“Remember your Creator in the days of your youth…”Ecclesiastes 12:1
This Chinese proverb literary means: when you drink, remember the source. In other words, in olden China, the farmers drew water from the lake, the river, the ponds and so on of which the source maybe at the fountain or at the mountain top. The Chinese use this proverb to denote a person that whatever that you do, do not forget your roots and do not forget those who have done good to you.
We were with my bro-in-law and Ps Daniel had a conversation with him and they talked about the yester years when they first started in the drug rehab center (both came from the same drug rehab center). Ps Daniel related how one day when he was assigned to take Fan (my bro-in-law) home for a holiday.
They have decided to do one thing when they go home to Muar that is, Fan is to apologize to the family members and also to all those people whom he had hurt in one way or another; example, those shop owners whom he had extorted for money. So the moment they arrived, they went home and after staying for a night, before they board the coach, they went round the shops and apologize to the shop owners, “I’m sorry for collecting fees from you. I am a Christian now and I have changed.”
After that they boarded the coach and Ps Daniel (then he was just a worker for the drug rehab center) was happily talking to a woman sitting next to him, telling her about Jesus and how he was changed by the power of God. Suddenly the whole bus was surrounded with police. Two of the policemen came on the bus and hand-cuffed both Ps Daniel and Fan. The woman who sat next to Ps Daniel bolted out of the coach. I mean she literary ran for her life.
Next they were taken to the police station where they were questioned separately. The investigating officer accused Ps Daniel and Fan for coming back to Muar to set up a new gang but he denied and said that they have come to apologize and made right with the people because now they have become Christians. The officer did not believe him and said that he will go back to the shops and investigate and if it is false, they will be severely punished.
After like a few hours, the officer came back with two packet of chicken rice and two cokes and said, “You are right. That’s what the shop owner said. Now I believe you. You can go now.”
The reason why Ps Daniel was recalling this to Fan is, “Do not forget how we started… it is all by the grace of God. Now, it is time to think about how God has saved you, took you out from the drench and has given you all these luxury in life. Come back to God and serve Him.”
I told Fan this, “When you get better, come back and serve God together with us. Look at us, we are serving God. Though we may not have as much property as you do but we have more than enough in our life. At least our family has many good memories together.”
Think of God when you are blessed,
“Remember your Creator in the days of your youth…”Ecclesiastes 12:1
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After thought:
Sadly, there are some in the church who are like Fan, who forget how to give thanks and to appreciate those who have given so much to serve God. Take this moment to pray for your pastor and leaders. No matter what they have done: it may hurt sometimes, yet they are servants of God who are called to serve Him. People who do not learn to give thanks are prideful people who do not understand this Chinese proverb 饮水思源(yin shui si yuan). God bless!
Thursday, November 12, 2009
From the Street to the Cross
My bro-in-law, Fan Book Sin was born in the year 1964 in Muar, Johor. He grew up rebellious and joined the gang at a very young age. He went through very tough days on the street, engaging in whatever activities that might bring in money and fame for himself. He got into trouble with the police and ran away many times. He was on drugs and literary slept in the street, living a dog-life.
But in the year 1989, he came to know the Lord when he went to a Christian drug rehab center. Since then, he was totally delivered from his drug addiction and began to live a new life. He went to a church-based discipleship center for a year where he began a relationship with my sister who was also studying in the same school.
Later they got married and he got himself into construction work. He worked hard and his hard work was greatly rewarded with a new house and a great living for his family.
Amidst of all these blessings, he rarely goes to church anymore because of his work. Yet he recognized God’s blessings upon his life. Sometimes he may have made some decisions that he shouldn’t as a Christian and sometimes he was careless with his acts. He lived a nominal Christian life.
The wife and the children continue to be active in the church though they miss the dad’s presence. Just today, my sister remarked to me, “I don’t understand why this has to happen to him today (she meant the terminal illness) but I got my husband with me all the time for the past few weeks.” Look like he has been an absent father and an absent husband for a long time.
Now that he is diagnosed with a terminal illness (last stage liver cancer), for the first time, he came back to God and prayed. He testified to us today that when he prayed, God answered his prayer and performed miracles instantly. He began his journey back to God. I pray that this is the beginning of the many miracles that he will experience from today on. Amen!
But in the year 1989, he came to know the Lord when he went to a Christian drug rehab center. Since then, he was totally delivered from his drug addiction and began to live a new life. He went to a church-based discipleship center for a year where he began a relationship with my sister who was also studying in the same school.
