Pursuing Humility? Meditations of a Proud Heart (2021) by Joel Cornuz, Book Review

 Pursuing Humility? Meditations of a Proud Heart (2021) by Joel Cornuz

I read this book on a flight from Taiwan to Kuala Lumpur. As soon as I and my colleague landed home, I told them very proudly, “Yes, I’ve finished reading a book on humility!” What an irony! Letting people know that I’ve read books on humility (such as this one and Andrew Murray’s) is probably a sign of my pride. Maybe yes, maybe not. But it is more challenging if I write a book on humility. Joel Cornuz thought so in his introduction: “If you pretend to teach about humility, you already demonstrate pride. Go and present yourself as an expert on the subject, and you disqualify yourself from talking about it. ‘I am the best, especially at humility.' The statement may be funny, but it reflects the reality of the problem.” As the author revealed in the book about his own pride, I saw mine all too obvious too.

Thus, I find this book—a series of the author’s meditations on humility from the Scripture—very helpful in pointing out my personal sin of pride and being independent from God, either intentionally or unintentionally. It was scary, but I needed the realizations that I gained from this book. The Holy Spirit speaks through the meditations of His Word. I need humility, or more accurately, I need God for humility, or, essentially, I need God. Joel concludes, “Humility is first recognizing the reality of who I am (a proud person in need of forgiveness) and who God is (the one who offers me the forgiveness I so desperately need); humility is then accepting my dependence on that God (without Him, I can do nothing); and finally, it is placing my life at his disposal for the service of those around me (and for His glory).”

It is the humble recognition that God (YHWH) is God and placing our dependence on Him that freed us from the weight of pride so that we could be more like Christ, the ultimate embodiment and example of humility. Remember the word that says, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble” (James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5, Proverbs 3:34) #ServeToLead #LeadersAreReaders #Humility #Pride #LikeChrist #LetsMakeReadingCoolAgain

*Thanks to FES Singapore for the gift!

To read my other book reviews/summaries, CLICK HERE

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Romans 2:1-4 God's Kindness Leads To Repentance (#LetterToTheRomans)

Why does God still let the sinners live? Surely it's NOT because they are good but because God IS good. Many of us misunderstand the goodness of God towards the sinners. "God’s kindness [or goodness] is meant to lead you to repentance" (Romans 1:4). The clock is ticking. The offer is now. Today is probably your last breathe. Will you repent? ⏳⌛⚡

To watch previous short studies of #LetterToTheRomans CLICK HERE http://bit.ly/LegasiRomans 

FB Page: https://facebook.com/LEGASI.tv/                        
Podcast: http://bit.ly/LegasiSpotify          
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/LEGASItv/      

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

 

In/Outcome: Manage Your Income, Achieve Great Financial Outcome (2018), Book Review

In/Outcome: Manage Your Income, Achieve Great Financial Outcome (2018)
by Amelia Hong

I bought this book because I really need to manage my finance. John Newton echoes my response to this book: “I once was lost but now I'm found, was blind but now I see.” Although I’ve read Robert Kiyosaki’s Rich Dad Poor Dad and Cashflow Quadrant recently (most popular books on financial literacy), I don’t feel ‘home’ because the context of these books are mostly for American readers and very general at that. Of course, it was very helpful and I’m glad that Robert of many people help me to understand about the important of financial education. But I also desire to read financial books that are written by Malaysians in Malaysian context for ordinary Malaysians like me. Yes, I found KC Lau’s Top Money Tips for Malaysians very interesting (half way reading it) but Amelia’s In/Outcome is much more comprehensive without being too simpleton or complicated, clear and concise, refreshing and practical. Just right for me.

Amelia Hong is a licensed financial planner and has more than 10 years’ experience in the financial services industry. She earned her MBA from University of Nottingham and Bachelor of Economics from UKM. “An old saying goes: ‘When we are young, we sacrifice our health to gain wealth but when we are old, we sacrifice our wealth to gain health’,” writes Amelia, “It is a vicious cycle, but not if we are prudent in taking care of our financial health at the early stage of our lives.” By using physical health analogy, she explains financial health from eight (8) important organs or functions of the body:

Chapter 1 Heart of the Matter: Where Are You Now

Chapter 2 Heading Off: Where Do You Want to Be

Chapter 3 Keeping the Eye on the Ball: What is Your Game Plan

Chapter 4 Getting Hands On: How Do You Get There

Chapter 5 Flexing Your Muscles: What Do You Do Now

Chapter 6 Building Your Immune System: Handling Misfortunes

Chapter 7 Having Cold Feet: Dealing with Complications

Chapter 8 Peace of Mind: Wrapping It Up

For the past few years (I minimize my guilt here), I was very careless or care-less about financial freedom. I wasn’t even bother to study about money (this can be proven by my book review and book selections for the past 7-10 years). I spent money as if tomorrow never come, being generous here and there and justified my spending under the half-truth philosophy of ‘Money is not everything.’ Many time I came to the point of more month than money. This was “a vicious cycle” as Amelia puts it. No more! I stopped being an ignorance year ago and now resolve to take responsibility for my personal finance. It’s not too late. This line from the book inspired me: “Do not wait until you are older. Most people only look into their personal finances during their late thirties and mid-forties. By then, you will need a lot of catching up to do compared with starting at a younger age where efforts may seem more like a walk in the park. But fear not, it is never too late, and being prepared is always better than being ignorant.” Knock! Knock!

