The gift of Discernment - An "Early Warning System" for the Church

When the tsunami struck on December 26, 2004, the Indian Ocean had no early warning system to speak of—at least nothing like the Pacific Ocean's array of tide gauges, seismometers, deep ocean sensors, high-tech buoys, and communication systems. One year after the Indian Ocean tsunami killed an estimated 300,000 people, progress has been made on setting up basic early warning systems in the region. A full-blown regional system, however, may be years away, despite predictions that another huge wave could strike at any time. Such preparation probably saved thousands of lives recently in Japan and other parts of the world. When the recent earthquake struck, systems were in place to prepare people for the imminent tsunami. In fact popular search engine like Google even update “Tsunami Warning” in their web page. With a click of the mouse one could access life-saving information. The result of this early warning system was that people took shelter and much human devastation was avoided.

A network of ocean buoys designed for tsunami warnings called the Deep-ocean Assessment and Reporting of Tsunamis, or DART was deployed. In each of the DART, a recorder on the seafloor monitors the pressure of water passing overhead; a buoy tethered on the surface can instantly transmit warnings when a tsunami arrives.

What are the “early warning” systems in the context of the New Testament era especially for the church? Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to equip His church with power and spiritual gifts (Greek -- charismata) so that His disciples could continue to carry out His ministry objectives. While there are certain gifts of a spectacular nature that are often given greater attention, the New Testament mentions at least 21 that are provided to the church. These gifts are listed in Ephesians 4:11, Romans 12:3-7, and 1 Corinthians 12:1-12,28, and are generally assigned to one of three categories, as listed below:

- Ministry (office) gifts: Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Pastor and Teacher.

- Motivational (practical) gifts: Service, Exhortation, Giving, Leadership, Mercy, Helps and Administration.

- Charismatic (spiritual) gifts: Wisdom, Knowledge, Discernment, Prophecy, Tongues, Interpretation, Faith, Healing and Miracles.

It should always be remembered that the purpose of all the gifts are to edify the church, and their distribution within the body is completely dependent upon the discretion of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:11). The scriptures imply that it's appropriate to seek specific gifts; however, one's motive must be for the building up of the church, not for self-gratification. "...since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, let it be for the edification of the church that you seek to excel" (1 Corinthians 14:12).

In the context of the “early warning” system, the gift of discernment fits into this criteria. The gift of discernment (1 Corinthians 12:10) is a supernatural ability to distinguish between the spirit of truth and the spirit of error, between holiness and evil. 1 Timothy 4:1 says that in latter days, deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons will come, so the important role of the gift of discernment is to identify those spirits and doctrines. A.W. Tozer says "Among the gifts of the Spirit scarcely one is of greater practical usefulness than the gift of discernment. This gift should be highly valued and frankly sought as being almost indispensable in these critical times. This gift will enable us to distinguish the chaff from the wheat and to divide the manifestations of the flesh from the operations of the Spirit."

A discerning spirit tests the spirits with this rule of scripture:

- Observing what a person does. In Matthew 7:15-20, Jesus explains that false prophets are known by their fruit; by their conduct and actions.

- Observing whether or not a person exalts Jesus Christ as the Son of God and as Lord and Saviour (I Corinthians 12:3).

- By listening to what a person says (1 John 4:1-3). Does their confession line up with the truth of God's Word?

Paul illustrated the use of this gift in Acts 16:16-18, as Peter had exercised it in Acts 5:3. When it was not being exercised in the Corinthian church, grave distortion of the truth occurred. God still empowers His people to unmask false prophets and carnal hypocrites. He gives them insight to expose imitations and deceptions that most Christians would take as genuine. The gift of discernment, however, can easily deteriorate into a critical, proud, and self-righteous spirit. It can be judgmental instead of corrective when it is imitated in the flesh. But rightly used it is a great protection to God’s people - an “early warning” system for the church.

Be Blessed.

A reflection of 2011 - Are you a carrot, an egg or a Oolong tea?

As we are coming to the end of 2011 , I reflect upon the various challenges that we have gone through in 2011. It was not an easy ride especially for me but thank God, manage to face every challenges that comes along with His strength. I recall a story that is said about Oolong Tea. The credit for this beautiful story goes to the unknown author. Let me share with you the story:

A young woman went to her mother and told her about her life and how things were so hard for her. She did not know how she was going to make it and wanted to give up. She was tired of fighting and struggling. It seemed as one problem was solved, a new one arose.

Her mother took her to the kitchen. She filled three pots with water and placed each on a high fire. Soon the pots came to boil. In the first she placed carrots, in the second she placed eggs, and in the last she placed Oolong tea. She let them sit and boil; without saying a word.

In about twenty minutes she turned off the burners. She fished the carrots out and placed them in a bowl. She pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl.

Then she ladled the Oolong out and placed it in a bowl. Turning to her daughter, she asked, “Tell me what you see.”

“Carrots, eggs, and Oolong tea,” she replied.

Her mother brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots. She did and noted that they were soft. The mother then asked the daughter to take an egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, she observed the hardboiled egg.

