November 28, 2010
Love is part of being human. We either love something or someone.
Love is wired into our human DNA. Love is an initiative and a response.
In an imperfect world filled with stories of infidelity and of betrayals, blessed is the man who finds love; - loyal, committed, faithful love.
God displays that kind of love. The Hebrew word for it is ‘HESED’.
‘Hesed’ is that loyal love that honours the pledge of commitment in a covenant. And our God is that hesed-keeping God; fiercely loyal and loving without reservation.
The more we hang around God, the more we learn that love is part of being divine. Love is, after all, wired in the divine DNA of God.
As disciples, the Holy Spirit is in us and the divine DNA is now part of who we are as well.
Christians are now called to be ‘hesed’-keeping people – faithful to God and showing loyal love to our fellow beings.
Imagine what a mighty force the church will be if we are such people?
In this time and age where peace is so elusive and love is so scarce, the disciples who exhibit such love will truly ‘shine as stars’.
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Friday, November 19, 2010
Fear, Risk and Faith
November 21, 2010
Faith, fear and risk – they are all verbs that describe our challenge to live godly lives and fulfil God’s great purpose for us.
“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6)
Faith is being convinced of who God is and is built on the unshakeable foundation of an abiding relationship with Him. It is fixing our eyes constantly on God and who He said He is.
Fear comes about because of uncertainty. Without perfect foreknowledge, it is easy for us to be intimidated by the physical limitations and future provision. The only way for us to overcome fear is to step out and act out our faith in God.
Risk then becomes the action-verb for faith. However, it will be foolish to think that any type of risk undertaken by Christians is a demonstration of active faith.
While it is true that Noah, Abraham, Moses and all biblical heroes of faith took risks – they do so because they had a trusting relationship with God and were convinced of who God is. They were fixated on pleasing God and therefore were able to overcome their fears. Convinced of God, they took the risk.
What men call risk, God calls it faith.
Faith, fear and risk – they are all verbs that describe our challenge to live godly lives and fulfil God’s great purpose for us.
“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6)
Faith is being convinced of who God is and is built on the unshakeable foundation of an abiding relationship with Him. It is fixing our eyes constantly on God and who He said He is.
Fear comes about because of uncertainty. Without perfect foreknowledge, it is easy for us to be intimidated by the physical limitations and future provision. The only way for us to overcome fear is to step out and act out our faith in God.
Risk then becomes the action-verb for faith. However, it will be foolish to think that any type of risk undertaken by Christians is a demonstration of active faith.
While it is true that Noah, Abraham, Moses and all biblical heroes of faith took risks – they do so because they had a trusting relationship with God and were convinced of who God is. They were fixated on pleasing God and therefore were able to overcome their fears. Convinced of God, they took the risk.
What men call risk, God calls it faith.
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Staying faithful when Life is difficult
November 14, 2010
How can disciples remain faithful to God in the face of hardships and trials?
Saw an interesting quotation this week that read, “Everything will be okay in the end. If everything is not okay, it is not the end.”
Not a bad advice if you are facing a bad situation; and quite a biblical way to handle life’s problems.
To trust God and serve Him faithfully in times of great trials calls for faith. This faith requires that we take our eyes off life’s physical circumstances to the Supernatural invisible God of life.
During times of great stress and struggles, we put our hope in God and pray that everything will work out well in the end. However, if in spite of our petitions and prayers, things fail to change for the better and sometimes even if it takes a turn for the worse, we must not lose heart.
Trials and difficulties cannot put a full stop to our lives. Even if everything is not okay, it is not the end.
To remain faithful disciples of Jesus, we must learn to shift our focus from the huge mountains to the God of the mountains. To live faithfully, we learn to discern the Presence of the Invisible in the pressures of the visible. Then we can declare as Habakkuk did in Habakkuk 3:17-19,
“Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines,
though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food,
though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls,
yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior.
The Sovereign LORD is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer,
He enables me to tread on the heights.”
How can disciples remain faithful to God in the face of hardships and trials?
Saw an interesting quotation this week that read, “Everything will be okay in the end. If everything is not okay, it is not the end.”
Not a bad advice if you are facing a bad situation; and quite a biblical way to handle life’s problems.
To trust God and serve Him faithfully in times of great trials calls for faith. This faith requires that we take our eyes off life’s physical circumstances to the Supernatural invisible God of life.
During times of great stress and struggles, we put our hope in God and pray that everything will work out well in the end. However, if in spite of our petitions and prayers, things fail to change for the better and sometimes even if it takes a turn for the worse, we must not lose heart.
Trials and difficulties cannot put a full stop to our lives. Even if everything is not okay, it is not the end.
To remain faithful disciples of Jesus, we must learn to shift our focus from the huge mountains to the God of the mountains. To live faithfully, we learn to discern the Presence of the Invisible in the pressures of the visible. Then we can declare as Habakkuk did in Habakkuk 3:17-19,
“Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines,
though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food,
though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls,
yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior.
The Sovereign LORD is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer,
He enables me to tread on the heights.”
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Faith, trust and risk
November 7, 2010
What is faith? The Bible says,
‘Faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.’ (Hebrews 11:1)
Faith is conviction in an invisible God who creates, sustains and controls the visible world. Faith is belief in what this invisible God says He has done and will do. Our faith is in a Person, not a plan or a program or even a church. Our faith is in the Person, Jesus Christ. ‘No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known. (John 1:18).
Faith trusts the invisible God and believes that the unseen is more solid and real than what our naked eyes can see. Faith, when exercised, will inspire others to trust God and gives God the free hand to demonstrate who He is.
Risk is part of the faith equation. Where there is no risk, there is no need for faith. Hudson Taylor, the founder of O.M.F, captured it in one statement,
"Unless there is an element of risk in your exploits for God, there is no need for faith."
Yet all risk is calculated risk. Jesus says we are to sit down and count the cost before building – and that is our role as disciples of Jesus. To do our homework thoroughly, know the cost, all the risks and consequences and then ultimately – still trust God.
When our faithfulness and faith in God come together as one, God, the Master builder, takes over. A beautiful partnership between God and us unfold and the results are miracles and divine encounters.
In following God, the greatest challenge is not circumstance, but our lack of faith in a trustworthy God.
Without faith, it is impossible to be faithful because the root of faithfulness is faith.
What is faith? The Bible says,
‘Faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.’ (Hebrews 11:1)
Faith is conviction in an invisible God who creates, sustains and controls the visible world. Faith is belief in what this invisible God says He has done and will do. Our faith is in a Person, not a plan or a program or even a church. Our faith is in the Person, Jesus Christ. ‘No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known. (John 1:18).
Faith trusts the invisible God and believes that the unseen is more solid and real than what our naked eyes can see. Faith, when exercised, will inspire others to trust God and gives God the free hand to demonstrate who He is.
Risk is part of the faith equation. Where there is no risk, there is no need for faith. Hudson Taylor, the founder of O.M.F, captured it in one statement,
"Unless there is an element of risk in your exploits for God, there is no need for faith."
Yet all risk is calculated risk. Jesus says we are to sit down and count the cost before building – and that is our role as disciples of Jesus. To do our homework thoroughly, know the cost, all the risks and consequences and then ultimately – still trust God.
When our faithfulness and faith in God come together as one, God, the Master builder, takes over. A beautiful partnership between God and us unfold and the results are miracles and divine encounters.
In following God, the greatest challenge is not circumstance, but our lack of faith in a trustworthy God.
Without faith, it is impossible to be faithful because the root of faithfulness is faith.
Saturday, October 30, 2010
God's Kingdom rule
October 31, 2010
The kingdom of God is here and not yet.
We live in an age of tension – the time when God’s reign is here but yet not fully in place. Victories are relished in the midst of sin. While there is healing, there is still sickness and pain. The kingdom of God coexists with the ugliness of man’s sin.
Yet the light has penetrated into the darkness and disarms its lies and deceptions. Where the light has fallen, there is liberty. There is freedom to choose the light over the darkness.
As disciples, we long to walk in obedience but struggle with surrendering our wills to His kingdom rule. One of the reasons for our struggle is because it is frightening to relinquish our control over to God.
If we have been walking with God long enough, we realize that God has His own ideas, His own timing and His own way of doing things.
God cannot fit into a box. He is uncontainable, unpredictable and honestly, doesn’t fit into our framework or our timetable. And that honestly is quite annoying.
What do we do with such a God?
I suggest we follow His cues, go by His timetable and play by His rules.
Then perhaps when we pray the Lord’s Prayer, “Your kingdom come, Thine will be done on earth as it is in heaven. … for Thine is the kingdom, power and the glory forever” - we can truly AMEN it.
The kingdom of God is here and not yet.
We live in an age of tension – the time when God’s reign is here but yet not fully in place. Victories are relished in the midst of sin. While there is healing, there is still sickness and pain. The kingdom of God coexists with the ugliness of man’s sin.
