Living Water

Eternal Commitment

2012-01-27T00:01:00.002+08:00

Commit your way to the LORD, Trust also in Him, and He will do it. (Psalm 37:5 NAS)

According to EveryDayInterviewTips.com, one of the most common questions asked by employers when considering hiring a staff is “How long do you plan on staying with us?” This question is reasonable because when a corporation decides to hire a person, it has to make a financial commitment. Besides paying a salary, if an employee leaves, the employer needs to find someone else to replace the job as well, and that costs time, money, and efficiency.

An advice given on what not to say in answer to the question is “I plan on staying until I retire.” The reason is because unless we are in our 60s, this statement cannot be true. While we need to sound like we are planning on committing to the role, we can never know what the future holds. A more appropriate answer would therefore be something like, “I plan to stay until there is nothing left for me to contribute to the company’s future success.”

Commitment to the job is expected of employees, but much is left to be said of the same expectation from employers. During times of bad economy or slow economic growth, employers seldom remember the commitment they made to their employees and are often quick to lay off their staff, sometimes even without appropriate compensation.

Thankfully, our God is not like an employer that He should fail to keep His end of the bargain. He is not a man that He should lie, nor a son of man that He should repent (Numbers 23:19). Has He said and will He not do it? Has He spoken and will He not make it good?

Unlike the commitment made between employers and employees, we can be sure our commitment to God our Savior is never in vain. He will never abandon or forsake us in times of our trouble or need, for the LORD our God is a compassionate God; He will not fail us or forget His promises (Deuteronomy 4:31).

Let us therefore commit our ways to the Lord and put our complete trust in Him that our works and our plans will be established (Psalm 37:5; Proverbs 16:3). Hold fast to the word of life that in the day of Christ we will have reason to glory because we did not run nor toil in vain (Philippians 2:16).

Today, if our Lord is to ask us how long do we plan to stay with Him, what will our answer be? Will we say until we retire, until there is nothing left for us to contribute to His kingdom, or as long as we shall live, all the days of our lives through eternity? What if He calls us to a particular ministry? Will we say we will try it out for a year first before we decide, or will we willingly obey? May it be found in our hearts to desire to serve the Lord and to be with Him forever and ever. Amen.

Dear Lord, our hearts yearn to be with You forever and ever. We desire Lord to commit our whole being and all aspects of our lives to You. Be our King and our Lord to reign supreme in our lives, for we do not want to be half-hearted in serving You ever again. You O Lord are a compassionate God, and You never fail to fulfill what You promise us. In You we will put our complete trust, for You know our needs and never leave us without help in times of our troubles. Thank You Lord for always being with us when we need You. We worship and praise You O God, because You alone are worthy of our absolute commitment.

Waiting Calmly Amid Storm

2012-01-20T00:01:00.010+08:00

I waited patiently for the LORD to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry. (Psalm 40:1 NLT)

Lately, I have been spending much time in the woods enjoying the peace and quiet—something I have always wanted to do on a regular basis, but couldn't find the time the past many years. The woods is where I find solace and tranquility before God my Creator as I commune with Him. My heart is at peace as I listen to the chirping sounds, watch the squirrels playfully running about, and breathe in the freshness of the air. This much needed break is made possible by God’s grace amid a time of waiting for a door to open to grant me the means to keep my family's livelihood going.

In such a circumstance, few of us would be able to keep calm, unless we have the peace of God in us. Without God’s peace, we would likely be feeling unease, worried, afraid or even crumble under much stress, just as Jesus’ disciples did in the face of the storm (Matthew 8:23-27). But like our Lord who was able to rest amid the storm, God has given me a peace that surpasses all understanding to guard my heart and mind in Him (Matthew 8:24; Philippians 4:7).

Whenever we are in a spirit of turmoil or facing surmounting stress, therefore, let us stay calm in the Lord and be like King David who said in Psalm 40 (NLT):

Psalm 40:1-2
I waited patiently for the LORD to help me,
and he turned to me and heard my cry.
He lifted me out of the pit of despair,
out of the mud and the mire.
He set my feet on solid ground
and steadied me as I walked along.

Psalm 40:4-5
Oh, the joys of those who trust the LORD,
who have no confidence in the proud
or in those who worship idols.
O LORD my God, you have performed many wonders for us.
Your plans for us are too numerous to list.
You have no equal.

Psalm 40:8
I take joy in doing your will, my God,
for your instructions are written on my heart.

Psalm 40:13
Please, LORD, rescue me!
Come quickly, LORD, and help me.

The LORD is our shepherd; we shall not be in want. He lets us rest in green pastures, and leads us beside peaceful waters. He renews our strength and guides us along right paths, bringing honor to His own name (Psalm 23:1-3).

Let us therefore not be afraid even if we are to walk through the valley of the shadow of death, for God is with us. His rod and staff protect and comfort us. He prepares a feast for us in the presence of our enemies, and honors us by anointing our heads with oil. Our cup overflows with blessings. Surely our God’s goodness and unfailing love will lead us all the days of our lives, and we will live in the house of the LORD forever (Psalm 23:4-6).

Do not fret therefore in times of difficulties. Instead, look to God with expectancy, for what we do while waiting is important. If walking in the surroundings of nature or doing a certain thing we like helps us draw closer to or commune with God, let us make time to do this. All of us can experience the renewing of the spirit and receive peace beyond comprehension if like me we take time to come away and walk with God.

Dear Lord, help us to keep our calm in times of turmoil and storm. Teach us to patiently wait for Your help. Lift us out of despair Lord, and grant us Your peace that surpasses all understanding. Renew our minds and spirit, and set our feet on solid ground as we walk along. Come quickly O God and rescue us in our need. We put our complete trust in You O Lord, for we take joy in doing Your will.

Spiritual Infection

2012-01-13T00:01:00.001+08:00

Take the impurities out of silver, and a vessel is ready for the silversmith to mold. (Proverbs 25:4 GWT)

Some years ago, my computer was hijacked by a spyware called Ezula. According to Symantec, “Ezula alters Web pages viewed in Internet Explorer and can add extra links to certain keywords that advertisers target.”

That was exactly what happened. I started seeing links at my web site which I did not place, apparently created by the malicious program that had hijacked my Web browser. What I immediately did then was to install an anti-virus cum anti-spyware program to clean up my computer. Over 300 parameters containing malicious advertising software codes were detected, and as if that was not trouble enough, the operating system crashed while I was attempting to prevent further damage. Restoring the computer to its normal state of health was a real pain. I had to work through re-setting up my operating system, reinstall all my software applications, and redo a multitude of other things.

Much like a computer virus infection or spyware intrusion, our Christian lives are also vulnerable to spiritual attacks and ungodly influence, often creeping in unnoticed. By the time we discover our wayward behavior or un-Christian mannerisms, we are often left with little we can do on our own to repair or make amends for the colossal damage done. This is why it is very important that we are firmly founded in the word of God to understand God’s precepts and His ways (Joshua 1:8; Psalm 119:15-16).

Just as an anti-virus and anti-spyware program is necessary to prevent and repair infected computers, so it is with us that we need God’s word and His Holy Spirit in us to protect us from spiritual attacks. We may fall prey to the devil’s tricks or his insinuations at times, but we must not despair. Instead, we ought to return to the Lord and seek restoration (Jeremiah 29:13-14).

Let us therefore be of sober spirit and stay alert always, for our adversary, the devil, is constantly prowling around, seeking for someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8). Resist the devil, and stand firm in our faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by our brethren around the world (1 Peter 5:9). Allow God to restore to us the joy of His salvation, and sustain us with a willing spirit (Psalm 51:12). If there be a need for us to go through a period of deep cleansing to remove impurities during restoration, let us not resist, but accept God’s molding willingly (Proverbs 25:4).

Dear Lord, thank You for always watching over us. Forgive us Lord for sometimes falling into bad behavior under the influence of the ungodly. Keep us firmly standing on our ground O Lord, deeply rooted in Your word to know Your precepts. Protect us Lord from the attacks of the evil one as we resist him with the full armor of God put on. Restore to us the joy of Your salvation O God, and sustain us with a willing spirit of obedience.

Once an Answered Prayer

2012-01-06T00:01:00.010+08:00

The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away. Blessed be the name of the LORD. (Job 1:21b)

When I wrote on the status of my Facebook® profile last Thanksgiving Day that “a new chapter in my life is about to begin,” it was not for a cause to celebrate, but the beginning of difficult times ahead. A door had just closed on me, and I am back to where I was six and the half years ago, seeking, praying, and waiting upon the Lord for a new door to open.

Looking back, I am absolutely sure that my last job was God-given, because it fitted to a T a very specific prayer request. Why is it then that God now takes it away from me? Is this how He answers prayers—to give but for a little while, and then take it back later? Is there no way to keep an answered prayer for as long as we live?

The answer is quite clear. There is nothing of permanence on earth. The things we see presently will not last, but the things we cannot see will last forever (2 Corinthians 4:18). This is why the word of God advises us not to store up for ourselves treasures on earth, but to store up treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:19-20).

When it comes to material goods and possessions, therefore, our attitudes should be like Job. Despite losing much, Job blessed the name of the Lord (Job 1:21b). He said, “For as long as life is in me, and the breath of God is in my nostrils, my lips certainly will not speak unjustly, nor will my tongue mutter deceit” (Job 27:3-4 NAS). Can we, like Job, thank and bless God amid difficult times? When things change or affect our livelihood, how do we respond?

Instead of questioning why, let us seek and ask God for direction whether to stay on and go through the difficult times or to move on. If God indicates we should move on, let us not hang on to what is past or make a fuss, even if it means the road ahead is more difficult than before. God knows the plans He has for us; plans for our welfare and not for calamity, to give us a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11). Rather than sulk or complain, let us trust in the LORD with all our hearts, and do not lean on our own understanding. In all our ways, acknowledge Him, and He will make our paths straight (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Dear Lord, forgive us for frequently questioning You as to why things do not happen the way we expect them to be. You O God knows us better than we know ourselves, and You have made plans for our welfare to give us a future and a hope. Help us therefore not doubt, but to trust You completely, even if the road ahead is going to be more difficult. We know Lord there is no permanence in things on earth, and we will therefore not expect prayers that are answered to remain unchanged or last forever. All that we have O Lord belongs to You, and we readily let them go to fulfill Your purpose and will.

Blessed New Year 2012

2012-01-01T00:00:00.011+08:00

Wishing All of You a Blessed and ...

For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth;
And the former things will not be remembered
or come to mind.
~ Isaiah 65:17 (NAS) ~

Dangers of Online Socializing

2011-12-30T00:01:00.008+08:00

Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: (Ephesians 4:29, 31 KJV)

Keeping in touch with friends, colleagues, and people we know used to be about making phone calls or meeting up once in a while. These days, however, staying connected often relates to the social media—how we live the digital lifestyle of technological convenience through using applications on the Internet. We need only to press or touch a few keys on our mobile phones, tablets or computers, and we can communicate, share text, photos, videos, music and other media files to anyone in the world.

According to TheSocialMediaGuide.com, one of the many definitions of social media is "any media form that displays itself to an open public and encourages interaction between the host and all observers." This definition sums up two key aspects of the social media. The first is the use of any type of media form for sharing over the Internet, and the other is interaction. Social media, therefore, involves the sharing of media files, and participating in activities on the Internet through blogging, commenting, social networking, instant messaging, and the likes.

The ability to socialize and interact with people online through the social media is reckoned by many as one of the greatest breakthrough since the introduction of computers and information technology. Despite the many advantages of social media, however, there are drawbacks which few people realize. These drawbacks include the monitoring and tracking of our behavior patterns through what we post, share online, and the sites we visit to allow related advertisements to lure us into other commitments and sites.

Besides unsolicited ads, another drawback of the social media is the danger of sharing too much about our private lives to the public. Online sharing can affect others or how others view us. Our bosses, colleagues, relatives, and friends, for example, may think of us as weak or ill-mannered reading some of our status update on social networks. Sometimes, leaks through words of mouth can also spread and cause damage to relationships because of people sharing what they read from our social media postings.

The Bible warns us not to let corrupt communication proceeds out of our mouths, but to let what is good and edifying minister grace to the hearers. We are to put away bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking, along with all malice (Ephesians 4:29, 31).

This warning and instruction from the word of God, although refers primarily to the use of speech, is also applicable to how we should communicate on the Internet. We should not let negative words proceed from us, for such words can hurt others and expose us to ridicule. Remember, we are to give account every careless word we use on the day of judgment (Matthew 12:36).

If, therefore, we have a message of encouragement for the people, we should share this instead (Acts 13:15). Whether we are using videos, images, music or other types of media files, let us always share only whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, or praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8).

Dear Lord, forgive us for too often sharing to the world things that do not edify or minister. Help us not let our bitterness, wrath, anger, thoughtless words, and private lives hurt or mislead others. Remind us constantly Lord to share words of encouragement and things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable or praiseworthy. Protect us from the vices that constantly attempt to lure us away from You or into unnecessary commitment. Do not allow us to fall prey to the evil one O Lord, but guide us by Your Spirit to use tools like the social media carefully and wisely for the extension of Your kingdom.

Merry Christmas 2011

2011-12-25T00:00:00.008+08:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

LET US CELEBRATE
THE BIRTH OF CHRIST!

"BEHOLD, THE VIRGIN SHALL BE WITH CHILD
AND SHALL BEAR A SON, AND THEY
SHALL CALL HIS NAME IMMANUEL,"
which translated means,
"GOD WITH US."
~ Matthew 1:23 (NAS) ~

A Life Decision: Testimony of Joyce Schneider

2011-12-23T00:01:00.002+08:00

"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 NIV)

I experienced an abortion in 1985. At that time, I was unmarried, alone and ashamed to tell my family. I was involved with sex, drugs and alcohol, and ended up pregnant and confused.

I had been brought up in the church, but I did not have a personal relationship with Jesus. As a result, I rebelled early in life and went off on my own path, which took me down many rocky roads.

After my abortion, I spent the next 17 years of my life filled with guilt and shame, hating myself for what I had done.

My abortion affected all aspects of my life, including my relationships with others and my own self-image.

In September of 2000, I gave my life to Jesus, and asked for forgiveness for having that abortion. And although I knew that God had forgiven me, I could not forgive myself.

I lived in a world of constant suffering, denying myself the pleasures of enjoying the family that God had given to me.

In July of 2002, I was finally able to accept God's amazing grace, mercy and forgiveness, and let go of the guilt and shame of my past.

The freedom the Lord gave to me that day set me free!

The burden of that terrible sin was gone. In its place, was the desire to share my story with others, with the hope that I might encourage someone to reconsider this life changing decision and the consequences it would have on their tomorrows, as well as the encouragement that there is hope and healing through the love of Jesus for our past mistakes.

God has taken the pain of my past and turned it around for His purpose and in the process, my life has become full!

And He is ready, willing and waiting to do the same for you!

Take that step of faith ... you deserve to live the life God planned for you!

It's all because of Jesus. —Joyce Schneider

Internet Piracy

2011-12-16T00:01:00.006+08:00

You shall not steal. (Exodus 20:15 NAS)

Using applications on the Internet is probably not something new to most of us. We frequently access, download, store, and share files over the Internet via computers, mobile phones, tablets, and other devices. All these are possible because of personal cloud computing.

Personal cloud refers to the adoption of Internet computing for personal use. In computer network diagrams, the Internet is symbolized by a cloud, hence the term ‘cloud computing.’ Cloud computing relates to the applications and files we access and operate over the Internet. These applications and files are usually stored at a remote location, accessible on the fly through mobile, hand-held, or other computing devices. The remote location may be our home, a data center, free space on the Web, or anywhere else connected to a storage device, such as a computer, server, or network attached storage, with network access to the Internet. We can upload and download data, music, videos, and other media files to and from this remote location, as well as share them with friends, family and colleagues anywhere, anytime.

Today, with cloud-enabled devices like iPhone®, iPad®, Android®, and other smart phones, sharing and accessing files stored in remote places is easy and convenient. Such convenience, however, can give rise to a certain danger. We tend to share files with others without much thought, even those we are unsure if they belong to the public domain, or are copyrighted.

According to an article 'Piracy: Legal vs. Illegal Downloading' by the Federal Trade Commission at KnowWhereTheyGo.org, "downloading copyrighted material without expressed permission, (that is, without paying for the works), is illegal." However, “downloading music and movies from the Internet, under certain circumstances, is legal.”

Too often we have taken for granted and assumed all things on the Web are free. We frequently download ‘free’ things from the Internet, and distribute them to others via file sharing and e-mailing. Such an act is not much different from theft, if the materials we send are copyrighted. Storing and sharing things that are not ours is stealing, and can affect the livelihood of the rightful owners.

Unlike the dangers involving the upload and download of materials over the Internet, there is something of spiritual equivalence we can safely do that is quite the opposite. We can pray to God, and be assured our prayers rise up before Him (Revelation 8:4). That’s an ‘upload’ we can count on God to hear! We can receive God’s overflowing blessings poured down on us that will keep us having all sufficiency in everything, if we willingly give to God’s work (Malachi 3:10; 2 Corinthians 9:7-8). That’s a ‘download’ full of blessings!

So, what should we do? We should not steal (Exodus 20:15). This means we should always ensure our uploading and downloading over the Internet or the cloud is legal. Never take for granted to think everything available on the Internet is free, or share materials we are unsure of their intellectual property rights. Give willingly to God’s work; bring our prayers to God; and expect a down pouring of God’s blessings from the clouds of heaven.

Receive our prayers O God as we bring them to You, and pour down Your blessings on us as we willingly give to Your work. Forgive us Lord for sometimes taking for granted to assume everything is proper and good without verifying and paying for what is due. Grant us wisdom Lord to know how to differentiate between free sharing and stealing, that we may not unwittingly commit a wrong and deprive others of their livelihood.

A Tangled Web

2011-12-09T00:01:00.007+08:00

For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but cast them into hell and committed them to chains of gloomy darkness to be kept until the judgment; (2 Peter 2:4 ESV)

Today, a good friend and a sister in Christ grasped my hand in one of hers, and my pastor's hand in the other, and as we formed a circle she prayed for our church and our staff. She might not have known, but God surely did, how apropos was one line that crossed her lips, and how much of a blessing it was to me.

Last night as I stood on my deck, I contemplated a spider web seemingly sleeping in his web. The light from the den shone bright on the intricate weaving strung between the window and an outside wall, and I studied the webbing paying little attention to the spider perched in its corner. That is until a flying insect dive bombed straight at the web just centimeters from the waiting spider.

The beast sprung into action. It was upon its prey in a fraction of an instant. I watched, amazed, as the spider played that insect like an instrument; tiny legs moving to its internal rhythm as the insect was held captive, motionless, and bound tightly in silk. The spider moved away for a moment, then dashed back to reinforce the insect's wrappings. Satisfied that the prey had been subdued, he moved away and again was still.

As my sister prayed today that Christ would snare satan in His web and bind him like a spider does his prey, the image of my spider came rushing back. I have seen the results of a spider's dominance before, the mummified cocoons of its prey, but have never seen the dispatching of its victim in action. I know that I was shown this working of nature for this very time and this very purpose.

Now I have a glorious picture of Jesus, my Savior and my Lord, ruling over satan, binding him as effortlessly as that spider was master over the bug. —Catrina Bradley

Filtering Spam

2011-12-02T00:01:00.011+08:00

Then he said, "Oh may the Lord not be angry, and I shall speak only this once; suppose ten are found there?" And He said, "I will not destroy it on account of the ten." (Genesis 18:32 NAS)

Removing spam e-mails consume much of my time—a chore I dislike to do. Despite having an anti-spam filtering application installed, I still receive about one to two hundred spam e-mails every day. The filtering application can be trained to recognize various types of e-mails to move to a quarantine or junk folder, but the routine of doing that eventually overtook me, and I have given up trying. Receiving junk e-mails has now become part and parcel of life. These days, I would just take a quick glance into my e-mail Inbox, check for senders who are unfamiliar or subjects that do not interest me, and then multiple select them for trashing.

"Over the years, I’ve discovered many [anti-spam] methods that worked for a while, but never permanently," said Farhad Manjoo who wrote the article 'An Empty In-Box, or With Just a Few E-Mail Messages?' in The New York Times. "For a while, I set up elaborate filters meant to automatically categorize every incoming message according to who sent it ... But eventually every finely honed trick to tame my mail would collapse, and I’d backslide into a messy, undisciplined in-box."

After much experimentation with various experts' tips, Manjoo wrote that she has finally found several basic rules that can help reduce e-mail anxiety—the feeling of guilt for being late in responding to e-mail messages. The rules include turning off all auto-notifications that alert us to incoming mail, setting aside an hour or two to respond only to important messages, and moving all the rest to a separate folder.

Like me and Manjoo, many of us are not unfamiliar with spam e-mails. Time and again, we see them increasing because senders of such e-mails are constantly finding ways to outsmart e-mail recipients from filtering spam. We do whatever we can to eliminate them, but we may sometime reach a point we give up trying, pay little attention to them, or simply discard them. Ignoring things that bother us, such as spam e-mails, unfortunately does not help us solve the problem.

Suppose we have a ten dollar bill in a heap of counterfeits. Would we willingly let the bill be thrown away just because it is among counterfeits? Not unless we are unaware or have too much to spare! Similarly, the Bible mentioned a time before Sodom and Gomorrah was destroyed, that Abraham asked God, "Will You indeed sweep away the righteous with the wicked?" God’s answer was clear. He would spare and not destroy even on account of ten righteous (Genesis 18:23, 31-32). What do we think, if a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go and search for the one that is straying (Matthew 18:12)?

Whether it is a ten dollar bill among counterfeits, or ten righteous people among the wicked, we should never 'trash' them or ignore them because of the overwhelming fakes or evil around. Just as we continue to read our e-mails amid the spam, we should also continue to focus our attention on saving the lost, even if only one of them has gone astray. Instead of being overwhelmed by too many things vying for our attention or feeling guilty for not responding fast enough, let us purposefully set aside time to attend to the more important and most needful first. As for the rest of the things that keep us from our main focus, let us move them to the attention of another for follow-up, prayer and intercession, or to our To Do list for later attention.

Dear Lord, forgive us for sometimes neglecting to pay attention to the needs of others at the right time. Help us set our priorities right Lord, that we will purposefully set aside time to minister and bless others, as well as snatch the yet unsaved from the wicked. Do not allow us to be overwhelmed by the things happening around us, so we may not backslide into undisciplined focus. Tame us as You will O God, that we may not collapse or fall, but stand firm and immovable in the faith all the days of our lives.

God's Rest

2011-11-25T00:01:00.008+08:00

And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. (Revelation 21:4 KJV)

Are we ever weary of working hard, of disappointments, of struggling from day to day? If so, we need rest.

We look to SELF—we can't find it there. We look to FAMILY AND FRIENDS—they're in need of rest too. We look to the WORLD—they offer a temporary fix.

TRUE REST is found in GOD ALONE. Apart from Him, the soul is like the troubled sea driven to and fro.

Do we know that rest is important? Even the Lord God Almighty, Creator of Heaven and Earth, set the example for us and rested from His works (Genesis 2:2-3).

If only we would set aside the day that God commanded us to rest physically, how our weary souls would be refreshed and renewed.

God did not promise a life without problems, but He did promise to give us rest through them.

And He said, "My presence shall go with you, and I will give you rest." (Exodus 33:14).

Rest from burdens (Matthew 11:28)

Rest from fears (Matthew 10:31)

Rest from worry (Matthew 6:31-32)

Rest from enemies (Luke 10:19)

Rest from sickness (Matthew 8:17)

Rest from trouble (Psalm 46:1)

Rest from heartache (John 14:27)

Eternal rest (Revelation 21:4)

Believers, the promises of rest are ours. Do not think, because difficulties are before us, that the promises will fail. God is faithful to every promise. Let us, therefore, rely on His Word, submit to His will, trust in His perfect work and find rest for our weary souls in Him. —Patricia Bankhead

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T00:00:00.007+08:00

give thanks in all circumstances; for this
is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
~ 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NIV) ~

Blogging for God

2011-11-18T00:01:00.014+08:00

Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. (Matthew 28:19-20 NAS)

When I first started a blog, it was not because I wanted to, but because I was assigned by my editor to write an article on blogging for an education magazine. Blogging was relatively new then—at least for the adults—and I was to interview several people to find out their thoughts on blogging.

