SEASON 3 EPISODE 20: EVER RECEIVED A NUDGE FROM GOD?

Yes, the title says it all... Have you ever received a nudge from God? Well, I believe I have in the course of the week.

The nudge came through one of my lecturers in school whom I wrote to sometime back in respect of an application to another City firm for a training contract. Now, how the opportunity arose to apply to this City firm is another story for a more appropriate time.

Since I wrote to my lecturer for advice on this firm, I have submitted the application for a training contract and even arranged to have a tour of the firm. I have since committed the application to the LORD and ask Him to take control of it.

On Tuesday, my lecturer - out of the blue - tapped me on the shoulder and asked me how that application was coming along while I was in school computer lab writing an email. That caught me by surprise and he arranged that I see him after class on Wednesday.

During that conversation after lunch on Wednesday, he gave some thoughtful advice and told me what - I believe - the next step should be in respect of this application.

On the way back home after the conversation, I had this sense within me saying that what he said was a nudge from the LORD saying "this is the next step". I acted upon the advice and performed that next step on Thursday. The effects of that step was rather amazing for me.

I believe that through this, the LORD is showing me that He is working at it and there is no need for me to worry. Thanks be to GOD!

To close, I echo what I believe God is saying to me at the end of my last entry [see Episode 19]: "... Don't you worry now, focus on your exams in the meantime and let me work on it."

In light of what happened this week, this is my response: "Thank you LORD for showing me that you are working on it. The nudge this week has raised my hopes and allayed my fears. You are in charge and I wait upon the next nudge from you. Amen!"

SEASON 3 EPISODE 19: WHEN GOD CLOSES A DOOR, HE OPENS ANOTHER

Yes, I received news from my folks back in Singapore that the City firm which had been hovering around a couple of previous episodes have turned me down for a training contract in a letter. I am quite surprised why they sent it to my home address, but I will also check my Hall reception to see whether a similar letter has been sent to me.

How do I feel about it? Well, I am not really surprised by it. In fact, the letter confirms what I feel about the application. When I saw nothing was coming through 2 weeks after the closing date of 30th April, I knew somehow that I was not successful.

But, I know that when such a thing happens, the LORD will also open another door of opportunity. It has been evidenced time and time again in my life and I do pray that the opening will be made known soon.

So, this entry marks the end of the road and I would like to end the entry by saying that the LORD knows what's best for me and this brings to mind Isaiah 55:8 which reads:

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD.

YAHWEH even goes on to say in verse 9 that "as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." Hence, not only are the LORD's ways different from (and in this present case, contrary) my own ways, His ways are even higher than my own ways. Further, the LORD asks rhetorically whether He has any competitor or equal (Isaiah 40:25). What more can I say? All I can do is to submit in humility to Him and let Him do His part.

In this case, I recalled that as I prepared for this application, I felt quite strongly that this was the firm for me and spent a considerable amount of time putting the application together. But, I guess the LORD has something else for me, something better.

I will just have to wait.

What do I do in the meantime? Nope, not to put my feet up and do nothing, but to focus on what is important (ie preparations for the final set of exams). But, as I say this, I also bear in mind that there are many other peripheral issues such as finding a place to stay after the course and securing some form of employment. It is humanly easy to get worked up over this, but I pray for the peace of Christ each day to reign and to be comforted to know that "in all things God works for the good of those who love, who have been called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28)

So, in writing this, I believe the LORD is saying somthing like this:

"No, Josiah, that is not the place I want you to be because that is not the place for you. I have something better for you. Don't you worry now, focus on your exams in the meantime and let me work on it."

SOLI DEO GLORIA!

SEASON 3 EPISODE 18: Reflections

I am taking a "break" from factual reports of my adventures here in England and go into reflective mode.

There are a few areas which I want to reflect upon. The first is the profession I am entering into (ie the law). I think I have been "conditioned" to reflect from young, all thanks to the habits of keeping a journal as well as the training contract application forms I have been filling up since I came to London last September.

(1) My journey into law

I believe it is good to think about such things at times and I don't think I ever had a chance to properly reflect on my journey to being a lawyer thus far. I guess one reason is because my undergraduate days were spent juggling my National Service commitments and the part-time classes. I thank the LORD that despite the challenges I faced, I managed to secure a 2:2. All thanks and praise to God.

