I believe in the Chinese saying that we should refine ourselves, put our family in order, build a healthy society or country, before we can bring peace to the world (in that order).
If we are not sure what we want for our lives, it is difficult to communicate anything worthwhile to our families, much less to the society at large.
Similarly, if we cannot help our families find their fulfillment, how can we really convince the world that we can live at peace?
Therefore, I think it is useful for us to set our vision and mission for our personal lives.
If your spouse sees the value in this (after seeing yours in action), you can also craft one set for your family.
A vision sets out who we want to become, and be remembered as.
A mission sets out the things we want to do, based on the vision.
We can then draw out a few strategic thrusts by focusing on the mission, by which our daily lives would be governed by.
After that, we can set goals for ourselves.
There are long term goals (5 years) and short term goals (1 year).
They are based on the strategic thrusts too.
This allows us to live our lives with purpose, and focus.
I would like to present my version.
This is not the best version ever, but I hope it would inspire you to do something similar, so that you would live a purposeful life.
My vision is:
To be a role-model Christian man in everything I think, say, and do, so that others are inspired to live meaningful Christian lives.
My mission is:
To bring others to the saving grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and assist the fulfillment of God's will in their lives.
I managed to write out 5 strategic thrusts:
1. Be an exemplary son to the Father, and brother to the Church
2. Be an exemplary grandson, son, brother, husband, and father
3. Be an exemplary mentor to my peers and the young
4. Be exemplary in my career
5. Be all things to everyone, so that some may be won
I would not list my goals here, because those change with time, and would not apply to you.
However, you can definitely find resources on the Internet to help you write out goals relevant to your lives.
Just bear in mind what you want to achieve in 5 years, and then work backwards, by breaking down those long term goals into manageable short term goals (1 year).
May the Lord grant you favour in this.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
How should we respond when we are discouraged in doing good?
The Lord has planned good deeds for us to do.
Sometimes, no matter how hard we try, certain situations are beyond our help.
At other times, even though we help someone, and the person gains from our assistance, the person may turn out to be ungrateful and even backstabbing.
The person may have counted our offences against us, more than our willingness to help in the situation.
The person may also feel a false sense of accomplishment and pride at the achievements, as though the person is "self-made".
You know that whatever good deeds we do, we do it as unto the Lord, not counting the possible gratitude and rewards in this life, but with a heart of pure goodness to exclaim the glory of God.
Even so, we do feel disappointed, don't we?
Whatever it is, I encourage you not to give up doing good (not necessarily always to the same person), because you will reap the harvest in the long run, if you do not give up.
Besides, it is not about the others and you.
It is strictly between God and you.
Sometimes, no matter how hard we try, certain situations are beyond our help.
At other times, even though we help someone, and the person gains from our assistance, the person may turn out to be ungrateful and even backstabbing.
The person may have counted our offences against us, more than our willingness to help in the situation.
The person may also feel a false sense of accomplishment and pride at the achievements, as though the person is "self-made".
You know that whatever good deeds we do, we do it as unto the Lord, not counting the possible gratitude and rewards in this life, but with a heart of pure goodness to exclaim the glory of God.
Even so, we do feel disappointed, don't we?
Whatever it is, I encourage you not to give up doing good (not necessarily always to the same person), because you will reap the harvest in the long run, if you do not give up.
Besides, it is not about the others and you.
It is strictly between God and you.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
How do we decide what the right thing to do is?
I would like to start by quoting two statements from the Bible.
Jesus said something like this:
1. Those who are not against Me are for Me.
2. Those who are not for Me are against Me.
These sentences seem to be contradictory, until we examine the context of these quotes.
When Jesus' disciples asked Him to stop others from preaching because they were not in Jesus' "camp", Jesus told them the first statement.
Basically, I believe that Jesus' aim was to tell the disciples to stop judging others.
After all, God is the one who truly knows who His followers are.
When it was time to emphasise on personal responsibility, Jesus mentioned the second statement.
That is, nobody can take a neutral stand about God.
God does not accept people's excuse to sit on the fence, or to be idle.
In fact, this view is further supported by the warning that "luke-warm" Christians will be spit out.
I would like to use these two statements to talk about sin.
