Introduction
We live in a world that is far from ideal. Our earth is plagued by disasters that claim thousands of lives; earthquakes, hurricanes, tsunamis. Not only that, there are atrocities committed by various parties; the 9/11 incident comes to mine, Hitler’s reign, names like Pol Pot and Chairman Mao come to mind as well, all responsible for the uncountable lost of lives. Of course there are tragedies that are closer to the heart as well; the passing on of loved ones, betrayal, struggle of daily life. None are exempt. Pain knows no discrimination, and pain is very much real. Of course many have tried to make light of this issue.
Atheists would say that the it is just the way things are, that everything is just the result of particles colliding and rearranging themselves. If that were the case, what rational person should feel any outrage before ostensible “evils” at all? Then there is the pantheist view, adopted by most Hindus and New Age movements. They suggest that the entire universe belongs to one another, that there is not transcendent being in charge. There are only several levels of attainment. Progressive self-realisation and self-improvement would cure the world of all its ills, claims the pantheist. There is also the deist point of view. Deism claims that there is indeed a God, but he is like a clockmaker who simply puts all the pieces together and then winds it up and pretty much leaves it to run its own course. This God of deism is simply too “big” or transcendent to be bothered by our “puny concerns” of evil and suffering.
Of course, all those views do not fit into the biblical description of God. Indeed, the bible very clearly says that God is not only loving, He is sovereign as well. However, many simply cannot reconcile the fact that God is both loving and sovereign, but yet there are suffering and evil. It is easier to accept these two premises. One being that God is indeed loving, but He is not sovereign; therefore He cannot do anything about the ills that befall us. The problem here is that it paints a picture of a God who is simply helpless. He would love to help but He cannot! Putting faith in such a God would be meaningless, after all what good could it possibly bring us? The other would be that God is sovereign, but not loving. He could do something about the things happening here on earth, but He chooses not to. That would quite simply mean that God is a sadist, no different from any of the atrocious characters mentioned before. Why would anyone want to worship or trust this God then? As much as these two premises would soothe the intellectual protest of many, it is simply not biblical. But yet the problem still persists, God is loving and sovereign; but the world is still filled with evil and suffering. Certain points can be made for God’s case in this matter.
Free Will and Sin
Everyone is familiar with the Genesis account of creation. God created the heavens and the earth (Gen 1-2) and His verdict repeatedly was that His efforts were “all good”. Next came about the creation of the parents of humankind, Adam and Eve. This is where things get tricky. It must be made clear however, that God was under no obligation to create man. He did it out of His own will and fancy, and He desired to have close relationship with them. The fact that they were both naked and felt no shame before the Lord (Gen2:25) was symbolic of the covenant they shared with God, nothing was kept hidden from one another. God gave them the freedom to eat from any tree they wish, except for the Tree of Life. God strictly warned them that if they were to eat from that tree, they would sure die. (Gen 2:17)
Some would say, why bother putting that tree there in the first place if it would cause so many problems in the end? The simple answer is this: love cannot exist without freedom of choice. An analogy to support this: if a man were to lock up a woman in a room, gave her all that she needed and the only person she ever saw was him, what kind of love would she feel for him? Perhaps she would be grateful that he provides for her, but can he be assured of genuine adoration toward him? Another scenario: if a man provided all a woman needed, but gave her the freedom to venture out to the world and be exposed to other things and other people, but at the end of the day she chose to come back to him, would not this be genuine, sincere love as opposed to the first scenario? That was what God desired. A true loving relationship between Him and mankind.
But of course, Adam and Eve made a wrong choice. They rebelled against God by giving into the serpent’s temptations. This marked the onset of suffering, toil, pain and death (Gen 3). The end of the bible is a promise that there will be repair and restoration, that God will once again dwell amongst His people, and that every tear will be wiped from eyes (Rev 21). The whole idea is that sin, that separation from God, is the original problem. Mankind basically declared that we could make it on our own. That is why years of so called advancement and enlightenment of the human race has not improved matters. The fact is, we need God.
God’s perfect love for us was shown through Jesus Christ, whom He sent to pay the price for reconciliation between mankind and God. That rather than continuously trying to figure things out, we should acknowledge our need of Him and turn to Him.
Becoming a Christian however, does not immunise one from the tragedies of this world. It is simply because though we have been restored and renewed in Christ, we still live in a fallen world. It is like carrying an umbrella through a storm. Though we are shielded from most of its effects, we cannot help that some drops will still splatter unto us.
Is God truly Sovereign?
Since we have established that God is loving, next we will need to address whether He is truly sovereign. Larry D. Hart makes a very good point, that “some things that God desires and God determines, other things that God desires and we determine, and finally there are things that we desire and God permits. He dispels what he calls “muddled thinking”: that God must determine everything in order to be truly sovereign and that his foreknowledge of our decision determines them. His infinite knowledge and his transcendence of time enables him to know the contingencies of the future as contingencies and to foreknow our choices. It is only by His grace that we can make the decision to receive His forgiveness and salvation, but that does not relieve us of our responsibility. D.A Carson presents what is called compatibilism, and they are based on two premises:
God is absolutely sovereign, but His sovereignty never functions in such a way that human responsibility is negated
Human beings are morally responsible creatures – they are accountable for their own actions; but this never works in a way that God is absolutely contingent.
This is evident in the case of Job, who suffered viciously under Satan’s attack. But the extent of the damage Satan could do was only what God permitted. Job however had the choice to curse God or turn away from Him. But Job did not, and eventually God restored Job.
Another myth that must be dispelled is that God can do absolutely everything. Being omnipotent simply means that God can do what is physically impossible, but not what is logically impossible. God most certainly cannot create a round square, nor is He able to make a rock too large for Him to carry. Those are simply further muddled thinking. Therefore this re-emphasies the fact that God cannot simply just wipe out sin, which would actually mean wiping out free will. As we established earlier without free will true love cannot exist and God is a God of love.
Why Does God Allow Suffering?
To say that anyone actually has the answer to this profound mystery would be fictitious. But there are reasons that can be thought of. C.S Lewis said that “God whispers in our pleasure; speaks in our conscience; but shouts in our pain. Pain is God’s megaphone to rouse a deaf world.” This could be seen even from the start. The consequence of the Adam and Eve’s rebellion was pain. Without pain, we would never know that anything is wrong. The fact is most people would never think of God until a problem arises or a tragedy occurs. That is a sad but real truth; people sometimes only turn to God when they have exhausted all other options.
Sometimes our suffering is necessary for our refinement and building of character. The bible clearly depicts as God as a loving parent who disciplines His children (Deut 8:2-5, Heb 12). We are very finite beings and we tend to view things from a very confined point of view. It is like going very closely to scrutinise the details of the bark of a tree, pointing out all its rough edges as oppose to taking a step back and looking at the tree as of whole. That is how God functions, He is more than capable for turning any evil into something that is good (Gen 50:20), the story of Joseph attests to this.
Conclusion
What is discussed here is merely the throw of a pebble across the surface of a lake. Not all questions can be answered to the satisfaction of everyone. Turkish theologian Ziya Meral said that “the silence of God does not mean the absence of God.” It is with that knowledge, that in all our troubles, He is there for us and is more than able to help us. In the chaos and confusion, He is sovereign still. Having said that, in the most dire circumstances, there is One whom we can put our hope in.
Bibliography:
Carson, D.A - How Long O Lord?
Hard, Larry D- Truth Aflame
Piper, John & Taylor, Justin - Suffering and the Sovereignty of God
Strobel, Lee - The Case for Faith
Yancey, Philip - Where is God when it Hurts?
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Monday, April 21, 2008
Submission
Hey guys, after a break I'm back again and ready to share some thoughts. This is something I picked up from an Old Testament Survey class at college, its great stuff.
Now the word in the title does not sit well with many. Some times we struggle to fully submit, why I say fully is because there is the case for just submitting because of obligation, in which case is done out of resentment or with a lousy attitude. I would like to think thats not what true submission is about. For those who want to read more on this, go and get Undercover by John Bevere. I promise you it is an amazing book and its truly worth spending on, this is one of the very few books that I will say is a must have for all believers.
Here's a few scriptures which are very much self explanatory.
Romans 13:1-5 (New International Version)
1Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.
1 Peter 2:13 (New International Version)
13Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority,
Hebrews 13:17 (New International Version)
17Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you.
What would I like to add is that submission is only valid when it comes under challenge. How easy it would be to submit because we like our leader, we agree with them, we think they are wise etc. But when we struggle to really submit, be it out of pride or insubordination, is when we truly must humble ourselves to do so, because what does the word of God say? All authourity is appointed by God, as much as it is difficult to comprehend at times. Now of course I'm not saying to obey when a leader asks you to sin, but other than that extremity there is no other justifiable reason for us to refuse. Lets take a look a a biblical example.
David was a man who had every right to not to submit to Saul. Saul was incredibly threatened and insecure about David. Saul was already on the verge of losing his title as King because of his wickedness so he tries to do whatever he can to prevent David from taking his crown. But David never once attacks Saul back, he TWICE had the chance to kill Saul. The end of his troubles could have been done right then! Just finish Saul off, and its done! You would think that would make perfect sense. But David does not, and even telling his companion Abishai "I will not strike the Lord's annointed." That is an incredible biblical concept there. (events told from 1 Sam 18-26)
My lecturer Ps Brendan Roach said that "You learn more being submitted to a bad leader than a good one." I would agree with him on that. I'm sure David learnt a whole lot as well.
