What am I talking about? Christmas of course. I went to a friend's place for dinner on Christmas eve and apart from bringing some food, I was asked to prepare the music for the night. So I was thinking: Christmas + dinner + music = Christmas music/carols. Sounds like a fairly appropriate choice, doesn't it? Despite my efforts to provide a Christmas-like feel to our dinner, the music that i chose wasn't really everyones favourite. So the host had to change the music selection to a more "modern" genre.
I didn't mind the music to be changed, because it is just music and I fully understand everyone have their preferences. However, there is one comment that troubled me was that one of the guest mentioned that she heard the word 'Jesus' a few times through the Christmas music and found it slighty unpleasant. I don't blame her because she is not a believer. However, the question that I would really like to ask is: Isn't Christmas all about the Lord Jesus Christ?
If the Lord Jesus was not born to this earth, there will be no Christmas, no joy of giving gifts to each other, no peace of a family gathering, no hope for a new year... no hope for all of us in this world. I am glad it is not so, I am thankful that when we remember Christmas, the Lord Jesus is the centre of it all, because Christmas is all about hope, the hope of a savior, the Lord Jesus Christ!
lonely christmas
Another year, another term, and another Christmas is just around the corner. As usual, everyone is out shopping and busy preparing for the Christmas family time spent together. However, things are not so 'busy' in my flat. Instead, it is rather quiet since my flat mates won't be around for Christmas. At first it didn't bother me much, because I am not much of a party person myself. However, seeing so many people getting into the Christmas spirit and going back home to spend Christmas with their families does make me feel lonely at times.
It is easy to get use to spending Christmas by yourself after a few years, but I guess there is still something inside that wants Christmas to be special, something to look forward to and remember. It makes sense since Christmas is anything but ordinary, because we remember the birthday of the one person that brought hope and salvation to mankind. Just as I was starting to complain about being all lonely and bored, a friend reminded me that despite not being able to spend Christmas with my family like most people do, I still have a Father in heaven who will be with me on Christmas day, and that makes all the difference.
It is interesting that on Christmas, we take it as a time when we can come together as a family and just spend time with each other. Yet the day when Christ was born, He was born into a world which did not welcome Him. He left His father's side to save a world that was lost. In a way, He came to this world lonely, so that we who believe in Him need not be lonely anymore. The Son of God gave... so that we may receive. May this blessed time of the year be a reminder to us - we are all blessed, only because He gave.
It is easy to get use to spending Christmas by yourself after a few years, but I guess there is still something inside that wants Christmas to be special, something to look forward to and remember. It makes sense since Christmas is anything but ordinary, because we remember the birthday of the one person that brought hope and salvation to mankind. Just as I was starting to complain about being all lonely and bored, a friend reminded me that despite not being able to spend Christmas with my family like most people do, I still have a Father in heaven who will be with me on Christmas day, and that makes all the difference.
It is interesting that on Christmas, we take it as a time when we can come together as a family and just spend time with each other. Yet the day when Christ was born, He was born into a world which did not welcome Him. He left His father's side to save a world that was lost. In a way, He came to this world lonely, so that we who believe in Him need not be lonely anymore. The Son of God gave... so that we may receive. May this blessed time of the year be a reminder to us - we are all blessed, only because He gave.
Am i who i should be
I remember one of the earlier posts of this blog I mentioned a song which writes "Do they see Jesus in me, do they recognize His face..." This particular statement seem to remind me once again that have I been reponsible enough to reflect the beauty of Chirst as I should have? Or have I just let my testimony be turned into an awful stench to the holy name of the Lord Jesus.
I realise that many times I find myself in a position that even those who are not saved show a better testimony than I should have. Which begs the question: How did I find myself in this place where I see glimpses of Chirst-likeness in others rather than in his own child? It is as though if I was within a group of people chosen for others to point out which one in the group is a chirstian, I know I would not be chosen. Most of us are bothered that foreigners do not recognize which country we are from. We complain that just from our looks, the way we talk and act it is obvious where we come from. Similarly, what if someone came up and said: "I am sorry, I didn't recognize that you were a christian, you sure don't look like one."
It is bad enough for people not to recognize saved ones as believers, it is even worse if unsaved ones were seen as a better testimony than saved ones should be. Do they see Jesus in me? By God's grace and mercy, I sure do hope so...
I realise that many times I find myself in a position that even those who are not saved show a better testimony than I should have. Which begs the question: How did I find myself in this place where I see glimpses of Chirst-likeness in others rather than in his own child? It is as though if I was within a group of people chosen for others to point out which one in the group is a chirstian, I know I would not be chosen. Most of us are bothered that foreigners do not recognize which country we are from. We complain that just from our looks, the way we talk and act it is obvious where we come from. Similarly, what if someone came up and said: "I am sorry, I didn't recognize that you were a christian, you sure don't look like one."
It is bad enough for people not to recognize saved ones as believers, it is even worse if unsaved ones were seen as a better testimony than saved ones should be. Do they see Jesus in me? By God's grace and mercy, I sure do hope so...
God is good
Ever since I was young, the word "Good" has always been a common word used in songs that we sing in sunday school. Especially the well known "God is so good" song. After singing it for so many years now, I never actually understood how a simple word "Good" could describe the almighty God whom we worship.
I guess, it is because the word "good" is so commonly used these days that it doesnt really mean as much as it is suppose to anymore. With this in mind, I was led to the scene in the bible where the rich young man approaches the Lord Jesus and says:" Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?" One would think that the Lord would answer this young man as he so eagerly wanted to know the answer. However, the first thing that the Lord Jesus said was:" Why do you call me good? No one is good - except God alone. (NIV Mark 10:17-18)
If the Lord Jesus had to make it clear that no one is good, except God alone. I would think that there is more weight to the meaning of the word "Good" then we would expect. The question that then comes to mind is: How would you define good? I am sure there are lots of good dictionaries out there to give loads of definitions and explanations to the word. However, what came to my mind was verse 8 of Philippians 4. In my opinion, that verse gives a clear enough picture of what "Good" really is.
Incidentally, for those who are as ignorant as I am, if you find the meaning for "good book" it actually refers to the bible! (Interesting...) So next time whenever we come across the word "Good" in our praises, maybe it adds a little bit more to our appreciation of the Lord... maybe it just means something better... or maybe it just means that He is the best!
I guess, it is because the word "good" is so commonly used these days that it doesnt really mean as much as it is suppose to anymore. With this in mind, I was led to the scene in the bible where the rich young man approaches the Lord Jesus and says:" Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?" One would think that the Lord would answer this young man as he so eagerly wanted to know the answer. However, the first thing that the Lord Jesus said was:" Why do you call me good? No one is good - except God alone. (NIV Mark 10:17-18)
If the Lord Jesus had to make it clear that no one is good, except God alone. I would think that there is more weight to the meaning of the word "Good" then we would expect. The question that then comes to mind is: How would you define good? I am sure there are lots of good dictionaries out there to give loads of definitions and explanations to the word. However, what came to my mind was verse 8 of Philippians 4. In my opinion, that verse gives a clear enough picture of what "Good" really is.
Incidentally, for those who are as ignorant as I am, if you find the meaning for "good book" it actually refers to the bible! (Interesting...) So next time whenever we come across the word "Good" in our praises, maybe it adds a little bit more to our appreciation of the Lord... maybe it just means something better... or maybe it just means that He is the best!
let His praise go on
Recently I fell in love with the lyrics of Chris Rice's song called "And Your Praise Goes On". A beautiful song reminding us that the praise that the Father in heaven so rightly deserves never ends.
Even if everyone on earth stops praising God, every other creation on earth will shout in praise of its own. The fact being that God is so great that it is impossible to silence the praise rendered to Him from every corner of the world.
My personal favourite is the last part of the song where it says:
And when my final breath You lend
I’ll thank You for the life You gave
But that won’t mean the praises end
‘Cause I won’t be silenced by the grave!
