What a comfort to know that God is still over all in the very chaos of life. Had a really eventful week. With bunk mates falling ill, treading in muddy ground and almost sinking into it, to going with my friends to another's church anniversary and more...
I think I had become more skeptical of life and man. Maybe its time to seek peace in God, somewhat troubled by how events happened or rather God's sovereignty.
John 14:27
Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
For the way to life is so narrow as opposed to the way to destruction. The real hard to direct to this path is those that are just besides and parallel to this path, yet never in it.
I thank God for teaching me through Colossians 3, particularly how to have that longsuffering and forbearance. My position among those in my course in army is interesting. To learn to take humiliation and to offer help when possible, I thank God for people inside that has stood by me or are willing to stand by me.
Remember God being High and lifted up, I can only bow on my knees.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Saturday, August 22, 2009
On our mind and discipline.
Discipline is something that I am giving more thought on this few days.
I am somewhat compelled to share on how interesting it is as I read through the Thursday's newspaper on on mind being good or evil.
Basically the article explains and logically help us understand how our mind function such that it determines our moral decisions. The idea of conscience within each one of us is also explored.
Are we mere humans that besides personal discernment of what is right and wrong, are affected by
circumstances and influenced by people we interact with?
As much as I can see how I can know as-a-matter-of-fact what is right and wrong, even the bible do suggest about everyone having that conscience in us.
This brings me to the point on discipline. I believe that God wants all Christians to live a disciplined life on earth physically, mentally and spiritually.
The newspaper this few days are having write-up on the life's of criminals and convicts that committed various crimes. I was reading the write-up on the life of a serial burglar. This guy almost got a degree yet because of circumstances and also lack of self-control, he resort to breaking in to people's house again and again to make ends meet. What he really lack is love, no doubt, but discipline in this case also is very much needed.
To apply it to life as a Christian, I believe Christians are just as easily exposed to different temptations and situations where we easily compromise our stand as any other person living on earth. Discipline now comes into the picture. This discipline, in my understanding, does not comes from our self, but from drawing near to God and 'dying' to Him daily.
Of course, when seen from the more tangible point of view, it can be of disciplined daily routine living, which translates to disciplined prayer time, quiet time, etc...
Knowing that God is faithful in leading us away from various temptations in our life (1 Corinthians 10:13), we ought also to be careful and stay clear from obvious spots where temptations to do wrong is aplenty. That can be part of discipline.
For me, lazying around and not spending time wisely can be a discipline problem, which is something that can be worked on by the grace of God.
Its always good to remember how God has lead you through each stage in life, and on to how He has provided for you each day. After all, it is always good to be thankful.
I am somewhat compelled to share on how interesting it is as I read through the Thursday's newspaper on on mind being good or evil.
Basically the article explains and logically help us understand how our mind function such that it determines our moral decisions. The idea of conscience within each one of us is also explored.
Are we mere humans that besides personal discernment of what is right and wrong, are affected by
circumstances and influenced by people we interact with?
As much as I can see how I can know as-a-matter-of-fact what is right and wrong, even the bible do suggest about everyone having that conscience in us.
This brings me to the point on discipline. I believe that God wants all Christians to live a disciplined life on earth physically, mentally and spiritually.
The newspaper this few days are having write-up on the life's of criminals and convicts that committed various crimes. I was reading the write-up on the life of a serial burglar. This guy almost got a degree yet because of circumstances and also lack of self-control, he resort to breaking in to people's house again and again to make ends meet. What he really lack is love, no doubt, but discipline in this case also is very much needed.
To apply it to life as a Christian, I believe Christians are just as easily exposed to different temptations and situations where we easily compromise our stand as any other person living on earth. Discipline now comes into the picture. This discipline, in my understanding, does not comes from our self, but from drawing near to God and 'dying' to Him daily.
Of course, when seen from the more tangible point of view, it can be of disciplined daily routine living, which translates to disciplined prayer time, quiet time, etc...
Knowing that God is faithful in leading us away from various temptations in our life (1 Corinthians 10:13), we ought also to be careful and stay clear from obvious spots where temptations to do wrong is aplenty. That can be part of discipline.
For me, lazying around and not spending time wisely can be a discipline problem, which is something that can be worked on by the grace of God.
Its always good to remember how God has lead you through each stage in life, and on to how He has provided for you each day. After all, it is always good to be thankful.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Truth always remain as it is: Truth
"I have decided to follow Jesus, I have decided to follow Him. No turning back, no turning back"
Always a joy to see Christians take that step in baptism, was so glad to go to the baptism service yesterday. I always remembered the day of my baptism, singing that very same song.
"The cross before me, the world behind me. No turning back, no turning back"
Now I want to share on my thought on truth. I remembered yann howe telling me once that you can find all the truths of Christianity in the children's songs sung in Church. I thought that was quite rightly said.
