Dear..
'Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer.'
Psalm 61:1
"Cry my beloved country" is a fiction book written in 1948, by South African author, Alan Paton, chronicling the inequitability of the South African society of the 1940s, a prelude to the imposition of the apartheid system in South Africa(from 1948-1994), where the white minority enjoyed the largess of this well endowed country, and the majority black population were left to wallow in abject poverty. And where the color of your skin determined which side of the road you should be walking on.
Fewer of us might remember who the once famous South African Dr Christian Barnard was, for medical science has since progressed from his pioneering days(in Dec 1967) of open heart transplant.
Memories might be fleeting, but there are matters of the heart like deeply ingrained biasedness and long submerged tribal faultlines, that might be nonchalantly dismissed as irrelevant in progressive societies, but can be easily drawn to the forth, as President Obama recently found out, in his comments on the case of the colored Harvard Professor and the white police officer.
'To open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison house.'
Isaiah 42:7
Nelson Mandela, most of us would have heard of him. And by next year, more would for South Africa, long a great sporting nation, but till recently, a pariah in the international community(as a result of its apartheid policy) will host for the first time, the World Cup, the premier event for soccer afiociondos..Mr Mandela spent most of his life in prison, the price he paid for standing up to a repressive and unfair regime.
As a believer, we are asked by God to be used by Him to share His love, to reflect in our lives, the likeness of Jesus Christ, that His light can shine forth into the darkness encapsulating the hearts of many. But will we be truly prepared to be like Christ, who gave his life for us, or even like Nelson Mandela, who was prepared to be imprisoned for his beliefs? Or simply, just to move out of our comfort zone, so that we are able to emphathize with the people God placed in our lives?
And I will bring the blind by the way that they knew not; I will lead them in paths that they have not known, I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight. These things will I do unto them, and not forsake them. They shall be turned back….'
Isaiah 42:16-18
On this, as I spent time last night reading the Lord's Word, I was convicted of my failing, for truly, like some, I tend to be more comfortable amongst my "own" ie people whom I feel comfortable with. For just yesterday, I have avoided responding to a communication from a brother in Christ, who in my mind, is "quirky" and his request is likely to be frivolous, and so not worth my time.
Jesus Christ never left out anyone in His ministry, and it is whoever God places in his life. Sinned I have, but repentance I can still exercise and indeed the good Lord has corrected me well, and respond I did finally to the brother(note: just in case some of you on my mail list figured that it might be you, rest assured, the brother in question is not on my mailing and this incident was a few months back)
Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with good, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and the naked.'
Revelation 3:17
Materially rich or poor, we are all encumbered with perspective of things as defined by our finite understanding and flawed experiences. Light turns into colors as it is split by the receptor cells that resides in our visual system. Light in its original form is colorless. A defintion from the internet Wilkepedia site states that Color derives from the spectrum of light (distribution of light energy versus wavelength) interacting in the eye with the spectral sensitivities of the light receptors.
As the imperfect man, we will judge everything from the our flawed perspective, using the experiences garnered in a fallen world, driven by our selfishness rather than selflessness. Much as some might differ, reality is, can we be truly unbiased and love others as much as ourselves? Harmony in society comes when there is a strong artificial grip where any deviation from the imposed norm will lead to serious personal peril. But like the animals released into the wild, will we not revert to our primal instincts, in the multi-faceeted jungle of deceit, desire, pride, envy and selfishness, once the iron hand is lifted? The late communist dictator, Josip Tito might have some comments on that given that Yugloslavia, which was once a shining symbol of not just enlightened communism, but also racial harmony from what was once, a divisive historical divide amongst its diverse cultures and people, reverted to its ethnic cleansing ways once the artifical glue came unstuck with his passing.
"Those whom the world rejects, should move you the most"
St Louis de Monfort (from Boys' Town Blue Ribbon Project)
Men can truly love their fellows as much as themselves when they totally discard such ingrained receptors of biasedness(by letting go of their own understanding) and letting light filter through unfiltered(ie to let God, to let His light shine forth into our hearts). With man, things are impossible, with God, through His beloved Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, all things are possible.
'You will guide me with Your counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.'
Psalm 73:24
Much as most of us think that it is not possible to just follow, and not weigh in with our views, with God all things are possible, and much as we might struggle with letting go and letting God, God is preparing us and while one knows not when His Spirit will sanctify us and bring us closer and deeper in our faith with Him, every step we take unto His presence brings us nearer to being the lamp that His light will shine forth from.
'I have rejoiced in the way of Thy testimonies, as much as in all riches.'
Psalm 119:14
Christ is the panacea for the world's ills. Man is selfish, Christ is selfless.
In today's increasingly restless world, the challenge for believers is not the machinations and perceptions of the world that seems to not just misunderstand what Christianity stood for, but ourselves.
Are we willing to obey the command of God, ie to seek Him always with our all, and to love others as much as ourselves?
No longer must we look at the world from our colored lens, but to be the lamp upon which the light of God shines forth, be it into darkness, shades of grey or whatever configurations that might exist in the hearts of many?
'I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.'
John 8:12
God Blesses
Eng Hieang
(26th Oct 09)
Note
This sharing was written in july 09, but till now do I truly felt led to bring it out into the light. These are interesting times. If we learn to put aside our own desires, and look at things with a perspective not colored by our greed and fear. Clearly the news coming forth are quite disturbing. The latest attempt at delusions is that of the way ships are being valued. Instead of valuing on a market basis which is down 50% from peak levels, , the proposal put forth is that market at this juncture of pessimism are not reflective of normal circumstances and one should value a ship on future earnings. Everyone is buying time and hoping that things will improve. Healing starts when once is honest with one's past follies, and continued denial is not a solution but a deferment of future problems. With God, the veil of blindness gets lifted and we see Christ when we truly repent, With men, rare is one who repents by choice, and it is often by circumstances forced upon us. Will this be the same for this present bubbly delusions?