What we don't realise is that when we "attack" God's annointed, what we are actually doing is.. we are attacking God! David understood that, he understood that God was the one who put Saul on the throne as King, and knew for a fact that it was not his place to determine that it was a wrong decision under any circumstance. That is what people do sometimes, either it is through criticism of a leader, through gossip, disobediance, or even witholding support from our superiors. All are signs of disobediance and as the bible says he who rebels is rebelling against God and therefore bring judgment upon themselves. (read scripture quoted above.)
One last point I would like to add, whoever claims "I am only submitted to God!" ; "I obey none but God Himself!", I would like to suggest these people have an enourmous problem. Let me make this clear, it is NOT a biblical concept to be only submitted to God. God made us a body (1 Cor 12), and whoever thinks they should operate on their own accord are deceiving themselves. After all, does not Ephesians 5:21 tell us Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. I would say that I am much happier that I am actually submitted and have the covering of people whom can correct me when I make mistakes and will back me up when I need help. It is easy to try to be superstar for Christ, but I would say that would not get you very far.
Submission is really a thing that needs mastering, I am not quite there yet myself. But I do understand however it is an essential characteristic to have in the kingdom, I pray that you do.
Now the word in the title does not sit well with many. Some times we struggle to fully submit, why I say fully is because there is the case for just submitting because of obligation, in which case is done out of resentment or with a lousy attitude. I would like to think thats not what true submission is about. For those who want to read more on this, go and get Undercover by John Bevere. I promise you it is an amazing book and its truly worth spending on, this is one of the very few books that I will say is a must have for all believers.
Here's a few scriptures which are very much self explanatory.
Romans 13:1-5 (New International Version)
1Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.
1 Peter 2:13 (New International Version)
13Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority,
Hebrews 13:17 (New International Version)
17Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you.
What would I like to add is that submission is only valid when it comes under challenge. How easy it would be to submit because we like our leader, we agree with them, we think they are wise etc. But when we struggle to really submit, be it out of pride or insubordination, is when we truly must humble ourselves to do so, because what does the word of God say? All authourity is appointed by God, as much as it is difficult to comprehend at times. Now of course I'm not saying to obey when a leader asks you to sin, but other than that extremity there is no other justifiable reason for us to refuse. Lets take a look a a biblical example.
David was a man who had every right to not to submit to Saul. Saul was incredibly threatened and insecure about David. Saul was already on the verge of losing his title as King because of his wickedness so he tries to do whatever he can to prevent David from taking his crown. But David never once attacks Saul back, he TWICE had the chance to kill Saul. The end of his troubles could have been done right then! Just finish Saul off, and its done! You would think that would make perfect sense. But David does not, and even telling his companion Abishai "I will not strike the Lord's annointed." That is an incredible biblical concept there. (events told from 1 Sam 18-26)
My lecturer Ps Brendan Roach said that "You learn more being submitted to a bad leader than a good one." I would agree with him on that. I'm sure David learnt a whole lot as well.
What we don't realise is that when we "attack" God's annointed, what we are actually doing is.. we are attacking God! David understood that, he understood that God was the one who put Saul on the throne as King, and knew for a fact that it was not his place to determine that it was a wrong decision under any circumstance. That is what people do sometimes, either it is through criticism of a leader, through gossip, disobediance, or even witholding support from our superiors. All are signs of disobediance and as the bible says he who rebels is rebelling against God and therefore bring judgment upon themselves. (read scripture quoted above.)
One last point I would like to add, whoever claims "I am only submitted to God!" ; "I obey none but God Himself!", I would like to suggest these people have an enourmous problem. Let me make this clear, it is NOT a biblical concept to be only submitted to God. God made us a body (1 Cor 12), and whoever thinks they should operate on their own accord are deceiving themselves. After all, does not Ephesians 5:21 tell us Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. I would say that I am much happier that I am actually submitted and have the covering of people whom can correct me when I make mistakes and will back me up when I need help. It is easy to try to be superstar for Christ, but I would say that would not get you very far.
Submission is really a thing that needs mastering, I am not quite there yet myself. But I do understand however it is an essential characteristic to have in the kingdom, I pray that you do.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Monday, February 4, 2008
Praise
Praise.. that word took a significant turn for me today. Before, praise was just something that I did. I just praised God. Why? Because of His goodness! Because He is worthy! But of course there were times when we just don't feel like praising. Like in my previous entry, sometimes it does not spontaneously come. This is the reality, sometimes it is a bit hard to praise, because certain things may come and cause us to be discouraged. That happened to me very recently.
The natural thing for me to do was to go away and to seek God. To get answers. To get the situation fixed. I prayed and pleaded with God, I implored with Him. I raved and ranted, my heart was in total disarray. I was in a mess. Chaos and confusion was abundant, and there was nothing but heart break in sight.
So I turned to heavens, I looked up. I looked up at God and the heavenly hosts, the angels, the living creatures and the elders, and I asked, "Will you grant me this desire?"
To my surprise, and a bit of shock, a question was thrown back at me.
"Will you still praise?"
Suddenly, the whole of heaven was focused on me. The heavens as well as the demons were all looking to me in anticipation. The question, though so simple, but had a meaning so profound that it made me pause in my step and really consider what that really meant.
Suddenly I realised, that God wanted me to embark on a journey. A journey of total delight and joy in Him. Fulfilment in Him. That God alone is more than enough.
Psalm 37:4
Take delight in the Lord, and He will grant you the desires of your heart.
The revelation to me was that delight in God is the end to everything. It is the end result, not the second part of the verse. Often we emphasise on taking joy in God so that our desires will be fulfilled. But it dawned upon me, that joy and delight in God alone is the means to all ends. It is the bottom line. The omega. The answer to everything.
I begin to realise, that the first thing we do everyday, is to not ask how much we can glorify God, or how much we can serve, or how much we can give, but how much joy can we find in Him.
Still awe struck, I responded by lifting my hands, though not literally as it was in a public place that God spoke, but I decided, yes. Ever will I still praise my God. For He is God. That alone i reason enough for me to praise Him.
Ladies and gentleman, it is not the answer to your problem that matters, but it is your response to the situation.
Hallelujah for He reigns.
The natural thing for me to do was to go away and to seek God. To get answers. To get the situation fixed. I prayed and pleaded with God, I implored with Him. I raved and ranted, my heart was in total disarray. I was in a mess. Chaos and confusion was abundant, and there was nothing but heart break in sight.
So I turned to heavens, I looked up. I looked up at God and the heavenly hosts, the angels, the living creatures and the elders, and I asked, "Will you grant me this desire?"
To my surprise, and a bit of shock, a question was thrown back at me.
"Will you still praise?"
Suddenly, the whole of heaven was focused on me. The heavens as well as the demons were all looking to me in anticipation. The question, though so simple, but had a meaning so profound that it made me pause in my step and really consider what that really meant.
Suddenly I realised, that God wanted me to embark on a journey. A journey of total delight and joy in Him. Fulfilment in Him. That God alone is more than enough.
Psalm 37:4
Take delight in the Lord, and He will grant you the desires of your heart.
The revelation to me was that delight in God is the end to everything. It is the end result, not the second part of the verse. Often we emphasise on taking joy in God so that our desires will be fulfilled. But it dawned upon me, that joy and delight in God alone is the means to all ends. It is the bottom line. The omega. The answer to everything.
I begin to realise, that the first thing we do everyday, is to not ask how much we can glorify God, or how much we can serve, or how much we can give, but how much joy can we find in Him.
Still awe struck, I responded by lifting my hands, though not literally as it was in a public place that God spoke, but I decided, yes. Ever will I still praise my God. For He is God. That alone i reason enough for me to praise Him.
Ladies and gentleman, it is not the answer to your problem that matters, but it is your response to the situation.
Hallelujah for He reigns.
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Worship
Sometimes I wonder what does worship really mean? Is it just an orderly practise that is carried out on Sundays just before the preacher goes up? Is it that slower paced songs after the jumpy praise ones? Is it a religious act or ritual where we lift our hands up and sing the words on the screen? Is it group karoke? Or is it perhaps a lifestyle?
1 Corinthians 10:31(NIV)
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
For the glory of God. True worship is indeed a lifestyle, a life that pursues causes and things that glorify God. Worship is not just confined to the songs you sing, but the steps you make. It is in everything. How you treat your brother, how you manage your finances, how you speak to strangers, how you deal with difficult people, how you live your life. Because whatever you do, you are reflecting whom you are. So are you of the world, or are you of Christ?
Ephesians 5:1-7 (New Living Translation)
1 Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. 2 Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us[a] and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.3 Let there be no sexual immorality, impurity, or greed among you. Such sins have no place among God’s people. 4 Obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes—these are not for you. Instead, let there be thankfulness to God. 5 You can be sure that no immoral, impure, or greedy person will inherit the Kingdom of Christ and of God. For a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world.6 Don’t be fooled by those who try to excuse these sins, for the anger of God will fall on all who disobey him. 7 Don’t participate in the things these people do.