One song that has been more memorable and remembered by me was 'Calvary's blood' Somehow the words spoke to me during that period of time during the Children's camp then.
Lyrics:
I carried a burden, a staggering weight
And struggled for freedom but could not escape
I trembled and cried at the thought of my fate
What must I do to be saved?
I desp’rately searched for release from my pain
But found that man’s wisdom was useless and vain
Is there not a pow’r that can break ev’ry chain?
What must I do to be saved?
Chorus:
Jesus’ blood flows from Calvary
Breaking Satan’s pow’r,
Setting captives free
Greatest gift of the greatest love
Heaven paid the price with Calvary’s blood
Heaven paid the price with Calvary’s blood
I saw Jesus bleeding, the cross bore His stain
The men standing by were all mocking His pain
But then yes, I heard it, He called out my name
“Kneel at the cross and be saved”.
I fell at the feet of the one hanging there
“Oh Savior, forgive me”, I cried in despair
My burden fell off Jesus answered my prayer
Kneel at the cross and be saved.
Actually I think the gospel message is indeed a very simple message. The problem I believe is innocence, the degree of exposure to the filthiness of the world. To bring this on to an analogy- imagine the truths found in the bible to be a key, and the heart being the keyhole, if the keyhole is dirty, filled with dirt, how can the key be fitted in to open up the heart?
Therefore, know the truth, accept the truth and apply the truth now. Only then can you live that victorious Christian life.
Always a joy to see Christians take that step in baptism, was so glad to go to the baptism service yesterday. I always remembered the day of my baptism, singing that very same song.
"The cross before me, the world behind me. No turning back, no turning back"
Now I want to share on my thought on truth. I remembered yann howe telling me once that you can find all the truths of Christianity in the children's songs sung in Church. I thought that was quite rightly said.
One song that has been more memorable and remembered by me was 'Calvary's blood' Somehow the words spoke to me during that period of time during the Children's camp then.
Lyrics:
I carried a burden, a staggering weight
And struggled for freedom but could not escape
I trembled and cried at the thought of my fate
What must I do to be saved?
I desp’rately searched for release from my pain
But found that man’s wisdom was useless and vain
Is there not a pow’r that can break ev’ry chain?
What must I do to be saved?
Chorus:
Jesus’ blood flows from Calvary
Breaking Satan’s pow’r,
Setting captives free
Greatest gift of the greatest love
Heaven paid the price with Calvary’s blood
Heaven paid the price with Calvary’s blood
I saw Jesus bleeding, the cross bore His stain
The men standing by were all mocking His pain
But then yes, I heard it, He called out my name
“Kneel at the cross and be saved”.
I fell at the feet of the one hanging there
“Oh Savior, forgive me”, I cried in despair
My burden fell off Jesus answered my prayer
Kneel at the cross and be saved.
Actually I think the gospel message is indeed a very simple message. The problem I believe is innocence, the degree of exposure to the filthiness of the world. To bring this on to an analogy- imagine the truths found in the bible to be a key, and the heart being the keyhole, if the keyhole is dirty, filled with dirt, how can the key be fitted in to open up the heart?
Therefore, know the truth, accept the truth and apply the truth now. Only then can you live that victorious Christian life.
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Pointing Fingers
Sometimes I wonder if its in human nature to point fingers, criticize people whenever they do something wrong. This somewhat harmless move sometimes may have that condescending effect.
Applying onto Christians, I sometimes see myself very quick in forming negative and somewhat 'doubts' on other Christians for their conduct or/and actions. Sometimes such thoughts in the mind translate to words which will eventually spread like "wildfire" throughout the Church in the subtle form of gossip. That may result in some serious stumbling for that particular Christian.
Today's message (Col 2:16-23) to me seems to stand out in that there should be a case for working on what is inside so that your outside is right. Legalism imposed standards and 'laws' that are to be adhered to, in an attempt to ensure or make sure their people are all 'one'.(I guess the differences in standard set up with or without that inward manifestation of that righteousness is because of changing values and culture, from the very conservative Chinese to the somewhat more liberal Westerners. Globalisation has make us see and 'judge' on what is an acceptable standard.)
Mysticism and the extreme act of self-denial are other points that are false outward showing or mark of believers.
God is teaching me that although we are in no ground to make any judgement at all. We are to show love to Christians by showing them their mistakes in the most humble of way. Its never about looking down on people because they do many not so right things, while you are better off because you do not do this things. (etc. a brethren pick up smoking, you rebuke him on grounds that you think smoking is not right and to the extent you question on his 'salvation')
Of course, the pre-requisite of showing a brethren his mistakes is that you yourself is right with God. Approach him with the most humble of spirit, show him his mistakes by pointing them out (I think its better to do it in private), and then lead him to know that God is faithful in forgiving.