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Interesting links:

1) Listen to Amelia’s interview talking about this book @ BFM 89.9 [CLICK HERE]

2) To read the Introduction of this book and download Cashflow, Networth and Financial Ratios spreadsheets go to the official website @ In/Outcome [CLICK HERE]

Rich Dad’s Cashflow Quadrant: Guide to Financial Freedom (2012) by Robert T. Kiyosaki, Book Review

Rich Dad’s Cashflow Quadrant: Guide to Financial Freedom (2012)
by Robert T. Kiyosaki

After I read the first chapter of this book, I realized that I should read Robert’s Rich Dad Poor Dad (1997) first because he always refers to it every time. But I don’t want to stop my momentum, so I downloaded the audiobook and decide to listen to Rich Dad instead (I listened to 6 hours audio in a week) while reading this book. In this way, I can understand this book as much as I can since I have only a little knowledge about financial education (sad) and economic terms. I regret that I only read this book NOW but at the same time I’m glad that I read it NOW. I wish I was more concern about my financial education early in my life. I was an ignorance then. But yeah, it’s not too late if I start now, right?

“The main reason people struggle financially is that they have spent years in school but learned nothing about money,” said Robert Kiyosaki matter of fact. “The result is that people learn to work for money… but never learn to have money work for them.” As Robert’s Poor Dad used to say, “Go to school, get good grades, and find a safe secure job.” His Poor Dad as with many of our parents and parent parents always advise us to become either a well-paid employee (usually in Malaysia, work with the government) or a well-paid self-employed professional (such as a medical doctor, lawyer, engineer or accountant). Poor Dad was very concerned about a steady salary, benefits, pension, and job security. Poor Dad’s keyword is SECURITY.

But Robert’s Rich Dad (his friend’s dad), although uneducated in term of formal education, offered very different advice. He said, “Go to school, graduate, build a business, and become a successful investor.” Don’t be a slave of money, said Rich Dad. He believed that life is more important than money, but that money was important for supporting life. He often said, “You only have so many hours in a day, and you can only work so hard. So why work hard for money? Learn to have money and people work hard for you, and you can be free to do the things that are important.” To Robert’s Rich Dad, what was important was: Having lots of time to raise his kids; having money to donate to charities and projects he supported; bringing jobs and financial stability to the community; having time and money to take care of his health; and being able to travel the world with his family. “Those things take money,” said Rich Dad. “That’s why money is important to me. Money is important, but I don’t want to spend my life working for it.” Rich Dad’s keyword is FREEDOM. How? Robert introduces CASHFLOW Quadrant and tells us that we need to move from the left quadrants (E = employee; S = small business or self-employed) to the right quadrants (B = big business [500 employees]; I = investor). The CASHFLOW Quadrant represents the different methods by which income or money is generated.

This book is divided into Three (3) Parts:

Part 1: The CASHFLOW Quadrant. This part focuses on the core differences between people in the four quadrants. It shows why certain people gravitate to certain quadrants and often get stuck there without realizing it (now I realize it). It will help readers to identify where they are today in the quadrant and where they want to be in 5 years. Chapter #1 Why Don’t You Get a Job?; Chapter #2 Different Quadrants, Different People; Chapter #3 Why People Choose Security over Freedom; Chapter #4 The Three Kinds of Business Systems; Chapter #5 The Five Levels of Investors; and Chapter #6 You Cannot See Money with Your Eyes.

Part 2: Bringing Out the Best in You. This part is about personal change. It’s more about who you have to be, instead of what you have to do. Chapter #7 Becoming Who You Are; Chapter #8 How Do I Get Rich?; and Chapter #9 Be the Bank, Not the Banker.

Part 3: How to Become a Successful B and I. In this last part, Robert explains how to find success on the right side of the CASHFLOW Quadrant. Chapter #10 Take Baby Steps; The Seven (7) Steps to Finding Your Financial Fast Track. Step 1: It’s Time to Mind Your Own Business, Step 2: Take Control of Your Cash Flow, Step 3: Know the Difference Between Risk and Risky, Step 4: Decide What Kind of Investor You Want to Be, Step 5: Seek Mentors, Step 6: Make Disappointment Your Strength, and Step 7: The Power of Faith.

I have to admit that I don’t understand fully what Robert says in this book (although I find out that it was written in the simple language). I don’t understand how tax, mortgage, most investing methods, business systems, even loan, etc. works. This doesn’t bring me down. In fact, it makes me want to learn more. I might be far from financial freedom (but not so far) but I'm determined to learn more and take actions necessary to achieve financial freedom in my life! “Your boss’s job is to give you a job,” reminded Robert, “It’s your job to make yourself rich.”

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

  

John the Baptist must Become Less Important

“This was John’s testimony when the Jewish leaders sent priests and Temple assistants from Jerusalem to ask John, ‘Who are you?’ He came right out and said, ‘I am not the Messiah.’ ‘Well then, who are you?’ they asked. ‘Are you Elijah?’ ‘No,’ he replied. ‘Are you the Prophet we are expecting?’ ‘No.’ ‘Then who are you? We need an answer for those who sent us. What do you have to say about yourself?’ John replied in the words of the prophet Isaiah: ‘I am a voice shouting in the wilderness, ‘Clear the way for the LORD’s coming!’’” (John 1:19-23, NLT).

