There was a king who had a loyal servant. This servant was an optimistic person and in all things, he always said, "It is good!", no matter what it was.
The king was one who loved hunting. One day, he and the servant went out hunting in the forest. They went deep into the wood searching for dear. The servant loaded a gun and handed it to the kind, but alas he loaded it wrong and when the kind fired it, his thumb was blown off.
"It is good!" exclaimed the servant.
The king was bleeding and furious. "How can you say this is good? This is obviously horrible!" he screamed at him. He was so furious that he put the servant into jail.
Some time later the king went hunting again, this time by himself. In his journey, he encountered cannibals who captured him and took him to their village. They bound him and was preparing him as their supper. But as they came near to set fire to the wood, they noticed that the king was missing a thumb. Being superstitious, they never ate anyone who was less than whole. So they untied the king and sent him on his way.
Full of remorse the king rushed to the prison to release his servant.
"You were right, it was good," said the king.
And the king told his servant how the missing thumb had saved his life and added, "I feel so sad that I locked you in jail. That was such a bad thing to do."
"No! It is good!" responded his servant.
"How could that be good? I did a terrible thing to you while I owe you my life."
"It is good," said his servant, "because if I wasn't in jail I would have been hunting with you, and the cannibals would have killed me instead."
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Quarter of a Century
Yes, I know I should have posted this about a week ago, but still, late is better than nothing.
I'm delighted with the all the well wishes and blessings given by my friends, the surprise celebration after cell group, the after-church supper, and the Friday night dinner. I'm thankful of my parents who brought me up and raised me to who I am today. I'm truly grateful of all the lovely people around me. But most of all, I'm thankful and grateful to God for life. Thank you.
Life is beautiful. I've lived a quarter of a century and am able to testify of it. Sure, there are ups and downs every moment and every phase of our lives, but still, life is truly beautiful when you're able to appreciate the beauty of the Lord who created you.
Any special thoughts for being 25? Well, only that I'm wishing to move on to the next phase of life. Of course, obviously, life is not just about getting to the next phase, but the growing itself, growing more and more mature, growing more and more in spiritual understanding. But I know God is interested in all aspects of my life. And this, I surrender to Him.
I realised that at different stages of our lives, we have different groups of people around us. And until a point, some people will be less in contact with you, and from there getting lesser and lesser. Maybe even some relationships that you need to give up and move on. There may not be any reasons to giving up some relationships, only that times and seasons have changed and both parties have taken different paths and made different choices in life.
There are some relationships that you'll always have around you. There are some relationships that you've got to let go because it will not bring any result. There are relationships that will grow and blossom. There are relationships that will fade away through time, and when you meet them again you're loss at words. But God is the only one that will remain the same forever.
Life is beautiful. I'll move on beautifully, like a butterfly and flutters gently from one flower to another. I'll mount up with wings like eagle and soar higher. I'll behold the rising and setting sun, and know that You have appointed times and seasons, numbered them, yes, but each for me to enjoy, together in Your glorious presence.
*
My company pays us for a present for our birthday, so I went hunting for a dress for Christmas during the weekend, with a certain budget. I went to a few places, but I didn't find what I wanted until I went further away. I drove there with in mind of getting the dress within 2-3 hours' time. I don't like shopping when I have something specific to hunt for without a specific knowing of where to get it; I don't enjoy hopping from shop to shop and looking through many colours and styles but not finding what I want. I have a very low stamina for shopping. (Not sure if that's something normal, me being a girl...)
So I prayed and told God, "please tell me where to get this dress. I don't even have any idea how it should look like, but I want to have a belt that goes with it." And I went hunting for the dress. I reached the mall at 5.45pm, and I walked for a long time without seeing anything that was close to the little idea I had in mind. I was getting very tired and discouraged when I went into this shop and saw the blue dress. It fitted nicely, and I chose a black belt to go with it. I calculated the price of both and it was exactly to my budget! Praise God! It was around 7.50pm when I paid of the dress and belt. Two full hours of shopping, and I got what I wanted. XD
*
Shall keep posting...
I'm delighted with the all the well wishes and blessings given by my friends, the surprise celebration after cell group, the after-church supper, and the Friday night dinner. I'm thankful of my parents who brought me up and raised me to who I am today. I'm truly grateful of all the lovely people around me. But most of all, I'm thankful and grateful to God for life. Thank you.
