seeking the truth in love

Still Seeking the Truth in Love

2011-08-27T00:00:00.007+08:00

Continued here.

Back to the Word

2011-08-08T00:00:00.004+08:00

"This is the one I esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, and trembles at my word." - Isaiah 66:2 (NIV)

Rekindle Heart Work

2011-08-04T00:00:00.003+08:00

This is no unusual occurrence; it is the general rule of the moral universe that those men prosper who do their work with all their hearts, while those are almost certain to fail who go to their labour leaving half their hearts behind them. God does not give harvests to idle men, except harvests of thistles, nor is he pleased to send wealth to those who will not dig in the field to find its hid treasure.

It is universally confessed that if a man would prosper, he must be diligent in business. It is the same in religion as it is in other things. If you would prosper in your work for Jesus, let it be heart work, and let it be done with all your heart.

- Charles Spurgeon, Morning and Evening

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving." - Colossians 3:23-24 (NIV)

Patience and Perseverance

2011-07-30T00:00:00.003+08:00

*From Nicky's blog*

We must not murmur, we must not complain - but patiently follow wherever the Lord leads, and quietly bear whatever the Lord lays on us. He will not lay on us more than we are able to bear; but with every temptation He will make a way for our escape, that we may be able to bear it.

Patience must calm the spirit, quiet the heart, and close the mouth. Then shall we say with the Psalmist, "I was silent, I opened not my mouth, because You are the One who has done this!" Had it been man - it might have been wrong. Had it been chance - it might have been injurious. But it was You - and, therefore, it must be wise, holy, and kind.

We are required quietly to persevere, to go on, though the way is rugged, though the thorns pierce our feet, though we cannot see one step before us. We must walk by faith, not by sight, believing that we are safe - in the midst of danger; that we are right - though everything is perplexing; and that all will end well - for "We know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love Him, and are called according to His purpose!" Romans 8:28.

- James Smith, Perplexity

Household of Faith

2011-07-26T00:00:00.002+08:00

So a local congregation, then, is a community of people who trust God like this. It's not even that we understand everything He does. In all of our lives there are mysterious providences. And brother and sister, if you are here today at this meeting, in one of those times when you feel you're under a mysterious frown of God, oh I beg you as a brother-in-Christ, trust Him. He is a faithful God.

There are times in the past when you saw that clearly. There will be a time in the future where you see that again. And you will bring Him glory by continuing to put one foot in front of another and following Him even through the hardest of times. Trusting - gambling as it may even feel to you - on His faithfulness, because He will prove good and true to His Word.

We are a community of people who do that. We don't always understand everything He's doing but we trust His character. You realise, don't you, that our fears about the future are rooted in those places where our will differs from God's will.

- Mark Dever, The Church is the Gospel Made Visible (on Caleb's recommendation)

O Church Arise

2011-07-25T00:00:00.009+08:00

"...one of the soldiers pierced Jesus' side with a spear, bringing a sudden flow of blood and water." - John 19:34 (NIV)

The piercing of Jesus confirmed that Jesus was indeed dead (and hence that the Mosaic covenant was broken) as He hung on the cross. Jesus became a curse for us by hanging on the cross and broke the curse of the law by dying (and being raised to life).

"Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: "Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree."" - Galatians 3:13 (NIV)

"So, my brothers, you also died to the law through the body of Christ, that you might belong to another, to him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit to God." - Romans 7:4 (NIV)

"And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins." - 1 Corinthians 15:17 (NIV)

More than that, the piercing of Jesus fulfilled Old Testament prophecies.

"These things happened so that the scripture would be fulfilled: "Not one of his bones will be broken," and, as another scripture says, "They will look on the one they have pierced."" - John 19:36-37 (NIV)

One might even say that Jesus' death (and resurrection) gave birth to the church.

"I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds." - John 12:24 (NIV)

The piercing of Jesus, which confirmed His death, brings us new and eternal life.

"...one of the soldiers pierced Jesus' side with a spear, bringing a sudden flow of blood and water." - John 19:34 (NIV)

"This is the one who came by water and blood - Jesus Christ. He did not come by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth. For there are three that testify: the Spirit, the water and the blood; and the three are in agreement." - 1 John 5:6-8 (NIV)

"For the life of a creature is in the blood, and I have given it to you to make atonement for yourselves on the altar; it is the blood that makes atonement for one's life." - Leviticus 17:11 (NIV)

First and Last Adam

Eve was born out of Adam's flesh and became one flesh with Adam in the first Eden.

So the LORD God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep; and while he was sleeping, he took one of the man's ribs and closed up the place with flesh. Then the LORD God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man.

The man said, "This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called 'woman,' for she was taken out of man."

For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.

- Genesis 2:21-24 (NIV)

Likewise, the church was born out of Christ's death (and resurrection) and will become one flesh with Christ in the new Eden.

""For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh." This is a profound mystery - but I am talking about Christ and the church." - Ephesians 5:31-32 (NIV)

"Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."" - Revelation 21:1-4 (NIV)

When Adam awoke from his deep sleep (a kind of death), he was united with his wife.

"Daughters of Jerusalem, I charge you: Do not arouse or awaken love until it so desires." - Song of Songs 8:4 (NIV)

When Christ was raised from the dead, He established a new covenant with His bride and (like a Jewish groom) returned to His Father's house to prepare a place for her.

"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going." - John 14:1-4 (NIV)

"This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven." - Acts 1:11 (NIV)

"We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection. For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin - because anyone who has died has been freed from sin." - Romans 6:4-7 (NIV)

When we are raised from the dead, we will be united with Christ ~~till death us do part~~ for eternity.

"Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed - in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: "Death has been swallowed up in victory."" - 1 Corinthians 15:51-54 (NIV)

How Can I Keep From Singing

2011-07-24T00:00:00.000+08:00

May the Peace of God

2011-07-23T00:00:00.002+08:00

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." - Romans 15:13 (NIV)

"Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you." - 2 Thessalonians 3:16 (NIV)

"May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen." - Hebrews 13:20-21 (NIV)

Inquiring of the LORD

2011-07-22T00:00:00.005+08:00

I attended a friend's cell group this evening and was reminded of the following verse:

"The men of Israel sampled their provisions but did not inquire of the LORD." - Joshua 9:14 (NIV)

How about us? Do we inquire of the LORD?

"The shepherds are senseless and do not inquire of the LORD; so they do not prosper and all their flock is scattered." - Jeremiah 10:21 (NIV)

"Saul died because he was unfaithful to the LORD; he did not keep the word of the LORD and even consulted a medium for guidance, and did not inquire of the LORD. So the LORD put him to death and turned the kingdom over to David son of Jesse." - 1 Chronicles 10:13-14 (NIV)

"I will stretch out my hand against Judah and against all who live in Jerusalem. I will cut off from this place every remnant of Baal, the names of the pagan and the idolatrous priests - those who bow down on the roofs to worship the starry host, those who bow down and swear by the LORD and who also swear by Molech, those who turn back from following the LORD and neither seek the LORD nor inquire of him." - Zephaniah 1:4-6 (NIV)

But

"...seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." - Matthew 6:33 (NIV)

Trusting God

2011-07-21T00:00:00.002+08:00

"...allows for gratitude in prosperity and patience in adversity." - John Calvin

Enlightenment

2011-07-17T00:00:00.004+08:00

Today I was telling someone about the purposes of imprisonment (according to the SPS Business Framework) - P.R.I.DE: Punishment, Reformation, Incapacitation and DEterrence - and he suggested that E should stand for Enlightenment.

Planning and Providence

2011-07-16T00:00:00.002+08:00

"Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed." - Proverbs 16:3 (NIV)

"In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps." - Proverbs 16:9 (NIV)

"Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails." - Proverbs 19:21 (NIV)

Graduation 2011

2011-07-15T00:00:00.006+08:00

Since arriving in York on Monday, I've had a blessed time meeting up with friends and seeing them graduate.

I'll be attending a wedding tomorrow and going back to York Baptist Church on Sunday before heading to London on Monday for the final part of my trip (meeting Peter and watching Ming's play).

God has been gracious in taking care of my needs over the course of this trip, providing me with places to stay in York and London, decent train tickets etc. He has also answered a few prayers, though not necessarily in the ways I've expected.

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." - Isaiah 55:8-9 (NIV)

"Oh, the depths of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! "Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counsellor?" "Who has ever given to God, that God should repay him?" For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen." - Romans 11:33-36 (NIV)

"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen." - Ephesians 3:20-21 (NIV)

God is enough

2011-07-14T00:00:00.002+08:00

Sometimes we focus so much on what we want God to give us that we forget what God has already given us.

What preoccupies me? What do I daydream about?

"Who may ascend the hill of the LORD? Who may stand in his holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear by what is false. He will receive blessing from the LORD and vindication from God his Saviour. Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek your face, O God of Jacob." - Psalm 24:3-6 (NIV)

We bow our hearts, we bend our knees
Oh Spirit come make us humble
We turn our eyes from evil things
Oh Lord we cast down our idols

Give us clean hands, give us pure hearts
Let us not lift our souls to another
Give us clean hands, give us pure hearts
Let us not lift our souls to another

Oh God let us be a generation that seeks
That seeks Your face, Oh God of Jacob
Oh God let us be a generation that seeks
That seeks Your face, Oh God of Jacob

"Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Saviour. The Sovereign LORD is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights." - Habakkuk 3:17-19 (NIV)

Link: 11 Ways to Find Your Idols (5 May 11)

Signposts

2011-07-13T00:00:00.005+08:00

God works in mysterious ways. Not once, not twice, but three times - and counting.

Sometimes we can overspiritualise things. But sometimes God gives us signposts to follow.

"Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart." - Psalm 37:3-4 (NIV)

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." - Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)

"You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD is the Rock eternal." - Isaiah 26:3-4 (NIV)

Man's Response

2011-07-12T00:00:00.005+08:00

The reception of God's grace is not by imposition of an overwhelming omnipotent sovereignty without willingness on man's part. One could even fail to accept and properly cooperate with God's grace. There is no question that God sincerely desired to bless Israel. Nevertheless, she refused His grace and placed herself instead under His judgment by her rebellion and idolatry.

God's desire for Israel, as for all men, was good: "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil..." (Jeremiah 29:11). However, because the blessings of His grace were contingent upon Israel's faith and faithfulness, she reaped instead the judgment of God.

We are even told that by their rebellion they "limited the Holy One of Israel" (Psalm 78:41). Think of that - limiting the omnipotent, sovereign God, which Calvinists say is impossible! Indeed, we are told that the rabbis "rejected the counsel of God against themselves" (Luke 7:30) - but there is no hint that they thereby annulled God's sovereignty or gained control over God.

Paul intimates that Christians can also limit the work of the Holy Spirit in their lives and His empowerment for ministry. The Christian life and victory is not alone by sovereign power, but the believers' faith and obedience as "labourers together with God" (1 Corinthians 3:9) is essential: "Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily" (Colossians 1:29); "work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure" (Philippians 2:12-13).

God truly and powerfully works within the believer and we can do nothing but by the leading and empowering of the Holy Spirit. At the same time, however, we must give ourselves willingly to the work of God through us.

- Dave Hunt, What Love Is This?

"But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them - yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me." - 1 Corinthians 15:10 (NIV)

God's Sovereign Choice

2011-07-11T00:00:00.005+08:00

God did not cause Pharaoh to sin (nor has He ever done so for anyone). Rather, He arranged circumstances and events to put this particular man, whose every quirk and wicked impulse He foreknew in detail, to be in authority at that particular time, in order to use his evil to fulfill His will.

Is an act of that nature the kind of Calvinistic "sovereignty" to which we object? Not at all. We affirm as biblical and reasonable both God's ability and His sovereign right to arrange circumstances and to position on the stage of life those players whom He foreknows, so that His will is effected in human affairs - and to do so without violating their will or encouraging (much less becoming accessory to) their crimes.

- Dave Hunt, What Love Is This?

"You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives." - Genesis 50:20 (NIV)

The Importance of Baptism

2011-07-10T00:00:00.005+08:00

With or without words, baptismal immersion testifies to our identification with the crucified and risen Christ. With words, with the appropriate 'pledge of a clear conscience toward God' (1 Peter 3:21), produced by already existing saving faith, baptism includes a promise to follow Jesus all the days of our lives.

If and when doubts assail us as to whether we truly believed "way back when", we can point to the vows we recited at our baptism. If and when temptations come to turn our backs on Jesus, others have the right and responsibility to ask us, "Are you a person of your word? Are you a promise keeper? You made a sacred oath; are you the kind of person that can be trusted even when the hard times come to be faithful to your covenants?"

- Craig Blomberg, Baptism's No Big Deal, Is It?

From Caleb's blog.

Back to York

2011-07-09T00:00:00.004+08:00

It's been a year since I returned to Singapore last Jul and I'm looking forward to a short break back in the UK over the next 2 weeks. I don't have any fixed plans apart from attending a church wedding and maybe a couple of graduation ceremonies in York. It would also be good to spend some time alone with God, reflecting on the past year and praying for the year ahead.

A Time for Everything

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven:

a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot,

a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build,

a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance,

a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain,

a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away,

a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak,

a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.

- Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 (NIV)

Purify My Heart

2011-07-04T00:00:00.004+08:00

Christ will be master of the heart, and sin must be mortified. If your life is unholy your heart is unchanged; you are an unsaved person. If the Saviour has not sanctified you, renewed you, given you a hatred of sin and a love of holiness, the grace which does not make a man better than others is a worthless counterfeit.

Christ saves his people, not in their sins, but from them. "Without holiness no man shall see the Lord." "Let everyone that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity." If not saved from sin, how shall we hope to be counted among his people?

Lord, save me even now from all evil, and enable me to honour my Saviour.

- C. H. Spurgeon

Purify my heart

Let me be as gold and precious silver

Purify my heart

Let me be as gold, pure gold

Refiner's fire

My heart's one desire

Is to be holy

Set apart for You, Lord

I choose to be holy

Set apart for You, my Master

Ready to do Your will

Purify my heart

Cleanse me from within and make me holy

Purify my heart

Cleanse me from my sin, deep within

One day at a time

2011-06-29T00:00:00.002+08:00

"What does your anxiety do? It does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow, but it does empty today of its strength. It does not make you escape the evil; it makes you unfit to cope with it when it comes. God gives us the power to bear all the sorrow of His making, but He does not guarantee to give us strength to bear the burdens of our own making such as worry induces." - Ian Maclaren

"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." - Matthew 6:34 (NIV)

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)

"Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." - 1 Peter 5:6-7 (NIV)

Renewing Our Minds

2011-06-26T00:00:00.002+08:00

This morning's message in church was on Ephesians 4:17-24, living as children of light in the likeness of God.