Whether a person is sinning or not depends on two factors:
1. Does he know if something is sinful or right?
2. What action is he taking about this matter?
As such, there are a few permutations:
1. He does not know that it is sinful, and he does not do it.
2. He does not know that it is sinful, and he does it due to his sinful nature.
3. He does not know that it is sinful, and he does it wilfully (to relieve pain or to gain pleasure).
4. He knows that it is sinful, and he does not do it.
5. He knows that it is sinful, and he does it due to his sinful nature.
6. He knows that it is sinful, and he does it wilfully.
7. He knows that it is right, and he does not do it.
8. He knows that it is right, and he does it reluctantly.
9. He knows that it is right, and he does it willingly onto God.
I have the following comments about these situations:
1. He does not know that it is sinful, and he does not do it.
This is usually the behaviour of a child who is brought up well by his parents.
He may not understand the definition, but he is obedient to his parents.
This is a plus.
2. He does not know that it is sinful, and he does it due to his sinful nature.
This is the basic tendency of a child.
Even a born-again believer is like a child.
While I am not sure of where God finally draws the line, I believe that this is excusable, at least initially, because a person would finally grow up and realise the truth.
Some people say that children who are not baptised will be in hell, if they suddenly die.
I do not believe that is what a just God has in mind.
3. He does not know that it is sinful, and he does it wilfully (to relieve pain or to gain pleasure).
This is usually the tendency of someone with low intelligence or sanity.
He may not be smart or rational enough to realise that his actions are hurting others.
I also believe that this is excusable, although I would not like to have one of them running around freely in my neighbourhood.
I believe that these people need help.
Eventually, most of us would know if something is right or wrong, because of our conscience.
Few can truly say to God that he does not know and is thus innocent.
4. He knows that it is sinful, and he does not do it.
This is the conscientious effort of a born-again believer.
5. He knows that it is sinful, and he does it due to his sinful nature.
This is the struggle of a born-again believer.
Nobody can say that he does not sin.
Whether this is excusable depends on God who knows him the best.
6. He knows that it is sinful, and he does it wilfully.
This is the tendency of those who commit crimes wilfully, and thus is not excusable.
Obviously, most of us would fall into the "knowing" category.
7. He knows that it is right, and he does not do it.
This is defiance, and also not excusable.
8. He knows that it is right, and he does it reluctantly.
This is like the son in the parable who told his Father that he would not obey Him, but regretted and did it later.
This is valued by God too.
9. He knows that it is right, and he does it willingly onto God.
This person would bring God much pleasure.
Although God will eventually judge us based on our individual response to Him, He loves us deeply no matter what.
What are you waiting for?
Turn to Him now.
Jesus said something like this:
1. Those who are not against Me are for Me.
2. Those who are not for Me are against Me.
These sentences seem to be contradictory, until we examine the context of these quotes.
When Jesus' disciples asked Him to stop others from preaching because they were not in Jesus' "camp", Jesus told them the first statement.
Basically, I believe that Jesus' aim was to tell the disciples to stop judging others.
After all, God is the one who truly knows who His followers are.
When it was time to emphasise on personal responsibility, Jesus mentioned the second statement.
That is, nobody can take a neutral stand about God.
God does not accept people's excuse to sit on the fence, or to be idle.
In fact, this view is further supported by the warning that "luke-warm" Christians will be spit out.
I would like to use these two statements to talk about sin.
Whether a person is sinning or not depends on two factors:
1. Does he know if something is sinful or right?
2. What action is he taking about this matter?
As such, there are a few permutations:
1. He does not know that it is sinful, and he does not do it.
2. He does not know that it is sinful, and he does it due to his sinful nature.
3. He does not know that it is sinful, and he does it wilfully (to relieve pain or to gain pleasure).
4. He knows that it is sinful, and he does not do it.
5. He knows that it is sinful, and he does it due to his sinful nature.
6. He knows that it is sinful, and he does it wilfully.
7. He knows that it is right, and he does not do it.
8. He knows that it is right, and he does it reluctantly.
9. He knows that it is right, and he does it willingly onto God.
I have the following comments about these situations:
1. He does not know that it is sinful, and he does not do it.
This is usually the behaviour of a child who is brought up well by his parents.
He may not understand the definition, but he is obedient to his parents.
This is a plus.
2. He does not know that it is sinful, and he does it due to his sinful nature.
This is the basic tendency of a child.