All four Gospels highlight the unique role of John the Baptist in the life of Jesus. In Luke 1:36, we know that John and Jesus are distant cousin. John was “a voice shouting in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the LORD’s coming! Clear the road for him!’” (Matthew 3:3). John’s appearance in the Gospels was a way that reminds us of the Old Testament prophets whose ministry involved unorthodox outfits and unusual diets: “John’s clothes were woven from coarse camel hair, and he wore a leather belt around his waist. For food he ate locusts and wild honey” (Matthew 3:4). Small wonder that the religious establishment sent a delegation to John to inquire about his identity. Would he claim to be a prophet? John made it clear he wasn’t a prophet; he was the fulfilment of a prophecy!

John the Baptist knew his role and lived it. He was a charismatic figure whose life and message drew crowds, and he could have cashed in on his notoriety. Instead John used a striking word picture from Isaiah: “I am a voice shouting in the wilderness.” To make sure people didn’t miss the point, he added, “I’m not even worthy to be his slave and untie the straps of his sandal” (John 1:27). John was not seduced by his own stardom, influence and popularity. He knew who the “star” really was and gladly pointed everyone toward Jesus Christ, the Saviour. I love it when John said, “He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less” (John 3:30).

Think about this: “It’s all about me” is the attitude of many in our world today. The bottom line for the Christian, however, is that it isn’t all about me – it’s all about Jesus. Every act, every word, every motive, every plan, every desire should revolve around the centre, Jesus Himself. Only then is life in balance. Only then can we point people to the Saviour. Yes, in our life, Jesus must become greater and greater, and we must become less and less. It’s all about Jesus.

In your act, word, motive, plan, desire and thinking, is it all about Jesus?

How can you make Jesus the central focus of your life today?

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Penebangan Pokok, Kandungan Karbon Dioksida dan Pemanasan Global

“[TUHAN] Allah menempatkan manusia itu di Taman Eden

untuk mengusahakannya serta memelihara taman itu” (Kejadian 2:15, BM)

Hutan kita memerlukan pokok (itu logik!). Tiada yang menarik tentang hutan yang gondol dan tidak ada pokok (Itu logik kedua). Tetapi, bagaimana penggondolan hutan boleh memberi impak kepada pemanasan global? Mari kita kembali kepada asas. Fikirkan, setiap udara yang kita sedut mengandungi oksigen dan yang kita hembus pula mengandungi karbon dioksida. Pokok-pokok dan segala tumbuhan akan menyerap karbon dioksida dan menukarkannya kepada oksigen supaya kita boleh terus bernafas. Beginilah, secara ringkas, kitaran kehidupan di dunia.

Tetapi harus kita fikirkan juga bahawa pokok-pokok dan segala tumbuhan bukan hanya menyerap karbon dioksida yang dilepaskan oleh kita manusia dan haiwan-haiwan. Ia juga menyerap karbon dioksida yang ada diseluruh bumi ini termasuk yang dilepaskan secara semula jadi seperti apabila berlaku letupan gunung berapi, melalui gas-gas yang dilepaskan semasa proses pereputan berlaku dan apabila hutan terbakar. Malah, pembakaran bahan api fosil juga menyumbang kepada pelepasan gas karbon dioksida.

Hutan-hutan yang ada di bumi sekarang sangat penting bagi menyeimbangkan kandungan karbon dioksida di atmosfera kita. Ia menyerap karbon dioksida dari atmosfera dan dipindahkan ke daun-daun, akar-akarnya dan kembali ke tanah. Menurut apa yang saya pernah baca dalam satu artikel, selama 40 tahun, 4000 meter persegi hutan boleh menyimpan 50 tan karbon dioksida. Tetapi, bagaimana jika pokok-pokok semakin berkurangan?

Dengan jumlah penduduk di bumi sekarang semakin meningkat – hampir 7 bilion – pemintaan untuk bahan binaan seperti kayu juga semakin meningkat. Kita perlu membina rumah, membuat kertas untuk keperluan rumah, sekolah dan pejabat, memotong pokok-pokok untuk pertanian dan menggondolkan hutan atas tujuan pembangunan. Pokok-pokok dipotong supaya kita boleh membina banyak lagi pusat-pusat membeli-belah dan untuk membina empangan elektrik. Hutan-hutan yang pada mulanya memenuhi seluruh bumi sekarang sudah ditebang, dibakar dan dibersihkan secara rakus dan tidak teratur menyebabkan kita hilang hampir 80 peratus hutan-hutan semulajadi di dunia (menurut World Resource Institute). Sebagai contoh untuk kamu lebih memahami kemusnahan ini, bayangkan kamu berdiri di sebuah cermin yang besar. Lihat dari kepala hingga lutut kamu. Itulah 80% dari bahagian tubuh kamu. Itulah nisbah hutan-hutan yang hilang sekarang.