Monday, October 26, 2009
Friday, October 16, 2009
Reflections for the moment#40 Conversation with God (16 oct 09)
Dear…
'I love Your commands more than gold, more than pure gold.'
Psalm 119:127
'Listen to His voice, and hold fast to Him.'
Deuteronomy 30:20
Gold has recaptured its lustre?. Though nothing has changed since King Midas, for we cannot eat it, yet gold has always held great fascination for men, since time immemorial, especially in times of great uncertainty. In the tumultous days of post Vietnam war, gold bars secured a passage on a rickety boat, out of communist rule, into a hope of living in non-autocratic environs, provided one survived the hazards of the South China Sea. And financial freedom is what most hoped for, when they seek their many "gods," when they offer obeisance to whichever "gods" that have or will answer their material hopes.
Are Christians that different? Do we truly seek God or do we seek God for His provisions?
'…and I brought him word again as it was in my heart. Nevetheless my brethren that went up with me made the heart of the people melt; but I wholly followed Jehovah my God..'
Joshua 14:8
'Behold, I have told you before.'
Matthew 24:25
I like many who are desirous of following God faithfully, like to believe that imperfect as we might be, our heart truly wants to obey God. But like many of the faithful, there are times where lingering doubts arise, as to if we heard God right, be it from our own finite understanding, or from views of others, even out of good intent.
Can we be truly like Caleb, one of two men who remained sure of God's promise. And their steadfastness stood out from amongst the many who were sent to recce the promised land and came back knowing the promised fruits, but unsure if God will deliver?
'The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy is understanding…'
Proverbs 9:10
'…and I will shake the house of Israel and all the nations.'
Amos 9:9
Ever since I seek to profess my faith, by living out God's leading publicly, God has been very responsive, for HE draws near to those who draw near to Him. So responsive that whenever I err, the Spirit not just convicts my very heart, but the follow through "rap on the knuckle" to ensure that I sinned no furthur is both swift and sharp. I am indeed not just truly fearful that God will correct His children, but thankful that He does, to ensure that I go no furthur down the sinful path.
'Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser, teach a just man, and he will increase in learning..'
Proverbs 9:9
'…making the ephah small, and the shekel great, and falsifying the balances by deceit.'
Amos 8:5
Much as most know that the world's economic fundamentals are far from improving, reality is more are jumping into the bandwagon of optimism in the financial markets, for not to do so seems quite silly, for throwing caution to the wind is rewarding, for now. Did I hear God right? A question or doubt I asked myself less for I am sure I did, but how do you know you heard Him right? some will still ask. And much as most know that the nuts and bolts in my mental faculty are still very much in place, my past few months of boldly pronouncing on God speaking to me, might seem to be that of a man in delirium, even as the markets are delusory.
Is one truly in a position to engage in conversation with the Sovereign God?
'…ye pollute yourselves with idols, even unto this day, and shall I be enquired by you, O house of Israel? As I live, saith the Lord God, I will not be enquired of by you.'
Ezekiel 19:31
'Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.'
Romans 10:1
It is always good to take the bull by its horn. Question is, do you truly believe that God is real? And if you do, do you believe HE is Sovereign?
For those who don't believe in the existence of our Divine God, never say never, for you will know the presence of God, at His timing, of course, you still have a choice not to accept that reality.
For those of us do believe in a Heavenly Father, why are we not quite prepared to spent time developing that relationship?
'….for they have turned their back unto me, and not their face: but in time of their trouble they will say, Arise, and save us. But where are thy gods that thou hast made thee? Let them arise, if they can save thee in the time of thy trouble…'
Jeremiah 2:27-28
'Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.'
Romans 11:13
Most of us show a little more credance to the presence of God only when trouble strikes us hard. Flat on our back, we grudgingly consider turning to that possible "God" Who has never figured much in our lives, because we chose to ignore His presence. But will God spring right unto your very presence just because you needed your wants met? He might, but from most experiences, we will have to go through much greater periods of humbling, till our hearts are truly humbled and contrite, where we no longer cling on to the things of the world, and where only the love of God can fill the hunger in our very spirit, then will we "hear" and "see' God.
'Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him…'
Psalm 37:7
'For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.'
Romans 10:10
I have believed in the existence of God since age 13. Till age 21, only truly experienced His Sovereignty when I had to call on Christ out of desperate fear, almost every nite for 2 weeks continuously, whenever unwanted spirits chose to impress their presence upon me every nite in my army bunk. And it did work, for I regained the mobility of my limbs and my voice, once I called upon the Lord.
The first 3 years of my career was downright depressing. And church was where I went, hoping to get not just solace, but answered prayers. God did bring me forth in my career, and for the next decade, there was nothing to talk to Him about, for I plain forgotten about Him.
Yet, God remains faithful and when the stirring in my heart showed even that minute sense of interest to renew our acquaintance, He literally ensured that the connectivity is restored, and though it still needed that defining moment for me at age 40, in Bangkok to truly be moved from desirous believer to determined follower of our Lord Jesus Christ.
'And the Spirit of the Lord will come upon thee, and thou shalt prophesy with them, and shalt be turned into another man.'
