I just finished watching an episode of Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. where Agent Coulson was talking about how he feels different from the way he was before the big 'Battle of New York'. Agent May reminded Coulson of his scar (obtained before the Battle, allegedly killing him) saying that he had already died and death changes a person.
I definitely agree with what she said. Death does changes a person. Recently, I watched a trailer of Heaven is For Real. A three year old boy experiences heaven and everything in his life changed, impacting his family and his surroundings. The same could be said with everyone who experienced death and came back to life. I have watched interviews where near-death experiences became life-changing events. No one is ever the same again.
Death affects everyone surrounding the victim as it does the victim himself/herself. It's only been a couple of years since the passing of my two high school friends, Abraham and Olivia. I was away from home when these tragic news reached me. When I came back home in the summer, everything feels different. Their classmates behave in a different way than I remembered them the year before. I do believe that the death of a person is a wake-up call.
I've heard some actually say they would probably need to experience a near-death experience to change their lives. I say this is ignorance. I Corinthians 15:31 says, "I protest, brothers, by my pride in you, which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die every day!" Paul goes on to say in verse 34: "Wake up from your drunken stupor, as is right, and do not go on sinning. For some have no knowledge of God. I say this to your shame." We die to our flesh everyday. In fact, if we know what Christ did for us, we should know that we did have a near-death experience.
As we pass Good Friday and approach Easter, I just want us all to remember that the "ultimate death" of Christ on the cross should be the most life-changing occurrence in our lives. He died for us so that we could have eternal life. We face eternal damnation, but Jesus took away the burden and brought it on Himself when He died on Calvary. His death has changed our lives forever.
Friday, 18 April 2014
Thursday, 17 April 2014
Catching Up...
It's been a while!
2014...
I realized I haven't written in quite a while... I have no excuses whatsoever. I can say that I have more time, now that it's already summer for me!
Wow, third year has just passed... I can't believe I have been in Canada for three years already and that I only have a year left in my undergraduate studies. In reality, it feels like I've been here forever (not that it's a bad thing). It's been really eventful here in Canada. I have learned a lot and made a lot of new friends in the process. Check my Facebook! That's proof...
God has truly been faithful throughout these years. He has taken me through journeys that helped my growth. I cannot begin to describe His goodness in the past three years of my life.
What has changed?
Other than my growing physically (both in height and weight...), I feel a lot more mature in my spiritual walk. Of course, I would be the first to admit that I have yet a lot to learn, but I am definitely much more knowledgable than my 17 year old self. In a few days, I would be turning 20. Goodbye, teenage life! I am definitely better in my English. And surprisingly, I am getting better in my Mandarin... I do feel a lot more confident around people now. My parents used to say that I'm the most conservative child in the family. Yes, it was true. Until now, I do believe my introverted personality has something to do with that. I love meeting new people, but I just need that common interest to click.
That's another thing: common interest. I figured that if I want to connect with people in my campus, I would have to pick up an area of interest that is popular. This is where I decided to focus a LOT on sports, particularly football. No, not American football. The REAL football: soccer. I was pleasantly surprised that a lot of Canadians are interested in European football. I met most of my friends on campus through this interest. One close friend of mine is a Chelsea fan like I am. The way we began talking to each other was pretty funny. I had him in my first year COMN class. Towards the end of the semester, I saw him wearing a Chelsea jersey, so I approached him at the end of the class. "Nice jersey." "Thanks, I saw you wearing it last time too." And the rest is history...
Yes, football. Avid Chelsea fan here. I got the chance to see them live in New York's Yankee Stadium last summer. It was quite an experience! I brought my camera there to capture the moments.
Spring is here (FINALLY! Well, it snowed yesterday but it's officially spring). I can't wait to see what the rest of 2014 has in store. One thing is for sure: God is faithful. I look forward to see His plans unfold in the weeks to come.
Always Faithful
Justin
2014...
I realized I haven't written in quite a while... I have no excuses whatsoever. I can say that I have more time, now that it's already summer for me!