And Your praise goes on
I’ll be runnin’ to Your throne
With every nation, tribe and tongue
To Your arms I’ll fly
I’ll gaze into Your eyes
Then I’ll know as I am known
And Your praise goes on
And Your praise goes on
And Your praise goes on
Each time I listen to this part of the song being sung, my eyes just fill up with tears helplessly. I am reminded that even death will not stop me from praising my Lord and God, and that when I reach heaven, I would be just like a little child that I once was, running eagerly to the Father's arms, telling Him how much I love Him... I can almost picture it in my head.
Dear Father, may Your praise go on...
Even if everyone on earth stops praising God, every other creation on earth will shout in praise of its own. The fact being that God is so great that it is impossible to silence the praise rendered to Him from every corner of the world.
My personal favourite is the last part of the song where it says:
And when my final breath You lend
I’ll thank You for the life You gave
But that won’t mean the praises end
‘Cause I won’t be silenced by the grave!
And Your praise goes on
I’ll be runnin’ to Your throne
With every nation, tribe and tongue
To Your arms I’ll fly
I’ll gaze into Your eyes
Then I’ll know as I am known
And Your praise goes on
And Your praise goes on
And Your praise goes on
Each time I listen to this part of the song being sung, my eyes just fill up with tears helplessly. I am reminded that even death will not stop me from praising my Lord and God, and that when I reach heaven, I would be just like a little child that I once was, running eagerly to the Father's arms, telling Him how much I love Him... I can almost picture it in my head.
Dear Father, may Your praise go on...
Where is God in the picture?
It has been quite a while since I started university all over again for the fourth time, and for the final time hopefully... Some how this year seem to be different from the previous years. On one hand it is my last year, so I guess it’s like the finishing the last lap of a race, giving it all you have. Also there is much more at stake, the hopes of having to achieve decent results this year and also the possibility to have to look for a job when I graduate. So I guess you could say i am in some sort of a trying period where I am hoping to keep my head above waters before I get swept away by waves of responsibilities and uncertainty.
Just recently, I attended a careers talk organized by Shell. It wasn't my first time being in these kind of career gatherings, but this time it got me thinking. Being in the final year of my university education, it is no surprise that I found the talk very informative and helpful. Just as I was considering my future as to where I might be working after I graduate, I looked around and realize that everyone gathered in the room that day had a common goal, and that was to hopefully be a potential employee of Shell. Most of them dressed in a rather formal manner just to make a good impression.
No doubt to apply for such a reputable company like Shell, it requires a lot of effort in preparing yourself to meet their requirements and making yourself shine among the other applicants. However, as I was sitting down listening to the rest of the talk, I kept thinking to myself, that if so much needs to be accomplished in order to get a good employment, it must be really worth one's while, seeing that so many people are putting so much effort into it. Or is it really?
I see why getting a good job is important, because it does give us some sense of security to our future. However, when I see how much emphasis the world has put on getting a good career, I begin wonder where is God in the picture? Have the need to secure our own future blinded us towards the one who determines our future? If so many of us can spend innumerable hours working towards filling in a piece of paper stating our achievements just to sell ourselves in an interview. I wonder why there are only so few who are able to turn to God who loves us just the way we are. If so many of us can spend so much time in making sure we pick the right choice of companies. I wonder why only few find the time to make the simple choice of believing in God.
The world may seem to be very successful in promoting the way to a successful future. However, I believe there is only so much I can do in securing my future, beyond that I can only leave to the one who holds my future. The hymn writer was right when he wrote: "Because He lives I can face tomorrow, Because He lives all fear is gone, Because I know He holds the future, And life is worth living just because He lives."
And to sum it all up: "Only one life, it will soon be past. Only what's done for Christ will last." ... Amen!
Just recently, I attended a careers talk organized by Shell. It wasn't my first time being in these kind of career gatherings, but this time it got me thinking. Being in the final year of my university education, it is no surprise that I found the talk very informative and helpful. Just as I was considering my future as to where I might be working after I graduate, I looked around and realize that everyone gathered in the room that day had a common goal, and that was to hopefully be a potential employee of Shell. Most of them dressed in a rather formal manner just to make a good impression.
No doubt to apply for such a reputable company like Shell, it requires a lot of effort in preparing yourself to meet their requirements and making yourself shine among the other applicants. However, as I was sitting down listening to the rest of the talk, I kept thinking to myself, that if so much needs to be accomplished in order to get a good employment, it must be really worth one's while, seeing that so many people are putting so much effort into it. Or is it really?
I see why getting a good job is important, because it does give us some sense of security to our future. However, when I see how much emphasis the world has put on getting a good career, I begin wonder where is God in the picture? Have the need to secure our own future blinded us towards the one who determines our future? If so many of us can spend innumerable hours working towards filling in a piece of paper stating our achievements just to sell ourselves in an interview. I wonder why there are only so few who are able to turn to God who loves us just the way we are. If so many of us can spend so much time in making sure we pick the right choice of companies. I wonder why only few find the time to make the simple choice of believing in God.
The world may seem to be very successful in promoting the way to a successful future. However, I believe there is only so much I can do in securing my future, beyond that I can only leave to the one who holds my future. The hymn writer was right when he wrote: "Because He lives I can face tomorrow, Because He lives all fear is gone, Because I know He holds the future, And life is worth living just because He lives."
And to sum it all up: "Only one life, it will soon be past. Only what's done for Christ will last." ... Amen!
THERE IS A GOD !
Ninety three million miles from the blistering surface of the sun, hangs the planet Earth, a rotating sphere, perfectly suspended in the centre of the universe - the ultimate creation from an infinite mind - and unbelievably intricate, complex design, a supernatural testimony, an irrefutable sign that there is a God!
The size, position and angle of the earth is a scientific phenomenon to see. A few degrees closer to the sun and we would disintegrate; a few degrees farther and we would freeze. The axis of the earth is tilted at a perfect twenty-three degree angle, and it is no mistake that it is. This allows equal global distribution to the rays of the sun, making it possible for the food chain to exist. Take for example the combination of nitrogen and oxegen in the atmosphere that we breath every day - it just happens to be the exact mix that life needs to prosper. It doesn't happen on any other planet that way. You see, the bible says, "The invisible things of God are clearly seen through His creation." To believe this is not difficult. If there is a design there is a designer. If there is a plan there must be a planner. If there is a miracle, there is a God.
The scripture says "The heavens declare the glory of God and the skies proclaim the work of His Hands." If we allow our minds to drink in all the truth that just surrounds us, creation itself will help us understand. Did you know that the moon controls the tide? It is the maid that cleans the oceans. Even the waves do not crash against the shores in vain. The tides drag impurities into the depth of the sea. It is nature's constant recycling chain. It simply boggles the mind to think that the stars will rotate with such exact precision that it is true that the atomic clock, with an error factor of less than three seconds per millennium is set by the way they move. Though they silently orbit, the sun, the moon and the stars are like celestial evangelists above which circle the earth every twenty-four hours, shouting in every language, "There is a God."
Athesism is the wedge into the foundation of our faith, trying to topple our relationship with Christ. When the fool says in his heart there is no God, he rejects the truth that God painted on the canvas of the night. Atheism has never created an artistic masterpiece, never healed a fatal disease nor calmed a fear. Atheism has never given answers to our existence, peace to a troubled mind, nor even dried a tear. It is God who created heaven and earth, flung the stars into space and breathed into a handful of dirt and it became a man, a living soul. It is God who sits on the circle of the earth and measures the mountains in a scale and holds the seven seas in the palm of His hand. It is God who sent His only begotten Son to the cross of Calvary to save our souls from hell and the grave and to fit poor sinners for Heaven.
