Matthew 5:4
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
I've been tormented many times this year. Never in my entire 7+ years since graduation have I attended so many rounds of interview for prospective jobs just to face rejections after rejections.
I've also been blessed many times this year. Never in my life have I had the joy to travel to so many countries to experience a spectrum of holidays, missions and work.
As we started the year of 2006, this song was adopted as our key Psalm:
Into your hands I commit again, with all I am for You Lord.
You hold my world in the palm of Your hands and I am Yours Forever
Jesus, I believe in You
Jesus, I belong to You
You’re the reason that I live
The reason that I sing
With all I am.
I walk with You wherever You will go
Through tears and joy I’ll trust in You
And I will live in all of Your ways
And Your promises forever
Today, as I end off the last working day of 2006 and reflect upon the entire year, I'm co-incidentally also ending it by attend an interview (How totally bizarre~). Regardless of how that interview goes, I'm grateful to have the chance to walk this year's journey of sky-high ups and abysmal downs.
Like the song lyrics which says "I walk with You wherever You will go. Through tears and joy I’ll trust in You". I felt this living reality throughout my life this year. This year has been momentous to me and I cannot but be astounded at how amazing God has been for me and the things which I held dear. Even the multiple job rejections cannot overwhelm the goodness which I experienced.
I'm sure the depressing matters and personal failures which I went through in 2006 could have been removed and the year would have been a year of tremendous highs. However, I'm also inclined to believe that, like Jacob, I need to have a permanent handicap limp in order for me to rely on God in all the things that I do.
In 2006, I cannot but be grateful to God for everything under the sun, both good and bad which I've experienced. For all the wretched seasons which made me mourn, I'm blessed that there were seasons after that which comforted me and made me smile. Truly, in God's divine sovereignty, there is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven.
It has been a GREAT year and I give all the glory to God. I pray you will too.
M.
"Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me:Lest I be full, and deny thee, and say, Who is the LORD? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain."(Proverbs 30:8-9)
30 December 2006
28 December 2006
Post Christmas
Matthew 2:11
On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh.
After all the hustle and bustle of Christmas, its really nice to be able to rest - financially and physically. Christmas is always such an exciting festive month, and I truely love Christmas. It's a time to love and be loved. But it's also a tremendously exhausting time as we get excited by the commercialisation of gift buying and endless church activities and joyous social gatherings.
This week as the dust from the flurry of activities settles down from the Christmas long weekend and as I plug in my latest headphones at work, a sense of calmness surrounds me as I listen to my daily dose of christian music. Only then do I calm down and feel that this was what my heart desired - the peace and serenity which was present at the first Christmas.
On that night, the birth of our saviour was a low key event with no parties, no merry making, only the unglamourous serenity of manger which saw visitors such as the Shepherds and the wisemen. Wisemen who came to the lowly, miserable manger and fell in worship at the sight of baby Jesus, simply because it was their hearts mission to seek out the Saviour.
David writes in Psalms 27:4 : "One thing I ask of the LORD,this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple."
After all the merriment of fellowship and joyous celebrations, may you take heed to seek out the Saviour's presence alone. Then would you be able to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and your soul would acquire rest and strength for the new year.
blessings,
M.
When the centurion, who was standing right in front of Him, saw the way He breathed His last, he said, "Truly this man was the Son of God!" (Mark 15:39)
On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh.
After all the hustle and bustle of Christmas, its really nice to be able to rest - financially and physically. Christmas is always such an exciting festive month, and I truely love Christmas. It's a time to love and be loved. But it's also a tremendously exhausting time as we get excited by the commercialisation of gift buying and endless church activities and joyous social gatherings.
This week as the dust from the flurry of activities settles down from the Christmas long weekend and as I plug in my latest headphones at work, a sense of calmness surrounds me as I listen to my daily dose of christian music. Only then do I calm down and feel that this was what my heart desired - the peace and serenity which was present at the first Christmas.
On that night, the birth of our saviour was a low key event with no parties, no merry making, only the unglamourous serenity of manger which saw visitors such as the Shepherds and the wisemen. Wisemen who came to the lowly, miserable manger and fell in worship at the sight of baby Jesus, simply because it was their hearts mission to seek out the Saviour.
David writes in Psalms 27:4 : "One thing I ask of the LORD,this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple."
After all the merriment of fellowship and joyous celebrations, may you take heed to seek out the Saviour's presence alone. Then would you be able to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and your soul would acquire rest and strength for the new year.
blessings,
M.
When the centurion, who was standing right in front of Him, saw the way He breathed His last, he said, "Truly this man was the Son of God!" (Mark 15:39)
17 December 2006
Hear! (with your Ears)
Matthew 11:15 / Matthew 13:9 / Matthew 13:43
"He who has ears, let him hear."
The books of Matthew & Luke records Jesus making this consistent statement for a total of three times.
The first mention of this statement was when Jesus proclaimed to the crowd that John the Baptist was indeed the man who had been prophesised by the Old Testament Prophets and the law. The second and third mention was made as Jesus warned the people through the parable of the sower to the people and when He challenged his disciples with the parable of the weeds.
I first heard of this statement at the age of 16 as I was studying for my bible knowledge lesson. It then became a a nice quotable piece to use whenever equally stubborn teenage friends refused to listen. Secondly, it also became an official reason to say "I told you so", when something did happen later because no one heeded instructions. But today, some 15 years later, I am starting to understand the tone of the statement and see the reality of this statement.
Like the people and disciple which Jesus spoke to, we are as deaf and lazy ear-ed as them. I cannot emphasise how frustratingly deaf many (or all) of us are. Even though we have physical ears that can pick up sounds, sadly, it is as Prophet Isaiah says "'You will be ever hearing but never understanding".
The simple evidence of this is through our lives as we often don't translate the important principles of God. Effective hearing or listening comes so rarely in some of our lives that our ears are incredibly unproductive tools, underutilised for its purpose. I speak even for myself when I review the 49 weeks which have passed in this year and realised that there have been somethings which I heard but have been extremely deaf to listen and followed obediently.
To the youths:
Can you consider your past 49 weeks of school, family and church life and recall what you heard and what you did? Similiar to the proclamations, warnings and challenges told by Jesus in his 3 different context, were there not Godly proclamations, warnings and challenges which were instructed upon your lives?
To the adults:
Can you similarly consider your life in the past 49 weeks and measure where your spiritual condition is today? Have there not been Godly proclamations, warnings and challenges which were spoken to your lives but you simple did not heed? Are you still going somewhere with God?
In this festive Christmasy weeks of rushing about to get gifts for all our loved ones and enjoy ourselves in celebration gatherings, we must not let Christmas go past in vain.
I always feel that many of us live superficial lives during the December period. Often we focus on the love, fun and fellowship during Christmas and then turn sombre as watchnight approaches and we start realising the failures and ineffectiveness of our lives through personal evaluation & conviction.
I truely love Christmas. It's my favourite season of the year because its a time where I take the time to plan and then buy presents to those whom I hold dear. But its also the time which I take stock to evaluate the lives of each individual's life and its impact on mine. The most enduring moments is the time which I write my Christmas card blessings for each present. Then I can testify that the individual has indeed witnessed a move of God in his/her life and has experienced Godly encounters which has moulded and groom him/her for the better.
But before we celebrate Christmas and go overboard with cheerful festive spirit that masks our actual conditions, can we stop to ask ourselves if our lives are indeed going in God's direction or if we are going nowhere. Have you chosen to not hear the Saviour's instructions for your life and simply gone through this year without experiencing a breakthrough. It may not be a powerful uplifting high that we are talking about. Perhaps, you were instructed to get yourself right, to perservere in what you are doing, to die to self and yet stay rooted in faithfulness, to sacrifice your time for a cause, to stay energised because you were to achieve great things through greater challenges...etc.
Hear and hear well! Christmas is not a time of joyous celebrations only. In fact, the first Christmas was spent in a quiet manger as Shepards and Magi quietly beheld the salvation of mankind and saw hope for their lives. What about you?
Don't get mired up in running about, wrapping presents and doing social stuff because you want to avoid coming face to face with God in your life. I rather wished you would experience Christmas like the Magi and Shepards. That you would hear with your ears the constant call of my Saviour on your life, and to go back to behold God's renewed hope for your life. It'll be worth more than any Christmas gift.
blessings and with love,
M.
"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." (Isaiah 9:6)
"He who has ears, let him hear."
The books of Matthew & Luke records Jesus making this consistent statement for a total of three times.
The first mention of this statement was when Jesus proclaimed to the crowd that John the Baptist was indeed the man who had been prophesised by the Old Testament Prophets and the law. The second and third mention was made as Jesus warned the people through the parable of the sower to the people and when He challenged his disciples with the parable of the weeds.
I first heard of this statement at the age of 16 as I was studying for my bible knowledge lesson. It then became a a nice quotable piece to use whenever equally stubborn teenage friends refused to listen. Secondly, it also became an official reason to say "I told you so", when something did happen later because no one heeded instructions. But today, some 15 years later, I am starting to understand the tone of the statement and see the reality of this statement.
Like the people and disciple which Jesus spoke to, we are as deaf and lazy ear-ed as them. I cannot emphasise how frustratingly deaf many (or all) of us are. Even though we have physical ears that can pick up sounds, sadly, it is as Prophet Isaiah says "'You will be ever hearing but never understanding".
The simple evidence of this is through our lives as we often don't translate the important principles of God. Effective hearing or listening comes so rarely in some of our lives that our ears are incredibly unproductive tools, underutilised for its purpose. I speak even for myself when I review the 49 weeks which have passed in this year and realised that there have been somethings which I heard but have been extremely deaf to listen and followed obediently.
To the youths:
Can you consider your past 49 weeks of school, family and church life and recall what you heard and what you did? Similiar to the proclamations, warnings and challenges told by Jesus in his 3 different context, were there not Godly proclamations, warnings and challenges which were instructed upon your lives?
To the adults:
Can you similarly consider your life in the past 49 weeks and measure where your spiritual condition is today? Have there not been Godly proclamations, warnings and challenges which were spoken to your lives but you simple did not heed? Are you still going somewhere with God?
In this festive Christmasy weeks of rushing about to get gifts for all our loved ones and enjoy ourselves in celebration gatherings, we must not let Christmas go past in vain.
I always feel that many of us live superficial lives during the December period. Often we focus on the love, fun and fellowship during Christmas and then turn sombre as watchnight approaches and we start realising the failures and ineffectiveness of our lives through personal evaluation & conviction.
I truely love Christmas. It's my favourite season of the year because its a time where I take the time to plan and then buy presents to those whom I hold dear. But its also the time which I take stock to evaluate the lives of each individual's life and its impact on mine. The most enduring moments is the time which I write my Christmas card blessings for each present. Then I can testify that the individual has indeed witnessed a move of God in his/her life and has experienced Godly encounters which has moulded and groom him/her for the better.
But before we celebrate Christmas and go overboard with cheerful festive spirit that masks our actual conditions, can we stop to ask ourselves if our lives are indeed going in God's direction or if we are going nowhere. Have you chosen to not hear the Saviour's instructions for your life and simply gone through this year without experiencing a breakthrough. It may not be a powerful uplifting high that we are talking about. Perhaps, you were instructed to get yourself right, to perservere in what you are doing, to die to self and yet stay rooted in faithfulness, to sacrifice your time for a cause, to stay energised because you were to achieve great things through greater challenges...etc.
Hear and hear well! Christmas is not a time of joyous celebrations only. In fact, the first Christmas was spent in a quiet manger as Shepards and Magi quietly beheld the salvation of mankind and saw hope for their lives. What about you?
Don't get mired up in running about, wrapping presents and doing social stuff because you want to avoid coming face to face with God in your life. I rather wished you would experience Christmas like the Magi and Shepards. That you would hear with your ears the constant call of my Saviour on your life, and to go back to behold God's renewed hope for your life. It'll be worth more than any Christmas gift.
blessings and with love,
M.
"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." (Isaiah 9:6)
10 December 2006
Stand Still & See
2 Chronicles 20:17
Ye shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the LORD with you, O Judah and Jerusalem: fear not, nor be dismayed; tomorrow go out against them: for the LORD will be with you.
We are such pains in the necks, sometimes. Like figidty toddlers, some of us childishly just can't stand or sit still. Some of us are spiritually retarded because we don't listen well, suffer from itchy backsides and do silly things that are just wrong, inspite of whatever common-sense and Godly upbringing we have.
True character only comes about when we are tested in situations. Not everytime in our lives will we encounter dramatic situations like that of King Jehoshaphat as he faced 3 opposing armies and faced imminent doom. Such a fiery test of persecution and negativism would automatically cause many of us to scramble for God.
However, to some of us, all we need is a test of nothingness and wilderness where we feel the "Oh-so-aimless" feeling. Suddenly, the stillness of the season causes us to start crumbling as life stagnates undramatically and moves in meaningless fashion.
In this modern day of instant gratification where life is about Me, Myself and I, I believe there are aimless times like these where we are required to stand still and be tested for our sheer ability to wait. All we are required is to not move and faithfully look. Failing to do which, we start taking matters into our own hands and self-destruct.
King Saul is one key example which demonstrates this principle of a figidity person, who simply didn't wait.
1 Samuel 13:8 onwards records:
"Saul remained at Gilgal, and all the troops with him were quaking with fear. He waited seven days, the time set by Samuel; but Samuel did not come to Gilgal, and Saul's men began to scatter. So he said, "Bring me the burnt offering and the fellowship offerings." And Saul offered up the burnt offering."
Because of his disobedience to wait, Saul took matters into his own hands and lit the burnt offering. This grave mistake of "doing-when-you-are-not-instructed" resulted in Saul and his future generations loosing the kingship.
Like Peter as he fished all night but he caught no fish, sometimes we may have all the experience, demonstrate all the effort and do what's required. But as God dictates, we'll reap nothing and everything is futile. I find that the beauty of Christian living is we are not required to think so many steps ahead of our days. "Let tomorrow worry about tomorrow" - in order words, do what you need today, and when you have done it, stand still in God and observe. But yet many of us can't resist shuffling ourselves.
On the last night of my mission trip sharing in Muar, I learnt the simplest lesson of having to submit and trust God's sovereignty and do whatever simple instruction is required. Thereafter to stand still and see God at work.
Like parents who often have to snap at their figidity children to stay still and stop moving about because we'll just waste energy and could well hurt ourselves. I speak to those of you who feel that even though you are faithfully attending church, yet you perceive yourself to be drifting around aimlesslessly and the things of God just don't seem to speak to you nor direct you. Today and for the rest of this season, can you "STOP FIGIDITING!".
May you learn to stand still in spite of your circumstances (or lack of it) and just see. You could be required to just look for a "long" time, but take heed in your spirit man that you need to look at realise that inspite of it all, God's salvation is still with you. Just stop trying to move about and do anything, please.
Blessings,
M.
"Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at my doorway." (Proverbs 8:34)
Ye shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the LORD with you, O Judah and Jerusalem: fear not, nor be dismayed; tomorrow go out against them: for the LORD will be with you.
We are such pains in the necks, sometimes. Like figidty toddlers, some of us childishly just can't stand or sit still. Some of us are spiritually retarded because we don't listen well, suffer from itchy backsides and do silly things that are just wrong, inspite of whatever common-sense and Godly upbringing we have.
True character only comes about when we are tested in situations. Not everytime in our lives will we encounter dramatic situations like that of King Jehoshaphat as he faced 3 opposing armies and faced imminent doom. Such a fiery test of persecution and negativism would automatically cause many of us to scramble for God.
However, to some of us, all we need is a test of nothingness and wilderness where we feel the "Oh-so-aimless" feeling. Suddenly, the stillness of the season causes us to start crumbling as life stagnates undramatically and moves in meaningless fashion.
In this modern day of instant gratification where life is about Me, Myself and I, I believe there are aimless times like these where we are required to stand still and be tested for our sheer ability to wait. All we are required is to not move and faithfully look. Failing to do which, we start taking matters into our own hands and self-destruct.
King Saul is one key example which demonstrates this principle of a figidity person, who simply didn't wait.