Wow, third year has just passed... I can't believe I have been in Canada for three years already and that I only have a year left in my undergraduate studies. In reality, it feels like I've been here forever (not that it's a bad thing). It's been really eventful here in Canada. I have learned a lot and made a lot of new friends in the process. Check my Facebook! That's proof...
God has truly been faithful throughout these years. He has taken me through journeys that helped my growth. I cannot begin to describe His goodness in the past three years of my life.
What has changed?
Other than my growing physically (both in height and weight...), I feel a lot more mature in my spiritual walk. Of course, I would be the first to admit that I have yet a lot to learn, but I am definitely much more knowledgable than my 17 year old self. In a few days, I would be turning 20. Goodbye, teenage life! I am definitely better in my English. And surprisingly, I am getting better in my Mandarin... I do feel a lot more confident around people now. My parents used to say that I'm the most conservative child in the family. Yes, it was true. Until now, I do believe my introverted personality has something to do with that. I love meeting new people, but I just need that common interest to click.
That's another thing: common interest. I figured that if I want to connect with people in my campus, I would have to pick up an area of interest that is popular. This is where I decided to focus a LOT on sports, particularly football. No, not American football. The REAL football: soccer. I was pleasantly surprised that a lot of Canadians are interested in European football. I met most of my friends on campus through this interest. One close friend of mine is a Chelsea fan like I am. The way we began talking to each other was pretty funny. I had him in my first year COMN class. Towards the end of the semester, I saw him wearing a Chelsea jersey, so I approached him at the end of the class. "Nice jersey." "Thanks, I saw you wearing it last time too." And the rest is history...
Yes, football. Avid Chelsea fan here. I got the chance to see them live in New York's Yankee Stadium last summer. It was quite an experience! I brought my camera there to capture the moments.
(currently my favorite player: Oscar the no. 11)
Always Faithful
Justin
Sunday, 8 December 2013
In Our Suffering...
Some say it's hard to see any good during times of trouble. I can attest to this after my experience recently...
I had a 13 hour flight from Toronto to Tokyo and another 7 hours from Tokyo to Singapore. My first flight was delayed due to airline tardiness. Two hours I waited in Pearson before embarking on the aircraft. Midway through the flight, I woke up dizzy and sick. "A slight headache," I thought to myself. I decided to sleep it off but the turbulent flight made my condition worse. Seven hours through the flight I had a pulsating headache that occurred every time I wake. It was unbelievably painful. To make matters worse, I left my medicine on my hand-carry luggage on the top compartment, which would be a hassle to retrieve inside a crowded airplane. There, I felt the urge to pray as God reminded me that Jesus had taken all sickness away when He died on the cross. No sickness can possess this body because He has paid the price with His blood that was shed. I made it through the flight without any problem. As soon as I got out of the plane, I took my medicine.
By the time I arrive in Narita, my connecting flight to SG has already boarded. There was no way I could catch it now since I still had to go through a line-up for security check. There I prayed again that there would be no issues in rescheduling my flight plans. I rushed to the gate to find out that my flight had already departed. I arrived just in time as the attendant was paging my name in the PA. She had already booked me in the next flight leaving in an hour. The only problem would be retagging my luggage which would take a usually long process. I walked to the gate of the rescheduled flight. It was already boarding passengers as soon as I checked in. The attended confirmed my seating and told me to wait as they retag my luggage. To make matters worse, I recalled the attendant back in Toronto didn't give me any luggage tag. I guess that's why the process took a while. The line up died down as passengers complete boarding. I was still waiting for any news on my luggage. Another 15 minutes or so passed by and I was told to go ahead inside as they search for my luggage. I gave them a description and went on inside.
The plane was already filled with passengers. Inside, I felt bad for making them wait. I took my seat and waited for take-off. There I had time to reflect on the events that happened so far.
