The Tenacity of Yanosuke Hirai
The nuclear spillout crisis which resulted from the Fukushima nuclear was largely because the breakwaters at the plant was only 10m and thus unable to defend against the 13m tsunami wave onslaught. Because the breakwaters didn't work, huge amounts of water overflowed into the low lying cooling generators which pumped water into the nuclear reactors to cool them down.
The generators soon stopped working and water was not pumped into the reactors thus causing temperatures in the reactor to soar and an explosion which cause the huge amounts of radiation to be spread all over.
Why did this happen only to nuclear plant in Fukushima? It so happened that the same killer waves crashed onto another nuclear plant at Onagawa. However, because its break waters were 14.8m high, it could effectively protect the plant from the 13m waves.
Now why were the breakwaters at Onagawa 14.8m high? It was due to the tenacity of one man. Yanosuke Hirai. He passed away in 1986. But his sense of responsibility and integrity saved Onagawa. When everyone was against building a breakwater at 14.8m high, he stood resolved. Other engineers felt that 12m was sufficient and the additional costs of extending the height was unwarranted. Yanosuke stood resolved. His responsibility saved the region of Onagawa from a similar one like that of Fukushima.
In the face of opposition, he knew to do what was right. You can read more of the story below.
http://mdn.mainichi.jp/perspectives/column/news/20120319p2a00m0na020000c.html?inb=rs&utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter
It reminded me of us Christians, to do what we know is right. Joshua and Caleb knew that obtaining the land of Canaan in spite of the enemy was the right thing to do for that was promised of God. Inspite of opposition from the ten other spies, they stood resolve to obtain the land. As a result, they were the only two men of that generation to enter the promised land.
Today, as Christians, we know of the impending judgement of God. If we are not washed in the blood of Christ, we will have to stand in judgement before God. However, the good news is that through Christ, we need not stand before this judgement. Instead, we are assured of a place, Christ himself has prepared for us, where we enjoy eternal rest. This is our faith. Are we willing to have the tenacity to hold on to, to spread, to defend this faith?
The tsunami of judgement is coming. We need to have the break water of Jesus. Are we willing to stand before others and say, that the existing breakwater of man's self help is not sufficient? That we need the breakwater of Christ? In the face of opposition, we have to do what's right. And only what's right, can save us.
Monday, March 26, 2012
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Do you question if God is worth giving up your all?
Do you question if God is worth giving up your all?
Jesus told us that the most important command, is to love your God, with all your mind, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. Paul tells us to offer ourselves as living sacrifices.
Do you ever struggle with this command? The bible tells us plainly that its a command. Non negotiable. Like an officer to a soldier, its an order. We struggle. We worry. We question if its worth it. But when we obey as such, we will be remembered by God and He will honor us. Perhaps, a story can help us. The story is told in Matt 26, Mark 14 and John 12.
It is only two days away from Jesus crucifixion. Jesus was in the home of Simon. Mary, sister of Martha and Lazarus, came with a jar of very expensive perfume, made of pure nard, broke the jar and poured the perfume on his head.
It is worth mentioning that the perfume was contained in a alabaster vial, made out of a special marble which is the best container for preserving expensive perfume and oils. The pure nard is oil derived from the nard plant native to India. That is was pure meant that it was genuine and unadulterated which made it so costly. The perfume was worth more than a year's wages, 300 denarii. In today's terms, i think it should be at least 30,000 USD.
Once you break the vial, it cannot be kept for reuse. It is meant only for a one time usage for a woman's most important occasion in her life, her wedding.
Mary then anointed Jesus feet with the perfume and wiped them with her hair. A woman's hair is her most prized possession. Washing a man's feet was the most looked down upon work.
This was an act of pure worship. A sacrificial act, yet done with a cheerful heart by Mary to our Lord.
Mary's symbol brings to live loving her Lord with all her heart, her soul, her mind, her strength.
In return, Jesus says, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.
This is an example for us to follow. Are we willing to give to our Lord our own alabaster vial of perfume, made of pure nard? Its worth it. For our Lord. Those who honors Him, He honors them.
Jesus told us that the most important command, is to love your God, with all your mind, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. Paul tells us to offer ourselves as living sacrifices.
Do you ever struggle with this command? The bible tells us plainly that its a command. Non negotiable. Like an officer to a soldier, its an order. We struggle. We worry. We question if its worth it. But when we obey as such, we will be remembered by God and He will honor us. Perhaps, a story can help us. The story is told in Matt 26, Mark 14 and John 12.
It is only two days away from Jesus crucifixion. Jesus was in the home of Simon. Mary, sister of Martha and Lazarus, came with a jar of very expensive perfume, made of pure nard, broke the jar and poured the perfume on his head.
