tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22239711667707465352024-03-21T19:12:45.353-07:00A certain man and his sojourn with GodUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger19125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2223971166770746535.post-16024559040183836952012-01-10T20:16:00.000-08:002012-01-10T20:16:57.460-08:00Tracking your Time with GodI started to pick up the Bible more frequently this year after a lapse of few months. It was back to familiar territory again. Praying. Reading. Thinking. Jotting down points. And praying. Yes, much needed to pick up the pieces and run again.<br />
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I happen to see my QT records for 1995 & 1996 in the back pages of my old Bible. What I saw both made me feel ashamed and challenged again. Almost 15 years ago, I was meeting with God like about 95% of the time. Those were good, close years of walking with the Lord.<br />
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The challenge now, with increased age and commitments, is to be faithful and prod on. No need to be dazzling and impressive, but simple faithfulness and growing in Christlike-ness.<br />
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Help me Lord.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2223971166770746535.post-57309977430334240642011-12-31T03:00:00.000-08:002011-12-31T03:00:25.033-08:00God is moved by our prayersToday I opened up the Bible after a long while and I was glad that I did. My passage was in 2 Samuel 24, a passage that is about God's anger at David for numbering the people of the land.<br />
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At first I was intrigued by why did God punish Israel when, (1) He incited David to number the people, and (2) it was David who sinned and yet the innocent people of Israel died in the pestilence. I still don't have the answers to my 2 questions, but verse 1 of the passage, "the anger of the Lord burned against Israel" gave<br />
some clues that it was for the sins of Israel, and He incited David to do the first steps.<br />
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Though I do not know the exact nature of the sins, I do know from the passage that God is merciful. He will relent from punishments when we pray. Three things stood out for me about God here.(1) He does punish - He is a God of justice. (2) When punishing He will relent from it - He is merciful. (3) God can be "moved by prayer" v25. It is important to pray as God does move and be moved when we pray.<br />
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This passage reminds me afresh that I should pray. It can and does work.<br />
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One question that I asked myself, 'Since prayers do work, what is ONE thing you want to ask for in 2012?'<br />
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I prayed for a turn around in attitudes for myself, my spouse and my children. A good turn around from the many inadequate attitudes that stumbled us in 2011, so that we can move anew in this coming new year.<br />
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Pray. It works!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2223971166770746535.post-78781266038438781482011-06-06T19:12:00.000-07:002011-06-06T19:12:20.864-07:00Fearing GodWhile John the Baptist came unannounced, worked away from the populace, and did not conformed to society norms, his results were outstanding. "The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him". Unconventional approaches. Unbelievable results.<br />
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My reflections today was on Mark 1 verses 1-4, on the introduction of John the Baptist.<br />
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2 main thoughts struck me. One was on the manner of John the Baptist's ministry. The other, theocentrically, was on the certainty of God's promises.<br />
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John was a messenger, not the One - the Son of God. He was the way preparer, the caller for the Voice, the path maker. He knows that his role is secondary and he will always play 2nd fiddle to the Messiah. He was also unconventional and non-conformist in his fashion, diet, and working style. All in, he is not your typical evangelist. But his results were stunning. Crowds came from all over and were baptised. Indeed, he was successfully preparing the way for the Messiah.<br />
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God's Word when uttered, always come true. "as it is written" in verse 1 and "and so John the Baptist appeared" bears to this truth of God's Word. What God promised will be done, minus the noisy fanfare and over zealous marketing. And when it is done, the results are visible and stunning.<br />
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While we know that His Word will come true, do we readily believe in it? This is where I find myself lacking and John the Baptist a quiet giant. John the Baptist went forth in obedience to His Word and did His bidding. I often shrink back and waited.<br />
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<div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Teach me to fear your Word again. Let me not be one who knows about your word but take it lightly. Let me be one who knows your Word, fear it and let it order my life accordingly. <o:p></o:p></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2223971166770746535.post-26794752191430798442011-04-05T17:39:00.000-07:002011-04-05T17:39:00.193-07:00"though it is smaller... yet.. it grows"Can small insignificant things/people ever amount to much? They can. <br />
