Dear…
'Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Suffficient unto the day is the evil therof.'
Matthew 6:34
With the green shoots sprouting forth, or at least, the optimistic spoutings from mouths of the till recently dime a dozen prophets of doom in the financial services business, now dramatically transformed into harbingers of bullish news, it is a matter of time before human emotions spring forth unfettered, leaving self discipline and rationale in its wake, for envious green from having missed out, or simply red hot lust of a raging bull turns us all blind to deceptiveness and reality, for a rampaging bull is all color blind, just like greed can blind even the sanest.
The meaning of life is a question that seems more apt in the inevitable deflating aftermath of another one of these present solid and sordid pursuits of the devil's delusions of material wealth being the elixir to life's woes, but the meaning of death is a question few will ask in their lifetime, and if any do harbour that thought, it could be in the afterlife, when none of the living will be in a position to commiserate with you, the departed.
'If they obey and serve Him, they shall spend their days in prosperity, and their years in pleasures. But if they obey not, they shall perish by the sword, and they shall die without knowledge.'
Job 36:11-12
A morbid thought it might be, but this is the thought that the Lord placed in my heart. It is not just because I attended a recent burial of a dear friend, but as I surveyed the rows of tombstones marking what once was, but now no longer is except in one's fading memories, new plots of land were also being laid for future occupants, for death is inevitable for all.
And as I now prepare to complete this reflection, not too sure if it is an affirmation from the Lord, but some of you were quite kind to send me four interesting emails just these past two days.
One is a testimony of how God brought a departed non believer to Christ, but the son who is a Christian, only found out two years later. Truly it is at God's timing and form, and till recently, the sad and angry son, who thought that God had forgotten about his dad, repented and was reassured.
'…after you have suffered a little while, will Himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.'
1 Peter 5:10
As a believer, there are indeed many times where we strive to overcome, to live out our faith, but always seem to end up hitting the wall. Many in fact lose the will to cling on to the unseen God, and instead, start to turn to other "gods' that seem to fulfill their prayers. Faith does not come from us. Hence, it cannot come from our self will nor understanding. Faith can only come from God. But to receive that faith, we must want to come and continue to stay unto His presence. The devil knows this simple rule more than any of us, and it is its desire that you do not die to Christ. What does literal death truly mean?
In my finite understanding, I have learned, in all times, especially the challenging times, to cling on to the words of the Apostle James, who reminded us that we must first submit to God, then resist the devil, then will the devil flee from us.
In letting go(ie literally dying to Christ), it seems that we might find ourselves plunging into the abyss of our worst fears. It is, but only in letting God, will we see His ways, will we begin to understand His loving grace, and realize truly, God is indeed everpresent, He is Sovereign.
'But He knoweth the way that I take, when He hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.'
Job 23:10
The second testimony is an ode to woman, our wonderful mother. If you are a test-tube baby, you might be hardpressed to know who your dad is, or even your mum, but for most of us, whose parents tamper not with nature's work, we are all blessed by God who uses the womb of a mother to brings us forth into this world. For most, birth is always a joyous ocassion. It is the fruit of a God blessed unison of God's creation, man and woman. A family with children mirrors our own relationship with God. Mums are always more resilient than Dad. Mum is always the one who leaves that indelible memory of comfort and love for many of us, especially in our times of vulnerability or maybe rare expressions of humanity, even if we are an old baby like me. I am blessed my mum is still with me. But I am sure for many of you, your mum might have gone into the pearly gates of Heaven, but she is very alive in your memory and her presence is ever so real, and as Christians, we know that we will meet our mum again in Heaven, and so while death could be finality for many, for us who know the Lord our God, death is sad, yet a joyous occasion, for we not just will meet our loved ones, but we will all be in the family of God, our Heavenly Father. For indeed, all of us who believe and seek to follow the Lord our God, will indeed come forth, clothed in His glory, for eternity.
'And He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee, for My strength is made perfect in weakness…'
2 Corinthians 12:9
The third and maybe you could say, the fourth as well are two testimonies by two Catholics. For many, even believers, one often get confused thinking that Catholics are not Christians, and that Christians refer only to Protestants. Without dwelling too deeply into history and man's imperfections, yet God's divine workings, all who believe in our Lord Jesus Christ and seek to follow Him are Christians, be it Catholics, Protestants or the subset of Protestants, eg Methodists, Baptist, Anglicans, etc etc.
God make us all different, with different gifts, but it is the same God, and so, when Christ returns and we meet the Lord, the differentiation is not about one's denomination, but rather, has one truly been a desirous and obedient follower of our Lord Jesus Christ?
'For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us..'
Romans 8:18
The 3rd testimony is about how a Roman Catholic in Singapore was diagnosed with 4th stage lung cancer and how by the grace of God, He was led to the route of healing. The 4th testimony is from a dear friend, who received God's healing, much as in a moment of weakness, she moved away from Him, to seek other "gods' and yet God remained faithful and brought her back. My friend, in her joyous repentance, she responded to God's call for her to share her testimony of God's faithfulness, even in our unfaithfulness.
'So the wall was finished….. And it came to pass . That when all our enemies heard thereof, and all the heathen that were about us saw these things, they were much cast down in their own eyes, for they perceived that this work was wrought of our God.'
Nehemiah 6:15-16
From the day we are borned till the day we return back to dust, God has a purpose for all of us. Which is, to live a life that honours Him, to be a living sacrifice, to be a testimony of His grace, to be the lamp upon which His light shine forth in the darkness of this temporal world. That is the meaning of life. It is not about finite achievements, nor about ourselves but about who Christ is, and who we are in the eyes of our beloved Father, in Heaven and how we allow God to mould us in His likeness.
'Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight.'
Isaiah 5:21
Death is not a finality, as those who do not know nor want to know God might choose to delude themselves. Death is just the beginning of eternity, a blessed time with God in Heaven, or a time in eternal damnation, to be bedfellows with the unrepentant devil.