Finally, the mother asked the daughter to sip the Oolong. The daughter smiled as she tasted its rich aroma The daughter then asked, “What does it mean, mother?”

Her mother explained that each of these objects had faced the same adversity: boiling water. Each reacted differently. The carrot went in strong, hard, and unrelenting. However, after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak. The egg had been fragile. Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior, but after sitting through the boiling water, its inside became hardened. The Oolong tea was unique, however. After they were in the boiling water , they had changed the water colour and taste.

“Which are you?” she asked her daughter. “When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you a carrot, an egg or a Oolong tea?

Think of this: Which am I? Am I the carrot that seems strong, but with pain and adversity do I wilt and become soft and lose my strength?

Am I the egg that starts with a malleable heart, but changes with the heat?

Did I have a fluid spirit, but after a death, a breakup, a financial hardship or some other trial, have I become hardened and stiff? Does my shell look the same, but on the inside am I bitter and tough with a stiff spirit and hardened heart?

Or am I like the Oolong tea? The tea actually changes the hot water, the very circumstance that brings the pain. When the water gets hot, it releases the fragrance and flavour. If you are like the tea, when things are at their worst, you get better and change the situation around you. When the hour is the darkest and trials are their greatest, do you elevate yourself to another level? How do you handle adversity? Are you a carrot, an egg or a Oolong tea?

The happiest of people don’t necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the most of everything that comes along their way. The brightest future will always be based on a forgotten past; you can’t go forward in life until you let go of your past failures and heartaches.

May you have enough happiness to make you sweet, enough trials to make you strong, enough sorrow to keep you human and enough hope to make you happy.

As you embark into 2012, I pray and hope that you will be showered with goodness and many blessings.

Be Blessed.

The Great Commission : The Requirement - Part 1

The Great Commission is a familiar bible passage to many of us. From time and time again we are being reminded of our purpose on planet Earth that is to go and make disciple of all the nations. It is an instruction that Jesus gave his disciples and this instruction is still relevant for us who are the 21st century disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Matthew 28:19-20 recorded Jesus saying to us: “And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age."

My article this time around will be divided in 3 parts that will cover the topic The Requirement, The Mandate and The Promise. Today I will cover on the 1st part of the Great Commission – “THE REQUIREMENT”.

I use the word “being reminded” in my opening statement because it reflect the actual situation today among many of the 21st century believers. We are living in our comfort zone that leads us to forget our ultimate purpose in this world. The Great Commission is one of the most significant passages in the Bible. First, it's the last recorded personal instruction given by Jesus to His disciples. Second, it's a special calling from Jesus Christ to all His followers to take specific action while on this earth.

Joseph Stowell identified the problem of the modern church well when he said, “We have become quite happy to call ourselves Christians with little or no thought of following”. What a profound statement!!! Instead of being fisher of men (which is our divine calling), we landed up busy taking care of the aquarium.

The Great Commission starts with the statement from Jesus on verse 18 that says “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” I believe every word and verse in the Bible given to us for a purpose as it is divinely inspired by the Holy Spirit. Have you wondered why Jesus has to remind his disciples about His authority in verse 18 even after they personally observe all the miracles and power that Jesus has demonstrated? Puzzling right? Well I believe the fundamental requirement that is demanded of us in the great commission is to put 100% of our faith in Jesus Christ. The Bible says without Faith it is impossible to please God.

How can we share our faith when we ourselves doubting God?

Verse 18 is a powerful statement which demands faith in Jesus Christ, validating His power in the lives of Christians and their commitment to Him. This verse acts as a clear claim to Christ's omnipotence, and therefore His deity. If Christians do not believe this statement, complete faith does not exist.

Verse 18 requires us to put our allegiance completely to Jesus. We need to believe 100% of Him without a shadow of doubt. We need to have a profound faith in Jesus Christ as indicated in verse 18. "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth."

Be Blessed.

Value of a Pearl

Recently, I came across an article that caught my attention. The article talks about the value of two precious items – Pearl and Diamond. It states that the diamond receives a substantial portion of its value from the way a person cuts it — the work of man’s hand! Interestingly, the only natural gemstone that has more value when it is found than when men finish with it is the PEARL!

The diamond’s value is rather depends on the work of man especially on how he cuts the diamond. Diamond in its original form may have far less significant value. On the other hand, The pearl is formed when a foreign object somehow enters the inside of the oyster, and instead of ejecting the object or irritant out, the object is covered by the oyster with layer upon layer of a substance secreted from its own body. The object that came into the life of the oyster as an irritant, instead of being cast out is turned into something lovely within the oyster. The longer the pearl stays in the oyster the more valuable it becomes.

As I connect back to Matthew 13, I began to understand why Pearl was used in this context. In Matthew 13, we see that a merchant sold all that he had to purchase a single pearl. I believe the Lord is telling us that we are a master piece of the Lord and not the work of man.

We can add nothing to the work of Salvation! God has paid the price for us in full — and a tremendous price it was. God left all the splendour of Heaven to claim this dirt/irritant (referring to me) and turn it into a pearl. And He gained it by paying a price that was far more precious than any of us could pay.

