Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. (Matt 20:26-28)
Servanthood is so God's way. Not to Lord it over many. But to be sacrificial, humble and ready to offer service. (Incidentally, when I was in HK, I was struck by how service standards had risen so markedly. Since it was winter sale time, I had a super good time buying a lot of things. Another satisfied customer :)) The sales assistants were attentive, and nothing I asked for seemed to be any trouble at all. They were patient and kind, and proactive in meeting our needs.
On a related matter, I recently read Don Anderson's newsletter from Bible Teaching Ministries on 12 words describing friendship. Many of the qualities here, I believe, also stems from an attitude of servanthood - a willingness to give of ourselves, and serve others with our gifts, time, love and resources.
1. Love
2. Loyalty
3. Availability
4. Communication
5. Comfort
6. Acceptance
7. Appreciation
8. Support
9. Encouragement
10.Respect
11.Defense
12.Family
Prayer today: Father God, pride is so very much the enemy of an attitude of servanthood - both to give help, and to be willing to accept help from others. Grant me the grace to be humble, that I may emulate Jesus, the true servant, and please the heart of my Father in heaven. Amen.
A beautiful, beautiful rendition of the Servant Song by a Filipino acapella group!
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Audience of One
Everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first. (Matt 19:28-30)
I watched the inauguration of Barack Obama on CNN last week. It was awe-inspiring. The millions who crowded in Washington to witness the defining moment saw history in the making. Obama's inauguration speech was oratory at its finest; inspiring and finely delivered. I could see why he would be called a great man, a great leader.
In recent years, many of the leaders of the Wall Street banks would also have been considered great men and leaders - full of acumen, drive, poise - the epitome of success. Many have now fallen from great heights.
Jesus says "But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first." How many obscure people - people who are marginalised, overlooked, sidestepped by society - will inherit places of honour in God's kingdom because of their service and love for Him? How many successful people - those who have arrived, reached the top, earned great fame and fortune - will find themselves least in the kingdom? When God hands out His rewards, there will be a role reversal because God sees not as man sees. And we need to live to an Audience of One.
Prayer today: Father God, I must confess that my values are still so much the world's values. My measure of success, the world's measure of success. Help me O God to renew my mind. To see as you would see. So that at my life's end, I would have lived with no regrets, having spent my life on eternal things, to an Audience of One. In Jesus' name, Amen.
I watched the inauguration of Barack Obama on CNN last week. It was awe-inspiring. The millions who crowded in Washington to witness the defining moment saw history in the making. Obama's inauguration speech was oratory at its finest; inspiring and finely delivered. I could see why he would be called a great man, a great leader.
In recent years, many of the leaders of the Wall Street banks would also have been considered great men and leaders - full of acumen, drive, poise - the epitome of success. Many have now fallen from great heights.
Jesus says "But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first." How many obscure people - people who are marginalised, overlooked, sidestepped by society - will inherit places of honour in God's kingdom because of their service and love for Him? How many successful people - those who have arrived, reached the top, earned great fame and fortune - will find themselves least in the kingdom? When God hands out His rewards, there will be a role reversal because God sees not as man sees. And we need to live to an Audience of One.
Prayer today: Father God, I must confess that my values are still so much the world's values. My measure of success, the world's measure of success. Help me O God to renew my mind. To see as you would see. So that at my life's end, I would have lived with no regrets, having spent my life on eternal things, to an Audience of One. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Enormous injustices and forgiveness
Last night, I decided to re-read 'Biblical Healing and Deliverance' by Chester and Betsy Kylstra. I reached Chapter 2, on forgiveness being the key to healing. In the book, there is a story on how Betsy once ministered to a young lady who had been a victim of incest for 4-5 years. The woman was so hurt, she didn't want to hear anything about forgiveness.
One day, she called Betsy saying she had ulcers that were bleeding, and was in great pain. Betsy began asking the Lord how to minister to her. God said, "Her bitterness has already caused her stomach ulcers. If it goes on, it will destroy her colon and eventually affect a third area of her body. It will then progress into a life-threatening condition." The story ends well because as Betsy shared this with the woman, the woman eventually reached a place of forgiveness and her pain disappeared in that moment.
I must confess that I struggled with this story and the notion of God's fairness. God! She has already suffered greatly in the hands of her brother. Why is it that you would allow this bitterness (which is a natural human reaction under such circumstances)to afflict her body too? I know what God says about forgiveness, I just felt it didn't seem very fair for the price of unforgiveness to be so high for someone who has gone through enormous injustice and pain.
I suppose God must have known because today, He reminded me that all of us have been forgiven much, much more than we can ever imagine. The debt He cancelled is higher than any debt we will ever cancel. The pardon He granted is greater than any pardon we can ever grant. It cost Him his life. So, to what can we compare any enormous injustice that has befallen someone? It would not be as great as the enormous injustice that befell the Lamb of God - "God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." (2 Cor 5:21)
"Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. As he began the settlement, a man who owed him ten thousand talents[b] was brought to him. Since he was not able to pay, the master ordered that he and his wife and his children and all that he had be sold to repay the debt.
"The servant fell on his knees before him. 'Be patient with me,' he begged, 'and I will pay back everything.' The servant's master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go.
"But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii. He grabbed him and began to choke him. 'Pay back what you owe me!' he demanded.
"His fellow servant fell to his knees and begged him, 'Be patient with me, and I will pay you back.'
"But he refused. Instead, he went off and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt. When the other servants saw what had happened, they were greatly distressed and went and told their master everything that had happened.
"Then the master called the servant in. 'You wicked servant,' he said, 'I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. Shouldn't you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?' In anger his master turned him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed.
"This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart." (Matt 18:23-35)
Prayer today: Father God, help me understand that we are a people who have been forgiven much. On that basis, you ask us to forgive others too. It's not always easy, but grant us the grace to obey you from our heart. In Jesus' name, Amen.
One day, she called Betsy saying she had ulcers that were bleeding, and was in great pain. Betsy began asking the Lord how to minister to her. God said, "Her bitterness has already caused her stomach ulcers. If it goes on, it will destroy her colon and eventually affect a third area of her body. It will then progress into a life-threatening condition." The story ends well because as Betsy shared this with the woman, the woman eventually reached a place of forgiveness and her pain disappeared in that moment.
I must confess that I struggled with this story and the notion of God's fairness. God! She has already suffered greatly in the hands of her brother. Why is it that you would allow this bitterness (which is a natural human reaction under such circumstances)to afflict her body too? I know what God says about forgiveness, I just felt it didn't seem very fair for the price of unforgiveness to be so high for someone who has gone through enormous injustice and pain.
I suppose God must have known because today, He reminded me that all of us have been forgiven much, much more than we can ever imagine. The debt He cancelled is higher than any debt we will ever cancel. The pardon He granted is greater than any pardon we can ever grant. It cost Him his life. So, to what can we compare any enormous injustice that has befallen someone? It would not be as great as the enormous injustice that befell the Lamb of God - "God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." (2 Cor 5:21)
"Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. As he began the settlement, a man who owed him ten thousand talents[b] was brought to him. Since he was not able to pay, the master ordered that he and his wife and his children and all that he had be sold to repay the debt.