1 Samuel 13:8 onwards records:
"Saul remained at Gilgal, and all the troops with him were quaking with fear. He waited seven days, the time set by Samuel; but Samuel did not come to Gilgal, and Saul's men began to scatter. So he said, "Bring me the burnt offering and the fellowship offerings." And Saul offered up the burnt offering."
Because of his disobedience to wait, Saul took matters into his own hands and lit the burnt offering. This grave mistake of "doing-when-you-are-not-instructed" resulted in Saul and his future generations loosing the kingship.
Like Peter as he fished all night but he caught no fish, sometimes we may have all the experience, demonstrate all the effort and do what's required. But as God dictates, we'll reap nothing and everything is futile. I find that the beauty of Christian living is we are not required to think so many steps ahead of our days. "Let tomorrow worry about tomorrow" - in order words, do what you need today, and when you have done it, stand still in God and observe. But yet many of us can't resist shuffling ourselves.
On the last night of my mission trip sharing in Muar, I learnt the simplest lesson of having to submit and trust God's sovereignty and do whatever simple instruction is required. Thereafter to stand still and see God at work.
Like parents who often have to snap at their figidity children to stay still and stop moving about because we'll just waste energy and could well hurt ourselves. I speak to those of you who feel that even though you are faithfully attending church, yet you perceive yourself to be drifting around aimlesslessly and the things of God just don't seem to speak to you nor direct you. Today and for the rest of this season, can you "STOP FIGIDITING!".
May you learn to stand still in spite of your circumstances (or lack of it) and just see. You could be required to just look for a "long" time, but take heed in your spirit man that you need to look at realise that inspite of it all, God's salvation is still with you. Just stop trying to move about and do anything, please.
Blessings,
M.
"Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at my doorway." (Proverbs 8:34)
01 December 2006
God Would Grant What I Hope For
Job 6:7
Oh, that I might have my request,that God would grant what I hope for.
For the past 2 weeks, I had two prayers of my heart consume me. Everyday in the morning, while at work, before I sleep and yes, even when I'm lumbering to the toilet at 3am for toilet break, I'll mutter my prayers for the 2 matters.
The larger of the 2 issues that consumed my thoughts was for Matthew to get his parent's approval to go Cebu for the mission trip. His trip was conditional upon his passing his exams, which didn't materialised, to my greatest horror. Just when it seemed doomed, I chanced upon the verse in Proverbs that boldly proclaims "Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails". It caused me to leap up in renewed hope as I started imagining in bold faith an upcoming victory in my prayer.
So I started going forth sharing with Matthew that in everything that was encountered, we will choose to believe that the fulfilment of the Mission trip will happen because simply, God's purposes will prevail! Boy was I hyped up and fired on to see how it would happened, especially since Matthew also undertook the task of fasting and making daily prayers for the trip's fulfilment.
Then, as per all dramatic moments required, Matthew drops a bombshell on Friday night to say that during his dinner with his father, the clear answer given to his punitive attempt to ask about the mission trip participation came back with a BIG FAT "No" answer. Needless to say, the walls of faith starts cracking up and I reiterated with reduced faith that "God's purposes shall prevail".
I'm not sure if you have ever encountered moments like this where there's an experience of momentarily hyped up bold faith followed by an event that causes a downhill slide into a clump of reduced faith & self-doubt. I've learned that even the most experienced warrior would encounter situations like these throughout his/her lifetime, what more normal folks.
If we look at the passage above, we see Job and his heartfelt plea. What's interesting is that this 1 verse is actually a plea of a grieving man to have God end it all because of the pain and misery encountered. The continuing verse goes to state what was his request to God : "that God would be willing to crush me, to let loose his hand and cut me off!"
I may not have yearned for God to crush me, but just last weekend, I muttered with a similiar perspective for God to just end things and let it be - rather than to have it ding-dong about with no respite in sight and massive uncertainities leading up to the date of departure-1 Dec 06. I may confess that these moments in life where we encounter such ups and downs coupled with ongoing work/studies issues really stretches one's faith and stress levels to the maximum.
Inspite of everything, like Job throughout his struggles, we must stand in firm resolution. That's when faith progresses from a mere hyped sensation towards a small but convicted belief. In the midst of self-doubts, questioning and stress, even with no sight of victory nearby, we must believe that God would grant us what we hoped for, and the matter prayed for must happen because the results will bring about God's glory and further the kingdom of God!
Like little baby steps, I had to mutter to myself constantly, "the purposes of God shall prevail and God would grant what I hope for". Thereafter to make even bolder step to prepare for the fulfilment of our prayers. (i.e Matthew to bring home the Skittles sweets needed for the trip's party, check and renew the passport...)
Amidst all these, of course, was the usual worries, fears and self doubts. Tapered to as little as possible because for once I understood that God is really the only reason why I could have hope in such an impossible situation. On my own, it was all a state of hopelessness, especially with each passing day, the trip looming and his expired passport still in his parent's possession.
Today, Friday, 1 December 10:15pm, I'll be meeting Matthew and the rest of the Mission trippers at the budget terminal because I'll be sending them off for what I truely believe to be an awesome life-changing trip. My heart rejoices in overwhelming joy and my face is glowing with victorious glee because on Wednesday night Matthew's father verbally consented to his going for the trip. It was an edgy night for him before the talk with his dad and details aside, the conclusion was a "Yes".
To God be the Glory!
Blessings,
M.
"Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD" (Psalm 31:24)
Oh, that I might have my request,that God would grant what I hope for.
For the past 2 weeks, I had two prayers of my heart consume me. Everyday in the morning, while at work, before I sleep and yes, even when I'm lumbering to the toilet at 3am for toilet break, I'll mutter my prayers for the 2 matters.
The larger of the 2 issues that consumed my thoughts was for Matthew to get his parent's approval to go Cebu for the mission trip. His trip was conditional upon his passing his exams, which didn't materialised, to my greatest horror. Just when it seemed doomed, I chanced upon the verse in Proverbs that boldly proclaims "Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails". It caused me to leap up in renewed hope as I started imagining in bold faith an upcoming victory in my prayer.
So I started going forth sharing with Matthew that in everything that was encountered, we will choose to believe that the fulfilment of the Mission trip will happen because simply, God's purposes will prevail! Boy was I hyped up and fired on to see how it would happened, especially since Matthew also undertook the task of fasting and making daily prayers for the trip's fulfilment.
Then, as per all dramatic moments required, Matthew drops a bombshell on Friday night to say that during his dinner with his father, the clear answer given to his punitive attempt to ask about the mission trip participation came back with a BIG FAT "No" answer. Needless to say, the walls of faith starts cracking up and I reiterated with reduced faith that "God's purposes shall prevail".
I'm not sure if you have ever encountered moments like this where there's an experience of momentarily hyped up bold faith followed by an event that causes a downhill slide into a clump of reduced faith & self-doubt. I've learned that even the most experienced warrior would encounter situations like these throughout his/her lifetime, what more normal folks.
If we look at the passage above, we see Job and his heartfelt plea. What's interesting is that this 1 verse is actually a plea of a grieving man to have God end it all because of the pain and misery encountered. The continuing verse goes to state what was his request to God : "that God would be willing to crush me, to let loose his hand and cut me off!"
I may not have yearned for God to crush me, but just last weekend, I muttered with a similiar perspective for God to just end things and let it be - rather than to have it ding-dong about with no respite in sight and massive uncertainities leading up to the date of departure-1 Dec 06. I may confess that these moments in life where we encounter such ups and downs coupled with ongoing work/studies issues really stretches one's faith and stress levels to the maximum.
Inspite of everything, like Job throughout his struggles, we must stand in firm resolution. That's when faith progresses from a mere hyped sensation towards a small but convicted belief. In the midst of self-doubts, questioning and stress, even with no sight of victory nearby, we must believe that God would grant us what we hoped for, and the matter prayed for must happen because the results will bring about God's glory and further the kingdom of God!
Like little baby steps, I had to mutter to myself constantly, "the purposes of God shall prevail and God would grant what I hope for". Thereafter to make even bolder step to prepare for the fulfilment of our prayers. (i.e Matthew to bring home the Skittles sweets needed for the trip's party, check and renew the passport...)
Amidst all these, of course, was the usual worries, fears and self doubts. Tapered to as little as possible because for once I understood that God is really the only reason why I could have hope in such an impossible situation. On my own, it was all a state of hopelessness, especially with each passing day, the trip looming and his expired passport still in his parent's possession.
Today, Friday, 1 December 10:15pm, I'll be meeting Matthew and the rest of the Mission trippers at the budget terminal because I'll be sending them off for what I truely believe to be an awesome life-changing trip. My heart rejoices in overwhelming joy and my face is glowing with victorious glee because on Wednesday night Matthew's father verbally consented to his going for the trip. It was an edgy night for him before the talk with his dad and details aside, the conclusion was a "Yes".
To God be the Glory!
Blessings,
M.
"Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD" (Psalm 31:24)
29 November 2006
God's Purposes Shall Prevail!
Proverbs 19:21
Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails.
In an ideal life plan of mine, I would have gone to the UK to obtain my university education and probably never come back to Singapore to work or live. Perhaps, I'll occasionally drop by this little dot of a country for a period of 1 week or two on route to enjoy an asian holiday and perhaps to see what changes has occurred in my even littler church. But that dream to study overseas never materialised.
In an amended ideal life plan of mine, I would have gone for a 6 month overseas attachment during my second year of university, in order to escape what I considered to be a aweful university environment. Thereafter to acquire some overseas experience in my resume and find my way back overseas without having to slog in the rat race of our overly competitive local environment. But that plan too, never materialised.
In an even more amended ideal life plan of mine, I would have acquired a job that curtails regional and then international scope. Single and eager to see the world, I planned to clock many hours in different countries and much of my time would be spent flying about, handling issues over many different countries and exhausting myself, while earning copious amounts of money and experience. Somehow, this plan too, never materialised.
In my revised ideal life plan of mine, I'll get a job offer which curtails a pay increase of at least 15%, get annual bonuses of at least 2 months, do less work than what I do currently, have opportunities to handle regional work with occasional travels for work and training, while having opportunities to holiday after work. My leave will then be taken for holidays trips in further countries and for various camps. Yes, no surprise to anyone, but this current plan of mine has yet to materialise as well.
I truely believe that there are no harms to make plans for our lives. But as the proverb says, there needs to be a surrender to God's prevailing purposes.
I'm sure that many of us have great plans that revolve our dreams, aspirations and hopes of what we wish to do and achieve in the future. In fact, I've realised that the younger I was, the greater the plans. Many are the plans in my heart, but I have to constantly remind myself that they are plans of "I wish" and "I hope". Not that I don't work on them or aspire hard enough to see them come to fruition, but I've come to see the futility of pursuing my dreams on a solus mode. Simply because I want to see the purposes of God prevail in all the things of my life.
On low days, that humble perspective in the above statement changes into a sore feeling of a resigned loser because it seems that regardless of what I plan, the final call is made by God. Afterall, who can go against the plans of the almighty God? Might as well resign myself to plan my wishes but adopt a "come what may, I can't fight you" mentality.
1 Samuel 8 records that all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah and requested for a king to lead them because all the other nations have one. Samuel warns them of the results a human king would expect from them. Despite the warning, the people refused to listen to Samuel. "No!" they said. "We want a king over us. Then we will be like all the other nations, with a king to lead us and to go out before us and fight our battles." In spite of the best plans which God had for Israel, He relents and gives Israel what they demanded.
Sad to say, the warnings which God gave through Samuel all came to pass and everything goes downhill from the point Saul disobey's Samuel's instructions.
I've always remembered and always need to remember that even though God's plans for our lives are perfect, God gives us the free will to do what we wish as per the example in 1 Samuel 8. For a person who believes in the merits of autocracy, I often wonder why God gives us the free will to run amok and ruin our lives, when He clearly knows that our own decisions often leads to destructive consequences. Ironically, the concept of free will often doesn't end up in a better, blessed life. Instead, as per the many examples in the bible, only when we choose to follow God and submit, do we see the goodness of God in our lives and everything we do.
I struggled big time in my second year of university to submit the overseas attachement letter. Then, everyone in university then didn't want to go overseas as no one saw the value of having overseas exposure. I had the foresight to envisioned the boom of regionalisation and really wanted to forge ahead as a pioneer, because I predicted that it would bring in the big bucks. But as I earlier mentioned, I never submitted that application.
What happened? Each time I looked at the poster or in my QT moment, it was a monsterous struggle spent asking "can I God?", "I wish to..." but it seemed that deep inside me, the feeling of an answer was a "no". Still, I struggled on when I met with my weekly intercession pray group, I secretly hoped that someone would give me the answer I so wanted to hear. No one did, and faced with a blank wall, I continued to struggle to accept the personal "no" answer which I had received. There came a point of time when I realised that if I truely wanted to do it I could just submit the application. But I shouldn't be expecting God to show me any more answers through getting the application accepted or rejected because I'm was simply going to do as I desired. God's blessing was a bonus, but I rationalised to myself - if I don't do it, how was I to know God was going to not allow it? After all, we all learn this powerful excuse for our actions "If you don't try it, how would you know if it does or doesn't work?"
But Romans 12:2 states "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-His good, pleasing and perfect will."
Some months later, I joined an essay competition sponsored by Japan Airlines (JAL) and was awarded one of the three scholarships for a 35 day all inclusive paid trip to stay and see Japan. That was the most fun, life changing trip/holiday which shaped my life. Not only did I see the beauty of a country I'll never expected to visit in my lifetime, I fell in love with the country and its food, made great friends which I still contact today and meet up in my travels around the region.
When I look back today, if I had gone ahead with the school's overseas attachement, when I graduated in 1999, I'm sure I would have secured a great job with even greater pay. Somehow, I never submitted that application because I recognised that I would be pushing the boundaries of God, and somehow it occurred to me that it was the same folly which people of Israel made. If God had placed such a convincing prompting in me, why stubbornly rationalise the things of God? Nonetheless, having surrendered my wishes, I recalled that I spend a good few weeks sulking big-time at God. But many, many weeks later when I was awarded the JAL scholarship, I don't recall sulking anymore, rather I was ecstatic beyond words and probably giving thanks.
How did this Japan scholarship blessing happen I've really no idea.
My rational mind tells me that as I willingly submit to surrender my plans, hopes and aspirations to God's purposes, He fulfilled my desire to go out to see the world. He didn't see the need to fulfil the aspirations to be career successful and wantonly rich through an overseas attachement, but He choosed to make me wealthy and happy through a brief, but still sufficiently long overseas experience.
For the many plans that you and I dream up for our lives, nothing beats what God's will is for our lives -His good, pleasing and perfect will. Even as we struggle big-time and half-heartedly choose to cast our crowns down while sulking in a grudging attitude, we must speak to ourselves that through submission, the purposes of God for our lives shall prevail! Simply because God will bring about a more blessed life than what we can ever desire and plan for.
Blessings,
M.
"If you forsake the LORD and serve foreign gods, he will turn and bring disaster on you and make an end of you, after he has been good to you." (Joshua 24:20)
Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails.
In an ideal life plan of mine, I would have gone to the UK to obtain my university education and probably never come back to Singapore to work or live. Perhaps, I'll occasionally drop by this little dot of a country for a period of 1 week or two on route to enjoy an asian holiday and perhaps to see what changes has occurred in my even littler church. But that dream to study overseas never materialised.
In an amended ideal life plan of mine, I would have gone for a 6 month overseas attachment during my second year of university, in order to escape what I considered to be a aweful university environment. Thereafter to acquire some overseas experience in my resume and find my way back overseas without having to slog in the rat race of our overly competitive local environment. But that plan too, never materialised.
In an even more amended ideal life plan of mine, I would have acquired a job that curtails regional and then international scope. Single and eager to see the world, I planned to clock many hours in different countries and much of my time would be spent flying about, handling issues over many different countries and exhausting myself, while earning copious amounts of money and experience. Somehow, this plan too, never materialised.
In my revised ideal life plan of mine, I'll get a job offer which curtails a pay increase of at least 15%, get annual bonuses of at least 2 months, do less work than what I do currently, have opportunities to handle regional work with occasional travels for work and training, while having opportunities to holiday after work. My leave will then be taken for holidays trips in further countries and for various camps. Yes, no surprise to anyone, but this current plan of mine has yet to materialise as well.