It is God who creates, God who delivers, God who heals and God who is worthy of a thunderous ovation of praise. There is a God! He lives and because He is alive, there is a Hope.
(Selected - Words in Season, July 06)
The size, position and angle of the earth is a scientific phenomenon to see. A few degrees closer to the sun and we would disintegrate; a few degrees farther and we would freeze. The axis of the earth is tilted at a perfect twenty-three degree angle, and it is no mistake that it is. This allows equal global distribution to the rays of the sun, making it possible for the food chain to exist. Take for example the combination of nitrogen and oxegen in the atmosphere that we breath every day - it just happens to be the exact mix that life needs to prosper. It doesn't happen on any other planet that way. You see, the bible says, "The invisible things of God are clearly seen through His creation." To believe this is not difficult. If there is a design there is a designer. If there is a plan there must be a planner. If there is a miracle, there is a God.
The scripture says "The heavens declare the glory of God and the skies proclaim the work of His Hands." If we allow our minds to drink in all the truth that just surrounds us, creation itself will help us understand. Did you know that the moon controls the tide? It is the maid that cleans the oceans. Even the waves do not crash against the shores in vain. The tides drag impurities into the depth of the sea. It is nature's constant recycling chain. It simply boggles the mind to think that the stars will rotate with such exact precision that it is true that the atomic clock, with an error factor of less than three seconds per millennium is set by the way they move. Though they silently orbit, the sun, the moon and the stars are like celestial evangelists above which circle the earth every twenty-four hours, shouting in every language, "There is a God."
Athesism is the wedge into the foundation of our faith, trying to topple our relationship with Christ. When the fool says in his heart there is no God, he rejects the truth that God painted on the canvas of the night. Atheism has never created an artistic masterpiece, never healed a fatal disease nor calmed a fear. Atheism has never given answers to our existence, peace to a troubled mind, nor even dried a tear. It is God who created heaven and earth, flung the stars into space and breathed into a handful of dirt and it became a man, a living soul. It is God who sits on the circle of the earth and measures the mountains in a scale and holds the seven seas in the palm of His hand. It is God who sent His only begotten Son to the cross of Calvary to save our souls from hell and the grave and to fit poor sinners for Heaven.
It is God who creates, God who delivers, God who heals and God who is worthy of a thunderous ovation of praise. There is a God! He lives and because He is alive, there is a Hope.
(Selected - Words in Season, July 06)
chaotic beings
I heard a preacher made this comment about human beings once. He said if you want to create chaos, simply put humans into any situation, and you have chaos. Although I wouldn't deny the statement, I still did not fully appreciate it until another preacher pointed out a part in the Bible which clearly illustrates the point.
We humans often boast on how we can build things and create things to improve life, as though we are the reason everything in this world is in order. What makes it more pathetic is that when trouble comes, we blame God for it. It is interesting that the Bible paints a very different picture. In Genesis, we see God is the one who created the world and put everything in order. However, when we come to the first mention of the first two humans doing things together, what did they do? They disobeyed God. If the very first mention of man was to disobey God and cause disorder, funny how we can grow to think that we can turn the tides and start restoring order without God.
Maybe it is time we learn to recognize our tendency to fail, and look to the one whom we know holds everything into place, the one Lord and Savior - Christ Jesus.
We humans often boast on how we can build things and create things to improve life, as though we are the reason everything in this world is in order. What makes it more pathetic is that when trouble comes, we blame God for it. It is interesting that the Bible paints a very different picture. In Genesis, we see God is the one who created the world and put everything in order. However, when we come to the first mention of the first two humans doing things together, what did they do? They disobeyed God. If the very first mention of man was to disobey God and cause disorder, funny how we can grow to think that we can turn the tides and start restoring order without God.
Maybe it is time we learn to recognize our tendency to fail, and look to the one whom we know holds everything into place, the one Lord and Savior - Christ Jesus.
not even close
one thing i know is true... even all of my trials and sufferings in a lifetime will not come close to what the Lord Jesus has suffered through for my redemption ... thank you Lord Jesus, I am blessed indeed!
Christ suffered
I remember having a short discussion with some of my friends two years ago when they compared the Lord Jesus with a soldier fighting for his country. They said it is more honourable for the soldier to die than it was for Christ to die, because the soldier did not know where he would be going when he dies, so the risk he was taking was much greater compared to the Lord Jesus who knew He would die to go to heaven. Although I disagree and don't remember having a concluding point to the discussion, it somehow pointed me to the thought of the humanity of Christ.
It is amazing mystery to consider the Lord Jesus being fully human and fully God at the same time, something which until now I struggle to comprehend, and yet by faith I believe it is true. And through many occasions of listening to this beautiful truth being preached, I am constantly confronted with the fact that although the Lord Jesus was fully man, He did not have the capacity to sin. The Lord Jesus just could not sin, it was against His nature to sin. Hence, I was troubled as to how would sin have an effect on the Lord Jesus if He could not sin. My limited brain cells tried to comprehend it but I just could not. Human beings struggle with sin all the time, and I wanted to know what the high preist mentioned in Hebrews 4:15 felt.
Just today, a brother came to visit our assembly at Bedminster road. At the end of the breaking of bread, this brother shared a few thoughts of the suffering of Christ in Hebrews. There were a few verses he pointed out in Hebrews, all of which one of them stood out like a clear answer from God. Hebrews 2:18 "For in that he Himself hath suffered being tempted, He is able to succour them that are tempted." The Lord Jesus was indeed affected when He was tempted with sin, not that He struggled like we would struggle with sin, because that would imply a possiblity to sin. Our Lord Jesus Christ could not sin but rather He knew pain in a much deeper level, He suffered for sin... Christ suffered... our High priest who knows our infirmities... suffered.
If I may quote or rephrase what the brother shared: "...a natural man succumbs to sin, a spiritual man struggles with sin, but Christ suffered for sin..."
It is amazing mystery to consider the Lord Jesus being fully human and fully God at the same time, something which until now I struggle to comprehend, and yet by faith I believe it is true. And through many occasions of listening to this beautiful truth being preached, I am constantly confronted with the fact that although the Lord Jesus was fully man, He did not have the capacity to sin. The Lord Jesus just could not sin, it was against His nature to sin. Hence, I was troubled as to how would sin have an effect on the Lord Jesus if He could not sin. My limited brain cells tried to comprehend it but I just could not. Human beings struggle with sin all the time, and I wanted to know what the high preist mentioned in Hebrews 4:15 felt.
Just today, a brother came to visit our assembly at Bedminster road. At the end of the breaking of bread, this brother shared a few thoughts of the suffering of Christ in Hebrews. There were a few verses he pointed out in Hebrews, all of which one of them stood out like a clear answer from God. Hebrews 2:18 "For in that he Himself hath suffered being tempted, He is able to succour them that are tempted." The Lord Jesus was indeed affected when He was tempted with sin, not that He struggled like we would struggle with sin, because that would imply a possiblity to sin. Our Lord Jesus Christ could not sin but rather He knew pain in a much deeper level, He suffered for sin... Christ suffered... our High priest who knows our infirmities... suffered.
If I may quote or rephrase what the brother shared: "...a natural man succumbs to sin, a spiritual man struggles with sin, but Christ suffered for sin..."
snapshots
I noticed something interesting while watching American Idol recently. At the end of the results show they would show a short clip of the journey of the out going contestant.
Clips like these tend to show the best of what the contestants have gone through, leaving you with a sense of reluctance to see one leaving the competition after all the effort put in. As usual, things like these just come into my mind during my walk to lectures. Somehow I started to think about things like what if someone were to take similar snapshots of my life? What would the highlights be? What would they show? Would I leave my mark on this earth just like the contestants left their mark in the competition? Would someone look at the snapshots of my life and say to themselves, it would be a pity to see him go?
