Romans 12:3-16
"Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God's people who re in need. Practice hospitality." (v. 9-13)
We are called to keep our spiritual fires going; it is not to be distinguished, but kept burning brightly. Even in times of affliction, we are to be patient, pray, and have hope in the Lord. However, this is not always easy. A fire remains lit only when there is fuel and oxygen to burn. And when the fire is burning brighter, than both are used even faster. Similarly, we must maintain our spiritual fire by continuing to feed it. And the brighter it burns, we must increase (not decrease) our fuel to sustain it. This is where many of us stumble and have our roller coaster rides in our walk with the Lord. We become zealous and our fire burns bright, but we never could sustain it and therefore it goes dim and sometimes completely out. Often times when it begins to dim, we would feverishly attempt to keep it lit with our own strength through our own resources, but in the end we exhaust ourselves.
Also, just as increased oxygen would cause a fire to burn brighter, so to are we encouraged to "fan into flame the gift of God" (2 Timothy 1:6). Our utilization of the gift of God and our service to Him through our faith provides the oxygen into our spiritual fire. We cannot just increase the fuel, but also exercise our faith such as "practic(ing) hospitality".
Therefore, let us look to our Father who will provide us our infinite resources. Let us not rely on our own strength or resources, but His through prayer, praise, and His Words. Let us also continue to serve Him and others with love. Only then will we be able to be zealous and "keep our spiritual fervor."
Tuesday, May 31, 2005
Saturday, May 28, 2005
Prayer: Can We Influence God?
James 5:13-18
"Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective." (v. 13-16)
Often times people have asked whether we can influence God through our prayers. Can we get the car we want through praying? More importantly, can we influence God to heal a person from a deadly disease? In truth, I believe we can, but not in the ways that most present the question. After all, we have been taught that "we do not have, because we do not ask God (James 4:2)". However, God is not a suggestion box, where we offer our requests to Him and hope that it would be answered. He's not sitting around and reviewing these requests to determine how to address the issue. It is not like He has formed an opinion only to be swayed to a different one by how many times the same prayer is prayed or how earnest it is prayed. If so, it would take away the characteristics of God. He is pure, holy, and just.
One very challenging concept to understand is that we are bound by time, whereas God is not. God exists where time is not a limitation. However, he operates... and more importantly has a relationship with us within our time. Therefore, the idea of "influencing" is somewhat lost because it is done in time... it is a process that is in done in time. Regardless, prayer is about the relationship.
One devotional uses the paradox of a farmer. The farmer would till the soil, plant the seed, and water as best they can. They have no ability to cause it to grow. Similarly, we know that we can offer our prayers to God, but it God who will allow it to happen. God can allow things to happen without any of our prayers. However, our God is a loving God who seeks our relationship. He wants to operate within our lives, not above it. He seeks to involve us in His work.
Prayer therefore does "influence" God, but it is about our relationship with Him. It is primarily for our benefit. It allows us to be in tune with the Lord. Let us remember that prayer is complete when it operates in both directions; our words/requests to Him, and His words to us. Again, it is about the relationship. Our Scriptures today says "prayer offered in faith" and the "prayer of a righteous man". These qualifiers helps us understand that it is our attitude, and more importantly, it is about our relationship with Him. After James 4:2, verse 3 continues, "When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures." If we are only asking simply for the betterment of ourselves, then how is it building our relationship with the Lord?
Prayer is indeed "powerful and effective." It allows us to draw nearer to Him, and more importantly be in tune with Him and to be more like Him. Isn't this what we ultimately seek. Prayer therefore is a necessity, and it should always be offered to Him. We should always seek Him earnestly, and make our requests known to Him.
"Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective." (v. 13-16)
Often times people have asked whether we can influence God through our prayers. Can we get the car we want through praying? More importantly, can we influence God to heal a person from a deadly disease? In truth, I believe we can, but not in the ways that most present the question. After all, we have been taught that "we do not have, because we do not ask God (James 4:2)". However, God is not a suggestion box, where we offer our requests to Him and hope that it would be answered. He's not sitting around and reviewing these requests to determine how to address the issue. It is not like He has formed an opinion only to be swayed to a different one by how many times the same prayer is prayed or how earnest it is prayed. If so, it would take away the characteristics of God. He is pure, holy, and just.
One very challenging concept to understand is that we are bound by time, whereas God is not. God exists where time is not a limitation. However, he operates... and more importantly has a relationship with us within our time. Therefore, the idea of "influencing" is somewhat lost because it is done in time... it is a process that is in done in time. Regardless, prayer is about the relationship.
One devotional uses the paradox of a farmer. The farmer would till the soil, plant the seed, and water as best they can. They have no ability to cause it to grow. Similarly, we know that we can offer our prayers to God, but it God who will allow it to happen. God can allow things to happen without any of our prayers. However, our God is a loving God who seeks our relationship. He wants to operate within our lives, not above it. He seeks to involve us in His work.
Prayer therefore does "influence" God, but it is about our relationship with Him. It is primarily for our benefit. It allows us to be in tune with the Lord. Let us remember that prayer is complete when it operates in both directions; our words/requests to Him, and His words to us. Again, it is about the relationship. Our Scriptures today says "prayer offered in faith" and the "prayer of a righteous man". These qualifiers helps us understand that it is our attitude, and more importantly, it is about our relationship with Him. After James 4:2, verse 3 continues, "When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures." If we are only asking simply for the betterment of ourselves, then how is it building our relationship with the Lord?
Prayer is indeed "powerful and effective." It allows us to draw nearer to Him, and more importantly be in tune with Him and to be more like Him. Isn't this what we ultimately seek. Prayer therefore is a necessity, and it should always be offered to Him. We should always seek Him earnestly, and make our requests known to Him.
Friday, May 27, 2005
Desert Period: Give Him Praise!
Numbers 21:10-20
"They set out from there and camped alongside the Arnon, which his in the desert extending into Amorite territory.... From there they continued on to Beer, the well where the LORD said to Moses, 'Gather the people together and I will give them water.' Then Israel sang this song: 'Spring up, O well! Sing about it." (v. 13a, 16-17)
Oh how incredible it must've been to witness the numerous eventful miracles that took place for the Israelites during the time of Moses. The parting of the Red Sea would've been just phenomenal. Then to put your faith in God to journey through the desert where no water could be seen for miles, only to be told to gather and dig. As they dug they were able to reach a stream of water below, so they can quench their thirst. What an enormous picture of what God can do for us when we may be walking through a desert in our life! If we obey and follow Him, no matter how silly it may be to us, God will give us living water. However, if we read carefully, we will discover that the Israelites not only obeyed, but they gave them praise... not after receiving the water, but even before they struck the stream of water. If we truly have faith, then it isn't about just obeying, but truly believing in God's deliverance. Just as we may celebrate when we do obtain water, we should praise as we obey anticipating it. Let us therefore celebrate by giving Him praise and glory for the stream of living water, especially when we are walking through a desert. Let us not be weary or be overcome by depression, but let us rejoice knowing that God will deliver us.
