To say 'God is light' is to imply that God's holiness finds expression in everything that He says and does. Similarly, the statement 'God is love' means that His love finds expression in everything that He says and does.
The knowledge that this is so for him personally is the Christian's supreme comfort. As a believer, he finds in the cross of Christ assurance that he, as an individual, is beloved of God; 'the Son of God... loved me, and gave himself for me' (Galatians 2:20). Knowing this, he is able to apply to himself the promise that all things work together for good to them that love God and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). Not just some things, note, but all things! Every single thing that happens to him expresses God's love to him, and comes to him for the furthering of God's purpose for him.
Thus, so far as he is concerned, God is love to him - holy, omnipotent love - at every moment and in every event of every day's life. Even when he cannot see the why and the wherefore of God's dealings, he knows that there is love in and behind them, and so he can rejoice always, even when, humanly speaking, things are going wrong, He knows that the true story of his life, when known, will prove to be, as the hymn says, 'mercy from first to last' - and he is content.
- J. I. Packer, Knowing God
He sees the masterplan
He holds our future in His hands
So don't live as those who have no hope
All our hope is found in Him
We see the present clearly
But He sees the first and the last
And like a tapestry
He's weaving you and me
To someday be just like Him
God is too wise to be mistaken
God is too good to be unkind
So when you don't understand
When you don't see His plan
When you can't trace His hand
Trust His heart
Wednesday 30 September 2009
Tuesday 29 September 2009
believing God for His best
Faith always has to be living in the present. God does not give us the grace today to deal with tomorrow's concerns. Any planning that needs to be made for the tomorrows of our lives must be done in the context of today's agenda.
- Bill Thrasher, Believing God for His Best
nothing, nothing, absolutely nothing comes to pass unless it is part of God's good, pleasing and perfect will.
nothing, nothing, absolutely nothing happens unless God has sovereignly ordained it from eternity.
nothing, nothing, absolutely nothing is too difficult for Thee.
do you believe that 'in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose' (Romans 8:28, NIV)?
do you believe that this is the best possible world which God could have created (from His perspective and in His free knowledge), and has in fact created?
do you believe God for His best?
if we have trusted God with our eternal lives, how much more should we trust God in our earthly lives!
- Bill Thrasher, Believing God for His Best
nothing, nothing, absolutely nothing comes to pass unless it is part of God's good, pleasing and perfect will.
nothing, nothing, absolutely nothing happens unless God has sovereignly ordained it from eternity.
nothing, nothing, absolutely nothing is too difficult for Thee.
do you believe that 'in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose' (Romans 8:28, NIV)?
do you believe that this is the best possible world which God could have created (from His perspective and in His free knowledge), and has in fact created?
do you believe God for His best?
if we have trusted God with our eternal lives, how much more should we trust God in our earthly lives!
Sunday 27 September 2009
my times are in Your hands
"But I trust in you, O LORD; I say, "You are my God." My times are in your hands." - Psalm 31:14-15a (NIV)
"Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honour depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge." - Psalm 62:5-8 (NIV)
"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven." - Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NIV)
Think of the spring, think of the warmth of summer
Bringing the harvest before the winter's cold
Everything grows, everything has a season
Till it is gathered to the Father's fold
Praise to Thee, O Lord, for all creation
Give us thankful hearts that we may see
All the gifts we share and every blessing
All things come of Thee
"He has made everything beautiful in its time." - Ecclesiastes 3:11a (NIV)
going mysteriously forward, nothing makes sense. but looking back, everything will make sense.
"When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love." - 1 Corinthians 13:11-13 (NIV)
"Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honour depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge." - Psalm 62:5-8 (NIV)
"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven." - Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NIV)
Think of the spring, think of the warmth of summer
Bringing the harvest before the winter's cold
Everything grows, everything has a season
Till it is gathered to the Father's fold
Praise to Thee, O Lord, for all creation
Give us thankful hearts that we may see
All the gifts we share and every blessing
All things come of Thee
"He has made everything beautiful in its time." - Ecclesiastes 3:11a (NIV)
going mysteriously forward, nothing makes sense. but looking back, everything will make sense.
"When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love." - 1 Corinthians 13:11-13 (NIV)
Saturday 26 September 2009
building the house
There is an old parable told of a rich man who was going away on a long journey. Before he left he hired a builder and said to him, "I will be gone for many months, and I would like you to build me a house with the specifications I leave with you. I do not want you to substitute anything cheap for the genuine quality that I want. I am willing to pay the price for the best. And when I return, I will pay you for it. But be sure to build it well."
When the rich man was gone, the builder decided to cut corners and to skimp here and there on things that would be hidden from the naked eye and would not be noticed by the owner. The months went by and the builder continued his sly ways that resulted in a house of poor quality while it looked expensive and solid.
Finally, the day came when the rich man returned and inspected the house. After reviewing everything, he said to the builder, "I have a surprise for you. Yes, I will pay for the house, but I want to present this house to you, for you and your family to live in. This is my gift to you."
We may look at some such story and think that is what parables are made of... imaginary happenings. But in reality, this is not merely a parable. You may be absolutely sure that as you build your life, so you will dwell. Only for the one in whom the Spirit of God dwells is God the true builder. Only then is a home blessed by God.
The single greatest lack of our time, perhaps of all time, is men and women of character, those whose lives are honest and whose transparency is real. I do not know of a stronger witness for Christ than that one be described as a person of true honour.