How do we become more like Christ? By being made new in the attitude of our minds.

"You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness." - Ephesians 4:22-24 (NIV)

How do we know God's will for our lives? By being transformed by the renewing of our minds.

"Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God - this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will." - Romans 12:1-2 (NIV)

How do we renew our minds?

"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things." - Philippians 4:8 (NIV)

Man robs bank for $1

2011-06-25T00:00:00.003+08:00

A video has surfaced of an American man admitting how he robbed a bank for $1 so he could go to jail and receive free medical treatment.

James Verone, of Gastonia, North Carolina, was so desperate to get help for a bad back, foot and growths on his chest that he made the calculated decision to stage the unusual robbery.

The unemployed 59-year-old, who cannot afford health insurance, told a reporter how he walked up to the cashier and handed a bizarre note demanding just one dollar from her.

The note also said he was armed, but in fact he wasn't. The suffering man then said that he purposely sat on the couch in the RBC bank to wait for the police to arrest him.

Unfortunately for Mr Verone, because he wasn't in possession of a weapon at the time of the robbery, the police could only charge him with larceny - a sentence that warrants a shorter jail time than what he had initially hoped for.

Speaking from Garston County Sheriff's Office, Mr Verone said that he had never been in trouble with the law before.

"I'm sort of a logical person and that was my logic. This is what I came up with," explained Mr Verone.

According to the jail's inmate handbook, inmates pay a small fee of $5 for initiated visits and declared emergency visits.

The handbook also reads: "However, no one will be denied access to health care whether they have money or not."

Mr Verone hoped his crime would get him a minimum of three years so he can carry on receiving free health care.

Source: Yahoo! News

The Fire that Consumes

2011-06-24T00:00:00.006+08:00

Here.

May God reveal His truth to us.

Lessons from Monopoly Deal

2011-06-12T00:01:00.000+08:00

1. Play the hand you actually have, not the hand you want to have.

Don't base your play on getting that elusive deal breaker. It may never come.

"But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.

"People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs." - 1 Timothy 6:6-10 (NIV)

2. Play the hand you actually have, not the hand you used to have.

Don't dwell on the cards you've played wrongly or look back on the past with regrets. Believe that everything happens for a reason and move on.

"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." - Romans 8:28 (NIV)

3. Play your hand to the best of your ability.

Sometimes you lose to a better player or a better hand. That's life. What's important is that you've tried your best. I would rather try my best and lose than not try my best and win. If your best is not good enough, it's not meant to be.

"Life is like a game of cards. The hand that is dealt you represents determinism; the way you play it is free will." - Jawaharlal Nehru, First Prime Minister of India (1947-1964)

We are judged on what we do with what we have, not on what we can't do with what we don't have.

"For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have." - 2 Corinthians 8:12 (NIV)

Lessons from this morning's sermon on God's perfect plan for marriage

2011-06-12T00:00:00.002+08:00

1. Pray together.

2. Read God's Word together.

3. Make decisions together.

4. Serve in church together.

5. Keep courting your wife.

What is your ambition?

2011-06-05T00:00:00.000+08:00

"Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody." - 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 (NIV)

Today is a gift

2011-05-22T00:00:00.002+08:00

"Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift - that's why we call it the present." - Eleanor Roosevelt

*****

Do not worry about the past. You cannot change it.

"Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland. The wild animals honour me, the jackals and the owls, because I provide water in the desert and streams in the wasteland, to give drink to my people, my chosen, the people I formed for myself that they may proclaim my praise." - Isaiah 43:18-21 (NIV)

Do not worry about the future. You cannot control it.

"Now listen, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money." Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, "If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that."" - James 4:13-15 (NIV)

Live in the present. You can cherish it.

"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." - Matthew 6:33-34 (NIV)

Purer in Heart

2011-05-21T00:00:00.002+08:00

"Be killing sin or sin will be killing you." - John Owen

"Therefore, brothers, we have an obligation - but it is not to the sinful nature, to live according to it. For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live, because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God." - Romans 8:12-14 (NIV)

"If you want power in prayer, you must have purity in life." - Charles Spurgeon

"Who may ascend the hill of the LORD? Who may stand in his holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear by what is false. He will receive blessing from the LORD and vindication from God his Saviour. Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek your face, O God of Jacob." - Psalm 24:3-6 (NIV)

"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God." - Matthew 5:8 (NIV)

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me - put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you." - Philippians 4:6-8 (NIV)

Purer in heart, O God

Help to me be

Until Thy holy face
One day I see

Keep me from secret sin
Reign Thou my soul within
Purer in heart
Help me to be

*****

Will you choose to say

"Surely in vain have I kept my heart pure; in vain have I washed my hands in innocence." - Psalm 73:13 (NIV)

or

"My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." - Psalm 73:26 (NIV)

A Higher Freedom

2011-05-15T00:00:00.004+08:00

Since God by His very nature (love) cannot force anyone to love Him, it would be highly improper to think of a heaven where people were forced to be there. First there must be courtship, and then two can be bound together for life. God had to give us lower freedom (freedom to do evil) in order to achieve a higher freedom for us (freedom from evil).

To carry the analogy further, we are bound by our marriage vows to one and only one person, but we freely chose this state. We are not free to have intimate sexual relations with others (which would be sin), but we chose to be in this state. No one forced us there. Likewise, without a prior state of the freedom to sin we could not properly and satisfactorily reach the higher state of the freedom from sin.

So lower-level freedom (in this world) involves the freedom to sin - the power of contrary choice. In heaven, we trade in this lower freedom for a higher freedom, the way one who is dating trades in the ability to choose many life-partners for the joy and fulfillment of having only one - the one to which we are bound in love (by our free choice) until death.

It would be wrong to claim that we are not free in marriage simply because we should not date or mate with anyone else. Our freedom was expressed at the marriage ceremony when we freely promised to "forsake all others" and cling only to our spouse. Thus we did not really lose true freedom in marriage; rather, we gained a higher freedom that is fulfilled in the bonds of marriage, which we freely chose.

In like manner, when we pass through the veil between this life and the next one, we do not really lose freedom but gain a higher freedom. True, we no longer are free to sin, but that is hardly a loss; rather it is a great gain. To be sure, we no longer have the lower-level freedom to do evil; it is replaced by a higher freedom from all evil.

As to why God could not make this ultimate condition of being freed from all sin up front: Heaven is the end, and earth is the means. One cannot get to the Promised Land without going through the wilderness. Earth is the testing ground; heaven is our final home. We cannot reach home without the proving grounds.

Allowing the choice of good or evil is necessary in achieving the highest good. Again, the highest freedom is from sin (heaven), not of sin (on earth). One is not fit for the freedom from sin unless he has exercised the freedom to sin, for unless he has had the choice of good over evil, he is not ready for a place where good dominates and evil is defeated. Our initial freedom is designed to lead to the ultimate freedom.

- Norman L. Geisler, If God, Why Evil?

Link: If God, Why Evil? (14 May 11)

If God, Why Evil?

2011-05-14T00:00:00.006+08:00

I just picked up a copy of Norman Geisler's latest book (If God, Why Evil?) and read a few chapters today. Interestingly, Geisler seems to be a Molinist. At least, his solution to the problem of evil is a Molinist one. Even more interestingly, Geisler's work is endorsed by evangelicals such as Josh McDowell, Franklin Graham, Ron Rhodes, Gary Habermas, Paige Patterson (who also endorsed Salvation and Sovereignty: A Molinist Approach) and Philip Roberts. More Molinists?

A world of free creatures who never choose to sin is logically possible, for there is no logical contradiction in the basic premise. However, it may be that God in His infinite foreknowledge foresaw that no such world would actually materialise. That is, He knew in advance when He created this world that no such world as one with free creatures, all of whom would never sin, would actually come into being. In other words, He foresaw that every world of free creatures He could ever make would have some who would freely choose to sin.

- Norman L. Geisler, If God, Why Evil?

It is possible that God could not have created a universe containing moral good (or as much moral good as this world contains) without creating one that also contained moral evil. And if so, then it is possible that God has a good reason for creating a world containing evil.

- Alvin Plantinga, The Free Will Defence

The nature of an all-good God assures us that this world, which He did create, is the best one achievable without violating anyone's free will. As has been shown, no other world is morally superior to this one in which all moral agents are free, where sin is permitted, where sin is defeated, and where the greater virtues are attained by the maximum number of people. All other worlds are not moral, not possible, not achievable with free creatures, and/or morally inferior. This present world is not the best of all possible worlds, but it is the best of all possible ways to the best of all achievable worlds.

So if God knew this world would be as evil as it is, then why did He choose to make it? Because He is the best of all beings possible and, as such, He must produce the best of all worlds actually possible (if He is going to create). Permitting this evil world is the best of all possible ways to produce the best of all possible worlds.

Our own societies are an illustration of this point. We permit cars, boats, and airplanes knowing there will be accidents and deaths. Nonetheless, we deem that the end of human freedom, mobility, and happiness justifies permitting (though discouraging) the evils we know will sometimes happen. God does the same with His world.

As for the objection that God is employing an illegitimate "end justifies the means" ethic, we note a crucial difference. God is not producing or promoting evil means to attain a good end. He is permitting them. A good parent permits a possible accident every time he permits his teenager to drive the family car; however, he is not promoting it. Likewise, no reasonable person beats his head on a wall because it feels so good when he stops; however, one does permit the pain of the dentist chair in order to produce the good results. God allows evil to produce the greater good.

- Norman L. Geisler, If God, Why Evil?

"You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives." - Genesis 50:20 (NIV)

Link: A Higher Freedom (15 May 11)

Lessons from Job

2011-05-10T00:00:00.003+08:00

"Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised." - Job 1:21 (NIV)

"I know that you can do all things; no plan of yours can be thwarted." - Job 42:2 (NIV)

(The Proverbs 31) Woman

2011-05-08T00:00:00.004+08:00

Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting
But a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised
Give her the reward she deserves
And let her works bring her praise at the city gate

A wife of noble character who can find?
She is worth more than rubies
Her husband has full confidence in her
And she lacks nothing of value
She brings him good not harm
All the days of her life

Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting
But a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised
Give her the reward she deserves
And let her works bring her praise at the city gate

She is like the merchant ships bringing food from afar
She gets up while it is still dark
She provides food for her family
And portions for her servant girls
She considers a field and then buys it
Out of her earnings she plants a vineyard

Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting
But a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised
Give her the reward she deserves
And let her works bring her praise at the city gate

She sets about her work vigorously
Her arms are strong for her tasks
She sees that her work is profitable
And her lamp does not go out at night
She opens her arms to the poor
And extends her hands to the needy

Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting
But a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised
Give her the reward she deserves
And let her works bring her praise at the city gate

She is clothed with strength and dignity
She can laugh at all the days to come
She speaks with wisdom and faithful instruction is on her tongue
She watches over her household
She does not eat the bread of idleness
Her children arise and they call her blessed

Her husband also praises her:
"Many women do noble things
But you surpass them all."
But you surpass them all

Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting
But a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised
Give her the reward she deserves
And let her works bring her praise at the city gate

- Deb Fung, Woman

The Potter's Hand

2011-05-07T00:00:00.010+08:00

Beautiful Lord, Wonderful Saviour
I know for sure, all of my days are
Held in Your hand
Crafted into Your perfect plan

You gently call me into Your presence
Guiding me by Your Holy Spirit
Teach me, dear Lord
To live all of my life through Your eyes

I'm captured by Your holy calling
Set me apart
I know You're drawing me to Yourself
Lead me Lord, I pray

Take me, mould me
Use me, fill me
I give my life to the Potter's hand

Call me, guide me
Lead me, walk beside me
I give my life to the Potter's hand

- Darlene Zschech, The Potter's Hand

"All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away. No one calls on your name or strives to lay hold of you; for you have hidden your face from us and made us waste away because of our sins. Yet, O LORD, you are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand." - Isaiah 64:6-8 (NIV)

"For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be." - Psalm 139:13-16 (NIV)

"From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us." - Acts 17:26-27 (NIV)

Sang this song at Baptist Worship 2011 today and was reminded of the sovereignty and goodness of God. Do you trust Him?

On another note, I don't know for sure what happens to people who die without hearing the gospel (eg. unreached tribes, babies). From Acts 17:26-27, it seems that wherever and however long (or short) we live, God has sufficiently revealed Himself to us.

"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." - Romans 8:28 (NIV)

End of Residential Training

2011-05-06T00:00:00.008+08:00

Senior Prison Officer Squad 1/2010

7 months ago, on 11 Oct 10, I started my Basic Prison Officers' Course. By God's grace, I've now come to the end of residential training at the Home Team Academy. It has been a challenge (especially when faced with the burden of leadership) but I believe that everything happens for a reason and I have learnt many lessons over the past 7 months. Of all the ways in which God has shown me that Jul 10 was exactly the right time for me to return to Singapore, the past 7 months of training definitely figures high up the list.

"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." - Romans 8:28 (NIV)

11 Ways to Find Your Idols

2011-05-05T00:00:00.004+08:00

*From theresurgence.com via Caleb's blog*

1. What do I worry about most?

2. What, if I failed or lost it, would cause me to feel that I did not even want to live?

3. What do I use to comfort myself when things go bad or get difficult?

4. What do I do to cope? What are my release valves? What do I do to feel better?

5. What preoccupies me? What do I daydream about?

6. What makes me feel the most self-worth? Of what am I the proudest? For what do I want to be known?

7. What do I lead with in conversations?

8. Early on what do I want to make sure that people know about me?

9. What prayer, unanswered, would make me seriously think about turning away from God?

10. What do I really want and expect out of life? What would really make me happy?

11. What is my hope for the future?

"But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person - such a man is an idolater - has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God." - Ephesians 5:3-5 (NIV)

Link: God is enough (14 Jul 11)

Brick walls are there for a reason

2011-05-04T00:00:00.002+08:00

They give us a chance to show how badly we want something.