True worship is also born from a willing heart.
1 Chronicles 28:9 (New Living Translation)
9 Worship and serve him with your whole heart and a willing mind. For the Lord sees every heart and knows every plan and thought. If you seek him, you will find him. But if you forsake him, he will reject you forever.
I read something very interesting in John Piper's book:
Almost everyone will agree that worship involves some kind of outward act. The very word in Hebrew means to bow down. Worship is singing, lifting of hands, praying, preaching, etc. But the fact is that these things can be done in vain, it can be useless and empty.
In Matthew 15:8-9, Jesus rebukes the Pharisees with scripture from Isaiah 29:13:
This people honour me with their lips, but their hearts are far away from me, in vain they worship Me.
I believe true worship, is worship as an end to itself. Meaning, that it is a birth of a genuine and spontaneous desire in us, something that we do not consciously have to manufacture. Let me explain.
If you are stranded out in the sea, and land is in sight. You do not stop to ponder, "Oh my, how much joy should I feel now that I have found a place to supply me with food and water?" It is not something planned, like booking a hotel or buying a bus ticket.
Or consider fear. If you have not prepared for an exam and it begins in 2 hours, you do not go, "So now that I am in big trouble, how much fear should I be feeling?" No! You will be hysterical. Or imagine camping out in the woods and you hear a growl and see a silhouette of a huge bear coming towards your tent, you do not calculate the good results that might come from the fear the adrenaline produces, you do not rationalize whether it will be of good use to be fearful, you just do!
When I was in Kaikoura, New Zealand. Overlooking the vast and beautiful blue sea, with snow capped mountains standing majesticly in the background, and the air was as fresh as I could ever experience, and the surroundings so peaceful and serene you would wonder whether that was truly heaven, would I have said, "Now to what end do I feel awe and wonder before this beauty?"
When a little child opens up a Christmas gift and finds his most favourite and most wanted toy, which he has wanted for months, he does not think "Now to what end shall I feel happy and thankful?"
Or when a kid enters kindergarden and he gets picked on by the other kids, and his big older brother comes and takes his side, he does not "decide" to feel confidence and love welling up in his little heart. He just does.
That is how it should be when we come to the Throne of grace and glory to give our praise and worship as well. Not grudgingly, not reluctantly. Nor do we have to decide how high should I jump, how loud should I sing. What we should decide, is to give our hearts completely unto Him. For if we truly had a heart for God, and if we truly loved Him with our all, we can rest assured, we shall never worship in vain, but our affections will be like sweet smelling incense unto him.
1 Corinthians 10:31(NIV)
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
For the glory of God. True worship is indeed a lifestyle, a life that pursues causes and things that glorify God. Worship is not just confined to the songs you sing, but the steps you make. It is in everything. How you treat your brother, how you manage your finances, how you speak to strangers, how you deal with difficult people, how you live your life. Because whatever you do, you are reflecting whom you are. So are you of the world, or are you of Christ?
Ephesians 5:1-7 (New Living Translation)
1 Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. 2 Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us[a] and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.3 Let there be no sexual immorality, impurity, or greed among you. Such sins have no place among God’s people. 4 Obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes—these are not for you. Instead, let there be thankfulness to God. 5 You can be sure that no immoral, impure, or greedy person will inherit the Kingdom of Christ and of God. For a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world.6 Don’t be fooled by those who try to excuse these sins, for the anger of God will fall on all who disobey him. 7 Don’t participate in the things these people do.
True worship is also born from a willing heart.
1 Chronicles 28:9 (New Living Translation)
9 Worship and serve him with your whole heart and a willing mind. For the Lord sees every heart and knows every plan and thought. If you seek him, you will find him. But if you forsake him, he will reject you forever.
I read something very interesting in John Piper's book:
Almost everyone will agree that worship involves some kind of outward act. The very word in Hebrew means to bow down. Worship is singing, lifting of hands, praying, preaching, etc. But the fact is that these things can be done in vain, it can be useless and empty.
In Matthew 15:8-9, Jesus rebukes the Pharisees with scripture from Isaiah 29:13:
This people honour me with their lips, but their hearts are far away from me, in vain they worship Me.
I believe true worship, is worship as an end to itself. Meaning, that it is a birth of a genuine and spontaneous desire in us, something that we do not consciously have to manufacture. Let me explain.
If you are stranded out in the sea, and land is in sight. You do not stop to ponder, "Oh my, how much joy should I feel now that I have found a place to supply me with food and water?" It is not something planned, like booking a hotel or buying a bus ticket.
Or consider fear. If you have not prepared for an exam and it begins in 2 hours, you do not go, "So now that I am in big trouble, how much fear should I be feeling?" No! You will be hysterical. Or imagine camping out in the woods and you hear a growl and see a silhouette of a huge bear coming towards your tent, you do not calculate the good results that might come from the fear the adrenaline produces, you do not rationalize whether it will be of good use to be fearful, you just do!
When I was in Kaikoura, New Zealand. Overlooking the vast and beautiful blue sea, with snow capped mountains standing majesticly in the background, and the air was as fresh as I could ever experience, and the surroundings so peaceful and serene you would wonder whether that was truly heaven, would I have said, "Now to what end do I feel awe and wonder before this beauty?"
When a little child opens up a Christmas gift and finds his most favourite and most wanted toy, which he has wanted for months, he does not think "Now to what end shall I feel happy and thankful?"
Or when a kid enters kindergarden and he gets picked on by the other kids, and his big older brother comes and takes his side, he does not "decide" to feel confidence and love welling up in his little heart. He just does.
That is how it should be when we come to the Throne of grace and glory to give our praise and worship as well. Not grudgingly, not reluctantly. Nor do we have to decide how high should I jump, how loud should I sing. What we should decide, is to give our hearts completely unto Him. For if we truly had a heart for God, and if we truly loved Him with our all, we can rest assured, we shall never worship in vain, but our affections will be like sweet smelling incense unto him.
Friday, January 25, 2008
Compromise
Compromise. It is a word often used to defuse a heated situation, to come to a mutual understanding, or to develope a solution to most problems between individuals and/or parties. But sometimes, there is a call for NO compromise. Today, I am going to address something that requires absolutely no compromise, and that is who God is and what He is about.
Hebrews 5:13-14 (New International Version)
13Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. 14But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.
"Father, I pray right now, it is You who is speaking and none of Jon Ngan speaking, may Yours bring conviction and empowerment for us to do Your will. In Jesus name I pray, amen."
As an aspiring preacher, I have often wondered what would my life message be. What kind of style would I adopt? I listen and read about a lot of pastors/preachers and the messages they preach and the style they adopt, but recently God told me to look at one preacher whom is the Big Kahuna of all preachers. Jesus Christ.
On one hand, Jesus is gentle. He teaches about love, grace, healing, blessings, forgiveness, etc etc. That is all great, and it is all true. But one thing about Jesus, he did not compromise. He was not a people pleaser. Evidence? Remember how he flipped the tables, called the mob a brood of vipers? That was certainly not people pleasing! When it came to HARD truths, he spoke it! Causing some of the disciples to leave him! This is true, its in the bible! All of which I will quote soon. Many of us like to think that Jesus is Mr Nice Guy and all He wanted was to make people feel good about themselves. But my friends, that is so not true.
You see, like how my pastor Matt Fielder said, you change the methods, but you do not change the message. Often, we preach the resurrection but not the crucification. What do I mean? The Resurrection life brings blessing, brings healing, brings peace, brings joy, brings all kind of wonderful things. BUT.. we sometimes forget in order to get the resurrection, there has to be a CRUCIFICATION. I'm not suggesting we hang ourselves on a cross and beat ourselves to death. But I am merely asking, has there really been a death to self?
It is so easy to read the bible and only take what we like, and leave out all the things that don't sound too "nice" or "flowery". Oh that might offend people! SO WHAT? It is the truth! Whom are you pleasing? Men or God?
Galatians 1:10
Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.
1 Thessalonians 2:4
On the contrary, we speak as men approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please men but God, who tests our hearts.
Now, lets go to our focal verse of the day.
John 14:1-4 (New International Version)1"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. 2In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. 3And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. 4You know the way to the place where I am going."
This was Jesus speaking. When I first read it, God asked me, "Jon who do you think I was speaking to?" I replied, "Believers / Christians of course." BUt God corrected me, He was speaking to the disciples!
Now, I hope that is shaking or stirring some of you.
You see, in the book of John, Jesus did tremendous things. He changed water to wine, he heals people, he feeds five thousand people with two small fish and 5 loaves of bread, he walks on water, its amazing stuff! People will naturally be flocking to him, all wondering, WOW! Who is this guy?But then, Jesus goes a little deeper. He talks about the bread of life, which is of course himself, which says that the only way to God is through Jesus. Notice what happens next.
John 6:60 (New International Version)
60On hearing it, many of his disciples said, "This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?"
These were his DISCIPLES questioning, the people who followed God. The minute things started getting a bit hard and challenged them, they started questioning, and worse still, in verse 66, they leave!
Now, think about it this way, if the messages preached and the stuff taught was not pleasing to you, what are you gonna do about it? Will you be them? Or will be like the remaining disciples whom Jesus promises a place in heaven at the end.
