“The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall lack in NOTHING…” (Psalm 23:1)
Last Saturday my bro-in-law passed away peacefully. Last Thursday, he was readmitted to the hospital because he collapsed at home and was unable to move. Since then he was comatized and was unable to regain consciousness.
Boon Sin
One afternoon, Daniel, my husband and I were with him after yet another doctor’s diagnoses – it’s the same: terminal cancer. We prayed with him and Daniel laid his hands on his liver (he was in much pain). The next when we visit him again, he exclaimed excitedly to Daniel, “You know, after you left, the pain also left and since then there was no pain.” And that was when we saw progressive strength returning to him.
Amy
I was with my sister Amy that day in the emergency room and she was crying, “I have totally lost faith… I have no more faith to believe in miracles.” I hugged her and I said, “Amy, it is God’s grace in his life. He was not supposed to come back. He could have died in China because of internal bleeding. He asked God for a miracle and God did give him one. He came back and was able to meet his family especially his two little girls. And that was his faith in God.”
Ameli and Jo Anne (the two little girls)
“Ameli, I know that it is difficult to know that daddy has an incurable illness. Tell me girl, how do you feel now?” “I don’t know, aunt. But I am rather afraid,” Ameli said. “Well, is daddy a Christian?” “Yes,” both of them agreed. “Hmm, if that is so, where do you think he will go if, let’s say if he died?” “Heaven,” both replied. “And where is that supposed to be?” “With Jesus,” they said. “Exactly! Daddy is going to be with Jesus.” “But,” Ameli continued, “I don’t want daddy to go yet, I want him to be with us,” with tears welling up. I tried to stay composed and said, “Well, I know that too. We all love daddy too much to let him go but I think Jesus thinks that it is best that daddy should go back to Him because Jesus loves daddy more. We will miss him but he shall forever be in our hearts.”
With that I ended the conversation and I turned away because tears already rolling down my cheeks. God, was I right when I tell them that? Will they understand your will?
A week has passed when he spent wonderful time with all his family members especially his two little girls and Amy. He was all smiles and he prayed everyday; rebuilding his relationship with God again. Just when we thought we have gained some time, he suddenly collapsed. And since then, everything has become history.
Lynda
“Sis, I have lost faith… I don’t think I could continue to believe in God anymore,” she cried seeing Boon Sin in the emergency room, motionless. I hugged her and we both cried. I was lost for words because I really can’t answer her. What do you think I should tell her? Don’t worry, God will heal him? Or “It’s ok la, God will take care of everything?” Such words are meaningless in that emergency room when we cried our heart to God.
The family
The family members came and saw him for the last time. The aged mother was heartbroken beyond comfort. Seeing them, my heart wrenched, “God, you are their comfort but I have no words of comfort for them for my heart ache as much as they do. He is just too young to leave. He should have some years, at least to give the girls a chance to know him; at least to give him another chance to serve you.”
But I remained calm before them, knowing their pain, they remained calm too. Maybe we were trying to be strong for each other; maybe we are trying to show that it is ok; or maybe we are just acting to comfort one another. I really don’t know but no matter how much we are trying to hide our sorrows, when we see him for the last time, none of our eyes are dry. Tears rolled uncontrollably and hearts aches inconsolably. The exuberant pain is now visible in all our well-hidden emotion.
The pastor reading from Psalm 90
The pastor encouraged us to look to God who gave us life and who ordered our days. It is time to repent to God and to consider His mighty work. How true it is that man tends to forget God when they have many and when disaster strikes, suddenly they remember, “There is a God!”
May we never forget that there is a God who looks from above and who had ordered our days on earth. V12, “Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Yes, when we still have breath, let us be glad in the Lord.
Therefore, I shall proclaim like the Psalmist says, “May the favour of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work of our hands for us – yes, establish the work of our hands.” Psalm 90:17
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After the funeral service, I sat down with Daniel and we recalled some of the recent happenings. "Daniel, don't you dare to die before I do," I retorted. "I don't think I could ever live without you because you have spoilt me and you must be responsible for it."
"It is all in the hand of God," Daniel replied. "Don't forget, I am also a Hep C patient. If God calls me home, I shall have to go." Slowly he continued, "But one thing I am very sure: that God is faithful and He will take care of you."
With tears in my eyes, "I know, but I shall miss you madly... I know I will." And I hugged him tight... not willing to let go!