Yet the light has penetrated into the darkness and disarms its lies and deceptions. Where the light has fallen, there is liberty. There is freedom to choose the light over the darkness.
As disciples, we long to walk in obedience but struggle with surrendering our wills to His kingdom rule. One of the reasons for our struggle is because it is frightening to relinquish our control over to God.
If we have been walking with God long enough, we realize that God has His own ideas, His own timing and His own way of doing things.
God cannot fit into a box. He is uncontainable, unpredictable and honestly, doesn’t fit into our framework or our timetable. And that honestly is quite annoying.
What do we do with such a God?
I suggest we follow His cues, go by His timetable and play by His rules.
Then perhaps when we pray the Lord’s Prayer, “Your kingdom come, Thine will be done on earth as it is in heaven. … for Thine is the kingdom, power and the glory forever” - we can truly AMEN it.
Friday, October 22, 2010
Rut, Rot or Revival
October 24, 2010
“Rut, Rot or Revival” – the famous prophetic Pastor and Revivalist, A.W. Tozer issued a challenge to the 1960s’ church then. His message is still as relevant today.
A church that is satisfied with her status quo will only rut and rot but the church that is open to changes; changes directed by God, will revive and thrive and become a blessing.
However, revival and change come at a price – and every member must pay. No one is exempted. Each member must embrace a new mindset and fulfil the higher calling of God in our individual life in order for revival to happen. When individuals are passionate about God, the spiritual landscape is transformed.
Revival and renewal birth new visions and new visions bring forth changes.
Our English congregation started in 1992. It has been a long 18 years.
We can keep our status quo and stay where we are or break forth with new wings to participate in God’s plan for us as a community. The former guarantees security, predictability and gives us a sense of control. The latter probably creates anxiety, reveals surprises and will seem chaotic at times because the church will be under new management – GOD. It will mean that we are responding to God’s initiatives and have to learn to read His moves and understand His leadings.
Yet, what greater security for the church than that of being in His will!
“Rut, Rot or Revival” – the famous prophetic Pastor and Revivalist, A.W. Tozer issued a challenge to the 1960s’ church then. His message is still as relevant today.
A church that is satisfied with her status quo will only rut and rot but the church that is open to changes; changes directed by God, will revive and thrive and become a blessing.
However, revival and change come at a price – and every member must pay. No one is exempted. Each member must embrace a new mindset and fulfil the higher calling of God in our individual life in order for revival to happen. When individuals are passionate about God, the spiritual landscape is transformed.
Revival and renewal birth new visions and new visions bring forth changes.
Our English congregation started in 1992. It has been a long 18 years.
We can keep our status quo and stay where we are or break forth with new wings to participate in God’s plan for us as a community. The former guarantees security, predictability and gives us a sense of control. The latter probably creates anxiety, reveals surprises and will seem chaotic at times because the church will be under new management – GOD. It will mean that we are responding to God’s initiatives and have to learn to read His moves and understand His leadings.
Yet, what greater security for the church than that of being in His will!
Saturday, October 16, 2010
A Macedonian Call
October 17, 2010
Missions is not an optional department in the church ministry.
It is intrinsic to our calling as a church. Like a fish cannot but swim, a bird cannot but fly, so a church cannot but do world missions. However, the church will only be most effective and involved when she focuses her energy, resources and prayers on one mission field.
For BHLC, we have identified our mission field – the Dalits of India. Thus, it is our church’s aim to empower the Dalits of India to break the caste system.
Born as the ‘untouchables’, they have been labelled by the Hindu scriptures as the ‘unborn’, which in translated means, ‘it would be better if they had never been born’.
As sub-humans, they are denied water, education and healthcare by all levels of society. After being oppressed for more than three thousand years, the Dalits have finally cried out, ‘enough is enough!’ Open invitations to Christians have been issued by the Dalit leaders - not unlike that of the Macedonian call in Acts 16:9-10,
"During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, "Come over to Macedonia and help us." After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.
What do we do with such a vision?
We must conclude that NOW is the time to stand with them.
To that end, we have committed to help build a school for them in India.
Missions is not an optional department in the church ministry.
It is intrinsic to our calling as a church. Like a fish cannot but swim, a bird cannot but fly, so a church cannot but do world missions. However, the church will only be most effective and involved when she focuses her energy, resources and prayers on one mission field.
For BHLC, we have identified our mission field – the Dalits of India. Thus, it is our church’s aim to empower the Dalits of India to break the caste system.
Born as the ‘untouchables’, they have been labelled by the Hindu scriptures as the ‘unborn’, which in translated means, ‘it would be better if they had never been born’.
As sub-humans, they are denied water, education and healthcare by all levels of society. After being oppressed for more than three thousand years, the Dalits have finally cried out, ‘enough is enough!’ Open invitations to Christians have been issued by the Dalit leaders - not unlike that of the Macedonian call in Acts 16:9-10,
"During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, "Come over to Macedonia and help us." After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.
What do we do with such a vision?
We must conclude that NOW is the time to stand with them.
To that end, we have committed to help build a school for them in India.
Friday, October 8, 2010
Spiritual Friendships
October 10, 2010
If we can only do one thing, what is the one thing BHLC will do and must do? The answer will be discipleship. Thus, I envision BHLC as a church that anchors in discipleship and mentorship.
For this to happen, I will pray with you for three sets of spiritual friends:
(1)‘Paul’ - He is a spiritual mentor who is committed to love, guide and walk with you. He exemplifies what it means to follow Christ and imparts wisdom and understanding in your faith journey. You will be inspired by him.
(2)‘Timothy’ – someone younger in faith, who watches your moves, laughs at your jokes and looks up to you. You will be aspired to live worthy of his respect.
(3)‘Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego’ – peers with whom you have a spiritual alliance. They are your comfort and towers of strength as you brave through life’s challenges.
True spiritual friendships are scarce and gifts bestowed by God. Like precious pearls, they are to be treasured and cherished.
As Thanksgiving draws near, if you have any of such friends, thank God.
If not, start praying for them. “Every good and perfect gift comes from the Lord” and He will give you.
"Hold a true friend with both your hands." (Nigerian Proverb)
If we can only do one thing, what is the one thing BHLC will do and must do? The answer will be discipleship. Thus, I envision BHLC as a church that anchors in discipleship and mentorship.
For this to happen, I will pray with you for three sets of spiritual friends:
(1)‘Paul’ - He is a spiritual mentor who is committed to love, guide and walk with you. He exemplifies what it means to follow Christ and imparts wisdom and understanding in your faith journey. You will be inspired by him.
(2)‘Timothy’ – someone younger in faith, who watches your moves, laughs at your jokes and looks up to you. You will be aspired to live worthy of his respect.
(3)‘Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego’ – peers with whom you have a spiritual alliance. They are your comfort and towers of strength as you brave through life’s challenges.
True spiritual friendships are scarce and gifts bestowed by God. Like precious pearls, they are to be treasured and cherished.
As Thanksgiving draws near, if you have any of such friends, thank God.
If not, start praying for them. “Every good and perfect gift comes from the Lord” and He will give you.
"Hold a true friend with both your hands." (Nigerian Proverb)
Saturday, October 2, 2010
A family church
October 3, 2010
Newer may not be always better just as older may not mean wiser. A newer generation who refuses to learn from its past will become steep with stupidity. An older generation that is closed to new ideas runs the danger of being irrelevant and useless.
In our world, individualism is almost deified. Though craving for community, inter-generation contacts have been diminishing as more young couples are choosing to live alone. The media labelling the different generations such as ‘Gen X’, ‘The Yuppies’ and the ‘Baby-boomers’, etc. further polarises the generations and creates unconscious disdain and distrust among the different age groups.
If we heed the word of God, the church will have the real ‘feel’ of a healthy functional family.
I Timothy 5: 1,2
Do not rebuke an older man harshly, but exhort him as if he were your father. Treat younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity.
Coming from a dysfunctional family myself, I found God’s love most evident when I was introduced to a church in Singapore. I found the older folks accepting, guiding and loving me like responsible parents. Many of the uncles and aunties took me into their lives and homes and gave me a feel of how it was like to be protected and cared for. Many of the young teens under me looked up to me as their big sister and that taught me how to love and nurture others. In all aspects, I was healed emotionally and grow socially and mature spiritually in the Lord through God’s household.
I learned then that I belong to all the church members and all the church members are my family, “so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to ALL the others.” (Romans 12:5)
Thus, it is my vision to grow the BHLC congregation into a real family church where no one feels left out and where Sunday feels like a homecoming day.
Newer may not be always better just as older may not mean wiser. A newer generation who refuses to learn from its past will become steep with stupidity. An older generation that is closed to new ideas runs the danger of being irrelevant and useless.
