Psalm 19:7-9
The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul;
The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple;
The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart;
The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes;
The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever;
The judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.
I somewhat realise I had somewhat blogged nowadays without much serious thoughts and thinking through.
I guess I do not have that discipline to even organise my thoughts and put them down in a manner that can both edify and encourage, at the same time sharing where God stands in my life.
I will say God has provided many opportunities to seek Him on a more personal level. As much as I am impressed and moved by great authors and speakers in their service for the Lord by conveying truths through their published work and speech respectively, I am more in awe of God's word and the understanding it gives of our life in the general and deeper sense.
To quote from C.S lewis in his concluding statement in his speech on theology and poetry. "I believe in Christianity as I believe that the Sun has risen, not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else"
I believed I mentioned it before, our Christian life is meant to be a disciplined and faithful "walk". I am once again reminded of the so straight-forward yet so easily neglected and often compromised requirements God wants from us by Mark Herbster.
Micah 6:8
He has shown you, O man, what is good;
And what does the LORD require of you
But to do justly,
To love mercy,
And to walk humbly with your God?
To add on further, the only sign to show that this "walk" is a genuine, humble walk is by the "fruits". (Matthew 7:16)
Spiritual principles are much clearer when seen them lived out in people instead of merely stating them in the abstract.
As Christians lived out their faith, I am convicted that they count all things loss as gain for Christ (Phil 3:7-9). The idea of being brought into God's kingdom in splendor and glory-
"For Glory means good report with God, acceptance by God, response acknowledgement, and welcome into the heart of things. The door on which we have been knocking all our lives will open at last."
The Glory of God, to be brought into Glory, that supreme and indescirbable blessing.
Psalm 19:10-11
They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb.
By them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Friday, July 17, 2009
Sharing-
I will say that my week was filled with many things/activities, thoughts processes and ideas.
I guess there is that certain extent of mundane routine which can be drawn out from this mess of stuff. Work (really manual labor), rest(just sitting around for long period of time), real short naps(the result of such long rest) and eat.
Just to share on some things I read inside during the rest times.
No point boasting about the time I spend reading the bible/books etc, for I believe I could have spent much more of my time to read more and understand.
Anyway, I read the book of John and that surely serves as a reminder and refresher of my mind of some the verses I have seen before.
A verse that to me captures what John is conveying in his book: John 13:34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.
Came across this book inside by C.S Lewis titled: The Weight of Glory
C.S Lewis is a Christian apologetic- Meaning he belongs to a field of Christian theology that aims to present a rational basis for the Christian faith, defend the faith against objections, and expose the perceived flaws of other world views.
C.S Lewis sure is a deep thinker and his way of thinking brings about an idea critically, beyond the rational mind of the human. Read a small portion in the book... I say its a book that surely keeps you thinking.
Reminded of a verse in the bible when reading one of the chapters on forgiveness.
Matthew 6:14-15 For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
This forgiving is of the daily santification where we need to have with God.
Read up a few more chapter on Spiritual Leadership. Learnt up on the issue of discipline. Discipline surely needs to be enforced and adhere to so that the Christian walk can be achieved better. Leaders need to lead a disciplined physically, mental and spiritual life. They also needs to have the vision and 'foresight' that is grounded on the Word of God. Always to lead by example. The biblical model that can be follow is found in 1 Timothy 3:1-7.
Just came across the idea of Calvinism on the net. Really interesting to note authors like John Macarthur are somewhat Calvinistic. Going to read up more on the different group of Christians around. -I guess there alot to know about the history of Churches in the 10-19th century.
Something extra to add: A good experience I had alone in the middle of some route inside a forested area in the early dawn of friday (2am onwards). I was stationed there as a marshal for a run in the morning. Its during such time that I realise I could spend time just leaning on God, no matter how tired I was given the real lack of sleep.
Pondering and really seeking what is good and pleasing music. Been quite awhile since I last listened to music through any means.
Philippians 4:8
Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.
I guess there is that certain extent of mundane routine which can be drawn out from this mess of stuff. Work (really manual labor), rest(just sitting around for long period of time), real short naps(the result of such long rest) and eat.
Just to share on some things I read inside during the rest times.
No point boasting about the time I spend reading the bible/books etc, for I believe I could have spent much more of my time to read more and understand.
Anyway, I read the book of John and that surely serves as a reminder and refresher of my mind of some the verses I have seen before.
A verse that to me captures what John is conveying in his book: John 13:34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.
Came across this book inside by C.S Lewis titled: The Weight of Glory
C.S Lewis is a Christian apologetic- Meaning he belongs to a field of Christian theology that aims to present a rational basis for the Christian faith, defend the faith against objections, and expose the perceived flaws of other world views.
C.S Lewis sure is a deep thinker and his way of thinking brings about an idea critically, beyond the rational mind of the human. Read a small portion in the book... I say its a book that surely keeps you thinking.
Reminded of a verse in the bible when reading one of the chapters on forgiveness.
Matthew 6:14-15 For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
This forgiving is of the daily santification where we need to have with God.
Read up a few more chapter on Spiritual Leadership. Learnt up on the issue of discipline. Discipline surely needs to be enforced and adhere to so that the Christian walk can be achieved better. Leaders need to lead a disciplined physically, mental and spiritual life. They also needs to have the vision and 'foresight' that is grounded on the Word of God. Always to lead by example. The biblical model that can be follow is found in 1 Timothy 3:1-7.
Just came across the idea of Calvinism on the net. Really interesting to note authors like John Macarthur are somewhat Calvinistic. Going to read up more on the different group of Christians around. -I guess there alot to know about the history of Churches in the 10-19th century.