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Thursday, November 12, 2009
13 Nov 09, Friday 饮水思源(yin shui si yuan)
“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!
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!
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.
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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.
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.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
05 Nov 09, Thurs Scripture Reading: Proverbs 5
“The evil deeds of a wicked man ensnare him; the cords of his sin hold him fast” (5:22, NIV)
The main problem faced by youths today is: I want freedom, but I get none from my parents, the school or from the government. They desire freedom and they do not wish to be “bound” by some framework set by their parents or other adults. They want to to do what they like, stay up as late as they want, go out with the kind of friends that please them, talk the cool way and dress “loudly”.
But they hardly understand the fact that “un-guided” freedom could bring disaster. You can express yourself freely but will you be responsible for the outcome of that expression?
Sin is always pleasurable but the consequence of it, who can bear? The word of God says, “…the cord of his sin HOLD him fast.” Sin appears like the angel of light, blinding our judgment as we walk God’s way but sin will eventually lead to eternal destruction.
Tell a young person this and he may not pay any attention to such warnings but blessed are the WISE for they shall escape eternal punishment!
Do not take freedom in your hands; it is best that we surrender our freedom to God and allow Him to guide us AWAY from sin and guilt. Let us STAY on God’s trail!
The main problem faced by youths today is: I want freedom, but I get none from my parents, the school or from the government. They desire freedom and they do not wish to be “bound” by some framework set by their parents or other adults. They want to to do what they like, stay up as late as they want, go out with the kind of friends that please them, talk the cool way and dress “loudly”.
But they hardly understand the fact that “un-guided” freedom could bring disaster. You can express yourself freely but will you be responsible for the outcome of that expression?
Sin is always pleasurable but the consequence of it, who can bear? The word of God says, “…the cord of his sin HOLD him fast.” Sin appears like the angel of light, blinding our judgment as we walk God’s way but sin will eventually lead to eternal destruction.
Tell a young person this and he may not pay any attention to such warnings but blessed are the WISE for they shall escape eternal punishment!
Do not take freedom in your hands; it is best that we surrender our freedom to God and allow Him to guide us AWAY from sin and guilt. Let us STAY on God’s trail!
04 Nov 09, Wed Scripture Reading: Proverbs 4
“Above all, guard your HEART, for it is the wellspring of life.” (4:23, NIV)
The heart is the center of life; if your brain stops working it is brain-dead but if your heart stops pumping then you are dead. Physically speaking, we should guard this heart in so that we can go on living healthily. Eat properly, rest well and most of all, maintain a joyful heart always. “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones” (Prov 17:22).
But we have another “heart problem”. The bible warns us that the heart is “deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?” (Jeremiah 17:9). Man has grown to listen to the “heart” and yield to the desires of the fleshly heart. We choose not to be obedient because we prefer what our heart tells us to do. How then can we GUARD this heart and allow it to continue to be the “wellspring of life?”
Psalmist says, “I have hidden (kept) your WORD in my heart that I might not sin against You” (Psalm 119:11). The Psalmist found the solution and that was to keep the Word of God and to meditate on it day and night in so that he would not sin against God.
This is a serious matter. We have heard so much about it over the pulpit, we read about it all the time. Yet many are too busy to even touch the bible, what more to read it. We only take our bible to church once a week and forget all about it for the rest of the week.
GUARD YOUR HEART and your heart will lead you to eternity. Not only to read the Word with understanding but we are to study and to meditate upon it day and night for this will prosper us and make us successful (Joshua 1:8)
The heart is the center of life; if your brain stops working it is brain-dead but if your heart stops pumping then you are dead. Physically speaking, we should guard this heart in so that we can go on living healthily. Eat properly, rest well and most of all, maintain a joyful heart always. “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones” (Prov 17:22).
But we have another “heart problem”. The bible warns us that the heart is “deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?” (Jeremiah 17:9). Man has grown to listen to the “heart” and yield to the desires of the fleshly heart. We choose not to be obedient because we prefer what our heart tells us to do. How then can we GUARD this heart and allow it to continue to be the “wellspring of life?”
Psalmist says, “I have hidden (kept) your WORD in my heart that I might not sin against You” (Psalm 119:11). The Psalmist found the solution and that was to keep the Word of God and to meditate on it day and night in so that he would not sin against God.
