We have a natural inclination to instinctively seek self-preservation when faced with danger. On our own we will do what it takes to protect our own interest to avert danger and save our lives. The Lord Jesus knew His time on earth was coming to an end and He was troubled in His heart (John 12:27) What would Jesus say or do in such a stressful and troubling situation? He had two options. Option One was "Father, save me from this hour" That would be the kind of prayer or words we would say in times of danger. Help me or take me out of this trouble or mess. Option Two was "Father, glorify Your name!" That would be the difficult thing and greater thing to do. This was the choice of Christ. The first was the wrong choice because it was against the purpose of His coming which was to die. If was then a voice from heaven came saying, "I have glorified it, and will glorify again." Even God the Father approved of the Son's choice.
What is your choice when you face danger and trouble in your life? The easy and natural or the difficult and right one? Let me suggest the Jesus way: Pray to glorify the Father and for His will to be done. No personal agenda or mere human wisdom. When we choose to glorify Him we surrender our selves to Him and place our faith in Him. Then we will receive His voice of approval. Yes, it may mean that we may not escape from death and the cross. But Father will be pleased and He honours the one who follows and serves Jesus (John 12:26) Try the Jesus way when you face your next challenge in life.
March 31, 2010
March 29, 2010
Lavish Love
For my first meditation during this Holy Week I would like to share from the account of Jesus being anointed by Mary the sister of Lazarus (John 12:1-11). This event took place the day before Jesus entered Jerusalem. Mary showed her love and devotion to her Lord by pouring out expensive perfume (worth a year's wages) at the feet of Jesus. Her act of sacrifice was prophetic in nature as she was preparing for His burial. For Mary it was her offering of sacrifice and service to the Lord. It was her way of showing love and devotion. But what a waste some may say, just like Judas Iscariot, who was to betray Him later. The money could have been put to better use like helping the poor and needy. But Mary had the support of Jesus. He accepted her sacrificial act of love. In a short while Jesus would be showing the lavish generosity of God's love at the cross. Like sweet fragrance that love would spread to ends of the earth. Something that even a year's wages would never be able to buy. Love is something that cannot be stored or hoarded. It has to be given away to receive its blessings. Mary lavished her love in her own way and she was remembered. Judas kept his love in a guarded and miser manner and was remembered for his tragic and treacherous life.
But how do we give and show love? Generously or miserly? God's love is sacrificial and generous. John had this to say of His love: "How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!" (1 John 3:1) We can only give what we know and have received. Why do we love? Because He first loved us. Paul tells us that God has poured out this love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit (Rom. 5:5) It is from this ocean of love that we can draw to give generously. Our own containers at its best is limited. We give with the expectation that others will fill our limited containers. Give and it will be given. May the Lord help us to see and experience anew the lavish love of God. Then love Him back by sharing that love generously to someone who needs to be loved this week.
Ps. Ben
But how do we give and show love? Generously or miserly? God's love is sacrificial and generous. John had this to say of His love: "How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!" (1 John 3:1) We can only give what we know and have received. Why do we love? Because He first loved us. Paul tells us that God has poured out this love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit (Rom. 5:5) It is from this ocean of love that we can draw to give generously. Our own containers at its best is limited. We give with the expectation that others will fill our limited containers. Give and it will be given. May the Lord help us to see and experience anew the lavish love of God. Then love Him back by sharing that love generously to someone who needs to be loved this week.
Ps. Ben
March 23, 2010
The Four Stages of Life
I came across this picture that shows the four stages of our human life. Look at it and see if there is any truth in it. Let me know what you think. Which stage are you at?
March 11, 2010
Fallen People
Recently there has been a series of high profile personalities being exposed for their sinful indiscretions. They are people at the top of their professions and greatly idolised by many. But when they fall from the pedestal, they are quickly condemned and rejected by these same set of worshipers. People never seem to have enough of the juicy stories and are 'Google-ing' for more. It's just like a feeding frenzy in a pool of hungry pirahnas!
I admit that I too have my own list of fallen heroes! People that I admire (especially when they claim to be Christians!) who failed to live up to my expectations. We may console ourselves that we are not like them and that as Christians we don't do the kind of things that they do. We may even judge them. Yes, I know that we are not supposed to do that!
The question is: Are we capable of doing some of these things like violence, lying, infidelity and cheating? How should we treat those who have fallen? How then would you like to be treated when you fall from grace? Let me know what you think!
I admit that I too have my own list of fallen heroes! People that I admire (especially when they claim to be Christians!) who failed to live up to my expectations. We may console ourselves that we are not like them and that as Christians we don't do the kind of things that they do. We may even judge them. Yes, I know that we are not supposed to do that!
The question is: Are we capable of doing some of these things like violence, lying, infidelity and cheating? How should we treat those who have fallen? How then would you like to be treated when you fall from grace? Let me know what you think!
March 10, 2010
Being God's Temple
Do you know that the local church is God's temple? (1 Cor. 3:16-17) This temple is the dwelling place of God's Spirit and it is sacred or holy. The Greek word for holy is hagios, which has the idea of separation, consecration and devotion to the service of God, sharing in God's purity and abstaining from earth's defilement.
