Easter Sunday

So it is recorded...

Luke 24:1-3
On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus.


Luke 24 : 6
He is not here ; he has risen !



1 Corinthians 15 :14
And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith.

Because He lives

I can face tomorrow

Because he lives

All fear is gone

Because I know

Yes I know

He holds the future

And life is worth the living

Just because He lives...

On this Easter break, it was indeed a good day to remember loved ones on this revisitation.

Daddy remembers Ah Kong in fondness ...




We also could not keep ourselves from visiting our old buddy; Ms Cheam Cheow Hui and were consoled by the epitaph :
...Why do you look for the living among the dead... Luke 24 :5

Easter Sunday gives us meaning in our faith .

Good Friday

Have You Ever Wondered ?

If there is an afternoon when you are bound to have thunderstorms and torrential rain, it would be on a Good Friday afternoon. I have often wondered at the phenomena. But secretly in my spirit I associate it with that great sacrifice. Is it a coincidence that it happens here; well at least in this tropical land all the time? Why is the sky crying?

Luke 23 :32,33



...Two other men, both criminals, were also led to be executed. When they came to the place called the Skull, where they crucified him, along with the criminals - one on his right, the other on his left...

John 19:19
Pilate had a notice prepared and fastened to the cross. it read: JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS...

Matthew 27:42
..He saved others...but he can't save himself !...

Matthew 27:28,29

...they stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him and then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on his head...

Luke 23 : 44, 45

It was now about the sixth hour, and darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour, for the sun stopped shining...Jesus called out in a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani - My God, my God why have you forsaken me?"... into your hands I commit my spirit...


Luke 23:55

The women who had come with Jesus from Galilee followed Joseph and saw the tomb and how his body was laid in it. They they went home and prepared spices and perfume...

But they rested on the Sabbath in obedience to the commandment.

Luke 22: 8

Jesus sent Peter and John, saying , "Go and make preparations for us to eat the Passover."

Luke22:17, 18,19

After taking the cup, he gave thanks and said, "Take this and divide it among you. For I tell you I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes."




And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me."

A Pact with God

The dark, thunderous crying skies in the horizon right at this moment is a grim reminder to me of the agony of the Son of God.

Good Friday afternoons at 3pm are real.

In Gratitude

Just a little time for God.

It was an easy, lazy Sunday afternoon. Daddy seemed quite adamant that we attend the first service and be back early for his favourite hobby ; being handy again. Dad's time , unlike mine is very precious. While I can spend mine only blogging, reading, marking books and reflecting , he can use his in drawing, planning his up-t0-the mountain work, gardening and making good anything that comes along. His every moment is effective in anything. That's why he is always known as the favourite uncle to everyone...

So, " Uncle we need your help again...this time for Easter in church commemoration. Uncle, can make something again?" Uncle is a yes man for God even if it means nailing, sawing and hitting on a Sunday afternoon for he has no time during the week.

So dear uncle did this...

He went to his store...

Selected a few strips of timber...

Forced me to drive while he took care of the logistics of transporting the timber to the house...

Then he used his handy skills; chiseled parts of the timber...

Create nooks and crooks to expedite his handy work...

From sawing to chiseling and nailing, he took a good 4 hours almost sending the neighbours up the wall as he smoothens the surface with that sanding equipment. Thank you neighbours for being so accommodating.

Then he patched up some holes, sand -papered it again and got the timber ready for use.

There there's the cross that the youths wanted...2 in fact.

He painted them ...

Later in the week they were sent to the church for the coming week...the Holy Week as we remember Christ's sacrifice on the cross.

My daughters have asked me before what I looked for when I wanted a life partner. Someone who loves God and has time for things in the home, a good and kind provider ready to render me time and attention despite a tight schedule ... I am not demanding but I know he cares enough to see to my needs whenever I need him...yes, someone who loves God because when he does that, things will be in order for his devotion to God is a passport to peace in the home.

Mama : Hey, why can't you just ask your guys to help you? You have shingles you know...yes dad was suffering from a bout of it.

Papa : No. There are just certain things which I want to do personally.

That's devotion, girls. Look for it in a life partner.

The Lazarus Syndrome

In the Star dated 15 April 2011, it says the syndrome takes it name from the biblical story of Lazarus being raised from the dead by Jesus.

I also read that the Lazarus syndrome is rare and refers to the spontaneous return of circulation once attempts at resuscitation efforts failed. The article tells of a 65-year-old being pronounced dead an hour later upon arrival at the Seberang Jaya Hospital after CPR was administered. However after being 'dead ' for 2 1/2 hours, he suddenly began breathing...

According to The Telegraph report on the internet, there were only 38 recorded cases in the world up to 2009.

As we approach Easter, I am reminded of the Lazarus episode in the good book and I read about it again and I am glad that there is a universal term..Lazarus syndrome... which seems to acknowledge the truth expounded in the bible. In John 11, we read about how Martha and Mary were devastated about the death of their brother, Lazarus and how they wept upon the arrival of Jesus to the scene; four days after he died.