This is a serious matter. We have heard so much about it over the pulpit, we read about it all the time. Yet many are too busy to even touch the bible, what more to read it. We only take our bible to church once a week and forget all about it for the rest of the week.
GUARD YOUR HEART and your heart will lead you to eternity. Not only to read the Word with understanding but we are to study and to meditate upon it day and night for this will prosper us and make us successful (Joshua 1:8)
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
03 November 09, Tue Scripture Reading: Proverb 3
“Honour the Lord with your wealth, with the first fruit of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing.” (3:9, NIV)
A child went to a restaurant with his daddy. After the meal he saw the bill included a 15% service tax. The child exclaimed, "God only gets 10% and this waitress gets 15%."
The innocent question from this child actually reflects a lot of us in our daily living that we often overlook. When we talk about “money”, especially in the Chinese society, it often spells challenges. My mum actually gave the excuse for not coming to church because she heard, “If you go to church you are obligated to give 10% of all your earnings.” She didn’t want to give that much.
Another sweet lady says, “If a church talks about money, then the church has no love because love is not all about money.” Well, what do you think about this?
For those who think that giving a 10% tithes have their own thinking too: one member says, “O Well, since I am the one who give, I would like to give it MY way. I will use my 10% for God’s ministry anywhere (mission/buying things for church/whatever) even if I attend this church, I don’t have to pay my tithe to this church. As long as I am using the 10% for “ministry” it’s ok.”
Do you think this is ok? “Do you really love the house of God and want to help in the daily running of the church? Where do you think the money comes from? You mean you DO believe that money can fall from heaven?”
My beloved, where you worship, that’s where you are going to pay your tithes. The OT God-fearers paid their tithes to the temple; any extra giving is not from this portion. May we not deny God’s blessings in our lives by not honouring the Lord with our wealth.
A child went to a restaurant with his daddy. After the meal he saw the bill included a 15% service tax. The child exclaimed, "God only gets 10% and this waitress gets 15%."
The innocent question from this child actually reflects a lot of us in our daily living that we often overlook. When we talk about “money”, especially in the Chinese society, it often spells challenges. My mum actually gave the excuse for not coming to church because she heard, “If you go to church you are obligated to give 10% of all your earnings.” She didn’t want to give that much.
Another sweet lady says, “If a church talks about money, then the church has no love because love is not all about money.” Well, what do you think about this?
For those who think that giving a 10% tithes have their own thinking too: one member says, “O Well, since I am the one who give, I would like to give it MY way. I will use my 10% for God’s ministry anywhere (mission/buying things for church/whatever) even if I attend this church, I don’t have to pay my tithe to this church. As long as I am using the 10% for “ministry” it’s ok.”
Do you think this is ok? “Do you really love the house of God and want to help in the daily running of the church? Where do you think the money comes from? You mean you DO believe that money can fall from heaven?”
My beloved, where you worship, that’s where you are going to pay your tithes. The OT God-fearers paid their tithes to the temple; any extra giving is not from this portion. May we not deny God’s blessings in our lives by not honouring the Lord with our wealth.
Monday, November 2, 2009
02 Nov 09, Mon: Scripture Reading: Proverb 2
“For the Lord gives wisdom, and from His mouth comes knowledge and understanding” (2:6, NIV)
Proverbs 2:1-4, when you SEEK wisdom earnestly, verse 4 says, “then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.” The fear of the Lord and the knowledge of God are made possible in our lives because it is a reward for those who SEEK it. When we SEEK, God GIVES (V 5).
We come to God and ask many things from Him. How often do we ask for wisdom? Remember Solomon in his early days, when the Lord appeared to him and said, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.” (1 Kg 3:5). Solomon asked for a “discerning heart” (I Kg 3:9) and God not only granted that request, He gave Solomon what he did not ask; “riches and honour” (1 Kg 3:13).
We know that Solomon became the wisest man and the richest who had ever lived on earth. He knew that without the Lord’s help (probably through his father, David’s life, he had witnessed God’s mighty deeds); he would never have made it.
Solomon started well with all the wisdom and discernment from God. He SOUGHT for it and God GAVE. But, he did not persist till the end. He turned away from God when he had plenty and he died a lonely man. 1 Kg 3:14 says, “If you walk in my ways and obey my statutes and commandments…,” Solomon began well but he didn’t end well because he had forgotten this command from God.
Therefore, the KEY to continuously dwell in God’s wisdom is OBEDIENCE. Without it we could be like Solomon, who humbly requested for wisdom but proudly lived his own life without acknowledging God.