I remember inquiring God about the issue of suffering, how we are able to stand in faith during times of hardship and labor. It's very easy to think about it in theory, but the real test comes when you are experiencing suffering. You can't see the sun shining during a storm, but nevertheless it still exists. God is still with us along the way even when we cannot feel Him beside us. I can only see His goodness throughout my suffering when all has calmed down and I had the time to reflect. God is good. He will never leave us. No matter what, His love is ever-present. Nothing can separate us from the love He has for us.
This I will never forget.
I had a 13 hour flight from Toronto to Tokyo and another 7 hours from Tokyo to Singapore. My first flight was delayed due to airline tardiness. Two hours I waited in Pearson before embarking on the aircraft. Midway through the flight, I woke up dizzy and sick. "A slight headache," I thought to myself. I decided to sleep it off but the turbulent flight made my condition worse. Seven hours through the flight I had a pulsating headache that occurred every time I wake. It was unbelievably painful. To make matters worse, I left my medicine on my hand-carry luggage on the top compartment, which would be a hassle to retrieve inside a crowded airplane. There, I felt the urge to pray as God reminded me that Jesus had taken all sickness away when He died on the cross. No sickness can possess this body because He has paid the price with His blood that was shed. I made it through the flight without any problem. As soon as I got out of the plane, I took my medicine.
By the time I arrive in Narita, my connecting flight to SG has already boarded. There was no way I could catch it now since I still had to go through a line-up for security check. There I prayed again that there would be no issues in rescheduling my flight plans. I rushed to the gate to find out that my flight had already departed. I arrived just in time as the attendant was paging my name in the PA. She had already booked me in the next flight leaving in an hour. The only problem would be retagging my luggage which would take a usually long process. I walked to the gate of the rescheduled flight. It was already boarding passengers as soon as I checked in. The attended confirmed my seating and told me to wait as they retag my luggage. To make matters worse, I recalled the attendant back in Toronto didn't give me any luggage tag. I guess that's why the process took a while. The line up died down as passengers complete boarding. I was still waiting for any news on my luggage. Another 15 minutes or so passed by and I was told to go ahead inside as they search for my luggage. I gave them a description and went on inside.
The plane was already filled with passengers. Inside, I felt bad for making them wait. I took my seat and waited for take-off. There I had time to reflect on the events that happened so far.
I remember inquiring God about the issue of suffering, how we are able to stand in faith during times of hardship and labor. It's very easy to think about it in theory, but the real test comes when you are experiencing suffering. You can't see the sun shining during a storm, but nevertheless it still exists. God is still with us along the way even when we cannot feel Him beside us. I can only see His goodness throughout my suffering when all has calmed down and I had the time to reflect. God is good. He will never leave us. No matter what, His love is ever-present. Nothing can separate us from the love He has for us.
This I will never forget.
Wednesday, 29 May 2013
A Life of Purpose: This Life is Not Our Own
What is it there to life? I wake up every morning to work, eat, and socialize before going to bed looking forward towards the exact same thing. I would probably be doing this for another 80 years (God willing) or so. But is this all there is? Is life just supposed to be a routine? If this is true, then humans have just wasted thousands of years living a boring life of schedules and habits. There must be more to life than this.
Life is not just about ourselves. This life is not our own. Our existence in this world affects the lives of others. We are all connected and that connection would determine the destiny of each one of us. I am who I am because of the people around me. That is why I simply can't live for myself... If I would do anything to make myself better no matter the cost, how will this affect the ones around me?
Selfish desires to reach our gain with the expense of another: this is the reason why the world is so broken. We want to gain fame and fortune, but the cost is the abandonment of our soul and stepping over other people to reach it. Mark 8:36 says, "For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?" Is wealth really worth abandoning our hearts? All the richest people in this world would be forgotten by the next century unless they make a mark in the lives of others. As Lea said in Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep: "I want everybody I meet to remember me. Inside people's memories (hearts), I can live forever."
