Giving God the glory can be on our mouth.
Yet, we may choose to depend on our own talent and experiences.
I truly believe that if we depend on Him more, greater things can happen.
the challenge is thus is not so much for younger ministers, but rather the older ones.
maturity is about taking on responsibilities and it is also about greater dependence on Him.
Make Him not just the first, but only consideration. Things should go better.
Monday, September 15, 2014
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
who are the sons of Korah
Question: "Who were the sons of Korah in the Old Testament?"
http://www.gotquestions.org/sons-of-Korah.html
Answer:The story of the sons of Korah in the Old Testament is truly a tale of two fathers and two destinies. The story begins with the Israelites of Moses’ time as they journeyed through the wilderness just after leaving Egypt. In Numbers Chapter 3, God set aside the Levites, out of the tribes of Israel, for full time service to Him. They were ordained to take care of the tabernacle and all of its implements, as well as the Ark of the Covenant. Only the descendants of Moses and Aaron, however, were allowed to serve as priests. The three sons of Levi were Gershon, Merari and Kohath. The Gershonites were responsible for the care of the tabernacle and tent, its coverings, the curtain at the entrance to the tent of meeting, the curtains of the courtyard, the curtain at the entrance to the courtyard surrounding the tabernacle and altar, and the ropes—and everything related to their use. The Merarites were appointed to take care of the frames of the tabernacle, its crossbars, posts, bases, all its equipment, and everything related to their use, as well as the posts of the surrounding courtyard with their bases, tent pegs and ropes. The Kohathites were responsible for the care of the sanctuary. They were responsible for the care of the ark, the table, the lamp stand, the altars, the articles of the sanctuary used in ministering, the curtain, and everything related to their use. They were under the direct supervision of Eleazar, son of Aaron. Unlike the Gershonites and the Merarites, who were allowed to transport the items under their care on carts, the Kohathites had to carry their items, the holy things of the Tabernacle, on their shoulders. They had the hot, arduous burden of transporting these items from place to place as the camp moved, but they were not allowed to actually touch the items or they would die. The priests had to wrap the sacred objects in special coverings before they were transported (Numbers 4:15). Many of the Kohathites began to disdain this task and to covet the role of the priests. Korah was the grandson of Kohath, and he began to run with another group of Reubenite malcontents, namely, Dathan and Abiram, sons of Eliab, and On son of Peleth. In pride, they roused a group of 250 men together to challenge the rights of Moses and Aaron to the priesthood (Numbers 16). Moses summoned the rebellious men to stand before God and burn incense. God warned Moses to let the assembly know to get away from Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, their households and the other rebels. Then a remarkable and terrifying event happened. “Then Moses said, ‘This is how you will know that the LORD has sent me to do all these things and that it was not my idea: If these men die a natural death and suffer the fate of all mankind, then the LORD has not sent me. But if the LORD brings about something totally new, and the earth opens its mouth and swallows them, with everything that belongs to them, and they go down alive into the realm of the dead, then you will know that these men have treated the LORD with contempt.’ As soon as he finished saying all this, the ground under them split apart and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them and their households, and all those associated with Korah, together with their possessions. They went down alive into the realm of the dead, with everything they owned; the earth closed over them, and they perished and were gone from the community. At their cries, all the Israelites around them fled, shouting, ‘The earth is going to swallow us too!’ And fire came out from the LORD and consumed the 250 men who were offering the incense” (Numbers 16:28-35). Although this clearly marked the end of Korah, we discover that Korah’s sons, perhaps too young to understand their father’s uprising or maybe too cognizant of God’s authority to join in the revolt, were spared (Numbers 26:9-11). God judged those who turned against Him in active rebellion and purified His people, but He still had a purpose and plan for even the line of Korah. After seven successive generations, the prophet Samuel arose from the line of Korah, the genealogy of which is recorded in1 Chronicles 6:31-38, 1 Chronicles 38, and1 Samuel 1:1,20. The Korahites became doorkeepers and custodians for the tabernacle (1 Chronicles 9:19-21, 1 Chronicles 2.) One group of Korahites (1 Chronicles 12:6) joined King David in various military exploits and won the reputation of being expert warriors. However, the most remarkable thing to note about the sons of Korah is that during the time of King David, they became the great leaders in choral and orchestral music in the Tabernacle and the Temple. Heman the Korahite had a place of great importance as a singer, along with Asaph (Gershonite) and Ethan or Jeduthan (Merarite). These individuals played an important role in the thanksgiving services and pageantry when the Ark of the Covenant was brought to Jerusalem. David formed an elaborate organization for song, instrumental music, and prophesying through these men. Of all of the Psalms, about 25 are attributed to the sons of Korah. These beautiful Psalms express a spirit of great gratitude and humility to an awesome, mighty God. They express a longing for God and deep devotion. These poetic songs include Psalms 42-49, 50, 62, and 72-85.Psalms 42:1contains the beautiful line, “As the deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God.”Psalm 84:1states, “How lovely is your dwelling place, O God.”Psalm 46:1-3conveys the powerful message, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.” One wonders if the poet who penned these lyrics was remembering his ignoble beginnings, his distant ancestor who perished in an earthquake for his pride and rebellion. Perhaps it was that reflection that prompted the following words of the Psalms: “He says, ‘Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth’” (Psalm 46:10). For each of us, our own songs of renewed purpose and redemption should flow out of a heart of humility as we remember the fallen state from which He raised us and the redemption that we experience through His grace. This was certainly the case for the sons of Korah. Read more:http://www.gotquestions.org/sons-of-Korah.html#ixzz2ZAvkdNqO
http://www.gotquestions.org/sons-of-Korah.html
Answer:The story of the sons of Korah in the Old Testament is truly a tale of two fathers and two destinies. The story begins with the Israelites of Moses’ time as they journeyed through the wilderness just after leaving Egypt. In Numbers Chapter 3, God set aside the Levites, out of the tribes of Israel, for full time service to Him. They were ordained to take care of the tabernacle and all of its implements, as well as the Ark of the Covenant. Only the descendants of Moses and Aaron, however, were allowed to serve as priests. The three sons of Levi were Gershon, Merari and Kohath. The Gershonites were responsible for the care of the tabernacle and tent, its coverings, the curtain at the entrance to the tent of meeting, the curtains of the courtyard, the curtain at the entrance to the courtyard surrounding the tabernacle and altar, and the ropes—and everything related to their use. The Merarites were appointed to take care of the frames of the tabernacle, its crossbars, posts, bases, all its equipment, and everything related to their use, as well as the posts of the surrounding courtyard with their bases, tent pegs and ropes. The Kohathites were responsible for the care of the sanctuary. They were responsible for the care of the ark, the table, the lamp stand, the altars, the articles of the sanctuary used in ministering, the curtain, and everything related to their use. They were under the direct supervision of Eleazar, son of Aaron. Unlike the Gershonites and the Merarites, who were allowed to transport the items under their care on carts, the Kohathites had to carry their items, the holy things of the Tabernacle, on their shoulders. They had the hot, arduous burden of transporting these items from place to place as the camp moved, but they were not allowed to actually touch the items or they would die. The priests had to wrap the sacred objects in special coverings before they were transported (Numbers 4:15). Many of the Kohathites began to disdain this task and to covet the role of the priests. Korah was the grandson of Kohath, and he began to run with another group of Reubenite malcontents, namely, Dathan and Abiram, sons of Eliab, and On son of Peleth. In pride, they roused a group of 250 men together to challenge the rights of Moses and Aaron to the priesthood (Numbers 16). Moses summoned the rebellious men to stand before God and burn incense. God warned Moses to let the assembly know to get away from Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, their households and the other rebels. Then a remarkable and terrifying event happened. “Then Moses said, ‘This is how you will know that the LORD has sent me to do all these things and that it was not my idea: If these men die a natural death and suffer the fate of all mankind, then the LORD has not sent me. But if the LORD brings about something totally new, and the earth opens its mouth and swallows them, with everything that belongs to them, and they go down alive into the realm of the dead, then you will know that these men have treated the LORD with contempt.’ As soon as he finished saying all this, the ground under them split apart and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them and their households, and all those associated with Korah, together with their possessions. They went down alive into the realm of the dead, with everything they owned; the earth closed over them, and they perished and were gone from the community. At their cries, all the Israelites around them fled, shouting, ‘The earth is going to swallow us too!’ And fire came out from the LORD and consumed the 250 men who were offering the incense” (Numbers 16:28-35). Although this clearly marked the end of Korah, we discover that Korah’s sons, perhaps too young to understand their father’s uprising or maybe too cognizant of God’s authority to join in the revolt, were spared (Numbers 26:9-11). God judged those who turned against Him in active rebellion and purified His people, but He still had a purpose and plan for even the line of Korah. After seven successive generations, the prophet Samuel arose from the line of Korah, the genealogy of which is recorded in1 Chronicles 6:31-38, 1 Chronicles 38, and1 Samuel 1:1,20. The Korahites became doorkeepers and custodians for the tabernacle (1 Chronicles 9:19-21, 1 Chronicles 2.) One group of Korahites (1 Chronicles 12:6) joined King David in various military exploits and won the reputation of being expert warriors. However, the most remarkable thing to note about the sons of Korah is that during the time of King David, they became the great leaders in choral and orchestral music in the Tabernacle and the Temple. Heman the Korahite had a place of great importance as a singer, along with Asaph (Gershonite) and Ethan or Jeduthan (Merarite). These individuals played an important role in the thanksgiving services and pageantry when the Ark of the Covenant was brought to Jerusalem. David formed an elaborate organization for song, instrumental music, and prophesying through these men. Of all of the Psalms, about 25 are attributed to the sons of Korah. These beautiful Psalms express a spirit of great gratitude and humility to an awesome, mighty God. They express a longing for God and deep devotion. These poetic songs include Psalms 42-49, 50, 62, and 72-85.Psalms 42:1contains the beautiful line, “As the deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God.”Psalm 84:1states, “How lovely is your dwelling place, O God.”Psalm 46:1-3conveys the powerful message, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.” One wonders if the poet who penned these lyrics was remembering his ignoble beginnings, his distant ancestor who perished in an earthquake for his pride and rebellion. Perhaps it was that reflection that prompted the following words of the Psalms: “He says, ‘Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth’” (Psalm 46:10). For each of us, our own songs of renewed purpose and redemption should flow out of a heart of humility as we remember the fallen state from which He raised us and the redemption that we experience through His grace. This was certainly the case for the sons of Korah. Read more:http://www.gotquestions.org/sons-of-Korah.html#ixzz2ZAvkdNqO
Sunday, April 1, 2012
I have a dream
I have a dream
Church to be a place of artistic influence. To engage culture... ...
for a start, there would be regular performances/showcases of the following:
1. Photography exhibitions (can be led by Jimmy Yong)
2. Short films feature (can be led by Royston, Jack Neo, Raymond Delon Poh)
3. Full length film feature
4. Music showcases - rotated amongst up and coming youth bands, independent artists, ensemble performance from TMO, strike force, acapela, jazz/pop/rock/folk performances, rap, song writing showcase, etc (before/after the service at the chill out place). primary managed by the various ministry with involvement with people in the local industry.
5. Drama showcase - short dramas (addressing issues in society, world, politics, etc)
6. Dance showcase - led by O School but giving feature for in house talents - flash mob
7. Art exhibitions and competitions
8.
