Comment on Morning December 27 on "Daily Light on Daily Path"

 

 

Dear friend,

 

"Look before you leap." - this is a good advice for all who would want to move from place to place. Leaping suggests getting into a place which one may find it more difficult to get out. Thus one should look carefully first before leaping. Otherwise, there may be regret and a waste of precious time trying to get back to the right place.

 

But, sometimes, we do not even know what to look out for before leaping. This is especially so with spiritual things. We are so used to the material things of this world that we do not know how to view spiritual things as we ought. Spiritual things has to do with God, the things of God. They are the eternal things which abide forever. They involve the eternal truth of God, and call for quiet meditation of God's Word prayerfully. As Christians we are called by God to inherit His Kingdom. "Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom." (Luk. 12:32) Therefore, we should know where to look before we leap.

 

If you look for the right thing, you will discover that "here we have no continuing city." (Heb. 13:14) This world is not our home and we are just a passing through. So "now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations." (1Pe. 1:6) Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning. This present world is like night time to us, and morning is the Second Coming of our blessed Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ. We "groan" now (2Co. 5:4), but the day will come when "there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away." (Rev. 21:4)

 

Beloved, where are you looking before you make your many moves in life?

Do read the Holy Scriptures for yourselves in the free Daily Light on Daily Path for this day at http://soshine.blogspot.com/2007/09/daily-light-on-daily-path-december.html#Dec27M.

 

Yours in Christ's Service,
lck

 

Comment on Morning December 26 of "Daily Light on Daily Path"

 

 

Dear friend,

 

At Christmas we are reminded that we are saved to serve the Lord our God. This was God's oath to Abraham and the possibility of it is the Incarnation of the Son of God. In Luk. 1:73-75 we read "The oath which he sware to our father Abraham, That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear, In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life." Such a service is meant for "all the days of our life."
Our sinful nature tells us that we should always aspire to be served rather than to serve. We may have to become servants for a time in order to survive in this world. But our aim should always to improve so that one day we need not serve, but be served. We are always given the impression that success means dominion and control over others according to our  own purposes and wishes. So, to serve all the days of our life does not seem correct. Yet, this is the  only right and joyful thing to do for any human being.
As we  consider this matter we must immediately take note that we are not talking about serving anyone and everyone. We are talking about serving God Almighty, Creator and Ruler of the whole universe. Concerning Him, it is only proper that all things created by Him serve Him. They do serve Him whether they like it or not. Those refusing to do so also find themselves serving Him against their own will. But blessed are those who consciously and joyfully serve Him "all the days of our life."
Serving God is not something which we find it easy in a fallen world. The fallen world says, "We will not have this man to reign over us. " (Luk. 19:14) "The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying, Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us." (Psa. 2:2, 3) Those in power and authority would not submit to God and His Christ naturally. Yet, God insists that all things serve Him. So believers will find much opposition when they would do what God wants of them.
This is where we are exhorted to be "stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord." (1Co. 15:58) Living in this life there is much work and labour for us, and many of our labours are done in vain. But here is one work and labour which shall never be in vain. "Ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord." (1Co. 15:58) Such labour are not in vain because God Almighty is pleased with it and would bless every such effort.
Many try to serve God, but pay very little attention to what He had to say in His Word. This is a grave error, which should be obvious to all. But the devil has blinded so many that they cannot even understand this simple truth. If your boss tell you something which you ignore in the course of serving him, what    would he think of you?
God has revealed Himself to us as the only One worthy of our absolute trust and confidence in that we obey Him to the details of every "jot and title" of His Word, without questions, all the days of our life. He is our Wisdom, our strength, our joy, our comfort, our all in all. In serving others, there is always the possibility of doing wrong and becoming partakers of other man's sins. But serving the God of our Salvation, there can only be good and happy end.
Are you happy serving God currently? Why so?

Do read the Holy Scriptures for yourselves in the free Daily Light on Daily Path for this day at http://soshine.blogspot.com/2007/09/daily-light-on-daily-path-december.html#Dec26M.

 

Yours in Christ's Service,
lck

 

Comment on Evening December 26 of "Daily Light on Daily Path"

 

 

Dear friend,

 

The way to heaven is so full of temptations and trials that sometimes a child of God wonder how he or she is ever going to make it safely there.

 

Indeed, he or she can never make it safely there all by himself or herself. Our trip to heaven is ordained by God and He Himself is become our Guide and Comforter to accompany us all the way to Heaven. The more we spend time with God on the way, the more we will gain confidence that all is well and that we shall surely make it to Heaven safely.

 

The way we take is the way of the Almighty Who has control over all things, even over all the forces of evil in this world. He controls over all things like a good Shepherd Who is willing even to give His life for the sheep. All things must therefore serve our good and salvation.

 

If we are to live comfortably in this life we must learn to commit all things to "him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen." (Jude 24, 25)

 

Where are you looking for comfort and assurance?

Do read the Holy Scriptures for yourselves in the free Daily Light on Daily Path for this day at http://soshine.blogspot.com/2007/09/daily-light-on-daily-path-december.html#Dec26E.

 

Yours in Christ's Service,
lck

 

Comment on Evening December 25 of "Daily Light on Daily Path"

 

 

Dear friend,

 

Christmas is a time of thanksgiving for the Gift of gifts. But because men are so superficial and carnal, they have no appreciation of this Gift. In fact, they become so engrossed with the little gifts that they fail to look to the Gift to which all the little gifts are meant to point us to. Can you imagine all the motorists being deeply engrossed with the road signs because they are all so interesting that they forget the realities to which these road signs point? Christmas through commercialization has become more and more a season of disaster for many confused worldlings.

