Homeschooling & Property Industry

Homeschooling & Property Industry

It has been 8 years since I left full-time church ministry to enter into the real estate industry for the purpose of fathering my son in his foundation years.

While I left the full-time church ministry, Kingdom ministry has not left me. For the past 8 years, I have been more zealous than before and have never stopped ministering online and offline. I have reached out to individuals way more than I did when I was working in the church.

I have not lost sight of the purpose of why I left full-time ministry. This is the reason why my wife and I chose to homeschool our child after his pre-school years. This is why my wife resigned from her job as a teacher (with stable income) to educate my son.

Being in the property industry has not been easy. I uphold Kingdom values and every ounce of it contradicts the Mammon values in the real estate business. As a result, I have a team but I often walk alone, because we are not supposed to be unequally yoked.

By choosing not to handle property deals the way we are taught to do so, I quickly become the minority. When everyone is pushing for new launch projects as encouraged by our agencies (who are stakeholders), I find myself unable to do so for the sake of a clear conscience.

I am not the top salesperson who clocks million dollars commission. Neither am I the kind who keeps putting out award-winning posts. Yet there is always grace from God who brings people into my life, for which I am grateful.

I want to thank all of them ---- my friends and clients who believe in me, trust me and graciously allow me to journey with them in their real estate decisions and progressions.

My family and I are thankful. For without you being part of God's grace in our lives, we would not be able to continue homeschooling and ministering in the Kingdom.

Thank You Jesus! And thank you all!

P.S: It is impossible to reflect the Kingdom if we are reflecting more and more like the world.

What Is Enough?

What Is Enough?

Financial sufficiency has different meanings for different people. It is very subjective. What is enough?

For some, having enough is to have food on the table.

For some, having enough is to have big cars and houses.

I have people telling me that they are trusting God to provide for them, yet they drive luxury cars (BMW and above is considered luxury in my humble opinion, but again, it's subjective for others), having $2mil over property, etc. 

And I have people trusting God to provide for them, and they are living from day to day for bread on the table.

I have people saying that they don't have money, yet they have more than one property and few hundred thousand dollars in savings. And I have people saying that they don't have money, and they are waiting for paycheck every month to live by.

Working in the present industry has shown me so much about people's views on finances. And those who really walk out the Kingdom values (or not). Money is not evil. But it always exposes the heart.

People often judge by the surface. It is shallow. They look at the property news. It's hot and booming. And they look at me, "Wilson, you must be doing very well." Well or not, I will never say that I'm not doing well. Neither will I say that I am doing well.

To say that I am not doing well is to speak contrary to the Word of God. I will never say it, because I am trained to speak the Word. It took me so many years to learn how to speak the Word.

To say that I am doing well is kind of like giving wrong impression and not being truthful. Even the word 'well' is very subjective for different people. What is 'well'? And what is enough?

My view of 'what is enough' definitely differs from many. Because unlike what many people think, I didn't enter the property industry to earn alot of money. Yes, maybe 99% enter for that reason, but there is always that 1%. I just need enough for my family. And honestly, my 'enough' is lower than majority of the people I know.

"Wilson, you enter property for money right?"

"Yes, did you enter your current job for free?"

We all need a job that has an income because we are IN the world. If you don't need money, then quit your job. Nobody works for free. You do your job, you get paid a salary. I do my job, I get paid a commission. It's the same.

Why are we so shallow in looking at the surface? Shallow conversations take place in a society where materialism and consumerism are widespread (like Singapore). 

I long for deeper conversations. Perhaps this is why I only have few in the inner circle.

What is enough? It's a question that perhaps we as Christians should seek God for deeper understanding.

But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. Only let us hold true to what we have attained. - Phil 3:13b-16

Giving To The Poor

Though we don't practise the allocation of finances due to the needs of the family, we want to ensure that our child learns financial literacy.

So we taught him to practise keeping 70% of his pocket money, while being empowered to use 30% of it.

For this year's angbao money that he received, he decided to apportion an amount from his 30% to give to the poor. On his own accord without anyone asking him to do so.

