Dear…
'You are My witnesses, says the Lord. And My servant whom I have chosen. That you may know and believe Me. And understand that I am He. Before Me there was no God formed. Nor shall there be after Me. I even I, am the Lord. And besides Me there is no savior.''
Isaiah 43:10-11
'Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. We all stumble in many ways..'
James 3:1-2
Much as I have professed and seek to be a good witness of the love of our Lord Jesus Christ, I must confess that I have often fallen short, and if not for the grace of God, Whose Spirit that resides in me, convicts and corrects me almost instantaneously, I would have continued to err.
'For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate that I do.'
Romans 7:15
Tripping over ourselves can and will happen, given we, the self deceitful, live in a sinful and delusory world, and the devil is very real and on the prowl, always ready to pounce upon any indiscretions on our part.
'O wretched man that that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? I thank God - through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, with the mind I myself serve the law of God, but with the flesh the law of sin.'
Romans 7:24-25
Thankfully, God is omnipresent, and His hands are there for us to grab, before we can fall further into the deep chasm of sins, but how do we "see" His ever present, outstretched hands, if we have been looking everywhere except to God our Father?
'…that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.'
Luke 2:35
The Word of God can and will indeed pierce through our inner thoughts. A purveyor of God's Words I might have been blessed with, but till the Lord show me otherwise, I truly have no idea as regards the thoughts that reside in your inner sanctum. But God will speak to us, through others, through events and circumstances, or straight to our hearts. And these past few days, He has been 'speaking" to me with impressions imprinted upon my inner being, centered around this question "What is the purpose of life?"
'For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please Men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bond servant of Christ.' But I made known to you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man. For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught if, but it came through the revelation of Jesus Christ.'
Galatians 1:11-12
Many might have read the Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren. I must confess I once had the book, by the kindness of a fellow brother, but I have since passed it on to another fellow brother or sister in Christ, without ever going past the first few pages. Putting aside what Rick has wonderfully shared, and it must be wonderful for it to be a bestseller, much as I have no inkling as to the details, the Bible itself is quite clear about our very purpose in this temporal world, if you could just take time to ponder upon the following verse
'I beseech you therefore brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.'
Romans 12:1
Void, is that vacuum in one's life. A black hole that seems to suck in everything that the world can offer, yet still leaving us with that indescribable sense of loss. It was over the Chinese New Year holidays, that I was reminded of my long discarded state of disequilibrium, long discarded because the love of God has filled up my life, and peace and joy have taken its rightful place in my life, having kicked out the usurper "void" that used to haunt me but might still do so for many, all these years.
'But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His..'
Romans 8:9
I gave a copy of my book "Reflections" to a new friend, and in exchange, I received a copy of another book written by him. In giving, we receive and it is an interesting book on planning one's finances. A well written guide that touches on a basic need in all of us, ie "how to secure one's financial well-being in the finite life that we have. But what struck me was the void that the author talked about in his introduction, that he agrees can only be met by the spiritual, but he figured that is for another time but the book itself can dwell with the present more obvious natural need, our ability to cope financially in this present world.
'And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.'
Romans 12:2
Is age a determinant of one's perceptions of the world as well as one's emotional state of well being? At a touch below the half century in age, have I lost the vigor and innocence and sense of awe that possess and drove me when I was at the quarter mile of my life? Or has the world truly degenerated to such a low point at all levels, ie societal, corporate and personal and even the natural, that the rate of change is not just much more dynamic, but brings with it a sense of detachment in human relationships. Have we begun to lose that human factor that differentiates us from the beasts in the field and increasingly, success mean being self-centered, ruthless, greedy, prideful and all other attributes that will make Satan, the godfather of this present sinful world smirk with joy, to see more in his likeness?
Are we at this abyss because all of us have, in varying degrees, moved from doing God's purpose and instead have been slaves to the desires of the devil??
For all seek their own, not the things which are of Christ Jesus.'
Philippians 2:21
The Grand Canyon is one place that I have not been. But life for most seems to be one of trying fruitlessly to fill up the huge chasm that can never be closed up by the things of the world. Monies, power, status and the rest of Satan's wares can never bring us permanent happiness. Many who chose to disbelieve and entered this pain strewn road always come to grief. "Life is meaningless" is an oft used closing line for many who took the final step from depression to suicide and how Satan loves this conclusion to his honey laid route to eternal damnation.
''…whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame - who set their mind on earthly things. For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ who will transform our our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.'
