Thursday, June 28, 2007

July

Hello Dear Friends.

I'm approaching that faster/busy time of year now. We have a jam packed schedule for July at PMC. I hope I don't get to frantic! We've got WPAC than Youth Sunday and PMC Family Camp and not to mention SAGC London to top it all off!

I looked at my schedule and was a little overwhelmed to say the least. Not also that, but I'll be preaching on the youth sunday. It has been over two years since the last time I've preached at PMC and I'm a little nervous to say the least. I've come to write this blog in hopes of getting prayer because I'm going to need it. I want revival to break out of our community in the name of Jesus! I don't want what is done at the youth service to fall on bad soil or get robbed and all the rest. I want it to have a lasting purpose, to make a difference, to transform lives for the sake of Jesus Christ.

Will you pray for me and the team? This work is not my own but the Fathers! I want him and only him to get all the glory. I want everyone one in the church to truly focus and give their all to Jesus at the end. I want Jesus will to be done!

Please, please keep us all in your prayers. We really need it!

Love Mr. Bilson!

P/S Thanks for your faithful prayers in the past. They'll never be forgotten.

Wednesday, June 27, 2007

Prayer Warriors

"...For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him." (Matthew 6:8)

The prayer warriors were out in full force today. We had a day of prayer and man was it exhilarating.

I get a kick out of prayer. Here I am telling God all about the needs he already knows about and than telling him that he needs to do something about it and not to mention that he should probably start now. Gosh, I found myself just talking God's ear off!

He kept telling me that he wants to know how I'm doing. He wants to talk about me. He wants to have some intimate time with Mr. Bilson. But no, I wouldn't have it..., "I can't talk about myself or pray for myself now Lord, there are to many needs out there that I need to remind you of."

Boy, we are so foolish aren't we? I even apologized to my friends who said next to nothing. I apologized for hoarding God all to myself. But there is one prayer I won't forget.

"Lord, surround our team heading to SAGC London this year with your holy warring angels. Don't give us just any angels but the real big, strong intimidating ones. Not to say that the other angels are not good but we want really strong ones who bring fear and intimidation to any demon that tries to get in the way."

Well the experience was ecstatic. There were tears, tongues, time for intimidating the kingdom of darkness for a change, testimonies, repentance, readings from the word and not to mention the moments of absolute silence which is very unusual for a Pentecostal Church. I also took some ques from BJ who usually likes to play some worship in the background. My Hillsongs CD kept skipping so we settled down to Andy Hunter.

We also took sometime to watch a true documentary/movie called, "End of the Spear." It was moving, heart wrenching, powerful, and thought provoking. What was even more shocking is that it was based on a true story of these people who go and evangelise these violent tribal groups. What struck me is that I saw the head tribesman at missonfest a few years ago. I can never forget his face glowing at his testimony of Jesus Christ. He was talking in his native language and as it was being translated, he couldn't stop smiling and resonating the power, love and grace of Jesus Christ. I remember TS recommended the movie to me after she read most of the book. I would recommend it to you as well.

We spent time praying for the worship team, local church, WPAC, Camp, SAGC and everything in between. We even spent time praying for our friends who couldn't come. I just hate it when there is a move of God and I can't share it with the ones I love.

Now, I feel so free. So at peace! I realize now how out of touch I have been. I want to live in this moment for the rest of my life. We are so blessed to have the assurance of spending eternity with Jesus. Gosh, the world is in dire need. It is time to rise up!

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-7)

Tuesday, June 26, 2007

Laughter

I just came back from watching a comedy. I just love movies but not the dumb ones that glorify sin and evil and all the ugly stuff. The flick I watched had some inappropriate scenes that I wouldn't recommend people to see. However, as a whole it was quite humorous and had more good natured humor than bad. I couldn't stop laughin' at certain parts. It was just too funny! I didn't realize it but I was disturbing everyone in the cinema with my laughter. I just love the joy of a good laugh and I get quite a few with my brother. He is a regular comedian who never shies away at teasing me or making a fool out of me! We are good buddies and it isn't no biggie unless he crosses the boundaries and than it is over!

