1 Kings 20:23
Then the servants of the king of Syria said to him, “Their gods
are gods of the hills. Therefore they were stronger than we; but if we
fight against them in the plain, surely we will be stronger than they.
I read this in a e-devotion and was so encouraged to be reminded that even in our valley seasons, God is there for us to have victory.
Sometimes we just need to be refreshed by the living truth found in God's word. However awful the season, however low and doubtful we can be, we need to be reassured that God isn't away from us in the lows of life.
Why are we in the lows, I cannot explain. What I can take faith is He's the lord of the rain as much as He's the lord of the sunshine and that itself is why we need to tell ourselves in simple faith, even if we beat ourselves for our negative doubts, that God never leaves us. We may be unfaithful, but He will never be. That's why He's full of grace beyond our understanding.
Take heart, strength for the lows of your journey is always provided by the God of the hills and valleys.
blessings,
M.
29 April 2013
15 April 2013
We're valued
Matthew 6:26
Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?
Life is a constant worry.
I cannot state how I'm always worried and concerned for others. I may not show it, but as age catches up, I do spend more time thinking about others now that I'm stable in my career and work. For others I know, they are worrying about medical health, changing jobs or even work issues.
As I walked to work today, I walked pass a small mynah who didn't fly away even though I was just stepping beside. That got me thinking because my mind was just thinking of a couple of individuals whom I've not heard from and my mind was racing with worries.
For such a time like this, I'm grateful that God values those I think about more than the birds that he feeds. It may sound silly, but I sometimes feel that I need to move the hand of God and imagine His passively not doing anything for those who are so distanced from God. Yet, this could not be further from the truth of who God is and how He is more concerned and involved than I am.
So into God's hand, I hand my worries over and claim a promise of restoration over those I think about much.
M.
Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?
Life is a constant worry.
I cannot state how I'm always worried and concerned for others. I may not show it, but as age catches up, I do spend more time thinking about others now that I'm stable in my career and work. For others I know, they are worrying about medical health, changing jobs or even work issues.
As I walked to work today, I walked pass a small mynah who didn't fly away even though I was just stepping beside. That got me thinking because my mind was just thinking of a couple of individuals whom I've not heard from and my mind was racing with worries.
For such a time like this, I'm grateful that God values those I think about more than the birds that he feeds. It may sound silly, but I sometimes feel that I need to move the hand of God and imagine His passively not doing anything for those who are so distanced from God. Yet, this could not be further from the truth of who God is and how He is more concerned and involved than I am.
So into God's hand, I hand my worries over and claim a promise of restoration over those I think about much.
M.
09 April 2013
Do you see Him as Lord
Mark 10:17
As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. “Good teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”
The rich young man was to many, one who failed to give all he had to God. What I found interesting was how he only saw Jesus as a good teacher.
Scholars have recognised that the rich young man recognizes that Jesus speaks with authority when preaching. This young person did not come upon Jesus; rather he ran to Jesus giving homage by falling to his knees, and addressing Jesus as teacher.
The fact of the matter is, even though the young man fell on his knees and recognised Jesus authority in preaching, he doesn't see Him as Lord of his life. Thus, he found it hard to give up his life's entitlement when Jesus challenged him to sell everything he had to follow Christ.
What about you? Is your relationship with God based on a learning perspective, convenience or great experiences only? Will you willingly give up the rights of your life just to follow Christ. It may sound extremist, but He's not asking you to be homeless, starving or fanatical. The plans of God when we surrender the rights to our life is for us to live for His glory.
What will you willingly do to inherit eternal life?
M.
As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. “Good teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”
The rich young man was to many, one who failed to give all he had to God. What I found interesting was how he only saw Jesus as a good teacher.
Scholars have recognised that the rich young man recognizes that Jesus speaks with authority when preaching. This young person did not come upon Jesus; rather he ran to Jesus giving homage by falling to his knees, and addressing Jesus as teacher.
The fact of the matter is, even though the young man fell on his knees and recognised Jesus authority in preaching, he doesn't see Him as Lord of his life. Thus, he found it hard to give up his life's entitlement when Jesus challenged him to sell everything he had to follow Christ.
What about you? Is your relationship with God based on a learning perspective, convenience or great experiences only? Will you willingly give up the rights of your life just to follow Christ. It may sound extremist, but He's not asking you to be homeless, starving or fanatical. The plans of God when we surrender the rights to our life is for us to live for His glory.
What will you willingly do to inherit eternal life?
M.
01 April 2013
He is risen indeed
Luke 24:34
"Saying, The Lord is risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon."
Historians tell us that the early Christians used to greet each other with the standard greeting of "He is risen, He is risen indeed". This was an encouragement of the glorious fact that Jesus rose from the dead and a living hope to them.
What is significant of this passage is the fact that Jesus had appeared to Simon Peter first, before he did to any of the other disciples - even before John the beloved. Simon Peter was one of the first disciple and was in the inner circle of Christ. However, he was also the one who denied Christ and was likely to be in great guilt for all he had done to turn away as Christ was persecuted. So imagine all his feelings when the resurrected Christ appears to him. I can imagine him wanting to run away, yet also being unable to do anything but to crumble before Christ because of the unfailing love that he would have felt.
