The End of True Testing
Whose feet they hurt with fetters: he was laid in iron: Until the time that his word came: the word of the LORD tried him. (Psa 105:18-19)
Testing serves to establish or to validate the authenticity of our true inner nature (Duet 8:2) and the Lord will again and again use the pain of it to try us but never beyond what we are able (1 Cor 10:13). The only way of escape is the narrow orifice of His way and will. Hence we glory in tribulation because it is the vehicle whereby the purposes of God lead us to the place of the generous pouring forth of His Love in our hearts (Rom 5:1-5). We may question that this is a rather strange way to experience the wholeness of God’s love toward us, but this seemingly cruel method that our God again and again employ to bring about the reality of death unto resurrection, mortification unto vivification, bringing to us His love through the cross. He will use people and circumstance as instruments but His ultimate Word will be the plumb line; we will be tested for what we believe and preach (Heb 4:12) for His Word will bring division of the soulish and the spiritual. The Lord’s Word will try our will to obey in the given situation of trial.
The cost of disobedience is to come short of God’s initial intent of a glorious church (Rom 3:23). The cost of discipleship is the cross that puts to death self, death of self is not total loss but there is a transaction of a lesser life to the glorious Life of the Son of God.
But think on me when it shall be well with thee, and shew kindness, I pray thee, unto me, and make mention of me unto Pharaoh, and bring me out of this house… Yet did not the chief butler remember Joseph, but forgat him. (Gen 40:14, 23)
We should not avert testing, if we do this will short circuit His plan in our lives. He may allow us to be forgotten by man, loosing any human respect, to be humbled to the point of being unrecognized. We may wonder if anyone still remembers us in our dungeon of despair. He will. It is at the end of ourselves that God intervenes and graduates us to present the Life of God to others. The discipline of God upon Joseph built a man of strong Godly character worthy to wear the hat of power and authority to give life when all of man’s abilities and capabilities fail (Gen 47:15). Unless bread in the hands of the Master is blessed and broken (Matt 14:19) through suffering, there cannot bear life giving significance. Are we willing to be laid in iron, not by man, by our God to be a life giver? God will only give what is worthy in His hands.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Friday, February 12, 2010
Godly Heritage
As a husband and father, it is my responsibility to bring the Truth to my family for it carries the divine power to sanctify (John 17:17) us in our journey in God's predestined plan unto blamelessness (Eph 1:4).
I am very blessed to have a daughter that loves the Word of Truth and going to the next level of maturity to meditate hence en-grafting His Word. My daughter's meditative blog: http://littledisciples.blogspot.com/
I am also blessed to have a son who because of his desire to know true wisdom has taken initiative to memorize Prov 1 and 2.
......and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. (Jam 1:21)
Parents, let us be encouraged that we have a significant role in our building up a Godly Heritage (for He is the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob... the God of Israel, His people).
Start in small steps as a family.
- Memorize and meditate on 1 or a few verses weekly
- Talk about the Word. Discuss about what it means to us and to the children (Duet 6:7) instead of gossiping about others and the government
- Read the 5 Psalms and the Proverbs together. (Read the chapter according to the date. For the Psalms add 30 to each chapter and so forth. Reserve Psalm 119 and Prov 31 for the 31st of the month)
- Center family time around the Bible, prayer and worship. Remove the television and other distractions
- Enthrone the LORD GOD over our families
- Confess sins and disappointments to each other
- Pray for the sick, needy, pastors, leaders of our nation and lastly for ourselves (1 Tim 2:2) and not complain
- Express true gratefulness to each other and to our God (1 Thess 5:18)
Being the head of the family has it's challenges, but in meekness and humility, seek the Lord and in our weakness, His strength will be manifested (2 Cor 12:9).
As a husband and father, it is my responsibility to bring the Truth to my family for it carries the divine power to sanctify (John 17:17) us in our journey in God's predestined plan unto blamelessness (Eph 1:4).
I am very blessed to have a daughter that loves the Word of Truth and going to the next level of maturity to meditate hence en-grafting His Word. My daughter's meditative blog: http://littledisciples.blogspot.com/
I am also blessed to have a son who because of his desire to know true wisdom has taken initiative to memorize Prov 1 and 2.
......and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. (Jam 1:21)
Parents, let us be encouraged that we have a significant role in our building up a Godly Heritage (for He is the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob... the God of Israel, His people).
Start in small steps as a family.
- Memorize and meditate on 1 or a few verses weekly
- Talk about the Word. Discuss about what it means to us and to the children (Duet 6:7) instead of gossiping about others and the government
- Read the 5 Psalms and the Proverbs together. (Read the chapter according to the date. For the Psalms add 30 to each chapter and so forth. Reserve Psalm 119 and Prov 31 for the 31st of the month)
- Center family time around the Bible, prayer and worship. Remove the television and other distractions
- Enthrone the LORD GOD over our families
- Confess sins and disappointments to each other
- Pray for the sick, needy, pastors, leaders of our nation and lastly for ourselves (1 Tim 2:2) and not complain
- Express true gratefulness to each other and to our God (1 Thess 5:18)
Being the head of the family has it's challenges, but in meekness and humility, seek the Lord and in our weakness, His strength will be manifested (2 Cor 12:9).
Thursday, February 11, 2010
The Songs of Ascents
By God's grace, my wife has been able to put music to the Songs of Ascents. Hope that you are blessed. You can get details from http://www.m-csn.com/esthermui.htm
By God's grace, my wife has been able to put music to the Songs of Ascents. Hope that you are blessed. You can get details from http://www.m-csn.com/esthermui.htm
Tuesday, February 09, 2010
Our Resolve to Apprehend
Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. (Php 3:12)
As we encounter failures, depression, frustration, lack of victory in our Christian life there can arise the danger of excuses that attaining to the stature of which God our Father has ordained (Eph 1: 4, 5) is not for me but for other 'spiritual giants'. And with that we may give up following after, pursuing with vigor as Paul did and we start to stagnate or worst still end up back sliding. The tendency is to let go of that which we were first apprehended of Christ and start to cling on to another thing is doesn’t bear any resemblance to His life, the Abundance of Life He promised.
By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. (Heb 11:8)
Christ has apprehended us, but do we do our part of apprehending? Are we ready to allow ourselves to be taken custody under the authority of Christ? People generally dislike being out of control, being ‘in-control’ is where we find our own footing. Having Christ master over us is something most of us will strife against because it will rock our boat and there could be times He will even command us to get out of that boat of comfort and safety to walk on water to step into His unknown. To step out into Christ’s unknown is called ‘faith’. Faith brings into reality the promises of God and more so of Himself but with the prerequisite of letting go and clinging to His Word. Nothing else but His Word, for it comes with the responding to our hearing (Rom 10:17). Are we satisfied with just His Word or still looking for tangibles as crutches (John 20:29), for if we have the understanding that He magnified His Word above His name (Psa 138:2) His Word becomes the breath and energy of faith.
Have we been apprehended of Christ Jesus? If so have we resolved to apprehend with following after, pursuing vigor that sets us on the journey of conforming to Christ our Perfection..... ‘may be found of Him in peace, without spot, and blameless’ (2 Pet 3:14). Is there a greater mastering of Christ over more and more areas of our life with lesser self-influence (John 3:30) even if it means understanding to the fullest of knowing Him... and the fellowship of His sufferings being made conformable unto His death (Php 3:10).
Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. (Php 3:12)
As we encounter failures, depression, frustration, lack of victory in our Christian life there can arise the danger of excuses that attaining to the stature of which God our Father has ordained (Eph 1: 4, 5) is not for me but for other 'spiritual giants'. And with that we may give up following after, pursuing with vigor as Paul did and we start to stagnate or worst still end up back sliding. The tendency is to let go of that which we were first apprehended of Christ and start to cling on to another thing is doesn’t bear any resemblance to His life, the Abundance of Life He promised.
By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. (Heb 11:8)
Christ has apprehended us, but do we do our part of apprehending? Are we ready to allow ourselves to be taken custody under the authority of Christ? People generally dislike being out of control, being ‘in-control’ is where we find our own footing. Having Christ master over us is something most of us will strife against because it will rock our boat and there could be times He will even command us to get out of that boat of comfort and safety to walk on water to step into His unknown. To step out into Christ’s unknown is called ‘faith’. Faith brings into reality the promises of God and more so of Himself but with the prerequisite of letting go and clinging to His Word. Nothing else but His Word, for it comes with the responding to our hearing (Rom 10:17). Are we satisfied with just His Word or still looking for tangibles as crutches (John 20:29), for if we have the understanding that He magnified His Word above His name (Psa 138:2) His Word becomes the breath and energy of faith.
Have we been apprehended of Christ Jesus? If so have we resolved to apprehend with following after, pursuing vigor that sets us on the journey of conforming to Christ our Perfection..... ‘may be found of Him in peace, without spot, and blameless’ (2 Pet 3:14). Is there a greater mastering of Christ over more and more areas of our life with lesser self-influence (John 3:30) even if it means understanding to the fullest of knowing Him... and the fellowship of His sufferings being made conformable unto His death (Php 3:10).
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Victory in the Place of Authority
…… and they cried, The sword of the LORD, and of Gideon. (Jdg 7:20)
Christ looks at the church as His body, in oneness both in joy and in suffering. Jesus prayed that we would be one as He is one with the Father, because this is the reason for the world that they may believe that the Father has send the Son (John 17:21). In that sending of Jesus is the testimony of the Father’s love (John 3:16) for the world which cannot save itself. Beyond saving us is that ‘God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh’ (Rom 8:3). This is the victorious Christian life that Christ has conquered sin (the ‘factory’ of sins) for us and the church glorious (Heb 2:10), no longer bond (Rom 6:16). There is a freedom from as subjects under the authority of sin to the Divine Authority of Christ.
If Gideon’s army merely cried out ‘the sword of the Lord’ and no further, they could not have realized their victory over their enemy who enslaved them. As with soldiers (2 Tim 2:3, 4), our victory can only be realized under authority. Paul and the other apostles had never taught rebellion to the oppressive Roman Empire but to be subject, giving thanks in prayer for the authorities (1 Tim 2:1,2). God has been sovereign to ordain even our government and employers regardless of they being hard taskmasters or not (1 Pet 2:13, 14, 18). Family order and spiritual authority also play important roles for our protection. It is easy to consider ourselves subject to the authority of Christ, but are we willing to come under authority that we may not view as ‘spiritual’. Followers of the Way do not distinguish the spiritual and the natural. Oswald Chambers said that the test of our spirituality is not at the mountain top experiences, but down at the valley of testing.
God has laid out His divine order, are we willing to submit to both natural and spiritual authority? Or are we rebellious and our prayers, words and actions carry elements of witchcraft (1 Sam 15:23). Passing the test of the Divine order in the natural life is also the proof of submission in the spiritual; hence there is our cognizance of total victory in glorious Christian life.
