Where do I start? Today is the day we've been anticipating for. It's A Day in the Secret Place - a day of soaking in the presence of God and praying for Malaysia, in conjunction with Malaysia's 53th Independence Day. I know we've always been doing this, utilising public holidays to set a day of prayer and worship, but today is just ... different. One of the reasons is because we have invited an Evangelist to share a message with us and impart God's grace for evangelism to us; another is because it's one of the few times our church is packed during A Day in the Secret Place. Packed until seats need to be added at the back! Woot!
Evangelist Philip Yeoh (or Brother Philip Yeoh, as he likes to be known) is 70 years old this year, but he looks like just in his 50s, full of the zeal and compassion for the lost, full of the anointing for God, full of the power of Holy Spirit. His hair looks as though it has just begun to grey, not turning white for a long time yet. And his voice... the hymns that he sang... now I know the power of hymns...
Brother Philip shared a lot of testimonies with us. He says, there are many people who waited until their last days before making the decision to go to heaven. There are people who believed but chose to go to heaven empty handed, without any rewards. There are even people who are OCBC (Orang Christian Bukan Christian). But we only have one life, and with this one life, we MUST be CIMB (Christian Ini Memang Bagus!) and serve God gao gao (to the max). If you think evangelism is difficult, let me tell you, it's not. If a 70-year-old uncle can be on fire for God still and been winning more than 1000 souls; if a bedridden aunty who has just received Christ tells her fellow bedridden patients that she's not afraid of death because she now has a passport to heaven; if a taxi driver tells his fellow taxi driver friends that he goes to visit his rich Father every Sunday; if a prisoner on his death roll takes the only 1 hour he has a day to share with his inmates and asked for more and more Bibles to be brought into the prison -- YOU can do it. WE can do it. I, Stacy Phang, commit to do it!
There are many ways to witness Christ. Sometimes you may meet this person whom you think it's pretty impossible to talk to him/her about Jesus, but God is the One who commissioned us, so He has all the answers. Ask Him for wisdom and understanding, and obey. Sometimes we have the fear of rejection in us and it inhibits us from sharing Christ, but think about this: what's the worst that can happen? If the person you're reaching out rejects what you say, or at worst, rejects you altogether, are you losing anything? Maybe the friendship, but in heaven, God has credited a reward to your account just based on your obedience of sharing the gospel and doing the Great Commission. We won't lose; in fact we gain, because we are already winners and victors when we believe in Jesus.
This is just the first part of today, which built up to the second part - the showing of Jaeson Ma's 1040 movie.
The 1040 movie is about nations in Asia that is situated in the 10-40 Altitude on the world map. These include China, Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Indonesia. It's a testimonial movie that interviewed many pastors, church leaders, Christian celebrities, ministers of God from these nations and the move of God in Asia. When I watched that, I just thank God and treasured my heritage as an Asian, especially a Chinese Malaysian. I felt so much like crying as I watched the mighty move of God swept through these nations, but there was no tears; yet I know deep inside me my spirit was crying, crying out to God, crying out for Him to move in Malaysia, in our midst. The urgency...
After that, we went into another round of worship. If the first and second round was already awesome and more awesome, this last round just has no words to describe. I stood there at the 2nd keyboard and I just felt like I shouldn't be standing there; I shouldn't be playing at all, that it wasn't right for me to be worshiping with my instrument then. I wanted to kneel and prostate immediately and to just cry out to Him, but I stood on and played the keyboard. There's just no words to describe this accurate enough. I wanted to cry, but there was no tears. I didn't know what to do with my body; it felt so numb and blank and like there was nothing I could do to be able to express what my spirit was feeling. Finally, I just stopped playing and knelt down under the keyboard and put my head on the floor and just started crying out in my spirit (still no tears), crying out for Him to move in my life, crying out for Him to move in Malaysia, crying out for Him to save all my loved ones...
Now I truly know that I love Him more than anything, anyone. Because He first loved me.
Lord, whatever that You have started in me today, the fire, the sense of urgency, the responsibility, the stewardship You have entrusted to me, the people that You have placed in my life, the destiny You have written of my life - fulfil them, bring them to full completion. This, is the joy that You want us to have, the joy of being who we are meant to be. Your beloved.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
The Smallest Rainbow
To those of you who drive, have you ever thought of how you can give thanks when there is a terrible jam and you're rushing for work? Every minute that ticks pass is another moment closer to the threat of being late, so what runs through your mind may be worry and anxiety more than a thanksgiving heart that rises to God. Well, I had the opportunity this morning to give thanks to God, because I saw something in the sky that was beautiful beyond description.
Two cranes flew by, heading towards the zoo. One particularly flew quite near to the cars in front, because at the stretch I was stuck at was a raised highway. I watched them as they glided through the sky, thinking how nice it would be if they were to flew pass above my car... We inched towards the turning to go down the slope, and as I was turning, I saw it. The sky was now brightly lit, although the thick clouds were a unique combination of reddish orange and grey. And there, in between two clouds was one small ray of rainbow. But there was no mistaking it.
I think I was the only one who actually saw that. Or at least I'd like to think it that way. The rainbow lasted for only about five minutes, and it faded. But for the longest time I just stared at it, one eye looking out at traffic and another just trying to drink in all the beauty in it...
It was so small... Just so small... I tried to look if there were other parts of it coming out in sky, but the clouds were too thick, that was the only gap that allowed the colourful ray to shine through. I couldn't take a picture of it, but there's no regret; it's forever etched in my heart.
I said a prayer to my Father. I need You, Lord. I know every time You show me this Rainbow of Promise, You're just telling me and assuring me of Your great love. Teach me what to do. Show me how, Lord. I need You.
And I gave thanks for the jam.
Jesus, all the answers and solutions are found in You. Even when sometimes we think there are questions that we have never thought about, questions that are essentially doubts, Lord, even these You have the answers to them. Even when things don't turn out the way we want them to, You have the solutions for them. And all we need to do is just to rest in You, rest in the assurance of Your goodness and mercy.
