by Jon Walker
“You will find a baby lying in a manger, wrapped snugly in strips of cloth!” … They ran to the village … and there was the baby, lying in the manger. (Luke 2:12,16 NLT)
~~~ ~~~ ~~~
If we believe what we say we believe, then when God says it is so – it is so. Yet we often doubt.
The interaction between the angel and the shepherds in Luke 2 shows a simple, yet significant sequence: The angel says, “You will find a baby lying in a manger,” and when the shepherds got to Bethlehem “there was the baby, lying in a manger.”
God told them what they would find, and they found exactly what God told them they would find.
How would we live differently each day if we followed this sequence: When God says it, we know it is true, and when we follow what we are told, we see that God’s promise was true.
If we could just stop slipping and sliding in our faith, I think we’d be radically different!
Now, before you put on your “believe harder” hat, rest in God’s grace, knowing that he wants you to succeed at hearing what he says and at doing what he wants you to do. So he’s not tapping his foot, ready to reprimand you; rather, he’s walking on the water, encouraging you to step out of the boat!
What does this mean?
· Do what you know God wants you to do – We get so caught up in wanting to know a specific answer. You know the joke, “I wish I could turn to a verse in the Bible and it said, ‘Jon, take this job and turn the other one down.’” But here’s the thing: There are lots of things God wants us to do that are very clearly explained in the Bible. Like staying in a prayer conversation with him or touching the people around you with a sacrificial love. Start doing those and watch as God tells you the rest.
· Look for what God provides – The angel told the shepherds to look for a babe in a manger. It required faith for them to go to Bethlehem . They could have debated whether that’s what God really meant. They could have said, “You know, maybe he really meant the hotel. It just isn’t logical that the baby would be out with the livestock.” It also required faith to believe this was the actual babe. They could have said, “Maybe we should look in all the other mangers. What if this isn’t the right baby?”
· Trust God is working it out – Think you made a mistake? Think you missed his direction or that you were distracted when the angel came with the news? Trust God that he is working it all out and will still use you for his purposes.
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
~ The Time Came For Her Baby ~
by Jon Walker
And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born. (Luke 2:6 NLT)
We manage time; we waste time. We spend time, and we save time. We wish the time would come; we wish the time would pass. We see time fly, and we feel time drag. We watch clocks and carry calendars, creating the illusion that we somehow control time, yet all the while moments flow forward like a mighty river that cannot be stopped, harnessed, or re-routed.
Yet God controls time. He created time and we, his creations, are fenced by his time, directed and guided by his holy and loving hand. Do you think God was surprised that “while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born?”
We're often surprised by unexpected developments in our lives, yet the Bible teaches that God is never surprised, even in the most disastrous turn of events. How would your faith differ if you believed God was not surprised by your current circumstances and that he's working, at this moment, for a holy and healthy conclusion?
What does this mean?
· God is always on time, at just the right time – George Mueller, the great prayer warrior from the 19th century, once waited on a dock for a special chair to be delivered. He had a bad back and needed the chair for the ocean voyage ahead of him. When the departure time grew close and the chair still had not arrived, Mueller’s friends offered to buy a substitute chair, but Mueller said no – “Either God will provide the chair, or he’ll give grace to do without it.” Like a Hollywood ending, the chair arrived just in time, right on time. Mueller noted, “If the chair had arrived earlier, we might have dismissed the provision of God.” This Christmas, point out the provisions of God when you see them.
· What if you were certain God would provide? – How would you act, think, and live differently if you were absolutely certain God was at the end of the deadline? That is, even if there were mere seconds left, you still believed with certainty that God was working through your circumstances? Believing he’s there and about to provide is the essence of faith. Tell God, “I believe; help my unbelief.”
· Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. (Hebrews 13:8) – Time cannot diminish Christ’s love for you or his power to work within your life. He is there in the past; he is here in the now; and he is there in your future.
· A thousand years are like a few hours to God (Psalm 90:4) – God is working to bring you into eternity, not just to get you through the end of next week. Praise God for his grace and for a love so strong that he wants you to spend an eternity with him.
And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born. (Luke 2:6 NLT)
We manage time; we waste time. We spend time, and we save time. We wish the time would come; we wish the time would pass. We see time fly, and we feel time drag. We watch clocks and carry calendars, creating the illusion that we somehow control time, yet all the while moments flow forward like a mighty river that cannot be stopped, harnessed, or re-routed.
Yet God controls time. He created time and we, his creations, are fenced by his time, directed and guided by his holy and loving hand. Do you think God was surprised that “while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born?”
We're often surprised by unexpected developments in our lives, yet the Bible teaches that God is never surprised, even in the most disastrous turn of events. How would your faith differ if you believed God was not surprised by your current circumstances and that he's working, at this moment, for a holy and healthy conclusion?
What does this mean?
· God is always on time, at just the right time – George Mueller, the great prayer warrior from the 19th century, once waited on a dock for a special chair to be delivered. He had a bad back and needed the chair for the ocean voyage ahead of him. When the departure time grew close and the chair still had not arrived, Mueller’s friends offered to buy a substitute chair, but Mueller said no – “Either God will provide the chair, or he’ll give grace to do without it.” Like a Hollywood ending, the chair arrived just in time, right on time. Mueller noted, “If the chair had arrived earlier, we might have dismissed the provision of God.” This Christmas, point out the provisions of God when you see them.
· What if you were certain God would provide? – How would you act, think, and live differently if you were absolutely certain God was at the end of the deadline? That is, even if there were mere seconds left, you still believed with certainty that God was working through your circumstances? Believing he’s there and about to provide is the essence of faith. Tell God, “I believe; help my unbelief.”
· Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. (Hebrews 13:8) – Time cannot diminish Christ’s love for you or his power to work within your life. He is there in the past; he is here in the now; and he is there in your future.
· A thousand years are like a few hours to God (Psalm 90:4) – God is working to bring you into eternity, not just to get you through the end of next week. Praise God for his grace and for a love so strong that he wants you to spend an eternity with him.
Monday, December 17, 2007
~ God Knows Your Fears ~
by Jon Walker
That night some shepherds were in the fields outside the village, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord's glory surrounded them. They were terribly frightened, but the angel reassured them. "Don't be afraid!" he said. "I bring you good news of great joy for everyone!" (Luke 2:8-10 NLT)
~~~ ~~~ ~~~
Have you ever noticed God is always telling us to not be afraid? For instance, in the Bible, whenever an angel showed up with a message from God, the first thing the angel said is: “Do not be afraid.”
There are all kinds of reasons we might be afraid to receive a message from God: We’re afraid of change, afraid of losing control, afraid of sacrifice, afraid of not being good enough, afraid to face the fact that we’re not good enough – and would prefer to live in our pretense.
And, I suppose, any us would be afraid if a member of the heavenly host suddenly showed up next to the receptionist at work, or in the middle of the laundry room at home. Ha!
Perhaps our fear comes from this sudden moment when we realize that what we say we believe is really true, with all the implications of what that means. Is a lukewarm faith sustainable in the face of an angel?
Our response to this is not only fear – we have a bad habit of telling ourselves: “Try harder!” It doesn’t help that, frankly, there is so much Christian literature that re-enforces this “Try harder! You should be doing better!” mentality.
Yet the Good News of Great Joy is that you don’t have to be good enough. You don’t have to be good enough because God is enough!
The Bible teaches us to fight fear with faith – faith that Jesus will cover all our sins and shortcomings.
What does this mean?
· Replace your fear with faith – Ask God to help you. Remember, “I believe, Lord; help my unbelief.” The apostle John tells us God’s perfect love drives out all fear.
· Chase God, not perfection – You will never reach perfection, but Jesus, through his death and resurrection, is your perfection. God doesn’t love you because you’re the best kid in the class, or because you try really hard. God loves you because he loves you. Slow down, shake off your anxiety, and meditate on that.
· Expect God to speak to you in the routines of life – The shepherds weren’t on some spiritual retreat seeking God. They were by their flocks, following their routine, maybe even a little bored – then suddenly …. Look for God this week as you go about your routine.
That night some shepherds were in the fields outside the village, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord's glory surrounded them. They were terribly frightened, but the angel reassured them. "Don't be afraid!" he said. "I bring you good news of great joy for everyone!" (Luke 2:8-10 NLT)
~~~ ~~~ ~~~
Have you ever noticed God is always telling us to not be afraid? For instance, in the Bible, whenever an angel showed up with a message from God, the first thing the angel said is: “Do not be afraid.”
There are all kinds of reasons we might be afraid to receive a message from God: We’re afraid of change, afraid of losing control, afraid of sacrifice, afraid of not being good enough, afraid to face the fact that we’re not good enough – and would prefer to live in our pretense.
And, I suppose, any us would be afraid if a member of the heavenly host suddenly showed up next to the receptionist at work, or in the middle of the laundry room at home. Ha!
Perhaps our fear comes from this sudden moment when we realize that what we say we believe is really true, with all the implications of what that means. Is a lukewarm faith sustainable in the face of an angel?
Our response to this is not only fear – we have a bad habit of telling ourselves: “Try harder!” It doesn’t help that, frankly, there is so much Christian literature that re-enforces this “Try harder! You should be doing better!” mentality.
Yet the Good News of Great Joy is that you don’t have to be good enough. You don’t have to be good enough because God is enough!
The Bible teaches us to fight fear with faith – faith that Jesus will cover all our sins and shortcomings.
What does this mean?
· Replace your fear with faith – Ask God to help you. Remember, “I believe, Lord; help my unbelief.” The apostle John tells us God’s perfect love drives out all fear.
· Chase God, not perfection – You will never reach perfection, but Jesus, through his death and resurrection, is your perfection. God doesn’t love you because you’re the best kid in the class, or because you try really hard. God loves you because he loves you. Slow down, shake off your anxiety, and meditate on that.
· Expect God to speak to you in the routines of life – The shepherds weren’t on some spiritual retreat seeking God. They were by their flocks, following their routine, maybe even a little bored – then suddenly …. Look for God this week as you go about your routine.
Monday, December 10, 2007
~ Forgiving In An Unhealthy Situation ~
by Jon Walker
Jesus said, "Father, forgive these people, because they don't know what they are doing." (Luke 23:34a NLT)
~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~
In writing about forgiveness, several readers have asked: “What about forgiving within an unhealthy relationship, one that is toxic and dysfunctional? Should you continue in the relationship when the person just keeps doing the same thing over and over again, never changing his behavior?”
To quote my sister, “Forgiveness isn’t the same as stupid!” It doesn’t mean we’re to act like doormats, allowing evil to run rampant in an abusive relationship. Loving our enemy does not mean excusing his behavior.
To echo the civil rights activist Martin Luther King, we need to understand the difference between non-resistance to evil and non-violent resistance. In any toxic relationship, we strive to resist the abuse with a peace-filled, godly response. This includes establishing healthy boundaries where you’re less vulnerable to abuse and, if God directs, it may mean ending the relationship (much easier said than done when the abuser is a parent, a spouse, or a child).
Regardless, the act of forgiveness does not require you to keep taking the abuse, and it doesn’t mean you must remain in the abusive situation.
Jesus shows us that forgiveness can be immediate when he forgives those who were crucifying him – during the very act of crucifixion: “Father, forgive these people, because they don't know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34a NLT)
As we mature in Christ, God will teach us to forgive constantly, even instantly. But it’s a learning process, so don’t take off on a guilt trip if you’re unable to do that now. Fall upon God’s grace and let him move you closer toward forgiveness. It may – probably will – take time to fully receive his grace to forgive, and God can work with that. The first step may simply be to let God soften your heart. Our hearts have a tendency to become hardened in difficult relationships.
Again, let me stress, the softening of your heart toward the abuser is not the same as saying it’s OK to keep taking the abuse, and it’s not the same as saying you have to stay in a situation where you are being or may be abused.
Forgiveness is not the same as agreeing with the behavior of the abuser.
What now?
· Remember the enemy is the enemy – The Bible teaches that when we’re in conflict, the real enemy is not the person we face. The real battle we’re in is against Satan’s unseen spiritual forces of wickedness. (Ephesians 6:12) The enemy wants us to think the battle is ours alone, and that causes us fight as if we’re separated from God. Our goal should be to trust that God is in the battle. (1 Samuel 17:47)
· Through prayer, bless those who abuse you – With your prayers, you can bless people who continually hurt you. They’re in bondage to their own sins, and although that doesn’t excuse their behavior, it does give you insight into how you can pray for them. God intended these relationships for good, yet they’re stripped away by alcohol or anger issues or other counterfeits Satan uses to destroy true fellowship and family. Pray for them to become the person God always intended.
· Take a firm stand – You need group to support you in an intervention, and you may need a mediator present, but the Bible teaches God’s light can penetrate the deepest darkness with hope for restoration and reconciliation. This can provide a quicker path to healing. Regardless, you need to take a firm stand against the abuse, and you may need others to help you do that.
· Should I stay or go? – I’ve seen abusive relationships over the years and know it would be naive to suggest that an intervention, sprinkled with some prayer dust, will suddenly change everything. Some people respond to confrontation; some are crushed by the love of God invading their heart. But many, many people remain toxic and abusive, even when confronted in love, even when forgiven, even when drenched in God’s grace. You may very well need to end the relationship, as difficult as that may be. It’s not your job to change the person, so don’t consider it a failure on your part if he or she doesn’t change when confronted with God’s love and truth.
Jesus said, "Father, forgive these people, because they don't know what they are doing." (Luke 23:34a NLT)
~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~
In writing about forgiveness, several readers have asked: “What about forgiving within an unhealthy relationship, one that is toxic and dysfunctional? Should you continue in the relationship when the person just keeps doing the same thing over and over again, never changing his behavior?”
To quote my sister, “Forgiveness isn’t the same as stupid!” It doesn’t mean we’re to act like doormats, allowing evil to run rampant in an abusive relationship. Loving our enemy does not mean excusing his behavior.
To echo the civil rights activist Martin Luther King, we need to understand the difference between non-resistance to evil and non-violent resistance. In any toxic relationship, we strive to resist the abuse with a peace-filled, godly response. This includes establishing healthy boundaries where you’re less vulnerable to abuse and, if God directs, it may mean ending the relationship (much easier said than done when the abuser is a parent, a spouse, or a child).
Regardless, the act of forgiveness does not require you to keep taking the abuse, and it doesn’t mean you must remain in the abusive situation.
Jesus shows us that forgiveness can be immediate when he forgives those who were crucifying him – during the very act of crucifixion: “Father, forgive these people, because they don't know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34a NLT)
As we mature in Christ, God will teach us to forgive constantly, even instantly. But it’s a learning process, so don’t take off on a guilt trip if you’re unable to do that now. Fall upon God’s grace and let him move you closer toward forgiveness. It may – probably will – take time to fully receive his grace to forgive, and God can work with that. The first step may simply be to let God soften your heart. Our hearts have a tendency to become hardened in difficult relationships.
Again, let me stress, the softening of your heart toward the abuser is not the same as saying it’s OK to keep taking the abuse, and it’s not the same as saying you have to stay in a situation where you are being or may be abused.
Forgiveness is not the same as agreeing with the behavior of the abuser.
What now?
· Remember the enemy is the enemy – The Bible teaches that when we’re in conflict, the real enemy is not the person we face. The real battle we’re in is against Satan’s unseen spiritual forces of wickedness. (Ephesians 6:12) The enemy wants us to think the battle is ours alone, and that causes us fight as if we’re separated from God. Our goal should be to trust that God is in the battle. (1 Samuel 17:47)
· Through prayer, bless those who abuse you – With your prayers, you can bless people who continually hurt you. They’re in bondage to their own sins, and although that doesn’t excuse their behavior, it does give you insight into how you can pray for them. God intended these relationships for good, yet they’re stripped away by alcohol or anger issues or other counterfeits Satan uses to destroy true fellowship and family. Pray for them to become the person God always intended.
· Take a firm stand – You need group to support you in an intervention, and you may need a mediator present, but the Bible teaches God’s light can penetrate the deepest darkness with hope for restoration and reconciliation. This can provide a quicker path to healing. Regardless, you need to take a firm stand against the abuse, and you may need others to help you do that.
· Should I stay or go? – I’ve seen abusive relationships over the years and know it would be naive to suggest that an intervention, sprinkled with some prayer dust, will suddenly change everything. Some people respond to confrontation; some are crushed by the love of God invading their heart. But many, many people remain toxic and abusive, even when confronted in love, even when forgiven, even when drenched in God’s grace. You may very well need to end the relationship, as difficult as that may be. It’s not your job to change the person, so don’t consider it a failure on your part if he or she doesn’t change when confronted with God’s love and truth.