Life is beautiful. I've lived a quarter of a century and am able to testify of it. Sure, there are ups and downs every moment and every phase of our lives, but still, life is truly beautiful when you're able to appreciate the beauty of the Lord who created you.
Any special thoughts for being 25? Well, only that I'm wishing to move on to the next phase of life. Of course, obviously, life is not just about getting to the next phase, but the growing itself, growing more and more mature, growing more and more in spiritual understanding. But I know God is interested in all aspects of my life. And this, I surrender to Him.
I realised that at different stages of our lives, we have different groups of people around us. And until a point, some people will be less in contact with you, and from there getting lesser and lesser. Maybe even some relationships that you need to give up and move on. There may not be any reasons to giving up some relationships, only that times and seasons have changed and both parties have taken different paths and made different choices in life.
There are some relationships that you'll always have around you. There are some relationships that you've got to let go because it will not bring any result. There are relationships that will grow and blossom. There are relationships that will fade away through time, and when you meet them again you're loss at words. But God is the only one that will remain the same forever.
Life is beautiful. I'll move on beautifully, like a butterfly and flutters gently from one flower to another. I'll mount up with wings like eagle and soar higher. I'll behold the rising and setting sun, and know that You have appointed times and seasons, numbered them, yes, but each for me to enjoy, together in Your glorious presence.
*
My company pays us for a present for our birthday, so I went hunting for a dress for Christmas during the weekend, with a certain budget. I went to a few places, but I didn't find what I wanted until I went further away. I drove there with in mind of getting the dress within 2-3 hours' time. I don't like shopping when I have something specific to hunt for without a specific knowing of where to get it; I don't enjoy hopping from shop to shop and looking through many colours and styles but not finding what I want. I have a very low stamina for shopping. (Not sure if that's something normal, me being a girl...)
So I prayed and told God, "please tell me where to get this dress. I don't even have any idea how it should look like, but I want to have a belt that goes with it." And I went hunting for the dress. I reached the mall at 5.45pm, and I walked for a long time without seeing anything that was close to the little idea I had in mind. I was getting very tired and discouraged when I went into this shop and saw the blue dress. It fitted nicely, and I chose a black belt to go with it. I calculated the price of both and it was exactly to my budget! Praise God! It was around 7.50pm when I paid of the dress and belt. Two full hours of shopping, and I got what I wanted. XD
*
Shall keep posting...
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Crossroads
If you always hear pastors / preachers telling you that Jesus has been tempted in every way possible as a human, yet without sin, and that he has been through all your suffering and pain in life and can identify with you, I would like to tell you that it's true. At any point of your life, whatever situation or circumstances you face, just think the ever famous abbreviation -- WWJD (What would Jesus do?) and put Him in your shoes. He wears all sizes. He's the only One whose size fits all. Or should I say, He fits into all sizes.
I've titled this post "Crossroads" because this is what we face most frequently. Decisions. Choice. What would you do? What should you do? Why? How will it turn out to be? Well, Jesus was at the greatest crossroads ever. I can't say if it's the greatest crossroads of human history, just trying to make it sound big, but I'm sure it was one of the toughest, if not THE toughest choice to make. It was at the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus waged an intense prayer warfare against spiritual darkness, against His flesh and Himself, and said, "Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done." Luke recorded in his gospel that "...being in agony, He prayed more earnestly. Then His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground."
Jesus was at the crossroad of obeying the Father and giving up His life as a ransom for the whole mankind, or resisting this will and continue living His life. If He continued on, I'm sure beyond any doubt that He will preach to many more, heal many more, cast out more demons, perform more miracles, bring many more to salvation, etc. Yet, it was God's timing and purpose for Him to die so that even people beyond His time can believe and be saved. So, on one hand, Jesus would suffer excruciating pain and death, but He will save mankind. On the other, He would preserve His life so that He could continue to achieve greater success in ministry and impact the whole Israel, but He will not be remembered beyond His time; He will just be another prophet who has passed by in the Israelite's history.
Mankind at the expense of His own flesh and blood, or livelihood in the expense of short term achievement.
What is the "more right" thing to do when all the paths at the crossroads are right?
Many times in life, we face crossroads like this, where all the paths are right. There is no right or wrong to a decision, only whether it will lead you to greater, better results than the other.
We ask the Lord, "God, what is Your will for my life? Tell me, is it A, or B, or C?"