"The servant fell on his knees before him. 'Be patient with me,' he begged, 'and I will pay back everything.' The servant's master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go.
"But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii. He grabbed him and began to choke him. 'Pay back what you owe me!' he demanded.
"His fellow servant fell to his knees and begged him, 'Be patient with me, and I will pay you back.'
"But he refused. Instead, he went off and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt. When the other servants saw what had happened, they were greatly distressed and went and told their master everything that had happened.
"Then the master called the servant in. 'You wicked servant,' he said, 'I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. Shouldn't you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?' In anger his master turned him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed.
"This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart." (Matt 18:23-35)
Prayer today: Father God, help me understand that we are a people who have been forgiven much. On that basis, you ask us to forgive others too. It's not always easy, but grant us the grace to obey you from our heart. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Power of agreement
So Joshua fought the Amalekites as Moses had ordered, and Moses, Aaron and Hur went to the top of the hill. As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning. (Ex 17:10)
Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.(Matt 8:19)
Five of you will chase a hundred, and a hundred of you will chase ten thousand, and your enemies will fall before you by the sword. (Lev 26:8)
On New Year's Day, I joined a worship/prayer watch group led by Pastor Yang Tuck Yoong of Cornerstone Community Church. From the 30th floor of High Street Centre, we prayed and worshipped from 10pm to midnight for God to bless the nation of Singapore in 2009. It was a blessed time! We were community.
It's interesting to note that while we can pray alone (and Jesus often retreated on his own to the mountains to talk to his Father), there is great power in agreement. Interestingly, the battle against the Amalekites was won and lost on the top of the hill, through an act of faith and the joint effort of three men, Moses, Aaron and Hur. Jesus says where two or three are gathered in His name, there He is in the midst of them. Five will chase a hundred, but a hundred will chase ten thousand.
Prayer today: Father, you call us to be part of a church community, because there is power in agreement, and it is blessed when others lift us up in our weakness. Thank you Father for the prayer team and its members, and continue to bless us in the ministry. We need your leadership, counsel, guidance, wisdom and protection O God. May we be united in you, Jesus. Amen.
ps. Two more names of God - The Lord my Banner (Ex 17:15), and The Lord my Healer(Ex 15:26)
Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.(Matt 8:19)
Five of you will chase a hundred, and a hundred of you will chase ten thousand, and your enemies will fall before you by the sword. (Lev 26:8)
On New Year's Day, I joined a worship/prayer watch group led by Pastor Yang Tuck Yoong of Cornerstone Community Church. From the 30th floor of High Street Centre, we prayed and worshipped from 10pm to midnight for God to bless the nation of Singapore in 2009. It was a blessed time! We were community.
It's interesting to note that while we can pray alone (and Jesus often retreated on his own to the mountains to talk to his Father), there is great power in agreement. Interestingly, the battle against the Amalekites was won and lost on the top of the hill, through an act of faith and the joint effort of three men, Moses, Aaron and Hur. Jesus says where two or three are gathered in His name, there He is in the midst of them. Five will chase a hundred, but a hundred will chase ten thousand.
Prayer today: Father, you call us to be part of a church community, because there is power in agreement, and it is blessed when others lift us up in our weakness. Thank you Father for the prayer team and its members, and continue to bless us in the ministry. We need your leadership, counsel, guidance, wisdom and protection O God. May we be united in you, Jesus. Amen.
ps. Two more names of God - The Lord my Banner (Ex 17:15), and The Lord my Healer(Ex 15:26)
Monday, January 26, 2009
I will be with you
But Moses said to God, "Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?" 12 And God said, "I will be with you." (Ex 3:11-12)
God calls Moses to a seemingly enormous task. One too big for Moses. Moses rightly asks who is he that he should undertake the assignment. God's reply is simply, "I will be with you."
In my own life, there are many times when God calls me to do something 'big' (to my fear-stricken heart, it's big anyway). Halfway through the assignment, I usually get stricken by thoughts of inadequacy, fear and the notion that "God, I'm in way over my head here." Then I struggle with doubts over whether God is greater than the enemy, and I'm sure the enemy is glad to keep me there. This is why one of my resolutions this year is to simply know God better - not to learn more doctrine, or theology - just to know God better, per Tozer's advice below.
A.W Tozer writes, "When I think of the angels who veil their faces before the God who cannot lie, I wonder why every preacher in North America does not begin preaching about God - and nothing else. What would happen if every preacher just preached about the person and character of God for an entire year - who He is, His attributes, His perfection, His being, the kind of God He is, and why we love Him and why we trust Him? I tell you, God would soon fill the whole horizon, the entire world. Faith would spring up like grass, by the water courses. Then let a man get up and preach the promises of God, and the whole congregation would join in chorus "We can claim the promises, look who made them!" This is the confidence, this is the boldness.
When God calls us to do something we cannot do in our own strength, His only assurance is "I will be with you." What a great assurance - if only we knew how BIG, how POWERFUL, how FAITHFUL is our God, who cannot fail.
Prayer today: O God, I want to grasp fully just how great is the assurance contained in those five simple words "I will be with you." Help me know you so intimately that I will not fear even in the face of insurmountable odds, because then I will be able to say, "I know whom I have believed!" In Jesus' name, Amen.
God calls Moses to a seemingly enormous task. One too big for Moses. Moses rightly asks who is he that he should undertake the assignment. God's reply is simply, "I will be with you."
In my own life, there are many times when God calls me to do something 'big' (to my fear-stricken heart, it's big anyway). Halfway through the assignment, I usually get stricken by thoughts of inadequacy, fear and the notion that "God, I'm in way over my head here." Then I struggle with doubts over whether God is greater than the enemy, and I'm sure the enemy is glad to keep me there. This is why one of my resolutions this year is to simply know God better - not to learn more doctrine, or theology - just to know God better, per Tozer's advice below.
A.W Tozer writes, "When I think of the angels who veil their faces before the God who cannot lie, I wonder why every preacher in North America does not begin preaching about God - and nothing else. What would happen if every preacher just preached about the person and character of God for an entire year - who He is, His attributes, His perfection, His being, the kind of God He is, and why we love Him and why we trust Him? I tell you, God would soon fill the whole horizon, the entire world. Faith would spring up like grass, by the water courses. Then let a man get up and preach the promises of God, and the whole congregation would join in chorus "We can claim the promises, look who made them!" This is the confidence, this is the boldness.
When God calls us to do something we cannot do in our own strength, His only assurance is "I will be with you." What a great assurance - if only we knew how BIG, how POWERFUL, how FAITHFUL is our God, who cannot fail.
Prayer today: O God, I want to grasp fully just how great is the assurance contained in those five simple words "I will be with you." Help me know you so intimately that I will not fear even in the face of insurmountable odds, because then I will be able to say, "I know whom I have believed!" In Jesus' name, Amen.