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Mark 4:30-34, "though it is smaller.. yet when it is sown, it grows up and becomes larger than all ... so that birds of the air can nest under its shade." Though this verse refers to the Kingdom of God, I felt that this word spoke to me this morning. God can turn things around. Here, from smallest to the largest. In Eze 17:24, the reference passage, from a tender one, to a stately cedar. He will do it to make the dry tree flourish for His name sake. <br />
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God gave me hope in this passage. For me, I'm thankful that I'll grow even though I'm a small seed. I don't need to be the largest and never sought to be one. Here God's word encourages, in that there will be growth. <br />
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The growth here is for a specific purpose, not for myself. Its that the 'birds can nest under its shade". Rest is a more common word for me, but enable others to nest is new. I'm reminded here to be strong and cooperate with others to en-nest others. <br />
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Fresh word this day to "grow up and form larger branches" so that others can nest under it. Its a scary word if its all up to me. But its a comforting word, when He is the source of power and enabling. <br />
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Help me to respond alright Lord.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2223971166770746535.post-34293940835812533842011-03-17T20:18:00.000-07:002011-03-17T20:20:23.764-07:00Jesus and PrayerOnce a while, I review my old devotional journals. Today, I came across one that struck me. It was dated 28 Apr 2009 on a familiar passage of Jesus in Mark 1:35, "Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed"<br />
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It is one of those passages that embarrassed us about our own state of prayer versus Jesus'. He was working very hard the day before, and yet He got up early in the morning to pray. Prayer is definitely very important to Jesus, otherwise He would not do so. For me, tiredness would usually mean a rest from prayer so that I can rest - but not so for Jesus. <br />
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Another thought that stood out for me is that even Jesus need to pray. We would have thought that Jesus need not pray, being the Son of God with all the powers of heaven at His disposal. Yet He did, and perhaps, wanted to pray. Here I see prayer as not so much of coming to God with a list of request, but to come to God in fellowship and devotion. Prayer is that, where we seek the face of God and not just the hand of God to do things for us. <br />
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Jesus also made time for prayer in the midst of His busy schedule. When was the last time that I schedule time for prayer? Yes, perhaps in my younger days. I would need to do so again now. <br />
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I was reminded that the early Church Fathers had a 7 day prayer focus to help them in prayers. <br />
Sunday - Pray against Pride; may God bless us with Humility<br />
Monday - Pray against Envy; may God bless us with Kindness <br />
Tuesday - Pray against Anger; may God bless us with Patience<br />
Wednesday - Pray against Apathy; may God bless us with Diligence<br />
Thursday - Pray against Greed; may God bless us with Generosity<br />
Friday - Pray against Gluttony; may God bless us with Abstinence<br />
Saturday - Pray against Lust;may God bless us with Chastity<br />
<em>Note: the "may God bless us with..." is from my church pastor and not from the early Church Fathers. </em><br />
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May we do something today about our prayer life again.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2223971166770746535.post-71055076624906657592011-03-16T17:55:00.000-07:002011-03-16T17:55:22.627-07:00No Insights for the hardened heartRead and reflected on Mark. 6: 47-52 today and the verse that stood out for me was, "They had not gained any insight ... but their heart was hardened" (v.52).<br />
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It is a sad commentary by Mark about the disciples' learning. Just hours ago, they were shown a great miracle of God's provision, and yet after that they fell to the depths of terror in the storm. They had gained no insight to the workings of God and missed out on the lesson to be learnt from the miracle. <br />
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Lest we be quick to judge them, it may be good to ponder why did they not learnt anything? Mark told us that their hearts were hardened and it blinded them to learning about God. Why and how was it harden? How long has it been harden? Can it be soften? Beware of the dangerous of a hardened heart. <br />
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In reflection, is my heart hardened or soft? Would i have replied the same as the disciples in verse 37? Am I still hardened by my past baggages and hurts? Can I still gain insights with this hardened heart? <br />
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With us, we cannot gain insight, but with God, He makes all the difference. The good news for us, is that He gets into the boat with us, see verse 51, and calms us. He heard our cries in the storm and enters our boat to calm our fears. He can and will help us to know Him again in a fresh way.<br />
