Psalms 89:48
Who can live and not see death, or who can escape the power of the grave?
This is a year of deaths and heartbreak, even as it is a year of rewarding ministry.
Today, I received bleak news that Comdr Andj's condition is deteriorating and his brain tumor is bleeding. They would either operate to extend his life by possibly 6 more months, or manage his condition and see him life through another 2 weeks before his system fails.
It is such a heartbreaking news to hear of this that I'm really very down and breaking inside. In this year of much labour, I know of 4 individuals whom I personally in contact with and they suffer from some form of cancer. The prognosis have often been bleak and already 1 has departed and now another is told to be struggling for his life.
Much as I receive the note to not lose heart because the family has already prepared for the worst, it is really painful to see a person demise within a defined time frame.
I know the journey past death is painless and joyous, so there's no need to lament. But such is the reality of life because we find it so difficult to let go of our loved ones and be with God.
I can only take comfort in the truth that the power of the grave does not apply to faithful Christians as the departure from this mortal body will only bring about a release to God's presence in heaven.
I hope you too will live your days well, so the journey of your life after you have taken your last breath will see you in heaven with God. Live faithfully because many do not have the benefit of time that you possess.
M.
08 November 2012
02 November 2012
God's special possession
1 Peter 2:9
"But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”
Today, I really pondered long and hard why we are such a battered and defeated bunch of people. Not just ordinary people, but born again Christians.
As I survey, I can't help but recognise that many whom I know are struggling about their lives. Sadly, I don't see a clear affirmation from the church to constantly build into the lives of its sheep because I think we who are called to be eagles get affected emotionally or situationally. This results in us forgetting our God-inspired purpose, and causes us to roll in the mud of sin, depression and debase behaviour akin to pigs in mud or the common disease carrying pigeons.
If is said that when you understand your value in Christ, you will never allow yourself to be abused again by yourself or by any attacks from others.
Live a life worth living, a victorious life because we are chosen by God and are meant to be of God. Arise like eagles!
M.
"But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”
Today, I really pondered long and hard why we are such a battered and defeated bunch of people. Not just ordinary people, but born again Christians.
As I survey, I can't help but recognise that many whom I know are struggling about their lives. Sadly, I don't see a clear affirmation from the church to constantly build into the lives of its sheep because I think we who are called to be eagles get affected emotionally or situationally. This results in us forgetting our God-inspired purpose, and causes us to roll in the mud of sin, depression and debase behaviour akin to pigs in mud or the common disease carrying pigeons.
If is said that when you understand your value in Christ, you will never allow yourself to be abused again by yourself or by any attacks from others.
Live a life worth living, a victorious life because we are chosen by God and are meant to be of God. Arise like eagles!
M.
25 October 2012
Straying away
Psalm 119:176
I have strayed like a lost sheep. Seek your servant, for I have not forgotten your commands.
As I returned from lunch, I saw a friend who is the elder brother of a church mate. The entire family has been in the church from their grandparent's time and he's much older than me. I'm not a friend of his and just an acquaintance.
Today, he no longer attends the church and as I walked past him amidst the crowded walkway with his cigarette smoke wafting past me, I couldn't help but think of the other friends and peers who have gone astray. Some of which are still a raw wound in my heart as I remember them.
The more years you add to your life, it seems the more you will hear or know of others who you once had close to you in church, now straying away and it does strike a sore point to know that what was once personal with God is now abandoned.
In the end of end times, I always believe that many will stray, but God will also never give up in seeking them back because I know His heart is for all to know the saving grace of Jesus and to live the purposeful life they were created for.
M.
I have strayed like a lost sheep. Seek your servant, for I have not forgotten your commands.
As I returned from lunch, I saw a friend who is the elder brother of a church mate. The entire family has been in the church from their grandparent's time and he's much older than me. I'm not a friend of his and just an acquaintance.
Today, he no longer attends the church and as I walked past him amidst the crowded walkway with his cigarette smoke wafting past me, I couldn't help but think of the other friends and peers who have gone astray. Some of which are still a raw wound in my heart as I remember them.
The more years you add to your life, it seems the more you will hear or know of others who you once had close to you in church, now straying away and it does strike a sore point to know that what was once personal with God is now abandoned.
In the end of end times, I always believe that many will stray, but God will also never give up in seeking them back because I know His heart is for all to know the saving grace of Jesus and to live the purposeful life they were created for.
M.
11 October 2012
Faithfully, until no more.
Genesis 5:24
Enoch walked faithfully with God; then he was no more, because God took him away.
As I logged into facebook, the alert showed that today is the birthday of a young man who has passed on and is now in heaven. It is the day of his 25th birthday and as I clicked onto his page, I couldn't help but feel a sense of heart-brokenness that he only lived a short life and never was allowed to continue the journey of life.
