1 Corinthians 13:13
13 Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love.
Why love is the greatest?
I was told because love is everlasting. Love is something we carry to the other side after we've gone. Faith and hope only exist here on this world. Faith fixed on devine revelation that God exists, after we're gone and met God, we would not need faith because we will be standing face to face with God. Same with hope, we have hope here on this world that there are wonderful things waiting for us in heaven, and after we're gone, the book of Revelation said that God will wipe every tear from our eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever. Hope will be fulfilled in heaven. There is no room for faith and hope when we see and enjoy.
But love...love is everlasting, for apostle John said that God is love, and where God is seen face to face, love is at the highest, made perfect and love will last forever for God is everlasting.
1 Corinthians 13:1-3
1 If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn’t love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I understood all of God’s secret plans and possessed all knowledge, and if I had such faith that I could move mountains, but didn’t love others, I would be nothing. 3 If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it; but if I didn’t love others, I would have gained nothing.
Friday, December 11, 2009
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Get Busy Living or Get Busy Dying
I went to a coworker’s spouse’s wake last Friday. A wonderful life cut short by a tragic accident. Nothing gets you thinking about your own immortality than going to a wake or a funeral. There were a lot of people there, friends and family were there, viewing and saying goodbye to the departed. Of course, my brain starts spooling, wondering if I would have this many people show up on my own “event”. We are all someday will be “the center of attention” whether we like it or not. And if this tragedy reminds me of anything, it could happen to anybody, at any age, at any time. Am I ready? Are you ready?
“As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”
Monday, November 9, 2009
Where can I go from here?
Do you ever thought, "Ugh, if God was there (in that situation / event) in the past, things would not have turned the way it was! It would have had a good outcome." And now you are going through the pain from the consequences of your action, somebody else's actions, and the wrong decisions. You know now that you should have consulted God in the past, or listened to Him, but it's too late now and you just have to fight this storm alone.
Or, say you have consulted God in the past, but either you did not get any answer (yet), or you did not like the answer you got. "Why did God give me this? Why do I have to go through this problem?" Life issues, big or small, are a pain. And we usually ask God's help to avoid it or to fix it soon.
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There was a similar experience with Mary and Martha, as told in John 11:1-44. The life issue here is: Mary and Martha's brother, Lazarus, was sick (and died). The outline of the story is like the following. As you read through, put yourself in Mary's and Martha's position.
1.
3So the sisters sent word to Jesus, "Lord, the one you love is sick."
2.
4When he heard this, Jesus said, "This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God's glory so that God's Son may be glorified through it." 5Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. 6Yet when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days.
3.
14So then he told them plainly, "Lazarus is dead, 15and for your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him."
4.
21"Lord," Martha said to Jesus, "if you had been here, my brother would not have died.
5.
25Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; 26and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?"
6.
27"Yes, Lord," she told him, "I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who was to come into the world."
7.
38Jesus, once more deeply moved, came to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance. 39"Take away the stone," he said.
8.
"But, Lord," said Martha, the sister of the dead man, "by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days."
9.
40Then Jesus said, "Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?"
10.
41So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, "Father, I thank you that you have heard me. 42I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me."
43When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out!" 44The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face.
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Things work out best in God's timing, in God's way.
If you are at point 4, you think it's too late to fix something, too late to make a change --> go back to Jesus and invite Him to be involved.
If you are at point 5, doubting God's power and plan --> read verse 25-26. God's promise does not fail. He has a plan for you (and your situation!) and will carry it through, regardless of however far you have turned.
If you are at point 8, saying no or delaying to do some things that God has been asking you to.. make more effort to complete the task. A change, or even a solution might just be around the corner.
God bless you.
Or, say you have consulted God in the past, but either you did not get any answer (yet), or you did not like the answer you got. "Why did God give me this? Why do I have to go through this problem?" Life issues, big or small, are a pain. And we usually ask God's help to avoid it or to fix it soon.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
There was a similar experience with Mary and Martha, as told in John 11:1-44. The life issue here is: Mary and Martha's brother, Lazarus, was sick (and died). The outline of the story is like the following. As you read through, put yourself in Mary's and Martha's position.