1 Samuel 10:6
A new man I might be, and it was just the next phase of my journey with God. It has been 8 wonderful years, and indeed God did speak to me many times, but the modus operandi has always been through His Word, in my time of prayers, in His work, and sometimes through people and coincidences of circumstances, and on a few occasions, through experiential dreams. But through it all, it is the peace of heart that gives comfort and affirms the decisions that I made at every crossroad, it is the knowledge that God will make a wrong right, even if we have taken mis-steps, as long as we continue to look to Him through it all.
Conclusions matter not, but obedience is imperative.
'And let it be, when these signs come unto thee, that thou do as occasion serve thee, for God is with thee.'
1 Samuel 10:7
Wisdom God does give us. Being a follower of Christ does not mean one becomes stupid. On the contrary, one will be more diligent in being a good steward of the gifts that God blesses us with, for His work. But in all things, we must look to God first, and if HE shows otherwise, we must be prepared to throw conventional wisdom out of the window and do as the Lord leads.
'For as many as are led by the Spirit of god, they are the sons of God.'
Romans 8:13
'Who is the wise man, that may understand this? And who is he to whom the mouth of the Lord hath spoken, that he may declare it….?'
Jeremiah 9:12
So what has God been speaking to me lately? Conversation with God is often via the heart and the only difference for me this year is that I seem to "hear" God a lot more and in more specific manner. For the past one year, God has spoken to my heart, at the point between dreamland and awakening. Like what King Agrippa said about Paul turning mad with too much knowledge, delirious I have not become, but it is my belief that the time has come that God will be very specific for those who truly seek Him, for the end times have intensified.
'..Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ, and shall deceive many…there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows.'
Matthew 24:4-8
'And the Lord saith, Because they have forsaken My law which I set before them, and have not obeyed My voice, neither walked therein…'
Jeremiah 9:13
Do take time to read and reflect upon the rest of Matthew 24. The times of sorrows are indeed with us, and as Christ says to those who believed and follow His will, to remain steadfast in our faith will indeed be very daunting, if we do not 'converse" with God every moment of our lives.
'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….But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations, and then shall the end come,'
Matthew 24:9-14
'Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I, send me. And He said, Go, and tell this people, Hear ye indeed, but understand not, and see ye indeed, but perceive not.'
Isaiah 6:8-9
God Blesses
Eng Hieang
(16 Oct 09)
Note
- like all conversations, it must be two way. Do take time to reflect on the verse couplets that dots the landscape of this reflection,and may God truly speak to you, as He surely would, if you learn to be still and know His will.
'I love Your commands more than gold, more than pure gold.'
Psalm 119:127
'Listen to His voice, and hold fast to Him.'
Deuteronomy 30:20
Gold has recaptured its lustre?. Though nothing has changed since King Midas, for we cannot eat it, yet gold has always held great fascination for men, since time immemorial, especially in times of great uncertainty. In the tumultous days of post Vietnam war, gold bars secured a passage on a rickety boat, out of communist rule, into a hope of living in non-autocratic environs, provided one survived the hazards of the South China Sea. And financial freedom is what most hoped for, when they seek their many "gods," when they offer obeisance to whichever "gods" that have or will answer their material hopes.
Are Christians that different? Do we truly seek God or do we seek God for His provisions?
'…and I brought him word again as it was in my heart. Nevetheless my brethren that went up with me made the heart of the people melt; but I wholly followed Jehovah my God..'
Joshua 14:8
'Behold, I have told you before.'
Matthew 24:25
I like many who are desirous of following God faithfully, like to believe that imperfect as we might be, our heart truly wants to obey God. But like many of the faithful, there are times where lingering doubts arise, as to if we heard God right, be it from our own finite understanding, or from views of others, even out of good intent.
Can we be truly like Caleb, one of two men who remained sure of God's promise. And their steadfastness stood out from amongst the many who were sent to recce the promised land and came back knowing the promised fruits, but unsure if God will deliver?
'The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy is understanding…'
Proverbs 9:10
'…and I will shake the house of Israel and all the nations.'
Amos 9:9
Ever since I seek to profess my faith, by living out God's leading publicly, God has been very responsive, for HE draws near to those who draw near to Him. So responsive that whenever I err, the Spirit not just convicts my very heart, but the follow through "rap on the knuckle" to ensure that I sinned no furthur is both swift and sharp. I am indeed not just truly fearful that God will correct His children, but thankful that He does, to ensure that I go no furthur down the sinful path.
'Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser, teach a just man, and he will increase in learning..'
Proverbs 9:9
'…making the ephah small, and the shekel great, and falsifying the balances by deceit.'
Amos 8:5
Much as most know that the world's economic fundamentals are far from improving, reality is more are jumping into the bandwagon of optimism in the financial markets, for not to do so seems quite silly, for throwing caution to the wind is rewarding, for now. Did I hear God right? A question or doubt I asked myself less for I am sure I did, but how do you know you heard Him right? some will still ask. And much as most know that the nuts and bolts in my mental faculty are still very much in place, my past few months of boldly pronouncing on God speaking to me, might seem to be that of a man in delirium, even as the markets are delusory.
Is one truly in a position to engage in conversation with the Sovereign God?
'…ye pollute yourselves with idols, even unto this day, and shall I be enquired by you, O house of Israel? As I live, saith the Lord God, I will not be enquired of by you.'
Ezekiel 19:31
'Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.'
Romans 10:1
It is always good to take the bull by its horn. Question is, do you truly believe that God is real? And if you do, do you believe HE is Sovereign?
For those who don't believe in the existence of our Divine God, never say never, for you will know the presence of God, at His timing, of course, you still have a choice not to accept that reality.
For those of us do believe in a Heavenly Father, why are we not quite prepared to spent time developing that relationship?