Today, he gave some away to the poor. And I decided to give some to him, without any expectation on his part.

He was delighted. Then he quoted this to me, "Give and it will be given back to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured onto your lap."

I'm so proud of him.

The best gift we can give to our child is to direct him to the Father who will father him.

The Power of Homeschooling

The power of homeschooling...

Pruning plants and feeding his terrapin in the morning while kids rush to schools.

People study hard and work hard to reach one end goal: retirement --- so that they can prune plants in the morning when they wake up.

My boy starts from retirement. For he is complete in Christ. Lol. #homeschooling 

P.S: On a serious note, perhaps retirement should not be your end goal in life. Life is bigger and much more than that.

Who Is Ruling The Governmental System?

Who Is Ruling The Governmental System?

I find it rather interesting whenever Christian leaders talk/preach about placing our trust in the local gahmen, for they believe that every decision is made for our good.

Because it's not Bible.

The Word does not teach you to trust in princes (Psalm 146). There is no command from God to trust in them. We are only told to pray for them (1 Tim 2:2).

And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, 𝐟𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝, 𝐟𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐚𝐢𝐫, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience... - Ephesians 2:1-2

The chief prince who is ruling the course of this world and the governmental system is the prince of the power of the air. There are many Scriptures that talk about it.

But none talks about trusting in them.

If we don't speak Bible from the pulpit, then it is mere human opinion that has no authority, no matter how mega your church is. It is presumptuous to call the sheep to trust the princes when our trust should be the Father.

The Under-shepherds will account for the instructions given to the sheep. For with great influence comes great responsibility.

Disclaimer: This post is not specifically written about any country, but in general.

Difference Between Praying and Hinting

Difference Between Praying and Hinting

Few days back, my son shared that he wanted something. I said, "It is not good (nor wise) for you to have it. So we won't be buying it for you.'

I added, "If you really want it, you ask Jesus on your own."

He proceeded to do it.

Earlier today, he said to me, "I feel that what I asked Jesus is going to come soon."

So I took this opportunity to teach him a principle, saying, "When you ask God to bless you with something, you do not tell anyone else. Otherwise, you are hinting others to get it for you and it is not from God."

I continued, "Neither do you tell anyone that you are praying to God for something, because that's not prayer. That's hinting. And it's not from God even if somebody blesses you with it."

"If you pray, you need to trust Him, and there is no need to tell others."

He nodded and asked, "But can I tell you and Mum?"

"Yes of course!"

There is enough of 'hinting prayers' in the Christian communities and even on the social media by Christians. For goodness' sake, this cow must be killed.

What Kind Of Environment?

What Kind Of Environment?

Few days ago, my son and I were swimming in the adult pool before he went to the children's pool at the furthest end to play with a 5-year old boy.

When he came back, he shared with me that he just played with a 5-year old boy because the latter requested.

I often take the opportunity to practise hearing God's voice. So I said to him, "Don't tell me his name. I will ask Jesus."

He replied, "Okay! (Excitedly)"

I paused, and said, "I see the letter J... James."

He answered, "Correct!"

And we had a teachable moment right at the pool where God showed Himself real to my son over and over again.

Living and demonstrating His presence as a lifestyle in front of our child creates an environment where he realises that God is real and is not bound to the four walls of a church. God is not found in a religious activity, a Sunday school or a corporate setting. He is found wanting to engage with us in our daily living. He is more relevant than mere Sundays and mid-weeks.

Recently, we were asked if my son would like to join his friend for a church camp. We declined and said, "If it's a secular camp, we would be glad to send him there with your kid, because it is easy to separate what the world teaches and what the Kingdom teaches."

"But if it's a Christian camp, we would be very careful, because we do not know what it teaches, for religion that teaches half truths would make a child confused and it is hard to unlearn what he has absorbed as a young child."

It took many years for me to unlearn religion and re-learn the Kingdom, so we would not want to put J into that kind of environment.