And He says, "Whichever way you take, I will bless you."
And many times when He says that, you know that you know, right deep down in your heart, what is your decision, and whether that decision is pleasing in God's eyes. "How do you know?" you might ask. My answer is... "You know that you know. Listen to that still small voice in your heart."
There are crossroads in life that involve the decision of the people around you. They may have made a choice to move on to a different path than yours, and you are somewhat affected by it. Never a day has passed that I did not think of the question, "What about me?" I'm not asking it in a self-centred way, but merely saying, what would my decision be? What would be the "more right" thing to do, for myself? I wouldn't say I can just suck it all up and pretend that other people won't cause me to falter, but I have learned that no matter what happens, I'll just have to stick to the promises of God.
Would I give up my life for many others to live, or save myself so that some others can live? I'll choose the former.
I'm not noble or able. I'm just saying, it would be the "more right" choice. And I will want to choose this.
How do I walk down the path I have chosen? By looking steadfastly and steadily at Jesus, who has paved the highway for me. Already I'm seeing new favour and blessings, even divine protection coming on me. Surely His grace is sufficient for me, just as His mercy is new every morning. Thank You, Lord. I will hold on to You. Because You never fail.
Your joy makes everything complete. I love You, Lord.
I've titled this post "Crossroads" because this is what we face most frequently. Decisions. Choice. What would you do? What should you do? Why? How will it turn out to be? Well, Jesus was at the greatest crossroads ever. I can't say if it's the greatest crossroads of human history, just trying to make it sound big, but I'm sure it was one of the toughest, if not THE toughest choice to make. It was at the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus waged an intense prayer warfare against spiritual darkness, against His flesh and Himself, and said, "Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done." Luke recorded in his gospel that "...being in agony, He prayed more earnestly. Then His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground."
Jesus was at the crossroad of obeying the Father and giving up His life as a ransom for the whole mankind, or resisting this will and continue living His life. If He continued on, I'm sure beyond any doubt that He will preach to many more, heal many more, cast out more demons, perform more miracles, bring many more to salvation, etc. Yet, it was God's timing and purpose for Him to die so that even people beyond His time can believe and be saved. So, on one hand, Jesus would suffer excruciating pain and death, but He will save mankind. On the other, He would preserve His life so that He could continue to achieve greater success in ministry and impact the whole Israel, but He will not be remembered beyond His time; He will just be another prophet who has passed by in the Israelite's history.
Mankind at the expense of His own flesh and blood, or livelihood in the expense of short term achievement.
What is the "more right" thing to do when all the paths at the crossroads are right?
Many times in life, we face crossroads like this, where all the paths are right. There is no right or wrong to a decision, only whether it will lead you to greater, better results than the other.
We ask the Lord, "God, what is Your will for my life? Tell me, is it A, or B, or C?"
And He says, "Whichever way you take, I will bless you."
And many times when He says that, you know that you know, right deep down in your heart, what is your decision, and whether that decision is pleasing in God's eyes. "How do you know?" you might ask. My answer is... "You know that you know. Listen to that still small voice in your heart."
There are crossroads in life that involve the decision of the people around you. They may have made a choice to move on to a different path than yours, and you are somewhat affected by it. Never a day has passed that I did not think of the question, "What about me?" I'm not asking it in a self-centred way, but merely saying, what would my decision be? What would be the "more right" thing to do, for myself? I wouldn't say I can just suck it all up and pretend that other people won't cause me to falter, but I have learned that no matter what happens, I'll just have to stick to the promises of God.
Would I give up my life for many others to live, or save myself so that some others can live? I'll choose the former.
I'm not noble or able. I'm just saying, it would be the "more right" choice. And I will want to choose this.
How do I walk down the path I have chosen? By looking steadfastly and steadily at Jesus, who has paved the highway for me. Already I'm seeing new favour and blessings, even divine protection coming on me. Surely His grace is sufficient for me, just as His mercy is new every morning. Thank You, Lord. I will hold on to You. Because You never fail.