John 6:68-69 (New International Version)
68Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. 69We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God."
Do we truly believe that the ALL of word of God is true and eternal, or are we being selective of what we wanna accept or throw away?
It is a burden for me, and I am truly heart broken to see that many people are deceived into thinking that as long as they turn up to church on a Sunday, they can do whatever they please on Monday to Saturday.
Let me throw another truth to you, there are MANY CHRISTIANS, but very FEW DISCIPLES. The word disciple means, "to follow after", and I think all of us who have received Christ should not just stop at that, but to really pursue and seek Him and whats on His heart.
Hebrews 11:6
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
I challenge us as people who are comitted to following Jesus as well as become more like him to not just preach rosey nicey things, but to lay down certain truths as well. You see God is many things, He is a Father, a Friend, a Provider, a Lover, a Healer, but He is a King as well. God is not called a just God without reason. He is not father christmas or the fairy godmother, but He is full of integrity and character as well.
The first thing I wanna talk about, is sin. To many, sin has become more of a legalism thing rather than a relational thing. We think, just because we don't smoke, drink, have pre marital sex, swear, murder, steal or all this outward things, we think we are all good! The Greek word in the New Testament that is translated in English as "sin" is hamartia, which literally means missing the target. Salvation is reconciliation and a genuine relationship with Christ. Sin is an absence of that genuine relationship. You see, look at Jesus. He was called sinless. He did not do anyt of the things I mentioned before because He was always intimate with God. Always.
When you are close with God, you wont feel the need to do any thing that God does not desire you to do, in fact God will convict you bout such things. So if there is an absence of such conviction, answer this, how is your relationship with God?
In closing, I will leave you with this, who is truly in control of your life? God, or you? What I have said, I promise you, is not Jon Ngan trying to be a big meanie and raining down judgment on people, but I truly sincerely believe it is what God is saying.Sometimes, truth is easier to believe than lies, why else would Jesus say this:
John 8:42-47 (New International Version)
42Jesus said to them, "If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and now am here. I have not come on my own; but he sent me. 43Why is my language not clear to you? Because you are unable to hear what I say. 44You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father's desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies. 45Yet because I tell the truth, you do not believe me! 46Can any of you prove me guilty of sin? If I am telling the truth, why don't you believe me? 47He who belongs to God hears what God says. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God."
God does want to bless you, He does want to heal you, He does want to do all kinds of things for you, but remember, before you wanna enjoy the resurrection life, you have to crucifiy your flesh first, which means totally submitting yourself to the will of God.
Matthew 6:33
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness AND all these things will be given to you as well.
It says seek first AND it will be added on, not SO it will be added on. Thanks for reading this guys, bless you all heaps! Praying for all of you.
Hebrews 5:13-14 (New International Version)
13Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. 14But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.
"Father, I pray right now, it is You who is speaking and none of Jon Ngan speaking, may Yours bring conviction and empowerment for us to do Your will. In Jesus name I pray, amen."
As an aspiring preacher, I have often wondered what would my life message be. What kind of style would I adopt? I listen and read about a lot of pastors/preachers and the messages they preach and the style they adopt, but recently God told me to look at one preacher whom is the Big Kahuna of all preachers. Jesus Christ.
On one hand, Jesus is gentle. He teaches about love, grace, healing, blessings, forgiveness, etc etc. That is all great, and it is all true. But one thing about Jesus, he did not compromise. He was not a people pleaser. Evidence? Remember how he flipped the tables, called the mob a brood of vipers? That was certainly not people pleasing! When it came to HARD truths, he spoke it! Causing some of the disciples to leave him! This is true, its in the bible! All of which I will quote soon. Many of us like to think that Jesus is Mr Nice Guy and all He wanted was to make people feel good about themselves. But my friends, that is so not true.
You see, like how my pastor Matt Fielder said, you change the methods, but you do not change the message. Often, we preach the resurrection but not the crucification. What do I mean? The Resurrection life brings blessing, brings healing, brings peace, brings joy, brings all kind of wonderful things. BUT.. we sometimes forget in order to get the resurrection, there has to be a CRUCIFICATION. I'm not suggesting we hang ourselves on a cross and beat ourselves to death. But I am merely asking, has there really been a death to self?
It is so easy to read the bible and only take what we like, and leave out all the things that don't sound too "nice" or "flowery". Oh that might offend people! SO WHAT? It is the truth! Whom are you pleasing? Men or God?
Galatians 1:10
Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.
1 Thessalonians 2:4
On the contrary, we speak as men approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please men but God, who tests our hearts.
Now, lets go to our focal verse of the day.
John 14:1-4 (New International Version)1"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. 2In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. 3And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. 4You know the way to the place where I am going."
This was Jesus speaking. When I first read it, God asked me, "Jon who do you think I was speaking to?" I replied, "Believers / Christians of course." BUt God corrected me, He was speaking to the disciples!
Now, I hope that is shaking or stirring some of you.
You see, in the book of John, Jesus did tremendous things. He changed water to wine, he heals people, he feeds five thousand people with two small fish and 5 loaves of bread, he walks on water, its amazing stuff! People will naturally be flocking to him, all wondering, WOW! Who is this guy?But then, Jesus goes a little deeper. He talks about the bread of life, which is of course himself, which says that the only way to God is through Jesus. Notice what happens next.
John 6:60 (New International Version)
60On hearing it, many of his disciples said, "This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?"
These were his DISCIPLES questioning, the people who followed God. The minute things started getting a bit hard and challenged them, they started questioning, and worse still, in verse 66, they leave!
Now, think about it this way, if the messages preached and the stuff taught was not pleasing to you, what are you gonna do about it? Will you be them? Or will be like the remaining disciples whom Jesus promises a place in heaven at the end.
John 6:68-69 (New International Version)
68Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. 69We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God."
Do we truly believe that the ALL of word of God is true and eternal, or are we being selective of what we wanna accept or throw away?
It is a burden for me, and I am truly heart broken to see that many people are deceived into thinking that as long as they turn up to church on a Sunday, they can do whatever they please on Monday to Saturday.
Let me throw another truth to you, there are MANY CHRISTIANS, but very FEW DISCIPLES. The word disciple means, "to follow after", and I think all of us who have received Christ should not just stop at that, but to really pursue and seek Him and whats on His heart.
Hebrews 11:6
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
I challenge us as people who are comitted to following Jesus as well as become more like him to not just preach rosey nicey things, but to lay down certain truths as well. You see God is many things, He is a Father, a Friend, a Provider, a Lover, a Healer, but He is a King as well. God is not called a just God without reason. He is not father christmas or the fairy godmother, but He is full of integrity and character as well.
The first thing I wanna talk about, is sin. To many, sin has become more of a legalism thing rather than a relational thing. We think, just because we don't smoke, drink, have pre marital sex, swear, murder, steal or all this outward things, we think we are all good! The Greek word in the New Testament that is translated in English as "sin" is hamartia, which literally means missing the target. Salvation is reconciliation and a genuine relationship with Christ. Sin is an absence of that genuine relationship. You see, look at Jesus. He was called sinless. He did not do anyt of the things I mentioned before because He was always intimate with God. Always.
When you are close with God, you wont feel the need to do any thing that God does not desire you to do, in fact God will convict you bout such things. So if there is an absence of such conviction, answer this, how is your relationship with God?
In closing, I will leave you with this, who is truly in control of your life? God, or you? What I have said, I promise you, is not Jon Ngan trying to be a big meanie and raining down judgment on people, but I truly sincerely believe it is what God is saying.Sometimes, truth is easier to believe than lies, why else would Jesus say this:
John 8:42-47 (New International Version)
42Jesus said to them, "If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and now am here. I have not come on my own; but he sent me. 43Why is my language not clear to you? Because you are unable to hear what I say. 44You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father's desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies. 45Yet because I tell the truth, you do not believe me! 46Can any of you prove me guilty of sin? If I am telling the truth, why don't you believe me? 47He who belongs to God hears what God says. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God."
God does want to bless you, He does want to heal you, He does want to do all kinds of things for you, but remember, before you wanna enjoy the resurrection life, you have to crucifiy your flesh first, which means totally submitting yourself to the will of God.
Matthew 6:33
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness AND all these things will be given to you as well.
It says seek first AND it will be added on, not SO it will be added on. Thanks for reading this guys, bless you all heaps! Praying for all of you.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Blessing
John Piper, a man who calls himself a "Christian Hedonist", teaches that "God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him". Lets pause and think about that for a moment. In layman terms, another way to interpret this is that "God is truly glorified when He is more than enough for us/He is all we desire/things go wrong and we do not get what we want we still praise Him with our all.
This kind of teaching I believe would not sit well with many today. Because we live in a world where is all about our wants. We want things and we want them now. We live in an age of instant messaging, fast food, email, where everything needs to be served up right to us in a split second. But that is not how God works. I believe that God is not out to harm anyone, He wants to provide for us, He wants to heal us, He wants to bless us etc etc. When God comes through for us we all give praise, saying great is the Lord for He has done so and so and so. But let me ask you, what if he does not? Many treat God as if He wants Santa Claus, many pray with a kind of mentality that God owes me this miracle or if God truly loved me He wouldnt do this to me.
