Choose to Believe

Am I too old to believe
Am I too blind to see
Where's the God of Miracles
Told in Bible Stories?

Have I grown out of it
Is my faith not strong enough
Where's the God of Miracles
To tell me it's not fluff?

If Faith can move mountains
And Grace move knees to bend
Where's Your Love
To help me comprehend?

Is my mind too cluttered
Is my spirit deceived?
Somewhere between my soul and mind,
I still choose to believe.

That Faith can move mountains
And I'm not too old to trust
That You're the God of Miracles
And Your love will outlast.

The Cup of Suffering

Our Father who art in Heaven, hallowed be thy name…

He started the Lord’s Prayer in front of his congregation. He took his time as he enunciated every distinct syllable in the prayer that he has uttered for all his Christian life.

…Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done…

He shakes a little as the weight of his burden feels like it has increased tenfold. He imagines that this was how the Lord felt like when he prayed for his yoke to be taken away from him. While in the midst of the prayer, he says a silent one in his heart – that he would have the strength to finish this.

…on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread.

He has said this prayer more times than he can remember. But it didn't mean it came out any easier. As his congregation with their heads silently bowed wait patiently with the elements of communion – a piece of bread and a cup of ‘wine’ – in their hands, he wonders if any of them are sleeping. He knew many of them by name – His sheep that he has been shepherding for many years – and now he is up on the pulpit once again to deliver the Holy Communion. The elders have told him that this would probably be his last time on the pulpit as his health is deteriorating.  

And forgive us our depts., as we forgive our debtors.

How many in his congregation still have anger toward their own? He remembers the amount of marriage ceremonies he has conducted, but also the troubling flood of divorce cases. He remembers being the center of family feuds over the will of the deceased. He remembers the stories he has been told of his sheep being hurt by wolves in sheepskin. He is troubled. He has preached about forgiveness, but he knows the message has fallen on deaf ears.

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil…

Where was temptation? Where was evil? He knew the answer but did not want to admit it. Oftentimes, the source of evil in his church has come from the members themselves – the seeds of temptation sown by crafty wolves disguising themselves as sheep. He knew they were among his sheep now – eyeing their next prey. He felt overwhelming anger and pity for those men. He also found it ironic that the place that should have been the most holy of places has become the place of most deceit. The idiom was true it seemed that where we think we are strongest is where the devil strikes the hardest. He has planted this church on fertile ground, but the evil one has thrown in some weeds. And now he decided was the time for the harvest – to separate the good plants from the weeds, the wheat from the thorns. It was not an easy decision but he knew it had to be done. His sheep had to be purified. As fire purifies steel, he was ready to purify his congregation.

For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever.

He heard the unison amen. The voices of both the thorns and the wheat spoke the same language. He would never be able to tell them apart. The thorns, the weeds, and wolves are in his congregation like a poison that is slowly deteriorating his wheat, his good plants, and sheep.

Amen.

He raises his left hand that held on to a piece of bread. He puts it over his head, reaches for it with his right hand and breaks the bread. He gives the signal and as a body, they eat the bread together. They all eat together. The sheep and the wolves in sheepskin. The prey and the innocent. He couldn't tell them apart. He knows only God could be the judge.

He reaches for the cup and raises it above his head. He hesitates a moment. He knew this was his last time on the pulpit. He wanted to take in the moment. He says a few words about his appreciation of their faithfulness. He bites back the need to say something about the wolves among them because he did not want to pollute the innocent. He gives the signal and the congregation downs the beverage in unison. He notes the acidity of the wine. He chokes. As he falls onto the floor he hears the cries from his sheep and the wolves. He hears nothing more. He feels nothing more.  

He knows that only God can judge between the sheep and the wolves. Only God knows the true intentions of men. And what better way to free his congregation of the possibility of being  eaten by wolves in his absence then to send them to God early to be judged? He could not trust his naïve young leaders; they were not ready. He has struggled with this cup of suffering for many years; what did the other leaders know about leading a congregation? He knew killing was a sin, but his intentions, he felt, was justified. After all, God will be his judge. 

The Cry and His Reply

One man raises his voice to the hills
Another man humbles himself and kneels
Still one more throws his fist in the air
One man asks, "Show Yourself, if you care."