Your joy makes everything complete. I love You, Lord.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
万事都互相效力 All Things Work Out for Good
有时候很想对一些事情作出发表，可是想了想，还是沉默比较好。不是因为没有主见或是不敢做声，而是因为上帝自由安排。很多时候在我们生命里，或是身边的人身上发生了一些事情我们都无能为力，都是因为我们感到无助、无奈，所以很丧气，甚至连祷告都没有心机。就算我们身为上帝的儿女拥有祂赐的权柄和恩膏，如果我们无法掌控自己的情绪，把心静下来，我们就不能索取上帝的应许来应付生活上的挑战。
今天公司里发生了一些令大家都觉得人神共愤的事情。不会在这里详细的讲述，只是想提点自己，要仰望上帝。虽然事情不是发生在我身上，可是事情演变成今天的局势，我都只是在抱怨、猜测、感到恐惧、觉得无奈无助、想放弃、无法继续走下去前方的路。过后当心静下来时，才领悟到我是应该把神的爱散播给每个人的那位，我是祈祷大使，是众人的希望，是那位真正能照亮这世界的人，不是因为我有些什么能力，只是因为我是上帝的儿女，上帝差遣了我，把使命交给了我。
顿时感到自己很没用，因为反而是同僚们来安慰我，激励我。我只能跟自己说，下次做好一点；跟上帝说，我很需要袮；跟同事说，对不起，我没办法帮到你，可是我会为你祷告。
虽然环境没有改善，事情没有转机，祈求的事项还没有实现，可是我心里坚信一切掌控在上帝手中，祂会带来改变，塑造我们的环境和身边的人。罗马书8章25-28节也说到：但我们若盼望那所不见的，就必忍耐等候。况且我们的软弱有圣灵帮助，我们本不晓得当怎样祷告，只是圣灵亲自用说不出来的叹息替我们祷告。鉴察人心的，晓得圣灵的意思，因为圣灵照着神的旨意替圣徒祈求。我们晓得万事都互相效力，叫爱神的人得益处，就是按他旨意被召的人。
很多时候我们都不知道该怎么做，不知道面对这些问题该怎么回应。上帝，袮来教导我、指引我吧。告诉我下一步该怎么走。保护我，让我靠着袮的恩典活出这美丽人生，因为生命因爱而动听。
今天公司里发生了一些令大家都觉得人神共愤的事情。不会在这里详细的讲述，只是想提点自己，要仰望上帝。虽然事情不是发生在我身上，可是事情演变成今天的局势，我都只是在抱怨、猜测、感到恐惧、觉得无奈无助、想放弃、无法继续走下去前方的路。过后当心静下来时，才领悟到我是应该把神的爱散播给每个人的那位，我是祈祷大使，是众人的希望，是那位真正能照亮这世界的人，不是因为我有些什么能力，只是因为我是上帝的儿女，上帝差遣了我，把使命交给了我。
顿时感到自己很没用，因为反而是同僚们来安慰我，激励我。我只能跟自己说，下次做好一点；跟上帝说，我很需要袮；跟同事说，对不起，我没办法帮到你，可是我会为你祷告。
虽然环境没有改善，事情没有转机，祈求的事项还没有实现，可是我心里坚信一切掌控在上帝手中，祂会带来改变，塑造我们的环境和身边的人。罗马书8章25-28节也说到：但我们若盼望那所不见的，就必忍耐等候。况且我们的软弱有圣灵帮助，我们本不晓得当怎样祷告，只是圣灵亲自用说不出来的叹息替我们祷告。鉴察人心的，晓得圣灵的意思，因为圣灵照着神的旨意替圣徒祈求。我们晓得万事都互相效力，叫爱神的人得益处，就是按他旨意被召的人。
很多时候我们都不知道该怎么做，不知道面对这些问题该怎么回应。上帝，袮来教导我、指引我吧。告诉我下一步该怎么走。保护我，让我靠着袮的恩典活出这美丽人生，因为生命因爱而动听。
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
The Hope of All Hearts
Lord, Indeed, You never fail. I'll hold on to You, wait on You, hope on You...
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Passion
Picture taken from gettyimages.com
This is the first time that I didn't shed a single tear. I still felt the excruciating pain when they whipped Jesus and nailed Him on the cross, but I also received a revelation from there. It's not just about treasuring my salvation and the life that Jesus has bought back for me by His body and blood, but the crucifixion itself, and the process of it all, and all that the Roman soldiers and religious authority did to Him was prophesied hundreds of years before He was born... it's such a significant turning point for all mankind.
I understood grace even more now. Who am I that He, the King and Lord of all, would give His life for me, suffer and die for me, just so that I would be made whole and complete and well again, just so that I would be able to have an abundant life. Not because I deserve it, but because I am wretched and I need Him. Amazing grace. Amazing love.