- Mary sent the news about the problem to Jesus
- Jesus heard the problem. He knows God's plan, and decided to wait in responding and making actions.
- Jesus finally came to meet Mary and Martha
- Martha was sad by then, wishing Jesus would have been there earlier. She thought it's too late then.
- Jesus assured her about His power, and asked if she believed
- Martha accepted and believed His word
- Jesus asked Martha (and some people on site) to do some actions
- Martha was confused and unsure
- Jesus reaffirmed His promise
- The people did what Jesus asked them to do, and Jesus made a miracle
- Can you identify yourself in the story?
- Can you think of an experience like this in the past? or one that you are going through now?
- At which point did you find it the most difficult? or at which point are you now?
1.
3So the sisters sent word to Jesus, "Lord, the one you love is sick."
2.
4When he heard this, Jesus said, "This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God's glory so that God's Son may be glorified through it." 5Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. 6Yet when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days.
3.
14So then he told them plainly, "Lazarus is dead, 15and for your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him."
4.
21"Lord," Martha said to Jesus, "if you had been here, my brother would not have died.
5.
25Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; 26and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?"
6.
27"Yes, Lord," she told him, "I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who was to come into the world."
7.
38Jesus, once more deeply moved, came to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance. 39"Take away the stone," he said.
8.
"But, Lord," said Martha, the sister of the dead man, "by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days."
9.
40Then Jesus said, "Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?"
10.
41So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, "Father, I thank you that you have heard me. 42I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me."
43When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out!" 44The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Things work out best in God's timing, in God's way.
If you are at point 4, you think it's too late to fix something, too late to make a change --> go back to Jesus and invite Him to be involved.
If you are at point 5, doubting God's power and plan --> read verse 25-26. God's promise does not fail. He has a plan for you (and your situation!) and will carry it through, regardless of however far you have turned.
If you are at point 8, saying no or delaying to do some things that God has been asking you to.. make more effort to complete the task. A change, or even a solution might just be around the corner.
God bless you.
Monday, September 14, 2009
SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINE
My family bought a house in the city of Roselle about a year ago. Driving to downtown Chicago, if not accompanied by traffic and at the speed of 75mph, only takes a mere 40 minutes using Hwy 290. It's not too bad; an added bonus is that my house is really close to the hwy as well.
Driving to work is quite a pleasure. I don't get stuck in rush hour traffic like most Chicagoans. One day I decided to time myself - it took me about 15 minutes to drive the 7 miles distance from my house to my office. Not too shabby, I'm not complaining.
While driving every morning at 8.30am using the same road to get to the major streets, I happen to keep noticing this older man walking on the sidewalk alongside my car. He's probably in his late 60s. White hair, hunched back, and always with his cane. The first day I saw him, I forgot about him as soon as his reflection was gone from my rear view mirror. The fourth day I saw him walking at 8.30am, I was intrigued. After 10 months of seeing him and his beloved cane everyday, I just want to stalk him, find out where he lives, and spend a couple of hours talking to him.
This mysterious old man is always wearing his favorite blue windbreaker jacket. Wearing a hat, I saw that he has his headphones on, too. I wonder what he's listening to. Is it a radio? It could be a radio receiver in his pocket. Or is it a CD? What kind of music does he listen to? Classic? Jazz? Country? Wouldn't it be a riot if he listens to hiphop? Ooooh, so many possibilities.
I've started to learn his route as well. He doesn't go to the little streets/alleys; from my house to the next major intersection, I'd say it's a good 0.8 mile. That is the route he takes; to the intersection and back. Before 10am, this man has walked 1.6 miles. On some days, I don't even walk 1 mile! What a way to start the day, don't you think?
I remember one day it was raining. I woke up late because the alarm clock didn't go off. I was thinking in the back of my mind: "My old man is not going to take his walk today. I wouldn't! It's raining! I'd be lazy and go back to sleep." But boy, was I wrong! While turning on my wipers, I saw him walking with an umbrella over his head, already on his way home. He was almost done with his walk. I suddenly felt ashamed. I was running late. The old man? He was walking on time.