"They set out from there and camped alongside the Arnon, which his in the desert extending into Amorite territory.... From there they continued on to Beer, the well where the LORD said to Moses, 'Gather the people together and I will give them water.' Then Israel sang this song: 'Spring up, O well! Sing about it." (v. 13a, 16-17)
Oh how incredible it must've been to witness the numerous eventful miracles that took place for the Israelites during the time of Moses. The parting of the Red Sea would've been just phenomenal. Then to put your faith in God to journey through the desert where no water could be seen for miles, only to be told to gather and dig. As they dug they were able to reach a stream of water below, so they can quench their thirst. What an enormous picture of what God can do for us when we may be walking through a desert in our life! If we obey and follow Him, no matter how silly it may be to us, God will give us living water. However, if we read carefully, we will discover that the Israelites not only obeyed, but they gave them praise... not after receiving the water, but even before they struck the stream of water. If we truly have faith, then it isn't about just obeying, but truly believing in God's deliverance. Just as we may celebrate when we do obtain water, we should praise as we obey anticipating it. Let us therefore celebrate by giving Him praise and glory for the stream of living water, especially when we are walking through a desert. Let us not be weary or be overcome by depression, but let us rejoice knowing that God will deliver us.
Thursday, May 26, 2005
His Words: Listening & Practicing
Ezekiel 33:23-33
"My people come to you, as they usually do, and sit before you to listen to your words, but they do not put them into practice. With their mouths they express devotion, but their hearts are greedy for unjust gain. Indeed, to them you re nothing more than one who sings love songs with a beautiful voice and plays an instrument well, bur they hear your words but do not put them into practice." (Ezekiel 33:31-32)
"If a tree in the middle of a forest where no one is around falls, will it make a sound?" "Does the light remain lit when the refrigerator door is closed?" In all seriousness, what good is it to play music if no one is there to listen? Why have the television on when there is no one to watch it? It only makes sense when people are around to listen or watch. Similarly, what good is it for us to have QT, read Scripture, and listen to preachers if we do not practice what we hear? Is there any value to God's Words to us if we do not obey? Do we want to be like the Israelites when they believe that God existed, but did nothing after hearing His Words for them? Does it require God to send disasters into our lives to pay attention and take seriousness of practicing what we hear? God didn't simply ask us to go through the motions of attending church, reading Scripture, and QT. If we truly believe it is about a relationship with Him and not a religion, then we must realize that these love stories are meant for us to know HIm better, to follow after Him, and to become more like Him. As we draw closer to someone, we not only learn more about them, but we slowly become more like them... we start enjoy the same food, same music, same activities; or speak in a similar way or sayings; or even may laugh the same way. Well, our hearing and learning His Words are not just history lessons, but for us to practice it and become more like Him... to draw closer to Him... to enjoy same things as He does; to speak in a similar way or sayings; and possibly even laugh like Him... to be like Him.
"My people come to you, as they usually do, and sit before you to listen to your words, but they do not put them into practice. With their mouths they express devotion, but their hearts are greedy for unjust gain. Indeed, to them you re nothing more than one who sings love songs with a beautiful voice and plays an instrument well, bur they hear your words but do not put them into practice." (Ezekiel 33:31-32)
"If a tree in the middle of a forest where no one is around falls, will it make a sound?" "Does the light remain lit when the refrigerator door is closed?" In all seriousness, what good is it to play music if no one is there to listen? Why have the television on when there is no one to watch it? It only makes sense when people are around to listen or watch. Similarly, what good is it for us to have QT, read Scripture, and listen to preachers if we do not practice what we hear? Is there any value to God's Words to us if we do not obey? Do we want to be like the Israelites when they believe that God existed, but did nothing after hearing His Words for them? Does it require God to send disasters into our lives to pay attention and take seriousness of practicing what we hear? God didn't simply ask us to go through the motions of attending church, reading Scripture, and QT. If we truly believe it is about a relationship with Him and not a religion, then we must realize that these love stories are meant for us to know HIm better, to follow after Him, and to become more like Him. As we draw closer to someone, we not only learn more about them, but we slowly become more like them... we start enjoy the same food, same music, same activities; or speak in a similar way or sayings; or even may laugh the same way. Well, our hearing and learning His Words are not just history lessons, but for us to practice it and become more like Him... to draw closer to Him... to enjoy same things as He does; to speak in a similar way or sayings; and possibly even laugh like Him... to be like Him.
Wednesday, May 25, 2005
Fighting Fatigue
"Save me, O God, for the waters have come up to my neck. I sink in the miry depths, where there is no foothold. I have come into the deep waters; the floods engulf me.... You who seek God, may your hearts live! The LORD hears the needy and does not despise his captive people!" (Psalm 69:1-2, 32-33)
Isn't this how we feel sometimes? We are so busy and fill our days with events that we feel that we are drowning by it. We place such great value in these events, concern ourselves with the logistics, and eventually either feel frustrated with not enough time or eventually not enjoy the event itself. This is exactly what the enemy wants us to be... too busy to enjoy life for what God has given us. When we are too busy, we are fatigued, and when we are fatigued we let out guard down, and when we let our guard down we invite trouble.
We especially invite trouble when our fatigue takes us away with our time with the Lord. It is through God's strength that we can accomplish the things we are requested to. There will be times when we are filled with overwhelming work to accomplish. However, if our focus is on Him and we rely on His strength, then it will be accomplished and more importantly we will enjoy the work without any worries. However, let us also caution ourselves to not do as the Psalmist speak of. Let us not walk "into the deep waters" that ill "engulf" us. Let us pace ourselves as well. It is always better to have one enjoyable event than to have three dull event. How does it feel when we are fatigued and had an overall dull day? What if we are fatigued, but had a joyous day? Regardless of what we do, small or large, if we give it to Him and enjoy what we do, our life will be filled with accomplishments we can be proud of.
Let us therefore do the work that God has intended us, and rely on Him for guidance and strength. Let us also prioritize the events that we would want accomplished, and enjoy it as we work on these. Let us enjoy every work that we do whether it is small or big. In doing so, it is easy to seek Him and walk with Him.
"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Jesus Christ." (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
"Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me." (Psalm 51:12)
Isn't this how we feel sometimes? We are so busy and fill our days with events that we feel that we are drowning by it. We place such great value in these events, concern ourselves with the logistics, and eventually either feel frustrated with not enough time or eventually not enjoy the event itself. This is exactly what the enemy wants us to be... too busy to enjoy life for what God has given us. When we are too busy, we are fatigued, and when we are fatigued we let out guard down, and when we let our guard down we invite trouble.
We especially invite trouble when our fatigue takes us away with our time with the Lord. It is through God's strength that we can accomplish the things we are requested to. There will be times when we are filled with overwhelming work to accomplish. However, if our focus is on Him and we rely on His strength, then it will be accomplished and more importantly we will enjoy the work without any worries. However, let us also caution ourselves to not do as the Psalmist speak of. Let us not walk "into the deep waters" that ill "engulf" us. Let us pace ourselves as well. It is always better to have one enjoyable event than to have three dull event. How does it feel when we are fatigued and had an overall dull day? What if we are fatigued, but had a joyous day? Regardless of what we do, small or large, if we give it to Him and enjoy what we do, our life will be filled with accomplishments we can be proud of.
Let us therefore do the work that God has intended us, and rely on Him for guidance and strength. Let us also prioritize the events that we would want accomplished, and enjoy it as we work on these. Let us enjoy every work that we do whether it is small or big. In doing so, it is easy to seek Him and walk with Him.
"Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me." (Psalm 51:12)
Saturday, May 21, 2005
Peace Amongst Trials and Tribulation
Genesis 47:1-10
"Pharaoh said to Joseph, 'Your father and your brothers have come to you, and the land of Egypt is before you; settle your father and your brothers in the best part of the land. Let them live in Goshen. And if you know of any among them with special ability, put them in charge of my own livestock.' Then Joseph brought his father Jacob in and presented him before Pharaoh. After Jacob blessed Pharaoh, Pharaoh asked him, 'How old are you?' And Jacob said to Pharaoh, 'The years of my pilgrimage area hundred and thirty. My years have been few and difficult, and they do not equal the years of the pilgrimage of my fathers.'" (v. 5-10)
Much like the life of Jacob, we go through life with our ups and downs. There are times of trials and tribulations. We do not always understand why we go through them or how long it may last, and in the midst of these difficult times we often struggle to recognize what good may come from these trials. Fortunately, as sons and daughters of our Heavenly Father, we can look to Him and find peace. If we truly put our faith in Him, then we are assured that He will provide the best solution possible. Unfortunately, the challenge we face is that we often times expect resolutions to be immediate. When our troubles seem to last longer than we hoped, then we begin to lose hope and our faith begins to diminish. However, these are the times when we must begin to grow in our faith with the Lord. We are to submit to Him every day and with every moment of our lives. It is not just in the mornings with our Quiet Times, or during our prayer time, or our Bible Study time, or even just Sunday Worship. Our walk with the Lord is not a button we press to allow Him to work in us and other times not.
Our walk with the Lord is constant. It is therefore our attitude as we walk with the Lord. If we truly believe that He loves us unconditionally, knows our needs and will provide for them, and that He is in control, then "in all things God works for the good for those who love him. (Romans 8:28)." Therefore, let us not just submit the trials we face, but our time as well. We cannot say to he Lord that He must resolve it by a certain timeframe. Our submission is both for a resolution in His way and in His time. By submitting all, we can truly have peace knowing that it has been resolved.
"Pharaoh said to Joseph, 'Your father and your brothers have come to you, and the land of Egypt is before you; settle your father and your brothers in the best part of the land. Let them live in Goshen. And if you know of any among them with special ability, put them in charge of my own livestock.' Then Joseph brought his father Jacob in and presented him before Pharaoh. After Jacob blessed Pharaoh, Pharaoh asked him, 'How old are you?' And Jacob said to Pharaoh, 'The years of my pilgrimage area hundred and thirty. My years have been few and difficult, and they do not equal the years of the pilgrimage of my fathers.'" (v. 5-10)
Much like the life of Jacob, we go through life with our ups and downs. There are times of trials and tribulations. We do not always understand why we go through them or how long it may last, and in the midst of these difficult times we often struggle to recognize what good may come from these trials. Fortunately, as sons and daughters of our Heavenly Father, we can look to Him and find peace. If we truly put our faith in Him, then we are assured that He will provide the best solution possible. Unfortunately, the challenge we face is that we often times expect resolutions to be immediate. When our troubles seem to last longer than we hoped, then we begin to lose hope and our faith begins to diminish. However, these are the times when we must begin to grow in our faith with the Lord. We are to submit to Him every day and with every moment of our lives. It is not just in the mornings with our Quiet Times, or during our prayer time, or our Bible Study time, or even just Sunday Worship. Our walk with the Lord is not a button we press to allow Him to work in us and other times not.
Our walk with the Lord is constant. It is therefore our attitude as we walk with the Lord. If we truly believe that He loves us unconditionally, knows our needs and will provide for them, and that He is in control, then "in all things God works for the good for those who love him. (Romans 8:28)." Therefore, let us not just submit the trials we face, but our time as well. We cannot say to he Lord that He must resolve it by a certain timeframe. Our submission is both for a resolution in His way and in His time. By submitting all, we can truly have peace knowing that it has been resolved.
Thursday, May 19, 2005
Praying: Faithful Obedience
2 Kings 20:1-7
"Before Isaiah had let the middle court, the word of the LORD came to him: 'Go back and tell Hezekiah, the leader of my people, This is what the LORD, the God of your father David, says: 'I have heard your prayer and seen your tears; I will heal you. On the third day from now you will go up to the temple of the LORD. I will add fifteen years to your life. And I will deliver you and this city from the hand of the king of Assyria. I will defend this city for my sake and for the sake of my servant David.'' Then Isaiah said, 'Prepare a poultice of figs.' They did so and applied it to the boil, and he recovered." (v. 4-7)
Prayer is such a powerful tool that God has given to us. It is as simple as communications between our Father and us. And yet so powerful because it can lead to healing and salvation. Unfortunately, we often times misuse it or partially use it. How often do we find ourselves praying more often when there is a need of ours? Often times when we bless our food, do we speak to God or do we just recite a common prayer? Prayer is significant, and should be done at all times even in times of need. It is because it is our primary way of communicating with the Lord. However, one of the most forgotten part of this communication is that it is also for us to listen to the words the Lord has for us. Often times we treat prayer as if God was simply just a request box. We make a request, walk away, and then hope that God will deliver it to us.
Prayer is a two-way communication with the Lord. It is a conversation with the Lord where we listen and obey. We have a part in the prayer as well. Just as we hope that the Lord will deliver with our requests, we too must listen and follow His requests. It is true that Hezekiah was to be healed, but Isaiah continued to instruct the application of medicine. The same medicine, prior to Hezekiah's prayer, wouldn't have had any benefit and he would've died. Therefore, it wasn't the medicine that truly healed him, but his prayer. However, we are to be obedient and act on our faith. Let us therefore pray by not just speaking, but also listening to what God has to say to us and obey.
"Before Isaiah had let the middle court, the word of the LORD came to him: 'Go back and tell Hezekiah, the leader of my people, This is what the LORD, the God of your father David, says: 'I have heard your prayer and seen your tears; I will heal you. On the third day from now you will go up to the temple of the LORD. I will add fifteen years to your life. And I will deliver you and this city from the hand of the king of Assyria. I will defend this city for my sake and for the sake of my servant David.'' Then Isaiah said, 'Prepare a poultice of figs.' They did so and applied it to the boil, and he recovered." (v. 4-7)
Prayer is such a powerful tool that God has given to us. It is as simple as communications between our Father and us. And yet so powerful because it can lead to healing and salvation. Unfortunately, we often times misuse it or partially use it. How often do we find ourselves praying more often when there is a need of ours? Often times when we bless our food, do we speak to God or do we just recite a common prayer? Prayer is significant, and should be done at all times even in times of need. It is because it is our primary way of communicating with the Lord. However, one of the most forgotten part of this communication is that it is also for us to listen to the words the Lord has for us. Often times we treat prayer as if God was simply just a request box. We make a request, walk away, and then hope that God will deliver it to us.
Prayer is a two-way communication with the Lord. It is a conversation with the Lord where we listen and obey. We have a part in the prayer as well. Just as we hope that the Lord will deliver with our requests, we too must listen and follow His requests. It is true that Hezekiah was to be healed, but Isaiah continued to instruct the application of medicine. The same medicine, prior to Hezekiah's prayer, wouldn't have had any benefit and he would've died. Therefore, it wasn't the medicine that truly healed him, but his prayer. However, we are to be obedient and act on our faith. Let us therefore pray by not just speaking, but also listening to what God has to say to us and obey.