 

May true Christians keep in mind the wonder of Christmas, the First Advent of our dear Saviour Jesus Christ. Without Him all other gifts are truly meaningless finally. The more we are grateful for the Gift of gifts the more we will know how to live in this world and relate to each other in love. Christians must learn how to "praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!" (Psa. 107:21) To praise is to exalt, to lift up high for all to see. Can you see God's goodness in Christmas? Are you glad for it and think that all the world should know this goodness of God? Do you have any plan to lift up His Holy Name? Are you upset if none join you to lift up His Holy Name in this world?

 

If we are truly thankful to God for so great a salvation in Jesus Christ, we need not wait for Christmas to praise and thank Him. In fact, all our days we are filled with gratitude and exalt Him with all that we have irrespective of whether others appreciate what we are doing. When Mary received the confirmation of God's plan through Elizabeth, she said, "My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour." (Luk. 1:46, 47) To Mary, it did not matter that people would think evil of her - a virgin with child. She was simply overwhelmed by the love of God for the lost mankind. To be used of the Lord for the glory of  His Name was indeed a great honour to her. She was thankful and full of joy.

Are you and am I like Mary at Christmas 2007?

Do read the Holy Scriptures for yourselves in the free Daily Light on Daily Path for this day at http://soshine.blogspot.com/2007/09/daily-light-on-daily-path-december.html#Dec25E.

 

Yours in Christ's Service,
lck

 

Comment on Morning December 25 of "Daily Light on Daily Path"

 

 

Dear friend,

 

No doubt it is love that this present world is found wanting. Not that there are no claims made that love is very much alive around us. Just listen to the songs sung by pop stars and you will discover in the lyrics of their songs all kinds of themes on love. Many humanitarian efforts to relieve the many suffering victims of natural disasters and of wars are deemed to be acts of love. So, it is claimed that love is very  much alive all around us.

 

But upon closer examination we also discover that in the midst of all these so called acts of love, there are many related activities which are totally acts of selfishness and lusts. We read of the abuse of funds  by aid workers, or what some called "professional beggars". Then there are the peace-keepers who victimize those whom they are suppose to protect. That our present world is still full of problems despite the many years of effort by the United Nations and other world organizations to resolve them show that love is still wanting.

 

To have the true love which will truly solves all our problems, the love of God must be acknowledged and appreciated. The birth of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, about 2000 years ago, is the appearance of the "kindness and love of God our Saviour." (Tit. 3:4) "In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins." (1Jo. 4:9, 10)

 

Look at how true Christians live in this world and you will see the love of God at work. If indeed every human being is a Christian, our world's problems would be solved. But, alas, not all who hear the Gospel of God's love believe, repent of sins and trust in Jesus Christ. They remain wicked and defiant against God. And God said that there shall be no peace to the wicked.

 

The birth of Jesus Christ is the coming of God in human flesh "that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil." (Heb. 2:14) In our flesh, Jesus took all the penalty of our sins and fulfill all righteousness on our behalf. Thus we experience the love of God and learn how to love God and man as we should.

 

Is your love-life with or without God?

Do read the Holy Scriptures for yourselves in the free Daily Light on Daily Path for this day at http://soshine.blogspot.com/2007/09/daily-light-on-daily-path-december.html#Dec25M.

 

Yours in Christ's Service,
lck

 

The "Merry" or "Mercy" of Christmas?

   

 

Dear friend,

 

Do read Rev. Heys' observation of the term "Merry Christmas" below - interesting.

 

Do read the Holy Scriptures for yourselves in the free Daily Light on Daily Path for this day at http://soshine.blogspot.com/2007/09/daily-light-on-daily-path-december.html#Dec24E.

 

Yours in Christ's Service,
lck

December 24

THE GIFT OF GOD'S TENDER MERCY
Psalm 26:11, 12

    Reversing the letters of a word can make it take on an entirely different meaning. Change top to pot, or saw to was, and you are mentioning things in entirely different fields. Change just one letter in a word, and again you radically change the meaning. Coat and cost, smell and small, bring entirely new ideas to mind.

    Tomorrow we should change one letter and not imitate the world. Many tomorrow will say, "Merry Christmas." Believers understanding the real meaning of Christmas will not speak of being merry but of God's mercy which realized all that this day signifies.

    If there is one thing that is usually far in the background, or completely ruled out on Christmas Day, it is God's mercy, even though in it He sent His only begotten Son to be our Savior. A song we ought to sing every day but surely on Christmas is:

    Redeemed by Thee,
    I stand secure
    In peace and happiness;
    And in the Church,
    Among the saints,
    Jehovah I will bless.

    The word mercy is not literally to be found here; but in Psalm 26:11, 12, upon which our versification is based we read: "But as for me, I will walk in my integrity: redeem me, and be merciful unto me. My foot standeth in an even place: in the congregation will I bless the Lord." And surely he will bless the Lord because of His mercy.

    Did not Zacharias say in Luke 1:72 that Christ was sent "to perform the mercy promised to our fathers"? And then in verse 78 he states, "Through the tender mercy of our God: whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us."