"Lord," Martha said to Jesus, "if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask." John 11:21,22 ...

"Come and see, Lord,"...

Jesus wept. John 11 :35.

...Jesus called in a loud voice, " Lazarus, come out!" John 11:43 The dead man came out , his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. Jesus said to them, "Take off the grave clothes and let him go." John 11:44

So, Lazarus was raised from the dead.

The term Lazarus Syndrome reminds me of God's majesty.

When There Is No Hope

The Story of Art Sanborn

He gave his audience hope

Like Christopher Reeves of The Superman, Art Sanborn became a quadriplegic after a spinal injury while swimming in the ocean on a mission in Hawaii 0n December 13, 1998. Medical help was given but the renowned neurosurgeon who operated on him told him that he may never walk again as his C3 and C4 vertebrae were broken. He shared that he fought against negative thoughts that constantly attacked him but the prayers of his loved ones and the church helped him overcome the impossible. Slowly but surely the power of prayer proved the medical prognosis wrong when he stood in front of the neurosurgeon ; though feebly.

Months later, after the relentless support of prayers from loved ones and his daughter who is a medical doctor, he finally gained confidence and strength. He walked again !

His sharing brought evoked much thoughts. Though a faithful servant in the Lord, he is not spared of incidents that could endanger him. However, the greater truth is that God chooses to work a miracle in him for the world to see. He is " handpicked " for a special purpose . Sanborn in his journey to overcome his condition prayed :

• that God gives him daily grace or


• that God heals him

God chose to honour and use him to give hope to others who may be in the same condition. He is a walking miracle and is a joy to hear his testimony. I remember a friend's child again and I pray too for a living miracle. Art Sanborn hopes that the medical team will not give up on the boy and continue to administer ample support and help.

Every inch a family man, he has raised 3 wonderful children together with his dear wife, Ellen. All the siblings love the Lord and serve the church and mission work in different capacities. It's a joy to see how the faithful family put aside a number of months in a year just to do mission work in all parts of the world including Thailand. Art speaks fluently in Thai and has lived there for 7 years and loves Penang dearly during his 3 year stint there.

Very Asian in many ways, his grandchildren are oriental in looks as his daughter is married to a Korean and he laughs when he remembers his daughter saying: "I am an American brought up in Asia and am married to an Asian brought up in America!" Nobody indeed can thwart the plans of God.

He loves roti canai, drinks curry, and eats more chillie than me. It is a delight to see him savouring with ease Asian meals and today his hainanese chicken rice was virtually consumed with 2 servings of chillie paste poured all over his rice. Oh, he loves char koay teow and eagerly ate nasi lemak with joy for breakfast before his sermon in church yesterday.

It was a pleasure to have him as a guest over the weekend as he is unassuming and very easy to be with. He asked me a pertinent question over lunch today before leaving for the airport : "How come so many young men are wearing earrings? I don't agree..." He is so Asian in thoughts and gestures.

Greater things are to be seen through his life and ministry.

A Testimony

Praying For The Opposition

Today my Daily Bread reading tells me of a testimony of how the author despite scorn and protest insisted on bringing the good news to a friend. When the writer should think that all was not too well with the approach, he was surprised that the same friend testified of his knowing Christ the following year. It goes to show that when we do what we ought to do...to bring the good news to friends, we leave the rest of the fruition to God himself.

This brought me back way back to 1973 when I first heard the good news. Back then I, being the opposer, used to laugh at my male friend, now a lawyer who tried his utmost to tell me about the relevance of the gospel in my life. He would pop over to the back lane of my mother's shop house and there in the midst of noise and movements he would invite me to watch shows and performances related to the good news. One particular movie with Sir Cliff Richard as the main actor named "Two A Penny" was popular and my friend would persistently invite me to watch it. I went but it did not evoke me much because my spirit was hard and I had already build a wall within my framework.

My merciful God did not let me go just like that. He put me in the path of another friend, this time a lady friend in the 5th Residential College of the then University of Malaya. This friend was in love with God and took great effort to help me learn more about the good news. Her passion to see me saved in God's grace and eternal plans finally saw me ; a broken vessel before the Almighty God.

John 3:16 says

" For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."

My Father in Heaven sent people into my life for me to know Him. I acknowledge that life does not stop at the instant I received Him. It began from there. There is this walk with a Living God that demands your allegiance and obedience in the Word. The walk may be tough because He speaks and wants your response. But I think life will be so much tougher without this voice that guides and leads you in decision makings. It is good to wake up each day with the hopes in His promises and it is this strength that pulls you through in life. Many more are days to come but the truth is

" For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 6:23.

I like the line that ends today's reading in the Daily Bread...

"People may mock our message

but they are hopeless against our prayers."

This brought me back to a visit to a hospital yesterday when my friend told me that she did not want me to visit her to which I replied :

" Well, you can tell me what you do not want me to do but the body and spirit belong to me. You cannot stop my physical body from coming here. So relax and receive me with love."