Wednesday, May 18, 2005
Healing, Health, and Prosperity
Jeremiah 33:1-9
"Nevertheless, I will bring health and healing to it; I will heal my people and will let them enjoy abundant peace and security. I will bring Judah and Israel back from captivity and will rebuild them as they were before. I will cleanse them from all the sin they have committed against me and will forgive all their sins of rebellion against me. Then this city will bring me renown, joy, praise and honor before all nations on earth that hear of all the good things I do for it; and they will be in awe and will tremble at the abundant prosperity and peace I provide for it." (v. 6-9)
Although God allowed the captivity of Judah and Israel (His chosen people) due to their sin and rebellion, He had always planned on forgiving and restoring them. No parent desires to punish their children. It is difficult, and sometimes unnerving, when we have to punish our children. However, in love we know that it is necessary to help teach and train our children to avoid doing the wrong things in the future and to always do right. After the lesson is taught, we immediately want to embrace our children to let them know that we indeed love them. We want to restore our children to their special place, and to allow them to be the special sons and daughters. If not done, then the lesson is lost (in anger), and our children can feel somewhat displaced.
Our Father who is our perfect parent, restores us at the right time. He not only heals us, but helps bring us back to health to the point of rejoicing and giving Him the glory. As a result, we are not just restored to health, but we are better than before the punishment. This isn't just with punishment, but with difficult events in our lives altogether. Let us therefore look to Him. If we are struggling and/or face difficulties in life, let us look to Him and depend on Him. He always has a plan to heal us, restore us, and improve us. He has the best timing and plans stored for us. Let us cling to this hope through this knowledge and our faith in Him.
"Nevertheless, I will bring health and healing to it; I will heal my people and will let them enjoy abundant peace and security. I will bring Judah and Israel back from captivity and will rebuild them as they were before. I will cleanse them from all the sin they have committed against me and will forgive all their sins of rebellion against me. Then this city will bring me renown, joy, praise and honor before all nations on earth that hear of all the good things I do for it; and they will be in awe and will tremble at the abundant prosperity and peace I provide for it." (v. 6-9)
Although God allowed the captivity of Judah and Israel (His chosen people) due to their sin and rebellion, He had always planned on forgiving and restoring them. No parent desires to punish their children. It is difficult, and sometimes unnerving, when we have to punish our children. However, in love we know that it is necessary to help teach and train our children to avoid doing the wrong things in the future and to always do right. After the lesson is taught, we immediately want to embrace our children to let them know that we indeed love them. We want to restore our children to their special place, and to allow them to be the special sons and daughters. If not done, then the lesson is lost (in anger), and our children can feel somewhat displaced.
Our Father who is our perfect parent, restores us at the right time. He not only heals us, but helps bring us back to health to the point of rejoicing and giving Him the glory. As a result, we are not just restored to health, but we are better than before the punishment. This isn't just with punishment, but with difficult events in our lives altogether. Let us therefore look to Him. If we are struggling and/or face difficulties in life, let us look to Him and depend on Him. He always has a plan to heal us, restore us, and improve us. He has the best timing and plans stored for us. Let us cling to this hope through this knowledge and our faith in Him.
Tuesday, May 17, 2005
Life's Fairness
Jeremiah 32:16-25
"Ah, Sovereign LORD, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you. You show love to thousands but bring the punishment for the fathers' sins into the laps of their children after them. O great and powerful God, whose name is the LORD Almighty, great are your purposes and mighty are your deeds. Your eyes are open to all the ways of men; you reward everyone according to his conduct and as his deeds deserve." (v. 17-19)
"Life is unfair!" I remember being told this in my later years after being taught about being fair to others as I would have them treat me. On the most part, life is indeed unfair. Unfortunately, this is due to our own making. These are not "random acts of God". The unfairness of life is primarily due to men attempting to better themselves by lowering others. Our Father knows every deeds we have committed and every thought that we had imagined, and He rewards and punishes every one accordingly. This includes generation punishments for the sins of the father. The difficulties sometime are with the separation of what men and what God does to us. Unfairness is brought into this world due to men. God is always just and with holiness and purity.
The good news is that we can look to God and know that we will rewarded (and punished) for all things. Nothing will go unnoticed. More importantly, we are promised that God will not allow more than what we cannot handle. Therefore, let us walk a just life in the eyes of our Father. Let us not worry about how we may be mistreated by men, and worry about how we conduct ourselves in the eyes of God. In due time, we will be rewarded appropriately.
"Ah, Sovereign LORD, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you. You show love to thousands but bring the punishment for the fathers' sins into the laps of their children after them. O great and powerful God, whose name is the LORD Almighty, great are your purposes and mighty are your deeds. Your eyes are open to all the ways of men; you reward everyone according to his conduct and as his deeds deserve." (v. 17-19)
"Life is unfair!" I remember being told this in my later years after being taught about being fair to others as I would have them treat me. On the most part, life is indeed unfair. Unfortunately, this is due to our own making. These are not "random acts of God". The unfairness of life is primarily due to men attempting to better themselves by lowering others. Our Father knows every deeds we have committed and every thought that we had imagined, and He rewards and punishes every one accordingly. This includes generation punishments for the sins of the father. The difficulties sometime are with the separation of what men and what God does to us. Unfairness is brought into this world due to men. God is always just and with holiness and purity.
The good news is that we can look to God and know that we will rewarded (and punished) for all things. Nothing will go unnoticed. More importantly, we are promised that God will not allow more than what we cannot handle. Therefore, let us walk a just life in the eyes of our Father. Let us not worry about how we may be mistreated by men, and worry about how we conduct ourselves in the eyes of God. In due time, we will be rewarded appropriately.
Monday, May 16, 2005
Salvation: Beyond Just Being Saved
Ephesians 2:4-10
"But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions - it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus." (v. 4-7)
How awesome it is to know that we have been granted a wonderful gift. A gift of salvation through the grace and mercy of our Father in heaven. It is through the sacrifice of His Son Jesus Christ to which we gain eternal life. More importantly, it is eternal life with our Father. However, we often times think of salvation as if we just made it into the gates of heaven. It is true that it is only through His grace that we have been given this opportunity. However, we are not just saved, but made into sons and daughters. We are seated with the Son of God. We are not just orphans accepted into the family, but an orphan who is accepted as one of their own and gains the inheritance equal to their own. This is indeed a sign of HIs great love for us. We have been truly been made sons and daughters. Therefore, let us not act as an orphan any longer, but be full of joy and love as sons and daughters. Let us act as sons and daughters, not because of what we have done or accomplished, but because of the love of our Father. And allow the joy to overflow so that others may see and learn, so they to may find salvation.
"But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions - it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus." (v. 4-7)
How awesome it is to know that we have been granted a wonderful gift. A gift of salvation through the grace and mercy of our Father in heaven. It is through the sacrifice of His Son Jesus Christ to which we gain eternal life. More importantly, it is eternal life with our Father. However, we often times think of salvation as if we just made it into the gates of heaven. It is true that it is only through His grace that we have been given this opportunity. However, we are not just saved, but made into sons and daughters. We are seated with the Son of God. We are not just orphans accepted into the family, but an orphan who is accepted as one of their own and gains the inheritance equal to their own. This is indeed a sign of HIs great love for us. We have been truly been made sons and daughters. Therefore, let us not act as an orphan any longer, but be full of joy and love as sons and daughters. Let us act as sons and daughters, not because of what we have done or accomplished, but because of the love of our Father. And allow the joy to overflow so that others may see and learn, so they to may find salvation.
Oh, help me, Lord, to take by grace divine
Yet more and more of that great love of Thine;
That day by day my heart may give to Thee
A deeper love, and grow more constantly. —Mountain
Jesus gave His all for us; are we giving our all for Him?
Yet more and more of that great love of Thine;
That day by day my heart may give to Thee
A deeper love, and grow more constantly. —Mountain
Jesus gave His all for us; are we giving our all for Him?