- Ravi Zacharias, I, Isaac, Take Thee, Rebekah
1. the foundation of the covenant
"Therefore, holy brothers, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, the apostle and high priest whom we confess. He was faithful to the one who appointed him, just as Moses was faithful in all God's house. Jesus has been found worthy of greater honour than Moses, just as the builder of a house has greater honour than the house itself. For every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything. Moses was faithful as a servant in all God's house, testifying to what would be said in the future. But Christ is faithful as a son over God's house. And we are his house, if we hold on to our courage and the hope of which we boast." - Hebrews 3:1-6 (NIV)
2. the foundation of the Christian
"Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash." - Matthew 7:24-27 (NIV)
3. the foundation of the church
"By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as an expert builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should be careful how he builds. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ." - 1 Corinthians 3:10-11 (NIV)
4. the foundation of the community
"Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit." - Ephesians 2:19-22 (NIV)
5. the foundation of the city
"Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labour in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain." - Psalm 127:1 (NIV)
When the rich man was gone, the builder decided to cut corners and to skimp here and there on things that would be hidden from the naked eye and would not be noticed by the owner. The months went by and the builder continued his sly ways that resulted in a house of poor quality while it looked expensive and solid.
Finally, the day came when the rich man returned and inspected the house. After reviewing everything, he said to the builder, "I have a surprise for you. Yes, I will pay for the house, but I want to present this house to you, for you and your family to live in. This is my gift to you."
We may look at some such story and think that is what parables are made of... imaginary happenings. But in reality, this is not merely a parable. You may be absolutely sure that as you build your life, so you will dwell. Only for the one in whom the Spirit of God dwells is God the true builder. Only then is a home blessed by God.
The single greatest lack of our time, perhaps of all time, is men and women of character, those whose lives are honest and whose transparency is real. I do not know of a stronger witness for Christ than that one be described as a person of true honour.
- Ravi Zacharias, I, Isaac, Take Thee, Rebekah
1. the foundation of the covenant
"Therefore, holy brothers, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, the apostle and high priest whom we confess. He was faithful to the one who appointed him, just as Moses was faithful in all God's house. Jesus has been found worthy of greater honour than Moses, just as the builder of a house has greater honour than the house itself. For every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything. Moses was faithful as a servant in all God's house, testifying to what would be said in the future. But Christ is faithful as a son over God's house. And we are his house, if we hold on to our courage and the hope of which we boast." - Hebrews 3:1-6 (NIV)
2. the foundation of the Christian
"Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash." - Matthew 7:24-27 (NIV)
3. the foundation of the church
"By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as an expert builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should be careful how he builds. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ." - 1 Corinthians 3:10-11 (NIV)
4. the foundation of the community
"Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit." - Ephesians 2:19-22 (NIV)
5. the foundation of the city
"Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labour in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain." - Psalm 127:1 (NIV)
Thursday 24 September 2009
at any cost
"Lord, I give up all my own plans and purposes, all my own desires and hopes, and accept Thy will for my life. I give myself, my life, my all, utterly to Thee to be Thine forever. Fill me and seal me with Thy Holy Spirit. Use me as Thou wilt, send me where Thou wilt, work out Thy whole will in my life at any cost, now and forever."
- Betty Scott Stam, quoted by Elisabeth Elliot in various places
Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way!
Thou art the potter, I am the clay
Mould me and make me after Thy will
While I am waiting, yielded and still
Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way!
Search me and try me, Master, today
Whiter than snow, Lord, wash me just now
As in Thy presence humbly I bow
Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way!
Wounded and weary, help me I pray
Power, all power surely is Thine
Touch me and heal me, Saviour divine
Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way!
Hold o'er my being absolute sway
Fill with Thy Spirit till all shall see
Christ only, always, living in me
links: crucified with Christ (6 mar 09), the LORD will provide (6 jun 09)
- Betty Scott Stam, quoted by Elisabeth Elliot in various places
Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way!
Thou art the potter, I am the clay
Mould me and make me after Thy will
While I am waiting, yielded and still
Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way!
Search me and try me, Master, today
Whiter than snow, Lord, wash me just now
As in Thy presence humbly I bow
Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way!
Wounded and weary, help me I pray
Power, all power surely is Thine
Touch me and heal me, Saviour divine
Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way!
Hold o'er my being absolute sway
Fill with Thy Spirit till all shall see
Christ only, always, living in me
links: crucified with Christ (6 mar 09), the LORD will provide (6 jun 09)
Wednesday 23 September 2009
the best is yet to be
1. the sovereignty of God in suffering
the LORD gives, and the LORD takes away.
"Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised." - Job 1:21 (NIV)
2. the sovereignty of God in singleness
the LORD puts to sleep, and the LORD awakens.
"The LORD God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him."
"Now the LORD God had formed out of the ground all the beasts of the field and all the birds of the air. He brought them to the man to see what he would name them; and whatever the man called each living creature, that was its name. So the man gave names to all the livestock, the birds of the air and all the beasts of the field.
"But for Adam no suitable helper was found. So the LORD God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep; and while he was sleeping, he took one of the man's ribs and closed up the place with flesh. Then the LORD God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man.
"The man said, "This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called 'woman,' for she was taken out of man." For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.
"The man and his wife were both naked, and they felt no shame." - Genesis 2:18-25 (NIV)
3. the sovereignty of God in salvation
the LORD puts to death, and the LORD brings back to life - eternal life.
"Men of Israel, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know. This man was handed over to you by God's set purpose and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross. But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him." - Acts 2:22-24 (NIV)
4. the sovereignty of God in sanctification
the LORD takes away our hearts of stone, and the LORD gives us hearts of flesh - hearts after His own.
"Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart." - Psalm 37:4 (NIV)
the LORD gives, and the LORD takes away.
"Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised." - Job 1:21 (NIV)
2. the sovereignty of God in singleness
the LORD puts to sleep, and the LORD awakens.
"The LORD God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him."
"Now the LORD God had formed out of the ground all the beasts of the field and all the birds of the air. He brought them to the man to see what he would name them; and whatever the man called each living creature, that was its name. So the man gave names to all the livestock, the birds of the air and all the beasts of the field.
"But for Adam no suitable helper was found. So the LORD God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep; and while he was sleeping, he took one of the man's ribs and closed up the place with flesh. Then the LORD God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man.
"The man said, "This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called 'woman,' for she was taken out of man." For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.