It is worth mentioning that the perfume was contained in a alabaster vial, made out of a special marble which is the best container for preserving expensive perfume and oils. The pure nard is oil derived from the nard plant native to India. That is was pure meant that it was genuine and unadulterated which made it so costly. The perfume was worth more than a year's wages, 300 denarii. In today's terms, i think it should be at least 30,000 USD.
Once you break the vial, it cannot be kept for reuse. It is meant only for a one time usage for a woman's most important occasion in her life, her wedding.
Mary then anointed Jesus feet with the perfume and wiped them with her hair. A woman's hair is her most prized possession. Washing a man's feet was the most looked down upon work.
This was an act of pure worship. A sacrificial act, yet done with a cheerful heart by Mary to our Lord.
Mary's symbol brings to live loving her Lord with all her heart, her soul, her mind, her strength.
In return, Jesus says, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.
This is an example for us to follow. Are we willing to give to our Lord our own alabaster vial of perfume, made of pure nard? Its worth it. For our Lord. Those who honors Him, He honors them.
Thursday, March 08, 2012
Joy in Suffering
Psalm 31:7-8
"I will rejoice and be glad in your faithful love because you have seen my affliction. You have known the troubles of my life and have not handed me over to the enemy."
Being a Christian doesn't mean that we will not go through sufferings. But how can we have joy in them?
1. We have joy because of God's faithful love. Which means that in our sufferings, God has meant them to be beneficial for us even though we do not understand it. Think Joseph, almost killed by his brothers, sold to Egypt, maligned by Potiphar's wife, jailed, yet it was all in God's sovereign plan by God to make him prime minister for Egypt that through his God given wisdom planned for the coming famine.
2. We have joy because God cares for us in our suffering. Just as sick children who suffer in their illnesses, whenever their parents take care of them, wipe away their tears and embraces them, a smile breaks out on their face. Because they know that their parents care for them. Their parents know the pain they are going through. The same way, we are in the embracing arms of God who sympathizes and understands what we are going through.
Jesus cares for us. He cared for the little children. He care for the hungry people whom he taught. He care for a mother whose son was about to leave her. He care for the many sick and blind. He care for those whom had not God's truth. He cares for us till the point of laying down his life for us.
"I will rejoice and be glad in your faithful love because you have seen my affliction. You have known the troubles of my life and have not handed me over to the enemy."
Being a Christian doesn't mean that we will not go through sufferings. But how can we have joy in them?
1. We have joy because of God's faithful love. Which means that in our sufferings, God has meant them to be beneficial for us even though we do not understand it. Think Joseph, almost killed by his brothers, sold to Egypt, maligned by Potiphar's wife, jailed, yet it was all in God's sovereign plan by God to make him prime minister for Egypt that through his God given wisdom planned for the coming famine.
2. We have joy because God cares for us in our suffering. Just as sick children who suffer in their illnesses, whenever their parents take care of them, wipe away their tears and embraces them, a smile breaks out on their face. Because they know that their parents care for them. Their parents know the pain they are going through. The same way, we are in the embracing arms of God who sympathizes and understands what we are going through.
Jesus cares for us. He cared for the little children. He care for the hungry people whom he taught. He care for a mother whose son was about to leave her. He care for the many sick and blind. He care for those whom had not God's truth. He cares for us till the point of laying down his life for us.
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Content of Ministry
Mark 6:7-13 "And he called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits. He charged them to take nothing for their journey except a staff—no bread, no bag, no money in their belts— but to wear sandals and not put on two tunics. And he said to them, “Whenever you enter a house, stay there until you depart from there. And if any place will not receive you and they will not listen to you, when you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet as a testimony against them.” So they went out and proclaimed uthat people should repent. And they cast out many demons and anointed with oil many who were sick and healed them."
Often, we talk about preaching. But what exactly is the content of our preaching? When Jesus sent out his disciples two by two, we note some contents of preaching:
Jesus has authority over evil spirits (7): We need not be concern of idol or deities suppressing us, for we have the true Son of God with us. We need not be fearful because we know the one true God.
Whoever believes in Him, will welcome him. (10): One who believes in Him, will welcome Him into his life, his house, his work, his life and subject everything to Him as Lord and Savior.
Whoever rejects Him, wrath will be on him. (11): One who rejects Him, awaiting him is the terrible judgement and wrath of God.
We have to repent. (12): We have to rid the things and thoughts that God does not approve in our lives.
Jesus is our healer. (13): In Christ, we are healed of our sins. In His will, He may choose to heal physical illnesses too.
Often, we talk about preaching. But what exactly is the content of our preaching? When Jesus sent out his disciples two by two, we note some contents of preaching:
Jesus has authority over evil spirits (7): We need not be concern of idol or deities suppressing us, for we have the true Son of God with us. We need not be fearful because we know the one true God.