Friday, May 13, 2005
Praying: More Than Wishing
Matthew 6:5-15
"And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him." (v. 7-8)
As a child I remember attempting to make justifications to my parents as to how beneficial the things I really desired to be beneficial. I remember tagging along with my parents to this small convenience store packed with very unique and intriguing items. In the middle of the store was Lego toy that shone and vibrated grabbing my attention to take it home. I immediately picked it up, turned around, and began my case to my mom. "Oh what a wonderful educational item that would help me learn to build." "It not only will allow me to build things, but allow me to be very creative." "It will be like daddy when he was a mechanical engineer." In the end, my mom took it from my hand, and purchased it with all the other necessary items. I was so proud back then because I was able to get the toy I desired, but also believed it was due to my persuasive argument.
As a parent now, I realize that it had very little to do with my power of persuasion, but the love of my mother. I would probably not have taken it home if I had not raised it with my mother. However, her decision to purchase it was because of her love. Similarly, God does want us to ask Him for the needs that we require. "You do not have, because you do not ask God. - James 4:2" However, He warns us against babbling. God already knows our situation, and knows our needs better than we do ourselves. Persuasion is not what is asked of us, but simply to know our own needs and simply ask Him. We are to ask with the expectation to hear His voice and learn of His will and desire for us and His answer to us. We are to receive His answers with joy knowing that He has provided the best for us. It is not to be debated, since our faith in Him means we have trust in His answers to us. Let us therefore pray asking Him, but with the expectation to listen and accept His truth and answer... and to follow through.
Our highest privilege is to talk to God; our highest duty is to listen to Him.
"And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him." (v. 7-8)
As a child I remember attempting to make justifications to my parents as to how beneficial the things I really desired to be beneficial. I remember tagging along with my parents to this small convenience store packed with very unique and intriguing items. In the middle of the store was Lego toy that shone and vibrated grabbing my attention to take it home. I immediately picked it up, turned around, and began my case to my mom. "Oh what a wonderful educational item that would help me learn to build." "It not only will allow me to build things, but allow me to be very creative." "It will be like daddy when he was a mechanical engineer." In the end, my mom took it from my hand, and purchased it with all the other necessary items. I was so proud back then because I was able to get the toy I desired, but also believed it was due to my persuasive argument.
As a parent now, I realize that it had very little to do with my power of persuasion, but the love of my mother. I would probably not have taken it home if I had not raised it with my mother. However, her decision to purchase it was because of her love. Similarly, God does want us to ask Him for the needs that we require. "You do not have, because you do not ask God. - James 4:2" However, He warns us against babbling. God already knows our situation, and knows our needs better than we do ourselves. Persuasion is not what is asked of us, but simply to know our own needs and simply ask Him. We are to ask with the expectation to hear His voice and learn of His will and desire for us and His answer to us. We are to receive His answers with joy knowing that He has provided the best for us. It is not to be debated, since our faith in Him means we have trust in His answers to us. Let us therefore pray asking Him, but with the expectation to listen and accept His truth and answer... and to follow through.
Thursday, May 12, 2005
Our Future Generation
Deuteronomy 32:1-14
"Let my teaching fall like rain and my words descend like dew, like showers on new grass, like abundant rain on tender plants. I will proclaim the name of the LORD. Oh, praise the greatness of or God! He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he. They have acted corruptly toward him; to their shame they are no longer his children, but a warped and crooked generation. Is this the way you repay the LORD, O foolish and unwise people? Is he not your Father, your Creator, who made you and formed you? Remember the days of old; consider the generations long past. Ask your father and he will tell you, your elders, and they will explain to you." (v. 2-7)
Even in the times of the Old Testament was there already a recognition of future generations slowly moving away from the Lord. It is sad to see the truth and love progressive being lost in later generations. This is not to say that they are not "spiritual", but that it is being compromised ("warped and crooked"). Therefore, let us be clear in our beliefs of the truth and about His love, and take time to share these with others. If our children, whether ours or anyone else, is seeking an answer, then let us share with them His truth and love. As parents, we must become great examples by first being great sons and daughters. Let His truth and love flow in us and through us to overflow into our children.
"Let my teaching fall like rain and my words descend like dew, like showers on new grass, like abundant rain on tender plants. I will proclaim the name of the LORD. Oh, praise the greatness of or God! He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he. They have acted corruptly toward him; to their shame they are no longer his children, but a warped and crooked generation. Is this the way you repay the LORD, O foolish and unwise people? Is he not your Father, your Creator, who made you and formed you? Remember the days of old; consider the generations long past. Ask your father and he will tell you, your elders, and they will explain to you." (v. 2-7)
Even in the times of the Old Testament was there already a recognition of future generations slowly moving away from the Lord. It is sad to see the truth and love progressive being lost in later generations. This is not to say that they are not "spiritual", but that it is being compromised ("warped and crooked"). Therefore, let us be clear in our beliefs of the truth and about His love, and take time to share these with others. If our children, whether ours or anyone else, is seeking an answer, then let us share with them His truth and love. As parents, we must become great examples by first being great sons and daughters. Let His truth and love flow in us and through us to overflow into our children.
Tuesday, May 10, 2005
Praying: Requesting, Listening, and Accepting
2 Samuel 12:13-23
"Then David said to Nathan, 'I have sinned against the LORD.' Nathan replied, 'The LORD has taken away your sin. You are not going to die. But because by doing this you have made the enemies of the LORD show utter contempt, the son born to you will die.' After Nathan had gone home, the LORD struck the child that Uriah's wife had borne to David, and he became ill. David pleaded with God for the child. He fasted and went into his house and spent the nights lying on the ground. The elders of his household stood beside him to get him up from the ground, but he refused, and he would not eat any food with them. On the seventh day the child died. David's servants were afraid to tell him that the child was dead, for they thought, 'While the child was still living, we spoke to David but he would not listen to us. How can we tell him the child is dead? He may do something desperate.' David noticed that his servants were whispering among themselves and he realized the child was dead. 'Is the child dead?' he asked. 'Yes,' they replied, 'he is dead.' Then David got up from the ground. After he had washed, put on lotions and changed his clothes, he went into the house of the LORD and worshiped. Then he went to his own house, and at his request they served him food, and he ate. His servants asked him, 'Why are you acting this way? While the child was alive, you fasted and wept, but now that the child is dead, you get up and eat!' He answered, 'While the child was still alive, I fasted and wept. I thought, 'Who knows? The LORD may be gracious to me and let the child live.' But now that he is dead, why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I will go to him, but he will not return to me.'"
There may be times when we may pray and request our Father for certain things to which He may answer differently than what we expect. In these situation, we often believe that either the Father did not answer or that we did not pray hard enough. However, we need to tune our ears to Him. This is one of the many reasons why we must learn to listen than to just talk. We must be better listeners. We must also examine our prayers and request very carefully. It is true that we are taught that we often do not receive because we have not asked. However, our Father is not a suggestion box, where we just simply ask whatever we want and walk away hoping it would be answered. Our request may be answered differently because our request may be focused on the wrong needs. Also, we must learn to accept our Father's answer regardless of how feel about it at that time. After all, if we truly believe that God knows our needs, and will provide the best for us, then how can we question it? By doing so, we are becoming selfish and faithless. This is no different from a parent saying no to certain requests from a child for their sake. The child may not understand at that time, but it is for their own benefit.
Let us therefore continue to ask, but examine what we are asking for. Let us learn to better listeners, and always ask with hope and faith that the answer from our Father is always the best for our sake.