Now that I am "away" from everything and in a foreign land, despite the demands of the course, I am thankful that I am able to take stock of my journey. On reflection, I must say that I am guilty of "being money-minded" when I initially decided to pursue law. I imagined the amount of money I will be earning as a lawyer and that left a smile on my face.

Strangely, I even recalled when I was much younger and began reading the newspapers, I would always look out for the "In the Courts" section and read about the reported cases. But, I never had the intention of becoming a lawyer. Hm, was the seed planted then?

Well, through my work experiences at the law firms and my studies, the money mind has since taken a lower priority and the vocational aspect takes centre-stage. The exposure to legal problem-solving has also intrigued me that I do look forward to the day when I can "talk shop" with my contemporaries. The experiences at court hearings have also made me consider being an advocate and I can imagine myself speaking in court, delivering my speech and arguments.

Through my interaction with people, I am often asked the question "what area of law I want to practice" and mostly postive comments on becoming a lawyer. My answer to this question would be that I am currently interested in corporate/commercial and litigation [both private client and corporate/commercial] But, I do eventually want to be an entertainment and media lawyer.

Now, this is perhaps the motivating factor behind my journey into law - the Christian faith. I always believed that the LORD called me into law in order that I could expound His law. I have even received comments that my name "Josiah" is a good name for a Christian lawyer. [Thank you Mum and Dad for that name!]

(2) My faith as a Christian

I believed I have grown exponentially in the faith since I came to London. I don't think I would have experienced something similar if I remained back home. The worship songs I have been listening to and singing, the books I have read and the many "moments of quiet" has undoubtedly turned me closer to Christ.

Now, I believe (1) and (2) are inter-linked. In the biblical canon of 66 books, there is a consistent theme of "looking back". Moses, David (through his Psalms) and the other prophets did it in the Old Testament and Paul in his Epistles in the New Testament. We all should therefore be thankful for the availability of Scripture.

We Christians are also called to remember what the LORD has done in our lives. When we look back, we marvel at the LORD's hand at work and this gives us the hope for the future as we "look forward".

How does this link with (1)? Well, as lawyers trained in the common law, we are in the business of "looking back", whether it is when we are dealing with our clients' problems that have happened in the past or researching cases. This parallel gives me great comfort hope as I look forward to the day where the images as mentioned above will be a reality. Till then, I am still an "aspiring" lawyer.

(3) My ambitions, hopes and plans

Just as I have looked back on my mission on the road to be a Christian lawyer, I now look forward. What lies ahead? Well, what I do know is that in a few weeks time, I will be writing the exams of my electives.

So, it is time to shift to "revision mode". I sense the pressure within myself to get to that mode now because I want to end the LPC on a positive note. The other "here and now" is to make the application for a training contract at a reputable City law firm and to settle my flight ticket to return home for the summer.

What I have also learnt since I came to England was the need to adopt a detailed approach towards everything, especially my studies. It is therefore no wonder England is the place for law. I am glad to be training as an English lawyer and I pray that I will be able to adopt this mindset.

Above all this, what is definitely certain is that all my other ambitions, hopes and plans are in the hands and heart of the Father above. To which, I need not worry - but it is humanly difficult and like in all things, it takes time.

SOLI DEO GLORIA!

SEASON 3 EPISODE 17: The God who is able to do "immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine" (Eph 3:20)

I write this entry with anticipatory joy, peace and a heart of thankfulness.

Today's Daily Bread was entitled "Surprise Me!" and the relevant Scripture was Ephesians 3:14-21. I believe this is very apt for me in my current circumstances as described in the previous episodes.

The focus of this passage was verse 20 which is the beginning of a common benediction said at the end of service. Paul writes:

"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us..." [my emphasis]

The writer of today's QT highlights the instances in the Bible how the LORD works (and sometimes, surprises). She writes that "God delights in doing the unexpected" like the parting of the Red Sea back in Exodus or even Jesus turning water into wine, calming storms, healing the sick and raising the dead. All these were done not to show off, but to point people to God the Father. What a privilege to know such a God!

What does it mean for me, you may ask? Well, I believe this is the LORD's answer to a burden on my heart on the family finances back home. It has definitely costs alot to support me here in England, my brother in Perth and the youngest at home doing the IB at ACS (International) - which is defintiely very costly.

I believe the LORD can even surprise because He can do "immeasurably more" than what our finite human mind can ask or imagine. I know He has heard the cries of my heart and today's QT is His answer that He has heard and knows what to do.

SOLI DEO GLORIA!