Father, I thank You. And I love You.
Two cranes flew by, heading towards the zoo. One particularly flew quite near to the cars in front, because at the stretch I was stuck at was a raised highway. I watched them as they glided through the sky, thinking how nice it would be if they were to flew pass above my car... We inched towards the turning to go down the slope, and as I was turning, I saw it. The sky was now brightly lit, although the thick clouds were a unique combination of reddish orange and grey. And there, in between two clouds was one small ray of rainbow. But there was no mistaking it.
I think I was the only one who actually saw that. Or at least I'd like to think it that way. The rainbow lasted for only about five minutes, and it faded. But for the longest time I just stared at it, one eye looking out at traffic and another just trying to drink in all the beauty in it...
It was so small... Just so small... I tried to look if there were other parts of it coming out in sky, but the clouds were too thick, that was the only gap that allowed the colourful ray to shine through. I couldn't take a picture of it, but there's no regret; it's forever etched in my heart.
I said a prayer to my Father. I need You, Lord. I know every time You show me this Rainbow of Promise, You're just telling me and assuring me of Your great love. Teach me what to do. Show me how, Lord. I need You.
And I gave thanks for the jam.
Jesus, all the answers and solutions are found in You. Even when sometimes we think there are questions that we have never thought about, questions that are essentially doubts, Lord, even these You have the answers to them. Even when things don't turn out the way we want them to, You have the solutions for them. And all we need to do is just to rest in You, rest in the assurance of Your goodness and mercy.
Father, I thank You. And I love You.
Sunday, July 4, 2010
一年了
星期五晚上我已经回家了，虽然其实没有什么特别的事情做，但我就只是当着是和家人聚聚吧，看一看妈妈，陪一陪她。
星期六我们到旧街场去吃早餐，让我回味我们怡保的美食。一位同乡的朋友说的没错，怡保有两个值得骄傲的特征，就是美食和历史价值。第三的或许是岩石洞吧。你知道吗？大家都知道OldTown White Coffee 是来自怡保的特产，可是如果你有机会到那间旧街场的咖啡店品尝怡保的鱼旦粉+白咖啡，你就真的知道是和他们的连锁店有很大差别的。当然，现场准备的一定比大量生产的来得好百倍。我的词库很穷，没有办法形容得让你（读者）垂涎三尺，简单来讲就是非常好吃啦。
然后妈妈需要去办很多事情，购货、还钱等的。一路上我们都在说要买鲜花给爸爸和祖父母，但是都不知道要在那里买，因为我们已经不想去上次那件花店买了，觉得很贵，而且不美。想了很久，后来路过一间在街场的花店，觉得还蛮不错，就买了三束daisy+小紫花，一束才RM12呢。看着卖花的阿姨细心地把花包好，就觉得，其实做这门生意真的很不错嘛，除了好赚，看见花朵美丽心情也自然会美起来。靠自己的手艺生活，其实不是想象中的可悲嘛，只是或许在开始营业时会是登峰般的难吧…… 很佩服人家能够实现梦想，很想有一天我也能实现我的作家梦。
今天是爸爸的忌日，大清早就被妈妈叫醒，竟然是因为她身体不适，头晕导致想作呕，但是究竟发生什么事我还是搞不清楚。打电话叫表弟来载我们去看医生，医生说是鼻子敏感导致头晕，头晕导致作呕的征兆，然后还追问我是否也有鼻子敏感的问题，有没有皮肤敏感等的。咳，总之是因为妈妈需要治好她的鼻子敏感问题才会好。默默在为她祷告……
后来我和表弟送妈妈回家休息，然后到坟墓去。其实也不算什么祭拜爸爸，只是把鲜花摆在坟前。
看着爸爸的照片，每次都觉得这块石碑不是我爸，土里的骨灰也不是真正的他。肉体已经不再了，有时想起我真的很想知道他的灵究竟在哪里…… 闭上眼睛祷告，我对上帝说，“感激袮正在塑造我家人的生命，让他们每个人都将会体验袮的好，认知袮、相信袮。而我爸，袮在灵里保佑看守他吧。” 我从来都不知道到底能不能为过世的人祷告让他们能够进入袮的国度，但是我知道我一定要把握时间让现在尚在人间的亲人能够体验袮的爱。已经一年了，过去的悲伤我不要再牢记在心里。放开心怀，我已经让袮完全医好我每个伤痕。我要向前迈步，过得更好，活得更精彩，因为有袮的爱支撑着我，一切的悲伤恐惧都会消失。
上帝，我爱袮。爸，你永远都活着在我心里。
星期六我们到旧街场去吃早餐，让我回味我们怡保的美食。一位同乡的朋友说的没错，怡保有两个值得骄傲的特征，就是美食和历史价值。第三的或许是岩石洞吧。你知道吗？大家都知道OldTown White Coffee 是来自怡保的特产，可是如果你有机会到那间旧街场的咖啡店品尝怡保的鱼旦粉+白咖啡，你就真的知道是和他们的连锁店有很大差别的。当然，现场准备的一定比大量生产的来得好百倍。我的词库很穷，没有办法形容得让你（读者）垂涎三尺，简单来讲就是非常好吃啦。
然后妈妈需要去办很多事情，购货、还钱等的。一路上我们都在说要买鲜花给爸爸和祖父母，但是都不知道要在那里买，因为我们已经不想去上次那件花店买了，觉得很贵，而且不美。想了很久，后来路过一间在街场的花店，觉得还蛮不错，就买了三束daisy+小紫花，一束才RM12呢。看着卖花的阿姨细心地把花包好，就觉得，其实做这门生意真的很不错嘛，除了好赚，看见花朵美丽心情也自然会美起来。靠自己的手艺生活，其实不是想象中的可悲嘛，只是或许在开始营业时会是登峰般的难吧…… 很佩服人家能够实现梦想，很想有一天我也能实现我的作家梦。
今天是爸爸的忌日，大清早就被妈妈叫醒，竟然是因为她身体不适，头晕导致想作呕，但是究竟发生什么事我还是搞不清楚。打电话叫表弟来载我们去看医生，医生说是鼻子敏感导致头晕，头晕导致作呕的征兆，然后还追问我是否也有鼻子敏感的问题，有没有皮肤敏感等的。咳，总之是因为妈妈需要治好她的鼻子敏感问题才会好。默默在为她祷告……
后来我和表弟送妈妈回家休息，然后到坟墓去。其实也不算什么祭拜爸爸，只是把鲜花摆在坟前。
看着爸爸的照片，每次都觉得这块石碑不是我爸，土里的骨灰也不是真正的他。肉体已经不再了，有时想起我真的很想知道他的灵究竟在哪里…… 闭上眼睛祷告，我对上帝说，“感激袮正在塑造我家人的生命，让他们每个人都将会体验袮的好，认知袮、相信袮。而我爸，袮在灵里保佑看守他吧。” 我从来都不知道到底能不能为过世的人祷告让他们能够进入袮的国度，但是我知道我一定要把握时间让现在尚在人间的亲人能够体验袮的爱。已经一年了，过去的悲伤我不要再牢记在心里。放开心怀，我已经让袮完全医好我每个伤痕。我要向前迈步，过得更好，活得更精彩，因为有袮的爱支撑着我，一切的悲伤恐惧都会消失。
上帝，我爱袮。爸，你永远都活着在我心里。
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Abundant Life
It's been a long while. A good few months. And so many things to pen down, yet so little time to do so.