Christian environment does not mean that it is always good. On the other hand, secular environment does not mean that it is always bad. I believe that the key is to know how to bring God in clarity into our child's environment.

P.S: Yeah we are a weird family. That's why we chose homeschooling and made decisions that are in the minority.

#fathering101

Experiencing His Providence and Abundance

Heb 13:5 is in the context of finances. We often quote "I will never leave you nor forsake you", but we forget that He is referring (in this passage) to the needs of this world. While you are not of the world, you are in the world and would need what the Gentiles need.

However, if we pursue the wrong priority, we will definitely walk out of the Kingdom life.

His presence is the guarantee and the reminder of His promise in Heb 13:5. His presence is the assurance of His unfailing supply. 

The spirit of greed (wanting more money) disqualifies you from experiencing His presence.

But the spirit of contentment qualifies you to acknowledge His presence and receive His divine providence.

Bible knowledge does not equate to Kingdom living. It takes deliberate decision to act on the Word in order to experience His life more abundantly.

Is Earning Well Wrong?

Is Earning Well Wrong?

I was asked, "Wilson, is it wrong to desire to do well and earn more money to provide for our family?"

Sharing my five-cent worth...

The desire to provide for our family is godly, since God is Jehovah Jireh who provides. But the desire to earn more money (and do well) will become a powerful force of distraction for a believer to walk in the Kingdom.

In my industry, I haven't encountered a successful top Christian agent who walks in the Kingdom. At least among my limited network.

There is a reason why Jesus said that we cannot serve both God and Mammon. It is impossible to have both.

There is a reason why Matthew 6:33 exists and we are told to seek first His Kingdom.

There is a reason why the Word says that you cannot sow two kinds of seed in your field.

When our focus is on earning well, the Kingdom will take a back seat. While it is good to be thankful to God, testifying that God helps us to earn alot of money has little or no impact in the Kingdom. Why? Non-believers are also earning alot of money without God.

But what we can ask ourselves is this... 

"In the midst of earning well, how much impact have I done for the Kingdom?" 

"How much Kingdom-reality have I reflected in the midst of earning well?"

"How much I have given away to bless others in proportion to what I have earned?"

I am not a top-earner. I don't focus on earning alot of money. I wish I can, so that I can go around blessing people. But I know that if I focus on that, the Kingdom will take a back seat in my life.

The Kingdom is more important to me. And I am blessed to have a very supportive wife who doesn't seek after Mammon, because she knows my heart for the Kingdom. In fact, there are still alot of things I want to do, but I'm holding back in this season of my life.

In a nutshell, there is nothing wrong to desire to earn more, but we must weigh the impact we have for the Kingdom.

Response To His Manifest Presence

Recently, in the daytime, I asked J, "People respond differently to God's manifest presence. Some feel heat/warm/fire; some feel electricity; some feel tingling, some feel wind/cool air, some laugh, etc.

What do you feel?

J: For me, I will yawn.

Papa: You will what??!

J: I will yawn when I feel His presence.

Papa: Are you joking? I have never heard before.

J: I'm serious. I yawn. I'm not joking.

I thought my son was joking. But I decided to test it out. When I released God's presence on him, he yawned a few times. Then, I asked him to speak in tongues and be connected to God's presence. While praying in tongues, 𝐇𝐄 𝐊𝐄𝐏𝐓 𝐘𝐀𝐖𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆!

I went to look up more about yawning. Apparently, to my surprise, excitement, anticipation, change of emotions, and even change of body temperature can cause yawning.

That's new to me. And I think my son is a pretty interesting boy.

Stand Corrected

I have been educating my son since young that he is a good boy, not because of his behaviours and actions. He is good because Jesus made him to be good.

Because he's a good boy, he can choose to have good behaviours and actions.

Today I stand corrected by him.

I saw a teenage boy clearing his bowl and tray at the foodcourt. So I said to my son, "Look. This is a responsible boy."

My son replied, "No. He isn't a responsible boy because he cleared his tray and bowl. He is a responsible boy, therefore he cleared his tray and bowl."