What has all 4 testimonies in common? It is more than about God's love for us in the present, nor is it just about extending our finite time on Earth. But rather, it is about God's desire and faithfulness in wanting all of us to understand what death signfiies, so that we will truly use well, the finite time He has given us all, in making the right lifestyle choice.
'I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.'
John 11:25
'Because He hath inclined His ear unto me, therefore will I call upon Him as long as I live.'
Psalm 116:1-2
God Blesses
Eng Hieang
(25may09)
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Friday, May 22, 2009
Reflections for the moment#14 The new Babylon(21May09)
Dear…
'Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God, that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God…..But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness unto him…..'
1 Corinthians 2:12-14
If I were to tell you that in the next two to three years, at the rate the governments are debasing the value of their currencies, through excessive quantitative easing, or in layman's terms, printing of paper currencies, backed only by their eroding credibility, the monies that you squirrelled away, be it in the bank or at home would be worth half of what it is today, what would your reaction be?
'….Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.'
Galatians 5:16
The response would likely be one that is based upon your own understanding, your sense of future trends, hearsay from others and the credibility of the chap who just raised this possibility with you.
But it is likely that even those who are most cynical of this scenario would not totally banish the possibility from their innermost thoughts.
'….Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him. But God hath revealed them unto us by His Spirit…'
1 Corinthians 2:9-10
What about the key tenet of Christianity? That man are sinners, that God has made us clean by His grace and not by our works, our past sins are forgiven by the sacrifice of His beloved only Son, our Lord Jesus Christ and that death no longer has a hold upon us, with the risen Christ.
If a seemingly free lunch seems too incredulous to be believed, what about the promise of our Lord Jesus Christ that he will return to Earth and all will be judged?
Without the Spirit of God in us, none of us will be able to comprehend.
'Look unto Me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.'
Isaiah 45:22
Much of the world is still cynical about the sustainability of the present more bullish stockmarkets, but if history is any guide, reignited greed and fear of missing out will eventually supercede common sense, and prices could rise higher and longer than most might reasonably expect. In the 1970s, after two horrendous years(late 1973 to 1975) of bear markets from the aftermath of the Vietnam war and the Arab oil embargo of 1973, the major stock indices recovered most of its losses in a very strong run up for a year plus to 1977, before the marauding bulls, whose overweight body were strutting on tiny legs of weak fundamentals, slipped badly on an oil slick created by the Iranian revolution(in 1979) as well as the Iran Iraq war(from 1980), to be drowned in a sea of high inflation,compounded by fiscal and monetary ill discipline amongst the Western Governments. Is this déjà vu?
'Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the Word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.'
Hebrews 11:3
Man is finite, but God is Sovereign, and we know not His ways. And will history repeat itself?
Brethren, join in following my example, and observe those who walk according to the pattern you have in us. For many walk, of whom I have often told you, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ." Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.'
Philippians 3:17-19
I know not, but clearly, men are making the same mistakes. Deceit, greed, pride, selfishness, unrepentance continues to make its rounds and the recovery in financial asset prices today is not just a hollow recovery(ie economic fundamentals will not be able to match the pace of financial exuberance), but the means to bring us back from the brink of our past follies are far from hallowed, for debasing one's purchasing power, beggar thy neighbour policies and mucking around with ethical or rather accounting standards, is men's sinful ways, not God's way.
'For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. Behold, I have told you before…'
Matthew 24:24-25
Are all these elements leading us to the beginnings of a New Babylon? Not just a new world financial system to replace the present much maligned capitalist model, but a totally new world order, whose impact are not fully fathomable as yet, but clearly if the present is a foretaste of what will be, rightly unsettling it will be for all who depend upon their or other men's finite understanding.
Postulations one can indulge in till one's heart content. Would it be better not to do what is within our finite abilities?
Which is,
"We need to ask ourselves whether the testimony of our lives is worthy of the Lord?'
"How will the unreached people see that testimony if there is no Christian willing to leave their "safe houses" and live in their midst?"
(Ross Paterson, Antioch Missions)
'And take heed to yourselves…..Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man…'
Luke 21:34-36
Good times are back, if one measure good as in perceived recovery of asset prices. Yet, this would be even more troubling times, for the devil will take joy in swaying our emotions, giving all whose pursuits are his delusions, a great sense of discontentment and disconcertedness, for most will continue to miss most of the price appreciations, and even more might end up on the wrong side many times over, as prices will gyrate in ways beyond men's understanding.
'Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you.'
Acts 3:6
Are we like the blind man who expected the Apostle Peter to give him alms, but was surprised yet greatly gratified when he was, by the blessed name of our Lord Jesus Christ, given sight.
Many of us continue to look for that great foresight that will help us garner even greater material wealth, but what truly matters is to have the blindness in our hearts lifted, that we may "see" God's wonderful presence in our lives, to experience that Inner peace and joy, to have our character refined in the likeness of Christ.
This is no longer a question of getting our perspective right, but rather, our Lord Jesus Christ must be the Rock upon which we can and must lean upon in the brave new and unfathomable world that all of us have entered.
'From henceforth let no man trouble me, for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus'
Galatians 6:17
God Blesses
Eng Hieang
(21st May 2009)
'Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God, that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God…..But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness unto him…..'
1 Corinthians 2:12-14
If I were to tell you that in the next two to three years, at the rate the governments are debasing the value of their currencies, through excessive quantitative easing, or in layman's terms, printing of paper currencies, backed only by their eroding credibility, the monies that you squirrelled away, be it in the bank or at home would be worth half of what it is today, what would your reaction be?
'….Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.'
Galatians 5:16
The response would likely be one that is based upon your own understanding, your sense of future trends, hearsay from others and the credibility of the chap who just raised this possibility with you.
But it is likely that even those who are most cynical of this scenario would not totally banish the possibility from their innermost thoughts.
'….Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him. But God hath revealed them unto us by His Spirit…'
1 Corinthians 2:9-10
What about the key tenet of Christianity? That man are sinners, that God has made us clean by His grace and not by our works, our past sins are forgiven by the sacrifice of His beloved only Son, our Lord Jesus Christ and that death no longer has a hold upon us, with the risen Christ.