Even a born-again believer is like a child.
While I am not sure of where God finally draws the line, I believe that this is excusable, at least initially, because a person would finally grow up and realise the truth.
Some people say that children who are not baptised will be in hell, if they suddenly die.
I do not believe that is what a just God has in mind.
3. He does not know that it is sinful, and he does it wilfully (to relieve pain or to gain pleasure).
This is usually the tendency of someone with low intelligence or sanity.
He may not be smart or rational enough to realise that his actions are hurting others.
I also believe that this is excusable, although I would not like to have one of them running around freely in my neighbourhood.
I believe that these people need help.
Eventually, most of us would know if something is right or wrong, because of our conscience.
Few can truly say to God that he does not know and is thus innocent.
4. He knows that it is sinful, and he does not do it.
This is the conscientious effort of a born-again believer.
5. He knows that it is sinful, and he does it due to his sinful nature.
This is the struggle of a born-again believer.
Nobody can say that he does not sin.
Whether this is excusable depends on God who knows him the best.
6. He knows that it is sinful, and he does it wilfully.
This is the tendency of those who commit crimes wilfully, and thus is not excusable.
Obviously, most of us would fall into the "knowing" category.
7. He knows that it is right, and he does not do it.
This is defiance, and also not excusable.
8. He knows that it is right, and he does it reluctantly.
This is like the son in the parable who told his Father that he would not obey Him, but regretted and did it later.
This is valued by God too.
9. He knows that it is right, and he does it willingly onto God.
This person would bring God much pleasure.
Although God will eventually judge us based on our individual response to Him, He loves us deeply no matter what.
What are you waiting for?
Turn to Him now.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Which special need do we have?
I do not envy those families with a child who has special needs.
By that, I refer to the child who has some difficulties living a normal social life.
In a sense, I really respect those who choose to tough it out.
It is their love for their child that enables them to bring him up.
The child with severe disabilities may never be able to achieve normal independence.
One day, their parents would pass away, leaving the poor child behind.
That is why I often pray that my children would never be born with special needs.
I would not be able to handle them, I think.
Yet, don't we all have a special need?
In this, I refer to the need for Jesus.
Without our connection to the Father, we would be left behind orphans, living a most wretched life.
Praise God for sending Jesus.
By that, I refer to the child who has some difficulties living a normal social life.
In a sense, I really respect those who choose to tough it out.
It is their love for their child that enables them to bring him up.
The child with severe disabilities may never be able to achieve normal independence.
One day, their parents would pass away, leaving the poor child behind.
That is why I often pray that my children would never be born with special needs.
I would not be able to handle them, I think.
Yet, don't we all have a special need?
In this, I refer to the need for Jesus.
Without our connection to the Father, we would be left behind orphans, living a most wretched life.
Praise God for sending Jesus.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
To what extent should we obey the Ten Commandments?
Rather than jumping into the Commandments directly, I would like to draw your attention to what Jesus said in Mark 7:17-23. It is what we think that defile us and make us unacceptable to God. This is an important truth, for as long as we are not aware that our arguments tend to serve our self-interest, we can argue until the cows come home without reaching a satisfactory conclusion about any truth in the Bible.
If we can cast aside our pride and self-interest, and ask the Holy Spirit to teach us, I am pretty sure the conclusion would be the same.
1. The Ten Commandments can be found in Exodus 20:1-17. Note that they should apply to us since we have been rescued too.
2. Referring to Matthew 5:17-48 would further confirm about how much we should obey the Commandments.
We should praise the Lord that Jesus came to fulfill the Law, since we cannot do it by ourselves. However, that does not mean we can stay unmoved and just do whatever we like. In fact, as Christians, we should obey God even better than the teachers and the Pharisees. That can only be done if we do it from the heart. Physical obedience is meaningless, if we harbour a secret sinful thought life.
3. If we expand the physical acts of obedience to include our thought life, we would find the following version of the Ten Commandments:
Giving to God what belongs to God
i. To worship God is to adore, trust, believe and desire God.
We can easily worship any gods by adoring human superstar idols, trusting human systems to help us, believing in the lies of non-Biblical ideologies, and desiring the “security” that comes with money.
ii. To make physical idols of animals (versus plants) include admiring their qualities. It also speaks of an impatience to wait for God to reveal Himself to us, as shown in Exodus 32:1-8.