One + God is a majority
13 Moses answered the people, "Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. 14 The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still." (Exodus 14:13-14)
Tonight the thought occurred to me, God has poured out so much grace to me. So much grace. Everything good in my life, God has initiated:
1. He initiated my salvation - the greatest gift of all. Praise God.
2. He initiates my sanctification. "The Lord disciplines those He loves." (Heb 12:6) God has lovingly reproved me when I haven't even known I was sinning against Him with my heart attitude. But I would have it no other way. This too, is a sign of His love toward me.
3. He initiates the inner healing that has taken place in my life; uncovering the areas He wants to deal with so I can be set free. Everything is in His perfect timing. He leads us step by step - "The LORD your God will drive out those nations before you, little by little." (Deut 7:22)
If God is the great initiator, I can totally believe He is also the great deliverer. "The Lord will fight for you; you need only to stand still." We need only to call upon Abba Father to help us.
Prayer today: At the end of the day, Father, everything we are, everything we have, every good gift we own originates from you because you initiated it all. I thank you Father, because you are active in our lives, to do us good and to bless us. Even in the day of battle, you will intervene on our behalf. You say, "Call on me in the day of trouble. I will deliver you, and you will honor me." (Psalms 50:15) With such a great God in our lives, what is there to fear. Hallelujah. Amen.
Tonight the thought occurred to me, God has poured out so much grace to me. So much grace. Everything good in my life, God has initiated:
1. He initiated my salvation - the greatest gift of all. Praise God.
2. He initiates my sanctification. "The Lord disciplines those He loves." (Heb 12:6) God has lovingly reproved me when I haven't even known I was sinning against Him with my heart attitude. But I would have it no other way. This too, is a sign of His love toward me.
3. He initiates the inner healing that has taken place in my life; uncovering the areas He wants to deal with so I can be set free. Everything is in His perfect timing. He leads us step by step - "The LORD your God will drive out those nations before you, little by little." (Deut 7:22)
If God is the great initiator, I can totally believe He is also the great deliverer. "The Lord will fight for you; you need only to stand still." We need only to call upon Abba Father to help us.
Prayer today: At the end of the day, Father, everything we are, everything we have, every good gift we own originates from you because you initiated it all. I thank you Father, because you are active in our lives, to do us good and to bless us. Even in the day of battle, you will intervene on our behalf. You say, "Call on me in the day of trouble. I will deliver you, and you will honor me." (Psalms 50:15) With such a great God in our lives, what is there to fear. Hallelujah. Amen.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Worry - a health warning
You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving. 15For this people's heart has become calloused. (Matt 13:14-15)
The one who received the seed that fell among the thorns is the man who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke it, making it unfruitful. (Matt 13:22)
There is a saying, that for praying people, there are good days and bad days. On bad days, the ceiling seems to be made of brass, and our prayers don't penetrate beyond. That, of course, is perception - totally untrue of course, as if God doesn't hear us whereever we are. "Before a word is on my tongue, you know it completely Oh Lord." (Psalm 139) On the flipside, there must be days when God probably thinks our hearts are like brass - where nothing penetrates it, because as He says, our hearts have become 'calloused'. It's interesting how the 'worries of this life, and the deceitness of wealth' can conspire to cause our hearts to be hardened. So when Jesus says, 'Do not worry about tomorrow', or to the church of Laodicea, 'You say, 'I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.' But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked', He means serious business. I have always known that worry, stress and anxiety are bad for physical health. They are bad for spiritual health too.
Prayer today: Father God, for a worrywart like me, it's hard not to be anxious about many things. But you say this worry chokes the hearing of the word. Help me O God, to cast all my cares upon you, to be at rest, that your word may take root in the good soil of my heart. I want to care about the things that matter, the things that have eternal value. I want to be tenderhearted toward you. In Jesus name, Amen.
ps. Off to HK tomorrow, back in a week's time. Happy Chinese New Year everyone!
The one who received the seed that fell among the thorns is the man who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke it, making it unfruitful. (Matt 13:22)
There is a saying, that for praying people, there are good days and bad days. On bad days, the ceiling seems to be made of brass, and our prayers don't penetrate beyond. That, of course, is perception - totally untrue of course, as if God doesn't hear us whereever we are. "Before a word is on my tongue, you know it completely Oh Lord." (Psalm 139) On the flipside, there must be days when God probably thinks our hearts are like brass - where nothing penetrates it, because as He says, our hearts have become 'calloused'. It's interesting how the 'worries of this life, and the deceitness of wealth' can conspire to cause our hearts to be hardened. So when Jesus says, 'Do not worry about tomorrow', or to the church of Laodicea, 'You say, 'I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.' But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked', He means serious business. I have always known that worry, stress and anxiety are bad for physical health. They are bad for spiritual health too.
Prayer today: Father God, for a worrywart like me, it's hard not to be anxious about many things. But you say this worry chokes the hearing of the word. Help me O God, to cast all my cares upon you, to be at rest, that your word may take root in the good soil of my heart. I want to care about the things that matter, the things that have eternal value. I want to be tenderhearted toward you. In Jesus name, Amen.
ps. Off to HK tomorrow, back in a week's time. Happy Chinese New Year everyone!
Sunday, January 18, 2009
The Hand of God in every situation
"I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt! 5 And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you." (Gen 45:4-5)
Joseph sees the hand of God in all of his life, the good and the bad. He doesn't attribute the events to some cosmic accident or chance. Everything that happens to us is planned and orchestrated by God. The difficulty for us, believers, comes when hard times come upon us. It gets even tougher if we are praying people - because then the chances are that we believe God is totally able to deliver us from our circumstances.
So, if he allows trouble in our lives, and delays in intervening on our behalf, what then shall we say?
For Job, when he was plagued by many troubles and his wife said to him 'Curse God and die!", he replied, "You are talking like a foolish woman. Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?" (Job 2:10)
And Jesus said in Matthew,"Blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me." (Matt 11:6). Joseph knew, before his life's end, why God had to bring him low to elevate him. For those of us, who have no answers, Jesus says don't get offended anyway. We need to hold fast to our understanding that God is light; In Him is no darkness. And that nothing can ever separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Prayer today: Lord Jesus, when things don't go my way, help me not to be offended by you. Or to lose heart. Grant me the grace to hold fast to you, trusting that you will work all things out for the good of us who love you. O God, please hold fast to me. May you never let my heart grow cold; never let me go. Amen.
Joseph sees the hand of God in all of his life, the good and the bad. He doesn't attribute the events to some cosmic accident or chance. Everything that happens to us is planned and orchestrated by God. The difficulty for us, believers, comes when hard times come upon us. It gets even tougher if we are praying people - because then the chances are that we believe God is totally able to deliver us from our circumstances.
So, if he allows trouble in our lives, and delays in intervening on our behalf, what then shall we say?