    Today, and surely tomorrow, bless God for His mercy. Keep in your mind the salvation God realized for us through His Son. Keep your feet on even ground, not spiritual today and carnal tomorrow; not briefly considering things that make your salvation sure, and then brushing it all aside to have fleshly merriment. Let your greetings tomorrow speak of a blessed Christmas, not a merry Christmas. Let God's mercy shine forth, and praise Him for His merciful gift.

 

FW: Moonlight Sonata

 

 

Dear friend,

 

We who came and will leave here with nothing ought to be thankful for everything entrusted us as we sojourn to our Heavenly Home!

 

Little is much when God is in it. Let us not despise the little we still have from our God. Hand over to Jesus and let Him use these little things in any way He please. You will be surprised what great things little things can do in the hand of the Almighty.

 

Enjoy Beethovan's Moonlight Sonata.

 

Do read the Holy Scriptures for yourselves in the free Daily Light on Daily Path for this day at http://soshine.blogspot.com/2007/09/daily-light-on-daily-path-december.html#Dec24M.

 

Yours in Christ's Service,
lck

 

---

From: George Wong [mailto:gwongsgtan@brunet.bn]
Sent: Monday, December 24, 2007 12:23 AM
To: lingswong@hotmail.com; Ling Chiong; Lau Chin Kwee
Subject: Fw: Moonlight Sonata

 

----- Original Message -----

From: George Wong

To: hiefung@yahoo.com ; Issac Yim ; jasin@cyberway.com.sg ; jochenkoenig@gmail.com ; John ; jonah Tan ; Jonathan Wong ; George.L.M.Wong@bruneilng.com ; george@chong.com ; grace.kim@mvdoulos.com ; Harrison ; eddiefoo_2109@yahoo.com.au ; ekwan@zionbpc.org.sg ; elson1963@yahoo.com ; Esther.Yong@gov.ab.ca ; David Wong ; dsurishi99@yahoo.com ; Chris Wong ; awlek@singnet.com.sg ; terryjay@brunet.bn ; Terry.JayaSuriya@Shell.com ; pwonglw@yahoo.com ; Kean-Siew.Teoh@Shell.com ; yhw@brunet.bn ; agnes-wsl@hotmail.com ; calvary@tm.net.my ; cam_tan@hotmail.com ; charles@kjv-asia.com ; chewchongkiat@gmail.com ; ajinthu@yahoo.com.sg ; alicecky1@yahoo.com ; aliciawong@hotmail.co.uk ; angelic_ruthy@hotmail.com ; nel_cher@hotmail.com ; oct_pat@yahoo.com.sg ; ohpl882002@yahoo.com ; pals002@gmail.com ; Shirlena Pang ; pastorwilly@criswell-tabernacle.org ; Paul wong ; rlim@cairnhill.com ; Samuel.Madu@NLNG.COM ; shlim@cairnhill.com ; shhs@sh-hs.com ; siewchooyang@yahoo.com ; siew-peng@hotmail.co.uk ; sooning@pd.jaring.my ; Swee-Look.On@Shell.com ; thmwong@hotmail.com ; w597@telus.net ; wangyang424@sohu.com ; Wilson.Dadet@NLNG.COM ; George Wong ; wong.song.ung@singhealth.com.sg ; yongchinfatt@yahoo.com

Sent: Monday, December 24, 2007 12:04 AM

Subject: Moonlight Sonata

Brethren,

 

The struggle of Bethoven.

FW: We have not pray as we ought

       

 

Dear friend,

 

We who know the true Joy of Christmas realize that the Christmas joys of the world are the devil's works and challenges to us.

 

In the midst of this stormy sea of Christmas 2007, we must navigate our way. May we be prayerful as we do so. Amen.

 

Do read the Holy Scriptures for yourselves in the free Daily Light on Daily Path for this day at http://soshine.blogspot.com/2007/09/daily-light-on-daily-path-december.html#Dec24M.

 

Yours in Christ's Service,
lck

 

---

From: George Wong [mailto:gwongsgtan@brunet.bn]
Sent: Monday, December 24, 2007 2:19 PM
To: ah woh cheong; ajinthu@yahoo.com.sg; alicecky@yahoo.com; aliciawong@hotmail.co.uk; angelic_ruthy@hotmail.com; charles@kjv-asia.com; chewchongkiat@gmail.com; daveoxide@hotmail.com; dsurishi99@yahoo.com; eddie_foo2109@yahoo.com.au; elson1963@yahoo.com; George.L.M.Wong@bruneiLNG.com; gwongsgtan@yahoo.com; harrison025@yahoo.com; jameslcwong@hotmail.com; jochenkoenig@gmail.com; johnquik@yahoo.com; Jonah Tang; Kean-Siew.Teoh@Shell.com; kenghoong@stet.com.sg; Lau Chin Kwee; Lek Aik Wee; LingChiong.Wong@Shell.com; lingswong@hotmail.com; lowwillie@hotmail.com; lynclee2002@yahoo.com; Michael.Chia@shell.com; nanciekoo@gmail.com; nel_cher@hotmail.com; Oh PL; 'Peter Wong'; rlim@cairnhill.com; senghoo@singnet.com.sg; sooning@pd.jaring.my; spang@vsb.bc.ca; Swee-Look.On@Shell.com; thmwong@hotmail.com; victoria_1129@hotmail.com; wong.song.ung@singhealth.com.sg; yhw@brunet.bn; yongchinfatt@yahoo.com
Subject: We have not pray as we ought

Brethren,

 

For your meditation and encouragement.