"The man and his wife were both naked, and they felt no shame." - Genesis 2:18-25 (NIV)
3. the sovereignty of God in salvation
the LORD puts to death, and the LORD brings back to life - eternal life.
"Men of Israel, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know. This man was handed over to you by God's set purpose and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross. But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him." - Acts 2:22-24 (NIV)
4. the sovereignty of God in sanctification
the LORD takes away our hearts of stone, and the LORD gives us hearts of flesh - hearts after His own.
"Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart." - Psalm 37:4 (NIV)
Tuesday 22 September 2009
a trip to tecman
i was passing by bras basah complex today and decided to stop by tecman. to my pleasant surprise, i managed to find not one but two books which i was looking for (and which are out of stock at sks).
furthermore, you can become a tecman member at $6 a year and enjoy 10% off all year round/up to 30% off on special occasions. tecman is giving sks a run for its money!
this reminds me of the time when i found the updated edition of jerry sittser's discovering God's will for 99p at wesley owen in york.
of course, everything mentioned above is part of God's sovereign will of decree. there is nothing that happens which God has not ordained from eternity.
furthermore, you can become a tecman member at $6 a year and enjoy 10% off all year round/up to 30% off on special occasions. tecman is giving sks a run for its money!
this reminds me of the time when i found the updated edition of jerry sittser's discovering God's will for 99p at wesley owen in york.
of course, everything mentioned above is part of God's sovereign will of decree. there is nothing that happens which God has not ordained from eternity.
whom have I in heaven but You?
"Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." - Psalm 73:25-26 (NIV)
Praise, praise
I lift my voice and raise, praise
I sing of Your amazing grace
To the living God
To You my living God
Praise, praise
I lift my voice and raise, praise
I sing of Your amazing grace
To the living God
To You my living God
Sunday 20 September 2009
the gospel-driven life
The Bible is not a collection of timeless principles offering a gentle thought for the day. It is not a resource for our self-improvement. Rather, it is a dramatic story that unfolds from promise to fulfillment, with Christ at the centre. Its focus is God and his action.
God is not a supporting actor in our drama; it is the other way around. God does not exist to make sure that we are happy and fulfilled. Rather, we exist to glorify God and to enjoy him forever. God is not a facilitator of our "life transformation" projects. He is not a life coach. Rather, he is our Creator, Lawgiver, Judge, and Covenant Lord.
As we will see, he is also our Redeemer. However, before we can speak of God's saving work in Christ we have to reverse the focus from a human-centred to a God-centred way of thinking. The gospel witnesses not to an inner light within the self, but to the Light that came into the world, shining in the darkness and overpowering it (John 1:4-9).
The Protestant Reformers comforted anxious believers with the assurance that the gospel lies entirely outside of them. It is an "external Word" spoken by another person to me in the name of Christ. The gospel doesn't depend on anything in me at all; it is an objective, completed work.
The gospel is entirely outside of you! Has anyone ever told you that? Has it really hit you that no matter what your inner voice, conscience, heart, will, or soul tells you, God's objective Word on the matter trumps it all?
- Michael Horton, The Gospel-Driven Life: Being Good News People in a Bad News World
God is not a supporting actor in our drama; it is the other way around. God does not exist to make sure that we are happy and fulfilled. Rather, we exist to glorify God and to enjoy him forever. God is not a facilitator of our "life transformation" projects. He is not a life coach. Rather, he is our Creator, Lawgiver, Judge, and Covenant Lord.
As we will see, he is also our Redeemer. However, before we can speak of God's saving work in Christ we have to reverse the focus from a human-centred to a God-centred way of thinking. The gospel witnesses not to an inner light within the self, but to the Light that came into the world, shining in the darkness and overpowering it (John 1:4-9).
The Protestant Reformers comforted anxious believers with the assurance that the gospel lies entirely outside of them. It is an "external Word" spoken by another person to me in the name of Christ. The gospel doesn't depend on anything in me at all; it is an objective, completed work.
The gospel is entirely outside of you! Has anyone ever told you that? Has it really hit you that no matter what your inner voice, conscience, heart, will, or soul tells you, God's objective Word on the matter trumps it all?
- Michael Horton, The Gospel-Driven Life: Being Good News People in a Bad News World
Saturday 19 September 2009
living sacrifices
"Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God - this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will." - Romans 12:1-2 (NIV)
Friday 18 September 2009
two ways to live
Two types of men stand at the base of Mount Everest. The first (and most common) type is the man who says, "That's incredible... I could never make it to the top." The second type is the man who says, "That's incredible... I can't wait to see the view from the top."