Than I thought about Jesus. Isaiah says he was a man of sorrows (53:3). John said he wept (11:35). He also said he went away alone (John 6:22). But has Jesus ever enjoyed a good laugh? Has he ever had the chance to enjoy a good belly acher? Has he ever laughed so much that he couldn't breath? The closest thing I found is in Luke 10:21 which says, "In that hour Jesus rejoiced in the Spirit and said, “I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and revealed them to babes. Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in Your sight." (10:21)

I can't wait to see Jesus in heaven. I hope we'll have some time to kick back and hang out and enjoy a good hearty laugh. Hey, if you are around, come join us. It will be fun! Maybe we can pin the big guy down and tickle him. Yeah, and we won't stop if he asks us to. We'll just keep doing it until his muscles cramp or he can't breath. It'll be funny. OHHHhhh I can't wait! It will be fun!

Thursday, June 21, 2007

David Jeremiah

I'm reading through David Jeremiah's devotional this year. I love his work! He is timely, biblical and has experienced the biting benefits of suffering in the Christian life as a cancer survivor. He's clear, concise and down to earth not like most of the smug preachers I've met.

As most of you know, I serve at a church with first time converts. We have very few centuries- old Christians from the south and it is refreshing to see the zeal and wonder of new believers who come to Christ from various religions. However, some of our new friends bring on allot of religious baggage that they get to drop as they come into a relationship with the living God. They get to worship God himself and not man. It is a real revelation and break through if you come from this background. I just read some timely words from David today that can really apply to our church:


"Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification." Romans 14:19

"One of the best ways to edify your church is to build up you pastor. Church members tend to expect perfection from their pastors, but they aren't likely to get it. They've got to realize that imperfect humans serving other imperfect humans in and imperfect environment. Along the way, they'll make blunders. Blessed are those pastors who have supportive, patient, encouraging members to build them up." - David Jeremiah
Wait there is more:
"Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves."
Romans 12:9-10
"The third century bishop and preacher, Dionysius of Alexandria, once wrote a letter describing the suffering that swept through his city when a plague struck. 'Most of our brethren should love and loyalty in not sparing themselves while helping one another,' he wrote, ' tending to the sick with no thought of danger and gladly departing this life with them after becoming infected with their disease. Many who nursed others to health died themselves... The best of our own brothers lost their lives in this way - some presbyters, deacons, and laymen."
Awesome! Might I add another verse David?
"Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends."
John 15:13

Wednesday, June 20, 2007

I Dig this Jam!


Those are some sanctified songs!
Some righteous rhymes.
They got some baptized beats
Straight out of God's Garage!

I'm talking about this really cool band called Mute Math. They were formally Earth Suit but now they have changed their name and they are out of sight! You gotta check them out. What I really like about these kids is that they are not just keeping their great talent in the Christian world. I get annoyed when I see Christian music labels only keep their great talent in the body of Christ and not share it with the rest of the world!

But M U T E M A T H decided to go with a label that will allow them to share their talent with a wider audience of all people whether you are Hindu, Muslim or Christian. I wish more bands would do this personally!

I also can't wait for that new BarlowGirl album. I was watching an interview with a couple of guys who toured with them. I enjoyed their humorous comments about the girls but than they crossed the line. They were mocking the girls commitment to no dating and strong family values. My carnal nature wanted to crack them one! Yeah, you heard me! I wanted to give them an old-fashioned Mr. Bilson bashing! You'd understand my righteous indignation if you had the same friends as I who have gone through all the pain of sexual immorality. BarlowGirl will be saved the pain. Glad someone is willing to take a stand!

Still, it wasn't cool for those dudes to mock them like that. We're suppose to edify or build each other up! Come on guys! Get you heads and hearts right! It's not cool to mock like that! But I must admit, my reaction makes me no different to you if I give you a peice of my carnal mind. So, why don't we both start over, crucify our fleshly desires and work as a team for Jesus' sake! You in or out? I'm calling you out! What do you say?

Saturday, June 16, 2007

When Dreams Become Reality!

I've got some good news! One of my dreams have just become reality. As most of you know, God has a vision of uniting South Asians all over the world to fulfill the great commission which is to...

"...go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

Matthew 28:18-20

I can hardly wait to go. But what I'm really excited about is that I get to share at one of the seminars. YEPEE! I love sharing from God's Word. I don't get to many opportunities to do it. Most of the ministry I'm involved in is event planning, administration, worship, and home visitation (which I need to do more of) and more... But nothing gets me going more than preaching and teaching out of God's Word. The drive is so strong but the only outlet I get is at the occasional Sunday School class. I'm not complaining, it is a real treat! I'm just grateful to get the chance to share at an event with a vision I really own. To be quite frank, it is a dream come true. I'm exhilarated!