I truely believe that there are no harms to make plans for our lives. But as the proverb says, there needs to be a surrender to God's prevailing purposes.
I'm sure that many of us have great plans that revolve our dreams, aspirations and hopes of what we wish to do and achieve in the future. In fact, I've realised that the younger I was, the greater the plans. Many are the plans in my heart, but I have to constantly remind myself that they are plans of "I wish" and "I hope". Not that I don't work on them or aspire hard enough to see them come to fruition, but I've come to see the futility of pursuing my dreams on a solus mode. Simply because I want to see the purposes of God prevail in all the things of my life.
On low days, that humble perspective in the above statement changes into a sore feeling of a resigned loser because it seems that regardless of what I plan, the final call is made by God. Afterall, who can go against the plans of the almighty God? Might as well resign myself to plan my wishes but adopt a "come what may, I can't fight you" mentality.
1 Samuel 8 records that all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah and requested for a king to lead them because all the other nations have one. Samuel warns them of the results a human king would expect from them. Despite the warning, the people refused to listen to Samuel. "No!" they said. "We want a king over us. Then we will be like all the other nations, with a king to lead us and to go out before us and fight our battles." In spite of the best plans which God had for Israel, He relents and gives Israel what they demanded.
Sad to say, the warnings which God gave through Samuel all came to pass and everything goes downhill from the point Saul disobey's Samuel's instructions.
I've always remembered and always need to remember that even though God's plans for our lives are perfect, God gives us the free will to do what we wish as per the example in 1 Samuel 8. For a person who believes in the merits of autocracy, I often wonder why God gives us the free will to run amok and ruin our lives, when He clearly knows that our own decisions often leads to destructive consequences. Ironically, the concept of free will often doesn't end up in a better, blessed life. Instead, as per the many examples in the bible, only when we choose to follow God and submit, do we see the goodness of God in our lives and everything we do.
I struggled big time in my second year of university to submit the overseas attachement letter. Then, everyone in university then didn't want to go overseas as no one saw the value of having overseas exposure. I had the foresight to envisioned the boom of regionalisation and really wanted to forge ahead as a pioneer, because I predicted that it would bring in the big bucks. But as I earlier mentioned, I never submitted that application.
What happened? Each time I looked at the poster or in my QT moment, it was a monsterous struggle spent asking "can I God?", "I wish to..." but it seemed that deep inside me, the feeling of an answer was a "no". Still, I struggled on when I met with my weekly intercession pray group, I secretly hoped that someone would give me the answer I so wanted to hear. No one did, and faced with a blank wall, I continued to struggle to accept the personal "no" answer which I had received. There came a point of time when I realised that if I truely wanted to do it I could just submit the application. But I shouldn't be expecting God to show me any more answers through getting the application accepted or rejected because I'm was simply going to do as I desired. God's blessing was a bonus, but I rationalised to myself - if I don't do it, how was I to know God was going to not allow it? After all, we all learn this powerful excuse for our actions "If you don't try it, how would you know if it does or doesn't work?"
But Romans 12:2 states "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-His good, pleasing and perfect will."
Some months later, I joined an essay competition sponsored by Japan Airlines (JAL) and was awarded one of the three scholarships for a 35 day all inclusive paid trip to stay and see Japan. That was the most fun, life changing trip/holiday which shaped my life. Not only did I see the beauty of a country I'll never expected to visit in my lifetime, I fell in love with the country and its food, made great friends which I still contact today and meet up in my travels around the region.
When I look back today, if I had gone ahead with the school's overseas attachement, when I graduated in 1999, I'm sure I would have secured a great job with even greater pay. Somehow, I never submitted that application because I recognised that I would be pushing the boundaries of God, and somehow it occurred to me that it was the same folly which people of Israel made. If God had placed such a convincing prompting in me, why stubbornly rationalise the things of God? Nonetheless, having surrendered my wishes, I recalled that I spend a good few weeks sulking big-time at God. But many, many weeks later when I was awarded the JAL scholarship, I don't recall sulking anymore, rather I was ecstatic beyond words and probably giving thanks.
How did this Japan scholarship blessing happen I've really no idea.
My rational mind tells me that as I willingly submit to surrender my plans, hopes and aspirations to God's purposes, He fulfilled my desire to go out to see the world. He didn't see the need to fulfil the aspirations to be career successful and wantonly rich through an overseas attachement, but He choosed to make me wealthy and happy through a brief, but still sufficiently long overseas experience.
For the many plans that you and I dream up for our lives, nothing beats what God's will is for our lives -His good, pleasing and perfect will. Even as we struggle big-time and half-heartedly choose to cast our crowns down while sulking in a grudging attitude, we must speak to ourselves that through submission, the purposes of God for our lives shall prevail! Simply because God will bring about a more blessed life than what we can ever desire and plan for.
Blessings,
M.
"If you forsake the LORD and serve foreign gods, he will turn and bring disaster on you and make an end of you, after he has been good to you." (Joshua 24:20)
20 November 2006
"Here I am" - Finding Favour with God
Genesis 22:1-2
Some time later God tested Abraham. He said to him, "Abraham!".
"Here I am," he replied.
Then God said, "Take your son, your only son, Isaac, whom you love, and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I will tell you about."
Isaiah 6:8
Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?"
And I said, "Here am I. Send me!"
I've learnt that these 3 words "Here I am" when spoken to God, are really 'dangerous' words to say. They allow for a binding covenant of commitment on our part as we avail ourselves fully to God's purpose, pleasure and programmes.
Early this year there was an opportunity for me to do a 14 day mission trip to Philippines with the graduating batch of Rangers. Unfortunately, it was also one of the worst times of my career as the company had undergone restructuring and people were leaving in droves resulting in my work portfolio expanding exponentially.
But, this was a mission trip which I knew I had to do, simply because it I envisioned a promise of how God would awesomely use the giftings and talents of each of those graduating Rangers. I'm never a sucker for hardships and the dirt, dust and grime of underdeveloped countries simply irks me to the bone. But beyond all these physical discomforts, it was simply too compelling to ignore that powerful vision of a generation which would go to Cebu to bless.
It didn't help that immediately after this mission trip, I had already committed, some 6 months ago, to attend a wedding in Japan and would result in me disappearing from work for some 3 1/2 weeks. What didn't help was the fact that I only had leave for 2 1/2 weeks and would require additional days of no-pay leave in order to do Cebu & Japan.
Even before I got my leave approved, I booked my return flight to Cebu and Japan, simply because the promotional fares was of a limited time period. To illustrate the crux I was in, I realised that there was only 1 last promotional seat for me to leave for Japan and if I didn't book it, I would be faced with a situation of dates clashing with the already paid mission trip and then having to also pay an exorbitant price to fly to Japan to attend the wedding.
The cherry on top of this overly dramatic situation was when my only colleague tendered her resignation, even before I could submit my leave form. This meant I was the only person left in office to deal with 5 people's work and the work pressure then was sheer madness. This clearly meant I couldn't be away for Mission and Japan and the entire Mission Trip would be doomed because you simply couldn't expect parents of the five 19 year olds permitting their children to go to Philippines without any adult supervision.
In the midst of all this melodrama, I stuck with my decision and told my boss that I would be taking leave & no-pay for that period, failing which I would have to tender my resignation because everything had been planned out and there was no turning back. It may sound high handed to issue out an "approve my leave or I quit" statement, but I assure you that it was also one of the most difficult decision which I struggled with. Having worked for a good 5 +years, I was due for my managerial promotion, without which, I would not be able to proceed on career-wise and quitting would simply result in an extreme loss-loss situation of no job, no money, no future. (never mind that my God fearing parents would simply freak out if I tell them the reason why I needed to quit and would never buy the fact that I was just following God's prompting to go Missions.) It reached a really despondent state where all I could do was to stare at a loser future brimming with unfairness because I was going against human logic just to bring 5 teens out for a mission trip.
The very day which I sent out my email informing of my intentions to submit a 3 1/2 week leave and no-pay leave, I recall sighing in loss and adopting a come-what-may attitude of resignation . Whatever the tsunamis of life brings: be it the poverty of being unemployed or having to apply for a lowly ranked job with a pay cut, I just knew there was nothing else I could have done differently. I awaited for a reply, but nothing came. The very next day, as I submitted the leave form, I awaited the bad news of rejection but it never came. Instead what I received was a gentle answer of approval by signature. The rest is history. (I went for an awesome trip to Cebu and even more incredible time in Mindanao, I returned and left the next day for Japan, witnessed Sakura's flowering in Tokyo and snow falling in Hokkaido. When I returned to work, I received my promotion. ((Note: When I returned to work, it was also the worst and most stressful and frustrating time of my life coupled with a nightmarish hair-loss condition))
Just when I thought life's melodrama was limited to myself, lo and behold, history would repeat itself because for the December's batch of Rangers who are leaving for their pioneering mission trip to Philippines, we also encountered a similiar crisis. Having booked the promotional fares, my fellow Rangers commander also required to take a combination of leave and no-pay leave, but because there was a major project submission dateline, and his fellow pregnant colleague was also due for her maternity leave, there was simply no way for his boss to approve his leave without having a dramatic situation of project submission - without anyone doing the job!
After talking with his boss, he realised that there was no way for his leave to be approved and his boss clearly told thim that the only available step was to resign in order to proceed with the mission trip. I was extremely concerned because the issue of the loss-loss situation of no job, no money, no future and his non-beliver's parents' going totally ballistic. With non-beliver parents, this sacrifice was even going to be more painful for him than it was for me.
The day he submitted his resignation, his boss surprised him by rejecting his letter and approving the absence from work, in spite of what the boss had stated earlier. I strongly believe that when the December batch of Rangers missionaries leaves for Philippines, it'll be an awesome trip for him and the rest, simply because of the obedience and willingness shown to make any sacrifice to see the tasks of God come to fruition.
When I reflect at the two verses above, I see that before the Almighty God, Abraham and Isaiah made a tough life-changing decision to avail themselves to the bidding and instructions of God. Abraham left everything in faith to enter a land he had not seen, and was now called to sacrifice his only son - Isaac. Likewise Isaiah who availed himself to be used as God's vocal piece. All his life, Isaiah lived dedicated to prophesy, plea and instruct the people of God that they may have hope in the Lord.
Neither of these bible characters had an easy life. After they confessed "Here I am", their willingness and obedience were taken to task. All that they encountered were not easy pickings, but here I realise that they willingly sacrifice without looking back because time and again, the grace of God always prevailed in their lives. When all else failed, God's favour flowed effortlessly and abundently.
I don't profess to be like either of these great men of the bible, nor would I really want to be in their position, but in all that I've encountered and witnessed this year, I learnt that when we avail ourselves to God to fulfil his bidding, we open ourselves to be thrown into God's creation hands and life just goes turbulent. It's not just a simple, cheap talk of "Here I am, use me".
It is a tough thing to undergo breaking and humility as we open ourselves to be at God's mercy. However, the moment we profess "Here I am" and God accepts our availing offering, inspite of whatever 'turmoil', 'suffering' and 'pain' that comes at you subsequently, the Favour of God is always found ever more richely and abundently in our lives. I can profess with my testimony that in 2006, I've never received more favour in the eyes of man and from God. All these came upon my life the moment I laid everything aside to heed His instructions and yield my plans to serve His.
I pray that the testimony of my heart speaks to you today because I sense a need for you to understand that the plans of God are perfect and for you, and not to harm you. May you elect to submit like Abraham & Isaiah as you too acknowledge before the Almighty, "Here I am, Lord" and I pray that you too may see how the favour of God would then enter your life, even as He moulds, uses and ordains the steps that you are to take.
blessings,
M.
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11)
Some time later God tested Abraham. He said to him, "Abraham!".
"Here I am," he replied.
Then God said, "Take your son, your only son, Isaac, whom you love, and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I will tell you about."
Isaiah 6:8
Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?"
And I said, "Here am I. Send me!"
I've learnt that these 3 words "Here I am" when spoken to God, are really 'dangerous' words to say. They allow for a binding covenant of commitment on our part as we avail ourselves fully to God's purpose, pleasure and programmes.
Early this year there was an opportunity for me to do a 14 day mission trip to Philippines with the graduating batch of Rangers. Unfortunately, it was also one of the worst times of my career as the company had undergone restructuring and people were leaving in droves resulting in my work portfolio expanding exponentially.
But, this was a mission trip which I knew I had to do, simply because it I envisioned a promise of how God would awesomely use the giftings and talents of each of those graduating Rangers. I'm never a sucker for hardships and the dirt, dust and grime of underdeveloped countries simply irks me to the bone. But beyond all these physical discomforts, it was simply too compelling to ignore that powerful vision of a generation which would go to Cebu to bless.
It didn't help that immediately after this mission trip, I had already committed, some 6 months ago, to attend a wedding in Japan and would result in me disappearing from work for some 3 1/2 weeks. What didn't help was the fact that I only had leave for 2 1/2 weeks and would require additional days of no-pay leave in order to do Cebu & Japan.
Even before I got my leave approved, I booked my return flight to Cebu and Japan, simply because the promotional fares was of a limited time period. To illustrate the crux I was in, I realised that there was only 1 last promotional seat for me to leave for Japan and if I didn't book it, I would be faced with a situation of dates clashing with the already paid mission trip and then having to also pay an exorbitant price to fly to Japan to attend the wedding.
The cherry on top of this overly dramatic situation was when my only colleague tendered her resignation, even before I could submit my leave form. This meant I was the only person left in office to deal with 5 people's work and the work pressure then was sheer madness. This clearly meant I couldn't be away for Mission and Japan and the entire Mission Trip would be doomed because you simply couldn't expect parents of the five 19 year olds permitting their children to go to Philippines without any adult supervision.
In the midst of all this melodrama, I stuck with my decision and told my boss that I would be taking leave & no-pay for that period, failing which I would have to tender my resignation because everything had been planned out and there was no turning back. It may sound high handed to issue out an "approve my leave or I quit" statement, but I assure you that it was also one of the most difficult decision which I struggled with. Having worked for a good 5 +years, I was due for my managerial promotion, without which, I would not be able to proceed on career-wise and quitting would simply result in an extreme loss-loss situation of no job, no money, no future. (never mind that my God fearing parents would simply freak out if I tell them the reason why I needed to quit and would never buy the fact that I was just following God's prompting to go Missions.) It reached a really despondent state where all I could do was to stare at a loser future brimming with unfairness because I was going against human logic just to bring 5 teens out for a mission trip.
The very day which I sent out my email informing of my intentions to submit a 3 1/2 week leave and no-pay leave, I recall sighing in loss and adopting a come-what-may attitude of resignation . Whatever the tsunamis of life brings: be it the poverty of being unemployed or having to apply for a lowly ranked job with a pay cut, I just knew there was nothing else I could have done differently. I awaited for a reply, but nothing came. The very next day, as I submitted the leave form, I awaited the bad news of rejection but it never came. Instead what I received was a gentle answer of approval by signature. The rest is history. (I went for an awesome trip to Cebu and even more incredible time in Mindanao, I returned and left the next day for Japan, witnessed Sakura's flowering in Tokyo and snow falling in Hokkaido. When I returned to work, I received my promotion. ((Note: When I returned to work, it was also the worst and most stressful and frustrating time of my life coupled with a nightmarish hair-loss condition))
Just when I thought life's melodrama was limited to myself, lo and behold, history would repeat itself because for the December's batch of Rangers who are leaving for their pioneering mission trip to Philippines, we also encountered a similiar crisis. Having booked the promotional fares, my fellow Rangers commander also required to take a combination of leave and no-pay leave, but because there was a major project submission dateline, and his fellow pregnant colleague was also due for her maternity leave, there was simply no way for his boss to approve his leave without having a dramatic situation of project submission - without anyone doing the job!
After talking with his boss, he realised that there was no way for his leave to be approved and his boss clearly told thim that the only available step was to resign in order to proceed with the mission trip. I was extremely concerned because the issue of the loss-loss situation of no job, no money, no future and his non-beliver's parents' going totally ballistic. With non-beliver parents, this sacrifice was even going to be more painful for him than it was for me.