One more begs aloud to be heard
One more mourns and shaves his beard
One more cries 'til tomorrow's dawn
Another man sings a heavenly song

One man slams the keys and shouts,
"Lord, please chase away my doubts!"
One man takes on more than he can chew,
To silence the pain that's in me and you.

One man wears a smiling face
Thinking that with it he can erase
The hurt, the fears, and uncertainties.
But they flood back like rushing seas

One son asks where is his dad
Where's the one to teach him good from bad.
He doubts he'll find a father's love
Neither on this earth nor high above.

One selfless mother prays with tears
That God would drive away her fears
As her little one lies in a hospital bed
She pleads, "God, can you take me instead?"

One little daughter sings in church
About the One on high she has researched
She's not too sure of the words she hums
She's not too sure of the chords she strums.

All their cries fill up the sky
And they all start to question why

Why does He stay silent in the clouds
When His voice is supposed to be thunder-loud?
Why is He hidden in the heavens
When it can't contain His presence?

And between their cry and His reply
Rose a silent song from High
And they knew it was from Him
Though they knew not the words to the hymn

Between their cry and His reply
The earth as if stood by
And He did not shout His answer
It came in a soft and gentle whisper.

He said, "Fear not you aching hearts,

For I have seen you from the start.

Steer your weary souls to Me

And I will give you liberty.

"Fret not, for I am here

For I have always been so near.

I've heard your songs; I've heard your pleas.

I've heard your chords; I've heard your keys.

"The mother's cry; The father's sigh

Not one of them has passed me by.

The little ones' pleas; the man on his knees.

No, not one, I did not see."

Between the cry and His reply

The earth as if stood by

And peace came in and cleared the drought

And it eased the heart and cleared the doubts.

Christmas Cheer

In twenty minutes, Christmas will be here.
In twenty minutes, comes 24 hours of cheer.
Get ready your smile, get ready your mood
For the meaning of tomorrow is well understood
Forget about your worries, put them all aside
Leave away your doubts, let your fears go to hide
Forget about the turmoil, forget about the strife
Forget about your starving neighbor, forget the lost of life
Forget about the oppression, forget about regret
For the reason for the season, is the chance to forget.

Put on your happy face, just for today.
Tomorrow you can return to reality's grey.
Put on your Christmas cheer and pretend everything's okay.
Put on your hymns and songs just for this auspicious day.

Just for today, we celebrate the Lord's birth
Just for today, we remember He came to Earth
Just for today, we shall sing of His saving grace
But when tomorrow comes, we shall return to our place.

Remember the Son and all that He did

Remember His birth and his great deed

Remember He came to save all mankind

But tomorrow return to the world of the blind.

If Christ was born to save us from death

Should we not do more than set up a wreath?

If Christ was born to set us free
Should we not do more than set up a tree?

If Christ was born to prepare us a way

Should we not do more than give Him one day?

So...
In twenty minutes, Christmas will be here.
In twenty minutes, comes 24 hours of cheer.
Get ready your smile, get ready your mood
But is the meaning of Christmas well understood?

Still You Forgive

Verse 1:

Another Sunday morning

The congregation's singing

My hands are raised to the sky

To praise the God on High

But with these same hands I raise

Do I worship with all my days

Or is this just for the weekends

I lift my empty...

Chorus:

How can I stand among the Chosen

And eat with the Redeemed

When the shame has overridden 

And the guild cannot be dimmed?

How can I walk among Your people

When my faith and work don't tally?

Oh, Lord, my life is but a ripple

Will You come and rescue me?

Will You come and rescue me?

Will You come and rescue me?

Verse 2:

You know my walk is broken

You know what I've forsaken

And though my knees break down before You

Why do I fail my follow through? 

Bridge:

Still You forgive

Still You forgive 

Still You forgive

And for You I will live

I am Glad to be Count Among the Blessed

I am glad to be count among the blessed

I rejoice to stand in His righteousness 

For God's love is so great

That He choose to clean my slate

I am glad to be count among the blessed

I am glad to be count among the saved

Made able because He rose from the grave

What great an act of love

That God would leave His throne from above

I am glad to be count among the saved

I am glad to be count among His sheep

To have my sins laid down at His feet

To be wholly set apart

To be changed completely from the heart

I am glad to be count among His sheep

What love is this?