Whoever believes in Him, will welcome him. (10): One who believes in Him, will welcome Him into his life, his house, his work, his life and subject everything to Him as Lord and Savior.
Whoever rejects Him, wrath will be on him. (11): One who rejects Him, awaiting him is the terrible judgement and wrath of God.
We have to repent. (12): We have to rid the things and thoughts that God does not approve in our lives.
Jesus is our healer. (13): In Christ, we are healed of our sins. In His will, He may choose to heal physical illnesses too.
Only by Faith, We Experience God
Mark 6:4-6 "And Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor, except in his hometown and among his relatives and in his own household.” And He could do no mighty work there, except that He laid his hands on a few sick people and healed them. And He marveled because of their unbelief."
Without faith, we will not see God. Without faith, we will not please Him. Without faith, we will not experience His power, His blessing.
One might say, where is God? I will only believe when I see Him.
But just as we can only truly feel the power of electricity, love or air when we believe, we can only experience God, when we first take the step of faith.
Without faith, we will not see God. Without faith, we will not please Him. Without faith, we will not experience His power, His blessing.
One might say, where is God? I will only believe when I see Him.
But just as we can only truly feel the power of electricity, love or air when we believe, we can only experience God, when we first take the step of faith.
Monday, February 27, 2012
Acceptable Sacrifices
Acceptable Sacrifices
Lev 21:20 "You are not to present anything that has a defect, because it will not be accepted on your behalf."
When we present offerings to God, we are to present our very best to God for it to be favored. Just as Abel offered his best and was honored by God, we are to offer our first fruits, first salaries, to Him.
Perhaps we only offer when we have met all expenses/savings and give only what's remaining. Perhaps we only serve God when we have convenient spare time. Perhaps we only serve God only after we have given the world the best of our years.
Give the best to God now. In your finances, in your studies, in your work, do it for His glory.
Lev 21:20 "You are not to present anything that has a defect, because it will not be accepted on your behalf."
When we present offerings to God, we are to present our very best to God for it to be favored. Just as Abel offered his best and was honored by God, we are to offer our first fruits, first salaries, to Him.
Perhaps we only offer when we have met all expenses/savings and give only what's remaining. Perhaps we only serve God when we have convenient spare time. Perhaps we only serve God only after we have given the world the best of our years.
Give the best to God now. In your finances, in your studies, in your work, do it for His glory.
Friday, February 24, 2012
Abram’s Fall in Egypt
Abram’s Fall in Egypt (Gen 12:9-10)
V9, Abram continued toward Negev. This is a drier area (lesser rainfall, thus needed wells to be dug), less desirable for raising crops but better for his vocation as a herdsman, perhaps engaging also in merchant activity.
In
verse 10, there was a famine there and Abram went down to Egypt. Famine was not an unusual phenomenon in Canaan. Two other major food shortages also occurred during Isaac's time (26:1) and Joseph's time (41:56). In Israel, the
only river that flowed all year round was the Jordan river. Yet, it is
completely below sea level which means that irrigation from it was difficult.
Thus the growth of crops was heavily reliant on rain. When there was no rain,
it means a famine. Egypt was the best location with water supply.
Did Abram fail here by heading to Egypt?
Still holding on to God's promise, he did not return to Ur, though matter were extremely difficult. Heb 11:15 says, "indeed if they had been thinking of that country from which they went out, they would have opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country, that is a heavenly one."
Abram's faith was patient and endured great hardships because they believed God had something better. They had no desire to go back to Ur, but did long for Heaven.
The Lying Half Truth (12:11-16)
In verses 11 to 13, Abram tells Sarai to acknowledge him as
his brother. This is because during then, it was a time where man with physical
superiority if they fancied a beautiful woman, could just snatch her and kill
her husband. At 65, Sarah was still young and attractive, being only half her age (she died at 127). The patriarchs lived long. Abram lived till 175.
To protect himself, he asked Sarai to identify herself as his
sister. This is a lying half true as they shared the same father, but different
mothers thus making her his half-sister and not truly his sister.
However, a half truth is still a lie as the Egyptians still
took Sarah away to Pharoah. Abram did not tell the more important other half of
the truth that she was his wife.
Do we tell half truths and neglect the other more important
half?
I serve God. But only when its convenient for me.
I offer. But only when I have excess money.
God is love. But God is also a God who judges.
Jesus saves. But His salvation will bear forth repentance and holy living for Him.
Abram's Attempted Self Protection and Failure to Protect his wife (12:17)
The separation of Abram and Sarai was critical enough for the Lord to personally intervene (17). Abram used this ruse to protect himself. (13, "that I may live") apparently without too much thought being given to Sarai. But God's reaction focused upon the protection of Sarai.