Many of those I interviewed agreed that writing and publishing web pages had never been so easy before blogging took center stage. The task of web authoring which was previously only for the tech-savvy, today is no longer difficult even for a beginner.

"Just knowing the basics of using a mouse to navigate on a web page is all that is needed to use blogs," said a high school teacher. "The rest is a matter of trying things out."

A number of people gave their reason for blogging as wanting to make friends who share similar interests, while some said they blog to de-stress or fight for a cause.

"I blog because people can get to know me," said one. "I have met so many new people through blogging—nice people who have no ill intentions, do not pressure me into meeting them or go out with them. [They] … read my stuff and e-mail me words of encouragement, share with me their personal experiences, and offer me friendship with no strings attached."

Almost all who were interviewed agreed that as a medium, blogging is convenient and efficient in recording thoughts and feelings; a way to express one's joy and peace, share problems and issues, and participate in intellectual exchange.

"[Blogging] helps a lot if I feel burdened by something and need to offload it," said the high school teacher. "I find I work more efficiently after I’ve set myself back in focus and be on task."

What about negative aspects of blogging?

"Of course, we run the risk of facing ridicule and criticism from people posting their comments," said an ardent blogger. "But we can deal with it."

I agree with the interviewees. Like the high school teacher, I frequently offload my burdens writing on my blog. Many people get to know me and my innermost thoughts because I blog. My life is an open book, found within the pages of my devotional writings. Blogging is my way of serving God and His people, a medium of choice to reach out to the masses in the world. I am a missionary at heart without the travel. With my Christian blog linked to the social media communities like Facebook, Twitter, and other sites, every blog entry I post gets to reach out to the masses and the targeted people for the Lord.

Of course, once in a while, I would receive some argumentative or negative comments at my blog. But by the grace of God through the guidance of the Holy Spirit in the wisdom of our Lord, those were dealt with without quarrel or hurtful feelings.

What about the rest of us? What do we do with our blogs? Do we turn them into avenues by which we serve God, His people, and the people who are yet unsaved? The Great Commission calls for us to make disciples of all the nations (Matthew 28:19-20). What better way for us to reach the masses than by blogging and sharing our thoughts, testimonies, devotionals, and other Christian writings, to make disciples and win souls into the Kingdom of God?

Join therefore with others in following my example and be imitators of me. Observe the things you have learned, received, and heard from me or seen in me, and in those who serve the Lord. Practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you (1 Corinthians 4:16; Philippians 3:17; 4:9).

Thank You, dear Lord, for giving us blogs to share our thoughts, testimonies, devotionals, and other Christian writings, to win souls for the Kingdom and make disciples of all the nations. Grant us wisdom Lord to know how to fully utilize online tools, such as blogs, to offload our burdens, and let people know us in ways that draw them to You.

God-incidences: The Lord is My Shepherd

2011-11-11T00:01:00.006+08:00

Today was not a good day.

Have you ever tried to control a computer without a mouse? Not easy.

I took yet another deep breath, looked at the clock, and then out the window to see if the IT guy was here yet. After seeing an empty driveway, my eyes blurred into the blinds. My inner voice breathed, "The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want."

Mmmm, yes, a comforting thought indeed. I had no idea why that verse came unbidden so strong and so loud in my thoughts, but my frenzied mind was able to connect it to my situation.

I had been thinking all day about last night's message: what we need before we can rebuild. One was to understand that God engineers our circumstances.

The Holy Spirit doesn't need my help to fix anything. My best move is to step back, be silent and listen, and absorb. Pastor C. spent a good bit of time emphasizing the "be silent and listen" part.

I've been a secretary since the days of DOS when a mouse was just an idea in some young geek's imagination, so I'm able to do most everything without one, and can work much faster without having to stop my fingers and move my hand from the keyboard. (I call myself the Keyboard Queen.) Still, I could NOT figure out how to get inside a Publisher text box.

Ok, so God engineered this circumstance. I had depleted my knowledge and ability bank, I had called for help; I had done all I could do. (God doesn't want us to be sluggards; He wants us to use the gifts and talents He gave us.) Now I need to get out of His way and let the circumstance unfold.

When I stepped back, and listened, I was able to recall the many things I could finish that didn't involved that particular task. The IT Guy showed up exactly when he was scheduled to, he found out what was wrong and fixed it. The phones were amazingly quiet the remaining 40 minutes, and I was able to complete most of my work.

This evening, after a long, much needed quiet time with God, I checked my email. My mini-devotion verse was this:

"The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want." —Psalm 23:1 (NIV)

The prayer contains the following petition:

"Please help me hear your voice above the confusing distractions around me."

Coincidence?

Godincidence. —Catrina Bradley

Keywords for Life

2011-11-04T00:01:00.008+08:00

You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart. (Jeremiah 23:13 NAS)

When we search for information on the Web, all we need to do is to enter the keywords in the search box of the search engine, and click the ‘Search’ button. That is simple enough, and if we have chosen the right keywords for the search, a list of related links would appear. If we have not chosen the right keywords, however, we would be returned with irrelevant or unrelated information.

Many business owners know the importance of keywords, how they can help search engines find their websites. This is why businesses, especially those relying on their websites to generate leads, are willing to spend time and resources on search engine optimization (SEO). SEO is a technique that uses keywords research to find the words people use when searching for information on the Web, in order to make one’s own website rank high on search engines. Such a research can be time consuming, but if done correctly, it can bring in the desired traffic and customers to the site by simply adding the targeted keywords in the web pages.

Like keywords researching, many people today seek and search hard to find things to fulfill their lives and satisfy their souls. Sadly, however, many of them search for the wrong things and go to the wrong places to find what they think can appease their inner cravings and desires. Some search for ways to get themselves rich by gaining material things. Others seek for fulfillment in pleasure through eating, drinking, making merry (Ecclesiastes 8:15; Luke 12:19-20), and engaging in online activities that claim to offer self gratification.

All these pursuits are vanity and striving after wind (Ecclesiastes 1:14), for what good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world but forfeits his soul (Matthew 16:26)? All the things in the world, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the boastful pride of life, are not from the Father, but from the world (1 John 2:16). Should we then waste our time storing up for ourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal (Matthew 6:19)?

Let us learn a few things from the way we use the search engine. We know we need to enter the right keywords to find what we want. Similarly, in searching for fulfillment and satisfaction, we need to enter through the right gate to find the road that leads to life (Matthew 7:13). If we receive irrelevant or unrelated information because we fail to enter the right keywords, we should also expect to receive bombardment in our lives that can lead to destruction if we do not enter the right way. Small and narrow is the way that leads to life, and only a few find it (Matthew 7:14).

Like the SEO which seeks out the keywords people use to lead them to find the related links, God has also taken the lead in choosing us to follow Him (John 12:32; 15:16; Ephesians 1:4). All we need to do, therefore, is to seek Him—not other things—and we will find Him, when we search for Him with all our hearts (Jeremiah 23:13). Instead of letting our flesh set its desires against the Spirit, let us not do the things we please, for the flesh and the Spirit are in opposition to one another Galatians 5:16).

Forgive us dear Lord for sometimes seeking that which are not from the Father—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the boastful pride of life. We know in our hearts Lord that there is no fulfillment or satisfaction we can derive from earth. Only in You, O God, can we truly live meaningful lives and be satisfied. Draw us to You Lord, and lead us when we are searching for the right direction. Keep us focus on You so we may not fall prey to the temptations of this world. Renew and guide us, Holy Spirit, so that we will not carry out the desires of our flesh, but enter through the right gate and walk on the road that leads to life.

Finding Beauty

2011-10-28T00:01:00.003+08:00

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. (John 1:1-2 NIV)

Poetry. The prologue of John (John 1:1-18) is pure and lovely poetry. It's one place I like to go when I need a dose of beauty. In a world of pop-culture, I need those doses regularly.

Over the summer, my twenty-year-old daughter, Maddie, lamented all the pop-culture I was responsible for making her miss during her childhood. "Mom," she said, "when people my age talk about 'Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles' or 'Strawberry Shortcake,' I'm lost." This made me laugh. "What was so bad about Strawberry Shortcake?" she wanted to know. It's not the first time I've heard that question.

"What's so bad about (fill in the blank)?"

My children have asked me that question and I have asked myself that question hundreds of times over the years. I've asked it about all sorts of books, movies, and activities. It seems to me, we only have so much free time—time set up for no purpose other than enjoyment and we can choose things that are "not bad," or we can choose things of value.

Early in parenting, I wanted to give my off-spring only value. So while other children were reading books about a babysitting club, mine were reading the Wind in the Willows and Misty of Chincoteague.

As the years continued, I softened my stance somewhat, so by the time my son was old enough, he saw all the Star Wars movies (I only liked the original three). Maddie, of course, laments this, too—“how Spencer had it better.” I try not to laugh.

One of my favorite verses in the Bible was written by Paul in an intimate portion of his letter to the Philippians as he sought to instruct them on how to live:

… whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. (Philippians 4:8 NIV)

I'm not immune to pop-culture and I admit to watching things that are "not bad" and sometimes, even things I know veer straight into "bad." These things don't edify me in any way; in fact, if I'm not careful, they'll erode my convictions. But sometimes I watch them. That's when I need a dose of pure or lovely or admirable. That's when my husband and I trek to some beautiful part of God's world, or I listen to Pachelbel's Canon, or I read the poetry of the Book of John.

The other day, Maddie called to say she was tired of seeing little girls who dressed too old for their age. She said, "When I have children, I'm picking pleasing-to-the-eye-age-appropriate clothes." I was glad we were on the phone and she couldn't see me smiling.

You know, maybe I'll surprise her the next time she comes home. I'll put together a Strawberry Shortcake Fest complete with videos, shortcake, and balloons. Time spent with her laughing—that's a place where I find beauty.

Epilogue: Last Sunday afternoon Maddie and I held our Strawberry Shortcake Fest. The cake tasted good; she appreciated the card and balloons. We didn't make it five minutes into the video, though, before she cried, "Turn it off! I can't take it. It's soooo mind-numbing!"

My work here is done. —Lisa Mikitarian, Dec 2008

A Note to LW Followers

2011-10-27T00:01:00.003+08:00

Dear Friends and Readers of the Living Water blog ...

Thank you for your faithful following and ongoing encouragement.

As Living Water continues to look into ways to bless and minister to each of you, starting tomorrow, it will from time to time host devotionals and testimonies written by guest writers as well. Living Water believes this will benefit more people, with fresh insights and a more balanced mix of serious and lighthearted devotionals.

If you have devotionals* or testimonies you wish to share at Living Water, please feel free to send them to: editor@livingwater.

Warmest Regards
Living Water

* Devotional submissions should preferably be written from the first person as a community, that is, using 'we' 'our' and 'us' unless when sharing an anecdote or testimony within the story. Citation from the Bible in part or full should specify the translation version in abbreviated format, for example, (John 3:16 NAS). All submissions are subject to consideration and review.

Managing Our Emotions

2011-10-21T00:01:00.010+08:00

Surely our griefs He Himself bore, And our sorrows He carried; Yet we ourselves esteemed Him stricken, Smitten of God, and afflicted. (Isaiah 53:4 NAS)

Strong feelings can bring much joy as well as sorrow, and we know we need to manage our emotions well in order not to crumble under excessive grief. In a sermon I heard some time ago on ‘Emotions: Out of Control—No More,’ Dr Larry Hutton of the Larry Hutton Ministries shared some thoughts on how we can gain control of our lives and not live in emotional rollercoaster.

The first thing we need to know to begin ridding ourselves of the emotional baggage we carry is we do not need to let our emotions control us. Anger, grief, sorrow, worry, causes of distress, depressive feelings—all these Christ has bore and carried on our behalf (Isaiah 53:4-5).

Our Lord has given us His peace (John 14:27), the peace which surpasses all comprehension that guards our hearts and our minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7). We can have complete peace because joy and peace is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22), and the Spirit is in us. The fruit of the Spirit is non-seasonal and available at all times.

But how can we be bold, courageous, and at peace in the face of trials? We can because in the world we have tribulation, but Christ has overcome the world (John 16:33). There is no need for us to yield to fear or the distress of this world, for they are powerless on us. When negative feelings come our way—real or perceived—we need not allow them to overtake us because they are powerless.

We can live in peace all the time because Jesus has bore our sins (1 Peter 2:24), and has carried upon Himself our cares and emotions (1 Peter 5:6-7). Our Lord has left us with His peace which He has freely given to us, not as the world gives, that our hearts might not be troubled nor fearful (John 14:27). No one can steal or rob the peace the Lord has given to us.

Let us therefore humble ourselves and cast our cares on the Lord (1 Peter 5:6-7), for there is no need for us to hang on to our cares. Instead, we should take heed not to be weighted down with dissipation and the worries of life, lest our negative emotions and feelings remain with us and ensnare us (Luke 21:34). The cares of this world can choke us even if we were once fruitful if we yield to our emotions (Mark 4:15-19). Satan is always stirring up our emotions to create cares in our lives, and he is the source of our stirred negative emotions. Remember, our Lord has defeated the devil and rendered him powerless.

Thank You, dear Lord, for bearing our sins, cares, and emotions. Help us not continue to carry our emotional baggage Lord, but cast them all on You. Comfort us, Holy Spirit, in our distress that we may not yield to negative emotions or depressive feelings. Grant us Your peace that surpasses all comprehension, and guard our hearts and minds. Keep us calm and in control of our emotions. We bless Your glorious name Lord, for in You we need not fear or be distressed, because You have overcome the world.

How to Handle Trials

2011-10-14T00:05:00.012+08:00

Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. (James 1:2-3 NAS)

The past half year has been tough for me with many changes happening in my workplace which have caused undue stress and doubts in my own values. Going through tough times is never easy, yet the Bible exhorts us to consider it all joy when we encounter them (James 1:2). How should we as a people of God handle difficult times and endure them? Not too long ago, I heard a sermon by a pastor who suggested five things we can do when we are facing trials.

First, do not dwell in self-pity. Instead, always look ahead, knowing that trials produce endurance, and endurance leads to perfection and completeness (James 1:2-4). Unless we go through trials, we seldom know how much we need Jesus, until Jesus is all we have. Our focus should therefore be on what’s to come, and not on the difficulties we are going through now.

Second, ask God for wisdom (James 1:5-8). God pays attention to us all the time, for we are His sole preoccupation. When we come to God and ask of Him, we must not doubt, and we must be willing to work alongside with God. Are we prepared to work with God to be rid of things the Lord expects us to put away? Unless we are single-minded in our pursuit, we cannot receive anything from the Lord or live our lives meaningfully.

Third, do not glory in or rely on our own wealth (James 1:9-11). Money does not provide all the answers, and we need to be humble to come to God. Being wealthy is nothing wrong, for Abraham was also rich. However, wealth has a tendency to make us compare, and in comparing we find troubles for ourselves. Never look to our wealth for an absolute solution.

Fourth, look toward the future (James 1:12). Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial, because having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life. Keep on looking ahead, and endure in perseverance.

Fifth, have a proper orientation concerning temptation (James 1:13-16). God does not tempt. Each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire. If there is anything that needs to be dealt with, it is most likely something to do with our inward unholy desires. Temptation is not uncommon during trials or testings. Deal with our sin and get back on track with God. When in trial, trust God absolutely.

God is our refuge and our strength, a very present help in trouble. We need not fear or worry even if the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea (Psalm 46:1-3), for the LORD of hosts is with us; He is our stronghold (Psalm 46:7). In the world we have tribulation, but take courage, our Lord has overcome the world (John 16:33). God knows the trials we are going through, and when He has tried us, we shall come forth as gold (Job 23:10).

Dear Lord, we know there is no perfect formula to handle trials and temptations while we are here on earth. Help us therefore Lord not be tied down by our own inward unholy desires, but to overcome temptations—especially in time of trials—that we may not fall prey to the devil. Grant us wisdom and complete faith to trust You unreservedly, Lord. Remove self-pity from us, and redirect us to focus on You and Your promises. Strengthen us that we may endure to the end in single-minded pursuit to fulfill Your will, that through the trials we shall come forth as gold.

More Valuable than Gold

2011-10-07T00:01:00.017+08:00

The law of the LORD is perfect, restoring the soul; The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. (Psalm 19:7-8 NAS)

In an article 'Weighing the Value in Gold' published at Forbes.com on September 16, 2011, Joe Zidle of Merrill Lynch wrote that investors who viewed gold as a 'safe haven' had pushed its prices to record highs this summer. A sharp pick-up in volatility, however, has stoked concerns that the precious metal is now about to lose its luster. According to a forecast in a story published at Profitimes.com some months ago, the price of gold could climb to a record US$1,600 an ounce within the year if investment demand remains strong amid sovereign debt fears.

Over the last few months, the value of gold has rocketed sky high with extraordinary growth in prices. Where the market could lead to and how to think about gold as part of an investor's portfolio are a great concern to many people, but sadly, nothing is certain, for all these are highly speculative, involving risk taking.

Unlike the fluctuating prices and value of gold, the value of the word of God is priceless. In a sermon I heard recently on ‘What is More Desirable than Gold?', the speaker mentioned seven characters in the Bible who valued God’s word more precious than gold.

King David accorded God’s word as reviving his soul (Psalm 19:7-8), providing protection from error and sin (Psalm 119:11), and as a lamp and light that guide his path (Psalm 119:105).

The prophet Jeremiah viewed God’s word as powerful, like a hammer which shatters a rock (Jeremiah 23:29). A hammer can tear down as well as build, and is suitable for refuting falsehood and proving the truth.

The apostle Paul regarded God’s word as profitable for teaching, reproving, correcting, and training in righteousness, to equip oneself for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17). As the sword of the Spirit, God’s word can hurt us through rebuke and correction to give us life (Ephesians 6:17).

The author of the epistle to the Hebrews referred to God’s word as a double-edged sword that is so sharp, it can judge between thought and attitude (Hebrews 4:12).

The author of the epistle of James considered God’s word as able to save our souls, and remove our guilt and filthiness (James 1:21).

The apostle Peter likened God’s word as the pure milk for newborn babies, suitable for nurturing spiritual growth (1 Peter 2:2).

Jesus looked upon God’s word as food for sustenance. In His hunger, Jesus was tempted by the devil to turn the stones into bread, but He rebuked the devil and quoted from the Scriptures stating that man shall not live on bread alone (Matthew 4:4; Deuteronomy 8:3).

God’s word is the primary means by which God communicates to us. Knowing the word of God opens the door for us to know Him and appreciate why it is more desirable than gold. The word of God is priceless and invaluably precious because it can change our lives. We should therefore invest our time to study God’s word, for its value knows no bounds.

Dear Lord, open our eyes that we may behold wonderful things from Your word. Your word O Lord is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. Guide us therefore by Your word to wisely know when to use it for teaching, reproving, correcting, training, and defending against the enemy. Remind us Lord not to invest too much time on things that are uncertain and speculative, but to spend time studying Your precious word. Nurture us Lord by Your word to be ready at all times for every good work. Revive our souls, protect us from sin and error, and keep us from harboring falsehood, thoughts or attitudes which are wrong Lord, that we may not be judged, but be free from guilt and filthiness.

A Mutual Friend

2011-09-30T00:01:00.013+08:00

Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. (John 15:15b NIV)

While attending a wedding banquet, Peter saw seated at another table a colleague of his from a different division, so he walked over to greet him.

"Hi, John, what brings you here?" asked Peter as he gave his colleague a pat on the back.

"Oh hi, Peter, I'm surprise to see you here,” John responded, turning his head toward Peter. “Are you a friend of the bride or the bridegroom?"

"I'm a close friend of the bridegroom. What about you?"

"I'm a close friend of the bridegroom too! That makes two of us his close friends, yet we are not aware of that until now."

"Well, if Emanuel is a close friend of yours, that makes you my friend too," said Peter, not because he wanted to sound cordial, but because he knew the type of friends Emanuel would consider close to him. "Let's do lunch together sometime?"

Some of us probably have encountered a similar scenario described in the story. I personally have experienced such a situation, and I know how relationships can be drawn closer together because of a mutual friend.

As Christians, we know we have a mutual friend who draws us close together. This friend is Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior (John 15:15b). Jesus said, "And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself” (John 12:32). We know this is true, because our hearts are closely kindred within us as brothers and sisters in Christ. Regardless where we are in the world, visiting a church or having fellowship with Christians while abroad, we know we are at home among friends, even if we are with people we do not know.

Having friends is a blessing, and all the more so with Christ as our mutual friend. Our Lord unites us together as a family of believers. Whether we know each other personally or online through social media or other Christian communities, we can all come together with one mind and spirit in the Lord. This is possible only because our Lord has brought complete and perfect unity to the world through His love (John 17:22-23; Colossians 3:14), and we have all been baptized by one Spirit into one body in this bond of love (1 Corinthians 12:13).

With Jesus as our mutual friend, when we are gathered together in His name, we know the type of friends we are with because we know who our Lord considers close to Him. Jesus says, “If you love me, keep my commands” (John 14:15), and “whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me” (John 14:21). If we consider ourselves a close friend of Jesus, then we should love Him and do as He commands. By this everyone will know we are His disciples, if we love one another (John 13:35).

As siblings of one body, and with Christ as our mutual friend, we ought to encourage one another and build each other up (1 Thessalonians 5:11). We need not struggle or fight our spiritual battles alone, because in Christ we are one family. Rather than be anxious for anything, therefore, let us in every situation bring our requests to God in prayer (Philippians 4:6). For where two or three are gathered together in Jesus' name, He is there in our midst (Matthew 18:20).

Jesus is our mutual friend, the one who willingly died on our behalf (1 John 2:2-6). Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends (John 15:13). All our sins and grief Jesus had bored in His body on the cross, that we might die to sins and live for righteousness (Isaiah 53:4; Matthew 8:17; 1 Peter 2:24). With humility toward one another, therefore, let us humble ourselves under God’s mighty hand that He may lift us up in due time (1 Peter 5:5-6).

Dear Lord, thank You for being our mutual friend, and for bringing all of us who believe in You close together. We know Lord we are not alone in our struggles because You have given us spiritual siblings to build each other up. Lord, we are forever grateful to You for bearing our sins and grief, and for laying down Your life for us. We praise and worship You Lord because You alone are worthy to receive all glory, honor and power forever and ever. Amen.

Obeying Authorities

2011-09-23T00:01:00.007+08:00

Bold and arrogant, they are not afraid to heap abuse on celestial beings; yet even angels, although they are stronger and more powerful, do not heap abuse on such beings when bringing judgment on them from the Lord. (2 Peter 2:10b-11 NIV)

While I was still in high school, I did something that angered my parents so greatly, they had me starved, disciplined, and locked up at times. I received Jesus as my Lord and Savior, an act my parents deemed as rebellion and a violation of trust. Throughout the genealogy of my family, every member has been a follower of a hybrid Buddhism and Taoism religion. What I did was in my parents’ eyes unforgivable, and for many years since, I was persecuted.

Initially, my parents tried to bring me back to their fold by punishing me. Eventually, however, they gave me up as lost after I repeatedly refused to participate in their religious practices, which included ancestral worship and bowing down to idols. I became then to my parents as one who has gone astray and not known my own roots, and to the people of the community a renegade and an outcast.

Many a time, following Jesus requires us to do things most people would not do. We know the Bible says children are to obey their parents (Ephesians 6:1; Colossians 3:20). Likewise, we are to obey authorities because there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God (Romans 13:1). Yet, when the apostles were given strict orders not to continue to teach in the name of our Lord, Peter answered and said, “We must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:27-29). This is what makes the difference between blind obedience and obedience to God.

In following Christ, it is good to know where we stand in our obedience to God. Are we ready to count everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing our Lord, for whose sake willingly suffer the loss of all things to gain Christ (Philippians 3:8)? Will we stand to defend for what is right even if we know we may be disadvantaged or persecuted as a result (Psalm 82:3; Isaiah 11:4)? Do we side and follow the crowd or speak the truth to bring about justice when asked to testify (Exodus 23:2)?

