I pray often for God to change me.
I want to be more like Jesus.
..and then I realised: If I wanted to be more like Jesus, where is that 'wanted'?
I mean if I 'wanted' to be more like Jesus, surely there should be greater discipline in working at it. It definitely wouldn't be sincere if I just sat in front of my computer at work, wishing I could glorify Him, and then after that, doze back off to sleep. Where is the 'want' in this case? Where is the effort? It is ironical to say I love Him, and then expect Him to change my heart so I can love Him more.
I must demonstrate more of the 'want' in my day-to-day life.
I thank that God is full of grace and mercy, and He loves me nonetheless.
I thank that I can lean on Him for strength. God IS my strength.
I do my best, God will do the rest.
Thank You Jesus.
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
Don't seek after a sign
About a day later, after I thought about what I did back home.. staring at the sky, hoping to see what my future would bring, I was reminded of a bible verse in
Matthew 16:
' Hypocrites! You know how to discern the appearance of the sky, but you can't discern the signs of the times!
An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and there will be no sign given to it..
I shouldn't attempt this again; staring at the sky, hoping for a sign.
Ya, getting up and getting back to work was correct.
mental note: Don't do this again :p
Matthew 16:
' Hypocrites! You know how to discern the appearance of the sky, but you can't discern the signs of the times!
An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and there will be no sign given to it..
I shouldn't attempt this again; staring at the sky, hoping for a sign.
Ya, getting up and getting back to work was correct.
mental note: Don't do this again :p
Friday, May 26, 2006
work
For a long time, I have lost the passion for my work.
I drag my feet to the office and I am always late.
I hate to admit it, but the way I work brings no glory to God.
God said, "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men." (Col 3:23-24)
Martin Luther said, "A dairymaid can milk cows to the glory of God."
"Do everything as it you were doing it for Jesus and by carrying a continual conversation while you do it", that is the secret to a lifestyle of worship. (2004, Rick Warren)
I learn..
I drag my feet to the office and I am always late.
I hate to admit it, but the way I work brings no glory to God.
God said, "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men." (Col 3:23-24)
Martin Luther said, "A dairymaid can milk cows to the glory of God."
"Do everything as it you were doing it for Jesus and by carrying a continual conversation while you do it", that is the secret to a lifestyle of worship. (2004, Rick Warren)
I learn..
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
focus your eyes on eternity
This morning, I woke up feeling rather sombre and God comforted me,
"If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. (Col 3:1-2)
An eternal perspective means that you look at today's events in light of eternity. Does today's 'crisis' have any bearing on eternity? Will it matter when you get to heaven? Will it even matter in 100 years? Is it worth all the anxiety, worry and pain? Since you have been raised to life with Christ, then think about things with a heavenly mindset."
Yes. I must.
"If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. (Col 3:1-2)
An eternal perspective means that you look at today's events in light of eternity. Does today's 'crisis' have any bearing on eternity? Will it matter when you get to heaven? Will it even matter in 100 years? Is it worth all the anxiety, worry and pain? Since you have been raised to life with Christ, then think about things with a heavenly mindset."
Yes. I must.
definition of judging
On Sat morning, after I finished my prayer, as I was keeping my notebook, something came to mind.
"Not judging is not forming a conclusion or an opinion about something."
As soon as I had that thought, I wondered where that came from.. I mean, I wasn't even praying about anything close to that that morning..
But I wrote it down anyways.
And then I smiled at the thought knowing that God has just drawn the line for me :)
cos to tell the truth, I am a rather judgemental person, so I pray often about it, and I ask God to forgive me of my sin of judging. And that morning, God has made it easier for me. How better to avoid making the mistake than to know exactly what is wrong so you do not do it.
"You, then, why do you judge your brother? For we will all stand before God's judgement seat. Therefore let us stop passing judgement on one another."
(Rom 14:10, 13)
Amen.
"Not judging is not forming a conclusion or an opinion about something."
As soon as I had that thought, I wondered where that came from.. I mean, I wasn't even praying about anything close to that that morning..
But I wrote it down anyways.
And then I smiled at the thought knowing that God has just drawn the line for me :)
cos to tell the truth, I am a rather judgemental person, so I pray often about it, and I ask God to forgive me of my sin of judging. And that morning, God has made it easier for me. How better to avoid making the mistake than to know exactly what is wrong so you do not do it.