However, I do have some concerns but actually I'll be honest. I have some fears. I'm scared that no one is going to show up to the seminar I'm leading. I looked at the panel of speakers and there is a whole range of people. Some are more educated, experienced, and seasoned than I am. We even of Pr FT coming and he is held with so much esteem in our community.

Don't get me wrong. I want nothing but the best for all these people. I even want them to do better than me. That is what Jesus desired (John 14:12). What matters to me is that the Word gets out that Jesus saves! That captives get set free! God, use anyone but place make it happen! I've seen how destructive selfish ambition is. I hate it and despise selfish ambition (For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. James 3:16)

Well, the reason I'm writing is that I'll be sharing on a little topic I'm really passionate about. Holiness! It seems like an impossible goal to attain to. At least many people think it is. The second we fall, we think it is the end of the world and that God has forsaken us or it is time to give up. But it is not. I want to address the matter directly. It needs to be dealt with. It is an important subject to know about. There is freedom in Holiness believe it or not. I'll share more at the convention though.

In the meantime, I have a prayer request. I want this message to come directly from the heart of God Himself. The message is taking shape but it will mean nothing if it isn't from the heart of God. I want this message to make all the difference in the world for people. I'm tired of seeing people in bondage to lust, pornography, bitterness, anger and all the rest. There is freedom. We can live in it. It has been accomplished. It is time to live in it!

My other request is that people will actually show up to the seminar. I remember in SAGC Vancouver, the overflow for LT. Some other presenters speaking on relevant and important subjects had few and even none. I want this Word to hit the right people and the right moment. Most of all, I want to tear down the lies people believe about holiness and see them walk in true freedom and joy in holiness because:

"So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." John 8:36


Thursday, June 14, 2007

Hurt

Have you ever been hurt before? Hurt so badly that it seems it is all you can think about? Have you ever wanted to hurt those people who hurt you and make them feel just as much pain as they have given to you? This is when hurt turns into anger or vengance or bitterness and other sins and it is ugly.

Sure, I admit. I have had those experiences so many times. I thought about David and how he needed to clean his heart. It can get a little bit dirty at times. I thought about Saul and all the persectuion he endured and hardship. He was shipwreked, deserted, beaten to name of view. But in the end he came to a simple straighforward conclusion. It is simple, easy, elementary truth we are taught the first day we come to Jesus. He loves us. And this is humbling. This simple truth is so True. It puts everything else in perspective.

Here are some verses I recall whenever I am hurt.

"I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us." (Romans 8:18)

"For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:38-39)

"For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin" (Hebrews 8:15)

"Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: 15 looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled" (Hebrews 4:14-15)

Wednesday, June 13, 2007

Some Profound Words


God as a mother to her children? There is a reference in the Bible to this beautiful illustration. It is used by Jesus and kinda ties into some of the books I've been reading...

I'm reading some fresh material on spiritual discernment. What is funny is that only one evangelical seminary in all North America offers a course in spiritual discernment and it is in Buncouver of all places. Our Roman Catholic friends seem to all have this course as a mandatory requirement for most of their students. It is a given...

I have a little quote from Thomas Greens, 'Weeds among the Wheat."

"All of us - even the best of us - find that our ideas of God frequently block us from truly experiencing him as he reveals himself. This... was the problem of the Pharisees: They could not properly discern the person and mission of Jesus, and his call to them, because they were blinded by their own pre conceptions, their own attachments... they sought "God and" their own ideas rather than "God only."

Quite interesting... Are we guilty of the same misguided approach to God as the Pharisees? Do we need the same rebuking of the Pharisees from Jesus? Are we guilty of the same sin as them?

Matthew 23
Seven Woes
1Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples: 2"The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat. 3So you must obey them and do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach. 4They tie up heavy loads and put them on men's shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them.

5"Everything they do is done for men to see: They make their phylacteries[a] wide and the tassels on their garments long; 6they love the place of honor at banquets and the most important seats in the synagogues; 7they love to be greeted in the marketplaces and to have men call them 'Rabbi.'

8"But you are not to be called 'Rabbi,' for you have only one Master and you are all brothers. 9And do not call anyone on earth 'father,' for you have one Father, and he is in heaven. 10Nor are you to be called 'teacher,' for you have one Teacher, the Christ.[b] 11The greatest among you will be your servant. 12For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.