…… and they cried, The sword of the LORD, and of Gideon. (Jdg 7:20)
Christ looks at the church as His body, in oneness both in joy and in suffering. Jesus prayed that we would be one as He is one with the Father, because this is the reason for the world that they may believe that the Father has send the Son (John 17:21). In that sending of Jesus is the testimony of the Father’s love (John 3:16) for the world which cannot save itself. Beyond saving us is that ‘God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh’ (Rom 8:3). This is the victorious Christian life that Christ has conquered sin (the ‘factory’ of sins) for us and the church glorious (Heb 2:10), no longer bond (Rom 6:16). There is a freedom from as subjects under the authority of sin to the Divine Authority of Christ.
If Gideon’s army merely cried out ‘the sword of the Lord’ and no further, they could not have realized their victory over their enemy who enslaved them. As with soldiers (2 Tim 2:3, 4), our victory can only be realized under authority. Paul and the other apostles had never taught rebellion to the oppressive Roman Empire but to be subject, giving thanks in prayer for the authorities (1 Tim 2:1,2). God has been sovereign to ordain even our government and employers regardless of they being hard taskmasters or not (1 Pet 2:13, 14, 18). Family order and spiritual authority also play important roles for our protection. It is easy to consider ourselves subject to the authority of Christ, but are we willing to come under authority that we may not view as ‘spiritual’. Followers of the Way do not distinguish the spiritual and the natural. Oswald Chambers said that the test of our spirituality is not at the mountain top experiences, but down at the valley of testing.
God has laid out His divine order, are we willing to submit to both natural and spiritual authority? Or are we rebellious and our prayers, words and actions carry elements of witchcraft (1 Sam 15:23). Passing the test of the Divine order in the natural life is also the proof of submission in the spiritual; hence there is our cognizance of total victory in glorious Christian life.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Giving of Life
If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God….. (1 Pet 4:11)
Have we ever considered that even our speech carries the authority, power and ambassadorship (2 Cor 5:20) in the representation of God? Representing the Almighty to the world shrouded with darkness without form and void of His love, blessing, coverage and Lordship. Out of that same darkness we who have been called out of the condition deficient of the Light of God have the authority to proclaim life as did God speaking ‘Let there be light: and there was light’ (Gen 1:3).
With this reasoning we have to jealously guard our mouths, but more so deal with the true condition of our hearts which out of it springs forth the issues of life (Prov 4:23). Our speaking betrays the cleanness and purity of our hearts (Matt 12:34). Do we speak our mind or does our speech derive from the mind of Christ (1 Cor 2:16)? Our tongue is either a pure spring of life or spewing the stench of death, discouragement, pride, condemnation etc, where both speaker and hearer can get defiled.
The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. (Psa 19:1-2)
If our speech were to be weight by the Lord, how much of it bears any eternal significance? Only the Word of God will outlast heaven and earth (Matt 24:35), think about the heritage as sons of God to be vessels to carry His Word to bring light to darkness, life to situations of death. Have we been sons of encouragement or agents of discouragement?
If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God….. (1 Pet 4:11)
Have we ever considered that even our speech carries the authority, power and ambassadorship (2 Cor 5:20) in the representation of God? Representing the Almighty to the world shrouded with darkness without form and void of His love, blessing, coverage and Lordship. Out of that same darkness we who have been called out of the condition deficient of the Light of God have the authority to proclaim life as did God speaking ‘Let there be light: and there was light’ (Gen 1:3).
With this reasoning we have to jealously guard our mouths, but more so deal with the true condition of our hearts which out of it springs forth the issues of life (Prov 4:23). Our speaking betrays the cleanness and purity of our hearts (Matt 12:34). Do we speak our mind or does our speech derive from the mind of Christ (1 Cor 2:16)? Our tongue is either a pure spring of life or spewing the stench of death, discouragement, pride, condemnation etc, where both speaker and hearer can get defiled.
The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. (Psa 19:1-2)
If our speech were to be weight by the Lord, how much of it bears any eternal significance? Only the Word of God will outlast heaven and earth (Matt 24:35), think about the heritage as sons of God to be vessels to carry His Word to bring light to darkness, life to situations of death. Have we been sons of encouragement or agents of discouragement?
Friday, January 15, 2010
Our Anticipation
He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.
(Rev 22:20)
The Bible ends with a cry for the quickening of the Lord’s coming. Our forefathers in the faith lived with great anticipation as though Jesus will be coming in their generation, not with any other reason save in response to Christ’s promise that He will indeed come quickly. Paul’s prayer is that God preserves us unto His Coming not unto when our pilgrimage of earth ends (1 Thess 5:23), meaning there is a glorious anticipation for us in witnessing ‘the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory’ (Matt 24:30). James asks us to be patient with an established heart for the coming of the Lord is drawing nigh (Jam 5:8).
And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. (Heb 11:15)
The Patriarchs saw with revelation of a greater inheritance beyond the temporal by embracing the eternal thus living an antithetical life of being strangers and pilgrims (Heb 11:13). Abraham the tent dweller saw beyond the temporal and physical for a city with foundations built by God (Heb 11:10), his life was lived in tents but desiring the eternal with permanent and unshakable foundations. God looks at such precious lives unashamed to be called their God (Heb 11:16). Do we live with the same perspective as our spiritual forefathers? Has the reality of God penetrated, intruded into our lives, turning it upside down, victoriously over sin and self; and we being conformed to the image of His Beloved Son? Perhaps the answer is in our anticipation.
The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their meat in the summer (Prov 30:25)
What differs between the ten virgins, five with and five without oil (Matt 25:1-13)? It is wisdom versus foolishness; where the former live in the state of preparedness. The Book of Proverbs teaches wisdom to avoid certain people and terrible circumstances (setting apart), and it teaches us preparedness in anticipation for the future. Our future hope in which we are to comfort each other is in the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Thess 4:18) not for a better future on earth. May we have revelation as the Patriarchs did and share the same anticipation as the early apostles, for He comes in the night hour least expected where the unprepared will be caught unawares.
He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.
(Rev 22:20)
The Bible ends with a cry for the quickening of the Lord’s coming. Our forefathers in the faith lived with great anticipation as though Jesus will be coming in their generation, not with any other reason save in response to Christ’s promise that He will indeed come quickly. Paul’s prayer is that God preserves us unto His Coming not unto when our pilgrimage of earth ends (1 Thess 5:23), meaning there is a glorious anticipation for us in witnessing ‘the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory’ (Matt 24:30). James asks us to be patient with an established heart for the coming of the Lord is drawing nigh (Jam 5:8).
And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. (Heb 11:15)
The Patriarchs saw with revelation of a greater inheritance beyond the temporal by embracing the eternal thus living an antithetical life of being strangers and pilgrims (Heb 11:13). Abraham the tent dweller saw beyond the temporal and physical for a city with foundations built by God (Heb 11:10), his life was lived in tents but desiring the eternal with permanent and unshakable foundations. God looks at such precious lives unashamed to be called their God (Heb 11:16). Do we live with the same perspective as our spiritual forefathers? Has the reality of God penetrated, intruded into our lives, turning it upside down, victoriously over sin and self; and we being conformed to the image of His Beloved Son? Perhaps the answer is in our anticipation.
The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their meat in the summer (Prov 30:25)
What differs between the ten virgins, five with and five without oil (Matt 25:1-13)? It is wisdom versus foolishness; where the former live in the state of preparedness. The Book of Proverbs teaches wisdom to avoid certain people and terrible circumstances (setting apart), and it teaches us preparedness in anticipation for the future. Our future hope in which we are to comfort each other is in the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Thess 4:18) not for a better future on earth. May we have revelation as the Patriarchs did and share the same anticipation as the early apostles, for He comes in the night hour least expected where the unprepared will be caught unawares.
Tuesday, January 05, 2010
Eradication of Self Effort
Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. (Php 3:6)
There have been times when we can think that God calls us to service, but Saul found out that man’s best effort is not God’s requirement. We can also fall into a trap where we think that serving God is a sign of our holiness. On the contrary we have to reckon and come to conclude that the bottom line to those things we love and doing the Lord’s work as counted as loss. Not for loss and into ‘nothing-ness’ but a divine transaction to replace the things that we value so much and have become an integral part of us with the satisfaction of Christ alone. Paul says loss for Christ (Php 3:7), not just one thing to another but to a greater in the Person of the Lord Jesus Christ. There is a leaving of one state to another (1 Pet 2:9 and John 3:30) to becoming a son with inheritance, we can’t maintain our current state and hope to have Christ formed in our lives (Gal 4:19).
With this we have to understand the truth of ‘holiness’. Watchman Nee explains holiness as not the eradication of sin but set-apart, wholly belonging to Another. Leaving our old master to yield to the One Master (Matt 6:24) where often the old master concerns self, not just the devil. Jesus has dealt the death blow to the devil on the cross two thousand years ago; however the cross of discipleship deals with the master 'self'. The test of being set apart is at the times of loss whether it be loved ones (even our own children), money, possessions and time. Do we possess or are we possessed by them? If we possess as stewards than giving up doesn't end with any bitterness but demonstrated with thankfulness that we have been blessed and now it’s time to have others blessed. Loosing children is very hard as I have witnessed a loss of an 8 year old cousin to my uncle and aunt. But if the 8 years is seen as a blessing of 8 years of joy that the Lord has graciously given then bitterness won’t set in. Set apart lives live in true gratefulness that God is sovereign over all.
We can’t be super-spiritual to say that there is no pain in loss. Paul’s loss was very real for he had to leave everything that he lived for, believed in, born into and even dreams for the future... his past life was the sum total of 'him'. The Saul was the self that Paul painfully left behind. That is why he could say ‘for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus’ (Gal 6:17). The marks are left there as the scars of crucifixion for ourselves and also for others so that we can make the same Christ like invitation ‘Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing’ (John 20:27).
How often we ask Jesus ‘What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?’ (John 6:28). The Lord’s reply to us is ‘that ye believe on him whom he hath sent’ (John 6:29). Our setting apart for God is not that we called to missions, preaching, or whatever good works but child-like, unwavering believing Him. Our setting apart is His Lordship over us, when He does give us assignments it will done in His name and His grace, without an ounce of self effort.
Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. (Php 3:6)
There have been times when we can think that God calls us to service, but Saul found out that man’s best effort is not God’s requirement. We can also fall into a trap where we think that serving God is a sign of our holiness. On the contrary we have to reckon and come to conclude that the bottom line to those things we love and doing the Lord’s work as counted as loss. Not for loss and into ‘nothing-ness’ but a divine transaction to replace the things that we value so much and have become an integral part of us with the satisfaction of Christ alone. Paul says loss for Christ (Php 3:7), not just one thing to another but to a greater in the Person of the Lord Jesus Christ. There is a leaving of one state to another (1 Pet 2:9 and John 3:30) to becoming a son with inheritance, we can’t maintain our current state and hope to have Christ formed in our lives (Gal 4:19).
