28 December 2008
' Mt brothers and sisters, when you have many kinds of troubles, you should be full of joy, because you know that these troubles test your faith, and this will give you patience. Let your patience show itself perfectly in what you do. Then you will be perfect and complete and will have everything you need' James 1:2-4
When this passage was written by James, the brother of Jesus and leader of the early church in Jerusalem, it was a time of horror, persecution and hardship for the early believers.
Yet he calls for his fellow believers to face all kinds of trials and testing with joy, faith, and optimism. He never asks us to wish for hard times but he reminds us that hard times- whether financial, physical, relational or emotional - combined with faith, are opportunities for becoming a mature person seasoned with salt.
If you are facing adversity in your life right now, take heart, and know that God is doing something wonderful and new in your heart and life.
' When you pass through the waters, I will be with you. When you cross rivers, you will not drown. When you walk through fire, you will not be burned, nor will the flame hurt you. This is because I, the Lord, am your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Saviour.' Isa 43:2-3
Reaons to Hope
23 December 2008
' Be joyful because you have hope. Be patient when trouble comes, and pray at all times' Rom 12:12
When a man named Saul met Jesus in a blinding light, his life was never the same again. He went from persecutor to encourager, from arrogance to humble preacher, from self-sufficient to reliant on God. One other remarkable change that took place in his life is that instead of fixing his eyes on the past, he now looked to the future with great sense of hope (Phil 3:13-14)
Some of the compelling reasons that Paul has the hope even in the midst of adversity include:
- God forgives us: 'since we have been made right with God by our faith, we have peace with God. When we are at peace with God, the future is always bright irrespective of the circumstances around us.
- God favours us: He shows His great love towards us in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. We do not have to crawl to Him and beg Him to help us with our problems. He is absolutely thinking of us
- God turns our suffering into hope: 'We also have the joy with our troubles, because we know that these troubles produce patience, and patience produces character, and character produces hope..(Rom 5:3-4) With God at work in our lives, the very trials that could crush our spirit actually make our hope even stronger.
- God helps us when we are weak: One of the reasons we feel hopeless is that we just do not believe we have what it takes to overcome challenges. Not to worry, says God, I'll do it for you what you cannot do for yourself.
Hope keeps you youthful, optimistic, and joyful.
' Be joyful because you have hope. Be patient when trouble comes, and pray at all times' Rom 12:12
When a man named Saul met Jesus in a blinding light, his life was never the same again. He went from persecutor to encourager, from arrogance to humble preacher, from self-sufficient to reliant on God. One other remarkable change that took place in his life is that instead of fixing his eyes on the past, he now looked to the future with great sense of hope (Phil 3:13-14)
Some of the compelling reasons that Paul has the hope even in the midst of adversity include:
- God forgives us: 'since we have been made right with God by our faith, we have peace with God. When we are at peace with God, the future is always bright irrespective of the circumstances around us.
- God favours us: He shows His great love towards us in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. We do not have to crawl to Him and beg Him to help us with our problems. He is absolutely thinking of us
- God turns our suffering into hope: 'We also have the joy with our troubles, because we know that these troubles produce patience, and patience produces character, and character produces hope..(Rom 5:3-4) With God at work in our lives, the very trials that could crush our spirit actually make our hope even stronger.
- God helps us when we are weak: One of the reasons we feel hopeless is that we just do not believe we have what it takes to overcome challenges. Not to worry, says God, I'll do it for you what you cannot do for yourself.
Hope keeps you youthful, optimistic, and joyful.
Just as You Are
22 December 2008
' But Moses said to the Lord, " Please Lord, I have never been a skilled speaker. Even Now, after talking to you, I cannot speak well. I speak slowly and cannot find the best words' Exo 4-10
We live in a world that the best athletic, the best looking, and the most near perfect get noticed. Many of us question our own abilities and are fearful to fail and move forward.
One of the greatest leaders in all history, Moses, had the same hang-up. When God called him to lead the children of Israel out of Egyptian bondage, Moses was full of excuses.
But when Moses trusted God and stepped out from his comfort zone and moved in faith and obedience, he was able to accomplish much. God is his enabler and fulfilled His promise that he will help him to speak and teach him on what to say. (Exo 4:12)
Yes, we need to strive for excellence in our lives. We need to continually improve ourselves. But we should not forget that God gives us things to accomplish that are beyond our abilities and can use us no matter what it seems to standing the way.
No matter how much work you think you need right now, be assured that God can use you just as you are.