- Randy Pausch, The Last Lecture

Believe that everything happens for a reason

2011-04-27T00:00:00.002+08:00

"God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can and wisdom to know the difference." - Reinhold Niebuhr

"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." - Romans 8:28 (NIV)

Clothed with Christ

2011-04-25T00:00:00.008+08:00

Yesterday's Easter Sunday message in church was based on Luke 15:19-24, the parable of the lost son.

On one level, the father's lavish grace towards his lost son is a picture of God's lavish grace towards His lost children (ie. us).

On another level, the older brother's anger at his father welcoming his younger brother home parallels the Pharisees' anger at Jesus 'welcom[ing] sinners and eat[ing] with them' (Luke 15:2, NIV).

On yet another level, the symbols used in the parable of the lost son allude to God's everlasting covenant (cf. Ezekiel 16). Notice how Ezekiel 16 ends:

"'So I will establish my covenant with you, and you will know that I am the LORD.'" - Ezekiel 16:62 (NIV)

1. The father's servants bring the best robe, a ring and sandals for his lost son (cf. Ezekiel 16:9-10).

"But the father said to his servants, 'Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let's have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' So they began to celebrate." - Luke 15:22-24 (NIV)

"'I bathed you with water and washed the blood from you and put ointments on you. I clothed you with an embroidered dress and put leather sandals on you. I dressed you in fine linen and covered you with costly garments.'" - Ezekiel 16:9-10 (NIV)

2. Abraham's servant gives Rebekah jewellery and clothing (cf. Ezekiel 16:11-14).

Laban and Bethuel answered, "This is from the LORD; we can say nothing to you one way or the other. Here is Rebekah; take her and go, and let her become the wife of your master's son, as the Lord has directed."

When Abraham's servant heard what they said, he bowed down to the ground before the LORD. Then the servant brought out gold and silver jewellery and articles of clothing and gave them to Rebekah; he also gave costly gifts to her brother and to her mother. Then he and the men who were with him ate and drank and spent the night there.

- Genesis 24:50-54 (NIV)

"'I adorned you with jewellery: I put bracelets on your arms and a necklace around your neck, and I put a ring on your nose, earrings on your ears and a beautiful crown on your head. So you were adorned with gold and silver; your clothes were of fine linen and costly fabric and embroidered cloth. Your food was fine flour, honey and olive oil. You became very beautiful and rose to be a queen. And your fame spread among the nations on account of your beauty, because the splendour I had given you made your beauty perfect, declares the Sovereign LORD.'" - Ezekiel 16:11-14 (NIV)

3. Boaz covers Ruth with his garment (cf. Ezekiel 16:8).

When Boaz had finished eating and drinking and was in good spirits, he went over to lie down at the far end of the grain pile. Ruth approached quietly, uncovered his feet and lay down. In the middle of the night something startled the man, and he turned and discovered a woman lying at his feet.

"Who are you?" he asked.

"I am your servant Ruth," she said. "Spread the corner of your garment over me, since you are a kinsman-redeemer."

"The LORD bless you, my daughter," he replied. "This kindness is greater than that which you showed earlier: You have not run after the younger men, whether rich or poor. And now, my daughter, don't be afraid. I will do for you all you ask. All my fellow townsmen know that you are a woman of noble character."

- Ruth 3:7-11 (NIV)

"'Later I passed by, and when I looked at you and saw that you were old enough for love, I spread the corner of my garment over you and covered your nakedness. I gave you my solemn oath and entered into a covenant with you, declares the Sovereign LORD, and you became mine.'" - Ezekiel 16:8 (NIV)

Again, notice how Ezekiel 16 ends:

"'So I will establish my covenant with you, and you will know that I am the LORD.'" - Ezekiel 16:62 (NIV)

*****

On one level, Proverbs 31:10-31 refers to the wife of noble character.

On another level, Proverbs 31:10-31 refers to Ruth.

On yet another level, Proverbs 31:10-31 refers to the Church, the bride of Christ.

Do we bring Christ good, not harm, all the days of our lives? (v12)

Do we open our arms to the poor and extend our hands to the needy? (v20)

Do we speak with wisdom and instruct faithfully? (v26)

Do we watch over the affairs of our households and not eat the bread of idleness? (v27)

Above all, do we fear the LORD? (v30)

*****

4. The angel of the LORD - the LORD Himself - clothes Joshua with rich garments.

[In the Old Testament, "an" angel of the LORD refers to a messenger of the LORD, while "the" angel of the LORD refers to the LORD Himself (Jesus in His pre-incarnate form).]

Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, and Satan standing at his right side to accuse him. The LORD said to Satan, "The LORD rebuke you, Satan! The LORD, who has chosen Jerusalem, rebuke you! Is not this man a burning stick snatched from the fire?"

Now Joshua was dressed in filthy clothes as he stood before the angel. The angel said to those who were standing before him, "Take off his filthy clothes."

Then he said to Joshua, "See, I have taken away your sin, and I will put rich garments on you."

- Zechariah 3:1-4 (NIV)

The angel of the LORD and the LORD are one and the same!

5. God clothes Adam and Eve with garments of skin.

"The LORD God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed them." - Genesis 3:21 (NIV)

6. God clothes us with garments of salvation.

"I delight greatly in the LORD; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels." - Isaiah 61:10 (NIV)

Sounds familiar. Where have we heard this - a bride adorning herself with her jewels - before?

7. God clothes us with robes washed in the blood of the Lamb.

Then one of the elders asked me, "These in white robes - who are they, and where did they come from?"

I answered, "Sir, you know."

And he said, "These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb."

- Revelation 7:13-14 (NIV)

New Creation, New Clothes

"For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life." - 2 Corinthians 5:4 (NIV)

"I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband." - Revelation 21:2 (NIV)

"Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city." - Revelation 22:14 (NIV)

Links: Crucified with Christ (22 Apr 11), Raised with Christ (24 Apr 11)

Raised with Christ

2011-04-24T00:00:00.006+08:00

See what a morning, gloriously bright
With the dawning of hope in Jerusalem
Folded the grave clothes, tomb filled with light
As the angels announce, "Christ is risen!"

See God's salvation plan
Wrought in love, borne in pain, paid in sacrifice
Fulfilled in Christ the Man
For He lives, Christ is risen from the dead

See Mary weeping, "Where is He laid?"
As in sorrow she turns from the empty tomb
Hears a voice speaking, calling her name
It's the Master, the Lord raised to life again

The voice that spans the years
Speaking life, stirring hope, bringing peace to us
Will sound 'til He appears
For He lives, Christ is risen from the dead

One with the Father, Ancient of Days
Through the Spirit who clothes faith with certainty
Honour and blessing, glory and praise
To the King crowned with power and authority

And we are raised with Him
Death is dead, love has won, Christ has conquered
And we shall reign with Him
For He lives, Christ is risen from the dead

And we are raised with Him
Death is dead, love has won, Christ has conquered
And we shall reign with Him
For He lives, Christ is risen from the dead

Dead to Sin, Alive in Christ

"What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? Or don't you know that all of us who were baptised into Christ Jesus were baptised into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life." - Romans 6:1-4 (NIV)

And we are raised with Him
Death is dead, love has won, Christ has conquered
And we shall reign with Him
For He lives, Christ is risen from the dead

Links: Crucified with Christ (22 Apr 11), Clothed with Christ (25 Apr 11)

Digging Deeper into Genesis 22 (and 24)

2011-04-23T00:00:00.019+08:00

Genesis 22 is an interesting chapter in the Bible. God tests Abraham by instructing him to sacrifice his son Isaac as a burnt offering.

About a year ago, I wrote a philosophy essay for one of my undergraduate modules (Theological Ethics) on whether God could have commanded Abraham to kill his son. In short, to deny that God could have commanded Abraham to kill his son not only denies the historicity of Genesis 22 - it also denies the historicity of other passages of Scripture which refer to Genesis 22, such as Hebrews 11:17-19 and James 2:21-23. Besides, the revelation of Abraham's Dilemma is that the LORD will provide.

Having said that, upon further reflection there is even more to Genesis 22. The father-son relationship between Abraham and Isaac typologises that of God the Father and Jesus the Son. The mountain which Isaac is supposed to be sacrificed on (in the region of Moriah) and the wood for the burnt offering foreshadows the mountain (Golgotha) and the cross which Jesus is actually crucified on. Even the two servants which accompany Abraham and Isaac from Beersheba to Moriah may serve as a symbolic foil to the 'two other men, both criminals, [who] were also led out with [Jesus] to be executed' (Luke 23:32, NIV).

The Angel of the LORD

Things get really interesting as Abraham is about to sacrifice his son.

When they reached the place God had told him about, Abraham built an altar there and arranged the wood on it. He bound his son Isaac and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood. Then he reached out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. But the angel of the LORD called out to him from heaven, "Abraham! Abraham!"

"Here I am," he replied.

"Do not lay a hand on the boy," he said. "Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son."

- Genesis 22:9-12 (NIV)

At first glance, it appears that God sent an angel to stop Abraham from sacrificing his son. In fact, it was the angel of the LORD - the LORD Himself (Jesus in His pre-incarnate form) - who called out to Abraham!

*****

In the Old Testament, "an" angel of the LORD refers to a messenger of the LORD, while "the" angel of the LORD refers to the LORD Himself (Jesus in His pre-incarnate form).

In Exodus 3:2, the angel of the LORD appears to Moses in flames of fire from within a bush. 2 verses later, God calls to him from within the bush.

Now Moses was tending the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian, and he led the flock to the far side of the desert and came to Horeb, the mountain of God.

There the angel of the LORD appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush. Moses saw that though the bush was on fire it did not burn up.

So Moses thought, "I will go over and see this strange sight - why the bush does not burn up."

When the LORD saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, "Moses! Moses!"

And Moses said, "Here I am."

- Exodus 3:1-4 (NIV)

Again, in Judges 6:12 the angel of the LORD appears to Gideon. 2 verses later, the LORD turns to him and speaks.

The angel of the LORD came and sat down under the oak in Ophrah that belonged to Joash the Abiezrite, where his son Gideon was threshing wheat in a winepress to keep it from the Midianites.

When the angel of the LORD appeared to Gideon, he said, "The LORD is with you, mighty warrior."

"But sir," Gideon replied, "if the LORD is with us, why has all this happened to us? Where are all his wonders that our fathers told us about when they said, 'Did not the LORD bring us up out of Egypt?' But now the LORD has abandoned us and put us into the hand of Midian."

The LORD turned to him and said, "Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian's hand. Am I not sending you?"

- Judges 6:11-14 (NIV)

*****

Back to Genesis 22.

"Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son." - Genesis 22:12 (NIV)

Who could speak (and even swear!) on behalf of God but God Himself?

"The angel of the LORD called to Abraham from heaven a second time and said, "I swear by myself, declares the LORD, that because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will take possession of the cities of their enemies, and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me." - Genesis 22:15-18 (NIV)

Abraham did not have to sacrifice his son because God would sacrifice His Son, once and for all. Indeed, the angel of the LORD - Jesus Himself would eventually be the (perfect) sacrifice!

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." - John 3:16 (NIV)

"Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties; again and again he offers the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God. Since that time he waits for his enemies to be made his footstool, because by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy." - Hebrews 10:11-14 (NIV)

Isaac

Speaking of sitting down at the right hand of God (referring to Jesus' ascension to heaven 40 days after His resurrection), notice that there is no mention of Isaac after his "resurrection" in Genesis 22:12 until his "return" in Genesis 24:62.

"On the third day Abraham looked up and saw the place in the distance. He said to his servants, "Stay here with the donkey while I and the boy go over there. We will worship and then we will come back to you."" - Genesis 22:4-5 (NIV)

"Then Abraham returned to his servants, and they set off together for Beersheba. And Abraham stayed in Beersheba." - Genesis 22:19 (NIV)

"Now Isaac had come from Beer Lahai Roi, for he was living in the Negev." - Genesis 24:62 (NIV)

So Abraham comes down the mountain alone and returns to Beersheba with his servants, while Isaac (apparently) does not follow them but heads to Beer Lahai Roi. Again, there is no mention of Isaac until the time comes for him to meet his bride. Now this next bit simply blows my mind.

God's Love Story

[Isaac] went out to the field one evening to meditate, and as he looked up, he saw camels approaching. Rebekah also looked up and saw Isaac. She got down from her camel and asked the servant, "Who is that man in the field coming to meet us?"

"He is my master," the servant answered. So she took her veil and covered herself.

Then the servant told Isaac all he had done.

Isaac brought her into the tent of his mother Sarah, and he married Rebekah. So she became his wife, and he loved her; and Isaac was comforted after his mother's death.

- Genesis 24:63-67 (NIV)

1. Like Isaac, Jesus disappears after His resurrection and reappears to meet His bride (who is chosen by His Father).

"This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven." - Acts 1:11 (NIV)

"In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will." - Ephesians 1:11 (NIV)

"For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage each other with these words." - 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 (NIV)

2. Like Isaac, Jesus unveils His bride.

"But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit." - 2 Corinthians 3:16-18 (NIV)

3. Like Rebekah, the church is beautifully dressed for her husband.

Laban and Bethuel answered, "This is from the LORD; we can say nothing to you one way or the other. Here is Rebekah; take her and go, and let her become the wife of your master's son, as the Lord has directed."

When Abraham's servant heard what they said, he bowed down to the ground before the LORD. Then the servant brought out gold and silver jewellery and articles of clothing and gave them to Rebekah; he also gave costly gifts to her brother and to her mother. Then he and the men who were with him ate and drank and spent the night there.

- Genesis 24:50-54 (NIV)

Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting:

"Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear." (Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of the saints.)

Then the angel said to me, "Write: 'Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!'" And he added, "These are the true words of God."

- Revelation 19:6-9 (NIV)

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea.

I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.

And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.

He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.