Philippians 3:19-21
Only the Spirit of our Sovereign God can, with His presence in our hearts, fill us up with that indescribable joy and peace, that will not just make void, that emptiness in our hearts, but gives us that deep assurance that will anchor us through what life, or rather whatever the devil can throw at us, even as we await the return of our Lord Jesus Christ.
''For we ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient…..But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior..'
Titus 3:3-6
'If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on things on the earth..'
Colossians 3:1-2
Time for God, time with God and all time to God will bring us into His presence. God's Spirit will indeed reside in those who seek Him with their all.
'Return to your rest, O my soul. For the Lord has dealt bountifully with you.'
Psalm 116:7
My soul finds rest in God alone, my salvation comes from Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will never be shaken.'
Psalm 62:1-2
God Blesses
Eng Hieang
(19 Feb 2010)
Friday, February 19, 2010
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Reflections for the moment #50 Letting God (10 Feb 2010)
Dear…
'…the Son of Man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day. Then he said to them all, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.'
Luke 9:22-23
Can one truly be in this world, but not of this world? This is a dilemma that many Christians not just faced at the beginning of their journey with God but throughout, so much so that many indeed fall by the wayside.
The challenge to move us off tangent from our focus on God used to be very much from within, ie our own self deceiving and sinful minds working in tandem with the lures of the world, but increasingly, one do get a sense of being hemmed in from the outside, as boundaries for lines of engagement are more clearly defined, if not tightened.
'I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove that what is that good, and acceptable and perfect will of God.'
Romans 12:1
Christians are often guilty of imposing their faith on others, yet falling short of what they professed in their own living. The Crusades of the medieval times are often highlighted as one example of that misguided arrogance and folly of men. If God does not impose His will upon others, who are we to propose? It is indeed foolish for us the finite men to think we know better. Does it than mean that Christians should not share the gospel of the good news of salvation with others? On the contrary, we must, for God wants all to be saved. But the sharing of our faith must not be based on our imperfect understanding or finite strengths, no matter one's good intentions, for it must only be in God's way and timing, for only God knows when a once unreceptive heart is ready, for only God can bring about the increase and God will tell us what to say.
It is good to take time to ponder upon and reflect upon Romans 12:1, for within these words are the essence of what it means to be a Christian, a believer and follower of our Lord Jesus Christ. A theologian I am not, but this verse reminds me of the need for me to let God transform me in His likeness. And it warns me against being like the sinful world, but it never says anything about me changing the world or others.
God in transforming us in His likeness, will use us to shine His light into the darkness encapsulating the hearts of others, but not by what we think or say, but by how we live, how those whom God place in our paths, see Christ in our lives, when once in us was all works of the flesh like anger, selfishness, envy, murders, drunkenness, relveries, and the like, that gnarled their very relationship with us, now they see the fruits of the Spirit emanating forth from us.
'But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, gentleness, self control. Against such there is no law.'
Galatians 5:22-23
"Letting go" was supposed to be the title of this next sharing, but my finger was a letter too quick and the title became "Letting God" and maybe for good reason, for when we let go, who do we let go to and can we truly let go totally ? If we know that we let go to our Sovereign God, does make a world of difference to the way and the extent of surrendering that sinful right to judge ourselves and others, that the first man, Adam procured by taking a bite off the forbidden fruit? In letting God lead us in the way we live and how we share our faith, is God bringing us to the wisdom needed in the new season of intensity that the world has entered into?
'…they shall make you eat grass like oxen: and seven times shall pass over you, until you know that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomever He chooses.'
Daniel 4:32
"My way" it seems is song that reeks of danger, at least in the Philippines karoke scene, where a disproportionate number of singing wannabes have lost just not their voice, but their lives in disputes arising from their rendition of the song. This was from an article in a reputable financial newspaper, and since April fools day is sometime away, there should be some credance to this lark of a tale.
Sharing our faith our way, and not by God's leading, no longer just brings you rejection and riducule, but in this increasingly secular world, where for good reason, any religious insensitivity and extremism can and do shake the fine harmony existing in society, can bring one great personal inconveniences but also reinforced the hardened hearts of many who seek not God.
'And as many as walk according to this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God.'
Ephesians 6:16
Another gem of an article from my rummaging through the same newspaper had an interview with a very successful property developer in China. The CEO of this company shared about her new found faith(not Christianity) , and how it has helped to change her perspective of the corporate world, and have helped mellow her from till recentl, an intense drive for financial success.
Religion, contrary to some views, do help to take the hard edge off the materialism driving most people. Most mainstream religions do promote the goodness in human beings. Troubles start generally more because men like to play interpreter, arbiter and judge rather than totally surrender all. But surrender to who? Another human being, a committee, a machine or what?