13"Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the kingdom of heaven in men's faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let those enter who are trying to.[c]

15"Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You travel over land and sea to win a single convert, and when he becomes one, you make him twice as much a son of hell as you are.

16"Woe to you, blind guides! You say, 'If anyone swears by the temple, it means nothing; but if anyone swears by the gold of the temple, he is bound by his oath.' 17You blind fools! Which is greater: the gold, or the temple that makes the gold sacred? 18You also say, 'If anyone swears by the altar, it means nothing; but if anyone swears by the gift on it, he is bound by his oath.' 19You blind men! Which is greater: the gift, or the altar that makes the gift sacred? 20Therefore, he who swears by the altar swears by it and by everything on it. 21And he who swears by the temple swears by it and by the one who dwells in it. 22And he who swears by heaven swears by God's throne and by the one who sits on it.

23"Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cummin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former. 24You blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel.

25"Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. 26Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean.

27"Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men's bones and everything unclean. 28In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness.

29"Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You build tombs for the prophets and decorate the graves of the righteous. 30And you say, 'If we had lived in the days of our forefathers, we would not have taken part with them in shedding the blood of the prophets.' 31So you testify against yourselves that you are the descendants of those who murdered the prophets. 32Fill up, then, the measure of the sin of your forefathers!

33"You snakes! You brood of vipers! How will you escape being condemned to hell? 34Therefore I am sending you prophets and wise men and teachers. Some of them you will kill and crucify; others you will flog in your synagogues and pursue from town to town. 35And so upon you will come all the righteous blood that has been shed on earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah son of Berekiah, whom you murdered between the temple and the altar. 36I tell you the truth, all this will come upon this generation.

37"O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing. 38Look, your house is left to you desolate. 39For I tell you, you will not see me again until you say, 'Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.'

Monday, June 11, 2007

BarlowGirl Kick!


So I'm still on my Barlow Girl kick. I just love the music, and the message and admire their call to holiness. What I really like about them is that they completely break the stereotype. Stereotypes are ideas held about members of particular groups, based primarily
on membership in that group. They may be positive or negative prejudicial, ... This definition will do for our purposes. The TV, papers, and Internet and our experiences can help perpetuate stereotypes whether they are positive or negative about specific groups.

I'm going to talk about the negative stereotype about Caucasian girls. As most of you may or may not know, I'm one of those few people in my church who is young, single, educated and people assume I'm searching for the perfect woman to settle down to a new life of family and career. It might be a misguided assumption at some points but the reason I am telling you this is that people will give me all sorts of advice about marriage, finding the perfect someone and all the rest. I have to admit that I hear it all. I had a person recently give me some startling advice. He advised me not to marry a white girl! I know Kanye West was given similar advice... I also remember going to India and the locals were encouraging me to marry an Indian girl. They heard about the feminist movements happening in North America liberating women from being domestic wives or becoming home makers. They would tell me that if I marry their women, she would cook and clean and even serve me. If I marry from North America, she will make me cook and clean for her. They would also reassure me that their women were chaste and modest and not exposed to all the immorality in the world. They would laugh at the role women were taking in the family in North America and proudly boasted about how Indian women kept hold of there traditional role in the family. Props to those Indian women who have maintained this model of godliness.

The other stereotype is that all white women do not save it for marriage as alluded to. Most people look on TV and see professing white Christians like Brittany Spears and Jessica Simpson take it all off. They'd shamelessly parade around a stage wearing next to nothing. Personally, my heart breaks when I see this...

But I'm glad to say that this stereotype doesn't apply to all white girls. I'm glad to say that there are some Caucasian girls who are willing to stay pure, save it for marriage, and dress modestly and not even date. BarlowGirl completely blow that stereotype out of the water. These home schooled girls with strong family values have consecrated their lives to Jesus. They could easily cut out a better record deal with a prestigious record company who would tell them that they can get a wider audience by showing more skin. However, they have declined. They are keeping it real. They are raising the bar, taking a stand and don't seem to want to compromise. They have said no to the world. They have decided to crucify the desires of flesh, stand against the world and defy the devil. Isn't it awesome! I hope they stand the test of time!

Keep spreading the message girls. You'll touch more people than you know! Way to go! Prove my ignorant friends wrong! Break down the stereotypes. Live for Jesus. Show what real and true godliness is. Maintain your integrity. Inspire others. Set the example. Shine on you crazy diamonds! Keep it real! Keep it real!