In our world, individualism is almost deified. Though craving for community, inter-generation contacts have been diminishing as more young couples are choosing to live alone. The media labelling the different generations such as ‘Gen X’, ‘The Yuppies’ and the ‘Baby-boomers’, etc. further polarises the generations and creates unconscious disdain and distrust among the different age groups.
If we heed the word of God, the church will have the real ‘feel’ of a healthy functional family.
I Timothy 5: 1,2
Do not rebuke an older man harshly, but exhort him as if he were your father. Treat younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity.
Coming from a dysfunctional family myself, I found God’s love most evident when I was introduced to a church in Singapore. I found the older folks accepting, guiding and loving me like responsible parents. Many of the uncles and aunties took me into their lives and homes and gave me a feel of how it was like to be protected and cared for. Many of the young teens under me looked up to me as their big sister and that taught me how to love and nurture others. In all aspects, I was healed emotionally and grow socially and mature spiritually in the Lord through God’s household.
I learned then that I belong to all the church members and all the church members are my family, “so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to ALL the others.” (Romans 12:5)
Thus, it is my vision to grow the BHLC congregation into a real family church where no one feels left out and where Sunday feels like a homecoming day.
Monday, September 27, 2010
A Multi-cultural church
September 26, 2010
“Canadians are:
1. Either English or French
2. Bilingual
3. Peaceful and respect authority
4. Tolerant and welcoming to newcomers
5. None of the above
6. All of the above
7. None of the above and all of the above
If you answered 7, you’re a real Canadian. You understand we’re not who we’re told we are.”
Since the day-to-day contacts of our members are a mosaic of different ethnicity and colour, our church must reflect that multi-cultural and multi-racial mix of the mission field that is right in our midst. While predominantly Chinese, we must strive to consciously grow into a multi-cultural, international community of believers. A church that only reaches “its own kind” in a setting like Canada will be seen as ethnocentric and irrelevant and unfaithful to the vineyard that God has placed us.
In the next few years, we will consciously widen our sphere of influence in our social settings to deliberately win and disciple people of different races.
Revelation 7:9-10 will then be God’s will done on earth as it is in heaven. Hallelujah and Amen!
9After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. 10And they cried out in a loud voice: "Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb."
“Canadians are:
1. Either English or French
2. Bilingual
3. Peaceful and respect authority
4. Tolerant and welcoming to newcomers
5. None of the above
6. All of the above
7. None of the above and all of the above
If you answered 7, you’re a real Canadian. You understand we’re not who we’re told we are.”
Since the day-to-day contacts of our members are a mosaic of different ethnicity and colour, our church must reflect that multi-cultural and multi-racial mix of the mission field that is right in our midst. While predominantly Chinese, we must strive to consciously grow into a multi-cultural, international community of believers. A church that only reaches “its own kind” in a setting like Canada will be seen as ethnocentric and irrelevant and unfaithful to the vineyard that God has placed us.
In the next few years, we will consciously widen our sphere of influence in our social settings to deliberately win and disciple people of different races.
Revelation 7:9-10 will then be God’s will done on earth as it is in heaven. Hallelujah and Amen!
9After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. 10And they cried out in a loud voice: "Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb."
Saturday, September 18, 2010
The Purpose of Church
19 September, 2010
“What is God calling us as a church to be and to do?”
To put BHLC’s English congregation’s vision in a sentence, I believe God is calling us to be ‘An International Community that Makes Disciples’.
When asked, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?”
"The most important one," answered Jesus, "is this: 'Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these." (Mark 12:27-31)
Before leaving earth, our Lord left behind a task for us. This is what Jesus said,
"All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." (Matthew 28:18-20)
Upon the Great commandment and the Great Commission, we find our church’s bearing and direction.
In making disciples, we glorify God and love Him and in bringing others to His kingdom, we fulfil the commandment to love them as ourselves.
How our church expresses ourselves in disciple-making will be different from another congregation. I will share more about our church’s vision in the next few write-ups. Look out for it.
“What is God calling us as a church to be and to do?”
To put BHLC’s English congregation’s vision in a sentence, I believe God is calling us to be ‘An International Community that Makes Disciples’.
When asked, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?”
"The most important one," answered Jesus, "is this: 'Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these." (Mark 12:27-31)
Before leaving earth, our Lord left behind a task for us. This is what Jesus said,
"All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." (Matthew 28:18-20)
Upon the Great commandment and the Great Commission, we find our church’s bearing and direction.
In making disciples, we glorify God and love Him and in bringing others to His kingdom, we fulfil the commandment to love them as ourselves.
How our church expresses ourselves in disciple-making will be different from another congregation. I will share more about our church’s vision in the next few write-ups. Look out for it.
Saturday, September 11, 2010
"Mountaintop Experiences" and Discipleship
I just came back from two great experiences – the India Mission Trip and our English Family Church Camp. Both were exhilarating.
There are two great temptations after a spiritual ‘mountaintop’ experience.
One temptation is to try to hang on to them – to build ‘monuments’ out of them. We do so by re-visiting these episodes again and again – to dwell on the ‘good old days’. We become spiritual ‘cowboys’ who love gazing into the open space, reminiscing about how God ‘used to’ work among us.
Another temptation is to try to run after spiritual experiences. Like an addict running after the next dose, we seek to recreate and pump up for the next high. In so doing, our faith is like a ‘roller-coaster’ ride decided by our feeling spiritually charged or not.
Peter, John and James had such an encounter – they witnessed the transfiguration of Jesus and saw two great ancestors of faith, Elijah and Moses. What was their response? “Put up three shelters,” Peter suggested. The narration said, ‘(He did not know what he was saying.)’ and God rebuked them,
"This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him." (Luke 9:35)
What happened after is more important than what happened on the mountaintop.
Would we become effective workers for Him or will we be labelled as part of the ‘unbelieving and perverse’ generation even after the experience? (Luke 9:41)
Listen and follow the Lord of our experiences – not the experiences per se.
There are two great temptations after a spiritual ‘mountaintop’ experience.
One temptation is to try to hang on to them – to build ‘monuments’ out of them. We do so by re-visiting these episodes again and again – to dwell on the ‘good old days’. We become spiritual ‘cowboys’ who love gazing into the open space, reminiscing about how God ‘used to’ work among us.
Another temptation is to try to run after spiritual experiences. Like an addict running after the next dose, we seek to recreate and pump up for the next high. In so doing, our faith is like a ‘roller-coaster’ ride decided by our feeling spiritually charged or not.
Peter, John and James had such an encounter – they witnessed the transfiguration of Jesus and saw two great ancestors of faith, Elijah and Moses. What was their response? “Put up three shelters,” Peter suggested. The narration said, ‘(He did not know what he was saying.)’ and God rebuked them,
"This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him." (Luke 9:35)
What happened after is more important than what happened on the mountaintop.
Would we become effective workers for Him or will we be labelled as part of the ‘unbelieving and perverse’ generation even after the experience? (Luke 9:41)
Listen and follow the Lord of our experiences – not the experiences per se.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Radical Community
August 29, 2010
The Christian community is God’s idea. It is not a human invention.
Christ binds Himself irrevocably to the church. Christ “is the head of the body, His church” (Col 1:18).
Christians are bound together eternally to each other, not by natural blood and birth but of a supernatural source. In the veins of every Christian, there lies a common blood type – Jesus’ cleansing blood.
"Who are my mother and my brothers?" he asked. Then he looked at those seated in a circle around him and said, "Here are my mother and my brothers! Whoever does God's will is my brother and sister and mother." (Mark 3:33-35)
So it is not a mere title when we tag each other as brothers and sisters and mothers. We really are. Our relationships with fellow Christians start now and will spill into all eternity.
God’s vision for the Christian community is that of a place to practise radical love.
“Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law.” (Romans 13:8)
What a brilliant idea for me to repay my debt to God’s love by radically loving my family members.
Jesus’ love for us is nothing short of radical. We dare not do less for our brothers and sisters.
The Christian community is God’s idea. It is not a human invention.
Christ binds Himself irrevocably to the church. Christ “is the head of the body, His church” (Col 1:18).
Christians are bound together eternally to each other, not by natural blood and birth but of a supernatural source. In the veins of every Christian, there lies a common blood type – Jesus’ cleansing blood.
"Who are my mother and my brothers?" he asked. Then he looked at those seated in a circle around him and said, "Here are my mother and my brothers! Whoever does God's will is my brother and sister and mother." (Mark 3:33-35)
So it is not a mere title when we tag each other as brothers and sisters and mothers. We really are. Our relationships with fellow Christians start now and will spill into all eternity.
God’s vision for the Christian community is that of a place to practise radical love.
“Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law.” (Romans 13:8)
What a brilliant idea for me to repay my debt to God’s love by radically loving my family members.
Jesus’ love for us is nothing short of radical. We dare not do less for our brothers and sisters.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Radicals for God
August 22, 2010
Below is an imagery dialogue between Jesus and the angels when our Lord ascended into Heaven and took His seat at the right hand of the Father.