Yet, I also take heart that he left at the apex of his life, living a good and right life which makes his short life a blessing. Today, he's in heaven and I couldn't ask for anything more because the Lord knows the best time to take someone home.
Yesterday as I sat in a void deck teaching a 17 year old tuition for his coming "O" levels, I bumped into a few church members and our conversation revolved around how 21 years after my "O" levels, I'm still giving tuition for subjects which I can barely remember and some which I never took. In a sms conversation later to a mentoree, I was asked how I could still remember the stuff to be able to effectively tutor. My reply was simple; I either relearn and try my best so I can avail myself to help the failing youth understand what he can or I live own self-centred life and close a blind eye to let him fail life on his own.
We can only do so much in life, but it is in-built in me to do as much as I can to help whoever comes before me. I did wish last night, that the mid 20's would take over what I do so I don't have to labour just as hard as I did 10 years ago. In fact, I would confess that the labouring is harder now than it is in the past and as I tutored in a mentally exhausted mode, I really wished many whom I've taught would have learnt to pour out time and effort to assist the generation below them and now just walk only with their eyes facing forward and forgetting to glance behind at those behind them. The fact of life is, we will be required to walk faithfully in all the days of our lives and despite what many may declare, the days we are given are meant to be a blessing to the needy, the poor, destitute and not for our own selfish pleasures.
I do look forward to going to Heaven, in fact as soon as I can. Call it escapism because it is. I would no longer need to labour so hard, and can just revel in a perfect place. But until that fateful day happens, I would always be mindful to live faithfully and be what I can to all I have until I am no more. I hope you will too.
M.
Enoch walked faithfully with God; then he was no more, because God took him away.
As I logged into facebook, the alert showed that today is the birthday of a young man who has passed on and is now in heaven. It is the day of his 25th birthday and as I clicked onto his page, I couldn't help but feel a sense of heart-brokenness that he only lived a short life and never was allowed to continue the journey of life.
Yet, I also take heart that he left at the apex of his life, living a good and right life which makes his short life a blessing. Today, he's in heaven and I couldn't ask for anything more because the Lord knows the best time to take someone home.
Yesterday as I sat in a void deck teaching a 17 year old tuition for his coming "O" levels, I bumped into a few church members and our conversation revolved around how 21 years after my "O" levels, I'm still giving tuition for subjects which I can barely remember and some which I never took. In a sms conversation later to a mentoree, I was asked how I could still remember the stuff to be able to effectively tutor. My reply was simple; I either relearn and try my best so I can avail myself to help the failing youth understand what he can or I live own self-centred life and close a blind eye to let him fail life on his own.
We can only do so much in life, but it is in-built in me to do as much as I can to help whoever comes before me. I did wish last night, that the mid 20's would take over what I do so I don't have to labour just as hard as I did 10 years ago. In fact, I would confess that the labouring is harder now than it is in the past and as I tutored in a mentally exhausted mode, I really wished many whom I've taught would have learnt to pour out time and effort to assist the generation below them and now just walk only with their eyes facing forward and forgetting to glance behind at those behind them. The fact of life is, we will be required to walk faithfully in all the days of our lives and despite what many may declare, the days we are given are meant to be a blessing to the needy, the poor, destitute and not for our own selfish pleasures.
I do look forward to going to Heaven, in fact as soon as I can. Call it escapism because it is. I would no longer need to labour so hard, and can just revel in a perfect place. But until that fateful day happens, I would always be mindful to live faithfully and be what I can to all I have until I am no more. I hope you will too.
M.
09 October 2012
When a soul is saved
Psalms 68:20
Our God is a God who saves; from the Sovereign LORD comes escape from death.
Saturday, I rushed back to take over the program and in the midst of it all, 2 leaders had to leave the program because of the passing of a family member.
Left in the lurch and rather unprepared to teach the entire lesson, I taught out of what I knew as I raced to read the bible study and merit. Everything went well and the kids were their usual chatty, noisy selves.
What struck me next as we were going to play games was when a 11 year old approached me to say that he is ready to accept the Lord. That left me stunned as you do not regularly hear of this, more so when it is a community kid who approaches you and ready to want to be saved.
More stunned, than excited, I clarified with him if he knew what he was requesting and got him to repeat with me a simple sinner's prayer. In the midst of the crowded room, we prayed and there and then, he was saved.
As we planned for RR in 2012, and did everything knowing it was to reach, teach and keep. It was never in our mind to intentionally ask the kids if they wanted to be saved. Yet, for a child to hungrily desire to be saved is really an exciting evidence of God at work.