Thursday, December 06, 2007
~ A Simpler Life ~
by Jon Walker
As we enter the Christmas season, I thought this teaching from Rick Warren, author of “The Purpose Driven Life,” would be helpful and encouraging. – jw
“Be sure to do what you should, for then you will enjoy the personal satisfaction of having done your work well, and you won't need to compare yourself to anyone else. For we are each responsible for our own conduct.” (Galatians 6:4-5 NLT)
At Christmas time, we often feel like we have to get it all done, and then we crash and burn when we can’t do it all. If you want to simplify this season, you need to understand that it’s all about making choices – and then sticking to those choices, no matter how tempting it is to add more to your holiday “to do” list.
It’s easy to forget this, but it’s true: You’re the only one who must assume responsibility for your time, and you’re the only one who can clarify what’s really important to you. The choices you make control your calendar and, as a result, your lifestyle. Your choices are far more powerful than your circumstances, and you have the power to simplify your life by making purpose-full choices.
The Bible teaches, “We are each responsible for our own conduct.” (Galatians 6:4-5 NLT) That’s why it’s so important to discover why God placed you on this planet: What is your purpose for being here?
In the long run, the donation of your life will count far more than the duration. In other words, it’s not how long you live – or even how much you cram into the length of your life – it’s about how you live, according to God’s purpose for you.
What now?
· Let your purpose guide what you do this Christmas season. As you serve, serve where you know God intends for you to serve. Don’t just volunteer for anything or everything. As you pray about it, you may sense God is prompting you to start a “not to do” list!
· You have just enough time to do God's will this season. You’ve been given just enough time to fulfill his purpose over the next 30 days. When you try to do more than God planned for you to do, it’s only natural that you’ll stress over your schedule.
· Does your list include rest? God doesn’t want you to burn out; in fact, he may want you to specifically add “rest” to your to-do list because he knows you’re trying to overdo it. Does your list include having fun this season as you express gratitude to God the gift of his Son?
As we enter the Christmas season, I thought this teaching from Rick Warren, author of “The Purpose Driven Life,” would be helpful and encouraging. – jw
“Be sure to do what you should, for then you will enjoy the personal satisfaction of having done your work well, and you won't need to compare yourself to anyone else. For we are each responsible for our own conduct.” (Galatians 6:4-5 NLT)
At Christmas time, we often feel like we have to get it all done, and then we crash and burn when we can’t do it all. If you want to simplify this season, you need to understand that it’s all about making choices – and then sticking to those choices, no matter how tempting it is to add more to your holiday “to do” list.
It’s easy to forget this, but it’s true: You’re the only one who must assume responsibility for your time, and you’re the only one who can clarify what’s really important to you. The choices you make control your calendar and, as a result, your lifestyle. Your choices are far more powerful than your circumstances, and you have the power to simplify your life by making purpose-full choices.
The Bible teaches, “We are each responsible for our own conduct.” (Galatians 6:4-5 NLT) That’s why it’s so important to discover why God placed you on this planet: What is your purpose for being here?
In the long run, the donation of your life will count far more than the duration. In other words, it’s not how long you live – or even how much you cram into the length of your life – it’s about how you live, according to God’s purpose for you.
What now?
· Let your purpose guide what you do this Christmas season. As you serve, serve where you know God intends for you to serve. Don’t just volunteer for anything or everything. As you pray about it, you may sense God is prompting you to start a “not to do” list!
· You have just enough time to do God's will this season. You’ve been given just enough time to fulfill his purpose over the next 30 days. When you try to do more than God planned for you to do, it’s only natural that you’ll stress over your schedule.
· Does your list include rest? God doesn’t want you to burn out; in fact, he may want you to specifically add “rest” to your to-do list because he knows you’re trying to overdo it. Does your list include having fun this season as you express gratitude to God the gift of his Son?
Monday, December 03, 2007
~ my first marathon ~
2nd December 2007, i woke up at 0345 hrs... preparing to go for my first ever marathon. I was pretty excited about it because i have never done such long distance running before. it's definitely a memorable event for me. i also got my first marathon medal. running the marathon doesn't makes one pant. i didn't really pant cause it's slow jog most of the time. i covered the first 20km jogging all the way. so if i compete in the 10 km or 21km (half marathon) it's definitely not a problem to me at all. however passing the 22km mark, the legs are starting to disbehave. can start to feel the legs going to cramp anytime but keep controlling the pace and try to stretch them. eventually, i need to call for a break to stretch myself and that's it... the pain did not go off after that. i endured the pain to jog on and when i can't take it anymore, i will either walk or move to one corner and sit down to rest awhile... hahaha... but one thing i am proud of myself is though physically i feel like giving up, mentally i didn't and my mental is able to take over my physical. pushing myself beyond my own limit... actually every step i took after the 22km mark is a record for me. cause i have never run for so long before. but what's better? i actually managed to push myself to complete the 42.195km marathon, with mainly jogging, some walking and abit of sprinting. Sprint? yah i did sprint for the last 2 km. i walk abit, jog some, and sprint abit and repeat them over again. until the last 100m, i make a dash to the finishing line. just like what i did for my triathlon. last burst of fire. hahaha
after that, finally relieved that i completed it, while going to look for my other friends, i fell to the floor... well dun worry i didn't faint or what but both my legs cramped at the same time and i just couldn't move them or feel them besides the pain it gives me and thus i just fell down sitting on the floor. was alone then and didn't got any help even a medic come up to me and tell me, "Sir, don't sit on the floor here, you are blocking people walking." i was like hello... do you think i like to sit there? i could jolly well find a better place with shades to sit down instead of there. do you think i so "gian" to sit there if not because of my leg cramp? but i am glad i didn't say that. i replied "i can't move. leg cramp"... but the next thing the medic did makes me wonder what is he there for... he actually just walked away... i was damn angry cause this bloody so called medic didn't even help me to stretch and just walked off like that. thank God another guy came over to help me stretch my legs and some nice aunties coming to offer some deep heat rubs for me. if not i dunno how i am going to move away from where i am sitting.
thank God also that He let my boss planned me to be off today. if not i dunno how am i going to work today. i can barely walk a few steps and if i walk, i am basically limping. God again knew i need time to recuperate and planned an off day for me beforehand. how great is our God! also must thank God for the strength He gave me during the marathon. many times i felt like giving up but i will keep praying to Him to help me go thru. I vaguely remembered that there is this verse in the bible which is about strength from God but i couldn't remember exactly which verse and what it says. but guess what? God knows what i need and surely, the words did not flash out in my mind but right before my very eyes... cause some runners actually wrote some notes on papers given for them to pin to their back. I saw this lady that ran past me which the following words that i tried to recall... "I can do everything through him who give me strength. Phi 4:12" God didn't give me just strength but encouragement that i can conquer this marathon with the strength He's giving me.
really thank God for all He has done and taught me at this marathon.
though my legs are now still in pain and barely can move, but God will help me to recover and in no time, i will be able to run again.
Thank you Lord Jesus!
after that, finally relieved that i completed it, while going to look for my other friends, i fell to the floor... well dun worry i didn't faint or what but both my legs cramped at the same time and i just couldn't move them or feel them besides the pain it gives me and thus i just fell down sitting on the floor. was alone then and didn't got any help even a medic come up to me and tell me, "Sir, don't sit on the floor here, you are blocking people walking." i was like hello... do you think i like to sit there? i could jolly well find a better place with shades to sit down instead of there. do you think i so "gian" to sit there if not because of my leg cramp? but i am glad i didn't say that. i replied "i can't move. leg cramp"... but the next thing the medic did makes me wonder what is he there for... he actually just walked away... i was damn angry cause this bloody so called medic didn't even help me to stretch and just walked off like that. thank God another guy came over to help me stretch my legs and some nice aunties coming to offer some deep heat rubs for me. if not i dunno how i am going to move away from where i am sitting.
thank God also that He let my boss planned me to be off today. if not i dunno how am i going to work today. i can barely walk a few steps and if i walk, i am basically limping. God again knew i need time to recuperate and planned an off day for me beforehand. how great is our God! also must thank God for the strength He gave me during the marathon. many times i felt like giving up but i will keep praying to Him to help me go thru. I vaguely remembered that there is this verse in the bible which is about strength from God but i couldn't remember exactly which verse and what it says. but guess what? God knows what i need and surely, the words did not flash out in my mind but right before my very eyes... cause some runners actually wrote some notes on papers given for them to pin to their back. I saw this lady that ran past me which the following words that i tried to recall... "I can do everything through him who give me strength. Phi 4:12" God didn't give me just strength but encouragement that i can conquer this marathon with the strength He's giving me.
really thank God for all He has done and taught me at this marathon.
though my legs are now still in pain and barely can move, but God will help me to recover and in no time, i will be able to run again.
Thank you Lord Jesus!
Friday, November 30, 2007
~ standard chartered marathon ~
this coming sunday is the standard chartered marathon. and guess what? i am going to participate in it. 42km run... dunno if i can finish it or not. haha... well i didn't register for it actually but so happen one of my friend who registered injured his back and cannot run this sunday so i requested to run in his place. weird... i wonder what's up with me lately that i keep wanting to join such events... ~ shrugs ~
anyway good luck to me. first time gonna run 42 km... gonna be careful and not overdo it. i promise =)
anyway good luck to me. first time gonna run 42 km... gonna be careful and not overdo it. i promise =)
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
~ a wonderful play at my region's youth outreach ~
i can't help but teared when i watch it at youtube. i can't help but to see a vision of myself going thru all that and eventually trying my best to reach for God again. really... it really touched me alot. the magnificient love of God and His love for us. that's how much God loves us and wants to embrace us back into His arms or even more than that... God created us for His pleasure. He loves each and everyone one of us, His creation. God created us and it's not's a mistake that we were created. He has all the great plans for us... all we need is to be obedient to Him and follow His will and all blessings will come upon us. He's really just waiting to throw His blessings, many many blessings upon us.
having said that... perhaps a little confession over my own blog...
i guess i had enough of thinking that i am with God but actually i have backslided. i thought reading more about God, reading His words is enough. it wasn't because my heart is so hardened that i didn't obey what He told me to do or what He has placed in my heart to do. over and over again, i turned away from His words and keep finding excuses to cover myself from what i have sinned against God...
sunday after my run with my poly friends at East Coast, i went to church... pastor asked if anyone has backslided and wish to repent about it... i was reluctant to raise my hand though i know he's talking about me... going to church that day was not a mistake... though i kept dozing off throughout but it wasn't a mistake... the objective of me being there is God giving me a chance to be embraced in His arms again... pastor asked one more time and i decided to obey God, raising my hand straight up and long enough to catch my pastor's attention since i was all the way at the back and everyone is standing up... pastor's immediately saw me like he has been instructed to watch my direction... pastor prayed for me... "for every single soul that comes back to the Father, all the angels in heaven rejoices"... i felt so peaceful after hearing the prayer and saying the sinner's prayer...
i can finally say, "Father, i am back..."
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
~ Ben 10 Show ~
Ben 10... Leon doesn't know what it was until the day itself when he report for work... a cartoon showing currently at cartoon network and kids central about a kid who's able to transform into 10 superheroes because of a watch he found during a camping trip...
it was a meet and greet session so basically is photo taking sessions with kids. Leon really enjoyed himself as he sees the smiling faces on the kids. though others doesn't know who is he but he's glad he has made many kids happy during this past week at the show. He has been doing the show since Thursday till today. haha...
now he realised that liking kids is not what he thought he has been trying to impress people with or doing to show people... he just like kids though at times he does find them irritating. besides loving kids, he realised he still love to see people smiling... i am sure everyone likes to see people smile. Leon is no exception. in fact, he puts it as a priority in his life. making people happy at the expense of even him being the clown or joke, he wouldn't mind. seeing people happy really trills him and make him happy. so if you see him next time, give him a smile... really... he misses it... alot...
Ben Tennyson - Easy to move around =)
Wildmutt - It's a sauna inside after 5 mins, can sweat till you are totally drenched. Arms are heavy like carrying weights. very restricted movement.
it was a meet and greet session so basically is photo taking sessions with kids. Leon really enjoyed himself as he sees the smiling faces on the kids. though others doesn't know who is he but he's glad he has made many kids happy during this past week at the show. He has been doing the show since Thursday till today. haha...
now he realised that liking kids is not what he thought he has been trying to impress people with or doing to show people... he just like kids though at times he does find them irritating. besides loving kids, he realised he still love to see people smiling... i am sure everyone likes to see people smile. Leon is no exception. in fact, he puts it as a priority in his life. making people happy at the expense of even him being the clown or joke, he wouldn't mind. seeing people happy really trills him and make him happy. so if you see him next time, give him a smile... really... he misses it... alot...
Ben Tennyson - Easy to move around =)
Wildmutt - It's a sauna inside after 5 mins, can sweat till you are totally drenched. Arms are heavy like carrying weights. very restricted movement.
Thursday, November 15, 2007
~ results of OSIM 2007... ~
Leon has been rather lazy nowadays and didn't even blog the results of his triathlon... actually he did just that it wasn't published cause it was too lengthy and probably gonna drive away people from reading it. haha...
anyway Leon has successfully completed his first Corporate Triathlon on 3rd Nov 2007. (he used to join another triathlon in his NS days but that's only within the Police Force)
Click Here for the results. He came in 25 among the 35 in his same category.
Leon would like to share this with all of you who read his blog too. seriously if he were to post the results when he return, he wouldn't have known about this which came later. well he's not that wise after all and somemore he's rather stubborn in some areas of his thoughts... but God is slowly but surely waking him up and helping him to grow... well actually God is trying to wake him up but he's still unwilling to wake up and hugging his bolster lying on the bed asking for another "5 minutes"... pffft... but God is definitely a patient God. Leon will wake up soon enough =)
here goes...
in his previous post didn't he mention that he wanted encouragement from friends? he actually was thinking why didn't much of his friends gave him the encouragement he seeked... and that even some of them whom he told about his triathlon maybe didn't even remember about it... his pathetic thinking working on him again. he's just being emotional so please dun mind him. he only sees what his eyes shows him and hears what his ears listen so when he neither see nor hear, he treat it as a no... i wonder where his heart has gone to... pfft..
anyway lately during a conversation with a friend, he realised one thing God did for him that very day. he probably was thinking on the day of the event, why God didn't allow his friends to encourage or cheer for him before the race starts when God knows he really wanted to be encouraged... puny mind can't think big. hahaha... cause what happen that day? God did not make his friends cheer for him, but God made people who aren't even his friends cheer for him. God did not make one person cheer for him, God made the whole lot of people at the event to cheer for him. Leon doesn't know a single one of them there but the cheering and encouragement roars like thunder in his ears. not just the starting but throughout the WHOLE of the event. Every single spot there's cheering and encouragement...
What made his day was towards the end when he was struggling with his running to the finishing point. he ran past a very young boy who probably just knew how to walk not long ago, he was slowly jogging with his grandma walking beside him. what caught Leon was that this boy was smiling at Leon as Leon runs. It's a heavenly smile which really lightens Leon and energised him. a smile from a little angel sent by God. heehee... from then on Leon realised he didn't really put on a smile throughout the race but it wasn't too late, he smiled back at the boy and the same smile was carried till the end of the run. he smiled at everyone who's cheering for him and he smiled at everything. i think he probably look idiotic smiling and running but he did it and he completed it.
he almost puked when he completed the race but thank God he didn't. he rested and there he praised God for everything God did for him during the race. He didn't praise God for the encouragement though cause at that point of time, he still didn't realised what our mighty God had done for him.
God is good and God is faithful. Even if the world turns their back on you, He will never fail you. that's why He always tells us not to conform to the world cause the world changes but not Him who is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow.
God Bless ya
anyway Leon has successfully completed his first Corporate Triathlon on 3rd Nov 2007. (he used to join another triathlon in his NS days but that's only within the Police Force)
Click Here for the results. He came in 25 among the 35 in his same category.
Leon would like to share this with all of you who read his blog too. seriously if he were to post the results when he return, he wouldn't have known about this which came later. well he's not that wise after all and somemore he's rather stubborn in some areas of his thoughts... but God is slowly but surely waking him up and helping him to grow... well actually God is trying to wake him up but he's still unwilling to wake up and hugging his bolster lying on the bed asking for another "5 minutes"... pffft... but God is definitely a patient God. Leon will wake up soon enough =)
here goes...
in his previous post didn't he mention that he wanted encouragement from friends? he actually was thinking why didn't much of his friends gave him the encouragement he seeked... and that even some of them whom he told about his triathlon maybe didn't even remember about it... his pathetic thinking working on him again. he's just being emotional so please dun mind him. he only sees what his eyes shows him and hears what his ears listen so when he neither see nor hear, he treat it as a no... i wonder where his heart has gone to... pfft..
anyway lately during a conversation with a friend, he realised one thing God did for him that very day. he probably was thinking on the day of the event, why God didn't allow his friends to encourage or cheer for him before the race starts when God knows he really wanted to be encouraged... puny mind can't think big. hahaha... cause what happen that day? God did not make his friends cheer for him, but God made people who aren't even his friends cheer for him. God did not make one person cheer for him, God made the whole lot of people at the event to cheer for him. Leon doesn't know a single one of them there but the cheering and encouragement roars like thunder in his ears. not just the starting but throughout the WHOLE of the event. Every single spot there's cheering and encouragement...