"Then David said to Nathan, 'I have sinned against the LORD.' Nathan replied, 'The LORD has taken away your sin. You are not going to die. But because by doing this you have made the enemies of the LORD show utter contempt, the son born to you will die.' After Nathan had gone home, the LORD struck the child that Uriah's wife had borne to David, and he became ill. David pleaded with God for the child. He fasted and went into his house and spent the nights lying on the ground. The elders of his household stood beside him to get him up from the ground, but he refused, and he would not eat any food with them. On the seventh day the child died. David's servants were afraid to tell him that the child was dead, for they thought, 'While the child was still living, we spoke to David but he would not listen to us. How can we tell him the child is dead? He may do something desperate.' David noticed that his servants were whispering among themselves and he realized the child was dead. 'Is the child dead?' he asked. 'Yes,' they replied, 'he is dead.' Then David got up from the ground. After he had washed, put on lotions and changed his clothes, he went into the house of the LORD and worshiped. Then he went to his own house, and at his request they served him food, and he ate. His servants asked him, 'Why are you acting this way? While the child was alive, you fasted and wept, but now that the child is dead, you get up and eat!' He answered, 'While the child was still alive, I fasted and wept. I thought, 'Who knows? The LORD may be gracious to me and let the child live.' But now that he is dead, why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I will go to him, but he will not return to me.'"
There may be times when we may pray and request our Father for certain things to which He may answer differently than what we expect. In these situation, we often believe that either the Father did not answer or that we did not pray hard enough. However, we need to tune our ears to Him. This is one of the many reasons why we must learn to listen than to just talk. We must be better listeners. We must also examine our prayers and request very carefully. It is true that we are taught that we often do not receive because we have not asked. However, our Father is not a suggestion box, where we just simply ask whatever we want and walk away hoping it would be answered. Our request may be answered differently because our request may be focused on the wrong needs. Also, we must learn to accept our Father's answer regardless of how feel about it at that time. After all, if we truly believe that God knows our needs, and will provide the best for us, then how can we question it? By doing so, we are becoming selfish and faithless. This is no different from a parent saying no to certain requests from a child for their sake. The child may not understand at that time, but it is for their own benefit.
Let us therefore continue to ask, but examine what we are asking for. Let us learn to better listeners, and always ask with hope and faith that the answer from our Father is always the best for our sake.
Monday, May 09, 2005
Life's Security
Psalm 112
"Even in darkness light dawns for the upright, for the gracious and compassionate and righteous man. Good will come to him who is generous and lends freely, who conducts his affairs with justice. Surely he will never be shaken; a righteous man will be remembered forever. He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD. His heart is secure, he will have no fear; in the end he will look in triumph on his foes." (v. 4-8)
Oh how delightful it would be to live a life without any worries and to never be discouraged by anything other than good news. Our lives may be different when we confidence and not have fear of anything in this world. Well, such life is possible. In fact, it has already been a gift to us from God. For we have nothing to fear other than God Himself. Through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, we have been given the greatest gift of all... new life. In this process, even death has been conquered for us. All things have conquered by our Lord and Saviour. It is not to be conquered, or may be conquered, but has been conquered. Let us therefore always seek Him and follow Him. For He has shed his light in the darkness, so we may follow the path to which He leads. In doing so, we can be secured and steadfast through our faith in Jesus Christ.
"Even in darkness light dawns for the upright, for the gracious and compassionate and righteous man. Good will come to him who is generous and lends freely, who conducts his affairs with justice. Surely he will never be shaken; a righteous man will be remembered forever. He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD. His heart is secure, he will have no fear; in the end he will look in triumph on his foes." (v. 4-8)
Oh how delightful it would be to live a life without any worries and to never be discouraged by anything other than good news. Our lives may be different when we confidence and not have fear of anything in this world. Well, such life is possible. In fact, it has already been a gift to us from God. For we have nothing to fear other than God Himself. Through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, we have been given the greatest gift of all... new life. In this process, even death has been conquered for us. All things have conquered by our Lord and Saviour. It is not to be conquered, or may be conquered, but has been conquered. Let us therefore always seek Him and follow Him. For He has shed his light in the darkness, so we may follow the path to which He leads. In doing so, we can be secured and steadfast through our faith in Jesus Christ.
Saturday, May 07, 2005
"Salvation": Life Process
Romans 7:14-25
"So I find this law at work: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God's law; but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God - through Jesus Christ our Lord!" (v. 21-25a)
Oh how wonderful it is to know that the same God who had sacrifice his Son to give us new life also lives in us to help us live a life pleasing to Him. It is like the spirit in us comes to life as we accept Christ as our personal Savior. Once alive, we begin to recognize the struggles between our old self (our flesh), and with our new self (our spirit). We find it so difficult to the point of feeling as if we are a failure. Sometimes we may wonder if it was better when we were ignorant and lead a sinful life. The problem we face is that we treat salvation as a single event that had occurred. Accepting Christ was not a one time event that took place, but an ongoing (life) process. We cannot simply just accept Him once, but allow Him to live in us, work in us, and work through us in a regular basis. It should come as naturally as we breathe. If we look to Him always, then we find ourselves not struggling through our own strength, but finding victory through His strength. Let us therefore continue to turn to Him always as we once did when we first became His sons and daughters, and find victory through Christ who strengthens us!!!
"So I find this law at work: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God's law; but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God - through Jesus Christ our Lord!" (v. 21-25a)
Oh how wonderful it is to know that the same God who had sacrifice his Son to give us new life also lives in us to help us live a life pleasing to Him. It is like the spirit in us comes to life as we accept Christ as our personal Savior. Once alive, we begin to recognize the struggles between our old self (our flesh), and with our new self (our spirit). We find it so difficult to the point of feeling as if we are a failure. Sometimes we may wonder if it was better when we were ignorant and lead a sinful life. The problem we face is that we treat salvation as a single event that had occurred. Accepting Christ was not a one time event that took place, but an ongoing (life) process. We cannot simply just accept Him once, but allow Him to live in us, work in us, and work through us in a regular basis. It should come as naturally as we breathe. If we look to Him always, then we find ourselves not struggling through our own strength, but finding victory through His strength. Let us therefore continue to turn to Him always as we once did when we first became His sons and daughters, and find victory through Christ who strengthens us!!!
Friday, May 06, 2005
Loving Bond: Helping Others
Matthew 18:1-20
"If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector." (v. 15-17)
If we observe a man that may be doing something that will endanger his life, would we ignore it and just go on with our lives? Would we debate with ourselves whether it is our business to even let the person know that he may be in danger? We would probably not think twice and immediately alert the person minimally. Then why do we hesitate in sharing with our own fellow brothers and sisters about the sins in their lives? After all, sin is life threatening, and yet we find ourselves walking away from alerting them. We are more concerned with hurting their feelings and/or being rejected by them. Do we not take sin seriously enough?
Jesus not only recognizes the importance, but provides a guide as to how to handle this. He recognizes that it is a sensitive action to take, and therefore He shows us how we are to share our concerns with love. After several attempts, it is more important to firmly and clearly inform them of their sin to help them recognize it. It is like a parent disciplining a child. It begins by informing the child in a calm manner. If the child continues to disobey, then the parent would begin to discipline more firmly. It is unpleasant, but yet it is done in love to help the child understand.
Let us therefore not ignore the sins our brothers and sisters may be doing. Let us help one another in love and in encouragement.