Through God's protection, Pharaoh escorted him away with his wife and all that belonged to him. The exit would probably have the servants talking about it amongst themselves with some loss to Abram's integrity and reputation in their eyes which perhaps led to quarrels between Abram and Lot's servants.
Abraham's Faith and Worship
God Reassures Abram
in spite of Opposition (Gen 12:6-7)
Gen 12:6-9 tells us of Abram’s journey from out of Haran. He
traveled as far as Shechem. It was about 15 miles west of the Jordan and 30 miles north of Jerusalem.
The Canaanites were in the land there which
inevitably Abram would have been threatened by their occupation of the land. However God in verse 7 appeared to him to boost his faith and re-assuring him
that He will give this land to his offspring. The seeds of divine truth were to be sown there for the benefit of all man kind. It was chosen as the most appropriate land for the coming of divine revelation and salvation for the world.
The Response of Abram - Confession of Faith and Public Worship (12:7)
In a response of thanksgiving,
Abram built an altar to the Lord. Abram made an open confession of his faith and established worship of the true God. This was the first place of worship ever erected in the Promised Land.
Moses was writing approximately 700 years after Abram entered the land. The Canaanites were soon to be opponents of Israel as they entered Canaan. Moses wrote this to encourage both himself, and the Israelites in the Lord.
It is Worth It!
When God calls for our obedience, He does not just leave us
alone or as a traveller in the desert fending for himself. He will constantly
encourage us, reassuring us the worthiness of reaching the heavenly goal,
comfort us when we are down, and reminding us that we have not treaded down the
wrong path.
Knowing the
Importance of Worship and Thanksgiving (12:8)
In verse 8, he continued towards Bethel and pitched his
tent. Again he built an altar and called on the name of the Lord. This is the
second time Abram built an altar. He will continue to build two more later in
Hebron and Mt. Moriah. Why did Abram build an altar? He knew the important of
worship and thanksgiving to God. We might be involved in fellowship, prayer
meeting, witnessing, but worship is an important time where we place all our
attention on God.
I have seen people smsing, facebooking, using their
handphones during worship. Some sleep. Some are too lazy to bring their bibles.
Some sit there but are not actually attentive. In other words, being
DISTRACTED. Let’s not do that. Jesus tells us to worship in truth and in
spirit. What does that mean?
Worship in truth means we worship according to God’s truth.
We preach the truth in worship, sing hymns that convict us of God’s truth in
worship, the entire atmosphere helps infiltrate God’s truth into our mind,
emotional and conviction.
Worship in spirit means we do not just worship in dead truth
alone, but yet in truth, and also in a lively manner that involves our total
selves to focus on God. It does not mean we jump around like a rock concert. Is
that true liveliness? We can be lively, yet mindful of the respectfulness to
maintain before our great Lord.
So let us not be distracted during worship. Treat worship as
important. Be ready to worship. Actively worship. Live out your worship.
The Faith and Obedience of Abram The Faith and Obedience of Abram
The Faith and
Obedience of Abram
In Gen 12:1-5, we see God calling Abram out of the
idolatrous land of Haran and to enter the land which God Himself will show and
give. His call does not come without direction or purpose. Though the exact
when and where is not revealed to Abram, yet God promises to him in verses 2
and 3 that God will bless him
- into a great nation,
- his name will be great and be a blessing,
- and all peoples will be blessed through him.
Heb 11:1 tells that faith is being confident in what we hope
for and assured about what we do not see. As I was watching X-Men: United,
Night Crawler himself a devout Christian said, “I pity the humans, because they
believe only in what they see.”
Heb 11: 8,9 says that by faith, Abram obeyed God’s call even
though he did not know where he was going. He made his home in a foreign land
as a stranger. He lived in tents. Why could he do all this?
The answer lies in verse 10. Because Abram was looking forward to a
city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God.
That reminds us today that though we can’t see God, but by
faith, we obey His words in our lives even though it may costs us a price, like
Abram having to leave Haran. But obedience is leaving something for a better
thing found in God. We can look forward to a heavenly city and being praised as
a good and faithful slave.
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Are We Out Of Our Mind?
Mark 3:21 "and when his family heard it, they went out to seize Jesus, for they were saying, 'He is out of His mind.'"
In the Christian walk, there will be many times to the faithful follower of Christ where his closest family and friends will not understand the actions of him, till to the point that they mistaken him as out of his mind.
This is not surprising as the same thing happened to Jesus. He allowed people to impose on Him, asking Him to teach them, to heal them, to minister to them. Thousands crowded around Him when the chance arises. And when his family heard Him returning home, they quickly seized Him out of love and protection, to protect Himself from others. This is the natural instinct of loved ones. Won't a mother tiger risk her all to protect her cubs? This is but love shown upon by the family.