Angels: “So, Jesus what is your plan for world evangelism? “
Jesus: “I have left my movement in the hands of my disciples.”
Angels: “What if they fail?”
Jesus: “I have no other plan.”
The Great Commission or world evangelism is the aim of Jesus’ death – that men may know God’s love for them and respond to Him in love by worship; in so doing glorifying God for who He is and what He has done.
For such a task, Jesus left it to no one but his small band of followers.
This puny group of illiterate, uncultured, rough disciples had been shown radical love – a love that took their Master to the cross. They, in turn were commanded to live out that radical love for one another.
12My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. 13Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” (Jn 15:12,13)
Ultimately, it is not size that matters. In every social change, it is carried out by a small group of committed minority. It is commitment to the movement that counts.
Perhaps in the West, we have trivialised discipleship to that of a ‘feel good’ religion. It is time to radicalise our discipleship – to call men and women to the hard knocks of following Jesus and allow God to use us to change the world.
Determine to be a radical for the Lord. Don’t short-change yourself and God.
Below is an imagery dialogue between Jesus and the angels when our Lord ascended into Heaven and took His seat at the right hand of the Father.
Angels: “So, Jesus what is your plan for world evangelism? “
Jesus: “I have left my movement in the hands of my disciples.”
Angels: “What if they fail?”
Jesus: “I have no other plan.”
The Great Commission or world evangelism is the aim of Jesus’ death – that men may know God’s love for them and respond to Him in love by worship; in so doing glorifying God for who He is and what He has done.
For such a task, Jesus left it to no one but his small band of followers.
This puny group of illiterate, uncultured, rough disciples had been shown radical love – a love that took their Master to the cross. They, in turn were commanded to live out that radical love for one another.
12My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. 13Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” (Jn 15:12,13)
Ultimately, it is not size that matters. In every social change, it is carried out by a small group of committed minority. It is commitment to the movement that counts.
Perhaps in the West, we have trivialised discipleship to that of a ‘feel good’ religion. It is time to radicalise our discipleship – to call men and women to the hard knocks of following Jesus and allow God to use us to change the world.
Determine to be a radical for the Lord. Don’t short-change yourself and God.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
The End to Radical Discipleship
15 August 2010
Author Anne Rice announced on her Facebook that she had left both the church and organized Christianity (Vancouver Sun, August 10, 2010, A11).
This is what she wrote on her Facebook,
“Today I quit being a Christian. I’m out. I remain committed to Christ as always but not to being ‘Christian’ or being part of Christianity.”
Her statement is disturbingly representative of today’s so-called followers of Christ.
Many today’s believers claim that it is alright not to belong to a church, that the important thing is loving Jesus; minus all the organization and ‘commands’ stuff.
In short, it is following Jesus ‘MY WAY’. My expression of worship is what counts in the end – that is commitment to Christ.
While I can understand Anne Rice’s (and many modern sincere followers) frustrations and disappointments with the church, I have to differ from their conclusion.
Christ is the head and the church the body of Christ – you cannot follow the head and discard His body. Christ’s commands are absolutes and cannot be bent to suit the world’s majority views.
It is either one or the other – when we embrace Christ, we get the full package deal – the perfect Saviour, with our imperfect spiritual siblings and many a times spiritually dysfunctional family.
Christ is committed to His church and His people.
Commitment to Christ means loving what He loves – and it means dying to ‘My Way’ and taking on ‘His Way’.
It means that when things do not go our way, we follow on. We praise Him regardless of feelings. We give Him despite fears. We obey Him without reservation.
Commitment to Christ is RADICAL. Radical in the eyes of the world but only matter-of-fact and should be a natural logical conclusion to him who calls Christ LORD.
Author Anne Rice announced on her Facebook that she had left both the church and organized Christianity (Vancouver Sun, August 10, 2010, A11).
This is what she wrote on her Facebook,
“Today I quit being a Christian. I’m out. I remain committed to Christ as always but not to being ‘Christian’ or being part of Christianity.”
Her statement is disturbingly representative of today’s so-called followers of Christ.
Many today’s believers claim that it is alright not to belong to a church, that the important thing is loving Jesus; minus all the organization and ‘commands’ stuff.
In short, it is following Jesus ‘MY WAY’. My expression of worship is what counts in the end – that is commitment to Christ.
While I can understand Anne Rice’s (and many modern sincere followers) frustrations and disappointments with the church, I have to differ from their conclusion.
Christ is the head and the church the body of Christ – you cannot follow the head and discard His body. Christ’s commands are absolutes and cannot be bent to suit the world’s majority views.
It is either one or the other – when we embrace Christ, we get the full package deal – the perfect Saviour, with our imperfect spiritual siblings and many a times spiritually dysfunctional family.
Christ is committed to His church and His people.
Commitment to Christ means loving what He loves – and it means dying to ‘My Way’ and taking on ‘His Way’.
It means that when things do not go our way, we follow on. We praise Him regardless of feelings. We give Him despite fears. We obey Him without reservation.
Commitment to Christ is RADICAL. Radical in the eyes of the world but only matter-of-fact and should be a natural logical conclusion to him who calls Christ LORD.
Monday, July 19, 2010
The Christian Message in a Pluralistic society
July 18, 2010
The church faces an enormous challenge today - pluralism.
Pluralism is the tolerance of diversity of cultures, ethnicity and faiths. However, pluralism also means the intolerance of absolute truths.
In such a society, the church stands at odds with the world.
We are at bicker heads with the world because of the claims of Jesus Christ. Jesus claims to be the unique and final answer to salvation from sin and way to God.
Does the church have a monopoly to truth?” the whole world decries.
Humbly and confidently, “YES” is our reply.
"Does it mean that all other religions do not lead to God?”
Faithfully and undoubtedly, “YES” is the church’s response.
If Jesus is correct, then the world is wrong.
If the church is right on Christ, then the church is also right on the world. It is only but a logical conclusion.
To compromise on this stand is to give in to falsehood.
In a pluralistic society, the challenge of the church is uncompromising faithfulness in defending and proclaiming the uniqueness and finality of Christ.
The church faces an enormous challenge today - pluralism.
Pluralism is the tolerance of diversity of cultures, ethnicity and faiths. However, pluralism also means the intolerance of absolute truths.
In such a society, the church stands at odds with the world.
We are at bicker heads with the world because of the claims of Jesus Christ. Jesus claims to be the unique and final answer to salvation from sin and way to God.
Does the church have a monopoly to truth?” the whole world decries.
Humbly and confidently, “YES” is our reply.
"Does it mean that all other religions do not lead to God?”
Faithfully and undoubtedly, “YES” is the church’s response.
If Jesus is correct, then the world is wrong.
If the church is right on Christ, then the church is also right on the world. It is only but a logical conclusion.
To compromise on this stand is to give in to falsehood.
In a pluralistic society, the challenge of the church is uncompromising faithfulness in defending and proclaiming the uniqueness and finality of Christ.
Saturday, July 10, 2010
God believes in us
July 11, 2010
We, Christians are given a new lease of life. We have been ushered into a new kingdom under the reign of a just, perfect and holy God.
Yet the church is far from perfection. Barely do we hear people describe the church as holy. In fact, the church has suffered a few scandals too many.
So let’s admit it – the church is not perfect.
But that does not stop us from believing in the church. Why?
BECAUSE GOD BELIEVES IN THE CHURCH. God believes in us. He believes in us because He is at work in us. The Holy Spirit that is in us is at work in us. Believe it!
I Thess 5:23-24
23May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it.
Yes, the church is not there yet – we are in the process. Christians are not there yet - we are in the process toward perfection.
In this process of becoming perfect, we exchange the old for the new. We say goodbye to sinful indulgences in exchange for new habits for growth. We strive toward perfection spurred on by the fact that God believes in us.
The One who calls us is faithful and He will do it. Amen.
We, Christians are given a new lease of life. We have been ushered into a new kingdom under the reign of a just, perfect and holy God.
Yet the church is far from perfection. Barely do we hear people describe the church as holy. In fact, the church has suffered a few scandals too many.
So let’s admit it – the church is not perfect.
But that does not stop us from believing in the church. Why?
BECAUSE GOD BELIEVES IN THE CHURCH. God believes in us. He believes in us because He is at work in us. The Holy Spirit that is in us is at work in us. Believe it!
I Thess 5:23-24
23May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it.
Yes, the church is not there yet – we are in the process. Christians are not there yet - we are in the process toward perfection.
In this process of becoming perfect, we exchange the old for the new. We say goodbye to sinful indulgences in exchange for new habits for growth. We strive toward perfection spurred on by the fact that God believes in us.
The One who calls us is faithful and He will do it. Amen.
