I was just listening to my pastor's message on my iPhone and opening up my bible to review some of the verses he shared. During which i was thinking through my growth as a child of God. Sometimes it seems the Holy Spirit will hide beautiful truth and uses preachers to open your eyes. But even if we have the best preachers in the world, if one refuses to open your heart to God, it will be of no use.
The passage shared was a common passage on the parable of the prodigal son. The text might seems simple to interpret about God's graciousness and his ever forgiving heart. It is something i grow up knowing. But praise be to God for my pastor expounding of the passage that i see a different God. There are more blessings then just forgiveness, grace and love.
My pastor brought to my attention on Luke 15:30-32 ; there was self-righteousness, anger, or rather sinful manner of the other son, spiritual blindness and also evangelism. Why do i say so? The son mentioned in v.30 in a very sarcastic self righteous way to his father. This verse itself can be interpreted spiritually as a old christian in church serving and doing, thinking that he has done a lot for the lord but did not get any blessing in return, as compared to a non christian which is his brother. V31, the son is spiritually blind. What did the father say? You are always with me and ALL that I have is yours. V32. The self righteous son forgets about the Joy of the father which is to see the lost coming back to him. (Evangelism)
How often we are so self occupied with SELF, with family, with church. And when something happen we complain just like the elder brother. Self righteousness creeps in, judgemental attitude creeps in, and just one v30. shows the true character of a "good son" who is actually so hypocritical.
May those who have eyes see and ears hear. There is a reason why Jesus told Martha those words. In summary, serving the Lord is good and it must come out from the heart, from love and not wanting anything in return. Lest we behave like the elder brother.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Purpose in Life
What is the purpose in life? Why are we created? Why am I striving so hard in life? Why am I studying so hard? Why should I serve?
The fundamental and answer is in Colossians 1:16. If one can focus back to Jesus, the above questions will be answered. Often time is the self that is causing the problem. We serve and get burn out thinking that God need us and without us ministries and work cannot move. We study with our own strength and if we do well we think that God helps those who help themselves but if we don't do well, what is my prayer not answered? Are we created to study hard, find a good job, earn $ and bring respect to the family? Bringing glory to parents? So that parents will not waste their $ on upbringing? My answer for my own children will be NO. They have to be studying for Jesus first and for themselves second. Why themselves? They will have the abundant Life that John mentioned in John 10:10.
My pride and glory is not as important as my Lord Jesus's glory. If my children (IZ and Kate) can do well in their studies fine, may all glory be to God but if not, so be it. God will lead and guild them in their life. My main purpose by the Holy Spirit is to guild them to focus on the Lord Jesus. Because he don't care if they gets all straight As but he cares for them like the sparrows in the field.
Learn from history. The history of King Solomon, the king who ask for wisdom. When he wrote the book of Ecclesiastes that is when he gets everything in life but that is also when he is without God. When God is with him, he wrote Songs of Songs. That is why he HATED life. (Ecclesiastes 2:17...)
Look to the Lord Jesus Christ and all things will made right in its own place.
The fundamental and answer is in Colossians 1:16. If one can focus back to Jesus, the above questions will be answered. Often time is the self that is causing the problem. We serve and get burn out thinking that God need us and without us ministries and work cannot move. We study with our own strength and if we do well we think that God helps those who help themselves but if we don't do well, what is my prayer not answered? Are we created to study hard, find a good job, earn $ and bring respect to the family? Bringing glory to parents? So that parents will not waste their $ on upbringing? My answer for my own children will be NO. They have to be studying for Jesus first and for themselves second. Why themselves? They will have the abundant Life that John mentioned in John 10:10.
My pride and glory is not as important as my Lord Jesus's glory. If my children (IZ and Kate) can do well in their studies fine, may all glory be to God but if not, so be it. God will lead and guild them in their life. My main purpose by the Holy Spirit is to guild them to focus on the Lord Jesus. Because he don't care if they gets all straight As but he cares for them like the sparrows in the field.