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Lord, please come into my life and totally transform me. Replace this hardened heart which prevents me from knowing you. Give me fresh insights to learn and to row pass the storms of life.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2223971166770746535.post-9929774179706587062011-03-13T20:02:00.000-07:002011-03-13T20:02:39.412-07:00I feel compassion for the peopleMark 8: 2-3. “I feel compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat. <span class="woj"><sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-24504"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">3</span></strong></sup> If I send them home hungry, they will collapse on the way, because some of them have come a long distance.”</span> <br />
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I am comforted to read of the God that we have - one who feels compassion for us. One who notices our plight and understands our needs and frailties. He knows how long we have been with Him. He knows that those who are with Him needs food - what a refreshing change from some task-oriented leaders that we serve. <br />
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While it is easy for me to blame my superiors, how do i behave as a leader, or husband or father? Am i also compassionate and look into their needs? Do i know who are my sheep - my co-workers, my ministry members (those that have come a long way to learn and work with me)? Do i know how long they have been with me, and, how hard it is for them to remain with me? Do i know if their needs are met? Do i know that they may faint if their needs are no met? Do i care if they faint? <br />
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Can I not look on those around me with eyes of compassion and feel compassion for them? Am i more complacent rather than compassion for people? After a while of working with people, compassion can be lost easily, and we may tend to treat people as just "these people" like what the disciples said in verse 4. <br />
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Today I am reminded to have true compassion for those around me and not to be quick to judge my leaders for not showing compassion to me.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2223971166770746535.post-85768079319192012042011-03-07T00:30:00.000-08:002011-03-07T00:33:22.363-08:004 Kinds of PrayersI came across this article on CEFC Facebook Notes page and thought it worth reproducing for those who may missed out on such a good article. Enjoy and pray! <br />
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<strong><span style="color: yellow;">1) “Give Me” Prayers</span></strong><br />
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These are our prayers that go something like “Lord, I need (fill in the blank), please give me ...”, or “God, I really want (fill in the blank), please give me ... ” <br />
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It could be a promotion at work, a place for your child in that top school, a life partner, etc.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: yellow;">2) “Help Me” Prayers</span></strong><br />
These are our prayers that call out to God for help, because we recognise that the problem at hand is far greater than we can handle ourselves. They are most often heard at hospitals, when we pray for healing for ourselves and our loved ones, and also at examination halls, especially when we’ve not been as diligent as we should have.<br />
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“Give Me” and “Help Me” prayers are grouped together as what we would call "Anthropocentric (man-centred) Prayers". They are man-centred, because often, when we pray this way, our perspective is that of ourselves being at the centre of the universe. And we pray to God to give us and help us, according to what we need and want. but this is not to say that Anthropocentric Prayers are wrong. They are perfectly legitimate prayers! <br />
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In fact, Jesus himself taught us to pray this way (see below). but don’t just stop with anthropocentric prayers, because they’re not enough! Jesus definitely didn’t.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: yellow;">3) “Mould Me” Prayers</span></strong><br />
This is when we pray “Your will be done”. It’s when we prayerfully submit our work, our children’s school, our life partner, our health, our exams to the will of God, ask Him to give us not what we favour, but for His will be done (even if it does not turn out the way we would like it) and that He mould us and our character in that process.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: yellow;">4) “Glorify Thee” Prayers</span></strong><br />
This is when how God chooses to answer our prayer is no longer even important. Rather, we pray that God may be glorified in every circumstance that He has allowed us to be faced with, regardless of how He may choose to answer our prayers. Wow!<br />
“Mould Me” and “Glorify Thee” Prayers are Theocentric (God-centred) Prayers. They are God-centred because we begin to pray in accordance to the heart of God. We pray with God at the centre of our prayers, and with ourselves falling in line with the will of God. <br />
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Let’s learn from our Master. In “The Lord’s Prayer” (Mt 6:9–13), Jesus taught us to pray this way: “Glorify Thee” (v9), “Mould Me” (v10), “Give Me” (v11), and “Help Me” (v13). <br />