But allow me to throw out something for you to ponder, wouldn't God be more glorified if in the face of travesty, in the face of trials, in our lacking, if we could lift up our hands and give Him our praise and say, God is more than enough for me. Isn't that true glory onto God? It is to me. On one hand, God's miraculous works will indeed show that He is truly an incredible God, that is God glorifying Himself, but through us, God's glory can be seen is when we are truly happy in Him, we are satisfied in Him. Imagine you had nothing. Like literally nothing. Not a house to live in, when we dont have the support of family and friends or their company, when we dont even have a shirt on our backs! Think about it, in that kind of situation, would you still praise God and say, He is more than enough.
Let me say this first, I believe God gives us enough to meet our needs and not our wants. Which are 2 totally different things. You must admit one thing, that God provides sufficiently for us to live. Lets look at Job as an example. Many people see that Job lost his family, his wealth, his security, he lost ALL his material things and everything that was dear to him. But notice one thing, Job still had his 3 friends. His friends still came from afar to counsel him, to listen to him complain, and although they were not very good friends, they were still company nonetheless.
Now the point I want to make is, I want to discuss what I believe, is true blessing.
Philippians 3:1 (New Living Translation)
1 Whatever happens, my dear brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord. I never get tired of telling you these things, and I do it to safeguard your faith.
Psalm 16:11 (New Living Translation)
11 You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever.
Let me make something clear, I am not saying that having material things in abundance is wrong, but I am saying wanting them is. Making them a priority is. Putting the gifts above the Giver is. With all sincerity, I believe that God will always enable us to be well equipped in life, that we have enough. God is a practical God as well. For instance, if you were ministering to people who lived in an area which consisted of rich and famous, you wouldn't go in rags and a broken down car, because they wouldn't respect you or listen to you. On the other hand, you wouldn't wear a Hugo Boss suit to a poor village as well would you? I believe whatever it is in life, God will provide enough to meet your needs.
Be christian or not, we share the same stage. We live in the same world as people who do not believe, people who do not know Jesus. Just like everyone else, we all have fears. Insecurities. Doubts. Difficulties. Trials. True blessing, is not that we live without all these adversities, but it is the peace and serenity that we can face all these things, it is the promise of His presence. That is what I seek. I do not seek to be rich beyond my wildest dreams, nor do I hope to be living in rags, but whatever it is I have to go through, I seek His presence. I am not avoiding pain or hardship, but I want my Jesus by my side as I go through all that. That my friends, is TRUE BLESSING. Not the money in your account, not the car in your garage, not the woman in your life, not anything. Those are awesome things, but that is not true blessing, those are merely what I call a cherry on the ice cream, important thing is we still have the ice cream.
This is what I want to do. I do not want to go out in life trying to make it big. I want to go out and make a difference. A life of significance. A life that is pleasing unto God. It is nice to have a lot of nice things, but what is the point? What can you actually take to heaven with you? Can you bring your bmw and tell God, God look at my bmw. Would he be impressed? I would think not haha. What you can bring is your life, and of course your loved ones. Those are the things that matter. I will give you a simple analogy. Lets say there was this man, his name was Robert. Robert was a filthy rich guy who lived in the 1800s. How many people who actually say today, wow I wish I was rich like Robert. No! Noone will remember him after a while! But look at Martin Luther King, Mother Therasa, Ghandi, Jesus Christ. These people lived well before some of us, but we still remember them today. Were they remembered for being incredibly rich or comfortable etc?
Let us look at scriptures that explain themselves.
Proverbs 30:8-9 (New Living Translation)
8 First, help me never to tell a lie. Second, give me neither poverty nor riches! Give me just enough to satisfy my needs. 9 For if I grow rich, I may deny you and say, “Who is the Lord?” And if I am too poor, I may steal and thus insult God’s holy name.
Galatians 6:8-10 (New Living Translation)
8 Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit. 9 So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. 10 Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith.
Matthew 6:19-34 (New International Version)
19"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
22"The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light. 23But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!
24"No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.
25"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? 26Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?
28"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
The last scripture speaks volumes. Jesus Himself said that. So brothers and sisters, I hope you understand what true blessing is and that we seek that and only that. God is truly most glorified, when we are satisfied in him.
This kind of teaching I believe would not sit well with many today. Because we live in a world where is all about our wants. We want things and we want them now. We live in an age of instant messaging, fast food, email, where everything needs to be served up right to us in a split second. But that is not how God works. I believe that God is not out to harm anyone, He wants to provide for us, He wants to heal us, He wants to bless us etc etc. When God comes through for us we all give praise, saying great is the Lord for He has done so and so and so. But let me ask you, what if he does not? Many treat God as if He wants Santa Claus, many pray with a kind of mentality that God owes me this miracle or if God truly loved me He wouldnt do this to me.
But allow me to throw out something for you to ponder, wouldn't God be more glorified if in the face of travesty, in the face of trials, in our lacking, if we could lift up our hands and give Him our praise and say, God is more than enough for me. Isn't that true glory onto God? It is to me. On one hand, God's miraculous works will indeed show that He is truly an incredible God, that is God glorifying Himself, but through us, God's glory can be seen is when we are truly happy in Him, we are satisfied in Him. Imagine you had nothing. Like literally nothing. Not a house to live in, when we dont have the support of family and friends or their company, when we dont even have a shirt on our backs! Think about it, in that kind of situation, would you still praise God and say, He is more than enough.
Let me say this first, I believe God gives us enough to meet our needs and not our wants. Which are 2 totally different things. You must admit one thing, that God provides sufficiently for us to live. Lets look at Job as an example. Many people see that Job lost his family, his wealth, his security, he lost ALL his material things and everything that was dear to him. But notice one thing, Job still had his 3 friends. His friends still came from afar to counsel him, to listen to him complain, and although they were not very good friends, they were still company nonetheless.
Now the point I want to make is, I want to discuss what I believe, is true blessing.
Philippians 3:1 (New Living Translation)
1 Whatever happens, my dear brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord. I never get tired of telling you these things, and I do it to safeguard your faith.
Psalm 16:11 (New Living Translation)
11 You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever.
Let me make something clear, I am not saying that having material things in abundance is wrong, but I am saying wanting them is. Making them a priority is. Putting the gifts above the Giver is. With all sincerity, I believe that God will always enable us to be well equipped in life, that we have enough. God is a practical God as well. For instance, if you were ministering to people who lived in an area which consisted of rich and famous, you wouldn't go in rags and a broken down car, because they wouldn't respect you or listen to you. On the other hand, you wouldn't wear a Hugo Boss suit to a poor village as well would you? I believe whatever it is in life, God will provide enough to meet your needs.
Be christian or not, we share the same stage. We live in the same world as people who do not believe, people who do not know Jesus. Just like everyone else, we all have fears. Insecurities. Doubts. Difficulties. Trials. True blessing, is not that we live without all these adversities, but it is the peace and serenity that we can face all these things, it is the promise of His presence. That is what I seek. I do not seek to be rich beyond my wildest dreams, nor do I hope to be living in rags, but whatever it is I have to go through, I seek His presence. I am not avoiding pain or hardship, but I want my Jesus by my side as I go through all that. That my friends, is TRUE BLESSING. Not the money in your account, not the car in your garage, not the woman in your life, not anything. Those are awesome things, but that is not true blessing, those are merely what I call a cherry on the ice cream, important thing is we still have the ice cream.
This is what I want to do. I do not want to go out in life trying to make it big. I want to go out and make a difference. A life of significance. A life that is pleasing unto God. It is nice to have a lot of nice things, but what is the point? What can you actually take to heaven with you? Can you bring your bmw and tell God, God look at my bmw. Would he be impressed? I would think not haha. What you can bring is your life, and of course your loved ones. Those are the things that matter. I will give you a simple analogy. Lets say there was this man, his name was Robert. Robert was a filthy rich guy who lived in the 1800s. How many people who actually say today, wow I wish I was rich like Robert. No! Noone will remember him after a while! But look at Martin Luther King, Mother Therasa, Ghandi, Jesus Christ. These people lived well before some of us, but we still remember them today. Were they remembered for being incredibly rich or comfortable etc?
Let us look at scriptures that explain themselves.
Proverbs 30:8-9 (New Living Translation)
8 First, help me never to tell a lie. Second, give me neither poverty nor riches! Give me just enough to satisfy my needs. 9 For if I grow rich, I may deny you and say, “Who is the Lord?” And if I am too poor, I may steal and thus insult God’s holy name.
Galatians 6:8-10 (New Living Translation)
8 Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit. 9 So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. 10 Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith.
Matthew 6:19-34 (New International Version)
19"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
22"The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light. 23But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!
24"No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.
25"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? 26Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?
28"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
The last scripture speaks volumes. Jesus Himself said that. So brothers and sisters, I hope you understand what true blessing is and that we seek that and only that. God is truly most glorified, when we are satisfied in him.
Monday, January 7, 2008
Forgiveness
Forgiveness. It is the product of been loving and gracious. If there were no forgiveness from Above, you and I wouldn't be here today. You won't be sitting there in your underwear or pajamas reading this note, nor will I be here typing it. As Christians and children of God, we are called to forgive one another, whether its the mean girl who spread untrue things about you, the guy who cuts you off in traffic and on top of that looks like a criminal, the loved one who neverendingly disappoints you, the relative that took advantage of you, or the person who just isn't very good looking and is a sore sight.