"Religion should be the cause of love and unity" that is the line professed by the late founder of this same CEO's religion. Her religion has a basic principle - to bring about the oneness of humanity. And the belief that there is only one Creator and that the spiritual truth of all religions is the same. Does this seem lilke an ideal one world religion, which has a place for every other religion and beliefs?
How can our Christian faith be so different from this relatively new religion(19th Century) or for that matter, from religion in general? Christianity is a faith, not a religion though both words have been used interchangably for various religions. Christianity is a relationship with an omnipresent and loving Sovereign God, through His beloved Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. Relationships also exist in the world's religions, but there are differences in the conduit by which man liase with their deities and in the nature of their gods.
'Finally my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. For me to write the same things to you is not tedious,but for you it is safe.'
Philippians 3:1
One thing I have tried to do in the past was to foolishly nitpick the fine but distinct differences between the Christian faith and the world's religions. There are indeed diffferences, but increasingly, the newer versions of man's spirtuality is more subtle in their contrast to the Christian faith, and in fact, if one uses one's understanding, it can be quite daunting to detect or elucidate the differences. And even if one can, is that what God wants us to do, ie to harp on the differences? In the same vein, does God wants us to focus on the similarities? Or is there something else that God wants those who seek to obey Him to focus on?
'...so that His life may be revealed in our mortal bodies'
2 Corinthians 4:12
To understand our own relationship with God is of primary importance than to try to poke holes in the faith of others. It is not just a reality of the need for societal harmony, but it is a command of God to love others as much as ourselves. Our Lord Jesus Christ has shown by example, while he does not pepper over the differences, it did not stop him from ministering with love to all who are willing. We the imperfect man, are far from the God incarnate and rather than focus on changing others, it is better to let God transform us, and let our faith resonates forth from our lives and our deeds rather than our words. But much as we must respect the rights and views of our neighbours, Christ has also stood firm in the House of the Lord, where we must not compromise on His will, and we are the temple of God and while we must not impose upon others, we will truly need the wisdom from God to handle with love, those who desire us to not just accept but live their views.
'…Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.'
Matthew 26:75
Letting go and letting God lead is a concept that is clear as chalk. The difficulty is in the "eating of the pudding" or simply put, in the application of this principle. Christians or non Christians alike, all of us on our own strength and understanding, will be able to let go in varied degrees, but to totally let go and let God, as Christians, only the One and only Sovereign God can make it happen for us.
Letting go can not be studied, nor be based on our human understanding or the gamut of our natural senses. Letting go is a process build up from spending time with God with all our heart, soul and mind and a willingness to acknowlege Him in all our ways. The crossing of the chasm of doubt to faith is at God's timing and can only come from Him. Is this possible in the religions of the world?
The world looks for the ideal, but always from their own understanding. God looks for obedience. The line that bring us across to that state of faith can only come from our Sovereign God. For those whom the Spirit of God has enfolded, the indescriable joy and peace, the deep reassurance and knowledge of experiencing God's presence can never be fully explained in human words, nor can it be understood by the 3rd party.
If that is the case, than is it not better to watch out for ourselves to ensure that our hearts, our very being are right with God, so that the preparatory phase of our ministering to others, from a distance, in terms of prayers and how we live will be aligned to God's will. And only when God brings about the increase, and by His leading, do we engaged in a closer interpersonal level, with those willing hearts that He placed in our lives on their journey with God?
Do take time to ponder upon this last verse in Philippians 2:4. Is what is just shared truly a radical departure from general assumptions of sharing our faith, or have we all been wrong in our previous approach or it is just the season for a modified approach?
'Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others'
Philippians 2:4
God Blesses
Eng Hieang
(9 Feb 2010)
'…the Son of Man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day. Then he said to them all, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.'
Luke 9:22-23
Can one truly be in this world, but not of this world? This is a dilemma that many Christians not just faced at the beginning of their journey with God but throughout, so much so that many indeed fall by the wayside.
The challenge to move us off tangent from our focus on God used to be very much from within, ie our own self deceiving and sinful minds working in tandem with the lures of the world, but increasingly, one do get a sense of being hemmed in from the outside, as boundaries for lines of engagement are more clearly defined, if not tightened.
'I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove that what is that good, and acceptable and perfect will of God.'
Romans 12:1
Christians are often guilty of imposing their faith on others, yet falling short of what they professed in their own living. The Crusades of the medieval times are often highlighted as one example of that misguided arrogance and folly of men. If God does not impose His will upon others, who are we to propose? It is indeed foolish for us the finite men to think we know better. Does it than mean that Christians should not share the gospel of the good news of salvation with others? On the contrary, we must, for God wants all to be saved. But the sharing of our faith must not be based on our imperfect understanding or finite strengths, no matter one's good intentions, for it must only be in God's way and timing, for only God knows when a once unreceptive heart is ready, for only God can bring about the increase and God will tell us what to say.