However, Jesus knew that an even greater Father was in control. Yes, to the family, they indeed will not understand why Jesus spends so much time outside proclaiming an unseen Kingdom, will want to dine with sinners, tax collectors, willing to be humiliated by supposedly respected teachers of that time, and ultimately, be crucified on to the cross in the most tragic of capital punishment.
But Jesus obeyed His Father's will, that His Kingdom be seek first, His Kingdom be established. Many times, families do not understand why we allow others to impose on our time, money and energy. But this mis-understanding will not stay. In tens of years, in Heaven, all this will be made crystal clear. Why the Christian has been storing treasures in Heaven? Why has he been seeking the Heavenly Kingdom first?
Yes, misunderstandings will remain. However, just as His family did not understand sometimes, they still submitted because they saw the truthfulness and purity of His life. They knew that He was God and they must have faith in what was to be achieved by God Himself, just as Mary submitted and allowed herself to be made use of by God to bear the Son of God.
The Christian is to continue to love, honor his family though such misunderstandings exist. And through that testimony, bring to light what is unseen, to be clearly and soberly seen in faith.
In the Christian walk, there will be many times to the faithful follower of Christ where his closest family and friends will not understand the actions of him, till to the point that they mistaken him as out of his mind.
This is not surprising as the same thing happened to Jesus. He allowed people to impose on Him, asking Him to teach them, to heal them, to minister to them. Thousands crowded around Him when the chance arises. And when his family heard Him returning home, they quickly seized Him out of love and protection, to protect Himself from others. This is the natural instinct of loved ones. Won't a mother tiger risk her all to protect her cubs? This is but love shown upon by the family.
However, Jesus knew that an even greater Father was in control. Yes, to the family, they indeed will not understand why Jesus spends so much time outside proclaiming an unseen Kingdom, will want to dine with sinners, tax collectors, willing to be humiliated by supposedly respected teachers of that time, and ultimately, be crucified on to the cross in the most tragic of capital punishment.
But Jesus obeyed His Father's will, that His Kingdom be seek first, His Kingdom be established. Many times, families do not understand why we allow others to impose on our time, money and energy. But this mis-understanding will not stay. In tens of years, in Heaven, all this will be made crystal clear. Why the Christian has been storing treasures in Heaven? Why has he been seeking the Heavenly Kingdom first?
Yes, misunderstandings will remain. However, just as His family did not understand sometimes, they still submitted because they saw the truthfulness and purity of His life. They knew that He was God and they must have faith in what was to be achieved by God Himself, just as Mary submitted and allowed herself to be made use of by God to bear the Son of God.
The Christian is to continue to love, honor his family though such misunderstandings exist. And through that testimony, bring to light what is unseen, to be clearly and soberly seen in faith.
Friday, February 17, 2012
Sin needs a Sacrifice
In Leviticus 4, we are taught about the sin offerings that God requires of man whenever he sins. When man sins, they have to sacrifice an animal before God for atonement.
When can we stop sinning? We sin every moment. If not in actions, then in thought. What a terrible tragic state we are. If we are to offer sacrifices for our sin, i think it would have to be non-stop offering,
But God sent His own sacrifice on behalf of us. His Son, Jesus. One the cross, He was the sacrifice once and for all man. In Him, we no longer have to make our own sacrifice for God gave His own sacrifice for us.
Are we still trying to offer sacrifices for our sin? We can never offer enough. We will always stop short.
Accept in faith, the divine sacrifice made for you by a loving God. Christ crucified.
When can we stop sinning? We sin every moment. If not in actions, then in thought. What a terrible tragic state we are. If we are to offer sacrifices for our sin, i think it would have to be non-stop offering,
But God sent His own sacrifice on behalf of us. His Son, Jesus. One the cross, He was the sacrifice once and for all man. In Him, we no longer have to make our own sacrifice for God gave His own sacrifice for us.
Are we still trying to offer sacrifices for our sin? We can never offer enough. We will always stop short.
Accept in faith, the divine sacrifice made for you by a loving God. Christ crucified.
Tuesday, February 07, 2012
Friday, January 13, 2012
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?
Thursday, January 12, 2012
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.
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.
Friday, December 30, 2011
Children should be seen as a Blessing, not a Hardship
Children should be seen as a Blessing, not a Hardship
First, scripture teaches that children are blessed gifts from God. God designed them as a blessing, as a source of joy. They come from God to grace our lives with fulfillment, meaning, happiness and satisfaction. Parenthood is God's gift to us.