To see the true beauty of the pearl the oyster must die. The oyster is ripped open with a knife in the side, before the true treasure is revealed. The analogy in the Pearl here is like Christ's death, so that all who trust in Him will be able to see and be with Him in His beautiful Kingdom, for eternity. Sometimes we get so busy and we don’t take time out consider this incredible work of God in our lives. He has bought us with a price. We are fully paid, fully ransomed, fully redeemed! We are the pearls of great desire! Let’s walk in that victory today!

Be Blessed.

Look for God’s Handwriting!

Psalms 56:3 Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You.

We came across this story in the book, Steel in His Soul, The Dick Hillis Story and it really ministered to us so we thought we’d pass it along.

Missionaries Dick and Margaret Hillis found themselves caught in China during the Japanese invasion. The couple lived with their two children in the inland town of Shenkiu. The village was tense with fear, for every day brought terrifying reports of the Japanese advance. At the worst possible time, Dick developed appendicitis, and he knew his life depended on making the long journey to the hospital. On January 15, 1941, with deep foreboding, Margaret watched him leave.

Soon the Chinese colonel came with the news. The enemy was near and townspeople must evacuate. Margaret shivered, knowing that one-year-old Johnny and two-month-old Margaret Anne would never survive as refugees. So she stayed put. Early next morning she tore the page from the wall calendar and read the new day’s Scripture. It was Psalm 56:3 — What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.

The town emptied during the day, and the next morning Margaret arose, feeling abandoned. The new verse on the calendar was Psalm 9:10 — Thou, Lord, has not forsaken them that seek thee.

The next morning she arose to distant sounds of gunfire and worried about food and her children. The calendar verse was Genesis 50:21 — I will nourish you and your little ones. An old woman suddenly popped in with a pail of steaming goat’s milk, and another straggler arrived with a basket of eggs.

Through the day, sounds of warfare grew louder, and during the night Margaret prayed for deliverance. The next morning she tore the page from the calendar to read Psalm 56:9 — When I cry unto Thee, then shall my enemies turn back. The battle was looming closer, and Margaret didn’t go to bed that night. Invasion seemed imminent. But the next morning, all was quiet. Suddenly, villagers began returning to their homes, and the colonel knocked on her door. For some reason, he told her, the Japanese had withdrawn their troops. No one could understand it, but the danger had passed. They were safe.

Margaret glanced at her wall calendar and felt she had been reading the handwriting of God.

God’s handwriting is all around us but so often in the midst of the wars we face, we neglect to take notice. Let’s make an effort to see His merciful hand at work in our lives today. He cares for us more than we can imagine!



This article was provided by Worthy Devotions

Dare to Believe!!!!

I was reading a book on leadership from John Maxwell, and noted this quote by A.W. Tozer - "God is looking for people through whom He can do the impossible- what a pity that we plan only the things we can do by ourselves." As I was reflecting on this quote and thinking on my 2011 resolution, I realize that giving ourselves to the Lord is the greatest form of offering. On top of that, do we dare to trust HIM for the impossible.

The boy who had five loaves and two fishes surrender it all to the hand of the Master. It was his lunch pack and I wonder what was going in his young fragile mind but he gave it freely. Remember that the little boy was hungry, just like the rest of the multitude. And remember that he had no idea what the Lord would do with his lunch, or that he would end up getting as much as he wanted to eat (John 6:11-12)! He was not forced to give anything, but he willingly gave his whole lunch bag to the Lord. The Bible says (Mark 6:42) that "They all ate and were satisfied". A total of 5,000 men and their families were fed from those loaves!

It is so easy to get in our comfort zone and miss out on the marvelous plan God has for our life. Or how often do we make safe plans because we are “shell-shocked” from the criticism of individuals who are convinced they have the extra-biblical gift of criticism? And as you well know, those individuals abuse their “gift” very liberally.

If this miracle teaches that God can do wonders with our "five loaves and two fish," why don't we see more of the spiritual and physical needs around us being met? Maybe it's because we aren't giving all that we have! Are we like the little boy who gave his whole lunch (John 6:9), or are we holding out by giving two or three loaves and keeping the rest for ourselves? What about our time and abilities? What about our goals for the future? Where is my lunch bag? Am I still clinging to my "five loaves and two fish" to meet my own needs and wants, or have I turned the whole lunch bag over to the Lord? As in the case of the boy who gave his whole lunch to the Lord, we can be sure that God will continue to meet our needs as we work with Him in meeting the needs of others!

The Lord took on Himself the responsibility for multiplying the resources. Our responsibility is to give what we have to Him--no more but no less! The little we have can meet the greatest need when it is given to Christ and then multiplied by Him.

How about being one of those rare individuals that A.W. Tozer referred to? Would you dare to step out in faith and experience the impossible that God can do through you? I need to regularly remind myself of the words in Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Do you dare to believe God for the impossible?

Be Blessed.