Resting On God

O GOD MOST HIGH, MOST GLORIOUS,
The thought of thine infinite serenity cheers me,
For I am toiling and moiling, troubled and distressed,
     but thou art for ever at perfect peace.
Thy designs cause thee no fear or care of unfulfilment,
      they stand fast as the eternal hills.
Thy power knows no bond,
     thy greatness no stint.
Thou bringest order out of confusion,
     and my defeats are thy victories:
The Lord God omnipotent reigneth.
I come to thee as a sinner with cares and sorrow,
     to leave every concern entirely to thee,
          every sin calling for Christ's precious blood;
Revive deep spirituality in my heart;
Let me live near to the great shepherd,
     hear his voice, know its tones, follow its calls.
Keep me from deception by causing me to abide in the truth,
     from harm by helping me to walk in the power of the Spirit.
Give me intenser faith in the eternal verities,
     burning into me by experience the things I know;
Let me never be ashamed of the truth of the gospel,
     that I may bear its reproach,
          vindicate it,
          see Jesus as its essence,
          know in it the power of the Spirit.
Lord, help me, for I am often lukewarm and chill;
     unbelief mars my confidence,
     sin makes me forget thee.
Let the weeds that grow in my soul be cut at their roots;
Grant me to know that I truly live only when I live to thee,
     that all else is trifling.
Thy presence alone can make me holy, devout, strong and happy.
Abide in me, gracious God.

 

(Taken from "The Valley of Vision", A Collection of Puritan Prayers & Devotions, Edited by Arthur Bennett, Published by The Banner of Truth Trust, 1997, Page 129.)

 

The privileges of prayer:

A praying man can never be miserable, whatever his condition be, for he has the ear of God; the Spirit within to indite, a Friend in heaven to present, and God Himself to receive his desires as a Father. It is a mercy to pray, even though I never receive the mercy prayed for. - William Bridge

 

 

  

  

 

For Christ's glory I labor, 

 

George Wong

 

 

Sola Scriptura,
Sola Fide,
Sola Gratia,
Solus Christus,
Soli Deo Gloria

 

 

 

 

 

Comment on Morning December 24 of "Daily Light on Daily Path"

 

 

Dear friend,

 

Christians are people recreated by God in Christ Jesus to live and not to die. As such we are not to live after the flesh, but after the Spirit. "If ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live." (Rom. 8:13) To live is to be in sweet fellowship and communion with God and His people. To die is to merrily joining the world in its "ungodliness and worldly lusts" (Tit. 2:12)

 

The latter is to live after the flesh. "Now the works of the flesh are manifest which are these; adultery, fornication and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God." (Gal. 5:19) We cannot rejoice in such works, but are constantly called to denounce them both in our own lives and in others as well. They have no place in man who was created after the image of God. Thus the command to repent and to look to Christ for salvation is issued to all men everywhere. More so must this be the calling of all who claimed to be saved. Regarding such works of the flesh, "let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints." (Eph. 5:3)

 

Then on the other hand, believers are to bear "the fruit of the Spirit". The "fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law." (Gal. 5:21-25) Such virtues are useful for handling ourselves and others around us. Is it not due to the lack of such virtues that so much violent and confusion prevail among men? Christians must promote such virtues among themselves at all times even as the Spirit works in them to bring them forth.

 

Such conversion experiences are to accompany God's people so long as they are in this present evil world on their way to Heaven. "The grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity." (Tit. 2:11-14)

Do read the Holy Scriptures for yourselves in the free Daily Light on Daily Path for this day at http://soshine.blogspot.com/2007/09/daily-light-on-daily-path-december.html#Dec24M.

 

Yours in Christ's Service,
lck

 

Comment on Evening December 24 of "Daily Light on Daily Path"

 

 

Dear friend,

 

As Christians we must live for the Lord Jesus Christ is such a way that "not ... your good be evil spoken of" (Rom.14:16) We must learn to be conscientious in doing things according to the Word of God. Then we must ensure, as much as possible, that people around us know that that is exactly what we are doing and not according to our own whims and fancies.

 

We bear good testimony by not associating with evil that is around us. Often such association tarnishes our good testimonies and slowly corrupts our ways. "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? Ye are the temple of the living God. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing." (2Co. 6:14, 16, 17)

 

With all our good works and intention, there will always be those who would reproach us still. "If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye: for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, ... or as a busybody in other men's matters." (1Pe. 4:14-15)

 

How are we shining for the Lord as Christmas dawn upon us?

Do read the Holy Scriptures for yourselves in the free Daily Light on Daily Path for this day at http://soshine.blogspot.com/2007/09/daily-light-on-daily-path-december.html#Dec24E.

 

Yours in Christ's Service,
lck

 

Comment on Evening December 22 of "Daily Light on Daily Path"

   

 

Dear friend,

 

A promise is made, but are we satisfied and our heart at rest with that? It all depends on the issue which brings about the unrest, the relevance of the promise made and the one making the promise.

 

Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ had done wondrously for us on the Cross of Calvary and when He rose again from the dead on the third day. But He left us to go to His Father in Heaven, leaving us without His physical presence. Read through the Four Gospels and discover how exciting those days were when He was physically with us! He spoke for us and defended us. He healed and restored us. He taught us so many things with divine authority. No one can gain say us with His presence. But He left us!