For Job, when he was plagued by many troubles and his wife said to him 'Curse God and die!", he replied, "You are talking like a foolish woman. Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?" (Job 2:10)
And Jesus said in Matthew,"Blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me." (Matt 11:6). Joseph knew, before his life's end, why God had to bring him low to elevate him. For those of us, who have no answers, Jesus says don't get offended anyway. We need to hold fast to our understanding that God is light; In Him is no darkness. And that nothing can ever separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Prayer today: Lord Jesus, when things don't go my way, help me not to be offended by you. Or to lose heart. Grant me the grace to hold fast to you, trusting that you will work all things out for the good of us who love you. O God, please hold fast to me. May you never let my heart grow cold; never let me go. Amen.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
The hesed of God
"A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out." (Matt 12:20)
Jesus is all about kindness and mercy. "A broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise." (Psalm 51:17) When we feel we cannot go a step further, He lifts us.
Sometime back, I started a study on the lovingkindness, the hesed of God, and it filled my heart with wonder. (Hesed: "the consistent, ever-faithful, relentless, constantly-pursuing, lavish, extravagant, unrestrained, furious love of our Father God!") I have only skirted the surface of this study, and could perhaps never truly plump the depths of this attribute of God.
"Let him who boasts boast of this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD who exercises lovingkindness (hesed), justice and righteousness on earth; for I delight in these things," declares the LORD. (Jeremiah 9:24)
God is righteous and He is merciful. He is insistent on holiness, but He is even more intent on showing mercy. When God describes Himself, He mentions lovingkindness ahead of justice and righteousness. For sinful men like us, what blessedness!
Prayer today: Father God, I praise and thank you for the hesed that you show towards me. How blessed am I to live under your lovingkindness. Help me to understand and know you as you really are. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Jesus is all about kindness and mercy. "A broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise." (Psalm 51:17) When we feel we cannot go a step further, He lifts us.
Sometime back, I started a study on the lovingkindness, the hesed of God, and it filled my heart with wonder. (Hesed: "the consistent, ever-faithful, relentless, constantly-pursuing, lavish, extravagant, unrestrained, furious love of our Father God!") I have only skirted the surface of this study, and could perhaps never truly plump the depths of this attribute of God.
"Let him who boasts boast of this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD who exercises lovingkindness (hesed), justice and righteousness on earth; for I delight in these things," declares the LORD. (Jeremiah 9:24)
God is righteous and He is merciful. He is insistent on holiness, but He is even more intent on showing mercy. When God describes Himself, He mentions lovingkindness ahead of justice and righteousness. For sinful men like us, what blessedness!
Prayer today: Father God, I praise and thank you for the hesed that you show towards me. How blessed am I to live under your lovingkindness. Help me to understand and know you as you really are. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Friday, January 16, 2009
To be like Jesus
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." (Matt 11:28)
This jumped out at me for the first time today - in Jesus' first description of his own personality traits, he used two words - gentle and humble in heart. No wonder God loves humility and hates pride so much ... humility is just so much like Jesus!
"God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble."(James 4:6)
He has showed you, O man, what is good.
And what does the LORD require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly with your God. (Micah 6:8)
There are six things the LORD hates,
seven that are detestable to him:
haughty eyes,
a lying tongue,
hands that shed innocent blood,
a heart that devises wicked schemes,
feet that are quick to rush into evil,
a false witness who pours out lies
and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers. (Proverbs 6:16-19)
In December 2007, I started to study the book of Hebrews by iistening to online sermons by Don Anderson (he is such a good teacher!); and it struck me acutely in my heart that when we are saved, we are God's children. It made me want to embark on a study of what Abba Father and the Lord Jesus are like; their character traits, and what they like and dislike ... since children emulate their parents.
Prayer today: Father God, thank you for the privilege of being your child. Help me, O God, to be more like Christ; and grant me the grace that I may act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with you. In Jesus' mighty name, Amen.
This jumped out at me for the first time today - in Jesus' first description of his own personality traits, he used two words - gentle and humble in heart. No wonder God loves humility and hates pride so much ... humility is just so much like Jesus!
"God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble."(James 4:6)
He has showed you, O man, what is good.
And what does the LORD require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly with your God. (Micah 6:8)
There are six things the LORD hates,
seven that are detestable to him:
haughty eyes,
a lying tongue,
hands that shed innocent blood,
a heart that devises wicked schemes,
feet that are quick to rush into evil,
a false witness who pours out lies
and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers. (Proverbs 6:16-19)
In December 2007, I started to study the book of Hebrews by iistening to online sermons by Don Anderson (he is such a good teacher!); and it struck me acutely in my heart that when we are saved, we are God's children. It made me want to embark on a study of what Abba Father and the Lord Jesus are like; their character traits, and what they like and dislike ... since children emulate their parents.
Prayer today: Father God, thank you for the privilege of being your child. Help me, O God, to be more like Christ; and grant me the grace that I may act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with you. In Jesus' mighty name, Amen.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
The paradox of being both shrewd and innocent
I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. (Matt 10:16)
Because their sister Dinah had been defiled, Jacob's sons replied deceitfully as they spoke to Shechem and his father Hamor.(Gen 34:13)
Jesus said to his disciples, Be Shrewd as snakes, innocent as doves. What a profound statement. What a paradox. How can we be shrewd yet innocent? Jacob's sons probably thought they were being shrewd when they tricked Shechem and his father Hamor, and eventually massacred the men in the whole town. But that was not right in God's sight. Be shrewd as snakes... I believe God calls us to discern, to strategise, to outwit the enemy. After all, He is the master strategist, the author of redemption's story. But to be innocent as doves... to be holy, upright, with clean hands and a pure heart. Possible? Only through godly wisdom, I think! Which thank God, he says if anyone lacks, he should ask for (James 1:5)
Prayer today: Father God, I don't think I know what it means really, to be shrewd and innocent at the same time. I ask for your godly wisdom, that I may learn this truth from you. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Because their sister Dinah had been defiled, Jacob's sons replied deceitfully as they spoke to Shechem and his father Hamor.(Gen 34:13)
Jesus said to his disciples, Be Shrewd as snakes, innocent as doves. What a profound statement. What a paradox. How can we be shrewd yet innocent? Jacob's sons probably thought they were being shrewd when they tricked Shechem and his father Hamor, and eventually massacred the men in the whole town. But that was not right in God's sight. Be shrewd as snakes... I believe God calls us to discern, to strategise, to outwit the enemy. After all, He is the master strategist, the author of redemption's story. But to be innocent as doves... to be holy, upright, with clean hands and a pure heart. Possible? Only through godly wisdom, I think! Which thank God, he says if anyone lacks, he should ask for (James 1:5)
Prayer today: Father God, I don't think I know what it means really, to be shrewd and innocent at the same time. I ask for your godly wisdom, that I may learn this truth from you. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Even when we think we lose, we win!