Something extra to add: A good experience I had alone in the middle of some route inside a forested area in the early dawn of friday (2am onwards). I was stationed there as a marshal for a run in the morning. Its during such time that I realise I could spend time just leaning on God, no matter how tired I was given the real lack of sleep.
Pondering and really seeking what is good and pleasing music. Been quite awhile since I last listened to music through any means.
Philippians 4:8
Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
To be very careful of where to tread
These past few days was kinda filled with 'noise' in a sense.
I spent friday catching Ice Age 3 in 3D (part of some coy cohesion thing) and shopping with my mum. A real experience for me as I realize how far away I had gotten from all the things of this world as I went to all the shopping centres.
The whole of Saturday was spent at home. Its either in front of the computer just playing games or sleeping. Felt really weak physically and feverish the whole day.
Really considering if the time spent on the computer is good time spent.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I guess the title for this post starts from here: (my thoughts abit jumble up)
Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Not really that a deep thinker yet. I have been thinking about the issue of intent and sin at the heart level. Along with it ties the issue of self-righteousness or righteousness of God, and if it is necessary to condemn or judge another.
I learnt that the bible(esp Paul's letter) is filled with truths(wisdom) and applications to these truths(consequences).
On to intent and sin at the heart level, or rather all the hidden sin. I am starting to realize and discover for myself that as I go older, there is a greater tendency to hide your sin up. I believe the world plays a crucial part in this. John sums it up best in 1 John 2:15-17.
It kinda scary to have this thought that I sometimes do do right not because I loved God but because I love myself more. Its not exactly easy to live righteously, but it is easy to act as though you are a good Christian. Its all down to the heart.
The last part on judging. I guess the concept of judging needs to be better defined. To confront someone that is obviously doing wrong. This is not judging, but rather pointing out the truth in hope—and with the ultimate goal—of bringing repentance in the other person and restoration to the fellowship. Judge "sin", not the person.
The line between what is right and wrong has become ever more so thin. I guess the ultimate guiding principle needs to be what God wants us to know through His Word. As changes, new ideas and thinkings comes, cling on to that unwavering vine of God, and be very careful of where to step, for the pit holes of death gets more in the walk towards life in Christ.
Going to seek and rest in His word.
Thank God for everything in my life.
I spent friday catching Ice Age 3 in 3D (part of some coy cohesion thing) and shopping with my mum. A real experience for me as I realize how far away I had gotten from all the things of this world as I went to all the shopping centres.
The whole of Saturday was spent at home. Its either in front of the computer just playing games or sleeping. Felt really weak physically and feverish the whole day.
Really considering if the time spent on the computer is good time spent.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I guess the title for this post starts from here: (my thoughts abit jumble up)
Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Not really that a deep thinker yet. I have been thinking about the issue of intent and sin at the heart level. Along with it ties the issue of self-righteousness or righteousness of God, and if it is necessary to condemn or judge another.
I learnt that the bible(esp Paul's letter) is filled with truths(wisdom) and applications to these truths(consequences).
On to intent and sin at the heart level, or rather all the hidden sin. I am starting to realize and discover for myself that as I go older, there is a greater tendency to hide your sin up. I believe the world plays a crucial part in this. John sums it up best in 1 John 2:15-17.
It kinda scary to have this thought that I sometimes do do right not because I loved God but because I love myself more. Its not exactly easy to live righteously, but it is easy to act as though you are a good Christian. Its all down to the heart.
The last part on judging. I guess the concept of judging needs to be better defined. To confront someone that is obviously doing wrong. This is not judging, but rather pointing out the truth in hope—and with the ultimate goal—of bringing repentance in the other person and restoration to the fellowship. Judge "sin", not the person.
The line between what is right and wrong has become ever more so thin. I guess the ultimate guiding principle needs to be what God wants us to know through His Word. As changes, new ideas and thinkings comes, cling on to that unwavering vine of God, and be very careful of where to step, for the pit holes of death gets more in the walk towards life in Christ.
Going to seek and rest in His word.
Thank God for everything in my life.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Back to the heart
Proverbs 3:5
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding;
Psalms 31:24
Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart, All you who hope in the LORD.
Different verses/parts of the Bible does speaks to different people in a more relevant manner in different time of their life. Just wanted to share this short devotion I read about waiting on God, which I think somewhat speaks to me.
"... because very many Christians have no sense of the great difference between the Christianity of the mind and the Christianity of the heart, and the former is far more diligently cultivated than the latter. It is this that causes much of the feebleness of our Christian walk"
"It is the heart that man believes and comes into touch with God. It is the heart that God has given His spirit to be the presence of and the power of God working in us. In all our faith, it is the heart that must trust and love and worship and obey."
As I read this, I am reminded once again that in the seeking of wisdom and understanding, it it always good to guard your heart. (Proverbs 4:23)
Thank God for all the little opportunities, to read, to pray, to share and most importantly to be an example throughout this week amid all the changes in my army life.
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding;
Psalms 31:24
Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart, All you who hope in the LORD.
Different verses/parts of the Bible does speaks to different people in a more relevant manner in different time of their life. Just wanted to share this short devotion I read about waiting on God, which I think somewhat speaks to me.
"... because very many Christians have no sense of the great difference between the Christianity of the mind and the Christianity of the heart, and the former is far more diligently cultivated than the latter. It is this that causes much of the feebleness of our Christian walk"
"It is the heart that man believes and comes into touch with God. It is the heart that God has given His spirit to be the presence of and the power of God working in us. In all our faith, it is the heart that must trust and love and worship and obey."
As I read this, I am reminded once again that in the seeking of wisdom and understanding, it it always good to guard your heart. (Proverbs 4:23)
Thank God for all the little opportunities, to read, to pray, to share and most importantly to be an example throughout this week amid all the changes in my army life.
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