The ‘wise’ of this world will deem us as fools for choosing to obey God despite knowing the consequences we may put ourselves into, just as my parents deemed me a fool to follow Christ. Yet, it is for this reason God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise (1 Corinthians 1:27). The word of the cross to those who are perishing may be foolishness, but to us, we know it is the power of God for salvation (1 Corinthians 1:18).

Nevertheless, we should not confront or seek to go against the authority that is set over us, for it is commanded in the word of God that we should obey (Romans 13:1-4). Unless, therefore, we are commanded to do what is wrong or against the will of God, we should take heed to do what is right. For even angels, although stronger and more powerful, do not heap abuse on celestial beings or angelic majesties in the presence of the Lord (2 Peter 2:10-11). If therefore Michael the archangel did not argue or pronounce against the devil a railing judgment when disputing over the body of Moses, who are we to revile the things which we do not understand (Jude 9-10)?

If we should feel obeying God is a sacrifice, then let us set our hearts right, for to obey is better than sacrifice (1 Samuel 15:22). Our God does not need us to sacrifice our will to obey Him, nor does He desire our blind obedience. Let us willingly offer our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God, which is our true and proper worship (Romans 12:1).

Forgive us Lord for our occasional lapses in standing up for what is right, and for following the crowd at times even though we know they may be wrong. Help us not be defiant towards authorities set over us Lord, but to be willing to submit to them unless when against Your command or will. Grant us boldness Lord, not of arrogance but of strength, to obey and do Your will in counting everything a loss to gain You.

Art of Persuasion

2011-09-16T00:01:00.007+08:00

Some were being persuaded by the things spoken, but others would not believe. (Acts 28:24 NAS)

Many of us know the influence of the media, how it can persuade us to purchase a product of a particular brand or a service from a particular provider. Frequently, what comes to mind when we need to purchase something is not an idea of our own, and we sometimes wish we have this same ability to influence others. In an article ‘The Art of Persuasion’ at ArticleSphere.com, author Priya Florence Shah shares seven tips on how we can successfully persuade anyone.

Supposing the person we wish to persuade is Ivan, tip one on persuasion is to enter his world by putting ourselves in his shoes to understand his environment and needs from his point of view.

Tip two is to mirror Ivan’s body language to make him feel at ease and comfortable to connect and share openly with us.

Tip three is to be cheerful and nice, ready to brighten up Ivan’s day with sincere compliments, even of small things, which can go a long way breaking the ice and setting relationship to a good start.

Tip four is to be sincere and trustworthy, always being there for Ivan to lend a hand when he needs help or when he needs someone to talk or look up to.

Tip five is for us to provide compelling evidences to explain to Ivan our ideas and suggestions with undeniable proof from testimonials by users about the circumstance before use and the results after.

Tip six is to show what’s in it for him, the benefits and advantages.

Tip seven is to genuinely care for Ivan by focusing on his interests, desires, needs, and expectations so as to satisfy his craving for attention, and thereby establishing mutual trust and respect.

Much like the seven tips of persuasion for closing a sale or obtaining a service sign up, we can also employ similar techniques to bring people into the kingdom of God, especially those who do not even know us. The first thing we need to do is to put ourselves in their shoes to understand them and their situations. In so doing, they will feel at ease and comfortable with us, and be more receptive to the message we wish to share with them. By staying cheerful and genuinely interested in them without preconceived prejudices, ulterior motives or the feeling of just doing the job, we can through our sincerity break the ice and establish closer relationships with them.

When we willingly give our hands to meet the needs of the people we wish to reach, and be there for them whenever they need us, even just to talk, they will increasingly trust us more wholeheartedly. Once we have earned their trust, delivering the message of the gospel will be much easier. By bringing to them compelling evidences of what Christ has done for the world and in our lives, we can share with them the good news and our testimonies of changed lives. We can also share what’s in it for them when they receive Jesus as Lord and Savior—salvation and eternal life (John 1:12-13; 3:16), peace with God (Romans 5:1), and a personal relationship with Him (John 15:15-16; James 4:8a).

All these, however, have to be done with genuine love and compassion so as to satisfy the hunger in their souls, that with the same mind toward one another, mutual trust and respect can be established (Romans 12:16). Whether they are persuaded by the message we have shared thereafter is not our concern (Acts 28:24), for neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God who causes the growth (1 Corinthians 3:6-7).

Notwithstanding the benefits of persuasion in sharing Christ to the world, we must be careful never to be persuaded or fall under the influence of false teachings or deceitful words from soothsayers (Matthew 7:15; 24:4, 11; Acts 20:30; 2 Corinthians 11:13-15; Psalm 35:20). Let us not be like Balaam, the son of Beor, who was easily swayed by persuasion because of his love for unrighteous wages (2 Peter 2:15, Jude 1:11). Instead, let us be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that our toil is not in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58).

Forgive us dear Lord for sometimes falling under the influence of persuasive words. We know Lord that persuasion can be good and bad, depending on how it is used. Help us therefore to wisely persuade the yet unsaved to bring them to You, yet not be swayed by soothsayers or false teachers. Keep us steadfast and immovable Lord, and guide us by Your Spirit to know what to say and do when building rapport with pre-believers.

Perfect and Holy Living

2011-09-09T00:01:00.006+08:00

Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect. (Matthew 5:48 NAS)

My parents set high hopes on me even while I was still a little boy. Their wish was for me to someday become a learned and well accomplished man people look up to. Sadly though, I failed to live up to their great expectations, for I was merely an average student throughout elementary to high school.

Like me, some of us may be struggling to live up to the expectations of others, or even our own. We may feel disappointed, disgruntled or downcast when we fall short of or fail to meet expectations. As Christians, we may also at times struggle with certain expectations from the Bible, like counting all things loss for the sake of knowing Christ (Philippians 3:8), and living perfect and holy lives (Matthew 5:48; 1 Peter 1:16).

I know of some people who hesitate to receive Jesus as Lord because they are afraid they may not live up to the holy lives expected of Christians. This frame of thought is perhaps derived from the misconception that Christians conduct themselves in the best of behaviors to live perfect and holy lives by their own effort.

It is true that because God is perfect and holy, we ought also to be perfect and holy (Matthew 5:48; 1 Peter 1:16). But the Bible also says there is none righteous, not even one (Romans 3:10), so how is it possible we are expected to live perfect and holy lives?

The answer is in the finished work of Christ (1 John 2:2). Our Lord’s death on the cross has become for us our righteousness, holiness, and redemption (1 Corinthians 1:30). By His death and resurrection, Jesus has achieved for us what we can never achieve by our own effort. For it is by grace we have been saved through faith, not of ourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of our own works or effort, that no one may boast (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Are we weak in living out Christ in our lives or hesitating to receive the Lord because we fear we are unable to live up to expectations? If we are, there is no need to, for the Lord is our helper; we need not be afraid (Hebrews 13:6). He will never desert us, nor will He ever forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). Even if we have to suffer persecution or walk through the valley of the shadow of death, we need not fear. The Lord is with us, His rod and His staff is a guide and comfort to us (Psalm 23:4). Why should we be weak or give up our salvation because of fear?

Let us therefore not be reluctant to take on the challenge to live holy lives, for the yoke from Christ is easy and the burden is light (Matthew 11:30). Our Lord is gentle and humble in heart; He will give us rest for our souls (Matthew 11:29). Even though we may not be perfect in keeping every instruction from the Bible, we need not be ashamed, for it is for this purpose we labor, striving according to the power which is mightily working within us (Colossians 1:29).

The word of the cross may to those who are perishing be foolishness, but to us who are being saved, we know it is the power of God (1 Corinthians 1:18). Rather than dwell in weakness or be a bystander, therefore, let us enter into the house of our God, for a day in His courts is better than a thousand outside (Psalm 84:10).

Dear Lord, strengthen us that we may in You live our lives holy and perfect, reflecting Your power working mightily within us, rather than displaying good behavior by our own effort or through pretense. Help us not be afraid to step out to honor Your holy name in everything we do Lord even if it means to be persecuted or disadvantaged as a result. Guide us Lord where we fail or fall short that we may strive towards perfection for the right cause and reasons.

Exemplary Behavior

2011-09-02T00:01:00.014+08:00

in all things show yourself to be an example of good deeds, with purity in doctrine, dignified, sound in speech which is beyond reproach, so that the opponent will be put to shame, having nothing bad to say about us. (Titus 2:7-8 NAS)

It was running late, and Tricia was feeling a little stressed. While on a busy boulevard, she tailgated a car, apparently driven by a very cautious man. When the light suddenly turned yellow, the man stopped at the crosswalk, even though he could have beaten the red light by accelerating through the intersection.

Tricia immediately hit the roof and the horn, screaming in frustration on missing her chance to get through the intersection. While she was still in mid-rant, a serious looking police officer tapped on her window and ordered her to exit her car with her hands up. The officer then took her to the police station where Tricia was searched, fingerprinted, photographed, and placed in a cell.

After a couple of hours, a policeman approached the cell and opened the door. Tricia was escorted back to the booking desk where the arresting officer was waiting with her personal effects.

“I'm very sorry for this mistake,” said the arresting officer. “You see, I pulled up behind your car while you were blowing your horn, flipping the guy off in front of you, and cussing a blue streak at him. I noticed the 'Choose Life' license plate holder of your vehicle, the 'What Would Jesus Do' and the 'Follow Me to Sunday School' bumper stickers, and the chrome plated Christian fish emblem on the trunk. Naturally, I assumed you had stolen the car.”

That was a fictional story adapted from the article ‘Mistaken Identity’ written by Henry W Farkas for NetFunny.com. Although intended for humor reading, the story illustrates true to life what can happen when we do not handle our behavior, stress or temper properly. Momentary lapse of composure during situations such as this can have adverse repercussion, especially if someone who is about to receive the Lord sees our not so nice behavior.

Like Tricia in the story, do we sometimes flare up when things are not going smoothly or according to the way we want it? Does our behavior reflect our faith in Christ even when feeling stressed? Are we exemplary of what it means by bearing the fruit of the Holy Spirit in patience, kindness, goodness and self-control, or are we a stumbling block to others (Galatians 5:22-23; 1 Corinthians 8:9)? Is our lack of knowledge of the Scriptures or the power of God the reason we are doing the wrong things or in error at times (Matthew 22:29; Mark 12:24)?

If our answers are uncertain or indicating a weakness in living out Christ in our lives, then we should be careful how we exercise our freedom, that we may not become stumbling blocks to the weak (1 Corinthians 8:9). We should determine this—not to put an obstacle or a stumbling block in another person's way (Romans 14:13). Since we belong to Christ Jesus, and our flesh with its passions have been crucified, we should live and walk by the Spirit (Galatians 5:24-25). Above all, we should in all things show ourselves to be examples of good deeds, with purity in doctrine, dignified, sound in speech, and beyond reproach, having nothing bad others can say about us (Titus 2:7-8).

Let us who are weary or weak therefore come to God, and He will grant us strength, power, love, and self-discipline (Isaiah 40:29; 2 Timothy 1:7). Wait upon the LORD and He will renew us, that we may soar on wings like eagles, run and not get tired, walk and not become weary (Isaiah 40:31).

Dear Lord, forgive us for the times we fail to respond correctly when under stress, and for causing others to doubt the faith because of our not so nice behavior. Guide us therefore Lord by Your Spirit that we may be careful how we exercise our freedom. Help us not lay any obstacle or stumbling block in the way of another person, especially the ones who have yet to believe in You or have just received You. Remind us Lord to always consider what You would have done in a situation we may be facing now, that we may wisely choose the right path and glorify Your name.

Managing Stress

2011-08-26T00:01:00.008+08:00

casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. (1 Peter 5:7 NAS)

Stress often prevents us from relaxing, and many of us know what it is like to be distressed. Causes of stress can come in many forms—pressure at work, finances or other personal problems. Not all stress is bad, however. Stress is good when it pushes us on to reach intended goals. Whether we crumble or excel under stress depends very much on how we handle and perceive the things we face. If we do all things to our very best as for the Lord and the people we care (Colossians 3:23-24), or for the interest of others (Philippians 2:3-4), we do well and should not feel stressed.

Proverbs 16:26 (NAS) states, "a worker's appetite works for him, for his hunger urges him on." This in essence means hunger can help provide the necessary stress and motivation for people to work hard, although earthly desires can also do the same. Stress in itself is not evil. What we deem as stress, however, may not be a stress to another. Similarly, what helps us to de-stress may not help another.

Some months ago, I heard a sermon preached on the topic 'Managing the Stress of Life.' The speaker mentioned that stress can be driven by fear or material wants, and there is no need for us to be judgmental as to who or what is causing our stress. How we respond is what really matters because distress or eustress is subjective. While distress is the negative effects of stress, eustress is a stress that is healthy, and gives one the feeling of fulfillment or other positive feelings.

The top five distresses in life, according to the speaker, are death of spouse, divorce, relationship separation, jail term, and death of a loved one. Some suggestions on how to manage stress include:

Avoid stress inducers. Learn to stop saying "yes," and start saying "no." If we cannot meet the deadline for a task requested, just say "no" or negotiate for a later date. Control the environment and do not spend too much time on the things that stress us. Rushing, for example, is stressful, so control and manage the time we have and try to eradicate rush altogether. Avoid things or people that upset us (Proverbs 13:20), and walk only with the wise, not with the fools, for bad company corrupts and can cause undue stress (Proverbs 13:20; 1 Corinthians 15:33).

Adapt to the stress. Our mental frame of minds should be opened to changes and adjust to expectations. Stressing ourselves and others does not help, and although expecting high standards is good, perfection is seldom possible so long we are here on earth. Do not be an absolute perfectionist without giving room for unexpected or occasional mistakes. Some of us may feel life is a battle, but even so we need to learn to defocus on the negative and change our perspective to see things differently and positively.

Accept the things we cannot change. Come to terms with whatever is changing or happening or have happened. Be still and acknowledge God is supreme and sovereign (Psalm 46:10; Jeremiah 29:11).

Add joy and laughter to life. A cheerful heart makes good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones (Proverbs 17:22). Do things that give us joy, and we will be able to manage our stress better.

Adopt a healthy lifestyle. Give ourselves a break regularly and eat healthily. We need to rest and stay healthy if we are to present our bodies as living and holy sacrifices acceptable to God (Romans 12:1).

Assess ourselves and the situation honestly. Sometimes it is our own fault or mistake. Take responsibility, confess and get help to address the problem (John 1:9), and then move on.

Apply God's word. Lay our foundation on the rock (Matthew 7:25; Luke 6:48), and meditate on God's word (Joshua 1:8). Commit all situations to the Lord (Philippians 4:6). Stop worrying (Matthew 6:27). Cast all our cares and problems on God (1 Peter 5:7). Rely on God's strength and fear not (Psalm 27:1). Have a peaceful and good sleep (Psalm 4:8).

Anticipate the future. For most assuredly there is a future, and our hope will not be cut off or be in vain (Proverbs 23:18).

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Dear Lord, You know how frequently we are stressed over so many things. Calm us therefore Lord and grant us Your peace amid the distress we face. Help us not to be overcome by the stress of this world, but grant us the strength to prevail. Teach us to say "no" when no is needed, rather than always take what is given without thought. We know Lord all things are in Your control and within Your plans for us, therefore, we need not be afraid or feel distress, but with cheerful hearts do all things as for You rather than for men.

Earnestly Seeking

2011-08-19T00:01:00.011+08:00

O God, You are my God; I shall seek You earnestly; My soul thirsts for You, my flesh yearns for You, In a dry and weary land where there is no water. (Psalm 63:1b NAS)

It was two years ago that the neighboring city near where Laura lives started a tradition of setting off fireworks to kick off the Christmas season. By the time she realized what the noise was, it was too late. Laura's pet dog Suzy, a border collie mix, was nowhere to be found, frightened by the sounds of fireworks.

Alone with her nearly one-year-old daughter, Laura drove around in the darkness through the neighboring streets calling out Suzy's name out the window. It was very cold, and Laura knew she could not keep her daughter out all night. Feeling her stomach in a knot as she reached home, Laura tried to settle down so her daughter could get some sleep. Just before laying her daughter down in bed, the phone rang.

"Hello, do you own a dog named Suzy?" the voice at the other end asked.

As it turned out, Suzy had run about one and a half mile east through woods, neighbors’ yards, and even across a fairly busy roadway and intersection. The man who found her said he had let his dog out to go to the bathroom and when he let him back inside, Suzy had followed. Laura guessed the cold night may have helped in the quick recovery of Suzy. The man had found Suzy's ID tag around the dog's neck and called Laura immediately.

That was the story shared by pet owner Laura Best with the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).

Many of us know what the feeling is like to lose something and find it back later. What a joy we receive when something we have been earnestly searching is found! This sentiment is illustrated very clearly in Luke 15 through the parables of the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the lost son (Luke 15:3-20), exemplifying what it means to earnestly seek the lost.

About 850 years before our Lord shared to the world through parables, God through the prophet Jeremiah also shared to the exiles in the Babylonian captivity about what it means to be in earnest.

‘Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart. I will be found by you,’ declares the LORD, ‘and I will restore your fortunes and will gather you from all the nations and from all the places where I have driven you,’ declares the LORD, ‘and I will bring you back to the place from where I sent you into exile.’ (Jeremiah 29:12-14 NAS).

Our Lord will be found by us when we earnestly seek Him with all our hearts. This is God’s promise to us. If we have strayed or are feeling far away from the Lord, or have lost something we desperately need, Jesus is able and willing to restore to us what we have lost (Matthew 7:7; Luke 11:9). If we seek Him earnestly with our souls thirsting, and our flesh yearning for Him, He will quench our thirst and satisfy our souls (Psalm 63:1b, 5). For our Lord’s lovingkindness is better than life, and He will uphold us with His right hand when we cling to Him (Psalm 63:3, 8).

Let us therefore come to God with faith, believing that He is the rewarder of those who seek Him (Hebrews 11:6). Seek the LORD while He may be found, and call upon Him while He is near. Return to the LORD, and He will have compassion on us, and will abundantly forgive us (Isaiah 55:6-7). Like water that quenches thirst, our yearnings shall be filled when we earnestly seek the LORD our God (Psalm 63:1, 5). Like the lost that was found, great will be the rejoicing in heaven when the strayed is restored (Luke 15:7).

Forgive us Lord for the times we stray, and when we feel You are far away. Return to us the joy of salvation Lord, and restore us to a close relationship with You again as we earnestly seek You. Quench our thirst O God and uphold us with Your right hand, for Your lovingkindness is better than life.

Only One Thing is Necessary

2011-08-12T00:01:00.012+08:00

The Lord answered her, "Martha, Martha! You worry and fuss about a lot of things. But there's only one thing you need. Mary has chosen what is better, and it is not to be taken away from her." (Luke 10:41-42 ISV)

According to an article 'Death by Church Activities' published on June 27, 2011 at ShareFaithBlog.com, program-heavy churches look pretty awesome to many people because they are big, bustling, active, and energetic. There are events for almost every single demographic in the church with plenty of activities for everyone. Members give their time, effort, talent, and money to maintain the programs. By and by, however, instead of thinking of church as a body of believers, people tend to think of programs, services, activities and the like, which eventually can lead to major spiritual decline.

Many Christians today spend a great deal of time keeping activities going instead of meeting the needs of people around them. Consequently, these people become disillusioned because their needs are not being met behind all the activities. Even if we feel we have done a great job serving the Lord, we need to regularly check ourselves to be sure we are not too busy spending time doing things till we forget Who we serve. Suppose our Lord visits us today, can we be sure we recognize Him or will we fail to receive Him (John 1:10-11)?

Busying ourselves in worthwhile Christian activities and causes is perfectly fine. However, if we become too distracted with all the preparations like Martha when the Lord visited her or too bothered by the many things and activities that need to be done, then all our efforts would be in vain. Martha, in her busyness, asked the Lord why He does not care that her sister has left her to do all the work by herself. Jesus in reply said, "Martha, Martha! You worry and fuss about a lot of things. But there's only one thing you need. Mary has chosen what is better, and it is not to be taken away from her" (Luke 10:40-42 ISV).

That one thing Martha needs is what we need as well, especially if we, like her, are too busy serving till we forget the purpose and the One we serve—Jesus Christ. Like Martha, we need to stop spending too much time busying ourselves, and like Mary, we should choose to spend time with the Lord to build a closer relationship with Him. Unless we spend time with the Lord to learn from His word and talk to Him regularly, we can gradually lose our focus in our busyness serving Him and His people. We can also become spiritually dry if we fail to recharge and renew our minds (Romans 12:2).

Let us therefore while serving the Lord, consciously be aware Who we serve and for what purpose. Rather than keep ourselves too busy in activities or programs, let us remember always to do all things for the Lord, to build up, train, grow, solve problems, and meet the needs of the people. Without much ado about nothing or fussing over trivial things, let us do the needful and fix our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Perfector of our faith (Hebrews 12:2).

Dear Lord, help us to stay focus on You in all we do that we may amid the many activities, and in our busyness, not neglect to spend meaningful time with You. Keep our focus fixed on You Lord and draw us close to You that we may build up, train, grow, and meet the needs of others in leading them to a closer relationship with You. Thank You for renewing our minds and strengthening us Lord as we serve You willingly and joyfully without fuss or much ado.

Crime and Punishment

2011-08-05T00:01:00.005+08:00

Then He will answer them, 'Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.' These will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life. (Matthew 25:45-46 NAS)

“On one count of theft, the Court imposes upon you a fine of one thousand dollars,” said the district court judge.

“But Dad,” said the defendant, a teenager. “You’ve always forgiven me when I did wrong; why are you punishing me now?”

“Son, you have broken the law, and the law requires that you pay for the wrong you did, regardless who you are or who you are related to.”

The enactment of the courtroom proceeding was a scene from a slide show presentation on the big screen of a church gospel event some years ago. Voiceovers by different people representing the different characters in the story were used, and I was the one providing the voiceover for the district court judge. The defendant teenage boy was the main character of the story.

As the story progressed, a message began to unfold of One who paid with His life for our sins—the just for the unjust—once for all and for all eternity (1 Peter 3:18). This message still stands today. Regardless who we are or who we are related to, rich or poor, ruler or commoner, the fact remains that we have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). The price we have to pay for our sins is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus (Romans 6:23). If we confess with our mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in our hearts that God raised Him from the dead, we will be saved (Romans 10:9). For with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth confesses, resulting in salvation (Romans 10:10). Whoever believes in the Lord, the Scripture says, will not be disappointed (Romans 10:11). For our Lord Jesus Christ Himself is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for those of the whole world (1 John 2:2).

As Christians, we know the message of the gospel very well, and we know the price our Lord paid to save us all. Our Lord was pierced through for our transgressions, and crushed for our iniquities (Isaiah 53:5). Will we then be the ones to deprive the unsaved from coming to the Lord? We know it is appointed for men to die once, and after this comes judgment (Hebrews 9:27). Can we with sanctified eyes see how the end will be for someone we know to come before the judgment throne and be sentenced to eternal death?

The Lord had said that when the Son of Man comes in His glory and all the angels with Him, He will sit on His glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them from one another as the shepherd separates the sheep from the goats (Matthew 25:31-33). In that day, the unsaved, even those who may have heard of Christ or attended church, will come before the Lord and say, “We ate and drank in Your presence, and You taught in our streets.” Then our Lord will say to them, “I tell you, I do not know where you are from; depart from me, all you evildoers” (Luke 13:26-27).

For to the extent we do not do what is right to one of the least of these, we fail also to do it for our Lord, and the consequence for them who are yet unsaved is eternal punishment (Matthew 25:45-46). Let us therefore not hesitate or neglect to do our part to bring the unsaved to the Lord.

Direct us in Your paths O Lord and make us know Your ways, that we may not stand ashamed before You for failing to do what is right. Lead us in Your truth and teach us Lord, for You are the God of our salvation. Help us not cast a blind eye on the yet unsaved, but steer our hearts and move within us that we may cry out to You for the salvation of these who are lost. Open our eyes dear Lord that we may see with sanctified eyes the consequence the lost will face if we do not reach them for You.