God is so protective of the temple that a serious warning was given against those who destroy God's temple. In the church at Corinth, there were some people inside the church that seem to be moving towards this destructive path as evidenced by their arrogance, divisions, jealousy and quarreling (ch. 1:10-3:15) They were pursuing human wisdom rather than God's wisdom in trying to build the church.
The truth is: You are God's temple. What does it mean then for the church to be God's temple, indwelt by the God's Spirit today? How do we live holy lives as a community of God's people without making the mistakes of the church at Corinth? Think about this and feel free to give me your opinions.
God is so protective of the temple that a serious warning was given against those who destroy God's temple. In the church at Corinth, there were some people inside the church that seem to be moving towards this destructive path as evidenced by their arrogance, divisions, jealousy and quarreling (ch. 1:10-3:15) They were pursuing human wisdom rather than God's wisdom in trying to build the church.
The truth is: You are God's temple. What does it mean then for the church to be God's temple, indwelt by the God's Spirit today? How do we live holy lives as a community of God's people without making the mistakes of the church at Corinth? Think about this and feel free to give me your opinions.
March 4, 2010
Should Churches Be as Friendly as a Bar?
I came across an article recently by Mark Galli in Christianity Today with the above title. Apparently a survey was done in the USA in trying to determine where the churches rank in comparison with other 'around town' avenues. Restaurants, bars and pubs were rated as the best places to meet people beating churches. But not by too much: 18% vs 16%. Why do people go to church? Is it because it is a friendly place or just out of religious obligation?
Think: Why do you go (or not go) to church? If you want a fun and friendly place, would the church be the first place on your mind? People go to bars and pubs for care-free and casual conversations. Should churches (or our church) then be as friendly as a bar? Let me know what you think.
Ps. Ben
Think: Why do you go (or not go) to church? If you want a fun and friendly place, would the church be the first place on your mind? People go to bars and pubs for care-free and casual conversations. Should churches (or our church) then be as friendly as a bar? Let me know what you think.
Ps. Ben
March 2, 2010
The Day of the Lord
We have already had two major earthquakes in 2010. Will there be any more? I think the answer is a likely YES! We cannot prevent them but if we can have some early signs or warnings it may help save some lives. Well that is what the experts are trying to do all these years but much success. The question that may concern others who are looking for signs for the return of Jesus Christ will be: "Is this the Day of the Lord?" or the Day of Judgement?
Jesus has this to say about earthquakes and other signs: "all these are the beginning of birth pangs" (Matt. 24:8) The duration of labour pains varies. One thing we learn from the prophet Joel is that the Day of the Lord is going to be certain and a whole lot worse than the birth pangs! He describes it as "destruction from the Almighty" (Joel 1:15); "close at hand" (Joel 2:1); "it is dreadful. Who can endure it?" (Joel 2:15); "great and dreadful" (Joel 2"31); "near in the valley of decision" (Joel 3:14)
Well at least for some people. Like earthquakes our focus has always been on the destruction, pain and loss. I think our focus should be on the salvation that comes that comes when we call on the name of the Lord (Joel 2:32) Disasters like earthquakes are warning signs meant to lead us back to the Lord. The people of God in Joel's time faced the locust hordes that devastated the land. But God gave them a second chance to humble ourselves and return with all our heart (Joel 2:12) This call came from the God who is "gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love" (Joel 2:13)
"Who knows? He may turn and have pity and leave behind a blessing" (Joel 2:14) They repented and God relented them from further destruction and restored their losses. The Day of the Lord is also a day when "the mountain will drip new wine.." (Joel 3:18) It will be a day of joy for those who have been delivered! The Lord is in the midst and He now dwells amongst His people. Is there then anything to fear? Is there anything that can ever separate His people from the love of God?
May the Lord bring comfort to your soul in your hour of trial.
Ps Ben
Jesus has this to say about earthquakes and other signs: "all these are the beginning of birth pangs" (Matt. 24:8) The duration of labour pains varies. One thing we learn from the prophet Joel is that the Day of the Lord is going to be certain and a whole lot worse than the birth pangs! He describes it as "destruction from the Almighty" (Joel 1:15); "close at hand" (Joel 2:1); "it is dreadful. Who can endure it?" (Joel 2:15); "great and dreadful" (Joel 2"31); "near in the valley of decision" (Joel 3:14)
Well at least for some people. Like earthquakes our focus has always been on the destruction, pain and loss. I think our focus should be on the salvation that comes that comes when we call on the name of the Lord (Joel 2:32) Disasters like earthquakes are warning signs meant to lead us back to the Lord. The people of God in Joel's time faced the locust hordes that devastated the land. But God gave them a second chance to humble ourselves and return with all our heart (Joel 2:12) This call came from the God who is "gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love" (Joel 2:13)
"Who knows? He may turn and have pity and leave behind a blessing" (Joel 2:14) They repented and God relented them from further destruction and restored their losses. The Day of the Lord is also a day when "the mountain will drip new wine.." (Joel 3:18) It will be a day of joy for those who have been delivered! The Lord is in the midst and He now dwells amongst His people. Is there then anything to fear? Is there anything that can ever separate His people from the love of God?
May the Lord bring comfort to your soul in your hour of trial.
Ps Ben
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