Apabila hutan ditebang atau dibakar, ia akan menyebabkan dua perkara. Pertama, pokok-pokok yang menyerap karbon dioksida di udara semakin kurang. Kedua, ia akan mengakibatkan pelepasan karbon dioksida yang terkandung di dalam akar-akar pokok dan tanah yang selama ini disimpan di dalamnya. Ketahuilah, penebangan hutan adalah penyumbang kedua terbesar selepas pembakaran bahan api fosil kepada pemanasan global di bumi sekarang. Ingat: semakin banyak kandungan karbon dioksida di udara, semakin panas suhu muka bumi. Semakin panas suhu bumi, semakin kering tanah dan pokok-pokok. Semakin kering tanah dan pokok-pokok, semakin tinggi peluang bagi hutan terbakar teruk. Apabila ada kebakaran hutan, secara sengaja atau tidak, hutan yang kering akan lebih mudah merebak dan menjadi teruk berbanding dengan hutan yang sihat. Semua kitaran alam semula jadi, pasti akan memberi kesan kepada kita juga akhirnya.

Sayangi hutan-hutan kita.

Kita harus mengusahakannya dan juga – memeliharanya.

Lakukan sesuatu. Kita dan masa depan.

Jadilah suara bagi ciptaan-Nya.

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Softening a Heart

Refer to previous post. Here is the continuation of another story on how Jewish rabbis (or teachers) were always encouraging people to be charitable. They felt that charity improved the life of whoever received it, and it also improved the spirit of however gave it. Here is a tale of a Jewish rabbi who have found a way to softening a heart…

A rabbi asked a wealthy man to give charity. The man scornfully tossed him a penny. As the rabbi picked up the penny, he praised and thanked the wealthy man.

The rabbi’s assistant asked,

“How can you be so kind to such an unkind person?”

The rabbi answered,

“That man has never given even a penny before now. I must encourage him ever if he only gives a little. He needs to be taught how to be generous.”

And so it happened. Each time the rabbi returned, the man gave a little bit more. Each time the rabbi praised and thanked him.

On the fourth visit, the man burst into tears, and to everyone’s surprise, he gave the rabbi a tremendous sum. The rabbi was about to praise and thank him, but the man shook his head and said,

“You deserve my praise and thanks, Rabbi, because you kept believing in me. You have taught me how to be generous.”

We can force people to give,

Or we can teach people how to give.

Forceful will harden a heart; praise, thanksgiving and encouragement will soften a heart.

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Refleksi tentang Pengganas ISIS: Pergi, Menukar Agama atau Mati?

Pengganas-pengganas ISIS di Iraq, sedang mereka menakluki banyak lagi kawasan, telah membuat ramai orang Kristian dan orang bukan Islam (malah orang Islam sendiri yang tidak bersependapat dengan mereka) terpaksa membuat keputusan samada untuk meninggalkan kawasan mereka atau memasuki Islam secara paksa atau mati dibunuh dengan kejam. Pada hari ini ramai orang di dunia terkejut dan takut kerana mereka menyangka bahawa tindakkan untuk menukar agama melalui pedang adalah sesuatu perkara yang lepas. Mereka sudah silap. Bagi kita yang tahu perkembangan isu semasa tentang pemahaman radikal Islam (merujuk kepada istilah ‘radikal’ yang negatif) dan tentang tindakkan pengganas yang kejam, ini sudah menjadi perkara biasa – tidak mengejutkan kita.  Dan bagi orang Kristian yang mengkaji Alkitab, kita seharusnya sudah tahu bahawa ini akan terjadi.

Tuhan Yesus Kristus sendiri sudah memberi amaran: “Kemudian kamu akan ditangkap dan diserahkan untuk diseksa and dibunuh. Semua orang akan membenci kamu kerana kamu pengikut-Ku” (Matius 24:9, BM); “Berbahagialah kamu apabila orang membenci, menolak, dan menghina kamu, serta memburukkan kamu kerana Aku” (Lukas 6:22); “Jika dunia membenci kamu, ingatlah bahawa dunia sudah membenci Aku lebih dahulu” (Yohanes 15:18).

Rasul-rasul Yesus juga menulis: “Semua orang yang mahu hidup beribadat dan bersatu dengan Kristus akan dianiaya” (2 Timotius 3:12); “Sahabat-sahabat yang aku kasihi! Kamu sekarang menanggung penderitaan yang berat kerana kamu sedang diuji. Janganlah hairan dan janganlah anggap perkara itu luar biasa” (1 Petrus 4:12); “Oleh itu, saudara-saudaraku, janganlah hairan jika orang di dunia ini membenci kamu” (1 Yohanes 3:13).

Akan ada masanya nanti bila dunia akan membenci dan menganiaya semua pengikut Kristus yang benar. Ianya tidak akan terhad kepada mereka yang tinggal di tempat negara-negara pengganas, malahan juga kota-kota kecil yang namanya tidak pernah kita peduli selama ini. Keganasan dan penganiayaan lambat-laun akan berlaku – mahu ataupun tidak – di tempat kita sendiri. Saya tidak pasti samada orang Kristian sudah bersedia untuk perkara seperti ini. Saya berharap ramai diantara kita sudah bersedia. Masanya akan tiba. Adakah kita akan lari meninggalkan tempat ini atau menjual iman kita atau terus mempertahankan iman kita walaupun ianya akan membawa kepada kematian. Ini persoalan saya.