The day he submitted his resignation, his boss surprised him by rejecting his letter and approving the absence from work, in spite of what the boss had stated earlier. I strongly believe that when the December batch of Rangers missionaries leaves for Philippines, it'll be an awesome trip for him and the rest, simply because of the obedience and willingness shown to make any sacrifice to see the tasks of God come to fruition.
When I reflect at the two verses above, I see that before the Almighty God, Abraham and Isaiah made a tough life-changing decision to avail themselves to the bidding and instructions of God. Abraham left everything in faith to enter a land he had not seen, and was now called to sacrifice his only son - Isaac. Likewise Isaiah who availed himself to be used as God's vocal piece. All his life, Isaiah lived dedicated to prophesy, plea and instruct the people of God that they may have hope in the Lord.
Neither of these bible characters had an easy life. After they confessed "Here I am", their willingness and obedience were taken to task. All that they encountered were not easy pickings, but here I realise that they willingly sacrifice without looking back because time and again, the grace of God always prevailed in their lives. When all else failed, God's favour flowed effortlessly and abundently.
I don't profess to be like either of these great men of the bible, nor would I really want to be in their position, but in all that I've encountered and witnessed this year, I learnt that when we avail ourselves to God to fulfil his bidding, we open ourselves to be thrown into God's creation hands and life just goes turbulent. It's not just a simple, cheap talk of "Here I am, use me".
It is a tough thing to undergo breaking and humility as we open ourselves to be at God's mercy. However, the moment we profess "Here I am" and God accepts our availing offering, inspite of whatever 'turmoil', 'suffering' and 'pain' that comes at you subsequently, the Favour of God is always found ever more richely and abundently in our lives. I can profess with my testimony that in 2006, I've never received more favour in the eyes of man and from God. All these came upon my life the moment I laid everything aside to heed His instructions and yield my plans to serve His.
I pray that the testimony of my heart speaks to you today because I sense a need for you to understand that the plans of God are perfect and for you, and not to harm you. May you elect to submit like Abraham & Isaiah as you too acknowledge before the Almighty, "Here I am, Lord" and I pray that you too may see how the favour of God would then enter your life, even as He moulds, uses and ordains the steps that you are to take.
blessings,
M.
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11)
13 November 2006
How much does your soul cost ???
Matthew 16:26
For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?
I know I've written about this verse before, but I'm truely intrigued by the statement of "what will a man give in exchange for his soul?". Afterall being very Singaporean, we are always haggling and bargaining for good deals. For a dirt cheat price of $25 a night, I've willingly sacrifice lavish pampering of a $60 a night 4-star hotel for a run down 2-star hotel in bangkok having convinced myself that the poorly maintained facilities are forgivable for a transient 2 night stay.
One day we will all pass away, albeit prematurely or as per our predestined time, and then we would have to stand to face God. Jesus shares in Matthew 25:31-46 to warn us of that surety of this judgement. The ungodly will be sent into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.
This black and white fact of heaven or hell after death has always been avoided by atheist because it invokes the controversial issue of judgement after life. It's an extremely scary fact to many because at that point, we have to account for our salvation or lack of it.
Like our exams or job inteviews, when our life is over and we stand before God it's a black and white issue of Yes or No. There's no turning back to make amendments. "Yes", you are a child of God, you are safe and would proceed to the eternal joy of God's presence in heaven. No, you are not a child of God, you would proceed to eternal suffering in fiery hell.
If you do get a "NO" at such a time and the judgement of suffering in hell for eternity is proclaimed over you, what would you give in exchange for your soul then? For all that you ever possessed, sadly, the bible says there's nothing which you can use to exchange for a pardon for your soul's judgement.
A wise saying states "Highsight is always perfect vision". We all have something in our past which we wished we could go back in time to amend it for the better. When I look back at the results of my major exams, if I could turn back time to change my past in order to achieve stellar results, I would have willingly given up the fun and pleasures which I enjoyed and dedicated myself to overly conscientious studying. Sadly, we all know that what's past is past and it is impossible to ever go back to redo life's wrongs.
In life, we often count the costs for everything that we do. More so as we miserly count the costs over matters of God or of spiritual concerns. How much does this church camp costs, do I have enough time to study/work/chill-out if I attend church/cell/prayer metting, what would this mission trip cost me....etc. Basically, all the questions seem to linger over the issue of how convenient and pain-free is it to do God related stuff. We often sabotage our eternal future through deliberate attempts to delay and deny the things which we should and could have done for God.
Tragically, it seems that in the pursuit of our better life, we don't seem to count the costs for what will take place for eternity. We plan for our future careers, family building, health insurances but because death is so far away for many of us, we often forget that at the end of our lives, we will have to account to God for our soul and what we did in our lifespan. Someday, we'll have to account for the number of people we were a true friend to, not how many friends we had. Did we in our pursuit of life compromise the things of God for transient pleasures? Did we achieve a life for God according to the number of talents which we were given?
When Moses spoke to the people of God in Deuteronomy 30:19, he made it obvious to them that their choices would affect their destinies "I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live". Let no man who reads this sentence ever say this only applies to the Israelites of the old testiment, but I pray that you'll be convicted by the serious implication of being responsible for the choices you make in life.
At the end of you life, be it in the near future of 1-10 years or far distant time of 10 years and beyond, how would you account for your life when you meet God your maker face-to-face? How much do you value your soul's eternal destiny? I pray earnestly that you will value the days of your life because when it transpires, no amount of tears, money, achievement, accolades, deeds or goodwill will be accepted in redemption for your soul.
Blessings,
M.
"For I command you today to love the LORD your God, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commands, decrees and laws; then you will live and increase, and the LORD your God will bless you in the land you are entering to possess" Deuteronomy 30:16
For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?
I know I've written about this verse before, but I'm truely intrigued by the statement of "what will a man give in exchange for his soul?". Afterall being very Singaporean, we are always haggling and bargaining for good deals. For a dirt cheat price of $25 a night, I've willingly sacrifice lavish pampering of a $60 a night 4-star hotel for a run down 2-star hotel in bangkok having convinced myself that the poorly maintained facilities are forgivable for a transient 2 night stay.
One day we will all pass away, albeit prematurely or as per our predestined time, and then we would have to stand to face God. Jesus shares in Matthew 25:31-46 to warn us of that surety of this judgement. The ungodly will be sent into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.
This black and white fact of heaven or hell after death has always been avoided by atheist because it invokes the controversial issue of judgement after life. It's an extremely scary fact to many because at that point, we have to account for our salvation or lack of it.
Like our exams or job inteviews, when our life is over and we stand before God it's a black and white issue of Yes or No. There's no turning back to make amendments. "Yes", you are a child of God, you are safe and would proceed to the eternal joy of God's presence in heaven. No, you are not a child of God, you would proceed to eternal suffering in fiery hell.
If you do get a "NO" at such a time and the judgement of suffering in hell for eternity is proclaimed over you, what would you give in exchange for your soul then? For all that you ever possessed, sadly, the bible says there's nothing which you can use to exchange for a pardon for your soul's judgement.
A wise saying states "Highsight is always perfect vision". We all have something in our past which we wished we could go back in time to amend it for the better. When I look back at the results of my major exams, if I could turn back time to change my past in order to achieve stellar results, I would have willingly given up the fun and pleasures which I enjoyed and dedicated myself to overly conscientious studying. Sadly, we all know that what's past is past and it is impossible to ever go back to redo life's wrongs.
In life, we often count the costs for everything that we do. More so as we miserly count the costs over matters of God or of spiritual concerns. How much does this church camp costs, do I have enough time to study/work/chill-out if I attend church/cell/prayer metting, what would this mission trip cost me....etc. Basically, all the questions seem to linger over the issue of how convenient and pain-free is it to do God related stuff. We often sabotage our eternal future through deliberate attempts to delay and deny the things which we should and could have done for God.
Tragically, it seems that in the pursuit of our better life, we don't seem to count the costs for what will take place for eternity. We plan for our future careers, family building, health insurances but because death is so far away for many of us, we often forget that at the end of our lives, we will have to account to God for our soul and what we did in our lifespan. Someday, we'll have to account for the number of people we were a true friend to, not how many friends we had. Did we in our pursuit of life compromise the things of God for transient pleasures? Did we achieve a life for God according to the number of talents which we were given?
When Moses spoke to the people of God in Deuteronomy 30:19, he made it obvious to them that their choices would affect their destinies "I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live". Let no man who reads this sentence ever say this only applies to the Israelites of the old testiment, but I pray that you'll be convicted by the serious implication of being responsible for the choices you make in life.
At the end of you life, be it in the near future of 1-10 years or far distant time of 10 years and beyond, how would you account for your life when you meet God your maker face-to-face? How much do you value your soul's eternal destiny? I pray earnestly that you will value the days of your life because when it transpires, no amount of tears, money, achievement, accolades, deeds or goodwill will be accepted in redemption for your soul.
Blessings,
M.
"For I command you today to love the LORD your God, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commands, decrees and laws; then you will live and increase, and the LORD your God will bless you in the land you are entering to possess" Deuteronomy 30:16
02 November 2006
As You Enjoy the Fruits of Your Labour
Psalm 71:18
And even when I am old and gray, O God, do not forsake me,
Until I declare Your strength to this generation, Your power to all who are to come.
This is my favourite verse of the bible.
Some many years ago as I was in the early years of being a rangers commander, I chanced upon this verse and it spoke volumes to me. Just like the immortal speeches of artistes like shakespeare, the heart felt nobility of this statement made by David awakened my spirit man some many years ago and has since challenged me to constantly press on in my ministry's calling.
Everytime I look at this verse, it challenges me to live a life of faithfulness until the day I finish the call of God upon my life. Its a tall order that inspires me to want to possess the same spirit which David had. To want to declare the things of God to the next generation and press on inspite of painful physical infirmities in my older age.
Daniel 4: 29 onwards records King Nebuchadnezzar as he was walking on the roof of the royal palace of Babylon. As he viewed the city from his position, he marvelled to himself "Is not this the great Babylon I have built as the royal residence, by my mighty power and for the glory of my majesty?"
Immediately, the judgement of God struck him and he was made insane. From the all powerful king of the Babylonian empire, he was driven away from people and started living with the wild animals; eating grass like cattle. The bible records that for 7 years, King Nebuchadnezzar lived like a wild monster - with his body drenched with the dew of heaven until his hair grew like the feathers of an eagle and his nails like the claws of a bird.
As noble and grand are my aspirations to live out a life accordingly to Psalm 71:18, as I was writing, the story of King Nebuchadnezzar stood out and spoke to me as a warning.
There are days where I do look back at the past 12 years of serving in the rangers ministry, the hardships of the early pioneering days encountered and then revel in the present day's achievements. It's been really fulfilling to see little naughty boys grow up to become who they are today. Especially when I perceive that their present lives are but a small tip of the iceberg of what they can and will achieved for God in the coming years. It's always such a nice thing to regale in the past memories of camps, sacrifices and blessing to give myself a pat on the back and tell myself I'm truely pressing onto achieve my desire and eventually be able to say the same thing as David did.
But yet, I personally think it's always better to struggle on in life doing a flagging ministry work for God than to experience the blessings and fruition of a successful ministry. As silly as that earlier sentence sounds, I look at such times of experiencing rich blessings to be times where it's so easy to fall into the trap of pride as King Nebuchadnezzar did.
When I evaluate my life and ministry for the past years, I see lots of good achievements. That is seen through positive statistics, successful programmes and lives touched, personal skills and experience, positive accolades and respect from others and a list of modest acknowledgements that could go on and on to make my head swell enormously. When I start listing down all the works of mine, it results in my achievements and what I've laboured and done and suddenly, God seems to have disappeared from the equation, when He was the key to begin with.
In all our quest to serve God, or live through life studying/working, who wouldn't want to see all the hard effort which we have done come to fruition? We want to have successful ministries, excellent school grades and work performance ratings, live successful abundent lives. But could attaining any/all of this diminish the essential presence of God in our life's achievement, and ultimately result in pride entering?
At the end of 7 years, King Nebuchadnezzar raised his eyes toward heaven, and his sanity was restored. The bible records that he then praised the Most High; honored and glorified him who lives forever. King Nebuchadnezzar states "My advisers and nobles sought me out, and I was restored to my throne and became even greater than before. Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, because everything he does is right and all his ways are just. And those who walk in pride he is able to humble."
All that we do in God is never in vain. But all that we do should also not be for vanity. Today, I wish to remind myself that, as I serve God and experience the different seasons of ploughing, sowing, weeding, tending, fertilising, harvesting, feasting and fallowing, my calling is to build into the lives of people, until my generation and the generation to come has seen the blessing of God.
I'm not sure what you are tasked to labour for God or how you are told to live on for God, but may you guard you heart against pride and your eyes be heaven bound at all times, especially in the season where God grants us the pleasure of enjoying the fruits of our labour.
Blessings,
M.
"I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live. That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil-this is the gift of God." Ecclesiastes 3:12-13
And even when I am old and gray, O God, do not forsake me,
Until I declare Your strength to this generation, Your power to all who are to come.
This is my favourite verse of the bible.
Some many years ago as I was in the early years of being a rangers commander, I chanced upon this verse and it spoke volumes to me. Just like the immortal speeches of artistes like shakespeare, the heart felt nobility of this statement made by David awakened my spirit man some many years ago and has since challenged me to constantly press on in my ministry's calling.
Everytime I look at this verse, it challenges me to live a life of faithfulness until the day I finish the call of God upon my life. Its a tall order that inspires me to want to possess the same spirit which David had. To want to declare the things of God to the next generation and press on inspite of painful physical infirmities in my older age.
Daniel 4: 29 onwards records King Nebuchadnezzar as he was walking on the roof of the royal palace of Babylon. As he viewed the city from his position, he marvelled to himself "Is not this the great Babylon I have built as the royal residence, by my mighty power and for the glory of my majesty?"
Immediately, the judgement of God struck him and he was made insane. From the all powerful king of the Babylonian empire, he was driven away from people and started living with the wild animals; eating grass like cattle. The bible records that for 7 years, King Nebuchadnezzar lived like a wild monster - with his body drenched with the dew of heaven until his hair grew like the feathers of an eagle and his nails like the claws of a bird.
As noble and grand are my aspirations to live out a life accordingly to Psalm 71:18, as I was writing, the story of King Nebuchadnezzar stood out and spoke to me as a warning.
There are days where I do look back at the past 12 years of serving in the rangers ministry, the hardships of the early pioneering days encountered and then revel in the present day's achievements. It's been really fulfilling to see little naughty boys grow up to become who they are today. Especially when I perceive that their present lives are but a small tip of the iceberg of what they can and will achieved for God in the coming years. It's always such a nice thing to regale in the past memories of camps, sacrifices and blessing to give myself a pat on the back and tell myself I'm truely pressing onto achieve my desire and eventually be able to say the same thing as David did.
But yet, I personally think it's always better to struggle on in life doing a flagging ministry work for God than to experience the blessings and fruition of a successful ministry. As silly as that earlier sentence sounds, I look at such times of experiencing rich blessings to be times where it's so easy to fall into the trap of pride as King Nebuchadnezzar did.
When I evaluate my life and ministry for the past years, I see lots of good achievements. That is seen through positive statistics, successful programmes and lives touched, personal skills and experience, positive accolades and respect from others and a list of modest acknowledgements that could go on and on to make my head swell enormously. When I start listing down all the works of mine, it results in my achievements and what I've laboured and done and suddenly, God seems to have disappeared from the equation, when He was the key to begin with.
In all our quest to serve God, or live through life studying/working, who wouldn't want to see all the hard effort which we have done come to fruition? We want to have successful ministries, excellent school grades and work performance ratings, live successful abundent lives. But could attaining any/all of this diminish the essential presence of God in our life's achievement, and ultimately result in pride entering?
At the end of 7 years, King Nebuchadnezzar raised his eyes toward heaven, and his sanity was restored. The bible records that he then praised the Most High; honored and glorified him who lives forever. King Nebuchadnezzar states "My advisers and nobles sought me out, and I was restored to my throne and became even greater than before. Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, because everything he does is right and all his ways are just. And those who walk in pride he is able to humble."