Monday, July 5, 2010
church unity
July 4, 2010
Jesus leaves behind no other visible witnesses except us, His disciples.
Jesus leaves behind no visible body, except the Body of Christ, His church.
Jesus leaves behind no other agenda for the church except that we are to testify that He is indeed from God.
Before His leaving, Jesus’ prayer for His disciples and us is as follows:
“.... The goal is for all of them to become one heart and mind— just as you, Father, are in me and I in you, so they might be one heart and mind with us. Then the world might believe that you, in fact, sent me. ...” (John 17:20-23. The Message)
Unity - that is the Lord’s revealed will for His church.
Is it attainable? Clearly yes - since the Lord desires and prayed for it.
Is it easy? Clearly No. With so many denominations, inward fighting, the church’s resume is clearly lacking.
How do we do it? We do so by focusing on the common ground and collaborating in humility. It means this -
"In essentials unity, in non-essentials liberty, in all things charity (love).” (attributed to Saint Augustine of Hippo)
In a world that is torn and divided, a church united in love is like a healing balm that displays the power of God and gives credibility to our message.
Jesus leaves behind no other visible witnesses except us, His disciples.
Jesus leaves behind no visible body, except the Body of Christ, His church.
Jesus leaves behind no other agenda for the church except that we are to testify that He is indeed from God.
Before His leaving, Jesus’ prayer for His disciples and us is as follows:
“.... The goal is for all of them to become one heart and mind— just as you, Father, are in me and I in you, so they might be one heart and mind with us. Then the world might believe that you, in fact, sent me. ...” (John 17:20-23. The Message)
Unity - that is the Lord’s revealed will for His church.
Is it attainable? Clearly yes - since the Lord desires and prayed for it.
Is it easy? Clearly No. With so many denominations, inward fighting, the church’s resume is clearly lacking.
How do we do it? We do so by focusing on the common ground and collaborating in humility. It means this -
"In essentials unity, in non-essentials liberty, in all things charity (love).” (attributed to Saint Augustine of Hippo)
In a world that is torn and divided, a church united in love is like a healing balm that displays the power of God and gives credibility to our message.
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Social justice and the church
13 June 2010
All human beings are created in the image of God and bear the image of God.
Creation theology anchors this truth: all human beings have fundamental human rights.
However, human rights do not spell equal rights in reality. The oppression of man against man is nothing new. Thus, what George Orwell said in his book, Animal Farm is still true today,
“All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others.”
God is not neutral to social injustice. He is dead against it. Jesus demands that His people advocate and practise justice,
"Woe to you Pharisees, because you give God a tenth of your mint, rue and all other kinds of garden herb, but you neglect justice and the love of God. You should have practiced the latter without leaving the former undone.” (Lk 11:42)
To God, justice and love of God go together. His prophet, Isaiah cried out,
“Learn to do right!
Seek justice,
encourage the oppressed.
Defend the cause of the fatherless,
plead the case of the widow.” (Isaiah 1:17)
The church is to be what God’s intention for the world is. She is to be the champion for the weak and vulnerable. She is to be voice for the voiceless.
While we may not have utopia on earth, we need to heed God’s call,
“But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!” (Amos 5:24).
All human beings are created in the image of God and bear the image of God.
Creation theology anchors this truth: all human beings have fundamental human rights.
However, human rights do not spell equal rights in reality. The oppression of man against man is nothing new. Thus, what George Orwell said in his book, Animal Farm is still true today,
“All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others.”
God is not neutral to social injustice. He is dead against it. Jesus demands that His people advocate and practise justice,
"Woe to you Pharisees, because you give God a tenth of your mint, rue and all other kinds of garden herb, but you neglect justice and the love of God. You should have practiced the latter without leaving the former undone.” (Lk 11:42)
To God, justice and love of God go together. His prophet, Isaiah cried out,
“Learn to do right!
Seek justice,
encourage the oppressed.
Defend the cause of the fatherless,
plead the case of the widow.” (Isaiah 1:17)
The church is to be what God’s intention for the world is. She is to be the champion for the weak and vulnerable. She is to be voice for the voiceless.
While we may not have utopia on earth, we need to heed God’s call,
“But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!” (Amos 5:24).
Friday, June 4, 2010
Living with Tension
June 6, 2010
Our world is prone to extremism and the church is not exempted.
The calling of the church is not a simple either-or option.
God is calling His people to living with integrity by holding the tension in all of life’s complexities.
The church has a double calling and we must hold this tension with an open mind and posture.
John Stott, a leading theologian notes,
“The church’s most basic need is to remember what kind of community it is, and in particular its double identity. For God calls his people out of the world to belong to him and sends them back into the world to serve and to witness. The first calling is to ‘holiness’ and the second to ‘worldliness,’ using the word as the opposite of ‘otherworldliness,’ and meaning ‘involved in the life of the world.’ So the church is called to ‘holy worldliness’ (Alec Vidler), for this is its double identity. It needs constantly to ensure that neither identity smothers the other.”
For us to realize our ‘holy worldliness’, we need divine wisdom. To hold the tension is to learn the wisdom of balance. Where and how do we get this discernment?
The answer lies in spending time with God – in prayer and solitude, in reading and engaging the Word. Only then can we effectively be His hands and feet in this world.
Guard yourself against the extremism of busy activity without real spirituality. Guard yourself against the extremism of intellectual spirituality without engaging service.
Hold the tension. Live the tension.
Our world is prone to extremism and the church is not exempted.
The calling of the church is not a simple either-or option.
God is calling His people to living with integrity by holding the tension in all of life’s complexities.
The church has a double calling and we must hold this tension with an open mind and posture.
John Stott, a leading theologian notes,
“The church’s most basic need is to remember what kind of community it is, and in particular its double identity. For God calls his people out of the world to belong to him and sends them back into the world to serve and to witness. The first calling is to ‘holiness’ and the second to ‘worldliness,’ using the word as the opposite of ‘otherworldliness,’ and meaning ‘involved in the life of the world.’ So the church is called to ‘holy worldliness’ (Alec Vidler), for this is its double identity. It needs constantly to ensure that neither identity smothers the other.”
For us to realize our ‘holy worldliness’, we need divine wisdom. To hold the tension is to learn the wisdom of balance. Where and how do we get this discernment?
The answer lies in spending time with God – in prayer and solitude, in reading and engaging the Word. Only then can we effectively be His hands and feet in this world.
Guard yourself against the extremism of busy activity without real spirituality. Guard yourself against the extremism of intellectual spirituality without engaging service.
Hold the tension. Live the tension.
Friday, May 28, 2010
How do you view God?
May 30, 2010
Our God is too small if He is too religious.
We make our God too small when we confine Him only to religion.
In fact, God is highly critical of religion. Jesus actually finds the pious acts of His time nauseating. The religious deeds of the Pharisees were repulsive to our Lord because they were hypocritical with no real life impact. The religiosity of the Jewish leaders had no effects on their everyday life and their hypocrisy was absolutely revolting to our Lord.
God is interested in all our ‘churchy’ stuff only if they lead to right living.
Anything short of the above, God is not interested.
James 1:27
27Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.”
Our God is BIG – He is a God of the world. He is involved in the world events, the social, political and national spheres – in fact, all areas of life – not just the religious.
Our God is the God of the world and for the world He came.
John 3:16
16"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
Our God is too small if He is too religious.
We make our God too small when we confine Him only to religion.
In fact, God is highly critical of religion. Jesus actually finds the pious acts of His time nauseating. The religious deeds of the Pharisees were repulsive to our Lord because they were hypocritical with no real life impact. The religiosity of the Jewish leaders had no effects on their everyday life and their hypocrisy was absolutely revolting to our Lord.
God is interested in all our ‘churchy’ stuff only if they lead to right living.
Anything short of the above, God is not interested.
James 1:27
27Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.”
Our God is BIG – He is a God of the world. He is involved in the world events, the social, political and national spheres – in fact, all areas of life – not just the religious.
Our God is the God of the world and for the world He came.
John 3:16
16"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
Friday, May 21, 2010
A God who watches us struggle
23 May 2010
“God loves you. God has a wonderful plan for you, a plan to prosper you and never to harm you.”
We hear that often. We even pray and claim this promise often.
But if God’s plan is to prosper us, why are we still miserable? Why are we still struggling? Why do we still feel crappy and pointless at times?
Is it because our faith is not strong enough? Or perhaps we did not try hard enough? Or maybe it was because we are not desperate enough – someone says if we are desperate enough, God will break through and rescue us – so the fault is ours?
But what if we cannot manufacture enough faith, what if we know what our problem is and we are miserable – we want out but at the same time are resisting the possibility of being out? Why such contradictions, you say? We don’t know – it is just life – and life is full of contradictions.
Will God then stay at the sideline and watch us struggle?
What kind of sick God is that? He just watches us suffer and does nothing?