All these thoughts ran through my head not because I want to be famous among men, but rather reminding myself of how i should be living my life. Have I lived my life so that the one who gave me life looks at it and gives a nod of approval? Or would He shake His head with disappointment? Funny how the way we live our lives can be taken for granted when we forget that life is given to us, not something we own with our own right.
When I am reminded that I am accountable to God for the way I live my life, I am also reminded of the one who lived His life in full accountability to His father in Heaven. When Christ Jesus said He is the way, the truth and the life, it was indeed something to be grasped. His holy life which we remember week after week, serves to remind us that His life is the quintessence of holy living. Now if someone were to take snapshots of my life, I would hope that somewhere in between the laughing and crying, there is something that reflects the way my Lord Jesus lived His life. If that is so, I can say with confidence... I have made my mark.
Clips like these tend to show the best of what the contestants have gone through, leaving you with a sense of reluctance to see one leaving the competition after all the effort put in. As usual, things like these just come into my mind during my walk to lectures. Somehow I started to think about things like what if someone were to take similar snapshots of my life? What would the highlights be? What would they show? Would I leave my mark on this earth just like the contestants left their mark in the competition? Would someone look at the snapshots of my life and say to themselves, it would be a pity to see him go?
All these thoughts ran through my head not because I want to be famous among men, but rather reminding myself of how i should be living my life. Have I lived my life so that the one who gave me life looks at it and gives a nod of approval? Or would He shake His head with disappointment? Funny how the way we live our lives can be taken for granted when we forget that life is given to us, not something we own with our own right.
When I am reminded that I am accountable to God for the way I live my life, I am also reminded of the one who lived His life in full accountability to His father in Heaven. When Christ Jesus said He is the way, the truth and the life, it was indeed something to be grasped. His holy life which we remember week after week, serves to remind us that His life is the quintessence of holy living. Now if someone were to take snapshots of my life, I would hope that somewhere in between the laughing and crying, there is something that reflects the way my Lord Jesus lived His life. If that is so, I can say with confidence... I have made my mark.
two wonders
Another hymn that I came across during prayer meeting that caught my attention yet again. A familiar hymn by Elizabeth C. Clephane:
Beneath the Cross of Jesus
I fain would take my stand,
The shadow of a mighty Rock
Within a weary land;
A home within the wildreness,
A rest upon the way
From the burning of the noontide heat
And the burden of the day.
O safe and happy shelter!
O refuge tried and sweet!
O trysting-place, where Heaven's love
And Heaven's justice meet!
As to the pilgrim patriarch
That wondrous dream was given,
So seems my Saviour's Cross to me
A ladder up to heaven.
Upon the Cross of Jesus,
Mine eye at times can see
The very dying form of One
Who suffered there for me;
And from my smitten heart with tears
Two wonders I confess,
The wonder of His glorious love,
And my own worthlessness.
I take the Cross of Jesus
For my abiding place;
I ask no other sunshine than
The sunshine of His face;
Content to let the world go by,
T know no gain nor loss:
My sinful self my only shame,
My glory all the Cross.
Believers Hymn Book, Hymn 23
"Two wonders I confess,The wonder of His glorious love, and my own worthlessness". The thing that intrigued me was that out of the two wonders mentioned one I undertsood, the other ... just made me think! I understood why God's love is considered a wonder, because it just is, who can comprehend the love that God has for us? Its vastness is beyond the spheres of our human cranium. If we could, we would have a very different definition of love in our dictionaries.
However, the wonder of my own worthlesssness? hmmmm... let me see, it isn't exactly a wonder is it? How hard is it to grasp the idea that we are mere human beings full of flaws and weaknesses? Then again, maybe it is. If we really think about it, we humans do have the tendency to want to think that we are better than we actually are, as though we have something to prove. I know some people may think that the whole issue of having a low self esteem is bad and what not, so it is for our own good to think positive. I agree to a certain degree that we can't always be pessimistic; however there is a need for us to realise the fact that before the God who created us, we have nothing to prove, the only thing we can prove is how sinful we are and how much we are in need of a saviour. I guess that is why most people would rather shut out the fact that God even exist, because if they accept that, it also means accepting the fact that we humans are not as good as we think.
I suppose that is why in Matthew 9:13 the Lord Jesus says :" ...For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners." and in his first letter to Timothy, Paul wrote "Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners...". I take comfort that Christ came to save sinners and not 'good people', because I know that by admitting my worthlessness, it isn't so bad after all; on the contrary, it is a beginning of a new life with the one who created me and to discover the wonders of His glorious love.
Beneath the Cross of Jesus
I fain would take my stand,
The shadow of a mighty Rock
Within a weary land;
A home within the wildreness,
A rest upon the way
From the burning of the noontide heat
And the burden of the day.
O safe and happy shelter!
O refuge tried and sweet!
O trysting-place, where Heaven's love
And Heaven's justice meet!
As to the pilgrim patriarch
That wondrous dream was given,
So seems my Saviour's Cross to me
A ladder up to heaven.
Upon the Cross of Jesus,
Mine eye at times can see
The very dying form of One
Who suffered there for me;
And from my smitten heart with tears
Two wonders I confess,
The wonder of His glorious love,
And my own worthlessness.
I take the Cross of Jesus
For my abiding place;
I ask no other sunshine than
The sunshine of His face;
Content to let the world go by,
T know no gain nor loss:
My sinful self my only shame,
My glory all the Cross.
Believers Hymn Book, Hymn 23
"Two wonders I confess,The wonder of His glorious love, and my own worthlessness". The thing that intrigued me was that out of the two wonders mentioned one I undertsood, the other ... just made me think! I understood why God's love is considered a wonder, because it just is, who can comprehend the love that God has for us? Its vastness is beyond the spheres of our human cranium. If we could, we would have a very different definition of love in our dictionaries.
However, the wonder of my own worthlesssness? hmmmm... let me see, it isn't exactly a wonder is it? How hard is it to grasp the idea that we are mere human beings full of flaws and weaknesses? Then again, maybe it is. If we really think about it, we humans do have the tendency to want to think that we are better than we actually are, as though we have something to prove. I know some people may think that the whole issue of having a low self esteem is bad and what not, so it is for our own good to think positive. I agree to a certain degree that we can't always be pessimistic; however there is a need for us to realise the fact that before the God who created us, we have nothing to prove, the only thing we can prove is how sinful we are and how much we are in need of a saviour. I guess that is why most people would rather shut out the fact that God even exist, because if they accept that, it also means accepting the fact that we humans are not as good as we think.
I suppose that is why in Matthew 9:13 the Lord Jesus says :" ...For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners." and in his first letter to Timothy, Paul wrote "Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners...". I take comfort that Christ came to save sinners and not 'good people', because I know that by admitting my worthlessness, it isn't so bad after all; on the contrary, it is a beginning of a new life with the one who created me and to discover the wonders of His glorious love.
seasons:part 2
Funny how time flies as I can still remember the last time I posted about winter being just around the corner and how the tree beside my room is withering. It was as though few weeks ago I was thinking of the winter holidays and just now I am looking at the tree beside my room and I see signs of life. Little buds appearing as though waiting to blossom after a cold winter season.
Signs like these tells me spring is already here; a new beginning for all life created on earth, and by all life I mean literally "all life", even us human beings who do not need to lose their hair through winter (thank God for that) to show signs of withering to start all over again in spring. A fresh start in life doesn't always need to be at the beginning of the year does it? It would be nice if we could have the opportunity to start anew as many times as possible. Besides, the truth is, we need it.
That is why I find it such a beautiful coincidence (or shall I say divinely designed) that after Easter comes a season where what was seemingly dead in the winter start to show signs of new life. It was as though the story of Easter was to prepare us for the new season, the season of new beginnings. The fact that Christ rose again three days after His death, changed the course of life forever. Suddenly, all of us are given a chance to have a new life, Christ through His death and ressurection gave us that life. He made what was dead spritually in us bud and grow.