What made his day was towards the end when he was struggling with his running to the finishing point. he ran past a very young boy who probably just knew how to walk not long ago, he was slowly jogging with his grandma walking beside him. what caught Leon was that this boy was smiling at Leon as Leon runs. It's a heavenly smile which really lightens Leon and energised him. a smile from a little angel sent by God. heehee... from then on Leon realised he didn't really put on a smile throughout the race but it wasn't too late, he smiled back at the boy and the same smile was carried till the end of the run. he smiled at everyone who's cheering for him and he smiled at everything. i think he probably look idiotic smiling and running but he did it and he completed it.
he almost puked when he completed the race but thank God he didn't. he rested and there he praised God for everything God did for him during the race. He didn't praise God for the encouragement though cause at that point of time, he still didn't realised what our mighty God had done for him.
God is good and God is faithful. Even if the world turns their back on you, He will never fail you. that's why He always tells us not to conform to the world cause the world changes but not Him who is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow.
God Bless ya
Friday, November 02, 2007
~ Osim Triathlon 07 ~
tomorrow's the day... excited and nervous...
to be honest, i am abit worried about the swimming part cause i haven't work on my swimming but only running, cycling and endurance training...
i dun think much will know about my race tomorrow except mostly my colleagues cause tomorrow i took off instead of working... haha
actually i really wish to have people giving me encouragement for tomorrow's event. it's really just a wish though ^^
if you have encouraged me in any way, thanks alot cause it really makes me feel alot better (better than reminding me someone has died in the recent marathon)...
if you have prayed for me, though i do not know it but God knows and God will listen to your prayer and i thank you for it too. God bless ya too =)
alright gotta sleep now and get up early tomorrow and get mentally prepared.
~God bless me~
to be honest, i am abit worried about the swimming part cause i haven't work on my swimming but only running, cycling and endurance training...
i dun think much will know about my race tomorrow except mostly my colleagues cause tomorrow i took off instead of working... haha
actually i really wish to have people giving me encouragement for tomorrow's event. it's really just a wish though ^^
if you have encouraged me in any way, thanks alot cause it really makes me feel alot better (better than reminding me someone has died in the recent marathon)...
if you have prayed for me, though i do not know it but God knows and God will listen to your prayer and i thank you for it too. God bless ya too =)
alright gotta sleep now and get up early tomorrow and get mentally prepared.
~God bless me~
Monday, October 29, 2007
~ How Do You Recover From Disaster? ~
by Rick Warren
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. (Matthew 5:4 NIV)
This past week, many of us have watched as the worst disaster in Southern California history has unfolded. It will take years to recover. You may live far away from California, but more than likely you’ll face some form of hardship in your life (you may even be facing one now). In this guest devotional, Pastor Rick Warren explains three biblical principles for recovering from any disaster:
First, release your grief
Maybe you’ve wept as you witnessed the horrible losses of life and property in California . Maybe you've lost a family member or a home or business yourself. When you face a crisis, it’s normal to feel all sorts of emotions – fear, anger, worry, depression, resentment, helplessness, grief.
It does no good to stuff emotions or deny they exist. God created us to feel emotions, and he doesn't expect us to act happy when we’re grieving. Jesus said, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” That means it is OK to be honest about our grief. “Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge.” (Psalms 62:8 NLT) God wants to comfortus in tragedy. He is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
Second, receive help from others
It’s a huge mistake to isolate yourself when you’re going through a crisis. We all need the support, encouragement, and presence of other people, particularly in the aftermath of tragedy. The Bible tells us that when we carry one another’s burdens, we obey the Law of Christ. (Galatians 6:2)
Third, reject the urge to be bitterness
Some people become bitter when faced with hardship – but bitterness is a choice we make. You don’t have to be bitter. If you choose bitterness, you’ll only end up hurting yourself – and you’ll shut the door on happiness because you can’t be happy and bitter at the same time.
What now?
· Your response to disaster is a choice – As I’ve watched television interviews related to the California wildfires, there are some victims who say, “We lost it all, and we’re sad, but we’re still together as a family, and we’re going to work together and rebuild.” Yet others say, “My life is over! I just don’t see how I can go on from here; I don’t think I can ever recover from this.” It’s not an easy choice, but it is a choice between believing God is still in control or believing you’re on your own.
· Your joy comes from God, not your circumstances – There’s absolutely no correlation in life between your circumstances and your joy. None whatsoever! Joy comes from within. It is based on who you trust, not what you see or feel. When you give your grief to God, he is faithful to comfort you (Matthew 5:4).
· Focus on what you have – When you experience disaster, focus on what you still have, not on what’s lost. Tell God you’re thankful for what you still have. Make a list of all the good things inyour life. Personally, I find it is impossible to be grateful and depressed at the same time.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. (Matthew 5:4 NIV)
This past week, many of us have watched as the worst disaster in Southern California history has unfolded. It will take years to recover. You may live far away from California, but more than likely you’ll face some form of hardship in your life (you may even be facing one now). In this guest devotional, Pastor Rick Warren explains three biblical principles for recovering from any disaster:
First, release your grief
Maybe you’ve wept as you witnessed the horrible losses of life and property in California . Maybe you've lost a family member or a home or business yourself. When you face a crisis, it’s normal to feel all sorts of emotions – fear, anger, worry, depression, resentment, helplessness, grief.
It does no good to stuff emotions or deny they exist. God created us to feel emotions, and he doesn't expect us to act happy when we’re grieving. Jesus said, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” That means it is OK to be honest about our grief. “Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge.” (Psalms 62:8 NLT) God wants to comfortus in tragedy. He is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
Second, receive help from others
It’s a huge mistake to isolate yourself when you’re going through a crisis. We all need the support, encouragement, and presence of other people, particularly in the aftermath of tragedy. The Bible tells us that when we carry one another’s burdens, we obey the Law of Christ. (Galatians 6:2)
Third, reject the urge to be bitterness
Some people become bitter when faced with hardship – but bitterness is a choice we make. You don’t have to be bitter. If you choose bitterness, you’ll only end up hurting yourself – and you’ll shut the door on happiness because you can’t be happy and bitter at the same time.
What now?
· Your response to disaster is a choice – As I’ve watched television interviews related to the California wildfires, there are some victims who say, “We lost it all, and we’re sad, but we’re still together as a family, and we’re going to work together and rebuild.” Yet others say, “My life is over! I just don’t see how I can go on from here; I don’t think I can ever recover from this.” It’s not an easy choice, but it is a choice between believing God is still in control or believing you’re on your own.
· Your joy comes from God, not your circumstances – There’s absolutely no correlation in life between your circumstances and your joy. None whatsoever! Joy comes from within. It is based on who you trust, not what you see or feel. When you give your grief to God, he is faithful to comfort you (Matthew 5:4).
· Focus on what you have – When you experience disaster, focus on what you still have, not on what’s lost. Tell God you’re thankful for what you still have. Make a list of all the good things inyour life. Personally, I find it is impossible to be grateful and depressed at the same time.
Sunday, October 28, 2007
~ what should i do... ~
i got a family issue...
something i feel very very very miserable...
should i tell anyone about it?
who should i talk to?
who is wise enough to advise me?
who can talk me out of my misery?
who can help me?
i feel so helpless and pathetic... such a cowardly elder brother & a weakling son...
something i feel very very very miserable...
should i tell anyone about it?
who should i talk to?
who is wise enough to advise me?
who can talk me out of my misery?
who can help me?
i feel so helpless and pathetic... such a cowardly elder brother & a weakling son...
Thursday, October 25, 2007
~ The Conflict of Peace ~
by Jon Walker
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. (Matthew 5:7-9 NIV)
Peace is not the absence of conflict. In fact, true peace is only possible with conflict. God showed us this when, in order to open the path to peace with him, he sent the Divine Peacemaker, Jesus, to die on a brutal cross for our sins. He initiated this peace plan, even though we were the ones in rebellion; he paid the price for our peace with him, even though we fought against it.
We, too, are to meant to be peacemakers, shod with the sandals of peace (Ephesians 6:15), so that we are always ready to tell the Good News that people can have peace with God.
No matter where you go, you are a peacemaker – showing others how to make peace with God. As a peacemaker, you also begin the process of peace between you and those who stand against you (going as far as you possibly can under God’s leadership). And you help others make peace with each other.
As a peacemaker, it’s vital that you understand there is a difference between peace-making and peace-keeping. Peacemakers won’t settle for a tentative peace, and although I’m going to use some global terms here, think local, personal, intimate: Peace-makers won’t settle for a tense truce in their homes, an uneasy balance of power in their workplace, peace at any price in their marriage.
Instead, peacemakers are like the dentist C.S. Lewis speaks about in Mere Christianity. You go to the dentist because you have pain, and all you want is for him to stop the pain. But the dentist knows he must get to the root of the pain or the tooth will just keep causing problems.
Jesus is like that: We just want him to stop the pain, allow us to have peace, but he knows he has to get to the root of the problem or peace will be nothing more than a fleeting, fragile moment without conflict.
As God’s peacemakers, we’re to dig for the root and search for the resolution, allowing God to work in and through us.
What now?
· Jesus is our Peace – “For he himself is our peace … He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit (Ephesians 2:14a, 17-18 NIV)” How does this change the way you think about peace?
· Characteristics of a peacemaker – Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness. By submitting to God’s wisdom they become “pure, peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.” (James 3:17-18 NIV)
· Peacemaking is an act of faith – “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27 NIV) “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 5:1 NIV)
· Peace with God binds us together – Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4:3 NIV)
· Go in peace today – “Jesus said, ‘Your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.’” (Mark 5:32 NIV
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. (Matthew 5:7-9 NIV)
Peace is not the absence of conflict. In fact, true peace is only possible with conflict. God showed us this when, in order to open the path to peace with him, he sent the Divine Peacemaker, Jesus, to die on a brutal cross for our sins. He initiated this peace plan, even though we were the ones in rebellion; he paid the price for our peace with him, even though we fought against it.
We, too, are to meant to be peacemakers, shod with the sandals of peace (Ephesians 6:15), so that we are always ready to tell the Good News that people can have peace with God.
No matter where you go, you are a peacemaker – showing others how to make peace with God. As a peacemaker, you also begin the process of peace between you and those who stand against you (going as far as you possibly can under God’s leadership). And you help others make peace with each other.
As a peacemaker, it’s vital that you understand there is a difference between peace-making and peace-keeping. Peacemakers won’t settle for a tentative peace, and although I’m going to use some global terms here, think local, personal, intimate: Peace-makers won’t settle for a tense truce in their homes, an uneasy balance of power in their workplace, peace at any price in their marriage.
Instead, peacemakers are like the dentist C.S. Lewis speaks about in Mere Christianity. You go to the dentist because you have pain, and all you want is for him to stop the pain. But the dentist knows he must get to the root of the pain or the tooth will just keep causing problems.
Jesus is like that: We just want him to stop the pain, allow us to have peace, but he knows he has to get to the root of the problem or peace will be nothing more than a fleeting, fragile moment without conflict.
As God’s peacemakers, we’re to dig for the root and search for the resolution, allowing God to work in and through us.
What now?
· Jesus is our Peace – “For he himself is our peace … He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit (Ephesians 2:14a, 17-18 NIV)” How does this change the way you think about peace?
· Characteristics of a peacemaker – Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness. By submitting to God’s wisdom they become “pure, peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.” (James 3:17-18 NIV)
· Peacemaking is an act of faith – “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27 NIV) “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 5:1 NIV)
· Peace with God binds us together – Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4:3 NIV)
· Go in peace today – “Jesus said, ‘Your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.’” (Mark 5:32 NIV
Sunday, October 21, 2007
~ a tiring sunday ~
today got a very cooling morning... woke up real early cause gonna go ecp for running session with my poly friends. my friend picked me up at 715 and after picking up another 2 friends, we headed down to ecp. started our jog ard 820 and ended about 930... non stop running... was told we covered 10+km... gee... that's alot considering i never stopped until the very last part and only friday i had a 4km run... hmmm was a good run. we bathed and went for food then i headed home to get ready to go back to office.
working on sunday? yah. no choice cause we got to rush some stuffs and got not much time so sunday needs to be burnt... my legs are still tired and then need to use my eyes to go thru the many documents... tiring eyes also. haha...
received sms to meet for dinner in the evening with church friends but i was too tired to go meet them so i didn't went down...
i am now left with 13 more days to my triathlon... coming week gonna focus training on swimming and next week on cycling. but this week gonna be quite busy but good thing wed and thurs my off day for this week so i am gonna go swimming and jogging on this 2 days. heehee...
~ Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails ~ Pro 19:21 (am reading Proverbs lately and gonna be focusing on Proverbs for awhile)
working on sunday? yah. no choice cause we got to rush some stuffs and got not much time so sunday needs to be burnt... my legs are still tired and then need to use my eyes to go thru the many documents... tiring eyes also. haha...
received sms to meet for dinner in the evening with church friends but i was too tired to go meet them so i didn't went down...
i am now left with 13 more days to my triathlon... coming week gonna focus training on swimming and next week on cycling. but this week gonna be quite busy but good thing wed and thurs my off day for this week so i am gonna go swimming and jogging on this 2 days. heehee...
~ Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails ~ Pro 19:21 (am reading Proverbs lately and gonna be focusing on Proverbs for awhile)
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
~ No Small Dreams ~
by Jon Walker
Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But not with God. Everything is possible with God.” (Mark 10:27 NLT)
In 1631, due to a proofing error, the word ‘not’ was left out of a printing of the King James Bible, changing the seventh commandment to “Thou shalt commit adultery.” Not surprisingly, that printing of the King James became known as “The Wicked Bible.”
By a similar blunder, an error in the Oct. 11 devotional (“Making points with God”) suggested faith had nothing to do with our salvation. Ironically, the entire devotional was about the truth that our good works will not get us to God, and that it is our faith in God’s grace – through Jesus Christ, his son – that covers our sins.
The mistake occurred as I attempted to paraphrase Ephesians 2:8-9, so let me give it to you straight from the NIV: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith –and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast.”
Please forgive me for this mistake, which could cause someone to be confused about eternal salvation.
Needless to say, it’s not the first mistake I’ve ever made. Several years ago, in writing a headline for a Rick Warren column on altar calls, I typed out “alter calls,” and failed to catch the error before it was sent around the world!
Rick’s response was, “I want everyone on my staff to make at least one big mistake a week. If you're not making mistakes, then you're not trying anything new.”
Now Rick is gracious about mistakes – even if they’re made when you aren’t trying something new – but he doesn’t want us making the same mistake every week! He wants us to not be afraid to try something innovative and creative, even if it means risking failure.
According to Rick, this means there should be no small dreams for those belonging to God. Like the song says, our God is an awesome God – a huge and generous God – and we should live what we say we believe.
In Matthew 25, Jesus spoke about three servants: One was given ten talents; he went out and doubled it. Another servant was given five talents; he went out and doubled that. The third servant was given one talent; he dug a hole, essentially saying, “I don’t want to lose it. I don’t want to take any risks.” The master says, “You wicked and lazy servant! … Well, you should at least have put my money into the bank so I could have some interest.” (NIV)
Consider Eugene Peterson’s paraphrase in the Message: “The servant given one thousand said, ‘Master, I know you have high standards and hate careless ways, that you demand the best and make no allowances for error. I was afraid I might disappoint you, so I found a good hiding place and secured your money. Here it is, safe and sound down to the last cent.’
“The master was furious. ‘That's a terrible way to live! It's criminal to live cautiously like that! If you knew I was after the best, why did you do less than the least?’” (Matthew 25:24-26 MSG)
If we’re not taking any risks – if we’re walking in a way that does not require faith – then we are faith-less in our walk.
There’s another word for risk-taking, according to Rick Warren, and that word is faith.” He cited Mark 10:27 (NLT), where Jesus says, “Everything is possible with God.”
If that is true, then we should have no small dreams. Will you believe God for big things and big dreams?
What now?
· No small dreams – What is the greatest dream God has placed in your heart? What keeps you from pursuing it? Ask God what roadblocks you have placed in the way of that dream. Explain to him how your approach is faithful or unfaithful to Mark 10:27 (NLT), where Jesus says, “Everything is possible with God.”
· Stop fearing mistakes – God will not condemn you for making mistakes. If he thought you could be perfect, then he never would have sacrificed his son on a bloody and brutal cross. Ask yourself how the fear of mistakes lines up with your theology. What kind of theology does the fear of mistakes suggest? Ask God to be your courage as you overcome your fear of mistakes. “For God has not given us a spirit of fearfulness, but one of power, love, and sound judgment.” (2 Timothy 1:7 HCSB)
· You are saved by faith, not by the mistakes you avoid – Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV): “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast.”
· Let yourself off the hook – If you’ve made some mistakes (and we’ve all made some colossal ones) then let yourself off the hook. When God says you’re forgiven, do you overrule him? And, while you’re at it, let you-know-who (insert name of someone who’s got you vexed) be human, that is, allow that the other person will make mistakes.