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Notably, Jesus taught us to pray both anthropocentrically and theocentrically. but notice the sequence. And with bible versions that include “For Thine is the Kingdom ... ”, we would rightly come back to close with Theocentric Prayer.<br />
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Certainly, Theocentric Prayers don’t come naturally or intuitively. We need to learn to pray this way! But if we really desire to grow in prayer, this is certainly something not to be missed. <br />
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May we learn to pray as our Lord Himself did, even at Gethsemane, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will” (Mt 26:39).<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXyyyJsZArEiuAVOBJNTA2FW1qn0rLVlZWdJxVBZ_1KJS6647xXa8-f6EG1_l21QZrEKiSk7OkdkEkdfeUgJKCYyaZk2SQhD0VQuSsQuH_RnDJn-hJ2JRZTlSnukd1lwmWKixfoEFl0mIe/s1600/prayer-jesus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXyyyJsZArEiuAVOBJNTA2FW1qn0rLVlZWdJxVBZ_1KJS6647xXa8-f6EG1_l21QZrEKiSk7OkdkEkdfeUgJKCYyaZk2SQhD0VQuSsQuH_RnDJn-hJ2JRZTlSnukd1lwmWKixfoEFl0mIe/s320/prayer-jesus.jpg" width="236" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2223971166770746535.post-82389552625140407082011-03-06T17:48:00.000-08:002011-03-06T17:48:56.627-08:002 Fears. 2 Asleep.<span></span><br />
This is an old familiar passage about Jesus calming the storm. The last time this passage touched me was on 18 Jun 2004. Then the message was on 3 greatest things. The Greatest Irony – Stormy weather and yet Jesus was asleep. The Greatest Accusation – that Jesus do not care. The Greatest Need – Faith in the storms of life. It was a pretty need outline which I used to share to others then. What other thoughts could come out of this passage now? (That’s my challenge – squeezing fresh wine from old grapes). <br />
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Now on reading slowly, the part that leapt out is the phrase, “and they became very much afraid” v.41. It was a 2nd fear. The 1st was a fear of the storm, fear that they will be drowned. This 2nd fear was different. Here was the Master that they know, and yet suddenly they were gripped in fear, because there is suddenly so much they don’t know about Him now – He has powers over nature. He can evoke fear when we encountered Him. The fear here comprises surprise, awe, maybe like a positive kind of fear – because you know that He’s great and He is for you. <br />
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How much do I know of this fear? Have I became or ever become afraid of Him before? Thinking back, there was at least 1 clear incident of fear in God. During the 80s, in my own young faith, I did not invite my parents to the evangelistic meeting because they are on a NZ tour. But something happened – my aunt suddenly passed away and they rushed back, and technically still in time to attend the meeting if they wanted to. That incident struck me as I was shocked that such things can actually happened. Sadly such awesome incidents are few and far in between. <br />
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Why am I not very fearful of Him? <br />
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Maybe it’s because I have not encountered the ‘sleeping’ God and am too busy trying to bail out the water and trying to keep afloat. But here, maybe there’s a twist. He’s wide awake actually, waiting to be called upon. We are the ones sleeping in the storm, not knowing that we can ask the Almighty God for help in the storms of our lives. And that is why we are so timid and have no faith. <br />
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LORD, let me ‘become very much afraid’ of you, in the good sense of the word. I need this positive fear to rise up in faith, steer clear of sin, and hunger to share my faith. Help me to walk in such revival encounters daily so that my Christian walk is fresh, vibrant and fearful.<br />
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Penned 11 Apr 09, posted now. <br />
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<span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Incomplete-Commentary-Matthew-imperfectum-Christian/dp/0830829016?ie=UTF8&tag=widgetsamazon-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Incomplete Commentary on Matthew (Opus imperfectum), Volume 1 (Ancient Christian Texts)</a></span><br />
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<span><span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Matthew-Henrys-Commentary-Whole-Bible/dp/1598562754?ie=UTF8&tag=widgetsamazon-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><img alt="Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=1598562754&tag=widgetsamazon-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=widgetsamazon-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1598562754" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px! important; padding-left: 0px! important; padding-right: 0px! important; padding-top: 0px! important;" width="1" /></span><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=widgetsamazon-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0830829016" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px! important; padding-left: 0px! important; padding-right: 0px! important; padding-top: 0px! important;" width="1" /></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2223971166770746535.post-90237289834451781102011-02-27T16:58:00.000-08:002011-02-27T16:58:55.734-08:00Break up your fallow hardened groundThe worship leader in the Sunday Service said this yesterday, "My heart goes out to those who are once faithful but are not walking with the Lord now ..." Those words struck me as I am like that. My heart is a fallow and hardened ground, and un-tended garden overgrown with weeds, unable to receive the grace of God. <br />