Life... it's interesting how differently people can describe it. Some enjoy it immensely; every day is full with purpose and meaning. Some are lost and still searching without looking at the right places for answers, or just too stubborn to accept answers that do not fit their agenda. Some are literally the walking dead; they are alive in the flesh, but not necessary so in their soul and spirit. Or maybe they have just numbed all senses, because of various personal reasons... Anyhow, this piece is not for judging or condemning anyone. If you ever fit into any of the categories above, I pray that you will be the first. We are all meant to be of the first category, because Jesus has given us an Abundant Life.
However, if you are like me, who sometimes are in the first, but some other times think you are of the second or third categories -- let us all tap into the grace of God and look unto the cross again. When things come weighing down on us, when life is hard going and it seems like an uphill climb, when you hardly have any time to just be still and listen to the voice of God, when 'rest' seems to be an alien word -- it's during these times that we ought to do our best to enter the rest of God.
Sounds like we have to strive again? Well, in a way, yes. Because we are bombarded by so many things every day, how do we shut them out, keep our hearts pure and our focus on God if we don't do our best to make sure we enter the rest of God? We have so many activities and responsibilities daily; if we don't make an effort to reserve time and come before God in worship and prayer, how will we ever find the time? But the commandments of God are not burdensome. If you really love Him, you'll know what I mean. I'm not saying this merely because this is what His word says, rather because coming to Him is not something we could ever do, but it's because He has already done it for us that we are able to enter in. If people of other religion could be so devoted and fulfil their religious obligations every day without fail, yet worshiping something that cannot save them, how much more we Christians ought to gear ourselves up and enter into the love relationship with the One True God?
Be Strong and of Good Courage ... this is the title of today's sermon by Ps. Gloria. It's such a timely word for me. Every stage of life is a challenge. I've said before that life from 18 to 30 years old has the most changes and stages. We grow the most, we learn the most, we discover the most, and we become who we really are by the various choices and decisions that we make. Yet, there are times we really need the courage and strength to go on. Sometimes we are deep in a situation and there seems to be no way out but to go through it, but we are afraid and we 'beg' God to let us out the easy way. Knowing our loving Father, He will answer us when we call, but are you ready to hear His reply that doesn't seem to answer your question at all? I think He sometimes does that because He knows we already know the answer and solution to the challenge, but we don't want to face it; we want to escape, to find an easy way out. He says, just be strong and of good courage. I will give you My wisdom, for it is foolishness to people of the world, but you know very well that it is life and peace. Thank you, Jesus.
*
Further reminders from the Holy Spirit: Isaiah 43:18-19 ~ Do not remember the former things, nor consider the things of old. Now it shall spring forth; shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. Only when you let go the old will you be able to enter the new. Only when the Israelites let go their Egyptian-slave mentality could they enter the Promise Land.
It's almost one year now. Fans of Michael Jackson will be mourning / celebrating about him again. Americans will celebrate their Independence Day according to traditions. Today is Father's Day. How are you, Dad? I've always wanted to believe that you're in a better place, but I will never know that for sure, and I guess it's no point still holding on and not moving forward. Regrets and memories will always be there. I will always wish I have more time spent with you, but I will always remember every moment we have shared. I will move on. God, thank You for taking me higher. Dad, I believe I will see you again.
*
Tomorrow is Monday again. Lord, I just want to embrace You and lean on You, because You will give me the strength and courage to fight on. The battle is Yours, but the victory is mine. Your love is the answer. Your wisdom is all I need. I shall not be wise in my own eyes, but Holy Spirit, come have Your way in me. It's You I live for every day. Because the Abundant Life comes from You.
Life... it's interesting how differently people can describe it. Some enjoy it immensely; every day is full with purpose and meaning. Some are lost and still searching without looking at the right places for answers, or just too stubborn to accept answers that do not fit their agenda. Some are literally the walking dead; they are alive in the flesh, but not necessary so in their soul and spirit. Or maybe they have just numbed all senses, because of various personal reasons... Anyhow, this piece is not for judging or condemning anyone. If you ever fit into any of the categories above, I pray that you will be the first. We are all meant to be of the first category, because Jesus has given us an Abundant Life.