This love of His

He gave His own, to buy my release

He gave His life

To end my strife

He saved my soul from sin's deadly knife

I am glad to be count among the called

I'll carry my yoke and not be appalled

Sand me I will go

Where You'll lead me, I will follow 

I am glad to be count among the called

No One Cares

Act 1 – No one cares at home

Roof Scene

Calvin with tears in his eyes walks up some stairs. *blackout* Penny is taking a lift to the top floor of a building. *blackout*. Both sit down at the ledge of the building then noticed each other. Unknown to both of them, there is a man that is of hearing distance.

Calvin

Bad day, huh?

*Penny sniffs and nods*

Well, I guess it’s good to know that I’m not the only one…hi, I’m Calvin…

Penny

I’m Penny… Why’d you come up here for?

Calvin

For fresh air? … Who am I kidding? I’m out here because I can’t take it down there anymore. I don’t feel like I belong anymore. Why are you up here?

Penny

I don’t know.  I see in all the movies that when you are sad you go to the top of the tallest building you can find and…

*looks down*

Well…yea…

*They both stare down the building. *

Well, I’m here because… *fade out*

Scene

4 friends are relaxing in a normal homely living room. Pat calls the maid to get drinks for her friends.

Pat

*shouts* Kak! Boleh bagi minuman untuk kawan-kawan saya tak? Kak? Hello!?

*to friends* Sorry, good help is hard to get. She’s probably ignoring me…

Brandon

LOL! Nothing to apologize for la.

Yang

Ya, we all go through the same problem leh.  Haha, anyways let’s get back to the story. Lisa, you were talking about a party at Chloe’s house tomorrow?

Lisa

Yup, Chloe’s inviting all of us.  It would be so cool! Imagine all the guys that will be there, Pat.

Yang

*puts arms around Lisa* Shouldn’t I be the only guy you should be looking at?

Lisa

Yea, um, I will be looking out FOR Pat, Yang.  Oh, Pat, Jack will be there. Maybe he’ll finally make a move.

*all laugh except Pat*

*awkward silence as everyone stares at Pat*

Pat

I doubt my parents will allow me to go to a party so early in the semester.

Brandon

C’mon, Pat, do your parents need to know? My mom doesn’t even know that I’m here! Look, the moment you tell your parents that you are going to a party with boys. It will definitely be a “no go”.    

Lisa

Brandon’s right, Pat, just tell them you are staying over in my place. Technically, you will be, after the party. You won’t be lying…

Pat

I don’t know… I’ll still have to get their permission to go to your place, Lisa, and I’m not sure whether they’ll let me… My last semester’s results were not great at all.

Yang

Why on Earth did you tell them your results in the first place? It’s not SPM anymore Pat.

Pat

I didn’t want to but they asked…

*car engine sound is heard*

And that’s them.  I’ll ask them before dinner alright? I can’t promise anything now…

Scene

Pat’s friends start heading out while her parents enter the door.  They greet each other before parting ways. 

Penny # Pat’s younger sister

*excitedly out from a room* Are mommy and daddy home?

Pat

*Sarcastically* No. That was just Santa Claus. He came a little too early this year.  Who else can it be, Penny?

*Storms into kitchen. Penny follows behind. Mom & Dad are unpacking the groceries and preparing dinner*

Mom. Dad. I was wondering if I can…er…stay over in Lisa’s house tomorrow?

Dad

Who’s Lisa?

Pat

The girl who was just here??

Dad

Which one? Weren't there two girls?

Pat

Dad, there was only one girl; Brandon just has long hair…

Dad

Oh, kids these days.  Why so sudden? Didn't you just go to Lisa’s house last Friday?

Pat

She’s having a…study group…we have a test next week…?

Dad

Why can’t you have it here? Your mom and I will be happy to prepare dinner.

Pat

Because I don’t want to trouble…Penny…we’ll be up ‘til late and I might disturb her when I get to bed…

Mom

What subject is this? I thought your semester just started?

Pat

Erm…I know right. Mr. Jacob’s a very demanding lecturer…

Penny

If you are going to study how are you going to go that party?

*awkward silence*

Pat

Penny, shut up!

Dad

Pat, what is this? Have you been lying?

Pat

I’m not lying…entirely…

Scene

An argument erupts.  The fight ranges from Pat’s lying to her parents, to her bad results, and then to her attitude.