And that is almost the case everyday for the past 10 months. I purposely look for him whenever I drive to work. Never has he missed his walk. From Monday to Friday, at 8.30am (I don't know if he walks on weekends). You can find him walking; whether it'd be a clear day, a rainy one, a very sunny morning, or a gloomy sky. He's there with his music and his cane... and occasionally, his umbrella.
It got me thinking; shouldn't I be like that when it comes to my spiritual life? Shouldn't I read His Word everyday, pray everyday, be kind and joyful everyday (among many others), irregardless the "weather" the world has for that day? If it was a happy day, shouldn't I not forget to give praise? It it was one of the sad days, shouldn't I still be faithful to Him? I need to walk with God everyday, just like the old man. Rain or shine.
I need to be more like you, my old man...
And while on that note, I need to know where you live as well.
I would love to spend one Saturday morning with you.
Driving to work is quite a pleasure. I don't get stuck in rush hour traffic like most Chicagoans. One day I decided to time myself - it took me about 15 minutes to drive the 7 miles distance from my house to my office. Not too shabby, I'm not complaining.
While driving every morning at 8.30am using the same road to get to the major streets, I happen to keep noticing this older man walking on the sidewalk alongside my car. He's probably in his late 60s. White hair, hunched back, and always with his cane. The first day I saw him, I forgot about him as soon as his reflection was gone from my rear view mirror. The fourth day I saw him walking at 8.30am, I was intrigued. After 10 months of seeing him and his beloved cane everyday, I just want to stalk him, find out where he lives, and spend a couple of hours talking to him.
This mysterious old man is always wearing his favorite blue windbreaker jacket. Wearing a hat, I saw that he has his headphones on, too. I wonder what he's listening to. Is it a radio? It could be a radio receiver in his pocket. Or is it a CD? What kind of music does he listen to? Classic? Jazz? Country? Wouldn't it be a riot if he listens to hiphop? Ooooh, so many possibilities.
I've started to learn his route as well. He doesn't go to the little streets/alleys; from my house to the next major intersection, I'd say it's a good 0.8 mile. That is the route he takes; to the intersection and back. Before 10am, this man has walked 1.6 miles. On some days, I don't even walk 1 mile! What a way to start the day, don't you think?
I remember one day it was raining. I woke up late because the alarm clock didn't go off. I was thinking in the back of my mind: "My old man is not going to take his walk today. I wouldn't! It's raining! I'd be lazy and go back to sleep." But boy, was I wrong! While turning on my wipers, I saw him walking with an umbrella over his head, already on his way home. He was almost done with his walk. I suddenly felt ashamed. I was running late. The old man? He was walking on time.
And that is almost the case everyday for the past 10 months. I purposely look for him whenever I drive to work. Never has he missed his walk. From Monday to Friday, at 8.30am (I don't know if he walks on weekends). You can find him walking; whether it'd be a clear day, a rainy one, a very sunny morning, or a gloomy sky. He's there with his music and his cane... and occasionally, his umbrella.
It got me thinking; shouldn't I be like that when it comes to my spiritual life? Shouldn't I read His Word everyday, pray everyday, be kind and joyful everyday (among many others), irregardless the "weather" the world has for that day? If it was a happy day, shouldn't I not forget to give praise? It it was one of the sad days, shouldn't I still be faithful to Him? I need to walk with God everyday, just like the old man. Rain or shine.
I need to be more like you, my old man...
And while on that note, I need to know where you live as well.
I would love to spend one Saturday morning with you.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Half Baked
As I walked into the church today, I was expecting a typical day, good worship music, encouraging message, get some lunch and go home. Oh boy was I wrong... I was once again challenged as a Christ follower. The preacher was talking about half-baked Christians, like these half baked cookies, that left bad taste in people's mouth, a bad memory that en grained in their mind for years to come. Maybe bad things that we said, or our poor conducts that made people said, "If that's Christianity, I don't want to be part of it."