Passion is sacrifice. It's not just a deep love for something, but an act upon your love, that you will not hold back anything just to get to it, just to achieve it. You will not think twice about laying down anything of your self in exchange to it. You will be willing to sacrifice for it.
If you have a passion for photography, you sacrifice your money and time to buy camera and learn to use it, you pour your whole heart to it, just to see the produce of your photography. If you have a passion for music, you invest in instruments, protectives, polish; you invest your time to brush up on skills; you buy albums and listen over and over again; you learn from others.
But Christ, His passion was us, His people, His creation, His children. He invested His whole life for us, He sacrificed Himself. We sometimes devalue the word 'sacrifice'; e.g. "I sacrificed my time and money and youth to learn dancing." or "I sacrificed some meals and gave my money for the church." Compare that with what Jesus did, it really puts things into perspective. Jesus gave His body and His blood as the ransom to buy us back from spiritual darkness. And He gave it willingly. He was betrayed, accused, trialed, spat at, mocked at, scourged, beaten up, bruised, crucified, pierced, rejected, abandoned ... but there was never a word of complaint. He bore it all willingly, because He loved us. Passion is sacrifice.
There is no greater sacrifice than that of Jesus Christ. The Lord showed me that really, actually, whatever things that we suffer here on earth, every heartache, every pain, every rejection, every hurt, every challenge that we face, everything that we think we are unable to overcome, every setback, every obstacle, every opposition... He has taken it all unto Himself, so that we will not need to sacrifice. I'm again reminded that every challenge I face is just a tiny dot compare to what I will be rewarded and enjoy in eternity. And everything I thought impossible is already possible, because the most unthinkable and impossible -- God dying for His creation -- was already done. No wonder Hebrew 12:2 says to keep looking unto Jesus, the Author and the Finisher of our faith. Look unto the cross, look unto His finished work, there lies the power that will defeat and crush satan under our feet!
Lord, as we lift You up in our daily lives, may You draw all men unto Yourself. Amen.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Monday, October 18, 2010
Dream Come True
I think my dream is coming true. Yes, I'm talking about the one I had about the team of scientists coming to do tests on how much a person can withstand physical and emotional pain. Maybe you're reading this title and you're thinking to yourself, "Wow, her dream comes true! How nice." Well, let me tell you that if you didn't have a nice dream and it turns out to be true, it's nothing nice at all.
I know that when I had that dream, it was something very assuring, because although it was excruciatingly painful, but I withstood the pain and suffering, knowing deep in my heart and mind that Jesus was with me. Looks like I really am taking over my colleague's job... at least somewhat. Lord, please help me to keep the faith that you have imparted. Pain will come, but fear, you disappear and become powerless at the presence of Jesus Christ!
1THE LORD is my Shepherd [to feed, guide, and shield me], I shall not lack.
2He makes me lie down in [fresh, tender] green pastures; He leads me beside the still and restful waters.(A)
3He refreshes and restores my life (my self); He leads me in the paths of righteousness [uprightness and right standing with Him--not for my earning it, but] for His name's sake.
4Yes, though I walk through the [deep, sunless] valley of the shadow of death, I will fear or dread no evil, for You are with me; Your rod [to protect] and Your staff [to guide], they comfort me.
5You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with [a]oil; my [brimming] cup runs over.
6Surely or only goodness, mercy, and unfailing love shall follow me all the days of my life, and through the length of my days the house of the Lord [and His presence] shall be my dwelling place.
I know that when I had that dream, it was something very assuring, because although it was excruciatingly painful, but I withstood the pain and suffering, knowing deep in my heart and mind that Jesus was with me. Looks like I really am taking over my colleague's job... at least somewhat. Lord, please help me to keep the faith that you have imparted. Pain will come, but fear, you disappear and become powerless at the presence of Jesus Christ!
Picture taken from gettyimages.com
Psalm 23 (Amplified Bible)
1THE LORD is my Shepherd [to feed, guide, and shield me], I shall not lack.
2He makes me lie down in [fresh, tender] green pastures; He leads me beside the still and restful waters.(A)
3He refreshes and restores my life (my self); He leads me in the paths of righteousness [uprightness and right standing with Him--not for my earning it, but] for His name's sake.