Pat

You know what?! Nevermind! I’m just going to rot in my room for the rest of my life!

*heads to room but stops at Penny*

This is all YOUR fault!

*Stomps into room and slams door. Parents continue to shout at her and then they start fighting among themselves on who is to blame. In the midst of the turmoil, Penny is forgotten.*

Scene

Camera zoom on Penny in tears. Theme song (music only) plays as she runs out the door. Parents do not take notice and continue to shout at each other and Pat.

Act II – No one cares among friends

Roof Scene

Back to the roof of the building

Penny

And that’s why I came up here…why are you here?

Calvin

My story isn’t as nice as yours it’s definitely not as interesting…you won’t like it…no one will.

Penny

C’mon, I told you mine, it’s your turn now. At least, I dunno, somebody must know your story.

Calvin

I’ll tell you mine since you told me yours alright? *fade out*

Scene

Calvin is walking alone.  There is a group of people in the group in front of him.  His classmate, Nathan, is walking behind him and rushes to catch up.

Nathan # classic extrovert

Hey Calvin! Wait up!

*Calvin pauses for Nathan until Nathan catches up*

Hey, I didn’t see you in class yesterday…

*Calvin tries to respond but…*

You know what you missed? Serene joined us for lunch. Oh man, it felt so awkward talking to her instead of talking about her.  She was so hot and all. Jane and Laura were so obviously jealous because me and Mike kept on talking to Serene during the WHOLE lunch.  Oh man, too bad you missed it.

Oh and did you know that that I heard that Ken is getting pretty close to Laura? I should have noticed it yesterday but I was too focused on Serene the whole time that I didn’t bother to tease Laura on who she was messaging so much.  Haha…man, who knew one day of absence, would miss so much! I’m never going to skip another class.

Speaking of classes, do you know what happened in Chem class yesterday? Mr. Brians actually asked me a question out front in front of the whole class but I wasn’t paying attention and all because Serene was still in my head so I just said, “It depends”, and it worked! Oh man, yesterday was such a good day.

*Throughout the monologue, Calvin would make effort to try to make it into a conversation but fail.*

Oh my! I didn’t know that Serene was just ahead of us! Hey, I got to go, I hope you understand. Catch up another time alright? Ciao!

*Nathan runs after the group of people walking in front, leaving Calvin alone again.*

Calvin to himself

Goodbye Nathan.  I guess you didn’t notice that it wasn’t Mike that ate lunch with you and Serene but me. *sigh*

Scene

Calvin goes to lunch and sees Ryan another classmate eating alone. Calvin walks up to him and attempts to join him.

Calvin

Hey Ryan, eating alone?

Ryan

Hey Calvin! Nope I’m eating with my old schoolmates. They are ordering their food now.  You came alone?

*Calvin nods*

Well have fun then. I know you like eating alone and all.

Scene

Shocked Calvin stands stun until Ryan’s friends arrive and Calvin leaves slowly. He hears their laughter as he walks away, and tears begin to form. Theme song begins to play (music only). Lead of into Calvin’s Song starts.

<Rap>

Calvin’s Song

Who is there to hear my plea?

Who here knows my misery?

Yea, I was delusional; maybe egotistical

To think that you cared for me

I mean…

What is a friend

When not on one of them I can depend…on

Do any of you bother to hear my sad song?

What a surprise; you’ve been saying nothing but lies

I now can see the evil behind your disguise.

<Chorus>

I’m done with all the lies you’ve said

I need nothing more to fuel this hate

I know that the blame is mine

I can see it clearly

I can read all of your signs

That no one will miss me

No one will miss me.

Act III – Someone Cares

Roof Scene

They both stare down the building. 

Man

It’s a pretty far way down…and it’ll be pretty messy.

*Calvin and Penny are startled and quickly get off the ledge*

Calvin

Who are you?

Man

Who I am is not important but the one who sent me is…

Penny

My Mom?

Calvin

Befrienders?

Man

*chuckles* Hmmm…I would guess both those answers can be acceptable, but no. You see…Kevin, no? Kenny? No? Casey?...Oh, right, Calvin and err…Perry? Penny! Right! Where was I? Right, Calvin; Penny, when it seems almost impossible to believe that someone would care for you…

*Song: Before the world began*

Calvin

God told you I’d be up here?