With this we have to understand the truth of ‘holiness’. Watchman Nee explains holiness as not the eradication of sin but set-apart, wholly belonging to Another. Leaving our old master to yield to the One Master (Matt 6:24) where often the old master concerns self, not just the devil. Jesus has dealt the death blow to the devil on the cross two thousand years ago; however the cross of discipleship deals with the master 'self'. The test of being set apart is at the times of loss whether it be loved ones (even our own children), money, possessions and time. Do we possess or are we possessed by them? If we possess as stewards than giving up doesn't end with any bitterness but demonstrated with thankfulness that we have been blessed and now it’s time to have others blessed. Loosing children is very hard as I have witnessed a loss of an 8 year old cousin to my uncle and aunt. But if the 8 years is seen as a blessing of 8 years of joy that the Lord has graciously given then bitterness won’t set in. Set apart lives live in true gratefulness that God is sovereign over all.
We can’t be super-spiritual to say that there is no pain in loss. Paul’s loss was very real for he had to leave everything that he lived for, believed in, born into and even dreams for the future... his past life was the sum total of 'him'. The Saul was the self that Paul painfully left behind. That is why he could say ‘for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus’ (Gal 6:17). The marks are left there as the scars of crucifixion for ourselves and also for others so that we can make the same Christ like invitation ‘Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing’ (John 20:27).
How often we ask Jesus ‘What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?’ (John 6:28). The Lord’s reply to us is ‘that ye believe on him whom he hath sent’ (John 6:29). Our setting apart for God is not that we called to missions, preaching, or whatever good works but child-like, unwavering believing Him. Our setting apart is His Lordship over us, when He does give us assignments it will done in His name and His grace, without an ounce of self effort.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Working out God’s Natural Care
For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state. For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's. (Phil 2:20-21)
Our cares betray our seeking. What is natural to us is ‘self’ but God desires that He build into us a care for others. To care for others beyond self is to ensure the best of the other. Jesus willingly lay down His rights and even reputation (Phil 2:6, 7) to fulfill the Father’s will…. ‘Thy will be done’ (Matt 26:42), the cup of self suffering has taken last place. It mattered most to Jesus that the Father’s will be done. Thus our prayer is the Father’s will be done on earth as it is in heaven (Matt 6:10).
Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; (Matt 5:23)
There are situations in our life when God doesn’t desire our sacrifice, no matter how much it cost us. One of these situations is when there is a break down in relationship. Jesus didn’t say if we have something against someone else, but someone else has something against us. To win over an offended brother or sister ‘is harder to be won than a strong city’ (Prov 18:19), thus our ‘natural-self’ is one that would try cover up offense by our religious fervency. Offense toward each other bring about bitterness which Paul ask us to ‘put away’ with the correct response of being ‘kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you’ (Eph 4:31, 32). If Paul says to ‘put away’, it does not mean we have to fast, pray or perform any great spiritual feats, but reminding us that we have to put our will to doing it.
The working out is to ‘leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift’ (Matt 5:24). Working this out is seeking the things which are Jesus Christ’s, because He forgave that we can forgive.
Is there a brother, a sister, an in-law, a father, a mother, etc that we need to be reconciled? Are we willing to have the mind of Christ to lay aside our reputation as He has given us the ‘ministry of reconciliation’ (2 Cor 5:18)? He has given us this ministry; hence there is no need for us to pray or even fast over it. If this person is still alive, it is time we write that letter, pick up the phone or make that visit to reconcile, lest our offering of service to the Holy God is not received. If this person has passed on, work it out with the Lord; ‘Against thee, thee only, have I sinned…’ (Psa 51:4).
How sweet it is to the Lord, for He will not despise such a broken and contrite heart (Psa 51:17).
For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state. For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's. (Phil 2:20-21)
Our cares betray our seeking. What is natural to us is ‘self’ but God desires that He build into us a care for others. To care for others beyond self is to ensure the best of the other. Jesus willingly lay down His rights and even reputation (Phil 2:6, 7) to fulfill the Father’s will…. ‘Thy will be done’ (Matt 26:42), the cup of self suffering has taken last place. It mattered most to Jesus that the Father’s will be done. Thus our prayer is the Father’s will be done on earth as it is in heaven (Matt 6:10).
Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; (Matt 5:23)
There are situations in our life when God doesn’t desire our sacrifice, no matter how much it cost us. One of these situations is when there is a break down in relationship. Jesus didn’t say if we have something against someone else, but someone else has something against us. To win over an offended brother or sister ‘is harder to be won than a strong city’ (Prov 18:19), thus our ‘natural-self’ is one that would try cover up offense by our religious fervency. Offense toward each other bring about bitterness which Paul ask us to ‘put away’ with the correct response of being ‘kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you’ (Eph 4:31, 32). If Paul says to ‘put away’, it does not mean we have to fast, pray or perform any great spiritual feats, but reminding us that we have to put our will to doing it.
The working out is to ‘leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift’ (Matt 5:24). Working this out is seeking the things which are Jesus Christ’s, because He forgave that we can forgive.
Is there a brother, a sister, an in-law, a father, a mother, etc that we need to be reconciled? Are we willing to have the mind of Christ to lay aside our reputation as He has given us the ‘ministry of reconciliation’ (2 Cor 5:18)? He has given us this ministry; hence there is no need for us to pray or even fast over it. If this person is still alive, it is time we write that letter, pick up the phone or make that visit to reconcile, lest our offering of service to the Holy God is not received. If this person has passed on, work it out with the Lord; ‘Against thee, thee only, have I sinned…’ (Psa 51:4).
How sweet it is to the Lord, for He will not despise such a broken and contrite heart (Psa 51:17).
Thursday, December 03, 2009
True Spirituality
Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: (Phil 2:5)
We often struggle in our Christian walk because we try to ‘spiritualize’ our flesh life thus leading to lack of moral victory, weariness and depression. Haven’t we heard people telling us not to spiritualize the common things in life, could it be because they detected some irregularities in the way we walk, talk and live? If there is a lack of genuineness than there is a danger of us taking on a form of pseudo spirituality? This is true if we, in our weak human mind, attempt with our utmost to spiritualize our life and everything that we do daily. We try to bring in the spiritual into our lives by ‘cleaning up’ some clutter in our lives to make room for 'spirituality'. Failing to achieve spiritual victory brings about self disapproval. Paul says that ‘There is therefore now no condemnation’ (Rom 8:1) if we don’t make room but rather allow God to fully immerse us in spirituality. True spirituality is not something we are obligated to fulfill sometime during the course of our day, but instead being soaked in the spiritual life that compels us to be naturally fitted into God’s agenda. To achieve this is not in the trying, but hunger and thirst (Matt 5:6) and come to an end of ourselves with the realization of bankruptcy of our spirit (Matt 5:3). God in His Grace and Mercy will fulfill that prayer, because He has a greater desire to conform us to Him than we trying to make the Christian life fit to according to our needs and convenience.
That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. (John 17:21)
There is a danger that we make spirituality a showcase that ‘God has worked into me’. Jesus was very natural in the cooking of fish by the seashore and in His interaction with people. ‘It is a trap to presume that God wants to make us perfect specimens of what He can do— God’s purpose is to make us one with Himself’ (Oswald Chambers). We need to understand oneness with Christ as the spiritual coming to us, not we fitting in the spiritual.
Jesus came from the realm of the spirit to dwell among man. He lived a very ‘real’ life and the people loved Him. The rejection of His Lordship was from the pseudo spiritual ones that had supposed deeper spiritual understanding and authority. He rose from death of the cross with scars and ate food (Luke 24:42). Let His mind be in us so that we live the life of the Son of God in power of spiritual authenticity without any form of inconsistencies (Jam 1:8, 4:8) that the world may see Christ in us the hope of glory (Col 1:27)
Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: (Phil 2:5)
We often struggle in our Christian walk because we try to ‘spiritualize’ our flesh life thus leading to lack of moral victory, weariness and depression. Haven’t we heard people telling us not to spiritualize the common things in life, could it be because they detected some irregularities in the way we walk, talk and live? If there is a lack of genuineness than there is a danger of us taking on a form of pseudo spirituality? This is true if we, in our weak human mind, attempt with our utmost to spiritualize our life and everything that we do daily. We try to bring in the spiritual into our lives by ‘cleaning up’ some clutter in our lives to make room for 'spirituality'. Failing to achieve spiritual victory brings about self disapproval. Paul says that ‘There is therefore now no condemnation’ (Rom 8:1) if we don’t make room but rather allow God to fully immerse us in spirituality. True spirituality is not something we are obligated to fulfill sometime during the course of our day, but instead being soaked in the spiritual life that compels us to be naturally fitted into God’s agenda. To achieve this is not in the trying, but hunger and thirst (Matt 5:6) and come to an end of ourselves with the realization of bankruptcy of our spirit (Matt 5:3). God in His Grace and Mercy will fulfill that prayer, because He has a greater desire to conform us to Him than we trying to make the Christian life fit to according to our needs and convenience.
That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. (John 17:21)
There is a danger that we make spirituality a showcase that ‘God has worked into me’. Jesus was very natural in the cooking of fish by the seashore and in His interaction with people. ‘It is a trap to presume that God wants to make us perfect specimens of what He can do— God’s purpose is to make us one with Himself’ (Oswald Chambers). We need to understand oneness with Christ as the spiritual coming to us, not we fitting in the spiritual.
Jesus came from the realm of the spirit to dwell among man. He lived a very ‘real’ life and the people loved Him. The rejection of His Lordship was from the pseudo spiritual ones that had supposed deeper spiritual understanding and authority. He rose from death of the cross with scars and ate food (Luke 24:42). Let His mind be in us so that we live the life of the Son of God in power of spiritual authenticity without any form of inconsistencies (Jam 1:8, 4:8) that the world may see Christ in us the hope of glory (Col 1:27)
Wednesday, December 02, 2009
Whole Power of God
Whether is it easier to say to the sick of the palsy, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and take up thy bed, and walk? (Mark 2:9)
There is another power of God that we cannot ignore that takes its full force in dealing with our human nature. This power is beyond human reasoning (Mark 2:8) for our thoughts will never be able to comprehend the full working of His power. Human thoughts can lead to despair and fear (Luke 24:38), confined to man’s laws (Luke 6:7,8) and basically evil because of our fallen nature (Mark 7:21). It took the work of the cross to reconcile even our minds to God (Col 1:20-21), hence the renewing happens to our mind to bring us into the good, perfect and acceptable will of God (Rom 12:2). Repentance is essentially the overhauling of our mind and thoughts to conform to the mind of Christ (1 Cor 2:16)
Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee. (John 5:14)
The man sick of the palsy and the impotent man by the pool of Bethesda have one thing is common, immediate obedience as the demonstration of their faith in receiving the healing power by taking up their beds and walk. Both men also received the other power of Christ which is forgiveness. Have we indeed received the other power of God which has eternal consequences, that is forgiveness of sin? We must always remember that the primary reason for the cross of Jesus is the power to forgive (Rom 3:25), for the power of healing is temporal for ‘it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment’ (Heb 9:27). Therefore the more lasting power of God is to cleanse us whole not just to heal bodily.