- Voddie T. Baucham Jr., What He Must Be
"For I am the least of the apostles and do not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them - yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me. Whether, then, it was I or they, this is what we preach, and this is what you believed." - 1 Corinthians 15:9-11 (NIV)
- Voddie T. Baucham Jr., What He Must Be
"For I am the least of the apostles and do not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them - yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me. Whether, then, it was I or they, this is what we preach, and this is what you believed." - 1 Corinthians 15:9-11 (NIV)
Thursday 17 September 2009
happily ever after
There is a higher throne
Than all this world has known
Where faithful ones from every tongue
Will one day come
Before the Son we'll stand
Made faultless through the Lamb
Believing hearts find promised grace
Salvation comes
Hear heaven's voices sing
Their thunderous anthem rings
Through emerald courts and sapphire skies
Their praises rise
All glory, wisdom, power
Strength, thanks and honour are
To God, our King, who reigns on high
Forever more
And there we'll find our home
Our life before the throne
We'll honour Him in perfect song
Where we belong
He'll wipe each tear-stained eye
As thirst and hunger die
The Lamb becomes our Shepherd King
We'll reign with Him
Hear heaven's voices sing
Their thunderous anthem rings
Through emerald courts and sapphire skies
Their praises rise
All glory, wisdom, power
Strength, thanks and honour are
To God, our King, who reigns on high
Forever more
Hear heaven's voices sing
Their thunderous anthem rings
Through emerald courts and sapphire skies
Their praises rise
All glory, wisdom, power
Strength, thanks and honour are
To God, our King, who reigns on high
Forever more
"Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."" - Revelation 21:1-4 (NIV)
Than all this world has known
Where faithful ones from every tongue
Will one day come
Before the Son we'll stand
Made faultless through the Lamb
Believing hearts find promised grace
Salvation comes
Hear heaven's voices sing
Their thunderous anthem rings
Through emerald courts and sapphire skies
Their praises rise
All glory, wisdom, power
Strength, thanks and honour are
To God, our King, who reigns on high
Forever more
And there we'll find our home
Our life before the throne
We'll honour Him in perfect song
Where we belong
He'll wipe each tear-stained eye
As thirst and hunger die
The Lamb becomes our Shepherd King
We'll reign with Him
Hear heaven's voices sing
Their thunderous anthem rings
Through emerald courts and sapphire skies
Their praises rise
All glory, wisdom, power
Strength, thanks and honour are
To God, our King, who reigns on high
Forever more
Hear heaven's voices sing
Their thunderous anthem rings
Through emerald courts and sapphire skies
Their praises rise
All glory, wisdom, power
Strength, thanks and honour are
To God, our King, who reigns on high
Forever more
"Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."" - Revelation 21:1-4 (NIV)
Wednesday 16 September 2009
The Butterfly Effect
Good and evil both increase at compound interest. That is why the little decisions you and I make every day are of such infinite importance.
The smallest good act today is the capture of a strategic point from which, a few months later, you may be able to go on to victories you never dreamed of.
An apparently trivial indulgence in lust or anger today is the loss of a ridge or railway line or bridgehead from which the enemy may launch an attack otherwise impossible.
- C. S. Lewis, Mere Christianity
Links: The Butterfly Effect in Sanctification (26 Apr 10), The Butterfly Effect in Evangelism (27 Apr 10)
The smallest good act today is the capture of a strategic point from which, a few months later, you may be able to go on to victories you never dreamed of.
An apparently trivial indulgence in lust or anger today is the loss of a ridge or railway line or bridgehead from which the enemy may launch an attack otherwise impossible.
- C. S. Lewis, Mere Christianity
Links: The Butterfly Effect in Sanctification (26 Apr 10), The Butterfly Effect in Evangelism (27 Apr 10)
Sunday 13 September 2009
in all things
the purposes of God
"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD.
"As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.
"As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it."
- Isaiah 55:8-11 (NIV)
God purposes to rehab, renew and restart creation to reflect His glory.
"But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations." - Psalm 33:11 (NIV)
the promises of God
"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." - Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
God promises to redeem us, that He might work in us and through us to accomplish His purposes.
"For no matter how many promises God has made, they are "Yes" in Christ. And so through him the "Amen" is spoken by us to the glory of God." - 2 Corinthians 1:20 (NIV)
the providence of God
I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall. I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me. Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope:
Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him."
The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD. It is good for a man to bear the yoke while he is young.
- Lamentations 3:19-27 (NIV)
God provides all that we need, in accordance with His promises, to accomplish His purposes. and so we are back at where we started, the purposes of God.
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." - Romans 8:28 (NIV)
link: the LORD is my portion (23 aug 09)
"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD.
"As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.
"As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it."
- Isaiah 55:8-11 (NIV)
God purposes to rehab, renew and restart creation to reflect His glory.
"But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations." - Psalm 33:11 (NIV)
the promises of God
"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." - Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
God promises to redeem us, that He might work in us and through us to accomplish His purposes.
"For no matter how many promises God has made, they are "Yes" in Christ. And so through him the "Amen" is spoken by us to the glory of God." - 2 Corinthians 1:20 (NIV)
the providence of God
I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall. I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me. Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope:
Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him."
The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD. It is good for a man to bear the yoke while he is young.
- Lamentations 3:19-27 (NIV)
God provides all that we need, in accordance with His promises, to accomplish His purposes. and so we are back at where we started, the purposes of God.
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." - Romans 8:28 (NIV)
link: the LORD is my portion (23 aug 09)
Saturday 12 September 2009
seek Ye first
Said the Robin to the Sparrow,
"I should really like to know
Why these anxious human beings
Rush about and worry so."
Said the Sparrow to the Robin,
"Friend, I think that it must be
That they have no heavenly Father
Such as cares for you and me."
"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?
"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."
- Matthew 6:25-27, 33-34 (NIV)
Wednesday 9 September 2009
even more on knowing about vs knowing
How can we turn our knowledge about God into knowledge of God? The rule for doing this is demanding, but simple. It is that we turn each truth that we learn about God into matter for meditation before God, leading to prayer and praise to God.
We have some idea, perhaps, what prayer is, but what is meditation? Well may we ask; for meditation is a lost art today, and Christian people suffer grievously from their ignorance of the practice.
Meditation is the activity of calling to mind, and thinking over, and dwelling on, and applying to oneself, the various things that one knows about the works and ways and purposes and promises of God.
It is an activity of holy thought, consciously performed in the presence of God, under the eye of God, by the help of God, as a means of communion with God.
Its purpose is to clear one's mental and spiritual vision of God, and to let His truth make its full and proper impact on one's mind and heart.
It is a matter of talking to oneself about God and oneself; it is, indeed, often a matter of arguing with oneself, reasoning oneself out of moods of doubt and unbelief into a clear apprehension of God's power and grace.
Its effect is ever to humble us, as we contemplate God's greatness and glory, and our own littleness and sinfulness, and to encourage and reassure us - 'comfort' us, in the old, strong, Bible sense of the word - as we contemplate the unsearchable riches of divine mercy displayed in the Lord Jesus Christ.