These can lead to various other streams like:
workshops in day/night photography
masters class in drama, music, etc
if need be, can even evolve into festivals, so forth.
other considerations can even include cooking lessons, flower arrangement, wine appreciation, sports clubs like jogging club, cycling club, basketball 3-on-3, football, futsal, golf, etc.. ...
this will provide avenues for different ones to showcase their talents/works and an opportunity to be scouted for the various ministry.
This will also bring together showcases for various local artists on selected days so that relationships can be build - great entry point for friendship evangelism.
Saturday, March 24, 2012
masters
at 37 years of age, 3 kids later, I finally made some progress towards getting my masters.
this time it would be from University of Newcastle, Australia.
80 credits and 18 months later, I hope that I can complete that and at the same time get a local certified training certificate ACTA.
need grace for balance, family, health & discipline.
this time it would be from University of Newcastle, Australia.
80 credits and 18 months later, I hope that I can complete that and at the same time get a local certified training certificate ACTA.
need grace for balance, family, health & discipline.
Saturday, March 17, 2012
muse in the night
It is almost 2am and I have loads in my mind.
Not really thinking but just in a contemplative mood . Maybe it is music withdrawal symptoms or just in need i
Of some actions. Guess it is a mixture of both.
Masters in education is on my mind. Online program from Australia and hopefully not taking to muchtime bit it will definitely cost quite a bit , at least SGD$25000.
Well, I am already helping others with their masters program and why not, I do one for myself. Supply chain will be a reasonable considerations but education is my area of interest.
Bible is written and thus, it is the right for all humans to be literate. To read and write out of the illeteracy will be the same as getting out of poverty.
Not really thinking but just in a contemplative mood . Maybe it is music withdrawal symptoms or just in need i
Of some actions. Guess it is a mixture of both.
Masters in education is on my mind. Online program from Australia and hopefully not taking to muchtime bit it will definitely cost quite a bit , at least SGD$25000.
Well, I am already helping others with their masters program and why not, I do one for myself. Supply chain will be a reasonable considerations but education is my area of interest.
Bible is written and thus, it is the right for all humans to be literate. To read and write out of the illeteracy will be the same as getting out of poverty.
Monday, September 19, 2011
yellow ribbon
I came back from the yellow ribbon project. it was a great time. the band was fantastic and I am sure that the organizers are happy with what they saw and heard.
it was great to collaborate with the inmates and gave few great performances.
yet I was touched by something I saw. one of the family of the inmates arrived really early - wife, mom & 2 daughters. they could only look from a distance, taking videos of their son, father & hubby in action. no verbal words but mere eye contact and mouthing of words in a distance exchange. could almost feel the longing from all.
the distance is barely 15 meters and I witness the longest 15 meters today.
the other irony is that they are still serving their terms but clearly they displayed great freedom in their music.
freedom cannot be locked up, not at least for musical freedom.
yet upon their release, harsh reality and a double dip awaits them. may they have the strength and courage to ride out the storms.
it was great to collaborate with the inmates and gave few great performances.
yet I was touched by something I saw. one of the family of the inmates arrived really early - wife, mom & 2 daughters. they could only look from a distance, taking videos of their son, father & hubby in action. no verbal words but mere eye contact and mouthing of words in a distance exchange. could almost feel the longing from all.
the distance is barely 15 meters and I witness the longest 15 meters today.
the other irony is that they are still serving their terms but clearly they displayed great freedom in their music.
freedom cannot be locked up, not at least for musical freedom.
yet upon their release, harsh reality and a double dip awaits them. may they have the strength and courage to ride out the storms.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
My toilet and i
i like my personal space & time in the toilet, uninterrupted, without distractions, carefree.
Amazingly, this is one of the few places of reflection, thinking, considering, questioning of oneself, replaying of today's highlights, strategizing for the next move, weighing options, putting down of mask, switching to other thinking hats, contemplation, meditation, get-away from it all ... ...
And man, no wonder, so many amongst us have piles ... ...
