When you have to brake your car at a red light, you may think that the traffic lights are restricting your driving. In actual fact, it is placed there at dangerous junctions to keep you from dangers so that you can truly enjoy the freedom of enjoying your drive along the highway.
The Christian life is much like that. Some people think that there are too many do's and don'ts in the Bible. In reality, God gives us those instructions so that if we follow them, we will be free to enjoy living the abundant life He gives us as His children. It was for freedom that Christ has set us free (Gal.5:1).He has set us free from sin, Satan, the world and death.
Wednesday 21 November 2007
Wednesday 14 November 2007
Singing whilst in trouble?
How many of us will even think of singing in times of trouble? Others may very well think we are crazy if we do so. But in Psalm 108, David was in great trouble, being surrounded by enemies and he chose to sing praises to God, instead of complaining or dwelling in fears. He used songs and musical instruments to lift up his faith in God. He focused on the great love of God and His faithfulness. David sang of God's promises of deliverance to those He loved and was lifted up, out of doubts and fears, to trust God to give him victory.
We can tell our hearts to be steadfast, like David did (v.1). We can determine within our hearts that God is worthy of praise and so praise Him whether we feel like it or not. Our knowledge of God's goodness can help us to overcome our negative emotions. They will fall in line if we focus on the Lord, not ourselves nor our circumstances. The more we speak of God's goodness as a reality, the more easily we shall trust Him and we shall begin to see signs of his goodness again in our lives. Glory be to God!
We can tell our hearts to be steadfast, like David did (v.1). We can determine within our hearts that God is worthy of praise and so praise Him whether we feel like it or not. Our knowledge of God's goodness can help us to overcome our negative emotions. They will fall in line if we focus on the Lord, not ourselves nor our circumstances. The more we speak of God's goodness as a reality, the more easily we shall trust Him and we shall begin to see signs of his goodness again in our lives. Glory be to God!
Encouragement
Dante Gabriel Rossetti, the famous 19th-century poet and artist, was once approached by an elderly man. The old fellow had some sketches and drawings that he wanted Rossetti to look at and tell him if they were any good, or if they at least showed potential talent.
Rossetti looked them over carefully. After the first few, he knew that they were worthless, showing not the least sign of artistic talent. But Roseestti was a kind man, and he told the elderly man as gently as possible that the pictures were without much value and showed little talent. He was sorry, but he could not lie to the man.
The visitor was disappointed, but seeemed to expect Rossetti's judgement. He then apologized for taking up Rossetti's time, but would he just look at a few more drawings- these done by a young art student?
Rossetti looked over the second batch of sketches and immediately became enthusiastic over the talent they revealed. "These," he said, "oh, these are good. This young student has great talent. He should be given every help and encouragement in his career as an artist. He has a great future if he will work hard and stick to it."
Rossetti could see that the old fellow was deeply moved. "Who is this fine young artist?" he asked. "Your son?"
"No," said the old man sadly."It is me- 40 years ago. If only I had heard your praise then! For you see, I got discouraged and gave up- too soon."
Quoted from Brian Cavanaugh's The Sower's Seeds
Rossetti looked them over carefully. After the first few, he knew that they were worthless, showing not the least sign of artistic talent. But Roseestti was a kind man, and he told the elderly man as gently as possible that the pictures were without much value and showed little talent. He was sorry, but he could not lie to the man.
The visitor was disappointed, but seeemed to expect Rossetti's judgement. He then apologized for taking up Rossetti's time, but would he just look at a few more drawings- these done by a young art student?
Rossetti looked over the second batch of sketches and immediately became enthusiastic over the talent they revealed. "These," he said, "oh, these are good. This young student has great talent. He should be given every help and encouragement in his career as an artist. He has a great future if he will work hard and stick to it."
Rossetti could see that the old fellow was deeply moved. "Who is this fine young artist?" he asked. "Your son?"
"No," said the old man sadly."It is me- 40 years ago. If only I had heard your praise then! For you see, I got discouraged and gave up- too soon."
Quoted from Brian Cavanaugh's The Sower's Seeds
Monday 12 November 2007
Refusing medical treatment
There is this old man admitted at the Sarawak General Hospital with cancer in his shoulder bones, which has spread to his lungs. He been staying there for the past two weeks and after the various tests, the doctors are in the process of deciding whether to amputate his arm and/or give him chemotherapy. But he is very sure he does not want to have his arm amputated and has decided to leave the hospital without anymore treatment.
I think the old man is wise in choosing to live the last days of his life in his own home where he is most comfortable and where he can be with his family and friends, instead of the hospital which is quite far away from his home. After all, the cancer has spread and there is nothing much that medicine can do to prolong his life significantly. Why should he spend any more of his precious time left, going through a major operation and being ill from the chemotherapy, which may weaken him and prevent him from enjoying the last days of his life? I am glad that he has determined to go home against medical advice. I just hope that he will not have to suffer too much pain during the last days of his life. May he take comfort in the company of his loved ones and may he find peace with God!