A revisit of the parable "The Good Samaritan"

Many of us are familiar with the parable of the Good Samaritan and the background reason why Jesus shared the parable in Luke 10:25-37. The phrase "Good Samaritan" has been used for ages as a common phrase when describing a person who goes out of his way to help another. There are a lot of learning point in this parable but there is one truth that prevail that is we need to love our neighbours as ourselves. The Samaritan saw his neighbour as anyone who was in need. In this parable, the injured man was a total stranger and he might even be a Jew, the very people that hated the Samaritan. The Jews despised the Samaritans so much that they would not have sat at the same table with them and even tried to avoid speaking to them.

The Good Samaritan story teaches us about Agape love. A love that cares even for our enemies and the people we really can’t stand. We are called to a radical love. A love that goes the extra mile, even in the literal sense when necessary. A love that does not retaliate, but responds with kindness. I believe that is what makes Christian different, or at least, that is what it supposes to be.

In 1994, a fifth-grade class at Lake Elementary School in Oceanside, California made headlines when the boys in the class decided by themselves to shave their heads. They did so, without embarrassment, because one of their own, Ian O'Gorman, developed cancer and had undergone chemotherapy. His hair began to fall out. To make their friend feel at home, to feel one with the crowd, all his classmates agreed to shave their heads, so that upon his return, Ian would not stand out from the class. No one would know who the "cancer kid" was. In fact even their class teacher was so moved by the spirit of his class he too shaved his head.

Agape love is about sacrifice. It is about sacrificing our convenience for the convenience of others who are in need. The Good Samaritan had to adjust his plans in order to help the wounded man. It causes him his time, his money and maybe even an opportunity to strike a business deal. In fact it was risky decision that he made especially knowing the road that he is travelling is full of danger.

From the parable above we can also learn that Agape love is about loving others indiscriminately. It can be inconvenient and sometimes risky. And it requires our time and can be expensive. The Samaritan had performed a neighbourly act when two religious leaders had failed in their responsibility. Are Christians to be "do-gooders"? Yes, I suppose. But our motivation for doing good must be love for others, an interest in meeting their basic needs, a heart of mercy that is moved by compassion. And that is only through Agape Love.

At the end of the parable, Jesus commands the legal expert to "Go and do likewise". And this command is still valid today. We are told to "Go and do likewise". We are approaching Christmas soon and it is a time of giving. Why not do something different this year. Maybe go the extra to bless someone who is in need. I love what the Apostle John taught, "If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth" (1 John 3:17-18). Go and do likewise.

Be Blessed.

The Fragility of Life

In the last couple of weeks, we have seen two dramatic events that shocked many of us. One ended up in the untimely death of 13 people after a nasty bus accident together with five other vehicles in Malaysia. The other event ended in one of the most touching and dramatic rescue effort recorded in this decade that is the rescue of 33 miners who were trapped for 69 days in a mine shaft in Chile.

There are tons of articles about this two incidents available in the newsprint and in the internet. Many of my blogger friends jump the band wagon to blog about these two incidents and share their opinion. While reading all these articles, I started to ponder on how fragile life could be and not to take it for granted. We get so caught up in everyday life, we forget how fragile life is; especially on things that last for eternity.

We work hard to achieve success, acquire wealth, fill the aching voids in our heart, and to look good in society. But often times, we give very little thought to what is beyond this life or worst case; we ignore them even after knowing the truth. We get caught up in preparing a comfortable life for ourselves here and now and forget about the comfort of our afterlife. And then one day when it hits us that life is fragile, we find that all we have chased after here on earth will not save us when it comes to eternity.

Ecclesiastes 2: 10-11 says “I denied myself nothing my eyes desired; I refused my heart no pleasure. My heart took delight in all my work, and this was the reward for all my labor. Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done, and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun.”

Our security and self-worth cannot be wrapped up in the things that we do in life. How many of us have done great things in life and have had many successes yet when we are alone at night we feel so empty and alone? King Solomon said it best in the above verse, “everything was meaningless.” We must live our lives in such a way that our hope, our security and self-worth are grounded in our Lord.

Life is meaningless without our Lord because He give us hope for eternity.

Be Blessed.

ATTITUDE as I see it.

There once was a woman who woke up one morning, looked in the mirror, and saw that she had only three hairs on her head. “Great,” she said, “I think I’ll braid my hair today.”

So she did, and had a wonderful day.

The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and saw that she had only two hairs on her head. “Hmm,” she said, “I guess I’ll part my hair down the middle.”

So she did, and had a wonderful day.

The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and saw that she had only one hair left on her head.

“Wow,” she said, “today I get to wear my hair in a pony tail.” So she did, and had a wonderful, wonderful day.

The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and saw that there wasn’t a single hair on her head.

“Thank God!” she exclaimed. “I was running out of things to do with my hair!”

David says in Psalms 34:1 "I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth." Here David promises to persistently praise His God. David is not promising a marathon praise session, but rather is committing himself to praising God at every opportunity and in the midst of various states of mind, spirit, and body. Just as we are to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thess. 5:17) —to pray consistently and in all circumstances— David promises to praise without ceasing.

Moral of the story, ATTITUDE is everything! Let’s be grateful for the things God has given us and rejoice in HIM always no matter what is the circumstances. That is ATTITUDE as I see it.

Be Blessed.