Learn from history. The history of King Solomon, the king who ask for wisdom. When he wrote the book of Ecclesiastes that is when he gets everything in life but that is also when he is without God. When God is with him, he wrote Songs of Songs. That is why he HATED life. (Ecclesiastes 2:17...)
Look to the Lord Jesus Christ and all things will made right in its own place.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Walking in the Spirit vs Walking in the Flesh
I am sure everyone who loves the Lord wants to do things to please the Lord. I am no difference. Imagine how the word of the Lord can be such a bondage to me as Satan keeps me focusing on Gal. 5:19-21. Preachers along the way justifying their messages to keep the brethren in the faith does not help either. The end of verse 21 where is says for those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
Does it mean that when even the simplest of sin like envy will not even allow us to get into heaven. I used to think i need to tell myself not to fall in any of the categories so that I can live a righteous and God fearing life. Or rather is this truly what the scripture is telling us. Contextually, it is about walking life with the spirit guidance and not the fulfilling the desire of the flesh. Gal 5:16 states it very clearly.
Gal 5:13 addresses that we do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh. Do bear in mind that that if truly we continue walking in the flesh, our Lord Jesus Christ death will be of no use.
Therefore walk in the Spirit and let v.22-24 be the results of righteous living. Amen
Does it mean that when even the simplest of sin like envy will not even allow us to get into heaven. I used to think i need to tell myself not to fall in any of the categories so that I can live a righteous and God fearing life. Or rather is this truly what the scripture is telling us. Contextually, it is about walking life with the spirit guidance and not the fulfilling the desire of the flesh. Gal 5:16 states it very clearly.
Gal 5:13 addresses that we do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh. Do bear in mind that that if truly we continue walking in the flesh, our Lord Jesus Christ death will be of no use.
Therefore walk in the Spirit and let v.22-24 be the results of righteous living. Amen
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Birthright
Found something interesting today from the bible. Isaac and Kate, i do hope that you do not take your birth right for granted. Having born into a christian family is already a blessing. Why do i say so?
Having being a christian for so many years, i cannot believe that God closes his two eyes not to see that Abraham and Issac are liars, Sarah and Rebekah are skimmers, Jacob is a cheat. Remember this fact, Jesus came for the sinners for ALL have sin and fall short the glory of God. Jesus did not come for the bad. Do also bear in mind that the law was not institutionalised yet.
Why did i say that birth right is important. Think. Why does Jacob have to cheat Esau for the birthright if it is not important. Why does the bible explicitly mention that Esau despise his birthright? Why does God still bless Jacob in Genesis 28:14 with Abraham's covenant? The answer is there all the while, the birthright, the blessings of Abraham. We are sons of the most high. We are Abraham spiritual seed. Even though we are not Jews, we have this birthright through Jesus Christ our Lord.Trace the genealogy, Jesus comes from the linage of Abraham. Once you accept Jesus as your personal savior, you will have this birthright. So don't take this birthright for granted. May this blog serve as an encouragement as well as a reminder to believers of the faith not to take your position for granted. Don't exchange it for a bowl of stew.
Joel
Having being a christian for so many years, i cannot believe that God closes his two eyes not to see that Abraham and Issac are liars, Sarah and Rebekah are skimmers, Jacob is a cheat. Remember this fact, Jesus came for the sinners for ALL have sin and fall short the glory of God. Jesus did not come for the bad. Do also bear in mind that the law was not institutionalised yet.
Why did i say that birth right is important. Think. Why does Jacob have to cheat Esau for the birthright if it is not important. Why does the bible explicitly mention that Esau despise his birthright? Why does God still bless Jacob in Genesis 28:14 with Abraham's covenant? The answer is there all the while, the birthright, the blessings of Abraham. We are sons of the most high. We are Abraham spiritual seed. Even though we are not Jews, we have this birthright through Jesus Christ our Lord.Trace the genealogy, Jesus comes from the linage of Abraham. Once you accept Jesus as your personal savior, you will have this birthright. So don't take this birthright for granted. May this blog serve as an encouragement as well as a reminder to believers of the faith not to take your position for granted. Don't exchange it for a bowl of stew.
Joel
Monday, June 14, 2010
God's protection. Thank you Jesus.