This Side of Paradise

2011-07-29T00:01:00.016+08:00

And He said to him, "Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise." (Luke 23:43 NAS)

In a 1967 episode of the sci-fi TV series Star Trek titled ‘This Side of Paradise,’ a story was told of starship USS Enterprise arriving at a planet called Omicron Ceti III, a Federation colony. The mission was to evacuate all the colonists from the planet, which has been bombarded by cosmic rays for several years. What the starship crew discovered, however, was a thriving community in perfect health with no desire to leave their home. Unknowingly, they were actually under the influence of plant spores which were keeping them in good health and in a placid state of happiness and contentment.

Under the spell of the spores, starship first officer Spock, a half extraterrestrial humanoid known for not expressing emotions, responded to the love of an old friend, Leila. All the starship crew members eventually became affected by the plant spores as well, except for James Kirk, captain of the starship. In his attempt to return his crew members to sanity, Kirk provoked and stirred up strong emotions in Spock to restore him to his senses. Once Spock recovered, he created a device to send subsonic frequency through the crew’s communicators, which irritated them enough to end the spores’ influence.

Like the Star Trek's story of a paradise that promises happiness and contentment, the Bible also mentioned of a place where there shall be no tears or sorrow (Revelation 21:3-4). The word ‘paradise’ according to an article at Keyway.ca is derived from the Greek word paradeisos, which originated from an ancient Persian term meaning wooded park. This word is found only three times in the New Testament in most Bible translations (Luke 23:43; 2 Corinthians 12:4; Revelation 2:7), referring once to God’s abode in heaven, and twice to the future Kingdom of God on earth.

Where exactly is the paradise mentioned in the Bible has been discussed by many people with varied conclusions. Some suggest it is not where God dwells, but a place in the third heaven (2 Corinthians 12:3-4). Others say it is the Garden of Eden or one like it since ‘paradise’ in Hebrew means a fenced garden (Genesis 3:23-24; Revelation 2:7). What is important to know, however, is simply this—paradise is where our Lord is present. So long as we are in His presence, we need not fear where we will be. The only way to get to paradise is to receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior (Luke 23:42-43; John 14:6). For as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name (John 1:12).

In the meantime, before we meet our Lord face to face, let us not forget there remains on this side of paradise a mission we have yet to fulfill. Who will be in the presence of our Savior depends on us bringing them to Christ (Matthew 28:19-20). Just as Captain James Kirk in the Star Trek story knew what had to be done while on this side of ‘paradise,’ as believers of the Lord we ought also to know our mission here on earth. Like Kirk who provoked Spock to stir up strong emotions, let us also seek to challenge our fellow believers and ourselves to do our part in the Great Commission. Unlike the device which sends subsonic frequency to irritate the crew into recovery, however, let us not irritate but gently encourage and nudge one another to action by showing the right direction.

Rather than be influenced by the ‘spores’ of enticement from this world, let us put to death our earthly entanglements and lay aside the love and draw of this world (Colossians 3:5; Hebrews 12:1). Remember always to take up the shield of faith to defend by the word of God against the ‘cosmic rays’ and bombardment of the evil one (Ephesians 6:16). Be shrewd, that we may not fall prey or under a spell to vices created to mislead us (Matthew 10:16; 24:11-13).

Remind us dear Lord of our mission here on earth while waiting to see You face to face some day. Help us not be influenced by the ‘spores’ of this world that we may not be misled into believing the lies of the evil one. Stir our hearts Lord that we may encourage and challenge one another to fulfill Your call to the Great Commission.

The Battle Within

2011-07-22T00:01:00.007+08:00

but I see a different law in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin which is in my members. (Romans 7:23 NAS)

All of us know what it means to derive pleasure and satisfaction from what we do for a living. Some of us however may never get the chance to do what we really like, and we know what it means to feel the drudgery of doing the things we dislike.

I have experienced both satisfaction and drudgery as a writer for a corporation. During the first five years with the corporation, I derived much joy and pleasure writing different kinds of technical and marketing documentation. The satisfaction of completing each piece of written work assigned was in itself a reward to me, and when the department received praise for the work I’ve done, I felt gratified.

Things changed however after I was transferred to another department in the sixth year working in the corporation. These days, I no longer get to see the final copy of my written work before it is published, by which time the content would have been completely modified beyond any semblance of what I had written. This shift of events and change in work process have since put me in a precarious position. With a new supervisor installed who is almost always dissatisfied with my work, writing has become a drudge more than a joy. All my activities which my hands had done and the labor which I had exerted in the past, behold all was vanity and striving after wind (Ecclesiastes 2:11).

Perhaps, like me, some of us may be feeling the drudgery of doing the things we dislike or no longer like. Within us, we may feel it meaningless to continue doing what we have been doing and disheartened because of the precarious position we are in. A war may be waging inside of us even right now, calling us for a decision to give up and move on or to stay and learn how to derive satisfaction even amid drudgery. In our hearts, we may be contemplating or tempted to just continue doing the things we have been doing with a changed attitude that no longer give of our very best, but such is not according to the word of God.

The Bible teaches that in whatever we do, we are to do our work heartily as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord we will receive the reward of the inheritance (Colossians 3:23-24). We are also told to do all things without grumbling or disputing that we may prove ourselves blameless and innocent children of God, above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation among whom we appear as lights in the world (Philippians 2:14-15).

Understanding this, we should hold fast to the word of God and not give up easily. Though a war may wage within us to suggest we turn astray (Romans 7:23), yet we must not waver. The Lord is the One who leads the way; in His will we shall walk and prevail. Instead of feeling perplexed or anxious for anything, let us in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving make our requests known to God. Let the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7).

Rather than rely on earthly praise or accomplishment to feel gratified, let us be content and boast only of our weaknesses that the power of Christ may dwell in us (2 Corinthians 12:9-10). Let us not live our lives in drudgery, but be thankful in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:18). These things the Lord had spoken to us that in Him we may have peace. In the world we have tribulation, but take courage, He has overcome the world (John 16:33).

Dear Lord, forgive us for sometimes living our lives in drudgery as if there is no God. We know Lord even amid our struggles, You reign supreme and know the plans You have for us. Help us Lord to do all things without grumbling or disputing, that we may prove ourselves blameless, innocent, and above reproach. Lead us in Your will Lord that in You we will prevail. Grant us Your peace which surpasses all comprehension that in our troubles our hearts and minds will be guarded in You.

Reaching the Palace

2011-07-15T00:01:00.006+08:00

“Stay focus and concentrate, Christian. Keep to the track and don't stray or we will all be lost! Remember, you were the one who chose this path, and we are now counting on you to reach the place.”

“Oh, cut it out Sue, you worry too much; a little sidetrack will not do us any harm. Look at what the other way offers. All our hearts' desires of freedom, pleasure, material goods, just about anything you want, and look at what we are facing now walking this narrow path? Nothing, but trouble!”

Christian, Suanne, Esmond and Lori have been walking the woods for several hours and were tired after climbing down the narrow valley with steep sides and rocks cutting through the hill. The path ahead offered two different ways, one to the left, and the other straight. The way to the left was a big city, brightly illuminated with joyful singing and festivity, and the people were enjoying themselves feasting, drinking, and dancing. The way straight, on the other hand, was a narrow path, seemingly endless and leading to nowhere with nothing of pleasure or interest to entice the four siblings to continue the journey.

"Christian, you know the instructions of the elderly man at the temple," said Lori, the youngest in the family, earnestly. "We are to continue our journey until we reach the palace or we will be denied our inheritance."

"No, I don't believe we have to follow the instructions of that elderly man too strictly. He never did specifically tell us when we are to arrive at the palace, so I think it will be fine for us to reach there a little later, maybe after dinner?"

"I don't think so, Christian," said the younger boy Esmond impatiently as he readied himself to continue the journey. "I believe the elderly man is telling us not to stop at anything that distracts us and to concentrate on reaching the palace."

"Esmond and Lori are right," Suanne insisted. "We should continue our journey till we reach our destination or we may fall prey to temptations and be disqualified."

"Alright, if all of you insist, I'll follow," Christian replied in an aggravated voice, expressing annoyance.

So the four continued on their journey as fast as they could as it was nearly sunset and the sky was becoming dark. Christian, who was no longer taking the lead, tagged along behind the three, and after a short distant paused to look back. What he saw shocked him.

The brightly illuminated city was raining brimstone and fire out of heaven, and all that surrounded the valley, the vegetation and the inhabitants of the city were up in flames. The smoke from the furnace was ascending to the sky, and everything in the land were completely burned and destroyed.

“Look!” Christian exclaimed. “The city—it’s being burned to the ground! This must be an act of God, a punishment similar to that of Sodom and Gomorrah! I was so foolish to have wanted all of you to visit the city!”

The three looked in the direction Christian was pointing and saw all that was happening to the city. Lori, deeply grieved at the lost of so many lives, wept. Suanne tried to console her.

“My brother and sisters, let’s not delay any longer, lest all of us perish like the inhabitants of the city!” said Esmond in great urgency. "Be quick and run to the palace as fast as we can to be saved!"

Christian, Suanne, and Lori became alert and immediately ran towards the path leading to the palace. From a distance, the four could now see in the dim light, a silhouette of a palace glowing brighter as they drew nearer.

When the four finally arrived at the palace, they saw hosts of heavenly angels standing at the gate. A voice like thunder spoke from the throne, “Well done, good and faithful servants! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your Master's happiness!”

☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

Therefore ...

Tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding. (Proverbs 2:2 NLT)

Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you. Mark out a straight path for your feet; stay on the safe path. Don't get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil. (Proverbs 4:25-27 NLT)

You can enter God's Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose the easy way. But the gateway to life is small, and the road is narrow, and only a few ever find it. (Matthew 7:13-14 NLT)

Broken Faith

2011-07-08T00:01:00.013+08:00

And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how He had told him, "Before a cock crows today, you will deny Me three times." And he went outside and wept bitterly. (Luke 22:61-62 NAS)

Every time I read the Bible passage where Simon Peter denied the Lord three times (Luke 22:55-62), my heart would be deeply stirred. I have often wondered how Jesus and Peter must have felt during those moments. It must have been really heart wrenching and devastating. Peter must have been very disappointed with himself because he knew deep within him, he still loved the Lord, yet he has denied Jesus. Peter must have also felt himself like a betrayer as he looks at the eyes of Jesus, which must have pierced through his heart, knowing how the Lord must have felt then as well, betrayed by one whom He cared.

Despite the sense of guilt, Peter did not fall away or despair, probably because of two reasons. The first is, Jesus prayed for him (Luke 22:32), and the second, because Peter genuinely received the Lord from the start with a repented heart (Matthew 4:18-19; John 1:42-43). Judas, on the other hand, although has followed the Lord as one of the twelve, never really did repent or receive Jesus wholeheartedly (John 12:6; Luke 22:3).

On the night just before He was betrayed, Jesus said to Peter, “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat; but I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail, and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers” (Luke 22:31-32). But Peter replied, “Lord, with You I am ready to go both to prison and to death!” Jesus then answered, “I say to you, Peter, the rooster will not crow today until you have denied three times that you know Me” (Luke 22:33-34).

The events thereafter became history with Peter heartbroken for denying knowing the Lord three times, his return to former trade as fisherman (John 21:1), his restoration after a conversation with the risen Christ (John 21:15-17), and his taking the lead to strengthen his brothers (Acts 1:15-17).

Unlike Peter, Judas felt remorse after seeing Jesus had been condemned, which eventually drove him to hang himself (Matthew 27:3-5). The reason for his despair is not because the Lord did not pray for him, but because right from the beginning, Judas did not genuinely receive the Lord. His remorse was not an indication of repentance but of overwhelming guilt. The fact that Satan was able to enter into Judas suggests the condition of his heart (Luke 22:3). Likewise, his evil intent revealed his true character when he objected to the pouring of costly perfume by Mary on Jesus' feet.

Judas Iscariot said, “Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and given to poor people?” This, he said not because he was concerned about the poor, but because he was a thief, and as he had the money box, he used to pilfer what was put into it (John 12:3-6).

Judas’ unrepentant heart left him in desperation, which was why the word of God said, “Woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been good for that man if he had not been born” (Matthew 27:5).

The turning point for Peter came about when he met and conversed with the risen Lord at the shore by the Sea of Galilee (John 21:1, 15-17). With a broken spirit and contrite heart, Peter confessed his love for the Lord three times when Jesus asked him “Do you love me?” That was what made the difference between the two ending of a broken faith, one of despair and eventual death, and the other of greater strength through acknowledgment, repentance, and eventual acceptance by the Lord.

Dear Lord, help us to respond like Peter when we at times fail You. Do not let us be in despair Lord, but bring us back on track as we confess and repent of our sins. Remind us Lord to always check our hearts to know our intents for doing the things we do. Restore and renew us Lord as we look ahead to draw closer to You.

Preferential Treatment

2011-07-01T00:01:00.013+08:00

My brethren, do not hold your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ with an attitude of personal favoritism. (James 2:1 NAS)

A story was told of a populist philosopher and wise man by the name Nasreddin who lived in Turkey during the 13th century. One day, Nasreddin was invited to a banquet. Not wanting to be pretentious, he wore his usual daily clothes to the place, but discovered everyone ignored him, including the host. Nasreddin then went home and put on his finest coat and returned to the banquet. This time, the host immediately came over, and Nasreddin was cordially greeted by everyone and ushered to a table with lavish food and drinks.

When the soup was served, Nasreddin dunked the sleeve of his coat into the bowl and said, "Eat, my coat, eat!" The startled host then asked Nasreddin to explain his strange behavior.

"When I arrived here wearing my other clothes," explained Nasreddin, "no one offered me anything to eat or drink. But when I returned wearing this fine coat, I was immediately offered the best of everything, so I can only assume that it was the coat and not me who was invited to your banquet."

Like the story of Nasreddin, the Bible also spoke about not judging a person by how he or she is dressed (James 2:1-9). If a man comes into our assembly with a gold ring and dressed in fine clothes, do we pay special attention to him and say, "You sit here in a good place"? If there also comes in a poor man in dirty clothes, do we say to the poor man, "You stand over there, or sit down by my footstool" (James 2:2-3)? If we do, then we have made distinctions among ourselves and become judges with evil motives (James 2:4).

Regardless rich or poor, all of us who have received Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior are heirs of the kingdom. This is a promise from the Lord to all who love Him (James 2:5). We should therefore not dishonor the poor, nor give honor to the rich (James 2:6-7). We should also not judge a person by how he or she is dressed or hold our faith with an attitude of personal favoritism (James 2:1-4). Instead, we should love our neighbor—the ones who come to us or to our assembly—as ourselves (James 2:8). If we show partiality, we are in effect guilty of committing sin (James 2:9)!

Nevertheless, there is nothing wrong with dressing up for special occasions. In fact, the Bible spoke of a special occasion by which inappropriate dressing can lead to getting ourselves thrown out. This is the occasion when our Lord as the Lamb returns to claim His chosen people as His bride (Ephesians 5:27; Revelation 21:9). In that day, Christ will come as King, and if He sees anyone not in proper ‘wedding clothes,’ He will have that person thrown outside into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth (Matthew 22:11-13). For the ‘wedding clothes’ required of the bride of Christ is the garment of salvation, given only to those who believe in Him. This is the robe of Christ’s righteousness—bright and clean—wrapped around us covering our guilt and sin, washed clean by His blood on the Cross (Isaiah 61:10; Romans 3:24-25; Revelation 19:7-8).

The day of our Lord's return shall come like a thief. Let us therefore be always prepared, for blessed are we who keep awake and remain clothed that we may not be shamefully exposed (Revelation 16:15).

Dear Lord, forgive us for sometimes giving preferential treatment to certain people, while showing partiality to others. Cause us to remember Lord that regardless rich or poor, all of us who received You as Lord and Savior stand equal in Your sight. Help us therefore not to dishonor the faith to show personal favoritism or judge anyone by the way one is dressed. Prepare us Lord for your return and wrap us in Your robes of righteousness to stay white and clean in the garments of Your salvation. Cleanse us Lord from all unrighteousness that we may present ourselves to You blameless and without spot.

Tantrums and Complacency

2011-06-24T00:01:00.014+08:00

All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God. (2 Corinthians 4:15 NIV)

I was looking up the Web for a humorous anecdote about shopping several days ago, and came upon an interesting story posted at several sites.

A man was observing a woman in the grocery store with a three year old girl in her basket. As they passed the cookie section, the little girl asked for cookies, but her mother told her, "No." The little girl immediately began to whine and fuss, and the mother quietly said, "Now Monica, we just have half of the aisles left to go through—don’t be upset. It won't be long now."

Soon, they came to the candy aisle and the little girl began to shout for candy. When told she couldn't have any, she began to cry. The mother said, "There, there, Monica, don't cry—only two more aisles to go and then we'll be checking out."

When they got to the checkout stand, the little girl immediately began to clamor for gum and burst into a terrible tantrum upon discovering there'd be no gum purchased. The mother said serenely, "Monica, we'll be through this checkout stand in five minutes and then you can go home and have a nice nap."

The man followed them out to the parking lot and stopped the woman to compliment her. "I couldn't help noticing how patient you were with little Monica," he began.

The mother replied, "I'm Monica—my little girl's name is Tammy."

As funny as the anecdote may sound, there are much truths represented in the story that share a similar parallel to our relationship with God. Like Tammy, we may sometimes ask of God for things that are not necessarily beneficial or useful to us, and like Monica, God may reply with the answer, “No” (2 Corinthians 12:8-9). That’s because God knows what is best for us (Jeremiah 29:11), even if it means to go through certain trials to become the person He wants us to be (2 Corinthians 4:8-9, 15; James 1:12; 1 Peter 5:10). We may make plans in our hearts as to what we want or where we shall go, but it is the LORD who leads us and establishes our steps (Proverbs 16:9).

Unlike Monica, however, God does not have to remind Himself to be patient with us. Our Lord is a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness (Psalm 86:15). He is not slow in keeping His promise and is patient with us (2 Peter 3:9). For great is His love toward us, and His faithfulness endures forever (Psalm 117:2). Just as our heavenly Father cares for the birds of the air, much more He values us and cares for us (Matthew 6:26). Why should we then worry or cry out loud like Tammy to whine and fuss over what we shall eat, drink, or wear (Matthew 6:31)? Do we not know that in good times or bad times, all that happened in our lives are for our benefit, so that grace may abound and more people may have cause for thanksgiving (2 Corinthians 4:15)?

Let us therefore not blow our top, complain or feel unhappy when things do not go our way. Instead, let us check out and test our hearts to see if we are aligned to the will of God (Lamentations 3:40). If the checkout indicates we have stepped out of line, let us be quick to get back in line and return to the Lord. If we have been wayward or complacent, let us seek God for forgiveness, that we may live in safety and be at ease, without fear of any harm (Proverbs 1:32-33; 1 John 1:9).

Forgive us dear Lord for sometimes losing our temper or feeling unhappy when things are not going the way we want. We know Lord our requests can sometimes be unreasonable or unaligned to Your will, which is why at times we receive a “No” from You. Help us therefore Lord to recognize and accept the times we are to go through certain trials, that we may not be complacent but be willing to do Your will. Only You O Lord know what is best for us. Thank You, Lord, for establishing our steps and planning all things for our benefit. We praise You Lord and glorify Your name.

Forecast

2011-06-17T00:01:00.009+08:00

The LORD will guard your going out and your coming in From this time forth and forever. (Psalm 121:8 NAS)

Recent news of a weak economic outlook in the United States has dampened the hope of a much awaited recovery. On June 3, 2011, The New York Times reported that after several months of strong job growth, hiring has slowed sharply in May, suggesting the economy may be running out of steam once again. Over the past few months, economists have been predicting the recovery was speeding up, and that a sharper bounce-back was imminent, only to be disappointed again and again by continued ‘headwinds’ stalling progress. The latest ‘headwinds’ include high gas prices, economic disruptions from Japan’s earthquake and tsunami, and instability in the Middle East.

Meanwhile, unemployment rate has edged up to 9.1 percent from 9.0 in April. This is despite 54,000 nonfarm payroll jobs have been added in May, after the increase of about 220,000 jobs in each of the three previous months, according to the Labor Department. The gain however was only about a third of what economists have been forecasting.

In a separate news story on May 18, 2011, The New York Times reported that evidences are now emerging to show the damage wrought by the sour economy is more widespread than expected. Even for college graduates, the outlook is rather bleak. An analysis by the Labor Department found the number of college graduates aged 25 to 34 employed in food service, restaurants and bars had risen 17 percent in 2009 from 2008. Similar or bigger employment increases are also evident at gas stations and fuel dealers, food and alcohol stores, and taxi and limousine services. This analysis indicates not only the waste of a college degree, but also the displacement of less-educated workers who would normally take these jobs.

As we continue to read, hear and watch the news of what’s to come with forecasts of more gloom than a brighter future, how should we respond as believers in Christ? Do we feel discouraged or disconcerted as if a dark cloud is hanging over our heads or do we have complete calm in our hearts knowing that God is in control? In the face of a bleak economic future, do we despair or hold fast our confidence in the Lord (Hebrews 3:6)?

Let us choose to respond positively, and like the psalmist who wrote Psalm 121 lift our eyes to the mountains, knowing that our help comes from the LORD who made the heavens and earth (v.1-2). Our God will not allow our feet to slip and He will not slumber nor sleep (v.3-4). The LORD is our keeper (v.5), we will not be smitten by day or by night regardless our situation (v.6). The LORD will protect us and keep our souls (v.7). He will guard our going out and our coming in forever (v.8). Our God knows the plans He has for us, plans for our welfare and not for calamity, to give us a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11). So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own (Matthew 6:34).

If therefore we are in need, let us ask of God and seek Him, for to everyone who asks shall receive, and to the one who seeks will find (Psalm 34:4; Matthew 7:7-8). Our God is not a man that He should lie, nor a son of man that He should repent. Has He said and will He not do it? Has He spoken and will He not make it good (Numbers 23:19)? Our Lord GOD has sustained us since our birth (Psalm 71:5-6), so why should we despair or be disturbed within us? Hope in Him, for He is our help and our God (Psalm 42:5, 11). The LORD is our shepherd; we shall not be in want (Psalm 23:1). Let us trust in the LORD with all our hearts rather than lean on our own understanding. In all our ways acknowledge Him, and He will make our paths straight (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Our sovereign Lord who made the heavens and the earth, by Your great power and outstretched arm we know nothing is too difficult for You. Though men may forecast a future of gloom, nothing they say can come true unless You permit so. Even if we are to walk through many trials, we need not fear nor worry because You are with us, Your rod and Your staff comfort and guide us. Help us therefore Lord to rise above the dark clouds and never doubt Your plans for us, of welfare and not calamity, to give us a future and a hope. You O Lord are God and in You we can trust completely.

Betrayal

2011-06-10T00:01:00.006+08:00

Then Jacob gave Esau bread and lentil stew; and he ate and drank, and rose and went on his way. Thus Esau despised his birthright. (Genesis 25:34 NAS)

In the book Peace Child by Canadian Christian missionary Don Richardson, the author shared about his experience working among the Sawi tribal people of New Guinea. The Sawi for centuries have lived as cannibal-headhunters warring against each other’s villages and living by the ideal of what is called tuwi asonai man, which translated means to fatten with friendship for unexpected slaughter. In this practice, warriors persuade a man to become their friend with the intention of killing and eating him later. The more complicated the plan, the more honorable the warrior becomes among his own village. Revenge and murders followed in succession between the victims’ villages, which then become an endless cycle of violence.

After Richardson learned the language of the Sawi, he began sharing with them the story of Jesus. The Sawi however were not interested in the gospel, but brightened up when Richardson related the account of Judas’ betrayal of Jesus in which they acclaimed Judas as a super-Sawi and hero of the story. Feeling he had failed in his mission and blaming himself as the cause of more conflicts and Sawi killings because of his presence, Richardson decided to leave. Not wanting to lose their source of modern medicine and steel axes, the warriors then told Richardson they would make peace.

The one and only guarantee that all Sawi will honor in bringing about peace is an exchange of infants between villages. This practice is called tarop tim, which translated means peace child. As long as the peace child lives, peace is guaranteed. While any other murder is regarded as honorable to the Sawi, killing a peace child is considered a despicable act. That was the key Richardson was waiting for as he presented Jesus as God's Peace Child who never dies and therefore guarantees everlasting peace. Many of the Sawi were transformed by the message and soon churches sprang up in every village.