I think the old man is wise in choosing to live the last days of his life in his own home where he is most comfortable and where he can be with his family and friends, instead of the hospital which is quite far away from his home. After all, the cancer has spread and there is nothing much that medicine can do to prolong his life significantly. Why should he spend any more of his precious time left, going through a major operation and being ill from the chemotherapy, which may weaken him and prevent him from enjoying the last days of his life? I am glad that he has determined to go home against medical advice. I just hope that he will not have to suffer too much pain during the last days of his life. May he take comfort in the company of his loved ones and may he find peace with God!
Thursday 8 November 2007
Enjoy Life!
God 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. I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live. That everyone may eat and drink and find satisfaction in all his toil - this is the gift of God. Ecclesiastes 3:10-13
When we are going through tough times, it is hard to see any beauty in it. But often in hind-sight, we can appreciate the beauty God wants to bring out of it. God is All-powerful and we must believe He can bring good out of every situation as He has promised in Romans 8:28. May God open our eyes to see the good that He is working out in our lives so that we can always be thankful to Him. There is life beyond the grave and even those who claim that there is no God, have fears in their hearts during their dying moments, knowing deep within themselves that they are going to meet their Maker. Indeed there are many things in life which we do not understand but we can always choose to trust in the goodness and wisdom of God. So,let us enjoy all the things God has given us - food and drinks and job - and be satisfied!!!
When we are going through tough times, it is hard to see any beauty in it. But often in hind-sight, we can appreciate the beauty God wants to bring out of it. God is All-powerful and we must believe He can bring good out of every situation as He has promised in Romans 8:28. May God open our eyes to see the good that He is working out in our lives so that we can always be thankful to Him. There is life beyond the grave and even those who claim that there is no God, have fears in their hearts during their dying moments, knowing deep within themselves that they are going to meet their Maker. Indeed there are many things in life which we do not understand but we can always choose to trust in the goodness and wisdom of God. So,let us enjoy all the things God has given us - food and drinks and job - and be satisfied!!!
Wednesday 7 November 2007
O the brevity of life!
Someone once said that if one is diagnosed with cancer, it is like one is given a death sentence. Is it true? There is the worry that after going through the whole regiment of medical treatment, the cancer cells may be lurking somewhere in the body, waiting to strike you again, just when you think the worst if over.
But I have been thinking about this and this thought keeps recurring in my mind. All of us, even those of us who are healthy, do not know if we will still be alive tomorrow. Any accident can occur any time and at any place and one's life on earth is over and one has to meet His Maker, whether one is ready or not.
Ecclesiastes 12:6,7 says : Remember God - before the silver cord is severed or the golden bowl is broken; before the pitcher is shattered at the spring, or the wheel broken at the well and the dust returns to the ground it came from and the spirit returns to God who gave it.
This passage has a special place in my heart. A few years ago, I was talking to a 80-year old Indian man at a dinner function and he told me that his prayer to God in his old age is that God will not mind if he forgets about God and just leisurely pursue some hobbies. That night, God turned my attention to the above passage and I was struck by God's answer to what that man said. God says,"No, you shall not forget about me in your old age. In fact, as your life winds down, you must REMEMBER ME because you are going to return to me." I wrote out this passage and gave it to that old gentleman the next morning and he was so awed by God's answer.
A close friend of mine has been diagnosed with breast cancer a few months ago and has gone through a mastectomy to remove the affected breast. Then she was given chemotherapy. Two days later, she suddenly felt dizzy and became unconscious. An ambulance was called to take her to the hospital. The doctors said that she had a very rare reaction to one of the drugs given in the chemotherapy. After 20 hours, she regained consciousness and she is ever so thankful to God for giving her a second chance to live. I just spoke to her on the phone and she told me that we must appreciate that we are alive today. She has discovered that focusing on the fact that her life is in God's hand helps her to cope with her fears, anxieties and depression. Here is a fine example of a dear sister choosing to trust God with her life and refusing to be overwhelmed with fears and depression during this time of sickness. She has decided to be thankful to God for the life she now has and is glad that God has strenghtened her to be able to serve her family again.
Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the grave, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom.Ecclesiastes 9:10
But I have been thinking about this and this thought keeps recurring in my mind. All of us, even those of us who are healthy, do not know if we will still be alive tomorrow. Any accident can occur any time and at any place and one's life on earth is over and one has to meet His Maker, whether one is ready or not.
Ecclesiastes 12:6,7 says : Remember God - before the silver cord is severed or the golden bowl is broken; before the pitcher is shattered at the spring, or the wheel broken at the well and the dust returns to the ground it came from and the spirit returns to God who gave it.