In my two years of being in Canada, I have been searching for an environment where I feel comfortable and 'at home'. I settled in the Every Nation church here in Toronto because I felt very peaceful there. I have been weighing the comparisons as to why this 'mysterious peace' exist. Now, I know. I feel most comfortable in an area where others' wellbeing are more important than the self. The first time I attended, I was greeted by a number of the church members who showed genuine interest in getting to know me. Serving others before self is what's most important in impacting other people's life. Love God, and Love People; for these are the greatest commandments that the Lord Jesus Christ Himself spoke to His followers.
I'm imagining a better world: a world of peace, a world of kindness, a world of harmony. The world would be a much better place if we take our focus off of ourselves and redirect it to helping others. It all starts with each of us individuals. We make the world. We make the choices. What will you choose?
Life is not just about ourselves. This life is not our own. Our existence in this world affects the lives of others. We are all connected and that connection would determine the destiny of each one of us. I am who I am because of the people around me. That is why I simply can't live for myself... If I would do anything to make myself better no matter the cost, how will this affect the ones around me?
Selfish desires to reach our gain with the expense of another: this is the reason why the world is so broken. We want to gain fame and fortune, but the cost is the abandonment of our soul and stepping over other people to reach it. Mark 8:36 says, "For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?" Is wealth really worth abandoning our hearts? All the richest people in this world would be forgotten by the next century unless they make a mark in the lives of others. As Lea said in Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep: "I want everybody I meet to remember me. Inside people's memories (hearts), I can live forever."
In my two years of being in Canada, I have been searching for an environment where I feel comfortable and 'at home'. I settled in the Every Nation church here in Toronto because I felt very peaceful there. I have been weighing the comparisons as to why this 'mysterious peace' exist. Now, I know. I feel most comfortable in an area where others' wellbeing are more important than the self. The first time I attended, I was greeted by a number of the church members who showed genuine interest in getting to know me. Serving others before self is what's most important in impacting other people's life. Love God, and Love People; for these are the greatest commandments that the Lord Jesus Christ Himself spoke to His followers.
I'm imagining a better world: a world of peace, a world of kindness, a world of harmony. The world would be a much better place if we take our focus off of ourselves and redirect it to helping others. It all starts with each of us individuals. We make the world. We make the choices. What will you choose?
Monday, 28 January 2013
Music Blog
Hey y'all! Interested in musicy stuff? Well I'm holding a blog page for musicians! Yeah, I mostly focus on the guitars but hey! Who knows you might be interested? :) So here it is!
http://justintjoandimusic.blogspot.ca/
http://justintjoandimusic.blogspot.ca/
Wednesday, 26 September 2012
Jesus on Earth
I was just reading the Bible where the Pharisees and Sadducees questioned Jesus about various subject matters. Now we have to understand that these people are very knowledgable with the Book of the Law. They knew the Mosaic Law by heart and are well-versed with the writings of the prophets. Basically, everything in the Old Testament was already a part of them.
When Jesus came down to Earth to fulfil the prophecies, He was bringing a new perspective on life. Of course, it would be a shock for the people there who had always thought God was demanding sacrifice here and there. Imagine having someone coming up to you saying that everything that has been taught to us, from childhood until now, does not matter much to God. That's basically how the scholars felt. However, if it's Jesus who was saying it, it's wise to open up our hearts and listen. Because Jesus was teaching something brand new to them, the Pharisees and Sadducees refused to listen and rejected that Jesus is the Son of God. This is a question about pride.
Let me just say that everything in this world does not matter if we don't have God in us. We might have tons of knowledge and understanding about the laws and the Bible, but what's the use of simply following rules and regulations if it does not drive us to an effective lifestyle? A humble heart, willing to be corrected by God, is more pleasing to God than a knowledgable yet prideful spirit. I understand now what Stephen the martyr was criticising before his death sentence. "You stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, you do always resist the Holy Spirit..." -Acts 7:51. It's not a matter of memorising the entire Scripture front to back; it's a matter of our willingness to accept His Spirit to manifest in our lives.