Voice of Truth

The last couple of weeks have been a very challenging week for me especially taking multiple role in my day to day task. Being put into a situation and managing it diplomatically is indeed a challenge by itself. The pressure was so intense. As I look to the Lord and seek His help, He reminded me of the song the Voice of Truth. Based on verses from Corinthians, "Voice of Truth" encourages us to take risks and step away from what we know, listen to Jesus and put our fear behind us. It really inspired me and made me realize that there are things all around you all the time that are going to be telling you "you won't win or you are a loser" and you have to have faith and realize God will help us and He will never forsake us.

There were literally "storms" and "giants" that I have to face in executing my task. But the Lord is faithful especially reminding me that I don't have to be afraid because "Greater is He that is in me". It is really interesting to experience how the Lord minister to us with songs and reminding us He is faithful in every aspect our lives. His word is full of assurance when we are facing the storms and the giants. God's words reminds us to not be afraid and that we can accomplish anything in His name.

Here it the lyric of this beautiful song from the band Casting Crowns:

Oh,what I would do to have

the kind of faith it takes

To climb out of this boat I'm in

Onto the crashing waves

To step out of my comfort zone

Into the realm of the unknown

Where Jesus is,

And he's holding out his hand

But the waves are calling out my name

and they laugh at me

Reminding me of all the times

I've tried before and failed

The waves they keep on telling me

time and time again

"Boy, you'll never win,

You you'll never win

But the Voice of truth tells me a different story

the Voice of truth says "do not be afraid!"

and the Voice of truth says "this is for My glory"

Out of all the voices calling out to me

I will choose to listen and believe the Voice of truth

Oh, what I would do

to have the kind of strength it takes

To stand before a giant

with just a sling and a stone

Surrounded by the sound

of a thousand warriors

shaking in their armor

Wishing they'd have had the strength to stand

But the giant's calling out

my name and he laughs at me

Reminding me of all the times

I've tried before and failed

The giant keeps on telling me

time and time again

"Boy you'll never win,

you'll never win."

But the voice of truth tells me a different story

the Voice of truth says "do not be afraid!"

and the Voice of truth says "this is for My glory"

Out of all the voices calling out to me

I will choose to listen and believe the Voice of truth

But the stone was just the right size

to put the giant on the ground

and the waves they don't seem so high

from on top of them looking down

I will soar with the wings of eagles

when I stop and listen to the sound of Jesus

singing over me

But the Voice of truth tells me a different story

The Voice of truth says "do not be afraid!"

And the Voice of truth says "this is for my glory"

Out of all the voices calling out to me (calling out to me)

I will choose to listen and believe (I will choose to listen and believe)

I will choose to listen and believe the Voice of truth

I will listen and believe

I will listen and believe the Voice of truth

I will listen and believe

'Cause Jesus you are the Voice of truth

And I will listen to you.. oh you are the Voice of truth

Move On With God

The Spirit of God moved - Genesis 1:2 KJV

Christ's disciples left everything to follow somebody they didn't begin to comprehend. They dreamed of a Messiah who would establish a temporal kingdom and overthrow Rome, so His crucifixion blew their minds. So did His resurrection, because now they had to preach a message that would cost them their lives. Sometimes they didn't know what to make of Jesus: '… the disciples saw him walking on the sea… saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out… ' (Matthew 14:26 KJV). When He ate with them on the shore following His resurrection, '… none… dared ask Him, "Who are You?"- knowing that it was the Lord' (John 21:12 NKJV). If you're going to walk with God get ready to have your faith stretched.

The first thing we read about God in Scripture is that He 'moved'. If you plan to move on with Him this year, you must overcome two things. First, complacency. Scientists conducted an experiment in which they placed an amoeba in a stress-free environment. The conditions were ideal; it had no adjustments whatsoever to make. But it died. Why? Because you need change and challenge just like you need food and water. Complacency can kill you!

Second, you must avoid complaining. Failure to acknowledge God's goodness caused Israel to go in circles for 40 years: 'These things happened to them as… warnings for us… ' (1 Corinthians 10:11 NIV). Two children sat down to lunch. One opened his lunchbox and began to gripe, 'Ham sandwiches again? This is the fourth day in a row. I'm sick ofham sandwiches!' His friend said, 'I bet if you tell your mum you don't like ham sandwiches she'll make you something else.' 'Mum?' replied the first child. 'I'll make my own lunches.' Hello! Have a problem with complaining? Fix it! Make up your mind to move on with God!



Note: The article above is taken from daily devotion email from The Word for Today brought by TheVine in association with The Rhema Broadcasting Group Inc, New Zealand and UCB International Ltd

Spiritual Distance

The people stood afar off, but Moses drew near... where God was." - Exodus 20:21 NKJV

Moses alone knew what God's presence felt like, what His voice sounded like, and what His radiant glory looked like. And apparently the people of Israel were happy to leave it that way. They said to Moses, 'You tell us what God says... but don't let God speak directly to us... ' (Exodus 20:19). What were they afraid of, that God might tell them something they didn't want to hear? Hello?