"You know that I've worked for your father with all my strength, 7 yet your father has cheated me by changing my wages ten times. However, God has not allowed him to harm me. 8 If he said, 'The speckled ones will be your wages,' then all the flocks gave birth to speckled young; and if he said, 'The streaked ones will be your wages,' then all the flocks bore streaked young. 9 So God has taken away your father's livestock and has given them to me." (Gen 31:6-9)
Laban keeps trying to shortchange Jacob. But all his plans keep being thwarted by God, because God is on Jacob's side. Truly, "If God is for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31). Jacob doesn't even need to strive against his enemy. God fights for him, and overturns Laban's best-laid plans. Even when we think we lose, WE WIN!
Prayer today: Father God, I am reminded of how Satan tried to cause Job's faith to fail. But you kept Job in the faith, and ultimately, blessed him with more than he had in the beginning. When Jesus died, it seemed for a while that all was lost. But that was the final victory. When the enemy comes in like a flood, The Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against him. (Isaiah 59:19) Father, I rest secure in your love for me, and your promise to defend and vindicate those who are yours. Amen.
Laban keeps trying to shortchange Jacob. But all his plans keep being thwarted by God, because God is on Jacob's side. Truly, "If God is for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31). Jacob doesn't even need to strive against his enemy. God fights for him, and overturns Laban's best-laid plans. Even when we think we lose, WE WIN!
Prayer today: Father God, I am reminded of how Satan tried to cause Job's faith to fail. But you kept Job in the faith, and ultimately, blessed him with more than he had in the beginning. When Jesus died, it seemed for a while that all was lost. But that was the final victory. When the enemy comes in like a flood, The Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against him. (Isaiah 59:19) Father, I rest secure in your love for me, and your promise to defend and vindicate those who are yours. Amen.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Redemption's story
"For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners." (Matt 9:13)
It's crossed my mind: can someone so cross the line as to be beyond redemption? You know... the point of no return. My conclusion was no, because for a truly repentent sinner, no matter how vile, Jesus' blood, shed on Calvary, is enough. It was a 'once for all' sacrifice, and He is the only high priest ever to sit in the tabernacle, because the work is done. Boy, am I glad that Jesus did not come to call the righteous, but sinners. "Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool." (Isaiah 1:18)
Prayer today: "Holy, Holy, is what the angels sing; And I expect to help them make the courts of heaven ring. But when I sing redemption’s story, they will fold their wings. For angels never felt the joy that our salvation brings." Thank you Lord Jesus for shedding your blood on Calvary to save sinners like me. Help me to grasp the greatness of your love, and to respond in love to you. Amen.
It's crossed my mind: can someone so cross the line as to be beyond redemption? You know... the point of no return. My conclusion was no, because for a truly repentent sinner, no matter how vile, Jesus' blood, shed on Calvary, is enough. It was a 'once for all' sacrifice, and He is the only high priest ever to sit in the tabernacle, because the work is done. Boy, am I glad that Jesus did not come to call the righteous, but sinners. "Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool." (Isaiah 1:18)
Prayer today: "Holy, Holy, is what the angels sing; And I expect to help them make the courts of heaven ring. But when I sing redemption’s story, they will fold their wings. For angels never felt the joy that our salvation brings." Thank you Lord Jesus for shedding your blood on Calvary to save sinners like me. Help me to grasp the greatness of your love, and to respond in love to you. Amen.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
I will watch over you wherever you go
"I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you."(Gen 28:15)
God watches us wherever we go. In Psalms 121, it says "He will not let your foot slip - He who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, He who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep." In Psalm 32, he says "I will counsel you and watch over you."
And one of my favourite verses is 2 Chron 16:9 "For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect towards him."
God not only sends His angels to protect us, He himself watches over us, and we are under His special care.
Prayer today: Father God, you are a God who neither slumbers nor sleeps, and you watch over me intently. So I rest safe in the knowledge that nothing happens to me except by your design, for my good and your glory. Help me rest in thee alone. In Jesus' name, Amen.
God watches us wherever we go. In Psalms 121, it says "He will not let your foot slip - He who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, He who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep." In Psalm 32, he says "I will counsel you and watch over you."
And one of my favourite verses is 2 Chron 16:9 "For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect towards him."
God not only sends His angels to protect us, He himself watches over us, and we are under His special care.
Prayer today: Father God, you are a God who neither slumbers nor sleeps, and you watch over me intently. So I rest safe in the knowledge that nothing happens to me except by your design, for my good and your glory. Help me rest in thee alone. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Testifying to God with our lives
They answered, "We saw clearly that the LORD was with you." (Gen 26:28)
And the Lord was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian. And his master saw that the Lord was with him, and that the Lord made all that he did to prosper in his hand. (Gen 39:2-3)
"The LORD was with him, and Hezekiah was successful in everything he did." (2 Kings 18:7)
The Lord was with Him. This was true of Isaac, Joseph and Hezekiah and they prospered and were successful. Moses said to God: "If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here." (Ex 33:15). Today, God is with us all the time through the Holy Spirit, with whom we have been sealed.
But what intrigues me is what Abimelech's servants said to Isaac, "We SAW CLEARLY that the Lord was with you." God's presence was so real in Isaac's life, that even the pagans around him could recognise it. I, too, want to be like Isaac, Joseph and Hezekiah, for whom it was said, "The Lord was with him."
Prayer today: Lord Jesus, we can testify to you through our lives. I want to testify to you through my life, so that those around me will say "We saw clearly that the Lord was with you". I want to be a signpost to you. I want those around me to recognise that there is something different about the way I lead my life, and ask, Why?, that you may be glorified. Help me, Lord, not to fear standing out in this way; that I may like a thermostat not a thermometer. In Jesus' name, Amen.
And the Lord was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian. And his master saw that the Lord was with him, and that the Lord made all that he did to prosper in his hand. (Gen 39:2-3)
"The LORD was with him, and Hezekiah was successful in everything he did." (2 Kings 18:7)
The Lord was with Him. This was true of Isaac, Joseph and Hezekiah and they prospered and were successful. Moses said to God: "If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here." (Ex 33:15). Today, God is with us all the time through the Holy Spirit, with whom we have been sealed.
But what intrigues me is what Abimelech's servants said to Isaac, "We SAW CLEARLY that the Lord was with you." God's presence was so real in Isaac's life, that even the pagans around him could recognise it. I, too, want to be like Isaac, Joseph and Hezekiah, for whom it was said, "The Lord was with him."