Rainbow Church Members


Here is Dav. He's one of the buddies from the, "Rainbow Church." I'm not down with the doctrines at the 'Rainbow Church," however God's offer of salvation is for all people. God loves all sinners alike including me. Whether you are a persecutor of the church or a tax collector or even gay, God's offer of love, salvation, mercy, forgivness is for all including Dav.

Well, this 'Rainbow Church' buddy was able to help a brother out so for that, I'm am deeply grateful. Thanks for digging the dirt and providing a reference for yours truly. However, even though I am not down with the same doctrines as you, I hope you will still respond to God's offer of unconditional, love, mercy and eternal life and so much more. Thanks again brother and I think I'll just leave the soap on the ground!

Saturday, June 09, 2007

Dumplings




New Ministry Partners



New Ministry Pics




The New Ministry Part 3.






I woke up this morning to the ring of my phone. It was A-Bomb. I was half asleep and if you don't know me, I'm virtually unconscious when I am sleepy. I'm trying to recall what he was saying. He wanted me to come out and spread the dirt that had just been dumped at the kitty litter box, I mean Volley Ball Court. I was tired, incoherent and mumbling on the phone. I got another call from him wanting the spare keys to the car because he locked his key inside. Good one!

I managed to roll out of bed and arrived to see the above site. I was awed at the site of the the sand on the court but than I saw something else. I was horrified. It was Dav. If you don't know Dav he is from the 'Rainbow Church,' if you know what I mean. He even took off his dress. I guess he was trying to fool us for being a man and we were almost convinced until he started shoveling. Man this guy couldn't shovel if his life depended on it. He kept saying, "It's too heavy. My back is sore. When are we having a break? I'm thirsty. There is dirt in my shoes. I feel hot." under his lisp.

Well, A-Bomb and I kept on shovelling and ignored that banter. We just managed to phase him out. It was even more embarrassing for Deb who is married to this guy. We had to beg her to pose in the first photo. She seemed so embarrassed to find her husband trying to be a man. It was pretty sad... She reluctantly got into the photo after hours of begging. She didn't want to be seen with him. And who can blame her. Well, maybe we'll take him out and give him some lessons on how to be a man. It will take a miracle. But we have faith.

Don't worry Deb, we'll do the best we can. When we are done with him, he'll be a man all right. At least we hope so...

A New Ministry Pt 2






We managed to get some dirt for the new ministry. It was at a nomimal cost and it is actually river sand. It is very fine, soft and great on the feet if you are into Volleyball. The Dump Truck is bigger than it looks. It is with a company called Girn. P woke up at 6am to get the dirt and get the court up and running. What a kind and wonderful contribution. Thanks again.

A New Ministry







Feast your eyes on a new ministry. What is it you maybe asking? Well, it is not a excavation site. We are not digging up for gold to support the building project. We are also not making a sandbox and not this is not a giant sized kitty litter if you were wondering. This is definitely no plantation either....

It is a new ministry. We Christians can have a narrow minded view of what sharing the gospel is all about. Some of us think that the 0nly way to bring people to Jesus is by ramming sermons down peoples throats and nothing else. This is only one means but God is much bigger than that. Jesus spend quality time with people visiting homes (Luke 10:38ff), having dinner with some friends (Luke 22:7ff) and of course teaching at the synagogue (Matthew 4:23).

Someone named A-Bomb discovered a great way to bring people to know Him. He thought up an idea of using sports to bring people to the church. Why not? It is a great bridge builder, relationship maker, and a heck of a lot of fun. Most people think that we Christians don't know how to have fun but we are here to prove them wrong. We know that fun is not a sin and we most certainly can have a blast.

So, the Wise Guys Boyz club decided to help out and give a hand. No, we are not exploiting child labor. We kept them well fed. Hey, a full worker is a happy worker and even a hard worker. Jesus enjoyed a good meal with a friend (Matthew 9:10).

We want Jesus to use this future volleyball court to bring his lost children to himself. To let them experience some joy, fun and laughter for a change. I've heard testimonies from people who came to Christ through joyful and fun activities at the church. Sure, there was preaching, music and prayer but there was also moments of real joy that brought them to the Lord. I'll never forget that one particular testimony L who came to Christ from having some childhood fun with the kids in the youth group. He had a gruesome upbringing but his mom made sure he went to church and when I saw him last, he was patiently caring and loving the inner city kids. It is beautiful.