This is true even in a fallen world, infected with the curse of sin. In the midst of evil, children are tokens of God's lovingkindness. They are living proof that God's mercy extends even to fallen sinful creatures.
Remember that Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit before they had conceived any offspring. Yet God did not simply destroy them and start over a new race. Instead, he permitted Adam and Eve to fulfill the command given them before the Fall: Be fruitful and multiply (Gen 1:28). Through that, He set in motion a plan of redemption that would ultimately embrace untold numbers of Adam's offspring (Rev 7:9-10). The children Eve bore therefore embodied the hope that fallen sinners could be redeemed.
And when God cursed the earth because of Adam's sin, He multiplied the pain of the childbirth process, but he did not nullify the blessing inherent in bearing children.
Eve recognized this. Gen 4:1 says "Now Adam knew Eve his wife, and she conceived and bore Cain and said, 'I have acquired a man from the Lord.'" She clearly recognized that the Lord was the source of this child. She regarded the child as a gift from the hand of the One whom she had sinned against, and she was overjoyed by it. Despite the pain of childbirth, and irrespective of the fallenness of the child himself, she knew that the child was an emblem of God's grace to her.
In verse 25 we read, "And Adam knew his wife again, and she bore a son and named him Seth, 'For God has appointed another seed for me.'" Children, Eve knew, are blessed gifts from God.
What of the children of unbelievers? They represent divine blessings too. In Gen 17:20, God promised to bless Ishmael. How would He bless him? By multiplying his children and descendants. He told Abraham, "And as for Ishmael, I have heard you. Behold, I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly."
Also, in the contest between Leah and Rachel for Jacob's affection, Gen 29:31-33 says, "When the Lord saw that Leah was unloved, He opened her womb; but Rachel was barren. So Leah conceived and bore a son, and she called his name Reuben; for she said, "The Lord has surely looked on my affliction. Now therefore, my husband will love me." Then she conceived again and bore a son, and said, "Because the Lord has heard that I am not loved, He has therefore given me this son also."
The Lord's compassion for Leah was manifested by His enabling her to bear children.
God blessed Rachel with children too and she praised Him for His goodness. "And she conceived and bore a son and said, 'God has taken away my reproach'". Rachel died giving birth to Benjamin and her midwife offered these words of dying comfort: "Do not fear; you will have this son also." (Gen 35:17)
Throughout this tale of the parents who gave birth to the various tribes of God's chosen people, one thing is clear. All parties understood that children signified the blessings of the Lord.
By God's gracious design, children are given to bring parents joy, happiness, contentment, satisfaction, and love. Psalm 127:3-5 says so expressly: "
3 Children are a heritage from the LORD,
offspring a reward from him.
4 Like arrows in the hands of a warrior
are children born in one’s youth.
5 Blessed is the man
whose quiver is full of them.
They will not be put to shame
when they contend with their opponents in court."
Clearly, in the plan of God, children are meant to be a blessing, not a hardship. And they usually are a blessing when they arrive. But left exposed to this world and unshaded by the proper kind of protection, they will indeed break your heart. That leads to the second foundational principle... to be continued...
From: Macarthur, What the Bible Says About Parenting, p13-16
First, scripture teaches that children are blessed gifts from God. God designed them as a blessing, as a source of joy. They come from God to grace our lives with fulfillment, meaning, happiness and satisfaction. Parenthood is God's gift to us.
This is true even in a fallen world, infected with the curse of sin. In the midst of evil, children are tokens of God's lovingkindness. They are living proof that God's mercy extends even to fallen sinful creatures.
Remember that Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit before they had conceived any offspring. Yet God did not simply destroy them and start over a new race. Instead, he permitted Adam and Eve to fulfill the command given them before the Fall: Be fruitful and multiply (Gen 1:28). Through that, He set in motion a plan of redemption that would ultimately embrace untold numbers of Adam's offspring (Rev 7:9-10). The children Eve bore therefore embodied the hope that fallen sinners could be redeemed.
And when God cursed the earth because of Adam's sin, He multiplied the pain of the childbirth process, but he did not nullify the blessing inherent in bearing children.
Eve recognized this. Gen 4:1 says "Now Adam knew Eve his wife, and she conceived and bore Cain and said, 'I have acquired a man from the Lord.'" She clearly recognized that the Lord was the source of this child. She regarded the child as a gift from the hand of the One whom she had sinned against, and she was overjoyed by it. Despite the pain of childbirth, and irrespective of the fallenness of the child himself, she knew that the child was an emblem of God's grace to her.
In verse 25 we read, "And Adam knew his wife again, and she bore a son and named him Seth, 'For God has appointed another seed for me.'" Children, Eve knew, are blessed gifts from God.