"If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector." (v. 15-17)
If we observe a man that may be doing something that will endanger his life, would we ignore it and just go on with our lives? Would we debate with ourselves whether it is our business to even let the person know that he may be in danger? We would probably not think twice and immediately alert the person minimally. Then why do we hesitate in sharing with our own fellow brothers and sisters about the sins in their lives? After all, sin is life threatening, and yet we find ourselves walking away from alerting them. We are more concerned with hurting their feelings and/or being rejected by them. Do we not take sin seriously enough?
Jesus not only recognizes the importance, but provides a guide as to how to handle this. He recognizes that it is a sensitive action to take, and therefore He shows us how we are to share our concerns with love. After several attempts, it is more important to firmly and clearly inform them of their sin to help them recognize it. It is like a parent disciplining a child. It begins by informing the child in a calm manner. If the child continues to disobey, then the parent would begin to discipline more firmly. It is unpleasant, but yet it is done in love to help the child understand.
Let us therefore not ignore the sins our brothers and sisters may be doing. Let us help one another in love and in encouragement.
Thursday, May 05, 2005
He is the Way
John 10:7-10
"Therefore Jesus said again, 'I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. All who ever came before me were thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.'"
I have heard many arguments and/or accusations on how Christianity was full of hypocrisy - it teaches and emphasizes love, but shows none. It is argued that we are to love one another, but that there is no compassion or acceptance to other beliefs. Their complaint is to why Christ is the only way, and that there is no acceptance to any others; after all, as long as we do good by any religion, wouldn't God accept us?
Fortunately, Christ is the one and only way to salvation. Prior to Christ, God has given us instructions as to bring a multitude of sacrifices for various reasons to receive cleansing of our sins. There were only a select few who could enter the holy of holies. And prior to everything else, God had given mankind the Garden of Eden to which we failed through disobedience. Under these circumstances, we had very little chance of returning to our Father due to our sinful nature. If we review the history of men in the Old Testament, it is quite evident that God had provided many opportunities to return to Him, and yet men naturally walked away from Him. For example, His chosen people who were freed from bondage from the Egyptians, and witnessed many miracles including the parting of the Red Sea, immediately turned away from God to worship an idol created by their own hands.
Fortunately for us, God loves us so much that He went to the extent of providing His Son Jesus Christ as the ultimate sacrifice. A sacrifice that was offered by Him, and a sacrifice through our own nature crucified. However, through His death and resurrection, we have a new opportunity that does not compare to anything else. We are given a gift where we ourselves can enter the holy of holies. Our sins have been completely cleansed, and we have been made righteous. We now can be called God's sons and daughters. And all we have to do is believe, accept Him into our lives, and follow Him. What other way do we need? If this is not love, then what is?
Let us therefore accept this wonderful and precious gift, and become His sons and daughters.
Come to the Savior, make no delay—
Here in His Word He's shown us the way;
Here in our midst He's standing today,
Tenderly saying, "Come!" —Root
"Therefore Jesus said again, 'I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. All who ever came before me were thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.'"
I have heard many arguments and/or accusations on how Christianity was full of hypocrisy - it teaches and emphasizes love, but shows none. It is argued that we are to love one another, but that there is no compassion or acceptance to other beliefs. Their complaint is to why Christ is the only way, and that there is no acceptance to any others; after all, as long as we do good by any religion, wouldn't God accept us?
Fortunately, Christ is the one and only way to salvation. Prior to Christ, God has given us instructions as to bring a multitude of sacrifices for various reasons to receive cleansing of our sins. There were only a select few who could enter the holy of holies. And prior to everything else, God had given mankind the Garden of Eden to which we failed through disobedience. Under these circumstances, we had very little chance of returning to our Father due to our sinful nature. If we review the history of men in the Old Testament, it is quite evident that God had provided many opportunities to return to Him, and yet men naturally walked away from Him. For example, His chosen people who were freed from bondage from the Egyptians, and witnessed many miracles including the parting of the Red Sea, immediately turned away from God to worship an idol created by their own hands.
Fortunately for us, God loves us so much that He went to the extent of providing His Son Jesus Christ as the ultimate sacrifice. A sacrifice that was offered by Him, and a sacrifice through our own nature crucified. However, through His death and resurrection, we have a new opportunity that does not compare to anything else. We are given a gift where we ourselves can enter the holy of holies. Our sins have been completely cleansed, and we have been made righteous. We now can be called God's sons and daughters. And all we have to do is believe, accept Him into our lives, and follow Him. What other way do we need? If this is not love, then what is?
Let us therefore accept this wonderful and precious gift, and become His sons and daughters.
Here in His Word He's shown us the way;
Here in our midst He's standing today,
Tenderly saying, "Come!" —Root
Wednesday, May 04, 2005
Spiritual Exercise
1 Timothy 4:6-16
"If you point these things out to the brothers, you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, brought up in the truths of the faith and of the good teaching that you will have followed. Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives' tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all thiings, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come." (v. 6-8)
Oh the fads of diets, exercise, and fashion. The industries that have some focus on diets, exercise, and fashions whether for the reasons of health and/or simply looking good, is probably one of the most profitable companies in the world. There is indeed a strong need to teach and reteach the importance of a balance meal and regular exercise, but the advertisement campaigns has exploded. New exercise equipments are constantly being developed, new diet pills are being sold, and new diet programs are constantly being developed. Everyone has at least owned one of these items, and have always constantly thought of needing to improve in one or all of these areas. We recognized the need for this regardless of whether it is purely for health, looks, or a blend of both. In truth, we also recognize that it is a balance between our diet and exercise that is key to successful health. However, we also recognize that it requires time and effort on our part.
As important as physical health may be, how about our spiritual health? What measures are we taking to insure that the spirit of our health remains strong? Have we recognized the need as well, and also spend time to learn how best to improve our health? Do we have a regular regiment that feeds and exercise our spirit? We cannot simply just feed our spirit, but we must also exercise our spirit. Without exercise, how are we properly utilizing our energies? More importantly how are we strengthening our spirit, building endurance, purifying it, and keeping excess waste from improper intake? Both our bodies and spirit requires a proper balance of diet and exercise to remain healthy and strong. However, we are also reminded that although physical health is very important, spritual health has greater importance, especially since it affects us both now and in the future life. Let us therefore make time to not only feed our spirit, but to exercise it regularly.
Just as the body will grow strong
With exercise each day,
So too, we grow more like our Lord
By living life His way. —D. De Haan
Godly exercise is the key to godly character.
"If you point these things out to the brothers, you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, brought up in the truths of the faith and of the good teaching that you will have followed. Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives' tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all thiings, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come." (v. 6-8)
Oh the fads of diets, exercise, and fashion. The industries that have some focus on diets, exercise, and fashions whether for the reasons of health and/or simply looking good, is probably one of the most profitable companies in the world. There is indeed a strong need to teach and reteach the importance of a balance meal and regular exercise, but the advertisement campaigns has exploded. New exercise equipments are constantly being developed, new diet pills are being sold, and new diet programs are constantly being developed. Everyone has at least owned one of these items, and have always constantly thought of needing to improve in one or all of these areas. We recognized the need for this regardless of whether it is purely for health, looks, or a blend of both. In truth, we also recognize that it is a balance between our diet and exercise that is key to successful health. However, we also recognize that it requires time and effort on our part.