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But what really struck me is the thought of the model that I'm leaving for my two daughters now. When I was at the height of my ministry service, my children were still young and ignorant. Now when they are aware of what's happening, they see a father struggling to walk with God, often in outbursts and unkind towards the family. <br />
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Am I going to leave that negative picture for them? I need to buck up and be the positive role model for them. Lord, lead me towards loving you again. Rain on me your grace and love. Let me walk faithfully with you once again. <br />
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It is possible. All things are possible with God. I must believe that.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2223971166770746535.post-77212916330316408602011-02-24T17:44:00.000-08:002011-02-24T17:44:22.763-08:00Spiritual Disciplines - A lost tradition in this busy modern worldCenturies ago, our lives were less complex, slower and more meaningful. There was more time to be at peace and to slow down to read or watch the sunrise. Now with increased technology at our disposal, we have less time on our hands - paradoxically. Is it then impossible to break away from all these modern break neck speeds and be able to center down with God? <br />
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I believe we can, by practicing spiritual disciplines. <br />
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There are 4 Spiritual disciplines to nourish our souls: <br />
1) Discipline of Solitude<br />
2) Discipline of Surrender<br />
3) Discipline of Study<br />
4) Discipline of Service<br />
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Discipline of Solitude is where we learn to listen more to God and speak lesser. There are modern day silent retreats to attend to re-live this ancient wisdom. And for the beginners, there is always a quiet walk in the park on by the beach. The key is to be attune to God and what He speaks and shows to us through nature or daily life situations. <br />
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Discipline of Surrender is a daily conscious effort to surrender to God the controls of our lives. In short, like what Paul says, to die daily to self, and to let Him increase in our lives. It it the most difficult thing to do in this age of self-promotion through Facebook and Twitters and getting people to follow you. <br />
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The 3rd discipline is that of study. We need to make time to study the Word of God and to build depth in our spiritual lives. It is easy to quote somebody's work but it does not build deep foundations in your own life. Unfortunately, there is no substitute for personal study of His word. Do we have a personal study plan of the Bible? Is there one book that you can start this year? <br />
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Lastly, there is the discipline of Service. As we have the three sources of intake, we also need to give out, and we can do this in the form of service. Serving God through the church, para church or mission organisations. Or even reaching reaching out to the community with your work colleagues on a regular basis. <br />
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Recently during lunch, I was encouraged by my near retiring colleague who told me that he plans to go to the neighbouring blocks after work to visit them and talk to whoever he meets and see what he can do to help them. I was sceptical about the methodology but very encouraged by his heart for service. <br />
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4 ancient ways of Spiritual disciplines. If we do them consistently, our souls will no doubt be nourished and strengthen. Disciplines is indeed not a dirty word, but a much needed word for this generation. <br />
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Go for it.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2223971166770746535.post-1334606516246546482011-02-24T01:04:00.000-08:002011-02-24T01:05:09.011-08:004 causes of weak inner lives:1) Primal wounds of the HEART – inner woundedness <br />
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2) Cynicism of the MIND – critical & judgmental attitudes<br />
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3) Overcrowding of the SOUL – busyness and fatigue<br />
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4) Paralysis of the WILL – deep seated unwillingness<br />
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The above are taken from CEFC church in Singapore. Its crisp and powerful reminder of the things that will rob us from intimacy with God. If we harbour any of the above, we won't be able to love God.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2223971166770746535.post-66459850742087699452011-02-23T23:05:00.000-08:002011-02-23T23:10:07.911-08:00Stubborn Roots in our LivesLast year, I was clearing my potted plants outside my home. Many of the rotting plants were thrown away while the earthen pots were savaged for my father-in-law. <br />