If a seemingly free lunch seems too incredulous to be believed, what about the promise of our Lord Jesus Christ that he will return to Earth and all will be judged?
Without the Spirit of God in us, none of us will be able to comprehend.
'Look unto Me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.'
Isaiah 45:22
Much of the world is still cynical about the sustainability of the present more bullish stockmarkets, but if history is any guide, reignited greed and fear of missing out will eventually supercede common sense, and prices could rise higher and longer than most might reasonably expect. In the 1970s, after two horrendous years(late 1973 to 1975) of bear markets from the aftermath of the Vietnam war and the Arab oil embargo of 1973, the major stock indices recovered most of its losses in a very strong run up for a year plus to 1977, before the marauding bulls, whose overweight body were strutting on tiny legs of weak fundamentals, slipped badly on an oil slick created by the Iranian revolution(in 1979) as well as the Iran Iraq war(from 1980), to be drowned in a sea of high inflation,compounded by fiscal and monetary ill discipline amongst the Western Governments. Is this déjà vu?
'Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the Word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.'
Hebrews 11:3
Man is finite, but God is Sovereign, and we know not His ways. And will history repeat itself?
Brethren, join in following my example, and observe those who walk according to the pattern you have in us. For many walk, of whom I have often told you, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ." Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.'
Philippians 3:17-19
I know not, but clearly, men are making the same mistakes. Deceit, greed, pride, selfishness, unrepentance continues to make its rounds and the recovery in financial asset prices today is not just a hollow recovery(ie economic fundamentals will not be able to match the pace of financial exuberance), but the means to bring us back from the brink of our past follies are far from hallowed, for debasing one's purchasing power, beggar thy neighbour policies and mucking around with ethical or rather accounting standards, is men's sinful ways, not God's way.
'For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. Behold, I have told you before…'
Matthew 24:24-25
Are all these elements leading us to the beginnings of a New Babylon? Not just a new world financial system to replace the present much maligned capitalist model, but a totally new world order, whose impact are not fully fathomable as yet, but clearly if the present is a foretaste of what will be, rightly unsettling it will be for all who depend upon their or other men's finite understanding.
Postulations one can indulge in till one's heart content. Would it be better not to do what is within our finite abilities?
Which is,
"We need to ask ourselves whether the testimony of our lives is worthy of the Lord?'
"How will the unreached people see that testimony if there is no Christian willing to leave their "safe houses" and live in their midst?"
(Ross Paterson, Antioch Missions)
'And take heed to yourselves…..Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man…'
Luke 21:34-36
Good times are back, if one measure good as in perceived recovery of asset prices. Yet, this would be even more troubling times, for the devil will take joy in swaying our emotions, giving all whose pursuits are his delusions, a great sense of discontentment and disconcertedness, for most will continue to miss most of the price appreciations, and even more might end up on the wrong side many times over, as prices will gyrate in ways beyond men's understanding.
'Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you.'
Acts 3:6
Are we like the blind man who expected the Apostle Peter to give him alms, but was surprised yet greatly gratified when he was, by the blessed name of our Lord Jesus Christ, given sight.
Many of us continue to look for that great foresight that will help us garner even greater material wealth, but what truly matters is to have the blindness in our hearts lifted, that we may "see" God's wonderful presence in our lives, to experience that Inner peace and joy, to have our character refined in the likeness of Christ.
This is no longer a question of getting our perspective right, but rather, our Lord Jesus Christ must be the Rock upon which we can and must lean upon in the brave new and unfathomable world that all of us have entered.
'From henceforth let no man trouble me, for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus'
Galatians 6:17
God Blesses
Eng Hieang
(21st May 2009)
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Reflections for the moment#13 Living for the moment(12may09)
Dear….
'The show of their countenance doth witness against them, and they declare their sin as Sodom, they hide it not. Woe unto their soul? For they have done evil unto themselves.'
Isaiah 3:9
Does one's countenance truly reflects what is truly in our hearts? Can one put on different personas to suit one's changing purposes and varied audience? And will one be able to truly discern beyond the outward façade that many used to mask their true personality and intent?
Man is a deceitful being living in a delusionary world run by the devil. And as Shakepeare wrote in his book, "As you like it" - "All the world's a stage. And all the men and women merely players.They have their exits and their entrances."
Who can know nor understand the secrets of the heart, but the Lord our God.
'But God hath revealed them unto us by His Spirit, for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.'
1 Corinthians 2:10
Some do walk across into the kingdom of God, when the inner thoughts of their heart are revealed by the Lord, through a fellow man or even in a dream or by a juxtapositioning of circumstances. Much as I might have harboured in my younger days, illusions of being one of those superheroes(that populated our growing up years), with an x-ray vision when television was the only major source of distraction, I have till now never had that leading from the Lord to directly speak forth what is in a person's heart.
'I have planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase.'
1 Corinthians 3:6
The words that I have shared now or in the past might not have mean't anything to you. But it is the Lord who lifts the veils in one's heart, and I would love to have you share that moment with me, when the Lord speaks to your heart, by dropping me a note, as some have.
'Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, Who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts, and then shall every man have praise of God.'
1 Corinthians 4:5
For those of us who professed to be Christians, does it mean that God should be no different from our diverse areas of interest, to be spoken to only when we are in need or when time does allow us, which is usually never?
To believe in our Lord Jesus Christ is to signify an intent to enter into a relationship with a God, Who loves us and wants to bring us into His likeness. But we must not just be willing but determined to cling on to Him, every moment of our finite life.
Men desire to be the rooster in their own roost, but can one in propagating one's desires, not impinge and infringe upon the desires of one's neighbours. Relationships amongst men is about finding common ground, yet allowing for individual expression. Reality is, it is impossible for the imperfect man to be a perfect arbiter, and utopia where all are satisfied, is just a delusion. Man is not God.
'Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness in their heart. Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lascivousness, to work all uncleaness with greediness…'
Ephesians 4:18-19
Without God, much as we might believe otherwise, we are no different from animals, our needs and wants are carnal. If there is no God, indeed one should live for the moment, and partake in the sensual instincts of our primate self. "Let him die with dignity" is a common one liner amongst those who can do no better for friends whose days of carnal pleasures are over, and where the future means nothing for those who had always lived for the present.
Much as advocates of Darwin might think so, I am no primate, but like all, I do have carnal desires. If not for the presence of the Holy Spirit in my heart, it is indeed easy to degenerate into our primeval desires that the devil so loves to lead us on.
The Apostle Paul summed it up succintly when he said "to live is Christ, to die is gain" and indeed, we must live every moment of our life not just the way God wants us to, but with Him, for God walks with us.
Heaven is here with us, for the Spirit of God resides in the hearts of those who believed, and the desires of the carnal world pales in comparison with the love of God that envelopes and encapsulates our very being.
'So, I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature….'
Galatians 5:16
For those who claimed that they were born different, be it in sexual orientation, or unfettered lusts, or good old simple selfishess, deceit and all other sins attributable to the fallen man, the Plimsoll line has been what society is prepared to accept, hence the push and pull between those of differing views, that permeates human civilization since Adam and Eve, in their efforts to redraw the Plimsoll line.
But have we all missed the big picture?
'Not by work of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Spirit, which He shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour..'
Titus 3:4-6
If one is willing to repent and believe in God, what nature wreaks, and science cannot change, the transforming power of the Holy Spirit will.
It might be impossible with men, but all things are possible with God.
But are you willing to let go and let God?
'A factious man after a first and second admonition refuse, knowing that such a one is perverted, and sinneth, being self condemned..'
Titus 3:10-11
God Blesses
Eng Hieang
(11 May 09)
How can I make you believe?
-------------------------------------------
'Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life; he that believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou me.'
John 11:25
If a friend is dying, and if I clearly believe and know that God is Sovereign and that damnation or salvation for eternity is a matter of choice, how can I convince him or her of the urgency to believe before it is too late?
Belief can only come if one is willing to surrender to God, and one thing I noticed common to all is the unwillingness to let go, even as death beckons.
Our surrender to the Sovereignty of God in our lives, can only come by the grace of God. It is not a question of self will or imposition by a fellow human. Does it mean then that we should let one's dying friend wait there for God without any participation on our part.?
Prayers are important, for God hears the prayers of the faithful. Pray we must but what more must we do?
Grace is the love of God at work through us, and in seeing us responding with the love that God imbue in us, the Lord will use us to nudge or even push our loved ones over, not by compulsion but by creating that compelling desire in them to experience the same love that they see in us, that can only come from the "unseen" yet very visible God.
We are looking for a response from our non-believing friends, but God is leading us to respond His way and prayers will ensure that we will "hear" Him right for that moment when He wants us to move from prayers to love in action or even asking the simple but important question "will you be willing to accept the salvation that God has given us all by the sacrifice of His Son, our Lord Jesus Christ on the cross?"
'The show of their countenance doth witness against them, and they declare their sin as Sodom, they hide it not. Woe unto their soul? For they have done evil unto themselves.'
Isaiah 3:9
Does one's countenance truly reflects what is truly in our hearts? Can one put on different personas to suit one's changing purposes and varied audience? And will one be able to truly discern beyond the outward façade that many used to mask their true personality and intent?
Man is a deceitful being living in a delusionary world run by the devil. And as Shakepeare wrote in his book, "As you like it" - "All the world's a stage. And all the men and women merely players.They have their exits and their entrances."
Who can know nor understand the secrets of the heart, but the Lord our God.
'But God hath revealed them unto us by His Spirit, for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.'
1 Corinthians 2:10
Some do walk across into the kingdom of God, when the inner thoughts of their heart are revealed by the Lord, through a fellow man or even in a dream or by a juxtapositioning of circumstances. Much as I might have harboured in my younger days, illusions of being one of those superheroes(that populated our growing up years), with an x-ray vision when television was the only major source of distraction, I have till now never had that leading from the Lord to directly speak forth what is in a person's heart.
'I have planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase.'
1 Corinthians 3:6
The words that I have shared now or in the past might not have mean't anything to you. But it is the Lord who lifts the veils in one's heart, and I would love to have you share that moment with me, when the Lord speaks to your heart, by dropping me a note, as some have.
'Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, Who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts, and then shall every man have praise of God.'
1 Corinthians 4:5
For those of us who professed to be Christians, does it mean that God should be no different from our diverse areas of interest, to be spoken to only when we are in need or when time does allow us, which is usually never?
To believe in our Lord Jesus Christ is to signify an intent to enter into a relationship with a God, Who loves us and wants to bring us into His likeness. But we must not just be willing but determined to cling on to Him, every moment of our finite life.
Men desire to be the rooster in their own roost, but can one in propagating one's desires, not impinge and infringe upon the desires of one's neighbours. Relationships amongst men is about finding common ground, yet allowing for individual expression. Reality is, it is impossible for the imperfect man to be a perfect arbiter, and utopia where all are satisfied, is just a delusion. Man is not God.
'Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness in their heart. Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lascivousness, to work all uncleaness with greediness…'
Ephesians 4:18-19
Without God, much as we might believe otherwise, we are no different from animals, our needs and wants are carnal. If there is no God, indeed one should live for the moment, and partake in the sensual instincts of our primate self. "Let him die with dignity" is a common one liner amongst those who can do no better for friends whose days of carnal pleasures are over, and where the future means nothing for those who had always lived for the present.
Much as advocates of Darwin might think so, I am no primate, but like all, I do have carnal desires. If not for the presence of the Holy Spirit in my heart, it is indeed easy to degenerate into our primeval desires that the devil so loves to lead us on.
The Apostle Paul summed it up succintly when he said "to live is Christ, to die is gain" and indeed, we must live every moment of our life not just the way God wants us to, but with Him, for God walks with us.
Heaven is here with us, for the Spirit of God resides in the hearts of those who believed, and the desires of the carnal world pales in comparison with the love of God that envelopes and encapsulates our very being.