Psalm 19:7 says: The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. When was the last time you heard God's testimony? Maybe you heard it when you were reading the bible or a devotional book. What about his art? Have you seen His testimony through His artwork? If not, maybe its time to look out your window, have a stroll through a nearby park, and see what God has to offer through His masterpiece. If I may quote Max Lucado:"...there is a certain understanding of God on the cross that comes only with witnessing His daily testimony...To really understand and believe in the miracle on the cross, we'd do well to witness God's miracles everyday."
Signs like these tells me spring is already here; a new beginning for all life created on earth, and by all life I mean literally "all life", even us human beings who do not need to lose their hair through winter (thank God for that) to show signs of withering to start all over again in spring. A fresh start in life doesn't always need to be at the beginning of the year does it? It would be nice if we could have the opportunity to start anew as many times as possible. Besides, the truth is, we need it.
That is why I find it such a beautiful coincidence (or shall I say divinely designed) that after Easter comes a season where what was seemingly dead in the winter start to show signs of new life. It was as though the story of Easter was to prepare us for the new season, the season of new beginnings. The fact that Christ rose again three days after His death, changed the course of life forever. Suddenly, all of us are given a chance to have a new life, Christ through His death and ressurection gave us that life. He made what was dead spritually in us bud and grow.
Psalm 19:7 says: The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. When was the last time you heard God's testimony? Maybe you heard it when you were reading the bible or a devotional book. What about his art? Have you seen His testimony through His artwork? If not, maybe its time to look out your window, have a stroll through a nearby park, and see what God has to offer through His masterpiece. If I may quote Max Lucado:"...there is a certain understanding of God on the cross that comes only with witnessing His daily testimony...To really understand and believe in the miracle on the cross, we'd do well to witness God's miracles everyday."
key factor: Christ Jesus
A thought was shared from a hymn last sunday, and there was something about the simplicity of it that hit the point spot on. No fancy descriptions or any witty twists, just simple facts that bring out the beauty of who Jesus is as it is.
Anywhere with Jesus I can safely go,
Anywhere He leads me in this world below,
Anywhere without Him dearest joys would fade,
Anywhere with Jesus I am not afraid.
Anywhere! anywhere!
Fear I cannot know.
Anywhere with Jesus
I can safely go.
Anywhere with Jesus I am not alone,
Other friends may fail me, He is still my own;
Though His hands may lead me over drearest ways,
Anywhere with Jesus is a house of praise.
Anywhere with Jesus I can go to sleep,
When the darkling shadows round about me creep;
Knowing I shall waken never more to roam,
Anywhere with Jesus will be home, sweet home.
Hymn 423 of Redemption songs
Anywhere with Jesus I can safely go,
Anywhere He leads me in this world below,
Anywhere without Him dearest joys would fade,
Anywhere with Jesus I am not afraid.
Anywhere! anywhere!
Fear I cannot know.
Anywhere with Jesus
I can safely go.
Anywhere with Jesus I am not alone,
Other friends may fail me, He is still my own;
Though His hands may lead me over drearest ways,
Anywhere with Jesus is a house of praise.
Anywhere with Jesus I can go to sleep,
When the darkling shadows round about me creep;
Knowing I shall waken never more to roam,
Anywhere with Jesus will be home, sweet home.
Hymn 423 of Redemption songs
something to be grasped
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 (NIV) - Phil 2:5-6
Everytime I read Philippians 2:5-6, I always wonder why that phrase had to be there. The word "grasp" seems to be calling out to me. Does it mean that we should understand it? Probably. However, it seems trivial to mention it when it is obvious to understand what you are reading. So like always the dictionary comes in handy. Although the appropriate explanation in this context should be 'taking hold of something intellectually' or 'to comprehend', I find that the other definitions tend to give a clearer picture.
Grasp - To take hold of or seize firmly with or as if with the hand.
With emphasis on key words like 'take hold', 'firmly' and disregarding the use of the hand. I realize how sad it is that nowadays people no longer grasp things. We may know alot of things, but how much of the things that we know, do we really grasp? With the burst of information in these modern times, everyone is literally stuffing their heads with knowledge. Outwardly it seems as if people are getting smarter with all the knowledge that they have, but inwardly it is hollow, because there is no taking hold of the things we know and grasping the meaning of it all.
Especially when it comes to the things of God, where head knowledge is useless without the practical application of it. It is as though God knew that one day people would be tirelessly slaving through loads and loads of information and knowledge that He had to put that little phrase in that verse to remind us that there is something to be grasped. Something that requires more than a mere understanding, but to really take it in and let it to have an effect on us. Christ Jesus, the risen and glorified one who by His very nature being God did not consider equality with God. What a contrast it is when we consider us humans, being in very nature a creation of God, always wanting to be the god of our own little universe that we created for ourselves. How different life would be if only we could recognized the sovereignty of God our creator and the supremacy of our Lord and Savior Christ Jesus. If only we understood... if only we grasped...
A friend once said: There is a thin line between knowledge and wisdom... but it is that thin line that makes all the difference!
Who being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God
something to be grasped (NIV) - Phil 2:5-6
Everytime I read Philippians 2:5-6, I always wonder why that phrase had to be there. The word "grasp" seems to be calling out to me. Does it mean that we should understand it? Probably. However, it seems trivial to mention it when it is obvious to understand what you are reading. So like always the dictionary comes in handy. Although the appropriate explanation in this context should be 'taking hold of something intellectually' or 'to comprehend', I find that the other definitions tend to give a clearer picture.
Grasp - To take hold of or seize firmly with or as if with the hand.
With emphasis on key words like 'take hold', 'firmly' and disregarding the use of the hand. I realize how sad it is that nowadays people no longer grasp things. We may know alot of things, but how much of the things that we know, do we really grasp? With the burst of information in these modern times, everyone is literally stuffing their heads with knowledge. Outwardly it seems as if people are getting smarter with all the knowledge that they have, but inwardly it is hollow, because there is no taking hold of the things we know and grasping the meaning of it all.
Especially when it comes to the things of God, where head knowledge is useless without the practical application of it. It is as though God knew that one day people would be tirelessly slaving through loads and loads of information and knowledge that He had to put that little phrase in that verse to remind us that there is something to be grasped. Something that requires more than a mere understanding, but to really take it in and let it to have an effect on us. Christ Jesus, the risen and glorified one who by His very nature being God did not consider equality with God. What a contrast it is when we consider us humans, being in very nature a creation of God, always wanting to be the god of our own little universe that we created for ourselves. How different life would be if only we could recognized the sovereignty of God our creator and the supremacy of our Lord and Savior Christ Jesus. If only we understood... if only we grasped...
A friend once said: There is a thin line between knowledge and wisdom... but it is that thin line that makes all the difference!
france ski trip
I know it has been ages since I have been to france (three months to be exact), but my project has kept me well occupied for the whole term that I had to wait until now to share the photos. Oh well, better late than never... (full album)
our price, He paid
A thought from Choice gleanings that I thought should be a constant reminder to us the magnitude of the Lord's love for us and the incalculable price He paid. For those that are as forgetful as I am, this is one reminder that tops the list at all times:
Surely He hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem Him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. Isa. 53:4 Then Pilate therefore took Jesus, and scourged him. John 19:1
The Roman scourge, wielded by a soldier’s muscular arm, devastated human flesh. Such a beating was brutal. But to be smitten by the arm of God—an arm so powerful that it took only His fingers to fashion gigantic stars—is beyond our comprehension. It was love for you and me that motivated Christ to endure such torment. He took our punishment, “and with His stripes we are healed” (Isa. 53:5). —D. Logan
Jehovah lifted up His rod—O Christ it fell on Thee! Thou wast sore stricken of Thy God, There’s not one stroke for me. —Ann Ross Cousin
Surely He hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem Him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. Isa. 53:4 Then Pilate therefore took Jesus, and scourged him. John 19:1
The Roman scourge, wielded by a soldier’s muscular arm, devastated human flesh. Such a beating was brutal. But to be smitten by the arm of God—an arm so powerful that it took only His fingers to fashion gigantic stars—is beyond our comprehension. It was love for you and me that motivated Christ to endure such torment. He took our punishment, “and with His stripes we are healed” (Isa. 53:5). —D. Logan
Jehovah lifted up His rod—O Christ it fell on Thee! Thou wast sore stricken of Thy God, There’s not one stroke for me. —Ann Ross Cousin
leading to easter
It was on Ash Wednesday that I was having a conversation with my housemate on what he was giving up for lent. He refused to tell me, so being the annoying I-want-to-know-everything, I said that if he told me, I could check up on him once in a while, to make sure he was following lent accordingly. He went on to tell me that lent is not about just giving up things, or making sacrifices, it means more than just disciplining oneself in 40 days. He said that in giving up something that we enjoy, it should compel us to turn to our Lord and focus our thoughts on Him. After having heard what he had to say, I think it is clear why I couldn't bother to probe further on what he was to give up for lent.