· Pray – Would you pray for Mark Kelly and me as we prepare these devotionals for you? Pray that our hearts will be pure and our eyes on Jesus as we pass God’s grace and peace on to you.
Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But not with God. Everything is possible with God.” (Mark 10:27 NLT)
In 1631, due to a proofing error, the word ‘not’ was left out of a printing of the King James Bible, changing the seventh commandment to “Thou shalt commit adultery.” Not surprisingly, that printing of the King James became known as “The Wicked Bible.”
By a similar blunder, an error in the Oct. 11 devotional (“Making points with God”) suggested faith had nothing to do with our salvation. Ironically, the entire devotional was about the truth that our good works will not get us to God, and that it is our faith in God’s grace – through Jesus Christ, his son – that covers our sins.
The mistake occurred as I attempted to paraphrase Ephesians 2:8-9, so let me give it to you straight from the NIV: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith –and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast.”
Please forgive me for this mistake, which could cause someone to be confused about eternal salvation.
Needless to say, it’s not the first mistake I’ve ever made. Several years ago, in writing a headline for a Rick Warren column on altar calls, I typed out “alter calls,” and failed to catch the error before it was sent around the world!
Rick’s response was, “I want everyone on my staff to make at least one big mistake a week. If you're not making mistakes, then you're not trying anything new.”
Now Rick is gracious about mistakes – even if they’re made when you aren’t trying something new – but he doesn’t want us making the same mistake every week! He wants us to not be afraid to try something innovative and creative, even if it means risking failure.
According to Rick, this means there should be no small dreams for those belonging to God. Like the song says, our God is an awesome God – a huge and generous God – and we should live what we say we believe.
In Matthew 25, Jesus spoke about three servants: One was given ten talents; he went out and doubled it. Another servant was given five talents; he went out and doubled that. The third servant was given one talent; he dug a hole, essentially saying, “I don’t want to lose it. I don’t want to take any risks.” The master says, “You wicked and lazy servant! … Well, you should at least have put my money into the bank so I could have some interest.” (NIV)
Consider Eugene Peterson’s paraphrase in the Message: “The servant given one thousand said, ‘Master, I know you have high standards and hate careless ways, that you demand the best and make no allowances for error. I was afraid I might disappoint you, so I found a good hiding place and secured your money. Here it is, safe and sound down to the last cent.’
“The master was furious. ‘That's a terrible way to live! It's criminal to live cautiously like that! If you knew I was after the best, why did you do less than the least?’” (Matthew 25:24-26 MSG)
If we’re not taking any risks – if we’re walking in a way that does not require faith – then we are faith-less in our walk.
There’s another word for risk-taking, according to Rick Warren, and that word is faith.” He cited Mark 10:27 (NLT), where Jesus says, “Everything is possible with God.”
If that is true, then we should have no small dreams. Will you believe God for big things and big dreams?
What now?
· No small dreams – What is the greatest dream God has placed in your heart? What keeps you from pursuing it? Ask God what roadblocks you have placed in the way of that dream. Explain to him how your approach is faithful or unfaithful to Mark 10:27 (NLT), where Jesus says, “Everything is possible with God.”
· Stop fearing mistakes – God will not condemn you for making mistakes. If he thought you could be perfect, then he never would have sacrificed his son on a bloody and brutal cross. Ask yourself how the fear of mistakes lines up with your theology. What kind of theology does the fear of mistakes suggest? Ask God to be your courage as you overcome your fear of mistakes. “For God has not given us a spirit of fearfulness, but one of power, love, and sound judgment.” (2 Timothy 1:7 HCSB)
· You are saved by faith, not by the mistakes you avoid – Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV): “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast.”
· Let yourself off the hook – If you’ve made some mistakes (and we’ve all made some colossal ones) then let yourself off the hook. When God says you’re forgiven, do you overrule him? And, while you’re at it, let you-know-who (insert name of someone who’s got you vexed) be human, that is, allow that the other person will make mistakes.
· Pray – Would you pray for Mark Kelly and me as we prepare these devotionals for you? Pray that our hearts will be pure and our eyes on Jesus as we pass God’s grace and peace on to you.
Monday, October 15, 2007
~ over the week ~
on friday, after work, i met up with my ex colleagues at settlers for a short gathering and a short game before i left to meet my church friends for an overnight camping at ECP. however as i was still troubled by what happened to me a few days ago, i wasn't in the mood to even talk much but to keep looking at the sea and thinking over what was said to me... i surely hope i didn't spoil any of their moods because of mine. hmmm... i spend much time thinking that night... i looked at the sea, the stars, the sky and i felt the rain... i keep on thinking with my limited wisdom on what would make me feel better or change what people perceive me and what i should work on to change such perceptions in life...
i came upon "i am what i want others to see me as" but in reality, i dun like what others are seeing me... especially those that i really dread to hear but i can't change what they are seeing me because what they are seeing are perhaps really what i am...
saturday evening, i woke up... there's edge but i was considering if i should go... after much struggle, i stopped thinking and started acting... i changed and left the house. i know i was late but still i went to edge, the moment i opened the door and walked to a seat to sit down, this is what i heard, "are people saying that you are useless?" i was shocked... it's not the first time i go to edge and God spoke to my problem but seriously each time it happens, i am always shocked... i missed the worship, i came in late but why must it be when i stepped in and sat down, she said that sentence which is troubling me for the past few days? God knows me and my heart... everything is in His control and He know when i will step in and when i will hear... He knows everything... that sentence might not meant anything to anyone there but it surely meant alot to me...
the sermon was about our identity and God's destiny for us... i need to look again into my life on what's my identity so that God's destiny for me might be revealed... at the end of the sermon, when the altar was opened, i felt my heart throbbing very hard and fast... "God's asking me to respond" that's what is in my mind... i didn't wanted to go out but i didn't want to disobey God's call... and so i went out... i went out and fell to my knees... the next moment, i wept... the tears that i want out for the past few days finally was released... before the Lord, i dun need to hide anymore, i can feel Him... i heard the prayers at my ears.. they dunno what happened to me but they spoke of things that i need... that day... God did something in my life yet again... i can't change immediately but i know then i am changing... i didn't know my identity immediately but i know i need to talk to Jesus about my identity... i didn't get answers immediately but i know i need to seek and i know for whoever seeks, he shall find. this not said by me but by the Words of God.
today, we went for a movie, nanny's diaries... i dunno why but the story began with a girl who just graduated also dunno what she wants in her life or who she truly is... is God trying to remind me again to seek my identity with Him?
I need to sort things out with God and God really needs to deal with me BIG time... Leon here needs time to recover... after i recover, i need to regain the lost confidence and trust... how can others believe in me when i dun even believe in myself? pfft.. it's true that i have no confidence and i was told on sat that a guy looks more attractive when he is confident... heh... that reminds me of the show i been following "the Legend of ZhuMeng". when i saw that the hero ZhuMeng is actually a wimp at the start, i couldn't help but to think how can he make it big and what did he went thru? well i am still finding out... this show came at the moments when i felt that i am useless... seriously i wasn't really interested in catching any dramas all this while but trust me... i really go after this drama since it started... was it a coincidence that it's showing at this point of my life or was it God's plan all along? will this make an impact in my life?
~thanks Joanne for asking about me and listening to me on that day when i was really down...
thanks to Serena for reminding me guys are more attractive when they are more confident (reminds me of Jinlun), you must have missed him. hee...
thanks Kevin for Mat 5:3-12, it makes me feel better. ^^~
i came upon "i am what i want others to see me as" but in reality, i dun like what others are seeing me... especially those that i really dread to hear but i can't change what they are seeing me because what they are seeing are perhaps really what i am...
saturday evening, i woke up... there's edge but i was considering if i should go... after much struggle, i stopped thinking and started acting... i changed and left the house. i know i was late but still i went to edge, the moment i opened the door and walked to a seat to sit down, this is what i heard, "are people saying that you are useless?" i was shocked... it's not the first time i go to edge and God spoke to my problem but seriously each time it happens, i am always shocked... i missed the worship, i came in late but why must it be when i stepped in and sat down, she said that sentence which is troubling me for the past few days? God knows me and my heart... everything is in His control and He know when i will step in and when i will hear... He knows everything... that sentence might not meant anything to anyone there but it surely meant alot to me...
the sermon was about our identity and God's destiny for us... i need to look again into my life on what's my identity so that God's destiny for me might be revealed... at the end of the sermon, when the altar was opened, i felt my heart throbbing very hard and fast... "God's asking me to respond" that's what is in my mind... i didn't wanted to go out but i didn't want to disobey God's call... and so i went out... i went out and fell to my knees... the next moment, i wept... the tears that i want out for the past few days finally was released... before the Lord, i dun need to hide anymore, i can feel Him... i heard the prayers at my ears.. they dunno what happened to me but they spoke of things that i need... that day... God did something in my life yet again... i can't change immediately but i know then i am changing... i didn't know my identity immediately but i know i need to talk to Jesus about my identity... i didn't get answers immediately but i know i need to seek and i know for whoever seeks, he shall find. this not said by me but by the Words of God.
today, we went for a movie, nanny's diaries... i dunno why but the story began with a girl who just graduated also dunno what she wants in her life or who she truly is... is God trying to remind me again to seek my identity with Him?
I need to sort things out with God and God really needs to deal with me BIG time... Leon here needs time to recover... after i recover, i need to regain the lost confidence and trust... how can others believe in me when i dun even believe in myself? pfft.. it's true that i have no confidence and i was told on sat that a guy looks more attractive when he is confident... heh... that reminds me of the show i been following "the Legend of ZhuMeng". when i saw that the hero ZhuMeng is actually a wimp at the start, i couldn't help but to think how can he make it big and what did he went thru? well i am still finding out... this show came at the moments when i felt that i am useless... seriously i wasn't really interested in catching any dramas all this while but trust me... i really go after this drama since it started... was it a coincidence that it's showing at this point of my life or was it God's plan all along? will this make an impact in my life?
~thanks Joanne for asking about me and listening to me on that day when i was really down...
thanks to Serena for reminding me guys are more attractive when they are more confident (reminds me of Jinlun), you must have missed him. hee...
thanks Kevin for Mat 5:3-12, it makes me feel better. ^^~
Friday, October 12, 2007
~ Iron Man ~
by Jon Walker
“But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.” (2 Corinthians 4:7-10 NIV)
Although I don’t recall anyone ever specifically teaching me this, somewhere along the way I embraced the idea that “You have to play hurt.” It’s the philosophy in sports that your commitment in competition is such that you don’t let the pain from injuries – even some of the major ones – keep you from playing, and playing to win.
Brett Favre, the long-standing quarterback for the Green Bay Packers, who we discussed yesterday, is an extraordinary model of this “play hurt” mentality. Often called an iron man, Favre has played through broken bones, sprains, concussions, and a myriad of other injuries – major and minor – making him one of only two NFL players to start every game his team has played over the last 15 years (and the other guy is a punter, not the heart-and-soul quarterback of a team who plays on every offensive down). And Favre is still at it even though he just turned 38, which in the dog-years of 9-to-5 work is like 68.
He certainly doesn’t stay at it for the money because he’s made plenty of it, and he doesn’t do it for the records because he’s already broken most of them. You get the sense from Favre that he’s chasing one more championship, but that he also stays in it for love of the game.
In a similar way, Coach Paul (of Tarsus ) teaches us to push past the pain of becoming like Christ. For now, we carry this eternal treasure in fragile in jars of clay as we learn to be wholly and fully dependent upon the all-surpassing power of God.
Therefore, Paul sees our pain and heartache – the difficulties in life – as a way to identify with the pain and heartache Jesus faced when he died on the cross for you and me. It is a suffering as close as skin that allows us in a small way to experience, through the glass darkly, what Jesus experienced when he took in all the brutality, ridicule, and abandonment that was meant for you and me. This is how we carry the death of Jesus around in our bodies, allowing the life of Jesus to be revealed. (2 Corinthians 4:7-10 NIV)
No matter how well intentioned we are – no matter how Brett-Favre-Iron-Man-like we are – we incapable of carrying this death of Jesus within us without being desperately dependent upon God. But the Good News is that our pain, our heartache, our confusion, our doubts, our mountain-sized difficulties can push us – if we allow it – into the very center of God’s all surpassing power.
And this supernatural strength allows us to say, “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.” (2 Corinthians 4:7-10 NIV)
What now?
· Your problems help you become like Jesus – When you experience pain or heartache, talk it out with God, but also thank him that he is making you more like Christ. Let God encourage you – that this pain has a purpose: “We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.” (2 Corinthians 4:7 NIV)
· God has his Father’s eyes on you – Yes, your pain and heartache are real. In fact, the increasingly complex struggle to keep you family together, pay your bills, and live out your faith can be overwhelming. Paul’s message of pressing on is not meant to minimize the challenges you face; rather, it’s to give you perspective: “In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.” (Hebrews 12:4 NIV)
· You’re weakness opens the door to his strength – Even as you feel yourself hard pressed on every side, crushed, perplexed, persecuted, struck down, you can boast all the more about your weaknesses, allowing Christ's power to rest on you; for when you are weak, then you are strong in his power and protection. (2 Corinthians 12:9-10 NIV)
· Ask God for a vision of what you would be like if you were more like Christ – Ask him to show you his purpose and his plan for your life. Ask him to make you more sensitive to the difficulties of those around you. Ask him to show you how to encourage them as they feel hard press, crushed, perplexed, persecuted, struck down. Finally, pray for Brett Favre, who appears to be a very good man, but still a man in need of a Savior.
~ Thank you Jesus, Thank you God ~
“But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.” (2 Corinthians 4:7-10 NIV)
Although I don’t recall anyone ever specifically teaching me this, somewhere along the way I embraced the idea that “You have to play hurt.” It’s the philosophy in sports that your commitment in competition is such that you don’t let the pain from injuries – even some of the major ones – keep you from playing, and playing to win.
Brett Favre, the long-standing quarterback for the Green Bay Packers, who we discussed yesterday, is an extraordinary model of this “play hurt” mentality. Often called an iron man, Favre has played through broken bones, sprains, concussions, and a myriad of other injuries – major and minor – making him one of only two NFL players to start every game his team has played over the last 15 years (and the other guy is a punter, not the heart-and-soul quarterback of a team who plays on every offensive down). And Favre is still at it even though he just turned 38, which in the dog-years of 9-to-5 work is like 68.
He certainly doesn’t stay at it for the money because he’s made plenty of it, and he doesn’t do it for the records because he’s already broken most of them. You get the sense from Favre that he’s chasing one more championship, but that he also stays in it for love of the game.
In a similar way, Coach Paul (of Tarsus ) teaches us to push past the pain of becoming like Christ. For now, we carry this eternal treasure in fragile in jars of clay as we learn to be wholly and fully dependent upon the all-surpassing power of God.
Therefore, Paul sees our pain and heartache – the difficulties in life – as a way to identify with the pain and heartache Jesus faced when he died on the cross for you and me. It is a suffering as close as skin that allows us in a small way to experience, through the glass darkly, what Jesus experienced when he took in all the brutality, ridicule, and abandonment that was meant for you and me. This is how we carry the death of Jesus around in our bodies, allowing the life of Jesus to be revealed. (2 Corinthians 4:7-10 NIV)
No matter how well intentioned we are – no matter how Brett-Favre-Iron-Man-like we are – we incapable of carrying this death of Jesus within us without being desperately dependent upon God. But the Good News is that our pain, our heartache, our confusion, our doubts, our mountain-sized difficulties can push us – if we allow it – into the very center of God’s all surpassing power.
And this supernatural strength allows us to say, “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.” (2 Corinthians 4:7-10 NIV)
What now?
· Your problems help you become like Jesus – When you experience pain or heartache, talk it out with God, but also thank him that he is making you more like Christ. Let God encourage you – that this pain has a purpose: “We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.” (2 Corinthians 4:7 NIV)
· God has his Father’s eyes on you – Yes, your pain and heartache are real. In fact, the increasingly complex struggle to keep you family together, pay your bills, and live out your faith can be overwhelming. Paul’s message of pressing on is not meant to minimize the challenges you face; rather, it’s to give you perspective: “In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.” (Hebrews 12:4 NIV)
· You’re weakness opens the door to his strength – Even as you feel yourself hard pressed on every side, crushed, perplexed, persecuted, struck down, you can boast all the more about your weaknesses, allowing Christ's power to rest on you; for when you are weak, then you are strong in his power and protection. (2 Corinthians 12:9-10 NIV)
· Ask God for a vision of what you would be like if you were more like Christ – Ask him to show you his purpose and his plan for your life. Ask him to make you more sensitive to the difficulties of those around you. Ask him to show you how to encourage them as they feel hard press, crushed, perplexed, persecuted, struck down. Finally, pray for Brett Favre, who appears to be a very good man, but still a man in need of a Savior.