All that we do in God is never in vain. But all that we do should also not be for vanity. Today, I wish to remind myself that, as I serve God and experience the different seasons of ploughing, sowing, weeding, tending, fertilising, harvesting, feasting and fallowing, my calling is to build into the lives of people, until my generation and the generation to come has seen the blessing of God.
I'm not sure what you are tasked to labour for God or how you are told to live on for God, but may you guard you heart against pride and your eyes be heaven bound at all times, especially in the season where God grants us the pleasure of enjoying the fruits of our labour.
Blessings,
M.
"I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live. That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil-this is the gift of God." Ecclesiastes 3:12-13
25 October 2006
Days of Your Youth
Ecclesiastes 12:1 & 6-7
Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come and the years approach when you will say, "I find no pleasure in them"...... Remember him before the silver cord is severed, or the golden bowl is broken; before the pitcher is shattered at the spring, or the wheel broken at the well, and the dust returns to the ground it came from, and the spirit returns to God who gave it."
Time surely flies. November will arrive in 1 weeks time and soon it will be time for Christmas and before you know it, poof!, 2006 would have come to an end and 2007 would have begun. I recall the watchnight service of 2005 where someone shared that 2006 would be a great year, and my spirit acknowledged - "Yes! 2006 will be a great year". Thus, our Expedition Rangers theme for 2006 became "A Great Year".
At times like these when we look at the remainder of time left and take stock that some will quickly scramble to make the very best of it. Thanks be to God that I don't have to salvage the rest of the year to make 2006 a Great Year. After September, I would have willingly closed the books of my life and rested on the fact that 2006 had been a great year for me. Not that it was a year of tremendous highs, 2006 has also been a year of aweful valley-like lows.
The Mission trip to Mindanao with Del Paso was wonderful, the awesome holiday to see Sakura's and experience snowfall in Japan, the food of Japan.... and the cool weather of Cameron Highlands. Then, there was the unforgettable moment of experiencing extreme work stress and having clumps of hair fall out, having to undergo excruciating injections on the scalp. Going for endless numbers of interviews to experience rejection at every stop.
As one ages, ever year seems to pass by faster and experiences seem to be hightened in greater dramatic fashion. As I look back at the years that have flown by and attempt to relive through my life's encounters, some are slowly becoming faded memories. Rather, the years of adult- hood and life ahead seems to frought with life's grim uncertainties.
That's why Solomon wisely points out in his old age "Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come and the years approach when you will say, "I find no pleasure in them". The older we get, the more embroiled we are in life's struggles and our vision of life becomes more jaded.
I'm sure it's not me alone who acknowledges, the age of 15-17 (plus minus a couple of years) was the most carefree, exciting time of life. I may be financially more sound now, with experience behind me, some years of wisdom but somehow...what's missing in my life is the zeal and passion of youth. The reckless attitude to do anything then and the boundless energies to do anything under the sun. The relentless pursuit for God. Now, even before I become a senior citizen, it seems that everything already gone awry.
For any youths reading this, and feeling overwhelmed by exams, parents and the need to excel in life, I reiterate Solomon's wisdom to you. I envy your youthfulness and unlimited vigour for life. Even though I don't envy the limited maturity, horrid exams and stubborn idiocy at times, it's really an astounding phase in time where you get to experience the world as your oyster and God as the Almighty Creator God.
If I could relive my youth days, I would do much more for God - come to services, prayer meetings, interceed in pre-service prayers, serve in any capacity provided, attended all the camps / conferences and compelled myself to go out for as many Missions as possible (worked part-time to finance it all!). Small molehills (large mountains then) such as exams and activities with friends wouldn't keep me away from experiencing all of God because in hindsight they were all but a road bump in life's journey.
For the rest of us 'oldies', we're just not youths, but neither are we incapicated aged folks. It was hilarious when we positioned ourselves in Jeremy's wedding and righteously declared that we were neither youths nor grown adults (which was the category of those married with kids in tow). Regardless of how we categorise ourselves as young adults or un-old adults, the wisdom preached by Solomon applies. "Remember the Creator God before the silver cord is severed, or the golden bowl is broken".
What's all this silver cord, golden bowl, pitcher and water wheel meant to illustrate? I interprete this to be various phases of life that we would have to go through.
i. Silver cord is when we are still tied to our parents (aka they give us allowances)
ii. Golden Bowl is when we become financially stable and affluent (aka with a credit card and money to enjoy frills such as holidays)
iii. Pitcher is when we start becoming responsible for others and working to share blessings into other's lives (aka when we become leaders or parents)
iv. Water wheel is when we work industriously to maintain our life and is an essential part of life's processes (aka when we are middle aged in our 40s-50s or as we become senior citizens with leisure time to help others)
The year is coming to an end. I know that all I experienced has already demonstrated that 2006 is a great year, but in my heart I claim in faith that I've yet to experience the full greatness of the year and that God has more instore to end it off in greater greatness.
What about you? It's never too late to salvage and scramble to end this year on a great note. (It's definately better than not doing anything and leaving life at status quo!). I pray that you'll be provoked into action by the wise sayings of Solomon and live out your lives zealously doing things for God as required in the days of your youth.
Blessings,
M.
"My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity." Proverbs 3:1-2
Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come and the years approach when you will say, "I find no pleasure in them"...... Remember him before the silver cord is severed, or the golden bowl is broken; before the pitcher is shattered at the spring, or the wheel broken at the well, and the dust returns to the ground it came from, and the spirit returns to God who gave it."
Time surely flies. November will arrive in 1 weeks time and soon it will be time for Christmas and before you know it, poof!, 2006 would have come to an end and 2007 would have begun. I recall the watchnight service of 2005 where someone shared that 2006 would be a great year, and my spirit acknowledged - "Yes! 2006 will be a great year". Thus, our Expedition Rangers theme for 2006 became "A Great Year".
At times like these when we look at the remainder of time left and take stock that some will quickly scramble to make the very best of it. Thanks be to God that I don't have to salvage the rest of the year to make 2006 a Great Year. After September, I would have willingly closed the books of my life and rested on the fact that 2006 had been a great year for me. Not that it was a year of tremendous highs, 2006 has also been a year of aweful valley-like lows.
The Mission trip to Mindanao with Del Paso was wonderful, the awesome holiday to see Sakura's and experience snowfall in Japan, the food of Japan.... and the cool weather of Cameron Highlands. Then, there was the unforgettable moment of experiencing extreme work stress and having clumps of hair fall out, having to undergo excruciating injections on the scalp. Going for endless numbers of interviews to experience rejection at every stop.
As one ages, ever year seems to pass by faster and experiences seem to be hightened in greater dramatic fashion. As I look back at the years that have flown by and attempt to relive through my life's encounters, some are slowly becoming faded memories. Rather, the years of adult- hood and life ahead seems to frought with life's grim uncertainties.
That's why Solomon wisely points out in his old age "Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come and the years approach when you will say, "I find no pleasure in them". The older we get, the more embroiled we are in life's struggles and our vision of life becomes more jaded.
I'm sure it's not me alone who acknowledges, the age of 15-17 (plus minus a couple of years) was the most carefree, exciting time of life. I may be financially more sound now, with experience behind me, some years of wisdom but somehow...what's missing in my life is the zeal and passion of youth. The reckless attitude to do anything then and the boundless energies to do anything under the sun. The relentless pursuit for God. Now, even before I become a senior citizen, it seems that everything already gone awry.
For any youths reading this, and feeling overwhelmed by exams, parents and the need to excel in life, I reiterate Solomon's wisdom to you. I envy your youthfulness and unlimited vigour for life. Even though I don't envy the limited maturity, horrid exams and stubborn idiocy at times, it's really an astounding phase in time where you get to experience the world as your oyster and God as the Almighty Creator God.
If I could relive my youth days, I would do much more for God - come to services, prayer meetings, interceed in pre-service prayers, serve in any capacity provided, attended all the camps / conferences and compelled myself to go out for as many Missions as possible (worked part-time to finance it all!). Small molehills (large mountains then) such as exams and activities with friends wouldn't keep me away from experiencing all of God because in hindsight they were all but a road bump in life's journey.
For the rest of us 'oldies', we're just not youths, but neither are we incapicated aged folks. It was hilarious when we positioned ourselves in Jeremy's wedding and righteously declared that we were neither youths nor grown adults (which was the category of those married with kids in tow). Regardless of how we categorise ourselves as young adults or un-old adults, the wisdom preached by Solomon applies. "Remember the Creator God before the silver cord is severed, or the golden bowl is broken".
What's all this silver cord, golden bowl, pitcher and water wheel meant to illustrate? I interprete this to be various phases of life that we would have to go through.
i. Silver cord is when we are still tied to our parents (aka they give us allowances)
ii. Golden Bowl is when we become financially stable and affluent (aka with a credit card and money to enjoy frills such as holidays)
iii. Pitcher is when we start becoming responsible for others and working to share blessings into other's lives (aka when we become leaders or parents)
iv. Water wheel is when we work industriously to maintain our life and is an essential part of life's processes (aka when we are middle aged in our 40s-50s or as we become senior citizens with leisure time to help others)
The year is coming to an end. I know that all I experienced has already demonstrated that 2006 is a great year, but in my heart I claim in faith that I've yet to experience the full greatness of the year and that God has more instore to end it off in greater greatness.
What about you? It's never too late to salvage and scramble to end this year on a great note. (It's definately better than not doing anything and leaving life at status quo!). I pray that you'll be provoked into action by the wise sayings of Solomon and live out your lives zealously doing things for God as required in the days of your youth.
Blessings,
M.
"My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity." Proverbs 3:1-2
18 October 2006
Never Hunger, Never Thirst
John 6:35
Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst."
Jesus says this profound words to the Jews after he fed the 5000 and it resulted in the Jews grumbling unhappily as they viewed him as the son of Joseph and the physical impossibilities of "How can this man give us his flesh to eat?".
Taken literally by the people, they struggled to understand why Jesus was talking about something so cannibalistic and extremist - "Just as the living Father sent me and I live because of the Father, so the one who feeds on me will live because of me."
Its not an easy concept to understand - the idea of "eat" the flesh and "drink" the blood of Christ. Especially as we take it at literal means, its such a scandalised doctrine. Just like the disciples, when I first chanced upon this chapter in John, I found it to be hard teaching.
Yet in the midst of this hard to imagine/swallow idea of 'cannibalism', I realised that that's what Christ was trying to state. To follow Him requires us to make a strong conscious effort to partake in something which the world considers controversial.
When Jesus spoke of one needing to "eat" and "drink" of Christ, He was clearly stating that He was not after a shallow, mumbo jumbo disciple by name. Talk is cheap, to walk the talk requires conviction and action of surety.
Eating & drinking food and water are everyday affairs that we partake for sustaining our bodies- leading to good health. Eating and drinking of Christ is also a everyday affair to describe how we are to dwell in Christ and Him in us - leading to eternal life. More than physical sustenence, Christ also promises to fuel our life with LIFE.
The greek word for LIFE here is Zao (Zavw) and as a verb, it is translated as "active, blessed, endless in the kingdom of God". So Christ was promising that we who willingly commit ourselves as His disciples would benefit from an active, blessed life, endless in the kingdom of God.
What Jesus offers is an attractive proposition of never needing to feel the hunger pangs of the soul's need for endless successes in life, and the parched thirst of the spirit when we wane in stress and afflict ourselves for failing to meet up to life's measures. Especially relevant to us who are so low in the world's hierarchy that all we do is look up at the successful rats of the rat race and we become so consumed with getting better grades, being able to go to a more prestigeous school/company , having more money, more physical securities such as good careers, homes, titles, cars, and lifestyles to enjoy. The reality of what Christ promises as you partake of Him and walk according to His expectations is this - Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you.
This is why in His encounter with the Samaritan woman, Jesus stuns her with the similiar attractive promise of never thirsting again. "whoever drinks of the water that I will give him shall never thirst; but the water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life. John 4:14". Having gone from man to man to satisfy her sexual, emotional, physical and social needs, she still found an empty void in her life that could not be satisfied. Thus, immediately she responds in eagerness "give me this water, so I will not be thirsty nor come all the way here to draw".
I know its hard to ignore the compelling reasons to succeed in life and everything we are doing now. I'm not encouraging you to drop everything and become a reclusive monk/nun, but to constantly look to Him like Peter did "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life."
Blessings,
M.
"The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life." John 6:63
Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst."
Jesus says this profound words to the Jews after he fed the 5000 and it resulted in the Jews grumbling unhappily as they viewed him as the son of Joseph and the physical impossibilities of "How can this man give us his flesh to eat?".
Taken literally by the people, they struggled to understand why Jesus was talking about something so cannibalistic and extremist - "Just as the living Father sent me and I live because of the Father, so the one who feeds on me will live because of me."
Its not an easy concept to understand - the idea of "eat" the flesh and "drink" the blood of Christ. Especially as we take it at literal means, its such a scandalised doctrine. Just like the disciples, when I first chanced upon this chapter in John, I found it to be hard teaching.
Yet in the midst of this hard to imagine/swallow idea of 'cannibalism', I realised that that's what Christ was trying to state. To follow Him requires us to make a strong conscious effort to partake in something which the world considers controversial.
When Jesus spoke of one needing to "eat" and "drink" of Christ, He was clearly stating that He was not after a shallow, mumbo jumbo disciple by name. Talk is cheap, to walk the talk requires conviction and action of surety.
Eating & drinking food and water are everyday affairs that we partake for sustaining our bodies- leading to good health. Eating and drinking of Christ is also a everyday affair to describe how we are to dwell in Christ and Him in us - leading to eternal life. More than physical sustenence, Christ also promises to fuel our life with LIFE.
The greek word for LIFE here is Zao (Zavw) and as a verb, it is translated as "active, blessed, endless in the kingdom of God". So Christ was promising that we who willingly commit ourselves as His disciples would benefit from an active, blessed life, endless in the kingdom of God.
What Jesus offers is an attractive proposition of never needing to feel the hunger pangs of the soul's need for endless successes in life, and the parched thirst of the spirit when we wane in stress and afflict ourselves for failing to meet up to life's measures. Especially relevant to us who are so low in the world's hierarchy that all we do is look up at the successful rats of the rat race and we become so consumed with getting better grades, being able to go to a more prestigeous school/company , having more money, more physical securities such as good careers, homes, titles, cars, and lifestyles to enjoy. The reality of what Christ promises as you partake of Him and walk according to His expectations is this - Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you.
This is why in His encounter with the Samaritan woman, Jesus stuns her with the similiar attractive promise of never thirsting again. "whoever drinks of the water that I will give him shall never thirst; but the water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life. John 4:14". Having gone from man to man to satisfy her sexual, emotional, physical and social needs, she still found an empty void in her life that could not be satisfied. Thus, immediately she responds in eagerness "give me this water, so I will not be thirsty nor come all the way here to draw".
I know its hard to ignore the compelling reasons to succeed in life and everything we are doing now. I'm not encouraging you to drop everything and become a reclusive monk/nun, but to constantly look to Him like Peter did "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life."
Blessings,
M.
"The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life." John 6:63
12 October 2006
I am Creation
Psalm 139:14 (NASB)
I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;Wonderful are Your works, And my soul knows it very well.
In the last four weeks, I've been faithfully dragging myself to retake my St John's first aid course. Tedious 6 nights of lessons which I had undergone through some 4 years ago, but I was simply too lazy to renew it when it was about to expire. Thus, I paid the price of forking out an additional $30 more, and had to suffer through the entire course again, as opposed to just a shorter refresher course.
Every lesson was a skin crawling experience as the lecturer teaches on the common injuries and how people often die. It doesn't help when he retells passionate true life stories and incidents of deaths, fatal injuries and really nasty situations. What was absolutely horrific was when we had a 45 mins graphic lesson on the various injuries that were captured in photography. Slides after slides of amputated limbs held together by a small thread of muscle, contorted broken bodies, eye pieced with foreign objects.....it was a totally gruesome 45 minutes of my life which I hope to never encounter again, nor hope to treat using my first aid skills.