However, if you are like me, who sometimes are in the first, but some other times think you are of the second or third categories -- let us all tap into the grace of God and look unto the cross again. When things come weighing down on us, when life is hard going and it seems like an uphill climb, when you hardly have any time to just be still and listen to the voice of God, when 'rest' seems to be an alien word -- it's during these times that we ought to do our best to enter the rest of God.
Sounds like we have to strive again? Well, in a way, yes. Because we are bombarded by so many things every day, how do we shut them out, keep our hearts pure and our focus on God if we don't do our best to make sure we enter the rest of God? We have so many activities and responsibilities daily; if we don't make an effort to reserve time and come before God in worship and prayer, how will we ever find the time? But the commandments of God are not burdensome. If you really love Him, you'll know what I mean. I'm not saying this merely because this is what His word says, rather because coming to Him is not something we could ever do, but it's because He has already done it for us that we are able to enter in. If people of other religion could be so devoted and fulfil their religious obligations every day without fail, yet worshiping something that cannot save them, how much more we Christians ought to gear ourselves up and enter into the love relationship with the One True God?
Be Strong and of Good Courage ... this is the title of today's sermon by Ps. Gloria. It's such a timely word for me. Every stage of life is a challenge. I've said before that life from 18 to 30 years old has the most changes and stages. We grow the most, we learn the most, we discover the most, and we become who we really are by the various choices and decisions that we make. Yet, there are times we really need the courage and strength to go on. Sometimes we are deep in a situation and there seems to be no way out but to go through it, but we are afraid and we 'beg' God to let us out the easy way. Knowing our loving Father, He will answer us when we call, but are you ready to hear His reply that doesn't seem to answer your question at all? I think He sometimes does that because He knows we already know the answer and solution to the challenge, but we don't want to face it; we want to escape, to find an easy way out. He says, just be strong and of good courage. I will give you My wisdom, for it is foolishness to people of the world, but you know very well that it is life and peace. Thank you, Jesus.
*
Further reminders from the Holy Spirit: Isaiah 43:18-19 ~ Do not remember the former things, nor consider the things of old. Now it shall spring forth; shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. Only when you let go the old will you be able to enter the new. Only when the Israelites let go their Egyptian-slave mentality could they enter the Promise Land.
It's almost one year now. Fans of Michael Jackson will be mourning / celebrating about him again. Americans will celebrate their Independence Day according to traditions. Today is Father's Day. How are you, Dad? I've always wanted to believe that you're in a better place, but I will never know that for sure, and I guess it's no point still holding on and not moving forward. Regrets and memories will always be there. I will always wish I have more time spent with you, but I will always remember every moment we have shared. I will move on. God, thank You for taking me higher. Dad, I believe I will see you again.
*
Tomorrow is Monday again. Lord, I just want to embrace You and lean on You, because You will give me the strength and courage to fight on. The battle is Yours, but the victory is mine. Your love is the answer. Your wisdom is all I need. I shall not be wise in my own eyes, but Holy Spirit, come have Your way in me. It's You I live for every day. Because the Abundant Life comes from You.
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Random Remark
Dear Readers, just a random remark here, if you're reading my blog and wondered why I share some word and passages in the Bible and label the posts "Radical Worship". It's because I deem our journey with God as a worship.Quoting Pastor Joseph Prince, the greatest call in our lives is to be a worshipper. Since the Lord has said that true worship is worshiping in spirit and in truth, and the truth is Jesus, and Jesus is The Word; hence, the little sharings that I offer here, I hope to offer it to His glory.
By the way, there's no way I can share a testimony or write all the "Radical Worship" posts without first experiencing what I wrote, but Praise God, His Holy Spirit reminds us of all the things that we have learned, not only that, He also adds to what we learn by giving us more revelation. These revelations often come as I am writing, that's why sometimes the posts seem to end hanging, because I actually meant to write about the verses that came after, but as I elaborated on the former verses, it becomes too long for me to drive home two points in one long post.
I hope to experience more of Him and share with you more of what He is speaking to me. Let us continue on in His word and be rooted in His love. Hope to encourage you as you read, and myself as I write for His glory.
God bless :)
Friday, February 5, 2010
I AM (Walking on Water, Part 2)
Matt 14:22 After Jesus fed the five thousand (besides women and children), and there remained twelve baskets full of the fragments of the multiplied food, He immediately made the disciples to get into the boat to cross over to the other side of Lake Galilee.
Did you ever wonder why Jesus had to make the disciples go into the bed to go ahead of Him to the other side? The New Living Translation used a stronger word: He insisted that his disciples get back into the boat and cross to the other side of the lake, while he sent the people home. Jesus did this because He knew what He was about to do later on.
v23 So He sent the multitudes away and He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. After ministering to the multitudes, He went back to the secret place of intimacy with God the Father. He withdrew Himself, as He did often, to spend time with the Father. The Bible said that Jesus did nothing of His own; everything that He did was done according to what God the Father had said. He was spending time with God so that He would hear from Him what to do next.
As He was praying alone, the disciples' boat was in the middle of the sea, tossed by the waves. They were having tough time sailing through the sea. Mark 6:48 said, "Then He [Jesus] saw them straining at rowing, for the wind was against them. Now about the fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea, and would have passed them by."
Jesus would have passed them by -- that means He was very much adept at walking on water, and He was able to walk fast even though there was a storm at sea. It also meant that He was the help coming to the disciples, but if they were focusing so much on the storm that they didn't see Him coming, He would have passed them by. He was the present help that they needed, but if they didn't recognise Him, the miracle would have just passed them by.
The disciples saw Jesus, but they almost let Him pass by because they didn't recognise He was Jesus. They were troubled, saying, "It is a ghost!" And they cried out for fear. (v26) Instead of knowing that He is the Lord God, Tuhan (in Malay = God), they thought the other way round and called Him "Hantu" (in Malay = ghost).