4Yes, though I walk through the [deep, sunless] valley of the shadow of death, I will fear or dread no evil, for You are with me; Your rod [to protect] and Your staff [to guide], they comfort me.
5You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with [a]oil; my [brimming] cup runs over.
6Surely or only goodness, mercy, and unfailing love shall follow me all the days of my life, and through the length of my days the house of the Lord [and His presence] shall be my dwelling place.
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Highly Favoured by God
It’s been another week. Time flies at the speed perhaps second to light, but I should commend on this week because it’s been a week of tremendous blessing, great burning of the Holy Spirit within me compelling me to go, it’s been a week filled with peace that surpasses all understanding.
Where should I start, but to start with praising the Lord?
He is awesome. His favour never fails. And His favour always comes as unmerited, undeserved grace. The Lord always backs us up with more than enough grace as we do His work – sowing seeds of love, planting a word of encouragement, urging fellow believers to become disciples, praying for changes to happen and materialise just as it is in the heavenly realm, calling down His hope and peace when there is despair… Lord, without You I am nothing.
Just the other day I was late for work. And I’m talking about really, really very late. I woke up in shock and disbelief that I was 5 minutes away from the clock in time. Well, what to do? Just take my time to get ready and drive to work with the peace of God in my heart and not fretting.
My colleagues will usually be reprimanded for clocking in late by 1 or 2 minutes. This is the first time I’m ever late for work, and it’s not a 1 or 2 minute lateness. It’s 1 hour and 25 minutes! Both my bosses just smiled at me as I entered the office and told them that it was because I had forgotten to set my alarm and I woke up at 8.10am.
Favour.
My teammates have long ago acknowledged that there is indeed favour upon me and my work. Of course, they didn’t exactly acknowledge God in the picture although I told them before that it was God’s favour on me. And yes, they do joke about it every day, but still, it doesn’t change this fact and truth that I am indeed a highly favoured one.
I am thankful, but my desire is to see all my teammates experience the same favour that I have. I want to see them being blessed in their work and receive recognition and praise for their work, because they work very hard. I want to see all the accusation and injustices that they suffer be nullified. And more than anything, I want to see them believe in Jesus.
Two days ago I had a dream about my work. (I seldom dream about work.) I dreamed that there were some people who came with weird instruments to do some research and test on me and my colleagues on our ability to withstand pain. But it's not just a test on physical pain; the instrument tested on emotional pain at the same time, where the more physical pain you experience, the more emotional pain would increase as well. A few of us were selected to go through this test, and the people assured us that it will not do us great harm. One of my teammates were selected, but I negotiated and told the scientists to let her go, that I would replace her. So they did.
They put a band around my left wrist and started on the weird instrument. I felt pain instantly, slowly at first, and growing more intense as they increased the "volume" on the machine. I could feel a piercing, searing pain in my heart, almost like the emotional pain inside was channelled to my brain cells and transmitted throughout my whole body so that I feel the physical pain. I didn't cry out even though I was already in great pain, yet all the while I felt as though my body was separated from my mind. Throughout the test, I was thinking about how Jesus had suffered the cross and that pain must have been greater than what I was going through. And so the test went on; the scientists kept increasing the "volume". It was getting excruciating now, but I still did not cry out; I still persevered.
Yesterday, I had another dream about my colleagues. It was an annual occasion of some sort for the company, but I don't know what it was. It was almost like a bonus giving day, except that it wasn't. My bosses had prepared gifts for each of us and we were to go to them one by one to receive the gifts. I got a beautifully decorated box. It's not a big box; only the size of my palm, not tall either. My teammates have opened their boxes and revealed accessories of all kinds. All of them only had one or two accessories. I opened mine and took out the accessories one by one, for there were many -- pearl chains, necklaces, earrings, bracelets, you name it. As I took them out one by one, my teammates were all amazed and envious of my gift.
Many things are happening at the moment, and mostly changes that are not good. But I believe the Lord is telling me that even though I will go through times when things are negative and look like they will become worse, He is sustaining me, He will see me through, He will come through for me. And in the midst of all, I will receive gifts and favour from Him. I will remain the highly favoured one. Praise the Lord, He is awesome.
Lord, I pray that at where you have placed me, it will be a position of influence, a position that will enable to share Your love and shine Your glory. Please let Your grace be upon me, so that I will have open doors to preach the gospel, so that in my work I will glorify You.