At every graphic lesson of potential injuries and how to treat them, and me sitting curled in meekness, it dawned upon me that absolutely anything can pierce this tender skin protecting me and wound me in pain. I crossed the road every night of my lesson, walking carefully and overly cautiously, looking out for anything that could fall, trip or afflict my fragile body.
However, amidst all the gory lessons and stories, I learnt many interesting facts like this: Did you know that all the combined blood vessels in our human body when combined together would be able to circle the earth's equator twice? It was a truely astounding trivial that I tried to imagine how many million blood capillaries, veins and arteries we had in our human bodies and how by joining them all together, it would form a length twice the distance of the equator!
With various mind boggling pieces of trivial and the gruesome stories of human fatalities, it struck me how fragile and yet intricately we are made. Without the air that we breathe, the brain slowly dies and suffers from brain damage with every passing minute, eventually dying in 4 minutes. When a friend of mine was pregnant, her husband marvelled and expressed to me the awesomeness of how the entire intricate process of his son's life over the 40 weeks of conceptualisation to birth.
The Psalmist David expresses clearly a praise in due of our creation. As we stop our busy, competitive days and constant complains of why the world is not revolving around us, and choose instead to slowly take in every aspect of our being, we'll see that we are truely wonderfully and fearfully made. Even with our pimples, scars, scabs and whatever physical deformaties which we are never pleased with. The very fact that we breathe, think and move speaks of a complexity mankind's smartest has not been able to imitate through artificial intelligence.
We are truely more than we imagine. How often is it that we choose to live selfish lives and have moments of doom and gloom. On a day like this as I inspect the dexterity of my typing fingers and seemless thinking-typing capabilities, my soul knows it well that I am truely made by a creator God and I give thanks to him for I am wonderfully made.
May this verse reverberate in your spirit and remind you that God made you the way you are, and you are complete in Him. Today may you choose to bless Him out-loud "wonderful are Your works and my soul knows it well."
Blessings,
M.
I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;Wonderful are Your works, And my soul knows it very well.
In the last four weeks, I've been faithfully dragging myself to retake my St John's first aid course. Tedious 6 nights of lessons which I had undergone through some 4 years ago, but I was simply too lazy to renew it when it was about to expire. Thus, I paid the price of forking out an additional $30 more, and had to suffer through the entire course again, as opposed to just a shorter refresher course.
Every lesson was a skin crawling experience as the lecturer teaches on the common injuries and how people often die. It doesn't help when he retells passionate true life stories and incidents of deaths, fatal injuries and really nasty situations. What was absolutely horrific was when we had a 45 mins graphic lesson on the various injuries that were captured in photography. Slides after slides of amputated limbs held together by a small thread of muscle, contorted broken bodies, eye pieced with foreign objects.....it was a totally gruesome 45 minutes of my life which I hope to never encounter again, nor hope to treat using my first aid skills.
At every graphic lesson of potential injuries and how to treat them, and me sitting curled in meekness, it dawned upon me that absolutely anything can pierce this tender skin protecting me and wound me in pain. I crossed the road every night of my lesson, walking carefully and overly cautiously, looking out for anything that could fall, trip or afflict my fragile body.
However, amidst all the gory lessons and stories, I learnt many interesting facts like this: Did you know that all the combined blood vessels in our human body when combined together would be able to circle the earth's equator twice? It was a truely astounding trivial that I tried to imagine how many million blood capillaries, veins and arteries we had in our human bodies and how by joining them all together, it would form a length twice the distance of the equator!
With various mind boggling pieces of trivial and the gruesome stories of human fatalities, it struck me how fragile and yet intricately we are made. Without the air that we breathe, the brain slowly dies and suffers from brain damage with every passing minute, eventually dying in 4 minutes. When a friend of mine was pregnant, her husband marvelled and expressed to me the awesomeness of how the entire intricate process of his son's life over the 40 weeks of conceptualisation to birth.
The Psalmist David expresses clearly a praise in due of our creation. As we stop our busy, competitive days and constant complains of why the world is not revolving around us, and choose instead to slowly take in every aspect of our being, we'll see that we are truely wonderfully and fearfully made. Even with our pimples, scars, scabs and whatever physical deformaties which we are never pleased with. The very fact that we breathe, think and move speaks of a complexity mankind's smartest has not been able to imitate through artificial intelligence.
We are truely more than we imagine. How often is it that we choose to live selfish lives and have moments of doom and gloom. On a day like this as I inspect the dexterity of my typing fingers and seemless thinking-typing capabilities, my soul knows it well that I am truely made by a creator God and I give thanks to him for I am wonderfully made.
May this verse reverberate in your spirit and remind you that God made you the way you are, and you are complete in Him. Today may you choose to bless Him out-loud "wonderful are Your works and my soul knows it well."
Blessings,
M.
06 October 2006
Leaving it all behind ...in Faith
Genesis 12:1-5
The LORD had said to Abram, "Leave your country, your people and your father's household and go to the land I will show you........So Abram left, as the LORD had told him.......He took his wife Sarai, his nephew Lot, all the possessions they had accumulated and the people they had acquired in Haran, and they set out for the land of Canaan, and they arrived there.
In an earlier chapter of Genesis 11:31, we understand that Abram's father Terah was originally meant to bring his entire family to Canaan from Ur. However, when they came to Haran, they settled there and Abram never made it to Canaan until God spoke to Abram to leave.
After 75 years of settling comfortably in Haran, it was time for Abram to pack up all his possessions and move on. I can imagine how much logistics and discomfort it is to pack up ones belongings and life. Already as I attempt to clean up my room to make it a comfortable place to accomodate my future massage chair, I baulk at the potential uncertainties of where I'll be doing with my accumulated stuff. What more in Abram's case where he is to not only pack up but relocate somewhere in faith.
In Hebrews 11:8-10, the amplified bibles provides us with a clearer picture of Abram's emotions and what he was going through
[Urged on] by faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed and went forth to a place which he was destined to receive as an inheritance; and he went, although he did not know or trouble his mind about where he was to go.
[Prompted] by faith he dwelt as a temporary resident in the land which was designated in the promise [of God, though he was like a stranger] in a strange country, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, fellow heirs with him of the same promise.
For he was [waiting expectantly and confidently] looking forward to the city which has fixed and firm foundations, whose Architect and Builder is God.
As I compare and try to comprehend the Faith which moved Abram to leave his entire life behind, I realise its all about his focused vision on the Creator God and how he expectantly and confidently saw the kingdom that God would build. Somehow he understood the simplicity of all that he was to do was to obey and move on as he was told. It really wasn't about seeing how through his move, the promises of God would be fulfilled. Neither was he acting because the Creator God had promised to make his name great and bless him (see Genesis 12:2-3).
Faith is explained as Abram's action: he went out, not knowing where he was going. It's a really scary and somewhat illogical concept especially when we attempt to live out our life's future plans in faith. But living out in faith would result in us going where we don't know but only God does, experiencing something which God wants even though we can't imagine now, and encountering something we don't know if we are ready, but trusting God knows we are.
I believe Abram recognised that the blessing and protection which was promised are always given when anyone obeys and follows God. But humanly, we all know that it would not suffice nor overcome the uncertainty and fear that grips our heart as we fanthom about the unknown. That's where Faith plays its role and goes beyond a feeling and logical rationalisation. Despite all the uncertainties and worries that we have, the bible assures us that true, but simple, Faith will assure us with a heartfelt conviction.
I grew up with an annointed bunch of peers, whom I tried to play catch-up to them as I often marvelled their awesome talents and Godly given giftings at work. Throughout my teenage years and the "oh-so" passionate encounters with God, I often witnessed many of them responding to God's calling on their lives. As the years went by, and we reached adulthood and served life's responsibilities, I see few of them electing to pursue the vision that they once were given.
As explained in the parable of the sower, as we grow up, the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth / money / practical supplication choke us like the weeds of the parable and make us unfruitful.
I cannot confess that I can leave my comfort zone and all behind like Abram and move on to the unknown in bold faith because I expectantly and confidently can see the kingdom that God would build someday. What I do know is that, if that is expected of me in my life someday, a God given faith will be planted in my heart and my decision will be made with an arising of Godly conviction of things -inspite of the fact that I may not being able to see it with my logical perspective.
Blessings,
M.
"The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field." (Matthew 13:44)
The LORD had said to Abram, "Leave your country, your people and your father's household and go to the land I will show you........So Abram left, as the LORD had told him.......He took his wife Sarai, his nephew Lot, all the possessions they had accumulated and the people they had acquired in Haran, and they set out for the land of Canaan, and they arrived there.
In an earlier chapter of Genesis 11:31, we understand that Abram's father Terah was originally meant to bring his entire family to Canaan from Ur. However, when they came to Haran, they settled there and Abram never made it to Canaan until God spoke to Abram to leave.
After 75 years of settling comfortably in Haran, it was time for Abram to pack up all his possessions and move on. I can imagine how much logistics and discomfort it is to pack up ones belongings and life. Already as I attempt to clean up my room to make it a comfortable place to accomodate my future massage chair, I baulk at the potential uncertainties of where I'll be doing with my accumulated stuff. What more in Abram's case where he is to not only pack up but relocate somewhere in faith.
In Hebrews 11:8-10, the amplified bibles provides us with a clearer picture of Abram's emotions and what he was going through
[Urged on] by faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed and went forth to a place which he was destined to receive as an inheritance; and he went, although he did not know or trouble his mind about where he was to go.
[Prompted] by faith he dwelt as a temporary resident in the land which was designated in the promise [of God, though he was like a stranger] in a strange country, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, fellow heirs with him of the same promise.
For he was [waiting expectantly and confidently] looking forward to the city which has fixed and firm foundations, whose Architect and Builder is God.
As I compare and try to comprehend the Faith which moved Abram to leave his entire life behind, I realise its all about his focused vision on the Creator God and how he expectantly and confidently saw the kingdom that God would build. Somehow he understood the simplicity of all that he was to do was to obey and move on as he was told. It really wasn't about seeing how through his move, the promises of God would be fulfilled. Neither was he acting because the Creator God had promised to make his name great and bless him (see Genesis 12:2-3).
Faith is explained as Abram's action: he went out, not knowing where he was going. It's a really scary and somewhat illogical concept especially when we attempt to live out our life's future plans in faith. But living out in faith would result in us going where we don't know but only God does, experiencing something which God wants even though we can't imagine now, and encountering something we don't know if we are ready, but trusting God knows we are.
I believe Abram recognised that the blessing and protection which was promised are always given when anyone obeys and follows God. But humanly, we all know that it would not suffice nor overcome the uncertainty and fear that grips our heart as we fanthom about the unknown. That's where Faith plays its role and goes beyond a feeling and logical rationalisation. Despite all the uncertainties and worries that we have, the bible assures us that true, but simple, Faith will assure us with a heartfelt conviction.
I grew up with an annointed bunch of peers, whom I tried to play catch-up to them as I often marvelled their awesome talents and Godly given giftings at work. Throughout my teenage years and the "oh-so" passionate encounters with God, I often witnessed many of them responding to God's calling on their lives. As the years went by, and we reached adulthood and served life's responsibilities, I see few of them electing to pursue the vision that they once were given.
As explained in the parable of the sower, as we grow up, the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth / money / practical supplication choke us like the weeds of the parable and make us unfruitful.
I cannot confess that I can leave my comfort zone and all behind like Abram and move on to the unknown in bold faith because I expectantly and confidently can see the kingdom that God would build someday. What I do know is that, if that is expected of me in my life someday, a God given faith will be planted in my heart and my decision will be made with an arising of Godly conviction of things -inspite of the fact that I may not being able to see it with my logical perspective.
Blessings,
M.
"The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field." (Matthew 13:44)
29 September 2006
Sin makes us Stupid
Hebrews 12:1
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.
We are flawed people who are vulnerable to temptation. Ever realised how we have the ability of rationalise and justify any course of action if we try hard enough? One of the main reasons why I never subscribed to having a mobile phone was because I was extremely displeased with the slack attitude of most people once they had a mobile phone. It became a easy and convenient approach to being late for appointments and constant distraction when things are going on. People seem to lose the virtue of punctuality and just lived by their own reasons of why they were late and conveniently messaged reasonable reasons like "Bus came late", "crowded"... There is never a reasonable reason which cannot be given as an excuse.
Its never too difficult to state reasons after reasons of why this and not that. But its precisely such a easily compromised attitude in us humans that the Paul warns us that sin easily entangles our lives. How else can you explain the actions of King David, the man after God's own heart who with once glance at Bathsheba made him plot to sleep with her and then decide to murder her husband Uriah? Or the reckless choices of Samson to want to marry a Philistine woman in Timnah and later fall for another called Delilah?
Anyone who does gardening will tell you that vines and seemingly pretty flowers of the creeper plants (like morning glory), are nothing short of pesky weeds! They compete with the crops and intended plants for nutrition, are more hardy and in time are able to grow faster, overwhelm and choke the garden. Similiar, sin easily corrupts us and make us do foolish things. Stupidly, with or without our knowledge, it entangles us like a creeper vine and starts to cause us to trip, do foolish things, and choke us.
Sadly, the foolishness of our mind can rationalize and justify almost any actions and our causes. If we are to have victory over the power of sin in our lives, it will come only by the power of the cross. Today may you surrender and acknowledge that we are helpless to save ourselves and only God can set us free from of our sins and its ensnaring power.
blessings,
M.
What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God-through Jesus Christ our Lord! (Romans 7:24-25)
13 September 2006
Tribulation
2 Thessalonians 2:9-10
The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with the work of Satan displayed in all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders, and in every sort of evil that deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved.
In the continuation of the end times series preached in church, this week we talked briefly about tribulation and the rise of the anti-christ (aka the lawless one). The bible records that for a period of 7 years, the earth will undergo a tribulation period and during this time, anti-christ will arise, and the world will also be afflicted by various judgements of God - each more scary and devestating than the earlier. (Read about the 7 seals, 7 trumpets and 7 bowls from Revelations 6 onwards)
In the initial 3.5 years of tribulation, the lawless one will be seen as the bringer of peace, however, the latter 3.5 years is what biblical scholars deem the Great Tribulations, because it comes with the massive latter judgements of God and Christians would be mercilessly persecuted and anti-christ would proclaim himself as god and the world would be subject to his bidding.
One of the key passages that we discussed was how 2 Thessalonians 2:7 revealed that the secret power of lawlessness is already at work in us today. Increasingly towards the end times as we are witnesses to greater levels of unrestraint in mankind, young kids defying parents, adults and teenagers refusal to accept authority, control or conventions simply because they view it as a restiction against their feedom and idealogy.
For greater understanding, the passage from 2 Thessalonians 2:7 in the Amplified bible version states: "For the mystery of lawlessness (that hidden principle of rebellion against constituted authority) is already at work in the world, [but it is] restrained only until he who restrains is taken out of the way."
Many who ascribe to the pre-tribulation rapture believe this passage refers to the One who restrains the antichrist to be the Holy Spirit, who lives in all believers and will be removed with believers as they rapture at Christ's 2nd coming. It is a scary vision of the future without Godliness because the bible says anyone who lives in the period of tribulations would be see unrestrained evil and lawless days.
To many of us, even myself, the idea of such a lawless and evil future still seems too remote. It doesn't help that we are a skeptical generation living in increasing lawless days that we are increasingly numb to any more wars, scandals, inhumane-ness.
But today something awakened in me as I read a marketing article which states the increasing demise of MTV's foothold on teens because of the sudden popularity of free online hosting sites like YouTube and MySpace. The article states that more and more teens are now going online into sites like YouTube and MySpace where they can embrace shiny new world of fan-created and fan-consumed content -often violent, sexual or crude.
The article states: "Teens don't care about who delivers their stuff - just that they get things that entertain them.... As a teen, if your options were MTV vs. the Land of Do As You Please (through Youtube & MySpace) which would you choose?"
Against secular and often unbecoming entertainment content of MTV, sites like YouTube have sprouted from nothingness and become the biggest thing since email. Simply because they offer a seemingly fun, but celebration of lawless freedom and entertainment. The word of God prophesies that the works of Satan in the end times will be displayed in all kinds of every sort of evil that deceives those who are perishing, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved.