I am reminded of a previous post that I made on listening to God's heart, which basically shares of the same truth. The point is that many times we forget that it isn't what we try not to do that pleases God, but rather it is when we realize we need to turn to Him that we find ourselves blessed with God's approval. The difference between the the two isn't always clear to us, because both seem to achieve the same goal of pleasing God until we realise that one is what we think God wants, and the other is what God really want from His children.
Incidentally, I came across another hymn that got me thinking that there are so many times we talk about what we can do for God and what we have done for God without realizing we may be looking at our lives from a wrong perspective. Maybe it is not so much as to what we can do or have done for God, but rather what have we done to pay back all that we owe to God; Maybe we are not the the one giving ourselves to God, but rather repaying the One who gave himself for us...
When this passing world is done;
When has sunk yon glaring sun;
When I stand with Christ on high
Looking o'er life's history:
Then, Lord shall I fully know,
Not till then, how much I owe.
When I stand before the throne
Dressed in beauty not my own;
When I see Thee as Thou art,
Love Thee with unsinning heart:
Then, Lord shall I fully know,
Not till then, how much I owe.
When the praise of heaven I hear
Loud as thunders to the ear,
Loud as many waters' noise,
Sweet as harp's melodious voice:
Then, Lord shall I fully know,
Not till then, how much I owe.
Chosen not for good in me;
Wakened up from wrath to flee;
Hidden in the Saviour's side;
By the Spirit sanctifies:
Teach me, Lord, on earth to show
By my love, how much I owe.
(Hymn 356 in the Believer's hymn book)
I am reminded of a previous post that I made on listening to God's heart, which basically shares of the same truth. The point is that many times we forget that it isn't what we try not to do that pleases God, but rather it is when we realize we need to turn to Him that we find ourselves blessed with God's approval. The difference between the the two isn't always clear to us, because both seem to achieve the same goal of pleasing God until we realise that one is what we think God wants, and the other is what God really want from His children.
Incidentally, I came across another hymn that got me thinking that there are so many times we talk about what we can do for God and what we have done for God without realizing we may be looking at our lives from a wrong perspective. Maybe it is not so much as to what we can do or have done for God, but rather what have we done to pay back all that we owe to God; Maybe we are not the the one giving ourselves to God, but rather repaying the One who gave himself for us...
When this passing world is done;
When has sunk yon glaring sun;
When I stand with Christ on high
Looking o'er life's history:
Then, Lord shall I fully know,
Not till then, how much I owe.
When I stand before the throne
Dressed in beauty not my own;
When I see Thee as Thou art,
Love Thee with unsinning heart:
Then, Lord shall I fully know,
Not till then, how much I owe.
When the praise of heaven I hear
Loud as thunders to the ear,
Loud as many waters' noise,
Sweet as harp's melodious voice:
Then, Lord shall I fully know,
Not till then, how much I owe.
Chosen not for good in me;
Wakened up from wrath to flee;
Hidden in the Saviour's side;
By the Spirit sanctifies:
Teach me, Lord, on earth to show
By my love, how much I owe.
(Hymn 356 in the Believer's hymn book)
captivated by devastation
While listening to a song by watermark called "Captivated us". There was a phrase in the chorus that caught my attention. "..devastate us with your presence..." was the phrase that triggered off a string of thoughts that led to a small discovery of my own.
The song was so beautiful that I was just enjoying the song as it is until I realized the use of words that made the song such a pleasing song to listen to. At first thought, the word 'devastate' doesn't seem like the word you would associate with anything pleasant, let alone the presence of God. However, the word seem to be so aptly used in the song, illustrating the irony of Godly devastation being a blessing to us, that His presence would ruin us until only He can satisfy us.
Then I realized that the reason I love the hymn "When I survey the wondrous cross" has to do with the similar use of words."...Did e'er such love and sorrow meet, or thorns compose so rich a crown". Again the use of words like love and sorrow, thorns and crowns, such beautiful marriage of words. So I tried to think of other examples and another song by Ben Glover came to mind, the chorus reads: "Burglar of my soul, defeat me, O robber of my poison heart, Break into this callused core, Make me a victim of a thief, who's stolen by mercy." Now that is interesting song writing, using words like robbing and stealing and yet have no negative connotation to it.
There are also many instances where people write about the scars and wounds of the Lord Jesus and use them to describe beauty. Even in Matthew 11:30 it is written "For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." What we would usually consider as a burden is something heavy and hard to bear, but when it comes to the burden of the Lord it is light. All these words that are usually known to have negative implications seem to have a positive effect to it when it is used to describe the things of God.
I guess that is how it is with God isn't it? If at anytime we are found in a unpleasant situation, put God into the picture and everything makes sense and even the most painful of times can be healed by the promises and presence of God. It is also interesting to note that given the option to choose words to associated with God, why would many people choose words that would not connote what they literally mean? Is it merely for the sake of the art of poetry? Maybe. Still I would like to think that even if we try finding the best word to describe God in all His glory, nothing would come close; and sometimes in our futile attempts to do so, we may find that what seems to be the furthest from anything related to God may be the only words which are close enough to achieve the expression we hoped for.
The song was so beautiful that I was just enjoying the song as it is until I realized the use of words that made the song such a pleasing song to listen to. At first thought, the word 'devastate' doesn't seem like the word you would associate with anything pleasant, let alone the presence of God. However, the word seem to be so aptly used in the song, illustrating the irony of Godly devastation being a blessing to us, that His presence would ruin us until only He can satisfy us.
Then I realized that the reason I love the hymn "When I survey the wondrous cross" has to do with the similar use of words."...Did e'er such love and sorrow meet, or thorns compose so rich a crown". Again the use of words like love and sorrow, thorns and crowns, such beautiful marriage of words. So I tried to think of other examples and another song by Ben Glover came to mind, the chorus reads: "Burglar of my soul, defeat me, O robber of my poison heart, Break into this callused core, Make me a victim of a thief, who's stolen by mercy." Now that is interesting song writing, using words like robbing and stealing and yet have no negative connotation to it.
There are also many instances where people write about the scars and wounds of the Lord Jesus and use them to describe beauty. Even in Matthew 11:30 it is written "For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." What we would usually consider as a burden is something heavy and hard to bear, but when it comes to the burden of the Lord it is light. All these words that are usually known to have negative implications seem to have a positive effect to it when it is used to describe the things of God.