~ Thank you Jesus, Thank you God ~
Thursday, October 11, 2007
~ i lose it ~
been a while since i really blog about myself... yeah... it's been awhile... ever thought what happened to me? what's going on in my life?
well... the most recent thing that happened to me, pushes me to the edge of the cliff... did i fall? yes i did...
tuesday, as i went back to work, i was called by my boss to have a one to one talk... she told me alot of things and about my competency....
- Irresponsible
- No knowledge
- No effort
- Not willing to learn
- Cannot be trusted
- Boastful
- Pathetic
- Weak
- No confident
- Slow in learning
the above is derived from the conversation between me and her...
early in the morning, i heard this, i felt very bad... really very bad...
then at the end of the day, i get scolding from all directions... not by one but by many at one time... blaming me and accusing me... reprimand me and slapping me... stepping on the last of my dignity... i was overwhelmed... i felt like crying... but crying would only make me look more like a wuss and coward... i endured... i kept quiet... i tried to hold back whatever emotions that's swarming me then...
i came home... feeling pathetic... weak... useless... what can i say? what can i do? i want to find someone to talk to but who can i turn to? i want to cry out... but it doesn't ... i talked to my mum only to be reprimanded more by her...
who can i blame but myself... incompetence... weak... pathetic... useless... emotional... a promise breaker even...
i felt terrible... what's keeping me going? what am i here for? of what use am i? someone like me, how can God ever use me for His big plan? What can a useless man like me even accomplish?
... only God knows... only Jesus knows... i dunno... i really dunno...
well... the most recent thing that happened to me, pushes me to the edge of the cliff... did i fall? yes i did...
tuesday, as i went back to work, i was called by my boss to have a one to one talk... she told me alot of things and about my competency....
- Irresponsible
- No knowledge
- No effort
- Not willing to learn
- Cannot be trusted
- Boastful
- Pathetic
- Weak
- No confident
- Slow in learning
the above is derived from the conversation between me and her...
early in the morning, i heard this, i felt very bad... really very bad...
then at the end of the day, i get scolding from all directions... not by one but by many at one time... blaming me and accusing me... reprimand me and slapping me... stepping on the last of my dignity... i was overwhelmed... i felt like crying... but crying would only make me look more like a wuss and coward... i endured... i kept quiet... i tried to hold back whatever emotions that's swarming me then...
i came home... feeling pathetic... weak... useless... what can i say? what can i do? i want to find someone to talk to but who can i turn to? i want to cry out... but it doesn't ... i talked to my mum only to be reprimanded more by her...
who can i blame but myself... incompetence... weak... pathetic... useless... emotional... a promise breaker even...
i felt terrible... what's keeping me going? what am i here for? of what use am i? someone like me, how can God ever use me for His big plan? What can a useless man like me even accomplish?
... only God knows... only Jesus knows... i dunno... i really dunno...
Wednesday, October 03, 2007
~ Support The Troops Within Your Heart ~
by Jon Walker
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7 (NIV)
If you lived in a frontier town constantly harassed by raiding parties from an enemy, one option for your military would be to send troops to actually live beside you. These troops would be ‘garrisoned’ to your town, and their presence would not only provide protection during an attack; they, hopefully, would dissuade the enemy from even launching any more attacks.
This is the implication of Paul’s language in this passage; that the peace of God will be garrisoned within your heart and mind, providing an ever-present protection from within as opposed to the need to stressfully search the horizon for the Calvary to arrive just in the nick of time.
God’s peace and presence is closer than a brother, not a mental state reached by working yourself into it, rather a Spirit of Peace that mingles and indwells your heart and mind, protecting you even as it heals the wounds that bleed both worry and fear into your life.
It is a peace that passes all understanding because it is God-powered and Spirit-connected: “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand.” Romans 5:1-2 (NIV)
Consider it this way – Jesus became flesh and made his dwelling among us (John 1:1-14), and through his death and resurrection, his Spirit now dwells within us. And the fruit of his Spirit is, among other things, peace (Galatians 5:22-23, NIV).
We do not make this peace; we receive it and believe it.
What now –
· Everything for good – You can be at peace, knowing that God is working all things out for your good, according to his glory (Romans 8:28). What worry do you have where you think things are not working out? Perhaps, thinking they’ve slipped out of God’s control? Take that worry to God and ask him what he thinks about it.
· Plans for good – You can be at peace, knowing that God’s plans for you are good, designed to help you heal (Jeremiah 29:11). Is there a part of your life where you think things are irrevocably ruined? You’re even wondering if God knows what he’s doing? Talk to God directly about this, and explain to him why your thoughts and plans are better (We often think that, so why not be direct with God?)
· Things above – You can be at peace when you “set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.” (Colossians 3:2, NKJV) We must learn to think like God and not like mere men and women. Think about the worst situation in your life – How would you think about it differently if you could access God’s [perspective?
· The fruit of peace – As you allow the Spirit to work within your heart and mind, the fruit of peace will bloom there and spread throughout your life. What do you think are the characteristics of ‘peace-fruit?’
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7 (NIV)
If you lived in a frontier town constantly harassed by raiding parties from an enemy, one option for your military would be to send troops to actually live beside you. These troops would be ‘garrisoned’ to your town, and their presence would not only provide protection during an attack; they, hopefully, would dissuade the enemy from even launching any more attacks.
This is the implication of Paul’s language in this passage; that the peace of God will be garrisoned within your heart and mind, providing an ever-present protection from within as opposed to the need to stressfully search the horizon for the Calvary to arrive just in the nick of time.
God’s peace and presence is closer than a brother, not a mental state reached by working yourself into it, rather a Spirit of Peace that mingles and indwells your heart and mind, protecting you even as it heals the wounds that bleed both worry and fear into your life.
It is a peace that passes all understanding because it is God-powered and Spirit-connected: “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand.” Romans 5:1-2 (NIV)
Consider it this way – Jesus became flesh and made his dwelling among us (John 1:1-14), and through his death and resurrection, his Spirit now dwells within us. And the fruit of his Spirit is, among other things, peace (Galatians 5:22-23, NIV).
We do not make this peace; we receive it and believe it.
What now –
· Everything for good – You can be at peace, knowing that God is working all things out for your good, according to his glory (Romans 8:28). What worry do you have where you think things are not working out? Perhaps, thinking they’ve slipped out of God’s control? Take that worry to God and ask him what he thinks about it.
· Plans for good – You can be at peace, knowing that God’s plans for you are good, designed to help you heal (Jeremiah 29:11). Is there a part of your life where you think things are irrevocably ruined? You’re even wondering if God knows what he’s doing? Talk to God directly about this, and explain to him why your thoughts and plans are better (We often think that, so why not be direct with God?)
· Things above – You can be at peace when you “set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.” (Colossians 3:2, NKJV) We must learn to think like God and not like mere men and women. Think about the worst situation in your life – How would you think about it differently if you could access God’s [perspective?
· The fruit of peace – As you allow the Spirit to work within your heart and mind, the fruit of peace will bloom there and spread throughout your life. What do you think are the characteristics of ‘peace-fruit?’
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
~ No Conditions on Forgiveness ~
by Jon Walker
“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding.” Ephesians 1:7-8 (NIV)
You don’t have to go too far to hear people talking about forgiveness. We bandy the word around without giving it much thought, and perhaps I shouldn’t be surprised, but lately I’ve heard reporters asking questions like, “Should so-and-so be forgiven?” “Can such behavior be forgiven?” “Can you ever forgive _________?”
Even many Christians seem to see forgiveness as independent of its divine mandate, wholly separated from the blood of Jesus Christ.
Yet, the hard, awful truth is there is no forgiveness – healing and eternal forgiveness without the bloody sacrifice of Jesus. It’s similar the end of “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe,” when Aslan, supernaturally resurrected, says that there is a deep magic set into the very foundation of the universe that requires the blood of an innocent to initiate the supernatural power of resurrection – and forgiveness of sins.
Oswald Chambers says we should abandon any view that “God is so kind and loving that, of course, He will forgive us. That thought, based solely on emotion, cannot be found anywhere in the New Testament. The only basis on which God can forgive us is the tremendous tragedy of the Cross of Christ. To base our forgiveness on any other ground is unconscious blasphemy.”
And we do ‘unconscious blasphemy’ when we act and speak as if forgiveness is little more than a lenient mercy where we let another ‘off the hook.’ Because of this, many people assume that extending forgiveness somehow allows those who’ve done wrong to ‘get away’ with what they’ve done.
What now?
·Forgiveness is unconditional – You can’t earn it; you don’t deserve it; you’re unable to bargain for it. God gives it to you freely, although it cost him the Cross of Jesus Christ. When you say, “I’ll forgive you, if …,” then you’re not really forgiving; rather, you’re striking a bargain.
·Forgiveness doesn’t mean you condone – When you forgive, you’re not letting others ‘get away’ with what they did. They may still face punishment. And forgiving them doesn’t mean you agree with what they did.
·Forgiveness doesn’t mean the relationship remains the same – It make take some time for you to trust the person again. You may need some time to see if his/her repentance is genuine, how the offender works toward offering restitution and to rebuild your trust. But you can forgive the offender regardless of his/her attitude. Just as God initiated your forgiveness, you can forgive without requiring the other person to ask for it.
·Forgiveness brings you freedom – When you forgive another, you’re free to look at the situation in a fresh way – and to see how God will makes “all things work together for good for those who love God and who are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28
“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding.” Ephesians 1:7-8 (NIV)
You don’t have to go too far to hear people talking about forgiveness. We bandy the word around without giving it much thought, and perhaps I shouldn’t be surprised, but lately I’ve heard reporters asking questions like, “Should so-and-so be forgiven?” “Can such behavior be forgiven?” “Can you ever forgive _________?”
Even many Christians seem to see forgiveness as independent of its divine mandate, wholly separated from the blood of Jesus Christ.
Yet, the hard, awful truth is there is no forgiveness – healing and eternal forgiveness without the bloody sacrifice of Jesus. It’s similar the end of “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe,” when Aslan, supernaturally resurrected, says that there is a deep magic set into the very foundation of the universe that requires the blood of an innocent to initiate the supernatural power of resurrection – and forgiveness of sins.
Oswald Chambers says we should abandon any view that “God is so kind and loving that, of course, He will forgive us. That thought, based solely on emotion, cannot be found anywhere in the New Testament. The only basis on which God can forgive us is the tremendous tragedy of the Cross of Christ. To base our forgiveness on any other ground is unconscious blasphemy.”
And we do ‘unconscious blasphemy’ when we act and speak as if forgiveness is little more than a lenient mercy where we let another ‘off the hook.’ Because of this, many people assume that extending forgiveness somehow allows those who’ve done wrong to ‘get away’ with what they’ve done.
What now?
·Forgiveness is unconditional – You can’t earn it; you don’t deserve it; you’re unable to bargain for it. God gives it to you freely, although it cost him the Cross of Jesus Christ. When you say, “I’ll forgive you, if …,” then you’re not really forgiving; rather, you’re striking a bargain.
·Forgiveness doesn’t mean you condone – When you forgive, you’re not letting others ‘get away’ with what they did. They may still face punishment. And forgiving them doesn’t mean you agree with what they did.
·Forgiveness doesn’t mean the relationship remains the same – It make take some time for you to trust the person again. You may need some time to see if his/her repentance is genuine, how the offender works toward offering restitution and to rebuild your trust. But you can forgive the offender regardless of his/her attitude. Just as God initiated your forgiveness, you can forgive without requiring the other person to ask for it.
·Forgiveness brings you freedom – When you forgive another, you’re free to look at the situation in a fresh way – and to see how God will makes “all things work together for good for those who love God and who are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28
Friday, September 28, 2007
~ Let God Run Wild ~
by Jon Walker
“… God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” (2 Corinthians 9:8 NIV)
As my six-year-old tried to open a package, I sat patiently waiting for him to ask me for help. It was one of those protective, hard plastic packages that some manufacturers use – you know, the kind that are nearly impossible to open short of using a small explosive.
I knew my son wouldn’t be able to open the package on his own, but I make it a general rule never to grab things out of my son’s hands – like one child might disrespectfully snatch something away from another. Sure, I’m bigger than him, and I could’ve taken it out of his hands, but I wanted him to make his own choice about whether or when he would ask me for help.
It didn’t take long before he looked up at me, and I said, ‘Do you want me to help you?’ He said yes and handed me the package. I knew it would require more than my hands (or teeth) to open it, so I found some heavy scissors and squeezed hard to cut through the plastic.
Today, you may be holding a package in your hand, and wrapped in its hard plastic shell is something Jesus called the “abundant life.” You’re straining to get inside the package, using all the means and schemes you can think of to break through the abundant life.
God is patiently sitting next you you, waiting for you to abandon your independent attempts to create the abundant life, waiting for you to let him loose in your life, waiting for you to say, “I can’t, but, God, you can.”
In that moment, God becomes your strength, “so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” (2 Corinthians 9:8 NIV)
What now?
Let God run wild – Accept the powerful love of God in your life and allow his grace to run free in your life.
Stop trying to open the package – Give the package to God and let him open the abundant life for you. Ask God to show you what package you’re struggling to open, and when he does, hand the package to him.
Trust God with your needs – God knows you need to open the package. What makes you think you have to open it on your own? Why do you believe that your efforts to open the package will produce a better life for you than if you allow God to open the package? (What is your behavior saying about your beliefs?)
“… God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” (2 Corinthians 9:8 NIV)
As my six-year-old tried to open a package, I sat patiently waiting for him to ask me for help. It was one of those protective, hard plastic packages that some manufacturers use – you know, the kind that are nearly impossible to open short of using a small explosive.
I knew my son wouldn’t be able to open the package on his own, but I make it a general rule never to grab things out of my son’s hands – like one child might disrespectfully snatch something away from another. Sure, I’m bigger than him, and I could’ve taken it out of his hands, but I wanted him to make his own choice about whether or when he would ask me for help.
It didn’t take long before he looked up at me, and I said, ‘Do you want me to help you?’ He said yes and handed me the package. I knew it would require more than my hands (or teeth) to open it, so I found some heavy scissors and squeezed hard to cut through the plastic.
Today, you may be holding a package in your hand, and wrapped in its hard plastic shell is something Jesus called the “abundant life.” You’re straining to get inside the package, using all the means and schemes you can think of to break through the abundant life.
God is patiently sitting next you you, waiting for you to abandon your independent attempts to create the abundant life, waiting for you to let him loose in your life, waiting for you to say, “I can’t, but, God, you can.”
In that moment, God becomes your strength, “so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” (2 Corinthians 9:8 NIV)
What now?
Let God run wild – Accept the powerful love of God in your life and allow his grace to run free in your life.
Stop trying to open the package – Give the package to God and let him open the abundant life for you. Ask God to show you what package you’re struggling to open, and when he does, hand the package to him.
Trust God with your needs – God knows you need to open the package. What makes you think you have to open it on your own? Why do you believe that your efforts to open the package will produce a better life for you than if you allow God to open the package? (What is your behavior saying about your beliefs?)
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
~ We Love By His Life ~
by Jon Walker
“I myself no longer live, but Christ lives in me. So I live my life in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20, NLT)
When Jesus commands us to do something, he knows we cannot do it unless we are empowered by him – and so he joins his life with the Holy Spirit within us. Thus, “Christ lives in me.”
This new life within will take us where thoughts or feelings never will; it will enable us more than information or willpower ever can. We receive the love and life of Jesus, and he says, “Go and do the same.” As awesome and costly and everlasting as the Gospel is, it’s also this simple: We are transformed by the life of Christ released within us, and now we’re to show and tell others how Christ can live in them.
And isn’t it true that for a while this seems to be the easiest and most natural thing we’ve ever done? We get love from Jesus, and then we turn around and give it away to others.
But then, after a while, we find it more and more difficult. Old habits return. Memories come back, and the emotions attached to them emerge in ways that cause us to stumble or feel defeated.
No matter how hard we try, some days sheer willpower isn’t enough to be the new creation that God says we are. And so we try harder, and things just get worse.
But God is relentless in his command to “love each other in the same way that I have loved you” – personal and up-close, meeting needs of undeserving others, not attacking their faults. This is God driving us away from the self-generated, “try harder” love into his love that is freely given. This is where the Spirit of Love - himself - is able to teach us, “Not I, but Christ.”
We begin to see it is no longer “just I” doing the loving – that would be life under the Law. Success would bring self-commendation; failure would produce self-condemnation.
We learn to say in faith: “I myself no longer live, but Christ lives in me. So I live my life in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20, NLT)
What now?
· Personal love – Since God’s love is personal, it must be personalized as us. God’s love becomes personal and meaningful to others when we allow God to touch them through us.
· See the need; don’t criticize it – Oswald Chambers said in My Utmost for His Highest, “God never allows us to see another person at fault so we may criticize them, but only that we might intercede.” Intercessors do not ignore or deny fault or sin; they address the needs behind the faults and the sins. We love one another as God loves us when we come to others not to just take swings, but with prayerful, godly solutions.