- J. I. Packer, Knowing God
links: knowing about vs knowing (2 sep 09), more on knowing about vs knowing (5 sep 09)
We have some idea, perhaps, what prayer is, but what is meditation? Well may we ask; for meditation is a lost art today, and Christian people suffer grievously from their ignorance of the practice.
Meditation is the activity of calling to mind, and thinking over, and dwelling on, and applying to oneself, the various things that one knows about the works and ways and purposes and promises of God.
It is an activity of holy thought, consciously performed in the presence of God, under the eye of God, by the help of God, as a means of communion with God.
Its purpose is to clear one's mental and spiritual vision of God, and to let His truth make its full and proper impact on one's mind and heart.
It is a matter of talking to oneself about God and oneself; it is, indeed, often a matter of arguing with oneself, reasoning oneself out of moods of doubt and unbelief into a clear apprehension of God's power and grace.
Its effect is ever to humble us, as we contemplate God's greatness and glory, and our own littleness and sinfulness, and to encourage and reassure us - 'comfort' us, in the old, strong, Bible sense of the word - as we contemplate the unsearchable riches of divine mercy displayed in the Lord Jesus Christ.
- J. I. Packer, Knowing God
links: knowing about vs knowing (2 sep 09), more on knowing about vs knowing (5 sep 09)
Sunday 6 September 2009
still, my soul be still
Still, my soul be still
And do not fear
Though winds of change may rage tomorrow
God is at your side
No longer dread
The fires of unexpected sorrow
God, You are my God
And I will trust in You and not be shaken
Lord of peace renew
A steadfast spirit within me
To rest in You alone
Still, my soul be still
Do not be moved
By lesser lights and fleeting shadows
Hold on to His ways
With shield of faith
Against temptations flaming arrows
God, You are my God
And I will trust in You and not be shaken
Lord of peace renew
A steadfast spirit within me
To rest in You alone
Still, my soul be still
Do not forsake
The truth you learned in the beginning
Wait upon the Lord
And hope will rise
As stars appear when day is dimming
God, You are my God
And I will trust in You and not be shaken
Lord of peace renew
A steadfast spirit within me
To rest in You alone
"Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." - Psalm 46:10 (NIV)
When the oceans rise and thunders roar
I will soar with You above the storm
Father, You are King over the flood
I will be still and know You are God
And do not fear
Though winds of change may rage tomorrow
God is at your side
No longer dread
The fires of unexpected sorrow
God, You are my God
And I will trust in You and not be shaken
Lord of peace renew
A steadfast spirit within me
To rest in You alone
Still, my soul be still
Do not be moved
By lesser lights and fleeting shadows
Hold on to His ways
With shield of faith
Against temptations flaming arrows
God, You are my God
And I will trust in You and not be shaken
Lord of peace renew
A steadfast spirit within me
To rest in You alone
Still, my soul be still
Do not forsake
The truth you learned in the beginning
Wait upon the Lord
And hope will rise
As stars appear when day is dimming
God, You are my God
And I will trust in You and not be shaken
Lord of peace renew
A steadfast spirit within me
To rest in You alone
"Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." - Psalm 46:10 (NIV)
When the oceans rise and thunders roar
I will soar with You above the storm
Father, You are King over the flood
I will be still and know You are God
waiting in the Psalms
"Give ear to my words, O LORD, consider my sighing. Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God, for to you I pray. In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation." - Psalm 5:1-3 (NIV)
"I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the LORD." - Psalm 40:1-3 (NIV)
"Out of the depths I cry to you, O LORD; O Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy. If you, O LORD, kept a record of sins, O Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness; therefore you are feared. I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope. My soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning." - Psalm 130:1-6 (NIV)
*****
"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!" - Matthew 7:7-11 (NIV)
"So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!" - Luke 11:9-13 (NIV)
it is interesting to compare the parallel passages Matthew 7:7-11 and Luke 11:9-13. Matthew 7:11 says that God gives good gifts to those who ask Him, while Luke 11:13 says that God gives the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him.
as pastor andrew pointed out at friday's prayer meeting - more than anything else, God gives us the promised Holy Spirit (the best gift) to cheer and to guide, to equip us for every good work, to enable us to test and approve His good, pleasing and perfect will.
Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth
Thy own dear presence to cheer and to guide
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!
Great is Thy faithfulness! Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning, new mercies I see
All I have needed, Thy hand hath provided
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!
*****
In reality, most of us judge our insides by other people's outsides. The pressure to conform to unwritten timelines set by society is intense. However, comparing ourselves to others only leads to jealousy, envy, competition and discouragement.
There comes a time when we must leave the driving of our dream to God. He has established a unique timeline for our life. Our lives are similar to fruit-bearing trees; different kinds of fruit ripen and mature at different seasons.
Similarly, we each have a timetable wherein we blossom and ripen into the purposes of God. The Bible declares, "He has made everything beautiful in its time" (Ecclesiastes 3:11, AMP). The rate at which our life's purpose is achieved is not always determined by our own efforts or schedules; it is also based on God's divine timing.
- Marlinda Ireland, What is God Waiting For?: Understanding Divine Delays in Your Life
link: the right thing at the right time (10 jun 09)
"I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the LORD." - Psalm 40:1-3 (NIV)
"Out of the depths I cry to you, O LORD; O Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy. If you, O LORD, kept a record of sins, O Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness; therefore you are feared. I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope. My soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning." - Psalm 130:1-6 (NIV)
*****
"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!" - Matthew 7:7-11 (NIV)
"So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!" - Luke 11:9-13 (NIV)
it is interesting to compare the parallel passages Matthew 7:7-11 and Luke 11:9-13. Matthew 7:11 says that God gives good gifts to those who ask Him, while Luke 11:13 says that God gives the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him.
as pastor andrew pointed out at friday's prayer meeting - more than anything else, God gives us the promised Holy Spirit (the best gift) to cheer and to guide, to equip us for every good work, to enable us to test and approve His good, pleasing and perfect will.
Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth
Thy own dear presence to cheer and to guide
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!
Great is Thy faithfulness! Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning, new mercies I see
All I have needed, Thy hand hath provided
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!
*****
In reality, most of us judge our insides by other people's outsides. The pressure to conform to unwritten timelines set by society is intense. However, comparing ourselves to others only leads to jealousy, envy, competition and discouragement.
There comes a time when we must leave the driving of our dream to God. He has established a unique timeline for our life. Our lives are similar to fruit-bearing trees; different kinds of fruit ripen and mature at different seasons.
Similarly, we each have a timetable wherein we blossom and ripen into the purposes of God. The Bible declares, "He has made everything beautiful in its time" (Ecclesiastes 3:11, AMP). The rate at which our life's purpose is achieved is not always determined by our own efforts or schedules; it is also based on God's divine timing.
- Marlinda Ireland, What is God Waiting For?: Understanding Divine Delays in Your Life
link: the right thing at the right time (10 jun 09)
Saturday 5 September 2009
more on knowing about vs knowing
now that i've completed my internship with prisons, i have some time to read the books i've accumulated over the past year or so and start preparing for my exams in the middle of oct.
incidentally, one of the modules i'm being examined on is the philosophy of religion. there are interesting parallels between the readings i have for this module and the books i've accumulated over the past year or so. as the saying goes, theology is the queen of the sciences and philosophy is the handmaiden of theology.
*****
God cares about how we handle evidence for God's existence. We are to become, in the image of God's character, more loving in handling it. So, contrary to a typical philosophical attitude, knowledge of God is not a spectator sport. It is rather part of a process of God's thorough makeover of a person. It is, from our side of the process, akin to an active commitment to a morally transforming personal relationship rather than to a mere subjective state or disposition.
We come to know God only as God becomes our God, the Lord of our lives, rather than just an object of our contemplation, self-indulgence, or amusement. God refuses, for our own good, to become a mere idol of our speculation or entertainment. We manifest dangerous arrogance in assuming that we can have proper knowledge of God without undergoing profound transformation. In proper knowledge of God, knowers must be transformed to become like the known in character.
- Paul K. Moser, Divine Hiddenness Does Not Justify Atheism
In A Preface to Christian Theology, John Mackay illustrated two kinds of interest in Christian things by picturing persons sitting on the high front balcony of a Spanish house watching travellers go by on the road below. The 'balconeers' can overhear the travellers' talk and chat with them; they may comment critically on the way that the travellers walk; or they may discuss questions about the road, how it can exist at all or lead anywhere, what might be seen from different points along it, and so forth; but they are onlookers, and their problems are theoretical only.
The travellers, by contrast, face problems which, though they have their theoretical angle, are essentially practical - problems of the 'which-way-to-go' and 'how-to-make-it' type, problems which call not merely for comprehension but for decision and action too.
Balconeers and travellers may think over the same area, yet their problems differ. Thus (for instance) in relation to evil, the balconeer's problem is to find a theoretical explanation of how evil can consist with God's sovereignty and goodness, but the traveller's problem is how to master evil and bring good out of it.
Or again, in relation to sin, the balconeer asks whether racial sinfulness and personal perversity are really credible, while the traveller, knowing sin from within, asks what hope there is of deliverance.
Or take the problem of the Godhead; while the balconeer is asking how one God can conceivably be three, what sort of unity three could have, and how three who make one can be persons, the traveller wants to know how to show proper honour, love and trust towards the three persons who are now together at work to bring him out of sin to glory. And so we might go on.
Now this is a book for travellers, and it is with travellers' questions that it deals.
- J. I. Packer, Knowing God
links: knowing about vs knowing (2 sep 09), even more on knowing about vs knowing (9 sep 09)
incidentally, one of the modules i'm being examined on is the philosophy of religion. there are interesting parallels between the readings i have for this module and the books i've accumulated over the past year or so. as the saying goes, theology is the queen of the sciences and philosophy is the handmaiden of theology.
*****
God cares about how we handle evidence for God's existence. We are to become, in the image of God's character, more loving in handling it. So, contrary to a typical philosophical attitude, knowledge of God is not a spectator sport. It is rather part of a process of God's thorough makeover of a person. It is, from our side of the process, akin to an active commitment to a morally transforming personal relationship rather than to a mere subjective state or disposition.
We come to know God only as God becomes our God, the Lord of our lives, rather than just an object of our contemplation, self-indulgence, or amusement. God refuses, for our own good, to become a mere idol of our speculation or entertainment. We manifest dangerous arrogance in assuming that we can have proper knowledge of God without undergoing profound transformation. In proper knowledge of God, knowers must be transformed to become like the known in character.
- Paul K. Moser, Divine Hiddenness Does Not Justify Atheism
In A Preface to Christian Theology, John Mackay illustrated two kinds of interest in Christian things by picturing persons sitting on the high front balcony of a Spanish house watching travellers go by on the road below. The 'balconeers' can overhear the travellers' talk and chat with them; they may comment critically on the way that the travellers walk; or they may discuss questions about the road, how it can exist at all or lead anywhere, what might be seen from different points along it, and so forth; but they are onlookers, and their problems are theoretical only.
The travellers, by contrast, face problems which, though they have their theoretical angle, are essentially practical - problems of the 'which-way-to-go' and 'how-to-make-it' type, problems which call not merely for comprehension but for decision and action too.
Balconeers and travellers may think over the same area, yet their problems differ. Thus (for instance) in relation to evil, the balconeer's problem is to find a theoretical explanation of how evil can consist with God's sovereignty and goodness, but the traveller's problem is how to master evil and bring good out of it.
Or again, in relation to sin, the balconeer asks whether racial sinfulness and personal perversity are really credible, while the traveller, knowing sin from within, asks what hope there is of deliverance.