Why should we forgive? You may ask. I have been asking that question lately. Does God not understand the pain and misery I went through? The hurt? The let down? When we look at it from our point of view, somethings are truly unforgivable. I can imagine someone being raped and having to have forgive the offender. Forgiving a murderer. Forgiving someone who cheated on you. The list goes on. Yet we are called to forgive.
Colossians 3:13 says "Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." Often we forget that God continually chooses to forgive us no matter what we do. That no matter what happens, we are still caught in that web of grace that God envelopes us with. So the reason why we should forgive is simply because God forgave us first.
I havestruggled to forgive someone . If I were to look at it in worldly terms, I have all the darn right not to. I loved that person to bits, only desired the best for her. I loved her for a long time, 2 and a half years. Believed in her. Prayed for her. Even when we were no longer an item and she did not want to talk to me, I fought for her. Things turned around eventually and I thought it would work out between us. But I was deceived, played like a fool. Soon I realised I was nothing but a toy, and when she found someone better, I was cast aside.
That kind of betrayal is hard to explain. All along I truly loved her and in return I was left to die while she walked away scott free. No sense of guilt, no remorse. When confronted, refuses to apologise, and in turn points the finger back at me. Its sickening when I think about it.
For a while, I thought I was over this. But it came back to haunt me and mock me. A sign that I have truly not let go. So now I am forced to face my fear. My sorrow. My unforgiveness.
I shake my fist in the air, calling out to God, screaming at Him, asking Him why should I forgive? This person tried to steal my destiny by bringing me down with her! A liar! A murderer! She killed me spiritually so many times! Where is the justice!
Matt 6:14-15 talks about how if you forgive other people God will forgive you and the opposite applies as well. Matt 18:21-35, Peter asks Jesus how many times should we actually forgive someone? Jesus answers in a parable, but his meaning is clear: As many times as needed. Often, we are so focused on other people and their faults that we do not see whats actually happening. At the very same time, we as human beings we sin as well. We make mistakes. We fall. We give in to temptation. God forgives it all. Without even needing to ask, He forgives. He accepts us with open arms, redemption comes at no cost, all it takes is going back to our Father.
In Mark 11:22-25 it states how Jesus adds forgiveness in praying for things. Thats the thing. Maybe sometimes we are not getting that break through because we have not forgiven? Forgiveness is the heartbeat of God.
Matthew 6:14-15 (New International Version)
14For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.
That is very very simple to understand. If you do not forgive, why should God forgive you?
Matt 5:38-47 talks about turning the other cheek and loving your enemies.. its a crazy concept. Its mind blowing. It does not make sense at all. Loving your enemies you say! In fact, God even wants us to pray for our enemies. WHAT?! Thats insane! You're right. But at the same time, it is neccessary. Because we live in such a fallen world, where it is void of love and meaning and conflict is aplenty. As Christians, we are called to make a difference. If you read the last part of ths scripture, it says what good is only loving when you are loved back. Even unbelievers do that. Making a difference is loving and praying for the people who have wronged you. Being nice to that snob, saying hello and smiling to that person who gossps about you. Showing the love of Christ through you.
So here I am, still bitter and angry. Still wanting answers. But you know what, at the end of the day, it doesnt matter if she apologises or not, if she answers my questions or we have a formal sit down and talk about it. Because the end result is still the same. I have to forgive.
Forgiving someone sometimes makes it seem like you are the one who is being shortchanged, like you lost. But let me tell you this. In God's eyes, you have already won. Proverbs 21-22 says if you bless your enemy you heap burning coals on his head and God will reward you. You see, it does not matter what the world says or thinks, because God is the one running the world. And there will be justice. God will repay. It is not up to you (Romans 12:17-21). Do what you have to do, and leave the rest to God.
In conclusion, I want to talk about forgetting as well. We are called to love our enemies, and what is love? Read 1 Cor 13. It mentions that love keeps no records of wrongs. Forgiveness and forgetting goes hand in hand. Let me explain.
Imagine a player in a football game. A pass is given to the player that sets him up in the position to score. That pass is forgiveness. Now, what happens next is important as well. If the player converts that chance into a goal, it was all worth it! But if he does not, the pass no matter how good goes to waste. Forgetting is scoring that goal. Just like that illustration, forgiveness without forgetting is not complete.
When I talk about forgetting, I don't mean you totally disregard what happened, but I mean you no longer let it affect you. It can serve as a reminder and a lesson, but please, don't let it drain your life away. There are so many days and possibilities ahead. Life is too short to be dwelling on such things. That person may have taken a lot from you, so why let them take anymore?
Let me add, that unforgiveness and not forgetting a wrong can and will bound you to a life of bondage. There will be no peace nor freedom in not forgiving someone. Trust me, I have experienced it first hand. Bitterness and resentment is a prison that does not discriminate, do not allow your pride to fall into that trap.
So who have you not forgiven? Pray and ask God to reveal that to you. Be free my friends. Forgive and forget.
Father, forgive my act of not forgiving. I repent.
Why should we forgive? You may ask. I have been asking that question lately. Does God not understand the pain and misery I went through? The hurt? The let down? When we look at it from our point of view, somethings are truly unforgivable. I can imagine someone being raped and having to have forgive the offender. Forgiving a murderer. Forgiving someone who cheated on you. The list goes on. Yet we are called to forgive.
Colossians 3:13 says "Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." Often we forget that God continually chooses to forgive us no matter what we do. That no matter what happens, we are still caught in that web of grace that God envelopes us with. So the reason why we should forgive is simply because God forgave us first.
I havestruggled to forgive someone . If I were to look at it in worldly terms, I have all the darn right not to. I loved that person to bits, only desired the best for her. I loved her for a long time, 2 and a half years. Believed in her. Prayed for her. Even when we were no longer an item and she did not want to talk to me, I fought for her. Things turned around eventually and I thought it would work out between us. But I was deceived, played like a fool. Soon I realised I was nothing but a toy, and when she found someone better, I was cast aside.
That kind of betrayal is hard to explain. All along I truly loved her and in return I was left to die while she walked away scott free. No sense of guilt, no remorse. When confronted, refuses to apologise, and in turn points the finger back at me. Its sickening when I think about it.
For a while, I thought I was over this. But it came back to haunt me and mock me. A sign that I have truly not let go. So now I am forced to face my fear. My sorrow. My unforgiveness.
I shake my fist in the air, calling out to God, screaming at Him, asking Him why should I forgive? This person tried to steal my destiny by bringing me down with her! A liar! A murderer! She killed me spiritually so many times! Where is the justice!
Matt 6:14-15 talks about how if you forgive other people God will forgive you and the opposite applies as well. Matt 18:21-35, Peter asks Jesus how many times should we actually forgive someone? Jesus answers in a parable, but his meaning is clear: As many times as needed. Often, we are so focused on other people and their faults that we do not see whats actually happening. At the very same time, we as human beings we sin as well. We make mistakes. We fall. We give in to temptation. God forgives it all. Without even needing to ask, He forgives. He accepts us with open arms, redemption comes at no cost, all it takes is going back to our Father.
In Mark 11:22-25 it states how Jesus adds forgiveness in praying for things. Thats the thing. Maybe sometimes we are not getting that break through because we have not forgiven? Forgiveness is the heartbeat of God.
Matthew 6:14-15 (New International Version)
14For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.
That is very very simple to understand. If you do not forgive, why should God forgive you?
Matt 5:38-47 talks about turning the other cheek and loving your enemies.. its a crazy concept. Its mind blowing. It does not make sense at all. Loving your enemies you say! In fact, God even wants us to pray for our enemies. WHAT?! Thats insane! You're right. But at the same time, it is neccessary. Because we live in such a fallen world, where it is void of love and meaning and conflict is aplenty. As Christians, we are called to make a difference. If you read the last part of ths scripture, it says what good is only loving when you are loved back. Even unbelievers do that. Making a difference is loving and praying for the people who have wronged you. Being nice to that snob, saying hello and smiling to that person who gossps about you. Showing the love of Christ through you.
So here I am, still bitter and angry. Still wanting answers. But you know what, at the end of the day, it doesnt matter if she apologises or not, if she answers my questions or we have a formal sit down and talk about it. Because the end result is still the same. I have to forgive.
Forgiving someone sometimes makes it seem like you are the one who is being shortchanged, like you lost. But let me tell you this. In God's eyes, you have already won. Proverbs 21-22 says if you bless your enemy you heap burning coals on his head and God will reward you. You see, it does not matter what the world says or thinks, because God is the one running the world. And there will be justice. God will repay. It is not up to you (Romans 12:17-21). Do what you have to do, and leave the rest to God.
In conclusion, I want to talk about forgetting as well. We are called to love our enemies, and what is love? Read 1 Cor 13. It mentions that love keeps no records of wrongs. Forgiveness and forgetting goes hand in hand. Let me explain.
Imagine a player in a football game. A pass is given to the player that sets him up in the position to score. That pass is forgiveness. Now, what happens next is important as well. If the player converts that chance into a goal, it was all worth it! But if he does not, the pass no matter how good goes to waste. Forgetting is scoring that goal. Just like that illustration, forgiveness without forgetting is not complete.