"You, then, why do you judge your brother? For we will all stand before God's judgement seat. Therefore let us stop passing judgement on one another."
(Rom 14:10, 13)
Amen.
Monday, May 22, 2006
Put your trust in the Lord
Some people say, "You can't trust men but you can trust God."
Some say, "You can trust God but you can't trust men."
Seemingly similar but each appears to send a different message.
I should think the 2nd statement sounds more pessimistic..
and then I think.. so what is it?
Which should come first?
..and then I realised of course the Bigger one has the final say.
What I mean is, no matter what happens,
ultimately we can always trust God to set everything right,
for "In everything God works for good with those who love him, who are called according to his purpose." (Rom 8:28)
amen.
We have a good God.
Some say, "You can trust God but you can't trust men."
Seemingly similar but each appears to send a different message.
I should think the 2nd statement sounds more pessimistic..
and then I think.. so what is it?
Which should come first?
..and then I realised of course the Bigger one has the final say.
What I mean is, no matter what happens,
ultimately we can always trust God to set everything right,
for "In everything God works for good with those who love him, who are called according to his purpose." (Rom 8:28)
amen.
We have a good God.
Saturday, May 20, 2006
Talkin to Jesus
Y'know, keep talkin to Jesus. Cos He is listening. God says seek and you will find, ask and you shall receive. You have not because you ask not!
"Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete." (John 16:24)
So anyways, this noon, I was getting exasperated with myself, so I asked God. "God, what can I do with these thoughts of mine? Why do they keep coming? Am I thinking these thoughts knowingly or unknowingly and what can I do about it? God I pray that You will teach me. Holy Spirit, You are my guide, my shepherd and my teacher."
And... this evening, strange but not so strange, God taught me what to do.
"Suppose I ask you to take care of my house while I am out of town. You pledge to keep everything in great shape. But when I return, I find the place in shambles. The carpet is torn, walls are smeared, furniture is broken. Your explanation is not impressive: some bikers came by and needed a place to stay. Then the rugby team called, looking for a place for their party. And of course there was the fraternity-they wanted a place to hold their initiation ceremony. As the owner I have one question: "Don't you know how to say no? This is not your house. You don't have the right to let in everyone who wants to enter.
Ever think God wants to say the same to us?
GUARDING OUR HEARTS
You've got to admit some of our hearts are thrashed out. Let any riffraff knock on the door, and we throw it open. Anger shows up, and we let him in, Revenge needs a place to stay, so we have him pull up a chair. Pity wants to have a party, so we show him the kitchen. Lust rings the bell, and we change the sheets on the bed. Don't we know how to say no? Many don't. We think much about time management, weight management, personnel management, even scalp management, but what about thought management?
The answer is surprisingly simple.
We can be transformed if we make one decision: I will submit my thoughts to the authority of Jesus.
To have a pure heart, we must submit all thoughts to the authority of Christ. What I mean about authority? Here's how it works.
A GUARD AT THE DOORWAY
The Holy Spirit is ready to help you manage and filter the thoughts that try to enter. He can help you guard your heart. He stands with you on the threshold. A thought approaches, a questionable thought. Do you throw open the door and let it enter? Of course not. You 'fight to capture every thought until it acknowledges the authority of Christ' (2 Cor 10:5) You don't leave the door unguarded. You stand equipped with handcuffs and leg irons, ready to capture any thought not fit to enter. For the sake of discussion, let's say a thought regarding your personal value approaches. With all the cockiness of a neighbourhood bully, the thought swaggers up to the door and says, "You're a loser. All your life you've blown relationships and jobs. LOSER." So rather than let the thought in, you take it captive and march it down before the judgement of Christ. "Jesus, this thought says I'm a loser and will never amount to anything. What do You think?"
See what you are doing? You are submitting the thought to the authority of Jesus. If Jesus agrees with the thought, then let it in. If not, kick it out."
See? If we ask God, God will be faithful to answer. How? Some may ask. How would I know that it is Jesus who is talkin to me?
1) Walk close with Him
To understand someone really well, you communicate with the person a lot. Dwell with the person. So, same with God. Talk to Him, sing to Him, dwell and bask in His presence. Feel His love and let Him surround you everyday; Spend time.