I always remember that each time you point a finger at someone, 4 other fingers is pointed back at yourself. Read up on 'Resisting the devil' by Watchman Nee. 1 Peter 5 sort of shows how if we are to humble and submit to one another, God will lift us up.
The devil is lurking, planting many evil thoughts in our mind. If we are to stand by the truth, this truth shall surely set us free from Satan's grip. (John 8:32)
Applying onto Christians, I sometimes see myself very quick in forming negative and somewhat 'doubts' on other Christians for their conduct or/and actions. Sometimes such thoughts in the mind translate to words which will eventually spread like "wildfire" throughout the Church in the subtle form of gossip. That may result in some serious stumbling for that particular Christian.
Today's message (Col 2:16-23) to me seems to stand out in that there should be a case for working on what is inside so that your outside is right. Legalism imposed standards and 'laws' that are to be adhered to, in an attempt to ensure or make sure their people are all 'one'.(I guess the differences in standard set up with or without that inward manifestation of that righteousness is because of changing values and culture, from the very conservative Chinese to the somewhat more liberal Westerners. Globalisation has make us see and 'judge' on what is an acceptable standard.)
Mysticism and the extreme act of self-denial are other points that are false outward showing or mark of believers.
God is teaching me that although we are in no ground to make any judgement at all. We are to show love to Christians by showing them their mistakes in the most humble of way. Its never about looking down on people because they do many not so right things, while you are better off because you do not do this things. (etc. a brethren pick up smoking, you rebuke him on grounds that you think smoking is not right and to the extent you question on his 'salvation')
Of course, the pre-requisite of showing a brethren his mistakes is that you yourself is right with God. Approach him with the most humble of spirit, show him his mistakes by pointing them out (I think its better to do it in private), and then lead him to know that God is faithful in forgiving.
I always remember that each time you point a finger at someone, 4 other fingers is pointed back at yourself. Read up on 'Resisting the devil' by Watchman Nee. 1 Peter 5 sort of shows how if we are to humble and submit to one another, God will lift us up.
The devil is lurking, planting many evil thoughts in our mind. If we are to stand by the truth, this truth shall surely set us free from Satan's grip. (John 8:32)
Friday, August 7, 2009
Rest in God
James 1:2-3
My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.
Reading through the book of James inside camp this week. Sort of revisited many verses inside but this time to read the whole book gives me a better understanding. To count it joy when temptation strikes, that is something that strikes me more.
As much as I am in wanting to put myself close to God's word, I am as subjected to temptations and wrongdoing, for me I guess slothfulness and negligence is still quite a issue, as any other. This week has been quite a challenge to me as responsibilty falls on me to get some administrative things done amid tight timing and unfavorable conditions. At the same time, with daily outfield training in some hot barren land really drains me physically also, to the extent that I suffered sigh sore throat now.
This section of Isaiah has been quite an encouragement to me as I go through this somewhat tiring week.
Isaiah 40:28-31
Have you not known? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He does not faint or grow weary;
his understanding is unsearchable.
He gives power to the faint,
and to him who has no might he increases strength.
Even youths shall faint and be weary,
and young men shall fall exhausted;
but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings like eagles;
they shall run and not be weary;
they shall walk and not faint
Nevertheless, God be praised for leading me through. Continue to pray for His Word that is sharp and powerful to slowly go into the hardened hearts of the many non-believers out there. (Softening of the hearts of my bunk mates, wisdom in sharing and to put God always in front as God is preached)
My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.
Reading through the book of James inside camp this week. Sort of revisited many verses inside but this time to read the whole book gives me a better understanding. To count it joy when temptation strikes, that is something that strikes me more.
As much as I am in wanting to put myself close to God's word, I am as subjected to temptations and wrongdoing, for me I guess slothfulness and negligence is still quite a issue, as any other. This week has been quite a challenge to me as responsibilty falls on me to get some administrative things done amid tight timing and unfavorable conditions. At the same time, with daily outfield training in some hot barren land really drains me physically also, to the extent that I suffered sigh sore throat now.
This section of Isaiah has been quite an encouragement to me as I go through this somewhat tiring week.
Isaiah 40:28-31
Have you not known? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He does not faint or grow weary;
his understanding is unsearchable.
He gives power to the faint,
and to him who has no might he increases strength.
Even youths shall faint and be weary,
and young men shall fall exhausted;
but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings like eagles;
they shall run and not be weary;
they shall walk and not faint
Nevertheless, God be praised for leading me through. Continue to pray for His Word that is sharp and powerful to slowly go into the hardened hearts of the many non-believers out there. (Softening of the hearts of my bunk mates, wisdom in sharing and to put God always in front as God is preached)
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