Later they got married and he got himself into construction work. He worked hard and his hard work was greatly rewarded with a new house and a great living for his family.
Amidst of all these blessings, he rarely goes to church anymore because of his work. Yet he recognized God’s blessings upon his life. Sometimes he may have made some decisions that he shouldn’t as a Christian and sometimes he was careless with his acts. He lived a nominal Christian life.
The wife and the children continue to be active in the church though they miss the dad’s presence. Just today, my sister remarked to me, “I don’t understand why this has to happen to him today (she meant the terminal illness) but I got my husband with me all the time for the past few weeks.” Look like he has been an absent father and an absent husband for a long time.
Now that he is diagnosed with a terminal illness (last stage liver cancer), for the first time, he came back to God and prayed. He testified to us today that when he prayed, God answered his prayer and performed miracles instantly. He began his journey back to God. I pray that this is the beginning of the many miracles that he will experience from today on. Amen!
10 Nov 09, Tue Scripture Reading: Proverbs 10
“The blessing of the Lord brings wealth, and he adds no trouble to it.” (10:22, NIV)
How faithful is our God, you may ask. How much does God want to bless us, you may wonder. This verse tells us all. It is God’s desire to bless us and when he blesses us, there is no trouble in all his blessings.
Betty Miller says,
“Wealth that does not come from God is many times a replacement for God in their lives. Those with riches can buy anything they want, so they feel they do not need God”.
How true it is that we want to get rich in our own ways or maybe to get it in ways which does not please God. My brother in law who is critically ill now commented to me yesterday, “We work hard to make lots of money but we lose our health; and then we restore our health and lose all those money that we earned. Now that I have the money but I don’t get to enjoy it.”
The lesson that I learned is CONTENTMENT. I trust God for blessings that come in many forms; in my family, in the church, in my friends and also in material blessings. In all these blessings in my life, I express my utmost thanks to a God who loves me and who remains faithful in His words.
Though at times we may go through troubles but there’s always hope in a God who knows how to bless his faithful people. So put these thoughts into the right perspective and we shall continue to enjoy God’s blessings in our lives.
Peter Marshall says,“God will not permit any troubles to come upon us, unless He has a specific plan by which great blessing can come out of the difficulty.”
How faithful is our God, you may ask. How much does God want to bless us, you may wonder. This verse tells us all. It is God’s desire to bless us and when he blesses us, there is no trouble in all his blessings.
Betty Miller says,
“Wealth that does not come from God is many times a replacement for God in their lives. Those with riches can buy anything they want, so they feel they do not need God”.
How true it is that we want to get rich in our own ways or maybe to get it in ways which does not please God. My brother in law who is critically ill now commented to me yesterday, “We work hard to make lots of money but we lose our health; and then we restore our health and lose all those money that we earned. Now that I have the money but I don’t get to enjoy it.”
The lesson that I learned is CONTENTMENT. I trust God for blessings that come in many forms; in my family, in the church, in my friends and also in material blessings. In all these blessings in my life, I express my utmost thanks to a God who loves me and who remains faithful in His words.
Though at times we may go through troubles but there’s always hope in a God who knows how to bless his faithful people. So put these thoughts into the right perspective and we shall continue to enjoy God’s blessings in our lives.
Peter Marshall says,“God will not permit any troubles to come upon us, unless He has a specific plan by which great blessing can come out of the difficulty.”
09 Nov 09, Mon Scripture Reading: Proverbs 9
“Do not rebuke a mocker or he will hate you; rebuke a wise man and he will love you.” (9:8, NIV)
Sometimes we are too idealistic about helping others that we forget that there are some who just refused to be helped or to learn from their mistakes. Sound pathetic?! But this is true. Only God in His time will be able to perform miracles in some lives.
We can try to point out the problems, warning them about the dangers ahead but all these good advice will fall on deaf ears. Even though some recognize these warnings but they still continue with their ways of life. After many attempts to warn them, you will see them avoiding you as though you are a disease. If you do continue to perform your duty of love to rebuke them, you will not see them again.
Sadly, some of us are also the same. We don’t like hearing people commenting on our weaknesses because this sounds like negative instructions. We want to hear praises and commendations instead of instructions or well-meaning corrections. So instead of accepting such ‘kind rebukes’, we will find faults with the person who has risk this relationship to tell you the truth.