It is good to take time to ponder upon and reflect upon Romans 12:1, for within these words are the essence of what it means to be a Christian, a believer and follower of our Lord Jesus Christ. A theologian I am not, but this verse reminds me of the need for me to let God transform me in His likeness. And it warns me against being like the sinful world, but it never says anything about me changing the world or others.
God in transforming us in His likeness, will use us to shine His light into the darkness encapsulating the hearts of others, but not by what we think or say, but by how we live, how those whom God place in our paths, see Christ in our lives, when once in us was all works of the flesh like anger, selfishness, envy, murders, drunkenness, relveries, and the like, that gnarled their very relationship with us, now they see the fruits of the Spirit emanating forth from us.
'But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, gentleness, self control. Against such there is no law.'
Galatians 5:22-23
"Letting go" was supposed to be the title of this next sharing, but my finger was a letter too quick and the title became "Letting God" and maybe for good reason, for when we let go, who do we let go to and can we truly let go totally ? If we know that we let go to our Sovereign God, does make a world of difference to the way and the extent of surrendering that sinful right to judge ourselves and others, that the first man, Adam procured by taking a bite off the forbidden fruit? In letting God lead us in the way we live and how we share our faith, is God bringing us to the wisdom needed in the new season of intensity that the world has entered into?
'…they shall make you eat grass like oxen: and seven times shall pass over you, until you know that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomever He chooses.'
Daniel 4:32
"My way" it seems is song that reeks of danger, at least in the Philippines karoke scene, where a disproportionate number of singing wannabes have lost just not their voice, but their lives in disputes arising from their rendition of the song. This was from an article in a reputable financial newspaper, and since April fools day is sometime away, there should be some credance to this lark of a tale.
Sharing our faith our way, and not by God's leading, no longer just brings you rejection and riducule, but in this increasingly secular world, where for good reason, any religious insensitivity and extremism can and do shake the fine harmony existing in society, can bring one great personal inconveniences but also reinforced the hardened hearts of many who seek not God.
'And as many as walk according to this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God.'
Ephesians 6:16
Another gem of an article from my rummaging through the same newspaper had an interview with a very successful property developer in China. The CEO of this company shared about her new found faith(not Christianity) , and how it has helped to change her perspective of the corporate world, and have helped mellow her from till recentl, an intense drive for financial success.
Religion, contrary to some views, do help to take the hard edge off the materialism driving most people. Most mainstream religions do promote the goodness in human beings. Troubles start generally more because men like to play interpreter, arbiter and judge rather than totally surrender all. But surrender to who? Another human being, a committee, a machine or what?
"Religion should be the cause of love and unity" that is the line professed by the late founder of this same CEO's religion. Her religion has a basic principle - to bring about the oneness of humanity. And the belief that there is only one Creator and that the spiritual truth of all religions is the same. Does this seem lilke an ideal one world religion, which has a place for every other religion and beliefs?
How can our Christian faith be so different from this relatively new religion(19th Century) or for that matter, from religion in general? Christianity is a faith, not a religion though both words have been used interchangably for various religions. Christianity is a relationship with an omnipresent and loving Sovereign God, through His beloved Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. Relationships also exist in the world's religions, but there are differences in the conduit by which man liase with their deities and in the nature of their gods.
'Finally my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. For me to write the same things to you is not tedious,but for you it is safe.'
Philippians 3:1
One thing I have tried to do in the past was to foolishly nitpick the fine but distinct differences between the Christian faith and the world's religions. There are indeed diffferences, but increasingly, the newer versions of man's spirtuality is more subtle in their contrast to the Christian faith, and in fact, if one uses one's understanding, it can be quite daunting to detect or elucidate the differences. And even if one can, is that what God wants us to do, ie to harp on the differences? In the same vein, does God wants us to focus on the similarities? Or is there something else that God wants those who seek to obey Him to focus on?
'...so that His life may be revealed in our mortal bodies'
2 Corinthians 4:12
To understand our own relationship with God is of primary importance than to try to poke holes in the faith of others. It is not just a reality of the need for societal harmony, but it is a command of God to love others as much as ourselves. Our Lord Jesus Christ has shown by example, while he does not pepper over the differences, it did not stop him from ministering with love to all who are willing. We the imperfect man, are far from the God incarnate and rather than focus on changing others, it is better to let God transform us, and let our faith resonates forth from our lives and our deeds rather than our words. But much as we must respect the rights and views of our neighbours, Christ has also stood firm in the House of the Lord, where we must not compromise on His will, and we are the temple of God and while we must not impose upon others, we will truly need the wisdom from God to handle with love, those who desire us to not just accept but live their views.