 

The truth is that He did not leave us completely. He told His disciples that He was with them "even unto the end of the world." (Mat. 28:20) He is still with us in the person of the Holy Spirit, Whom He received of the Father and sent to us at Pentecost. Such a presence is good and safe enough for us, but we still long for His physical presence. So He promise to come back again as we have seen Him taken up from us. (Act. 1:11)

 

"Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him; and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him." (Rev. 1:7) "Every eye" shall see Him literally. He will come again to be seen of all men and to judge all men. Believers must know that a longing for His return is also a longing for the conclusion of this present age and the ushering in of the New Heavens and the New Earth. It speaks of a sense that this present evil world is not worthy of the continuing witnesses of the suffering saints of God. Are you suffering for Christ's sake and the Gospel's sake as to be in the position to feel that way about the world?

 

Let us take heed to what Paul wrote to Titus in 2:11-13 - "The grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ." Witnessing to the world will cease when once the Lord comes again. Let us live godly lives while we can. The night comes when no man can work.

 

"And the evening and the morning ..." (Gen. 1:31) - will be the Eternal Day.

Do read the Holy Scriptures for yourselves in the free Daily Light on Daily Path for this day at http://soshine.blogspot.com/2007/09/daily-light-on-daily-path-december.html#Dec22E.

 

Yours in Christ's Service,
lck

 

Comment on Morning December 22 of "Daily Light on Daily Path"

 

 

Dear friend,

 

"This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent." (Joh. 6:29) There is nothing more clear than this statement from our Lord Jesus Christ, the Head of the Church. To believe unto salvation is the work of God. "We are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." (Eph. 2:10) This belief is also one that works out itself in "good works". Christian believers are people full of good works. They work not in order to be saved, but because they are saved. Their good works are the different indications that they are saved by God's Sovereign Grace.

Such "good works" are inevitable because God had ordained that those saved "should walk in them." God will ensure that. While it is not a good work to walk in sin, it is good work to repent of one's sin and to fight the good fight of faith. So, we can expect saved people to be conscious of their sins and to desire always to get right with God. Those who rather that God does not reveal their sins to them than that He should convict them and call them to repentance, manifest themselves unconverted. Converted people deal with the putting off of the old man and the putting on the new man all the days of their lives on this side of the grave.

When we do see the above works manifesting in our brethren, we do indeed give thanks to God for them. We are thankful not only for the many mutual benefits of such communion of the saints where good works abound, but also for the eternal blessings of our brethren. "We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth. Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power." (2Th. 1:3, 11)

Are you a believer? Where then are your good works?

 

Do read the Holy Scriptures for yourselves in the free Daily Light on Daily Path for this day at http://soshine.blogspot.com/2007/09/daily-light-on-daily-path-december.html#Dec22M.

 

Yours in Christ's Service,
lck

 

Comment on Morning December 21 of "Daily Light on Daily Path"

 

 

Dear friend,

 

The life on this side of the grave is a valley of tears. We cry when we were born, and there is much tears when we are gone from this life. In between, there are countless moments when we shed tears as we hurt each other with our thoughts, words and deeds. When we suffer because of our sins we can understand and find it easier to bear as we deserve what we get. But can get confused and add to our suffering when we suffer for righteousness' and the truth's sake. We mean good, but are not appreciated, and, in fact, strongly opposed by those who would persecute us. The Lord would comfort and encourage us in well doing.

 

"The days of thy mourning shall be ended." He promised. (Isa. 60:20) The thought that Someone like Him is fully aware of our suffering is most comforting. Not only is He aware, but He is concerned enough to make that promise of deliverance. In that we find much strength to press on in well-doing. But when will that day of termination come?

 

It shall not be in this present world for in "the world ye shall have tribulation." (Joh. 16:33) Here the "whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body." (Rom. 8:22, 23) That day of deliverance will be the day of "adoption", the day of "the redemption of our body." This corruptible body must put on incorruption in order to enter the New Heavens and the New Earth as promised in Rev. 21. '50 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. 51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory." (1Co. 15) The Day of Christ's Second Coming is the day of our deliverance from all tribulation.

 

Are you longing for such deliverance?

Do read the Holy Scriptures for yourselves in the free Daily Light on Daily Path for this day at http://soshine.blogspot.com/2007/09/daily-light-on-daily-path-december.html#Dec21M.

 

Yours in Christ's Service,
lck

 

Comment on Evening December 21 of "Daily Light on Daiy Path"

 

 

Dear friend,

 

All that we can perceive and experience are His works. In fact, even all our perceivings are His works. "The Lord is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works." (Psa. 145:9) It is the entrance of sin into this world that brought about so much sufferings in this world. God is good when He created and provided for all things. Men have sought out many inventions according to their own carnal lusts resulting in all the confusions and sufferings we see around us. Yet, God is still good and His mercies are still over all His works. So, there is hope even when the vice-regent had fallen into his horrible sins and miseries.

 

At times, in our miseries and impatience, we may be tempted to imagine that God has forsaken us and cares not for us at all. Like the Apostles, we ask, "Master, carest thou not that we perish?" (Mar. 4:38) He truly cares for us even in time when we are unaware of our own dangers and foolish ways. He silently helps us again and again without our asking. He only command us to ask, seek and knock only because that is good for us to become more aware of His constant care for us. "The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him." (Nah. 1:7)

 

Having responsibly done what we should in any given situation, to the best of our ability, according to our God-given faith, we should learn to trust Him for the rest without doubting His fatherly care for us. The outcomes of our deeds are not dependent upon us. Sometimes, the outcomes are so unlike what we expect, and begin to become concern. Such worrying is uncalled for. We are certainly called to work out our salvation with fear and trembling, but this is not a call to worry, but a call to learn the mind of God in comparison with our own - to discover how God takes care of us who fear and trust Him.