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Pray for:
The government of Malaysia will be able to fulfill its commitment to provide a trustworthy source of righteous governance and justice to meet the needs of all people irrespective of race and religions.
Proverbs 2:1-4, when you SEEK wisdom earnestly, verse 4 says, “then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.” The fear of the Lord and the knowledge of God are made possible in our lives because it is a reward for those who SEEK it. When we SEEK, God GIVES (V 5).
We come to God and ask many things from Him. How often do we ask for wisdom? Remember Solomon in his early days, when the Lord appeared to him and said, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.” (1 Kg 3:5). Solomon asked for a “discerning heart” (I Kg 3:9) and God not only granted that request, He gave Solomon what he did not ask; “riches and honour” (1 Kg 3:13).
We know that Solomon became the wisest man and the richest who had ever lived on earth. He knew that without the Lord’s help (probably through his father, David’s life, he had witnessed God’s mighty deeds); he would never have made it.
Solomon started well with all the wisdom and discernment from God. He SOUGHT for it and God GAVE. But, he did not persist till the end. He turned away from God when he had plenty and he died a lonely man. 1 Kg 3:14 says, “If you walk in my ways and obey my statutes and commandments…,” Solomon began well but he didn’t end well because he had forgotten this command from God.
Therefore, the KEY to continuously dwell in God’s wisdom is OBEDIENCE. Without it we could be like Solomon, who humbly requested for wisdom but proudly lived his own life without acknowledging God.
================================================================
Pray for:
The government of Malaysia will be able to fulfill its commitment to provide a trustworthy source of righteous governance and justice to meet the needs of all people irrespective of race and religions.
01 Nov 09, Sun: Scripture Reading: Proverb 1
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline” (1:7, NIV)
Two sisters had different opinion over an issue that challenged their testimony for God and because they could not come to a common understanding, Jane became bitter. Jolene tried to seek reconciliation but she knew, unless she relented to Jane’s request and apologized for something that she strongly stood for, Jane would not forgive her.
Jolene sought the Lord and prayed. After many months, Jane fell sick and Jolene visited her. Jane was grateful but still held grudges against her sister who had not supported her decision.
Jolene prayed for God’s wisdom. At long last, Jane broke the silence and cried, “You are my sister and you are supposed to support me. Why aren’t you? You don’t love me.” Sensing that Jane was still angry, Jolene slowly replied, “I love you Jane but I FEAR GOD more. The deal will not glorify God and I will have to take my stand. But tf doesn’t mean that I don’t love you. On the other hand, it is because I love you so much that I was afraid that you may sin against God and I chose to risk our relationship in order that the fear of the Lord could be seen in our lives.”
There are times when we have to face some real challenges in life and perhaps risk important relationships for the sake of integrity and truth. Do not compromise! Choose to FEAR GOD rather than man! It may not be easy or pleasant at that time but when the truth is revealed, God’s blessings will be evident in our lives.
===================================================================
Pray for
Pray that the present leadership in our country will walk the talk in their efforts to create 1Malaysia
Two sisters had different opinion over an issue that challenged their testimony for God and because they could not come to a common understanding, Jane became bitter. Jolene tried to seek reconciliation but she knew, unless she relented to Jane’s request and apologized for something that she strongly stood for, Jane would not forgive her.
Jolene sought the Lord and prayed. After many months, Jane fell sick and Jolene visited her. Jane was grateful but still held grudges against her sister who had not supported her decision.
Jolene prayed for God’s wisdom. At long last, Jane broke the silence and cried, “You are my sister and you are supposed to support me. Why aren’t you? You don’t love me.” Sensing that Jane was still angry, Jolene slowly replied, “I love you Jane but I FEAR GOD more. The deal will not glorify God and I will have to take my stand. But tf doesn’t mean that I don’t love you. On the other hand, it is because I love you so much that I was afraid that you may sin against God and I chose to risk our relationship in order that the fear of the Lord could be seen in our lives.”
There are times when we have to face some real challenges in life and perhaps risk important relationships for the sake of integrity and truth. Do not compromise! Choose to FEAR GOD rather than man! It may not be easy or pleasant at that time but when the truth is revealed, God’s blessings will be evident in our lives.
===================================================================
Pray for
Pray that the present leadership in our country will walk the talk in their efforts to create 1Malaysia
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