Like the way the Sawi were ready to sellout themselves to a life of revenge and violence, and their ‘friends’ for the slaughter, the Bible also mentioned a person who was willing to sellout his spiritual inheritance for a meal. Esau sold his birthright to Jacob for bread and lentil stew (Genesis 25:29-34). His lack of discretion and regard for his spiritual inheritance were equated as immoral and godless, for when he desired to inherit the blessing later, he was rejected because he found no place for repentance (Hebrews 12:16-17). Likewise for Judas Iscariot who betrayed the Lord for thirty pieces of silver (Matthew 26:14-15). It would have been better for him if he had not been born (Matthew 26:24).

Are we like the Sawi, Judas or Esau, ready to betray or sellout someone or give up our birthright as children of God just to achieve our personal goals? Do we like the Sawi or even Judas build up relationships to gain advantage through the one we know or betray a ‘friend’ for monetary or other gains? If we befriend a person who is rich, powerful or popular just to have unfair advantage or opportunity in getting what we want, then we are not much different from the Sawi or Judas. If we are willing to give up our faith just to save ourselves from trouble, persecution or the likes, then we are not worthy to be our Lord’s disciples (Matthew 16:24-25; Luke 14:27). Woe to us if we betray or sellout anyone or our faith, for as soon as we deal treacherously, others will deal treacherously with us too (Isaiah 33:1), like the endless cycle of revenge in the Sawi culture.

Let us therefore never ever deal treacherously or take advantage of the people around us, or befriend someone out of ulterior motives. Let us instead lead them to the One true Peace Child who never dies and guarantees everlasting peace.

Dear Lord, forgive us for sometimes making friends or building relationships out of ulterior motives. Help us Lord never to deal treacherously or sellout our faith for personal gains or just to avoid trouble, persecution or inconvenience. Keep us mindful Lord of the consequences we have to bear should we in our carelessness fail to value our spiritual inheritance. Thank You Lord for being the ultimate Peace Child who guarantees everlasting peace with God to all who believe in You.

Outlandish Claims

2011-06-03T00:01:00.016+08:00

"For you are bringing some strange things to our ears; so we want to know what these things mean." (Acts 17:20 NAS)

Recently I read an article posted by various people on Facebook about what would happen to the pets of owners who were poised to be raptured or caught up to be with Jesus on May 21, 2011. This was the date touted by California evangelical broadcaster Harold Camping, head of Family Radio network, as the day of Rapture—the end of the world. Comments received for the post at Facebook were not at all pleasant, with many ridiculing the absurdity of such prediction and the Christian faith.

The article which was penned by dog news examiner Penny Eims for Examiner.com mentioned that many evangelical Christians believe they would be swept up in the "Rapture ... leaving Earth and all of its problems far behind” on that day. Eims wrote “if you are among the last group of people [who believe Rapture is only for people and not pets], have no fear—there is a man … who has a safety net in place for the pets that have been left behind. From his website, Eternal Earthbound Pets, is the following promotion, ‘You've committed your life to Jesus. You know you're saved. But when the Rapture comes what's to become of your loving pets that are left behind? Eternal Earth-Bound Pets takes that burden off your mind.’ The group promises to have pet-loving atheists on hand to care for the pets that are left behind when their owners are raptured.”

As far-fetched and laughable as the article by Eims may sound, it is sad to know how much damage such predictions by professed Christians can harm the spread of the gospel. Imagine the proposition of having atheists to help take care of pets for the raptured, and we will understand how Christianity is represented to the world. Pastor Glenn Lee Hill, retired pastor from Rocky Mount, N.C., speaking about Camping’s prediction, told The Christian Post (ChristianPost.com) that false prophecy is harmful and saddening for the Christian body “because when it fails, all of us who believe in Jesus will become fodder for the comics, the late-night talk show hosts, and others who are always looking for a new excuse to mock our faith. Christianity, the name of Jesus, and all of us who love Him will bear the embarrassment of this false prophecy.”

Unlike the unfounded predictions made by false prophets, our Lord Jesus who so often has been ridiculed by unbelievers to have made outlandish claims, always back up His claims with proof. While many religious leaders make claims to be able to show their followers how to find the truth, Jesus said of Himself, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me” (John 14:6 NAS). Jesus followed up His claim by dying on the cross and rising from the dead. This is proof enough that He is the Son of the living God.

As followers of the Lord, let us not make false claims, for such will not only create damage, but also hinder the spread of the gospel. We ought not to take the name of the LORD our God in vain, for the LORD will not leave unpunished anyone who misuses His name (Exodus 20:7). False prophets and false teachers will always be among us to secretly introduce destructive heresies, and exploit us with stories they have made up to put the way of truth into disrepute (2 Peter 2:1-3). We should therefore be wise and not be misled by unfounded predictions or help proclaim such heresies, for the day of the Lord will come like a thief (2 Peter 3:10; 1 Thessalonians 5:2). We should with one heart, boldly, clarify the strange things people are hearing, that they may know the truth (Acts 17:20).

Forgive us dear Lord for sometimes getting carried away by false prophesies, and for making claims not based on Bible truth. Help us to discern Lord what is false and what is true, that we may not mislead others or put the truth into disrepute. Preserve O God those who are yet unsaved that they may not be influenced by false teachings to no longer desire You, the one and only way to the Father. Lead us Lord as we defend Your word in setting right what has been wrongly proclaimed.

Alternative School

2011-05-27T00:01:00.021+08:00

He energizes those who get tired, gives fresh strength to dropouts. (Isaiah 40:29 MSG)

On May 5, 2011, The New York Times published a story about a girl who has dropped out from a traditional high school and is now attending a charter school instead. Kimberly Smith left McCallum High School in Austin during the first semester of her freshman year. She said she was experiencing anxiety attacks and depression.

“I felt trapped inside,” Smith said, adding, “I was pretty much in bed just sleeping all day long, just basically crying.”

Now a sophomore at Austin Can! Academy, a charter high school which focuses on dropouts and those at high risk for dropping out, Smith, 17, says the flexible schedule allows her to take fewer class hours so she can attend psychotherapy sessions.

Sadly, however, because of the way the state calculates high school completion and dropout rates, charter schools like the Austin Can! Academy could face closure. Supporters say such schools are unintentionally penalized for serving a challenging student population. A bill in the State Legislature aims to fix the formula for assessing completion and dropout rates, but some academics question whether that will just make it easier for school districts to jettison their problem children.

“I have no idea where I would be without this school,” Smith said. “It’s been a very big help to me.”

Smith wakes up at 4:45 every morning to take the train from her Georgetown home to classes at Austin Can! Academy, which she said was the only school that would enroll her.

Like the story of Kimberly Smith, the Bible also mentioned about a people who were moral dropouts or misguided God-dropouts. Moral dropouts won’t listen to their elders; welcoming correction, on the other hand, is a mark of good sense (Proverbs 15:5). The lives of God-loyal people flourish; a misspent life however is soon bankrupt (Proverbs 15:6). Misguided God-dropouts staggers under their guilt-baggage, for they have walked out on God and turned their backs on Him (Isaiah 1:4).

As children of God, we ought not to become moral dropouts or misguided God-dropouts. We may fail or face setbacks at times, but we must never walk out on God or turn our backs on Him because of our guilt or for whatever other reason. We should instead accept what comes our way and be ready to take on any role required of us to serve God according to His will. We need not always be the one at the top of everything we do, for as a part of the body of Christ, each of us has our own role to play. No part is important on its own, and no one role is less honorable than or not dependent on another (1 Corinthians 12:12-27).

Why should we then complain or whine, thinking that God has lost track of us or do not care what happens to us? Do we not know anything? Have we not been listening? (Isaiah 40:27-28). God is not a man that He should penalize dropouts. Neither does He have to write a bill to fix the formula for assessing us. God is not like school districts that are ready to jettison 'problem children' such as us who constantly fail to live up to His standard.

Let us therefore welcome corrections and pay attention to advices, for that makes good sense. Let us not misspend our lives on empty pursuits that we may flourish (Proverbs 15:5-6). Our God does not come and go. He lasts. He energizes those who get tired, and gives fresh strength to dropouts. If we wait upon God, we shall receive fresh strength. We shall spread our wings and soar like eagles, run and not get tired, walk and not lag behind (Isaiah 40:28-31).

Thank You dear Lord for accepting us the way we are, even though imperfect. We know that even if we are a ‘problem children,’ You will never abandon us. Help us Lord to accept what comes our way that we may be ready to take on a different role to fulfill Your will. Without You Lord, we have no idea where we would be today. You O Lord are a big help to us and You alone knows what’s best for us.

NOTE: All Scriptural references in this article are from The Message (MSG) Bible

Jewels of Fulfillment

2011-05-20T00:01:00.011+08:00

At the outgoing of his word, the ice is turned to water; when he sends out his wind, there is a flowing of waters. (Psalm 147:18 BBE)

Before a precious stone becomes a beautiful jewelry, it is usually seen in the eyes of the untrained as something worthless and possibly unsightly in appearance. What is rejected by many people, however, often turns out to be worth much more after it has been designed and crafted skillfully into an object of desire. This is how witnessing for Christ is like.

Many a time when we share the gospel to someone, we do not see the effects the message may have on that person immediately. Sometimes, we may become discouraged because of this, but we ought not to, because the Bible says we may plant the seed, another may water, but God is the One who causes the growth (1 Corinthians 3:6-7).

So it is with the word of God when preached; it will not return without accomplishing what God desires and succeeding in the matter He sends us to do (Isaiah 55:11). Just as ice is turned into water at the outgoing of God’s word and waters flow when God sends out His wind (Psalm 147:18), so shall the tide against the devil be turned. Our role as children of God therefore is to do our part and let God do His.

For when God speaks a word, He never fails to fulfill it (Numbers 23:19; 2 Peter 3:9), and here is a lesson we can learn. Do we, like Jesus our Lord, hold fast in fulfilling the words outgoing from our mouths or do we merely comfort people with empty words (James 2:15-16)? As His followers, do our words return to us void or do they accomplish what we have promised?

In the parable of the two sons (Matthew 21:28-31), Jesus relates the story of a man who spoke to his first son and said, “Son, go work today in the vineyard,” and the son answered, ‘I will not’; but afterward he regretted and went. The man then went to the second son and said the same thing, and he answered, “I will, sir”; but he did not go. Jesus then asked, “Which of the two did the will of his father?” The answer is obvious.

This parable teaches us what it means to keep a promise. If we fail to fulfill what we say we will do, we break a promise, and the words outgoing from us are mere empty words, worthless to men. Unless we keep our promises, we cannot expect the people around us to trust us or desire the Christ we preach.

Let us therefore learn to keep our words and fulfill our promises so others may count us trustworthy, just as our God is trustworthy and never fails to keep His promises. When we share God’s word to the yet unsaved, let us not be discouraged to think our efforts are unfruitful, but instead remember it is not us but God who causes the growth. Like precious stones that turn into beautiful jewelry through honing, let us not underestimate the little things we do in fulfilling the will of God.

Dear Lord, we know that at the outgoing of Your word, things happen and never return to You empty without accomplishing Your will, and succeeding in the matter You have sent us to do. We seek therefore Lord for the ability to keep our promises in fulfilling the words outgoing from our mouths. Hone us Lord and turn us into precious jewels that we may in Your design and skillful crafting become the people You want us to be.

Testimony of an Actor

2011-05-17T00:01:00.003+08:00

Actor Li Nanxing shared recently how God has amazingly opened up doors and enlarged his coast for ministry. A year ago, he first broke his silence regarding seven years of his life of darkness, debt and desperation. He also shared how he was miraculously delivered by God from plunging down three stories and how he was led to believe in Jesus Christ. Indeed God brought him out of a horrible pit into His marvelous light!

After his salvation, Nanxing’s life journey was not all smooth in the beginning. Although he was able to pay off much of his debt, he struggled with his gambling habit for a while. He was often tempted to bet on lottery with a set of numbers that he was familiar with. In spite of a still small voice in his heart telling him not to gamble, he found the temptation difficult to resist at first. But by the grace of God, he eventually overcame the gambling habit. He also struggled with his drinking temptation. As a result of years of alcohol consumption, Nanxing even developed an ability to tell the type of liquor just by the smell of it from a distance. So after his conversion, he was still tempted to drink but over time he was totally delivered from it too.

Since he received Jesus as Lord and Savior, many miracles took place in his life and career. It took a few years before his life stabilized and was transformed by God. Now all his debts were settled. By the power of God, he was delivered from the addictions of smoking, drinking and gambling. Moreover, he was also set free from the spirit of anger and rage. Truly, we are more than conquerors through Christ Who loved us.

Subsequently, he went for a medical checkup and was apprehensive of the result because of his past lifestyle. His excessive drinking and smoking in the past could easily lead to permanent damage to his liver and kidneys. To Nanxing’s pleasant surprise, his doctor gave him a clean bill of health. He is indeed thankful to God for preserving his vital organs.

Nanxing considers the opportunities in his career as blessings from God too. He was offered plenty of endorsements despite his past questionable lifestyle. Recently, he received an offer to star in a Hollywood movie that would have catapulted him to international fame. However, he discovered that the script contained intimate scenes where he had to be nude with two naked women. Wanting to please Christ, Nanxing turned down the offer. It was a rare opportunity to fame and money, but he decided not to compromise but walk according to God’s will.

God is faithful and did not short-change him. Nanxing was offered recently by television station, MediaCorp, to act in a meaningful sequel to a drama serial which he acted 20 years ago. His character then was a rash young man who went to jail because of crime and gambling. The sequel’s theme is about how a person can change for the better with the support of loved ones. Nanxing would portray the same person but after 20 years in jail, and how he turns over a new leaf.

In 2010, Nanxing had an opportunity to be the director and actor of a new movie called 'The Ultimate Winner.' The message of the movie is to highlight the danger of gambling and also the redemption of a gambler’s life. It took him nine months to direct and film the movie. Throughout its filming, he again experienced the supernatural hand of God. Rain and other factors threatened to disrupt its progress but with prayers, every obstacle was resolved.

As much as Nanxing does not want to recall his heartbreaking past in life, he sincerely believes that had he not gone through it all, he would not have known how real God is! Looking back, Nanxing was certain that the devil wanted to destroy his life but Jesus intervened to turn it around and radically changed him. The Ultimate Winner is the Lord Jesus Christ. Great is the LORD and all glory belongs to Him!

Source: Miracle Service from Lighthouse Evangelism

Compulsion Blowout

2011-05-13T00:01:00.014+08:00

what I am doing, I do not understand; for I am not practicing what I would like to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate. (Romans 7:15 NAS)

When the pregnant mother in the story of Rapunzel notices some radishes (or rampions) in the enchantress' garden, she craves to have them or she feels she will die. Such compulsive behavior exists in the real world and is called obsessive compulsive neurosis. According to NLP-Mentor.com, obsessive compulsion is a type of anxiety disorder characterized by recurrent, persistent obsessions or compulsions. Many of such compulsions can be trivial and do not interfere with a person's life and energy, like the perceived need to straighten a crooked picture or pick fluff off someone's clothes. Other harmless compulsions may include avoiding cracks in sidewalks or ensuring the iron is off before leaving the house.

Repetitive and habitual behavior is not necessarily bad and can sometimes be useful. Habits such as brushing teeth before we go to bed and washing the dishes after dinner help make things go smoothly. Some habits however can turn into an intense compulsive behavior if blown out of proportion, especially if the one suffering from it feels without a choice for the behavior and his or her survival depends on doing it.

One of the recommended ways to help a person suffering from compulsive behavior is to use neuro-linguistic programming (NLP), such as the compulsion blowout technique. This technique is called a 'blowout' because that is what it does to submodalities. Submodalities are the fine distinctions a person make within a representational system that help remember what has been seen, heard, felt, smelt and tasted, both externally and imagined. Compulsion blowout technique alters submodalities so much that a person can no longer represent the object in the same way. This technique breaks the connection between how a person represents a thing and the kinesthetic response.

Sin is very much like compulsive behavior. We sometimes do the things we know we ought not to do (Romans 7:15), and we blame it on inborn inclination or something beyond our control. We may confess our sins, but still habitually continue to do the very thing we hate. We may even think of some recurring habits as harmless or trivial and not necessary wrong, such as gossiping, telling lies or half-truths, and having conversations with non-believing friends about worldly and unholy things. At times, we may even unknowingly do certain things out of habit, which may not reflect well the behavior expected of Christians, such as living in sensuality, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and abominable idolatries (1 Peter 4:3).

Not all repetitive behavior is bad however. Habits such as spending time daily to talk to God and study His word are good practices. Only sinful habits and behaviors stained by our old ways before we know the Lord need altering using techniques such as spiritual NLP. Spiritual NLP is about a total change of mindset and behavior through the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2). It is a complete blowout from our old ways to redefine new ways of seeing things represented in this world, afresh through the eyes of God in hearing, feeling, smelling and tasting. This renewal will alter our way of thinking and change us so much that we can no longer respond in the same way as before, but break connection with the old totally. By this, we can then prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect (Romans 12:2).

Let us therefore be renewed in the spirit of our minds, and lay aside our old selves from the former manner of life (Ephesians 4:22-23). Let us put on our new selves, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness (Ephesians 4:24). Just as God has poured out richly upon us the regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit through Jesus Christ our Savior (Titus 3:5-6), let us from now on see all things afresh through the eyes and heart of God.

Help us dear Lord to be completely free from habitual sins. Blow out from us all unholy compulsive behavior Lord and change us. Renew our minds and hearts that we may from now on do all things and see all things differently from the former manner of our lives. In whatever we do, Lord, may we reflect Christ in us and glorify You.

Things to Do

2011-05-06T00:01:00.009+08:00

Therefore if you are presenting your offering at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your offering there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and present your offering. (Matthew 5:23-24 NAS)

When we have lots of things to work on, we often jot down in a To Do list the tasks that are to be accomplished. This is a good practice because it helps reduce the anxiety of trying to remember what needs to be done next and ensures no task is left outstanding. At times, however, we may know of certain things that need to be done, yet we choose not to do or remember them.

Take health screening for example. We know it is a good practice to have routine checkups at least once a year to ensure we are in good health, but we often choose not to go for the checkups until we fall ill. It may be because of inconvenience or the price, but for whatever the reason, the consequence can cost us much more should we discover too late a cure for our illness.

Consider now another scenario of a relative who is ill. We know we should be visiting the relative, but we sometimes choose to forget or ignore the fact because it is inconvenient, costly and time-consuming. Maybe it is because the relative is staying far away and to travel to his or her place costs much and takes up too much of our precious time. In such a situation, what would we do? Would we neglect to do what is right and bear the consequence of a possible lost soul?

In the days of Haggai the prophet, a similar situation was mentioned in the Bible of how a people neglected what ought to be done, resulting in the withholding of complete blessings. Haggai delivered the word of God to the children of Israel in exile and questioned as to whether it was right for them to dwell in paneled houses while the Temple of God was left in ruins (Haggai 1:3-4). He warned the children of Israel to consider their ways (Haggai 1:5, 7), and told them why they have sown much, but harvest little, ate, but not enough to be satisfied—because the house of God was left desolate (Haggai 1:4-7, 9-11).

When we knowingly neglect to do the things that are outstanding and go on with our lives as if these things do not matter, we seldom can be at our best. We may do many things to make up for the negligence, but will eventually realize whatever we do is not worth the effort. We may work hard in the hope to prosper, but will receive little returns (Haggai 1:6, 9). The reason we seldom have enough is because we fail to remember what is more important—to do all things by first honoring God in our lives.

When we come before the Lord and remember something that needs to be attended to, what should we do? If that something is important or critical, such as to right a wrong or be reconciled with someone, we should first settle the matter, and then come and present ourselves to God (Matthew 5:23-24). Only when we are at peace with God and men can we be at our best and completely blessed.

Let us therefore not neglect or fail to do what is right and necessary because of inconvenience, cost or time constraint. Instead, let us weigh the cost through the eyes of God to understand the value of each and everything we do or fail to do. If the thing we ought to do outweighs all the efforts we put in to make up for the negligence, then let us consider our ways, for the consequence can cost much more!

Forgive us dear Lord for neglecting to do the things we ought to do. Remind us Lord to always put You first in all our plans and in all we do. Regardless the reasons for not doing what we ought to do, Lord, help us overcome our mindsets and hearts to change and set everything right according to Your will. Bless us abundantly Lord in the things we do right, that with Your blessings we may bless others too.

Giving Wisely

2011-04-29T00:01:00.009+08:00

Instruct those who are rich in this present world … to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, (1 Timothy 6:17-18 NAS)

According to an article written by Ron Sider for Christianity Today, some people toss a little money to street people just to assuage guilty feelings of their affluence. Such guilt is often warranted because many rich Christians spend vast sums on themselves amid the many in desperate poverty. Instead of tossing coins to beggars to soothe their conscience, however, Sider suggests these Christians should resolve to live their lives simply and give to more effective programs that empower poor people and explore honestly poverty's structural causes.

One of the ways to help the poor through effective programs is to know the needs of people around the world. Over the past two years, many natural disasters have left countless people homeless and devastated with seemingly little hope for the future. We know of the 7.0-magnitude earthquake that struck Haiti on January 12, 2010 and the 8.8-magnitude earthquake that struck the central area of Chile on February 27, 2010. We also know of the 6.3-magnitude earthquake that struck New Zealand city of Christchurch on February 22, 2011 and the 9.0-magnitude earthquake and tsunami in northern Japan on March 11, 2011. Many living in the aftermath of the earthquakes and tsunami are today still struggling in poverty and in need of our help. As a Christian community, are we lifting our hands to give out financial aid and reaching out to these people in whatever way we can?

Reaching out to the poor in the world through effective programs is helpful, but beyond that, we need also to remember those around us who are in need. The Bible teaches that if there is a needy someone with us or in any of our towns in our land which the LORD our God has placed us, we should not harden our hearts, nor close our hands from such a poor person. Instead, we should freely open our hands to the one in need and generously help to provide for whatever he or she is lacking (Deuteronomy 15:7-8). In today's context, this means besides handing money to someone, we can also offer to buy the person a meal and then sit down and listen to the person’s story. A person in need often appreciates love and care more than financial handout.

When we see someone in need the next time round, let us therefore not be a bystander. Let us instead be stirred within us to go all the way out to give and to bless. Besides our own and the people in our fold, let us also reach out to meet the needs of the poor around the world. Our mission in the Great Commission is not just about proclaiming the word of God and bringing people to the faith. It involves meeting the needs of people too, just as Christ met the physical needs of the multitude and brought the reality of the kingdom of God to them (Matthew 14:19-21).

If we are rich or have plenty, let us give generously and share willingly (1 Timothy 6:17-18), not out of guilt because we spend vast sums on ourselves, but out of love and charity. Let us not give out of compulsion, but give from hearts of compassion—for God loves a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:7-8). Rather than toss a few coins to beggars and give handouts which may end up in supporting irresponsible behavior, let us give wisely to those who are in real needs and live our lives in simplicity.

Touch our hearts Lord that we may grow in compassion for the needy and the desperate. Stir within us that we may give wisely and generously to meet the needs of people in poverty, not just financially but also in kind. Help us live our lives simply Lord, that we may not spend vast sums on ourselves. Remind us constantly Lord the needs of others, especially the destitute and the people struggling to live their lives in the aftermath of natural disasters.

Happy Easter Day 2011

2011-04-24T00:00:00.003+08:00

The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid;
for I know that you are looking for Jesus who
has been crucified. He is not here, for
He has risen, just as He said."
~ Matthew 28:5-6a (NAS) ~

Good Friday 2011

2011-04-22T00:00:00.003+08:00

... He Himself bore our sins in His
body on the cross, so that we might
die to sin and live to righteousness;
for by His wounds you were healed.
~ 1 Peter 2:24 (NAS) ~

Outbreak of Crises

2011-04-21T23:59:00.008+08:00

While he was still speaking, another also came and said, "The fire of God fell from heaven and burned up the sheep and the servants and consumed them, and I alone have escaped to tell you." (Job 1:16 NAS)

Frequently, when a crisis comes our way, it seldom comes alone. When I was a teenager, several crises happened in my life in succession one after another within a short span of time. The crises came like an outbreak of calamity, suddenly and without warning—a loved one seriously ill, an affectionate relationship broken, and a discord in church separating many friendships and the congregation. It was like the entire world turned against me and I was left all alone with no one to turn to for help or share my pain and agony. In that state of despair and desperation, I strayed from God for a little while, but soon returned because I knew I could never live a meaningful life without Him.