 

This is what it means to stand still and see the Salvation of God. As we behold the ways of God and learn His paths, we become more confident in life and cease doubting His cares for us. We become more and more convinced, as we live by faith, that "all things work for good to those that love God." (Rom. 8:28) The present sufferings and privation should not discourage us if we can trust His sovereign control even over all such adversities for His own glory and our own good. The just shall live by faith and faith is the victory that overcome the world.

 

"Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm." (Mat. 8:26)

Do read the Holy Scriptures for yourselves in the free Daily Light on Daily Path for this day at http://soshine.blogspot.com/2007/09/daily-light-on-daily-path-december.html#Dec21E.

 

Yours in Christ's Service,
lck

 

RE: Comment on Evening December 17 of "Daily Light on Daily Path"

 

 

Dear friend,

 

Sister Ee Fong's question is legitimate. Do consider what the Apostle Paul said in

 

1Co. 5:9 I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators:

10 Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world.

11 But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.

12 For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within?

13 But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.

 

 

 

Do read the Holy Scriptures for yourselves in the free Daily Light on Daily Path for this day at http://soshine.blogspot.com/2007/09/daily-light-on-daily-path-december.html#Dec18M.

 

Yours in Christ's Service,
lck

 

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From: EE FONG LIM [mailto:eefonglim@hotmail.com]
Sent: Monday, December 17, 2007 11:08 PM
To: lckferc@singnet.com.sg
Subject: RE: Comment on Evening December 17 of "Daily Light on Daily Path"

2nd para-what if workplace is all non-Christians, how to ostracise self or be holy joe, ignore them? How about friends for ages gathering, where most Christians? When and how to draw a line?

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From: lckferc@singnet.com.sg
To: lckferc@singnet.com.sg
Subject: Comment on Evening December 17 of "Daily Light on Daily Path"
Date: Mon, 17 Dec 2007 17:50:48 +0800

 

 

Dear friend,

 

Would you treat your refrigerator like a rubbish bin where unwanted, decomposing staff are kept to be thrown away later? If you do, soon the good food inside might also turn bad and useless. Refrigerator is a vessel to honour whereas the rubbish bin is a vessel to dishonour. There should be no fellowship between these two vessels if you want a healthy living. "In a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour." (2Ti. 2:20)

 

"Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them." (Eph. 5:11) To have fellowship means to join hands in common activities in order to achieve common goals with common joy and delight, sorrow and pain. Light and darkness cannot have fellowship with each other. When  Christians or a Christian organizations compromise with the power of darkness in such fellowship, they become contaminated because there is evil communication between them. "Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners." (1Co. 15:33) Some think that a little of such fellowship should be all right, not knowing that "a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump." (1Co. 5:6) When we get contaminated in this way our light become dim and lack luster. But we are called to "be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world." (Php. 2:15)

 

Do you want to be the fruitful works of light or the unfruitful works of darkness? "Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach." (Heb. 13:13)

Do read the Holy Scriptures for yourselves in the free Daily Light on Daily Path for this day at http://soshine.blogspot.com/2007/09/daily-light-on-daily-path-december.html#Dec17E.

 

Yours in Christ's Service,
lck

 

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Comment on Morning and Evening December 18 of "Daily Light on Daily Path"

 

 

Dear friend,

 

Morning:

 

In times of need, where can we go boldly and be assured that we will find help? "Let us come boldly unto the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." (Heb. 4:16)

 

We do have many needs in this life. We are most conscious of it in our frail body and it "perish" through time and we near the day to be unclothed of it. As that happens, we notice that a lot of things in our life are fast becoming matters of "no more" - no more this and no more that, unless help is rendered at the ever greater inconvenience of others. So, we try to make do on our own and look more often to the unfailing source of help which we still do have in Christ. That is the "new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh." (Heb. 10:19, 22)

 

The Second Person of the Godhead took upon Himself our human flesh and through it consecrate for us the living way to the very presence of God where we present our petition before Him Who is the Almighty! What an awesome privilege, unparalleled in this whole wide world! The lowly know and appreciate it better than anyone else. They called Him, "Abba, Father." (Rom. 8:15) And He called them, "My sons and daughters." (2Co. 6:18)

 

Ask, seek and knock, for He said "not unto the seed of Jacob, Seek ye me in vain." (Isa. 45:19) What are we waiting for? No time, we say. Try giving up a little of the time we spend complaining to your fellow-creature's ears, and spend that time saved at the throne of grace. God said that such time shall not be spent in vain. We can trust Him.

 

Do read the Holy Scriptures for yourselves in the free Daily Light on Daily Path for this day at http://soshine.blogspot.com/2007/09/daily-light-on-daily-path-december.html#Dec18M.

 

 

Evening:

 

The Apostle Paul mentioned two laws or principles at work in the spiritual life of a child of God - the "law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus" and the "law of sin and death." (Rom. 8:2) One tends to the Spirit and to life, while the other to sin and death. It is obvious that the children of God are called to maintain the former rather than the latter law. In fact, the engagement of the former is the freeing of the latter.