A half-baked Christian is someone who acknowledge Jesus as a Savior but not necessarily acknowledge Him as Lord in his/her life. Jesus said, "Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say?" (Luke 6: 46). Some of us Christians, even those who are involve in ministries in church, are missing the Jesus' authority in our life. It's like we forgot what we heard on Sunday when Monday morning comes and we live our lives our own way. Sometimes we have all the good intentions but we just simply half-baked.
What if Moses only took the Israelites half way to the promised land, what if Joshua only circled the Jericho wall half the time, what if David only hurled the stones half way from Goliath? What if Jesus only walked half way to Calvary?
It's OK, we are all guilty of this at some point in our live. So, let's all of us strive to be a fully baked Christians, like these yummy chocolate chip cookies, bringing pleasant memories to people that we met.
The key is to be intentional, to be more aware about which areas of our lives where we are weak and keep a watch on them. Nothing is automatic, only decay and corrosion is automatic. Reading the word of God daily and apply it daily in our lives will help us tremendously in our walk with Christ. We need to remember that we who professed faith in Jesus Christ, that we are His soldiers, and soldiers listen and obey the commander-in-chief's commands.
And tomorrow is Monday morning, and I brace for the dawn...
"Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting."
(Psalm 139: 23-24)
A half-baked Christian is someone who acknowledge Jesus as a Savior but not necessarily acknowledge Him as Lord in his/her life. Jesus said, "Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say?" (Luke 6: 46). Some of us Christians, even those who are involve in ministries in church, are missing the Jesus' authority in our life. It's like we forgot what we heard on Sunday when Monday morning comes and we live our lives our own way. Sometimes we have all the good intentions but we just simply half-baked.
What if Moses only took the Israelites half way to the promised land, what if Joshua only circled the Jericho wall half the time, what if David only hurled the stones half way from Goliath? What if Jesus only walked half way to Calvary?
It's OK, we are all guilty of this at some point in our live. So, let's all of us strive to be a fully baked Christians, like these yummy chocolate chip cookies, bringing pleasant memories to people that we met.
The key is to be intentional, to be more aware about which areas of our lives where we are weak and keep a watch on them. Nothing is automatic, only decay and corrosion is automatic. Reading the word of God daily and apply it daily in our lives will help us tremendously in our walk with Christ. We need to remember that we who professed faith in Jesus Christ, that we are His soldiers, and soldiers listen and obey the commander-in-chief's commands.And tomorrow is Monday morning, and I brace for the dawn...
"Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting."
(Psalm 139: 23-24)
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Moments of Truth
What is your life verse?
I hope these verses will help you in your walk with Christ...
SALVATION
John 1:12
Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.
Romans 10:13
"Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."
Titus 3:5
He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.
John 14:27
Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
I hope these verses will help you in your walk with Christ...
SALVATION
John 1:12
Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.
Romans 10:13
"Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."
Titus 3:5
He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.
ASSURANCE
1 John 5:13
I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.
Romans 5:1
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 John 5:12
He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.
TEMPTATION
1 Corinthians 10:13
No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.
Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.
Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
TRIALS
James1:2-3
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.
Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.
FEAR
2 Timothy 1:7
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.
What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?
WISDOM
James 1:5
If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.
I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.
Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue.
ANGER
Ephesians 4:26-27
“In your anger do not sin." Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.
CONTENTMENT
Philippians 4:11
I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.
Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you."
But godliness with contentment is great gain.
John 14:27
Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
POWER
Philippians 4:13
I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.
"With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God."
“Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,” says the LORD Almighty.
PRIDE
James 4:6
But He gives us more grace. "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble."
Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.
Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.
"I want to know You...
I want to hear Your voice...
I want to know You more."
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Does God have regrets? Does God cause us pain?
I have been reading 1 Samuel recently, and there are a few repeated verses whose meanings can't be what I think it is.
Here I took snippets with the particular verses bolded.
Basically I have two questions:
1. Why does it say "the Lord regretted"? does it mean that God feels he has made a mistake?
2. What does it mean by "the distressing spirit from the Lord troubled him"? does it mean something bad/evil can come from God, or that God would purposely give us evil spirit/thought?