To the disciples it was perhaps like this: "Man, we're in this boat-sinking roaring storm because Jesus 'forced' us to get into the boat. Now, if we didn't get into the boat to get to the other side, we probably don't need to go through this! Just how much worse can the situation be? (Suddenly sees Jesus walking on water) *gasp!* It's a GHOST!!"
Sometimes when we are facing difficult situations and circumstances in life, we can be so desperate for the Lord to show up, to the point that we don't recognise that the Lord has already shown up or that He is in control of the situation. Worse still, if we don't guard our hearts, we would be complaining and seeing all the negativity of the situation, i.e., seeing ghosts, seeing only ghost and not God.
Praise God that at this moment, Jesus showed grace to the disciples. v27 He said to them, "Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid." The Amplified Bible translated it as "Take courage! I AM! Stop being afraid!" Jesus was showing Himself as The Great I AM.
Isn't this a great picture of who our God is? When The Lord revealed Himself as the I AM to Moses, He was saying, "I am He who was, and who is and who is to come. I am the one you've been searching for. I am the Everlasting God, I am the Almighty, I am all you need. I AM." There were times I find myself praying or worshiping and I would say "You are, You are, You are Lord, You are..." But many times our minds ask us, "He is what? What do you mean I AM?" I realised that if you ask it this way, you won't see Him, His being, because our mental understanding tells us that the sentence is incomplete, i.e. You are..... (what?) Yet, our hearts can understand and connect to God, that He truly is (the Lord).
So Jesus was saying to them, I am He! I am God, not ghost! I am all that you need, I am THE LORD.
If we, in any situation that we face, can readily recognise that God is in control of the situation, we will not turn our sight to look at all the negative things in the situation. We will instead set our eyes and hearts and our entire focus on God. When Jesus shows up, all the other things become dim as shadows in the light of His glory and grace.
The account of Jesus walking on water is to me like life's journey. The Lord sends us ahead of Him, before His second coming, but He never has us off His mind, and He is determined to show up in our every day situations. When He comes, He doesn't just want to pass us by and leave us still deep in the problem, but to help us recognise we don't need to struggle; we just need to acknowledge that HE IS. Many times, God tells me that I don't need to struggle, because struggle is a form of work -- you're doing it by your own strength, labouring in vain. But when we acknowledge that He is THE LORD, He gives us rest and peace of heart as He takes over and set things right. As Pastor Joseph Prince said, when we look to Him and see all that He is and has for us, He sees us in our faith, and that pleases Him.
Verse to Remember:
Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths
He is the solution to every need, the answer to every question.
Did you ever wonder why Jesus had to make the disciples go into the bed to go ahead of Him to the other side? The New Living Translation used a stronger word: He insisted that his disciples get back into the boat and cross to the other side of the lake, while he sent the people home. Jesus did this because He knew what He was about to do later on.
v23 So He sent the multitudes away and He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. After ministering to the multitudes, He went back to the secret place of intimacy with God the Father. He withdrew Himself, as He did often, to spend time with the Father. The Bible said that Jesus did nothing of His own; everything that He did was done according to what God the Father had said. He was spending time with God so that He would hear from Him what to do next.
As He was praying alone, the disciples' boat was in the middle of the sea, tossed by the waves. They were having tough time sailing through the sea. Mark 6:48 said, "Then He [Jesus] saw them straining at rowing, for the wind was against them. Now about the fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea, and would have passed them by."
Jesus would have passed them by -- that means He was very much adept at walking on water, and He was able to walk fast even though there was a storm at sea. It also meant that He was the help coming to the disciples, but if they were focusing so much on the storm that they didn't see Him coming, He would have passed them by. He was the present help that they needed, but if they didn't recognise Him, the miracle would have just passed them by.
The disciples saw Jesus, but they almost let Him pass by because they didn't recognise He was Jesus. They were troubled, saying, "It is a ghost!" And they cried out for fear. (v26) Instead of knowing that He is the Lord God, Tuhan (in Malay = God), they thought the other way round and called Him "Hantu" (in Malay = ghost).
To the disciples it was perhaps like this: "Man, we're in this boat-sinking roaring storm because Jesus 'forced' us to get into the boat. Now, if we didn't get into the boat to get to the other side, we probably don't need to go through this! Just how much worse can the situation be? (Suddenly sees Jesus walking on water) *gasp!* It's a GHOST!!"
Sometimes when we are facing difficult situations and circumstances in life, we can be so desperate for the Lord to show up, to the point that we don't recognise that the Lord has already shown up or that He is in control of the situation. Worse still, if we don't guard our hearts, we would be complaining and seeing all the negativity of the situation, i.e., seeing ghosts, seeing only ghost and not God.
Praise God that at this moment, Jesus showed grace to the disciples. v27 He said to them, "Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid." The Amplified Bible translated it as "Take courage! I AM! Stop being afraid!" Jesus was showing Himself as The Great I AM.
Isn't this a great picture of who our God is? When The Lord revealed Himself as the I AM to Moses, He was saying, "I am He who was, and who is and who is to come. I am the one you've been searching for. I am the Everlasting God, I am the Almighty, I am all you need. I AM." There were times I find myself praying or worshiping and I would say "You are, You are, You are Lord, You are..." But many times our minds ask us, "He is what? What do you mean I AM?" I realised that if you ask it this way, you won't see Him, His being, because our mental understanding tells us that the sentence is incomplete, i.e. You are..... (what?) Yet, our hearts can understand and connect to God, that He truly is (the Lord).So Jesus was saying to them, I am He! I am God, not ghost! I am all that you need, I am THE LORD.
If we, in any situation that we face, can readily recognise that God is in control of the situation, we will not turn our sight to look at all the negative things in the situation. We will instead set our eyes and hearts and our entire focus on God. When Jesus shows up, all the other things become dim as shadows in the light of His glory and grace.