They say a butterfly has to go through a big struggle to be out of its cocoon. The exertion to free itself from the cocoon pushes fluids out of the butterfly and at the same time strengthens its wings. Both are necessary if the butterfly is to successfully fly away.
Sometimes the best way for God to love us is to stay at the sideline and watch. ‘Rescuing’ us at the wrong time will be to harm us.
Just as it is only through its struggle that the butterfly develops resilience to fly through life, our life struggles develop character which prospers us.
“God loves you. God has a wonderful plan for you, a plan to prosper you and never to harm you.”
We hear that often. We even pray and claim this promise often.
But if God’s plan is to prosper us, why are we still miserable? Why are we still struggling? Why do we still feel crappy and pointless at times?
Is it because our faith is not strong enough? Or perhaps we did not try hard enough? Or maybe it was because we are not desperate enough – someone says if we are desperate enough, God will break through and rescue us – so the fault is ours?
But what if we cannot manufacture enough faith, what if we know what our problem is and we are miserable – we want out but at the same time are resisting the possibility of being out? Why such contradictions, you say? We don’t know – it is just life – and life is full of contradictions.
Will God then stay at the sideline and watch us struggle?
What kind of sick God is that? He just watches us suffer and does nothing?
They say a butterfly has to go through a big struggle to be out of its cocoon. The exertion to free itself from the cocoon pushes fluids out of the butterfly and at the same time strengthens its wings. Both are necessary if the butterfly is to successfully fly away.
Sometimes the best way for God to love us is to stay at the sideline and watch. ‘Rescuing’ us at the wrong time will be to harm us.
Just as it is only through its struggle that the butterfly develops resilience to fly through life, our life struggles develop character which prospers us.
Friday, May 14, 2010
Prophecies, visions and dreams
16 May 2010
My throat was parched. I have been on the phone the whole day.
Then it dawned upon me – I have been talking the whole day but have I said anything of significance?
We are talking all the time – on the phone, on MSN, on Twitter or on Facebook.
What if we are just sending out vocal sounds to each other without saying anything of value?
Then it dawned upon me again - eloquence has nothing to do with significant communication.
Words of any significance must come with insights and wisdom. For disciples, insights and wisdom can only come about as we spend time in prayers. God reveals His visions, dreams and hopes for our broken humanity through our time spent with Him in prayers. And of great significance are His revelations.
But frankly, our prayers are often too small, too predictable and too ‘routine’. Could it be because we do not really expect God to speak to us in prayer?
Our God is powerful and BIG and He has something significant to say to us still – about our imperfect world, about the imperfect us.
“In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams.” (Acts 2:17)
May we become effectual communicators of God’s plan and will in these last days.
My throat was parched. I have been on the phone the whole day.
Then it dawned upon me – I have been talking the whole day but have I said anything of significance?
We are talking all the time – on the phone, on MSN, on Twitter or on Facebook.
What if we are just sending out vocal sounds to each other without saying anything of value?
Then it dawned upon me again - eloquence has nothing to do with significant communication.
Words of any significance must come with insights and wisdom. For disciples, insights and wisdom can only come about as we spend time in prayers. God reveals His visions, dreams and hopes for our broken humanity through our time spent with Him in prayers. And of great significance are His revelations.
But frankly, our prayers are often too small, too predictable and too ‘routine’. Could it be because we do not really expect God to speak to us in prayer?
Our God is powerful and BIG and He has something significant to say to us still – about our imperfect world, about the imperfect us.
“In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams.” (Acts 2:17)
May we become effectual communicators of God’s plan and will in these last days.
Saturday, May 1, 2010
About brands, labels and classifications
2 May 2010
Brands, labels and classifications.
Levi, Nike, Sony. Average, Good, Best. Three-star, four-star, World-class.
Anything without a name is sort of looked down upon – it is probably cheap, not so good and won’t make the cut.
Do we brand, label and classify people? Maybe we do, even if it is done subconsciously.
People are categorized into the winners and the losers.
Winners are confident, successful and smart. They handle all of the life’s troubles with humour and grace. Relatively free of troubles, they ace everything in life. They have beauty, brains and the good life.
Losers are weird, socially awkward and boring. They have problems because they are incapable – that is why they are losers. They have no one to blame but themselves.
God does not pigeonhole people into losers and winners but God does brand, label and classify his own children.
We are branded with a sticker ‘Redeemed’.
We are labelled and tagged ‘Priceless’.
We are classified and graded ‘THE BEST IN CHRIST’.
You are no ‘No Name’ brand anymore. You are Christ’s brand, labelled and found in His Great Catalogue of Saints.
Brands, labels and classifications.
Levi, Nike, Sony. Average, Good, Best. Three-star, four-star, World-class.
Anything without a name is sort of looked down upon – it is probably cheap, not so good and won’t make the cut.
Do we brand, label and classify people? Maybe we do, even if it is done subconsciously.
People are categorized into the winners and the losers.
Winners are confident, successful and smart. They handle all of the life’s troubles with humour and grace. Relatively free of troubles, they ace everything in life. They have beauty, brains and the good life.
Losers are weird, socially awkward and boring. They have problems because they are incapable – that is why they are losers. They have no one to blame but themselves.
God does not pigeonhole people into losers and winners but God does brand, label and classify his own children.
We are branded with a sticker ‘Redeemed’.
We are labelled and tagged ‘Priceless’.
We are classified and graded ‘THE BEST IN CHRIST’.
You are no ‘No Name’ brand anymore. You are Christ’s brand, labelled and found in His Great Catalogue of Saints.
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Going for the Long Haul
25 April 2010
The curse of the modern world is that of wanting everything quick, fast and easy.
We have instant coffee, instant dinner and instant photographs.
From instant face lift to easy 1-2-3 diet, advertisers entice us with guaranteed formulas to meet all our needs and desires.
With little effort and almost no wait-time, we are accustomed to a culture that focuses on results and cares not for the process.
Christians are buying into this instant culture without realising it.
We want quick church growth, fast methods of evangelism and easy discipleship. But this quick, fast and easy way is contrary to Christian concepts of growth.
God doesn’t cut corners when He comes to pruning His child. Like a craftsman cutting a diamond, God patiently roughs off the edges; taking His time to ensure that the light and brilliance is shining through the angle before deciding on His next action. God takes His time and He is in no hurry as He sets His mind to perfect us.
Christianity is for those who have decided to go for the long haul. Those going for the long haul will put in the hard work, wait for the outcome and stay till the end.
Those who desire instant quick-fix and results need not apply.
The curse of the modern world is that of wanting everything quick, fast and easy.
We have instant coffee, instant dinner and instant photographs.
From instant face lift to easy 1-2-3 diet, advertisers entice us with guaranteed formulas to meet all our needs and desires.
With little effort and almost no wait-time, we are accustomed to a culture that focuses on results and cares not for the process.
Christians are buying into this instant culture without realising it.
We want quick church growth, fast methods of evangelism and easy discipleship. But this quick, fast and easy way is contrary to Christian concepts of growth.
God doesn’t cut corners when He comes to pruning His child. Like a craftsman cutting a diamond, God patiently roughs off the edges; taking His time to ensure that the light and brilliance is shining through the angle before deciding on His next action. God takes His time and He is in no hurry as He sets His mind to perfect us.
Christianity is for those who have decided to go for the long haul. Those going for the long haul will put in the hard work, wait for the outcome and stay till the end.
Those who desire instant quick-fix and results need not apply.
Monday, April 19, 2010
18 April, 2010
What does it mean to be Christians in this imperfect world? Jesus says in Matthew 5:14-16,
“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. ”
Our faith is public – there is no way to cover up our identities as believers. Try covering up a city on a hill – impossible! We are the light, matter-of-fact and in the present tense. Period.
Our faith is intentional – where we put the light speaks of deliberation. Putting a light under a bowl extinguishes the flame due to lack of oxygen. To put the light on a stand strategically lights up the entire place.
Our faith is geographical – from being the light of the world, to a city on a hill and illuminating the entire house. Where we are called to, we display God’s light and speak to God’s character.
Our faith discriminates against no one. Light simply shines and does its work. As light, our faith cannot but shine. It gives hope to people hoping for light and irritates those who are in darkness.
Our faith is influential – it points to God who is the Source of Light. God gets the glory just by us being who we are, being the light of the world.
So SHINE.
What does it mean to be Christians in this imperfect world? Jesus says in Matthew 5:14-16,
“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. ”
Our faith is public – there is no way to cover up our identities as believers. Try covering up a city on a hill – impossible! We are the light, matter-of-fact and in the present tense. Period.
Our faith is intentional – where we put the light speaks of deliberation. Putting a light under a bowl extinguishes the flame due to lack of oxygen. To put the light on a stand strategically lights up the entire place.
Our faith is geographical – from being the light of the world, to a city on a hill and illuminating the entire house. Where we are called to, we display God’s light and speak to God’s character.