When i login to blog, i noticed that it was quite a while since i blogged. I needed to document this incident as it reflects God's ever protection upon the family.
Two days ago on 12 Jun 2010 (Saturday) at around 9.10pm, I was driving mum and the kids back from Pasir Ris. I dropped Aunty Betty off and continued down Fernvale road(if I get it right). I was travelling abit fast like 70km/h for a 2 lane street which hardly had any car. The road was clear, the traffic lights were in my favor. Suddenly i heard a voice within me. It was very clear and precise. " Slow down and watch out for a reckless driver". I was laughing within me and clearly replied God that how can it be. The road is clear and i am going down a one way street which do not have any cross road. But somehow my body responded and slow my car down when i was approaching a traffic light but low and behold a car just dashes out of nowhere straight in front of me. I flashed my headlight at him and the driver continued driving. Mum can be my witness. The interesting thing is that my car is slow enough to come to a complete halt without any emergency breaking if i need to. Kids naturally do not bother.
Mum did not know my conversation with God just minutes before but I told her nevertheless. When we worship, we worship in Spirit and in truth. The word of God with the Holy Spirit. The flesh can only do these little but we the spirit, amazing things happen. All Glory be to God the father, the Son and the Holy Ghost. Amen
Selah.
Two days ago on 12 Jun 2010 (Saturday) at around 9.10pm, I was driving mum and the kids back from Pasir Ris. I dropped Aunty Betty off and continued down Fernvale road(if I get it right). I was travelling abit fast like 70km/h for a 2 lane street which hardly had any car. The road was clear, the traffic lights were in my favor. Suddenly i heard a voice within me. It was very clear and precise. " Slow down and watch out for a reckless driver". I was laughing within me and clearly replied God that how can it be. The road is clear and i am going down a one way street which do not have any cross road. But somehow my body responded and slow my car down when i was approaching a traffic light but low and behold a car just dashes out of nowhere straight in front of me. I flashed my headlight at him and the driver continued driving. Mum can be my witness. The interesting thing is that my car is slow enough to come to a complete halt without any emergency breaking if i need to. Kids naturally do not bother.
Mum did not know my conversation with God just minutes before but I told her nevertheless. When we worship, we worship in Spirit and in truth. The word of God with the Holy Spirit. The flesh can only do these little but we the spirit, amazing things happen. All Glory be to God the father, the Son and the Holy Ghost. Amen
Selah.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
It Just Hits You
Isaac and Kate were sleeping on the bed but the in middle of the night they decided to join me on the floor. I prefer the floor as my legs can be fully supported.I have a bad back. It is hard to explain the uncomfortable position when i sleep on the bed with the kids. But i love them and hope to have them with me at night. It is the same for them. But it got a little too squeezy at about 4.30am. So i got them both up the bed and told them that i will sleep together with them. I use the opportunity to straighten my posture when i sleep on the floor. As i hit the bed and noticed the time, I remember those days when i have to wake up to administer morphine to my dear wife. I did not think much of it and just hit back to sleep.
As i drove to work later in the morning, I recalled the vision the day before Amy passed on. She said good bye to the children. I started thinking how she felt that day knowing full well that she will be leaving us for good the next day.
Tears started flowing and thoughts just went towards dwelling in self pitiness, anger towards my heavenly father, loneliness and mostly negativity. I lost a good wife, the children lost a good mother, my folks lost a good daughter in law, my mum-in-law lost a good daughter. I was having a sadness concoction mixed with bitterness and anger. This should not be happening.
I started asking myself what happened to the peace that I once received from the Lord. Yesterday staff devotion came to mind when my colleague shared about Peace. John 14:27 states from the mouth of Christ. "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. The other verse was Philippians 4:7 "And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
Indeed this peace had been my comfort, my guide, my replacement for my lack. If one lacks it, ask for it. And it shall be given you. The peace is Christ Jesus. Thank you Jesus. May His name be gloried and praised. May he bring peace, hope and Joy to all during this Chirstmas season. Amen.