When you haven't carried out God's last set of instructions it's hard to get excited about His next set. John writes: '... We can be sure that we know him if we obey his commandments. If someone claims, '"... I know God... "' but doesn't obey God's commandments, that person is a liar and is not living in the truth. But those who obey God's word truly... love him. That is how we know we are living in him. Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did' (1 John 2:3-6 NLT).

So, are you content to be an onlooker, watching God move in the lives of others instead of accepting the discipline required to have a personal relationship with Him yourself? Do you want His gifts and His favour, but not the commitment that goes with them?

God doesn't want you to be infatuated with the Bible, or the church, or His blessings. No, He wants you to fall in love with Him. He's not looking for a date; He's looking for a bride! He wants someone who'll stick with Him when the going gets tough. Are you ready to put on the ring of commitment today?

Be Blessed.


Note: The article above is taken from daily devotion email from The Word for Today brought by TheVine in association with The Rhema Broadcasting Group Inc, New Zealand and UCB International Ltd

Avoid the mines!

John 14:21 Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him.

John 15:5 I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.

In a documentary mini series called “Against All Odds” a remarkable story is told about an Israeli platoon who found themselves in the midst of a minefield along the Syrian border during the Yom Kippur War. When the platoon realized they were in a minefield they pulled out their bayonets and started to dig out mines and to disarm them. Suddenly, a fierce wind began to blow, removing the sand from the minefield. Each and every mine was exposed and the soldiers ventured through the minefield unscathed.

If you found yourself in the midst of a minefield, but had someone with you that knew where every mine was and could guide you through, then you’d be sure to stay as close to him as possible! My friend, life is a minefield; and the enemy has planted mines all across your path — the mines of temptation! You have Someone with you who knows where they are and how to guide you around them. But how closely are you walking with Him?

God’s word and His Spirit equip us thoroughly for life and godliness. Obedience to His word and abiding in His Spirit we can avoid every deadly trap of the enemy and even if He calls us to martyrdom, we can go joyfully in His power.

But in the meantime, let’s not ignore the presence and counsel of our Heavenly Guide. It’s too easy to become distracted by fears, entertainments, and even real responsibilities. But all these can pull us away from Him….so that we suddenly find our foot on a mine about to explode under us. The discipline of practicing His presence was never more important than it is now in these last of the last days. The Bible warns that “because iniquity abounds, the love of many shall wax cold!” Let us stay awake, fully conscious of our Helper’s presence. Led of His Spirit we will dodge every one of our enemy’s mines, and navigate both ourselves and others to safety, bearing fruit all along the way!


This devotional was provided by Worthy Devotions.

Mission Trip to Cameron Highlands

Anyone that’s been a believer for very long realizes how small the world is these days and how the Lord has connected people with one another in miraculous ways. We meet hundreds of people from various backgrounds, and I’m often amazed how lives of those we meet are crossed over with others that we know. One thing for sure, everyday we come across people from different walk of life and at the same time an opportunity is established for us to be a blessing to them.

Last weekend, 14 of us from Youth Impact@TOP went on a mission trip to an Orang Asli(OA) village in Cameron Highlands. We were there doing a children program but above all we simply want to be a channel of blessing to this group of people. We have been so blessed with this opportunity that God has given us. A special appreciation goes to Timothy and Evelyn Cheng for coordinating and making all the necessary arrangement and helping us in many ways.

The team did extremely well. There was no one who was a “mission tourist” in the team. Everyone played an important role in impacting the life of these precious young children. The 25 minutes downhill hike and later the 45 minutes uphill hike never stop our group of young people to deliver the Good News and the love of Christ to the village kids.

We spend about 3 hours of ministering to the kids through songs, games, craft and message. The only place available in the village to do this activity is a church building that is made of few planks, some bamboos and a zinc roof. All of us were amazed how the fragile church building able to take the heavy activity we were doing. Sometimes we need to reflect and be thankful for all that God has given us in a city church. We have nice building, electricity, air-condition, sound system and other luxuries but yet we grumble and complain. The church at the OA village has nothing except an old guitar. There is no electricity and treated water supply.

Behind any successful mission work are bended knees, begging hands, sobbing hearts and tearful eyes before God’s throne of grace. The more we pray, the more we deeply understand the importance of prayer, and certainly, the more we realize that missions and prayers are inseparable. This is exactly what the team members did prior to the mission trip. We seek the Lord earnestly and pray for HIS will to be done through us. The Lord was gracious to us in many ways. The bond of love among the team members was strong. We know we are in the center of God’s will.

We believe our purpose to the OA village is to sow the seed especially the seed of the love of God. We are called to sow seed not knowing where it might spring up. There’s a saying, “What goes around, comes around!” It’s amazing how God has a way of doing that. Let’s keep sowing, because we shall certainly reap if we faint not!

To all the mission team members - Aaron Tan, Lin Ken, Melissa, Yi Lin, Theresa, Woan Sein, Ayen, Sara, Sue Lyn, Sam Teoh, Jo Cho, Terence and Sathy – thank you for your dedication and for your faithfulness. The LORD will bless you richly for your obedience in doing HIS will. Tim and Evelyn, thank you for opening the doors for us and guiding us through this mission trip. We have learned a lot of things from you especially stuff like BOOR, ABOOR, GAO and etc.