'….for they have turned their back unto me, and not their face: but in time of their trouble they will say, Arise, and save us. But where are thy gods that thou hast made thee? Let them arise, if they can save thee in the time of thy trouble…'
Jeremiah 2:27-28
'Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.'
Romans 11:13
Most of us show a little more credance to the presence of God only when trouble strikes us hard. Flat on our back, we grudgingly consider turning to that possible "God" Who has never figured much in our lives, because we chose to ignore His presence. But will God spring right unto your very presence just because you needed your wants met? He might, but from most experiences, we will have to go through much greater periods of humbling, till our hearts are truly humbled and contrite, where we no longer cling on to the things of the world, and where only the love of God can fill the hunger in our very spirit, then will we "hear" and "see' God.
'Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him…'
Psalm 37:7
'For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.'
Romans 10:10
I have believed in the existence of God since age 13. Till age 21, only truly experienced His Sovereignty when I had to call on Christ out of desperate fear, almost every nite for 2 weeks continuously, whenever unwanted spirits chose to impress their presence upon me every nite in my army bunk. And it did work, for I regained the mobility of my limbs and my voice, once I called upon the Lord.
The first 3 years of my career was downright depressing. And church was where I went, hoping to get not just solace, but answered prayers. God did bring me forth in my career, and for the next decade, there was nothing to talk to Him about, for I plain forgotten about Him.
Yet, God remains faithful and when the stirring in my heart showed even that minute sense of interest to renew our acquaintance, He literally ensured that the connectivity is restored, and though it still needed that defining moment for me at age 40, in Bangkok to truly be moved from desirous believer to determined follower of our Lord Jesus Christ.
'And the Spirit of the Lord will come upon thee, and thou shalt prophesy with them, and shalt be turned into another man.'
1 Samuel 10:6
A new man I might be, and it was just the next phase of my journey with God. It has been 8 wonderful years, and indeed God did speak to me many times, but the modus operandi has always been through His Word, in my time of prayers, in His work, and sometimes through people and coincidences of circumstances, and on a few occasions, through experiential dreams. But through it all, it is the peace of heart that gives comfort and affirms the decisions that I made at every crossroad, it is the knowledge that God will make a wrong right, even if we have taken mis-steps, as long as we continue to look to Him through it all.
Conclusions matter not, but obedience is imperative.
'And let it be, when these signs come unto thee, that thou do as occasion serve thee, for God is with thee.'
1 Samuel 10:7
Wisdom God does give us. Being a follower of Christ does not mean one becomes stupid. On the contrary, one will be more diligent in being a good steward of the gifts that God blesses us with, for His work. But in all things, we must look to God first, and if HE shows otherwise, we must be prepared to throw conventional wisdom out of the window and do as the Lord leads.
'For as many as are led by the Spirit of god, they are the sons of God.'
Romans 8:13
'Who is the wise man, that may understand this? And who is he to whom the mouth of the Lord hath spoken, that he may declare it….?'
Jeremiah 9:12
So what has God been speaking to me lately? Conversation with God is often via the heart and the only difference for me this year is that I seem to "hear" God a lot more and in more specific manner. For the past one year, God has spoken to my heart, at the point between dreamland and awakening. Like what King Agrippa said about Paul turning mad with too much knowledge, delirious I have not become, but it is my belief that the time has come that God will be very specific for those who truly seek Him, for the end times have intensified.
'..Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ, and shall deceive many…there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows.'
Matthew 24:4-8
'And the Lord saith, Because they have forsaken My law which I set before them, and have not obeyed My voice, neither walked therein…'
Jeremiah 9:13
Do take time to read and reflect upon the rest of Matthew 24. The times of sorrows are indeed with us, and as Christ says to those who believed and follow His will, to remain steadfast in our faith will indeed be very daunting, if we do not 'converse" with God every moment of our lives.
'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….But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations, and then shall the end come,'
Matthew 24:9-14
'Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I, send me. And He said, Go, and tell this people, Hear ye indeed, but understand not, and see ye indeed, but perceive not.'
Isaiah 6:8-9
God Blesses
Eng Hieang
(16 Oct 09)
Note
- like all conversations, it must be two way. Do take time to reflect on the verse couplets that dots the landscape of this reflection,and may God truly speak to you, as He surely would, if you learn to be still and know His will.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Reflections for the moment #39 Beneath the gloss (8th oct 09)
ear…
'Before the decree bring forth, before the day pass as the chaff, before the fierce anger of the Lord come upon you, before the day of the Lord's anger come upon you.
Seek ye the Lord….it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the Lord's anger.'
Zephaniah 2:1-3
This ominous warning might have more credence back in Mar this year, when the world looks decidedly like going over the abyss. But now, with the seemingly roaring good times now back with us, not many will give a hoot to what could have been.
'For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. For there are no bands in their death, but their strength Is firm. They are not in trouble as other men, neither are they plagued like other men. Therefore pride compasseth them about as a chain…. Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world….Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain..'
Psalm 73:3-14
A conversation I had with a dear brother in Christ reminded me of the sense of angst and grievance Asaph, a faithful man of God felt, in a faithless world. He could not understand why the godless seems to be amply rewarded in all senses, and not just materially, and is the consideration keeping Asaph from pronouncing his doubt about God aloud, is his non desire to shake the faith of fellow faithful men?
Up to a year ago, my whole emotional mix now would be like Asaph, for having obeyed faithfully God's leading this past one year, I would have found myself losing out financially compared to what could be, if I have leaned on my own understanding. This is the year where the reckless, the irresponsible and all things bad seem to be gaining tremendously financially, while those who are prudent, content and of integrity seem to be losing out. But have those who seek to follow God's leading truly lost out??
'Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end. Surely Thou didst set them in slippery places, Thou castedst them down into destruction. How are they brought into desolation, as in a moment! They are utterly consumed with terrors….'
Psalm 73:17-19
In my more sinful days, I used to be like Jonah, wishing that God will bring about the promised destruction on the sinful in Nineveh. Is it out of envy for destruction does benefit those who think that they obeyed God, at least in justifying their "sacrifices" in living godly values? But can the destroyed repent, and like the once sinful people of Nineveh, God relented because He truly wants all to be turned back to Him.
The Spirit of God has been graceful, and I have like Asaph, learned the folly of our self-righteous ways, and much as we must pray for all humanity to turn away from the devil to the Sovereign Lord our God,it is better to let the Spirit of God transform us, for change has to start with ourselves. And the days of 99% of our life for God, and 1% for ourselves are over. God must be our sole provider and focus. and our two hands must fully gripped on to Him, and not just 9 out of 10 fingers literally.
But does it not mean that we look inward, and not correct our brothers with love, wherever the Lord lead us to share a word? I believe God will use the faithful to remind the pending faithful, and on this, let me share a couple of verses that the Lord has brought me to these past few days.
'And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.'
Romans 13:11
The world is again caught up with its own measures of success. Spanking new skyscrapers, that looks cool on the outside, but needs an inordinate amount of energy to stay cool on the inside. Sterling rise in share prices, but on the inside, questionable business ethics and even more questionable balance sheets. Well coiffuered executives and the moneyed class, but beneath the façade, deep insecurity, discontentment and disconcertedness. A world catapulting into the 21st century with all its promised gloss, but yet, the gross inhumanity towards fellow beings, the great divide between the materially endowed and the increasingly underclass widens.
'And he said to the woman, "Thy faith hath saved thee, go in peace."
Luke 7:50
Is it not time to acknowledge the vacumn in our hearts, that desire for fulfilment that is far from being satisfied by our relentless efforts and finite understanding? A black hole of unfulfilled peace and joy, that can only be sated, by seeking God and obeying His command to love others?
God knows all our needs in this world. He has and will provide for us. But God wants us to know Him, to know His plan for us to be in eternity with Him. It is there for our taking. But to take, we will need to give first, by leaving everything aside and coming unto His presence. We will need to response as He leads us step by step in total obedience, and learn to leave our desire for conclusions to Him.
'Martha was distracted with much serving.'
Luke 10:40
It is time to stop being like Martha, much ado about nothing and instead be like Mary, who truly know that the sole purpose of our finite life is that come unto the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ.
God will speak to us if we only learn to be still. In my own quiet time with him, He has brought me twice in two days to the same verses below. Do spend time reflecting on what it means for I truly believe God wants to prepare us for what is ahead.
'So they came into the land of Egypt: for they obeyed not the voice of the Lord…'
Jeremiah 43:7
(Have we gone back to our old sinful ways of chasing after everything except to following the leading of our Lord?)
'Ye that have escaped the sword, go away, stand not still: remember the Lord afar off, and let Jerusalem come into your mind. We are confounded, because we have heard reproach…'
Jeremiah 51: 50-51
(Many of us have been blessed to escape materially the overwhelming and systematic financial carnage of the period between Oct 08-Mar 09. It is good not to forget what could have been, for many lost permanently a substantial part of their wealth, no different from the disobedient Israelites whose land in Jerusalem were destroyed by the conquering Babylonians)
'Waves of enemies will rage like great waters; the roar of their voices will resound. A destroyer will come against Babylon; her warriors will be captured, and their bows will be broken. For the Lord is a God of retribution; He will repay in full.......
This is what the Lord Almighty says: Babylon's thick wall will be leveled and her high gates set on fire; the people exhaust themselves for nothing, the nations' labor is only fuel for flames.'
Jeremiah 51:55-58
(this final verse ie Jeremiah 51:55-58 besides coming to me twice in two days, left a deep impression upon my heart. Does it portend what is ahead if we continue to seek the Babylonian lifestyle of excesses, to be like our conqueror, the devil, whose wiles led to Adam forgoing his birthright and special relationship with God, to instead enter into a life of bondage and sin to the devil? The call of nature is getting more virulent, judging by the almost daily earthquakes the past two weeks, and the howling typhoons. What about the call of God to all of us?
It is time to take a step back, be still and ponder upon your relationship with God. It is never too late, but it does not mean that God will withhold His hands in perpetuity)
God Blesses
Eng Hieang
(7 Oct 09)
'Before the decree bring forth, before the day pass as the chaff, before the fierce anger of the Lord come upon you, before the day of the Lord's anger come upon you.
Seek ye the Lord….it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the Lord's anger.'
Zephaniah 2:1-3
This ominous warning might have more credence back in Mar this year, when the world looks decidedly like going over the abyss. But now, with the seemingly roaring good times now back with us, not many will give a hoot to what could have been.
'For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. For there are no bands in their death, but their strength Is firm. They are not in trouble as other men, neither are they plagued like other men. Therefore pride compasseth them about as a chain…. Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world….Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain..'
Psalm 73:3-14
A conversation I had with a dear brother in Christ reminded me of the sense of angst and grievance Asaph, a faithful man of God felt, in a faithless world. He could not understand why the godless seems to be amply rewarded in all senses, and not just materially, and is the consideration keeping Asaph from pronouncing his doubt about God aloud, is his non desire to shake the faith of fellow faithful men?