Amazingly, this is one of the few places of reflection, thinking, considering, questioning of oneself, replaying of today's highlights, strategizing for the next move, weighing options, putting down of mask, switching to other thinking hats, contemplation, meditation, get-away from it all ... ...
And man, no wonder, so many amongst us have piles ... ...
Thursday, January 6, 2011
2011 gigs & events
My gigs for 2011
01 Jan 2011 - Hibiscus ballroom, Grand Hyatt Hotel gig (compass) with regi leo
02 Jan 2011 - CHC (expo)
04 Jan 2011 - Doxa music appreciation dinner
05 Jan 2011 - blu jaz cafe (matrix monthly jam) with Ravi (keys), Johnny (bass), George (drums), Jase (bass), Charlie (guitar), edmund (t.sax), boon chye (sax), Leo (sax), David Glover (sax), Lester (sax), Md Noor (drums)
08 Jan 2011 - Capella, Sentosa gig (robert seng) with jeff fonseka (vox), anabel chew (flute), Dawn Yip (vox), Robert seng (everything else)
09 Jan 2011 - CHC (expo), night practice for 15 Jan 11 wedding
11 Jan 2011 - main ballroom, fullerton hotel (compass gig) with ramon (vox), regi leo (guit)
14 Jan 2011 - grand copthorne waterfront (compass gig, under chen jianbing) with ramon (vox), parry (keys), mervyn (drums)
15 Jan 2011 - M Hotel (tan boon gig) with estella, bobby singh, adeline as The Urban Quartet (TUQ)
15 Jan 2011 - Resort World Sentosa (compass gig)
15 Jan 2011 - Hotel Intercontinental (compass gig) with parry (keys), bryan (perc), ramon (vox)
15 Jan 2011 - Resort World Sentosa (compass gig) with patrick (bass), sebastian (guitar)
16 Jan 2011 - CHC (Expo)
22 Jan 2011 - Conrad Centennial Hotel Intercontinental (compass gig) with Jo (vox), ramon (vox), parry (keys)
23 Jan 2011 - CHC (Expo)
26 Jan 2011 - Premier Gala of movie GREAT GREAT WORLD @ GV VIVO
23 Jan 2011 - CHC (expo)
30 Jan 2011 - CHC (expo)
06 Feb 2011 - CHC (expo)
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Vision for creative ministry
For months, this has consumed me from within.
The creative ministry can do more than putting up great productions twice a year. i am sure that we have enough talents in various art forms to be a blessing to the creative industry. Creative industry itself is a rather big definition and i would assume that the scope will be bigger than just drama, but also the followings:
visual art, sculpture, installations, photography, music, singing, theatre, movie, animation, documentary, dance, song writing, etc.
I am sure that there are many hobbists in these areas who are wish to serve beyond the 4 walls of the church. Now, let us bring church without walls to a new dimension - not just charity, care for handicap, sick or abandoned. Let us bring creativity up in church, overflowing into the society and industry.
Being a musician, i see many opportunities in the domain of music. Of course, first and foremost the ministry is to serve the vision of the church and with praise & worship and altar call being the 'typical' manifestation.
we are surrounded by enthusiastic music lovers and music hobbist. However, within this group, i am sure that there is another group, the gideon 300 who has the potential to bless both the music ministry and music industry. there is a greater passion and professionalism from this group, who is willing to pay a greater price, to go further than where music usually brings them, maybe with music as a career,
there is no better place for me to birth such opportunities. having jam sessions to showcase musical talents and also to reach out to other musical talents/lovers with mini concerts, albums after the service. church has created a non threatening environment where people should 'dare' to showcase their talents and dare to 'fail'. For people wanting to carve a living out of this, we can help by introducing industrial players who will come to bridge the standard / expectation of the industry versus their actual competency.
live jazz after the service where people can sit in to relax and enjoy the fellowship - showcasing different talents.