I guess that is how it is with God isn't it? If at anytime we are found in a unpleasant situation, put God into the picture and everything makes sense and even the most painful of times can be healed by the promises and presence of God. It is also interesting to note that given the option to choose words to associated with God, why would many people choose words that would not connote what they literally mean? Is it merely for the sake of the art of poetry? Maybe. Still I would like to think that even if we try finding the best word to describe God in all His glory, nothing would come close; and sometimes in our futile attempts to do so, we may find that what seems to be the furthest from anything related to God may be the only words which are close enough to achieve the expression we hoped for.
with baskets full
I remember a preacher once preached about the preparation for public worship where he gave a simple analogy between the feast of the first fruits and our preparation for worship. In many ways, our preparation for the Lord's supper is similar to the gathering of the harvest of first fruits. Over the course of the week, our preparation can be seen as a each individual having their own baskets, and they were to be used for the gathering of fruits, gathering of thoughts and expereinces that we want to present to the Lord as acceptable in His eyes. When the week passes and we come to present our baskets to the Lord, our baskets should be overflowing with offerings to Him.
Even though our baskets may not neccessarily be full or overflowing, I would like to think that at least many of us are still able to offer up something in our baskets . However, I sometimes wonder that our baskets may not be as full as we may think it is. I dare not generalise my thoughts on this, but I think more often than not, we come to the Lord's presence with nothing in our baskets, let alone the thought of not having the basket full or to consider it being filled with the wrong things.
The reason that I have such thoughts is mainly due to personal experiences and (what could be inaccurate) observations; and it is not because we did not fill it up throughout the week, but because we are not capable of doing so. Instead of using the baskets to gather offerings to the Lord, we come with empty baskets expecting the Lord's supper to be a time for our baskets to be refilled, a spiritual recharge if you may. And throughout the course of the week, instead of filling our baskets, we are draining our baskets to cope with our weekly routine, just to find that our baskets are empty by the end of the week.
I know it is sad to have such conclusions, and like I said what I have concluded may not be entirely true. However speaking for myself, I find that there are times where I am ashamed to say instead of offering to the Lord, I require of the Lord to provide that weekly boost of spiritual need. I am not saying that we don't get a 'spritual boost' when we gather to remember the Lord, of course we do. It is normal to be all fired up spiritually on a sunday morning. However, it is absolutely imperative that we realise our priestly exercise is not to receive, but to offer up that which is worthy and pleasing to the Lord.
So the ever important question remains: how are we filling our baskets today? Are we just starting to put things in it? or are we filling it right to its top? or are we expecting something to be filled in it instead? The answer is clear, but the motivation to that answer should be even clearer...that it pleases the Lord that we are faithful and come with baskets full!
Even though our baskets may not neccessarily be full or overflowing, I would like to think that at least many of us are still able to offer up something in our baskets . However, I sometimes wonder that our baskets may not be as full as we may think it is. I dare not generalise my thoughts on this, but I think more often than not, we come to the Lord's presence with nothing in our baskets, let alone the thought of not having the basket full or to consider it being filled with the wrong things.
The reason that I have such thoughts is mainly due to personal experiences and (what could be inaccurate) observations; and it is not because we did not fill it up throughout the week, but because we are not capable of doing so. Instead of using the baskets to gather offerings to the Lord, we come with empty baskets expecting the Lord's supper to be a time for our baskets to be refilled, a spiritual recharge if you may. And throughout the course of the week, instead of filling our baskets, we are draining our baskets to cope with our weekly routine, just to find that our baskets are empty by the end of the week.
I know it is sad to have such conclusions, and like I said what I have concluded may not be entirely true. However speaking for myself, I find that there are times where I am ashamed to say instead of offering to the Lord, I require of the Lord to provide that weekly boost of spiritual need. I am not saying that we don't get a 'spritual boost' when we gather to remember the Lord, of course we do. It is normal to be all fired up spiritually on a sunday morning. However, it is absolutely imperative that we realise our priestly exercise is not to receive, but to offer up that which is worthy and pleasing to the Lord.
So the ever important question remains: how are we filling our baskets today? Are we just starting to put things in it? or are we filling it right to its top? or are we expecting something to be filled in it instead? The answer is clear, but the motivation to that answer should be even clearer...that it pleases the Lord that we are faithful and come with baskets full!
my heart, Your home?
Come and make my heart Your home.
Come and be everything I am and all I know.
Search me through and through 'till my heart becomes a home for You.
A home for You, Lord.
A home for You, Lord.
Let everything I do open up,
A door for You to come through,
And that my heart would be a place where
You want to be.
Come and make my heart Your home.
Come and be everything I am and all I know.
Search me through and through 'till my heart becomes a home for You.
You are my portion, filling up everything.
You are the fortune that's causing my heart to sing.
That it's amazing, that You could make Yourself at home with me.
Come and make my heart,
Come and make it Your home.
Come and be everything I am and all I know.
Search me through and through 'till my heart becomes a home for You.
-Watermark-
Yes, the title for this post is actually the title for this song. The question mark however is my way of drawing attention to the absurdity of my heart being a home for the Lord. Even Solomon's temple in all its glory was not anywhere close to being sufficient to house the presence of God; for me to consider that my heart could ever be a place for the Lord to live in is just insane...well maybe not insane, but definitely beyond human comprehension. Why would God in His holiness and greatness come to make my sinful heart His home? Am I worthy of such? Definitely not! I guess that is why angels wonder at the mystery of the grace and love that God has shown to us. Amazing grace, abundant love, divine intervention, only Christ Jesus could bridge the gap to form something as beautiful as this.
Come and be everything I am and all I know.
Search me through and through 'till my heart becomes a home for You.
A home for You, Lord.
A home for You, Lord.
Let everything I do open up,
A door for You to come through,
And that my heart would be a place where
You want to be.
Come and make my heart Your home.
Come and be everything I am and all I know.
Search me through and through 'till my heart becomes a home for You.
You are my portion, filling up everything.
You are the fortune that's causing my heart to sing.
That it's amazing, that You could make Yourself at home with me.
Come and make my heart,
Come and make it Your home.
Come and be everything I am and all I know.
Search me through and through 'till my heart becomes a home for You.
-Watermark-
Yes, the title for this post is actually the title for this song. The question mark however is my way of drawing attention to the absurdity of my heart being a home for the Lord. Even Solomon's temple in all its glory was not anywhere close to being sufficient to house the presence of God; for me to consider that my heart could ever be a place for the Lord to live in is just insane...well maybe not insane, but definitely beyond human comprehension. Why would God in His holiness and greatness come to make my sinful heart His home? Am I worthy of such? Definitely not! I guess that is why angels wonder at the mystery of the grace and love that God has shown to us. Amazing grace, abundant love, divine intervention, only Christ Jesus could bridge the gap to form something as beautiful as this.
Hymn for Him
During prayer meeting, we sang this hymn at the end of the meeting. It was a really beautiful hymn, somehow the words just shouted out to me…
Love divine, all loves excelling,
Joy of heaven, to earth come down;
Making us Thy humble dwelling,
All Thy faithful mercies crown;
Jesus, Thou art all compassion;
Pure, unbounded love Thou art,
Visit us with Thine affection,
Enter every longing heart.
Come almighty, to deliver!
Let us all Thy grace receive,
Follow in Thy steps, and never,
Nevermore the pathway leave;
Then our hearts will yield their blessing,
Sweet incense to God above,
Offer praises without ceasing,
Glory in Thy perfect love.
First fruits of Thy new creation,
Faithful, holy, may we be,
Joyful in Thy great salvation,
Daily more conformed to Thee;
Changed from glory into glory,
Till in heaven we take our place,
Then to worship and adore Thee,
Lost in wonder, love and praise.
(Hymn 413 in the Believer's hymn book)
The last sentence in particular is my favorite - ‘lost in wonder, love and grace’. Sometimes we try too hard to make sense of everything and we fail to realize when it comes to the things of God, things often get too big and just beyond human comprehension, that we just get lost in the wonder of it!