If you happen to have read this part of the book before, or want to go read it now.. please share what you find out!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
1 Samuel 15:
10 Now the word of the LORD came to Samuel, saying, 11 “I greatly regret that I have set up Saul as king, for he has turned back from following Me, and has not performed My commandments.” And it grieved Samuel, and he cried out to the LORD all night.
35 And Samuel went no more to see Saul until the day of his death. Nevertheless Samuel mourned for Saul, and the LORD regretted that He had made Saul king over Israel.
1 Samuel 16:
14 But the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and a distressing spirit from the LORD troubled him. 15 And Saul’s servants said to him, “Surely, a distressing spirit from God is troubling you. 16 Let our master now command your servants, who are before you, to seek out a man who is a skillful player on the harp. And it shall be that he will play it with his hand when the distressing spirit from God is upon you, and you shall be well.”
23 And so it was, whenever the spirit from God was upon Saul, that David would take a harp and play it with his hand. Then Saul would become refreshed and well, and the distressing spirit would depart from him.
1 Samuel 18:
9 So Saul eyed David from that day forward.
10 And it happened on the next day that the distressing spirit from God came upon Saul, and he prophesied inside the house. So David played music with his hand, as at other times; but there was a spear in Saul’s hand. 11 And Saul cast the spear, for he said, “I will pin David to the wall!” But David escaped his presence twice.
1 Samuel 19:
9 Now the distressing spirit from the LORD came upon Saul as he sat in his house with his spear in his hand. And David was playing music with his hand. 10 Then Saul sought to pin David to the wall with the spear, but he slipped away from Saul’s presence; and he drove the spear into the wall. So David fled and escaped that night.
Here I took snippets with the particular verses bolded.
Basically I have two questions:
1. Why does it say "the Lord regretted"? does it mean that God feels he has made a mistake?
2. What does it mean by "the distressing spirit from the Lord troubled him"? does it mean something bad/evil can come from God, or that God would purposely give us evil spirit/thought?
If you happen to have read this part of the book before, or want to go read it now.. please share what you find out!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
1 Samuel 15:
10 Now the word of the LORD came to Samuel, saying, 11 “I greatly regret that I have set up Saul as king, for he has turned back from following Me, and has not performed My commandments.” And it grieved Samuel, and he cried out to the LORD all night.
35 And Samuel went no more to see Saul until the day of his death. Nevertheless Samuel mourned for Saul, and the LORD regretted that He had made Saul king over Israel.
1 Samuel 16:
14 But the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and a distressing spirit from the LORD troubled him. 15 And Saul’s servants said to him, “Surely, a distressing spirit from God is troubling you. 16 Let our master now command your servants, who are before you, to seek out a man who is a skillful player on the harp. And it shall be that he will play it with his hand when the distressing spirit from God is upon you, and you shall be well.”
23 And so it was, whenever the spirit from God was upon Saul, that David would take a harp and play it with his hand. Then Saul would become refreshed and well, and the distressing spirit would depart from him.
1 Samuel 18:
9 So Saul eyed David from that day forward.
10 And it happened on the next day that the distressing spirit from God came upon Saul, and he prophesied inside the house. So David played music with his hand, as at other times; but there was a spear in Saul’s hand. 11 And Saul cast the spear, for he said, “I will pin David to the wall!” But David escaped his presence twice.
1 Samuel 19:
9 Now the distressing spirit from the LORD came upon Saul as he sat in his house with his spear in his hand. And David was playing music with his hand. 10 Then Saul sought to pin David to the wall with the spear, but he slipped away from Saul’s presence; and he drove the spear into the wall. So David fled and escaped that night.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Missing the Messiah (Arang Friday, May 1)
Material: Matthew 21:1-17
Highlights
1. Why people in Jerusalem did not believe that Jesus is the Messiah? Because they had not seen the result they expected from a Messiah. They did not believe merely on what prophet had said.
Application for us: Many of us know Jesus through preachers, Christian books, parents, friends, etc. If we don't have a firsthand experience with God, we are more likely to get into dissapointment.