This actual reverses the order of the creator and the created. We have power over what we create (the idol) and should not worship them. God has also given us authority to rule over the animals. Similarly, proper regard should be given to our Creator. Since He created us all, including the animals, should He not be our only worship?
iii. To use God’s name properly is to use it with respect.
Often, people swear oaths or give their promises in God’s name. This action seeks to impress the recipient about the sincerity of the originator. However, if the oath or promise is not fulfilled or is just trickery, it abuses the name of the Lord. This leads directly to how we live our lives as Christians, how we carry His name. If we call ourselves His own and misbehaves, the weaker in faith, and the unbelievers would have more reason to reject Him. The many religious conmen who pretend that “thus says the Lord” will surely be punished.
iv. Note that six days are set aside for our daily and regular responsibilities. The seventh day is a day of reflective rest and a sign of obedience to the Creator.
Let us not fool ourselves about any talk regarding the Lord’s Day (usually meaning Sunday, the day after the Sabbath, which is Saturday). The early Church meets regularly on Saturdays in Acts. They only collected donations on Sundays. We should not do any kind of work on Saturdays. The current Church leadership burn themselves and their lay leaders out for the Sunday services. There is no longer any reflection in the “day of rest”. However, I would like to remind you of Matthew 12:1-14, and Mark 2:23-28, 3:1-6. Since the Sabbath was created for our benefit, showing mercy and not judgement to the needy who need to work on Sabbaths is what we need to do too. In fact, we should render good deeds to the needy on Sabbaths. I believe that this Commandment clearly shows that we cannot observe God completely and that is why we need Christ. Since we are forgiven much, we can forgive others.
I have a recommendation, and this is from me, not from the Lord. We work very hard from Mondays to Fridays (refer to Genesis 3). We obey God to rest and reflect on the Creator on Saturdays, and do not judge those who work on Saturdays. We also contribute to the needy (spiritual, physical, emotional, mental) on Sundays. May God be praised in all that we do.
Respecting others as made in the image of God
v. Being a father, I can understand why parents feel heartbroken when their children fail to honour them.
When we honour our parents, we provide for their needs (spiritually, financially / physically, emotionally, mentally). We also give them our obedience (in the Lord) and love, in front of others, in front of them, and when we are alone. We do not gossip about them, but we bless them with prayers. We regard them as higher than ourselves, for without their decision to keep and raise us, we would not be here.
vi. We also murder others when we hate them (without cause), plot against them (for our self-interest), and ignore their needs.
Thus doing, we have decided that their right to live with dignity is not worth contemplating.
vii. By not giving in to lusting in our hearts, we commit ourselves to the sanctity of the marriage covenant, and show respect to others who are not meant for our sexual (and emotional) pleasure.
Putting things where they belong
viii. We should not take anything that belongs to others.
This includes “borrowing” without permission and claiming credit for what others have done. This also includes piracy, and using school and office things for unofficial purposes.
ix. We should think of others as being higher (more important) than us.
By judging others, we would start mudslinging (to make ourselves look better), gossiping, and slandering. I believe the main purpose of false testimony is to justify that the accused do not deserve what they have, compared to us. This is putting things first, before people.
x. The solution to greed is contentment.
Contentment with Godliness is much gain. When we are greedy for what belongs to others, we may plot against them, so that we can get what belongs to them. A lesser evil is to work very hard for these things so much so that the things become our goal in life, our god. We should work very hard, because life is tough, but we should do so with contentment. We are satisfied with what we have and what we do not have.
Above all, we have God.
If we can cast aside our pride and self-interest, and ask the Holy Spirit to teach us, I am pretty sure the conclusion would be the same.
1. The Ten Commandments can be found in Exodus 20:1-17. Note that they should apply to us since we have been rescued too.
2. Referring to Matthew 5:17-48 would further confirm about how much we should obey the Commandments.
We should praise the Lord that Jesus came to fulfill the Law, since we cannot do it by ourselves. However, that does not mean we can stay unmoved and just do whatever we like. In fact, as Christians, we should obey God even better than the teachers and the Pharisees. That can only be done if we do it from the heart. Physical obedience is meaningless, if we harbour a secret sinful thought life.