When I talk about forgetting, I don't mean you totally disregard what happened, but I mean you no longer let it affect you. It can serve as a reminder and a lesson, but please, don't let it drain your life away. There are so many days and possibilities ahead. Life is too short to be dwelling on such things. That person may have taken a lot from you, so why let them take anymore?
Let me add, that unforgiveness and not forgetting a wrong can and will bound you to a life of bondage. There will be no peace nor freedom in not forgiving someone. Trust me, I have experienced it first hand. Bitterness and resentment is a prison that does not discriminate, do not allow your pride to fall into that trap.
So who have you not forgiven? Pray and ask God to reveal that to you. Be free my friends. Forgive and forget.
Father, forgive my act of not forgiving. I repent.
Sunday, January 6, 2008
Prayer
Good day ladies and gentlemen, today I wanna talk about something that alot of us tend to take for granted, prayer.
It is an interesting what many people regard prayer as. Some even think, why bother praying? If God is the beginning and the end, if He is omniscient, if He knows everything, and has already predestined things, why pray? But I beg to differ, Prayer is one of the most powerful weapons and tools as children of God that we can wield. Because the bible says, whatever you bind on earth will be bounded in heaven(Matt 16:19), prayer has the power to move the heavens, to break chains, to bring peace, sometimes when all else fails and nothing can be done, there is still prayer, because there is still God.
1)Prayer + persistence
Luke 11 is a powerful and interesting passage. Its Jesus' take on prayer. He starts off by saying, "Father, hallowed be Thy name, your kingdom come."(11:2). First, Jesus acknowledges that God is God. God is father, friend, healer, lover, comforter, saviour, but above all, God is God. We tend to forget sometimes, that in the midst of everything, good or bad, God is actually still God. Then he goes on to tell the parable, one of my favourites, about the man asking for bread. In verse 8 he says "I tell you, though he will not get up and give him the bread because he is his friend, yet because of the man's BOLDNESS he will get up and give him as much as he needs." Sometimes, all we have to do is to be bold enough to ask God. Not defy Him, but to be bold, to have the attitude that we are children of God, to go and and say "Hey Dad, I got something to say about this." Just like in Genesis 18:16-33, in the story of Abraham pleading for Sodom. First Ab tells God, if there are 50 righteous ppl in Sodom, spare them! God says, ok. Then he changes his mind, he says, now that I am so bold, how bout just 40 ppl instead? God agrees. Eventually Ab changes all the way to 10 ppl! God agrees all the way. Jesus says, ask and it will be give to you, knock and the door will be opened(Luke 11:9) and i love verse 13 which says if we as men are evil and know how to give good gifts, what more God in heaven? Romans 8:32 says "He who did not spare his own son, but gave his up for us all, how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?" Somethings are already meant for the taking, its a matter of whether we would be bold and persistent enough to go to God and claim it. Just like how Jacob wrestled with God, and how God granted King Hezekiah 15 more years of his life after telling him thru Isaiah that his time was up. IF only we would be bold enough to be persistent.
2) Prayer = personal
I find how some people treat prayer as a mechanical exercise distasteful. What a lot of people do not realise that prayer is in fact conversation with God. Its just that, plain and simple. Most times, people fail in the first step of prayer, and that is turning up. All we have to do when we pray, is turn up. God is already there, where are we? And its funny how we tend to beat around the bush when it comes to prayer, I mean come on, we are talking to GOD, who already knows what we want b4 we actually tell him. Thats the beauty of it, with God, we can be as honest as we want. Imagine a child carrying a christmas wishlist and sitting on the lap of her father, though some of the requests would be unreasonable, but won't the father be glad just to have her pour her heart out to him? I believe prayer should really be a time of honesty and all forms of pretense should be out left out. Speak your heart out when you are with God, complain, lament, praise, curse, do whatever, bcos God already knows whats in your heart, and when you are open with it God really appreciates it. Sometimes we tend to think, somethings i really shouldnt pray about, or talk with to God, somethings are inappropriate. The psalms are prayers to God, and not of them are singing praises, some of them are lamenting, complaining, but all of them were honest. It is when we can come to God with that kind of trust and vulnerability that things begind to change. And its not doing God a favour, its doing ourselves good. Sometimes just by coming to God and telling him your deepest desires and fears, you learn something about yourself, sometimes prayer does not neccessarily have to change the situation, but more likely changing how we view by revealing to us how God views it.
I urge and encourage you my brothers and sisters, to make prayer a priority. After all, if we can spend hours on the phone with friends, msn all night, facebook all day, can't we even spare some time to hang out with God? I used to feel bad falling asleep praying halfway, but it never occured to me that there is no other better way to fall asleep than in the arms of a loving Father.
I thank you all for reading this space, for now I will post what I have posted on Facebook but in the future there will be definitely new material here. So keep your hearts open and pray for fresh new revelation each day, God bless you!
It is an interesting what many people regard prayer as. Some even think, why bother praying? If God is the beginning and the end, if He is omniscient, if He knows everything, and has already predestined things, why pray? But I beg to differ, Prayer is one of the most powerful weapons and tools as children of God that we can wield. Because the bible says, whatever you bind on earth will be bounded in heaven(Matt 16:19), prayer has the power to move the heavens, to break chains, to bring peace, sometimes when all else fails and nothing can be done, there is still prayer, because there is still God.
1)Prayer + persistence
Luke 11 is a powerful and interesting passage. Its Jesus' take on prayer. He starts off by saying, "Father, hallowed be Thy name, your kingdom come."(11:2). First, Jesus acknowledges that God is God. God is father, friend, healer, lover, comforter, saviour, but above all, God is God. We tend to forget sometimes, that in the midst of everything, good or bad, God is actually still God. Then he goes on to tell the parable, one of my favourites, about the man asking for bread. In verse 8 he says "I tell you, though he will not get up and give him the bread because he is his friend, yet because of the man's BOLDNESS he will get up and give him as much as he needs." Sometimes, all we have to do is to be bold enough to ask God. Not defy Him, but to be bold, to have the attitude that we are children of God, to go and and say "Hey Dad, I got something to say about this." Just like in Genesis 18:16-33, in the story of Abraham pleading for Sodom. First Ab tells God, if there are 50 righteous ppl in Sodom, spare them! God says, ok. Then he changes his mind, he says, now that I am so bold, how bout just 40 ppl instead? God agrees. Eventually Ab changes all the way to 10 ppl! God agrees all the way. Jesus says, ask and it will be give to you, knock and the door will be opened(Luke 11:9) and i love verse 13 which says if we as men are evil and know how to give good gifts, what more God in heaven? Romans 8:32 says "He who did not spare his own son, but gave his up for us all, how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?" Somethings are already meant for the taking, its a matter of whether we would be bold and persistent enough to go to God and claim it. Just like how Jacob wrestled with God, and how God granted King Hezekiah 15 more years of his life after telling him thru Isaiah that his time was up. IF only we would be bold enough to be persistent.
2) Prayer = personal
I find how some people treat prayer as a mechanical exercise distasteful. What a lot of people do not realise that prayer is in fact conversation with God. Its just that, plain and simple. Most times, people fail in the first step of prayer, and that is turning up. All we have to do when we pray, is turn up. God is already there, where are we? And its funny how we tend to beat around the bush when it comes to prayer, I mean come on, we are talking to GOD, who already knows what we want b4 we actually tell him. Thats the beauty of it, with God, we can be as honest as we want. Imagine a child carrying a christmas wishlist and sitting on the lap of her father, though some of the requests would be unreasonable, but won't the father be glad just to have her pour her heart out to him? I believe prayer should really be a time of honesty and all forms of pretense should be out left out. Speak your heart out when you are with God, complain, lament, praise, curse, do whatever, bcos God already knows whats in your heart, and when you are open with it God really appreciates it. Sometimes we tend to think, somethings i really shouldnt pray about, or talk with to God, somethings are inappropriate. The psalms are prayers to God, and not of them are singing praises, some of them are lamenting, complaining, but all of them were honest. It is when we can come to God with that kind of trust and vulnerability that things begind to change. And its not doing God a favour, its doing ourselves good. Sometimes just by coming to God and telling him your deepest desires and fears, you learn something about yourself, sometimes prayer does not neccessarily have to change the situation, but more likely changing how we view by revealing to us how God views it.
I urge and encourage you my brothers and sisters, to make prayer a priority. After all, if we can spend hours on the phone with friends, msn all night, facebook all day, can't we even spare some time to hang out with God? I used to feel bad falling asleep praying halfway, but it never occured to me that there is no other better way to fall asleep than in the arms of a loving Father.
I thank you all for reading this space, for now I will post what I have posted on Facebook but in the future there will be definitely new material here. So keep your hearts open and pray for fresh new revelation each day, God bless you!
Saturday, January 5, 2008
Love.
Lets talk about love. Not just the kinda love when you see that person you loveee and you get all kinds of animals in your tummy (butterflies, worms, pigs, whatever works for you), but love, not just in general, but in God's eyes. What is love?