Thanks to A-Bomb who has takin' on this daunting task of putting this thing together. God bless you brother and may the face of the Lord shine on you. I remember he looked at me and said, "Man, people better like this thing." I smirked realizing that we Christians will have enemies at every turn just like Nehemiah, Ezra, Jesus and all the rest. Jesus even said that if we want to be his disciple, all men will hate us (Matt 10:22).

So we will press on no matter what. At least that is the desire of our heart. I believe God will grant it! I believe...

Keep posted on new updates on this new journey to a fresh new ministry.

Wednesday, June 06, 2007

Flattered

I accidentally typed in the wrong addy for my blog and got this:

http://mrbilson.blogpsot.com/

I was shocked to find a neat little Christian site. Go ahead and take a look. I was flattered that this site would want to use a similar addy as mine. I hope they enjoy all three hits from the three people who read my site. LOL!

Thanks http://mrbilson.blogpsot.com/

Monday, June 04, 2007

A Leader's Pleasure

I'm going to tell you one of my secret pleasures. It is a secret though, okay? Can you keep a secret? It can't go beyond us! Okay, I hope I peaked your curiosity! Or maybe I should keep blabbering on and on and on to build the suspence. It is quite fun! I can't help myself! Hee He he!

Well, I'll go on. You are probaly thinking, "Good, get the point and stop being so annoying!" or if you are cool, you are giggling with me. I hope you are cool. Oh, was I babbling again. LOL!

I was experiencing so much pleasure this weekend. I get so much pleasure in seeing other people bloom. I get so much pleasure in seeing people owning vision and doing whatever it takes to make it a reality. I get such a thrill out of it. I love seeing people owning a God sized vision and this weekend I had the raw pleasure of seeing this happen with one of my close compadre's, C - Note. She took hold of a vision, grabbed the bull by the horns and rode that sucker!

As you know we have a team heading to the ends of the earth. We are heading to London to join a movement of South Asian Young People who want to do something about the cause of Christ. Some of us have never been overseas before, others of us have never done something like this. We are nervous, excited, exhilerated and even a bit... what is the word... expectant.

I'm so proud to see C-Note rise up! She took on a little fundraising scheme and it turned out to be a grand success. I barely had to lift a finger because she and the team took on the whole project. It such a releif to know that I'm not the only one who owns the vision but there are others. It confirms that I am not doing it in my flesh because others are rising up. It shows God's Spirit at work. It show's God is in this work. It prooves again that this is His vision and not something me or Pastor P or TV have done in our own ingenuity. Thanks'a gain C-Note for proofing that!

"For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you..." 2 Timothy 1:6a

Words from Paul to his young protege Timothy.

The Job Interview

I just came back from a job interview. My interviewer looked at my checkered resume or CV depeding on what part of the world you are from. I've done many interviews in my time, but this one was different. She asked me who was the most influential person in my life and why he/she was so influential.

I told her that is was my mentor/pastor/friend, Pastor P. The reason he was so influential was because he believed in me more than I did in myself. He never gave up on me whenever I failed or blundered. He was never shocked, dissappointed, angry or tramautized by my mishaps. He would keep believing in me and push me to rise above, overcome and move on even in the face of seemingly failure.

I hate rejection. I hate it when people write me off. I hate being looked down on and who doesn't? It really stinks. Who enjoys the emotional baggage that comes with all these experiences. Who likes to be belittled? Nonetheless God is ever faithful and Pastor P is a living manifestation, a walking demonstration, a real testimony of Jesus in the world.

"... if we are faithless, he will remain faithful, for he cannot disown himself." (2 Tim 2:13)

"... I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father." (John 14:12)

"I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you." (John 14:18)

"Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." (Hebrews 12:5)

Oh, God bless men of God like him. I hope I can aspire to that one day. You are truly the salt of the earth and light of the world. Thank you for leaving the comforts of heaven, the tropics of Singapore to change a the life of little ol' me. You left your wonderful church, beautiful new home, family and all you creature comforts to respond to the call of God. Sure, you didn't have all the ansrews at first. You didn't know what you would do, where you would live, how you'd bring home the bacon ($$$) but you took a leap of faith to impact Mr. Bilson. I can never thank you enough...

Saturday, June 02, 2007

Profound Quotes.

I've been hearing some profound quotes in the past while. I hope they provoke you as much as they do for me.