The Bible also tells of one who was suddenly faced with a number of crises in his life (Job 1:13-20). Job first lost his sons and daughters, and then he lost his servants and livestock. Yet, through it all, Job did not sin nor did he blame God (Job 1:21-22). Satan then smote Job with sore boils from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head, yet Job held fast to his integrity (Job 2:4-10). Some days later, Job spoke out and said of his anxiety, “… my cries pour out like water. For what I fear comes upon me, and what I dread befalls me. I am not at ease, nor am I quiet, and I am not at rest, but turmoil comes” (Job 3:24-26 NAS).

Like the outbreak of crises and boils, there is a type of outbreak today that is also spreading around the world. This is the outbreak of worldliness and self-centeredness. Just as a disease outbreak such as cancer can mutate into variations, worldliness and self-centeredness can also lead to fatality and the domino effect of continuing sin, resulting in the eventual death of people around us. Some cancer patients have shared that once they have been diagnosed with the illness, they deem themselves as good as dead. Anxiety then sets in and in their minds they can only think of the doctors as just counting their days.

James in his epistle described the outbreak of worldliness and self-centeredness as the source of quarrels and conflicts that wage war among fellow believers (James 14:1). The root cause of the war is the pleasures, lust, envy, pride, wrong motives, impure heart and double-mindedness of man (James 4:1-10).

Sometimes we may fight and quarrel with others out of envy or lust, and sometimes we may even backstab others—knowingly or unknowingly—just to get what we want. We may at times want the right things for the wrong reasons, and we do not receive them because our motives are impure and self-seeking, desiring only to satisfy our own pleasures.

The Bible states clearly if our involvement with the world becomes too intimate that we participate in its adulterous ways, we make ourselves an enemy of God (James 4:4). We should therefore never be double-minded to think we can serve two masters, for either we will hate one and love the other or we will be devoted to one and despise the other (Matthew 6:24; Luke 16:13). We should instead be cautious never to be infected or become carriers of worldliness and self-centeredness.

Let us be on the alert always to watch out for symptoms and quickly take steps to avoid or prevent ourselves from succumbing to any outbreak. Submit and draw near to God; resist the devil and temptation. Purify our hearts and come humbly into the presence of God, and He will draw near to us and exalt us (James 4:7-10).

Dear Lord, forgive us for sometimes swaying from trusting You, especially when in times of crises. Do not let us succumb to the outbreak of calamity in our lives Lord. Strengthen us instead that we may hold fast to Your faithfulness. Help us not be double-minded, Lord, but be devoted to You whole-heartedly.

Reaching Across Cultures

2011-04-15T00:01:00.001+08:00

Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, (Matthew 28:19 NAS)

Some years ago I attended a missions awareness seminar, and this is what I have learned.

Seen from the perspective of the Great Commission, missions may be classified under three categories:

M1: Mission within local context where local language is used

M2: Mission within local context where different language is used or where crossing the line to different living conditions is required

M3: Outside local context with totally different culture, living habits, language in foreign lands

Cross-cultural evangelism refers to M2 and M3, which means it is not limited to cross-geographical. People of different cultures are often found within the same politically-defined space, and in a less formal definition, ‘cross-income-group’ evangelism may also be considered cross-cultural missions.

Many people in the world today are still unreached by the Gospel despite much urbanization. If only M1 is adopted, many will perish without knowing Christ. As believers in the Lord, therefore, we ought to reach the unreached people (Matthew 28:19-20). The unreached people are those people groups which so far have not had an opportunity to receive the gospel and respond to it because of geographical, linguistic or cultural barriers, or a combination of these.

Some examples of unreached people in local context are:

Foreign workers (imported laborers). Domestic helps or construction site laborers who normally work long hours and are not reached by ordinary means of evangelism.

Shift workers. This would include people employed in hotels, cabarets, hawking, etc.

Dialect speakers. Particularly those in the older generation, many of who are illiterate and face linguistic and cultural barriers.

Blue-collar workers. Those working at construction sites and factories.

Cross-cultural evangelism is essential if we want to reach the unreached people. The church and missions organizations as a whole must work together to achieve this goal.

In preparing ourselves to participate in cross-cultural missions, the following are a few things we may wish to first think about:

Knowledge. Gather enough information concerning unreached people groups through mission magazines, mission organizations, etc.

Prayer. Begin to pray for this unreached people groups specifically and earnestly.

Giving. Give to the mission fund on a regular basis.

Consideration. Consider how we can participate in missions, such as getting trained in a specific field as a professional and reaching the people of that particular group (example: studying in the technical field so as to be in contact with blue-collar workers to reach them for God).

Prepare. Enroll ourselves in the study of missiology so as to be equipped adequately for the task or go on short-term mission trips.

Send. Finally, work with the church or missions organizations to be sent out as missionaries (M3). We should be under the cover of the church to report on mission progress regularly.

Some factors we should consider before becoming a M3 missionary are:

Eyes. Can we bear the sight of people with diseases? How do we react to a place that is filthy and unclean?

Ears. Are we enthusiastic in learning foreign languages or do we see the foreigner as a barbarian?

Nose. Can we take strange and unfamiliar smells?

Tongue. Do we have strong stomachs that can stomach any kind of food?

Back. Can we sleep and lie anywhere or do we need our regular bed, pillows, etc?

Heart. What are our attitudes toward people of different color skin? Do we have compassion toward them?

Marital Status. If single, are we prepared to stay single or delay marriage to go to strange lands as missionaries and bear loneliness? What about family? Are they willing to follow us or do we leave them behind? What about the children’s education?

Stickability. Are we able to start and stick to the end of the ministry? How do we react under pressure?

Put in our hearts Lord to want to proclaim Your salvation to the world, beginning with people around us who share the same language. Grow in us an interest Lord to also want to learn a different language to reach the people of other cultures living around us as well. Reveal to us dear Lord how we can help or participate in the work of global missions too, that we may not be a bystander to watch and fail to bear witness. Mold us Lord and renew our spirits that we may be adaptable in all circumstances, and have a heart that genuinely cares for others.

Secular vs Spiritual

2011-04-08T00:01:00.015+08:00

And hearing this, Jesus said to them, "It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick; I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners." (Mark 2:17 NAS)

As a former journalist, I used to have to cover entertainment news and mix around with people in the entertainment circle, including movie directors, actors, actresses and models. These are the people who spend more time in clubs, studios and roadshows than any place else. Although I have since moved on to write more serious stuff, I still keep in contact with some of them. In fact, I even maintain an entertainment blog and a social networking profile to communicate with them and keep abreast of what's going on in the entertainment circle.

Not too long ago, a follower of my Christian blog who knows about my entertainment blog and social networking profile wrote me an e-mail. In it, she told me that the things I wrote and posted at the blog and social networking profile do not reflect well of my testimony as a believer of the faith. This feedback upset me because while my blog and social networking profile primarily cover topics of social interest, at times I would also leave comments on my contacts’ status and share with them my experiences as a Christian. I would relate to them how I handle certain things in life and offer them suggestions based on Christian principles.

Not wanting to stumble anyone in the faith (1 Corinthians 8:9), I did a thorough cleanup to remove a large part of the entertainment information at my blog and social networking profile. Some days after that, seeing no value in continuing with the social networking profile without the information that interests my entertainment contacts, I terminated the account. Now, my entertainment blog has also been streamlined to contain only information about movies, dining and lifestyle, minus topics like night spots, clubbing, women’s apparels, fashion, and modeling. With this change, the ratings and number of visitors to my site dropped to near bottom. My thought in this aftermath is, have I made the right choice? Did not our Lord Himself mingle among sinners to lead them to Himself?

In a sermon I heard some years ago, the speaker said if we are to be so holy to the point of living our lives ascended above ground, we are of no earthly worth to the people around us. I tend to concur with the speaker on this frame of thought. If we are not worth much in this world, then we are of little value in bridging the gap to bring people to the spiritual world. Do not get me wrong, I am not justifying or advocating we should live unholy lives while on earth so as to reach the sinners (Romans 3:5-8). Rather, I am suggesting that we should not live our lives separate from the crowd, like some of the Jews in Jesus’ days who do not associate with Samaritans (John 4:9).

Some of us may argue that the Bible says, "... do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God" (James 4:4 NAS). If we however read this passage carefully, we should realize this ‘friendship with the world’ is referring to our hearts and motives (James 4:1-4). It does not say because we are in the world and not of the world, we should separate ourselves from the world (John 15:19).

Many people seem to think if a person is of a particular faith, he or she should behave in a certain way and do or not do certain things. Such thinking is unrealistic because one cannot live an ascetic or anomic life just because of one’s belief. We know Jesus did not avoid or stay away from sinners. In fact, He even mingled and ate with them (Mark 2:15-17).

The lesson we need to learn here is that in the real world the line between secular and spiritual life is inseparable. Knowing this, we should always keep in check to draw the line between what’s profanity and what’s permissible. We must stay alert, yet not separate ourselves from others, but keep in balance the secular and the spiritual. We must not avoid the crowd or draw the line so clearly that the unsaved cannot cross over from death to life. We should do our best in the secular—which often pays our bills and keeps us alive—so we may have sufficient to share with others and give our lives to serve the Lord.

Thank You, dear Lord, for keeping us alive. We know Lord that while the line between good and evil is clear, between the secular and spiritual, we are sometimes unsure. Help us therefore Lord not to cause anyone to stumble by our actions nor give up on the unsaved because of one decision. Guide us to know where we should draw the line Lord that we may not by mistake cross it.

Facing the Enemies

2011-04-01T00:01:00.004+08:00

so that we confidently say, "THE LORD IS MY HELPER, I WILL NOT BE AFRAID. WHAT WILL MAN DO TO ME?" (Hebrews 13:6 NAS)

Not too long ago, I woke up one morning feeling depressed over the situation happening at my workplace. Ever since the team I have been working in was absorbed into another department of the organization, I have been getting such dispirited moods frequently.

The department I am now working in is headed by a lady who believes only in top-down management. She is a practitioner of everything that is typically taught in management studies about using negative motivational tactics to get staff working in fear, following a bureaucratic and hierarchical structure. Her disposition and personality is generally fierce, and she constantly breathes down the necks of her staff every weekly department meeting. Words from her are like fire—hot and fiery, and like storm—cold and harsh, filled full with regular reprimands. The way her staff is handled is similar to the way elementary school teachers control the kids. It is as if every of the staff owes her a living, and any difference in opinions finds trouble for oneself. Few are willing to put their jobs on the line in begging to differ or practice freedom of choice or speech.

Such is the kind of depressive working environment and low morale I go through these days, which similar feelings have once faded from my past, many years ago. None of such negative feelings existed when I began working in this organization some six years ago. Things have been fairly well with everyone doing their part as a team, working with each other to resolve issues rather than being driven from top-down.

What first came to mind when I woke up that morning was the urgent need to calm down and seek God. I knew in my heart then there was a Bible verse that expresses well how I felt and therefore desperately searched for it, seeking to calm myself as I cried out to God. I knew I was already late for work, but felt the need to read the verse, and I eventually found it.

Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him For the help of His presence. (Psalm 42:5 NAS)

Wanting to know more about the cicumstances in which the psalmist cried out, I decided to read the entire Psalm 42 and realized verse 11 ended on a similar note as verse 5 with a difference.

Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him, The help of my countenance and my God. (Psalm 42:11 NAS)

In verse 5, the psalmist cried out in his despair. In verses 6 to 10, the psalmist poured out his heart and talked to God about his sufferings, oppression and adversaries. In verse 11, he acknowledged God's supremacy once again and said he shall yet praise God, despite his circumstances.

Like the psalmist, I cried out to God in my desperation, and in Him I found relieve. For even though I walk through the darkest valley, I need not fear, because God is with me; His Spirit comforts me and calms my soul (Psalm 23:4-5). I will surely again praise Him and continue to hope in Him, for He is my help (Psalm 42:5, 11). I will not cease to call upon the Lord and seek His face in my time of difficulty.

Perhaps some of us, like me, may be facing some difficult situations now, and are feeling stressed and desperate. It may be a matter relating to a situation at the workplace or at home, or some difficulties we face working with or for a person. Regardless the matter or situation, we need not despair or be afraid, for the Lord is our helper; what can man do to us with God on our side (Hebrews 13:6)? What situation can we not face if it is permitted by God?

How then should we respond in the face of our enemies or in times of desperation? Do we, like Elijah who ran away from Jezebel (1 Kings 19:1-8), run away from our enemies and difficulties, or do we cry out to God and seek His face? Let us choose first to seek God to calm our souls. Let us also hope in Him and not be distrubed within us. Praise Him, for He is our Savior and our God; in Him we can confidently say, "the Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid" (Psalm 118:6-7; Hebrews 13:6). As for those of us who are bosses, employers or supervisors, let us not intimidate our workers. Instead, let us give up threatening, knowing that we have a God in heaven and there is no partiality with Him (Ephesians 6:9).

Help us in our times of desperation, Lord, and do not turn Your face away from us! We need You desperately Lord, for without You, we can do nothing and are in despair. See us through every difficult situation Lord as we continue to praise You. Grant us confidence in the face of our enemies Lord, that we will not be afraid, for You O God are our helper.

Eternal Flame

2011-03-25T00:01:00.007+08:00

He has made everything appropriate in its time. He has also set eternity in their heart, yet so that man will not find out the work which God has done from the beginning even to the end. (Ecclesiastes 3:11 NAS)

Following the assassination of U.S. President John F. Kennedy in 1963, an eternal flame was built at the request of the then First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy for her husband’s grave in Arlington National Cemetery at Washington, D.C. Inspired by the Flame of Remembrance that burns at the Grave of the Unknown Soldier in Paris, this eternal flame was the first time a known individual was given such an honor. Since then, eternal flames have been designated around the world to honor the loss of people of great significance in addition to major tragic and momentous events.

The idea of an eternal flame has been a long-held tradition in many cultures and religions. In Jewish tradition, the practice of keeping a flame burning began when Moses oversaw the construction of the original menorah, a seven branched candelabra, for the tabernacle (Exodus 25:31-40). According to information from JewFAQ.org, the descendants of Aaron or the kohanim lit the menorah in the sanctuary of the Temple every evening and cleaned it out every morning, replacing the wicks and putting fresh olive oil into the cups. The menorah is said to symbolize the nation of Israel as “a light to the nations” (Isaiah 42:6 NAS). The light, being an illumining source, signifies a mission to reach the world without using force but by setting our lives as examples, not by might nor by power, but by the Spirit of God (Zechariah 4:6, 1-5). In synagogues today, the menorah is represented by a sanctuary lamp called ner tamid, which translated means everlasting light or eternal flame.

Unlike the eternal flame that signifies our mission as lights of the world (Matthew 5:14-16), the Bible mentioned another eternal flame which brings forth death. Jesus said, "If your hand or your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it from you; it is better for you to enter life crippled or lame, than to have two hands or two feet and be cast into the eternal fire” (Matthew 18:8 NAS). This is the eternal fire of hell where the flame cannot be quenched (Mark 9:47-48). All who are not of the Lord at the hour of judgment will have to face this everlasting flame and be tormented with fire and brimstone, where the smoke of the torment will go up forever and ever (Matthew 13:41-42; Revelation 14:7, 9-11).

For thus our God the exalted One Who lives forever had said, "I dwell on a high and holy place, and also with the contrite and lowly of spirit in order to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite” (Isaiah 57:15 NAS). “Even from eternity I am He, and there is none who can deliver out of My hand; I act and who can reverse it?” (Isaiah 43:13 NAS). But to those of us who fear Him and keep His covenant, and remember His precepts to do them, the lovingkindness of our LORD is from everlasting to everlasting (Psalm 103:17-18).

In placing eternal flames to honor the glorious dead, the word of God rightly described what is said of man about eternity being set in our hearts (Ecclesiastes 3:11). We know eternity awaits us upon our death on earth or when Christ returns. We tend to forget, however, where our friends and our loved ones will go to in eternity if they do not receive Christ as their Lord and Savior. While we think about our eternity, let us not forget the eternity of others as well. Let us as lights of the world reveal Christ in our lives and do our part to bring a change in the destiny and eternity of the yet unsaved.

Help us dear Lord to set by example to the world what it means to have You in our lives. Shine through us that as lights of the world we may reveal more of You each day. Remind us constantly that without You, many are dying in their sins and facing eternal death, fire and torment. Holy Spirit, lead and guide us in bringing salvation and the gift of eternal life to the unsaved. Eternal God and Father, we come to You with contrite hearts, lowly in spirit to seek Your revival for our land.

Living by the Minute

2011-03-18T00:01:00.007+08:00

You have decided the length of our lives. You know how many months we will live, and we are not given a minute longer. (Job 14:5 NLT)

Staying connected and contactable at all times is not something impossible these days with communication tools such as cellular phones, wireless devices and other gadgets. In fact, to some of us, being reachable anytime anywhere may be an expected norm, and to be without our tools of communication just for a few minutes may leave us feeling disengaged, lost or disconcerted.

Many of us, like me, may live our lives as if we are working or on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week, contactable round the clock to the minute. The fast pace we live in often keeps us rushing all the time—from morning to evening, day after day. We rush to get our breakfast done or skip our breakfast to get on with the day. We rush to get to work or school, and we rush to complete our assigned tasks to meet the deadlines. By the end of the day, we are frequently left exhausted, stressed and worn out, yet for some of us, we continue to do things hurriedly even at home, and sometimes even work through the night. Such a lifestyle of minute to minute rush bears consequences and depletes health, even with the young and energetic.

The author of Ecclesiastes said, “Young people, it's wonderful to be young! Enjoy every minute of it. Do everything you want to do; take it all in. But remember that you must give an account to God for everything you do” (Ecclesiastes 11:9 NLT).

Young or old is of course not the focus here. It is remembering we have to give account to God for everything we do that we ought to pay attention to. We may not be enjoying every minute of our lives and may even be living hectic lives just to achieve important goals. Nevertheless, we must know that our lives are not our own but have been bought at a price (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Our lives and lifestyle should therefore glorify God and not be lived in a way that is detrimental to our health. Sadly, however, few people realize the consequence that comes with not keeping account of our lives to God in the things we do until it is too late.

Our Lord Jesus Christ makes it very clear that He had come that we may have life and have it abundantly (John 10:10). Should we therefore not live our lives fruitfully to the fullest for the purpose of God that we may be blessed abundantly? Should we not keep account how we live our lives, since the length of our days on earth has been predetermined and we cannot in anyway extend it even a minute longer (Job 14:5)?

Living our lives by the minute is nothing wrong, so long as we make every minute counts. The minutes we spend with God studying His word and conversing with Him are time well spent. The minutes we express our love to our family, relatives, friends and reach out to meet the needs of the poor are also fruitful and good. Spending a few minutes to take a break, relax and rest from time to time is important too if we hope to live our lives to the fullest, according to the abundant life our Lord has intended for us.

Let us therefore regularly and purposefully make time to take some minutes off to free ourselves from the distraction of this world—the mobile phone, wireless devices, radio, TV, gadgets and the likes—and quiet ourselves before God. Let us constantly get connected with God to converse with Him and remain on call anytime anywhere for His purpose.

Help us dear Lord to take time to pause from our constant rush in our daily lives to spend meaningful minutes amid the fast pace to quiet ourselves before You. Lead us and keep us in Your will Lord through every minute of our lives, that we may not become caught up into living a lifestyle that is unfruitful or that ruins our health. Remind us to always keep account of what we are doing that we may live our lives abundantly according to Your purpose.

Spending Time

2011-03-11T00:01:00.008+08:00

"Everything is permissible"—but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is permissible"—but not everything is constructive. (1 Corinthians 10:23 NIV)

Many of us who are active participants of online social networking would probably be familiar with the game by Zynga, FarmVille. FarmVille is a farming game that allows its players to manage a virtual farm by plowing, planting, growing and harvesting. The primary way for a player to earn farm coins is to harvest crops. The player does this by paying coins for plowing a unit of land, planting crops on it, and eventually harvesting the crops after a certain amount of time has elapsed. If the player forgets to harvest the crops when ready, the crops wither and become useless after some time. How long it takes for the crops to mature and yield money after harvest depends on the crops planted and the market price at the time of harvest. All these activities performed by the player span through a period of time ranging from hours to days, and although it can be really fun, it is also very time-consuming. Unless the player has all the time in the world, this game can keep a person very busy and may even lead to the neglect of other more important things in life.

Playing online games is perfectly fine and can at times help us take our minds away from the stress of life to provide us the necessary leisure we need. It can also help us relax and rest, depending on the games we play. Excessive indulgence in gaming—or anything else—to the point of neglecting the more important things, however, can put us at risk of getting too caught up or drowned in our own virtual world. It is better for us to spend a day quietly with God or studying the word of God than to spend many days on less important things (Psalm 84:10).

The Bible states very clearly that while everything is permissible, not everything is beneficial or constructive (1 Corinthians 10:23). Everything, in this case, means the things that are not stated in the Bible as wrong or against our Spirit-filled conscience. The author of Ecclesiastes conveys the message of what it means by "a time for everything" very well when he said, “I have seen the burden God has laid on men. He has made everything beautiful in its time” (Ecclesiastes 3:1, 10-11a NIV).

Since the beginning of time, God has known, planned and led His created people in a direction to draw them back to Himself. Never for once did He give up on us or deem it too time-consuming to wait for us to return to Him. Our God is not willing that we should die in our sins before His good news reach the ends of the earth (Matthew 24:14; Mark 13:10). He will never desert us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). Even before the foundation of the world, He has already chosen us to be holy and blameless before Him, and predestined us for adoption as His children through Jesus Christ our Lord (Ephesians 1:4-5).

Let us therefore learn from God never to think it is too time-consuming to reach others for Christ, nor waste our time on the not so important things. Like the game, FarmVille, where crops wither and become useless after a time has elapsed, the people who are yet unsaved in our world can also ‘wither’ and die if we neglect to spend time to plow, plant, grow and harvest souls. If we hope to yield something that is of worth in the kingdom of God, we must play our part in spending our time wisely for the right and more important things.

Remind us dear Lord that while everything may be permissible, certain things may not be beneficial. Help us to be wise Lord to know what we should spend more time in and what we should not. Thank You Father for adopting us as Your children and for never considering it too time-consuming to lead us back to You. Stir our hearts Lord that we may not stop reaching those who are yet unsaved, lest because of us they wither and die without receiving You as Lord and Savior of their lives.

Centuries of Persecution

2011-03-04T00:01:00.013+08:00

and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it. (Matthew 16:18b NAS)

It began many centuries ago when a crowd gathered together on Pentecost that the first Christian church came into existence (Acts 2). Many agree that this gathering recorded in the Book of Acts is the first literal church mentioned in the New Testament (Acts 2:1, 42-47). The word 'church' however was first mentioned by Jesus in the Gospel, where He said upon this rock He will build His church, and the gates of Hades will not overpower it (Matthew 16:18). In classical Greek, the word 'ekklesia' was used in place of the English translated word 'church’ which means a gathering, a congregation or a group of people assembled together for a particular cause or purpose.

When asked the question as to which book in the Bible mentions the first church, a forum participant at answers.yahoo.com replied, "I would say off the top of my head, ACTS. Let’s say it up front ... the main purpose of the Bible is to show how God worked over the centuries through the Old Testament era and into the New Testament age to bring the church into existence." In a sense, this statement by the forum participant summarizes the centuries that had taken place through the years of the Old and New Testament. The story of Jesus and His church however did not end at the closure of the New Testament. It continued from the first century to today, and will continue into the future, as long as we are still in the Church Age before the return of Christ.