* picture from gettyimages.com
Friday, October 15, 2010
Christianity is Confrontational
I have mentioned in my previous post that the gospel of Christ is never traditional, goes by human standards or public opinion. It's always confrontational, to the preacher, as well as to the hearer.
If you've never thought of preaching the gospel as a challenge or confrontational to what you know is yourself, I would like to sincerely congratulate you. But you can only be one of the two: (1) You've laid down so much for the Lord that you no longer see preaching Christ as a doing but a living; or (2) You've never preached the gospel to a single person, so there's nothing confrontational to yourself, because you've not stepped out. I'm congratulating you only if you're the first.
Why is preaching the gospel confrontation first to yourself? Because there are many barriers to break, but these are all in your mind. You can only step out in faith after you have confronted these questions in your mind and overcome them. Yes, you can tell yourself a gazillion times "I need to preach the gospel, I should preach the gospel, I need to tell about Jesus!", but not until you actually confronted the thoughts of "this person won't accept Christ" or "He's not open" or "She's of a different religion", you won't take the step of faith to even say the word 'God' in your conversation.
If you don't already know, I'm a Chinese Malaysia, which means my racial identity is Chinese. I get this question from non-Chinese friends sometimes: "Do you celebrate Chinese New Year or Christmas?" I will answer with a smile, "both." Somehow, many people think that because I am a Christian, I shouldn't be celebrating Chinese New Year, because they think the festive occasion has to do with religion.
There's a big difference between cultural traditions and religious practices. Sure there are many festive occasions that are related to one's religion, but there are also many other practices we do simply because we are of that particular race. My fellow Chinese Malaysia, do you know that Christians can and do practice the tea ceremony during weddings, besides having a Christian wedding ceremony in church? Now, is the tea ceremony religious practice or tradition? Do you know that Christians can and do go for Ching Bing to remember their ancestors? Only we don't pray to them or burn any paper money to the dead. Is Ching Bing a religious practice or a tradition and heritage?
Many people think that Ching Bing is a religious practice. Well, do a search about how Ching Bing came about and you will know that the value behind this practice is a heart of filial respect for our parents. And this value is a precious and beautiful heritage that we Chinese practice through centuries. It has been made religious, with people telling you that if you don't burn more paper money for the dead, you will not receive blessing. Or if you pray more to them, the dead will bless you. There is serious misconception that visiting the cemetery to respect the dead is religious.
Friends, it is a tradition, a Chinese culture and heritage that should be kept and practiced, because it is a good value passed down from centuries to teach us to be respectful and honour those who are elder than us, our ancestors, our parents. The only religious thing that you do is when you burn the 'offering' and 'pray' to the dead. Religion is man's self effort to reach God, but to no avail because God is absolutely holy and man is sinful.
And this is why the gospel is confrontational to the hearer. To most Chinese families, when the parents learned that their children have become Christians, their primary concern would be that the children will no longer pay respect to them when they pass away. Christianity confronts tradition. But in this case, tradition is confused and mixed with religion. Does it confront the tradition and value of being filial? Yes, and it confronts the value so that one not only pay respect to the dead, but to the living. That, is transformation. When you believe in Christ, He says in His word to honour your father and mother, that your days may be long. Does He say we should honour our parents when they are living or dead? Of course when they are well and living!
In Jesus' preaching, there were many instances that were confrontational to the people who were listening to Him. Jesus said to one who wanted to follow Him, "Let the dead bury their own dead" (Matthew 8:22); declared spiritual worship to a Samaritan woman (John 4:23-24); said to multitudes who followed him, "If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brother and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple." -- He confronted traditions and taboos of His days. Jesus said to the Pharisees, "Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?" (Luke 14:3); He said to the woman caught in adultery, "go and sin no more" when by the law of Moses she was supposed to be stoned -- He confronted religion and religious laws. It was transformation that He wanted to bring -- transforming mindsets and hearts, transforming dead works to become works of faith by grace.
When we yield ourselves to Jesus and let Him confront our old mindsets and old self, He transforms us into His likeness and glory. When we let Him transform us despite our backgrounds of traditions and culture, we will not be conformed to the values of this world. Even the good values of this world when transformed by the Lord, it becomes good and acceptable and perfect, will of God.