Of all the multitudes that desired healing at the pool of Bethesda that day, why did Jesus only heal one? Perhaps He saw in this man a faith to respond quickly, meaning willing to put aside all forms of human reasoning to receive His healing power. Perhaps Jesus saw the man readily accepting His greater eternal power to deal with morality. Our discipleship is about the cross that deals daily with our sin. How effectual is this power of God over our lives, not just to meet our current needs, but for eternity past the temporal unto becoming glorious church whom He is waiting to receive (Rev 22:17)?
Whether is it easier to say to the sick of the palsy, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and take up thy bed, and walk? (Mark 2:9)
There is another power of God that we cannot ignore that takes its full force in dealing with our human nature. This power is beyond human reasoning (Mark 2:8) for our thoughts will never be able to comprehend the full working of His power. Human thoughts can lead to despair and fear (Luke 24:38), confined to man’s laws (Luke 6:7,8) and basically evil because of our fallen nature (Mark 7:21). It took the work of the cross to reconcile even our minds to God (Col 1:20-21), hence the renewing happens to our mind to bring us into the good, perfect and acceptable will of God (Rom 12:2). Repentance is essentially the overhauling of our mind and thoughts to conform to the mind of Christ (1 Cor 2:16)
Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee. (John 5:14)
The man sick of the palsy and the impotent man by the pool of Bethesda have one thing is common, immediate obedience as the demonstration of their faith in receiving the healing power by taking up their beds and walk. Both men also received the other power of Christ which is forgiveness. Have we indeed received the other power of God which has eternal consequences, that is forgiveness of sin? We must always remember that the primary reason for the cross of Jesus is the power to forgive (Rom 3:25), for the power of healing is temporal for ‘it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment’ (Heb 9:27). Therefore the more lasting power of God is to cleanse us whole not just to heal bodily.
Of all the multitudes that desired healing at the pool of Bethesda that day, why did Jesus only heal one? Perhaps He saw in this man a faith to respond quickly, meaning willing to put aside all forms of human reasoning to receive His healing power. Perhaps Jesus saw the man readily accepting His greater eternal power to deal with morality. Our discipleship is about the cross that deals daily with our sin. How effectual is this power of God over our lives, not just to meet our current needs, but for eternity past the temporal unto becoming glorious church whom He is waiting to receive (Rev 22:17)?
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Signs and Wonders?
For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect. But take ye heed: behold, I have foretold you all things. (Mar 13:22-23)
Jesus warns of appearances of false ‘anointed ones’ and false prophets, those who stand in pulpits and claim that they have the unction from heaven to proclaim the oracles of God. What better way to ‘confirm’ their calling but through signs and wonders that have people mesmerized and awed at them, distracting the people from the one and true Christ, Jesus. The exaltation of miracles and the persons behind it have superseded the preeminence of Christ (Col 1:18 vs. 3 John 1:9). The foretelling of this warning leads to one thing, deception, ‘if it were possible, even the elect’ to meet the same conclusion as the son of perdition and the father of lies (Rev 20:10).
But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas: (Mat 12:39)
Why do people look for signs and wonders? Perhaps the world is looking for ‘change’ so that there can be a rescuing of the economy, from suffering, etc to bring hope and a future. Most are looking for a hope for the future without our morality being challenged (2 Chron 7:14). To seek God means facing the reality of our sin and the uncomfortable dealings of God to take us through the process of sanctification and trying of our hearts (Prov 17:3). Jesus uses the description ‘evil’ and ‘adulterous’ generation, a generation that is degenerating, diseased, immoral and unfaithful to the One True God.
For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. (1Cor 2:2)
Only one sign will Jesus perform, death unto resurrection (Matt 12:40), the cross before exaltation. Paul is not talking of the historical crucifixion of Jesus but the current reality of the marks of discipleship of the Lord Jesus (Gal 6: 14-17). It is the same discipleship that beckons us to take up our cross daily to follow the footsteps of our Master. The cross applied to our lives so deeply that the ‘I’ decrease and Christ increase where discipleship is the process of the Potter changing the fleshly form to be conformed to the image of His Son. Is it not ‘what’ God sees in us, but it is ‘Who’ He is longing to see in us.
And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled. (Rev 6:11)
Why the cross? The coming of the Holy Spirit is the making of martyrs (witnesses) (Acts 1:8). It has been widely taught that the end will come with the gospel of the kingdom preached to the entire world (Matt 24:14). The other condition also holds… until the quota of martyrs has been fulfilled. Thus the cross that we bear daily is the test of faithfulness in the little things that we might be ready for the final testing that we love not our lives unto death (Rev 12:11). I cannot sincerely declare that I can face martyrdom today, but I must hold on to Jesus’ promises in Mark 13:9-13, the promise of the Holy Spirit. Knowing this reality, the only true sign that Paul determined or to come to a conclusive decision that the everyday reality of the powerful in-working (Eph 3:7) of God though the cross is being exerted in me. The end is the crown of life (Rev 2:10) which He gives to those called, and chosen and faithful to the end (Rev 17:14).
For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect. But take ye heed: behold, I have foretold you all things. (Mar 13:22-23)
Jesus warns of appearances of false ‘anointed ones’ and false prophets, those who stand in pulpits and claim that they have the unction from heaven to proclaim the oracles of God. What better way to ‘confirm’ their calling but through signs and wonders that have people mesmerized and awed at them, distracting the people from the one and true Christ, Jesus. The exaltation of miracles and the persons behind it have superseded the preeminence of Christ (Col 1:18 vs. 3 John 1:9). The foretelling of this warning leads to one thing, deception, ‘if it were possible, even the elect’ to meet the same conclusion as the son of perdition and the father of lies (Rev 20:10).
But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas: (Mat 12:39)
Why do people look for signs and wonders? Perhaps the world is looking for ‘change’ so that there can be a rescuing of the economy, from suffering, etc to bring hope and a future. Most are looking for a hope for the future without our morality being challenged (2 Chron 7:14). To seek God means facing the reality of our sin and the uncomfortable dealings of God to take us through the process of sanctification and trying of our hearts (Prov 17:3). Jesus uses the description ‘evil’ and ‘adulterous’ generation, a generation that is degenerating, diseased, immoral and unfaithful to the One True God.
For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. (1Cor 2:2)
Only one sign will Jesus perform, death unto resurrection (Matt 12:40), the cross before exaltation. Paul is not talking of the historical crucifixion of Jesus but the current reality of the marks of discipleship of the Lord Jesus (Gal 6: 14-17). It is the same discipleship that beckons us to take up our cross daily to follow the footsteps of our Master. The cross applied to our lives so deeply that the ‘I’ decrease and Christ increase where discipleship is the process of the Potter changing the fleshly form to be conformed to the image of His Son. Is it not ‘what’ God sees in us, but it is ‘Who’ He is longing to see in us.
And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled. (Rev 6:11)
Why the cross? The coming of the Holy Spirit is the making of martyrs (witnesses) (Acts 1:8). It has been widely taught that the end will come with the gospel of the kingdom preached to the entire world (Matt 24:14). The other condition also holds… until the quota of martyrs has been fulfilled. Thus the cross that we bear daily is the test of faithfulness in the little things that we might be ready for the final testing that we love not our lives unto death (Rev 12:11). I cannot sincerely declare that I can face martyrdom today, but I must hold on to Jesus’ promises in Mark 13:9-13, the promise of the Holy Spirit. Knowing this reality, the only true sign that Paul determined or to come to a conclusive decision that the everyday reality of the powerful in-working (Eph 3:7) of God though the cross is being exerted in me. The end is the crown of life (Rev 2:10) which He gives to those called, and chosen and faithful to the end (Rev 17:14).
Monday, November 09, 2009
Being on the Right side
A Song of degrees of David. If it had not been the LORD who was on our side…… (Psa 124:1)
We cannot be presumptuous that God is on our side just because we profess the Lordship of Jesus Christ (Matt 7:21). Being on His side requires something of us, for He is a requiring God. Even Joshua fell into the same situation as many of us do, especially if there is a specific calling or ministry upon our lives or to perform a service ‘unto the Lord’. When asked on which side the Angel with a drawn sword stood, the unexpected answer was ‘Nay’(Josh 5:13-15)! The leader of Israel was immediately made to realize his position not as a leader but as a servant. In the Kingdom of God servanthood is greatness and greatness is servanthood (Luke 22:26). Unfortunately there has been a great push to train up and develop leaders even in Christiandom. Shouldn’t it be the converse since we can’t be greater than our master who Himself was the servant of all? Servanthood is divine meekness that has the potential to inherit the earth and also ‘shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace’ (Matt 5:5, Psa 37:11). No wonder so many people who attend churches are striving today, the heathens will question ‘where is rule of the Prince of Peace?’
What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? (Rom 8:31)
What are the ‘these things’ that Paul was talking about? The qualification that God will be for us are contained in ‘these things’. The preceding verses talks about those called (according to His purpose) and being predestined to be conformed to His Son's image (Rom 8:28-30). Therefore in order for God to be on our side, He has to see a conforming of our total mind, body and spirit to the image of His Son. As natural as a father respond to his son, so does our Heavenly Father to His sons whom He wants to bring unto glory (Heb 2:10). The image of His Son is one of meekness and total submission to His will clearly lived out in Jesus’ ministry on earth as a suffering servant and was obedient unto death (Phil 2:8).
Do we bear any semblance to Jesus Christ? If we do, than we will not carry the cross in our journey of discipleship in lonely despair but with great joy for the hope that is set before us, the crown of life!
A Song of degrees of David. If it had not been the LORD who was on our side…… (Psa 124:1)
We cannot be presumptuous that God is on our side just because we profess the Lordship of Jesus Christ (Matt 7:21). Being on His side requires something of us, for He is a requiring God. Even Joshua fell into the same situation as many of us do, especially if there is a specific calling or ministry upon our lives or to perform a service ‘unto the Lord’. When asked on which side the Angel with a drawn sword stood, the unexpected answer was ‘Nay’(Josh 5:13-15)! The leader of Israel was immediately made to realize his position not as a leader but as a servant. In the Kingdom of God servanthood is greatness and greatness is servanthood (Luke 22:26). Unfortunately there has been a great push to train up and develop leaders even in Christiandom. Shouldn’t it be the converse since we can’t be greater than our master who Himself was the servant of all? Servanthood is divine meekness that has the potential to inherit the earth and also ‘shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace’ (Matt 5:5, Psa 37:11). No wonder so many people who attend churches are striving today, the heathens will question ‘where is rule of the Prince of Peace?’
What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? (Rom 8:31)
What are the ‘these things’ that Paul was talking about? The qualification that God will be for us are contained in ‘these things’. The preceding verses talks about those called (according to His purpose) and being predestined to be conformed to His Son's image (Rom 8:28-30). Therefore in order for God to be on our side, He has to see a conforming of our total mind, body and spirit to the image of His Son. As natural as a father respond to his son, so does our Heavenly Father to His sons whom He wants to bring unto glory (Heb 2:10). The image of His Son is one of meekness and total submission to His will clearly lived out in Jesus’ ministry on earth as a suffering servant and was obedient unto death (Phil 2:8).
Do we bear any semblance to Jesus Christ? If we do, than we will not carry the cross in our journey of discipleship in lonely despair but with great joy for the hope that is set before us, the crown of life!