Shame and guilt are terrible emotions which makes us shrink away from everyone, even those who we know care for us. But such is the loving nature of Christ, who loves us despite His nature to hate sins. He will never shirk away from us and would do His utmost to always reach out to us, even if it needs Him to appear before us to testify of His love.
I can never fully grasp the amazing grace and goodness of God because He always demonstrates the supernatural ability to step forward to us and tell us of His unfailing love for us, even when we think we should be beating ourselves down and hiding away. This, however, is the unmerited grace that God grants because of His agape love for us, His creation.
This easter weekend, may we encounter Christ's appearance in our lives as Simon Peter did, because He loves us too much.
M.
"Saying, The Lord is risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon."
Historians tell us that the early Christians used to greet each other with the standard greeting of "He is risen, He is risen indeed". This was an encouragement of the glorious fact that Jesus rose from the dead and a living hope to them.
What is significant of this passage is the fact that Jesus had appeared to Simon Peter first, before he did to any of the other disciples - even before John the beloved. Simon Peter was one of the first disciple and was in the inner circle of Christ. However, he was also the one who denied Christ and was likely to be in great guilt for all he had done to turn away as Christ was persecuted. So imagine all his feelings when the resurrected Christ appears to him. I can imagine him wanting to run away, yet also being unable to do anything but to crumble before Christ because of the unfailing love that he would have felt.
Shame and guilt are terrible emotions which makes us shrink away from everyone, even those who we know care for us. But such is the loving nature of Christ, who loves us despite His nature to hate sins. He will never shirk away from us and would do His utmost to always reach out to us, even if it needs Him to appear before us to testify of His love.
I can never fully grasp the amazing grace and goodness of God because He always demonstrates the supernatural ability to step forward to us and tell us of His unfailing love for us, even when we think we should be beating ourselves down and hiding away. This, however, is the unmerited grace that God grants because of His agape love for us, His creation.
This easter weekend, may we encounter Christ's appearance in our lives as Simon Peter did, because He loves us too much.
M.
14 March 2013
Reopening the wells of your life
Genesis 26:18
Isaac reopened the wells that had been dug in the time of his father Abraham, which the Philistines had stopped up after Abraham died, and he gave them the same names his father had given them.
At every demise of someone younger, it always makes everyone who knows the departed sit up to reflect about life.
Attending one night of Hui Xuan's funeral was a very heartbreaking moment for many. As you witness the passing of a young, intelligent girl made many feel that she seemed robbed of her days, having gone so early when all others are given years more to live their life. Some may feel that she passed away without living through a full life of a ripe-old-age. Yet the undeniable truth is she passed away having left on a great legacy and a life well lived, even in the short 10+ years that she had.
The fact of the matter is we'll all die someday. Some live really short lives, others average and still others long lives. Being human, we fear death and just want to avoid having to live a short life. The importance, however,is how good was the quality lived and if it was of purpose.
Why are some of us blessed with more days than those who are called back at a young age? Compared to many young kids who passed away, what are you doing with the added days of your life.
Well in dry and arid land bring water to the thirsty and life to man and their animals. The enemies of past would often destroy these well by choking it with stones, dirt and pollutants such that the water could not be reached and be polluted andundrinkable. To reopen the well would often take much effort as one painstakingly clear the blockage, flush out the old waters and redig into deeper depth. Some may find it easier to dig another well rather than to restore an old blocked well. Most would find it too painful and tough to redig and would simply abandon it, leaving to find somewhere else to settle - sadly, abandoning the land of their inheritance.
Just like the verse above, God has a habit of giving many chances to us. Like Isaac who reopened the closed wells of his father, God is in the business of giving us opportunities to reopen our lives and make it alive again. Some of us may have allowed life to choke us of our God-given calling, others may have allowed the devil to block up that which is to make us live righteously. Gifts, calling, dreams, prophesies and promises could all be abandoned like blocked, forgotten wells.
Yet, God can and will reopen those wells. He'll also rename them as they were originally. A restoration of life that is meant to realign all that is good and purposeful in the days that you live for Him, and Him alone.
You who have more days of life than those like Hui Xuan. What are you doing with the added days of life given to you? May you allow God to reopen that which no longer possess life, that your life would flourish with fresh springs of water and be a mighty blessing to all who come your way. Live well and end well.
Blessings,
M.
Isaac reopened the wells that had been dug in the time of his father Abraham, which the Philistines had stopped up after Abraham died, and he gave them the same names his father had given them.
At every demise of someone younger, it always makes everyone who knows the departed sit up to reflect about life.
Attending one night of Hui Xuan's funeral was a very heartbreaking moment for many. As you witness the passing of a young, intelligent girl made many feel that she seemed robbed of her days, having gone so early when all others are given years more to live their life. Some may feel that she passed away without living through a full life of a ripe-old-age. Yet the undeniable truth is she passed away having left on a great legacy and a life well lived, even in the short 10+ years that she had.