3. If we expand the physical acts of obedience to include our thought life, we would find the following version of the Ten Commandments:
Giving to God what belongs to God
i. To worship God is to adore, trust, believe and desire God.
We can easily worship any gods by adoring human superstar idols, trusting human systems to help us, believing in the lies of non-Biblical ideologies, and desiring the “security” that comes with money.
ii. To make physical idols of animals (versus plants) include admiring their qualities. It also speaks of an impatience to wait for God to reveal Himself to us, as shown in Exodus 32:1-8.
This actual reverses the order of the creator and the created. We have power over what we create (the idol) and should not worship them. God has also given us authority to rule over the animals. Similarly, proper regard should be given to our Creator. Since He created us all, including the animals, should He not be our only worship?
iii. To use God’s name properly is to use it with respect.
Often, people swear oaths or give their promises in God’s name. This action seeks to impress the recipient about the sincerity of the originator. However, if the oath or promise is not fulfilled or is just trickery, it abuses the name of the Lord. This leads directly to how we live our lives as Christians, how we carry His name. If we call ourselves His own and misbehaves, the weaker in faith, and the unbelievers would have more reason to reject Him. The many religious conmen who pretend that “thus says the Lord” will surely be punished.
iv. Note that six days are set aside for our daily and regular responsibilities. The seventh day is a day of reflective rest and a sign of obedience to the Creator.
Let us not fool ourselves about any talk regarding the Lord’s Day (usually meaning Sunday, the day after the Sabbath, which is Saturday). The early Church meets regularly on Saturdays in Acts. They only collected donations on Sundays. We should not do any kind of work on Saturdays. The current Church leadership burn themselves and their lay leaders out for the Sunday services. There is no longer any reflection in the “day of rest”. However, I would like to remind you of Matthew 12:1-14, and Mark 2:23-28, 3:1-6. Since the Sabbath was created for our benefit, showing mercy and not judgement to the needy who need to work on Sabbaths is what we need to do too. In fact, we should render good deeds to the needy on Sabbaths. I believe that this Commandment clearly shows that we cannot observe God completely and that is why we need Christ. Since we are forgiven much, we can forgive others.
I have a recommendation, and this is from me, not from the Lord. We work very hard from Mondays to Fridays (refer to Genesis 3). We obey God to rest and reflect on the Creator on Saturdays, and do not judge those who work on Saturdays. We also contribute to the needy (spiritual, physical, emotional, mental) on Sundays. May God be praised in all that we do.
Respecting others as made in the image of God
v. Being a father, I can understand why parents feel heartbroken when their children fail to honour them.
When we honour our parents, we provide for their needs (spiritually, financially / physically, emotionally, mentally). We also give them our obedience (in the Lord) and love, in front of others, in front of them, and when we are alone. We do not gossip about them, but we bless them with prayers. We regard them as higher than ourselves, for without their decision to keep and raise us, we would not be here.
vi. We also murder others when we hate them (without cause), plot against them (for our self-interest), and ignore their needs.
Thus doing, we have decided that their right to live with dignity is not worth contemplating.
vii. By not giving in to lusting in our hearts, we commit ourselves to the sanctity of the marriage covenant, and show respect to others who are not meant for our sexual (and emotional) pleasure.
Putting things where they belong
viii. We should not take anything that belongs to others.
This includes “borrowing” without permission and claiming credit for what others have done. This also includes piracy, and using school and office things for unofficial purposes.
ix. We should think of others as being higher (more important) than us.
By judging others, we would start mudslinging (to make ourselves look better), gossiping, and slandering. I believe the main purpose of false testimony is to justify that the accused do not deserve what they have, compared to us. This is putting things first, before people.
x. The solution to greed is contentment.
Contentment with Godliness is much gain. When we are greedy for what belongs to others, we may plot against them, so that we can get what belongs to them. A lesser evil is to work very hard for these things so much so that the things become our goal in life, our god. We should work very hard, because life is tough, but we should do so with contentment. We are satisfied with what we have and what we do not have.
Above all, we have God.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
How do we know if anyone is a disciple of Christ?
What makes someone a disciple of Christ?
How is such a person different from a believer of Christ?
I am quite certain that the disciples are not restricted to the twelve apostles.