Orang Kristian di negara barat sudah semakin lemah. Kebanyakkan mereka sekarang mendefinasikan dan memperkecilkan maksud “kasih” sebagai “toleransi” terhadap apa saja termasuk ajaran sesat, palsu dan menyeleweng. Orang Kristian di Asia terutamanya dan di dunia khususnya harus bersatu dan bersedia untuk mempertahankan iman kita dengan kasih Kristus. Kasih yang benar harus diberitakan dan dipertahankan pada masa yang sama. Tragedi yang terjadi kepada saudara-saudari Kristus kita yang mengalami penderitaan di tangan kumpulan pengganas ISIS harus menjadi siren untuk kita bangkit semula dan bangun daripada tidur rohani kita! Kita harus berdoa untuk mereka dan bersedia jika ada apa-apa yang kita boleh lakukan untuk membantu mereka. Tetapi, kita juga harus sedar bahawa apa yang terjadi kepada mereka akan terjadi kepada kita suatu hari nanti.

Saya tidak bertanya adakah kamu bersedia dengan senjata dan alat perang kamu; saya bertanya, “Adakah kita sedia untuk meninggalkan tempat asal kita atau sedia untuk menukar agama dengan menjual iman yang hidup kepada yang lain atau sedia untuk dianiaya yang mungkin membawa kepada kematian kerana Yesus?” Apakah keputusan yang kita akan buat? Meninggalkan tempat asal kita mungkin satu keputusan yang harus dibuat. Berdiri teguh dan sanggup mati demi iman kepada Yesus juga satu keputusan yang mungkin kita harus ambil (Begitu sukar… saya tidak dapat bayangkan). Bertukar agama juga satu keputusan yang mungkin akan dibuat, tetapi ini menunjukkan bahawa orang itu tidak pernah menjadi pengikut Kristus yang sebenar. Ada satu lagi pilihan yang boleh dibuat, iaitu, melawan balik. Tetapi di dalam Alkitab Yesus secara peribadi dan dalam ajaran-Nya tidak pernah melawan balik musuh. (Dia akan menghakimi pada Akhir Zaman setiap tindakkan orang yang melakukan kesalahan setimpal dengan perbuatan mereka) Secara manusiawi saya ingin melawan balik, tetapi Yesus tidak mengajar begitu. Oleh itu, Tuhan Yesus, Engkau kuatkanlah kami yang lemah ini!

Namun begitu, saya optimis bahawa penganiayaan yang berlaku di Iraq pasti telah membawa ramai lagi orang untuk mencari kebenaran dan menerima Yesus Kristus sebagai Tuhan dan Juruselamat mereka. Memang tidak mudah untuk saya berkata begini kerana ramai penduduk Iraq dan orang-orang disekeliling mereka bukan hanya dianiaya dan dibunuh, malah, ada diantara mereka disembelih, dipenggal dan digantung seperti daging yang dijual di pasar. Semuanya dilakukan atas nama “TUHAN.” Apa yang berlaku sekarang tidak ada bezanya dengan sejarah dahulu. Oleh itu, ini juga yang berlaku sekarang: Sejarah membuktikan bahawa apabila orang Kristian dianiaya, Berita Baik akan cepat lagi tersebar dan ramai lagi orang akan menerima kebenaran tentang Yesus Kristus sebagai Tuhan dan Juruselamat mereka. Kenapa ini berlaku? Saya berkata demikian kerana penganiayaan “memaksa” kita untuk mencari kebenaran dan memberi fokus kepada kita tentang apa yang terutama di dalam hidup ini. Membayangkan pisau atau senapang diacukan di atas kepala kita akan menyebabkan kita fokus kepada apa yang penting sekali. Yesus. Yesus. Yesus.

Wahai saudara-saudari Kristus yang saya kasihi sekalian, jika menjadi seorang Kristian, iaitu, pengikut Kristus yang benar akan mengakibatkan nyawa kita terancam, jadi, adalah lebih baik (malah tindakkan yang bijak) sekiranya kita hidup untuk Tuhan Yesus Kristus. “Sesiapa yang mempertahankan hidupnya akan kehilangan hidup sejati, tetapi sesiapa kehilangan hidupnya kerana dia pengikut-Ku, akan memperoleh hidup sejati” (Matius 10:39). Jika mengikut Yesus bermaksud kita harus pergi ke kayu salib, maka kita harus memberitakan Berita Baik tentang kematian dan kebangkitan-Nya dengan seluruh kehidupan kita. Jika ada orang yang ingin membunuh kita kerana kita seorang Kristian, maka mereka tidak perlu bertanya atau ragu-ragu samada kita adalah benar-benar Kristian atau tidak. Roh Kudus menyertai kamu. Amen.

Senang untuk saya menulis, tetapi sama-samalah kita merenungkannya.

[Jika saya ditahan oleh polis kerana menulis artikel ini, tolong ikat jamin saya okay?]