Or take the problem of the Godhead; while the balconeer is asking how one God can conceivably be three, what sort of unity three could have, and how three who make one can be persons, the traveller wants to know how to show proper honour, love and trust towards the three persons who are now together at work to bring him out of sin to glory. And so we might go on.
Now this is a book for travellers, and it is with travellers' questions that it deals.
- J. I. Packer, Knowing God
links: knowing about vs knowing (2 sep 09), even more on knowing about vs knowing (9 sep 09)
Friday 4 September 2009
I Offer My Life
All that I am
All that I have
I lay them down before You, O Lord
All my regrets
All my acclaim
The joy and the pain, I'm making them Yours
Lord, I offer my life to You
Everything I've been through
Use it for Your glory
Lord, I offer my days to You
Lifting my praise to You
As a pleasing sacrifice
Lord, I offer You my life
Things in the past
Things yet unseen
Wishes and dreams that are yet to come true
All of my hopes
All of my plans
My heart and my hands are lifted to You
Lord, I offer my life to You
Everything I've been through
Use it for Your glory
Lord, I offer my days to You
Lifting my praise to You
As a pleasing sacrifice
Lord, I offer You my life
What can we give that You have not given?
What do we have that is not already Yours?
All we possess are these lives that we're living
And that's what we give to You, Lord
Lord, I offer my life to You
Everything I've been through
Use it for Your glory
Lord, I offer my days to You
Lifting my praise to You
As a pleasing sacrifice
Lord, I offer You my life
Lord, I offer my life to You
Everything I've been through
Use it for Your glory
Lord, I offer my days to You
Lifting my praise to You
As a pleasing sacrifice
Lord, I offer You my life
Lord, I offer You my life
Lord, I offer You my life
*****
"Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God - this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will." - Romans 12:1-2 (NIV)
Things in the past
Things yet unseen
Wishes and dreams that are yet to come true
All of my hopes
All of my plans
My heart and my hands are lifted to You
i must say that this verse of the song particularly speaks to me. i'm in a season of my life when several things are up in the air. from a human perspective, they could go either way. from a divine perspective, God - in His unsearchable wisdom - has sovereignly decreed from eternity how they will unfold in the course of time.
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say
It is well, it is well with my soul
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)
All that I have
I lay them down before You, O Lord
All my regrets
All my acclaim
The joy and the pain, I'm making them Yours
Lord, I offer my life to You
Everything I've been through
Use it for Your glory
Lord, I offer my days to You
Lifting my praise to You
As a pleasing sacrifice
Lord, I offer You my life
Things in the past
Things yet unseen
Wishes and dreams that are yet to come true
All of my hopes
All of my plans
My heart and my hands are lifted to You
Lord, I offer my life to You
Everything I've been through
Use it for Your glory
Lord, I offer my days to You
Lifting my praise to You
As a pleasing sacrifice
Lord, I offer You my life
What can we give that You have not given?
What do we have that is not already Yours?
All we possess are these lives that we're living
And that's what we give to You, Lord
Lord, I offer my life to You
Everything I've been through
Use it for Your glory
Lord, I offer my days to You
Lifting my praise to You
As a pleasing sacrifice
Lord, I offer You my life
Lord, I offer my life to You
Everything I've been through
Use it for Your glory
Lord, I offer my days to You
Lifting my praise to You
As a pleasing sacrifice
Lord, I offer You my life
Lord, I offer You my life
Lord, I offer You my life
*****
"Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God - this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will." - Romans 12:1-2 (NIV)
Things in the past
Things yet unseen
Wishes and dreams that are yet to come true
All of my hopes
All of my plans
My heart and my hands are lifted to You
i must say that this verse of the song particularly speaks to me. i'm in a season of my life when several things are up in the air. from a human perspective, they could go either way. from a divine perspective, God - in His unsearchable wisdom - has sovereignly decreed from eternity how they will unfold in the course of time.
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say
It is well, it is well with my soul
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)
Wednesday 2 September 2009
going beyond the classroom
To the four recipients of this year's President's Award for Teachers, being a teacher is more than just imparting knowledge.
At Anglo-Chinese Primary School, Mr Terry Tan, 51, writes his own games to pique his students' interest in Mathematics.
"Students nowadays are IT savvy so it's difficult for teachers to continue to use traditional methods (of teaching)," said Mr Tan, who describes himself as being a "second parent".
One of his fondest memories is of a gifted education student who, at Primary 5, sat for O-Level Mathematics and scored a distinction. Mr Tan had walked into class to see that boy chasing another with a chair. "He had problems with his classmates. He was very good in the subject, but lacking in social skills." After months of counselling, he turned into "quite a gentleman".
Ms Sharon Ann Cardoza, the subject head for Pupil Development at Farrer Park Primary School, recalled a troubled student who was often listless in class.
His mother had lost her job, so they had to go without food.
"Because he lives near my area, we went to the grocery shop and bought some basic necessities. He was very relieved," she said.
She also ferried the student to and from school after he fractured his leg and tutored him after class.
The other two recipients are Ms Lucy Oliver Fernandez from Catholic High School, and Mdm Wong Lai Fong from Anderson Secondary School.
About 9000 nominations for the award were received this year, a record since it was introduced in 1998.
- TODAY, 2 Sep 09
this article brings back fond memories of my anglo-chinese primary school (acps) days. mr terry tan was my first chess coach in the acps chess club from 1995 to 1998 and i owe a lot to him. we used to train from 7.30am to 12.30pm every sat during term time, more during the school holidays. ironically, he never taught me mathematics.