- Revelation 21:1-4 (NIV)

Clothed with Immortality

"For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: "Death has been swallowed up in victory."" - 1 Corinthians 15:54-55 (NIV)

"For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. Now it is God who has made us for this very purpose and has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come." - 2 Corinthians 5:4-5 (NIV)

"The Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" And let him who hears say, "Come!" Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life." - Revelation 22:17 (NIV)

Crucified with Christ

2011-04-22T00:00:00.019+08:00

This morning's Good Friday message in church was based on various passages, one of which particularly struck me afresh:

"Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: "Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree." He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit." - Galatians 3:13-14 (NIV)

Hung on a Tree

"If a man guilty of a capital offence is put to death and his body is hung on a tree, you must not leave his body on the tree overnight. Be sure to bury him that same day, because anyone who is hung on a tree is under God's curse. You must not desecrate the land the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance." - Deuteronomy 21:22-23 (NIV)

Jesus' death - and mode of death - was not an accident. Jesus died on a cross in order that He might become a curse for us while remaining innocent of any wrongdoing, thereby redeeming us from the curse of the law. In other words, Jesus' death on a cross was the means by which the wages of sin (ie. death) were externally imputed to Him in the form of a curse (ie. being hung on a tree), without Him being internally responsible for committing any sin (cf. Hebrews 4:15).

"Men of Israel, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know. This man was handed over to you by God's set purpose and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross." - Acts 2:22-23 (NIV)

"Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death - even death on a cross!" - Philippians 2:5-8 (NIV)

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." - Hebrews 12:1-2 (NIV)

The Blessing Given to Abraham

Firstly, God gave Abraham the greatest blessing possible - Himself!

"After this, the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision: "Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward."" - Genesis 15:1 (NIV)

The footnote to this verse indicates that 'I am your shield' could also be translated as 'I am sovereign'. So in Genesis 15:1, God reassures Abraham that He is sovereign and good.

Secondly, God promised to give Abraham a son through whom all nations would be blessed. This was fulfilled through Isaac and ultimately Jesus, the Son of Man 'who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by abolishing in his flesh the law with its commandments and regulations' (Ephesians 2:14-15, NIV).

"Then the word of the LORD came to him: "This man will not be your heir, but a son coming from your own body will be your heir." He took him outside and said, "Look up at the heavens and count the stars - if indeed you can count them." Then he said to him, "So shall your offspring be." Abram believed the LORD, and he credited it to him as righteousness." - Genesis 15:4-6 (NIV)

"Consider Abraham: "He believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness." Understand, then, that those who believe are children of Abraham. The Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, and announced the gospel in advance to Abraham: "All nations will be blessed through you." So those who have faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith." - Galatians 3:6-9 (NIV)

"The mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus." - Ephesians 3:6 (NIV)

Interestingly, the New Testament (aka the New Covenant) begins with 'a record of the genealogy of Jesus Christ the son of David, the son of Abraham' (Matthew 1:1, NIV).

"The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. The Scripture does not say "and to seeds," meaning many people, but "and to your seed," meaning one person, who is Christ." - Galatians 3:16 (NIV)

Degrees of Death

1. Abraham was as good as dead when God promised to give him a biological son.

"By faith Abraham, even though he was past age - and Sarah herself was barren - was enabled to become a father because he considered him faithful who had made the promise. And so from this one man, and he as good as dead, came descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sand on the seashore." - Hebrews 11:11-12 (NIV)

2. Isaac was allegorically dead for 3 days as Abraham and Isaac set out from Beersheba to Moriah.

Early the next morning Abraham got up and saddled his donkey. He took with him two of his servants and his son Isaac. When he had cut enough wood for the burnt offering, he set out for the place God had told him about. On the third day Abraham looked up and saw the place in the distance. He said to his servants, "Stay here with the donkey while I and the boy go over there. We will worship and then we will come back to you..."

When they reached the place God had told him about, Abraham built an altar there and arranged the wood on it. He bound his son Isaac and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood. Then he reached out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. But the angel of the LORD called out to him from heaven, "Abraham! Abraham!"

"Here I am," he replied.

"Do not lay a hand on the boy," he said. "Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son."

- Genesis 22:3-5, 9-12 (NIV)

3. Jesus was actually dead for 3 days before God raised Him from the dead.

"But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him." - Acts 2:24 (NIV)

Abraham was reproductively dead, Isaac was figuratively dead and Jesus was physically dead. In all 3 cases, God gave them a new lease of life!

Application

It is natural for us to question the sovereignty and/or goodness of God, not least in the face of death (or the death of something that is dear to us).

Abraham questioned his Heavenly Father.

"But Abram said, "O Sovereign LORD, what can you give me since I remain childless and the one who will inherit my estate is Eliezer of Damascus?" And Abram said, "You have given me no children; so a servant in my household will be my heir."" - Genesis 15:2-3 (NIV)

Isaac (who foreshadows Jesus the Lamb of God) questioned his earthly father Abraham (who represents God the Father).

Abraham took the wood for the burnt offering and placed it on his son Isaac, and he himself carried the fire and the knife. As the two of them went on together, Isaac spoke up and said to his father Abraham, "Father?"

"Yes, my son?" Abraham replied.

"The fire and wood are here," Isaac said, "but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?"

- Genesis 22:6-7 (NIV)

The apostle Paul pleaded - not once, not twice, but three times - for 'a thorn in [his] flesh, a messenger of Satan' (2 Corinthians 12:7, NIV) to be taken away from him.

Even Jesus in His humanity 'fell with his face to the ground and prayed, "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will"' (Matthew 26:39, NIV). As He hung on the cross, 'Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?" - which means, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"' (Matthew 27:46, NIV).

But having questioned, Abraham, Isaac, Paul and Jesus trusted and obeyed.

Abraham

"Then the word of the LORD came to him: "This man will not be your heir, but a son coming from your own body will be your heir." He took him outside and said, "Look up at the heavens and count the stars - if indeed you can count them." Then he said to him, "So shall your offspring be." Abram believed the LORD, and he credited it to him as righteousness." - Genesis 15:4-6 (NIV)

Later on in Genesis 22, Abraham followed without questioning when God instructed him to sacrifice his son Isaac as a burnt offering.

"By faith Abraham, when God tested him, offered Isaac as a sacrifice. He who had received the promises was about to sacrifice his one and only son, even though God had said to him, "It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned." Abraham reasoned that God could raise the dead, and figuratively speaking, he did receive Isaac back from death." - Hebrews 11:17-19 (NIV)

Isaac

On Isaac's part, he too followed without questioning any further after his father answered him.

"Abraham answered, "God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son." And the two of them went on together." - Genesis 22:8 (NIV)

Paul

"But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me." - 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV)

Jesus

"He went away a second time and prayed, "My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done."" - Matthew 26:42 (NIV)

"Jesus called out with a loud voice, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit." When he had said this, he breathed his last." - Luke 23:46 (NIV)

How about us? Will we take up our crosses daily, crucify our earthly passions and desires, and submit our lives to the Giver of life?

"I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." - Galatians 2:20 (NIV)

"Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires." - Galatians 5:24 (NIV)

"May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world." - Galatians 6:14 (NIV)

We lift up our eyes, lift up our eyes
You're the Giver of life
We lift up our eyes, lift up our eyes
You're the Giver of life

You alone can rescue
You alone can save
You alone can lift us from the grave

You came down to find us
Led us out of death
To You alone belongs the highest praise

*****

"If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit his very self?" - Luke 9:23-25 (NIV)

Links: Raised with Christ (24 Apr 11), Clothed with Christ (25 Apr 11)

By Faith

2011-04-17T00:00:00.008+08:00

"If anyone chooses to do God's will, he will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own." - John 7:17 (NIV)

God promises to lead and guide us, but we must trust and obey Him (having been enabled by Him to do so). We must first resolve to do His will before He will reveal His will to us.

"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." - Matthew 6:33 (NIV)

Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.

Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.

Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this:

He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.

Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him.

- Psalm 37:3-7a (NIV)

"By faith Abraham, when God tested him, offered Isaac as a sacrifice. He who had received the promises was about to sacrifice his one and only son, even though God had said to him, "It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned." Abraham reasoned that God could raise the dead, and figuratively speaking, he did receive Isaac back from death." - Hebrews 11:17-19 (NIV)

By faith we see the hand of God
In the light of creation's grand design
In the lives of those who prove His faithfulness
Who walk by faith and not by sight

God does not need to prove His faithfulness to anyone, yet He chooses to - for His glory and our good.

"These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised. God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect." - Hebrews 11:39-40 (NIV)

The question is not whether God will prove His faithfulness in our lives. Rather, the question is whether we will allow God to prove His faithfulness in our lives.

"Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God - this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will." - Romans 12:1-2 (NIV)

Don't Waste Your Life

2011-04-16T00:00:00.009+08:00

For me [John Piper] as a boy, one of the most gripping illustrations my fiery father used was the story of a man converted in old age. The church had prayed for this man for decades. He was hard and resistant. But this time, for some reason, he showed up when my father was preaching.

At the end of the service, during a hymn, to everyone's amazement he came and took my father's hand. They sat down together on the front pew of the church as the people were dismissed. God opened his heart to the Gospel of Christ, and he was saved from his sins and given eternal life.

But that did not stop him from sobbing and saying, as the tears ran down his wrinkled face - and what an impact it made on me to hear my father say this through his own tears - "I've wasted it! I've wasted it!"

This was the story that gripped me more than all the stories of young people who died in car wrecks before they were converted - the story of an old man weeping that he had wasted his life.

In those early years God awakened in me a fear and a passion not to waste my life. The thought of coming to my old age and saying through tears, "I've wasted it! I've wasted it!" was a fearful and horrible thought to me.

Only One Life

Another riveting force in my young life - small at first, but oh so powerful over time - was a plaque that hung in our kitchen over the sink. We moved into that house when I was six. So I suppose I looked at the words on that plaque almost every day for twelve years, till I went away to college at age eighteen.

It was a simple piece of glass painted black on the back with a grey link chain snug around it for a border and for hanging. On the front, in old English script, painted in white, were the words:

Only one life,
'Twill soon be past;
Only what's done
for Christ will last.

To the left, beside these words, was a painted green hill with two trees and a brown path that disappeared over the hill. How many times, as a little boy, and then as a teenager with pimples and longings and anxieties, I looked at that brown path (my life) and wondered what would be over that hill.

The message was clear. You get one pass at life. That's all. Only one. And the lasting measure of that life is Jesus Christ.

I am fifty-seven as I write, and that very plaque hangs today on the wall by our front door. I see it every time I leave home.

What would it mean to waste my life? That was a burning question. Or, more positively, what would it mean to live well - not to waste life, but to...? How to finish that sentence was the question. I was not even sure how to put the question into words, let alone what the answer might be.

What was the opposite of not wasting my life? "To be successful in a career"? Or "to be maximally happy"? Or "to accomplish something great?" Or "to find the deepest meaning and significance"? Or "to help as many people as possible"? Or "to serve Christ to the full"? Or "to glorify God in all I do"? Or was there a point, a purpose, a focus, an essence to life that would fulfill every one of those dreams?

- John Piper, Don't Waste Your Life

I can't pinpoint exactly when I became a Christian, but I was baptised on 16 Apr 06 (Easter Sunday). So today is the 5th anniversary of my baptism.

Looking back, I don't know what I was doing for the first 20 years of my life. I'm just glad that it wasn't worse.

"Now listen, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money." Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say, "If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that."" - James 4:13-15 (NIV)

Think about such things

2011-04-10T00:00:00.005+08:00

"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things." - Philippians 4:8 (NIV)

Soul Matters

2011-04-05T00:00:00.006+08:00

Long before Plato ever said anything about the human soul, the Old Testament writers presented a consistent biblical anthropology. Augustine was biased toward platonic philosophy, even going so far as to claim that Plato brought him to God. But there is no reason for us today to be biased toward Plato's (or anyone else's) philosophy. We should first seek to understand what God Himself has revealed about humanity before inquiring of any human speculation.

The Hebrew word Moses used that our English Bibles sometimes translate soul is nephesh, a word that suggests something that breathes. In fact, the Ugaritic and Akadian cognates also mean "throat". Moses' use was consistent with an understanding that a soul is a living, breathing being.

Consistent with this understanding, Moses had no problem using the term nephesh to refer to animals. In the creation account, Moses records "And God said, 'Let the waters swarm with swarms of living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the expanse of the heavens.'" The ESV uses the phrase "living creatures" to translate the Hebrew nephesh chayah (souls of life). It is obvious from the context that Moses refers to fish and sea mammals, and birds, not people. This first use of nephesh highlights a contrast with Plato's teaching that only human beings have souls...

When Moses recorded God's covenant with Noah after the flood, he included the provision which allows for eating animals. The covenant stipulated that "you shall not eat flesh with its life, that is, its blood." The word the ESV translates as life is the same term, nephesh. He probably meant that the blood of the animal is essential to its life - that is - if you take away its blood it will stop breathing. The rule forbade eating an animal while it was still alive - while it still had its soul. The account continues to use the term nephesh in reference to animals.

It is poor theology to simply suggest that the same term means living being when referring to animals, but implies an immortal being when referring to people. It does not do justice to the fact that the term is used of both animals and people, nor to the fact that their meaning is consistent as long as the interpreter is not already biased with a presupposition that humans were created immortal.

What we learn from Moses is that humans were created - like the animals - as living, breathing beings, and that when they lose their breath, they die, and return to the dust from which they came. Without the promise of resurrection, that would be the end of human existence.

Greek philosophy came along and subverted that simple theology by taking God and the resurrection out of the picture. Instead Plato and others exalted the nature of humanity. That magnified anthropology bolstered the concept of the dignity of man, at the expense of Moses' teaching on human dependence upon God.

The gospel message does not require that humans be deified. It tells us that believers have the hope of eternal life - not because we were born different from the animals - but because Jesus has made a way for us to be resurrected to immortality. It is the cross of Jesus Christ - not our created human nature - that gives us hope of life beyond the grave. It is the second coming of Jesus Christ - not our own death - that is the biblical blessed hope.

- Jefferson Vann, Moses on the Souls of Animals

I will wait... for You

2011-04-04T00:00:00.006+08:00

From Caleb's blog... heh

Of the many soundbites in the video, the one which stands out for me is this one:

He couldn't even pray when I needed him to
Asking him to fast would be absurd
So forget about being cleansed and washed with water through the Word

"Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless." - Ephesians 5:25-27 (NIV)

I read somewhere - and agree - that a husband should be a provider, protector, prophet and priest to his wife. The first two are pretty clear. As a prophet, a husband should equip himself to "prophesy" (which simply means "bring forth the Word") to his wife. And as a priest, a husband should perform the priestly function of standing before God and interceding for his wife.