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

2015 Resolution for Digital Life: 10 Digital Diet Rules to Live By

Why did you click to read this blog article? Was it the picture art? Was it the title? Was it a random choice? Or was it because of an undeniable voices saying that you’re, in fact, having an “obesity” with technology and you need a digital “diet” now?! Me and Daniel Sieberg, writer of The Digital Diet, guessing the latter. Well, you’re not alone. In fact, you’re in the majority. Let’s examine yourself more with these questions by Daniel in case you still not convince of your need for digital diet:

Do you sometimes feel the urge to pull out your smart phone when someone else is making a point in conversation? Have you ever realized you were texting while your child was telling you about her day at school and later couldn’t remember any of the details of her story? Have you ever felt that something hasn’t really happened until you post it on Facebook or tweet about it? Do you sometimes wonder if you could actually focus better in real life before all these gadgets invaded your space? Does a flashing red light on your BlackBerry or white light on your iPhone make your heart flutter? Does a ringing/vibrating cell phone interrupt and trump everything else? Do you feel anxious if you’re offline for any length of time? Do you find that your family can be in the same room but not talking to one another because you’re each interacting with a different device?

The Digital Diet: The 4-Step Plan to Break Your Tech Addiction and Regain Balance in Your Life (Three Rivers Press, 2011) by Daniel Sieberg is a treasure book for me. As for the content of this book, you must read it for yourself. In summary, the 4-Step Plan and subtopics are Re: Think (You Are What You Type, My Binary Binge, The Weight You Can’t See), Re: Boot (Detox, Your Virtual Weight Index, Surveying the Damage), Re: Connect (Mind and Body Dexterity 2.0, Upbeat While Downloading, This Time It’s Personal), and Re: Vitalize (Your Organic Blueprint, Sustainable Intake). Here I would like to quote at length Daniel’s 10 Digital Diet Rules to Live By:

1)    Avoid tech turds. Don’t just dump your smart phone on the table at a restaurant or at home. Keep it in your pocket or purse unless it’s critical to have it out. If you must have it out, acknowledge its presence and inform your companions that you’ll check it only in an emergency. It’s a courtesy that you’d appreciate, too.

2)    Live your life in the real world. If you must post a status update or tweet or blog about something in your life, then make sure it’s something you’d be willing to announce to anyone you know face to face.

3)    Ask yourself whether you really need that gadget. There are tons of cool stuff in the tech world, and some of it might even improve your or your family’s life, but don’t feel compelled to buy every new toy that comes out. Before you make a digital purchase, question its necessity.

4)    Seek tech support. Navigating the wilds of the wired world can sometimes be too much to handle alone. It’s okay to ask for help and it’s also okay to use technology to help “outsource self-control” when needed. Check out the many programs that can assist with budgeting your time online.

5)    Detox Regularly. Once you’ve completed the Digital Diet, return to the detox phase one day a month. You can do this as a family, too. Use that day as a touchstone to remember what life can be like without technology.

6)    Sleep device-free. Move your chargers out of the bedroom to another room in the house, and let your devices live there overnight. They need a break from you, too.

7)    It’s either the human or the device. Work toward choosing people over the device. Yes, there’ll be times when it’s tricky or nearly impossible to choose between your smart phone or laptop and paying attention to your child or your loved one or your friend, but try to use your devices more on your own time rather than during the time you share with others.

8)    Remember the “if /then” principle. Choices that you make in the virtual world can have an impact in the real one. For example, if you don’t find the time to put down the gadgets and log out once in a while, then you might lose the ability to appreciate the finer moments in life.

9)    Structure your e-day. Work toward a finite beginning and end to your connectedness. In other words, dive into the gadgets and the e-mail and the texts only when you’ve composed yourself in the morning. When you’re ready to unplug in the evening, do it without reservation and focus on what—and who—is immediately around you.

10) Trust your instincts. If you think you might be spending too much time being a voyeur on social networks or playing online games or endlessly texting, then you probably are. That little voice knows when it’s all become too much. Listen to it. Pursue the ultimate goal of balance and awareness.

I would like to add one more rule.

Rule 11) First Thing in the Morning, Don’t Check Your Smartphone – Log In to God First.

Say a short prayer instead or read a chapter or few verses of the Bible and meditate on it.

Jesus first, not Facebook or E-mail. You can do all of it later.

Don’t eliminate technology, no. The goals are balance, awareness and take control.

Now, do you want to consider having Digital Diet this New Year?

Happy New Year 2015! Thanks for all my readers.

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

The Importance of Orangutan

"The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof” (Psalms 24:1)

As for now, morality set aside, there are other, more practical reasons for saving the orangutan from extinction. The red ape’s very presence, in some ways, is a key to protecting all the rain forest of Southeast Asia. People are becoming more aware that all life on earth, including humans, are completely dependent on forests for survival. The world’s rain forests have provided humankind with a number of products they often take for granted: coffee (ah, yes!), chocolate, rubber, and about half of all medicines in the world today.

Of course, many of these items can now be artificially produced outside of the forest. However, the vast majority of the world’s rain forest plants have yet to be studied. There is no way to tell how many more medicines, natural pesticides, and foods are waiting to be found. Once the forests are gone, these undiscovered treasures will be lost forever.

The orangutan plays an important role in protecting these vital rain forest resources. Most rain forests are closed systems, which means the entire ecosystem operates as one large organism. The plants, fungi, and animals are all completely interconnected and dependent on each other for survival. The combined interactions of these smaller organisms make up the rain forest. The orangutan is an integral part of this system. By eating a large amount of ripe fruits, the orangutan serves as a seed distributor. In fact, some trees depend solely on the orangutan to distribute their seeds, throughout the forest. Furthermore, by eating buds, shoots, and leaves, the orangutan effectively thins out or prunes the forest, allowing the sunlight to come through the canopy and stimulate growth in the understory.