2. Jesus threw out all the people who were buying and selling there and said "My Temple will be called house of prayer"
Application for us: Our body is God's temple. Let's invite God to cleanse us.
3. Childrens in the temple were praising Jesus when they saw Jesus performed miracles.
Application for us: Let us have a childlike heart. Can we express and testify our gratitude for what God has done in our lives?
Project
Choose the book in the Bible on your own. Read 10 consecutive chapters during this 2 weeks (one chapter per weekday), and pick just one topic/verse in those chapter to share during our next meeting. Please put the chapters of your choice down in the comment section of this post.
Let's have a firsthand experience with God!
Highlights
1. Why people in Jerusalem did not believe that Jesus is the Messiah? Because they had not seen the result they expected from a Messiah. They did not believe merely on what prophet had said.
Application for us: Many of us know Jesus through preachers, Christian books, parents, friends, etc. If we don't have a firsthand experience with God, we are more likely to get into dissapointment.
2. Jesus threw out all the people who were buying and selling there and said "My Temple will be called house of prayer"
Application for us: Our body is God's temple. Let's invite God to cleanse us.
3. Childrens in the temple were praising Jesus when they saw Jesus performed miracles.
Application for us: Let us have a childlike heart. Can we express and testify our gratitude for what God has done in our lives?
Project
Choose the book in the Bible on your own. Read 10 consecutive chapters during this 2 weeks (one chapter per weekday), and pick just one topic/verse in those chapter to share during our next meeting. Please put the chapters of your choice down in the comment section of this post.
Let's have a firsthand experience with God!
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Good or Bad?
The following paragraphs are excerpted from the book Follow Your Heart, by Andrew Matthews.
There once lived a farmer. He had a son and a horse. One day the farmer's horse ran away, and all his neighbors came to console him, saying: "What bad luck that your horse has run away!"
And the old man replied: "Who knows if it's good luck or bad luck."
"Of course it's bad luck!" said the neighbors.
Within a week, the farmer's horse returned home, followed by twenty wild horses. The farmer's neighbors came to celebrate, saying: "What good luck that you have your horse back--plus another twenty!"
And the old man replied: "Who knows if it's good luck or bad luck!"
The next day the farmer's son was riding amongst the wild horses, and fell and broke his leg. The neighbors came to console him, saying: "What bad luck!"
And the farmer said: "Who knows if it's good or bad luck!"
And some of the neighbors were angry, and said: "Of course it's bad luck, you silly old fool!"
Another week went by, and an army came through town, enlisting all the fit young men to fight in distant lands. The farmer's son, with his broken leg, was left behind. All the neighbors came to celebrate, saying: "What good luck that your son was left behind!"
And the farmer said: "Who knows?"
We can spend our whole lives figuring everything out. "This is good, that is bad ..." It is futile. We label events as "disasters" when we only see one percent of the picture.
The author talks about good luck and bad luck. From Christianity point of view, we can translate it to good blessings and--what we consider--not so good one.
Often times when I get something that I like or has hoped for, I think of it as "God has blessed me, praise the Lord." I think that is fine. James 1:16-17 says, "Don't be deceived, my dear brothers. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows."
But when I get something that I do not like, or not get something I want, I fret. For example, when an incident happens that requires me to change my routine, takes me out of my comfort zone, hinders me to or fails to achieve some goals. I feel it is natural to feel disappointed or down in the beginning, but usually I let myself get stuck with the mindset of what should and should not happen, what I deserve and not, or why 'good' things happen to other people.. and not me. The truth is, often times I know only "one percent of the picture", therefore cannot make a good judgment of the situation. This is just like what the Proverbs says:
Proverbs 19:21: "Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails."
Proverbs 16:9: "In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps."
There once lived a farmer. He had a son and a horse. One day the farmer's horse ran away, and all his neighbors came to console him, saying: "What bad luck that your horse has run away!"
And the old man replied: "Who knows if it's good luck or bad luck."
"Of course it's bad luck!" said the neighbors.