I'm still rather stunned at the incident, but I'm really grateful that God always reaches out to save those, even when we aren't working hard to do a better job for Him. May you and I who are older know how precious our salvation is. Treasure it and live a faithful life.
God be praised.
M.
Our God is a God who saves; from the Sovereign LORD comes escape from death.
Saturday, I rushed back to take over the program and in the midst of it all, 2 leaders had to leave the program because of the passing of a family member.
Left in the lurch and rather unprepared to teach the entire lesson, I taught out of what I knew as I raced to read the bible study and merit. Everything went well and the kids were their usual chatty, noisy selves.
What struck me next as we were going to play games was when a 11 year old approached me to say that he is ready to accept the Lord. That left me stunned as you do not regularly hear of this, more so when it is a community kid who approaches you and ready to want to be saved.
More stunned, than excited, I clarified with him if he knew what he was requesting and got him to repeat with me a simple sinner's prayer. In the midst of the crowded room, we prayed and there and then, he was saved.
As we planned for RR in 2012, and did everything knowing it was to reach, teach and keep. It was never in our mind to intentionally ask the kids if they wanted to be saved. Yet, for a child to hungrily desire to be saved is really an exciting evidence of God at work.
I'm still rather stunned at the incident, but I'm really grateful that God always reaches out to save those, even when we aren't working hard to do a better job for Him. May you and I who are older know how precious our salvation is. Treasure it and live a faithful life.
God be praised.
M.
17 September 2012
Cheater never prospers
Joshua 7:21
When I saw in the plunder a beautiful robe from Babylonia, two hundred shekels of silver and a bar of gold weighing fifty shekels, I coveted them and took them. They are hidden in the ground inside my tent, with the silver underneath.”
One of the codes of the royal ranger states; A royal ranger is honest. He does not lie, cheat or steal.
Honesty is one of the most undervalued moral value expected. Yet, is also the most essential pillar for leadership. How many nations are corrupt because the top brass is dishonest and profits from ill gotten gains, leading to many sub-ordinates and followers extorting bribes and illegal kickbacks.
Yesterday, I was very upset because I found out that a leader had dishonestly requested for 1 more item to be kept as spare, despite the instructions to only request according to the numbers of people who were entitled. Even though the act was corrected and individual talked to, I slept with an upset spirit.
I get really mad when one does not behave honestly and elects to cheat the system, especially when the system is the church and individuals are educated and from above average background. Deuteronomy 25:15 says, "You must have accurate and honest weights and measures, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you."
How can we ever expect God to be for us if we seek out petty gains and cheat to benefit?
M.
When I saw in the plunder a beautiful robe from Babylonia, two hundred shekels of silver and a bar of gold weighing fifty shekels, I coveted them and took them. They are hidden in the ground inside my tent, with the silver underneath.”
One of the codes of the royal ranger states; A royal ranger is honest. He does not lie, cheat or steal.
Honesty is one of the most undervalued moral value expected. Yet, is also the most essential pillar for leadership. How many nations are corrupt because the top brass is dishonest and profits from ill gotten gains, leading to many sub-ordinates and followers extorting bribes and illegal kickbacks.
Yesterday, I was very upset because I found out that a leader had dishonestly requested for 1 more item to be kept as spare, despite the instructions to only request according to the numbers of people who were entitled. Even though the act was corrected and individual talked to, I slept with an upset spirit.
I get really mad when one does not behave honestly and elects to cheat the system, especially when the system is the church and individuals are educated and from above average background. Deuteronomy 25:15 says, "You must have accurate and honest weights and measures, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you."
How can we ever expect God to be for us if we seek out petty gains and cheat to benefit?
M.
09 September 2012
Willing heart
Matthew 9:31
"The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few."
Days like this, I can elect to just say "no" and to rest. Afterall, it is a sabbath day.
Stories can be told about mission needs in far flung lands, the poor, spiritually hungry and opportunities. Yet, for most of us the mission field begins right here where we live and to all who live in the community next door.
"The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few."
This has been an exhausting weekend. But it is also quite typical to have such a full day where it is jam-packed with ministry responsiblities, and having deep conversations with others. The net effect is a puffy-eyed, tired body individual who is typing this in one of the 2 last meetings for the Sunday.
Stories can be told about mission needs in far flung lands, the poor, spiritually hungry and opportunities. Yet, for most of us the mission field begins right here where we live and to all who live in the community next door.
Because of this, I know in my heart that serving sacrificially in another church on Saturday is something worth to do. Someone once said, “I didn’t think I could do it. But I found out I could. It’s not as hard as you think. You just have to have a willing heart.”
The are many needs, people to help. God can do more in you and me if I am willing. Are your hands open to God?
M.