Our faith discriminates against no one. Light simply shines and does its work. As light, our faith cannot but shine. It gives hope to people hoping for light and irritates those who are in darkness.
Our faith is influential – it points to God who is the Source of Light. God gets the glory just by us being who we are, being the light of the world.
So SHINE.
Friday, March 5, 2010
Imperfect disciples of a Perfect God
7 February 2010
Discipleship is all about letting Christ live His life in and through us.
In a world of perfection, we will have no problems following the Lord. If we are a little more perfect than we are now, perhaps following Christ will not be as difficult as it is for us now?
So here we are a bunch of imperfect people living in an imperfect world trying to execute the perfect plan of God. IS THAT EVEN POSSIBLE?
Romans 12:1-2 reads,
“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
Imperfect instruments like us are given the honour of testing and approving what God’s perfect will is – however there is a catch. Our ability to discern God’s will is only possible if we allow our minds to be renewed and transformed by the perfect God.
Discipleship is then all about letting Christ live His thoughts in and through us. His thoughts are contained in the Bible, His perfect law (James 1:25).
So in a world of imperfection, being imperfect people, God can still shine His light through us:
“But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)
Let Christ shape your thoughts and permeate your being therefore – let Christ live His life through yours.
Discipleship is all about letting Christ live His life in and through us.
In a world of perfection, we will have no problems following the Lord. If we are a little more perfect than we are now, perhaps following Christ will not be as difficult as it is for us now?
So here we are a bunch of imperfect people living in an imperfect world trying to execute the perfect plan of God. IS THAT EVEN POSSIBLE?
Romans 12:1-2 reads,
“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
Imperfect instruments like us are given the honour of testing and approving what God’s perfect will is – however there is a catch. Our ability to discern God’s will is only possible if we allow our minds to be renewed and transformed by the perfect God.
Discipleship is then all about letting Christ live His thoughts in and through us. His thoughts are contained in the Bible, His perfect law (James 1:25).
So in a world of imperfection, being imperfect people, God can still shine His light through us:
“But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)
Let Christ shape your thoughts and permeate your being therefore – let Christ live His life through yours.
The secret is out!
5th April, 2009
The secret is out!
That which has been spoken in parables is made clear.
He who once held a hammer is the One who holds the sun and the stars. We see it in the miracle when He stills the storm and walks on water.
He who owes no material possessions possesses the power to heal all our pains and ease all our sorrows.
He who holds no worldly titles and has not a company to His name provides food for 4,000 and 5,000 in the miracle of the feedings.
He who is to be broken and crucified on the cross touches and opens our eyes so that we may receive spiritual healing and insight.
In all His time with us, Jesus patiently shows us who He is and what we really need. He is the One and only One who can satisfy all our needs and how desperately do we need Him.
We need Him to calm us, touch us, feed us, heal us and He will do all these and more – but we must jump over the hurdle of self and ‘repent and believe the good news’.
The secret is out! He is the King, the Messiah whom we are waiting for.
The secret is out! It has been broadcast over the mountains and the hills – He is the Messiah, the Saviour.
Let us not keep the secret to ourselves. LET IT OUT - LOUD AND CLEAR.
LET THE SECRET OUT!!!
The secret is out!
That which has been spoken in parables is made clear.
He who once held a hammer is the One who holds the sun and the stars. We see it in the miracle when He stills the storm and walks on water.
He who owes no material possessions possesses the power to heal all our pains and ease all our sorrows.
He who holds no worldly titles and has not a company to His name provides food for 4,000 and 5,000 in the miracle of the feedings.
He who is to be broken and crucified on the cross touches and opens our eyes so that we may receive spiritual healing and insight.
In all His time with us, Jesus patiently shows us who He is and what we really need. He is the One and only One who can satisfy all our needs and how desperately do we need Him.
We need Him to calm us, touch us, feed us, heal us and He will do all these and more – but we must jump over the hurdle of self and ‘repent and believe the good news’.
The secret is out! He is the King, the Messiah whom we are waiting for.
The secret is out! It has been broadcast over the mountains and the hills – He is the Messiah, the Saviour.
Let us not keep the secret to ourselves. LET IT OUT - LOUD AND CLEAR.
LET THE SECRET OUT!!!
Take for granted
4 October 2009
There is an idiom that says, “Familiarity breeds contempt”. It means the more you know about something or someone, the more you start to find faults and dislike things about it or him/her.
While it may not hold true all the time, it is almost always true that familiarity breeds “taking for granted”.
We all have experiences of becoming familiar with a person that we fail to appreciate him/her. Or with an object – we encounter it so frequently that it no longer makes an impression on us; we take it for granted.
Repetitions and rituals are okay; but seriously – it would be nice to have a change, so every now and then.
Some of us are so familiar with Christianity that we take it for granted. We have been in church long enough to justify the usage of the phrase, “there is nothing new under the sun” – in this case, the church.
Some sermons sound like recycled stories from of old. Some pastors resemble nagging parents we would rather shut out at home. Some praise songs even sound like broken records after a while.
Let us not take the sacred and make it ordinary. Let us not take our religious freedom for granted. Let us not take our weekly church assembly for granted. And let us not take the cross for granted.
For in so doing, we have actually taken the Lord Jesus for granted.
There is an idiom that says, “Familiarity breeds contempt”. It means the more you know about something or someone, the more you start to find faults and dislike things about it or him/her.
While it may not hold true all the time, it is almost always true that familiarity breeds “taking for granted”.
We all have experiences of becoming familiar with a person that we fail to appreciate him/her. Or with an object – we encounter it so frequently that it no longer makes an impression on us; we take it for granted.
Repetitions and rituals are okay; but seriously – it would be nice to have a change, so every now and then.
Some of us are so familiar with Christianity that we take it for granted. We have been in church long enough to justify the usage of the phrase, “there is nothing new under the sun” – in this case, the church.
Some sermons sound like recycled stories from of old. Some pastors resemble nagging parents we would rather shut out at home. Some praise songs even sound like broken records after a while.
Let us not take the sacred and make it ordinary. Let us not take our religious freedom for granted. Let us not take our weekly church assembly for granted. And let us not take the cross for granted.
For in so doing, we have actually taken the Lord Jesus for granted.
24/7 discipleship
3rd May, 2009
How we choose to live depends on our worldview. Our philosophy on life and beliefs of truth determines our values and choices.
N.T. Wright puts it right when he says, “What you say about Jesus affects your entire worldview. If you see Jesus differently, everything changes.”
If Jesus is who He claims to be – the Messiah and King and if we confess this to be our faith, discipleship is no longer optional. It is the condition for anyone who claims to be a Christian.
Jesus says in Mark 8:34, “"If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.”
“When Christ calls a man, He bids him come and die.” Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906 – 1945)
Discipleship is difficult in that it has to be 24/7 for our whole lifetime and encompasses every aspect of our lives.
It is difficult because the world and her values are in our faces 24/7 throughout our whole lifetime and we have to deal with her whether we like it or not.
We need a compass – a strong, reliable tool to navigate us through life – a worldview that impacts and directs our living out our confession. A compass that is biblical, practical and dependable. An unchanging compass that stays steady and focused in all circumstances.
There is nothing and no one more stable than our Lord Jesus Christ – He must be our compass and He will be our guide if we only let Him.
How we choose to live depends on our worldview. Our philosophy on life and beliefs of truth determines our values and choices.
N.T. Wright puts it right when he says, “What you say about Jesus affects your entire worldview. If you see Jesus differently, everything changes.”
If Jesus is who He claims to be – the Messiah and King and if we confess this to be our faith, discipleship is no longer optional. It is the condition for anyone who claims to be a Christian.
Jesus says in Mark 8:34, “"If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.”
“When Christ calls a man, He bids him come and die.” Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906 – 1945)
Discipleship is difficult in that it has to be 24/7 for our whole lifetime and encompasses every aspect of our lives.
It is difficult because the world and her values are in our faces 24/7 throughout our whole lifetime and we have to deal with her whether we like it or not.
We need a compass – a strong, reliable tool to navigate us through life – a worldview that impacts and directs our living out our confession. A compass that is biblical, practical and dependable. An unchanging compass that stays steady and focused in all circumstances.
There is nothing and no one more stable than our Lord Jesus Christ – He must be our compass and He will be our guide if we only let Him.
a new year
3 January 2010
A new year spells a new start, a fresh page, a second chance to begin anew.
A new year also spells an ending of something old. However, life does not come in neat phases nor chapters. We are a product of our past – we cannot start off 2010 disconnected from 2009. Life is a journey that includes year 2009, year 2008 and year 2007 and many years before that.
There will be lingering episodes of 2009 that we cannot really shake off nor want to shake off as we enter into 2010. We will recount successes and failures.