Love divine, all loves excelling,
Joy of heaven, to earth come down;
Making us Thy humble dwelling,
All Thy faithful mercies crown;
Jesus, Thou art all compassion;
Pure, unbounded love Thou art,
Visit us with Thine affection,
Enter every longing heart.
Come almighty, to deliver!
Let us all Thy grace receive,
Follow in Thy steps, and never,
Nevermore the pathway leave;
Then our hearts will yield their blessing,
Sweet incense to God above,
Offer praises without ceasing,
Glory in Thy perfect love.
First fruits of Thy new creation,
Faithful, holy, may we be,
Joyful in Thy great salvation,
Daily more conformed to Thee;
Changed from glory into glory,
Till in heaven we take our place,
Then to worship and adore Thee,
Lost in wonder, love and praise.
(Hymn 413 in the Believer's hymn book)
The last sentence in particular is my favorite - ‘lost in wonder, love and grace’. Sometimes we try too hard to make sense of everything and we fail to realize when it comes to the things of God, things often get too big and just beyond human comprehension, that we just get lost in the wonder of it!
listen to God's heart
I was listening to a compilation cd called "listen to our hearts", the cd had various artists sharing their testimony through songs that they have sung . I came across Steve Green's thoughts and I found it so true to my own heart that I just had to share them.
Steve Green shared that since he was brought up in a christian home, he was perceived to be a generally good kid, which had made him complacent to being 'good enough' externally. By the time he was in his mid-twenties, people still consider him to be a very decent young man. However, Steve Green wouldn't think so himself. He confessed that even though he has managed to put up an outward image of what others perceive him to be, it was all because he didn't want to fail his family and friends and hinder the work of God. The problem with that is it doesn't work, it is hard to keep it up, and deep down inside he knew he was far from good. By God grace, God finally reached out to bring him back to repentence. Through the ongoing process of repentence, he was able to see the big picture of how holy God is, and how wretched he was with all his sin. As he continues to learn more about God and see more of God's holiness, he realises that God gets bigger and bigger, and he gets worse and worse. So in order to bridge that ever increasing gap of his condition and God's holiness, he needs a bigger Lord to fill that gap, which causes him to keep running to the Lord. And with his own words he says:" ...instead of focusing my attention on stop doing that, don't sin, don't do this, what I really need is a renewed love for Christ. The effect of that renewed love is the driving away of false affections and wrong desires but it has to be the object of my attention, which is the renewed love for Christ."
Two points that just stood out to me as I was hearing it. The first being that the more we grow closer to the Lord, the more we will realise how sinful we are and how much we really need the Lord. The second is a personal reminder to myself, that its useless to seek change by trying not to do this or that, but rather focusing our love for our Lord, to seek Him first, to have a heart after God's own heart, and all other things will fall into place as it should be. Thanks Steve, I couldn't agree more!
Steve Green shared that since he was brought up in a christian home, he was perceived to be a generally good kid, which had made him complacent to being 'good enough' externally. By the time he was in his mid-twenties, people still consider him to be a very decent young man. However, Steve Green wouldn't think so himself. He confessed that even though he has managed to put up an outward image of what others perceive him to be, it was all because he didn't want to fail his family and friends and hinder the work of God. The problem with that is it doesn't work, it is hard to keep it up, and deep down inside he knew he was far from good. By God grace, God finally reached out to bring him back to repentence. Through the ongoing process of repentence, he was able to see the big picture of how holy God is, and how wretched he was with all his sin. As he continues to learn more about God and see more of God's holiness, he realises that God gets bigger and bigger, and he gets worse and worse. So in order to bridge that ever increasing gap of his condition and God's holiness, he needs a bigger Lord to fill that gap, which causes him to keep running to the Lord. And with his own words he says:" ...instead of focusing my attention on stop doing that, don't sin, don't do this, what I really need is a renewed love for Christ. The effect of that renewed love is the driving away of false affections and wrong desires but it has to be the object of my attention, which is the renewed love for Christ."
Two points that just stood out to me as I was hearing it. The first being that the more we grow closer to the Lord, the more we will realise how sinful we are and how much we really need the Lord. The second is a personal reminder to myself, that its useless to seek change by trying not to do this or that, but rather focusing our love for our Lord, to seek Him first, to have a heart after God's own heart, and all other things will fall into place as it should be. Thanks Steve, I couldn't agree more!
centre of it all
Its a new year, and like all new beginnings, it gets people thinking, reevaluating the past and making new year resolutions (most people do... i guess). For me it is no exception, I have been thinking about alot of things. One of which has led me to think about what exactly do I expect from a whole new year ahead of me. I could have set so many different goals to achieve, all of which I am sure will benefit me if I accomplish them. However,I find myself asking one question to all that i wish to do - Who is at the centre of my own little universe?
I am definitely not the first person to ask that question.. (like duh!) . Well that is an understatement, I know. My point is that we human beings have always had similar questions like these. For example when we see the sun rising from the east and setting in the west, the first of our thoughts were to think that the sun revolves around the earth, only to find out that it is the earth that revolves around the sun. Although it has now been proven true that the earth does revolve around the sun, I would like to point out that they made one small spelling mistake...it should be that the earth (or everything for that matter) revolves around the S-O-N (not S-U-N) .
John wrote in John1:3 - ' Through Him all things were made; without Him nothing was made that has been made.' Indeed everything that has been created bears one common fingerprint that points to the Lord Jesus Christ, which brings me back to my question - Who is at the centre of my universe? The obvious answer should be the Lord Jesus Christ. Although I wish it is true of me to make that claim, and even at times I confess that I really do believe that I have the Lord at the centre of my motives, the truth is if I am brutally honest with myself, there is still the "ME" factor that still remains in my pathetic little world. Just like when the scientists concluded that the sun revolves around the earth on the first observation, the human nature is inclined to think that everything has to be because of US, ME, SELF. If not for the correction made to the first observation, I can't imagine what science would turn out to be now based on a wrong observation, science just wouldn't make sense. So it is with oursleves, if the SELF is still the centre of all we think and do, nothing makes sense, everything will just be messed up, because we have ruled out the one thing that everything is based upon. Only when we recognize the rightful place that the Lord Jesus has in our lives, we will not find the answers we need in life.
As much as I wish I could achieve more in this new year, I want to make sure I am doing it all for the right reasons, and for that the Lord has to be the centre of it all!
I am definitely not the first person to ask that question.. (like duh!) . Well that is an understatement, I know. My point is that we human beings have always had similar questions like these. For example when we see the sun rising from the east and setting in the west, the first of our thoughts were to think that the sun revolves around the earth, only to find out that it is the earth that revolves around the sun. Although it has now been proven true that the earth does revolve around the sun, I would like to point out that they made one small spelling mistake...it should be that the earth (or everything for that matter) revolves around the S-O-N (not S-U-N) .
John wrote in John1:3 - ' Through Him all things were made; without Him nothing was made that has been made.' Indeed everything that has been created bears one common fingerprint that points to the Lord Jesus Christ, which brings me back to my question - Who is at the centre of my universe? The obvious answer should be the Lord Jesus Christ. Although I wish it is true of me to make that claim, and even at times I confess that I really do believe that I have the Lord at the centre of my motives, the truth is if I am brutally honest with myself, there is still the "ME" factor that still remains in my pathetic little world. Just like when the scientists concluded that the sun revolves around the earth on the first observation, the human nature is inclined to think that everything has to be because of US, ME, SELF. If not for the correction made to the first observation, I can't imagine what science would turn out to be now based on a wrong observation, science just wouldn't make sense. So it is with oursleves, if the SELF is still the centre of all we think and do, nothing makes sense, everything will just be messed up, because we have ruled out the one thing that everything is based upon. Only when we recognize the rightful place that the Lord Jesus has in our lives, we will not find the answers we need in life.
As much as I wish I could achieve more in this new year, I want to make sure I am doing it all for the right reasons, and for that the Lord has to be the centre of it all!
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