Therefore, there is a time for everything. Unless the person chooses to be wise and have the grace to listen, we should heed the advice from proverb. “Instruct a wise man and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man and he will add to his learning.” (9:9)
Be a wise person and learn from mistakes. Allow God and God’s people to help us to grow.
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Pray for:
Ps Lynda’s brother-in-law, Mr Fan Boon Sin who is now back with his family. He is still in a critical condition.
Sometimes we are too idealistic about helping others that we forget that there are some who just refused to be helped or to learn from their mistakes. Sound pathetic?! But this is true. Only God in His time will be able to perform miracles in some lives.
We can try to point out the problems, warning them about the dangers ahead but all these good advice will fall on deaf ears. Even though some recognize these warnings but they still continue with their ways of life. After many attempts to warn them, you will see them avoiding you as though you are a disease. If you do continue to perform your duty of love to rebuke them, you will not see them again.
Sadly, some of us are also the same. We don’t like hearing people commenting on our weaknesses because this sounds like negative instructions. We want to hear praises and commendations instead of instructions or well-meaning corrections. So instead of accepting such ‘kind rebukes’, we will find faults with the person who has risk this relationship to tell you the truth.
Therefore, there is a time for everything. Unless the person chooses to be wise and have the grace to listen, we should heed the advice from proverb. “Instruct a wise man and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man and he will add to his learning.” (9:9)
Be a wise person and learn from mistakes. Allow God and God’s people to help us to grow.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pray for:
Ps Lynda’s brother-in-law, Mr Fan Boon Sin who is now back with his family. He is still in a critical condition.
Monday, November 9, 2009
08 Nov 09, Sun Scripture Reading: Proverbs 8
“Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge than choice gold, for WISDOM is more precious than rubies and nothing you DESIRE can compare with her.” (8:9,10, NIV)
This year the world is hit with the most severe forms of natural disasters; earthquake, typhoon, tsunami, H1N1 etc. Though we are living luxuriously yet when we are hit by such disasters, we are helpless. What would be your greatest desire if you are hit unexpectedly?
Jesus has long exhorted us not to desire things that could perish, rather desire those things that will not pass away with time. “Where your heart is, there your treasure will be also.” Today if you hear Jesus speaking on these matters again, what kind of life you would choose to live?
The world is offering some beautiful and luxurious living; better homes, fine dining, sporty cars etc. The more we have it the more we desire it. Yet the wise man in proverb says, “…desire wisdom than all these precious things in the world.” When you have wisdom, all these will grow strangely dim.
So what can we choose? First of all, choose God. If He is God then He should be first. Second, choose meaningful relationship. We can choose a house but we can’t choose who would be our flesh and blood. They are God-given. Especially in perilous times like this, all the more we need our family. Take time to nurture such important matters.
This year the world is hit with the most severe forms of natural disasters; earthquake, typhoon, tsunami, H1N1 etc. Though we are living luxuriously yet when we are hit by such disasters, we are helpless. What would be your greatest desire if you are hit unexpectedly?
Jesus has long exhorted us not to desire things that could perish, rather desire those things that will not pass away with time. “Where your heart is, there your treasure will be also.” Today if you hear Jesus speaking on these matters again, what kind of life you would choose to live?
The world is offering some beautiful and luxurious living; better homes, fine dining, sporty cars etc. The more we have it the more we desire it. Yet the wise man in proverb says, “…desire wisdom than all these precious things in the world.” When you have wisdom, all these will grow strangely dim.
So what can we choose? First of all, choose God. If He is God then He should be first. Second, choose meaningful relationship. We can choose a house but we can’t choose who would be our flesh and blood. They are God-given. Especially in perilous times like this, all the more we need our family. Take time to nurture such important matters.
Saturday, November 7, 2009
07 Nov 09, Sat Scripture Reading: Proverbs 7
“Keep my commands and you will live; guard my teachings as the apple of your eye.” (7:2, NIV)
The whole passage is about a young man who was enticed to sin by the seducer. The young who lacks judgment (7:7) went straight into temptation without knowing or recognizing it.
Many of us ‘smart alecs’ are just like this young man. We are so careless with our lives that we are not even aware that we are falling into the trap of sin. When we finally realize it, instead of fleeing from it quickly, we linger longer because we actually enjoy sinning. It is man’s nature to sin.