The account of Jesus walking on water is to me like life's journey. The Lord sends us ahead of Him, before His second coming, but He never has us off His mind, and He is determined to show up in our every day situations. When He comes, He doesn't just want to pass us by and leave us still deep in the problem, but to help us recognise we don't need to struggle; we just need to acknowledge that HE IS. Many times, God tells me that I don't need to struggle, because struggle is a form of work -- you're doing it by your own strength, labouring in vain. But when we acknowledge that He is THE LORD, He gives us rest and peace of heart as He takes over and set things right. As Pastor Joseph Prince said, when we look to Him and see all that He is and has for us, He sees us in our faith, and that pleases Him.
Verse to Remember:
Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths
He is the solution to every need, the answer to every question.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Reminders of Love
The Word of God is beautiful, wonderful, powerful, prophetic, poetic, and every other good adjectives you can think of to describe it. It is life to our spirit and soul. It's the Love Letter from our dear Abba Father. Many times we believers, when we were newly born-again, we suddenly had a very strong desire to read the Bible, to study His word, even though many a times we may not understand it fully. And then, we get busy with various stuff in life, and sometimes you tell yourself that it's time to read the Word, but you're flesh is not willing to put down whatever that you're doing. And we grow cold, gradually, unconsciously succumbing to the devil's scheme to cause us to forget the Word. The very Word that has first saved us...
Jesus is THE WORD. And we are to declare Him, not just remember Him. Because you can remember something but never talk about it, and no one would know that you actually do remember it; it becomes a mere memory, sometimes even like a figment of your imagination -- you know it, yet you don't really know it.
In this post, I just want to list down some of the verses that has been speaking to me lately. If I were to share with you just what each and every verse meant to me, it would be a really, really long post. But I'll try wherever I can, yet the Word speaks for itself without the need of an interpreter, so read it as it is, and let it speak to your heart, just as it did to me.
I just flipped open my Bible and it landed on Zephaniah.
John 14:1, 27 -- Let not your hearts be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me... Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you, Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
Jesus is THE WORD. And we are to declare Him, not just remember Him. Because you can remember something but never talk about it, and no one would know that you actually do remember it; it becomes a mere memory, sometimes even like a figment of your imagination -- you know it, yet you don't really know it.
In this post, I just want to list down some of the verses that has been speaking to me lately. If I were to share with you just what each and every verse meant to me, it would be a really, really long post. But I'll try wherever I can, yet the Word speaks for itself without the need of an interpreter, so read it as it is, and let it speak to your heart, just as it did to me.
I just flipped open my Bible and it landed on Zephaniah.
Zephaniah 3:17 -- The Lord your God in you midst, The Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.
Remember the song "Amazed"? He dances over us, rejoicing over us with singing. He quiets us with His love -- when you are embraced in His amazing love, you will just be in awe, without the need to say anything at all.John 14:1, 27 -- Let not your hearts be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me... Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you, Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
Phil 4:7 (Amplified) -- And God's peace [shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Psalm 23 (Amplified)
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. 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 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.
Psalm 84:11 -- For the Lord God is a sun and shield; The Lord will give grace and glory; no good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly.
Rom 5: 1-5 -- Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
Be reminded of His great love. When we start to focus on His love, on the very Person of Jesus, when we behold His glory and grace, He sees us in faith. All the things that surround us are mere shadows in His lovely presence.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Compassion (Walking on Water, Part 1)
I remember when I first heard of this message of the account of Jesus walking on water, it was a sermon that really spoke deeply to me. Subsequently, I found a book by John Ortberg with the title, "If you want to walk on water, you've got to get out of the boat". It is a fun reading book with many spiritual principles to draw from. I will share this in another blog post.
Matthew 14:22 began with the word 'Immediately'. Something happened before Jesus made His disciples go into the boat and get before Him to the other side of the lake. Before the account of Jesus walking on water was the account of Jesus feeding the five thousand. And before these two miracles happened, Jesus had a very distressing start of the day.
Matthew 14:13 -- Jesus heard that his cousin John the Baptist had been beheaded by Herod the tetrarch, and he was very sad. He departed from that place by boat to a deserted place by Himself. He wanted some quiet time with the Lord, He wanted to lift up His soul to God the Father. But alas, when the multitudes heard that He went to that directed, they followed Him on foot from the cities.
Just imagine, these people followed Him on foot! And it's not like they were all healthy and in comfort. Each of them were carrying their burdens, their sorrows, their sicknesses, their problems, and despite knowing that Jesus withdrew Himself from the crowds, they still followed Him. Why? Perhaps they wanted to console Jesus about John, but I think they secretly or subconsciously knew that Jesus would have compassion on them.
v14 -- When Jesus saw the great multitude, He was moved with compassion for them, and started healing their sick and preaching to them. And boy was the sermon long! Because He preached until evening, and His disciples came to Him to tell Him it's getting late, better send the people into the villages and let them buy themselves food. They were signally Jesus that they were hungry. (v15)
Instead, Jesus made a great miracle of multiplying five loaves and two fishes in the disciples' hands as they distributed it to the multitude. Notice the Lord did not break the loaves and fishes Himself, but instead gave it to the disciples and the food multiplied as they gave it to the people. He wanted them to know that He is in control, for them to see that as they put their trust and faith on Him, there will always be more than enough, because He is the one who supplies, He is Jehovah-Jireh!
Now, try to picture Jesus, who has just lost a close family member who is also supposed to be His forerunner. When a forerunner has died, that means He would be next to go soon. He was in grief, but He was still in control. I believe this is recorded because God wants us to know that He truly can understand our feelings. Jesus is setting the example to us that even though we may be going through challenging times, it doesn't mean that we then switch off our compassion.
I believe it is entirely normal and human when a person goes through grief that he needs time to regain focus and strength, to let the wounds heal. I'm not saying that when we go through rough times we just numb it and tough on the journey. God understands our feelings that we need to draw ourselves away from the crowd and just be in His presence, but He also wants us not to lose the compassion in our hearts. Because deep down inside, we will still have it and find it if we do not just focus on our distress. If we don't ignore the compassion in our hearts, the Lord can use us for miracles. However, if we choose to be drowned in sadness and never rise up, we choose to let God pass us by.