 

Sin has to do with the Law and Commandment of God in that it is either a commission against or an omission of It. Sin is a principle and therefore has a certain propensity or leaning or potential. In its inclination, "sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it slew me." (Rom. 7:10) So, the Apostle Paul also wrote that "the strength of sin is the law." (1Co. 15:56) The deception by which sin operates is to assert that a man can be justified by the law in the sight of God. This is deception from the devil because God's Word says, "no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith." (Gal. 3:11) When a man is deceived to embrace this false doctrine, sin slays him finally.

 

The "law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus" free a man from the "law of sin and death." This is the truth that "shall make you free." (Joh. 8:32) The law or principle speaks of the embracing of Christ and His works on our behalf by faith. "Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified." (Gal. 2:16) This law is called "the perfect law of liberty" in Jas. 1:25. "Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage." (Gal. 5:1)

 

The true life of all is the life of freedom. The life of freedom is the life of the just for there is no more condemnation for him. "The just shall live by faith" - faith not in anything, but only in the Word of God.

 

By what are we living? Are we in the bondage of sin or are we in the liberty of Christ?

Do read the Holy Scriptures for yourselves in the free Daily Light on Daily Path for this day at http://soshine.blogspot.com/2007/09/daily-light-on-daily-path-december.html#Dec18E.

 

Yours in Christ's Service,
lck

 

Comment on Morning and Evening December 20 of "Daily Light on Daily Path"

 

 

Dear friend,

 

Morning:

 

Chosen, indeed, we believers are, and that even before the foundation of the world. And because it is the Almighty Who has chosen us, we can rest assured that it is very purposeful, even though such selection is not based upon what He sees in us, but according to His own mercy and kindness in our Lord Jesus Christ.

 

It is important that we know this purpose of His, by and by, as we live with Him in sweet communion. Otherwise, He would not have spoken of it in His Word to us: "Chosen ... that we should be holy and without blame before him in love." (Eph. 1:4) So, as we mature, we know what He wants and learn to cooperate with Him in greater measure to our smooth experience of His grace.

 

To be holy means to be dedicated and consecrated to Him Who is the God of our salvation. Holiness speaks of an increasing knowledge and experience of God. It also mean that we trust in this God Who has spoken and obey Him absolutely. All these imply a life with God sitting on the throne of one's heart. There are much willing and doing of His good pleasure, with great delight and thankfulness.

 

Such a life of truth and sincerity is without blame before God. No one can point a finger at such a person and blame him before God. He does God's will humbly to the best of his knowledge and faith. God knows that. To his own Master he stands or falls.

 

Such a life is a life of "sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth." (2Th. 2:13) Not that such a life is perfect without any need for teaching, rebuke, correction and instruction in righteousness. In fact, such a life, before it reaches its perfect glory in heaven, is full of these profits from the Word of God.

 

This cannot fail to be because salvation is God's own work and that cannot fail as God cannot fail in whatever He does Being Almighty. The "new heart ... and a new spirit" He gives to His chosen one cannot fail to operate to cleanse and to renew him. His outward man may perish, but his inward man is renewed day by day.

 

"God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness." (1Th. 4:7) Are we holy, for He is holy?

 

Do read the Holy Scriptures for yourselves in the free Daily Light on Daily Path for this day at http://soshine.blogspot.com/2007/09/daily-light-on-daily-path-december.html#Dec20M.

 

 

To doubt the Word of the Lord is a very serious thing. When Elisha told the king of Israel that his besieged city, which was suffering unimaginable famine, would experience  unimaginable plentiful, one of his servants expressed doubt with these words: "Behold, if the LORD would make windows in heaven, might this thing be?" (2Ki. 7:2) Elisha responded, "Behold, thou shalt see it with thine eyes, but shalt not eat thereof." When God's Word is plain and clear, none of us should ever try to cast any doubt on It to undermine Its authority over the people of God. When we know what He has said, then it is time to exercise faith and to obey.

 

Nothing is impossible with God. Without faith it is impossible to please Him. Having the faith that works by love in what God says is honouring to Him. It is an acknowledging that His thoughts are not our thoughts, neither are our ways His ways. His is so much more higher than ours like the heavens is above the earth. (Isa. 55:8, 9) Ours is not to doubt, but to demonstrate what the Lord can do.

 

With the Lord, "it is nothing ... to help, whether with many or with them that have no power." (2Chr. 14:11) God can create everything out of nothing. God often uses the means He has created to bring to pass what He wants. He is never limited by the means He uses. He can use great means to do little things and little means to do great things. With Him there is no insufficiency or wastage. We just yield our all, trust and obey Him; and He shall do the rest according to His own good pleasure.

 

In the presence of One Who promises us good and Who "raised the dead", how dare we prefer to "trust in ourselves" than in Him? (2Co. 1:9)

 

Do read the Holy Scriptures for yourselves in the free Daily Light on Daily Path for this day at http://soshine.blogspot.com/2007/09/daily-light-on-daily-path-december.html#Dec20E.

Yours in Christ's Service,
lck

 

Comment on Morning and Evening December 19 of "Daily Light on Daily Path"

 

 

Dear friend,

 

Morning:

 

Can you imagine a  universe without light at all? Without light, the properties of object to reflect  the different colours of the rainbow would be meaningless, and every object in this universe would not appear at all in all their different glory as we know them to be in our present world. We would not know what we would be missing, but with the experience of our present world, we know this must be better than a world without light. Another analogy would be the experiences of a blind man in contrast with those of seeing people. What a world of difference! Thank God for creating light for us.