Up to a year ago, my whole emotional mix now would be like Asaph, for having obeyed faithfully God's leading this past one year, I would have found myself losing out financially compared to what could be, if I have leaned on my own understanding. This is the year where the reckless, the irresponsible and all things bad seem to be gaining tremendously financially, while those who are prudent, content and of integrity seem to be losing out. But have those who seek to follow God's leading truly lost out??
'Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end. Surely Thou didst set them in slippery places, Thou castedst them down into destruction. How are they brought into desolation, as in a moment! They are utterly consumed with terrors….'
Psalm 73:17-19
In my more sinful days, I used to be like Jonah, wishing that God will bring about the promised destruction on the sinful in Nineveh. Is it out of envy for destruction does benefit those who think that they obeyed God, at least in justifying their "sacrifices" in living godly values? But can the destroyed repent, and like the once sinful people of Nineveh, God relented because He truly wants all to be turned back to Him.
The Spirit of God has been graceful, and I have like Asaph, learned the folly of our self-righteous ways, and much as we must pray for all humanity to turn away from the devil to the Sovereign Lord our God,it is better to let the Spirit of God transform us, for change has to start with ourselves. And the days of 99% of our life for God, and 1% for ourselves are over. God must be our sole provider and focus. and our two hands must fully gripped on to Him, and not just 9 out of 10 fingers literally.
But does it not mean that we look inward, and not correct our brothers with love, wherever the Lord lead us to share a word? I believe God will use the faithful to remind the pending faithful, and on this, let me share a couple of verses that the Lord has brought me to these past few days.
'And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.'
Romans 13:11
The world is again caught up with its own measures of success. Spanking new skyscrapers, that looks cool on the outside, but needs an inordinate amount of energy to stay cool on the inside. Sterling rise in share prices, but on the inside, questionable business ethics and even more questionable balance sheets. Well coiffuered executives and the moneyed class, but beneath the façade, deep insecurity, discontentment and disconcertedness. A world catapulting into the 21st century with all its promised gloss, but yet, the gross inhumanity towards fellow beings, the great divide between the materially endowed and the increasingly underclass widens.
'And he said to the woman, "Thy faith hath saved thee, go in peace."
Luke 7:50
Is it not time to acknowledge the vacumn in our hearts, that desire for fulfilment that is far from being satisfied by our relentless efforts and finite understanding? A black hole of unfulfilled peace and joy, that can only be sated, by seeking God and obeying His command to love others?
God knows all our needs in this world. He has and will provide for us. But God wants us to know Him, to know His plan for us to be in eternity with Him. It is there for our taking. But to take, we will need to give first, by leaving everything aside and coming unto His presence. We will need to response as He leads us step by step in total obedience, and learn to leave our desire for conclusions to Him.
'Martha was distracted with much serving.'
Luke 10:40
It is time to stop being like Martha, much ado about nothing and instead be like Mary, who truly know that the sole purpose of our finite life is that come unto the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ.
God will speak to us if we only learn to be still. In my own quiet time with him, He has brought me twice in two days to the same verses below. Do spend time reflecting on what it means for I truly believe God wants to prepare us for what is ahead.
'So they came into the land of Egypt: for they obeyed not the voice of the Lord…'
Jeremiah 43:7
(Have we gone back to our old sinful ways of chasing after everything except to following the leading of our Lord?)
'Ye that have escaped the sword, go away, stand not still: remember the Lord afar off, and let Jerusalem come into your mind. We are confounded, because we have heard reproach…'
Jeremiah 51: 50-51
(Many of us have been blessed to escape materially the overwhelming and systematic financial carnage of the period between Oct 08-Mar 09. It is good not to forget what could have been, for many lost permanently a substantial part of their wealth, no different from the disobedient Israelites whose land in Jerusalem were destroyed by the conquering Babylonians)
'Waves of enemies will rage like great waters; the roar of their voices will resound. A destroyer will come against Babylon; her warriors will be captured, and their bows will be broken. For the Lord is a God of retribution; He will repay in full.......
This is what the Lord Almighty says: Babylon's thick wall will be leveled and her high gates set on fire; the people exhaust themselves for nothing, the nations' labor is only fuel for flames.'
Jeremiah 51:55-58
(this final verse ie Jeremiah 51:55-58 besides coming to me twice in two days, left a deep impression upon my heart. Does it portend what is ahead if we continue to seek the Babylonian lifestyle of excesses, to be like our conqueror, the devil, whose wiles led to Adam forgoing his birthright and special relationship with God, to instead enter into a life of bondage and sin to the devil? The call of nature is getting more virulent, judging by the almost daily earthquakes the past two weeks, and the howling typhoons. What about the call of God to all of us?
It is time to take a step back, be still and ponder upon your relationship with God. It is never too late, but it does not mean that God will withhold His hands in perpetuity)
God Blesses
Eng Hieang
(7 Oct 09)
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Reflections for the moment #38 Walking on water (1 Oct 09)
Dear…
'But mine eyes are unto Thee, O God the Lord: in Thee is my trust; leave not my soul destitute…'
Psalm 141:8
Many years back, there was this video either on Candid Camera or was it America's funniest video that showed this guy trying to walk on water in a lake, using a pair of outsized paddles fitted on his legs. He was more waddling, like a penguin, than walking, and his moment of greatness lasted no more than a split second, suffice for the camera to capture his moment of folly.
'Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the Lord. Let us lift up our heart with our hands unto God in the heavens.'