'So, I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature….'
Galatians 5:16
For those who claimed that they were born different, be it in sexual orientation, or unfettered lusts, or good old simple selfishess, deceit and all other sins attributable to the fallen man, the Plimsoll line has been what society is prepared to accept, hence the push and pull between those of differing views, that permeates human civilization since Adam and Eve, in their efforts to redraw the Plimsoll line.
But have we all missed the big picture?
'Not by work of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Spirit, which He shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour..'
Titus 3:4-6
If one is willing to repent and believe in God, what nature wreaks, and science cannot change, the transforming power of the Holy Spirit will.
It might be impossible with men, but all things are possible with God.
But are you willing to let go and let God?
'A factious man after a first and second admonition refuse, knowing that such a one is perverted, and sinneth, being self condemned..'
Titus 3:10-11
God Blesses
Eng Hieang
(11 May 09)
How can I make you believe?
-------------------------------------------
'Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life; he that believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou me.'
John 11:25
If a friend is dying, and if I clearly believe and know that God is Sovereign and that damnation or salvation for eternity is a matter of choice, how can I convince him or her of the urgency to believe before it is too late?
Belief can only come if one is willing to surrender to God, and one thing I noticed common to all is the unwillingness to let go, even as death beckons.
Our surrender to the Sovereignty of God in our lives, can only come by the grace of God. It is not a question of self will or imposition by a fellow human. Does it mean then that we should let one's dying friend wait there for God without any participation on our part.?
Prayers are important, for God hears the prayers of the faithful. Pray we must but what more must we do?
Grace is the love of God at work through us, and in seeing us responding with the love that God imbue in us, the Lord will use us to nudge or even push our loved ones over, not by compulsion but by creating that compelling desire in them to experience the same love that they see in us, that can only come from the "unseen" yet very visible God.
We are looking for a response from our non-believing friends, but God is leading us to respond His way and prayers will ensure that we will "hear" Him right for that moment when He wants us to move from prayers to love in action or even asking the simple but important question "will you be willing to accept the salvation that God has given us all by the sacrifice of His Son, our Lord Jesus Christ on the cross?"
Friday, May 8, 2009
Reflections for the moment #12 In perspective (8may09)
Dear…..
'Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?'
Galatians 4:16
The world has become not just more unsettled, but even more unpredictable, what with the continued aftermath of the subprime and the nascent swine flu, not counting the regular seismic activity, though the only volcanic eruption seems to be in the stockmarkets, where the hogs are outpacing the tired bulls, and the hibernating bears in the uphill race to the abbatoir.
Bird watching might be easier than trying to fathom human emotions, as displayed in the stockmarkets, but at least, till recently, peace and joy might be what Christians professed to have.
But events of the past couple of weeks has in all likelihood, given a new experience for most of us who are believers in Singapore.
'Be still, and know that I am God, I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.'
Psalm 46:10
God is Sovereign, and if events of the past couple of days in Singapore are any indication, then good did come out of all situations, dire or not, and truly, the family make-up as most understand and subscribe to will be preserved for now, but we must no doubt remain watchful, just as we should be mindful of differing opinions, but steadfast in prayers we must.
'Be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.'
1 Peter 5:1-11
As followers of our Lord Jesus Christ, it is a reminder once again to all that boldly we must speak, but it must be God led. And God is love, and much as one's detractors might seem to deserve a carnal response as all including us, are capable of evil, Christ led by example and Christlikeness is always lived with love, patience, perserverance, selflessness. We must love our "detractors" and persecutors, and let God be the judge. We can correct those who have erred, but spiced heavily with love, not with our judgement, and once we have said our piece, we should move on, and not impose by our own understanding or strength, for everyone has their choice and each is individually accountable to the Lord our God. Correction starts with ourselves, and lets by the grace of God ensure that we ourselves do not fall by the wayside.
'I am the Lord, and there is none else, there is no God beside Me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known Me.'
Isaiah 45:5
Many of us were never Christians by birth. In fact, many of us in our pre-believer days, find those who try to share the gospel with us an irritant at best, at worse, self-righteous pompous peacocks, who does not live what they preach. A follower of our Lord Jesus Christ must be desirous of seeking God always, reading His Word, in communion with Him in prayers, and always thankful in all situations, and praise in worship allows the Holy Spirit to envelope our very soul with His peace and joy. Have you done that?? Have you lived what you preached?
Much as we want to wish or often, more like brow beat God's blessings upon someone, that the blind might see the light of salvation, the light can only come from God, at His timing and in His way. What are we then?
We are the braille that the spiritually blind feels and gropes with, but enlightenment can only come from the Lord.
Were we not that way when we were non-believers? Just as God prepares the heart of the unbeliever, He is preparing us to walk with those whom He will lift the veil from. But will you be ready when that happens, if you do not seek God diligently? Will people whom you have been a bad example of our faith, want to come to you when God make them ready and willing?
'Shall we indeed accept good from God, and shall we not accept adversity?'
Job 2:10
A man who seek after the Lord, is not immune from his own imperfections, and is even more likely to be under siege from the devil. But God will always gird us, much as in those moments of weakness, we might feel truly overwhelmed, but the Holy Spirt will bring us forth and give us renewed strength, and we will never lose our grip on the hands of the faithful Father. But this indomitable spirit to cling on to God, come what may, can only come from our growing into His likeness every moment of our lives,. It comes from a daily effort to seek God, a Father Whom we have come to know intimately, and not from a whimsical and momentary desire.
'But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now.'
Galatians 4:29
God spoke to a worned out Prophet Elijah with a still small voice. God is speaking to all of us who seek Him. Truly, the battle is not just God's to fight, it is already won on the cross. Lets truly learn to be still, and hear God's will, then will we understand His ways, and learn to align our very thoughts and responses, to the darkness threatening to envelop all, with a lightness of heart, and emanate forth with that glorious inner joy and peace, that truly, all darkness have but to acknowledge the presence of the light, our Sovereign God.