 

The existence of rational moral creatures without the Word of God is like the existence of the universe without the physical light. Something fundamentally important is missing rendering that world incomplete and not as glorious as it should be. Without the spiritual light of God's Word, rational moral creatures do not communicate properly and thus do not relate to each other well and in a wholesome manner, resulting in confusion and all manner of evils, the activities of darkness. The Fall of man plunged the human race into darkness, confusion and sin. But, thanks be to God, ...

 

"Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness." (Psa. 112:4) Jesus is the light of that world where men fear the Lord. As the light arises we must learn to "trust in the name of the Lord, and stay upon his God." (Isa. 50:10) The surrounding darkness cannot overwhelm us for "the Lord upholdeth him with his hand" (Psa. 37:24) and His "commmandment is a lamp, and the law is light." (Pro. 6:23) With the light we are safe as we keep to that path of light without turning to the left nor to the right.

 

Our body needs the light and this light is our eye. Our eye perceives and interprets the light reflected by the different objects around us. This gives meaning and tells us what to do next. If our eye sees a unified, consistent world, then our body is full of light and we are happy and confident in our walk. But if our eye sees a confused world that keeps changing every now and then, then we may be thrown to the surrounding darkness instead. If what we see is darkness, then our light is darkness. Then we are the children not of the light, but of darkness.

 

"Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night. But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation. For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ," (1Th. 5:5-9)

 

Where are you going?

Do read the Holy Scriptures for yourselves in the free Daily Light on Daily Path for this day at http://soshine.blogspot.com/2007/09/daily-light-on-daily-path-december.html#Dec19M.

 

 

Evening:

 

Jesus is our Good Shepherd. As such He is full of compassion towards us. If we are young and tender, He would often "gathers the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom", if we are pregnant he would "gently lead" us. (Isa. 40:11) In other words, He is very mindful of our condition even as He tends to us.

 

At one time, a great multitude was with Him listening to His messages and He noticed that they had not eaten, so He told His disciples, "I will not send them away fasting, lest they faint in the way." So, He fed them before sending them away! (Mat. 15:32) We have many infirmities and He notices them all even without our telling Him. Observe His way with you and you will notice that He goes ahead of you to prepare the way according to your needs.

 

He never reject the little ones who come to Him humbly to be blessed. To many others our weaknesses may be obstacles to what they want to accomplish and therefore our help not welcome. But the Lord says, "Bring them hither to me." (Mat. 14:18)

 

If we do go astray, He will be out there looking for us to try and bring us back to the fold again. So He came to this world to save us from our sins. "Ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls." (1Pe. 2:25)

 

When we become doubtful of our final safety, for one reason or another, He would assure us, "Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom." (Luk. 12:32)

 

Do you experience Him as your Good Shepherd? 
 

Do read the Holy Scriptures for yourselves in the free Daily Light on Daily Path for this day at http://soshine.blogspot.com/2007/09/daily-light-on-daily-path-december.html#Dec19E.

 

 

Yours in Christ's Service,
lck

 

FW: A Paper on Church Membership

 

 

Dear friend,

 

It is not impossible that our Lord allow the D n R controversy in our churches to teach us about Church Membership. So do read what brother Aaron has to say, no matter which position you may have taken on the D n R issue.

Many do not understand properly what it means to acquiesce in Reformed Church Polity. To acquiesce does not simply mean to "live with it". It means to live with it while under protest. This means that so long as a protest is possible and acceptable and under consideration, one is able to remain without being corrupted. But as soon as such protest become improper, such a "living with it" becomes a form of corruption of one’s attitude toward the Word of God. Such corruption is very detrimental not only to those individuals, but also to those who would have them as example. This is a fundamental error more serious than holding the wrong view of the D n R issue. The potential danger of such a view cannot be taken lightly. Give way here and one is ready to give up more doctrines of Scriptures in the days to come.

May God have mercy upon us.

 

Do read the Holy Scriptures for yourselves in the free Daily Light on Daily Path for this day at http://soshine.blogspot.com/2007/09/daily-light-on-daily-path-december.html#Dec17E.

 

Yours in Christ's Service,
lck

 

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From: Aaron Lim [mailto:aaronljc@hotmail.com]
Sent: Sunday, December 16, 2007 8:54 PM
To: Gim Theng Wee; jeefung@singnet.com.sg; jus_tus_wee@hotmail.com; Kim_Fong_Mah@vdgc.com.sg; lckferc@singnet.com.sg; lmhsien@pacific.net.sg; magnolia_3eez@hotmail.com; Matthew Loh; matthias_weerd@hotmail.com; Ong Julia; Paul Liu; Rebecca Wee; silky@singnet.com.sg; Timo Koh; yellow_sly@hotmail.com; kongwee121@gmail.com; ezratan@singnet.com.sg; ezratrj@singnet.com.sg; sharleensiow23@hotmail.com; seow_khee_kwek@ttsh.com.sg
Subject: A Paper on Church Membership

Dear friends,
 
     Warmest love in our Lord. Attached is a paper written on the topic of church membership for your consideration, in light of the current developments in our churches. The burdens of these developments have been so overwhelming that I have decided to express them in the paper. May the Lord use it to your edification. I will be thankful for any critique or questions you may have.
 
With love in Christ,
Aaron Lim.
 
PS. Please keep the paper confidential and for your private reading. Thanks.

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