There are even secret disciples, as mentioned in the Bible.
This means that there are people who believe in Christ, and want to follow Him, but are restricted in how they can show their beliefs in public.
They are still disciples of Christ, because they are determined to live their lives according to how Christ wants them to live.
On the other hand, there are believers who attend Church regularly, but have not made up their minds to be disciples.
The Church then becomes a place for them to socialise.
How would you like to live out your faith?
I believe the best way is not to judge other believers, because we do not know their situation, but just to do our best to be the disciples Christ wants us to be.
How is such a person different from a believer of Christ?
I am quite certain that the disciples are not restricted to the twelve apostles.
There are even secret disciples, as mentioned in the Bible.
This means that there are people who believe in Christ, and want to follow Him, but are restricted in how they can show their beliefs in public.
They are still disciples of Christ, because they are determined to live their lives according to how Christ wants them to live.
On the other hand, there are believers who attend Church regularly, but have not made up their minds to be disciples.
The Church then becomes a place for them to socialise.
How would you like to live out your faith?
I believe the best way is not to judge other believers, because we do not know their situation, but just to do our best to be the disciples Christ wants us to be.
Thursday, April 09, 2009
What kind of posts are on this blog?
There are many things I can't write here.
1. I am not supposed to talk about my work.
2. I don't want to name my friends, those that I love here.
3. I don't want to talk about my family members for the same protective reason.
Other than that, I love God.
I am also sure He won't mind me expressing my thoughts about Him.
Therefore, unless you personally know me, you should not be able to trace significant personal information from this blog.
I didn't even put a tagboard.
I hope this clarifies things.
As for my limited posts, how often can I receive a revelation from the Lord?
I write when I can, seriously.
I pray that the Lord will bless you and your families.
1. I am not supposed to talk about my work.
2. I don't want to name my friends, those that I love here.
3. I don't want to talk about my family members for the same protective reason.
Other than that, I love God.
I am also sure He won't mind me expressing my thoughts about Him.
Therefore, unless you personally know me, you should not be able to trace significant personal information from this blog.
I didn't even put a tagboard.
I hope this clarifies things.
As for my limited posts, how often can I receive a revelation from the Lord?
I write when I can, seriously.
I pray that the Lord will bless you and your families.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Are we unfairly treated?
Do you sometime feel that the world is rather unfair?
Do you feel unappreciated for all the things you have done?
Do you feel that it is unfair that someone who is less capable than you is enjoying more of the things of this world?
Why should you feel so?
Don't you realise that if we have more, more is expected of us?
Aren't you concerned that the Lord said that it is more difficult for the rich to enter the kingdom of God?
Why are you despairing to be rich?
Or to be in a position of authority?
Isn't God the One who promotes?
Isn't He in control of everything on Earth?
Doesn't He care for you and me?
If so, I can safely say now that God is fair.
In fact, He is more than fair.
He is just.
He will ensure that you have enough for your needs.
He also knows when too much of a "good" thing is bad for you.
Of course, you can continue to chase the material stuff.
You will only be climbing the wrong tree.
Eventually, you will get what you long for.
However, in the process, you would lose what is truly valuable:
The peace of God, and His smile on His servant - you.
Don't sweat for the small stuff.
Do you feel unappreciated for all the things you have done?
Do you feel that it is unfair that someone who is less capable than you is enjoying more of the things of this world?
Why should you feel so?
Don't you realise that if we have more, more is expected of us?
Aren't you concerned that the Lord said that it is more difficult for the rich to enter the kingdom of God?
Why are you despairing to be rich?
Or to be in a position of authority?
Isn't God the One who promotes?
Isn't He in control of everything on Earth?
Doesn't He care for you and me?
If so, I can safely say now that God is fair.
In fact, He is more than fair.
He is just.
He will ensure that you have enough for your needs.
He also knows when too much of a "good" thing is bad for you.
Of course, you can continue to chase the material stuff.
You will only be climbing the wrong tree.
Eventually, you will get what you long for.
However, in the process, you would lose what is truly valuable:
The peace of God, and His smile on His servant - you.
Don't sweat for the small stuff.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Do you want to know God's will for your life?
Do you feel lost sometimes?
Do you ever wish you know what the best plan is for your life?
Do you ever hope that God will just provide a straightforward blueprint for your life?