' But Moses said to the Lord, " Please Lord, I have never been a skilled speaker. Even Now, after talking to you, I cannot speak well. I speak slowly and cannot find the best words' Exo 4-10
We live in a world that the best athletic, the best looking, and the most near perfect get noticed. Many of us question our own abilities and are fearful to fail and move forward.
One of the greatest leaders in all history, Moses, had the same hang-up. When God called him to lead the children of Israel out of Egyptian bondage, Moses was full of excuses.
But when Moses trusted God and stepped out from his comfort zone and moved in faith and obedience, he was able to accomplish much. God is his enabler and fulfilled His promise that he will help him to speak and teach him on what to say. (Exo 4:12)
Yes, we need to strive for excellence in our lives. We need to continually improve ourselves. But we should not forget that God gives us things to accomplish that are beyond our abilities and can use us no matter what it seems to standing the way.
No matter how much work you think you need right now, be assured that God can use you just as you are.
Take us back to the Heart of Worship
21 December 2008
' He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; He will purify the sons of Levi, And purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer to the Lord an offering in righteousness. ' Mal 3:3
The quality of our worship is not based on activities, the quality of our music or the songs that we sing but on our character. Churches mistakenly assume that it has to do with the impressiveness of the building, the sound system and the eloquence of the preaching.
Genuine worship originates from the heart and if our relationship with God is not healthy, all these things are nothing more than religious pageantry.
The Levites were the worship leaders of their day and their task was to offer sacrifices on behalf of the people. Before they could even perform these tasks, God has to refine them, purging them of any impurities.
Merely being members of the religious profession or having special positions in the religious institution did not guarantee their religious activities would be acceptable to the Holy God.
Today, we tend to look to external things to enhance our worship but the quality of true worship rests in us. Attending a religious service will not automatically ensure an encounter with God.
Church leaders should not hide behind the religious walls and every child of God must allow God to refine their heart until it is pleasing to Him.
' He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; He will purify the sons of Levi, And purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer to the Lord an offering in righteousness. ' Mal 3:3
The quality of our worship is not based on activities, the quality of our music or the songs that we sing but on our character. Churches mistakenly assume that it has to do with the impressiveness of the building, the sound system and the eloquence of the preaching.
Genuine worship originates from the heart and if our relationship with God is not healthy, all these things are nothing more than religious pageantry.
The Levites were the worship leaders of their day and their task was to offer sacrifices on behalf of the people. Before they could even perform these tasks, God has to refine them, purging them of any impurities.
Merely being members of the religious profession or having special positions in the religious institution did not guarantee their religious activities would be acceptable to the Holy God.
Today, we tend to look to external things to enhance our worship but the quality of true worship rests in us. Attending a religious service will not automatically ensure an encounter with God.
Church leaders should not hide behind the religious walls and every child of God must allow God to refine their heart until it is pleasing to Him.
Let no one look down on you
20 December 2008
' Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith , in purity' 1Tim 4:12
Timothy was a sincere young man who earnestly desired to serve the Lord. Yet, his service is hindered by some who doubted his abilities. Timothy had a tender nature and was sickly (1Tim 5:23). Paul urged Timothy not to allow this insecurity to blunt his zeal and faithfulness in doing what God had told him. Rather than arguing with those who criticised him, Paul urged him to live as an example of godliness. Paul urged him to live a life that was so spotless in word, conduct, love, spirit, faith, and purity that his life could serve as a model for others in the church to follow. Timothy's life was to be the evidence that God had called him. God looked beyond Timothy's youth, timidity, and physical weakness and saw his sincere heart.
Many of us can identify with Timothy. Perhaps, some things about you seem to disqualify you from serving the Lord effectively. You may come from a sinful past or little education, or money or status. You may have experienced failure in your service for the Lord. Do not allow this to prevent you from following God's will. Your areas of weakness may be God's means of demonstrating His strength. Allow God to demonstrate His call upon you by transforming your life into a model of godliness.
Amen
' Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith , in purity' 1Tim 4:12
Timothy was a sincere young man who earnestly desired to serve the Lord. Yet, his service is hindered by some who doubted his abilities. Timothy had a tender nature and was sickly (1Tim 5:23). Paul urged Timothy not to allow this insecurity to blunt his zeal and faithfulness in doing what God had told him. Rather than arguing with those who criticised him, Paul urged him to live as an example of godliness. Paul urged him to live a life that was so spotless in word, conduct, love, spirit, faith, and purity that his life could serve as a model for others in the church to follow. Timothy's life was to be the evidence that God had called him. God looked beyond Timothy's youth, timidity, and physical weakness and saw his sincere heart.
