If the Lord is with us, why has all this happened to us? Isn't this how we would ask God when we faced with life challenges? If God is with us then we wouldn't be in such a situation or mess. This was the same question that Gideon asked God. The Midianites were destroying their land and taking whatever they had. And God's answer was, "..do not I send you?" (Judges 6:14b - ESV) If we dare to ask God this question then we ought to to be prepared to hear what God says. Like Gideon then we must be ready to respond to Him and be part of the solution! But you may say, "But I cannot do this..." or give some other excuses. Don't worry! Gideon was not too confident of himself and did not think too highly of his own family background. In fact he wanted more assurances from God!
The secret of his strength was the Spirit of the Lord. Gideon discovered that day that the Lord is Peace. Peace is not merely an absence of trouble. It is in spite of it that we find the true source of peace. It was not in things, people or even techniques but in a Person.
The next time you are in trouble, go to the Lord who is our Shalom. Listen to Him say, "The Lord is with you, O mighty man (or woman!) of valour." (Judges 6:12 - ESV). Then go forth with the Lord of peace!
April 15, 2010
April 8, 2010
The Better Option
Someone asked me today this question: "Why do we always ask God for healing and not ask God to preserve this person and quickly bring him/her back to be in His kingdom? Isn't that better than healing the person and remain more time on this earth and with each passing day one may lose its salvation?"
How do we respond to the suffering of a person? If this person is a member of your family you would probably do whatever it takes to preserve and extend his or her life. Spend money for the best doctor, medical treatment and medication that you can afford. Ask people to pray for healing. Consult your friends and do your research on the Internet.
I think if you were like me, we would do everything possible within our means to try to save a life. But how far should we go? How much should we keep the living from dying? Is healing and recovery the only option? Is there a place to release the sick person to the Lord and allow him or her to leave? Would that be more merciful than extending life and allow him or her to sin some more? Is there a better option?
How would you answer my friend's question and respond to the other questions I raised, if you are faced with such questions and decisions? Share from your personal experiences if you have.
How do we respond to the suffering of a person? If this person is a member of your family you would probably do whatever it takes to preserve and extend his or her life. Spend money for the best doctor, medical treatment and medication that you can afford. Ask people to pray for healing. Consult your friends and do your research on the Internet.
I think if you were like me, we would do everything possible within our means to try to save a life. But how far should we go? How much should we keep the living from dying? Is healing and recovery the only option? Is there a place to release the sick person to the Lord and allow him or her to leave? Would that be more merciful than extending life and allow him or her to sin some more? Is there a better option?
How would you answer my friend's question and respond to the other questions I raised, if you are faced with such questions and decisions? Share from your personal experiences if you have.
April 5, 2010
Our Easter Service
We had our Easter service yesterday and here are two "works of art" from the craft work done during the service. The message speaks for itself the truth of the resurrection. Blessed Easter!
April 2, 2010
TGIGF!
Death is an unforgettable experience that leaves a lasting mark in our memories. I still remember my late grandmother lying in the morgue and that of my late father on his bed. As we commemorate Good Friday we cannot forget the day our Lord Jesus who hung on the cross, being humiliated publicly, bleeding and in great pain. For three hours there was darkness in the land. At the end of it He cried, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" He even felt that God had left Him when He carried the sins of the world. I am glad that it did not end there. It was only in that moment of despair that He cried out those words. The good news was the words that He cried out later, "It is finished." Yes! He paid the price and ransomed us from all of our sins. We are free!
That's why today we can shout out and say "Thank God it's Good Friday!" or "Thank God for Good Friday!" Let us take a moment to give thanks to the Lord for His great love and sacrifice.
That's why today we can shout out and say "Thank God it's Good Friday!" or "Thank God for Good Friday!" Let us take a moment to give thanks to the Lord for His great love and sacrifice.
April 1, 2010
Maundy Thursday or April Fool?
Today is Maundy Thursday or "Holy Thursday" is the day before Passover to commemorate the institution of the Lord's Supper or Communion. The word 'Maundy' means 'command' in Latin which refers to the command Jesus gave at the Last Supper to love and serve one another.