"Silence is spoken here." - Thomas Merton (Found at a library at an Anglican School)

"Compromise is not just how we react to a fallen culture but how we react to the fallen nature in us." Keith Waara (Pastor from Mackenzie BC)

"If your church burned down, would anyone know?" Keith implies that if you and your church is having an impact on your community, they'd know if you and your church were gone."

"Art - clear thinking about mixed feelings."

Paradigm Shifts we Encounter Doing Christian Ministry in Today's Culture by Donald Miller:

1. Nobody will listen to you unless they know you like them.

2. Nobody will listen to God unless they know God loves them.

3. Telling someone about the gospel is about them, not us.

4. Don't let spreading the gospel feel any different than telling somebody about a love in your life, about your children or a great memory.

There is more but I'm hot and have to call MD.

See you later. I enjoy writing and reading as you can see.

HM Memories

Just finished watching Reggie Dabbs who spoke at HM this year, with my mom. She loved it and thought he was a riot. You can watch clips at:

http://youtube.com/historymakerbc

Give it shot!

POWERFUL MISSION VID

Hello Dear Friends,

Here is an absolutely powerful video on youtube about Missions (Locally and Globally). I saw it awhile ago and it is nothing less than an eye opener.

Pr P, I strongly recommend you watch it. It will get the wheels turning:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=VthS0-Kn4Ig

Friday, June 01, 2007

Hillsongs United Concert

Loved the Hillsongs United Concert. It was at Thunderbird Stadium. I have many memories of that venue from the BC days (Before Christ). Well, I'm about to get a little bit open in this blog so if you don't have the grace to hear how I fall short of the glory of God, I don't recommend you read further. This paticular blog is for only those who recognize that:

"There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God," (Rom 3:22-23)
including YOU I might mention

"Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy." (Matthew 5:7)

"If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her." (John 8:7)

This blog is only meant for those Jesus lovers who are humbled at the sight of their own sinfulness bathed in the grace, love, mercy of God so here we go....

The last time I was at the great Thunderbird was at a concert called EdgeFest. I remember moshing and body surfing to the beats of Our Lady Peace, The Tea Party, Collective Soul, Glueleg, Econoline Crush (and I was literally crushed), Age of Electric. This was a time in music when great guitar playing was actually mainstream and Canada was spitting out some really cool talent. I will commend these bands for the musicianship and talent. Looking back, I can't relate to their blind outlook on life. I can see now! I also remember seeing the pyro's to 'Fuel' by Metallica...

But last weekend, it was a different moment. I was in the company of people madly in love with Jesus and who wanted to only honor and lift Him up. No pyro's, moshing, drinking, smoking, fighting, druging. It was the for the Lord and only Him. It was bathing in the lifegiving presence of the God of the universe. Life has meaning now! There is fulfillmet, peace and hope. There is reason for living! There was a sure victory in the end. There is eternal life. I was finally loved! The emptiness was gone. He died for me. He died for me. He rose for me. He rose for me. What more can I ask for?

What I love about the AD days (After Christ) is that I never felt any younger! I remember feeling dead, cold, empty, hopeless as a blind teenager at those concerts. But now all that has changed and I have every reason to worship, shout praises, give thanks, serenade the savior. It is time. Indeed it is time for it!

So the concert was just another thrust on my surf of a wave of living water in the past month. There were times when it has been dry like a dark night of the soul and it has been searching but I am not going to exaggerate my trials or burderns. They are so small compared to the real times of suffering. However, it is great to just fall madly and romatically in love with God again. The United concert helped and so does Barlow Girl and now I'm grooving to Delirious' new numbers. It is nice to have a break from the routine, and mundane and even the trivial. I just heard some wonderful words from a wise man of God who mentioned that the Holy Spirit is not just in our ecstatic experiences but also in the boring, mundane as well.

Well, enough of the incoherent ramblings for now. I'm here to say that I love the Lord inspite of all my failures and it has been exhilerating. He still loves us and is not shocked by our failures. He doesn't just right us off or reject us like fickle people. He is relentlessly loving us!

So I'll end with some of my favorite words from Barlow Girl:

"You are a God who has all things and still you love me."

Now, I'm off to bed and my thoughts fixed on none other than the savior! Oh, more pericope's please (pardon bad spelling):

"I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us." (Romans 8:18)

"Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: "For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered." No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:35-39)

Oh, before I sign off, can any of you catz email me some of those photoes we took. I'd love to see them. It was a memorable moment and I'm feeling kinda sentimental and wouldn't might some keep sakes. You know what I mean.

Take care!