As i drove to work later in the morning, I recalled the vision the day before Amy passed on. She said good bye to the children. I started thinking how she felt that day knowing full well that she will be leaving us for good the next day.
Tears started flowing and thoughts just went towards dwelling in self pitiness, anger towards my heavenly father, loneliness and mostly negativity. I lost a good wife, the children lost a good mother, my folks lost a good daughter in law, my mum-in-law lost a good daughter. I was having a sadness concoction mixed with bitterness and anger. This should not be happening.
I started asking myself what happened to the peace that I once received from the Lord. Yesterday staff devotion came to mind when my colleague shared about Peace. John 14:27 states from the mouth of Christ. "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. The other verse was Philippians 4:7 "And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
Indeed this peace had been my comfort, my guide, my replacement for my lack. If one lacks it, ask for it. And it shall be given you. The peace is Christ Jesus. Thank you Jesus. May His name be gloried and praised. May he bring peace, hope and Joy to all during this Chirstmas season. Amen.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
One of the important dates in my life
It is 22 of Nov 2009. Six years ago, I was joined together in holy matrimony. This year, i am spending it alone. Initially, I wanted to go and visit her niche but I decided not to. I decided to see her photo that is kept in my room instead. It is filled with a mixed emotion. The feeling of lost but yet joyful that she is with the Lord. Thank God for today's worship service at New Creation Church where the words of the praise song - Today is the day by Lincoln Brewster ministered to me. How i should look to Jesus. Indeed, words cannot express my pain and loss to see Amy going off so early. Thought of wondering if this is a punishment from God keeps surfacing from the evil one. But the bible is full of grace and love. If one chooses to abuse myself with self inflicted condemnation, that is an individual choice to make.But i chose to love a loving Abba. The message in church today seems to be a confirmation about what God wants to remind me and it is from Romans 8.
The love of God can be express in the simple 3 words. I Love You. Ironically, it seems the more i misses Amy, the more I come to love my God,the one that let his Son dies for me. It is the fundamental of my faith. I told my mom today in church that if theologians or pastors does not like Romans 8 then go back to the gospel of John 3:17 onwards. Christ Jesus did not die to condemn but give life. Words of condemnation can be dangerous, more so coming from the pulpit. Confusion arises when one says that God is love but maybe after all my wife died. But HE knows that she will die, will He not? But what happens after that? If Christ did not die then it will be a straight forward answer. We die and die eternally. Period. Is this not love? -John 3:16. At least I know where she is and I will still get to see her in future. Up there in heaven. 1 day is like a thousands years to God, in her realm, i will be up there sooner than later. Thank God my church does not preach condemnation. Hallelujah!
Today in church, i saw a vision when i was praising God with my hands open wide. I saw Amy doing the same thing over the other side. It was a beautiful sight. I whispered, i will join you soon after my responsibility is done on earth and we will praise together.
The Holy Spirit has been my peace. Sometimes i wondered if my mind is still being used since the inner being seems to take more control nowadays.
Shalom
The love of God can be express in the simple 3 words. I Love You. Ironically, it seems the more i misses Amy, the more I come to love my God,the one that let his Son dies for me. It is the fundamental of my faith. I told my mom today in church that if theologians or pastors does not like Romans 8 then go back to the gospel of John 3:17 onwards. Christ Jesus did not die to condemn but give life. Words of condemnation can be dangerous, more so coming from the pulpit. Confusion arises when one says that God is love but maybe after all my wife died. But HE knows that she will die, will He not? But what happens after that? If Christ did not die then it will be a straight forward answer. We die and die eternally. Period. Is this not love? -John 3:16. At least I know where she is and I will still get to see her in future. Up there in heaven. 1 day is like a thousands years to God, in her realm, i will be up there sooner than later. Thank God my church does not preach condemnation. Hallelujah!
Today in church, i saw a vision when i was praising God with my hands open wide. I saw Amy doing the same thing over the other side. It was a beautiful sight. I whispered, i will join you soon after my responsibility is done on earth and we will praise together.
The Holy Spirit has been my peace. Sometimes i wondered if my mind is still being used since the inner being seems to take more control nowadays.
Shalom
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