This passage has a special place in my heart. A few years ago, I was talking to a 80-year old Indian man at a dinner function and he told me that his prayer to God in his old age is that God will not mind if he forgets about God and just leisurely pursue some hobbies. That night, God turned my attention to the above passage and I was struck by God's answer to what that man said. God says,"No, you shall not forget about me in your old age. In fact, as your life winds down, you must REMEMBER ME because you are going to return to me." I wrote out this passage and gave it to that old gentleman the next morning and he was so awed by God's answer.
A close friend of mine has been diagnosed with breast cancer a few months ago and has gone through a mastectomy to remove the affected breast. Then she was given chemotherapy. Two days later, she suddenly felt dizzy and became unconscious. An ambulance was called to take her to the hospital. The doctors said that she had a very rare reaction to one of the drugs given in the chemotherapy. After 20 hours, she regained consciousness and she is ever so thankful to God for giving her a second chance to live. I just spoke to her on the phone and she told me that we must appreciate that we are alive today. She has discovered that focusing on the fact that her life is in God's hand helps her to cope with her fears, anxieties and depression. Here is a fine example of a dear sister choosing to trust God with her life and refusing to be overwhelmed with fears and depression during this time of sickness. She has decided to be thankful to God for the life she now has and is glad that God has strenghtened her to be able to serve her family again.
Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the grave, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom.Ecclesiastes 9:10
Monday 5 November 2007
Eternally Grateful
Praise the Lord, O my soul;
All my inmost being, praise His holy name.
Praise the Lord, O my soul,
And forget not all his benefits-
Who forgives all your sins
And heals all your diseases,
Who redeems your life from the pit
And crowns you with love and compassion,
Who satisfies your desires with good things
So that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.
He made known His ways to His people.
He does not treat us as our sins deserve,
For as high as the heavens are above the earth
So great is His love for those whoe fear Him;
As far as the east is from the west,
So far has He removed our transgressions from us.
Psalm 103
O Lord God, I am so awed by all You have done for me! I really do not deserve all the kindness You have been showing to me. Indeed I can testify that you constantly satisfy my desires with good things. You have given me a wonderful husband and four lovely children. You have supplied me with a comfortable home and enough finances for my children's education. You give me plenty of time to do things I enjoy, especially because you have supplied me with a good domestic helper. You have placed into my life many caring friends whom I can laugh and cry with. You have indeed blessed my life so much that I am etenally indebted to You. I give you my heart in return. Take me, I am Yours.
All my inmost being, praise His holy name.
Praise the Lord, O my soul,
And forget not all his benefits-
Who forgives all your sins
And heals all your diseases,
Who redeems your life from the pit
And crowns you with love and compassion,
Who satisfies your desires with good things
So that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.
He made known His ways to His people.
He does not treat us as our sins deserve,
For as high as the heavens are above the earth
So great is His love for those whoe fear Him;
As far as the east is from the west,
So far has He removed our transgressions from us.
Psalm 103
O Lord God, I am so awed by all You have done for me! I really do not deserve all the kindness You have been showing to me. Indeed I can testify that you constantly satisfy my desires with good things. You have given me a wonderful husband and four lovely children. You have supplied me with a comfortable home and enough finances for my children's education. You give me plenty of time to do things I enjoy, especially because you have supplied me with a good domestic helper. You have placed into my life many caring friends whom I can laugh and cry with. You have indeed blessed my life so much that I am etenally indebted to You. I give you my heart in return. Take me, I am Yours.
Thursday 1 November 2007
Prayer of rededication
Dearest Lord God,
Today is the first day of November 2007 and I thank you for the beginning of a new month. I recommit myself to serving You whole-heartedly throughout this month. I want to submit my will to Your will and I surrender all my rights to You. All I have is Yours, use them as You please. I want to seek Your heart - to know and feel your heartaches and pains as well as your joys and pleasures.
The reading of Psalm 100 today encourages me to shout for joy to You, Lord and worship You with gladness. I am to come before You with joyful songs. Lord, please sustain my joy in You, even when my hormonal levels are abnormal or when I am tired. I want to know that You are GOD - in control of all, throughout my experiences today and everyday. I am so glad that I am Yours because You made me! Thank You for being so good to me and for loving me so faithfully and unendingly.
Today is the first day of November 2007 and I thank you for the beginning of a new month. I recommit myself to serving You whole-heartedly throughout this month. I want to submit my will to Your will and I surrender all my rights to You. All I have is Yours, use them as You please. I want to seek Your heart - to know and feel your heartaches and pains as well as your joys and pleasures.
The reading of Psalm 100 today encourages me to shout for joy to You, Lord and worship You with gladness. I am to come before You with joyful songs. Lord, please sustain my joy in You, even when my hormonal levels are abnormal or when I am tired. I want to know that You are GOD - in control of all, throughout my experiences today and everyday. I am so glad that I am Yours because You made me! Thank You for being so good to me and for loving me so faithfully and unendingly.
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