Tenant 5202
Since the last post, I indeed laid siege and submitted an application to the Tribunal for dispute resolution. There was an electronic war-on-paper for a short period in which the agents demonstrated themselves dishonest, unreasonable and hard to deal with, part of the reason I proceeded to apply. I sent in the entire record of the emails with my application.
Part of what they wrote was purely personal attack. I found it immature and unprofessional for middle aged real estate agents to be saying someone is 'being a bad example to his sons' without having a clue about the person's character, behaviour and history. Also, he had no scale of comparison to place his groundless comment. I took pleasure in crushing his comment and ridiculing him to honour my father - even knowing God was watching my words. I knew that I'm proud of my father and that my father was wise to have been quiet and watchful while he was carelessly tossing empty threats at us.
"A man who lacks judgment derides his neighbour, but a man of understanding holds his tongue." Prov11:12 (NIV)
"He who guards his lips guards his life, but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin" Prov13:3 (NIV)
"He who corrects a mocker invites insult; whoever rebukes a wicked man incurs abuse. Do not rebuke a mocker or he will hate you; rebuke a wise man and he will love you. Instruct a wise man and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man and he will add to his learning" Prov9:7-9 (NIV)
Oceania Convention
OC was a good refreshing time. Originally I had intended to get rest while I was there, but it ended up with late nights and early mornings. Still, it was good to do my devotion in the mornings on the balcony with the sun coming at an angle and cold wind in my hair.
The theme centred around the church's core values; but was really impressed me was the size of Hope International Ministries, being in 41 countries and really growing, yet with such a grounding in the Spirit and the Word. To those who have ears and hear, this movement is really anointed. The preachers and pastors were also inspiring, real role models who encourage believers to persevere in Christ-likeness.
My experience there was actually strongest on the first night, when I felt the Spirit's refreshing presence and opened my heart to Him. Over the next few days the tiredness affected me a little, but revisiting the sermon notes really stirs my passion again.
The first takeaway for me was the change in my heart regarding fellowship. I really got to spend time with the members who went to OC, and it was good not feeling lonely anymore. Hearing what some of them said about secretly feeling like giving up serving and closing up to newcomers, I realized how much we needed to be encouraged and strengthened by fellowship. The koinonia and philadelphia are my next ministry; to build the spiritual union amongst my brothers and sisters; to unite in prayer and to be one in Spirit; to serve God and grow together.
The next was the vision; evangelism and growing God's kingdom, sharing His goodness to the many people who need Him both locally, back home in Singapore, around the world. My passion for missions has been strengthened, and as often as I am able to I will involve myself with mission visits. My long-time identification as a tentmaker still stands.
"We cannot be lukewarm in following Christ. If we are lukewarm, we're going to be spit out anyway. You might as well become evil!" Pastor Simon Eng, President, Hope International Ministries
The third takeaway was really all the little teachings; the first workshop I attended was on leadership, an aspect close to my heart ever since my JC days as a CCA leader that really defined my self-identity in many aspects of life. The second workshop was [mistakenly] labelled as leadership as well, but thank God that it turned out to be about passion for God, and it ministered to be as well.
There was also a prayer over me from a junior pastor who had the prophetic gift, but for now I'll keep those things in mind and they're reserved to discernment before further comment...
So OC was a good time for me, and I probably would go again to OC next year. It taught me a lesson about our attitude towards God. Although at first I didn't see how much I could learn by going, I overcame the feeling of pride. Those who went were blessed. I discovered that God is so much more than my personal relationship with him [although it is key]. God's love is among the body of believers.
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