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In the process of clearing the rotted plants, I faced the unenviable task of de-rooting the thorny plants with old blunt scissors. The soil were dried and hardened. The thorns were every where and waiting to trap me and poke me, which it did. <br />
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But herein, in the midst of this back breaking task, I learnt an important lessons. <br />
<a name='more'></a>At first, I tried to loosen and empty the soil. It helped a little, next I tried to cut off the roots attached to the stalk, but my blunt tools did not help. I ended up twisting and pulling and aching my poor back. <br />
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Seeing the strength of the rotted plant in resisting my pulls, it reminded me of the importance of the roots in holding down a plant - even for a rotted plant, it is not easy to dislodge and pull off. I wondered at first, about roots as my values, would I have good values to hold me down in a sea of changes and trying circumstances. <br />
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But seeing the tremendous effort needed to pull out the stem, it next reminded me of the darkness of sin in my life. If its allowed to grow, the roots will deepen and will be very hard to be removed. You are not dealing with only a stem's roots, but the other stems' in the same pot too, which have all become intermingled with one another to make it into a very stubborn root to remove. <br />
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To effectively remove the roots, you need: sharp tools, to remove the other roots too, a lot of determination and time. Maybe there's a parallel to life's dark roots. If left unattended, it'll sprout. To remove them, it needs a major surgery with tools, dealing thoroughly with all related sins, and help from others. Most of all, a committed purpose to deal root it all out.<br />
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Its an uphill battl<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=widgetsamazon-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0802467989&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>e, but thank God for His enabling.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2223971166770746535.post-83612805847096090022011-02-22T23:56:00.000-08:002011-02-22T23:56:34.793-08:00A Famous Man or A Certain Man?Most people want to be a Famous man. We can easily rattle off famous names, Bill Gates, Li Ka Shing, Lee Kuan Yew, and Gandhi. But a certain man? An anonymous certain man?<br />
Today in reading 2 Samuel 18:1-18, the thought that captured my imagination is the phrase, "a certain man" in v.10. In the Bible, instead of the exploits of the rich and famous, we are often introduced to the poor and obscure. Yet these poor and obscure did significant things that changed the course of history. It was an obscure Galilean carpenter that died for the sins of the world. It was 11 obscure nobody fishermen and rag-tag band that changed the world upside down.<br />
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In this passage, it was an obscure soldier that spotted Absalom and told Joab. He was just a common soldier - a nobody, who saw what no one else saw: Absalom, hanging on the oak tree, caught by his thick hair. It was a ridiculous sight. A general (where were his troops?), on a mule (not a horse?), stuck in an oak tree, being careful not to scream for help to the wrong search party.<br />
This certain man. not only saw it, he heard it too. He heard what David told his 3 generals as they left for war, that they should deal kindly with Absalom for David's sake. He knew that he should not kill Absalom bit to capture him alive. But Joab did not share his sentiments nor the commands of the king. Joab speared Absalom thrice and got his armour bearers to finish off the job. This certain man, did not touch Absalom for he feared the king and knew that Joab would not stand by his side if questioned by David. He was a wise certain man, who, saw it, heard it, knew it and also hold it. He had restraint unlike Joab.<br />
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For me, I know I'll never be a famous man, since at this past middle age I'm still not one. I am at peace and contented to be a certain man, who values His Word and is obedient to it. One who can see and hear His Word and to apply it to his life. One who knows the Word and orders his life by the Word.<br />
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I may not do very big and famous things on planet earth, but I am contented to be that certain man, who through walking with God, do significant and strategic things that will alter the course of history. Here, my source of strength is not in myself, but in God.<br />
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Throughout the passage, God's powers and presence is evident. But few can see it outright. The forest devoured more than the sword. The smaller size army won. 20,000 enemy soldiers were killed. Absalom caught in an oak tree. Surely, all these are signs of God at work!<br />
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I pray for God's powers and presence to be made manifest in my life daily. Though there is no "pillar" erected to remember me (like Absalom), it is alright. A quiet death and a sure route to heaven is enough.<br />
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It is well with my soul.<br />