Believe me, I have been through times of great grief and I know what it means to lose someone dear. And during those times, I felt like I had all the right to be emotional about anything and everything and at everyone, even though deep down I knew that I shouldn't continue to be like that. I felt like just giving up everything that I know of the Lord, because for once, it actually seemed like the Lord has failed to show up for me, but then again I also know that it is not like that. I thank God that I never gave up going to church and worship Him, be in His presence. Though at that time I didn't understand many things, and I was desperately searching for answers, but looking back, I thank God that I did not give up the softness in my heart, the part of me that responds to God time and time again. I did not give up being compassionate.
Sometimes we lose someone and people tell us, "from here on, many will come to know Christ!" It's very hard to buy that when you're in that situation, because if many are going to believe in the Lord, why not the one who has passed away? Why some have to die while others get to live eternally? Where is the fairness to that? But friends, if a farmer were to sow seeds, will every seed become a tree? Or can he guarantee the exact number of fruits the tree would yield to every seed sown? Yet, does he say then that he will not go out to reap the harvest because it is too little?
Gal 6:9 Let us do not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.
Don't lose heart. Don't lose your compassion. You'll never know how miracles will come. Jesus is the supplier of miracles.
Matthew 14:22 began with the word 'Immediately'. Something happened before Jesus made His disciples go into the boat and get before Him to the other side of the lake. Before the account of Jesus walking on water was the account of Jesus feeding the five thousand. And before these two miracles happened, Jesus had a very distressing start of the day.
Matthew 14:13 -- Jesus heard that his cousin John the Baptist had been beheaded by Herod the tetrarch, and he was very sad. He departed from that place by boat to a deserted place by Himself. He wanted some quiet time with the Lord, He wanted to lift up His soul to God the Father. But alas, when the multitudes heard that He went to that directed, they followed Him on foot from the cities.
Just imagine, these people followed Him on foot! And it's not like they were all healthy and in comfort. Each of them were carrying their burdens, their sorrows, their sicknesses, their problems, and despite knowing that Jesus withdrew Himself from the crowds, they still followed Him. Why? Perhaps they wanted to console Jesus about John, but I think they secretly or subconsciously knew that Jesus would have compassion on them.
v14 -- When Jesus saw the great multitude, He was moved with compassion for them, and started healing their sick and preaching to them. And boy was the sermon long! Because He preached until evening, and His disciples came to Him to tell Him it's getting late, better send the people into the villages and let them buy themselves food. They were signally Jesus that they were hungry. (v15)
Instead, Jesus made a great miracle of multiplying five loaves and two fishes in the disciples' hands as they distributed it to the multitude. Notice the Lord did not break the loaves and fishes Himself, but instead gave it to the disciples and the food multiplied as they gave it to the people. He wanted them to know that He is in control, for them to see that as they put their trust and faith on Him, there will always be more than enough, because He is the one who supplies, He is Jehovah-Jireh!
Now, try to picture Jesus, who has just lost a close family member who is also supposed to be His forerunner. When a forerunner has died, that means He would be next to go soon. He was in grief, but He was still in control. I believe this is recorded because God wants us to know that He truly can understand our feelings. Jesus is setting the example to us that even though we may be going through challenging times, it doesn't mean that we then switch off our compassion.
I believe it is entirely normal and human when a person goes through grief that he needs time to regain focus and strength, to let the wounds heal. I'm not saying that when we go through rough times we just numb it and tough on the journey. God understands our feelings that we need to draw ourselves away from the crowd and just be in His presence, but He also wants us not to lose the compassion in our hearts. Because deep down inside, we will still have it and find it if we do not just focus on our distress. If we don't ignore the compassion in our hearts, the Lord can use us for miracles. However, if we choose to be drowned in sadness and never rise up, we choose to let God pass us by.
Believe me, I have been through times of great grief and I know what it means to lose someone dear. And during those times, I felt like I had all the right to be emotional about anything and everything and at everyone, even though deep down I knew that I shouldn't continue to be like that. I felt like just giving up everything that I know of the Lord, because for once, it actually seemed like the Lord has failed to show up for me, but then again I also know that it is not like that. I thank God that I never gave up going to church and worship Him, be in His presence. Though at that time I didn't understand many things, and I was desperately searching for answers, but looking back, I thank God that I did not give up the softness in my heart, the part of me that responds to God time and time again. I did not give up being compassionate.
Sometimes we lose someone and people tell us, "from here on, many will come to know Christ!" It's very hard to buy that when you're in that situation, because if many are going to believe in the Lord, why not the one who has passed away? Why some have to die while others get to live eternally? Where is the fairness to that? But friends, if a farmer were to sow seeds, will every seed become a tree? Or can he guarantee the exact number of fruits the tree would yield to every seed sown? Yet, does he say then that he will not go out to reap the harvest because it is too little?
Gal 6:9 Let us do not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.
Don't lose heart. Don't lose your compassion. You'll never know how miracles will come. Jesus is the supplier of miracles.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Help My Unbelief
Got this revelation about the story of Jesus healing a boy with evil spirit.
In this account of his healing, Jesus had just came down from the mountain where He and His 3 beloved disciples, Peter, James and John, had spent the night. They had the privilege of witnessing Jesus' transfiguration, but commanded by Jesus not to tell the vision to anyone until the Son of Man is risen from the dead -- because He knew He was about to go up to the cross, and that this vision would be an evidence or testimony the He is truly sent by the Father, and that He is the Son of God.