Just as 'Christ Jesus [our Great High Priest], who died - more than that, who was raised to life - is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us' (Romans 8:34, NIV)!

Off to Nepal

2011-03-21T00:00:00.012+08:00

Two types of men stand at the base of Mount Everest.

The first (and most common) type is the man who says, "That's incredible... I could never make it to the top."

The second type is the man who says, "That's incredible... I can't wait to see the view from the top."

- Voddie T. Baucham Jr.

Brasov, Romania (21 Mar 08)... the last time I saw snow-capped mountains

3 years ago, I went backpacking around Europe for 2 weeks with a group of friends from university. For the next 2 weeks, I'll be in Nepal for overseas training with my squadmates. Not quite Mount Everest, but close enough!

"It's not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves." - Sir Edmund Hillary, the first man (on record) to reach the summit of Mount Everest

"Life is hard...

2011-03-12T00:00:00.003+08:00

...compared to what?" - Voltaire

I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.

The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed.

For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God.

We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time.

Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.

For in this hope we were saved.

But hope that is seen is no hope at all.

Who hopes for what he already has?

But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.

- Romans 8:18-25 (NIV)

But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.

We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.

We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.

For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that his life may be revealed in our mortal body.

So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.

- 2 Corinthians 4:7-12 (NIV)

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea.

I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.

And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them.

"They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.

"He will wipe every tear from their eyes.

"There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."

- Revelation 21:1-4 (NIV)

All I Have is Christ

2011-03-06T00:00:00.005+08:00

Sang this song in church today. May we grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ!

"If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit his very self?" - Luke 9:23-25 (NIV)

True Feedback

2011-03-05T00:00:00.004+08:00

I've been attending a number of courses (such as the one on correctional knowledge) recently and one common feature is that all of them emphasise the importance of feedback. Feedback on the trainers, on fellow participants, on the course itself etc.

What kind of feedback should Christians be willing to receive?

From God

"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 (NIV)

From Others

"As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another." - Proverbs 27:17 (NIV)

From Ourselves

"Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realise that Christ Jesus is in you - unless, of course, you fail the test? And I trust that you will discover that we have not failed the test." - 2 Corinthians 13:5-6 (NIV)

From the Word

"For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account." - Hebrews 4:12-13 (NIV)

Of course, even the most constructive feedback is only effective when we act on it.

"Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it - he will be blessed in what he does." - James 1:22-25 (NIV)

If we should act on feedback from others around us, how much more should we act on feedback from above!

Random Thoughts on Corrections

2011-02-27T00:00:00.005+08:00

As part of my training over the past week, I've been taking a module on correctional knowledge. Here are some random thoughts on the topic.

Human Responsibility

The circumstances someone is in may lead him to commit a crime. But they should not cause him to commit a crime (assuming that he has (libertarian) free will). For example, someone may end up stealing because he is poor. But just because he is poor does not mean that he will end up stealing.

"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." - 1 Corinthians 10:13 (NIV)

Deterrence

There are two ways to deter potential criminals from committing crimes and coming to prison. One way is to make prisons harsher such that no one wants to suffer a conviction. The other way is to make society more caring such that no one wants to forfeit being a part of society.

Rehabilitation and Prevention

By definition, rehabilitation is about correcting mistakes and putting things right. Meanwhile, prevention is about ensuring that mistakes do not happen, that nothing goes wrong in the first place. To this end, rehabilitation will always be a step behind prevention. (Nevertheless, reducing reoffending - though not as effective as preventing offending - is still better than not doing anything about offending.) As the saying goes, 'prevention is better than cure'.

"What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? Or don't you know that all of us who were baptised into Christ Jesus were baptised into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life." - Romans 6:1-4 (NIV)

Back to Training School

2011-02-20T00:00:00.009+08:00

Having completed my first phase of residential training at the Home Team Academy last month, I've been undergoing on-the-job training (at a prison) over the past 4 weeks. Since I've been staying out of camp during this period, I'm thankful for the extra time to catch up with friends, go for my church's midweek prayer meetings and even celebrate my first Chinese New Year in Singapore since 2007. I've also been able to look around for a second-hand car and eventually get one :)

"For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer." - 1 Timothy 4:4-5 (NIV)

Tomorrow I book back into camp and begin the second half of my Basic Officers' Course. 12 more weeks and we'll be through!

"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." - 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV)

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)

Luther and Calvin on Baptism

2011-02-19T00:00:00.004+08:00

Baptism... means to plunge something completely into the water, so that the water covers it... This usage is also demanded by the significance of the baptism itself. For baptism, as we shall hear, signifies that the old man and the sinful birth of flesh and blood are to be wholly drowned by the grace of God. We should therefore do justice to its meaning and make baptism a true and complete sign of the thing it signifies.

- Martin Luther, quoted in Tom Wells, Does Baptism Mean Immersion? A Friendly Inquiry into the Ongoing Debate

But whether the person being baptised should be wholly immersed, and whether thrice or once, whether he should only be sprinkled or poured with water - these details are of no importance, but ought to be optional to churches according to the diversity of the countries. Yet the word "baptise" means to immerse, and it is clear that the rite of immersion was observed in the ancient church.

- John Calvin, quoted in Tom Wells, Does Baptism Mean Immersion? A Friendly Inquiry into the Ongoing Debate

On Love

2011-02-14T00:00:00.002+08:00

Love is patient, love is kind.

It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.

It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.

Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.

It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Love never fails.

- 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 (NIV)

Creation and Procreation

2011-02-07T00:00:00.004+08:00

Why would a triune God create a world? If he were a unipersonal God, you might say, "Well, he created the world so he can have beings who give him worshipful love, and that would give him joy." But the triune God already had that - and he received love within himself in a far purer, more powerful form than we human beings can ever give him. So why would he create us?

There's only one answer. He must have created us not to get joy but to give it.

He must have created us to invite us into the dance, to say: If you glorify me, if you centre your entire life on me, if you find me beautiful for who I am in myself, then you will step into the dance, which is what you are made for.

You are made not just to believe in me or to be spiritual in some general way, not just to pray and get a bit of inspiration when things are tough. You are made to centre everything in your life on me, to think of everything in terms of your relationship to me. To serve me unconditionally. That's where you'll find your joy. That's what the dance is about.

- Timothy Keller, King's Cross

"Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground." So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them." - Genesis 1:26-27 (NIV)

Just as God created His children in His image, so we have children (which, ultimately, are His children) in our image. Incidentally, a child usually resembles one or both of his or her parents.

More importantly, if God created to give and not to get, how much more should we enter into relationships (and have children, God willing) out of love and not out of need!

You give and take away

2011-02-06T00:02:00.004+08:00

"Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised." - Job 1:21 (NIV)

Trust God for what He has given, and trust Him for what He has taken away. Oh, that this would draw you closer to God!

"Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Saviour and my God." - Psalm 42:5-6 (NIV)

"He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all - how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?" - Romans 8:32 (NIV)

Still, my soul be still
And do not fear
Though winds of change may rage tomorrow
God is at your side
No longer dread
The fires of unexpected sorrow

God, You are my God
And I will trust in You and not be shaken
Lord of peace renew
A steadfast spirit within me
To rest in You alone

"You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you." - Isaiah 26:3 (NIV)

Creation and New Creation

2011-02-06T00:00:00.003+08:00

"At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptised by John in the Jordan. As Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: "You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased."" - Mark 1:9-11 (NIV)

For the Spirit of God to be pictured as a dove is not particularly striking to us, but when Mark was writing, it was very rare. In the sacred writings of Judaism there is only one place where the Spirit of God is likened to a dove, and that is in the Targums, the Aramaic translation of the Hebrew Scriptures that the Jews of Mark's time read.

In the creation account, the book of Genesis 1:2 says that the Spirit hovered over the face of the waters. The Hebrew verb here means "flutter": the Spirit fluttered over the face of the waters. To capture this vivid image, the rabbis translated the passage for the Targums like this: "And the earth was without form and empty, and darkness was on the face of the deep, and the Spirit of God fluttered above the face of the waters like a dove, and God spoke: 'Let there be light.'"

There are three parties active in the creation of the world: God, God's Spirit, and God's Word, through which he creates. The same three parties are present at Jesus' baptism: the Father, who is the voice; the Son, who is the Word; and the Spirit fluttering like a dove. Mark is deliberately pointing us back to the creation, to the very beginning of history.

Just as the original creation of the world was a project of the triune God, Mark says, so the redemption of the world, the rescue and renewal of all things that is beginning now with the arrival of the King, is also a project of the triune God.

- Timothy Keller, King's Cross

(Thanks to Caleb for blogging about Keller's new book.)

When the rich young ruler asks Jesus, "Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?" he isn't asking how to go to heaven when he dies, though people have regularly read it like that. He's asking about the fact that pretty soon God is going to turn around this world and fill it with justice and joy and peace and glory and delight - and who's going to be part of the team when that happens?

- N. T. Wright, Gray Lecture at Duke Divinity School (11 Oct 10)

The Best Is Yet To Be

2011-02-05T00:00:00.004+08:00

"Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland." - Isaiah 43:18-19 (NIV)

"Behold, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind. But be glad and rejoice forever in what I will create, for I will create Jerusalem to be a delight and its people a joy. I will rejoice over Jerusalem and take delight in my people; the sound of weeping and of crying will be heard in it no more." - Isaiah 65:17-19 (NIV)

"Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."" - Revelation 21:1-4 (NIV)

Out of the Harbour

2011-02-04T00:00:00.005+08:00

"A ship is safe in harbour, but that's not what ships are for." - William Shedd

What will you do if you are standing at a crossroad in life and God calls you to leave familiar surroundings for an adventure with Him?

In this book, Out of the Harbour, Jiamin Choo reveals her most intimate and candid moments from 25 handwritten journals penned over six years to share the life of a young person who, fresh out of school, obeyed God's call to choose the path less trodden and serve in full-time missions... on board Doulos, the World's Oldest Ocean-Going Passenger Ship built in 1914.

- outoftheharbour.com

I happen to be in the same church (and cell group!) as Jiamin and I've had the privilege of getting a sneak preview of the book. It is a powerful testimony of God's protection, provision and providence in the life of one who seeks to do His will. It is also quite cool to know a published author personally :)

Captains of Lives

Incidentally, I first came across the quote by William Shedd (who by the way was a Presbyterian theologian) during my very first internship with Prisons way back in Nov 06 to Jul 07. I think it was used in one of the Department's ship-themed posters or something.

I wouldn't say that the quote made me decide to join Prisons, but it led me (at 20 years of age and fresh out of NS) to reflect further on what I wanted to do with the rest of my life.

And so the journey ~~begins~~ has begun...

*****

"He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose." - Jim Elliot

New Creation in Advance

2011-02-03T00:00:00.004+08:00

Good works are our response to what Christ has done to rehab, renew and restart creation. More than that, they are a reflection of what kingdom living in the new heaven and the new earth will be like.

Good works do not add to Christ's finished work - His life, death and resurrection, but they finish God's (not Christ's) new creation in and through us, by the power of the Spirit and not of ourselves.

"For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. But each in his own turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him. Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power.

"For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death. For he "has put everything under his feet."

"Now when it says that "everything" has been put under him, it is clear that this does not include God himself, who put everything under Christ. When he has done this, then the Son himself will be made subject to him who put everything under him, so that God may be all in all." - 1 Corinthians 15:22-28 (NIV)

Finish then, Thy new creation
Pure and spotless let us be
Let us see Thy great salvation
Perfectly restored in Thee

Changed from glory into glory
Till in heaven* we take our place
Till we cast our crowns before Thee
Lost in wonder, love and praise

*the new heaven and the new earth

Promise and Fulfillment

2011-02-02T00:00:00.000+08:00

All God's dealings with man are characterised by two stages. There is the time of preparation, when command and promise - with the mingled experience of effort and inability, of failure and partial success, with the holy expectancy of something better that these awaken - train and discipline men for a higher stage.

Then comes the time of fulfillment, when faith inherits the promise and enjoys what it had so often struggled for in vain. This law holds good in every part of the Christian life and in the pursuit of every separate virtue. This is because it is grounded in the very nature of things.

In all that concerns our redemption, God must take the initiative. When that has been done, man's turn comes. In the effort toward obedience and attainment, he must learn to know his weakness. In self-despair, he must learn to die to himself, and so be voluntarily and intelligently equipped to receive the promise from God.

The Father will complete what man had accepted at the beginning in ignorance. So God, who had been the beginning before man rightly knew Him or fully understood what His purpose was, is longed for and welcomed as the end - as the all in all.

- Andrew Murray, Humility

There is a Hope

2011-01-30T00:00:00.003+08:00

"So I find this law at work: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God's law; but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God - through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God's law, but in the sinful nature a slave to the law of sin." - Romans 7:21-25 (NIV)

"The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labour in the Lord is not in vain." - 1 Corinthians 15:56-58 (NIV)

"We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers. We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labour prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ." - 1 Thessalonians 1:2-3 (NIV)

Be Firm But Fair

2011-01-29T00:00:00.001+08:00

"I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves." - Matthew 10:16 (NIV)

True Patience

2011-01-28T00:00:00.004+08:00

The word patience is derived from the Latin word for suffering. It suggests the thought of being under the constraint of some power from which we fain would be free. At first we submit against our will; experience teaches us that when it is vain to resist, patient endurance is our wisest course.

In waiting on God it is of infinite consequence that we not only submit because we are compelled to, but because we lovingly and joyfully consent to be in the hands of our blessed Father. Patience then becomes our highest blessedness and our highest grace.

It honours God and gives Him time to have His way with us. It is the highest expression of our faith in His goodness and faithfulness. It brings the soul perfect rest in the assurance that God is carrying on His work. It is the token of our full consent that God should deal with us in such a way and time as He thinks best.

True patience is the losing of our self-will in His perfect will.

- Andrew Murray, Waiting on God

"Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God - this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will." - Romans 12:1-2 (NIV)

Two Ways to Give

2011-01-27T00:00:00.002+08:00

After Abram returned from defeating Kedorlaomer and the kings allied with him, the king of Sodom came out to meet him in the Valley of Shaveh (that is, the King's Valley).

Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. He was priest of God Most High, and he blessed Abram, saying,

"Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth. And blessed be God Most High, who delivered your enemies into your hand."

Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything.

- Genesis 14:17-20 (NIV)

Abram was returning from a war with King Kedorlaomer. On the way back, he met two kings. The King of Sodom who was obviously not a good king because Sodom was a place of sin and the other was the King of Salem or Melchizedek who was also the Priest of God Most High - a picture of Jesus Christ. And when Abram met Melchizedek, Melchizedek gave Abram bread and wine. In return, Abram gave Melchizedek a tithe.

This is a beautiful Old Testament picture of Jesus, our Melchizedek, who gave us His body and blood. We in turn voluntarily give Him a tithe in recognition of His greatness - a voluntary act of worship...

In verse 21 of the same passage, the King of Sodom also offered to give Abram all the spoils: "The king of Sodom said to Abram, 'Give me the people and keep the goods for yourself.'" But Abram immediately told him: "No thanks. Because I don't want you to think that you made me rich."

What a beautiful picture of the two ways in which a man can become rich. One was through the King of Salem, Melchizedek - a picture of our Lord Jesus Christ. The other was through the King of Sodom - a picture of the world's system.

- Benny Ho, Managing Money God's Way

Small World

2011-01-26T00:00:00.005+08:00

Tonight was the first time I could attend my church's midweek prayer meeting since I started residential training at the Home Team Academy last Oct. It was a great encouragement to see so many people turn up to pray.

"If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others." - Philippians 2:1-4 (NIV)

God also reminded me (through a particular bit of sharing) that it's a small world after all. Not coincidence, but providence!

"From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us." - Acts 17:26-27 (NIV)

Life, Death and Destiny

2011-01-22T00:00:00.003+08:00

There are two questions, in particular, to which even Christian tradition has repeatedly given answers totally inconsistent with the Bible, answers which rightly perplex or even scandalise many people today. First: What happens after death? The common traditional view is that at death the human soul or spirit, being immortal in nature, lives on, either in "heaven" or in "hell" or in some other "intermediate state", pending the final judgment of God. Second: What will happen to those excluded from God's final Kingdom? The standard Christian teaching has been that the "lost" are punished with everlasting suffering in "hell".

Obviously both of these questions are extremely important for every one of us. Unfortunately the answers traditionally given by the Church have sown confusion and served to turn a great many people away from faith in God altogether. These answers have been derived from non-biblical sources, not from the Bible, and it is surely significant that, in fact, neither of the great traditional Christian creeds, the "Apostles' Creed" and the "Nicene Creed", makes any reference, either to the immortality of the human soul, or to a hell of eternal torment.

Soul-immortalism entered Christianity, not from the Bible, but from ancient Greek philosophy, profoundly influenced by Plato. Alan Richardson, former Dean of York, acknowledges this:

...the ancient Church inherited from Greek thought the notion of a soul substance which was by nature immortal, and this conception was often entwined with biblical teaching about resurrection. In the biblical view, a man dies and literally ceases to exist: his resurrection... was the result of an act of new creation by God...

As far back as 1931, Archbishop William Temple... asserted, in his Drew Lecture on Immortality:

The core of the doctrine (of the future life) is this: Man is not immortal by nature or of right; but there is offered to him resurrection from the dead and life eternal, if he will receive it from God and on God's terms... It is a doctrine, not of Immortality, but of Resurrection... There is a very strong case for thinking out the whole subject again, in as complete independence as possible alike of medieval and of protestant traditions.

- Warren Prestidge, Life, Death and Destiny

Links: The Philosophy and Theology of Eternal Punishment (12 Mar 10), The Case for Annihilationism (31 Aug 10), Tetelestai (10 Sep 10)

Scarcity, Choice and Opportunity Cost

2011-01-15T00:00:00.005+08:00

Since the start of the year, I've had the joy of attending two weddings of childhood friends over the past two weekends. So this weekend feels slightly empty in comparison.

Speaking of weddings, one of the regrets I have about not being in the UK this year is that I won't be able to attend my ex-housemate's wedding in London at the end of Feb. But as I mentioned in an earlier post, God has shown me that Jul 10 was exactly the right time for me to return to Singapore. Even as I won't be able to attend my ex-housemate's wedding because I'm in Singapore, being in Singapore has given me many opportunities (including attending at least two weddings) which I wouldn't have had if I was still studying in the UK.

As we learn in Economics 101, we are limited beings with limited resources. Every choice we make involves an opportunity cost. For example, I cannot be in Singapore and the UK at the same time. If I'm in Singapore, I cannot be in the UK. If I'm in the UK, I cannot be in Singapore. And so on.

There is no end to asking "what if" questions. At the end of the day, the will of God is not about "what if" but "what is".

"He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." - Micah 6:8 (NIV)

We cannot have the best of both (or more) worlds. But if we trust God, we can know that out of all the possible worlds which He could have created, this is the best possible world in which all things work for His glory and our good!

"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." - Romans 8:28 (NIV)

Pray

2011-01-14T00:00:00.003+08:00

"Is prayer your steering wheel or your spare tyre?" - Corrie ten Boom

"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." - 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV)

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)

"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen." - Ephesians 3:20-21 (NIV)

Link: Verse(s) of the Year (2 Jan 11)

Bob Kauflin on Music

2011-01-07T00:00:00.003+08:00

*From Toby's blog*

I have no doubt we love music. But do we love music for God's sake or for ours?

The Psalmist says in Psalm 73, "Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever."

Idolatry happens when there's anything else on earth that we desire more than God. When something besides God becomes the strength of my heart and my portion. When I think that something besides God can fully satisfy me, make me ultimately happy, or has the right to rule my life. When we look to music for the joy, comfort, power, and satisfaction only God can give.

Music is useful, but not necessary. Music is good. But Jesus is better. Music is a gift. But not a god.

Every gift of God is meant to deepen our relationship with God and create fresh affection for him. Not replace him.

Music isn't my life. Christ is.

- Bob Kauflin, Music - Gift or God?

Verse(s) of the Year

2011-01-02T00:00:00.008+08:00

My church is studying 1 and 2 Thessalonians in Sunday School this year and I hope to put the following verses (in particular) into practice.

"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." - 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV)

What strikes me about these verses is that they focus on things within our control. Whatever else God's will for our lives is, at the very least it calls us to be joyful always, pray continually and give thanks in all circumstances.

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)

In 2010, God brought an end to 3 amazing years in York and showed me that Jul 10 was exactly the right time for me to return to Singapore (in ways too many to mention). What will 2011 bring?

"Now listen, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money." Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, "If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that."" - James 4:13-15 (NIV)

Another year is dawning
Dear Father, let it be
In working or in waiting
Another year with Thee
Another year of progress
Another year of praise
Another year of proving
Thy presence all the days

Another year of mercies
Of faithfulness and grace
Another year of gladness
The glory of Thy face
Another year of leaning
Upon Thy loving breast
Another year of trusting
Of quiet, happy rest

Another year of service
Of witness for Thy love
Another year of training
For holier work above
Another year is dawning
Dear Father, let it be
On earth, or else in heaven
Another year for Thee

Link: Pray (14 Jan 11)

Dec 22 to 31

2011-01-01T00:00:00.002+08:00

Dec 22: "So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and he answered our prayer." - Ezra 8:23 (NIV)

Dec 23: "Who will not fear you, O Lord, and bring glory to your name? For you alone are holy. All nations will come and worship before you, for your righteous acts have been revealed." - Revelation 15:4 (NIV)

Dec 24: "His pleasure is not in the strength of the horse, nor his delight in the legs of a man; the LORD delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love." - Psalm 147:10-11 (NIV)

Dec 25: "For God has put it into their hearts to accomplish his purpose by agreeing to give the beast their power to rule, until God's words are fulfilled." - Revelation 17:17 (NIV)

Dec 26: "A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies." - Proverbs 31:10 (NIV)

Dec 27: "Nehemiah said, "Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength."" - Nehemiah 8:10 (NIV)

Dec 28: "I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and makes war." - Revelation 19:11 (NIV)

Dec 29: "For the LORD takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with salvation." - Psalm 149:4 (NIV)

Dec 30: "Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised." - Proverbs 31:30 (NIV)

Dec 31: "Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done." - Revelation 22:12 (NIV)

A Molinist View of Prayer

2010-12-31T00:00:00.009+08:00

I've finally finished reading Divine Providence: The Molinist Account by Thomas P. Flint (I started about a year ago). Interesting that it quotes St. Thomas Aquinas on the purpose of prayer:

When considering the problem of the usefulness of prayer, one must remember that divine providence not only disposes what effects will take place, but also the manner in which they will take place, and which actions will cause them... [W]e do not pray in order to change the decree of divine providence, rather we pray in order to impetrate those things which God has determined would be obtained only through our prayers.

- St. Thomas Aquinas, Summa Theologiae, 2a2ae, 83, 2

It appears, then, that Molinism may well be of some help in understanding why it is that our prayers sometimes appear to go unanswered.

At times, what we pray for may depend upon others' free actions, actions which are not in fact forthcoming.

At other times, it may be that God sees via his middle knowledge that we would not benefit should he grant us that for which we have prayed, and so, being a loving father, he doesn't give us that which would ultimately harm us.

Nor should God's activity in the wake of prayer be seen as utterly independent of those prayers, for what is good for God's creatures is in part dependent upon the circumstances in which they are placed, and prayer affects those circumstances.

- Thomas P. Flint, Divine Providence: The Molinist Account

Prayer changes things, not because God depends on our prayers, but because God responds to our prayers!

According to Molinism, middle knowledge is God's infallible foreknowledge (from eternity) of what we would freely do in all possible worlds, while free knowledge is God's decree of what we will freely do in this particular world - the world which God has created and we live in.

From a Molinist perspective, our (freely-prayed) prayers do not change God's free knowledge, which is determined by nothing except God's sovereign choice. However, they do change God's middle knowledge, which is determined by (but not dependent on) our free choices - including our prayers.

Whether God answers our prayers is up to God. Whether we pray the prayers for God to answer is down to us.

Links: Prayer Changes Things (26 Nov 10), Prayer According to God's Will (5 Dec 10)

Command and Control

2010-12-27T00:00:00.003+08:00

"The breath of God produces ice, and the broad waters become frozen. He loads the clouds with moisture; he scatters his lightning through them. At his direction they swirl around over the face of the whole earth to do whatever he commands them. He brings the clouds to punish men, or to water his earth and show his love." - Job 37:10-13 (NIV)

"Listen to this, Job; stop and consider God's wonders. Do you know how God controls the clouds and makes his lightning flash? Do you know how the clouds hang poised, those wonders of him who is perfect in knowledge? You who swelter in your clothes when the land lies hushed under the south wind, can you join him in spreading out the skies, hard as a mirror of cast bronze?" - Job 37:14-18 (NIV)

If God is in control of nature (not least the rain), how much more is He in control of our lives!

"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labour or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendour was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?" - Matthew 6:28-30 (NIV)

"Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows." - Matthew 10:29-31 (NIV)

The more you know that you're not in control, the more you learn that God is in control.

"But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Saviour from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body." - Philippians 3:20-21 (NIV)

Lessons from Proverbs 31:10

2010-12-26T00:00:00.003+08:00

I'm reading the Bible in one year and the Wisdom reading for Dec 26 is Proverbs 31:10-20.

"A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies." - Proverbs 31:10 (NIV)

Lesson #1: A wife of noble character cannot be found except by God's grace. (6 Sep 10)

Lesson #2: Instead of focusing on finding a Proverbs 31 woman, focus on being a Psalm 112 man. (9 Sep 10)

Lesson #3: Seek wisdom before seeking a wife (or husband). (17 Oct 10)

The Result of Christmas

2010-12-25T00:01:00.002+08:00

This morning's message in church was on Matthew 2:1-12, in particular verse 12 - what happened to the Magi after they went to see Jesus in Bethlehem.

"And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route." - Matthew 2:12 (NIV)

And having been warned in a dream...

Because of Christmas, we are transformed by the Spirit (which may or may not involve the charismatic gifts).

"But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you. All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will take from what is mine and make it known to you." - John 16:13-15 (NIV)

"You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ. But if Christ is in you, your body is dead because of sin, yet your spirit is alive because of righteousness. And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you.

"Therefore, brothers, we have an obligation - but it is not to the sinful nature, to live according to it. For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live, because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.

"For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father." The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs - heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory." - Romans 8:9-17 (NIV)

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" - 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV)

...not to go back to Herod...

Because of Christmas, we do not go back to our old lives.

"When an evil spirit comes out of a man, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. Then it says, 'I will return to the house I left.' When it arrives, it finds the house swept clean and put in order. Then it goes and takes seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there. And the final condition of that man is worse than the first." - Luke 11:24-26 (NIV)

"If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God." - Hebrews 10:26-27 (NIV)

"If they have escaped the corruption of the world by knowing our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and are again entangled in it and overcome, they are worse off at the end than they were at the beginning. It would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than to have known it and then to turn their backs on the sacred command that was passed on to them. Of them the proverbs are true: "A dog returns to its vomit," and, "A sow that is washed goes back to her wallowing in the mud."" - 2 Peter 2:20-22 (NIV)

...they returned to their country by another route.

Because of Christmas, we live new lives.

"Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." - Matthew 7:13-14 (NIV)

"All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance. And they admitted that they were aliens and strangers on earth. People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own. If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. Instead, they were longing for a better country - a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them." - Hebrews 11:13-16 (NIV)

"Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."" - Revelation 21:1-4 (NIV)

Even as we think about the reason for Christmas, we should also think about the result of Christmas. Have you met Jesus? Have you really encountered Him?

"Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God - this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will." - Romans 12:1-2 (NIV)

God is making everything new

2010-12-25T00:00:00.005+08:00

When I hear the story
Of a God of mercy
Who shared humanity
And suffered by our side

Of the cross they nailed You to
That could not hold You
Now You're making all things new
By the pow'r of Your risen life

What can I do but thank You
What can I do but give my life to You
Hallelujah
Hallelujah

What can I do but praise You
Everyday make everything I do
A hallelujah
A hallelujah
Hallelujah

Are you single? God is making everything new. Are you married? God is making everything new. Are you in the prime of life? God is making everything new. Are you facing death? God is making everything new.