Love is such an overused and under-rated term these days. "Oh how I love my girlfriend!", "Oh my, I think its true love!", " I think I am in love..", " Love is in the airrrr.." etc etc etc. So, how many people actually understand the true meaning of love here? I can already sense a multitude of people going, "oh I do." Well I'm sorry my friends, I'm here to prove you wrong. But of course if you already know whatever I am going to say below, then you're on the right track!
To start off, love is everything. Not fortune not fame. Why do I say that? Because God is love. God is everything. Jesus died for you and me because He loved. Grace comes from love. Love is the origin of everything. So God = Love. The bible emphasises on 2 big commandments, and that is to love your God with all your heart, all your strength and all your mind, and to love your neighbour as yourself.
But today, I am going to talk very practical things about love and to dispel all kinds of myths about it. So what I am going to talk about is only from one scripture, and that is the book 1 Corinthians, chapter 13.
Verse 1-3
If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.
The first point I wanna to put across is, in everything we do in ministry, we do it because we love. You see, we can do a whole lot of things, like community work, charity stuffs, have church week in week out and getting 10000 people saved, running our small groups, etc etc. But at the end of the day, the only thing that is going to make all we do count is, well, love. Do you truly love the people whom you are serving? Yes! You are actually serving them! In case you didn't realise that from the beginning. You see ministry is not about a feel good factor where you do all kinds of things and then you somehow seem like a person so righteous you will be number one in line into heaven. No! Ministry is about furthering the kingdom of God! What is God's heartbeat? To love! Its simple. Just like the scripture says, you can be a prophet who can see a gazillion years into the future, or a annointed evangelist who gets 1000 people saved at the snap of your fingers, or the person who gives thousands of dolars to charity, it is not done out of love.. well, I'm sorry to say it is pointless.
Eventhough ministry is what I do, its what I love, its my purpose, its my reward, I'll be the first to admit that it is not easy. It is ok to feel jaded at times, to feel frustrated, to feel that sometimes you just want out, and its really ok, we are human after all. But hear this, we as people of ministry, we are entrusted with lives here.
1 Cor 4:1-21
So then, men ought to regard us as servants of Christ and as those entrusted with the secret things of God. 2Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.
We must be FAITHFUL in what God has entrusted us with. How do we do that? Simple! Be sure that everything you do, is out of love. When you want to rebuke someone, do it in love. When you want to bring them to church, do it in love. Go about everyday in love.
Ok, so you're probably saying now, so Mr Ngan, what is really love then and how do I go abouts doing this? I'm glad you asked! Lets go deeper.
1 Cor 13:4-74
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Read all of that and think about it. Does your love really encompass all that? Are you patient and kind to the person you love? Are you envious? Are you selfless rather than selfish? Are you unforgiving? Does your love endure?
Can I be frank here? I am actually sick of the fact that so many people throw this word around without really knowing what it is to love. Love is well, really not about you. I'm not saying how you feel doesn't matter, but too many people have made that the focal point.
Sometimes without realising it or not, we love other people for ourselves, not for them. If our partner or friend starts disappointing us, we suddenly feel less for them. In fact, sometimes we start to blame them. Sometimes we hold people back or hold on too tightly because we are too afraid to lose them or that they would find someone else. Is that love?
Love is about wanting the best for that person and respecting that person and their wants in whatever circumstances. I can go on and on on elaboration, but to put it simply and plainly, its about THAT PERSON FIRST, YOU SECOND.
That is why, loving someone is not enough justification to be with them. Just because you think you're the best for them is not reason enough. What do THEY want? Or feel?
Perfect love comes from none other than God. Not what you feel for your lover no matter what you say, not in the movies, not in anywhere. We love God because he first loved us (1 John 4:19). With God, it is a love beyond all reason.
Has someone ever asked you, why do you love so and so? And you come up with a string of answers. Ok think about that person you love, and answer the question, why do you love him/her? Does that reason include a lot of MEs?
God loves us because He can. He does not need a reason. He gave his life up for you and me, even when He knew many would reject Him. He still redeems and restores all who fail without question, he accepts all with open arms, He is eternally gracious, all can call upon Him and be saved. He loves those who curse him, who persecuted him, who laughs at him. Even when he was in the darkest and most painful hour of his life, he prayed for all those who were brutalising him, "Father forgive them for they know not what they do."
God is God, and He could force all men to bow down and worship him, after all, He is entitled to it. But NO! God, being the all loving father, allows his children to choose their own paths, because He loves. The only question is.. what would you choose?
Love is a beautiful thing. In love there is no condemnation, no bondage. No suffering. Love is liberating.
So I leave you with something to really ponder about. Do you truly know what it is to love?
God does. Jesus is thinking about you at this very moment. He loves you
Love is such an overused and under-rated term these days. "Oh how I love my girlfriend!", "Oh my, I think its true love!", " I think I am in love..", " Love is in the airrrr.." etc etc etc. So, how many people actually understand the true meaning of love here? I can already sense a multitude of people going, "oh I do." Well I'm sorry my friends, I'm here to prove you wrong. But of course if you already know whatever I am going to say below, then you're on the right track!
To start off, love is everything. Not fortune not fame. Why do I say that? Because God is love. God is everything. Jesus died for you and me because He loved. Grace comes from love. Love is the origin of everything. So God = Love. The bible emphasises on 2 big commandments, and that is to love your God with all your heart, all your strength and all your mind, and to love your neighbour as yourself.
But today, I am going to talk very practical things about love and to dispel all kinds of myths about it. So what I am going to talk about is only from one scripture, and that is the book 1 Corinthians, chapter 13.
Verse 1-3
If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.
The first point I wanna to put across is, in everything we do in ministry, we do it because we love. You see, we can do a whole lot of things, like community work, charity stuffs, have church week in week out and getting 10000 people saved, running our small groups, etc etc. But at the end of the day, the only thing that is going to make all we do count is, well, love. Do you truly love the people whom you are serving? Yes! You are actually serving them! In case you didn't realise that from the beginning. You see ministry is not about a feel good factor where you do all kinds of things and then you somehow seem like a person so righteous you will be number one in line into heaven. No! Ministry is about furthering the kingdom of God! What is God's heartbeat? To love! Its simple. Just like the scripture says, you can be a prophet who can see a gazillion years into the future, or a annointed evangelist who gets 1000 people saved at the snap of your fingers, or the person who gives thousands of dolars to charity, it is not done out of love.. well, I'm sorry to say it is pointless.
Eventhough ministry is what I do, its what I love, its my purpose, its my reward, I'll be the first to admit that it is not easy. It is ok to feel jaded at times, to feel frustrated, to feel that sometimes you just want out, and its really ok, we are human after all. But hear this, we as people of ministry, we are entrusted with lives here.
1 Cor 4:1-21
So then, men ought to regard us as servants of Christ and as those entrusted with the secret things of God. 2Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.
We must be FAITHFUL in what God has entrusted us with. How do we do that? Simple! Be sure that everything you do, is out of love. When you want to rebuke someone, do it in love. When you want to bring them to church, do it in love. Go about everyday in love.
Ok, so you're probably saying now, so Mr Ngan, what is really love then and how do I go abouts doing this? I'm glad you asked! Lets go deeper.
1 Cor 13:4-74
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Read all of that and think about it. Does your love really encompass all that? Are you patient and kind to the person you love? Are you envious? Are you selfless rather than selfish? Are you unforgiving? Does your love endure?
Can I be frank here? I am actually sick of the fact that so many people throw this word around without really knowing what it is to love. Love is well, really not about you. I'm not saying how you feel doesn't matter, but too many people have made that the focal point.
Sometimes without realising it or not, we love other people for ourselves, not for them. If our partner or friend starts disappointing us, we suddenly feel less for them. In fact, sometimes we start to blame them. Sometimes we hold people back or hold on too tightly because we are too afraid to lose them or that they would find someone else. Is that love?
Love is about wanting the best for that person and respecting that person and their wants in whatever circumstances. I can go on and on on elaboration, but to put it simply and plainly, its about THAT PERSON FIRST, YOU SECOND.
That is why, loving someone is not enough justification to be with them. Just because you think you're the best for them is not reason enough. What do THEY want? Or feel?
Perfect love comes from none other than God. Not what you feel for your lover no matter what you say, not in the movies, not in anywhere. We love God because he first loved us (1 John 4:19). With God, it is a love beyond all reason.
Has someone ever asked you, why do you love so and so? And you come up with a string of answers. Ok think about that person you love, and answer the question, why do you love him/her? Does that reason include a lot of MEs?
God loves us because He can. He does not need a reason. He gave his life up for you and me, even when He knew many would reject Him. He still redeems and restores all who fail without question, he accepts all with open arms, He is eternally gracious, all can call upon Him and be saved. He loves those who curse him, who persecuted him, who laughs at him. Even when he was in the darkest and most painful hour of his life, he prayed for all those who were brutalising him, "Father forgive them for they know not what they do."
God is God, and He could force all men to bow down and worship him, after all, He is entitled to it. But NO! God, being the all loving father, allows his children to choose their own paths, because He loves. The only question is.. what would you choose?
Love is a beautiful thing. In love there is no condemnation, no bondage. No suffering. Love is liberating.
So I leave you with something to really ponder about. Do you truly know what it is to love?
God does. Jesus is thinking about you at this very moment. He loves you
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)