Be Blessed.

Renewing of our mind.....!!!

In today's busy lives, everyone is approaching a hectic life where we have to slog ever minute. Normally, when we wake up in the morning, the engine of our mind gets ignited and we began to think about many stuff. For some it may start with a random song lyric stuck in our head, or something related to the first thing we need to do at work. But sometimes it’s weightier than that. We’ve woken up thinking of friends we haven’t talked to for months or a problem in our life that needs resolution. Those mornings feel different, and those half-formed thoughts will linger until we act on them.

The Bible encourages us to renew our mind and this process will help us not to conform to the pattern of the world. Romans 12:2 says "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve God's will; His good, pleasing and perfect will." It simply says that renewing our mind implies taking on another world view. The influence of our minds on our spiritual lives is often grossly underestimated. We need a paradigm shift from the values and attitudes of the world toward the values and attitudes of Christ.

How do we renew our mind then? The Bible says in Deuteronomy 11:18 "Fix these words of mine in your hearts and mind". The most essential avenues in renewing our mind is through the study of the Scripture. Paul encourage this further by saying "Let the word of God dwell in you richly" in Colossians 3:16.

The outcome of renewing our mind daily with the Word of God is unimaginable. Psalms 119:105 says "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path." Only a mind renewed with God's word is able to cling to the dream God gives. Only a renewed mind is able to rise above the daily problems, imperfections and worries. Only a renewed mind can persist in dreaming, developing and living out those God-given visions, despite resistance. And there is so much more!

Be Blessed.

Time is precious!

We have already crossed the 1st half of 2010. Wow time indeed flies. The long waited 2010 World Cup is coming to an end pretty soon. We have seen a lot of surprises especially with the early exit of some of the world's top team. Well, my posting today is nothing to do with World Cup. Instead, it is topic on time management.

The Psalmist express beautifully in Psalms 90:12 - "So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom". One thing given equally to every person, rich or poor – is time. Each year, we are given 365 days to live that equates to 8,760 hours and 525,600 minutes. How did we spend our 1st half of 2010? Reflecting over the last 6 months, I am astounded how quickly the year seemed to pass – almost like the proverbial blink of an eye. And looking back over it has caused me to ask, am I really carefully managing my time…the one commodity I “spend”, that I can never buy back? Wisdom comes only when we see the value of our days. We can value our days only when we know they are limited in number.

The phrase "number our days" expresses the thought of putting in order, arranging the use of, or prioritizing time because the end of one's life is fast approaching. It is important for us us to remember that our remaining number of days grows smaller each day. There is a need today for us to reorder our life and focusing on things that matter most to the Lord. We are saved to serve God. God's work should take priority over all our earthly demands. Jesus said that "no man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit (usable) for the kingdom of God." (Luke 9:62).

Let us redeem our time and occupy it till our Lord comes. It may be sooner than we think! Let us seize every opportunity to glorify God with our time - the only resource that is given to all of us equally. Let’s apply our hearts to wisdom to do the will of God and to glorify Him in all that we say or do.

Time is precious. Time is limited. Time is purposeful. Time is under God’s control, and we can do mighty things in time. Time can be of eternal significance. Expect great things from God, and attempt great things for God today.

Be Blessed.

My Calling.....

Last weekend, I had the privilege of hosting the Bible College of Malaysia E-Team members. They are in Penang to minister at our church, Tabernacle of Praise. They have been a great blessing to us and I enjoyed the fellowship time we had together.

During one of the lunch fellowship, one of the students asked me an important question - whether I am a full time minister. My immediate response to this question was “Yes”. In my response, I told them that I view my secular job as my calling. I am called to the marketplace ministry.

I believe that the New Testament describes ministry as any service rendered by a Christian that is motivated and empowered by the Holy Spirit that benefits all mankind and brings glory to God. In the Old Testament, ministry was largely the responsibility of the few, the priesthood. In the New Testament, all true Christians are priests and thus the ministry is the work of all the believers. I Peter 2:5 says “you yourselves, as living stones, are built up as a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood and to offer spiritual sacrifices that are acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.”

There is a lot of misconception with regards to our individual calling. To many, a calling is described as something to do with a five fold ministry. I believe God does not distinguish between secular and spiritual, but only between that which is of the flesh and that which is of the Spirit. So whatever we do is to be done as to the Lord and for the Lord. We are required to give thanks in everything we do. Colossians 3:17 says “And whatever you do in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

By no means I am undermining the calling into the five fold ministry and Christian service. They are important and play significant part in the overall plan of the Kingdom of God. I believe that God calls some to serve Him in a secular occupation, while others are called into “full-time Christian service.” I Corinthians 10:31 says “So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God”. I believe I am called to the marketplace for this season of time in Penang. If the Lord calls me for another new area of ministry, I will be willing to give up everything for HIS glory.

In conclusion, it is not a question of whether your work is in the realm of the secular or the spiritual, but whether the work you do is done in the power of the Spirit or in the power of the flesh. God desires to be glorified by His children, whether it is in the marketplace or in the pulpit. May God help us to glorify Him in our work and to be content where He has called us to serve Him.