Man

Well, not exactly. You see, I came up here tonight to remember one day about five years ago when I was up here looking down very much the same way you two are.  I stood right there swearing and crying and cursing. I was angry…angry because my marriage of about two years was on the rocks, I just got fired from my job…I felt that no one cared. I stood here thinking whether the world would be any different without me in it. I stood there thinking whether the world would even miss me. I pondered for so long until the sun rose. And I felt the warmth and comfort, and I remembered what I heard one Sunday when I was younger, “No matter how dark and powerful the night may seem, remember that God sent His SON/Sun to bring us light and lead us to the right path…

Scene

The sun rises in the distance *fade out* Theme song plays:

No One Cares

Verse 1  

DO you care to know my name?

DO I mean a thing to you?

Or am I just another passer through

Gone like the dew.

Can you hear my silent screams?

Can my eyes tell my pain?

Or do you think that I’m just insane

And turn away again?

The silent treatment hurts

And I fade into a corner

I live a life without a peer

I’m a hermit; a loner.

Pre-chorus 

This is not the life I chose

This is the life I want to close…

Chorus

No one cares; No one cares

This is the song that I declare

No one cares; No one cares

Does anybody hear my prayers?

Who would so kind salvation send?

I have come to understand

That No one cares.

Verse 2

The shouting starts anew

Their fighting never ceases

Am I the only one who wants some peace

Instead of these releases?

The reasons are unclear

But the hatred is so real

Mom and Dad you fighting will…

End this family’s tale.

I feel helpless as they fight

I feel helpless in this life.

And I need a way to end this strife

SO I head into the night…

Pre-chorus

Chorus

Bridge

But then I hear a name

Of a man who came

And he helped the helpless to their feet.

His love knows no end

I cannot comprehend

Why he chose to take my seat

Now a new song I will sing

A message to you I’ll bring

Of this man who died for us…

Jesus

And now I know that…

Chorus 2

Jesus cares; Jesus cares

This is the song that He declares

Jesus cares; Jesus cares

He is here to hear our prayers

He has come, we are now set free

Our price has been paid on Calvary

Because Jesus Cares

After song…

Man

When it seems that no one cares *points up* He does.

Back to You

Verse 1

How often have I fallen

How often have You picked me up

How often have I let you down

How often have You refilled my cup

Verse 2

How often have I left you

How often have You accepted me back

How often have I failed you

How often have You showed me my track

Pre-chorus

And here I am again I’m lost

I’m reminded of my dept, the cost

Chorus

That it took a life to set me free

And what am I doing with this liberty

Wasting away with earthly schemes

Wasting away on worldly dreams

Oh God, bring me back to You

Verse 3

How often have I ran

How often have You waited for me

How often have I sinned

How often have You forgiven me

Bridge

Bring me back to the time when I first found you

Bring me back to the place when Your love was true

Oh God, bring me back to You

What We are For

We have been dead for far too long

The enemy's hand is for too strong

Break the chains

Let the Spirit reign

We can't remain in the past

It's time we change

Let's not be strange-ers

To the outcasts.

It's time the world knows what we are for

It's time to open up the door.

To our neighbors and friends

Let us lend them our hands.

Let's wash the feet

Of those in need

God, empower us all.

It's time the world knows what we are for.

Let us open our eyes to see

That people will not heed our plea

Unless our actions

Shows our passion

For the One who made us.

So let us be rid

Of our selfish seed

And be like Christ Jesus. 

A Broken Man

A broken man can understand. What it means, to be in sinking sand

What he feels though is much like us. The feeling of loss, the want; the thirst…

Where can he run where there’s no sun, where the shame has not begun?

Is there a hope; a place to cope for a broken man…

He’s looking high and dry, but far too far

When the truth he seeks, is right where you are.

The light he needs, is in your heart,

Are you doing your part?

The truth is here, it’s so near to the broken man full of fear.

What is your lot in this plot? You have gained, you’ve lost; you’ve fought.

You can clearly see; you’re found; you’re free.  And now you have kept the key.

The key of hope; a place to cope for a broken man…

A man has come to save our lives

A wise man seeks and he finds

A humble man begs and he is free

A blind man asks and he starts to see

So why are we keeping this light

When we can make the world so bright?