“I myself no longer live, but Christ lives in me. So I live my life in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20, NLT)
When Jesus commands us to do something, he knows we cannot do it unless we are empowered by him – and so he joins his life with the Holy Spirit within us. Thus, “Christ lives in me.”
This new life within will take us where thoughts or feelings never will; it will enable us more than information or willpower ever can. We receive the love and life of Jesus, and he says, “Go and do the same.” As awesome and costly and everlasting as the Gospel is, it’s also this simple: We are transformed by the life of Christ released within us, and now we’re to show and tell others how Christ can live in them.
And isn’t it true that for a while this seems to be the easiest and most natural thing we’ve ever done? We get love from Jesus, and then we turn around and give it away to others.
But then, after a while, we find it more and more difficult. Old habits return. Memories come back, and the emotions attached to them emerge in ways that cause us to stumble or feel defeated.
No matter how hard we try, some days sheer willpower isn’t enough to be the new creation that God says we are. And so we try harder, and things just get worse.
But God is relentless in his command to “love each other in the same way that I have loved you” – personal and up-close, meeting needs of undeserving others, not attacking their faults. This is God driving us away from the self-generated, “try harder” love into his love that is freely given. This is where the Spirit of Love - himself - is able to teach us, “Not I, but Christ.”
We begin to see it is no longer “just I” doing the loving – that would be life under the Law. Success would bring self-commendation; failure would produce self-condemnation.
We learn to say in faith: “I myself no longer live, but Christ lives in me. So I live my life in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20, NLT)
What now?
· Personal love – Since God’s love is personal, it must be personalized as us. God’s love becomes personal and meaningful to others when we allow God to touch them through us.
· See the need; don’t criticize it – Oswald Chambers said in My Utmost for His Highest, “God never allows us to see another person at fault so we may criticize them, but only that we might intercede.” Intercessors do not ignore or deny fault or sin; they address the needs behind the faults and the sins. We love one another as God loves us when we come to others not to just take swings, but with prayerful, godly solutions.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
~ mid autumn festival ~
~~ happy mooncake festival ~~
yes not only mooncake festival but also today is my first year of working in the bank and not only that, i am now a confirmed staff. been waiting for this day to come. haha... now i can get ready to go to study next year le... by then i should be able to get accustomed to my new environment. i am starting to get used to it already. though i am still weak in certain areas but i am really working on them so that i may be able to do better. still making mistakes but i am learning from it. i sorta have grown abit during these 3 months of working there. there are always new changes or matters for me to explore upon.
there have been changes in my life lately also... things are happening and changes going on... lately been able to talk to my brother for quite abit and during then know more about how he thinks. he came to me with his problems now. i am glad he's at least starting to put his trust in me now. however despite somethings changing for the better, some didn't... recently been getting migraines and also some sort of gastric like pain. hmmm dunno what's wrong... been tired also but i know why cause i been sleeping late. hee...
oh yeah i got selected for participating in the corporate triathlon in november so now i gotta spend some time to train up for it. heh heh...
been awhile since i go out and last week i finally got the chance. haha... went out to sentosa with my church friends but then that day i was troubled with an issue so my heart really wasn't there... last night i met them at east coast for a last minute pot luck thingy. went there after work by driving my colleague's car. i was supposed to send her home cause she's not feeling too well but as we talked, she start to feel better and told me to drive down to east coast instead. there we chat for awhile more before i let her drive home and me going to join the pot luck. was tired but had fun last night... it seems like a long time since i last enjoyed myself that much. we played games and we laughed. i was exceptionally happy last night and seriously i haven't felt that way for quite some time. cause always been cooping at home all these while on my off days and weekends that i felt time is really moving very very slowly...
saturday night had a late night gaming session with my poly friends. we met at one of the house and hooked ourselves up with our laptops and then we started our games of wits. teaming against ourselves fighting against our opponents. coming out with strategies to counter and strategies to defend/attack... we do that for like 7 hours and at 6am in the morning, we went out for breakfast before we went home to sleep. yeah i know it's a draining session and also i shouldn't be doing it since sunday i should be going to church but then also i felt the need for bonding with them and also i miss the times we used to play games like this back in poly days. haha... skipping lectures or classes to find ourselves in our practical rooms fighting against each other. heehee... so yah didn't went for church that sunday cause tired and i slept till 4pm then wake up... hmmm... actually i wanted to go to services but more towards the youth service on sat but lately always cannot make it in time for it cause of work... then sunday one is because i can't wake up... well i do feel tired most of the time and yah i admit i am using this as an excuse to give it a miss... haiz... i miss alot of people in church... especially 3 little angels whom i haven't seen them for almost 3 months... miss them alot... i miss alot of people but then... i have an issue with myself that's also holding me back from going back to church... hmmm giving myself quite an headache... but nevertheless though i didn't go back for services, i still read my bible and some christian books. each time i read (over and over again) i gain new understanding... i know Jesus better now, i talk to Jesus more often now, i call His name more, i pray to Him more... every day He will be on my mind, well mostly because i need His help in some way or another and at times i just want to think of Him.
changes are definitely going on right now in my life... well some are good and some... bad. but whatever it is, Jesus is in my heart. He will help me when i need Him, when i seek Him and when i pray to Him.
God loves me and He loves you too...
Take care~
yes not only mooncake festival but also today is my first year of working in the bank and not only that, i am now a confirmed staff. been waiting for this day to come. haha... now i can get ready to go to study next year le... by then i should be able to get accustomed to my new environment. i am starting to get used to it already. though i am still weak in certain areas but i am really working on them so that i may be able to do better. still making mistakes but i am learning from it. i sorta have grown abit during these 3 months of working there. there are always new changes or matters for me to explore upon.
there have been changes in my life lately also... things are happening and changes going on... lately been able to talk to my brother for quite abit and during then know more about how he thinks. he came to me with his problems now. i am glad he's at least starting to put his trust in me now. however despite somethings changing for the better, some didn't... recently been getting migraines and also some sort of gastric like pain. hmmm dunno what's wrong... been tired also but i know why cause i been sleeping late. hee...
oh yeah i got selected for participating in the corporate triathlon in november so now i gotta spend some time to train up for it. heh heh...
been awhile since i go out and last week i finally got the chance. haha... went out to sentosa with my church friends but then that day i was troubled with an issue so my heart really wasn't there... last night i met them at east coast for a last minute pot luck thingy. went there after work by driving my colleague's car. i was supposed to send her home cause she's not feeling too well but as we talked, she start to feel better and told me to drive down to east coast instead. there we chat for awhile more before i let her drive home and me going to join the pot luck. was tired but had fun last night... it seems like a long time since i last enjoyed myself that much. we played games and we laughed. i was exceptionally happy last night and seriously i haven't felt that way for quite some time. cause always been cooping at home all these while on my off days and weekends that i felt time is really moving very very slowly...
saturday night had a late night gaming session with my poly friends. we met at one of the house and hooked ourselves up with our laptops and then we started our games of wits. teaming against ourselves fighting against our opponents. coming out with strategies to counter and strategies to defend/attack... we do that for like 7 hours and at 6am in the morning, we went out for breakfast before we went home to sleep. yeah i know it's a draining session and also i shouldn't be doing it since sunday i should be going to church but then also i felt the need for bonding with them and also i miss the times we used to play games like this back in poly days. haha... skipping lectures or classes to find ourselves in our practical rooms fighting against each other. heehee... so yah didn't went for church that sunday cause tired and i slept till 4pm then wake up... hmmm... actually i wanted to go to services but more towards the youth service on sat but lately always cannot make it in time for it cause of work... then sunday one is because i can't wake up... well i do feel tired most of the time and yah i admit i am using this as an excuse to give it a miss... haiz... i miss alot of people in church... especially 3 little angels whom i haven't seen them for almost 3 months... miss them alot... i miss alot of people but then... i have an issue with myself that's also holding me back from going back to church... hmmm giving myself quite an headache... but nevertheless though i didn't go back for services, i still read my bible and some christian books. each time i read (over and over again) i gain new understanding... i know Jesus better now, i talk to Jesus more often now, i call His name more, i pray to Him more... every day He will be on my mind, well mostly because i need His help in some way or another and at times i just want to think of Him.
changes are definitely going on right now in my life... well some are good and some... bad. but whatever it is, Jesus is in my heart. He will help me when i need Him, when i seek Him and when i pray to Him.
God loves me and He loves you too...
Take care~
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
~ God Meant It For Good ~
by Jon Walker
“You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result.” (Genesis 50:20 NIV)
Joseph’s life was anything but peaceful. It was complicated by youthful folly, broken dreams, and the mean-spirited actions of others. Sold into slavery by jealous brothers. Thrown into prison on false charges. Yet he remained a man remarkable for his lack of bitterness or regret, always seeing God as the “Great Engineer” behind even the worst of circumstances.
In a final confrontation with his brothers, he graciously noted, “You meant it for bad; God meant it for good.”
The theology packed in that statement is astounding. “God meant it for good” means:
You can accept the past – No sin, no action, no choice on your part is too big for God to handle – or too big to be worked for the good of those who love him and are called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28) Just ask Joseph! Better yet, ask his fearful and famished brothers, who were forced to rely on him for survival.
You can embrace the present – There’s no need to play the “what if” game. The past is gone, and no energy you expend will ever change it. The future is in God's omnipotent hands, so you’re free to focus on the present. Your job is to love God with all your heart, soul, and mind, trusting him to forgive the past and transform the future. Martyred missionary Jim Eliot once wrote, “Wherever you are, be all there” – not living in the past and not fantasizing about the future. God wants you in the present because that’s where his grace will flow.
You can look expectantly toward the future – Even if you make mistakes today, God still controls your future. Walking in the Spirit, you can live life to the fullest, unafraid of making mistakes and unconcerned that you may stumble into some terrible circumstance that takes you out of God's control. Even when things appear to be terrible, you can trust that God is working out some divine plan through you.
What does this mean?
· No matter how bad things get – God is still able to bring good out of it. Today, thank God that nothing – no disaster, no delay – is bigger that his ability to turn it into something good and godly.
· Thank God and let go – Thank God that he is sovereign over your past, your present, and your future.
· Give God the circumstances, disasters, hindrances, hurts, and sins from your past.
· Give God your current situation, your disasters, hindrances, hurts, and sins of today.
· Look for God’s hand – Walking by faith means you see God’s hand even in the most difficult of circumstances. You trust his ability and his willingness to transform the bad into godly good. God is not limited by people’s motives. In other words, it doesn’t matter why someone hurt you, God still can transform a deliberate, mean-spirited situation into something for his good.
· What will you allow God to change? – There it is: some situation, or event, or person in your life that, as far as you can tell, was “meant for bad.” How do you think God meant it for good? Ask God what he wants you to do with this situation (event or person). When he answers, do it.
“You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result.” (Genesis 50:20 NIV)
Joseph’s life was anything but peaceful. It was complicated by youthful folly, broken dreams, and the mean-spirited actions of others. Sold into slavery by jealous brothers. Thrown into prison on false charges. Yet he remained a man remarkable for his lack of bitterness or regret, always seeing God as the “Great Engineer” behind even the worst of circumstances.
In a final confrontation with his brothers, he graciously noted, “You meant it for bad; God meant it for good.”
The theology packed in that statement is astounding. “God meant it for good” means:
You can accept the past – No sin, no action, no choice on your part is too big for God to handle – or too big to be worked for the good of those who love him and are called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28) Just ask Joseph! Better yet, ask his fearful and famished brothers, who were forced to rely on him for survival.
You can embrace the present – There’s no need to play the “what if” game. The past is gone, and no energy you expend will ever change it. The future is in God's omnipotent hands, so you’re free to focus on the present. Your job is to love God with all your heart, soul, and mind, trusting him to forgive the past and transform the future. Martyred missionary Jim Eliot once wrote, “Wherever you are, be all there” – not living in the past and not fantasizing about the future. God wants you in the present because that’s where his grace will flow.
You can look expectantly toward the future – Even if you make mistakes today, God still controls your future. Walking in the Spirit, you can live life to the fullest, unafraid of making mistakes and unconcerned that you may stumble into some terrible circumstance that takes you out of God's control. Even when things appear to be terrible, you can trust that God is working out some divine plan through you.
What does this mean?
· No matter how bad things get – God is still able to bring good out of it. Today, thank God that nothing – no disaster, no delay – is bigger that his ability to turn it into something good and godly.
· Thank God and let go – Thank God that he is sovereign over your past, your present, and your future.
· Give God the circumstances, disasters, hindrances, hurts, and sins from your past.
· Give God your current situation, your disasters, hindrances, hurts, and sins of today.
· Look for God’s hand – Walking by faith means you see God’s hand even in the most difficult of circumstances. You trust his ability and his willingness to transform the bad into godly good. God is not limited by people’s motives. In other words, it doesn’t matter why someone hurt you, God still can transform a deliberate, mean-spirited situation into something for his good.
· What will you allow God to change? – There it is: some situation, or event, or person in your life that, as far as you can tell, was “meant for bad.” How do you think God meant it for good? Ask God what he wants you to do with this situation (event or person). When he answers, do it.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
~ Doing What God Is Thinking ~
by Jon Walker
"… For, "Who can know what the Lord is thinking? Who can give him counsel?" But we can understand these things, for we have the mind of Christ." (1 Corinthians 2:16 NLT)
In a land not so far away and a time not too distant, lived a mighty, yet gentle Master of the Manor. There was a servant who worked for the Master, and this servant was a man of excellent efficiency, incorruptible integrity, and joyful heart.
The Master was pleased with his servant, but he also noticed the servant would do things that were well-intentioned, yet not in line with the Master's wishes.
One day the Master was in his library, and he couldn't find one of his favorite books. Looking closely, the Master realized that his entire library had been re-arranged.
"Good servant," called the Master. "Why have you re-arranged the library?"
"Master," the servant replied, "I wanted to provide you with the most efficient catalog system available."
"But I did not ask you to re-arrange the library," the Master lovingly said. "However, I did ask you to prepare the banquet hall for the guests we will receive tonight, and I see that hasn't been done."
"Yes, Master," said the servant. "But I don't see anyone coming up the road, so I assumed the guest weren't actually coming tonight. And you're library is now cross-referenced and categorized according to Humboldt's hierarchy of human thought."
"So I must think like a human in order to find my books?" said the Master.
"Well, yes," said the servant.
"But what if I want you to do things according to my thoughts?" said the Master, a tone of command coming into his voice. "And what if I want you to begin to think like me, instead of the other way around?
Just then, the doorbell rang. The guests had arrived.
—
You were created to serve God, and one way to serve God is by serving others, offering ministry to others. But it's important that you serve God according to his thoughts and his plans, not your own independent thoughts and plans.
Don't misunderstand: This does not suggest permission to be passive in your service to God. Instead, it's a call to intentionally seek the will of God in our service to him. Rather than making assumptions about where to serve God, you can constantly and consistently talk to him about where he wants you to serve. And in this way, you will develop a mind like Christ's.
We serve at the will of God and not on our fantasies about what Christian service looks like. The service required of me may look very different from the service required of you, because God has shaped us each uniquely and with our own unique purpose in mind. God speaks to you through your shape, your circumstances, your experiences, your friends, and your family.
And he speaks through the Holy Spirit, telling you to prepare for the guests you cannot yet see, instead of rearranging the library that is already organized according to God's design.
So what does this mean to me? If God is in constant conversation with you, are you carefully listening?
· Ask God to help you hear his voice and to tell you how he wants you to serve.
· Ask God to give you discernment so your service always lines up with your will, and not your own human agenda or someone else’s agenda.
· Ask God to fully develop the mind of Christ in you.
"… For, "Who can know what the Lord is thinking? Who can give him counsel?" But we can understand these things, for we have the mind of Christ." (1 Corinthians 2:16 NLT)
In a land not so far away and a time not too distant, lived a mighty, yet gentle Master of the Manor. There was a servant who worked for the Master, and this servant was a man of excellent efficiency, incorruptible integrity, and joyful heart.
The Master was pleased with his servant, but he also noticed the servant would do things that were well-intentioned, yet not in line with the Master's wishes.
One day the Master was in his library, and he couldn't find one of his favorite books. Looking closely, the Master realized that his entire library had been re-arranged.
"Good servant," called the Master. "Why have you re-arranged the library?"
"Master," the servant replied, "I wanted to provide you with the most efficient catalog system available."
"But I did not ask you to re-arrange the library," the Master lovingly said. "However, I did ask you to prepare the banquet hall for the guests we will receive tonight, and I see that hasn't been done."
"Yes, Master," said the servant. "But I don't see anyone coming up the road, so I assumed the guest weren't actually coming tonight. And you're library is now cross-referenced and categorized according to Humboldt's hierarchy of human thought."
"So I must think like a human in order to find my books?" said the Master.
"Well, yes," said the servant.
"But what if I want you to do things according to my thoughts?" said the Master, a tone of command coming into his voice. "And what if I want you to begin to think like me, instead of the other way around?
