires. Its a time to put into practice what is learnt in the lecture phase, to make God known to the nations, and encourage to believers.
If you have some time free, or God has been changing your plans lately, and you really want to Know God more then take some time to pray about doing a DTS (in ChiangMai)
Not everyone is called to do a DTS, but we are all called to "Know God and to make Him Known" which is what a DTS is all about
it changed my life and it might change yours
For more information then check out the website right here
If you are interested in doing a DTS somewhere else,
21 Sept 2005 - 17 Feb 2006 there is a great DTS in Penang see this link
and they along with the one in CM are actually two of the lowest costing DTS's in the world :D
... so take the time to pray about it
April 17, 2005
Closer to home ... a little
Its been along time since I updated ... so here is the latest news.
I'm in Penang, Malaysia doing an SBS Core Course. Which is a 3 month school which teaches the Inductive method of studying the Bible, so rather than just being taught on the Bible, you are taught to read the Bible correctly ... observe what is there... then interpret what it meant to the original readers, then apply it to our own lives. Rather than having something in mind, then finding verses to support it.
Its an intensive 3 months, but 2 weeks in I'm loving it ... the hardest part about it is that God speaks so much through his word when you study it this way, that you have to stop studing and doing assignment ... because God is doing something in your life.
There is a 9 month version of this school which goes through the whole Bible in 9 months ... whereas we in 3 months study roughly 16 books in depth (from Historical books to epistles to prophets) and then are able to continue to use the method to study the rest on your own.
So I'll be here until end of June, then I will be back home in July for my birthday and get a new Thai visa, then back to Thailand in August.
I'm in Penang, Malaysia doing an SBS Core Course. Which is a 3 month school which teaches the Inductive method of studying the Bible, so rather than just being taught on the Bible, you are taught to read the Bible correctly ... observe what is there... then interpret what it meant to the original readers, then apply it to our own lives. Rather than having something in mind, then finding verses to support it.
Its an intensive 3 months, but 2 weeks in I'm loving it ... the hardest part about it is that God speaks so much through his word when you study it this way, that you have to stop studing and doing assignment ... because God is doing something in your life.
There is a 9 month version of this school which goes through the whole Bible in 9 months ... whereas we in 3 months study roughly 16 books in depth (from Historical books to epistles to prophets) and then are able to continue to use the method to study the rest on your own.
So I'll be here until end of June, then I will be back home in July for my birthday and get a new Thai visa, then back to Thailand in August.
February 28, 2005
A life so beautiful
On the 26th of February, 2005.
TUIY
went from here to the best place of all,
to be with her loving Father.
Her life will be remembered for her love and compassion,
her love for God, her love for others.
She lived every day in communion with God,
When she was around, you felt God present.
At the age of 27, she was on the way home from a worship meeting, and was hit by another car. She incurred internal injuries, that caused her body to fail a few hours later. Even during the time she was injured and hurting, she was more concerned about praying for her family members , than for herself.
She served with YWAM for 5 years, and during that time gave up her all to serve God and serve others. She loved and worked with children who had nothing. The compassion she showed children was straight from the heart of Jesus.
She studied at the DTS in ChiangMai 2004/2005, which I had the privilege to staff on. There were times that I wondered why she was on DTS, as I was learning more from her life, than she could learn from me. She was never proud, never self-seeking, only wanted to draw from God's abundant love for her and pour out that love to others.
She will be missed, and she will always be loved,
but why should we be so selfish to want her here,
when she is now in perfect communion with her perfect King and greatest friend,
and why should we be so selfish to want her here,
and deprive God of having this most beautiful life right there with Him.
Love you Always P'Tuiy
Glory to the most high and awesome God for the privilege of knowing you
Until I join the party, keep dancing keep singing
See you soon sister
Tom
January 30, 2005
closer to sea level
Quick note to let you all know I miss you all,
For 6 weeks I've been away on a mountain away from al the comforts, it was a farming village, but it was great to be away from the distractions that we place in our life, and to get back to nitty gritty lifestyle, as much as I am a technology buff, it really brought me closer to God, working amongst his Creation, getting dirt under the nails ;)
This DTS school will be all wrapped up in 2 weeks, then there will be goodbyes, but there will shouts of praise to God for all that we've learnt, for shouts of joy for achieving what felt like the impossible to some, rejoicing for the victories, and looking forward to more.
I am waiting expectantly to hear back from Penang, Malaysia, to know if I have been accepted to the Bible School there for the next few months, if I haven't then thats cool, if my application got lost then that is fine, God is just trying to get my attention to go another direction.
As Is already my experience, God doesn't always take you to what seems logical or benefical to do. Maybe I'll be back up the mountain working there, working in a studio, maybe spending time down south chatting to people living in tents, with nothing left to call there own.
For 6 weeks I've been away on a mountain away from al the comforts, it was a farming village, but it was great to be away from the distractions that we place in our life, and to get back to nitty gritty lifestyle, as much as I am a technology buff, it really brought me closer to God, working amongst his Creation, getting dirt under the nails ;)
This DTS school will be all wrapped up in 2 weeks, then there will be goodbyes, but there will shouts of praise to God for all that we've learnt, for shouts of joy for achieving what felt like the impossible to some, rejoicing for the victories, and looking forward to more.
I am waiting expectantly to hear back from Penang, Malaysia, to know if I have been accepted to the Bible School there for the next few months, if I haven't then thats cool, if my application got lost then that is fine, God is just trying to get my attention to go another direction.
As Is already my experience, God doesn't always take you to what seems logical or benefical to do. Maybe I'll be back up the mountain working there, working in a studio, maybe spending time down south chatting to people living in tents, with nothing left to call there own.
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