How about penning songs to be used as background tracks for the weekly announcements / harvest highlights. How about coming together to compile an album of such songs to be used both in church and various industrial backgrouunds.
how about organizing art fieldtrips for children, food festivals, photography exhibitions, fashion shows, concerts, poetry. how about short films for cannes international film festival - bringing together talents in script writing, acting, filming, film scoring, under one roof to pursue a common passion, and being a blessing.
Programs that can be extended to non-believers in non-threatening ways, winning them over by being better folks/friends to them, through friendship evangelism.
From being self sufficient within the ministry, the church to become movers & shakers in the industry.
i believe that this possible, so long we believe and have faith and walk out.
Music - His gift, my duty, our fellowship
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Politics
It is not disheartening to know that politics happen everywhere. it is just very painful to know that it exist amongst things that u are passionate about - in my case, my work.
I am not that naive but when politics steal away the joy of your work (which is really hard to come by), we will be cornered to make one or two decisions. what options are available for us? For me, there are 3 options available usually - first to conform, second to reform (or go on the offense) or just simply watch and see.
Honestly, to conform will be an easy option. just go with the flow and be in the good books of the new management. But what is it worth when u can no longer be outstanding or excellent. The agenda is simple, there are simply too many managers or supervisors. Whatever the reasons (valid or invalid), the agenda will be fulfilled. it will not be about the cases or facts & figures compiled, the axe may fall and maybe no one can do anything about it. maybe it is all just hype and no action, nato in essence. maybe we imagine or worry too much.
To fight against the new rules can be another option. we think that we do know better. we have a greater sense of connection to the people. To the management, these are numbers. to us, these are family and friends after years of working together. are we getting to involved to see the whole operations clearly. are we getting too attached to have an unbiased perspective.
maybe, we need to step back and take a better look. Do i have a future in this place? do i have a visible path of career development? can i be a better person or professional 3 years down the road? What more value can i offer and what do i get in return? Am i a priority or just another option? An asset or liability? have i been a good leader and manager to my department? My department staff are leaving and i am not keeping them back because i do not see better options left for them. likely they will get the same pay or marginal increment at voluminous output due their visionary and passionate boss?
these have been on my mind for a long while. now, i want to move into greater responsibilities, to serve more, bless more and inspire more. in returns, hopefully greater character development, skills honing, intellect building and asset accumulation.
can i just stand by and watch?
I am a 'shark' natured person who is on the constant move, to breathe, to hunt, to live. i do not wait for opportunities but will rather move from waters to waters. i do once a while get into my feeding frenzy and i do love these moments at times.
well, i have sent out my revised resume and have been more happy ever since with my job hunting. by the grace of the Lord, i hope to land a consultations job that allow me to travel, mix and bless many more companies. i am also in the midst of studying to improve on investment knowledge in a bid to improve my passive income.
may the peace of God which surpasses all understanding, will continue to lead and guide me to my promised land. if i need to stay, then i will but i will seriously consider any appropriate offer that lays before me.
So help me God in Whom, i live and move and have my being.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Soul-cial Architect
We stand on our own, musicians, as 'soul-cial' architects.
I do not lay a single brick but I can build up your soul with my songs.
In music, we compliment, not compare.
I do not lay a single brick but I can build up your soul with my songs.
In music, we compliment, not compare.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Between the living and the dead
Years back, i went to the altar, caught some fire and the fire still burns within.
The living and the dead. What is the difference?
Some of those who are living are no different from those who are not. What separates them is but a beating heart but yet there are great simularities. Death in dreams, passion, desire, hope, love, faith, joy, purpose, destiny, responsibilities, contributions, morality, integrity, creativity, improvements, empowerment.
I am not for death but there is a galaxy of difference between just breathing, existing, surviving and living.
The difference does not lie in the length of years or width of possessions.
It is one thing to live and another to have something worth dying for. Between it all (for me) was but an altar, where i caught some fire and it still burns till now.
The more i live, the more imperfections i realize and the more i know that i need You.
The older i get, the more i need to go to the altar, to catch some fire and let it keep on burning.
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