postscript: Absalom erected a pillar of stones for others to remember him. At death, he was thrown in a deep pit, in the forest, with a great heap of stones erected over it. What a sad ending. Finishing well is important.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2223971166770746535.post-11189377510956590602011-02-22T22:32:00.000-08:002011-02-23T23:39:55.732-08:00Flower pots and flower plots.<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Qvmc4kVk1W0klswK_OnUBPknb61fkrlYbKgeqe-5kP9Yt0s_0kh0pAln6i7OPHnt9ujD5cRO_Fl42ZZLsIuQjG5aJLgs9OqSPhCJfm_CeyuywB66141qm1DAiNNV3GmxLkvggv5mg_Nv/s1600/glowing-flower-pots_76369_lg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="319" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Qvmc4kVk1W0klswK_OnUBPknb61fkrlYbKgeqe-5kP9Yt0s_0kh0pAln6i7OPHnt9ujD5cRO_Fl42ZZLsIuQjG5aJLgs9OqSPhCJfm_CeyuywB66141qm1DAiNNV3GmxLkvggv5mg_Nv/s320/glowing-flower-pots_76369_lg.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>What is our life bounded by? How big is the area for our growth? <br />
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A 'by-chance' sight of a pot of plants by the Katong Florists gave me this insight into our human growth boundary. <br />
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There are limits for each of us - whether imposed by self or by circumstances or by society. He is autistic - the flower pot becomes very small. He is a bright kid - suddenly there's no limits for his growth, and he is potted by fertile ground. <br />
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What am I bounded by? Is it a small $3 pot or the vast limitless land? What bounds me? Is it childhood voices from my parents? Or society 's ridicule? <br />
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God today promises no boundaries for my growth. In fact He goes one step better. He plants me firmly besides streams of living water. For those who delights in the law of the LORD (Ps.1:2-3).Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2223971166770746535.post-49882695617475879502011-02-22T22:15:00.000-08:002011-02-22T22:23:12.613-08:00DothanThe text is in Gen.37:15 where Israel asked Joseph to go to Shechem to look for his brothers. When Joseph was there, he could not find his brothers and wandered in the field, lost. "A man found him" and asked, "What are you looking for?" and told him that his brothers have went on to Dothan. <br />
Observations:<br />
• Israel asked Joseph to embark on the journey, with every good intentions. But it was God who was behind all these to bring about His planned destiny in Joseph's life. <br />
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• God provided a man there to help Joseph locate his brothers and to bring about His plans in our lives. God is sovereign, His plans for us will come to pass. In our times of lostness - He will provide someone to help us out to His next step. <br />
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• Joseph replied that he was looking for his brothers, not, he was giving up and going back. Joseph here was true to his call (from Israel) and when he was faithful, God guided him. <br />
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• God's plans for us included going thru difficult places, like Dothan, where we were betrayed, stripped, cast away to be alone in a pit. We will be downcast and forlorned - but its still all part of His plans for us. <br />
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Implications:<br />
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• This devotion came at a spot-on time and it showed me that God speaks today at the right time. <br />
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• It's a divine appointment message, as I pondered over the question, "What am I living my life for ?" for 2 plus days and prayed hard that God will help me. <br />
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• God does answer prayers. <br />
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• God's grace and love is seen powerfully once again for my sin-tainted life. <br />
Applications:<br />
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• Discern what is God's call for my life? Both general and specific calls. <br />
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• Specific call - to communicate forth His love and being to others, i.e. mentoring, in whatever contexts that I may be in. <br />
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• Give thanks for the past painful disappointments and surrender them unto God, that they may no longer be a hindrance and stumbling block for me. Repent for my past unwillingness to follow God fully - in giving, in letting circumstances dictate my life 0 and acting out of fear instead of faith.<br />
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• Look out for the next person who in divine appointment approaches me for help. <br />
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• Wait upon the LORD. "he who waits upon the LORD will renew his strength, he shall mount up with wings of eagle, he shall run and not be weary, he shall walk and not be faint."Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2223971166770746535.post-52234255371638010792011-02-22T18:46:00.000-08:002011-02-23T23:49:58.342-08:00Pulpit Reminders<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=widgetsamazon-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1604592508" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px! important; padding-left: 0px! important; padding-right: 0px! important; padding-top: 0px! important;" width="1" />The preacher was talking about Brother Lawrence last week. He was a lay brother of the Carmelite movement in the 1600s, doing nothing spectacular, only washing and cooking in the kitchen of the monastery. But in his quite moments, his heart was tuned into God and his life was transformed. <br />