Prayer today: Lord Jesus, we can testify to you through our lives. I want to testify to you through my life, so that those around me will say "We saw clearly that the Lord was with you". I want to be a signpost to you. I want those around me to recognise that there is something different about the way I lead my life, and ask, Why?, that you may be glorified. Help me, Lord, not to fear standing out in this way; that I may like a thermostat not a thermometer. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Friday, January 9, 2009
Rest, not stress
Then he prayed, "O LORD, God of my master Abraham, give me success today, and show kindness to my master Abraham." (Gen 24:12)
Then the man bowed down and worshiped the LORD, 27 saying, "Praise be to the LORD, the God of my master Abraham, who has not abandoned his kindness and faithfulness to my master. As for me, the LORD has led me on the journey to the house of my master's relatives." (Gen 24:26-27)
"Be strong and courageous, be not afraid nor dismayed for the king of Assyria, nor for all the multitude that is with him: for there be more with us than with him:
With him is an arm of a flesh; but with us is the Lord our God to help us, and to fight our battles. And the people rested themselves." (2 Chron 32:7-8)
"Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the Lord our God." (Psalm 20:7)
"Cursed be the man that trusts in man, and makes flesh his arm, and whose heart departs from the Lord." (Jer 17:5)
I started the new year feeling stressed. At work, with the new year invariably comes reflection - what did we do well last year, what could we have done better. With the new year invariably comes new targets: how can we stretch ourselves and achieve more. My philosophy has always been for people in the workplace (or anywhere else for that matter) to play to their strengths. Harness your strengths, increase your chances of success. It's commonsensical, and I believe God gives us distinct talents so we can leverage on them. But Abraham's servant reminds me that ultimately it is not our innate abilities, or the arm of the flesh, that gives us good success. God is the one who gives us good success. Before he sets out on his journey to find a wife for Isaac, He prays to God for grace to succeed. And when God grants Him success, he praises God. Prayer and praise: an example to follow.
Prayer today: Father God, I thank you for the talents you have given me, and the work you've blessed me with. Please grant me the grace to look to you, and not the arm of my flesh, for success. May I commit everything I do into your hands, and leave the result to you. In place of stress, Father, I ask for your peace and rest. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Then the man bowed down and worshiped the LORD, 27 saying, "Praise be to the LORD, the God of my master Abraham, who has not abandoned his kindness and faithfulness to my master. As for me, the LORD has led me on the journey to the house of my master's relatives." (Gen 24:26-27)
"Be strong and courageous, be not afraid nor dismayed for the king of Assyria, nor for all the multitude that is with him: for there be more with us than with him:
With him is an arm of a flesh; but with us is the Lord our God to help us, and to fight our battles. And the people rested themselves." (2 Chron 32:7-8)
"Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the Lord our God." (Psalm 20:7)
"Cursed be the man that trusts in man, and makes flesh his arm, and whose heart departs from the Lord." (Jer 17:5)
I started the new year feeling stressed. At work, with the new year invariably comes reflection - what did we do well last year, what could we have done better. With the new year invariably comes new targets: how can we stretch ourselves and achieve more. My philosophy has always been for people in the workplace (or anywhere else for that matter) to play to their strengths. Harness your strengths, increase your chances of success. It's commonsensical, and I believe God gives us distinct talents so we can leverage on them. But Abraham's servant reminds me that ultimately it is not our innate abilities, or the arm of the flesh, that gives us good success. God is the one who gives us good success. Before he sets out on his journey to find a wife for Isaac, He prays to God for grace to succeed. And when God grants Him success, he praises God. Prayer and praise: an example to follow.
Prayer today: Father God, I thank you for the talents you have given me, and the work you've blessed me with. Please grant me the grace to look to you, and not the arm of my flesh, for success. May I commit everything I do into your hands, and leave the result to you. In place of stress, Father, I ask for your peace and rest. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Two risk-reward profiles
"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal." (Matt 6:19-21)
"No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money." (Matt 6:24)
"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."(Matt 6:33)
"How long will you waver between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him." But the people said nothing. (1 Kings 18:21)
God forces us to make choices. Just like He forced the Israelites to choose between Him and the idols of the day, he forces us to make a choice between worshipping Him and pursuing money.
I have rarely seen such a categorical pronouncement: You CANNOT serve God and Money.
God gives us two distinct investment choices. And their risk-reward profiles.
If we serve Him, we are blessed first and foremost with spiritual treasures, but also physical blessings...a double return. There is no risk. No fluctuating returns. No fear that the investment will become zero.
If we serve Money, there is no guarantee of return. Our investment may become zero.
So why do I waver? Why do I still want to have my cake and eat it? Why am I hedging my bets? In the financial world, I guess it's because we have been taught not to put all our eggs in one basket.
But that is because we can never be sure which investment will succeed and which will fail.
Prayer today: Father God, the world's way is to hedge, to stash away a little here, a little there. I, too, am guilty of this; guilty of wavering between two opinions, two masters. Please help me to put my trust in you. I want to be fully confident in you, so I can be single-minded in seeking first the kingdom of God and its righteousness. For you cannot fail, and your promises cannot be reneged upon. Amen.
"No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money." (Matt 6:24)
"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."(Matt 6:33)
"How long will you waver between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him." But the people said nothing. (1 Kings 18:21)
God forces us to make choices. Just like He forced the Israelites to choose between Him and the idols of the day, he forces us to make a choice between worshipping Him and pursuing money.
I have rarely seen such a categorical pronouncement: You CANNOT serve God and Money.
God gives us two distinct investment choices. And their risk-reward profiles.
If we serve Him, we are blessed first and foremost with spiritual treasures, but also physical blessings...a double return. There is no risk. No fluctuating returns. No fear that the investment will become zero.
If we serve Money, there is no guarantee of return. Our investment may become zero.
So why do I waver? Why do I still want to have my cake and eat it? Why am I hedging my bets? In the financial world, I guess it's because we have been taught not to put all our eggs in one basket.
But that is because we can never be sure which investment will succeed and which will fail.
Prayer today: Father God, the world's way is to hedge, to stash away a little here, a little there. I, too, am guilty of this; guilty of wavering between two opinions, two masters. Please help me to put my trust in you. I want to be fully confident in you, so I can be single-minded in seeking first the kingdom of God and its righteousness. For you cannot fail, and your promises cannot be reneged upon. Amen.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Angels
With the coming of dawn, the angels urged Lot, saying, "Hurry! Take your wife and your two daughters who are here, or you will be swept away when the city is punished. When he hesitated, the men grasped his hand and the hands of his wife and of his two daughters and led them safely out of the city, for the LORD was merciful to them. (Gen 19:15-16)
When the Bible mentions angels, they are pretty awesome creatures. The good angels help us. When Sennacherib threatened to invade Judah, Hezekiah prayed, and "the angel of the Lord went out and struck down 185,000 in the camp of the Assyrians" (2 Kings 19:35) When Elijah was fleeing from Jezebel and burnt out, an angel fed him cake and water (1 Kings 19:5). When the king of Syria wanted to put Elisha to death, God surrounded Elisha with horses and chariots of fire (2 Kings 6:15-17). When Daniel was thrown into the lion's den, God sent an angel to close the mouth of the lions(Dan 6:22). When Peter was in prison, and the saints interceded, an angel supernaturally unlocked all the prison doors and led him out (Acts 12:7).
The Bible says: "Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation? (Heb 1:14)" This just takes my breath away. God's holy angels, these awesome, magnificent creatures, serve us. Who am I, really, that they should serve me? God REALLY loves us. He does!!