Don't be held back by your traditions or culture. Don't be held back because of religion, your futile self effort to reach God. Don't be held back because of you lack the courage and faith to confront the excuse to evangelise. God did not hold back His only begotten Son, the only Son that He love.
If you've never thought of preaching the gospel as a challenge or confrontational to what you know is yourself, I would like to sincerely congratulate you. But you can only be one of the two: (1) You've laid down so much for the Lord that you no longer see preaching Christ as a doing but a living; or (2) You've never preached the gospel to a single person, so there's nothing confrontational to yourself, because you've not stepped out. I'm congratulating you only if you're the first.
Why is preaching the gospel confrontation first to yourself? Because there are many barriers to break, but these are all in your mind. You can only step out in faith after you have confronted these questions in your mind and overcome them. Yes, you can tell yourself a gazillion times "I need to preach the gospel, I should preach the gospel, I need to tell about Jesus!", but not until you actually confronted the thoughts of "this person won't accept Christ" or "He's not open" or "She's of a different religion", you won't take the step of faith to even say the word 'God' in your conversation.
If you don't already know, I'm a Chinese Malaysia, which means my racial identity is Chinese. I get this question from non-Chinese friends sometimes: "Do you celebrate Chinese New Year or Christmas?" I will answer with a smile, "both." Somehow, many people think that because I am a Christian, I shouldn't be celebrating Chinese New Year, because they think the festive occasion has to do with religion.
There's a big difference between cultural traditions and religious practices. Sure there are many festive occasions that are related to one's religion, but there are also many other practices we do simply because we are of that particular race. My fellow Chinese Malaysia, do you know that Christians can and do practice the tea ceremony during weddings, besides having a Christian wedding ceremony in church? Now, is the tea ceremony religious practice or tradition? Do you know that Christians can and do go for Ching Bing to remember their ancestors? Only we don't pray to them or burn any paper money to the dead. Is Ching Bing a religious practice or a tradition and heritage?
Many people think that Ching Bing is a religious practice. Well, do a search about how Ching Bing came about and you will know that the value behind this practice is a heart of filial respect for our parents. And this value is a precious and beautiful heritage that we Chinese practice through centuries. It has been made religious, with people telling you that if you don't burn more paper money for the dead, you will not receive blessing. Or if you pray more to them, the dead will bless you. There is serious misconception that visiting the cemetery to respect the dead is religious.
Friends, it is a tradition, a Chinese culture and heritage that should be kept and practiced, because it is a good value passed down from centuries to teach us to be respectful and honour those who are elder than us, our ancestors, our parents. The only religious thing that you do is when you burn the 'offering' and 'pray' to the dead. Religion is man's self effort to reach God, but to no avail because God is absolutely holy and man is sinful.
And this is why the gospel is confrontational to the hearer. To most Chinese families, when the parents learned that their children have become Christians, their primary concern would be that the children will no longer pay respect to them when they pass away. Christianity confronts tradition. But in this case, tradition is confused and mixed with religion. Does it confront the tradition and value of being filial? Yes, and it confronts the value so that one not only pay respect to the dead, but to the living. That, is transformation. When you believe in Christ, He says in His word to honour your father and mother, that your days may be long. Does He say we should honour our parents when they are living or dead? Of course when they are well and living!
In Jesus' preaching, there were many instances that were confrontational to the people who were listening to Him. Jesus said to one who wanted to follow Him, "Let the dead bury their own dead" (Matthew 8:22); declared spiritual worship to a Samaritan woman (John 4:23-24); said to multitudes who followed him, "If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brother and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple." -- He confronted traditions and taboos of His days. Jesus said to the Pharisees, "Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?" (Luke 14:3); He said to the woman caught in adultery, "go and sin no more" when by the law of Moses she was supposed to be stoned -- He confronted religion and religious laws. It was transformation that He wanted to bring -- transforming mindsets and hearts, transforming dead works to become works of faith by grace.
When we yield ourselves to Jesus and let Him confront our old mindsets and old self, He transforms us into His likeness and glory. When we let Him transform us despite our backgrounds of traditions and culture, we will not be conformed to the values of this world. Even the good values of this world when transformed by the Lord, it becomes good and acceptable and perfect, will of God.
Don't be held back by your traditions or culture. Don't be held back because of religion, your futile self effort to reach God. Don't be held back because of you lack the courage and faith to confront the excuse to evangelise. God did not hold back His only begotten Son, the only Son that He love.
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