May it speak to you because only Jesus Christ as your saviour and redeemer would save you from lawlessness of these end times.
blessings,
M.
"Therefore, dear friends, since you already know this, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of lawless men and fall from your secure position." (2 Peter 3:17)
The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with the work of Satan displayed in all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders, and in every sort of evil that deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved.
In the continuation of the end times series preached in church, this week we talked briefly about tribulation and the rise of the anti-christ (aka the lawless one). The bible records that for a period of 7 years, the earth will undergo a tribulation period and during this time, anti-christ will arise, and the world will also be afflicted by various judgements of God - each more scary and devestating than the earlier. (Read about the 7 seals, 7 trumpets and 7 bowls from Revelations 6 onwards)
In the initial 3.5 years of tribulation, the lawless one will be seen as the bringer of peace, however, the latter 3.5 years is what biblical scholars deem the Great Tribulations, because it comes with the massive latter judgements of God and Christians would be mercilessly persecuted and anti-christ would proclaim himself as god and the world would be subject to his bidding.
One of the key passages that we discussed was how 2 Thessalonians 2:7 revealed that the secret power of lawlessness is already at work in us today. Increasingly towards the end times as we are witnesses to greater levels of unrestraint in mankind, young kids defying parents, adults and teenagers refusal to accept authority, control or conventions simply because they view it as a restiction against their feedom and idealogy.
For greater understanding, the passage from 2 Thessalonians 2:7 in the Amplified bible version states: "For the mystery of lawlessness (that hidden principle of rebellion against constituted authority) is already at work in the world, [but it is] restrained only until he who restrains is taken out of the way."
Many who ascribe to the pre-tribulation rapture believe this passage refers to the One who restrains the antichrist to be the Holy Spirit, who lives in all believers and will be removed with believers as they rapture at Christ's 2nd coming. It is a scary vision of the future without Godliness because the bible says anyone who lives in the period of tribulations would be see unrestrained evil and lawless days.
To many of us, even myself, the idea of such a lawless and evil future still seems too remote. It doesn't help that we are a skeptical generation living in increasing lawless days that we are increasingly numb to any more wars, scandals, inhumane-ness.
But today something awakened in me as I read a marketing article which states the increasing demise of MTV's foothold on teens because of the sudden popularity of free online hosting sites like YouTube and MySpace. The article states that more and more teens are now going online into sites like YouTube and MySpace where they can embrace shiny new world of fan-created and fan-consumed content -often violent, sexual or crude.
The article states: "Teens don't care about who delivers their stuff - just that they get things that entertain them.... As a teen, if your options were MTV vs. the Land of Do As You Please (through Youtube & MySpace) which would you choose?"
Against secular and often unbecoming entertainment content of MTV, sites like YouTube have sprouted from nothingness and become the biggest thing since email. Simply because they offer a seemingly fun, but celebration of lawless freedom and entertainment. The word of God prophesies that the works of Satan in the end times will be displayed in all kinds of every sort of evil that deceives those who are perishing, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved.
May it speak to you because only Jesus Christ as your saviour and redeemer would save you from lawlessness of these end times.
blessings,
M.
"Therefore, dear friends, since you already know this, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of lawless men and fall from your secure position." (2 Peter 3:17)
07 September 2006
A Time for Everything
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven:
A time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot,
A time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build,
A time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance,
A time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain,
A time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away,
A time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak,
A time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.
Yesterday a crushing blow to me was dealt as I got another rejection from a job which I thought I would get. For the longest of all times, I've been wanting to change career and to seek something greener, more luxurious, something I consider better. Everything of this job seemed perfect. The location, the environment, the job description, the opportunity to advance myself and of course, an increase in remuneration. I clearly thought I heard a ringing affirmation in me that "this was it", and a similar prompting to drop another even more prestigeous application in faith. Thus, "in faith" I just went for this alone.
It had been a conflicting day of emotions, especially since I woke up at dawn and something seemed to say that I didn't get it. But that negative thought seemed natural as I knew that it was by mid-week that any successful candidate would be informed and as the days went by with no contact, it just seemed imminent. However, it seems that time like this, we always hold out and encourage ourselves to keep the faith because miracles can happen. But, when the email came saying, "sorry. you didn't make the cut". It felt as if the final nail was drilled into my coffin. Rejection is really a terrible feeling, its a blow on ego and self esteem and emphasises FAILURE / LOSER in big caps.
Sullen in attitude, while trying to cope with normal work and not feel downtrodden at the same time, this passage in Ecclesiastes spoke to me of how in God's principles and every living thing, there is a season for everything. Times like these, its frustrating to rationalise the possible whys and why nots of the outcome of our life. But humanly, its almost impossible not to.
Today as I was doing my online readings, I read upon a topic of what it means to be a follower of Christ. The key struggle encountered is as we feel that we are losing control, and the potential of managing our own life the way we want to manage it.
When Jesus recruited the 12 disciples, He said: "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men". Note the essence He is saying, "Follow me, and let me make something of your life." Most of us, however, want to make something of our lives on our own terms, and are happy to fit Jesus into the picture now and then. But Jesus says it's about total submission.
The author of Ecclesiastes succeeded in life and got more than what any man would have dreamt of, only to find that ultimately "the good life" was illusive or unfulfilling.
I know its tough at times to handle failures and moments of uncertainty. I call it a season of bobbing in the middle of an ocean with no wind, no land and no respite. Trust me, I of all people should know better what I should be doing, especially after today. But humanly, its just tough for seasons like this which seem to go one for the longest time, but the bible says its not forever.
In aweful times of your life, may you and I too learn to let go and let God because there is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven.
Blessings,
M.
"I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that men will revere him." (Ecclesiastes 3:14)
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven:
A time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot,
A time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build,
A time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance,
A time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain,
A time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away,
A time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak,
A time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.
Yesterday a crushing blow to me was dealt as I got another rejection from a job which I thought I would get. For the longest of all times, I've been wanting to change career and to seek something greener, more luxurious, something I consider better. Everything of this job seemed perfect. The location, the environment, the job description, the opportunity to advance myself and of course, an increase in remuneration. I clearly thought I heard a ringing affirmation in me that "this was it", and a similar prompting to drop another even more prestigeous application in faith. Thus, "in faith" I just went for this alone.
It had been a conflicting day of emotions, especially since I woke up at dawn and something seemed to say that I didn't get it. But that negative thought seemed natural as I knew that it was by mid-week that any successful candidate would be informed and as the days went by with no contact, it just seemed imminent. However, it seems that time like this, we always hold out and encourage ourselves to keep the faith because miracles can happen. But, when the email came saying, "sorry. you didn't make the cut". It felt as if the final nail was drilled into my coffin. Rejection is really a terrible feeling, its a blow on ego and self esteem and emphasises FAILURE / LOSER in big caps.
Sullen in attitude, while trying to cope with normal work and not feel downtrodden at the same time, this passage in Ecclesiastes spoke to me of how in God's principles and every living thing, there is a season for everything. Times like these, its frustrating to rationalise the possible whys and why nots of the outcome of our life. But humanly, its almost impossible not to.
Today as I was doing my online readings, I read upon a topic of what it means to be a follower of Christ. The key struggle encountered is as we feel that we are losing control, and the potential of managing our own life the way we want to manage it.
When Jesus recruited the 12 disciples, He said: "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men". Note the essence He is saying, "Follow me, and let me make something of your life." Most of us, however, want to make something of our lives on our own terms, and are happy to fit Jesus into the picture now and then. But Jesus says it's about total submission.
The author of Ecclesiastes succeeded in life and got more than what any man would have dreamt of, only to find that ultimately "the good life" was illusive or unfulfilling.
I know its tough at times to handle failures and moments of uncertainty. I call it a season of bobbing in the middle of an ocean with no wind, no land and no respite. Trust me, I of all people should know better what I should be doing, especially after today. But humanly, its just tough for seasons like this which seem to go one for the longest time, but the bible says its not forever.
In aweful times of your life, may you and I too learn to let go and let God because there is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven.
Blessings,
M.
"I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that men will revere him." (Ecclesiastes 3:14)
04 September 2006
Falling from your secure position
2 Peter 3:17
Therefore, dear friends, since you already know this, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of lawless men and fall from your secure position.
This week marks the start of the topic of end times which the church is preaching and the cell groups are discussing in-depth. From rapture to tribulation and then to the new heaven and new earth, there's a lot of interest in the many views and interpretation of what is written in various prophesies and visions recorded in the bible.
Saturday, we discussed about scoffers. People or christians who have heard so much about the second of Christ that over the years they grow skeptical or dulled to the fact. It was a call for everyone to make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and be ready for the return of Christ.
Have you ever stood on the edge of a swimming pool, safe and secure, just to have a friend push you down into the waters? As you fell from your secure, dry position, the only reason why you got sabotaged was because you did not remain alert and on goard against any pranksters.
Likewise, its very important to note that the writers of the new testment spoke constantly on the need to be on guard and to stand firm in faith. For the devil knows his end is due and is actively prowling around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. The devil is not a prankster friend awaiting to push you into a pool, rather he is a evil threat aggressively attempting to push you into the lake of fire.
Humanly, everyone laments the fact that the bible doesn't reveal the actual date and incidence of the second coming, so how can we keep waiting in anticipation? But no one can ever deny the many biblical warnings that are told to us to not loose our faith. Revelations 20 records that on the final day of judgement, everyone would be judged on how we lived and if we stood firm in our faith. With the final conclusion of the end of time written in black and white, why should we choose to fall from a secure position of eternity in heaven?
On June 18, AD 64, a fire broke out in Rome that burned for ten days and destroyed much of the city. Most people suspected that Nero himself started the fire, ostensibly to rebuild Rome, so to allay the rumors Nero blamed the Christians. They died by methods of mockery; some were covered with the skins of wild beasts and then torn by dogs, some were crucified, some were burned as torches to give light at night.
History records that Nero's cruel, appalling acts resulted in sympathisers as ordinary citizens watched Christians martyred for their faith. I shudder at the methods used as they stood firm and never fell from their security of staying true in their faith in Jesus Christ, in spite of tormenting and painful death.
I'm sure you have heard many upteenth times the end times are periless and you need to be on guard. May this warning always ring in your head and remain raw in your heart that you would never fall from your secure position. An eternity in Heaven is worth it.
Blessings,
M.
But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen (2 Peter 3:18)
29 August 2006
Whatever the LORD has Given Us, We Will Possess
Judges 11:23-24
Now since the LORD, the God of Israel, has driven the Amorites out before his people Israel, what right have you to take it over? Will you not take what your god Chemosh gives you? Likewise, whatever the LORD our God has given us, we will possess.
In the time of judges, the Ammonites made war on Israel because they wanted to claim back land which Israel had conquered and won many years ago when they first crossed the red sea. The elders of Gilead went to get Jephthah to be their commander to repel the Ammonites.
Jephthah sent back messengers to the Ammonite king to fairly recount the entire history and then makes a powerful stand of possession. As I read the passage above, I'm challenged by the surety of his words and the powerful destiny which is meant for us.
Who was Jephthah?
He was despised person. Born a son of a prostitute, he was driven out of the house and deprived of any inheritance by his siblings. When he was approached to be a commander, Israel was a weak composition of different tribes. It had lost its allure of its former glory as the mighty conquering force of Joshua's time.
Inspite of the circumstances, and the challenge of repelling against the forces Ammonites, Jephthah states strongly against the king of the Ammonites, "whatever the LORD our God has given us, we will possess".
As I read the words of Jephthah, my spirit stirrs up because of the truth and power of the statement. It's time that we bring into captivity the spirit of intimidation and fear and confidently stand in the truth that whatever the Lord gives to us, no one, no powers and principalities of the air or circumstances, would have any rights to take it over. In these endtimes, we must arise in confidence and recognise that we will possess the destiny, plans, promises and blessings which God has given to us!
How often we forget our inheritance as children of God and, in the face of tempest and storms of life, we waver and struggle. They could be prophesies which have been given to your life, promises of the unknown future, blessings proclaimed to your life, or bible verses which had been real to you but now they are all a dim part of your memory. Perhaps it was a life of a friend who has since fallen from God's presence, wilful friends who seem to have no hope of ever turning back from wickedness to recognise the Lordship of Jesus Christ, a physical infirmity which never seems to get healed inspite of prayers. There could be a lot more negative circumstances and situations which seem to overwhelm your life and perspective.
Take hope! Nothing has the right to take over what God has promised us. May your spirit arise in intercessory faith and hope as you profess today "whatever the LORD my God has given me, I will possess it". We are children of destiny, and its time we arise to challenge anything that comes against the perfect will and plans of God for us and the things that we hold dear.
Blessings,
M.
"The eyes of the LORD are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good" (Proverbs 15:3)
Now since the LORD, the God of Israel, has driven the Amorites out before his people Israel, what right have you to take it over? Will you not take what your god Chemosh gives you? Likewise, whatever the LORD our God has given us, we will possess.
In the time of judges, the Ammonites made war on Israel because they wanted to claim back land which Israel had conquered and won many years ago when they first crossed the red sea. The elders of Gilead went to get Jephthah to be their commander to repel the Ammonites.
Jephthah sent back messengers to the Ammonite king to fairly recount the entire history and then makes a powerful stand of possession. As I read the passage above, I'm challenged by the surety of his words and the powerful destiny which is meant for us.
Who was Jephthah?
He was despised person. Born a son of a prostitute, he was driven out of the house and deprived of any inheritance by his siblings. When he was approached to be a commander, Israel was a weak composition of different tribes. It had lost its allure of its former glory as the mighty conquering force of Joshua's time.
Inspite of the circumstances, and the challenge of repelling against the forces Ammonites, Jephthah states strongly against the king of the Ammonites, "whatever the LORD our God has given us, we will possess".
As I read the words of Jephthah, my spirit stirrs up because of the truth and power of the statement. It's time that we bring into captivity the spirit of intimidation and fear and confidently stand in the truth that whatever the Lord gives to us, no one, no powers and principalities of the air or circumstances, would have any rights to take it over. In these endtimes, we must arise in confidence and recognise that we will possess the destiny, plans, promises and blessings which God has given to us!
How often we forget our inheritance as children of God and, in the face of tempest and storms of life, we waver and struggle. They could be prophesies which have been given to your life, promises of the unknown future, blessings proclaimed to your life, or bible verses which had been real to you but now they are all a dim part of your memory. Perhaps it was a life of a friend who has since fallen from God's presence, wilful friends who seem to have no hope of ever turning back from wickedness to recognise the Lordship of Jesus Christ, a physical infirmity which never seems to get healed inspite of prayers. There could be a lot more negative circumstances and situations which seem to overwhelm your life and perspective.
Take hope! Nothing has the right to take over what God has promised us. May your spirit arise in intercessory faith and hope as you profess today "whatever the LORD my God has given me, I will possess it". We are children of destiny, and its time we arise to challenge anything that comes against the perfect will and plans of God for us and the things that we hold dear.
Blessings,
M.
"The eyes of the LORD are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good" (Proverbs 15:3)
25 August 2006
Youth
2 Timothy 2:22
Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
I love the exuberance of Youth. The energies felt as I was growing up. I recall the many long hours spent burnt under the sun training for volleyball, enjoying the pleasure of physical and mental training as we played match after match, despite the fact that the sun had gone down and I had bruised myself silly since afternoon.
I love the carefree days of my youth. The world was my oyster as I laughed and played with unlimited energy and engaged friends with arrogance and a care-free attitude. Apart from the major exams which caused me some stress, there was no real stress and responsibilities that bound me and constrained me. As I entered secondary 3 (15 year old) , the world was a big, exciting treasure chest. I acquired independence, was maturing, gaining self-confidence, and intellectually more confident.
But I also recall the ugly moments where the energies of youth were translated into aggression, violence and uncooth behaviour that caused tempers to flare, hurts and destruction. These were not proud moments of my life which I would like to relive but sadly, something that would continue to haunt me.