'..but he that troubleth you shall bear his judgment, whosoever he be.'
Galatians 5:10
It just not the nature of response, but the timing is also of the Lord's. Our response is about obedience, trust and doing what honours Him. We must discard our carnal self and let the Spiritual self come forth, as led by the Lord our God.
'When the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son.'
Galatians 4:1-7
God Blesses
Eng Hieang
(8th May 2009)
Retrospective
--------------------
Hope I am not like those snake oil sellers who hark to their professed past successes as attestation of the efficacy of their products. I am selling no product, and it is not a Christian's job to convince the unbeliever of God's awesomeness. But rather, it is for me to speak as God leads and to attest as He shows me the way, much as one can see that I was quite wrong often enough in my investment decisions, yet God always make a wrong right, if we look to Him and His ways are not our ways. Below is an excerpt from Reflections #2 Impressions(2 April 09), and much as I believe that the Lord will bring me out my bad positions in the stockmarkets, His ways are always unfathomable and with this present surge of hope and delusion, it is an opportunity for me to make clean my position and respond I must.
"As I now bring this latest reflection to a close and try to stay concise, the Lord placed the thought in my heart that now is the time to "clean up." But I have indeed clean up my debt and my deposits and very well, by His grace. The Lord reminded me about the need to clean up the last leg of of my own portfolio, ie shares. The markets the next month or so will offer all an opportunity to make right what was wrong with our portfolios. Be not driven by fear(as in the case now) nor be driven by greed(as what was and will again be soon as prices rises albeit temporarily on relentless liquidity from the Americans).
But it is more than our financials. It is about us making right our lives, by coming unto the source of all comfort and grace, the Lord our God."
'Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?'
Galatians 4:16
The world has become not just more unsettled, but even more unpredictable, what with the continued aftermath of the subprime and the nascent swine flu, not counting the regular seismic activity, though the only volcanic eruption seems to be in the stockmarkets, where the hogs are outpacing the tired bulls, and the hibernating bears in the uphill race to the abbatoir.
Bird watching might be easier than trying to fathom human emotions, as displayed in the stockmarkets, but at least, till recently, peace and joy might be what Christians professed to have.
But events of the past couple of weeks has in all likelihood, given a new experience for most of us who are believers in Singapore.
'Be still, and know that I am God, I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.'
Psalm 46:10
God is Sovereign, and if events of the past couple of days in Singapore are any indication, then good did come out of all situations, dire or not, and truly, the family make-up as most understand and subscribe to will be preserved for now, but we must no doubt remain watchful, just as we should be mindful of differing opinions, but steadfast in prayers we must.
'Be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.'
1 Peter 5:1-11
As followers of our Lord Jesus Christ, it is a reminder once again to all that boldly we must speak, but it must be God led. And God is love, and much as one's detractors might seem to deserve a carnal response as all including us, are capable of evil, Christ led by example and Christlikeness is always lived with love, patience, perserverance, selflessness. We must love our "detractors" and persecutors, and let God be the judge. We can correct those who have erred, but spiced heavily with love, not with our judgement, and once we have said our piece, we should move on, and not impose by our own understanding or strength, for everyone has their choice and each is individually accountable to the Lord our God. Correction starts with ourselves, and lets by the grace of God ensure that we ourselves do not fall by the wayside.
'I am the Lord, and there is none else, there is no God beside Me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known Me.'
Isaiah 45:5
Many of us were never Christians by birth. In fact, many of us in our pre-believer days, find those who try to share the gospel with us an irritant at best, at worse, self-righteous pompous peacocks, who does not live what they preach. A follower of our Lord Jesus Christ must be desirous of seeking God always, reading His Word, in communion with Him in prayers, and always thankful in all situations, and praise in worship allows the Holy Spirit to envelope our very soul with His peace and joy. Have you done that?? Have you lived what you preached?
Much as we want to wish or often, more like brow beat God's blessings upon someone, that the blind might see the light of salvation, the light can only come from God, at His timing and in His way. What are we then?
We are the braille that the spiritually blind feels and gropes with, but enlightenment can only come from the Lord.
Were we not that way when we were non-believers? Just as God prepares the heart of the unbeliever, He is preparing us to walk with those whom He will lift the veil from. But will you be ready when that happens, if you do not seek God diligently? Will people whom you have been a bad example of our faith, want to come to you when God make them ready and willing?
'Shall we indeed accept good from God, and shall we not accept adversity?'
Job 2:10
A man who seek after the Lord, is not immune from his own imperfections, and is even more likely to be under siege from the devil. But God will always gird us, much as in those moments of weakness, we might feel truly overwhelmed, but the Holy Spirt will bring us forth and give us renewed strength, and we will never lose our grip on the hands of the faithful Father. But this indomitable spirit to cling on to God, come what may, can only come from our growing into His likeness every moment of our lives,. It comes from a daily effort to seek God, a Father Whom we have come to know intimately, and not from a whimsical and momentary desire.
'But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now.'
Galatians 4:29
God spoke to a worned out Prophet Elijah with a still small voice. God is speaking to all of us who seek Him. Truly, the battle is not just God's to fight, it is already won on the cross. Lets truly learn to be still, and hear God's will, then will we understand His ways, and learn to align our very thoughts and responses, to the darkness threatening to envelop all, with a lightness of heart, and emanate forth with that glorious inner joy and peace, that truly, all darkness have but to acknowledge the presence of the light, our Sovereign God.
'..but he that troubleth you shall bear his judgment, whosoever he be.'
Galatians 5:10
It just not the nature of response, but the timing is also of the Lord's. Our response is about obedience, trust and doing what honours Him. We must discard our carnal self and let the Spiritual self come forth, as led by the Lord our God.
'When the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son.'