I find Jesus' visit to earth quite interesting. I keep hearing preachers and teachers explaining how Jesus spends most of his time with the "rejected" groups of people. His disciples were made up of tax collectors and fishermen. They were not really prominent men. Jesus came to heal the broken and give life to the hopeless. Yes, all of this is true. However, the role of the Pharisees and Sadducees are quite vital too. They asked some hard-hitting questions starting from Mark 12:13. They tried to corner Jesus into stumbling in His own words, but were quite taken back at His responses. In this process of replying their questions, Jesus also clears up the errors in their beliefs. These "stiff-necked" people, as Stephen calls them, had a distorted view of whom God really is. The Sadducees do not believe in life after death and (sarcastically) questioned Jesus about a hypothetical situation (Mark 12:18-23). Jesus rebuked the flaws in their beliefs by saying that "God is a God of the living, not of death."
One of the most striking quotes from this Q&A session was when Jesus answered the teacher of the law's question: "Of all the commandments, which is the most important?" A normal person would expect Him to answer from one of the Ten Commandments or simply say "All of them are equally vital." Jesus' reply was unexpected: "The most important one," answered Jesus, "is this: 'Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these." (Mark 12:29-31). The teacher who asked this question responded to Jesus' answer by saying that he agrees with everything Jesus had said. Jesus considers this a wise answer and said to the teacher, "You are not far from the kingdom of God."
Jesus does not expect us to be rich in life. He does not expect us to know everything there is to know in this world. He simply wants us to love God with everything we've got and to reflect His love to other people. In the end, all physical matters will disappear, but love remains. Yes, Jesus came all the way down to Earth to tell the world about a very important message: He loves us, each and everyone...
Spread the love, y'all!
Justin
When Jesus came down to Earth to fulfil the prophecies, He was bringing a new perspective on life. Of course, it would be a shock for the people there who had always thought God was demanding sacrifice here and there. Imagine having someone coming up to you saying that everything that has been taught to us, from childhood until now, does not matter much to God. That's basically how the scholars felt. However, if it's Jesus who was saying it, it's wise to open up our hearts and listen. Because Jesus was teaching something brand new to them, the Pharisees and Sadducees refused to listen and rejected that Jesus is the Son of God. This is a question about pride.
Let me just say that everything in this world does not matter if we don't have God in us. We might have tons of knowledge and understanding about the laws and the Bible, but what's the use of simply following rules and regulations if it does not drive us to an effective lifestyle? A humble heart, willing to be corrected by God, is more pleasing to God than a knowledgable yet prideful spirit. I understand now what Stephen the martyr was criticising before his death sentence. "You stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, you do always resist the Holy Spirit..." -Acts 7:51. It's not a matter of memorising the entire Scripture front to back; it's a matter of our willingness to accept His Spirit to manifest in our lives.
I find Jesus' visit to earth quite interesting. I keep hearing preachers and teachers explaining how Jesus spends most of his time with the "rejected" groups of people. His disciples were made up of tax collectors and fishermen. They were not really prominent men. Jesus came to heal the broken and give life to the hopeless. Yes, all of this is true. However, the role of the Pharisees and Sadducees are quite vital too. They asked some hard-hitting questions starting from Mark 12:13. They tried to corner Jesus into stumbling in His own words, but were quite taken back at His responses. In this process of replying their questions, Jesus also clears up the errors in their beliefs. These "stiff-necked" people, as Stephen calls them, had a distorted view of whom God really is. The Sadducees do not believe in life after death and (sarcastically) questioned Jesus about a hypothetical situation (Mark 12:18-23). Jesus rebuked the flaws in their beliefs by saying that "God is a God of the living, not of death."
One of the most striking quotes from this Q&A session was when Jesus answered the teacher of the law's question: "Of all the commandments, which is the most important?" A normal person would expect Him to answer from one of the Ten Commandments or simply say "All of them are equally vital." Jesus' reply was unexpected: "The most important one," answered Jesus, "is this: 'Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these." (Mark 12:29-31). The teacher who asked this question responded to Jesus' answer by saying that he agrees with everything Jesus had said. Jesus considers this a wise answer and said to the teacher, "You are not far from the kingdom of God."