John Calvin says, "The angels are the dispensers and administrators of the Divine beneficence toward us; they regard our safety, undertake our defense, direct our ways, and exercise a constant solicitude that no evil befall us.
Truly, we have the most incredible privileges as children of God!
Prayer today: Abba Father, truly, we have the most amazing privileges as your children. When I reach heaven, I will surely be blown away when it is revealed the extent to which your holy angels intervened on my behalf, to undertake my defense and exercise a constant solicitude that no evil befall me. Wow!!! Thank you, thank you, thank you!
When the Bible mentions angels, they are pretty awesome creatures. The good angels help us. When Sennacherib threatened to invade Judah, Hezekiah prayed, and "the angel of the Lord went out and struck down 185,000 in the camp of the Assyrians" (2 Kings 19:35) When Elijah was fleeing from Jezebel and burnt out, an angel fed him cake and water (1 Kings 19:5). When the king of Syria wanted to put Elisha to death, God surrounded Elisha with horses and chariots of fire (2 Kings 6:15-17). When Daniel was thrown into the lion's den, God sent an angel to close the mouth of the lions(Dan 6:22). When Peter was in prison, and the saints interceded, an angel supernaturally unlocked all the prison doors and led him out (Acts 12:7).
The Bible says: "Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation? (Heb 1:14)" This just takes my breath away. God's holy angels, these awesome, magnificent creatures, serve us. Who am I, really, that they should serve me? God REALLY loves us. He does!!
John Calvin says, "The angels are the dispensers and administrators of the Divine beneficence toward us; they regard our safety, undertake our defense, direct our ways, and exercise a constant solicitude that no evil befall us.
Truly, we have the most incredible privileges as children of God!
Prayer today: Abba Father, truly, we have the most amazing privileges as your children. When I reach heaven, I will surely be blown away when it is revealed the extent to which your holy angels intervened on my behalf, to undertake my defense and exercise a constant solicitude that no evil befall me. Wow!!! Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
The Names of God by Laura Hubick
This is a song that I've been listening to over and over again on my ipod these last 2 weeks. It's called The Names of God by Laura Hubick ... it's just so beautiful!!! Had learnt about El Roi listening to this song :)
El Roi - the God who sees
"She gave this name to the LORD who spoke to her: "You are the God who sees me," for she said, "I have now seen the One who sees me." That is why the well was called Beer Lahai Roi; it is still there, between Kadesh and Bered. (Gen 16:13)"
Jesus is El Roi, the God who sees. This is scary and comforting. Scary because: "Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account." (Heb 4:13) Comforting because nothing ever surprises God. Nothing that I do throws Him. Nothing that happens to me fazes Him. He is sovereign. He knows everything.
"My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,
your eyes saw my unformed body.
All the days ordained for me
were written in your book
before one of them came to be." (Psalm 139)
What a joyful thing to know that the God who sees chose to die for me anyway when I was at my most wretched, and most vile. Hallelujah. "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8)
Prayer today: Lord Jesus, I praise and thank you that you are El Roi, the God who sees. Nothing ever fazes you or catches you by surprise. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. May you grant me the grace to walk worthy of the calling as a child of God. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Note to self: Heard many times in Jerusalem last year that it is the city of the Great King (Didn't realise it was biblical!! Matt 5:35) Also astounded that we should pray (specifically of all things, to PRAY) for those who persecute us. Not try and ignore them, or be indifferent to them, or live with them, gritting our teeth, but pray for them!
Jesus is El Roi, the God who sees. This is scary and comforting. Scary because: "Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account." (Heb 4:13) Comforting because nothing ever surprises God. Nothing that I do throws Him. Nothing that happens to me fazes Him. He is sovereign. He knows everything.
"My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,
your eyes saw my unformed body.
All the days ordained for me
were written in your book
before one of them came to be." (Psalm 139)
What a joyful thing to know that the God who sees chose to die for me anyway when I was at my most wretched, and most vile. Hallelujah. "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8)
Prayer today: Lord Jesus, I praise and thank you that you are El Roi, the God who sees. Nothing ever fazes you or catches you by surprise. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. May you grant me the grace to walk worthy of the calling as a child of God. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Note to self: Heard many times in Jerusalem last year that it is the city of the Great King (Didn't realise it was biblical!! Matt 5:35) Also astounded that we should pray (specifically of all things, to PRAY) for those who persecute us. Not try and ignore them, or be indifferent to them, or live with them, gritting our teeth, but pray for them!
Monday, January 5, 2009
Jesus - our very great reward
"After this, the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision:
Do not be afraid, Abram.
I am your shield,
your very great reward." (Gen 15:1)
"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you."(Matt 5:11)
Christ himself is our very great reward. When we come to know Him, our sins are forgiven, our diseases healed, our life is redeemed from the pit, and we are crowned with love and compassion (Psalm 103). We are adopted into His family as heirs and co-heirs with Christ ...and we can come boldly to the throne of grace that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need (Heb 4:16). It never ceases to amaze me that having been reconciled to God through Christ, the Great God Almighty, the Creator of the Universe, invites us to seek an audience with Him anytime.
The Bible is also replete with examples of rewards which God gives His children when we seek after His kingdom. We can receive crowns, thrones, etc. One of my personal favourites is what Jesus says to the church of Pergamum "To Him who overcomes, I will give him a white stone, with a new name written on the stone that no one knows except the one who receives it." Christ knows us individually, personally. Ps Kay-Cheong of One Thing Ministries said something that struck me: When we get to heaven and see the greatness and goodness of God, we will want to worship Him. We will want to cast whatever crowns we've received at His feet.
Prayer today: Lord Jesus, please help me run in such a way as to win the prize. For it will be a privilege and honour, when I see you face to face, to cast my crowns before the throne, saying, "Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honour and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created." (Rev 5:11) Amen.
Do not be afraid, Abram.
I am your shield,
your very great reward." (Gen 15:1)
"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you."(Matt 5:11)
Christ himself is our very great reward. When we come to know Him, our sins are forgiven, our diseases healed, our life is redeemed from the pit, and we are crowned with love and compassion (Psalm 103). We are adopted into His family as heirs and co-heirs with Christ ...and we can come boldly to the throne of grace that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need (Heb 4:16). It never ceases to amaze me that having been reconciled to God through Christ, the Great God Almighty, the Creator of the Universe, invites us to seek an audience with Him anytime.
The Bible is also replete with examples of rewards which God gives His children when we seek after His kingdom. We can receive crowns, thrones, etc. One of my personal favourites is what Jesus says to the church of Pergamum "To Him who overcomes, I will give him a white stone, with a new name written on the stone that no one knows except the one who receives it." Christ knows us individually, personally. Ps Kay-Cheong of One Thing Ministries said something that struck me: When we get to heaven and see the greatness and goodness of God, we will want to worship Him. We will want to cast whatever crowns we've received at His feet.