Friday, November 06, 2009
Truth
Paul Washer
Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core. (Jud 1:11)
The rise of many false teachers today is same as economics, one of supply and demand. Indeed the gate is narrow and the path is difficult that leads unto eternal life (Matt 7:14).
For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. (2Ti 4:3-4)
Paul Washer
Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core. (Jud 1:11)
The rise of many false teachers today is same as economics, one of supply and demand. Indeed the gate is narrow and the path is difficult that leads unto eternal life (Matt 7:14).
For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. (2Ti 4:3-4)
If this message doesn't break our hearts, than we have to think very carefully if we have lived in vain and the sufferings and deaths of the saints past are but utter futility.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Persecution or a Great Awakening
Paul Washer
Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Matt 5:10)
This message is 'almost' prophetic even with the Hate Crime Bill which President Obama will be signing soon. 'WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The Senate passed groundbreaking legislation Thursday that would make it a federal crime to assault an individual because of his or her sexual orientation or gender identity.' (23 Oct as reported in CNN). This bill not just serve to protect individuals from violence but also mean that documents like the Bible which teaches against homosexuality, divorce, fornication, etc will be considered 'hate material'. Preachers who preach against sin and the need for mankind to turn from our wicket ways will be considered advocating 'hate crime'.
All these are the beginning of sorrows. Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake. And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. (Matt 24:8-10)
Dear saints, in our generation we have seen unprecedented occurrences in wars, rumors of wars, earthquakes, tsunamis and the such. We have to be acquainted with the Word of Life to know what will soon come..... the son of perdition and his reign. 'Wherefore comfort one another with these words' (1 Thess 4:16-18) that Jesus is returning to rule in the Millennium Kingdom sooner that we think. Our Lord will answer the disciples question on the restoration of the Kingdom to Israel on Mount of Accession even in our lifetime (Acts 1:6).
All these are the beginning of sorrows. Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake. And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. (Matt 24:8-10)
Dear saints, in our generation we have seen unprecedented occurrences in wars, rumors of wars, earthquakes, tsunamis and the such. We have to be acquainted with the Word of Life to know what will soon come..... the son of perdition and his reign. 'Wherefore comfort one another with these words' (1 Thess 4:16-18) that Jesus is returning to rule in the Millennium Kingdom sooner that we think. Our Lord will answer the disciples question on the restoration of the Kingdom to Israel on Mount of Accession even in our lifetime (Acts 1:6).
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Going Without Knowing
By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. (Heb 11:8)
The call to Abraham is the same as the call of Jesus for us to leave our ‘self-controlled environment’ in which we have the necessary experience and understanding to shape our own destiny. Leaving that past behind and being led by Another brings instability to our life and following as sheep in the pilgrimage He will show us, not as a complete blueprint but unfurling a little at a time (Gen 12:1, Luke 9:23). The taking up of the cross and deny self (not self denial, http://pursuinghispresence.blogspot.com/2008/12/denying-self-vs.html) is liken to leaving one’s country, kindred and father’s house (Gen 12:1) taking upon ourselves something that outside of us, the cross divinely given by Christ. Denying self is contrary to an unconverted life where another ‘lord’ reigns supreme.
To God, Abram was already Abraham when the first step of leaving was taken. ‘Faith can lay hold of blessings at a great distance; can make them present; can love them and rejoice in them’ (Matthew Henry). Living as a stranger and pilgrims (Heb 11:13) in tents (Heb 11:9) is one that is without any inward attachments to what can be grasp with human hands. Do we live with the same reality of a greater heavenly promise than earthly attainment before our descendents (dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise)? Could this account for some subsequent generations not able to living to the same promise and hope of their fathers but falter away further and some to the point of rejecting the God of their parents. Could this be the reason why revivals in our Christian history could not sustain because we desire permanency than ‘living in tents’?
After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up: (Act 15:16)
Jesus said He will build His church (Matt 16:18), which is the tabernacle of David. Art Katz pointed out that this verse has been wrong interpreted as charismatic worship when truly it means the rule and reign of the Greater David over His church and that the rest of mankind may seek the Lord (Acts 15:17). Here again tabernacle or tent is used. Perhaps the Lord desires us to see that the first earth must pass away and make way for the new (Rev 12:1). The creation itself groans and labors with birth pangs for the final redemption of His church not to beheld by human perspective but through the eyes of faith (Rom 8:22-24).
Wherefore comfort one another with these words. (1Th 4:18)
We have to examine ourselves if we truly look forward to His coming or we, like the Jewish nation rejected His first, disqualifying ourselves from inheriting His Kingdom. What words do we comfort one another? Is it about the possibility of economic turn around, 'things is going to get better' or Jesus is coming….. soon! The call to Abraham and the call of Jesus is really about the cross, because those who seek after the restoration of the kingdoms to Israel (Acts 1:6) will be misunderstood and in extreme situations be counted as those ‘of whom the world is not worthy’ (Heb 11:38) thus possible heeding the call to martyrdom.
By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. (Heb 11:8)
The call to Abraham is the same as the call of Jesus for us to leave our ‘self-controlled environment’ in which we have the necessary experience and understanding to shape our own destiny. Leaving that past behind and being led by Another brings instability to our life and following as sheep in the pilgrimage He will show us, not as a complete blueprint but unfurling a little at a time (Gen 12:1, Luke 9:23). The taking up of the cross and deny self (not self denial, http://pursuinghispresence.blogspot.com/2008/12/denying-self-vs.html) is liken to leaving one’s country, kindred and father’s house (Gen 12:1) taking upon ourselves something that outside of us, the cross divinely given by Christ. Denying self is contrary to an unconverted life where another ‘lord’ reigns supreme.
To God, Abram was already Abraham when the first step of leaving was taken. ‘Faith can lay hold of blessings at a great distance; can make them present; can love them and rejoice in them’ (Matthew Henry). Living as a stranger and pilgrims (Heb 11:13) in tents (Heb 11:9) is one that is without any inward attachments to what can be grasp with human hands. Do we live with the same reality of a greater heavenly promise than earthly attainment before our descendents (dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise)? Could this account for some subsequent generations not able to living to the same promise and hope of their fathers but falter away further and some to the point of rejecting the God of their parents. Could this be the reason why revivals in our Christian history could not sustain because we desire permanency than ‘living in tents’?
After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up: (Act 15:16)
Jesus said He will build His church (Matt 16:18), which is the tabernacle of David. Art Katz pointed out that this verse has been wrong interpreted as charismatic worship when truly it means the rule and reign of the Greater David over His church and that the rest of mankind may seek the Lord (Acts 15:17). Here again tabernacle or tent is used. Perhaps the Lord desires us to see that the first earth must pass away and make way for the new (Rev 12:1). The creation itself groans and labors with birth pangs for the final redemption of His church not to beheld by human perspective but through the eyes of faith (Rom 8:22-24).
Wherefore comfort one another with these words. (1Th 4:18)
We have to examine ourselves if we truly look forward to His coming or we, like the Jewish nation rejected His first, disqualifying ourselves from inheriting His Kingdom. What words do we comfort one another? Is it about the possibility of economic turn around, 'things is going to get better' or Jesus is coming….. soon! The call to Abraham and the call of Jesus is really about the cross, because those who seek after the restoration of the kingdoms to Israel (Acts 1:6) will be misunderstood and in extreme situations be counted as those ‘of whom the world is not worthy’ (Heb 11:38) thus possible heeding the call to martyrdom.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Friday, October 16, 2009
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Working in Truth
Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile! (John 1:47)
The Lord commends those who are devoid of deceit because such a man or woman has come to a place of oneness with Him (John 17:21). One of the claims of Jesus is that He IS the Truth, hence His words carry everything that bears truth (John 8:40). The oneness with the Father is exhibited in not speaking of Himself but of the Father. This is where preachers of the Word need to be sure that the place of their spiritual standing is with Jesus and not from humanistic perspective, as He is with the Father lest there is speaking of untruth. A speaking that is not founded in Christ is alien of Father and there is from another father (John 8:38), and the other father speaks out of deceit (John 8:44). Messages from the pulpit should draw us to the conformity of Christ, not self realization but Christ exaltation (John 3:30). Truth comes in the form of the double edged sword (Heb 4:12) before it brings comfort (Hos 6:1).
They answered and said unto him, Abraham is our father. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham's children, ye would do the works of Abraham.
(John 8:39)
The works of Abraham was that he believed God in obedience and it was imputed unto him for righteousness (Jas 2:23) and further more ‘this is the work of God, that ye believe on Him whom he hath sent’ (John 6:29). Truth is the work of God ‘which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure’ (Phil 2:13) before working out with fear and trembling. ‘In the beginning Moses had realized that he was the one to deliver the people, but he had to be trained and disciplined by God first. He was right in his individual perspective, but he was not the person for the work until he had learned true fellowship and oneness with God….We must also learn that our individual effort for God shows nothing but disrespect for Him— our individuality is to be rendered radiant through a personal relationship with God, so that He may be "well pleased" (Matt 3:17)’ (Oswald Chambers).
For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.
(Mat 24:5)
Those who preach outside of the oneness with Jesus can preach another Jesus, another gospel (2 Cor 11:4). Listeners require the nobility ‘in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.’ (Acts 17:11). Notice how many followers of preaching icons we have today. Do these icons speak of themselves or of Jesus, as Jesus speaks of the Father? Have some of these icons subtly usurped the Lordship of Jesus? Sadly people pursue the messenger more than Message Himself.
If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?
(1Jn 4:20)
How do we know that we are in the truth or in deceit? A life lived founded in truth prefers another. Firstly for Father and second for others, however we should take note that the measure of our love for the Lord is in how much we love the brethren. The pilgrimage of a believer living in truth will take him or her to the conformity the image of Christ (Rom 8:29). The truth of Christ has the power to make us free (John 8:32) from sin (not in sin) with the grace and freedom to forgive the vilest offender, to love our enemies, to bless those who curse us, pray for the best of our persecutors, esteeming others better than ourselves…. These demonstrate the love and meekness not of us, but that which proceeds from our oneness in Christ. We cannot deny God the privilege of working in truth, we shouldn’t be surprise that God uses the most unlikely and uncomfortable situation and people to do so… because He wants to bring many sons to Glory (Heb 2:10).
Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile! (John 1:47)
The Lord commends those who are devoid of deceit because such a man or woman has come to a place of oneness with Him (John 17:21). One of the claims of Jesus is that He IS the Truth, hence His words carry everything that bears truth (John 8:40). The oneness with the Father is exhibited in not speaking of Himself but of the Father. This is where preachers of the Word need to be sure that the place of their spiritual standing is with Jesus and not from humanistic perspective, as He is with the Father lest there is speaking of untruth. A speaking that is not founded in Christ is alien of Father and there is from another father (John 8:38), and the other father speaks out of deceit (John 8:44). Messages from the pulpit should draw us to the conformity of Christ, not self realization but Christ exaltation (John 3:30). Truth comes in the form of the double edged sword (Heb 4:12) before it brings comfort (Hos 6:1).
