A Reflection of 2011

(i actually had this post completed earlier but it was in draft mode, hence the lag :D )

Time to count my blessings in 2011. I think this year has been one of the more exciting
years in my journey of life. First of, a new member has been added to our family. We
welcome Luke! Just the birth of Luke alone brings forth many thanksgiving.

The birth of Luke was a miracle of God. Due to certain complications, the fact that
Luke could be conceived was already a miracle. In fact, the entire journey of his birth
is a series of miracles. During the childbearing, Cat got to a point where she could push
no more as she has exhausted her strength. The midwife i could see was contemplating
whether to ask the doctor for a C-section. Luke's head was no where clear of coming out.
But just as the midwife and I stood wondering what to do next, Luke's head just started
coming out by itself! It was just like an angel pulling Luke out! It just continued till
the midwife could catch hold of Luke's shoulders and out he came. I think that was the
second miracle.

When Luke came out, the midwife directed us to look at the umblical cord. There was
a knot! It was then we realised that it was such a periless situation. Luke might have
deprived of oxygen due to the knot while still in the womb! But by God's grace, he still
came into this world, safe and sound, at a healthy 3.8 kilograms.

The third miracle came post pregnancy. Cat was still bleeding profusely. Bedsheets
and clothes were changed continously. Doctors came and monitored. Finally, she was
scheduled to have an operation at midnight. Till now, i think i still don't understand the
danger of the situation then. But by the grace of God, the operation went well and the
bleeding stopped. Two days later, she was discharged and today, both mother and Luke
are well and healthy.

Another thing i would like to give thanks for is that He has provided me with a house of
our own. We are the proud owners of a 4-room flat. Renovation and furnishing went on
fine. The location is good too being close to both my parents and in laws' place.

I also thank God that He has blessed me at work with the privilege of a good work life
balance.

I thank God too for my family. My mother, my father, my grandmother and sister. They
have looked after me and my family. Looking after two young kids is indeed a daunting
challenge but because of the great help from my family, it became a much easier task.
Many household chores were taken care off, meals for all members of my family were
prepared, transport, utility bills, many many others...

Lastly, i would like to thank God for my service this year. Be it chairing, translating,
speaking, evangelism, ministries of mercy, administration, i thank God that i can be a
contribution to His ministry and Kingdom. He gave me grace to live, grace to serve. And
through glorifying Him, i live a life of value. May God grant me more strength, grace and
blessing next year as i strive to serve Him better.

Well, that's all. 2012 is approaching as i am typing this blog entry. Blessed new year
everyone!

The Depravity of Man

The Depravity of Man (Gen 3:8-13)

What are the marks of fallen man?

1. We will hid from God. Just as Adam and Eve heard the sound of God after they sinned, they became afraid and tried to hide, man today hides from God as well. 

How does man hide from God today?

a. By not acknowledging His existence. Man professes, there is no God!

b. By re-defining Him according to man's standards. Man professes, God wants me to succeed, God is happy with my depraved life and doesn't need me to repent or change my life whatsoever according to His Word. 90% of man believe in God. But the God they believe in is their own definition of God. We need to know the God as revealed in the bible.

Are we hiding from God today?

2. We will not repent. We will find excuses and profess that they are not sinners. We will shift the blame. "Eve gave the fruit to me, the serpent deceived me."Man says, "I should indulge in sexual behavior because i am made like an animal." Man says, i do not have sin. I only have an illness of gambling addiction or sexual addiction. 

Are we attempting to repent today?

3. We blame God. Just as Adam blamed God by accusing Him of creating Eve who tempted, we blame God too for evil in the world. We blame God for suffering. We blame Him for almost anything. But we have to remember, He is absolute sovereign, and perfectly good.

Are we still blaming Him today?

On Guard Against the Devil's Deception (1) - Questioning

Be on guard against the deception of the Devil.

Satan will replace the period in God's command with a question mark. Replace a black with grey. Did God really say that you cannot...?

Did God really say that we cannot have other gods or have other priorities occupying more of our time than to Him? Today, many think having several gods is insurance. Many think career, family, should come before God, (not to say they are not important!) Are we deceived?

Did God really say that we have to spare one day away from work for Him? Isn't it alright? I don't have to conscienously plan time for Him?

Did God really say that we have to take care of our parents? Can't we just leave them on their own, leave them in a old folks home?

Did God really say that we cannot hate others? Can't we gossip abt them? 

Did God really say that we cannot see pornography or men's magazines?

Did God really say that we cannot steal intellectual property?

Did God really say that we cannot covet for more riches, assets?

The Devil's deception continues today and at an even more alarming phase. Be on guard against it.

Why did God plant the tree of knowledge of good and evil in the Garden of Eden?

Why did God plant the tree of knowledge of good and evil in the Garden of Eden? Could not He have just not planted it there and let Adam and Eve eat from any tree? Or why did God forbid Adam/Eve in the first place?

I think its just a simple answer. True obedience. Without a choice, man can never exercise true obedience. With a choice, if man chooses to obey God rather than to give in to temptation, that is true obedience.

Just as we know that a child is truly obedient to his father when he chooses to do his homework on time rather than continue watching tv.

Just as one makes the choice not to click on the link to a pornographic website for fear of committing adultery. Just as one makes the choice not to utter/post senseless idle words for fear of losing a Christian testimony. Just as one makes the choice not to gossip behind the backs of others for fear of spreading false lies.

True obedience comes not in man having no choices to make, true obedience comes in man knowing and being exposed to temptation, yet still chooses the God favoring choice.

Let's learn the example of Jesus.

When Adam and Eve gave into their lusts and temptation and ate the fruit, Jesus though having fasted for 40 days and nights, was hungry, hung on and obeyed the Word of God, "Man shall not live on bread alone."(Matt 4:4)

When Eve were doubting God's perfect goodness and sovereignty that He withheld something good from them, Jesus trusted absolutely upon His Father and did not put Him to the test. (Matt 4:7)

When Eve lusted to be wise, to know good and evil, and to be like God, Jesus refused all splendor, riches and worshiped the Father with a servant's heart. (Matt 4:10)

How can we strive to obey God better?
1. To hold on to the Word of God
2. To trust in God absolutely
3. To worship Him only with a servant's heart.