Prayer today: Lord Jesus, please help me run in such a way as to win the prize. For it will be a privilege and honour, when I see you face to face, to cast my crowns before the throne, saying, "Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honour and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created." (Rev 5:11) Amen.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life
"Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. "All this I will give you," he said, "if you will bow down and worship me."
Jesus said to him, "Away from me, Satan! For it is written: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only." Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him. (Matt 4:8-11)
In the third temptation Jesus faced in the wilderness, He was offered all the kingdoms of the world if He bowed down and worshipped Satan. Jesus said to Satan, "Worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only." He chose obedience to the Father, and God gave Him all the kingdoms of the world, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name(Phil 2:6-11). But this was via the Cross, the path of greatest resistance.
Of late, there has been a lot of talk that 2009 will be more intense than 2008. As we hurtle closer to the return of Christ, I have been thinking a lot about the End of the Age. In the midst of persecution, hardship, even the threat of ridicule, will I choose the path of greatest resistance - of absolute obedience to my King? Or will I capitulate?
Will I be like Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who say: "If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up." (Dan 3:16)
Will I be like Job, who says, "Though He slay me, yet I will trust in Him" (Job 13:15)
Will I be like Joshua, who says resolutely, "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." (Joshua 24:15)
Prayer today: O God, But for your grace, who can stand? Grant that in every circumstance, I may say like Peter, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, and we have believed and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God (John 6:68-69). Grant that I may take up the whole armour of God, that I may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm (Eph 6:13). Thank you Abba Father, for the Lord Jesus, who ever intercedes for me at your right hand, until I have safely arrived in your Home. In Jesus' name, Amen."
Jesus said to him, "Away from me, Satan! For it is written: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only." Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him. (Matt 4:8-11)
In the third temptation Jesus faced in the wilderness, He was offered all the kingdoms of the world if He bowed down and worshipped Satan. Jesus said to Satan, "Worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only." He chose obedience to the Father, and God gave Him all the kingdoms of the world, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name(Phil 2:6-11). But this was via the Cross, the path of greatest resistance.
Of late, there has been a lot of talk that 2009 will be more intense than 2008. As we hurtle closer to the return of Christ, I have been thinking a lot about the End of the Age. In the midst of persecution, hardship, even the threat of ridicule, will I choose the path of greatest resistance - of absolute obedience to my King? Or will I capitulate?
Will I be like Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who say: "If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up." (Dan 3:16)
Will I be like Job, who says, "Though He slay me, yet I will trust in Him" (Job 13:15)
Will I be like Joshua, who says resolutely, "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." (Joshua 24:15)
Prayer today: O God, But for your grace, who can stand? Grant that in every circumstance, I may say like Peter, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, and we have believed and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God (John 6:68-69). Grant that I may take up the whole armour of God, that I may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm (Eph 6:13). Thank you Abba Father, for the Lord Jesus, who ever intercedes for me at your right hand, until I have safely arrived in your Home. In Jesus' name, Amen."
Saturday, January 3, 2009
The Nature of God by Graham Cooke
Just wanted to share an awesome clip I heard recently on The Nature of God by Graham Cooke. It gave me goosebumps listening to it...
God - the revealer of all things
The LORD then said to Noah, "Go into the ark, you and your whole family, because I have found you righteous in this generation...And Noah did all that the LORD commanded him. (Gen 7:1,5).
God was going to send a flood to destroy evil men; the first time He was going to send a global flood to cover the earth; and He forewarned Noah about it, that Noah may prepare for this calamity.
1. It is the glory of God to conceal a matter.
It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, but the glory of kings is to search out a matter. (Prov 25:2)
“The secret things belong to the Lord our God...” (Deut 29:29)
2. The amazing thing is that God takes the initiative to share His secrets and plans with His children that we may be forerunners in our generation, to prepare for the flood (Noah), to intercede for others (Abraham), to lead others to the Promised Land (Moses).
And the LORD said, Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do; Seeing that Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him?
(Gen 18:17)
3. From the story of Noah, who does God share his plans and secrets with? Those who are completely obedient to Him.
And Noah did all that the LORD commanded him (Gen 7:5)
Prayer today: Abba Father, thank you for the privilege of being your child. It floors me that you would share your secrets and plans with your children. Grant me the grace to be completely obedient to you, that I may know you and your ways. I want to be someone in my generation, whom you can call upon to prepare for the flood, intercede for others and lead others to Christ. In Jesus' name, Amen.
God was going to send a flood to destroy evil men; the first time He was going to send a global flood to cover the earth; and He forewarned Noah about it, that Noah may prepare for this calamity.
1. It is the glory of God to conceal a matter.
It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, but the glory of kings is to search out a matter. (Prov 25:2)
“The secret things belong to the Lord our God...” (Deut 29:29)
2. The amazing thing is that God takes the initiative to share His secrets and plans with His children that we may be forerunners in our generation, to prepare for the flood (Noah), to intercede for others (Abraham), to lead others to the Promised Land (Moses).
And the LORD said, Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do; Seeing that Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him?
(Gen 18:17)
3. From the story of Noah, who does God share his plans and secrets with? Those who are completely obedient to Him.
And Noah did all that the LORD commanded him (Gen 7:5)
Prayer today: Abba Father, thank you for the privilege of being your child. It floors me that you would share your secrets and plans with your children. Grant me the grace to be completely obedient to you, that I may know you and your ways. I want to be someone in my generation, whom you can call upon to prepare for the flood, intercede for others and lead others to Christ. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Friday, January 2, 2009
The wonder of it all!
Gen 4-6; Matt 2
'Then the LORD put a mark on Cain so that no one who found him would kill him.' (Gen 2:15)
When you believed in the Messiah, you were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit who is the guarantee of our inheritance until God redeems his own possession for his praise and glory. (Eph 1:13,14)
Having killed his brother Abel, Cain was 'punished' by God by being cast out of His presence. Nevertheless, God, in His grace, put a mark on Cain to protect him from physical death.
As blood-bought believers, we are delivered from the certainty of eternal spiritual death by the Lord Jesus ('For the wages of sin is death' Rom 6:23). The Lord tasted death on our behalf, that we might live. And He too puts a mark on us - a seal - that marks us out as His precious possession. We are sealed by the Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we see Jesus face to face! Hallejulah! What a wonder of wonders!
"See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are." (1 John 3)
'Then the LORD put a mark on Cain so that no one who found him would kill him.' (Gen 2:15)
When you believed in the Messiah, you were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit who is the guarantee of our inheritance until God redeems his own possession for his praise and glory. (Eph 1:13,14)
Having killed his brother Abel, Cain was 'punished' by God by being cast out of His presence. Nevertheless, God, in His grace, put a mark on Cain to protect him from physical death.
As blood-bought believers, we are delivered from the certainty of eternal spiritual death by the Lord Jesus ('For the wages of sin is death' Rom 6:23). The Lord tasted death on our behalf, that we might live. And He too puts a mark on us - a seal - that marks us out as His precious possession. We are sealed by the Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we see Jesus face to face! Hallejulah! What a wonder of wonders!
"See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are." (1 John 3)
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