It was in the first century when persecution broke out under the reign of Claudius Caesar (AD 41 to 54) that Stephen was stoned to death (Acts 6:8-9). After Nero took over the reign as Emperor from AD 54 to 68 (Acts 25:11-12; 26:32; Philippians 4:22), a greater persecution continued. The apostle Peter was crucified upside down on a cross around AD 64 and the apostle Paul was executed around AD 68. For centuries after that, many more Christians suffered martyrdom under the rule of various Roman emperors. Today, many Christians in different parts of the world are still facing persecutions, especially in places where the gospel of Christ is prohibited.

On March 3, 2011, The New York Times reported the only Christian cabinet minister in the Pakistan government was shot dead for campaigning to reform the blasphemy law that mandates the death penalty for insulting a particular religion¹. On February 8, 2011, Christian Today reported three churches at Temanggung, Central Java in Indonesia, were attacked by a mob of extremists after a court judge sentenced a Christian man to five years in prison for blaspheming against another religion². On February 4, 2011, Christian Today reported the death of two Christians from separate prisons in Eritrea, northeast of Africa, after being refused medical treatment amid a renewed crackdown by the authorities against unregistered churches³. More than 100 evangelical believers were detained following the new wave of raids which started on New Year's Eve. One of the two martyrs was a 27-year-old woman who was arrested after being caught reading a Bible in her bedroom.

All through the centuries—since the birth of the first church—numerous believers have suffered and endured persecutions. Even in countries where different faiths are tolerated and religious freedom are encouraged or enforced by law, restrictions are often still imposed on what can and cannot be said or done. Failing to abide by the rules of speech and certain actions can lead to imprisonment or even death. Of these who have suffered persecutions and endured to the end, the Bible says they will be saved and blessed (Matthew 10:22; 24:13; James 5:11).

Let us who have freedom therefore not take for granted what we have lightly. Instead, let us remember those who are being mistreated and identify with them as if we ourselves are suffering (Hebrews 13:3). Let us pray earnestly for the Lord to protect those who are being persecuted and keep them standing firm, knowing that their toil is not futile (1 Corinthians 15:58).

Dear Lord, our hearts hurt to know some of our fellow brothers and sisters are suffering much for Your name’s sake. We pray O God that You will overflow them with Your love, comfort and strengthen them by Your Holy Spirit, that they may stay steadfast and immovable amid persecutions. For the rest of us who are free from persecutions, Lord, we earnestly pray for those who are suffering. Grant them Your perfect peace and protect them as they endure tribulation with the assurance that nothing they do for You is ever in vain.

¹ Perlez, Jane, "Extremists are Suspected in Killing of Pakistani Minister" in The New York Times. Published March 2, 2011.
² Rachel Ford, "Churches burned over Indonesia's blasphemy case" in Christian Today. Published February 8, 2011.
³ ASSIST News Service, "Two die in prison and over 100 detained in church raids in Eritrea" in Christian Today. Published February 4, 2011.

Strategies to Reach the World

2011-02-25T00:01:00.001+08:00

After they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch, strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith … (Acts 14:21-22 NAS)

According to information from the Mission to Unreached Peoples (MUP.org) ministry, almost 2 billion people or 27.9 percent of the world are still essentially cut off from access to the Gospel today. Although many of these people live in major urban cities, there are still some living remotely and in rural areas. These are the ones that are largely ‘ignored’ by the Great Commission Christian world. Researchers are saying that if all the mission organizations from every continent continue to grow at current rates and increase as well as decrease in the number of missionaries, the least evangelized people of the world will still be 23 to 25 percent in 2025.

As believers of the Lord, we are all called to be God’s witness and to play our role in fulfilling the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20). Not all of us however are specifically called or set aside to be missionaries to preach to the world as the apostle Paul did (Acts 13:2-3). But to those who are called to mission work, whether as a missionary or supporter serving in the ministry, here are some lessons we can learn from Paul in planning strategies to reach the world for Christ.

When on his missionary journeys, Paul frequently evangelized in places of prominence such as the chief cities, cities of provinces, centers of government, main trade routes and other strategic places (Acts 17:16-21). This, of course, does not mean we neglect the unpopular or non-strategic places, but it does mean it helps in reaching a greater crowd through global missions to witness to all the nations (Matthew 24:14).

Reaching out to the crowd, Paul sought to understand the mentality of the people he witnessed to. In Acts 17:16-34, Paul used a different approach in handling the Athenians as compared with the way he handled the Jews in Acts 23:1-11.

Follow-up is important and an essential area for preserving the brethren in the faith. Without follow-up and discipleship, the brethren may backslide and be in a worse state than before (2 Peter 2:21). Paul understood this and returned to the cities of which he had witnessed (Acts 14:21-22; 15:36).

Keeping in contact with the home church or sending organization to report on progress of ministry is also important. Paul reported his progress to the church which sent him (Acts 14:27), and in so doing encouraged new and old missionaries as well as future missionaries.

In short, the strategies of approach to missions are:

Preach in strategic places, yet do not neglect the non-strategic
Seek to understand the people we are witnessing to, and then decide on the right approach
Follow-up on the work that had already begun
Report to the home church or the sending organization on progress regularly

Touch our hearts dear Lord that we may do our part in fulfilling the Great Commission, regardless of our role as a missionary, a helper ministering to the missionaries or as a witness. Teach and guide us Lord on the best way to reach out to the people who are yet unsaved. Help us to be sensitive to the people we witness to Lord that we may by Your Spirit choose the right approach in reaching them. Remind us Lord that we may not neglect the follow up of those who have already been saved to train and make disciples out of them.

Now is the Time

2011-02-18T00:01:00.007+08:00

Do you not say, 'There are yet four months, and then comes the harvest'? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look on the fields, that they are white for harvest. (John 4:35 NAS)

Some years ago, I attended a seminar organized by IBM to introduce its operating system. A video clip was played at the start of the seminar once the audience was seated. Appearing onscreen was actor Leonard Nimoy making a commentary before it moved on to the next scenes.

"Time waits for no man," said Nimoy with a voice echoing in similar style as the first scene of almost every Star Trek movie showing the galaxies and outer space. "But man waits all the time. People were told to wait another six months for a solution ... The wait is over, the time is now ... for [the operating system]."

The whole presentation was impressive with stage settings similar to the inside of starship USS Enterprise and special effects emulating scenes from the Star Trek movies. What caught on in my mind however are the words, "Time waits for no man, but man waits all the time ... The wait is over, the time is now." This statement reminds me of what Jesus said about the harvest, "Do you not say, 'There are yet four months, and then comes the harvest'? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look on the fields, that they are white for harvest" (John 4:35 NAS).

Many of us probably know or have heard it being preached about the fields being white for harvest. We are aware the time is now, not later, when it comes to salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2), especially if we have loved ones who have yet to receive Christ as Lord and Savior. What we tend to forget however is while the time for salvation is now, there is also the time of waiting for the day of salvation of individuals.

It pains my heart therefore that until now many of my loved ones are still unsaved and resistance to the gospel of the Christian faith. Many a time, I have wanted to give up trying, but doing so would mean eternal death for them which certainly is not what I want because I love them. Yet, to see little or no progress despite years of prayer and effort to reach them, it hurts badly. I have earnestly sought the Lord many times in my sorrow and grieve and out of desperation, yet I cannot seem to be assured. Frequently, I asked the Lord, "How much longer Lord am I to wait? How O Lord can I break down the barriers that make it so hard to reach them?"

The Book of Ecclesiastes gives the answer. There is a time for every activity under the heavens (Ecclesiastes 3:1). While the time for harvest may be now, there is also a time for sowing, nurturing, and waiting. The day of salvation can only take place at the acceptable time (2 Corinthians 6:2). We may plant the seed, another may water it, but God is the One who makes it grow (1 Corinthians 3:6).

Like me, some of us may be deeply concerned for the salvation of our loved ones. If this is so, we must never give up, because if we do, we are sentencing them to eternal death. We should instead seek God desperately to open the way to lead them to salvation. We may face many obstacles along the way, but we must continue to pray and stand firm in the Lord, knowing there is a time for everything under the heavens. God is the One who grows the individuals’ faith. We should therefore find comfort and be assured, while at the same time not cease to pray for the unsaved, especially our loved ones.

Let us therefore reflect on God's goodness and receive encouragement when in desperation, knowing that He is always present to hear our deepest emotions. Let us also learn from the lyrics of a song that touched my heart:

There were times in my life
When I wanted to give up
But You were there
You were there
You were there to hold my hands
When I needed Your assurance
You helped me make my plans
Only You can understand
Every good thing bestowed
And every perfect gift is from above
Coming down from the Father of lights
With whom is no shadow of turning

Dear Lord, You know our hearts and the emotions within us that easily break when in desperation. You O Lord understand how we feel. Assure us therefore Lord and help us not to doubt. Grab hold of our hands Lord when we want to give up, and lead us in our plans to know how best we can break barriers to reach our loved ones. Remind us dear Lord that the time of salvation is now, not later, and there is a time for everything. Help us understand Lord that while we may sow, another may water, and it is You who cause the growth. Calm our hearts Lord that we may be patient to wait for Your perfect timing in all we do as we continue to pray earnestly for the ones who desperately need You.

Without Regrets

2011-02-11T00:01:00.005+08:00

Near is the great day of the LORD, Near and coming very quickly; Listen, the day of the LORD! In it the warrior cries out bitterly. (Zephaniah 1:14 NAS)

When a group of online forum participants were asked what they would do if they know they have 24 hours left to live, many of them responded with similar answers. They would want to meet up or at least write letters to bid their loved ones and friends farewell, expressing to them their love and regrets.

“I’d spend it with my son, and drive around and see all my friends, say goodbye, and family members,” said one forum participant. Another said, “[I would] surround myself with everyone I love. Eat a delicious meal with my family and hold my daughter close to me every second.” Yet another said, “If I could, I would attend Mass, then visit all my close family … and tell them how much I loved them. I would … go out into the countryside, sit down by a campfire with my family all around and pray for a while, and then we could all discuss our lives, our love for one another and bond for one final time. Then wrapping up warm and lying down looking at the heavens, the beauty of them, enjoy the love and peace that surrounds me and prepare myself to meet my maker for judgment.”

“I would spend the first few hours of my day writing notes and letters of gratitude to all the people that I love and have been hurt by me, no matter where they live,” said Grace Boyle, blogger of SmallHandsBigIdeas.com. “I [would] look at these letters as a hello, good-bye, thank you, I love you, you’re special to me, always will be. I would then choose to be home with my family and friends. We would open our best bottles of wine, cook together, reminisce, tell stories and enjoy delicious food … [I would] relive my life by going through my photo albums ... I imagine I want to say ‘until next time …’ because there are no real good-byes. I want to soak in the happiness instead of the despair. I would spend a few moments alone forgiving myself of any mistake I felt I made, reflecting on the beauty of my life, the risks I took and finally, feeling at peace.”

King Hezekiah, when he was told by Isaiah the prophet he would die and not live, sought the LORD, and God granted him another 15 years (2 Kings 20:1-6). Not everyone however may get a second chance or has his or her life extended like Hezekiah. If we are to return home to be with the Lord and we have 24 hours left to put a closure to our lives on earth, what would we do? Would we be ready, or would we leave with regrets? Do we have anything unsettled today that we need to make up with people we know? Would we, like King Hezekiah and one of the forum participants mentioned above, first seek God before doing anything else?

Dr. Carla Goddard, another forum participant, in answer to the question on living one’s last 24 hours said, “[I will do] the same things I have done today. When you live your life as though every moment is a priceless gift, there is not a single thing more important than what you are doing at any given moment.”

Like what Dr. Goddard said, and as believers in the Lord, we should also be ready to answer God’s call home or for His sudden return (1 Thessalonians 5:2; 2 Peter 3:10). The day of the LORD is near and is coming very quickly (Zephaniah 1:14). We may wish to bid farewell to our loved ones if we know we have 24 hours left to live and hope to move on to the next life in peace. This, however, is only possible if we have Christ as our Lord and Savior and if we live our lives now without regrets, free from unsettled relations or entanglements (Luke 9:57-62; Hebrews 12:1).

Help us therefore dear Lord to be always on watch to do what is right without regrets or unsettled relations or entanglements. Do not let us be caught unexpected Lord when it is time for us to meet You face to face. Keep us abiding in You every moment of our lives Lord that even when facing death, we need not fear, for we have victory in You.

Growing Faith

2011-02-04T00:01:00.011+08:00

By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was offering up his only begotten son; (Hebrews 11:17 NAS)

As I reflect upon my past—the years I have been walking in the Lord till now—I begin to see more and more of God’s plan gradually revealed to me. During times of difficulty, such as when I was without a job, I learned to depend on God completely. When I was hospitalized, I learned what it means to depend on others to care for me. Now, I am discovering why the Lord has put me through three different career shifts before I become who I am today—a writer.

After I completed high school and military service more than 20 years ago, I started my career as a legal and marketing assistant in a financial institution. Several years later, I was led to a different career path to take up a technical support position in the information technology (IT) industry. Today, besides providing freelance writing services, I am also hired as a marketing communication and technical writer for an IT corporation.

All these years of learning and molding serve as a training ground to prepare me for God’s purpose—to write for God and men. Learning to depend on God during difficult times and on others when in need teaches me not to rely on my own strength, but to trust God and develop a team spirit working with others. Getting to know legal documentation and marketing related stuff, along with competency in IT, provides me with the right knowledge necessary to be a marketing communication and technical writer. Writing for men provides the means to keep me and my family alive, while writing for God gives me the opportunity to reach out to the ones God wants me to minister.

Looking back, the guidance of God seems so clear, yet there were times I faltered in trusting God completely for my family’s livelihood. Through the years, however, as my family and I continue to trust God more and more, there are visible signs of growth in our faith in God.

Some of us, like me, may have gone through years of training to be prepared for a work the Lord has planned for us. We may not realize it at that point of time when we were being molded by God to go through difficulties times, but when we reflect, we may realize God’s hand in our lives. We may see how God has led us every step of the way to become who we are today. Even if we are going through times of difficulty now, we need not stumble, for we can rest assured that God is in control working through His plan for our lives (Romans 8:28; Jeremiah 29:11).

Let us therefore learn a few lessons from Abraham, the patriarch of the Old Testament. By faith when he was called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going (Hebrews 11:8). As believers and children of God, we ought also to walk by faith and trust God completely in all areas of our lives, even if we are unclear the full plan of God. Abraham may have faltered occasionally in failing to acknowledge Sarah as his wife while under threat (Genesis 12:10-20; 20:1-18), but he grew in faith to eventually trust God completely even to sacrifice his son (Genesis 22:12; Hebrews 11:17). When we falter at times, therefore, we should also not give up, but continue to trust God and grow in faith. When we face difficult times, we need not fight our battles alone (Genesis 14:14-16; 1 Thessalonians 5:11; Hebrews 3:13), for God is our strength and our help (Psalm 46:1-3; Nahum 1:7).

Dear Lord, thank You for always looking out for us through all the years we walk in You. We know Lord that in all circumstances we can completely trust You, even when we do not clearly see Your plan for our lives. Forgive us Lord for the times we falter. Help us to continue to trust You more and more, that we may grow in faith. Remind us Lord that we are not alone in our struggles going through difficult times. Strengthen us Lord that we may stay strong and firm, knowing that You are in control of all things.

Seasonal Tilt

2011-01-28T00:01:00.013+08:00

For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you have need again for someone to teach you the elementary principles of the oracles of God, and you have come to need milk and not solid food. (Hebrews 5:12 NAS)

The four seasons are often thought of by many as distinct phases in a year. Spring is a time for new life or rebirth, summer for warmth and growth, fall for harvest and gathering, and winter for sleep, rest and death. According to an article at IndepthInfo.com, the variance in temperature and climate on the earth during the different seasons is largely because of the tilt of the earth. As the earth circles the sun, the axis tilts more toward or away from the sun. This tilt consistently points in the same direction regardless where the earth is positioned in the orbit and determines the warming and cooling in a seasonal cycle.

Like the seasons in a year which spring forth from new life to growth, harvest, and then decay, the seasons of human life also spring forth different experiences, strengths and weaknesses during the different stages of our lives. Challenges of different sorts are faced during the different stages, and we learn to handle them differently as we grow in maturity. This is normal because while we were children, we behave, speak, think and reason like children, but when we become adults, we do away with childish things (1 Corinthians 13:11).

Unlike the seasons which run a new cycle after each year, however, the seasons of human life—including our lives—follow through linear progression from childhood to eventual death without any cycle. The Bible states very clearly it is appointed for men to die once, and after this comes judgment (Hebrews 9:27).

Knowing this, therefore, we should not let ourselves become too accustomed receiving milk or elementary principles, for anyone who lives on milk is not acquainted with the teaching of righteousness (Hebrews 5:13). We should instead seek to progress and grow in spiritual maturity to consume solid food, which is for the mature who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil (Hebrews 5:13-14).

If we have known the Lord for many years, then by this time we ought to be teachers or capable of nurturing others. If we are unable to do so, it is likely we have not been putting enough effort to the study of God’s word. If we today are still making decisions that follow our old ways before we know the Lord, then we are like children who are unacquainted with the teachings of righteousness and in need of basic truths (Hebrews 5:12). If we think it is understandable or try to justify ourselves that we are doing so because we can only see God’s plan vaguely at this time, we have forgotten we are not without guidance. The word of God is enough at this present time for us to know the path, and some day face to face with our Lord, we shall know fully, just as we are fully known by Him (1 Corinthians 13:12).

Let us therefore, while waiting for our Lord’s return, not be like children or infants. Instead, let us be like the tilt of the earth to always point in the same direction regardless of our circumstances in our pursuit to study God’s word. Let us determine in our hearts to know more of Christ our Lord and grow in spiritual maturity. Just as the earth circles around the sun, let us also surround everything we do according to God’s word and will. Through all circumstances—warm or cold—let us not hibernate or stay in infancy, but grow and progress in faith to achieve God’s goal for our lives.

Dear Lord, forgive us for sometimes behaving like children, always expecting to be fed rather than to grow up to feed others. Lay the seed and grow in us Lord the knowledge of Your word that as we grow in years, we may also grow in spiritual maturity. Put in our hearts the determination to want to know You more through the in-depth studying of Your word. Remind us Lord to seek Your will every time we want to make our own decisions without the knowledge of Your word. Help us Lord to always point in the same direction towards fulfilling Your will in all we do, and in all circumstances acknowledge You.

Eclipse

2011-01-21T00:01:00.009+08:00

The heavens are telling of the glory of God; And their expanse is declaring the work of His hands (Psalm 19:1 NAS)

On December 20, 2010, The New York Times published a story about the lunar eclipse of the moon that was to take place the following day. According to the news story, the earth will prevent the sun’s rays from reaching the moon over the course of about 72 minutes. Such a lunar eclipse will not happen again until 2094. For the first time in 372 years, the lunar eclipse coincides with the winter solstice, the time at which the sun is at its southernmost point in the sky. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) not wanting to let such a spectacle escape its gaze has set up several ways for sky watchers to view pictures and watch live video feed from a camera mounted at the Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala.

A lunar eclipse can only occur when the sun, earth and moon are aligned exactly or at close proximity with earth in the middle. This is why it is always a full moon the night of a lunar eclipse. The length and the type of an eclipse depend on the moon's location, relative to its orbital nodes. A lunar eclipse normally lasts for more than an hour and may stretch on to several hours, whereas a total solar eclipse lasts only a few minutes at any given place. Unlike a solar eclipse which can only be viewed from a relatively small area of the world, a lunar eclipse can be viewed from anywhere on earth, so long as it is night. The lunar eclipse of December 21, 2010 was visible in its entirety in North and South America, Iceland, Ireland, Britain and northern Scandinavia.

Knowing how an eclipse occurs when the sun, earth and moon align according to the designed order of the One who is in control should amaze us. The psalmist says, "When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, The moon and the stars, which You have ordained; What is man that You take thought of him, And the son of man that You care for him?” (Psalm 8:3-4 NAS). The heavens tell of the glory of God, and the skies declare His handiwork (Psalm 19:1). Our God is able to make the sun go down at noon and the earth dark in broad daylight (Amos 8:9). He is the One who made the moon for the seasons, and the sun knows the place of its setting (Psalm 104:19). The sun will not smite us by day, nor the moon by night, for the LORD will protect us from all evil and will keep our souls (Psalm 121:6-7). He is our keeper, our shade at our right hand (Psalm 121:5).

Let us therefore worship God and be awed by His creation and majesty, for the LORD has declared the heaven is His throne and the earth is His footstool, and by His hand all these things were made (Isaiah 66:1-2). Should we therefore not bow before Him and sing His praise in reverence and worship? Should we not, like NASA, find ways to ensure a spectacle such as God’s magnificent creation does not escape its gaze by helping the world see and experience live the goodness of God?

Rather than be like the sun, earth and moon which come together in alignment only once in a blue moon, let us as fellow believers in the Lord meet regularly to examine and align our understanding of God’s word (Hebrews 10:25; Acts 17:11). When sharing the gospel, let us be like the lunar eclipse to take time to reach people from anywhere on earth, instead of like the solar eclipse which quickly go away once a small area is covered. Just as the lunar eclipse is visible in its entirety where there is night, let us reveal the entirety of Christ to the world, where in the darkness is the Light that shines (John 1:5).

Dear Lord, in the immensity of the universe and Your creation, we cannot help but to praise and worship You. Shine therefore through us Lord that Your light may be revealed to the world. Put in our hearts the desire to meet with fellow believers regularly to examine and align our understanding of Your word. Help us Lord when sharing the gospel, not to rush but to spend time to reach the unsaved for You.

Hurting Others Unknowingly

2011-01-14T00:01:00.011+08:00

Now if a person sins and does any of the things which the LORD has commanded not to be done, though he was unaware, still he is guilty and shall bear his punishment. (Leviticus 5:17 NAS)

In an article posted at ExperienceProject.com, a woman shared about how she and her friend were fined $200 for breaking the law without knowing it. The woman was at a national park and picked up an unusually large pine cone. Her friend took a picture of it, thinking it would be funny. On turning the corner, however, they saw a big sign that prohibited picking up pine cones and were fined.

Many of us have encountered similar experiences of doing something wrong without being aware of it. We may not have broken the law unknowingly, but we may sometimes hurt someone unwittingly by what we say or do or by what we fail to say or do.

Some years ago when my dad passed away without receiving the Lord despite many attempts to speak to him about Christ, I was deeply hurt and in great sorrow. A Christian sister speaking on behalf of the church tried to console me and said, “Who knows? Maybe your dad received the Lord at the last minute, since you have spoken to him about Christ many times.” Such words although may sound sensible, hurt me badly because I knew better, and cannot help but blame myself for not putting enough effort. Like the three friends who hurt Job more than sympathize with and comfort Job (Job 2:11; 22-31), the church sister helped little but hurt me more. I can try to justify myself and blame the failure as due to language barrier, being unable to preach the full gospel message in the only native dialect my dad could understand. The fact however remains—I failed.

Just as saying or doing the wrong thing can hurt others, not saying or doing the right thing can hurt others too. If we ignore or fail to respond to our loved ones when they interact with us or respond nonchalantly without giving full attentiveness to what they are saying, we hurt them. We may sometimes have good reasons for not being very responsive or attentive, such as when we are busy or in the midst of something or when our minds are actively working on jolting down ideas on paper. During such times, we may fail to show care or say a word of encouragement when our loved ones interrupt us, and we may unconsciously put aside what they say to continue with what we are doing. Such momentary slips of attention can lead to colossal repercussion.

Being inattentive or unaware, doing or saying something wrong or not doing or saying what is right, does not give us the right to excuse ourselves as blameless. We may justify ourselves to say it is human to err, but ignorance is unacceptable under any judicial law. ‘Ignorance of the law does not excuse’ or ‘ignorance of the law excuses no one’ is a legal principle holding that a person who is unaware of a law may not escape liability for violating that law merely because he or she was unaware of its content.