Many of us can identify with Timothy. Perhaps, some things about you seem to disqualify you from serving the Lord effectively. You may come from a sinful past or little education, or money or status. You may have experienced failure in your service for the Lord. Do not allow this to prevent you from following God's will. Your areas of weakness may be God's means of demonstrating His strength. Allow God to demonstrate His call upon you by transforming your life into a model of godliness.
Amen
Tender Mercies
19 December 2008
' let us then, feel very sure that we can come before God's throne where there is grace. Then we can receive mercy and grace to help us when we need it' Heb 4:16
Many times we seem to exhaust all possible strength to meet our pressing needs, it is always a comfort to know that God remembers us:
- God sent rainbow to Noah as a symbol that His love for man would never waver (Gen 9:14-15)
- God allowed a young shepherd boy to conquer a mighty warrior with a single sling shot and a single stone (1Sam17:49)
- Jesus healed a blind man (Mark8:22-25) and a man who never walked (Matt 9:2-7)
Today, God is still at work in our world and in your life. Sometimes we need to open our eyes to see His tender mercies in our lives.
' let us then, feel very sure that we can come before God's throne where there is grace. Then we can receive mercy and grace to help us when we need it' Heb 4:16
Many times we seem to exhaust all possible strength to meet our pressing needs, it is always a comfort to know that God remembers us:
- God sent rainbow to Noah as a symbol that His love for man would never waver (Gen 9:14-15)
- God allowed a young shepherd boy to conquer a mighty warrior with a single sling shot and a single stone (1Sam17:49)
- Jesus healed a blind man (Mark8:22-25) and a man who never walked (Matt 9:2-7)
Today, God is still at work in our world and in your life. Sometimes we need to open our eyes to see His tender mercies in our lives.
Towel and a Basin
18 December 2008
" If then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done for you' John 13:14-15
One of the issues that mattered most to Jesus' disciples was who was the most favoured and important to Jesus. James and John, asked their mother to help them secure the seats of honour in Jesus' kingdom (Matthew 20:21)
Jesus response is that she did not know what she was asking and her sons were more interested in benefits of power but not sacrifice. Otherwise, these sons of Zebedee could be in the left and right side of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, before Jesus was arrested (Matthew 26:40-46)
Instead they slept and fled after Jesus was arrested. They could have been in the left and right side of Jesus when He was hung on the cross but stayed in the crowd.
Jesus taught them the true meaning of greatness. Jesus used the towel and basin principle. He washed their feet - the duty of a servant. Even Peter could not understand this fundamental truth of greatness. In all areas of life, to be great is to know how best we can serve one another. As a parent, we serve our children, when we grow up, we serve our parents, our employers, our clients, our country, our loved ones and our peers.
We live in a competitive and self-aggrandising world where examples of humility, kindness, helpfulness, and caring for others first are hard to find.
Great is the reward, the sense of purpose and self satisfaction are what we reap if we follow our Master's footstep.
" If then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done for you' John 13:14-15
One of the issues that mattered most to Jesus' disciples was who was the most favoured and important to Jesus. James and John, asked their mother to help them secure the seats of honour in Jesus' kingdom (Matthew 20:21)
Jesus response is that she did not know what she was asking and her sons were more interested in benefits of power but not sacrifice. Otherwise, these sons of Zebedee could be in the left and right side of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, before Jesus was arrested (Matthew 26:40-46)
Instead they slept and fled after Jesus was arrested. They could have been in the left and right side of Jesus when He was hung on the cross but stayed in the crowd.
Jesus taught them the true meaning of greatness. Jesus used the towel and basin principle. He washed their feet - the duty of a servant. Even Peter could not understand this fundamental truth of greatness. In all areas of life, to be great is to know how best we can serve one another. As a parent, we serve our children, when we grow up, we serve our parents, our employers, our clients, our country, our loved ones and our peers.
We live in a competitive and self-aggrandising world where examples of humility, kindness, helpfulness, and caring for others first are hard to find.
Great is the reward, the sense of purpose and self satisfaction are what we reap if we follow our Master's footstep.
He is our comfort
17 December 2008
'He comforts us every time we have trouble, so when others have trouble, we can comfort them with the same comfort God gives us' 2 Cor 1:4
The message here gives us comfort and hope for the broken. He is God of all comfort who reaches down to us with a healing touch. God will never forsake us even when our brokenness is our own making. God is still kind and merciful and always on our side. He is present in the midst of all circumstances. God can turn all tragedy into triumph (Ps 30:11).