Just then, the doorbell rang. The guests had arrived.
—
You were created to serve God, and one way to serve God is by serving others, offering ministry to others. But it's important that you serve God according to his thoughts and his plans, not your own independent thoughts and plans.
Don't misunderstand: This does not suggest permission to be passive in your service to God. Instead, it's a call to intentionally seek the will of God in our service to him. Rather than making assumptions about where to serve God, you can constantly and consistently talk to him about where he wants you to serve. And in this way, you will develop a mind like Christ's.
We serve at the will of God and not on our fantasies about what Christian service looks like. The service required of me may look very different from the service required of you, because God has shaped us each uniquely and with our own unique purpose in mind. God speaks to you through your shape, your circumstances, your experiences, your friends, and your family.
And he speaks through the Holy Spirit, telling you to prepare for the guests you cannot yet see, instead of rearranging the library that is already organized according to God's design.
So what does this mean to me? If God is in constant conversation with you, are you carefully listening?
· Ask God to help you hear his voice and to tell you how he wants you to serve.
· Ask God to give you discernment so your service always lines up with your will, and not your own human agenda or someone else’s agenda.
· Ask God to fully develop the mind of Christ in you.
Friday, September 07, 2007
~ Loving God ~
by Jon Walker
“I remember you, the kindness of your youth, the love of your betrothal, when you went after me in the wilderness, in a land not sown.” (Jeremiah 2:2, NKJV)
The word ‘kindness’ in the Scripture above is a translation of the Hebrew word kesed, which is often translated as “loving mercy.” Starting in Genesis, it shows up throughout the Old Testament as a description of God’s loving pursuit of his people.
It’s a reminder that God chases after us with such persistent grace that he refuses to let us get away. That’s a concept I can easily understand about God – this benevolent grace that insists upon capturing us.
In a sense, we expect God to exhibit a kesed love for us. In fact, I’d go so far as to say we expect it from him. I mean, God has to love us – doesn’t he?
But something what surprised me in these prophetic words from Jeremiah. God says, “I remember the loving kindness of your youth.” Or to put it another way, “I remember the kesed you had for me in your youth.”
Now let that sink in for a moment.
God, though speaking of the past, is telling us we can have a kesed love for him. You can’t lose something you never had, and God is saying that the people of Israel once held this kesed love for God. That means we can have that kind of love for God too.
So let me ask you, when was the last time you felt such a depth of love for God? When was the last time you craved God?
A few years ago, there was a young couple in my small group – Blake and Jenny. They fell in love and got engaged. You could just see their love for each other oozing into the atmosphere. Just by looking at them, you could tell they were in love.
Now, why aren’t we the same way with God?
If you’re like me, you’re sitting here wondering, “How can I love God with an everlasting, overwhelming kesed love?” You may be thinking, “God, I don’t think I can love you that much! I don’t think it’s humanly possible!”
And if you’re thinking that, you’re right. It’s not humanly possible – but here’s the Good News. In the very next chapter of Jeremiah (3:22), God promises he will cure us of our backsliding. If you’ve lost your passion for God, then the way to get it back is not to work yourself into it; rather it’s to humbly ask God to give you that passion back.
It’s sort of like this, if you want to get rid of the sin in your life, don’t run after the law. Instead, turn and face God. He will change the desires within you. He will rekindle your kesed love for him.
Okay, so what does this mean for us?
· God cures – God will not only forgive your “prodigal” nature; he’ll cure you of your lethargic faith: “Return, faithless people; I will cure you of backsliding.” (Jeremiah 3:22a NIV) The people of Israel respond immediately, “Yes, we will come to you, for you are the LORD our God.” (Jeremiah 3:22b NIV)
· God can and will – If asked, most likely you would say God can work through your life and rekindle this holy love within you. So if God can do it and is willing to do it, who has to take responsibility if this love is not rekindled?
· Do you believe God can do this? Oswald Chambers once asked, “Do you not want to be a saint, or do you not believe God can make you one?”
· Pray – Our dear Heavenly Father, fan into flames the kesed love we once had for you. Create within us clean hearts and revive within us a steadfast spirit. Help us to fall deeply and passionately in love with you. We know you are trustworthy, and we know you will take our love and pour it back on us. We love you, no matter what the circumstances of our lives. You are our God. To echo T.W. Hunt, when you say, “I am,” we simply respond, “You are.”
“I remember you, the kindness of your youth, the love of your betrothal, when you went after me in the wilderness, in a land not sown.” (Jeremiah 2:2, NKJV)
The word ‘kindness’ in the Scripture above is a translation of the Hebrew word kesed, which is often translated as “loving mercy.” Starting in Genesis, it shows up throughout the Old Testament as a description of God’s loving pursuit of his people.
It’s a reminder that God chases after us with such persistent grace that he refuses to let us get away. That’s a concept I can easily understand about God – this benevolent grace that insists upon capturing us.
In a sense, we expect God to exhibit a kesed love for us. In fact, I’d go so far as to say we expect it from him. I mean, God has to love us – doesn’t he?
But something what surprised me in these prophetic words from Jeremiah. God says, “I remember the loving kindness of your youth.” Or to put it another way, “I remember the kesed you had for me in your youth.”
Now let that sink in for a moment.
God, though speaking of the past, is telling us we can have a kesed love for him. You can’t lose something you never had, and God is saying that the people of Israel once held this kesed love for God. That means we can have that kind of love for God too.
So let me ask you, when was the last time you felt such a depth of love for God? When was the last time you craved God?
A few years ago, there was a young couple in my small group – Blake and Jenny. They fell in love and got engaged. You could just see their love for each other oozing into the atmosphere. Just by looking at them, you could tell they were in love.
Now, why aren’t we the same way with God?
If you’re like me, you’re sitting here wondering, “How can I love God with an everlasting, overwhelming kesed love?” You may be thinking, “God, I don’t think I can love you that much! I don’t think it’s humanly possible!”
And if you’re thinking that, you’re right. It’s not humanly possible – but here’s the Good News. In the very next chapter of Jeremiah (3:22), God promises he will cure us of our backsliding. If you’ve lost your passion for God, then the way to get it back is not to work yourself into it; rather it’s to humbly ask God to give you that passion back.
It’s sort of like this, if you want to get rid of the sin in your life, don’t run after the law. Instead, turn and face God. He will change the desires within you. He will rekindle your kesed love for him.
Okay, so what does this mean for us?
· God cures – God will not only forgive your “prodigal” nature; he’ll cure you of your lethargic faith: “Return, faithless people; I will cure you of backsliding.” (Jeremiah 3:22a NIV) The people of Israel respond immediately, “Yes, we will come to you, for you are the LORD our God.” (Jeremiah 3:22b NIV)
· God can and will – If asked, most likely you would say God can work through your life and rekindle this holy love within you. So if God can do it and is willing to do it, who has to take responsibility if this love is not rekindled?
· Do you believe God can do this? Oswald Chambers once asked, “Do you not want to be a saint, or do you not believe God can make you one?”
· Pray – Our dear Heavenly Father, fan into flames the kesed love we once had for you. Create within us clean hearts and revive within us a steadfast spirit. Help us to fall deeply and passionately in love with you. We know you are trustworthy, and we know you will take our love and pour it back on us. We love you, no matter what the circumstances of our lives. You are our God. To echo T.W. Hunt, when you say, “I am,” we simply respond, “You are.”
Thursday, September 06, 2007
~ on my off day ... ~
sleep lor... i sleep till about 12pm then woke up lazily... played online game for awhile (am playing PangYa now). after that i went down to visit my colleagues at hougang branch. heehee... hang around there and chit chat with them till almost all went home then i head down to settler's cafe to visit my ex-colleagues...
weiquan and wanwei was there and also our chef auntie. heehee... i reached there around 7 plus and my visit became work... lol i work for free there... well can't say work lah cause i also nothing to do so i hang around and help abit here and there in the kitchen lor. i went there also to book place for this sat for me and my poly friends to go down. managed to book 2 tables after 9pm. haha... after helping them, i sat down at an empty table to have a game of sudoku myself. just nice before their closing time, i solved the puzzle. it's a hard one. so proud of myself. wahahaha...
anyway now because every 2 weeks i get 3 off days, i am thinking if i should go back and work at settlers also... if not off days also nothing to do at home quite wasteful... then friends are all working and barely able to find anyone to come out... so might as well work and earn some extra bucks ya??? hmm... but then i still need to give careful considerations about it since i dun want to make myself too busy and tired... anyway now i thinking of going back work also because i am too free and i just dun wanna stay home alone all day during my off days... that's why =) alright... i will seek God for an answer about this... see what's His view of me going back to settlers to work. heh...
alright think that's all for today.
~ take care all and God bless ~ (everytime say the same thing hor? haha but i do mean it okie? =] )
weiquan and wanwei was there and also our chef auntie. heehee... i reached there around 7 plus and my visit became work... lol i work for free there... well can't say work lah cause i also nothing to do so i hang around and help abit here and there in the kitchen lor. i went there also to book place for this sat for me and my poly friends to go down. managed to book 2 tables after 9pm. haha... after helping them, i sat down at an empty table to have a game of sudoku myself. just nice before their closing time, i solved the puzzle. it's a hard one. so proud of myself. wahahaha...
anyway now because every 2 weeks i get 3 off days, i am thinking if i should go back and work at settlers also... if not off days also nothing to do at home quite wasteful... then friends are all working and barely able to find anyone to come out... so might as well work and earn some extra bucks ya??? hmm... but then i still need to give careful considerations about it since i dun want to make myself too busy and tired... anyway now i thinking of going back work also because i am too free and i just dun wanna stay home alone all day during my off days... that's why =) alright... i will seek God for an answer about this... see what's His view of me going back to settlers to work. heh...
alright think that's all for today.
~ take care all and God bless ~ (everytime say the same thing hor? haha but i do mean it okie? =] )
~ Radiant Certainty ~
by Jon Walker
“I tell you the truth, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy. A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world. So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.” (John 16:20-22 NIV)
There are some days when, frankly, I don’t feel much like worshiping God. There are probably more days like that than I’d care to admit.
But usually those are days are when I’m staring at my circumstances and making faithless judgments about what I see around me. And I struggle with the God-truth that he is in the circumstances that surround my life – all the circumstances.
Have you ever considered that heartbreak is part of God’s plans for you, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future”? (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV) We put so much energy into avoiding the hurt when God would have us embrace it. He wants us to know that he can heal our hurts, even use our hurts for his benefit, and for us to faithfully believe that sometimes the circumstances we think are harming us are actually positive situations God is engineering.
God, who is omnipotent, sees the breadth and depth of our circumstances, and he knows his plans for our lives. Thinking, then, like Christ, we can slowly, ever so slowly, begin to understand that avoiding the pain in our lives is actually an act of faithlessness. God calls us to faith in him during difficult circumstances; we’d rather place our faith in avoiding the circumstances.
As always, Jesus shows us the way – because he is the Way. Jesus embraced the pain of God’s plan for his life, and he did it with full faith that God was still working the plan to bring a “hope and a future” to your life and mine. Christ was so sure that his grief would turn to joy that he showed a radiant certainty in God’s faithfulness (“Radiant certainty” is a phrase William Barclay uses to describe the attitude of Jesus at the Last Supper).
Our Brother Jesus, who is also our King, was heading into a crisis that would cost him his life, yet he was so certain – radiantly certain – of God’s faithfulness that not one of his disciples even discerned the gravity of the crisis! Jesus was so certain of God’s faithfulness that it radiates throughout his whole being.
And we, too, can have this radiant certainty about God’s hand in our lives. We can say, when it comes to God’s faithfulness, “I know because I know that I know.” That’s radiant certainty! The cross was Christ’s glory, not his penalty – and the same is true of difficult circumstances in our lives.
So what does this mean to me?
· God’s faithful character – You will develop this radiant certainty in God when you learn to trust in his faithful character. Your daily worship of God is irrevocably tied to your faith in God.
· Praise God anyhow – You must choose to praise and worship God every day, no matter what the circumstances of your life. Developing a radiant certainty in God begins with simple steps of faith and obedience.
· Respond to God, not your circumstances – When faced with a painful or difficult circumstance, ask God, “How do you want me to respond to this?” Keep your eyes wise for the “Why me?” traps that lay about your circumstances.
· You can be radiantly certain of this: Difficult circumstances are opportunities for you to intentionally focus your faith in God and to see what he will do to give you hope and healing.
“I tell you the truth, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy. A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world. So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.” (John 16:20-22 NIV)
There are some days when, frankly, I don’t feel much like worshiping God. There are probably more days like that than I’d care to admit.
But usually those are days are when I’m staring at my circumstances and making faithless judgments about what I see around me. And I struggle with the God-truth that he is in the circumstances that surround my life – all the circumstances.
Have you ever considered that heartbreak is part of God’s plans for you, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future”? (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV) We put so much energy into avoiding the hurt when God would have us embrace it. He wants us to know that he can heal our hurts, even use our hurts for his benefit, and for us to faithfully believe that sometimes the circumstances we think are harming us are actually positive situations God is engineering.
God, who is omnipotent, sees the breadth and depth of our circumstances, and he knows his plans for our lives. Thinking, then, like Christ, we can slowly, ever so slowly, begin to understand that avoiding the pain in our lives is actually an act of faithlessness. God calls us to faith in him during difficult circumstances; we’d rather place our faith in avoiding the circumstances.
As always, Jesus shows us the way – because he is the Way. Jesus embraced the pain of God’s plan for his life, and he did it with full faith that God was still working the plan to bring a “hope and a future” to your life and mine. Christ was so sure that his grief would turn to joy that he showed a radiant certainty in God’s faithfulness (“Radiant certainty” is a phrase William Barclay uses to describe the attitude of Jesus at the Last Supper).
Our Brother Jesus, who is also our King, was heading into a crisis that would cost him his life, yet he was so certain – radiantly certain – of God’s faithfulness that not one of his disciples even discerned the gravity of the crisis! Jesus was so certain of God’s faithfulness that it radiates throughout his whole being.
And we, too, can have this radiant certainty about God’s hand in our lives. We can say, when it comes to God’s faithfulness, “I know because I know that I know.” That’s radiant certainty! The cross was Christ’s glory, not his penalty – and the same is true of difficult circumstances in our lives.
So what does this mean to me?
· God’s faithful character – You will develop this radiant certainty in God when you learn to trust in his faithful character. Your daily worship of God is irrevocably tied to your faith in God.
· Praise God anyhow – You must choose to praise and worship God every day, no matter what the circumstances of your life. Developing a radiant certainty in God begins with simple steps of faith and obedience.
· Respond to God, not your circumstances – When faced with a painful or difficult circumstance, ask God, “How do you want me to respond to this?” Keep your eyes wise for the “Why me?” traps that lay about your circumstances.
· You can be radiantly certain of this: Difficult circumstances are opportunities for you to intentionally focus your faith in God and to see what he will do to give you hope and healing.
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
~ Confident in God’s Truth ~
by Jon Walker
“I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13 (NAS)
God wants you confident in the truth that, through him, all things are possible.
Every day of your life, you have a choice:
· You can focus on the bigness of the giants that stand before you, or …
· You can focus on the bigness of the one, true God who is pouring his strength into you.
Your focus will determine your behavior, and it will influence your faith.
When the Israelites first approached the borders of Canaan , Moses sent scouts into the Promised Land to assess the situation. Ten of the scouts came back with reports that focused on the giants in the land, men so big and powerful the scouts feared they could not be defeated.
However, two of the scouts remained focused on the promise from God that he would hand the land over to the Israelites. One of those scouts, Caleb, silenced the others when he said, “We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it” (Numbers 13:30 NIV). He was focused on the magnitude of God and not the magnitude of any giant challenges ahead.
Today, even in this moment, you may see many giants that challenge your faith. Some of the giants crowd around you – giants of time and energy, of finances and resources, of fear and faithlessness.
God wants you to be confident that he’s pouring his strength into you so you can do whatever it takes to defeat these giants. He says you can take possession of your promised mission; you certainly can do it because God is with you.
Consider this: God wants to build up your faith, and one way he’ll do it is by showing you how, together with him, it is possible to defeat the giants that keep you from moving into your promised mission.
By seeing his hand sweep away the personal giants in your life, you’ll be even more confident that God is with you as you face many ministry-based global giants, such as spiritual emptiness, selfish leadership, crippling poverty, pandemic disease, and rampant illiteracy. You’ll be certain that you can do all things through him who strengthens you.
What does this mean to me?
· Believe God uses the impossible to stretch your faith. Whenever you’re confronted by the impossibility of a task, view it as an opportunity for God to strengthen your faith. He wants you to develop confidence in his promises. “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!”
· The Lord is anointing you daily to preach good news to the poor, to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners. Because of your faithfulness, they will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor. (Adapted from Isaiah 61:1-3 NIV)
· God uses ordinary people to complete kingdom work on earth. You can do this because “all things are possible when God is working through you.” (Philippians 4:13 NAS)
· What kind of scout are you? – One whose report focuses on the giants ahead or one who focuses on the strength of God?