As important as physical health may be, how about our spiritual health? What measures are we taking to insure that the spirit of our health remains strong? Have we recognized the need as well, and also spend time to learn how best to improve our health? Do we have a regular regiment that feeds and exercise our spirit? We cannot simply just feed our spirit, but we must also exercise our spirit. Without exercise, how are we properly utilizing our energies? More importantly how are we strengthening our spirit, building endurance, purifying it, and keeping excess waste from improper intake? Both our bodies and spirit requires a proper balance of diet and exercise to remain healthy and strong. However, we are also reminded that although physical health is very important, spritual health has greater importance, especially since it affects us both now and in the future life. Let us therefore make time to not only feed our spirit, but to exercise it regularly.
With exercise each day,
So too, we grow more like our Lord
By living life His way. —D. De Haan
Godly exercise is the key to godly character.
Tuesday, May 03, 2005
Seeking God's Will
Colossians 1:9-12
"For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisodm and understanding. And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light."
I'm reminded of an episode of Brady Bunch when one of the sons saves the life of his brother. The brother was so thankful that he spent the next several days doing everything he can to "repay" his brother to the point of almost being a slave. It seemed comical and almost extreme, but isn't this true on the most part? If someone saves our lives, or gives a wonderful gift that we always wanted, or even someone that we have such a love for, do we not desire everything we can do to show our gratitude? Do you not recall when you first had that huge crush on someone? Did you not do everything to learn about the person? Did we not spend time to learn about what they liked and disliked, and attempted to please them in every way we can even if it meant being foolish or expending much energy?
Well, our heavenly Father has given us the greatest gift of all - eternal life. He has saved us from our second death, and given us life and new hope. Should we not be excited; "joyfully giving thanks to the Father". Do we not want to learn more about Him, so we "may please him in every way?" Let us therefore rejoice in our salvation, seek His will, renew our strength through His own, follow Him, and be joyful always knowing that we are His sons and daughters. Let us also remember that it begins with seeking Him and His will!
"For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisodm and understanding. And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light."
I'm reminded of an episode of Brady Bunch when one of the sons saves the life of his brother. The brother was so thankful that he spent the next several days doing everything he can to "repay" his brother to the point of almost being a slave. It seemed comical and almost extreme, but isn't this true on the most part? If someone saves our lives, or gives a wonderful gift that we always wanted, or even someone that we have such a love for, do we not desire everything we can do to show our gratitude? Do you not recall when you first had that huge crush on someone? Did you not do everything to learn about the person? Did we not spend time to learn about what they liked and disliked, and attempted to please them in every way we can even if it meant being foolish or expending much energy?
Well, our heavenly Father has given us the greatest gift of all - eternal life. He has saved us from our second death, and given us life and new hope. Should we not be excited; "joyfully giving thanks to the Father". Do we not want to learn more about Him, so we "may please him in every way?" Let us therefore rejoice in our salvation, seek His will, renew our strength through His own, follow Him, and be joyful always knowing that we are His sons and daughters. Let us also remember that it begins with seeking Him and His will!
Monday, May 02, 2005
Relationship or Rules?
Matthew 15:1-20
"'These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men.' Jesus called the crowd to him and said, 'Listen and understand. What goes into a man's mouth does not make him unclean, but what comes out of his mouth, that is what makes him unclean.'" (v. 8-11)
After moving to Charlotte, one of the hardest things to accomplish was to find a home church God was calling us to. It took nearly a year to finally find one that we felt comfortable and more important called to. It was important for us to be able to continue growing in our walk with God, especially our children, and also to serve in the church. There was a strong purpose then. How about now? What are the reasons for attending this church? Or has it just simply become a habit?
It is very important that we always examine our walk with the Lord. It can easily become just a habit. This is true with our worship, our prayer life, and even our Quiet Times with the Lord. Is our prayers over our meals the same? If so, then is it really a prayer, or just empty words that fall to the ground. Is our QTs just a ritual we do? Or is special everytime, because we are conversing with the Lord?
Our heavenly Father seeks our hearts... a relationship with Him. He never seeks any rituals to honor Him. It is only to fellowship with Him, and to become more like Him. Let us not fall into the trap of it simply becoming habit forming. Let us praise Him with a renewed mind and spirit!
"'These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men.' Jesus called the crowd to him and said, 'Listen and understand. What goes into a man's mouth does not make him unclean, but what comes out of his mouth, that is what makes him unclean.'" (v. 8-11)
After moving to Charlotte, one of the hardest things to accomplish was to find a home church God was calling us to. It took nearly a year to finally find one that we felt comfortable and more important called to. It was important for us to be able to continue growing in our walk with God, especially our children, and also to serve in the church. There was a strong purpose then. How about now? What are the reasons for attending this church? Or has it just simply become a habit?
It is very important that we always examine our walk with the Lord. It can easily become just a habit. This is true with our worship, our prayer life, and even our Quiet Times with the Lord. Is our prayers over our meals the same? If so, then is it really a prayer, or just empty words that fall to the ground. Is our QTs just a ritual we do? Or is special everytime, because we are conversing with the Lord?
Our heavenly Father seeks our hearts... a relationship with Him. He never seeks any rituals to honor Him. It is only to fellowship with Him, and to become more like Him. Let us not fall into the trap of it simply becoming habit forming. Let us praise Him with a renewed mind and spirit!
Sunday, May 01, 2005
God's Promise
Genesis 8:15-22
"As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night will never cease." (v. 22)
"Oh what a beautiful morning, oh what a beautiful day." I remember when I was growing up and also being so excited about attending camp. Our campgrounds were on a mountain in Pennsylvania. Several times, I would climb to the highest point on the campground and look all around us. Other mountain peaks can be seen from here, the forest could be seen, and the valley below with the lush green can be seen. In the fall when the color of the leaves would change, it was absolutely beautiful. I can still remember these images so clearly even to this day. I remember thinking about how beautiful God's handiwork was. It was like a beautiful painting. I imagined that God took his finger and just carefully painted every part of it from one stroke to the next. It is absolutey beautiful!
Our Father's handiwork, His creation, are just absolutely breathtaking. He had also promised us that the earth would never be destroyed again by a flood, and that the seasons of life would never cease. Even a rainbow was given as a sign of His convenant with us.
"And God said, 'This is the sign of the covenant I am making between me and you and every living crature with you, a covenant for all generations to come: I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth." (Genesis 9:12-13)
It is wonderful to know that our Father keeps His promise. Even a sign was given as a reminder. Therefore, let us be reminded of all the promises given to us through His Words (Bible), and let us be faithful to Him.
"As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night will never cease." (v. 22)
"Oh what a beautiful morning, oh what a beautiful day." I remember when I was growing up and also being so excited about attending camp. Our campgrounds were on a mountain in Pennsylvania. Several times, I would climb to the highest point on the campground and look all around us. Other mountain peaks can be seen from here, the forest could be seen, and the valley below with the lush green can be seen. In the fall when the color of the leaves would change, it was absolutely beautiful. I can still remember these images so clearly even to this day. I remember thinking about how beautiful God's handiwork was. It was like a beautiful painting. I imagined that God took his finger and just carefully painted every part of it from one stroke to the next. It is absolutey beautiful!
Our Father's handiwork, His creation, are just absolutely breathtaking. He had also promised us that the earth would never be destroyed again by a flood, and that the seasons of life would never cease. Even a rainbow was given as a sign of His convenant with us.
"And God said, 'This is the sign of the covenant I am making between me and you and every living crature with you, a covenant for all generations to come: I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth." (Genesis 9:12-13)
It is wonderful to know that our Father keeps His promise. Even a sign was given as a reminder. Therefore, let us be reminded of all the promises given to us through His Words (Bible), and let us be faithful to Him.
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