A young couple went for pre-marital counseling. After some initial ‘checks’ the counselor found out that they were staying together. So she advised them to stop this if they wanted to have a Christian wedding; saying their vows before God in a Holy Matrimony. The couple argued, “We are getting married anyway and we are responsible enough to come for counseling and to be committed to one another. So why is this BIG NO?”
After counselling the couple for some time, they finally heeded the counselor’s advice but remain un-convinced. The next few sessions were like a ‘cat and mouse’ race, trying to sort out this struggle before they could actually go into the lessons. The problem here is, this young couple thinks it is ok as long as they are still responsible to each other but they did not know that compromise to sin displeases God a lot.
Is there any area in your life that you know displeases God? It is not worth going on with it and loosing out on His blessings.
Come out of it and start to live a ‘free life” without sinning against God. You will enjoy life more with God when you do not have to bear the burden of sin and guilt. Come join the club – Guilt-Free Club!
The whole passage is about a young man who was enticed to sin by the seducer. The young who lacks judgment (7:7) went straight into temptation without knowing or recognizing it.
Many of us ‘smart alecs’ are just like this young man. We are so careless with our lives that we are not even aware that we are falling into the trap of sin. When we finally realize it, instead of fleeing from it quickly, we linger longer because we actually enjoy sinning. It is man’s nature to sin.
A young couple went for pre-marital counseling. After some initial ‘checks’ the counselor found out that they were staying together. So she advised them to stop this if they wanted to have a Christian wedding; saying their vows before God in a Holy Matrimony. The couple argued, “We are getting married anyway and we are responsible enough to come for counseling and to be committed to one another. So why is this BIG NO?”
After counselling the couple for some time, they finally heeded the counselor’s advice but remain un-convinced. The next few sessions were like a ‘cat and mouse’ race, trying to sort out this struggle before they could actually go into the lessons. The problem here is, this young couple thinks it is ok as long as they are still responsible to each other but they did not know that compromise to sin displeases God a lot.
Is there any area in your life that you know displeases God? It is not worth going on with it and loosing out on His blessings.
Come out of it and start to live a ‘free life” without sinning against God. You will enjoy life more with God when you do not have to bear the burden of sin and guilt. Come join the club – Guilt-Free Club!
Thursday, November 5, 2009
06 Nov 09, Fri Scripture Reading: Proverbs 6
A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest – and poverty will come on you like a bandit and scarcity like an armed man.” (6:10,11, NIV)
As a preacher I have witnessed many “styles” of sleeping in church. Some are really good: they just bow down with their bibles open on their lap, as though meditating; there was also one who closed his eyes as though he was praying while I was preaching but when I shouted ‘Amen’, he was able to respond with a loud ‘Amen’ too. Fantastic! A real ‘experienced ‘sleeper’ in the church!
But these verses are not about sleeping in the church but about being lazy. I can think of two examples; 1) lazy in doing anything, in other words, just ‘plain lazy’; 2) A person who is very hardworking but lazy when it comes to spiritual matters. When you talk about sports, shares or maybe families and gossips, they get really interested and would be keen to ‘help’ to spread the ‘gospel of gossips’ but when it comes to spreading the Good News about Jesus, they just can’t gather enough energy to do it.
God give us 24 hours each day and is definitely enough for each of us. If only we stop for a moment and ponder over the priorities in life, we will realize that there are some things that we can actually do without and there are some important matters we should spend more time on.
Today, before you go on with your prayer, spend a moment to think and be quiet before God and see if you have your priorities in place.
As a preacher I have witnessed many “styles” of sleeping in church. Some are really good: they just bow down with their bibles open on their lap, as though meditating; there was also one who closed his eyes as though he was praying while I was preaching but when I shouted ‘Amen’, he was able to respond with a loud ‘Amen’ too. Fantastic! A real ‘experienced ‘sleeper’ in the church!
But these verses are not about sleeping in the church but about being lazy. I can think of two examples; 1) lazy in doing anything, in other words, just ‘plain lazy’; 2) A person who is very hardworking but lazy when it comes to spiritual matters. When you talk about sports, shares or maybe families and gossips, they get really interested and would be keen to ‘help’ to spread the ‘gospel of gossips’ but when it comes to spreading the Good News about Jesus, they just can’t gather enough energy to do it.
God give us 24 hours each day and is definitely enough for each of us. If only we stop for a moment and ponder over the priorities in life, we will realize that there are some things that we can actually do without and there are some important matters we should spend more time on.
Today, before you go on with your prayer, spend a moment to think and be quiet before God and see if you have your priorities in place.
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