In describing the priesthood of our Lord and the tabernacle, the author of the Epistle to the Hebrews mentioned the offering for sins of the people committed in ignorance (Hebrews 9:7). The Books of the Law—the Pentateuch—also mentioned that “if a person sins and does any of the things which the LORD has commanded not to be done, though he was unaware, still he is guilty and shall bear his punishment” (Leviticus 5:17 NAS). This may sound a little harsh and we say we are under grace, but as believers, this is a principle we should abide by and put in practice. Why should others suffer because of our words, action or lack of action? We ought not to put others through unnecessary pain because of our insensitivity and ignorance.

Let us therefore not excuse ourselves for hurting others because of ignorance. Like the woman and her friend who paid the fine despite being unaware of the law, let us find ways to make restitution for causing hurt to others (Luke 19:8-9). We should also come before God to ask for forgiveness and request His mercy, especially for those whom we have hurt and are no longer able to make restitution (Numbers 5:7-8).

Dear Lord, forgive us for the many times we unknowingly hurt others by our speech, action or inaction. Help us not to excuse ourselves from the sins and hurts we committed out of ignorance, Lord, but to find ways to make restitution for the wrong we did to others. For the ones we can no longer contact or are unaware we have hurt them, Lord, in Your mercy and grace, comfort them and heal them of their pain. Renew and sanctify us Lord that we may be more attentive to Your Holy Spirit from now on to be sensitive in whatever we say and do, and do the things we should do to provide care and encouragement.

Amid the Noise

2011-01-07T00:01:00.009+08:00

And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice. (1 Kings 19:12 KJV)

As a writer, I used to take time over the weekends to go away from the city for long nature walks to think and get inspiration from God. Early mornings are always the best times to seek solitude within nature as I calm my inner spirit to heighten my senses in listening, smelling, touching, feeling, and seeing. It is within nature that I rekindle my inner love for writing, the longing inside me that is ever growing in desire to pen down my thoughts to share to the world the greatness of our God and Creator.

Peace and quiet however is hard to come by these days, especially for those of us living in the city. Disturbances and disruptions are a norm in our daily lives. Whether we are at the gardens or parks, the beaches, at work or at other places, noise is always prevalent. We seldom can hear fully what is spoken to us amid surrounding noise.

In communication studies, barriers in communication are referred to as noise. The goal of all communication is to understand the message conveyed. Whatever disrupts the communication process is therefore regarded as noise. Noise is anything that interferes with the understanding of a communication, and it can come from external or internal. If we are conversing with someone while another person near us is talking out loud, the noise disturbance is external. If someone is speaking to us while our minds are miles away, the noise is internal.

Besides external and internal noise, there is a third noise known as semantic noise. Semantic noise is the use of signifiers or references made by the sender which cannot be understood by the receiver. If we tell a non-believer he must be born again to be saved, for example, he is unable to understand what we mean by ‘born again’ until we explain what it is clearly. Such a noise is semantic.

Like the barriers in communication, the Bible also tells of a time when Elijah the prophet was influenced by surrounding noise. While fleeing from Jezebel, Elijah was directed by the LORD to go up to the mountain to stand before Him as He was about to pass by (1 Kings 19:11). A strong wind came by, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind, an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake, a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. All these are just noise. Finally, the LORD spoke to Elijah in a still small voice, and Elijah heard it (1 Kings 19:11-13).

Days or hours before Elijah was able to hear the still small voice, he was not at all calm to hear God on three counts. First, he was praying that he might die (1 Kings 19:4), obviously under the influence of internal noise and lacking inner peace. Second, he was unable to find God within nature because of external noise from the wind, earthquake and fire. Third, he failed to observe how God has been taking care of him or understand God’s message beyond the semantic noise and signifiers that showed so clearly God’s presence with him (1 Kings 19:5-8).

Are we like Elijah surrounded by too much noise that we fail to recognize the presence of God? Are we calm at heart or are we easily influenced by noise? If we are constantly surrounded by disturbances or noise nearly every moment of our lives, it is important that we find peace and quiet amid all the noise. Without a heart of solitude and a calm spirit, we seldom can hear God.

Let us therefore take time to quiet ourselves before the Lord, whether at home in a quiet corner or at a place with scheduled time for no interruption or away from the crowd to a place of solitude. Let us listen carefully to the still small voice and the prompting of the Holy Spirit that we may be refreshed and renewed with heighten sensitivity to the leading of our Lord. Let us rekindle our first love for Jesus.

Calm our spirit Lord that we may enter into Your presence with longing desire in our hearts. Rekindle in us Lord our first love for You that we may once again hear You even amid all the noises of this earth. Refresh and renew us Lord so we may heighten our sensitivity to Your leading that we may also be sensitive to others when leading them to You. Thank You, dear Lord, for caring for us always. We love You and worship You with all our hearts.

Blessed New Year 2011

2011-01-01T00:00:00.003+08:00

Wishing You a Blessed and ...

The LORD bless you, and keep you;
The LORD make His face shine on you,
And be gracious to you;
The LORD lift up His countenance on you,
And give you peace.
(Numbers 6:24-26 NAS)

Misunderstandings

2010-12-31T00:01:00.009+08:00

FOR THE HEART OF THIS PEOPLE HAS BECOME DULL, WITH THEIR EARS THEY SCARCELY HEAR, AND THEY HAVE CLOSED THEIR EYES, OTHERWISE THEY WOULD SEE WITH THEIR EYES, HEAR WITH THEIR EARS, AND UNDERSTAND WITH THEIR HEART AND RETURN, AND I WOULD HEAL THEM (Matthew 13:15 NAS)

Some months ago I was communicating over the phone with an administrative staff of a publisher to request help to correct a typo error made by them in one of my written articles hosted at their web site. The staff explained to me that the person handling the web site is a volunteer, so it may take some time before the error gets corrected. Understanding that, I waited, but after several weeks without any change at the site, I decided to send a follow-up e-mail. The intent was to first apologize for the inconvenience I was causing them, and then provide a step-by-step guide to help the staff easily change the typo error with the web administrator access rights she already has. The e-mail reply from the staff however turned out to be a little hostile, telling me to be patient and to understand the need for time. Obviously, the staff has misunderstood my intent and thought I was chasing her for faster support.

Many of us have experienced being misunderstood. The Bible records many instances when Jesus was misunderstood. Some of these instances include the forgiving of sins (Mark 2:5-7), the dining with tax collectors and sinners (Mark 2:13-17), the healing on Sabbath (Mark 3:4-5), the conversation with a Samaritan woman (John 4:7-9), the destroying and rebuilding of the temple in three days (John 2:19-21), and the fulfilling of the Law rather than abolishing it (Matthew 5:17).

What is the main reason for such misunderstandings? In the case of Jesus, it was because the hearts of His people have become dull. They have ears but they scarcely hear, and have closed their eyes for fear of seeing what they do not want to see or hearing what they do not want to hear (Matthew 13:15). Jesus therefore spoke to them in parables, and to those whose hearts stood steadfast with Him, they were blessed (Matthew 13:16-18).

What about us? Is the reason others are not understanding us because of their lack of sensitivity to what we are saying? Is it because they are reading between lines that they misinterpret our intent? Is it us who have misinterpreted their message or misunderstood how they think of us?

Over sensitivity and reading too deeply between the lines can give rise to misunderstandings and communication breakdowns. If we choose to hear only what we want to hear or tend to misinterpret the implied meanings or intents of other people, we need to re-examine ourselves to see if we are overly or unduly sensitive. Remember, regardless the mode we use to communicate with other people, communication can only be fruitful if the message is interpreted correctly by the receiver.

Let us be like Christ therefore when we communicate with others about Him. If their hearts have become too dull to receive direct preaching or the gospel, let us share with them 'parables' or examples derived from our life stories or anecdotes. When communicating with them, let us always be careful to clarify and verify anything that is unclear that we may not misunderstand or jump into conclusion. If there be anything that interferes with our understanding of a communication, such as presumption, assumption, prejudice, internal or external interruptions or anything else, let us take steps to eliminate them so the message may not be misconstrued or misinterpreted.

Dear Lord, help us to be attentive when communicating with other people that we may not at anytime misinterpret the meaning of the message. Lay hold of our hearts Lord that we may not be over sensitive or read into messages between the lines too deeply what are not really there or implied. Open our eyes and ears Lord that we may see clearly and hear properly the actual message along with its correct intended meaning so we may not jump into conclusion or misconstrue the truth. Forgive us Lord for misunderstanding You and others at times. Give us understanding Lord that our hearts may return to You and be healed.

Merry Christmas 2010

2010-12-25T00:00:00.008+08:00

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given,and the government will be on his shoulders.And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father,Prince of Peace.
(Isaiah 9:6 NIV)

Guide to Right Direction

2010-12-24T00:01:00.008+08:00

Very well then, with foreign lips and strange tongues God will speak to this people, (Isaiah 28:11 NIV)

When my wife and I visited Japan some years ago, we decided to travel around by public transport. Looking through the route signs at the subway station for direction to get to our planned destinations, we discovered none of the signs was written in English. Without a choice, therefore, we approached the station staff to ask for help instead. Conversing with the station staff however was just as difficult because they do not speak or understand the English language. After much struggle speaking to several people, my wife and I finally have a vague idea on the connecting lines we were to take in order to get to where we wanted to go.

Like the barriers we face when communicating in foreign language, the Bible in Isaiah 28 also tells of an occasion when God had to use foreign lips and strange tongues to speak to His people (v11). This was because when God spoke to them to guide them to the resting place and the place of repose, they would not listen (v12). God therefore had no choice but to use a ‘foreign language’ or a different approach to direct them by giving specific instructions. So the word of the LORD to them was, “Do this, do that, a rule for this, a rule for that,” that they may fall backward, be injured, snared and captured (v13).

Such are the ways our Lord can direct us to the right path through difficulties and failures we face in life. For whom the Lord loves, He disciplines, so as to lead us to the way we should go (Hebrews 12:5-7). Falling backward and getting injured help us learn to better understand God’s direction for our lives. If, however, we choose to harbor bitterness and become scoffers instead of learn from our failures (v14), we will not stand (v18), for we would have made a lie our refuge and entered into a covenant with death (v15). Taking refuge living out a lie or living lives with hardened hearts is making falsehood our hiding place (v15). When an overwhelming scourge—such as the problems we face in life—sweeps by, we will be beaten down, and as often as it comes, it will carry us away and sweep us through (v17-19).

Let us therefore not harden our hearts when we face difficulties in life or be conceited like the ones who hoped to build the Tower of Babel to reach the heavens that God had to confuse their language (Genesis 11:4-7). We should instead be thankful the word of God has today been translated in many languages. No longer do we need to face language barriers or struggle to understand vaguely God’s direction for us while traveling this life on earth. The Bible is God’s guidebook for us—a lamp to our feet and a light for our path (Psalm 119:105). Should we therefore not desire God’s guidance from His word and abide by His teachings to live our lives to the fullest for His purpose?

Our God is not One who expects us to follow rules blindly, otherwise He would not have given us the freedom of choice. He is a God who desires to guide us and satisfy our needs, and He will not let us be swept away under the overwhelming scourge of a sun-scorched land. He will strengthen us like a well-watered garden which spring waters never fail (Isaiah 58:11). Let us therefore not neglect to seek God’s guidance at all times and study to learn from God’s word the direction we should take in all we do or plan to do.

Thank You dear Lord for giving us the Bible as a guidebook for living our lives on earth. Forgive us Lord for the times we choose not to follow Your guidance and go our own way, that You have no choice but to discipline us in order to lead us to the right path. We know Lord that many of our difficulties in life are but ways by which You direct us to do what is right. Help us therefore Lord not to harden our hearts to take failures too bitterly, but understand that whom You love, You discipline. Keep us strong Lord and strengthen us that we may not be easily beaten down or carried away whenever a problem comes along.

Warning Signs

2010-12-17T00:01:00.019+08:00

But take heed; behold, I have told you everything in advance. (Mark 13:23 NAS)

The sign states ‘WARNING! Tower of Terror is a free-fall type attraction with sudden high-speed ascents and drops through darkness,’ but I did not heed the advice and went ahead with the ride. The consequence was a once in a lifetime experience—a scare of my life—even though to some people it may be fun. That was years ago when I visited the theme park at Walt Disney World’s Hollywood Studios in Orlando, Florida.

The Tower of Terror is an attraction at the theme park, a thrill ride featuring a visit to a 199 feet tall fictional Hollywood Tower Hotel adapted from the television series ‘The Twilight Zone.’ Upon entering the elevator and going up to the 13th story, a free-fall drop sequence takes place in the dark—with all the guests in it! This drop sequence has changed over the years from one to two drops to a pre-programmed multiple drop sequence, and today randomized drops.

Like the many pre-ride warning signs around the theme parks, the Bible also provides many warning signs of what is to come before our Lord returns. Nation will rise against nation, kingdom against kingdom, and in various places there will be famines and earthquakes (Matthew 24:7). Signs will occur in the sun, moon and stars, and on the earth dismay among nations and perplexity at the roaring of the sea and the waves (Luke 21:25). In the last days, difficult times will come, for people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, irreconcilable, malicious, without self-control, brutal, haters of good, treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure, rather than lovers of God (2 Timothy 3:1-4). False christs and false prophets will arise and will show signs and wonders in order to lead us astray (Mark 13:22).

All these are warning signs, and God has told us everything ahead of time that we may be prepared and on our guard (Mark 13:23). We ought therefore to warn others what is to come that they may not have to face the consequence and experience the eternal scare of their lives—death without Christ. For unlike the drop sequence of the Tower of Terror ride, the drop into the bottomless pit or abyss is eternal, and all who are lost without Christ will perish and suffer the agonizing death in hell forever (Revelation 9:1-2; 20:12-15).

The Bible states very clearly that the end will come when our Lord hands over the kingdom to God the Father, after those who belong to Christ at His coming are raised (1 Corinthians 15:23-24). We should therefore take heed not to ignore the warning signs, for the gospel must first be preached to all the nations before the end will come (Matthew 24:14; Mark 13:10). As children of God, therefore, let us proclaim Christ and unravel the mystery of God’s salvation to the yet unsaved, admonish and teach those who have been saved, that we may present everyone complete in Christ (Colossians 1:26-28).

Thank You dear Lord for letting us know in advance the things that will take place before Your return, so we can be on our guard. We know Lord that difficult times are coming, with wars and famines, earthquakes and tsunamis, people who are self-centered, materialistic and without self-control. Help us Lord to take heed these warning signs, to recognize and understand the need to quicken our efforts in bringing more people into Your kingdom. Guide us Lord as we unravel the mystery of Your salvation to warn the unsaved, admonish and teach the saved, so as to present everyone complete in You.

Non-Verbal Cues Reveal

2010-12-10T00:01:00.011+08:00

And He stretched out His hand and touched him, saying, "I am willing; be cleansed." And immediately the leprosy left him. (Luke 5:13 NAS)

It is no secret that people can detect our attitudes and level of interest on a subject by observing the way we carry ourselves before them. Our smiles and gestures, for example, can show our enthusiasm, while our facial and body expression can show our lack of interest.

Non-verbal communication such as body language can reveal how we think about something or feel towards someone, and sometimes even disclose what is in our hearts. This is why some people are interested in the study of body language—because it helps identify the truth from a lie. We may be able to plan the words we want to say, but we rarely can plan when we blink, smile or use other gestures during conversations. Unlike verbal communication, non-verbal communication is usually done unconsciously.

According to Positive-Way.com, up to 93 percent of communication is non-verbal, and that includes tone of voice, eye movement, posture, hand gestures, facial expressions and more. Staring or gazing at others can create pressure and tension, while maintaining eye contact can reveal whether a person is trustworthy, sincere or caring. Shifty eyes and too much blinking can suggest deception, while people whose eye movements are relaxed and comfortable, yet attentive to the other are regarded as sincere and honest. Vocal cues like tones of voice, volume, emotion, pace and the likes reveal attitudes. Bodily cues, such as hand-to-face gestures or shrugs, are strong markers of possible deception. Hand gestures or signals can communicate without the use of speech. Touch can indicate friendship or aggression, while movement toward or away from someone can convey dominance, assertion or avoidance.

The Gospels mentioned on many occasions how the Lord showed compassion and willingness to heal the sick (Matthew 20:34; Mark 6:34; 8:2). When a leper saw Jesus and fell on his face to implore Him, saying, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean," Jesus stretched out His hand and touched him, saying, “I am willing; be cleansed” (Luke 5:12-13).

This incident reveals something about body language. Although it is not explicitly stated in the Bible any eye contact between Jesus and the leper, it is clear that Jesus must have shown compassion because He willingly stretched out His hand and touched him. The touch of Jesus is of friendship, not dominance, assertion or avoidance. Our Lord’s non-verbal cues—the tone of His voice, the volume, emotion and pace—must have revealed love and compassion and put the leper at ease, without pressure or tension. Similarly, when the leper saw Jesus and fell on his face to implore the Lord, his posture, eye contact, vocal and bodily cues, gesture and facial expression must have revealed his heart.

When we come before the Lord, do we come to Him with a broken and contrite heart or do we carry untruth and insincerity in our hearts (Psalm 34:18; 51:17)? God does not need to see our body language to know our hearts (Psalm 44:21; Jeremiah 17:10), but are we, like Jesus, filled with compassion for others? Are we willing to stretch out our hands to touch those who are in need? Are we showing nonchalance toward people around us?

In whatever we do, therefore, let us do it with sincerity of heart, knowing that from the Lord we will receive our reward (Colossians 3:23-24). Let us not do anything from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than ourselves; not merely looking out for our own interests, but also for the interest of others (Philippians 2:3-4). Unless we do all things from a sincere heart, our body language can give us away and disclose to the world how much we really care.

Dear Lord, forgive us for sometimes doing things without sincerity of heart. We know Lord our hearts can never be hidden from You, and even if we attempt to hide our feelings from others, our body language can reveal much to dishonor Your name. Help us dear Lord to always stay truthful and sincere at heart when doing the things we do, especially while caring for others. Mold us Lord to be more like You that we may with a heart of compassion reach out to others without giving them tension or pressure.

Caring by Phone

2010-12-03T00:01:00.006+08:00

But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; (James 1:19b NAS)

"Technical support, how can I help you?"

"Well, I have a problem using your software," said Mr. Brown in a not so friendly tone. "Every time I access one of my application databases, it would just crash on me."

"Can you tell me what you saw on the screen when that happened? Was there any error message?"

"I don't know!" Mr. Brown exclaimed, sounding angrier than before. "Do you expect me to write down the message with the error codes? I can't even capture the screen because it had already crashed!"

That was the kind of telephone conversations I get frequently while I was still working as a helpdesk technical support staff for a software corporation some years ago. Helpdesk support was not something fun, and I was often stressed. In fact, for a period of time I was near suffering from telephonophobia—the fear of telephones or reluctance to make or take phone calls.

In my case, it was not so serious to the point of failing to respond appropriately in a telephone conversation, but every time when the phone rang, I would get a chill down my spine. Inside of me was an immediate sense of withdrawal, seeking desperately to avoid receiving another telephone call. Sadly, however, that was part and parcel of my job. In effect, it was not actually the job that bothered me. It was the people I spoke to that caused such distress—people who simply refuse to make any effort to understand how things work and prefer to speak harshly. These days, I only make and receive phone calls when necessary, maybe because I am more comfortable texting than speaking on the phone or maybe it is just my tendency as a writer.

As a tool for communication, the telephone is undoubtedly a very useful. How we use such a tool, however, is what really matter. In a helpdesk environment, a telephone answering service can be used to delay customers from getting to a ‘real’ person until he or she has selected multiple number options from the keypad. Such an approach although is effective in filtering who can get support, it can also frustrate the customer because of the time wasted on waiting and the possibility of a dropped line or redirection to a recording. At times, we may also receive calls that we feel is a waste of time, such as telesales and telemarketing calls.

As servants of the Lord, therefore, let us not spend too much time on unfruitful telephone conversations. Instead, let us use this tool for the Lord. Whenever needed, let us not hesitate to pick up the phone to make a call to care for another or take a call to talk to the person who is in need. We can pray and minister to the person over the phone and speak words of care and encouragement or provide spiritual counsel. When on the telephone, let us be good listeners to hear the needs of others and ponder carefully how we should speak to console, give advice or address the need of the other (James 1:19). Rather than be like the customer who is too quick to anger, let us hear carefully what is spoken and clarify if necessary, lest we drift away from our intended purpose and cause a souring of relationship instead.

Just as we make calls to speak to our loved ones when they are away or if they are staying afar, let us do the same for our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ who need encouragement. Let us not neglect to take time to call our friends to catch up and show our care that they may through us desire to draw closer to the Lord and know more of Him.

Dear Lord, thank You for the telephone that enables us to verbally speak and express ourselves to another, even far remote. Help us Lord not to hesitate to use such a tool when the time calls for us to make or take a call in caring and ministering to another. Enable us Lord to be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger. Remind us always Lord, not to waste too much time on unfruitful conversations or drift away from our intended purpose to risk causing the souring of relationships due to careless or thoughtless speech.

Media Influence

2010-11-26T00:01:00.005+08:00

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. (Romans 12:2 NAS)

Media influence and its effects have long been a topic of extensive discussion. While it may be true that much of the information we know today could not have been communicated without the media, many people believe the media can still have negative influence in shaping how we think about certain matters.

According to cultural and media studies expert Colin Mercer, the way people in a society live their lives are shaped by how we as media audiences subject ourselves to governance and meanings constructed within discourses, created through the occasions of reading media texts.¹ This means when we discuss about what we see, hear or read from the media through spoken, print, graphic or electronic communications, we are in effect exposing ourselves to media influence.

Media texts from advertisements, for example, give advertisers the ability to target consumers through text, image, video, animations and other forms of media representations. By repeated showings of such texts, consumers can grow to accept propagandas of what is portrayed as good, acceptable or better than others.

Discourse on crime is another example. Statements such as 'punishment', 'theft' or 'penalty' produce the knowledge of criminals as subjects of deviancy, and we as citizens may see ourselves as different from them because we behave 'normally'. Being 'normal' however is a constructed regime of truth that has been naturalized into habituation and assimilated into social norms. Such differentiations although may seem to be a good way of knowing what is right or wrong, it can also construct what is unacceptable in certain cultures to become acceptable in another.

If a government chooses to regulate the brothels, casinos, clubs and other unhealthy forms of entertainment as legally acceptable, do they automatically become right? If we gamble and drink, is it right or wrong? At which point of addiction are we considered wrong? Is it only when we become violent as a result of these addictions that we are deemed as deviant? Who defines the standard anyway, and who benefits most from such set of rules? Is it the rulers or the citizens? Is it the saints or the sinners?

In the Law of Moses there are many rules, and some of these rules are considered unacceptable today or even quite impossible to adhere, given the freedom we have. Freedom however is a choice, and it can be a bad choice or a good choice. The fact remains unchanged that what may be considered good or bad is relative and subjective, differing in the eyes of men and in the eyes of God.

As believers, we know we have been saved by God’s grace. Does that then mean we should continue in sin that grace may increase (Romans 6:1-2)? Certainly not! Rather, we ought not to be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of our minds that we may prove what the will of God is, which is good, acceptable and perfect (Romans 12:2).

When we read, hear or view media texts, therefore, let us diligently decipher what is being represented, rather than accept it without consideration. We should not be influenced by the media, but should measure what is good or bad according to the standard of God, not men. Only when we are guided by the Holy Spirit and the word of God can we know what is truly right or wrong (Psalm 1:1-2; Proverbs 29:18).

Dear Lord, help us not to be easily taken in to believe whatever is constructed by the media is the truth. Do not let us be influenced by what we see or read to normalize what is unholy as acceptable social norms. Open our eyes Lord that we may not unwittingly classify people by the way we have been taught through the media to differentiate ourselves from them and leave them to die without You as their Lord and Savior. Keep our minds clear Lord and guide us by Your word and Spirit to know what is right and what is not. Renew our minds and transform us that we may prove what Your will is, which is good, acceptable and perfect.

¹ Mercer, C. (1992), 'Regular Imaginings: The Newspaper and the Nation’ in Celebrating the Nation: A Critical Study of Australia's Bicentenary, Bennett, T. et al (eds), Sydney: Allen & Unwin.

Happy Thanksgiving 2010

2010-11-25T00:00:00.008+08:00

in everything give thanks;
for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
(1 Thessalonians 5:18 NAS)