'…Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.'
Matthew 26:75
Letting go and letting God lead is a concept that is clear as chalk. The difficulty is in the "eating of the pudding" or simply put, in the application of this principle. Christians or non Christians alike, all of us on our own strength and understanding, will be able to let go in varied degrees, but to totally let go and let God, as Christians, only the One and only Sovereign God can make it happen for us.
Letting go can not be studied, nor be based on our human understanding or the gamut of our natural senses. Letting go is a process build up from spending time with God with all our heart, soul and mind and a willingness to acknowlege Him in all our ways. The crossing of the chasm of doubt to faith is at God's timing and can only come from Him. Is this possible in the religions of the world?
The world looks for the ideal, but always from their own understanding. God looks for obedience. The line that bring us across to that state of faith can only come from our Sovereign God. For those whom the Spirit of God has enfolded, the indescriable joy and peace, the deep reassurance and knowledge of experiencing God's presence can never be fully explained in human words, nor can it be understood by the 3rd party.
If that is the case, than is it not better to watch out for ourselves to ensure that our hearts, our very being are right with God, so that the preparatory phase of our ministering to others, from a distance, in terms of prayers and how we live will be aligned to God's will. And only when God brings about the increase, and by His leading, do we engaged in a closer interpersonal level, with those willing hearts that He placed in our lives on their journey with God?
Do take time to ponder upon this last verse in Philippians 2:4. Is what is just shared truly a radical departure from general assumptions of sharing our faith, or have we all been wrong in our previous approach or it is just the season for a modified approach?
'Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others'
Philippians 2:4
God Blesses
Eng Hieang
(9 Feb 2010)
Friday, February 5, 2010
Reflections for the moment #49 Change (5 Feb 2010)
Dear…
'You have sown much and bring in little….Thus says the Lord of hosts: Consider your ways! …..You looked for much, but indeed it came to little…..Why? Says the Lord of hosts. "Because of My house that is in ruins, while everyone of you runs to his own house.'
Haggai 1:6-9
Stocktaking is a term most associate with, when your favorite retail shop closes for a couple of days to bring up to speed, the inventory and other administrative matters that have been lagging, in the pursuit of daily sales. Timeout is a preemptive move to ensure burnout does not occur for most of us in this fast moving global society. A time to recharge, reassess priorities which could lead to a life changing decision for some, yet for others, a temporary respite before ploughing back into the runaway train of job or other percuniary interests.
'All flesh is grass….the grass withers, the flower fades But the Word of our God stands forever.'
Isaiah 40:6-8
Ever since I truly took time in reading, studying, reflecting and praying upon the Word of God, my life has been transformed, my mind renewed, and God truly walks with me, through the appropriateness of the right verse(s) that speaks to my very being, or the affirmative power of His words be it coincidental to some doubtful hearts, but for me, it is His very loving hands at work.
These past 7 years, when God moved me from believer to desirous and diligent follower of our Lord Jesus Christ, He also moved me to two wonderful ministries, that have been the mainstay of my work in His will, and which have in my giving, tremendously benefitted me much more.
'The voice of one crying in the wilderness: "Prepare the way of the Lord; Make straight in the desert a highway for our God…'
Isaiah 40:3
The use of the internet as a ministry for me to share and prayerfully through that sharing of my own journey with God, has I believed, blessed and encouraged many whom He has placed in my life, or if not in the body, via the optical fibre lines from which they received my word based experiential "blogging.". Yet, the desire to soak in God's love through this sharing of joy often resides only in those whom God has brought about an increase, as in the lifting of the veil till recently enfolding their very being or those where the Lord has removed His protective but never appreciated hands, and let the potent mix of their own follies intertwined with our sinful world, to bring about the inevitable upheavals and pain in one's life.
'I have planted, Apollos watered; but God that giveth the increase.'
1 Corinthians 2:6
Change in one's focus from the world to a God centred life, on our own strength is beyond any of us. And to change others to be like Christ, much as I have watered faithfully is nigh impossible. But thankfully only God can bring about the increase and He will, at His timing and ways, not ours. This past one week, I have come to realize and recognize that the past one year, our good Lord is steadily bringing about change in the very nature of my work in His kingdom. But He has to change or refine me furthur as the Daily Bread so rightly concluded with the following
"When God starts changing things, He usually begins with changing us" (DB Feb 2, 2010)
And interesting as I came to this Spirit led conclusion in the early light of a fresh morning, some of you might recall, the day's reading of Our Daily Bread(Feb 2, 2010) had the title "Time for a change " and these were the very words staring me in the face, as I spend time with God in His words.