Now, as soon as they came down from the mountain and met with the other disciples, He saw a great multitude around them, and the scribes disputing with them. (Mark 9:14) A man came to Him, begging Him saying, "Lord have mercy on my son, for he is epileptic and suffers severely; for he often falls into the fire and often into the water. So I brought him to Your disciples, but they could not cure him." (Matthew 17:15-16) Mark recorded it as "... So I spoke to Your disciples, that they should cast it [the evil spirit] out, but they could not."
This father must have been very desperate for his son to be healed of the evil spirit. He knows very well that it was an evil spirit that caused his son to be epileptic, falling into fire and water, so he searched for the right solution -- the spiritual solution -- and he came to the right people. But to His disappointment, Jesus' disciples couldn't cast out the demon. Perhaps they have tried all night, using all kinds of ways, but they still couldn't help this boy.
And being desperate, as soon as the father saw Jesus arrive, he came to Him and related the night's incident to Him. Perhaps what he was saying was this, "Jesus, thank goodness You are here now. You see, my son is demon-possessed, and I guess only You alone can help me, because even Your disciples can't cast it out." And maybe he had this slight hint of complaining that His disciples were a useless bunch. But he couldn't offend the Lord, so he tried to relate what happened in an objective manner.
But Jesus answered him and said, "O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I bear with you? Bring him to Me."
Talk about WOW! Was Jesus talking about the father being faithless, or the disciples? Or both? Perhaps it was both. The father didn't have faith that the disciples could heal his boy, nor did the disciples had faith that the boy would be healed through them.
Then the father said, "But if You can do anything, have compassion on us and help us." (Mark 9:22b) Did he know that Jesus can do EVERYTHING? Why then did he said ANYTHING? Obviously, he was desperately begging Jesus for help.
Jesus said to him, "If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes." Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, "Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!" (Mark 9:23-24)
The father was so desperate for something to happen that his level of faith had begun to decrease, and there was a mixture of faith and unbelief in his heart.
Sometimes that can happen to us. We are so desperate for something to happen, for a change, for a prayer to be answered, for God to show up, that our faith dwindles and we don't know if there was any basis for our hope. We are so desperate for God to answer us that it seemed like God was late. And suddenly we become confused. Should I really do this? Is this the will of God for me? Am I praying correctly?
Friends, let me tell you that if you're not praying stuff against God's nature and against what the Bible says, there's no such thing as a 'wrong prayer'. The father of the boy could have asked, "is it God's will for my son to be heal?" The answer is "of course!" Is it God's will for you to see your family members saved, see you living in prosperity, good career development, living in overflowing blessing? OF COURSE!
How do you keep on believing when what you have asked for is not yet here? Keep looking at faith (Jesus), keep hearing Him saying to you "If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes." He has already given us the remedy to help your unbelief.
Verse to Remember:
Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God (Christ) -- Romans 10:17
In this account of his healing, Jesus had just came down from the mountain where He and His 3 beloved disciples, Peter, James and John, had spent the night. They had the privilege of witnessing Jesus' transfiguration, but commanded by Jesus not to tell the vision to anyone until the Son of Man is risen from the dead -- because He knew He was about to go up to the cross, and that this vision would be an evidence or testimony the He is truly sent by the Father, and that He is the Son of God.
Now, as soon as they came down from the mountain and met with the other disciples, He saw a great multitude around them, and the scribes disputing with them. (Mark 9:14) A man came to Him, begging Him saying, "Lord have mercy on my son, for he is epileptic and suffers severely; for he often falls into the fire and often into the water. So I brought him to Your disciples, but they could not cure him." (Matthew 17:15-16) Mark recorded it as "... So I spoke to Your disciples, that they should cast it [the evil spirit] out, but they could not."
This father must have been very desperate for his son to be healed of the evil spirit. He knows very well that it was an evil spirit that caused his son to be epileptic, falling into fire and water, so he searched for the right solution -- the spiritual solution -- and he came to the right people. But to His disappointment, Jesus' disciples couldn't cast out the demon. Perhaps they have tried all night, using all kinds of ways, but they still couldn't help this boy.
And being desperate, as soon as the father saw Jesus arrive, he came to Him and related the night's incident to Him. Perhaps what he was saying was this, "Jesus, thank goodness You are here now. You see, my son is demon-possessed, and I guess only You alone can help me, because even Your disciples can't cast it out." And maybe he had this slight hint of complaining that His disciples were a useless bunch. But he couldn't offend the Lord, so he tried to relate what happened in an objective manner.
But Jesus answered him and said, "O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I bear with you? Bring him to Me."
Talk about WOW! Was Jesus talking about the father being faithless, or the disciples? Or both? Perhaps it was both. The father didn't have faith that the disciples could heal his boy, nor did the disciples had faith that the boy would be healed through them.
Then the father said, "But if You can do anything, have compassion on us and help us." (Mark 9:22b) Did he know that Jesus can do EVERYTHING? Why then did he said ANYTHING? Obviously, he was desperately begging Jesus for help.
Jesus said to him, "If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes." Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, "Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!" (Mark 9:23-24)
The father was so desperate for something to happen that his level of faith had begun to decrease, and there was a mixture of faith and unbelief in his heart.
Sometimes that can happen to us. We are so desperate for something to happen, for a change, for a prayer to be answered, for God to show up, that our faith dwindles and we don't know if there was any basis for our hope. We are so desperate for God to answer us that it seemed like God was late. And suddenly we become confused. Should I really do this? Is this the will of God for me? Am I praying correctly?
Friends, let me tell you that if you're not praying stuff against God's nature and against what the Bible says, there's no such thing as a 'wrong prayer'. The father of the boy could have asked, "is it God's will for my son to be heal?" The answer is "of course!" Is it God's will for you to see your family members saved, see you living in prosperity, good career development, living in overflowing blessing? OF COURSE!
How do you keep on believing when what you have asked for is not yet here? Keep looking at faith (Jesus), keep hearing Him saying to you "If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes." He has already given us the remedy to help your unbelief.
Verse to Remember:
Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God (Christ) -- Romans 10:17
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