The fact of the matter is we'll all die someday. Some live really short lives, others average and still others long lives. Being human, we fear death and just want to avoid having to live a short life. The importance, however,is how good was the quality lived and if it was of purpose.
Why are some of us blessed with more days than those who are called back at a young age? Compared to many young kids who passed away, what are you doing with the added days of your life.
Well in dry and arid land bring water to the thirsty and life to man and their animals. The enemies of past would often destroy these well by choking it with stones, dirt and pollutants such that the water could not be reached and be polluted andundrinkable. To reopen the well would often take much effort as one painstakingly clear the blockage, flush out the old waters and redig into deeper depth. Some may find it easier to dig another well rather than to restore an old blocked well. Most would find it too painful and tough to redig and would simply abandon it, leaving to find somewhere else to settle - sadly, abandoning the land of their inheritance.
Just like the verse above, God has a habit of giving many chances to us. Like Isaac who reopened the closed wells of his father, God is in the business of giving us opportunities to reopen our lives and make it alive again. Some of us may have allowed life to choke us of our God-given calling, others may have allowed the devil to block up that which is to make us live righteously. Gifts, calling, dreams, prophesies and promises could all be abandoned like blocked, forgotten wells.
Yet, God can and will reopen those wells. He'll also rename them as they were originally. A restoration of life that is meant to realign all that is good and purposeful in the days that you live for Him, and Him alone.
You who have more days of life than those like Hui Xuan. What are you doing with the added days of life given to you? May you allow God to reopen that which no longer possess life, that your life would flourish with fresh springs of water and be a mighty blessing to all who come your way. Live well and end well.
Blessings,
M.
27 February 2013
In loving memory of Oh Hui Xuan
Genesis 2:1
Thus the heavens and the earth were completed in all their vast array.
As I woke up this morning in Shanghai, I received a message informing me of the passing of a 11 year old AR girl.
It breaks my heart to know that she is no longer with us. She had battled with brain cancer and throughout the illness, she had endured through it all and even occasionally attended Rangers and even came for a day in Camporama 2012.
As I sullenly contemplate the shocking news of her passing, I am mindful that she's now with Jesus and yet, how sad the family must be to have her go before them.
I'm grateful to have known and taught this chatty, intelligent girl who always had something to share and talk about. Even in her illness, she would be her usual self and able to put across her voice and opinions to all.
Goodbye Hui Xuan, I shall keep precious memories of you because it must also bear witness to me to live life well. Someday, we'll meet up in heaven and all the tears of today will be forgotten.
M.
Thus the heavens and the earth were completed in all their vast array.
As I woke up this morning in Shanghai, I received a message informing me of the passing of a 11 year old AR girl.
It breaks my heart to know that she is no longer with us. She had battled with brain cancer and throughout the illness, she had endured through it all and even occasionally attended Rangers and even came for a day in Camporama 2012.
As I sullenly contemplate the shocking news of her passing, I am mindful that she's now with Jesus and yet, how sad the family must be to have her go before them.
I'm grateful to have known and taught this chatty, intelligent girl who always had something to share and talk about. Even in her illness, she would be her usual self and able to put across her voice and opinions to all.
Goodbye Hui Xuan, I shall keep precious memories of you because it must also bear witness to me to live life well. Someday, we'll meet up in heaven and all the tears of today will be forgotten.
M.
02 January 2013
Looking ahead
Hebrew 11:10
For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God.
Faith is forward looking.
Someone shared to me today that our memories must never be greater than our dreams. How timely it is to note as we start the new year.
It is only a calendar year change, but it allows us to also recognise a ticking forward of time that must motivate us to do more to achieve the dream and goals that we are called by God to accomplish.
I dislike new energies because of a new buzz word that people adopt with every new year, just to have no consistency in following through the rest of the year. However, it's often very tough to stay steadfast in the tough seasons and emotional moments of the days, weeks and months that will come.
Abraham is an inspiring character and called the father of faith because he examplified how to live the time on earth, hanging onto the leading and promises of God till his death. even though he never received the full promises come to fulfillment, the bible says he saw them and welcomed them from a distance.
In the new year, stop staring at the back mirror of memories-good or bad. Look ahead, see what God is planning to accomplish through you and take action this year to nurture the purposes of God in your life.
M.
For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God.
Faith is forward looking.
Someone shared to me today that our memories must never be greater than our dreams. How timely it is to note as we start the new year.
It is only a calendar year change, but it allows us to also recognise a ticking forward of time that must motivate us to do more to achieve the dream and goals that we are called by God to accomplish.
I dislike new energies because of a new buzz word that people adopt with every new year, just to have no consistency in following through the rest of the year. However, it's often very tough to stay steadfast in the tough seasons and emotional moments of the days, weeks and months that will come.
Abraham is an inspiring character and called the father of faith because he examplified how to live the time on earth, hanging onto the leading and promises of God till his death. even though he never received the full promises come to fulfillment, the bible says he saw them and welcomed them from a distance.
In the new year, stop staring at the back mirror of memories-good or bad. Look ahead, see what God is planning to accomplish through you and take action this year to nurture the purposes of God in your life.
M.