Galatians 4:1-7
God Blesses
Eng Hieang
(8th May 2009)
Retrospective
--------------------
Hope I am not like those snake oil sellers who hark to their professed past successes as attestation of the efficacy of their products. I am selling no product, and it is not a Christian's job to convince the unbeliever of God's awesomeness. But rather, it is for me to speak as God leads and to attest as He shows me the way, much as one can see that I was quite wrong often enough in my investment decisions, yet God always make a wrong right, if we look to Him and His ways are not our ways. Below is an excerpt from Reflections #2 Impressions(2 April 09), and much as I believe that the Lord will bring me out my bad positions in the stockmarkets, His ways are always unfathomable and with this present surge of hope and delusion, it is an opportunity for me to make clean my position and respond I must.
"As I now bring this latest reflection to a close and try to stay concise, the Lord placed the thought in my heart that now is the time to "clean up." But I have indeed clean up my debt and my deposits and very well, by His grace. The Lord reminded me about the need to clean up the last leg of of my own portfolio, ie shares. The markets the next month or so will offer all an opportunity to make right what was wrong with our portfolios. Be not driven by fear(as in the case now) nor be driven by greed(as what was and will again be soon as prices rises albeit temporarily on relentless liquidity from the Americans).
But it is more than our financials. It is about us making right our lives, by coming unto the source of all comfort and grace, the Lord our God."
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Reflections for the moment #11 Obedience (5may09)
Dear….
'….Behold the fig tree, and all the trees; When they now shoot forth, ye see and know of your own selves that summer is now nigh at hand.'
Luke 21:30
Greens shoots sprouting is increasingly what many reborn bulls who are starting to shed their bear skins, are spouting, as the catch word for early indications of the world coming out of the financial debacle it found itself mired in the past couple of years. Self belief is always an important driver and if enough lemmings decide that it is ok to jump over the cliff, senseless as it might seem, the momentum will fulfill its own prophecy till enough snapped out of the delusion or simply there are no lemmings left.
'For there is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested; neither was anything kept secret, but that it should come abroad. If any man have ears to hear, let him hear.'
Mark 4:22-23
Now that the pigs, at least the virus, have been found to be impotent for the moment, the world has gone into overdrive in terms of a relief rally in the stockmarkets, and who knows, self-belief can be a momentum by itself and stockmarkets might just defy logic for that much longer.
Can we draw a similar conclusion for the Christian faith? Can men cling on to their belief in an invisible God? Belief can and do lead many beyond what they thought that they were capable of. Belief even cause some to martyr themselves. But for most, falter we all will if God is just a function of our self belief.
God might be invisible to our senses but thankfully, He is very present in the Spirit, and many of strong faith will attest that our steadfastness comes because God is more than a figment of our own imagination. He is in fact, very much present to those who seek a relationship with Him.
And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall be there from heaven.'
Luke 21:11
Much as the swine flu seems no different from the regular seasonal flu, fact remains that the porkers are fast broadening their reach across the globe. Are we witnessing the equivalent of sleeper cells that the communists of a few decades were infamous for, when they inflitrated their enemy countries by placing their allies across society, to be activated at the opportune time?
'Thw sower soweth the word….And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.
And these are they which are sown on good ground, such as hear the word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred..'
Mark 4:14-20
Most of us who do read the Bible are familiar with the parable of the seeds. And those who seek the Lord like to believe that they are in the last category, ie, those who respond and God bless them bountifully. But reality is, are we more like the seeds which easily fall prey to the cares and concerns of the sinful world?
Now that the stockmarkets has since riccohet 15-20% in the few days since my one and only public declaration(see excerpt below from Reflections#6 Amnesia 14th April 09) of what I believe was truly from the Lord, some might be wandering that just maybe God did speak to me. I believe God did lead me into the markets much as it was against my rational logic, but interestingly, the Lord took me out of the markets last Thursday. If our relationship with the Lord was about making material gains, then I must have heard the the Lord incorrectly, for the big gains were this Monday, and my selling a market day early, did make a significant difference in the prices.
"On logic, I have in all probability done the most stupid thing in my life. Putting monies in a market that has already risen 20% or more, putting more than I will do in such circumstances and buying stocks that I felt led to rather than placing more of my usual rigorous thought to. And every day since, the news continue to affirm what I have understood, that is, the world is living out a lie, propagated by the powers to be and it is a matter of time before the markets go for a bigger whack.(excerpt from Reflections #6 Amnesia april 14th 2009)"
Being the imperfect man, it is hard not to question God about His timing, when one see the fruits of our obedience not being fulfilled. Did I hear God right or is there something else He is showing me?
Thankfully, I have learned that our relationship with God is not based on what we think or see, nor is it about material gains, but rather, where He is leading us and our response must always be one of obedience and thankfulness. I have no inkling as to why I miss the "big move" in the markets by one day, after going in much against my self will, and in a bigger way than normal, and this was before the outbreak of swine flu. But I do believe that God wanted me out, much against logic on hindsight, just as He brought me in much against logic at that point.
'Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, He it is that doth go with thee, He will not fail thee, nor forsake thee…'
Deuteronomy 31:6
As I pondered upon Mark 4:20, it struck me that obedience is what God expects from all who seek Him, and we should not worry too much about conclusions, for God is Sovereign and He knows our needs. In obeying, we learn to leave aside our own imperfect understanding, and our carnal senses behind, for not to do otherwise would bring us to the same sorry state as all the other seeds described in Mark 4:15-19
'But if we hope for what we don't have, we wait for it patiently.'
Romans 8;25
So what is ahead? Only thing that seems certain is that deceit has intensified in our present world, and if we do not cling on to the Lord our God, come what may, we will end up swayed in all the wrong directions, and very soon, like squealing pigs that once swished happily, but meaninglessly in the swill, just like Porky, we will end up as different versions of dead meat.
'Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Teaching them to observe all things whatsover I have commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.'
Matthew 28:19-20
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.'
Psalm 46:1
God Blesses
Eng Hieang
(5th May 09)
Note
------
With my entry into the stockmarkets on April 14th, the markets started to ease, though my stocks were fine. But lo and behold, swinging in unexpectedly was the swine flu, and much as I wish the Lord will show me asap the "4 pillars" ie His work that I felt led to believe that He wants me to use His blessings for, so that I can unscramble my position and preserve the cash. The fourth pillar only truly came to my heart on Thursday, and trust me, I was more than happy to get out. And that is the nature of man, we did what we thought was right, and when things turn out differently, we wish we did not do it.