To my dear friend there, I am so glad you look well. May you continue to rest in good health.

My final call though is to all my friends who have the time, would you like to come to a special musical performed by a group of dedicated people who want to bring the good news to you?

We have 2 shows :

18th December : 8 - 10 pm

25th December : 10.30 am - 12.30 pm

Come and hear the good news.

That's the real meaning attached to the season.

Hope

Pockets of Hope

Many years ago we planted a small lily species in the garden to brighten our days. But alas, they died a natural death and somehow their survival could not be sustained. May I then conclude that bloooms are difficult to maintain and we just have to resort to its fate.

On this beautiful morning after a trip to the weekly Pasar Tani, I took my coffee at the patio and stole glances at the plants. Lo and behold, I saw pockets of the lily species sprawling here and there.

Just when I thought it has been long gone, some seeds sprang out and gave me a pleasant surprise and rays of hope of its survival.

Pretty blooms that added colour and brightness to the garden; though small in number. It is good to live with hope.

To a dear friend who is still bereaving over the death of several family members and having to go through difficult moments each day, may we rest in the hope that is promised in Heb.4:16

Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

Amen.

Guilty

Even if it's a dollar note.

The church is therapeutic and good for the soul. Each Sunday when you hear the minister speaks, you will tend to reflect the value, teaching and maybe chiding upon your own life. To be honest, it is a tough job because there is bound to be some corrections be it your attitude, thoughts and actions based on the teaching of God. It is not an easy job to stay right all the time. But we can at least reconcile and be humble enough to admit mistakes. After all, the faith is a walking relationship with a Living God who is there to whisper, tell and persuade you to walk in the light.

Next, Pastor narrated that he received a torn and tattered but cellophane-taped one dollar note from a vendor while purchasing some goods. So while exiting from a mall and when given the opportunity to pay the parking toll, he simply produced that tattered note. Who with a right mind would want that note? Not that the Pastor had none when he received it except that it was just too tedious to turn back; so he graciously spared that vendor the agony of rejection.

So now Pastor had to rectify the situation himself. When the parking attendant naturally asked for a new note ... lo and behold dear Pastor's first response was a No. When else could he get rid of it? But greater than the lie was that Voice. That's a lie ; be it a small one. Sensitive to that Voice, Pastor quickly retracted his action and gave a new note to the attendant. Pastor said if he chose to ignore that, then maybe there will come a day when he can no more hear it. You become less and less sensitive and that is detrimental as we harden.

Thank you Pastor, for the sharing.

Tears Of Joy

Act of Grace

Daughter : Ma, did you cry ? I cried.

Ma : I had tears in my prayers this morning.

"Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved - you and your household." Acts 16:31

You have to learn to trust in the Word and claim it.

Today my earthly father in humble obedience took the step of faith and decided to follow Jesus in a public declaration of his belief in Him ... at aged 91.

At the courtesy of the Assembly of God service this blessed morning, there was an announcement on the divine appointment for Kong...

...at the pool in his condominium.

Kong and Por waiting at the site for his act of obedience.

Friends alike waiting in great joy and anticipation on this perfect day.

Reverend Katherine so eager and joyful to conduct a most delightful service for the Lord.

Family members travel from the north to the south and from the south to the north and some from overseas to witness this auspicious day ... a day after 33 years of prayer.

Oh, these are not my grandchildren ; they are only my grand niece and nephew but ever so close to the Lau clan.

I looked around amazed at the crowd that was present ; young and old all gathered together to witness the act of obedience of an old grandpa.

I think the whole church congregation was present... they gave Kong "muka" !

Kong taking the first step into the pool ; he chose this form to sprinkling.

Faithful servants of God all gingerly holding Kong wondering if he could take the challenge and at the same time marvelling at his courage.

Reverend Katherine : " Do you believe that Jesus died for your sins ?"
Kong : "Yes.'
Reverend Katherine : " Do you want to accept Jesus into your heart and into your life?"
Kong : "Yes."
Reverend Katherine : "Do you believe that when Jesus comes the second time He will take you to be with Him in heaven?"
Kong : "Yes."




Reverend Katherine : " I now baptise you in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit."

Born again at 91...he brought much joy to the congregation at the work of miracle... it's no longer I that liveth but Christ that liveth in Me.

Mee Sing and Dave gently wiped away the dampness in deep joy.

Congratulations Kong Kong...

By the Grace of God salvation is yours.

A big luncheon for everyone in celebration of praise and the occasion brought deep gratitude in many hearts on this lovely noon.

They sang before the meal and they sang after the meal in joy and praise to the Lord.

They rendered in Hokkien..."lai sing Yesus chin chia ho"...believing in Jesus on a Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and the whole week is so blessed...

Kong Kong this is for you :

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2:8,9.

Kong Kong, thank you for the act of obedience and you have really made your children happy today. We are so proud to have a papa like you.

John 3 : 16 says "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."