What of the children of unbelievers? They represent divine blessings too. In Gen 17:20, God promised to bless Ishmael. How would He bless him? By multiplying his children and descendants. He told Abraham, "And as for Ishmael, I have heard you. Behold, I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly."
Also, in the contest between Leah and Rachel for Jacob's affection, Gen 29:31-33 says, "When the Lord saw that Leah was unloved, He opened her womb; but Rachel was barren. So Leah conceived and bore a son, and she called his name Reuben; for she said, "The Lord has surely looked on my affliction. Now therefore, my husband will love me." Then she conceived again and bore a son, and said, "Because the Lord has heard that I am not loved, He has therefore given me this son also."
The Lord's compassion for Leah was manifested by His enabling her to bear children.
God blessed Rachel with children too and she praised Him for His goodness. "And she conceived and bore a son and said, 'God has taken away my reproach'". Rachel died giving birth to Benjamin and her midwife offered these words of dying comfort: "Do not fear; you will have this son also." (Gen 35:17)
Throughout this tale of the parents who gave birth to the various tribes of God's chosen people, one thing is clear. All parties understood that children signified the blessings of the Lord.
By God's gracious design, children are given to bring parents joy, happiness, contentment, satisfaction, and love. Psalm 127:3-5 says so expressly: "
3 Children are a heritage from the LORD,
offspring a reward from him.
4 Like arrows in the hands of a warrior
are children born in one’s youth.
5 Blessed is the man
whose quiver is full of them.
They will not be put to shame
Clearly, in the plan of God, children are meant to be a blessing, not a hardship. And they usually are a blessing when they arrive. But left exposed to this world and unshaded by the proper kind of protection, they will indeed break your heart. That leads to the second foundational principle... to be continued...
From: Macarthur, What the Bible Says About Parenting, p13-16
Friday, December 09, 2011
An Afternoon At Bendemeer
I brought my grandmother to the Bendemeer market a few days ago for her to visit the hairstylist and also to get some groceries from the market. I thus had the chance to eat at the market.
It brought back many memories eating at the old market as I grew up there. I ordered a plate of chicken rice and shared a table with two young boys.
The two boys reminded me of when i was just like them many years ago, eating at the hawker centre and later playing in the afternoon. They boys were quite adorable, playing their nintendo ds and at the same time eating their lunch.
At that moment, i was reminded to share about Christ with them. And the moving in my heart was especially strong as the boys just reminded me about the times when i was young and just like them. I didn't know how to initiate a conversation without scaring the boys away as they were only 12 years of age. But i prayed to God in my heart silently that i can share Christ with them.
Then i asked them something close to my heart, "You guys stayed around here?". They replied, "nope, we stay in Hougang." I replied to them back that i used to stay around there and am currently also staying in Hougang. I next asked them then why are they here then to which they replied, that one of the boy's father had a shop there. I replied that my grandfather too, used to have a textile shop here. And so, with that, barriers between us started crumbling.
Soon, as we chatted and got to know more about their background, the schools they were studying (Holy Innocents), I asked them if in Holy Innocents did they hear about Jesus Christ? They said yes but they had believed in other religions already. I then remembering Jesus example with the Samaritan woman on how He did not change the subject with the woman, and told the boy if he knew that believing in Christ was important? That one day we will die and where will we head towards? Heaven or Hell?
I think by God's grace, their responded quite positively and started asking questions which allowed me to share more about Christ. I also got to know that they were having a little waveboarding tournament in the afternoon. We later left and i took two Ultimate Questions booklet and went to the basketball court where they were having their tournament and passed the booklet to them.
I thank God for the chance and also for the moving in my heart to share Christ with them. I hoped that on that day, the gospel seed was sowed in their hearts and it may grow fully one day.
It brought back many memories eating at the old market as I grew up there. I ordered a plate of chicken rice and shared a table with two young boys.
The two boys reminded me of when i was just like them many years ago, eating at the hawker centre and later playing in the afternoon. They boys were quite adorable, playing their nintendo ds and at the same time eating their lunch.
At that moment, i was reminded to share about Christ with them. And the moving in my heart was especially strong as the boys just reminded me about the times when i was young and just like them. I didn't know how to initiate a conversation without scaring the boys away as they were only 12 years of age. But i prayed to God in my heart silently that i can share Christ with them.
Then i asked them something close to my heart, "You guys stayed around here?". They replied, "nope, we stay in Hougang." I replied to them back that i used to stay around there and am currently also staying in Hougang. I next asked them then why are they here then to which they replied, that one of the boy's father had a shop there. I replied that my grandfather too, used to have a textile shop here. And so, with that, barriers between us started crumbling.