What portends ahead, I am not sure nor do I want to outguess our Lord, but as of now, I believe the Lord wanted me significantly out of the markets. And out one must till He leads us otherwise. But do we sit there and wait for the next investment tip. I think not, for we should learn to be still and know the will of God, and often, it is about honouring Him in all that we do, often in areas far distant from material gains.
'….Behold the fig tree, and all the trees; When they now shoot forth, ye see and know of your own selves that summer is now nigh at hand.'
Luke 21:30
Greens shoots sprouting is increasingly what many reborn bulls who are starting to shed their bear skins, are spouting, as the catch word for early indications of the world coming out of the financial debacle it found itself mired in the past couple of years. Self belief is always an important driver and if enough lemmings decide that it is ok to jump over the cliff, senseless as it might seem, the momentum will fulfill its own prophecy till enough snapped out of the delusion or simply there are no lemmings left.
'For there is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested; neither was anything kept secret, but that it should come abroad. If any man have ears to hear, let him hear.'
Mark 4:22-23
Now that the pigs, at least the virus, have been found to be impotent for the moment, the world has gone into overdrive in terms of a relief rally in the stockmarkets, and who knows, self-belief can be a momentum by itself and stockmarkets might just defy logic for that much longer.
Can we draw a similar conclusion for the Christian faith? Can men cling on to their belief in an invisible God? Belief can and do lead many beyond what they thought that they were capable of. Belief even cause some to martyr themselves. But for most, falter we all will if God is just a function of our self belief.
God might be invisible to our senses but thankfully, He is very present in the Spirit, and many of strong faith will attest that our steadfastness comes because God is more than a figment of our own imagination. He is in fact, very much present to those who seek a relationship with Him.
And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall be there from heaven.'
Luke 21:11
Much as the swine flu seems no different from the regular seasonal flu, fact remains that the porkers are fast broadening their reach across the globe. Are we witnessing the equivalent of sleeper cells that the communists of a few decades were infamous for, when they inflitrated their enemy countries by placing their allies across society, to be activated at the opportune time?
'Thw sower soweth the word….And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.
And these are they which are sown on good ground, such as hear the word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred..'
Mark 4:14-20
Most of us who do read the Bible are familiar with the parable of the seeds. And those who seek the Lord like to believe that they are in the last category, ie, those who respond and God bless them bountifully. But reality is, are we more like the seeds which easily fall prey to the cares and concerns of the sinful world?
Now that the stockmarkets has since riccohet 15-20% in the few days since my one and only public declaration(see excerpt below from Reflections#6 Amnesia 14th April 09) of what I believe was truly from the Lord, some might be wandering that just maybe God did speak to me. I believe God did lead me into the markets much as it was against my rational logic, but interestingly, the Lord took me out of the markets last Thursday. If our relationship with the Lord was about making material gains, then I must have heard the the Lord incorrectly, for the big gains were this Monday, and my selling a market day early, did make a significant difference in the prices.
"On logic, I have in all probability done the most stupid thing in my life. Putting monies in a market that has already risen 20% or more, putting more than I will do in such circumstances and buying stocks that I felt led to rather than placing more of my usual rigorous thought to. And every day since, the news continue to affirm what I have understood, that is, the world is living out a lie, propagated by the powers to be and it is a matter of time before the markets go for a bigger whack.(excerpt from Reflections #6 Amnesia april 14th 2009)"
Being the imperfect man, it is hard not to question God about His timing, when one see the fruits of our obedience not being fulfilled. Did I hear God right or is there something else He is showing me?
Thankfully, I have learned that our relationship with God is not based on what we think or see, nor is it about material gains, but rather, where He is leading us and our response must always be one of obedience and thankfulness. I have no inkling as to why I miss the "big move" in the markets by one day, after going in much against my self will, and in a bigger way than normal, and this was before the outbreak of swine flu. But I do believe that God wanted me out, much against logic on hindsight, just as He brought me in much against logic at that point.
'Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, He it is that doth go with thee, He will not fail thee, nor forsake thee…'
Deuteronomy 31:6
As I pondered upon Mark 4:20, it struck me that obedience is what God expects from all who seek Him, and we should not worry too much about conclusions, for God is Sovereign and He knows our needs. In obeying, we learn to leave aside our own imperfect understanding, and our carnal senses behind, for not to do otherwise would bring us to the same sorry state as all the other seeds described in Mark 4:15-19
'But if we hope for what we don't have, we wait for it patiently.'
Romans 8;25
So what is ahead? Only thing that seems certain is that deceit has intensified in our present world, and if we do not cling on to the Lord our God, come what may, we will end up swayed in all the wrong directions, and very soon, like squealing pigs that once swished happily, but meaninglessly in the swill, just like Porky, we will end up as different versions of dead meat.
'Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Teaching them to observe all things whatsover I have commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.'
Matthew 28:19-20
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.'
Psalm 46:1
God Blesses
Eng Hieang
(5th May 09)
Note
------
With my entry into the stockmarkets on April 14th, the markets started to ease, though my stocks were fine. But lo and behold, swinging in unexpectedly was the swine flu, and much as I wish the Lord will show me asap the "4 pillars" ie His work that I felt led to believe that He wants me to use His blessings for, so that I can unscramble my position and preserve the cash. The fourth pillar only truly came to my heart on Thursday, and trust me, I was more than happy to get out. And that is the nature of man, we did what we thought was right, and when things turn out differently, we wish we did not do it.
What portends ahead, I am not sure nor do I want to outguess our Lord, but as of now, I believe the Lord wanted me significantly out of the markets. And out one must till He leads us otherwise. But do we sit there and wait for the next investment tip. I think not, for we should learn to be still and know the will of God, and often, it is about honouring Him in all that we do, often in areas far distant from material gains.
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