No human thoughts or words can explain away or provide comfort for our suffering and pain. His ultimate expression of comfort is the gift of salvation and eternal life through the death of His son Jesus Christ (1Pet 3:18). He brings us to God, the source of all comfort.
'He comforts us every time we have trouble, so when others have trouble, we can comfort them with the same comfort God gives us' 2 Cor 1:4
The message here gives us comfort and hope for the broken. He is God of all comfort who reaches down to us with a healing touch. God will never forsake us even when our brokenness is our own making. God is still kind and merciful and always on our side. He is present in the midst of all circumstances. God can turn all tragedy into triumph (Ps 30:11).
No human thoughts or words can explain away or provide comfort for our suffering and pain. His ultimate expression of comfort is the gift of salvation and eternal life through the death of His son Jesus Christ (1Pet 3:18). He brings us to God, the source of all comfort.
He Hears us
16 December 2008
'Then those who fear the Lord spoke to one another, And the Lord listened and heard them; So a BOOK of Remembrance was written before Him. For those who fear the Lord And who meditate on His name ' Malachi 3:16
We can take comfort to know that God listen to our cries and heard them. What is significant here is that when we share the same burden and concerns together and agree in prayer, God chooses to respond to their unity by making His powerful presence known in their midst (Matthew 18:19-20)
If you are carrying concerns about your family or your church or your friends, ask God to bring like-minded believers around you to share the burdens with you in conversation and in prayer. As you face your concerns, seek out those believers with whom you can stand and share your load.
God remembers them and written these in His book of remembrance.
'Then those who fear the Lord spoke to one another, And the Lord listened and heard them; So a BOOK of Remembrance was written before Him. For those who fear the Lord And who meditate on His name ' Malachi 3:16
We can take comfort to know that God listen to our cries and heard them. What is significant here is that when we share the same burden and concerns together and agree in prayer, God chooses to respond to their unity by making His powerful presence known in their midst (Matthew 18:19-20)
If you are carrying concerns about your family or your church or your friends, ask God to bring like-minded believers around you to share the burdens with you in conversation and in prayer. As you face your concerns, seek out those believers with whom you can stand and share your load.
God remembers them and written these in His book of remembrance.
Daily Dependence
15 December 2008
' Trust the Lord with all your heart, and don't depend on your own understanding. Remember the Lord in all you do, and He will give you success' Pro 3:5-6
The moment we turn our eyes from Him and we trust ourselves more than Him, we are heading toward a spiritual decline in our walk with Him. It cuts both ways.
1) Pride: it is unhealthy and when such arrogance slips into our thinking, we become convinced that we are in control of our own world and this will affect our behaviours, our attitudes, and our relationship with people around us. Pride stinks the nostril of our God.
2) Despair: this happens when we face inevitable difficulties and setbacks of life that are outside of our control - illness, a difficult relationship and an economic downturn.
To have strong defense against these 'odds' , the bible tells us to daily trust in Him for He is the source of all good gifts, provisions, the only safe refuge. When life becomes difficult, he steers us from the twin dangers of pride and despair.
Psalms 40:3-5 , God reminded us that he is always thinking of us despite our disobedience and rebellion against Him. It is a privilege to know that He is thinking of us. The prophet Jeremiah tells us that His thoughts toward us is for our well being and it is the thought of peace in us and we will have an expected end.
Take heart, God will not abandon us. It is us who abandon Him.
' Trust the Lord with all your heart, and don't depend on your own understanding. Remember the Lord in all you do, and He will give you success' Pro 3:5-6
The moment we turn our eyes from Him and we trust ourselves more than Him, we are heading toward a spiritual decline in our walk with Him. It cuts both ways.
1) Pride: it is unhealthy and when such arrogance slips into our thinking, we become convinced that we are in control of our own world and this will affect our behaviours, our attitudes, and our relationship with people around us. Pride stinks the nostril of our God.
2) Despair: this happens when we face inevitable difficulties and setbacks of life that are outside of our control - illness, a difficult relationship and an economic downturn.
To have strong defense against these 'odds' , the bible tells us to daily trust in Him for He is the source of all good gifts, provisions, the only safe refuge. When life becomes difficult, he steers us from the twin dangers of pride and despair.
Psalms 40:3-5 , God reminded us that he is always thinking of us despite our disobedience and rebellion against Him. It is a privilege to know that He is thinking of us. The prophet Jeremiah tells us that His thoughts toward us is for our well being and it is the thought of peace in us and we will have an expected end.
Take heart, God will not abandon us. It is us who abandon Him.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