Brilliant! He is absolutely correct!

Property Testimony

Property Testimony

Met up with a couple friend cum clients as they wanted to explore options for their property portfolio.

After advising them on how to proceed, our conversations were mostly spent talking about God.

When they found out that my whole family is UV, they were pretty curious how we "lived" our lives despite having financial commitment as a homeschooling family with one sole breadwinner (who does not draw a monthly salary).

Thought this would be an encouraging testimony to those who are looking to the Father as the Provider.

No V no job policy made alot of people chose the V. Because some think that there is no other way for God to provide.

It came to a point where I couldn't enter the showflats; I couldn't conduct viewings; I couldn't return to the office. Yet none of these could cause me to compromise on what I truly believe in.

Crisis does not change you. It reveals what is inside of you. If Christ is in you, crisis squeezes Christ out of you. If God is our Provider, then we need to stop trying hard to orchestrate results and stop making choices that make ourselves bigger than Him as the Provider.

During that challenging period, I had property owner who suddenly contacted me out of nowhere, saying, "Wilson, I know that you are UV (cos I posted alot on exposing the hidden). Hence, I only want you to sell my property. Because I only trust you alone."

Yes. It's a privilege to be trusted by people. But the main thing to me is the powerful testimony of God's faithful providence as I put my trust in Him. He honours your faith in Him.

We often think that there is no other option when faced with tremendous pressure. But how much do we really trust Him?

May we as believers walk in a different spirit from the world.

You Become What You Pursue

You Become What You Pursue

We always become what we pursue. The pursuit of success will make you become more and more like the world. It is impossible to go after worldly success and remain kingdom-minded.

Yes on our lips, it is possible. But in our heart, it is impossible. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. What you pursue reveals your treasure and what your heart is truly seeking.

This is why the Bible tells us to 'Seek FIRST the Kingdom of God and His righteousness..." (Matt 6:33).

The Kingdom of God is not vague or mysterious. It is not so broad that we can simply put our own interpretations into it. The Word defines it clearly in Romans 14:17 that the Kingdom of God is Righteousness, Peace and Joy in the Holy Spirit.

The Gospel is the Righteousness of God revealed (Rom 1:17). And the Righteousness of God is Christ (1 Cor 1:30).

Peace and Joy are the results of having Right Standing with God. It is impossible to go after Christ, the Righteousness of God, and live without Peace and Joy in the Kingdom.

The opposite is also true. If we lose a sense of peace and joy within us, it reveals that the pursuit of our lives is not the Kingdom of God, but worldly success.

Your pursuit is what you become. If your pursuit is success in the world, you become like the world, no matter how much religion you put on your lips.

If your pursuit is the Kingdom of God, you become like Jesus. For He is Righteousness, Peace and Joy.

There is no option to have both the Kingdom and the world (mammon). He is a jealous God. Not jealous against you, but jealous for you. For He knows who you would become by your very pursuit.

Waking Up To Bible Reading

Wah. The first thing he woke up to do today is to read the book of Judges on his own, before taking his brekkie.

When the inspiration comes, let him be and don't let him have his breakfast 😜

Expectations Of You

Expectations Of You

Both God and people have expectations of you.

People's expectations of you are often selfish in nature. They want you to be in a certain way because of lack in their lives. So they put their hope on you, in hope that you would meet their needs (aka expectations of you).

God, on the other hand, is different. His expectations of you are rooted and grounded in agape love, because He has great opinions of you. 

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐛𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐮𝐬 in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places. - Eph 1:3

The word 'blessed' comes from the word 'eulogy' (in Greek). It means 'to speak well of'. God has good eulogy for you and me. 

Because of His good expectations of us (in Christ), He always spoke well of us. His eulogy for you and me contains every good, spiritual blessing.

How do you handle people's expectations of you? Ignore the expectations, because you cannot become what they want you to be. They need to grow up in Him, not you.

How do you handle God's expectations of you? Acknowledge the expectations, because God sees the possibility in you in Christ. And we need to grow into it.