"I am neither an optimist nor a pessimist. Jesus Christ is risen from the dead!" - Lesslie Newbigin, Bishop of Madras (1965-74)

"The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned... For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." - Isaiah 9:2, 6 (NIV)

As we celebrate Christmas, let us not just think about why we celebrate Christmas, but how the birth of Jesus brings light and life to the whole creation - by reversing the curse of death, the wages of sin.

Hail the heav'n-born Prince of Peace
Hail the Sun of Righteousness
Light and life to all He brings
Ris'n with healing in His wings
Mild He lays His glory by
Born that man no more may die
Born to raise the sons of earth
Born to give them second birth
Hark! The herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!"

God is making everything new - in and through Christ Jesus our Lord!

Link: A Wedding and a Funeral (18 Dec 10)

Waiting on God

2010-12-24T00:00:00.005+08:00

The Father in heaven is so interested in His child, and so longs to have his life at every step in His will and His love, that He is willing to keep his guidance entirely in His own hand.

He knows so well that we are unable to do what is really holy and heavenly, except as He works it in us, that He means His very demands to become promises of what He will do in watching over and leading us all the day. Not only in special difficulties and times of perplexity, but in the common course of everyday life, we may count upon Him to teach us His way, and show us His path...

A soul cannot seek close fellowship with God, or attain the abiding consciousness of waiting on Him all the day, without a very honest and entire surrender to all His will...

"Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him." - Psalm 37:7a (NIV)

It is resting in the Lord, in His will, His promise, His faithfulness, and His love, that makes patience easy. And the resting in Him is nothing but being silent unto Him, still before Him. Having our thoughts and wishes, our fears and hopes, hushed into calm and quiet in that great peace of God which passeth all understanding. That peace keeps the heart and mind when we are anxious for anything, because we have made our request known to Him. The rest, the silence, the stillness, and the patient waiting, all find their strength and joy in God Himself.

The needs be, and the reasonableness, and the blessedness of patience will be opened up to the waiting soul. Our patience will be seen to be the counterpart of God's patience. He longs far more to bless us fully than we can desire it. But, as the husbandman has long patience till the fruit be ripe, so God bows Himself to our slowness and bears long with us. Let us remember this, and wait patiently: of each promise and every answer to prayer the word is true: "I the Lord will hasten it in its time."

"Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him." Yes, for HIM. Seek not only the help, the gift, thou needest; seek HIMSELF; wait FOR HIM. Give God His glory by resting in Him, by trusting Him fully, by waiting patiently for Him. This patience honours Him greatly; it leaves Him, as God on the throne, to do His work; it yields self wholly into His hands. It lets God be God.

If thy waiting be for some special request, wait patiently. If thy waiting be more the exercise of the spiritual life seeking to know and have more of God, wait patiently. Whether it be in the shorter specific periods of waiting, or as the continuous habit of the soul; rest in the Lord, be still before the Lord, and wait patiently.

- Andrew Murray, Waiting on God

"I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." - Galatians 2:20 (NIV)

I stand in Christ with sins forgiv'n
And Christ in me the hope of heav'n
My highest calling and my deepest joy
To make His will my home

Links: The Key to All Doors (30 Dec 09), He keeps the key (12 Aug 10)

Dec 15 to 21

2010-12-22T00:00:00.002+08:00

Dec 15: "Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul." - Psalm 143:8 (NIV)

Dec 16: "You have said, 'It is futile to serve God. What did we gain by carrying out his requirements and going about like mourners before the LORD Almighty?'" - Malachi 3:14 (NIV)

Dec 17: "Blessed are the people of whom this is true; blessed are the people whose God is the LORD." - Psalm 144:15 (NIV)

Dec 18: "But in the days when the seventh angel is about to sound his trumpet, the mystery of God will be accomplished, just as he announced to his servants the prophets." - Revelation 10:7 (NIV)

Dec 19: "The seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, which said: "The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will reign for ever and ever."" - Revelation 11:15 (NIV)

Dec 20: "Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations." - Psalm 145:13a (NIV)

Dec 21: "He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them." - Psalm 145:19 (NIV)

Dead to Sin and Alive in Christ

2010-12-19T00:00:00.002+08:00

This morning's message in church was on Romans 6:1-11.

"If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection." - Romans 6:5 (NIV)

"Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him." - Romans 6:8 (NIV)

"In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus." - Romans 6:11(NIV)

As Pastor Andrew put it, the cross without the resurrection is like being baptised (by immersion) and remaining in the water!

A Wedding and a Funeral

2010-12-18T00:00:00.004+08:00

This morning I was in church for a wedding rehearsal. Two of my church friends are getting married next month and I'm playing in the band. And this evening I attended the funeral wake of a granduncle.

Although they were not read out at either the wedding rehearsal or the funeral wake, the following verses came to my mind:

"Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea.

"I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.

"And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God."

""He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."" - Revelation 21:1-4 (NIV)

Marriage

Apart from believing and being baptised, marriage is one of the most (if not the most) glorious moments in life (I imagine). It is a profound mystery, a picture of Christ and the church. Even so, it is a mere shadow of the reality it points towards - our union with Christ forever and ever.

Finish then, Thy new creation
Pure and spotless let us be
Let us see Thy great salvation
Perfectly restored in Thee

Changed from glory into glory
Till in heaven* we take our place
Till we cast our crowns before Thee
Lost in wonder, love and praise

*the new heaven and the new earth

Death

On the other hand, death is the wages of sin, the ultimate affront to life. Even so, it is a defeated foe which awaits its own destruction - the death of death itself.

"Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death." - Revelation 20:14 (NIV)

So marriage is good, but the new creation is even better. Death is bad, but the new creation conquers it.

"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going... I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." - John 14:1-4, 6 (NIV)

God knows if you will marry, who you will marry and when you will marry. He knows when you will die and how you will die. As the pastor preaching at the funeral wake said, "God is sovereign. He knows best."

He alone is faithful and true
He alone knows what is best for you...

God is too wise to be mistaken
God is too good to be unkind
So when you don't understand
When you don't see His plan
When you can't trace His hand
Trust His heart

"He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!"" - Revelation 21:5a (NIV)

Are you single? God is making everything new. Are you married? God is making everything new. Are you in the prime of life? God is making everything new. Are you facing death? God is making everything new.

"I am neither an optimist nor a pessimist. Jesus Christ is risen from the dead!" - Lesslie Newbigin, Bishop of Madras (1965-74)

Link: God is making everything new (25 Dec 10)

True Gain

2010-12-16T00:00:00.004+08:00

I'm reading the Bible in one year and the Old Testament reading for Dec 16 is Malachi 2:17-4:6.

"You have said, 'It is futile to serve God. What did we gain by carrying out his requirements and going about like mourners before the LORD Almighty?'" - Malachi 3:14 (NIV)

The answer is - everything.

"O greedy men, what will satisfy you, if God Himself will not?" - St. Augustine

"Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked. For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favour and honour; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless. O LORD Almighty, blessed is the man who trusts in you." - Psalm 84:10-12 (NIV)

Besides, instead of asking "What can we gain for ourselves?", we should be asking

"What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit his very self?" - Luke 9:25 (NIV)

and

"But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand." - 1 Chronicles 29:14 (NIV)

And can it be that I should gain
An interest in the Saviour's blood?
Died He for me, who caused His pain
For me, who Him to death pursued!

Amazing love! How can it be
That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?
Amazing love! How can it be
That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me!

Dec 8 to 14

2010-12-15T00:00:00.002+08:00

Dec 8: "Keep yourselves in God's love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life." - Jude 21 (NIV)

Dec 9: "I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades." - Revelation 1:18 (NIV)

Dec 10: "Keep falsehoods and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread." - Proverbs 30:8 (NIV)

Dec 11: "To him who overcomes and does my will to the end, I will give authority over the nations." - Revelation 2:26 (NIV)

Dec 12: "Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me." - Revelation 3:20 (NIV)

Dec 13: "You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honour and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being." - Revelation 4:11 (NIV)

Dec 14: "You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth." - Revelation 5:9-10 (NIV)

And on Earth, Peace to Men

2010-12-12T00:00:00.006+08:00

This morning's message in church was on Luke 2:14, the verse which the Greater Doxology (Gloria in Excelsis Deo) begins with and is named after.

"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favour rests." - Luke 2:14 (NIV)

How can we be at peace with God?

1. Believe.

"You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD, is the Rock eternal." - Isaiah 26:3-4 (NIV)

"Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God." - Romans 5:1-2 (NIV)

"And again, Isaiah says, "The Root of Jesse will spring up, one who will arise to rule over the nations; the Gentiles will hope in him." May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." - Romans 15:12-13 (NIV)

2. Pray.

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)

3. Know (and do) His will.

"Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me - put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you." - Philippians 4:9 (NIV)

*****

"May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen." - Hebrews 13:20-21 (NIV)

A Time to Wait

2010-12-10T00:00:00.003+08:00

Celebrating Advent means being able to wait. Waiting is an art that our impatient age has forgotten. It wants to break open the ripe fruit when it has hardly finished planting the shoot. But all too often the greedy eyes are only deceived; the fruit that seemed so precious is still green on the inside, and disrespectful hands ungratefully toss aside what has so disappointed them.

Whoever does not know the austere blessedness of waiting - that is, of hopefully doing without - will never experience the full blessing of fulfillment. Those who do not know how it feels to struggle anxiously with the deepest questions of life, of their life, and to patiently look forward with anticipation until the truth is revealed, cannot even dream of the splendour of the moment in which clarity is illuminated for them...

For the greatest, most profound, tenderest things in the world, we must wait. It happens not here in a storm but according to the divine laws of sprouting, growing, and becoming.

- Dietrich Bonhoeffer, God is in the Manger: Reflections on Advent and Christmas

"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven." - Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NIV)

"He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end." - Ecclesiastes 3:11 (NIV)

"Whoever obeys his command will come to no harm, and the wise heart will know the proper time and procedure. For there is a proper time and procedure for every matter, though a man's misery weighs heavily upon him." - Ecclesiastes 8:5-6 (NIV)

Dec 1 to 7

2010-12-08T00:00:00.002+08:00

Dec 1: "The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever." - 1 John 2:17 (NIV)

Dec 2: "Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; but blessed is he who keeps the law." - Proverbs 29:18 (NIV)

Dec 3: "Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God and receive from him anything we ask, because we obey his commands and do what pleases him." - 1 John 3:21-22 (NIV)

Dec 4: "There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love." - 1 John 4:18 (NIV)

Dec 5: "This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us." - 1 John 5:14 (NIV)

Dec 6: "Many seek an audience with a ruler, but it is from the LORD that man gets justice." - Proverbs 29:26 (NIV)

Dec 7: "So he said to me, "This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: 'Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the LORD Almighty."" - Zechariah 4:6 (NIV)

Prayer According to God's Will

2010-12-05T00:00:00.011+08:00

I'm reading the Bible in one year and the New Testament reading for Dec 5 is 1 John 5:1-21.

"This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us." - 1 John 5:14 (NIV)

Do our prayers simply change us and align us to God's will, without having any bearing on His will? (Then why pray? For example, why pray for the salvation of the lost if the lost are saved completely apart from our prayers?)

Do our prayers have a bearing on God's will to the extent that our prayers determine His will? (Then what if two people pray against each other? For example, what if one person prays for sunny weather and another person prays for rainy weather?)

Or do our prayers provide the means by which God, knowing what we would pray for and how He would answer accordingly (be it yes or no), accomplishes His will - His good, pleasing and perfect will?

God answers prayer! He will answer yes when answering yes is for the best; He will answer no when answering no is for the best. And whether He answers yes or no, His will is exactly what we would desire if we knew all the facts.

Links: Prayer Changes Things (26 Nov 10), A Molinist View of Prayer (31 Dec 10)

Freedom and Boundaries

2010-12-04T00:00:00.002+08:00

The question of the real content and meaning of the Christian faith is enveloped today in a greater fog of uncertainty than at almost any earlier period in history. Anyone who has watched the theological movement of the last decade and who is not one of those thoughtless people who always uncritically accept what is new as necessarily better might well feel reminded of the old story of "Lucky Jack".

The lump of gold that was too heavy and troublesome for him he exchanged successively, so as to be more comfortable, for a horse, a cow, a goose, and a whetstone, which he finally threw into the water without losing much more; on the contrary, what he now gained in exchange, so he thought, was the precious gift of complete freedom. How long his intoxication lasted, how sombre the moment of awakening from the illusion of his supposed liberation, is left by the story, as is well known, to the imagination of the reader.

The worried Christian of today is often bothered by questions like these: has our theology in the last few years not taken in many ways a similar path? Has it not gradually watered down the demands of faith, which had been found all too demanding, always only so little that nothing important seemed to be lost, yet always so much that it was soon possible to venture on the next step? And will poor Jack, the Christian who trustfully let himself be led from exchange to exchange, from interpretation to interpretation, not really soon hold in his hand, instead of the gold with which he began, only a whetstone which he can be confidently recommended to throw away?

- Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger, Introduction to Christianity (1968)

Training vs 'Tekan'

2010-12-03T00:00:00.012+08:00

Today one of our trainers said that whether something is training or 'tekan' (Malay for 'punishment') depends on our attitude.

We think that doing 20 push-ups for exercise is training, while doing 20 push-ups for being tardy is 'tekan'. So what's the difference? It's not the act of doing 20 push-ups. It's the context in which the 20 push-ups are done.

But even if we end up doing 20 push-ups for being tardy, isn't it still a form of training? Doing 20 push-ups can be seen as training (positive) or 'tekan' (negative). It depends on how we look at it.

"No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it." - Hebrews 12:11 (NIV)

Trials vs Temptations

So it is with the will of God. Whether something is a trial or a temptation depends on our attitude. More precisely, whether a trial becomes a temptation depends on our attitude.

1. God does not tempt us.

"When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone." - James 1:13 (NIV)

2. Nevertheless, God puts us through trials to test our faithfulness to Him and - more importantly - to prove His faithfulness to us.

"But if I go to the east, he is not there; if I go to the west, I do not find him. When he is at work in the north, I do not see him; when he turns to the south, I catch no glimpse of him. But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold." - Job 23:8-10 (NIV)

3. A trial becomes a temptation when we start blaming it on ourselves, others and ultimately God.

"But each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed." - James 1:14 (NIV)

Something which we do not want can be seen as a trial (positive) or a temptation (negative). It depends on how we look at it.

""Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised." In all this, Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing." - Job 1:21-22 (NIV)

""Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?" In all this, Job did not sin in what he said." - Job 2:10 (NIV)

"Then Job replied to the LORD: "I know that you can do all things; no plan of yours can be thwarted. You asked, 'Who is this that obscures my counsel without knowledge?' Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know. You said, 'Listen now, and I will speak; I will question you, and you shall answer me.' My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you. Therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes."" - Job 42:1-6 (NIV)

4. Even then, God in His sovereignty and mercy will not allow us to be tempted beyond what we can bear.

"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." - 1 Corinthians 10:13 (NIV)

5. Furthermore, even when we are tempted and fall to temptation, God works our free choices for His glory and our good - if we repent and return to 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." - Romans 8:28 (NIV)

Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged
Take it to the Lord in prayer

Can we find a friend so faithful?
Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness
Take it to the Lord in prayer

"Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathise with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are - yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." - Hebrews 4:14-16 (NIV)

Links: Discipline and Security (23 Oct 10), True Training (25 Oct 10), Training and Development (14 Nov 10)

Nov 22 to 30

2010-12-01T00:00:00.002+08:00

Nov 22: "My heart is not proud, O LORD, my eyes are not haughty; I do not concern myself with great matters or things too wonderful for me. But I have stilled and quieted my soul; like a weaned child with its mother, like a weaned child is my soul within me. O Israel, put your hope in the LORD both now and forevermore." - Psalm 131 (NIV)

Nov 23: "He swore an oath to the LORD and made a vow to the Mighty One of Jacob: "I will not enter my house or go to my bed - I will allow no sleep to my eyes, no slumber to my eyelids, till I find a place for the LORD, a dwelling for the Mighty One of Jacob."" - Psalm 132:2-5 (NIV)

Nov 24: "Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers." - 1 Peter 3:7 (NIV)

Nov 25: "Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms." - 1 Peter 4:10 (NIV)

Nov 26: "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." - 1 Peter 5:7 (NIV)

Nov 27: "For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ." - 2 Peter 1:8 (NIV)

Nov 28: "Then Nebuchadnezzar said, "Praise be to the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who has sent his angel and rescued his servants! They trusted in him and defied the king's command and were willing to give up their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God."" - Daniel 3:28 (NIV)

Nov 29: "But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen." - 2 Peter 3:18 (NIV)

Nov 30: "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." - 1 John 1:9 (NIV)

According to God's Will

2010-11-28T00:00:00.004+08:00

There are days when I feel that being a Captain of Lives is a noble calling. There are also days when I feel overwhelmed by the challenge. They may be the same days.

But the question is not what I feel about being a uniformed prison officer. The question is whether it is God's will for me to be a uniformed prison officer. And the answer is yes.

According to Plan

2010-11-27T00:00:00.005+08:00

I'm doing an after action review for something at the moment and it's amazing (though not at all surprising) how nothing ever goes according to plan.

"Now listen, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money." Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, "If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that."" - James 4:13-15 (NIV)

As much as we plan for things to happen, we cannot control what happens all the time. But we can trust the One who knows the future and works all things for His glory and our good, according to His plan.

"In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps." - Proverbs 16:9 (NIV)

"Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails." - Proverbs 19:21 (NIV)

Prayer Changes Things

2010-11-26T00:00:00.026+08:00

We had an interesting discussion at cell group this evening on whether prayer changes things.

Does prayer change things? One view is that prayer doesn't change things - it simply changes us and aligns us to God's will. But this assumes that our prayers and God's will are mutually exclusive.

(Then why pray? Because God commands us to pray? Of course, God commands us to pray. But surely God commands us to pray precisely because prayer changes things, not in spite of the fact that prayer doesn't change things!)

Why assume that our prayers and God's will are mutually exclusive? Why not rather say that our prayers and God's will are related? In particular, our prayers are the means by which God accomplishes His will - His good, pleasing and perfect will.

For example, it is God's will that 'we may gain a heart of wisdom' (Psalm 90:12, NIV). At the same time, God commands us to ask Him for wisdom.

"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." - James 1:5 (NIV)

Praying for wisdom is the means by which God gives us wisdom. This is not to say that God only gives us wisdom when we ask for it. Certainly, God in His sovereignty and mercy also gives us wisdom even when we do not ask for it. The point is that God hears our prayers when we ask Him for wisdom.

Indeed, James goes on to say that 'you do not have, because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures' (James 4:2-3, NIV).

An Objection

One might object that this view - that our prayers are the means by which God accomplishes His will - makes God dependent on us. However, there is a difference between a) God changing His mind based on His latest knowledge of our free choices as they come to pass and b) God working all things for His glory and our good based on His infallible foreknowledge of our free choices from eternity. The first position is the open theist position and the second position is the middle knowledge position.

The open theist position holds that the future is open (hence the name "open theism") because God cannot know the future. On the other hand, the middle knowledge position holds that God is in control of all things because He knows the future and works our free choices - including our prayers - for His glory and our good. (Calvinism holds that God is in control of all things because He causes our choices, which are not free.)

Personally, I believe that prayer changes things. Not because God depends on our prayers, but because God responds to our prayers!

The Middle Knowledge Position

God's knowledge of what we could freely choose to do in all possible worlds is His natural knowledge, His knowledge of all things by the very nature of who He is.

God's knowledge of what we will do in this particular world - the world which God has created and we live in - is His free knowledge, His knowledge of the world which He has freely created. And this particular world is the best possible world in which all things work 'for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose' (Romans 8:28, NIV). In creating the best possible world, God works our free choices for His glory and our good.

God's knowledge of what we would freely do in all possible worlds is His middle knowledge, His knowledge of what happens between His natural knowledge and His free knowledge (hence the name "middle knowledge").

*Knowing what we would freely do in all possible worlds, God freely creates the best possible world in which our free choices only ever work for His glory and our good.*

Links: Prayer According to God's Will (5 Dec 10), A Molinist View of Prayer (31 Dec 10)

Nov 15 to 21

2010-11-22T00:00:00.002+08:00

Nov 15: "Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord." - Hebrews 12:14 (NIV)

Nov 16: "May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen." - Hebrews 13:20-21 (NIV)

Nov 17: "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." - James 1:5 (NIV)

Nov 18: "Blessed are all who fear the LORD, who walk in his ways." - Psalm 128:1 (NIV)

Nov 19: "Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom." - James 3:13 (NIV)

Nov 20: "Instead, you ought to say, "If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that."" - James 4:15 (NIV)

Nov 21: "As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job's perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy." - James 5:11 (NIV)

Nov 8 to 14

2010-11-15T00:00:00.002+08:00

Nov 8: "The blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that they are outwardly clean. How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!" - Hebrews 9:13-14 (NIV)

Nov 9: "For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Sovereign LORD. Repent and live!" - Ezekiel 18:32 (NIV)

Nov 10: "And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all." - Hebrews 10:10 (NIV)

Nov 11: "Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful." - Hebrews 10:23 (NIV)

Nov 12: "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." - Hebrews 11:1 (NIV)

Nov 13: "Our help is in the name of the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth." - Psalm 124:8 (NIV)

Nov 14: "No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it." - Hebrews 12:11 (NIV)

Training and Development

2010-11-14T00:00:00.005+08:00

I'm reading the Bible in one year and the New Testament reading for Nov 14 is Hebrews 12:1-13.

"No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it." - Hebrews 12:11 (NIV)

I'm about to embark on my 4th week of residential training at the Home Team Academy and this is a timely reminder that training involves discipline.

If security is the foundation for rehabilitation, how much more is discipline the foundation for personal development!

"Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever." - 1 Corinthians 9:25 (NIV)

"For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come." - 1 Timothy 4:8 (NIV)

"But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil." - Hebrews 5:14 (NIV)

Links: Discipline and Security (23 Oct 10), True Training (25 Oct 10), Training vs 'Tekan' (3 Dec 10)

More on Baptism and Covenant Theology

2010-11-13T00:00:00.008+08:00

What do we mean when we say "covenantal"? In Scripture God's covenant is his self-giving to his family among humanity. As the means by which he promises salvation and restoration, the covenant is a life-and-death kind of bond signified and sealed by physical symbols. This covenant involves two parties, but it is neither a contract drawn up by nor an agreement reached between two parties. It is sovereignly and unilaterally disposed.

God establishes his covenant with his people. His people receive it, but they do not contribute to its construction. God's covenant is complete as such, prior to any response to it. In this sense God's covenant is unconditional, but this unconditional covenant operates in a carefully conditioned fashion since its grace carries in its wake obligations for the covenanted party.

In the Mosaic covenant Yahweh presents himself as having kept his covenant as the Lord who would bring his people out of bondage in Egypt (Exodus 20:2). The people do not complete the covenant by having "no other gods before" the Lord (Exodus 20:3). Rather having no other gods represents one way they are to respond to the already completed covenant - by fulfilling the obligations and implications of this redemptive grace.

The redemptive covenants of Scripture all have this structure. Given to people already under the curse, they offer the blessing of salvation to those who trust and obey. If the people spurn the covenant in unbelief and disobedience, the curse remains. This is the pattern with Noah (Genesis 5:29; 6:13; 8:21), with Abraham (Genesis 15:7-21) and also with Moses (Exodus 6:2-8; 34:10-28; Deuteronomy 28-30). The pattern finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ. He enters into humanity's accursed situation and bears the divine anathema so that the blessing promised to Abraham might come to the Gentiles (Galatians 3:13-14; cf. the cry of dereliction Mark 15:34).

Baptism is now the inaugural symbol of what God does in this new covenant in Christ, in which those who are united to the covenant curse-bearing Saviour enter into every spiritual blessing in union to Christ (Ephesians 1:3-14).

Interestingly the two "baptisms" in the Old Testament to which the New Testament makes reference are both water ordeals related to God's forging of a "new" covenant relationship through Noah (ie. the flood, 1 Peter 3:20-21) and Moses (ie. the passage through the Red Sea, 1 Corinthians 10:2). Like Noah and Moses, Jesus Christ had a baptism (water ordeal) to be baptised with to forge his covenant between God and man (Luke 12:50).

- Sinclair B. Ferguson in David F. Wright (ed.), Baptism: Three Views

It could be argued that if grace were resistible, then we would be contributing to our salvation - by choosing to receive or resist grace. Hence, grace must be irresistible for salvation to be by grace alone.

However, the nature of grace is such that the graciousness of grace lies in how grace is given, not in how grace is received. In other words, grace is grace simply and solely because it is graciously given by God. It is not any more if we receive it; nor is it any less if we resist it. Whether we receive or resist grace, grace is still grace! Therefore, grace need not be irresistible for salvation to be by grace alone.

Sinclair B. Ferguson himself writes that 'God establishes his covenant with his people. His people receive it, but they do not contribute to its construction. God's covenant is complete as such, prior to any response to it.' If we do not contribute to the construction of God's covenant by obeying it, how much more do we not contribute to our salvation by receiving (resistible) grace!

Just because God's covenant is unconditionally given does not mean that it is unconditionally received. Rather, God's covenant is unconditionally given (by God) and conditionally received (by us).

Again, just because God's grace is irresistibly given does not mean that it is irresistibly received. Rather, God's grace is irresistibly given (by God) and resistibly received (by us).

*****

Total Depravity - Yes
Unconditional Election - Unconditionally Given and Conditionally Received
Limited Atonement - Unlimitedly Given and Limitedly Received
Irresistible Grace - Irresistibly Given and Resistibly Received
Perseverance of the Saints - Yes

Link: Baptism and Covenant Theology (14 Aug 10)

The LORD is Peace

2010-11-12T00:00:00.003+08:00

Gideon went in, prepared a young goat, and from an ephah of flour he made bread without yeast. Putting the meat in a basket and its broth in a pot, he brought them out and offered them to [the LORD] under the oak.

The angel of God said to him, "Take the meat and the unleavened bread, place them on this rock, and pour out the broth." And Gideon did so. With the tip of the staff that was in his hand, the angel of the LORD touched the meat and the unleavened bread. Fire flared from the rock, consuming the meat and the bread. And the angel of the LORD disappeared. When Gideon realised that it was the angel of the LORD, he exclaimed, "Ah, Sovereign LORD! I have seen the angel of the LORD face to face!"

But the LORD said to him, "Peace! Do not be afraid. You are not going to die."

So Gideon built an altar to the LORD there and called it The LORD is Peace. To this day it stands in Ophrah of the Abiezrites.

- Judges 6:19-24 (NIV)

Shalom is a Hebrew word, so much richer in its range of meanings than the English word "peace", which usually refers to the absence of outward conflict or to a state of inner calm. The concept of shalom includes these ideas but goes beyond them, meaning "wholeness", "completeness", "finished word", "perfection", "safety" or "wellness".

Shalom comes from living in harmony with God. The fruit of that harmony is harmony with others, prosperity, health, satisfaction, soundness, wholeness, and well-being. When you pray to Yahweh Shalom, you are praying to the source of all peace. No wonder his Son is called the Prince of Peace...

Yahweh Shalom is a title rather than a name of God. Shalom is a common term for greeting or farewell in modern Israel. When you say shalom, you are not simply saying "Hello" or "Have a Good Day". In its deepest meaning, it expresses the hope that the person you are greeting may be well in every sense of the word - fulfilled, satisfied, prosperous, healthy and in harmony with themselves, others and God.

Shalom is a covenant word, an expression of God's faithful relationship with his people.

- Ann Spangler, The Names of God

"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." - John 14:27 (NIV)

"Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." - Romans 5:1 (NIV)

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)

Nov 1 to 7

2010-11-08T00:00:00.002+08:00

Nov 1: "Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the LORD your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity." - Joel 2:13 (NIV)

Nov 2: "For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." - Hebrews 4:12 (NIV)

Nov 3: "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathise with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are - yet was without sin." - Hebrews 4:15 (NIV)

Nov 4: "But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil." - Hebrews 5:14 (NIV)

Nov 5: "And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised." - Hebrews 6:15 (NIV)

Nov 6: "Such a high priest meets our need - one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens." - Hebrews 7:26 (NIV)

Nov 7: "I call on the LORD in my distress, and he answers me." - Psalm 120:1 (NIV)