Within a week, the farmer's horse returned home, followed by twenty wild horses. The farmer's neighbors came to celebrate, saying: "What good luck that you have your horse back--plus another twenty!"
And the old man replied: "Who knows if it's good luck or bad luck!"
The next day the farmer's son was riding amongst the wild horses, and fell and broke his leg. The neighbors came to console him, saying: "What bad luck!"
And the farmer said: "Who knows if it's good or bad luck!"
And some of the neighbors were angry, and said: "Of course it's bad luck, you silly old fool!"
Another week went by, and an army came through town, enlisting all the fit young men to fight in distant lands. The farmer's son, with his broken leg, was left behind. All the neighbors came to celebrate, saying: "What good luck that your son was left behind!"
And the farmer said: "Who knows?"
We can spend our whole lives figuring everything out. "This is good, that is bad ..." It is futile. We label events as "disasters" when we only see one percent of the picture.
The author talks about good luck and bad luck. From Christianity point of view, we can translate it to good blessings and--what we consider--not so good one.
Often times when I get something that I like or has hoped for, I think of it as "God has blessed me, praise the Lord." I think that is fine. James 1:16-17 says, "Don't be deceived, my dear brothers. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows."
But when I get something that I do not like, or not get something I want, I fret. For example, when an incident happens that requires me to change my routine, takes me out of my comfort zone, hinders me to or fails to achieve some goals. I feel it is natural to feel disappointed or down in the beginning, but usually I let myself get stuck with the mindset of what should and should not happen, what I deserve and not, or why 'good' things happen to other people.. and not me. The truth is, often times I know only "one percent of the picture", therefore cannot make a good judgment of the situation. This is just like what the Proverbs says:
Proverbs 19:21: "Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails."
Proverbs 16:9: "In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps."
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
What Do You Want on Your Tombstone?
A friend sent me this "Commitment as a Christian" from a pastor in Africa. I can only hope that will be said of us on our tombstone one day.
As for me, I'm still a long way to go...
“I'm part of the fellowship of the unashamed. I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made. I'm a disciple of Jesus Christ. I won't look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still. My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, my future is secure. I'm finished and done with low living, sight walking, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tamed visions, mundane talking, cheap living, and dwarfed goals.
I no longer need preeminence, prosperity, position, promotions, plaudits, or popularity. I don't have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised, regarded, or rewarded. I now live by faith, lean on His presence, walk by patience, lift by prayer, and labor by power.
My face is set, my gait is fast, my goal is heaven, my road is narrow, my way rough, my companions few, my Guide reliable, my mission clear. I cannot be bought, deluded, or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of the adversary, negotiate at the table of the enemy, or meander in the maze of mediocrity.
I won't give up, shut up, let up, until I have stayed up, stored up, prayed up, paid up, preached up for the cause of Christ. I am a disciple of Jesus. I must go till He comes, give till I drop, preach till all know, and work till He stops me. And when He comes for His own, He will have no problem recognizing me--my banner will be clear!”
As for me, I'm still a long way to go...
“I'm part of the fellowship of the unashamed. I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made. I'm a disciple of Jesus Christ. I won't look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still. My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, my future is secure. I'm finished and done with low living, sight walking, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tamed visions, mundane talking, cheap living, and dwarfed goals.
I no longer need preeminence, prosperity, position, promotions, plaudits, or popularity. I don't have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised, regarded, or rewarded. I now live by faith, lean on His presence, walk by patience, lift by prayer, and labor by power.
My face is set, my gait is fast, my goal is heaven, my road is narrow, my way rough, my companions few, my Guide reliable, my mission clear. I cannot be bought, deluded, or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of the adversary, negotiate at the table of the enemy, or meander in the maze of mediocrity.
I won't give up, shut up, let up, until I have stayed up, stored up, prayed up, paid up, preached up for the cause of Christ. I am a disciple of Jesus. I must go till He comes, give till I drop, preach till all know, and work till He stops me. And when He comes for His own, He will have no problem recognizing me--my banner will be clear!”
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