2) Read the word
The Word is God.
How can we know God without reading the word? 'In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.' (John 1:1)
3) Be sensitive to Him
If a voice within your heart is tellin you something and you think it is God and you want to be sure, confirm it with Him. Ask Him and He will be faithful to answer. Or talk to someone about it; Ask an elder, for 'in the multitude of counselors there is safety' (Prov 24:6)
Amen.
"Y'know, God I love Your voice, I love when You speak to me cos You teach me so much and most of all, You teach me to be more like Jesus. I love You. You bring joy to my heart. You bring water when it is dry, You bring peace where there is noise. You are love. I can love You because You first loved me. You teach me how to love You. Oops, I'm blabbering as I speak to You. I love You so. Words are not enough. Thank You Lord. I love You. I want to walk in righteousness."
'If you love me, you will obey what I command.' (John 14:15)
Amen.
"Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete." (John 16:24)
So anyways, this noon, I was getting exasperated with myself, so I asked God. "God, what can I do with these thoughts of mine? Why do they keep coming? Am I thinking these thoughts knowingly or unknowingly and what can I do about it? God I pray that You will teach me. Holy Spirit, You are my guide, my shepherd and my teacher."
And... this evening, strange but not so strange, God taught me what to do.
"Suppose I ask you to take care of my house while I am out of town. You pledge to keep everything in great shape. But when I return, I find the place in shambles. The carpet is torn, walls are smeared, furniture is broken. Your explanation is not impressive: some bikers came by and needed a place to stay. Then the rugby team called, looking for a place for their party. And of course there was the fraternity-they wanted a place to hold their initiation ceremony. As the owner I have one question: "Don't you know how to say no? This is not your house. You don't have the right to let in everyone who wants to enter.
Ever think God wants to say the same to us?
GUARDING OUR HEARTS
You've got to admit some of our hearts are thrashed out. Let any riffraff knock on the door, and we throw it open. Anger shows up, and we let him in, Revenge needs a place to stay, so we have him pull up a chair. Pity wants to have a party, so we show him the kitchen. Lust rings the bell, and we change the sheets on the bed. Don't we know how to say no? Many don't. We think much about time management, weight management, personnel management, even scalp management, but what about thought management?
The answer is surprisingly simple.
We can be transformed if we make one decision: I will submit my thoughts to the authority of Jesus.
To have a pure heart, we must submit all thoughts to the authority of Christ. What I mean about authority? Here's how it works.
A GUARD AT THE DOORWAY
The Holy Spirit is ready to help you manage and filter the thoughts that try to enter. He can help you guard your heart. He stands with you on the threshold. A thought approaches, a questionable thought. Do you throw open the door and let it enter? Of course not. You 'fight to capture every thought until it acknowledges the authority of Christ' (2 Cor 10:5) You don't leave the door unguarded. You stand equipped with handcuffs and leg irons, ready to capture any thought not fit to enter. For the sake of discussion, let's say a thought regarding your personal value approaches. With all the cockiness of a neighbourhood bully, the thought swaggers up to the door and says, "You're a loser. All your life you've blown relationships and jobs. LOSER." So rather than let the thought in, you take it captive and march it down before the judgement of Christ. "Jesus, this thought says I'm a loser and will never amount to anything. What do You think?"
See what you are doing? You are submitting the thought to the authority of Jesus. If Jesus agrees with the thought, then let it in. If not, kick it out."
See? If we ask God, God will be faithful to answer. How? Some may ask. How would I know that it is Jesus who is talkin to me?
1) Walk close with Him
To understand someone really well, you communicate with the person a lot. Dwell with the person. So, same with God. Talk to Him, sing to Him, dwell and bask in His presence. Feel His love and let Him surround you everyday; Spend time.
2) Read the word
The Word is God.
How can we know God without reading the word? 'In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.' (John 1:1)
3) Be sensitive to Him
If a voice within your heart is tellin you something and you think it is God and you want to be sure, confirm it with Him. Ask Him and He will be faithful to answer. Or talk to someone about it; Ask an elder, for 'in the multitude of counselors there is safety' (Prov 24:6)
Amen.