Victories of 2009 can keep us from moving into new areas of growth and breed complacency and pride. Regrets and losses can haunt us from moving boldly into the new year with confidence.
God asks of us: “forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.” (Isaiah 43:18)
Let us have a good closure for year 2009 and take all of its life lessons and translate it into spiritual growth for 2010 and beyond.
A new year spells a new start, a fresh page on a continuing drama to let God unfold His purpose in our lives. It is our yet another second chance to let God lead us in this journey with Him.
My prayer for you this year is that you may ‘remain in Him’ (John 15:4) and ‘know Him better’ (Eph 1:17).
A new year spells a new start, a fresh page, a second chance to begin anew.
A new year also spells an ending of something old. However, life does not come in neat phases nor chapters. We are a product of our past – we cannot start off 2010 disconnected from 2009. Life is a journey that includes year 2009, year 2008 and year 2007 and many years before that.
There will be lingering episodes of 2009 that we cannot really shake off nor want to shake off as we enter into 2010. We will recount successes and failures.
Victories of 2009 can keep us from moving into new areas of growth and breed complacency and pride. Regrets and losses can haunt us from moving boldly into the new year with confidence.
God asks of us: “forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.” (Isaiah 43:18)
Let us have a good closure for year 2009 and take all of its life lessons and translate it into spiritual growth for 2010 and beyond.
A new year spells a new start, a fresh page on a continuing drama to let God unfold His purpose in our lives. It is our yet another second chance to let God lead us in this journey with Him.
My prayer for you this year is that you may ‘remain in Him’ (John 15:4) and ‘know Him better’ (Eph 1:17).
Storms
1st March 2009
It is a myth to think that life will be smooth sailing just because we are Christians.
As surely as there is life, there will be storms – frightening, unpredictable and totally unfathomable.
Marriage break down, a loved one suddenly dies or an unexpected diagnosis of crippling disease. Collapse of financial market, loss of job, political upheaval and unnecessary bloodshed – life deals a hard blow and our once orderly world is plunged into chaos, confusion and despair.
As surely as there is life, there will be storms – it discriminates against no one – Christians or non-Christians alike.
Storms are neutral.
When hardships and difficulties of life hit us, we suddenly find ourselves alone – and perhaps lonely. Those whom we trust may turn out to be just fair-weathered friends; those who offer comfort are impatient at us to ‘snap out of it’ and our heads punish our hearts by reprimanding us to quickly ‘move on’ – and yet we cannot, for all that we want – we just cannot. Then it dawns upon us how fragile, needy and un-understandable we are.
Storms are cruel.
When we are in despair and when everything seems lost, we realize our need for a Higher Power to calm and still the storms of life. It exposes the foundation of our lives and helps us to take stock and change course at times. It urges us to grow deep in our essentials and basics of living.
Storms bring fresh perspective to life.
George Herbert (1593-1633) said, “Storms make oaks take deeper root.”
Jesus says, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” and “I will never leave you, nor forsake you.”
In the storms of life, the promises of Jesus are brought to life as we hold out our hands to Him and let Him walk through the trials and sufferings with us.
Storms are kind and have their purpose after all.
Question: Who do you have to weather through the storms of life?
It is a myth to think that life will be smooth sailing just because we are Christians.
As surely as there is life, there will be storms – frightening, unpredictable and totally unfathomable.
Marriage break down, a loved one suddenly dies or an unexpected diagnosis of crippling disease. Collapse of financial market, loss of job, political upheaval and unnecessary bloodshed – life deals a hard blow and our once orderly world is plunged into chaos, confusion and despair.
As surely as there is life, there will be storms – it discriminates against no one – Christians or non-Christians alike.
Storms are neutral.
When hardships and difficulties of life hit us, we suddenly find ourselves alone – and perhaps lonely. Those whom we trust may turn out to be just fair-weathered friends; those who offer comfort are impatient at us to ‘snap out of it’ and our heads punish our hearts by reprimanding us to quickly ‘move on’ – and yet we cannot, for all that we want – we just cannot. Then it dawns upon us how fragile, needy and un-understandable we are.
Storms are cruel.
When we are in despair and when everything seems lost, we realize our need for a Higher Power to calm and still the storms of life. It exposes the foundation of our lives and helps us to take stock and change course at times. It urges us to grow deep in our essentials and basics of living.
Storms bring fresh perspective to life.
George Herbert (1593-1633) said, “Storms make oaks take deeper root.”
Jesus says, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” and “I will never leave you, nor forsake you.”
In the storms of life, the promises of Jesus are brought to life as we hold out our hands to Him and let Him walk through the trials and sufferings with us.
Storms are kind and have their purpose after all.
Question: Who do you have to weather through the storms of life?
Time
1st February, 2009
1st February 2009, Sunday, 12.30 p.m., BHLC sanctuary.
You have chosen to spend this day, this time at this place, doing this thing – setting aside time to meet Him.
This is how you have chosen to live this part of your eternity timeline.
You cannot relive this moment again. Once gone, it’s gone.
There will be no more 1st February 2009, Sunday, 12.30 p.m. for anyone of us here in this sanctuary.
Once used up, it cannot be changed. It is sealed with permanent ink.
We humans live under the illusion that we are in control of the future; - but the truth is we can only manage our present. The past is gone. The future is unknown. What we have is now – the present.
We cannot retrace our steps and try to love Him yesterday. We cannot love Him tomorrow – not yet.
However, we can love Him today. We can begin with Him today. We can identify ourselves as His children today. We can respond to His call today. We can spend time with Him today. He can be our priority today.
He is your priority - now, today.
Will He be your priority tomorrow? Or will it be someone or something else?
1st February 2009, Sunday, 12.30 p.m., BHLC sanctuary.
You have chosen to spend this day, this time at this place, doing this thing – setting aside time to meet Him.
This is how you have chosen to live this part of your eternity timeline.
You cannot relive this moment again. Once gone, it’s gone.
There will be no more 1st February 2009, Sunday, 12.30 p.m. for anyone of us here in this sanctuary.
Once used up, it cannot be changed. It is sealed with permanent ink.
We humans live under the illusion that we are in control of the future; - but the truth is we can only manage our present. The past is gone. The future is unknown. What we have is now – the present.
We cannot retrace our steps and try to love Him yesterday. We cannot love Him tomorrow – not yet.
However, we can love Him today. We can begin with Him today. We can identify ourselves as His children today. We can respond to His call today. We can spend time with Him today. He can be our priority today.
He is your priority - now, today.
Will He be your priority tomorrow? Or will it be someone or something else?
It takes guts
7 March 2010
What does it take to be a real disciple in an imperfect world?
My answer is that it takes guts – loads of it.
If we want to live authentic lives of integrity, the first hurdle to overcome is ourselves.
Don’t demonise the world. Don’t blame everything on the Devil. For many of us, it is our own heart that is the problem and it takes guts for us to face up to it.
“The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?” (Jer 17:9)
We cannot claim the renewal of our minds if our hearts are not changed.
It takes guts to face up to our own sinful desires that may run contrary to God’s will. It takes guts to NOT make excuses for our shortcomings and it takes guts to admit that we failed to love God first. Most of all, it takes guts to forsake all our idols and let God call the shots in our lives.
A rich young ruler with “respectable” credentials wanted to follow Jesus. He seemed like a nice, decent and God-fearing guy.
But the rich young ruler failed to make the cut. (Read Matt 19:16-22)
Why? Because though he recognised his heart was possessed by his possessions, he lacked the courage to let Jesus deal with it.
To follow Christ will take every ounce of our energy, every fibre of our determination and every molecule of our inner courage.
No wishy-washy attitude. No half-hearted efforts. No adulterated heart.
IT TAKES GUTS TO FOLLOW JESUS.
What does it take to be a real disciple in an imperfect world?
My answer is that it takes guts – loads of it.
If we want to live authentic lives of integrity, the first hurdle to overcome is ourselves.
Don’t demonise the world. Don’t blame everything on the Devil. For many of us, it is our own heart that is the problem and it takes guts for us to face up to it.
“The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?” (Jer 17:9)
We cannot claim the renewal of our minds if our hearts are not changed.
It takes guts to face up to our own sinful desires that may run contrary to God’s will. It takes guts to NOT make excuses for our shortcomings and it takes guts to admit that we failed to love God first. Most of all, it takes guts to forsake all our idols and let God call the shots in our lives.
A rich young ruler with “respectable” credentials wanted to follow Jesus. He seemed like a nice, decent and God-fearing guy.
But the rich young ruler failed to make the cut. (Read Matt 19:16-22)
Why? Because though he recognised his heart was possessed by his possessions, he lacked the courage to let Jesus deal with it.
To follow Christ will take every ounce of our energy, every fibre of our determination and every molecule of our inner courage.
No wishy-washy attitude. No half-hearted efforts. No adulterated heart.
IT TAKES GUTS TO FOLLOW JESUS.
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