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.

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.

Bye 2010

For all the good things that had happened I can only say :

Thank You God for Your Abundant Favour and Faithfulness.

Romans 8:28

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.

A Prayer

Today, I just want to remember this :

God grant me the serenity

To accept the things I cannot change

Courage to change the things that I can

And the wisdom to know the difference

Amen.

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."

Thank you, dear student

A powerful testimony

It was a usual casual day in school when upon coming back from my rounds I found a piece of writing on my table. It was entitled:

Andy Gan's Testimony

Andy Gan Hsien Loong, awarded the most active student in co-curricular activities of SMK Seafield in 2003 entered into the Malaysian Book Of Records as the "Youngest Golf Overall Champion" at the Sarawak Junior World Masters Golf Championship. A handicap 3 golfer at just 10 years old, Andy was internationally recognised as he emerged victorious in MSSS Golf, Johor Royal Precept Junior Open, Sapura Junior Selection , MacGregor Hong Kong Junior Open, to name a few. He has done Seafield proud.

From his testimony, I learnt about his predicament :

• diagnosed with leukemia (October 2007)
• ruptured appendix (N0vember 2007)
• bone marrow transplant
• relapse in mid 2008
• GVHD attack - chickenpox rashes (October 2008)

The above is quite a mouthful and painful to the eyes. One actually cringes at the recount of the sufferings and yet Andy has put many to shame with his outlook in life...although I have gone through a tough experience, there is a bigger picture there painted by the Lord in my life. Hence, I do not need to worry but just to delight in Him.

Andy continues to testify ;

The Lord is ever faithful and led me to use a book entitled "Give Me Forty Days of Healing" by Feeda Bowers in my devotional time with Him...wow everyday was like something new in store for me and He speaks every time and everyday as I first gave my covenant time to the Lord, I could commune with Him with much intimacy...

Covenant time...intimacy with God. I wonder how many people spend such quality time with God? Andy is right. It is through such soul searching times that much strength and hope is drawn. I am strengthened through his walk with God. You have taught us what it means to be in the presence of a merciful and loving God. At 21, you have gone through much and you have brought many to shame when they take their relationship with God so carelessly.

Another excerpt:

...on a Monday night, while having dinner at home, the GVHD attack came suddenly and attacked me on my skin...I felt very itchy and uncomfortable. My parents were worried and thought of rushing me to SJMC. But I did not want to be warded again...

I wanted to stay at home and spend time in the presence of the Lord...

I am not ashamed to admit that I broke down in my room at this statement...in the presence of the Lord... My heart tore as a mother and as a teacher to you and as I felt the presence of such a strong and meaningful relationship you have with Jesus. I envied you and long for such intimacy with God. You further related...

Thus I prayed and claimed in Jesus' name that all the attack and discomfort would be taken away and new skin would be restored to me. Praise the Lord ! After an hour, my skin condition returned to normal and I need not go to the hospital. Praise the Lord...I hope my testimony will encourage your faith to rise...prayers can move mountains.

Thank you Andy for being such a great testimony and helping us to put our perspectives right in life. You have taught us not to complain about small little discomforts but to be grateful each day for all the good things and then to count our blessings one by one.

Andy, our good God loves you. You know that. Nothing can happen to you without the permission of Jesus. But most of all ; He will provide you the strength. Be strong and courageous just as he reminded Joshua. Shalom to you too, Andy.