Today is also April Fool's Day! Coincidence? Well, Paul tells us that "We are fools for Christ.." (1 Cor. 4:10) Not the kind of fools that we see in our world but a wise kind of fools! The reason is "For the message of the the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing..." (1 Cor. 1:18) and "But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things to shame the strong" (1 Cor. 1:27)
The cross was an instrument to inflict pain, humiliation and death to the worst of criminals. Yet it was God's instrument and plan to bring about hope and salvation for humanity through Jesus Christ. On this April Fool's Day let us remember the wisdom and power of God's love.
Today is also April Fool's Day! Coincidence? Well, Paul tells us that "We are fools for Christ.." (1 Cor. 4:10) Not the kind of fools that we see in our world but a wise kind of fools! The reason is "For the message of the the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing..." (1 Cor. 1:18) and "But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things to shame the strong" (1 Cor. 1:27)
The cross was an instrument to inflict pain, humiliation and death to the worst of criminals. Yet it was God's instrument and plan to bring about hope and salvation for humanity through Jesus Christ. On this April Fool's Day let us remember the wisdom and power of God's love.
The Servant
The eve of the Passover feast was a busy day and a stressful time for our Lord. Yet Jesus took time out to minister to His disciples. He loved them and wanted to show them the full extent of his love (John 13:1) Jesus did the unthinkable by washing the disciples' feet. It was a dirty job! But the Teacher became a servant! He just got up, took off his outer clothing and wrapped a towel around His waist (John 13:4) Then He poured water out to the basin and began to wash their feet and dry them with the towel.
How can He do such a think? What would people say? But His love for them far exceeded the norms and expectations of society. His identity would not change by being a servant. He could have asked or commanded one of the disciples to do it. Yet He did not but instead set an example for them (John 13:15) Something they could never forget. His love knew no bound. He loved them even though He knew they would deny Him. He was prepared to go down and be humble like a servant. The Teacher was showing His disciples the right way to go. They must now be servants by washing each others feet just their Teacher. This was what it meant to follow Him. The road that led to the cross was paved with unmeasured love and humility. Jesus went all the way even to lose His own life for us sinners.
How do we wash each others feet today? Some churches reenact the actual washing of feet on Thursday, during Holy Week to remember the humility of the Servant King. I think the example of Jesus was more than just to repeat His physical actions. We need to ask ourselves how can we really be a servant to one another. Are we sensitive to the need of others? Do we take the initiative when we see their needs? Are we prepared to come out of our comfort zones and clean another person's 'smelly feet' even those who are most undeserving and unappreciative? Only a servant's heart filled with the love of Jesus can do it. There is even a blessing if you do them (John 13:17)
How can He do such a think? What would people say? But His love for them far exceeded the norms and expectations of society. His identity would not change by being a servant. He could have asked or commanded one of the disciples to do it. Yet He did not but instead set an example for them (John 13:15) Something they could never forget. His love knew no bound. He loved them even though He knew they would deny Him. He was prepared to go down and be humble like a servant. The Teacher was showing His disciples the right way to go. They must now be servants by washing each others feet just their Teacher. This was what it meant to follow Him. The road that led to the cross was paved with unmeasured love and humility. Jesus went all the way even to lose His own life for us sinners.
How do we wash each others feet today? Some churches reenact the actual washing of feet on Thursday, during Holy Week to remember the humility of the Servant King. I think the example of Jesus was more than just to repeat His physical actions. We need to ask ourselves how can we really be a servant to one another. Are we sensitive to the need of others? Do we take the initiative when we see their needs? Are we prepared to come out of our comfort zones and clean another person's 'smelly feet' even those who are most undeserving and unappreciative? Only a servant's heart filled with the love of Jesus can do it. There is even a blessing if you do them (John 13:17)
Family Camp 2010
This year's church family camp will be @ STM, Seremban. This camp will be run together with SU under their Inter-Generational (IG) camp programme. The theme is "The Power of God's Word".
Here are some pictures taken from our recent visit to the camp site. It's a hilly place with plenty of greenery and adequate space for us to run around! Come and join us this June 11-13. Invite your friends to come and be blessed as well!
Here are some pictures taken from our recent visit to the camp site. It's a hilly place with plenty of greenery and adequate space for us to run around! Come and join us this June 11-13. Invite your friends to come and be blessed as well!
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