They answered and said unto him, Abraham is our father. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham's children, ye would do the works of Abraham.
(John 8:39)
The works of Abraham was that he believed God in obedience and it was imputed unto him for righteousness (Jas 2:23) and further more ‘this is the work of God, that ye believe on Him whom he hath sent’ (John 6:29). Truth is the work of God ‘which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure’ (Phil 2:13) before working out with fear and trembling. ‘In the beginning Moses had realized that he was the one to deliver the people, but he had to be trained and disciplined by God first. He was right in his individual perspective, but he was not the person for the work until he had learned true fellowship and oneness with God….We must also learn that our individual effort for God shows nothing but disrespect for Him— our individuality is to be rendered radiant through a personal relationship with God, so that He may be "well pleased" (Matt 3:17)’ (Oswald Chambers).
For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.
(Mat 24:5)
Those who preach outside of the oneness with Jesus can preach another Jesus, another gospel (2 Cor 11:4). Listeners require the nobility ‘in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.’ (Acts 17:11). Notice how many followers of preaching icons we have today. Do these icons speak of themselves or of Jesus, as Jesus speaks of the Father? Have some of these icons subtly usurped the Lordship of Jesus? Sadly people pursue the messenger more than Message Himself.
If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?
(1Jn 4:20)
How do we know that we are in the truth or in deceit? A life lived founded in truth prefers another. Firstly for Father and second for others, however we should take note that the measure of our love for the Lord is in how much we love the brethren. The pilgrimage of a believer living in truth will take him or her to the conformity the image of Christ (Rom 8:29). The truth of Christ has the power to make us free (John 8:32) from sin (not in sin) with the grace and freedom to forgive the vilest offender, to love our enemies, to bless those who curse us, pray for the best of our persecutors, esteeming others better than ourselves…. These demonstrate the love and meekness not of us, but that which proceeds from our oneness in Christ. We cannot deny God the privilege of working in truth, we shouldn’t be surprise that God uses the most unlikely and uncomfortable situation and people to do so… because He wants to bring many sons to Glory (Heb 2:10).
Saturday, October 10, 2009
The True Grace of God
John Bevere
Antinomianism was coined by Martin Luther and in our time Dietrich Bonhoeffer preached against cheap grace by reminding us that there is a cost to discipleship (Luke 9:23).
For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ. (Jud 1:4)
Sadly even in the time of the Apostles, Jude has already warned us that cheap grace will be the enemy of the discipleship of Jesus Christ. Cheap grace easily creeps into any body of believers that refuse to yield to the converting power of God.
Wednesday, October 07, 2009
The Proper Seeing
Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, Jeremiah, what seest thou? And I said, I see a rod of an almond tree.
(Jer 1:11)
The key qualification of a prophet is to the ability to see from God’s perspective not man’s viewpoint and the prophet was commended ‘Thou hast well seen: for I will hasten my word to perform it.’ (Jer 1:12). If we are able to behold in accordance to His divine wisdom we will not be stumped by unfurling world events. There are many ‘prophetic’ voices today, but how many have actually seen things the way that God wants us to behold. If we hear from prophets who are truly seers than we will not be caught unawares (Amos 3:7).
….. I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.
(Rev 19:10)
Jesus is being preached and testified today by many but is there another 'Jesus' that is being preached or we have received another spirit or another gospel (2 Corr 11:4)? There is only One Way that leads to eternal life and it is entered through a straight gate and trod on a narrow way which few find it (Matt 7:14). We have somehow gotten the picture that the way to eternal life is a crowded one. It is not that salvation is exclusive but in the heart of hearts is His willingness that none perish but all should come to repentance (2 Pet 3:9). Interestingly Peter did not say ‘all should come to salvation’. Salvation is not merely a prayer uttered to ‘accept Jesus into my heart’ but to be conformed to the image of Christ (Rom 8:29). Jesus is returning for His bride, not to some form of unfamiliarity to His likeness. Adam was created in God’s image (Gen 1:26) but sin has cost man that divine image, thus Jesus had to come as the Last Adam (1 Cor 15:45) so that through Him we can return to the place of originality. He is called the ‘Last Adam’, because it’s His finished work and no more Adams (another Jesus or another gospel) need come .
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 for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.
(Psa 19:7-9)
Antinomians and preachers of cheap grace want to do away with the law which in their opinion is bad. Today the fear of the LORD seems to be an unnatural response and that God’s holiness drive people away from the ‘gospel’. But truth is beyond fact, because the latter can change but truth is eternal. How do we know we are truly saved and conversion has begun to take place? This Psalm tells us if salvation has indeed come to us and the conforming into His image has begun.
That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them.
(Mar 4:12)
We may have eyes but seeing doesn’t take place in the absence of light. However there is another ‘seeing’ that comes in a different light (2 Cor 11:14) and that with an angelic nature (don't be deceived!). Seeing in the true light of the Lord Jesus Christ will inevitably bring us to the place of conversion. Strangely the word ‘conversion’ is hardly used in Christian circles today. It is because the ‘other gospel’ preaches that we can be saved ‘in’ sin and not ‘from’ sin. This ‘other Jesus’ permits a living in the unconverted lifestyle and yet still have a valid ticket to heaven. If this is true then where is the conforming to the image of His Son? Where is the forming to the likeness of originality as with God’s initial intent in the Garden of Eden?
Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, Jeremiah, what seest thou? And I said, I see a rod of an almond tree.
(Jer 1:11)
The key qualification of a prophet is to the ability to see from God’s perspective not man’s viewpoint and the prophet was commended ‘Thou hast well seen: for I will hasten my word to perform it.’ (Jer 1:12). If we are able to behold in accordance to His divine wisdom we will not be stumped by unfurling world events. There are many ‘prophetic’ voices today, but how many have actually seen things the way that God wants us to behold. If we hear from prophets who are truly seers than we will not be caught unawares (Amos 3:7).
….. I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.
(Rev 19:10)
Jesus is being preached and testified today by many but is there another 'Jesus' that is being preached or we have received another spirit or another gospel (2 Corr 11:4)? There is only One Way that leads to eternal life and it is entered through a straight gate and trod on a narrow way which few find it (Matt 7:14). We have somehow gotten the picture that the way to eternal life is a crowded one. It is not that salvation is exclusive but in the heart of hearts is His willingness that none perish but all should come to repentance (2 Pet 3:9). Interestingly Peter did not say ‘all should come to salvation’. Salvation is not merely a prayer uttered to ‘accept Jesus into my heart’ but to be conformed to the image of Christ (Rom 8:29). Jesus is returning for His bride, not to some form of unfamiliarity to His likeness. Adam was created in God’s image (Gen 1:26) but sin has cost man that divine image, thus Jesus had to come as the Last Adam (1 Cor 15:45) so that through Him we can return to the place of originality. He is called the ‘Last Adam’, because it’s His finished work and no more Adams (another Jesus or another gospel) need come .
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 for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.
(Psa 19:7-9)
Antinomians and preachers of cheap grace want to do away with the law which in their opinion is bad. Today the fear of the LORD seems to be an unnatural response and that God’s holiness drive people away from the ‘gospel’. But truth is beyond fact, because the latter can change but truth is eternal. How do we know we are truly saved and conversion has begun to take place? This Psalm tells us if salvation has indeed come to us and the conforming into His image has begun.
That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them.
(Mar 4:12)
We may have eyes but seeing doesn’t take place in the absence of light. However there is another ‘seeing’ that comes in a different light (2 Cor 11:14) and that with an angelic nature (don't be deceived!). Seeing in the true light of the Lord Jesus Christ will inevitably bring us to the place of conversion. Strangely the word ‘conversion’ is hardly used in Christian circles today. It is because the ‘other gospel’ preaches that we can be saved ‘in’ sin and not ‘from’ sin. This ‘other Jesus’ permits a living in the unconverted lifestyle and yet still have a valid ticket to heaven. If this is true then where is the conforming to the image of His Son? Where is the forming to the likeness of originality as with God’s initial intent in the Garden of Eden?
Thursday, September 24, 2009
A Call to Anguish
David Wilkerson
Quotations from David's message. Full version : http://www.sermonindex.net/modules/mydownloads/singlefile.php?lid=3843
Description: Wilkerson in this message gives out a call for all Believers to allow the anguish of God's heart for His Church and the world, into their own. Be prepared to be stirred by the Holy Spirit. You will truly never be the same!
David Wilkerson
Quotations from David's message. Full version : http://www.sermonindex.net/modules/mydownloads/singlefile.php?lid=3843
Description: Wilkerson in this message gives out a call for all Believers to allow the anguish of God's heart for His Church and the world, into their own. Be prepared to be stirred by the Holy Spirit. You will truly never be the same!
Friday, September 11, 2009
Unrivaled Devotion
He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.
(Mat 10:37)
After teaching His disciples about the cost of discipleship (context Matt 10:16-34), Jesus than said something strange as though there is no connection; he came to bring division (Matt 10:34), not for the worst but for the best… is there a clear cut distinction of our love towards Him. ‘And a man's foes shall be they of his own household’ (Matt 10:36), because family will be the truest test of the good that can become the enemy of the best. Not that He ask us to contradict the moral truths of His Word to honor parents, love our spouses and children, but rather He is asking us if there is any competing devotion even between our closest ones with Him. We are commanded to love each other sacrificially, but never to be drawn away by it from our First Love. Jesus is asking us to show Him unrivaled devotion even when faced with greatest of challenges in sufferings and pain in times or persecution.
……. lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.
(John 21:15)
Peter was brought back to the time of his trice denial of Jesus after he declared his total devotion to the Lord and never deserting Him (Matt 26:33). He knew of the failure at the time of greatest threat to his own life. In the face of hardest persecution and suffering, Jesus is asking us to make a definite decision… self, family or Him. Perhaps for Peter the ‘these’ that Jesus was asking him was about the strong ‘self’ in both public heroism and declaration of loyalty, however even the ‘these’ need to be tested with fire of trials. Whatever the ‘these’ are for us, Jesus will confront us not for Himself, but for ourselves to find out if there is indeed unrivaled devotion for Him as He did with Peter… ‘Lord, you know’.
…… should not the shepherds feed the flocks?
(Eze 34:2)
When the question of unrivaled love is settled, His commandment comes to us clearly to live our lives in total fulfillment of His will. A true disciple of Jesus Christ is in total obedience and oneness with the First and Greatest Commandment; the second is the overflowing life to feed His lambs.
He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.
(Mat 10:37)
After teaching His disciples about the cost of discipleship (context Matt 10:16-34), Jesus than said something strange as though there is no connection; he came to bring division (Matt 10:34), not for the worst but for the best… is there a clear cut distinction of our love towards Him. ‘And a man's foes shall be they of his own household’ (Matt 10:36), because family will be the truest test of the good that can become the enemy of the best. Not that He ask us to contradict the moral truths of His Word to honor parents, love our spouses and children, but rather He is asking us if there is any competing devotion even between our closest ones with Him. We are commanded to love each other sacrificially, but never to be drawn away by it from our First Love. Jesus is asking us to show Him unrivaled devotion even when faced with greatest of challenges in sufferings and pain in times or persecution.
……. lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.
(John 21:15)
Peter was brought back to the time of his trice denial of Jesus after he declared his total devotion to the Lord and never deserting Him (Matt 26:33). He knew of the failure at the time of greatest threat to his own life. In the face of hardest persecution and suffering, Jesus is asking us to make a definite decision… self, family or Him. Perhaps for Peter the ‘these’ that Jesus was asking him was about the strong ‘self’ in both public heroism and declaration of loyalty, however even the ‘these’ need to be tested with fire of trials. Whatever the ‘these’ are for us, Jesus will confront us not for Himself, but for ourselves to find out if there is indeed unrivaled devotion for Him as He did with Peter… ‘Lord, you know’.
…… should not the shepherds feed the flocks?
(Eze 34:2)
When the question of unrivaled love is settled, His commandment comes to us clearly to live our lives in total fulfillment of His will. A true disciple of Jesus Christ is in total obedience and oneness with the First and Greatest Commandment; the second is the overflowing life to feed His lambs.
Friday, September 04, 2009
Preciousness in Death
Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.
(Psa 116:15)
Death is probably the greatest heartfelt loss in one’s lifetime, especially if it is of a very dear one. It bears with it a pain that others would not have the slightest inkling, unless the sympathizer also has undergone such an experience. Recently there was a death of a pastor’s child; such sorrow is probably one of the most difficult griefs to come to terms with. Many questions would be asked by parents, family and church members alike. It will be times like this when our faith in everything Jesus has said and promised will be put to the test. How do we perceive His Word, perhaps the truth of Psalm 91 doesn’t have any bearing anymore?
For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord GOD: …..
(Eze 18:32)
There is a death that is precious to the Lord, and there is death that He unwelcomes. A ‘saint’ is one whose life is of highest virtue and benevolence. So the Father esteems the death of one whose life has walked in His ways in unquestionable obedience and know what it means to ‘pour out unto the Lord’ (2 Sam 23:16). A life that lives with unclasps hands that freely receives and freely gives (Matt 10:8). A life poured out bears no self consciousness because he or she only sees a trickle or glassful, but in the hand of the Sovereign God it is a river of living waters (John 7:38) that blesses myriads beyond our human imagination. A life poured out will bear the cross of people's criticism and counted as waste. Jesus poured out His life and the reverberation of salvation’s power stretches from alpha to omega.
Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped, ……. In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly.
(Job 1:20-22)
Job faced great loss of his children and all that he ever owned, yet not a hint of spiritual pseudo-city in dealing with grief. Expressing the sorrow of loss he did, but conducted himself with such self-control and wisdom. The mantle was rent, the head was shaved in sorrow, yet with patient submission He worshipped the God whom he honored and served. A worship that must have been poured out with such depth that only heaven will respond; even the closest ones to him could never comprehend. Paul could understand sufferings (Col 1:24, 2 Cor 1:6, 7, Rom 8:18), but does the Almighty understand? Yes He does; it was so agonizing that the Father had to turn His face away (Matt 27:46). Jesus sorrow wasn’t in the pain He had to endure but to this brief moment of eternity when oneness with His Father was broken. This is the kind of death that the Father finds such preciousness.
May God in His mercy give us this spiritual stature to grasp this kind of preciousness in death, whether is be for our loved ones or even for ourselves. We may not attain to this as of yet, but God prepares us and gives us His enabling grace when it does come…..after all the centrality of the Christian life is culminated in the Cross (Luke 9:23).
"In his hearing before the Gestapo during his imprisonment, defenseless and powerless as he then was only fortified by the word of God in his heart, he stood erect and unbroken before his tormentors. He refused to recant, and defied the Gestapo machine by openly admitting that, as a Christian, he was an implacable enemy of National Socialism and its totalitarian demands toward the citizen—defied it, although he was continually threatened with torture and with the arrest of his parents, his sisters and his fiancée… In 1944, when friends made an attempt to liberate him and to take him to safety abroad, he decided to remain in prison in order not to endanger others.
"The last service which Dietrich Bonhoeffer held on the day before his death... 'moved all deeply....'
"Bonhoeffer, who was never tried, went steadfastly on his last way to be hanged, and died with admirable calmness and dignity. God heard his prayer and granted him the 'costly grace'—that is, the privilege of taking the cross for others and of affirming his faith by martyrdom."
"Memoir" by G. Leibholz
Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.
(Psa 116:15)
Death is probably the greatest heartfelt loss in one’s lifetime, especially if it is of a very dear one. It bears with it a pain that others would not have the slightest inkling, unless the sympathizer also has undergone such an experience. Recently there was a death of a pastor’s child; such sorrow is probably one of the most difficult griefs to come to terms with. Many questions would be asked by parents, family and church members alike. It will be times like this when our faith in everything Jesus has said and promised will be put to the test. How do we perceive His Word, perhaps the truth of Psalm 91 doesn’t have any bearing anymore?
For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord GOD: …..
(Eze 18:32)
There is a death that is precious to the Lord, and there is death that He unwelcomes. A ‘saint’ is one whose life is of highest virtue and benevolence. So the Father esteems the death of one whose life has walked in His ways in unquestionable obedience and know what it means to ‘pour out unto the Lord’ (2 Sam 23:16). A life that lives with unclasps hands that freely receives and freely gives (Matt 10:8). A life poured out bears no self consciousness because he or she only sees a trickle or glassful, but in the hand of the Sovereign God it is a river of living waters (John 7:38) that blesses myriads beyond our human imagination. A life poured out will bear the cross of people's criticism and counted as waste. Jesus poured out His life and the reverberation of salvation’s power stretches from alpha to omega.
Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped, ……. In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly.
(Job 1:20-22)
Job faced great loss of his children and all that he ever owned, yet not a hint of spiritual pseudo-city in dealing with grief. Expressing the sorrow of loss he did, but conducted himself with such self-control and wisdom. The mantle was rent, the head was shaved in sorrow, yet with patient submission He worshipped the God whom he honored and served. A worship that must have been poured out with such depth that only heaven will respond; even the closest ones to him could never comprehend. Paul could understand sufferings (Col 1:24, 2 Cor 1:6, 7, Rom 8:18), but does the Almighty understand? Yes He does; it was so agonizing that the Father had to turn His face away (Matt 27:46). Jesus sorrow wasn’t in the pain He had to endure but to this brief moment of eternity when oneness with His Father was broken. This is the kind of death that the Father finds such preciousness.
May God in His mercy give us this spiritual stature to grasp this kind of preciousness in death, whether is be for our loved ones or even for ourselves. We may not attain to this as of yet, but God prepares us and gives us His enabling grace when it does come…..after all the centrality of the Christian life is culminated in the Cross (Luke 9:23).
"In his hearing before the Gestapo during his imprisonment, defenseless and powerless as he then was only fortified by the word of God in his heart, he stood erect and unbroken before his tormentors. He refused to recant, and defied the Gestapo machine by openly admitting that, as a Christian, he was an implacable enemy of National Socialism and its totalitarian demands toward the citizen—defied it, although he was continually threatened with torture and with the arrest of his parents, his sisters and his fiancée… In 1944, when friends made an attempt to liberate him and to take him to safety abroad, he decided to remain in prison in order not to endanger others.
"The last service which Dietrich Bonhoeffer held on the day before his death... 'moved all deeply....'
"Bonhoeffer, who was never tried, went steadfastly on his last way to be hanged, and died with admirable calmness and dignity. God heard his prayer and granted him the 'costly grace'—that is, the privilege of taking the cross for others and of affirming his faith by martyrdom."
"Memoir" by G. Leibholz
Friday, August 28, 2009
Thanks-Living
In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
(1Th 5:18)
Saying ‘thank you’ is an expected response from any polite saved or unsaved person (Matt 5:47). This verbiage can be shallow or hollow and may not derive from a truly thankful life. But the apostle tells us to ‘give’ thanks, not just saying it. This giving of thanks has to come out of abundance, because we can’t ‘give’ if we don’t possess. That is the reason why Paul who was shown how great things he must suffer for Jesus name’s sake (Acts 9:16) can give thanks in worst of conditions. More than that, he gloried in his infirmities because he understood suffering is nothing in comparison to what the Son of God has done for him on the cross (2 Cor 11:23-30). Thankfulness is not a flippant exercise, but one that have a deep encounter with the Living God and known the amazing grace of God that ‘saved a wretch like me’ (John Newton) . Meet a suffering man or woman whose life is full of thankfulness, we have met one that will exclaim ‘Who am I, O LORD God, and what is mine house, that thou hast brought me hitherto?’ (1Ch 17:16).
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
(Php 4:6-7)
Peace is a companion to a life that exuberates with thanksgiving. Shallow prayers not out of a thankful life won’t keep us, opening doors for attacks from evil, discouragement, depression and bitterness. Thankful prayers spares us from fretting and gives us divine confidence, thus we wait only upon God, for our expectation is from Him and not any other source (Psa 62:5). Relying on other sources is like leaning on bruised reed that can pierce us (2Ki 18:21) and bring about disappointment which may lead to bitterness. Thankful prayers are powerful spiritual weapons against the unseen enemy, standing our ground in the victory Christ has already won for us (Eph 6:13).
In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
(1Th 5:18)
Saying ‘thank you’ is an expected response from any polite saved or unsaved person (Matt 5:47). This verbiage can be shallow or hollow and may not derive from a truly thankful life. But the apostle tells us to ‘give’ thanks, not just saying it. This giving of thanks has to come out of abundance, because we can’t ‘give’ if we don’t possess. That is the reason why Paul who was shown how great things he must suffer for Jesus name’s sake (Acts 9:16) can give thanks in worst of conditions. More than that, he gloried in his infirmities because he understood suffering is nothing in comparison to what the Son of God has done for him on the cross (2 Cor 11:23-30). Thankfulness is not a flippant exercise, but one that have a deep encounter with the Living God and known the amazing grace of God that ‘saved a wretch like me’ (John Newton) . Meet a suffering man or woman whose life is full of thankfulness, we have met one that will exclaim ‘Who am I, O LORD God, and what is mine house, that thou hast brought me hitherto?’ (1Ch 17:16).
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
(Php 4:6-7)
Peace is a companion to a life that exuberates with thanksgiving. Shallow prayers not out of a thankful life won’t keep us, opening doors for attacks from evil, discouragement, depression and bitterness. Thankful prayers spares us from fretting and gives us divine confidence, thus we wait only upon God, for our expectation is from Him and not any other source (Psa 62:5). Relying on other sources is like leaning on bruised reed that can pierce us (2Ki 18:21) and bring about disappointment which may lead to bitterness. Thankful prayers are powerful spiritual weapons against the unseen enemy, standing our ground in the victory Christ has already won for us (Eph 6:13).
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Godly Heritage
….. thy children like olive plants round about thy table.