Be Blessed.

Be Fruitful in Spite of Your Circumstances!

Matthew 7:17-20 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

In Israel, it’s amazing how many trees are being planted all the time. In fact, the green line that you hear about so much in the news isn’t an actual drawn borderline, but it is a visible line you can only see from the air. It’s where Israelis stopped planting trees.

Now suppose I wanted to plant a fig tree — would I go searching for lemon seeds? Of course not! And even if I planted a fig tree next to a lemon tree, it would still only produce figs, no matter how close it was planted to the lemon tree.

So in our lives, though we may be surrounded with sourness, even planted in a “lemon grove”, we are “fig trees” — and the sweetness of our fruit will remain, because we were planted by the Lord Himself, to produce good fruit under all conditions. There is no question that if we are planted in Him the good fruit we bear will come forth in both good times and bad times.

Life is filled with ups and downs, unforeseen circumstances that send our lives in strange loops we weren’t expecting -– nevertheless we were fashioned to be fruit bearers…unconditionally. You may say ” George, you don’t understand, you have no idea what’s happening in my life right now!” You’re right, I don’t — but I do know the Lord who laid down his life unconditionally for you — and that He did it so He could abide in you and you in Him — guess what for…

If life is overwhelming you, then it’s time to reach down deep and draw nourishment from the Root of our lives -– Yeshua the Messiah. The sap of His Life will produce… MUCH! GOOD! FRUIT!…despite the lemons!


This devotional was provided by Worthy Devotions.

Praise & Strength

This morning we had a great time at our church, Tabernacle of Praise, celebrating Father's Day. The Lord indeed spoke to me in a very special way. As we were worshiping God, right in front of me was my good friend - Alvin Tan, Eunice and their 1 year old boy, baby Davin. Baby Davin lifted up his both hand as Melissa (our worship leader) leading the praise and worship. As I was observing Baby Davin, the Lord reminded me the verse from Matthew 21:6 ""Have you never read, 'Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings you have perfected praise'?" Jesus quoted this verse in Matthew based on Psalms 8:2 that says "From the lips of babes and infants you have established strength, because of your adversaries, that you might silence the enemy and the avenger."

It is amazing to compare these two verses. Jesus speaks about "perfected praise" and equates it with what the Psalmist says about "established strength". I reckon that there is something connected about praise and strength. When we come to His throne of grace with a child like heart - seeking our Abba Father, our praises to Him will be a channel where we can draw His strength. 2 Corinthians 12:9 says that "And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness." Some translation uses the word power instead of strength. Wow....I can rely on His power in my weakness. As I come to His throne of mercy with simplicity in heart, I can draw my Abba Father's strength to face the day. Isn't that awesome? Praise is not a psychological means of calming our emotions; it is a vital spiritual force that helps a person to access God's strength.

Praise is an act of faith. It takes boldness and courage to praise and worship God despite our circumstances. When a baby has a need, it doesn't think about the need, or contemplate the problem while searching for a solution. They simply cry as a reflex, knowing that their help is going to come from a source bigger than themselves.

That's how our praise should be. Whenever we have a need we should not contemplate the problem, or try to search for a solution on our own. We should, as a reflex, cry out to God in praise, thanking Him for the answer that He has already provided. This is where praise becomes an act of faith. This is where we can begin to thank God for the evidence of things not seen.

Thanksgiving gives birth to praise and praise stimulates worship. Praise instantly brings down the presence of God. God’s presence makes the difference any day! It will make a genius out of a dullard.

Be Blessed.

Integrity

Judge me, O Lord according to my integrity - Psalm 7:8 NKJV

Chuck Swindoll tells about a man who bought fried chicken dinners for himself and his date. Inadvertently, the attendant gave him the proceeds from the day's business; a bucket of money instead of fried chicken. Swindoll writes, 'After driving to their picnic site they discovered a whole lot more than chicken - over $800! But he was unusual. He quickly put the money back in the bag. They got back into the car and drove all the way back.

By then, the manager was frantic. "Mr Clean" got out, walked in, and became an instant hero. "I want you to know I came by to get a couple of chicken dinners and wound up with all this money here," he said. Well, the manager was thrilled to death. He said, "I'm gonna have your picture put in the local paper. You're one of the most honest men I've ever heard of." To which the man quickly responded, "'Oh, no… don't do that!" Then he leaned closer and whispered, "You see, the woman I'm with… she's, uh, somebody else's wife."'

Paul writes, 'Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist… ' (Ephesians 6:14 NIV). He was referring to a leather girdle Roman soldiers wore around their waist to protect their loins and carry weapons such as daggers and swords. This girdle also held the soldier's tunic together so it wouldn't get snagged and hold him back. When it comes to your spiritual armour, integrity protects you and holds everything together. If you don't have integrity in big things and small things, you're going to lose the battle.

Without integrity, everything falls apart.

Be Blessed

Note: The article above is taken from daily devotion email from The Word for Today brought by TheVine in association with The Rhema Broadcasting Group Inc, New Zealand and UCB International Ltd