Do you ever wish that God will talk to you face-to-face?
God interacted with the believers in great intimacy in much of the Bible.
Yet, for most of us, God does not seem to be visibly or audibly present.
How should we resolve this conflict?
I am praying for an answer too.
What I know is that God desires to speak to us as a Father does.
He desires to share His all with us.
When He took Israel out of Egypt, He wanted the whole nation to communicate directly with Him.
It was Israel that did not want to.
What is missing for our case?
Do we really want God to speak to us?
How strong is our desire?
What are we willing to do to have that kind of open communication with the Lord?
What can we do?
Do we really understand our position as children of God?
Who are we to the Lord?
The basic actions we can take include:
1. Spending time with the Lord
2. Reflecting on His Word (the Bible)
3. Denying our selfish desires so that His will can be made manifest in us
4. Preparing for the unexpected
God speaks to different people in different ways:
1. Mainly through His Word
2. Godly counsel by loving Christian brothers and sisters
3. Impression on the heart by the Holy Spirit
4. Dreams and visions, and
5. Rarely through His audible voice
Regardless, His will is mainly that we be saved, and slowly transformed into the Christ-like image day by day.
He may desire that we serve others in a specific way, and in this sense, His will can be accomplished through our lives.
However, even if we do not do what He desires, He would move someone else to do the job.
We would just lose the opportunity to serve Him.
Choose God - choose life.
Do you ever wish you know what the best plan is for your life?
Do you ever hope that God will just provide a straightforward blueprint for your life?
Do you ever wish that God will talk to you face-to-face?
God interacted with the believers in great intimacy in much of the Bible.
Yet, for most of us, God does not seem to be visibly or audibly present.
How should we resolve this conflict?
I am praying for an answer too.
What I know is that God desires to speak to us as a Father does.
He desires to share His all with us.
When He took Israel out of Egypt, He wanted the whole nation to communicate directly with Him.
It was Israel that did not want to.
What is missing for our case?
Do we really want God to speak to us?
How strong is our desire?
What are we willing to do to have that kind of open communication with the Lord?
What can we do?
Do we really understand our position as children of God?
Who are we to the Lord?
The basic actions we can take include:
1. Spending time with the Lord
2. Reflecting on His Word (the Bible)
3. Denying our selfish desires so that His will can be made manifest in us
4. Preparing for the unexpected
God speaks to different people in different ways:
1. Mainly through His Word
2. Godly counsel by loving Christian brothers and sisters
3. Impression on the heart by the Holy Spirit
4. Dreams and visions, and
5. Rarely through His audible voice
Regardless, His will is mainly that we be saved, and slowly transformed into the Christ-like image day by day.
He may desire that we serve others in a specific way, and in this sense, His will can be accomplished through our lives.
However, even if we do not do what He desires, He would move someone else to do the job.
We would just lose the opportunity to serve Him.
Choose God - choose life.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Is there anything new that can satisfy us?
With the start of the new year, what is new to you?
Do you have a new year resolution?
What do you hope to achieve this year?
What do you hope to have this year?
What do you hope to try this year?
The book of Ecclesiastes stated clearly that all are in vain.
Whatever we try to do, it has been attempted before.
Whatever we try to get, people have possessed it before.
Whatever we want to try, people have tried it before.
Yet, there is no real and lasting satisfaction.
We may be happy for a short while, but the happiness will fade.
As long as we look to temporal things on Earth, we will never be satisfied.
This is because we are created this way.
Our real source of satisfaction can only come from the Lord.
When we see Him face to face, we will be content.
Let us look to Him to fulfil our hearts' desire.
Do you have a new year resolution?
What do you hope to achieve this year?
What do you hope to have this year?
What do you hope to try this year?
The book of Ecclesiastes stated clearly that all are in vain.
Whatever we try to do, it has been attempted before.
Whatever we try to get, people have possessed it before.
Whatever we want to try, people have tried it before.
Yet, there is no real and lasting satisfaction.
We may be happy for a short while, but the happiness will fade.
As long as we look to temporal things on Earth, we will never be satisfied.
This is because we are created this way.
Our real source of satisfaction can only come from the Lord.
When we see Him face to face, we will be content.
Let us look to Him to fulfil our hearts' desire.
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