Orangutan are also messy eaters, which means that they serve as a food delivery service for many of the ground-dwelling creatures. As the orangutan drop uneaten portions of fruit to the ground below, a variety of smaller animals and insects are treated to a free meal. These scraps make up the bulk of many rain forest animals’ diets.

Perhaps the most important role the orangutan plays in the forest, however, is as a “keystone” species. A keystone species is one that has, for one reason or another, caught the attention of the human world and acts as a focal point for forest protection. Orangutans are large, attractive, interesting, and perceived as highly intelligent. They are also seen by many as a close relative to the human species (If you don’t agree, then just see orangutan as living being created by God). For all these reasons, people are interested in saving them. Thus, in the course of saving orangutans, people also unwittingly save the lives of countless species of smaller animals, insects and plants that share their habitat. By rallying behind efforts to protect orangutans, the general public helps to serve complete ecosystems.

Ecosystems is important. For example, people of Sarawak sometime don’t understand why the natives want the Baram Dam project to stop. Besides the unnecessary dam expansion, every habitat such as plants, animals, insects, flowers, trees - even people who are very dependence on the river and forest for living  – include the orangutans will be badly affected. Anything happen to the forest will affect humankind in general. “A human made tsunami will roll down and destroy everything,” said Peter L. from Long Anap, longhouse interior of Baram district, “forest, rivers, crops, churches, schools, graveyards, just everything! This will be the end of our lives!” Save orangutan! Save ecosystem! Save our lives! My first practical way to save orangutan is through awareness, how about you?  

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Reference:  Lucent Endangered Animals and Habitats Series: The Orangutan by Stuart P. Levine (Lucent Books, Inc., 2000).

Confessions of a Racist Christian

Few years ago I was riding a taxi from Kuala Lumpur to Petaling Jaya. While in the car, when a traffic light changed to red, the driver was forced to stop immediately. It was a shocked to me. Three gangster-like Indians men were crossing the street and were stunned by the driver’s quick braking. They shouted at my Malay taxi driver outside the window. They banged on the taxi’s hood. They kicked the wheels. Not so hard, but they kicked it anyway.

At that moment, the Malay taxi driver blamed the Indians for crossing to soon. The Indians were pissed off and said something not nice. Both parties says racist statements. Me? Inside I was afraid. Angry too. Shamed. And I thought racist thoughts. Everyone were racist that day, the only difference was – I didn’t say it, I thought of it. I’m a racist too. It all happened in a few minutes. I asked myself, where did those thoughts come from? Life. My life. Growing up in Malaysia (the reality is) I was surrounded by racism. My generation is the most racist generation in the history of Malaysia.

I have a friend who refused to eat at Mamak stall because the owners were Indian. Some even dislike going to Chinese shops because the Chinese, they said, are very stingy with food ingredients. The Malays act superior than other races. The indigenous people group was said to be the most proud and stubborn people. Racist. When I was a kid, I don’t know much. Now I know better – I grew up with racism. I carry my emotional baggage with me, and it is terrifyingly easy for me to walk from the light back into the shadow. I need help, God-size help to rescue me from my build-in racism.

Jesus come into my life. He is my God, Lord and Saviour. I come to him first before I confess to you here, Jesus help me from my racism. He saved me from becoming a full-time racist believer. I’m in the process of his discipleship. Not perfect but daily renewed by his grace. In the Scripture, for example John 4:3-9, Jesus interacted with the Samaritan woman (in his culture, the Jews despite Samaritans). Jesus, a rabbi, talked to a woman (in his culture, a rabbi would never ever speak to a Samaritan woman or any other woman in fact, in public). Jesus had a conversation with a sexually loose woman (in his culture, the saints have nothing to do with the sinners). Jesus break the barrier of racism, prejudice and discrimination. Throughout the Scripture Jesus’ attitude and teachings, mind and Spirit helps me to break my walls of racism in me with other races. In Jesus, I’m able to find reconciliation, forgiveness, love and tolerance with one another. In Jesus, I have victory over racism! He is still working in me.

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

You Can Make a Difference: Called to Love even Those Living with HIV/AIDS

Myth #1: “I can get HIV by being around people who are HIV-positive”. No! The evidence shows that HIV is not spread through touch, tears, sweat, or saliva. You cannot catch HIV by breathing the same air as someone who is HIV-positive or thru hugging, kissing and shaking hands with someone who is HIV-positive or sharing eating utensils or using exercise equipment at a gym with an HIV-positive person. But you can get it from infected blood, semen, vaginal fluid, or mother's milk.

Myth #2: “I don't need to worry about becoming HIV positive – new drugs will keep me well”. There are drugs that can improve and extend the lives of many people who are HIV-positive but are expensive and have many serious side effects. None yet provides a cure. Also, drug-resistant strains of HIV make treatment an increasing challenge.

Myth #3: “I can get HIV from mosquitoes”. Yes, HIV is spread through blood but insects don’t inject the blood of animal they have last bitten when they bite us. Also, HIV lives for only a short time inside an insect. So, this myth is nonsense!