(Psa 128:3)
There is a blessing to our next generation attached to fearing the Lord. Fearing the Lord must not be confused with being frightened which will cause us to stand ‘afar off’; the healthy fear of the Lord draws us to Himself (Exo 20:21). ‘The fear of the LORD tendeth to life: and he that hath it shall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil.’ (Prov 19:23), what more can we ask for in this state of abundant of life (John 10:10). The key to bringing up children correctly lies with how the father and priest of the family fear the Lord. There is only so much we can discipline, teach and lead to ensure our children don’t end up in moral defeat and lose the Kingdom of Heaven. Earthly fathers who live their lives under this constant relationship with his Father in Heaven will have the assurance of blessing upon their children.
The LORD called thy name, A green olive tree, fair, and of goodly fruit: …..
(Jer 11:16)
Olive trees are known for their longevity and some in the Garden of Gethsemane date back to the time of Jesus. The first mention of olive is of the dove that brought a plucked leaf and from that Noah knew that the flood waters were abated, thus signifying the end of God’s judgment by flood and start of a new beginning. The blessing of a father that fears the Lord is that He ensures our children begin as olive plants to become trees who are called by name, signifying a relationship and not by some foreign god.
His branches shall spread, and his beauty shall be as the olive tree….
(Hos 14:6)
The goodly fruit of the natural olive tree blesses mankind with oil for cooking, lighting, food, cosmetics and medicine. The spread of the olive tree provides protection and shelter to God’s creatures. Our children’s lives can carry the anointing (separation, consecration, spirit led instead of living in the flesh) of God for bearing the Words of Eternal Life, shining as lights in our crooked and perverse nation, bring healing to the nations and praying for the safety of our nation to be spared from God’s judgment.
Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.
(Psa 127:5)
Twice mentioned was the blessing that the seed of our fathers will possess the gates of the enemies (Gen 22:17, 24:60), the first one from the Lord to Abraham and the second from Rebekah’s brothers, as though ‘Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven’ (Matt 6:10). The seed of those who fear the Lord echoing back the heart of the Father. That is the life that our seed are supposed to live, carrying the eternal significance of God’s plan and purposes. Do we live this kind of a life and can we leave such a powerful heritage to our children. The God fearing father would be the ones that ‘that walketh in His way’ (Psa 128:1) which carries the same fatherly spirit that Paul has calling out to ‘be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ’ (1 Cor 11:1). Paul knew because there are already many instructors and not many fathers (1 Cor 4:15), only fathers can truly love sacrificially more than teachers. The father will be the man whom God will use to sharpen the arrow point, straighten the shaft and prepare the fletching so when the Master calls to launch the arrow it will inevitably hit the mark. We don’t want our children to miss the mark or come short (Rom 3:23) of God’s target, which is 'in bringing many sons unto glory' (Heb 2:10) and nothing less of that.
….. thy children like olive plants round about thy table.
(Psa 128:3)
There is a blessing to our next generation attached to fearing the Lord. Fearing the Lord must not be confused with being frightened which will cause us to stand ‘afar off’; the healthy fear of the Lord draws us to Himself (Exo 20:21). ‘The fear of the LORD tendeth to life: and he that hath it shall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil.’ (Prov 19:23), what more can we ask for in this state of abundant of life (John 10:10). The key to bringing up children correctly lies with how the father and priest of the family fear the Lord. There is only so much we can discipline, teach and lead to ensure our children don’t end up in moral defeat and lose the Kingdom of Heaven. Earthly fathers who live their lives under this constant relationship with his Father in Heaven will have the assurance of blessing upon their children.
The LORD called thy name, A green olive tree, fair, and of goodly fruit: …..
(Jer 11:16)
Olive trees are known for their longevity and some in the Garden of Gethsemane date back to the time of Jesus. The first mention of olive is of the dove that brought a plucked leaf and from that Noah knew that the flood waters were abated, thus signifying the end of God’s judgment by flood and start of a new beginning. The blessing of a father that fears the Lord is that He ensures our children begin as olive plants to become trees who are called by name, signifying a relationship and not by some foreign god.
His branches shall spread, and his beauty shall be as the olive tree….
(Hos 14:6)
The goodly fruit of the natural olive tree blesses mankind with oil for cooking, lighting, food, cosmetics and medicine. The spread of the olive tree provides protection and shelter to God’s creatures. Our children’s lives can carry the anointing (separation, consecration, spirit led instead of living in the flesh) of God for bearing the Words of Eternal Life, shining as lights in our crooked and perverse nation, bring healing to the nations and praying for the safety of our nation to be spared from God’s judgment.
Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.
(Psa 127:5)
Twice mentioned was the blessing that the seed of our fathers will possess the gates of the enemies (Gen 22:17, 24:60), the first one from the Lord to Abraham and the second from Rebekah’s brothers, as though ‘Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven’ (Matt 6:10). The seed of those who fear the Lord echoing back the heart of the Father. That is the life that our seed are supposed to live, carrying the eternal significance of God’s plan and purposes. Do we live this kind of a life and can we leave such a powerful heritage to our children. The God fearing father would be the ones that ‘that walketh in His way’ (Psa 128:1) which carries the same fatherly spirit that Paul has calling out to ‘be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ’ (1 Cor 11:1). Paul knew because there are already many instructors and not many fathers (1 Cor 4:15), only fathers can truly love sacrificially more than teachers. The father will be the man whom God will use to sharpen the arrow point, straighten the shaft and prepare the fletching so when the Master calls to launch the arrow it will inevitably hit the mark. We don’t want our children to miss the mark or come short (Rom 3:23) of God’s target, which is 'in bringing many sons unto glory' (Heb 2:10) and nothing less of that.
Thursday, August 06, 2009
Health of Our Christian Walk
(plese click here to audio visual link)
He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: ……
(Psa 121:3)
To ‘walk before the Lord’ is to ‘keep in pace’ with God. It is living a life that is in keeping with His will, our eyes focusing not on our pathway but on the One leading us. ‘Behold, as the eyes of servants look unto the hand of their masters… so our eyes wait upon the LORD our God… (Psa 123:2). It is a life that is led by the Good Shepherd (Psa 23:2). Jesus’ call to discipleship is ‘Follow Me’ and ‘be yoked to Him’, nothing more simplistic and assuring than that. This is the call of faith, because there should not be anything in us to question or to reason with the One leading. There is true security if we are at rest by choosing this way of living, strive-less as it were; ‘…neither do I exercise myself in great matters, or in things too high for me.’ (Psa 131:1)
And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect.
(Gen 17:1)
An everlasting covenant was given to Abraham thirteen years after Ishmael’s birth that came with a condition… walk before Him and be perfect. The word ‘perfect’ refers to be morally unblemished, not as much as perfectionism but one’s life that carries a purity with regard to our love and loyalty to Christ our Savior. We know that Abraham’s life wasn’t ‘perfect’ but there was a consistent natural gravitation to the friendship with God that was so delightful to Him (Jam 2:23).
The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.
(Psa 37:23-24)
The God directed life led (not driven) by His Grace and Holy Spirit for we do not claim to know the way of Righteousness (Psa 1:6) but He will be our constant Guide. A God ordered life is not doomed with permanent failures. Sometimes he will allow us to stray to meet our wits end, but always within His saving reach.
O to grace how great a debtor
Daily I’m constrained to be!
Let Thy goodness, like a fetter,
Bind my wandering heart to Thee.
Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it,
Prone to leave the God I love;
Here’s my heart, O take and seal it,
Seal it for Thy courts above.
(Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing - Robert Robinson)
Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods?
(John 10:34)
The tragedy with many is that our eyes are focused not on the Good Shepherd because we want to direct our own destiny. Taking full control is say that we want to be in the place of God. This is a grievous temptation we will always face for its very source is satanic in nature… ‘…then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods’ (Gen 3:5). King Asa ‘was diseased in his feet, until his disease was exceeding great’ for his eyes looked not unto the Lord for salvation but to man. Sadly he took matters into his own hands and formed an unholy league using the holy things of the House of God as payment thus mixing the holy with the unholy, purity in relationship lost. This serves as a warning to us regarding the health of our Christian walk. Where is the focus of our eyes? If it is on the pathway then we trend on dangerous ground, but if on the Lord, He will certainly bring unwavering stability to our lives and not fall into deceit (Eph 4:14).
(plese click here to audio visual link)
He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: ……
(Psa 121:3)
To ‘walk before the Lord’ is to ‘keep in pace’ with God. It is living a life that is in keeping with His will, our eyes focusing not on our pathway but on the One leading us. ‘Behold, as the eyes of servants look unto the hand of their masters… so our eyes wait upon the LORD our God… (Psa 123:2). It is a life that is led by the Good Shepherd (Psa 23:2). Jesus’ call to discipleship is ‘Follow Me’ and ‘be yoked to Him’, nothing more simplistic and assuring than that. This is the call of faith, because there should not be anything in us to question or to reason with the One leading. There is true security if we are at rest by choosing this way of living, strive-less as it were; ‘…neither do I exercise myself in great matters, or in things too high for me.’ (Psa 131:1)
And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect.
(Gen 17:1)
An everlasting covenant was given to Abraham thirteen years after Ishmael’s birth that came with a condition… walk before Him and be perfect. The word ‘perfect’ refers to be morally unblemished, not as much as perfectionism but one’s life that carries a purity with regard to our love and loyalty to Christ our Savior. We know that Abraham’s life wasn’t ‘perfect’ but there was a consistent natural gravitation to the friendship with God that was so delightful to Him (Jam 2:23).
The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.
(Psa 37:23-24)
The God directed life led (not driven) by His Grace and Holy Spirit for we do not claim to know the way of Righteousness (Psa 1:6) but He will be our constant Guide. A God ordered life is not doomed with permanent failures. Sometimes he will allow us to stray to meet our wits end, but always within His saving reach.
O to grace how great a debtor
Daily I’m constrained to be!
Let Thy goodness, like a fetter,
Bind my wandering heart to Thee.
Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it,
Prone to leave the God I love;
Here’s my heart, O take and seal it,
Seal it for Thy courts above.
(Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing - Robert Robinson)
Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods?
(John 10:34)
The tragedy with many is that our eyes are focused not on the Good Shepherd because we want to direct our own destiny. Taking full control is say that we want to be in the place of God. This is a grievous temptation we will always face for its very source is satanic in nature… ‘…then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods’ (Gen 3:5). King Asa ‘was diseased in his feet, until his disease was exceeding great’ for his eyes looked not unto the Lord for salvation but to man. Sadly he took matters into his own hands and formed an unholy league using the holy things of the House of God as payment thus mixing the holy with the unholy, purity in relationship lost. This serves as a warning to us regarding the health of our Christian walk. Where is the focus of our eyes? If it is on the pathway then we trend on dangerous ground, but if on the Lord, He will certainly bring unwavering stability to our lives and not fall into deceit (Eph 4:14).
Wednesday, August 05, 2009
Audio Visuals on Radical Obedience and Psalm 131 (NKJV) - A Song of Ascents
Audio visuals done by brother Rich Crowe. More audio visuals can be found at http://www.youtube.com/user/stack45ny. It's a blessing to have a met a brother who has an urgency to share the gospel with the gift that the Lord has blessed him with.
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