"Y'know, God I love Your voice, I love when You speak to me cos You teach me so much and most of all, You teach me to be more like Jesus. I love You. You bring joy to my heart. You bring water when it is dry, You bring peace where there is noise. You are love. I can love You because You first loved me. You teach me how to love You. Oops, I'm blabbering as I speak to You. I love You so. Words are not enough. Thank You Lord. I love You. I want to walk in righteousness."
'If you love me, you will obey what I command.' (John 14:15)
Amen.
Thursday, May 18, 2006
Convicted
I prayed to God to fill me with greater compassion, patience and tolerance. I had felt that I was such a lack-love that I told God I must be the most unsympathetic Christian around. Yet God was faithful to answer my questions and prayers promptly each time…
Prior to this, I have had to nurse a sick friend albeit unwillingly. Then God told me “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 are in need. Practice hospitality.”
Romans 12:9-13 (NIV)
And then, another time, I had gotten upset with a friend. I went home thinking I’ll probably not want to go out with him anymore but I asked God to speak to me nonetheless, and He said, “We are to resolve the differences that divide us.” I was taken aback, for that surely called for obedience. So I quickly picked up the phone and smsed my friend to clear things up.
During this whole period of time, I was feeling physically lethargic and was reluctant to avail myself for many church-related activities, even my ministry, giving myself the ‘reason’ that I should lead a balanced lifestyle by not stretching myself. Then God spoke to me amidst my tiredness, “I am not commanding you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the earnestness of others.”
2 Cor 8:8 (NIV)
By now, I was pretty blown away. I mean, for every doubt I had, God had an answer and more amazingly, He spoke to me in verses that couldn’t have been more specific.
One fateful day, I had woken up a little tired and while sitting on the bus reading my bible, I felt that Holy Spirit tell me, “Do not take His grace in vain.” Later that day, God was to speak to me about a statement I made.. It was this day that I told God I must be the most unsympathetic Christian around. And God showed me the narrative of a leper:
“For five years no one touched me. No one. Not one person. Not my wife. Not my child. Not my friends…
What is common to you, I coveted. Handshakes. Warm embraces. A tap on the shoulder to get my attention. What I would have given to be bumped into, to be caught in a crowd.. But for five years, it has not happened. I was not allowed on the streets. I was not permitted in my synagogue. Not even welcome in my own house. I was untouchable. I was a leper. And no one touched me. Until today..
The banishing of a leper seems harsh, unnecessary. The Ancient East hasn’t been the only culture to isolate their wounded, however. We may not build colonies or cover our mouths in their presence, but we certainly build walls and duck our eyes. And a person needn’t have leprosy to feel quarantined..
At the sight of me, fathers grabbed their children. Mothers covered their faces. Children pointed and stared. I grew so tired of the damnable bell I was required to wear around my neck to warn people of my presence. One glance and the announcements began, “Unclean! Unclean! Unclean! The rags on my body couldn’t hide my sores. Nor could the wrap on my face hide the rage in my eyes. I didn’t even try to hide it. What did I do to deserve this?
Moved by desperate anger, I stepped out. “Master!”
“Lord You can heal me if you will.”
“I will.”
But He wasn’t satisfied with speaking to me. He drew near me. He touched me. Energy flooded my body like water through a furrowed field. In an instant, in a moment, I felt warmth where there had been numbness. And I will never forget the one who dared to touch me. He could have healed me with a word but he wanted to do more than heal me. He wanted to honor me, to validate me, to christen me. Imagine that..unworthy of the touch of a man, yet worthy of the touch of God.”
The book then went on to ask,
“Jesus touched the untouchables of the world. Will you do the same?
Let he who has ears to hear, use them. How long has it been since you had your hearing checked? When God throws seed your way, what is the result?
May I raise a question or two to test how well you hear God’s voice?
How long has it been since you let God have you?
I mean really have you? How long since you gave Him a portion of undiluted, uninterrupted time listening for His voice…”
At this time, I was deeply convicted in my heart. My tears flowed down my cheeks as I walked out of the MRT train. “God.. Your touch… I can never live without Your touch, I can never leave You.. I never want to drift away from You..”