God is wonderful. He never leaves us wandering if we heard Him right, and an incident happened that same day to remind me that indeed it is time for a change in my word based ministry of personal reflection, at least in the delivery platform and in the target audience.
Clearly, as Pastor Francis Khoo shared in his prophetic word for this year, things will escalate. But what has the word "escalate" got to do with the word that God impressed upon my heart at the beginning of this year ie "patience?
For the natural carnal man, change often brings about uncertainty if you are at the receiving end of it, or impatience to wrought it quickly if you are the one fanning the change. Both often bring with it the emotions and behaviour patterns of anger, fear, greed, selfishness, unkindess and the whole litany of woes that God has warned us against.
Change for the Spirit led man is different. The man who seeks after God will learn to take time with our Lord, much as the winds of change can be buffetting them tremendously. Much as we being the imperfect man will also struggle with our self deceiving mind, in taking time with God, we have learned to know the need to anchor our very all in the presence of our God. And learn to be still, to hear the quiet voice of His will. And to do what honours Him, to stay focus on Him even more, much as our swirling emotions demand otherwise.
'For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.'
Ephesians 4:12
God has impressed upon my heart to continue my Word based personal journey for He is bringing about an even greater increase in the numbers of lives that are now turning back to Him. For in turning back to God is not the end of our journey of faith, but the beginnings of walking the God chosen route. And many who are starting to now hunger for spirit food, will need to be fed and encouraged, for the world is still a sinful place and we are still imperfect. Yet, the change that I felt that the Lord is leading me to is in the target recipients of this ministry, which will no longer be to everyone who said yes with their mouths but not with their hearts. God's love will only be fed to the willing and desirous, for the fruit of the Spirit can only grow forth abundantly in fertile soil, not hardened or unwilling hearts.
It does not mean an abandonment of the latter, for God wants all to be saved, but rather, the approach will be different, for prayers and how we live our lives could be more effective than words of joy and love and in this world where anything thing related to our Sovereign God is increasingly not just politically incorrect, but taken to be offensive, is God leading us the faithful in a re-orientation in terms of emphasis in our ministries and the way we minister to seeds resting on different grounds?
'..For He is the living God, And steadfast forever. His kingdom Is the one which shall not be destroyed. And His dominion shall endure to the end. He delivers and rescue…'
Daniel 6:26-27
I do have shifting interests, as some of you might have surmised, if you had the chance to glimpse the "toys" in my art book "Reflections." The 2nd book, which is w.i.p(not work in progress, but rather waiting in prayers) will confirm that habitual nuance, with photos of other interests added in. But thankfully, my one and only girlfriend, now my wife who is my rock at home, I never plan to change, and prayerfully, by God's grace will never ever or rather she will not "cut loss" on me!!
What about God? He is faithful even when we are faithless. In the same daily bread reading on "Time for change", the author talks about how Christ challenged the long establish self righteousness of the Pharisees.
I like to think like most who seek to do the will of God, we are not self righteous. But fact remains that we are imperfect and that the devil is always waiting to lead us into delusion.
Change often need not be because we have strayed. But God can lead us to new seasons for it can pre-empt us from being a future victim of our own success in ministry, so much so that we either replace God as the source of our success, or we no longer feel the desire to lean on God, and instead prefer to stay within our comfort zone.
Just as the world is getting more sinful, and as much as the ramifications of that disobedience are reflected in the natural world looking more unnatural in so many ways, God is also bringing lifting the veil enfolding the very hearts of many.
Most of us turned to God when we have a need, rather than because we just want to know Him. We value God because we think He can add value to our lives, not because we value Him for Who He is.
There is need for this chasm in perception to be closed, and this is the 2nd change that God is bringing to my ministry. To now move out of my comfort zone in the fathers prayer group that He has blessed me with, and to reach out to men wherever He places me, who are either ready to move more boldly from believer to follower or to men who are still at that point of searching, but have no fellow men to show them the way, to God our Father.
What about you? Is God bringing the beginnings of change in your ministry, even your very daily living or your very being, that you should be paying greater attention to?
God Blesses
Eng Hieang
(5th Feb 2010)
Note
'My son, keep My words. And treasure My commands within you. Keep My commands and live. …..That they may keep you from the immoral woman. From the seductress who flatters with her words.'