Soon, as we chatted and got to know more about their background, the schools they were studying (Holy Innocents), I asked them if in Holy Innocents did they hear about Jesus Christ? They said yes but they had believed in other religions already. I then remembering Jesus example with the Samaritan woman on how He did not change the subject with the woman, and told the boy if he knew that believing in Christ was important? That one day we will die and where will we head towards? Heaven or Hell?
I think by God's grace, their responded quite positively and started asking questions which allowed me to share more about Christ. I also got to know that they were having a little waveboarding tournament in the afternoon. We later left and i took two Ultimate Questions booklet and went to the basketball court where they were having their tournament and passed the booklet to them.
I thank God for the chance and also for the moving in my heart to share Christ with them. I hoped that on that day, the gospel seed was sowed in their hearts and it may grow fully one day.
Friday, December 02, 2011
The Arrogance and Pride of Belshazzar that caused him all
The Arrogance and Pride of Belshazzar that caused him all.
In Daniel 5, we read of King Belshazzar giving a great banquet for a thousand of his nobles. He gave orders to use the cups from the temple in Jerusalem to drink the wine from. As all of them drank from the cups, they also worshipped the gods of gold, silver, bronze, iron, wood and stone. It was utter disrespect towards the true and living God. Firstly, he did not deem the cups from the temple as sacred. Secondly, while drinking and indulging in his revelry, he worshipped idols.
Because of this, God's judgement came heavily upon him. The fingers of a human hand appeared and wrote on the wall. This caused great fear in the King, who then asked all his wise men to interpret the writing and whoever could do so would be made third highest ruler. However, none could interpret. As the days go by, the King became more and more frightened.
The Queen remembered that none could be compared to Daniel and how he interpreted the dreams of Nebuchadnezzar, his father. Hence, Belshazzar called him in to interpret the writing promising honors for him if he manages to do so.
Daniel was thus called in. He obey the King's command to interpret the writings but not before first proclaiming that he had no interests at all in the riches and honor promised to him. He knew that the ability to interpret the writing came from God and not himself. He also did not want to defile himself with the money. He had overcome greed.
When Daniel saw the writing, he knew what it mean. He begins a harsh rebuke to Belshazzar. Telling him about his father's previous majesty and power, but when he became arrogant and hardened with pride, God stripped him of his glory and turned him into a mad animal like man till he acknowledged that God is the true sovereign one.
But Belshazzar though having knew all these, have not humbled himself but instead worshipped idols and disrespected God. To words to Belshazzar are thus the words of judgement, that God has number the days of his reign and will bring it to an end. He is judged to be sinful and his kingdom will be given to the Medes and Persians.
That very night Belshazzar, king of the Babylonians, was slain, and Darius the Mede took over the kingdom, at the age of sixty-two.
Learning Lessons:
- Remember the lessons of our fathers.
- Do not be arrogant and prideful but acknowledge that God is sovereign over all.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
The Resolve of Daniel not to Defile himself
Daniel 1
The Resolve of Daniel not to Defile himself
Let's study the character of Daniel and let it be an encouragement in our lives. Firstly, let's understand more about him. Daniel was physically well built, handsome, had aptitude, intelligence in all areas. He was scholarly gifted.
3 Then the king ordered Ashpenaz, chief of his court officials, to bring into the king’s service some of the Israelites from the royal family and the nobility— 4 young men without any physical defect, handsome, showing aptitude for every kind of learning, well informed, quick to understand, and qualified to serve in the king’s palace. He was to teach them the language and literature of the Babylonians.
Though he was gifted in all areas, attractive, he did not let this pride get to this head. He knew that he was still a jew though having been trained in the ways of the Babylonian culture for three years. He knew that according to his customs, some food and drink were not to be eaten to represent his devotion to God.
8 But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way.
And for those who honor God, God will honor them. Because Daniel honored God with his resolve not to defile himself, God caused favor to be shown on him by his surrounding people including even the King. This King who was powerful enough to gain victory over the well guarded Jerusalem trusted and had favor in Daniel.
9 Now God had caused the official to show favor and compassion to Daniel, 17 To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning. And Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds. The king talked with them, and he found none equal to Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah; so they entered the king’s service. 20 In every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king questioned them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his whole kingdom.
Today, let the character of Daniel encourage us. Not to defile ourselves with things that God is not happy with. Daniel was successful because he held God as the highest standard in his life. He did not defile himself continually. Let us remember that the desire to keep ourselves holy and not defile ourselves is not a one time thing but a continual process, improving day by day till we meet our Lord.
In return, God will favor us. We will find success in the things of our lives. Sure, there will be downfalls, like how Daniel was thrown into the lions' den, and things seem so opposing to you. But trust in the Lord. Downfalls, rises, are all in God's good purposes to mould us into a person more pleasing to Him.
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