I was reminded that the mundane things in life need not continue to be mundane, energy sapping and demoralising. Through God's enabling, I can do something about it. The issue always, is whether I am willing to let God break in and do His specialty - doing the impossible.<br />
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For years now, I am feeling down and depressed about my job. I am like stuck in a rut and with the World progressing so fast, there seems to be no hope for an old worker like me. My energy levels are going down by the term and I am doing lesser for my students each term. I am ashamed and wanted to change but find it so difficult and settled for the easier path of doing less.<br />
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Lord would you help me to see these youths as your children afresh. Boys and girls who need to be moulded and helped. Youths that I can impart Biblical principles into them indirectly. And help me to identify one to two boys whom I can touch per year. Let me work on the few deeply.<br />
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To do that I recognise that I need to wake from my spiritual slumber and lethargy. Revive me afresh Lord. Fill me with your Holy Spirit once again. And let me see the light.<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=widgetsamazon-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=1604592508&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 224px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 124px;"></iframe>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2223971166770746535.post-13907940940104407512008-08-05T06:25:00.000-07:002008-08-05T06:27:04.533-07:00Busy City FolksToday I went earlier for my 1st Aid course, and since I was early, sat down at Jurong East Station. The hordes of busy people swarmed past me endlessly. There was a NUS student there selling flags, but nobody stopped to buy from him. A few did. But very few. One lady put in a $2 note. It reminded me of Jesus who had the leisure time to watch people put in their donations. I did not see any widow's mite, but I saw few generous Singaporeans. Perhaps we are suffering from charity overdose. Personally I wouldn't have donated. But today I saw the poor boy and when asked, dropped in 60 cts. I had the time, though not much money.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2223971166770746535.post-80902929924502125372008-05-04T23:13:00.000-07:002011-02-22T22:28:01.291-08:00Liquid egg to hard-boiled?Today is one of those Sundays where God spoke. First it was through the worship song and then the sermon.<br />
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We sang all ‘oldies’ today – but it was good once a while to remember our songs of old, instead of the newer and ‘noisier’ songs. When it came to “How great Thou art”, there was a phrase there that struck me, “When Christ shall come and take me home, what joy shall fill my heart…” A quick thought struck me – is it joy that will fill my heart, or something else? Maybe shame. Or regret?<br />
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For me the certainty of Christ’s return has never been a doubt. But yet, I’m still somehow stuck in the wallowing process. Where I will meet the Saviour and yet had little to show and yet feel indifferent and not fearful enough to do anything about it. Sad. Shame. Apathy. The communion that we had just gone through came forth as a reminder – don’t just sing and shout about your love for God, show Him the works. Where do you love God? I can last time. I cannot now – sure I have tokens here and there, but deep down I know it’s not enough. The heart has not changed yet.<br />
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Then came the next strike. The speaker shared about the story of 3 things: carrots, egg and coffee. They are went through the hot water of “affliction” but came out differently. The hard carrot became softer in the hot boiling water. The liquid egg became hardened in the process of prolonged boiling. The coffee was different – it totally changes its substance and gave off a wonderful aroma. The speaker then went on to ask, “What kind are we?”<br />
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No prize for guessing. I’m not the 1st and 3rd kind, but the 2nd kind – once soft and pliable in the hands of God, now bitter and hardened (thankfully not totally hardened). Have I allowed myself to be hardened by persecution/trials? Have I seen things wrongly and blamed God? The next question is important: how long more am I going to remain hardened?<br />
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Today the pastors urged us to sign up and be involved in service or ministry. Suddenly I remembered my BB days – shall I join them back? And jump into the trying but happy days? Now I have little ministry – a lot of time but not much growth and challenges and don’t need God. Last time it was very packed days, worry like crazy and praying like desperate men – and grew a lot.<br />
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Whither the BB ministry? Or maybe a mentoring type of ministry?<br />
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Please show the way LORD.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0