Proverbs 7:1
As I asked the Lord to give me a word, if it was the right time to do the above sharing, He brought me a peace of heart, which for me has always been key to being still, so that truly it is the Spirit of God Who is leading me in my reflections. God also brought me to this verse. A familiar verse, but meaningingful as financial markets after the last week or so of slow drift down, is picking up speed on the downside,as the problems of Greece spreads to bigger but equally vulnerable European countries like Spain, Italy and Portugal. The Sirens on the Rocks is a slice of the Greek mythology, and truly, the past one year of relentless recovery in non-productive financial and property prices, notwithstanding that real economy is still insipid, and many know it, but increasingly find it difficult to resist, no different from the sailors of old lured into the treacherous rocks that the alluring voices of the Sirens permeate from.
Is the world reverting back to the horror days of near collapse just one year back? I doubt it for we are in a different season of extremities but not collapses. But no one truly knows.
The only given in this even more uncertain world is that God is faithful, will we remain steadfast and unchanging in our clinging on to Him?
'You have sown much and bring in little….Thus says the Lord of hosts: Consider your ways! …..You looked for much, but indeed it came to little…..Why? Says the Lord of hosts. "Because of My house that is in ruins, while everyone of you runs to his own house.'
Haggai 1:6-9
Stocktaking is a term most associate with, when your favorite retail shop closes for a couple of days to bring up to speed, the inventory and other administrative matters that have been lagging, in the pursuit of daily sales. Timeout is a preemptive move to ensure burnout does not occur for most of us in this fast moving global society. A time to recharge, reassess priorities which could lead to a life changing decision for some, yet for others, a temporary respite before ploughing back into the runaway train of job or other percuniary interests.
'All flesh is grass….the grass withers, the flower fades But the Word of our God stands forever.'
Isaiah 40:6-8
Ever since I truly took time in reading, studying, reflecting and praying upon the Word of God, my life has been transformed, my mind renewed, and God truly walks with me, through the appropriateness of the right verse(s) that speaks to my very being, or the affirmative power of His words be it coincidental to some doubtful hearts, but for me, it is His very loving hands at work.
These past 7 years, when God moved me from believer to desirous and diligent follower of our Lord Jesus Christ, He also moved me to two wonderful ministries, that have been the mainstay of my work in His will, and which have in my giving, tremendously benefitted me much more.
'The voice of one crying in the wilderness: "Prepare the way of the Lord; Make straight in the desert a highway for our God…'
Isaiah 40:3
The use of the internet as a ministry for me to share and prayerfully through that sharing of my own journey with God, has I believed, blessed and encouraged many whom He has placed in my life, or if not in the body, via the optical fibre lines from which they received my word based experiential "blogging.". Yet, the desire to soak in God's love through this sharing of joy often resides only in those whom God has brought about an increase, as in the lifting of the veil till recently enfolding their very being or those where the Lord has removed His protective but never appreciated hands, and let the potent mix of their own follies intertwined with our sinful world, to bring about the inevitable upheavals and pain in one's life.
'I have planted, Apollos watered; but God that giveth the increase.'
1 Corinthians 2:6
Change in one's focus from the world to a God centred life, on our own strength is beyond any of us. And to change others to be like Christ, much as I have watered faithfully is nigh impossible. But thankfully only God can bring about the increase and He will, at His timing and ways, not ours. This past one week, I have come to realize and recognize that the past one year, our good Lord is steadily bringing about change in the very nature of my work in His kingdom. But He has to change or refine me furthur as the Daily Bread so rightly concluded with the following
"When God starts changing things, He usually begins with changing us" (DB Feb 2, 2010)
And interesting as I came to this Spirit led conclusion in the early light of a fresh morning, some of you might recall, the day's reading of Our Daily Bread(Feb 2, 2010) had the title "Time for a change " and these were the very words staring me in the face, as I spend time with God in His words.
God is wonderful. He never leaves us wandering if we heard Him right, and an incident happened that same day to remind me that indeed it is time for a change in my word based ministry of personal reflection, at least in the delivery platform and in the target audience.
Clearly, as Pastor Francis Khoo shared in his prophetic word for this year, things will escalate. But what has the word "escalate" got to do with the word that God impressed upon my heart at the beginning of this year ie "patience?
For the natural carnal man, change often brings about uncertainty if you are at the receiving end of it, or impatience to wrought it quickly if you are the one fanning the change. Both often bring with it the emotions and behaviour patterns of anger, fear, greed, selfishness, unkindess and the whole litany of woes that God has warned us against.