SEASON 3 EPISODE 16: LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL?

I have been wading through the training contract "tunnel" ever since the LPC began in September 2007 and have not come to a point where I can see the light. There have been a few promising routes, but as I continued, some of them showed signposts such as "this is the end of the road" or "watch this space".

Last week, I came to a point where I just felt lost and clueless. At Sanctuary on Thursday, I was reminded of the Holy Spirit being the wind as the topic was on Pentecost in Acts 2. The wind can be a howling one - which can cause one's ship to make a U-turn or a gentle one to calm one's soul. That night before turning in, as I prayed, I cried out to God telling Him that "I am lost without You" and I need a direction.

On Friday morning, when I checked my email, I received something from my mum - who forwarded a reply from another "angel" in respect of a possible training contract in one of the larger City firms here in London. That reply was an invitation for me to apply via their website and they will consider from there.

I must say that this whole episode is set upon unusual circumstances and uncanny timing. I shall not go into the details here. If you are interested to know more, drop me an email. But, as always, timing is everything and as a Christian, nothing happens by chance or just mere coincidence.

On my part, this comes just after I cried out to God that I am lost - how surprising! So, while I thank the LORD for hearing the cry of my heart, I now pray for His Spirit's inspiration as I plough through the application. The form is not as complex or detailed as the previous forms I filled in, but it still requires the same amount of thought or if not, more!

Could this be the light at the end of the tunnel? I do pray it is and as my father puts it: "Enter through the gate and wait for the next signpost." For all of you reading this and understand my situation, do continue to keep me in prayer. Many thanks in advance.

I end with the lyrics of this great Charles Wesley hymn I used to sing back home, which are really appropriate in my circumstances:

Come, Holy Ghost, our hearts inspire,
Let us Thine influence prove:
Source of the old prophetic fire,
Fountain of life and love.

Come, Holy Ghost, for moved by Thee
The prophets wrote and spoke;
Unlock the truth, Thyself the key,
Unseal the sacred book.

Expand Thy wings, celestial Dove,
Brood o’er our nature’s night;
On our disordered spirits move,
And let there now be light.

God, through Himself, we then shall know
If Thou within us shine,
And sound with all Thy saints below,
The depths of love divine.

SEASON 3 EPISODE 15: AN EVENING WITH THE KING'S SINGERS

After receiving good news on the LPC, seeing my favourite vocal ensemble in concert last night was the "icing on the cake" for this week.



Today, the King's Singers, a English vocal ensemble celebrate their 40th anniversary of making music. Their debut concert was held on 1st May 1968 and today, they would have performed about 5,000 concerts worldwide. See more information about them at their official website: http://www.kingssingers.com/.




I am glad that I booked my ticket about 6 months ago in October 2007 because tickets ran out after a while! They are so popular that they have agreed to put up another show this Sunday, 4th May 2008.





The concert was held at Cadogan Hall at Sloane Square and it was a packed hall of supporters, friends and most of the former singers of the group - including the original bass, baritone and 2nd counter-tenor!





The programme consisted of music, tributes and reflections. In between the pieces, the singers took a step back and invited some of the former singers on stage to say a few words.





The one thing that I was slow to realise was that it was possible to take photographs during the concert! It is surprising because I have been perhaps conditioned back home that no photographs can be taken during the concert.





The most breath-taking moment was at the conclusion of the end of the first half where - as the current group sang - all the former singers joined in and started coming up on stage, creating the whole "family" of singers throughout the 40 years and I missed it!

It was a light programme and the group performed songs from their early recordings (some of which may not have been performed before) and their . But, the verdict is this: they sound just as good as their recordings. As I heard them, I had the same song running through my mind - considering that I constantly listen to almost all their albums back home. I think I have about just under 30 of their albums. :p



I bought their programme, their 40th anniversary song book and their latest CD. After the concert, I loitered in the lobby, introduced myself to some of them (and saying that I am from Singapore and look forward to seeing them perform there) to get all of their autographs. See photos below:







Programme and songbook (before)


[clockwise] latest CD, programme and songbook (after)

The one thing that I must give thanks the LORD for is the weather last night:

When I left my hall, it was raining and I got to Cadogan Hall wondering whether the weather would be better! This was especially after buying the above memorabilia, where I wondered how not to ruin these priceless things, especially with their autographs affixed on them.

But, after the concert, there was no rain and I thank God for that!

All in all, I had a very enriching evening... thanks be to God!