Lamentations 3:40
Faith comes from God. Faith is received when we come unto His presence. Faith means a need to response in total obedience and trust, wherever God leads us to. It does include walking on water!! Immersion in water, that is familiar to most of us who have gone for baptism, an important step in our journey of following our Lord Jesus Christ, when we commit to put aside the old,and put on the new self, to be like Christ. But to walk on water, what does that really mean?
'And he said unto them, Where is your faith?'
Luke 8:25
One common desire amongst those who seek to be like Christ, is always to ask ourselves, in any particular circumstances we find ourselves in, is what would Christ wants us to do. How can we be like Him, how can we honour Him?
And one common experience for some of us is that as much we are desirous, we are not too sure if the decisions we made, the actions we take are truly what God wills? Is this perceived shortfall in certainty due to not knowing Christ well? Which in itself has its causal reason in us, the sinful man, not placing God first in our daily living.
So should it not be a question of where is our faith, but rather, where is God in our daily scheme of things?
'And he saw them toiling in rowing; for the wind was contrary unto them: and about the fourth watch of the night he cometh unto them, walking upon the sea, and would have passed by them.'
Mark 6:48
When the winds blow against us, when we are buffetted by what life can throw at us, do we often not try to withstand it upon our own strength, instead of clinging upon the Lord our Rock.
Similarly, when the wind is behind us, do we not often power along on our own puffed up pride, and leave behind the true driver of our destiny, the Lord our God?
If we cannot even stay firmly rooted upon the Lord our God on familiar terra firma, it is even more unfathomable that we can do so, when the Lord brings us to swirling new territory.
'But straightaway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer, it is I, be not afraid…..But when he(ie Apostle Peter) saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid, and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.' And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?'
Matthew 14:27-31
As a follower of our Lord Jesus Christ, I am unlike superman, whose only failing is a weakness to krytonite and wearing his undies wrong side out. As a desirous follower of Christ, I have my fair share of troubles, less monies than I would like and whenever I wobble in my faith, God does not give me a genie out of its magic lamp that I can summon to meet my wants??
When God says walk on water, the winds are still there if not stronger, the water is not just wavy, but underpinned by strong undercurrents that can truly overwhelm the fragile and still sinful me, and I have no wings to keep me afloat. How can just looking towards the Lord our God ensure that I will stay afloat??
'Then Nathan said unto David, Do all that is in thine heart, for God is with thee.'
1 Chronicles 17:2
Man asked too many questions. It is time to discard the "how" and instead, bow in submission to the Spirit of God residing in all who believed and start following as He leads us, from the heart.
And how can we hear the promptings of the Spirit upon our heart?
Christ has shown by example many times in the Bible, that come what may, he will take time with God in prayers. And this morning, even as the ground shakes, from the not so distant earthquake in Sumatra, I am reminded again by the Lord of the story of Mary and Martha.
Martha did so many things, except to come unto the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ. Mary on the contrary stayed focus on the Lord.
'And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things. But one thing is needful and May hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.'
Luke 10:41-42
If you were thrown into a deep sea today, the natural and logical reaction will be to tread water(if you know how) and to struggle interpersed with gasps for help, if you cannot swim. This behaviour is correct if we assume that we are denser than the body of water we are in. But will it not be better to just relax and float naturally, if you were in the Dead Sea, where the salinity ensured that the water is denser than you?
The Dead Sea might be unique, but to "die to Christ" is what all of us who wants to follow our Lord Jesus Christ must do every moment of our life.
When we truly let go and let God, we might not float on water, but the uplifting of our very being as described in Romans 5:5 will bring us forth, come what may, for God is Sovereign.
'..because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.'
Romans 5:5
Boldness comes when we know God. Wisdom to ask for what God has already planned for us comes from staying close to God every moment of our lives. Humility comes when we know that truly with man, nothing is possible, with God everything is possible and we will walk where God leads us to, in any conditions, because the Spirit of God residing in us will carry us forth
And prayers has everything to do with our relationship with the invisible, yet very present God , much as many have not given much credence to it.
'…how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask Him?'
Luke 11:13
God Blesses
Eng Hieang
(1st Oct 2009)
An afternote, not aftershock
------------------------------------------
"Then they cried out unto the Lord in their trouble, and He saved them out of their distresses.'
Psalm 107:13
Near but yet not so near, at least for now. The memories of the Aceh tsunami might have faded for most, but the ramifications of the seismic changes are still very much with us, as our brethren in Padang, Indonesia were rudely reminded by the devastating earthquake yesterday. In Singapore, other than more frequent tremors, we are truly blessed to be near yet not in the path of nature's wrath. Singapore is not just an economic miracle, but by the grace of God, a very blessed nation geography wise.
But do we continue to be enamored by our God given providences and forget about God our Provider and His calling to reach out to our neighbours, both at home and within Asia?
In this sinful world of ours, nothing is permanent, as once pristine Japan can be covered in yellow dust, just because of overgrazing in faraway Mongolia. And closer to home, even the seriously wealthy globally are not just immune from financial downturns, but were severely devastated by the financial shocks of Oct 2008 and possibly more in the near future.
'..always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God'
Colossians 4:12
While the sun is shining and the our lives are stable, it is good to remember the source of our joy and comfort, the Lord our God. But sadly, most tend to be still and start to seek God only when their hearts are humbled and contrite. What manner of shaking will one be desirous to go through before one's focus is drawn back to the ever present God?
'But mine eyes are unto Thee, O God the Lord: in Thee is my trust; leave not my soul destitute…'
Psalm 141:8
Many years back, there was this video either on Candid Camera or was it America's funniest video that showed this guy trying to walk on water in a lake, using a pair of outsized paddles fitted on his legs. He was more waddling, like a penguin, than walking, and his moment of greatness lasted no more than a split second, suffice for the camera to capture his moment of folly.
'Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the Lord. Let us lift up our heart with our hands unto God in the heavens.'
Lamentations 3:40
Faith comes from God. Faith is received when we come unto His presence. Faith means a need to response in total obedience and trust, wherever God leads us to. It does include walking on water!! Immersion in water, that is familiar to most of us who have gone for baptism, an important step in our journey of following our Lord Jesus Christ, when we commit to put aside the old,and put on the new self, to be like Christ. But to walk on water, what does that really mean?
'And he said unto them, Where is your faith?'
Luke 8:25
One common desire amongst those who seek to be like Christ, is always to ask ourselves, in any particular circumstances we find ourselves in, is what would Christ wants us to do. How can we be like Him, how can we honour Him?
And one common experience for some of us is that as much we are desirous, we are not too sure if the decisions we made, the actions we take are truly what God wills? Is this perceived shortfall in certainty due to not knowing Christ well? Which in itself has its causal reason in us, the sinful man, not placing God first in our daily living.
So should it not be a question of where is our faith, but rather, where is God in our daily scheme of things?
'And he saw them toiling in rowing; for the wind was contrary unto them: and about the fourth watch of the night he cometh unto them, walking upon the sea, and would have passed by them.'
Mark 6:48
When the winds blow against us, when we are buffetted by what life can throw at us, do we often not try to withstand it upon our own strength, instead of clinging upon the Lord our Rock.
Similarly, when the wind is behind us, do we not often power along on our own puffed up pride, and leave behind the true driver of our destiny, the Lord our God?
If we cannot even stay firmly rooted upon the Lord our God on familiar terra firma, it is even more unfathomable that we can do so, when the Lord brings us to swirling new territory.
'But straightaway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer, it is I, be not afraid…..But when he(ie Apostle Peter) saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid, and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.' And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?'
Matthew 14:27-31
As a follower of our Lord Jesus Christ, I am unlike superman, whose only failing is a weakness to krytonite and wearing his undies wrong side out. As a desirous follower of Christ, I have my fair share of troubles, less monies than I would like and whenever I wobble in my faith, God does not give me a genie out of its magic lamp that I can summon to meet my wants??
When God says walk on water, the winds are still there if not stronger, the water is not just wavy, but underpinned by strong undercurrents that can truly overwhelm the fragile and still sinful me, and I have no wings to keep me afloat. How can just looking towards the Lord our God ensure that I will stay afloat??
'Then Nathan said unto David, Do all that is in thine heart, for God is with thee.'
1 Chronicles 17:2
Man asked too many questions. It is time to discard the "how" and instead, bow in submission to the Spirit of God residing in all who believed and start following as He leads us, from the heart.
And how can we hear the promptings of the Spirit upon our heart?
Christ has shown by example many times in the Bible, that come what may, he will take time with God in prayers. And this morning, even as the ground shakes, from the not so distant earthquake in Sumatra, I am reminded again by the Lord of the story of Mary and Martha.
Martha did so many things, except to come unto the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ. Mary on the contrary stayed focus on the Lord.
'And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things. But one thing is needful and May hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.'
Luke 10:41-42
If you were thrown into a deep sea today, the natural and logical reaction will be to tread water(if you know how) and to struggle interpersed with gasps for help, if you cannot swim. This behaviour is correct if we assume that we are denser than the body of water we are in. But will it not be better to just relax and float naturally, if you were in the Dead Sea, where the salinity ensured that the water is denser than you?
The Dead Sea might be unique, but to "die to Christ" is what all of us who wants to follow our Lord Jesus Christ must do every moment of our life.
When we truly let go and let God, we might not float on water, but the uplifting of our very being as described in Romans 5:5 will bring us forth, come what may, for God is Sovereign.
'..because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.'
Romans 5:5
Boldness comes when we know God. Wisdom to ask for what God has already planned for us comes from staying close to God every moment of our lives. Humility comes when we know that truly with man, nothing is possible, with God everything is possible and we will walk where God leads us to, in any conditions, because the Spirit of God residing in us will carry us forth
And prayers has everything to do with our relationship with the invisible, yet very present God , much as many have not given much credence to it.
'…how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask Him?'
Luke 11:13
God Blesses
Eng Hieang
(1st Oct 2009)
An afternote, not aftershock
------------------------------------------
"Then they cried out unto the Lord in their trouble, and He saved them out of their distresses.'
Psalm 107:13
Near but yet not so near, at least for now. The memories of the Aceh tsunami might have faded for most, but the ramifications of the seismic changes are still very much with us, as our brethren in Padang, Indonesia were rudely reminded by the devastating earthquake yesterday. In Singapore, other than more frequent tremors, we are truly blessed to be near yet not in the path of nature's wrath. Singapore is not just an economic miracle, but by the grace of God, a very blessed nation geography wise.
But do we continue to be enamored by our God given providences and forget about God our Provider and His calling to reach out to our neighbours, both at home and within Asia?
In this sinful world of ours, nothing is permanent, as once pristine Japan can be covered in yellow dust, just because of overgrazing in faraway Mongolia. And closer to home, even the seriously wealthy globally are not just immune from financial downturns, but were severely devastated by the financial shocks of Oct 2008 and possibly more in the near future.
'..always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God'
Colossians 4:12
While the sun is shining and the our lives are stable, it is good to remember the source of our joy and comfort, the Lord our God. But sadly, most tend to be still and start to seek God only when their hearts are humbled and contrite. What manner of shaking will one be desirous to go through before one's focus is drawn back to the ever present God?
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