These are only top 3 myths and misconceptions people think about AIDS and HIV. There are many more, of course. But these three is enough I guess to make us aware that we are actually ignorance of the truths about HIV. Our misconceptions proof that we don’t care enough. When I told my friends about my experiences with the Crisis Home’s residents, (a non-profit ministry caring for people living with HIV/AIDS), they asked me many questions, “Did you hug them?” “Can you eat with them?” “What are they look like?” “Can we shake their hands?” “Are you using mask when you talk to them?” and many more questions that are too shameful for me to write here. Mr. Isaac Tan, who is working full-time at Crisis Home shared a story about how a man didn't even touch a cup of tea when he came to the Home. That is how deep our misconceptions and stigma against people who is living with HIV/AIDS. There is only one way to breakdown this wall of prejudices – love.

Jesus told us that love for friends is not enough. Love for our own family members is not enough. Love for our neighbour is not enough. Love for those who are different from us in culture or belief is not enough. Love for those who are disagree with us is not enough. Even love for our enemies is not enough. Jesus told us to show love for “the least of these” (as in Matthew 25:31-46). The “least of these” refers to those in a variety of needy situations. They include the hungry, thirsty, impoverished, sick, imprisoned, anyone! – even those who is living with HIV/AIDS. Those are the people we are called to love also. To love is to know; to know is to care. That kind of loving-caring is the sign of God’s spirit at work in us.

How can we show love to people who is living with HIV/AIDS? May I suggests? Firstly, repent from our sin. To repent of our lack of care and rejection towards them. To repent of the way in which we as Christians have often stigmatized those with HIV. Secondly, create personal awareness. Do some research, get some reading, find articles, allocate HIV/AIDS homes nearby you (or in Malaysia) and if possible get to know those whom closed to you who might have HIV-positive. Thirdly, invest your time. Try spend time with the person living with HIV/AIDS. Eat, play, talk, walk or do activities with them. Most of them whom I know personally are rejected by the family members and friends and society. They are longing for companions and friends. Fourthly, invest your money. Support them financially (One way is to give to Crisis Home ministry. Click HERE). And finally, support them in prayer. Indeed we are not just to show deep, compassionate, caring love, but also to pray to God for His grace, mercy and blessing on such people. You can make a different!

“If you judge people, you have no time to love them” (Mother Teresa)

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Below are some pictures of Crisis Home’s residents. Share with permission:

Picture with leaders in the church

Students Making a Difference: TCS CF Shows "Perfect Love: We Care, We Share"

“If [faith] alone and includes no actions, then it is dead” (James 2:17, GNB)

What would happen if Christian Fellowship act seriously on what they have heard and learned from the Scripture? What would happen if they decides to do community service in their campus? This is what definitely will happen: they will make a different! One thing to learn, if you’re ministering to students in campus, is that they are passionate and energetic and willing (if we give them a change or show the way) to make a different in the community. This is exactly what Technology College Sarawak (TSC) Christian Fellowship (CF) was doing last Saturday morning, 11^th October 2014.

Together with their advisor and college’s maintenance staffs, they organized a co-operate gotong-royong with CF members and staffs. Their main objectives is to experience first-hand the challenges of maintenance works and to create awareness in keeping the campus clean. That is why the theme was very suitable; “Perfect Love: We Care, We Share.” Indeed, as participant of this heart-touching event, I observed God’s love was really in each one of them. Some of the members were having class that day, so, they either come before or after class to help whatever possible and get involved with the activity. I bet students outside CF that saw their witnessing in campus and even staffs themselves were inspired by their willingness to sacrifice time (Saturday morning, remember?) and energy (without payment or award) to make a different in campus. Christian Fellowship (CF) is boring? Never!

Here are some pictures:

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Do We Treat the Poor as Our Dustbins to Give Whatever We Cannot Use or Eat?

In the book Mother Teresa: Contemplative at the Heart of the World, she writes,

“Do we treat the poor as our dustbins to give whatever we cannot use or eat? I cannot eat this food so I will give it to the poor. I cannot use this thing or that piece of cloth so I will give it to the poor. Am I then sharing the poverty of the poor? Do I identify myself with the poor I serve? Am I one with them? Do I share with them as Jesus shared with me?

This is the wonderful part of our vocation, that as M.C.s (The Missionary of Charity Sisters, she founded) we have created an awareness of the poor in the whole world. Twenty years ago no one would believe that there were hungry, naked men and women around. Today the whole world knows our poor because of our work. Because they know they want to share.

The other day, a group of Hindu school children came from very far. They had won prizes in a contest at school and had asked the headmistress to give them money instead of the prizes. Then they said, ‘Now, take us to Mother Teresa. We want to give this money to her poor people.’ How wonderful it was that they did not use that money for themselves! Because we have created this awareness the whole world wants to share with the poor.

Whenever I accept money or an award, I always take it in the name of the poor, whom they recognize in me. What am I? I am nothing. It is the poor whom they recognize in me and that they want to give to, because they see what we do. Today people in the world want to see. Why is our congregation spread all over the world today? It is because people see what we do: feeding the hungry Christ, clothing the naked Christ, taking care of the sick, the dying, the leprosy patients (she was referring to Matthew 25:34-36). Because they see, they believe. How sad it will be if we are not sincere in what we do.

Our poor people suffer much, and unless we go with joy we cannot help them. We will make them more miserable.”

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.