“I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13 (NAS)
God wants you confident in the truth that, through him, all things are possible.
Every day of your life, you have a choice:
· You can focus on the bigness of the giants that stand before you, or …
· You can focus on the bigness of the one, true God who is pouring his strength into you.
Your focus will determine your behavior, and it will influence your faith.
When the Israelites first approached the borders of Canaan , Moses sent scouts into the Promised Land to assess the situation. Ten of the scouts came back with reports that focused on the giants in the land, men so big and powerful the scouts feared they could not be defeated.
However, two of the scouts remained focused on the promise from God that he would hand the land over to the Israelites. One of those scouts, Caleb, silenced the others when he said, “We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it” (Numbers 13:30 NIV). He was focused on the magnitude of God and not the magnitude of any giant challenges ahead.
Today, even in this moment, you may see many giants that challenge your faith. Some of the giants crowd around you – giants of time and energy, of finances and resources, of fear and faithlessness.
God wants you to be confident that he’s pouring his strength into you so you can do whatever it takes to defeat these giants. He says you can take possession of your promised mission; you certainly can do it because God is with you.
Consider this: God wants to build up your faith, and one way he’ll do it is by showing you how, together with him, it is possible to defeat the giants that keep you from moving into your promised mission.
By seeing his hand sweep away the personal giants in your life, you’ll be even more confident that God is with you as you face many ministry-based global giants, such as spiritual emptiness, selfish leadership, crippling poverty, pandemic disease, and rampant illiteracy. You’ll be certain that you can do all things through him who strengthens you.
What does this mean to me?
· Believe God uses the impossible to stretch your faith. Whenever you’re confronted by the impossibility of a task, view it as an opportunity for God to strengthen your faith. He wants you to develop confidence in his promises. “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!”
· The Lord is anointing you daily to preach good news to the poor, to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners. Because of your faithfulness, they will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor. (Adapted from Isaiah 61:1-3 NIV)
· God uses ordinary people to complete kingdom work on earth. You can do this because “all things are possible when God is working through you.” (Philippians 4:13 NAS)
· What kind of scout are you? – One whose report focuses on the giants ahead or one who focuses on the strength of God?
Sunday, September 02, 2007
~ how disappointing ~
what's the point of making arrangement to go for dinner earlier with me and then last min ask if i can make it? if i can't i would have said earlier i can't right? if you ask me again if i can make it means you have something up and hope i cannot make it last minute right? then just tell me mah... haiz...
no doubt i was still thinking if i should join them for dinner earlier today but i thought it thru and that i know i should go cause 1. i promised and 2. it's a fellowship with them... i was looking forward to it after i made up my mind but as the time draw closer and no sms came, i felt something is not right and came that sms to me... i was so disappointed lor. i even told mum not to pack for me cause i going out to eat and now no packed food and no going out to eat... really feel sad about it man... i shouldn't blame them since he wanna go dinner with her and her family but i thought they truly wanted to meet me for dinner when she arranged with me earlier this week... but it doesn't seem that way....
"... you dun have to feel obligated to meet us ... " obligated... how sad... my agreement to meet with them is seen as an obligation? that's the impression i gave ay?
~ Jesus, i pray Lord to You to deal with me... even as i write this Lord, i know i shouldn't felt what i am feeling... Lord i pray for peace and Your forgiveness. forgive me for my disobedience... Lord Jesus i need Your grace and Your forgiveness. deal with me the way You know is right for me. thank you Jesus ~
earlier today i didn't make it for morning service again... yesterday i didn't go for the youth service either because branch got a buffet for everyone and i feel that i should be at the buffet so that i may understand my colleagues better since most of the time we are so held up by work we seldom communicate and that's a good opportunity for them to know me better and me to know them better.
i became the server there as i serve them laksa and popiah. it's supposed to be self service but i volunteered to help them do it and to serve them. i feel good serving them though they keep telling me to eat myself and stop serving but i do feel joyful when i serve so i told them i am fine.
we played game also and we really play like no tomorrow. lol we were so rough and determined that i said i need to go examine my injuries. haha... my clothes nearly torn off lor. that's how rough we were =p but it's fun and i enjoyed myself yesterday. =)
~ God bless and take good care =) ~
no doubt i was still thinking if i should join them for dinner earlier today but i thought it thru and that i know i should go cause 1. i promised and 2. it's a fellowship with them... i was looking forward to it after i made up my mind but as the time draw closer and no sms came, i felt something is not right and came that sms to me... i was so disappointed lor. i even told mum not to pack for me cause i going out to eat and now no packed food and no going out to eat... really feel sad about it man... i shouldn't blame them since he wanna go dinner with her and her family but i thought they truly wanted to meet me for dinner when she arranged with me earlier this week... but it doesn't seem that way....
"... you dun have to feel obligated to meet us ... " obligated... how sad... my agreement to meet with them is seen as an obligation? that's the impression i gave ay?
~ Jesus, i pray Lord to You to deal with me... even as i write this Lord, i know i shouldn't felt what i am feeling... Lord i pray for peace and Your forgiveness. forgive me for my disobedience... Lord Jesus i need Your grace and Your forgiveness. deal with me the way You know is right for me. thank you Jesus ~
earlier today i didn't make it for morning service again... yesterday i didn't go for the youth service either because branch got a buffet for everyone and i feel that i should be at the buffet so that i may understand my colleagues better since most of the time we are so held up by work we seldom communicate and that's a good opportunity for them to know me better and me to know them better.
i became the server there as i serve them laksa and popiah. it's supposed to be self service but i volunteered to help them do it and to serve them. i feel good serving them though they keep telling me to eat myself and stop serving but i do feel joyful when i serve so i told them i am fine.
we played game also and we really play like no tomorrow. lol we were so rough and determined that i said i need to go examine my injuries. haha... my clothes nearly torn off lor. that's how rough we were =p but it's fun and i enjoyed myself yesterday. =)
~ God bless and take good care =) ~
~ A Long, Thin Line ~
by Jon Walker
“We look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are unseen. The things which are seen are temporal and the things which are not seen are eternal.” (1 Corinthians 4:18 NIV)
When life begins to squeeze us, what we truly believe is revealed through our attitudes and actions.
And, if the truth be told, most of us live by sight more than by the hope and certainty of our faith. It’s as if there were a long, thin line threaded throughout the realm of reality that divides the seen, the temporal, the things surrounding us, from the unseen and eternal. Shoved by our circumstances, we become distracted from the eternal and focus below the line – on those circumstances.
But God tells us repeatedly that we’re out of focus when we’re looking below the line. As Christians, our focus should be above, on the unseen, eternal kingdom of God . That doesn’t mean we should deny or repress what we see happening around us, but we must also be led by the Holy Spirit to look beyond the seen and temporal into the unseen and eternal.
You can see references to this line throughout the New Testament. As people approached Jesus, talking about their circumstances, he would say: “You’re looking for bread, but I am the living bread. If you eat of me, you’ll never go hungry again. You’re looking for a drink of water, but I am living water. If you drink from me, you’ll never thirst again.”
We can’t trust what we see, and when we’re focused below the line, we become trapped into thinking that what we see is truth. We become prisoners to our perceptions. Time and time again we see Jesus moving the focus from the seen to the unseen, from the temporal (the temporary!) to the eternal. He knew that for those who walk by faith, appearances are never the ultimate reality.
Are there parts of your life that have you discouraged or depressed, that have you wondering where God is? Consider this gentle reminder that God is present, even in the midst of your confusion and pain. He’s tapping you on the shoulder, reminding you to look up beyond the horizon into eternity.
So what does this mean?
· You can’t trust everything you see – God, Jesus, and heaven are reality, even if they are unseen for now. The things we see are temporary; the things we do not see are eternal. (1 Corinthians 4:18 NIV)
· Put life in perspective – Realize that your emotions will fail you, and stop allowing them lead you. When your perceptions begin to take you down a depressing path, challenge them. Could there be another way to see? To feel?
· When you become discouraged – Stop and ask God, “Am I seeing this situation through your eyes, or my own?” The Message paraphrase renders Colossians 3:2 this way: “Don't shuffle along, eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in front of you. Look up, and be alert to what is going on around Christ – that's where the action is. See things from his perspective.”
“We look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are unseen. The things which are seen are temporal and the things which are not seen are eternal.” (1 Corinthians 4:18 NIV)
When life begins to squeeze us, what we truly believe is revealed through our attitudes and actions.
And, if the truth be told, most of us live by sight more than by the hope and certainty of our faith. It’s as if there were a long, thin line threaded throughout the realm of reality that divides the seen, the temporal, the things surrounding us, from the unseen and eternal. Shoved by our circumstances, we become distracted from the eternal and focus below the line – on those circumstances.
But God tells us repeatedly that we’re out of focus when we’re looking below the line. As Christians, our focus should be above, on the unseen, eternal kingdom of God . That doesn’t mean we should deny or repress what we see happening around us, but we must also be led by the Holy Spirit to look beyond the seen and temporal into the unseen and eternal.
You can see references to this line throughout the New Testament. As people approached Jesus, talking about their circumstances, he would say: “You’re looking for bread, but I am the living bread. If you eat of me, you’ll never go hungry again. You’re looking for a drink of water, but I am living water. If you drink from me, you’ll never thirst again.”
We can’t trust what we see, and when we’re focused below the line, we become trapped into thinking that what we see is truth. We become prisoners to our perceptions. Time and time again we see Jesus moving the focus from the seen to the unseen, from the temporal (the temporary!) to the eternal. He knew that for those who walk by faith, appearances are never the ultimate reality.
Are there parts of your life that have you discouraged or depressed, that have you wondering where God is? Consider this gentle reminder that God is present, even in the midst of your confusion and pain. He’s tapping you on the shoulder, reminding you to look up beyond the horizon into eternity.
So what does this mean?
· You can’t trust everything you see – God, Jesus, and heaven are reality, even if they are unseen for now. The things we see are temporary; the things we do not see are eternal. (1 Corinthians 4:18 NIV)
· Put life in perspective – Realize that your emotions will fail you, and stop allowing them lead you. When your perceptions begin to take you down a depressing path, challenge them. Could there be another way to see? To feel?
· When you become discouraged – Stop and ask God, “Am I seeing this situation through your eyes, or my own?” The Message paraphrase renders Colossians 3:2 this way: “Don't shuffle along, eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in front of you. Look up, and be alert to what is going on around Christ – that's where the action is. See things from his perspective.”
~ Be ‘Un-conformed’ ~
by Jon Walker
“Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.” (Romans 12:2 HCSB)
Slowly read through this devotional as a prayer to God –
Lord, help me and guide me so I am no longer conformed to this age. Move me in such a way, Lord, that I can un-conform to anything that is not a part of you or pleasing to you.
Wash my mind with your spirit and wisdom. Renew my mind so I am transformed by your power – and not my limited ability to will it so. Develop my ability to discern your will – and energize me to do the things that will please you.
Father, I pray this prayer for my family – that we will no longer be so well-adjusted to our culture that we fit into it without even thinking (Romans 12:2 MSG). We want to be God-adjusted within the culture as a whole and also God-adjusted within the culture of our home, neighborhood, and community.
Lord, compel us to fix our attention on you, our God, the Holy One of Israel. Change us from the inside out. Help us to readily recognize what you want from us, so we can quickly respond to your command. Help us to drop any weapons of the flesh that we hold in our hands; instead picking up and wielding the weapons of the Spirit that you so wisely supply. Develop us into well-formed, mature Christians – sons and daughters of the King – fathers and mothers of the faith.
So what does this mean?
· God is in the details – Oswald Chambers writes, “We can all see God in exceptional things, but it requires the growth of spiritual discipline to see God in every detail. Never believe that the so-called random events of life are anything less than God’s appointed order. Be ready to discover his divine designs anywhere and everywhere.”
· Life circumstances – Where is God in the circumstances and details of your life?
· See God’s hand – Looking back over this past year, can you see God’s hand in your life where you could not see it before?
· Be ‘un-conformed’ – What area in your life needs to be “un-conformed” from the ways of the world?
“Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.” (Romans 12:2 HCSB)
Slowly read through this devotional as a prayer to God –
Lord, help me and guide me so I am no longer conformed to this age. Move me in such a way, Lord, that I can un-conform to anything that is not a part of you or pleasing to you.
Wash my mind with your spirit and wisdom. Renew my mind so I am transformed by your power – and not my limited ability to will it so. Develop my ability to discern your will – and energize me to do the things that will please you.
Father, I pray this prayer for my family – that we will no longer be so well-adjusted to our culture that we fit into it without even thinking (Romans 12:2 MSG). We want to be God-adjusted within the culture as a whole and also God-adjusted within the culture of our home, neighborhood, and community.
Lord, compel us to fix our attention on you, our God, the Holy One of Israel. Change us from the inside out. Help us to readily recognize what you want from us, so we can quickly respond to your command. Help us to drop any weapons of the flesh that we hold in our hands; instead picking up and wielding the weapons of the Spirit that you so wisely supply. Develop us into well-formed, mature Christians – sons and daughters of the King – fathers and mothers of the faith.
So what does this mean?
· God is in the details – Oswald Chambers writes, “We can all see God in exceptional things, but it requires the growth of spiritual discipline to see God in every detail. Never believe that the so-called random events of life are anything less than God’s appointed order. Be ready to discover his divine designs anywhere and everywhere.”
· Life circumstances – Where is God in the circumstances and details of your life?
· See God’s hand – Looking back over this past year, can you see God’s hand in your life where you could not see it before?
· Be ‘un-conformed’ – What area in your life needs to be “un-conformed” from the ways of the world?
~ Faith Reaches Out ~
by Mark Kelly
Matthew 9:20-22 (TEV)
20 A woman who had suffered from severe bleeding for twelve years came up behind Jesus and touched the edge of his cloak. 21 She said to herself, "If only I touch his cloak, I will get well." 22 Jesus turned around and saw her, and said, "Courage, my daughter! Your faith has made you well." At that very moment the woman became well.
Everything about this situation was improper. This woman’s problem was more than physical. According to the Law, her illness made her unclean before God. Anyone she touched would be made unclean and have to endure the hassle of ritual purification. She had lived in isolation all these years, forbidden to touch or be touched. Her condition would have prevented marriage; if she had been married, her husband most likely had divorced her. She should not have been in a crowd where everyone was bumping into everyone else. If people hadn’t been so focused on Jesus, an angry mob would have chased her away.
This woman was desperate, utterly at the end of herself. She had no one to help, no hope for anything better in life ... except this teacher who everyone said could work miracles. Reaching out to touch Jesus was scandalously inappropriate. But Jesus was far more concerned about people than about religious rules. Desperate souls need the healing touch of God’s love and forgiveness – even more when those souls are isolated and alone. When we realize our only hope is Jesus, faith is met with healing. When our faith reaches out, desperate souls find love and forgiveness.
PRAYER: Lord, I’ve never been able to fix what’s wrong with me and neither has anyone else. Only you have the power to heal body and soul. Thank you for the healing you bring into my life. Help me be sensitive to those in the crowd around me, the lonely, hurting souls desperate for healing. Give me the faith to reach out to them – without worrying what others will think – so you can pour your love and forgiveness into their lives through me.
POINT TO PONDER: Faith reaches out, without worrying what others will think.
Matthew 9:20-22 (TEV)
20 A woman who had suffered from severe bleeding for twelve years came up behind Jesus and touched the edge of his cloak. 21 She said to herself, "If only I touch his cloak, I will get well." 22 Jesus turned around and saw her, and said, "Courage, my daughter! Your faith has made you well." At that very moment the woman became well.
Everything about this situation was improper. This woman’s problem was more than physical. According to the Law, her illness made her unclean before God. Anyone she touched would be made unclean and have to endure the hassle of ritual purification. She had lived in isolation all these years, forbidden to touch or be touched. Her condition would have prevented marriage; if she had been married, her husband most likely had divorced her. She should not have been in a crowd where everyone was bumping into everyone else. If people hadn’t been so focused on Jesus, an angry mob would have chased her away.
This woman was desperate, utterly at the end of herself. She had no one to help, no hope for anything better in life ... except this teacher who everyone said could work miracles. Reaching out to touch Jesus was scandalously inappropriate. But Jesus was far more concerned about people than about religious rules. Desperate souls need the healing touch of God’s love and forgiveness – even more when those souls are isolated and alone. When we realize our only hope is Jesus, faith is met with healing. When our faith reaches out, desperate souls find love and forgiveness.
PRAYER: Lord, I’ve never been able to fix what’s wrong with me and neither has anyone else. Only you have the power to heal body and soul. Thank you for the healing you bring into my life. Help me be sensitive to those in the crowd around me, the lonely, hurting souls desperate for healing. Give me the faith to reach out to them – without worrying what others will think – so you can pour your love and forgiveness into their lives through me.
POINT TO PONDER: Faith reaches out, without worrying what others will think.
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