Jesus does not expect us to be rich in life. He does not expect us to know everything there is to know in this world. He simply wants us to love God with everything we've got and to reflect His love to other people. In the end, all physical matters will disappear, but love remains. Yes, Jesus came all the way down to Earth to tell the world about a very important message: He loves us, each and everyone...
Spread the love, y'all!
Justin
Tuesday, 28 August 2012
Summer's Over: A Change of Worldview
Hello again, dear readers!
Summer’s over and all of the middle school students are back to school. As for me, university life hasn’t resumed. Like last year, I’m here in the flight to Toronto writing this entry (I guess a 14-hour flight is enough time to write one). After vacation with my family in China, we went our separate ways. My second sister went to study in Shanghai, so we dropped her off after our trip there. In Hong Kong airport, I said my goodbyes to my grandparents and parents. As I was boarding, I felt sad and went teary-eyed for a bit there. Really can’t wait to see them again next year... Well, enough about that.
I’ve had a lot of fun experiences being back home for three months. Being with my friends again had been a true blessing indeed. When I was back in my first year, I heard a lot of news going on back in Indo. And when I was there, I did see and experience the effects of the changes that occurred. People change... I guess that’s one of the main things I learned throughout the three months.
Early last year, I had a major shake-up of my life. It happened before I started my second semester of senior high school. It was after sunset in Bali. We were sitting down for dinner with the MSI apostolic team when I asked about a member who was absent. No one gave me a direct answer, but Ms Fina took me aside. We stood on the shore and she told me the truth. It was the first time that words made me speechless for ten whole seconds. Ever since then, my perspective on people was never the same. People change because they aren’t perfect. Further confirmation on this actually took place this summer.
People change because of their surroundings. Whatever circumstances and whoever people close to them can form how they change. Changes sometimes help people grow. However, growth requires pruning. Be it habits, relationships, or ideas. After reflecting on this, I realize how humans are in total contrast with who God says He is. God is never changing. The same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. Only someone perfect can be unaffected by the changes in his surroundings. Nothing in this world is perfect. This proves altogether true as I had to go through a change as well. From that experience, I learned the truth of our imperfection. And because of our imperfection, our only hope is to rely on the grace of God.
God has been very good to me. Within the three months, He placed me in a process of a mindset change. It was probably the first time I had to think a lot during my vacation! Through this process, I cried out several times to Him. It made me realize how much I depended on my own strength in the past. I called out to Him and He comforted me. I strayed away but He pulled me back. My relationship with God was not the same after the summer was over. Surely, God does show His love and mercy to those who follow Him.
One occassion occurred during VBS in June. It was the first day when that test just struck me. A negative thought had infected my mind. I felt bitter, confused, and frustrated. It was a nightmare... I had to preach the third day, but how could I when I’m in this state of mind?? I couldn’t sleep that night. I had all the reasons to be depressed and dejected. But I distinctly remembered that I cried out to God for help. Somehow, some way... He gave me composure. On the third day, I was able to deliver the sermon without this disturbance. However, the test wasn’t done. Yes, He helped me through the desperate times. But it’s still up to me whether I want that thought to sink in or be taken out.
One month passed and it was time for MSA’s annual high school camp. God dealt with me on the issue again on the third day. Ms Fina was preaching about the spirit of resentment and how it could destroy our destiny. Towards the end of her sermon, God spoke to me and pointed out that part in me. “Isn’t that what you’re actually doing?” a still voice reminded me. I felt deeply confronted and broke down there during the prayer. Ms Fina approached me and I told her everything. I remember the quotes she mentioned. “Remembering a past mistake is like drinking poison, hoping that it would kill the other.” There, I made the decision of dealing with the matter once and for all. I spoke with my mentor the Sunday after that and finally dealt with it the same week. Now, I’ve stopped drinking the poison and chose to release life instead. All of this could not have happened if God did not shape me in the first place. From then on, I looked at things differently. Granted, I’m not altogether perfect yet; however, I did see how God has a lot of things to show me in the years to come as I walk in His way.
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