What I experienced that evening was immense. And it wasn’t just the book or the very anointed service I subsequently attended. It was God. I was completely overwhelmed. I think when God wants to speak, there is no hiding from it. God is faithful. God is real. We can never walk away from Him. I wouldn’t want to. I couldn’t.
Pastor Phil was right. Prayers open heaven.
For something to happen in the natural, it must first happen in the spirit. For the past weeks, I had prayed for God to convict my heart towards Him. Amen.
Prior to this, I have had to nurse a sick friend albeit unwillingly. Then God told me “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 are in need. Practice hospitality.”
Romans 12:9-13 (NIV)
And then, another time, I had gotten upset with a friend. I went home thinking I’ll probably not want to go out with him anymore but I asked God to speak to me nonetheless, and He said, “We are to resolve the differences that divide us.” I was taken aback, for that surely called for obedience. So I quickly picked up the phone and smsed my friend to clear things up.
During this whole period of time, I was feeling physically lethargic and was reluctant to avail myself for many church-related activities, even my ministry, giving myself the ‘reason’ that I should lead a balanced lifestyle by not stretching myself. Then God spoke to me amidst my tiredness, “I am not commanding you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the earnestness of others.”
2 Cor 8:8 (NIV)
By now, I was pretty blown away. I mean, for every doubt I had, God had an answer and more amazingly, He spoke to me in verses that couldn’t have been more specific.
One fateful day, I had woken up a little tired and while sitting on the bus reading my bible, I felt that Holy Spirit tell me, “Do not take His grace in vain.” Later that day, God was to speak to me about a statement I made.. It was this day that I told God I must be the most unsympathetic Christian around. And God showed me the narrative of a leper:
“For five years no one touched me. No one. Not one person. Not my wife. Not my child. Not my friends…
What is common to you, I coveted. Handshakes. Warm embraces. A tap on the shoulder to get my attention. What I would have given to be bumped into, to be caught in a crowd.. But for five years, it has not happened. I was not allowed on the streets. I was not permitted in my synagogue. Not even welcome in my own house. I was untouchable. I was a leper. And no one touched me. Until today..
The banishing of a leper seems harsh, unnecessary. The Ancient East hasn’t been the only culture to isolate their wounded, however. We may not build colonies or cover our mouths in their presence, but we certainly build walls and duck our eyes. And a person needn’t have leprosy to feel quarantined..
At the sight of me, fathers grabbed their children. Mothers covered their faces. Children pointed and stared. I grew so tired of the damnable bell I was required to wear around my neck to warn people of my presence. One glance and the announcements began, “Unclean! Unclean! Unclean! The rags on my body couldn’t hide my sores. Nor could the wrap on my face hide the rage in my eyes. I didn’t even try to hide it. What did I do to deserve this?
Moved by desperate anger, I stepped out. “Master!”
“Lord You can heal me if you will.”
“I will.”
But He wasn’t satisfied with speaking to me. He drew near me. He touched me. Energy flooded my body like water through a furrowed field. In an instant, in a moment, I felt warmth where there had been numbness. And I will never forget the one who dared to touch me. He could have healed me with a word but he wanted to do more than heal me. He wanted to honor me, to validate me, to christen me. Imagine that..unworthy of the touch of a man, yet worthy of the touch of God.”
The book then went on to ask,
“Jesus touched the untouchables of the world. Will you do the same?
Let he who has ears to hear, use them. How long has it been since you had your hearing checked? When God throws seed your way, what is the result?
May I raise a question or two to test how well you hear God’s voice?
How long has it been since you let God have you?
I mean really have you? How long since you gave Him a portion of undiluted, uninterrupted time listening for His voice…”
At this time, I was deeply convicted in my heart. My tears flowed down my cheeks as I walked out of the MRT train. “God.. Your touch… I can never live without Your touch, I can never leave You.. I never want to drift away from You..”
What I experienced that evening was immense. And it wasn’t just the book or the very anointed service I subsequently attended. It was God. I was completely overwhelmed. I think when God wants to speak, there is no hiding from it. God is faithful. God is real. We can never walk away from Him. I wouldn’t want to. I couldn’t.
Pastor Phil was right. Prayers open heaven.
For something to happen in the natural, it must first happen in the spirit. For the past weeks, I had prayed for God to convict my heart towards Him. Amen.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)