Paul warns his young ward, Timothy to "flee the evil desires of youth" simply because he too recognises the passions and energies associated with youth. Scientifically we know that the onset of youth, puberty, is when individual experiences physical, cognitive, social, and emotional changes. During which the body begins to produce the hormones necessary for pubertal development and the world of a youth seems to go upside down.
Adolescence is a period of great change and growth. Its a challenging phase because there are different expectations and encounters with the surrounding, and wide range of possible reactions and responses to growing up. Its also a time where sexual and material awakening occurs. Only in my days of youth did I suddenly desire to have branded clothes, nice shoes, stuff my peers had and I thought was essential for being normal.
In God's creation eyes, he fully understands all this issues of youth. Often I wonder how Jesus lived in his teenage years and wished the bible documented his life as he was a youth. That would be a great encouragement to many who go through this seemingly aweful phase of life. But it really doesn't matter as there are enough examples of how we are to live and cope with youth.
It's all about pursuing God and allowing him to teach us and mould us. Added to that, Paul says it is important to band together with other Godly youths and do things that are in righteousness, faith, love and peace. Peer pressure and support is one of the most vital experience of adolescence. Its all about selecting the correct circle of friends to be with. When we band with peers that support and pressure to do the right thing, we grow up well. If these friends are God fearing and pure hearted, they influence us to grow up to fear and worship God.
The days of youth was also the time which I experienced God and the passion of pursuing and worshipping Him. Suddenly, the bible stories learned as a child could be seen in a a different spiritual dimension and prayer was no longer dead silence. My life no longer became centered on myself and suddenly I perceived the corruptness of my own life through every little life's failure of adolescence.
In church, as I looked up to the fellow youths who were budding musicians and committee members. I was inspired by their talents and gifts and the rich experiences which they had with God. So inspired and envious that I even tried out some instruments to realise that I couldn't play either to save my life. Thank God that I saw the lack of talent in my life and an opportunity arose for me to help to look after young children. Eventually God used my talents differently and called me to teach. I would have been the worst musician ever. today, as I look back, I am greatful to have a bunch of Godly church friends who inspired me to pursue God and be found in the house of God and not like my other secular friends who encourage me to have fun in the secular things of life, albeit clubbing, drinking or spending my weekends outside the church.
David proclaimed, "Since my youth, O God, you have taught me, and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds." (Psalms 71:17) . May the Lord guide and teach you like David in your youth, bind you together with passionate Godly youths that would help you grow up well into adulthood - complete and in the grace of God - ready to declare God's blessings and name.
Blessings,
M.
"For you have been my hope, O Sovereign LORD, my confidence since my youth." (Psalms 71:5)
Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
I love the exuberance of Youth. The energies felt as I was growing up. I recall the many long hours spent burnt under the sun training for volleyball, enjoying the pleasure of physical and mental training as we played match after match, despite the fact that the sun had gone down and I had bruised myself silly since afternoon.
I love the carefree days of my youth. The world was my oyster as I laughed and played with unlimited energy and engaged friends with arrogance and a care-free attitude. Apart from the major exams which caused me some stress, there was no real stress and responsibilities that bound me and constrained me. As I entered secondary 3 (15 year old) , the world was a big, exciting treasure chest. I acquired independence, was maturing, gaining self-confidence, and intellectually more confident.
But I also recall the ugly moments where the energies of youth were translated into aggression, violence and uncooth behaviour that caused tempers to flare, hurts and destruction. These were not proud moments of my life which I would like to relive but sadly, something that would continue to haunt me.
Paul warns his young ward, Timothy to "flee the evil desires of youth" simply because he too recognises the passions and energies associated with youth. Scientifically we know that the onset of youth, puberty, is when individual experiences physical, cognitive, social, and emotional changes. During which the body begins to produce the hormones necessary for pubertal development and the world of a youth seems to go upside down.
Adolescence is a period of great change and growth. Its a challenging phase because there are different expectations and encounters with the surrounding, and wide range of possible reactions and responses to growing up. Its also a time where sexual and material awakening occurs. Only in my days of youth did I suddenly desire to have branded clothes, nice shoes, stuff my peers had and I thought was essential for being normal.
In God's creation eyes, he fully understands all this issues of youth. Often I wonder how Jesus lived in his teenage years and wished the bible documented his life as he was a youth. That would be a great encouragement to many who go through this seemingly aweful phase of life. But it really doesn't matter as there are enough examples of how we are to live and cope with youth.
It's all about pursuing God and allowing him to teach us and mould us. Added to that, Paul says it is important to band together with other Godly youths and do things that are in righteousness, faith, love and peace. Peer pressure and support is one of the most vital experience of adolescence. Its all about selecting the correct circle of friends to be with. When we band with peers that support and pressure to do the right thing, we grow up well. If these friends are God fearing and pure hearted, they influence us to grow up to fear and worship God.
The days of youth was also the time which I experienced God and the passion of pursuing and worshipping Him. Suddenly, the bible stories learned as a child could be seen in a a different spiritual dimension and prayer was no longer dead silence. My life no longer became centered on myself and suddenly I perceived the corruptness of my own life through every little life's failure of adolescence.
In church, as I looked up to the fellow youths who were budding musicians and committee members. I was inspired by their talents and gifts and the rich experiences which they had with God. So inspired and envious that I even tried out some instruments to realise that I couldn't play either to save my life. Thank God that I saw the lack of talent in my life and an opportunity arose for me to help to look after young children. Eventually God used my talents differently and called me to teach. I would have been the worst musician ever. today, as I look back, I am greatful to have a bunch of Godly church friends who inspired me to pursue God and be found in the house of God and not like my other secular friends who encourage me to have fun in the secular things of life, albeit clubbing, drinking or spending my weekends outside the church.
David proclaimed, "Since my youth, O God, you have taught me, and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds." (Psalms 71:17) . May the Lord guide and teach you like David in your youth, bind you together with passionate Godly youths that would help you grow up well into adulthood - complete and in the grace of God - ready to declare God's blessings and name.
Blessings,
M.
"For you have been my hope, O Sovereign LORD, my confidence since my youth." (Psalms 71:5)
23 August 2006
The Agony of Hell
Luke 16:20-31
"There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores and longing to eat what fell from the rich man's table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores.
The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham's side. The rich man also died and was buried. In hell,where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. So he called to him, 'Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.'
But Abraham replied, 'Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony. And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.'
He answered, 'Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my father's house, for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.'
Abraham replied, 'They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.' '
No, father Abraham,' he said, 'but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.' He said to him, 'If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.' "
It's so easy to be taken up by this life that we live. The stressful challenges, unreasonable expectations, the desire to succeed, the pleasurable pursuit of self, and a need to secure a good life for the future. There's heaps and heaps of excuses and reasons that we generate to justify our actions and how we choose to live. Sadly, when we die, nothing will be able to justify how we are unable to live according to the warnings of John in 1 John 2:15 "Do not love the world or anything in the world."
The bible tells strongly on the agony of hell as we read the desperate expression of the rich man who said "have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire".
Have you ever eaten chilly or super-spicy food that burns your tongue and seems to burn through your into your inner being, and you actually start feel your lips and tongue swell and then you perspire? It's absolutely agonising when you don't have a cool fan blowing and a cold glass of drink to quench that agonising moment. Well if you don't know what I've described, find a chance to watch Christopher eat grilled chicken wings with heaps of fresh chilli sauce to see a perfect example of what I'm talking about.
This parable which Jesus tells is the only one which clearly describes the burning agony that is to be experienced in Hell. But, it isn't his only warning as time and again he warns of the "weeping" and "gnashing of teeth" found in darkness, outside the kingdom of heaven upon judgement. (Matthew 8:12, Matthew 24:51, Luke 13:28)
We know for sure Hell is real. We are not talking about the fictional holleywood movies depicting hell and its resident house of the devil. However, Revelations 20 states the truthful picture of Hell as a lake of fire. On the day of judgement, each person will be judged according to what he had done. If anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he will be thrown into the lake of fire. Hell is a lake of fire which would burn and torment the soul for eternity and there is no turning back or any more chances to go to heaven.
I know it seems like a freakily scary thought of being burned for all eternity, but not many of us have this eternal persepective that grips us every waking day to live Christ-like lives and guard our salvation. Sadly, if we continue today to live normally and enjoying life, without the need for God, as the rich man did, there may just come a day when our life passes by and we too would have to face the agony of hell.
What can we do then? As quoted in the parable above, 'If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead." May we learn to pay attention to the leaders, instructions, warnings and prophesies that God places in our lives that we may live God fearing lives. The agony of Hell should never be an option.
Blessings,
M.
"The Son of Man will send out his angels, and they will weed out of his kingdom everything that causes sin and all who do evil. They will throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth." (Matthew 13:41-42)
"There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores and longing to eat what fell from the rich man's table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores.
The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham's side. The rich man also died and was buried. In hell,where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. So he called to him, 'Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.'
But Abraham replied, 'Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony. And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.'
He answered, 'Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my father's house, for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.'
Abraham replied, 'They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.' '
No, father Abraham,' he said, 'but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.' He said to him, 'If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.' "
It's so easy to be taken up by this life that we live. The stressful challenges, unreasonable expectations, the desire to succeed, the pleasurable pursuit of self, and a need to secure a good life for the future. There's heaps and heaps of excuses and reasons that we generate to justify our actions and how we choose to live. Sadly, when we die, nothing will be able to justify how we are unable to live according to the warnings of John in 1 John 2:15 "Do not love the world or anything in the world."
The bible tells strongly on the agony of hell as we read the desperate expression of the rich man who said "have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire".
Have you ever eaten chilly or super-spicy food that burns your tongue and seems to burn through your into your inner being, and you actually start feel your lips and tongue swell and then you perspire? It's absolutely agonising when you don't have a cool fan blowing and a cold glass of drink to quench that agonising moment. Well if you don't know what I've described, find a chance to watch Christopher eat grilled chicken wings with heaps of fresh chilli sauce to see a perfect example of what I'm talking about.
This parable which Jesus tells is the only one which clearly describes the burning agony that is to be experienced in Hell. But, it isn't his only warning as time and again he warns of the "weeping" and "gnashing of teeth" found in darkness, outside the kingdom of heaven upon judgement. (Matthew 8:12, Matthew 24:51, Luke 13:28)
We know for sure Hell is real. We are not talking about the fictional holleywood movies depicting hell and its resident house of the devil. However, Revelations 20 states the truthful picture of Hell as a lake of fire. On the day of judgement, each person will be judged according to what he had done. If anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he will be thrown into the lake of fire. Hell is a lake of fire which would burn and torment the soul for eternity and there is no turning back or any more chances to go to heaven.
I know it seems like a freakily scary thought of being burned for all eternity, but not many of us have this eternal persepective that grips us every waking day to live Christ-like lives and guard our salvation. Sadly, if we continue today to live normally and enjoying life, without the need for God, as the rich man did, there may just come a day when our life passes by and we too would have to face the agony of hell.
What can we do then? As quoted in the parable above, 'If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead." May we learn to pay attention to the leaders, instructions, warnings and prophesies that God places in our lives that we may live God fearing lives. The agony of Hell should never be an option.
Blessings,
M.
"The Son of Man will send out his angels, and they will weed out of his kingdom everything that causes sin and all who do evil. They will throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth." (Matthew 13:41-42)
14 August 2006
Godlessness in the Last Days
2 Timothy 3:14-16
But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Over and over, the bible warns of the overwhelming level of godlessness and alarming evil that would make the last days terrible times to live in. Jesus himself warns in Matthew 24:12 that the increase in wickedness would cause Christian hearts to grow cold. Paul reiterates the same strong point to Timothy (in 2 timothy 3:1) that there will be terrible times in the last days.
It all boils down to the same point - godlessness shall prevail in the last days and Christian need to stay on the highest stage of alert lest they succumb to the storm of godlessness that will pummel them.
The beginning of birth pangs have already started and we must see it with big open eyes. We see it in the various rumblings of earth and Tsunamis of nearby Indonesia, typhoons in north Asia, wars and uncertainties of the middle east and UK. But here we are, many of us still living in the comfortable lull of life, blindly struggling with our own little 'life-issues' totally oblivious to the early contractions experienced as the end days undergo its birth pangs process.
As I skim through the entire Isreal-Lebanon saga, my heart stirs because I suddenly realise that everything in the world has been moving too rapidly and I've been blinded by the enemy's deceptful scales of contentment covering my eyes. There must surely be a lot more than my life's 'struggles' of wanting a new job or to have hair regown on that bald patch of my head.
As I separately talked to Matthew and Christopher yesterday over the issue of baptism, I pondered why were they each denying the need to be baptised. There is simply no logical rationale for any of them to hem and haw to provide a reason and rational explanation, especially when publicly each comes to church to openly worship and encounter God. Why are we facing situations of people not keenly wanting to be baptised, or come to church for service & fellowship, or come to church punctually with a fearful reverance of wanting to meet God?
Is there anything more important than to guarantee our own personal eternal salvation? Make haste while we can, we only have a short time left and cannot afford to have eyes that are blinded by the scales of deception and self indulgence. The warnings of the perils of the last days are already provided to us in strong black and white. God has already spoken that the earth has a terminable cancer and as inhibitants, we only have a limited of time before the cancer destroys everything.
Stay firm Christians! Stand firm till the end! Be thoroughly equipped with the word of God. Continue to learn from the word of God and live Godly lifes with Godly decisions. All scriptures is God-breathed that would enable us to prevail as the pregnancyof the end times progress.
Be faithful Christians! Make every decision a Godly decision! You and I do not know on what day the Lord will come back and we need to do what we can and must to keep the flames of God in our lives from flickering out, lest the Lord comes back and we are left behind because we are not ready.
Blessings,
M.
"Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come." Matthew 24:42
But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Over and over, the bible warns of the overwhelming level of godlessness and alarming evil that would make the last days terrible times to live in. Jesus himself warns in Matthew 24:12 that the increase in wickedness would cause Christian hearts to grow cold. Paul reiterates the same strong point to Timothy (in 2 timothy 3:1) that there will be terrible times in the last days.
It all boils down to the same point - godlessness shall prevail in the last days and Christian need to stay on the highest stage of alert lest they succumb to the storm of godlessness that will pummel them.
The beginning of birth pangs have already started and we must see it with big open eyes. We see it in the various rumblings of earth and Tsunamis of nearby Indonesia, typhoons in north Asia, wars and uncertainties of the middle east and UK. But here we are, many of us still living in the comfortable lull of life, blindly struggling with our own little 'life-issues' totally oblivious to the early contractions experienced as the end days undergo its birth pangs process.
As I skim through the entire Isreal-Lebanon saga, my heart stirs because I suddenly realise that everything in the world has been moving too rapidly and I've been blinded by the enemy's deceptful scales of contentment covering my eyes. There must surely be a lot more than my life's 'struggles' of wanting a new job or to have hair regown on that bald patch of my head.
As I separately talked to Matthew and Christopher yesterday over the issue of baptism, I pondered why were they each denying the need to be baptised. There is simply no logical rationale for any of them to hem and haw to provide a reason and rational explanation, especially when publicly each comes to church to openly worship and encounter God. Why are we facing situations of people not keenly wanting to be baptised, or come to church for service & fellowship, or come to church punctually with a fearful reverance of wanting to meet God?
Is there anything more important than to guarantee our own personal eternal salvation? Make haste while we can, we only have a short time left and cannot afford to have eyes that are blinded by the scales of deception and self indulgence. The warnings of the perils of the last days are already provided to us in strong black and white. God has already spoken that the earth has a terminable cancer and as inhibitants, we only have a limited of time before the cancer destroys everything.
Stay firm Christians! Stand firm till the end! Be thoroughly equipped with the word of God. Continue to learn from the word of God and live Godly lifes with Godly decisions. All scriptures is God-breathed that would enable us to prevail as the pregnancyof the end times progress.
Be faithful Christians! Make every decision a Godly decision! You and I do not know on what day the Lord will come back and we need to do what we can and must to keep the flames of God in our lives from flickering out, lest the Lord comes back and we are left behind because we are not ready.
Blessings,
M.
"Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come." Matthew 24:42