Change for the Spirit led man is different. The man who seeks after God will learn to take time with our Lord, much as the winds of change can be buffetting them tremendously. Much as we being the imperfect man will also struggle with our self deceiving mind, in taking time with God, we have learned to know the need to anchor our very all in the presence of our God. And learn to be still, to hear the quiet voice of His will. And to do what honours Him, to stay focus on Him even more, much as our swirling emotions demand otherwise.
'For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.'
Ephesians 4:12
God has impressed upon my heart to continue my Word based personal journey for He is bringing about an even greater increase in the numbers of lives that are now turning back to Him. For in turning back to God is not the end of our journey of faith, but the beginnings of walking the God chosen route. And many who are starting to now hunger for spirit food, will need to be fed and encouraged, for the world is still a sinful place and we are still imperfect. Yet, the change that I felt that the Lord is leading me to is in the target recipients of this ministry, which will no longer be to everyone who said yes with their mouths but not with their hearts. God's love will only be fed to the willing and desirous, for the fruit of the Spirit can only grow forth abundantly in fertile soil, not hardened or unwilling hearts.
It does not mean an abandonment of the latter, for God wants all to be saved, but rather, the approach will be different, for prayers and how we live our lives could be more effective than words of joy and love and in this world where anything thing related to our Sovereign God is increasingly not just politically incorrect, but taken to be offensive, is God leading us the faithful in a re-orientation in terms of emphasis in our ministries and the way we minister to seeds resting on different grounds?
'..For He is the living God, And steadfast forever. His kingdom Is the one which shall not be destroyed. And His dominion shall endure to the end. He delivers and rescue…'
Daniel 6:26-27
I do have shifting interests, as some of you might have surmised, if you had the chance to glimpse the "toys" in my art book "Reflections." The 2nd book, which is w.i.p(not work in progress, but rather waiting in prayers) will confirm that habitual nuance, with photos of other interests added in. But thankfully, my one and only girlfriend, now my wife who is my rock at home, I never plan to change, and prayerfully, by God's grace will never ever or rather she will not "cut loss" on me!!
What about God? He is faithful even when we are faithless. In the same daily bread reading on "Time for change", the author talks about how Christ challenged the long establish self righteousness of the Pharisees.
I like to think like most who seek to do the will of God, we are not self righteous. But fact remains that we are imperfect and that the devil is always waiting to lead us into delusion.
Change often need not be because we have strayed. But God can lead us to new seasons for it can pre-empt us from being a future victim of our own success in ministry, so much so that we either replace God as the source of our success, or we no longer feel the desire to lean on God, and instead prefer to stay within our comfort zone.
Just as the world is getting more sinful, and as much as the ramifications of that disobedience are reflected in the natural world looking more unnatural in so many ways, God is also bringing lifting the veil enfolding the very hearts of many.
Most of us turned to God when we have a need, rather than because we just want to know Him. We value God because we think He can add value to our lives, not because we value Him for Who He is.
There is need for this chasm in perception to be closed, and this is the 2nd change that God is bringing to my ministry. To now move out of my comfort zone in the fathers prayer group that He has blessed me with, and to reach out to men wherever He places me, who are either ready to move more boldly from believer to follower or to men who are still at that point of searching, but have no fellow men to show them the way, to God our Father.
What about you? Is God bringing the beginnings of change in your ministry, even your very daily living or your very being, that you should be paying greater attention to?
God Blesses
Eng Hieang
(5th Feb 2010)
Note
'My son, keep My words. And treasure My commands within you. Keep My commands and live. …..That they may keep you from the immoral woman. From the seductress who flatters with her words.'
Proverbs 7:1
As I asked the Lord to give me a word, if it was the right time to do the above sharing, He brought me a peace of heart, which for me has always been key to being still, so that truly it is the Spirit of God Who is leading me in my reflections. God also brought me to this verse. A familiar verse, but meaningingful as financial markets after the last week or so of slow drift down, is picking up speed on the downside,as the problems of Greece spreads to bigger but equally vulnerable European countries like Spain, Italy and Portugal. The Sirens on the Rocks is a slice of the Greek mythology, and truly, the past one year of relentless recovery in non-productive financial and property prices, notwithstanding that real economy is still insipid, and many know it, but increasingly find it difficult to resist, no different from the sailors of old lured into the treacherous rocks that the alluring voices of the Sirens permeate from.
Is the world reverting back to the horror days of near collapse just one year back? I doubt it for we are in a different season of extremities but not collapses. But no one truly knows.
The only given in this even more uncertain world is that God is faithful, will we remain steadfast and unchanging in our clinging on to Him?
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