#124 On the precipice ( 5 feb 07)

‘…out of the eater come something to eat. And out of the strong come something sweet.
Now for 3 days they could not explain the riddle.’
Judges 14:14

Even if one discount most of the gripe or hype, depending upon one’s leaning or learning, the climatic conditions of our much abused planet has clearly veered off tangent, and surely, we have fallen into the chasm of the uncertain, for though the weather has always been famous for its vagaries, what lies ahead is not going to be very pretty, be it in sight or comfort level.

‘For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sin.’
Hebrews 10:26

Less of an admonishment but a timely reminder to all of us who profess to share and live the faith.
Are we truly living the life that Jesus Christ has shown us and are we not just seeking, but abiding by the leading of the Holy Spirit?

Truly, God blesses us all but is it all take and no giving on our part??

Being a parent and a normal one to boot, I will like to give my children the very best that I could within my means.
Here, it is not just about material but every possible good gift that we are in the position to give, be it love, time, values, well being or whatever that we think is good for them.

But does it mean that as long as they ask, we will give??

Would you give your child too much junk food, all play and no work, condone their irresponsibility or even drugs, if they asked for it.??

When we first believed, we take up the right of salvation that God has given us all through the sacrifice of His Son, Lord Jesus Christ.

But this is not the be all and end all?

It is true that we start anew, on a clean slate, free of the grip of sin and Satan’s bond of death.
In starting anew, God will re-mould us into His likeness, we will be transformed and renewed in the knowledge of Him.

Sadly, many Christians start to believe that blessings from God are couched in the parameters that we set, rather than He sets.
Wealth, health, stealth, the whole breath of human desires will often form the basis for our fervent belief in our Maker.
Many go on deluded spiritual highs and are totally intoxicated with the gifts rather than the Giver.
Some cling on to the method, often in the form of a relentless asking or chanting for they are told that if you keep asking, the Lord will give.

Does it sound familiar? Like the incessant bawling of some spoiled children

‘Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, lest we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.’
Hebrews 10:26

It is true that God will always bless those who trust in Him. It is also true that He will give us anything asked in His will, but not ours.
It is good that we look to God, but we should take time to know Him and His will. Look at the Giver and not ponder over the gifts. Look to God, through His Son, Lord Jesus Christ and not through the imperfect man.

‘But therefore I tell the truth, you do not believe Me….’
John 8:45

Last night, I had a dream. In all its brevity of less than 5 seconds, I saw my son, Andre standing precariously on the platform of a ladder, which was positioned next to a wide open window.
Like all parents, my first reaction was to shout to him to forewarn him of the imminent danger, of falling over.
I guess my shout was loud enough to awaken not just myself, but my usually slumberous better half.

The Philistines in Judges 14:4 had a difficult time interpreting the riddle that Samson set.
I am not interpreter of dreams, but the Lord reminded me of the situation many of us are in today.

Like the parable that Jesus shared on the seeds that fell on different soil conditions.
We have many friends and loved ones who we are blessed to share the Word of God, but it seems to not take root. Our anxiety for them is natural, for End Times have never seemed so real, what with nuclear proliferation, institutionalized terrorism, animals gone crazy be it mad cow, bird flu or swine virus and now, increasingly tempestuous weather.

Yet, while it is good to be like the concerned father looking at our son standing at the edge of the precipice, what about ourselves??

Have we been looking too much at the trees, and missed the forest totally??

Do take time with the Lord. Let Him show you His ways and our follies. Let Him make us right. It is not man but God whom we must look to.

‘…Today if you will hear His voice. Do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion….’
Hebrews 3:7

God Blesses

Eng Hieang