[in those days, singapore did not have any professional local chess coaches, let alone internationally-titled foreign chess trainers (ie. international masters and grandmasters). the teacher-in-charge of your school chess club was your chess coach by default, whether he or she knew the rules of the game. of course, times have changed.]
it is unfortunate that within the civil service, the ministry of education has one of the highest (if not the highest) turnover rates of staff. being a teacher is a noble profession (alongside being a prison officer haha) which is crucial in moulding the future of our nation.
going upstream
speaking of being a prison officer, we try our best to rehabilitate and reintegrate individuals downstream. however, there is only so much that we can do without going upstream.
it was significant that at a recent inter-ministry course (developments in public policy seminar) where we discussed the challenges facing singapore on the horizon, most of the solutions offered centred on education. citizens not friendly towards citizens of other races? educate them. citizens not tolerant towards citizens of other religions? educate them. citizens not welcoming towards foreigners of other nationalities? educate them.
of course, we can and should go even further upstream by focusing on the family, but that's for another time.
happy (belated) teachers' day!
At Anglo-Chinese Primary School, Mr Terry Tan, 51, writes his own games to pique his students' interest in Mathematics.
"Students nowadays are IT savvy so it's difficult for teachers to continue to use traditional methods (of teaching)," said Mr Tan, who describes himself as being a "second parent".
One of his fondest memories is of a gifted education student who, at Primary 5, sat for O-Level Mathematics and scored a distinction. Mr Tan had walked into class to see that boy chasing another with a chair. "He had problems with his classmates. He was very good in the subject, but lacking in social skills." After months of counselling, he turned into "quite a gentleman".
Ms Sharon Ann Cardoza, the subject head for Pupil Development at Farrer Park Primary School, recalled a troubled student who was often listless in class.
His mother had lost her job, so they had to go without food.
"Because he lives near my area, we went to the grocery shop and bought some basic necessities. He was very relieved," she said.
She also ferried the student to and from school after he fractured his leg and tutored him after class.
The other two recipients are Ms Lucy Oliver Fernandez from Catholic High School, and Mdm Wong Lai Fong from Anderson Secondary School.
About 9000 nominations for the award were received this year, a record since it was introduced in 1998.
- TODAY, 2 Sep 09
this article brings back fond memories of my anglo-chinese primary school (acps) days. mr terry tan was my first chess coach in the acps chess club from 1995 to 1998 and i owe a lot to him. we used to train from 7.30am to 12.30pm every sat during term time, more during the school holidays. ironically, he never taught me mathematics.
[in those days, singapore did not have any professional local chess coaches, let alone internationally-titled foreign chess trainers (ie. international masters and grandmasters). the teacher-in-charge of your school chess club was your chess coach by default, whether he or she knew the rules of the game. of course, times have changed.]
it is unfortunate that within the civil service, the ministry of education has one of the highest (if not the highest) turnover rates of staff. being a teacher is a noble profession (alongside being a prison officer haha) which is crucial in moulding the future of our nation.
going upstream
speaking of being a prison officer, we try our best to rehabilitate and reintegrate individuals downstream. however, there is only so much that we can do without going upstream.
it was significant that at a recent inter-ministry course (developments in public policy seminar) where we discussed the challenges facing singapore on the horizon, most of the solutions offered centred on education. citizens not friendly towards citizens of other races? educate them. citizens not tolerant towards citizens of other religions? educate them. citizens not welcoming towards foreigners of other nationalities? educate them.
of course, we can and should go even further upstream by focusing on the family, but that's for another time.
happy (belated) teachers' day!
knowing about vs knowing
The completeness of God's knowledge is often referred to as His omniscience. By claiming that God is omniscient, theists typically mean to say that:
1. God has all propositional knowledge.
2. God has perfect acquaintance with all things.
Propositional knowledge is, simply put, knowledge that can be expressed by indicative sentences or "that-clauses": God knows that football and philosophy are two active enterprises at Notre Dame; God knows that the earth is the third planet from the sun; God knows that 2 + 2 = 4; God knows that equality is a transitive relation; and so forth. Following a number of their medieval predecessors (who wrote in Latin), philosophers often refer to this as knowledge de dicto.
In ordinary language we sometimes distinguish between having knowledge about an object or person and more directly knowing that thing or person. I may have a great deal of knowledge about guitarist Eric Clapton without its being true that I know him. I may know about Paris from reading many descriptions and histories of that city. But ordinarily, I can't be said to know Paris unless I have been there to establish intimate firsthand acquaintance with its many delights. The firsthand intimacy of knowledge by acquaintance is often referred to by philosophers as knowledge de re.
The extent of God's omniscience includes absolute completeness in both knowledge de dicto and knowledge de re.
- T. V. Morris, Omnipotence and Omniscience
from God's perspective, He both knows about us and knows us. from our perspective, it is one thing to know about God and another thing to know God.
links: more on knowing about vs knowing (5 sep 09), even more on knowing about vs knowing (9 sep 09)
1. God has all propositional knowledge.
2. God has perfect acquaintance with all things.
Propositional knowledge is, simply put, knowledge that can be expressed by indicative sentences or "that-clauses": God knows that football and philosophy are two active enterprises at Notre Dame; God knows that the earth is the third planet from the sun; God knows that 2 + 2 = 4; God knows that equality is a transitive relation; and so forth. Following a number of their medieval predecessors (who wrote in Latin), philosophers often refer to this as knowledge de dicto.
In ordinary language we sometimes distinguish between having knowledge about an object or person and more directly knowing that thing or person. I may have a great deal of knowledge about guitarist Eric Clapton without its being true that I know him. I may know about Paris from reading many descriptions and histories of that city. But ordinarily, I can't be said to know Paris unless I have been there to establish intimate firsthand acquaintance with its many delights. The firsthand intimacy of knowledge by acquaintance is often referred to by philosophers as knowledge de re.
The extent of God's omniscience includes absolute completeness in both knowledge de dicto and knowledge de re.
- T. V. Morris, Omnipotence and Omniscience
from God's perspective, He both knows about us and knows us. from our perspective, it is one thing to know about God and another thing to know God.
links: more on knowing about vs knowing (5 sep 09), even more on knowing about vs knowing (9 sep 09)
Tuesday 1 September 2009
not by works of the law
What, then, is Paul attacking under the label 'works of the law'?
Not, we must insist, what one might call proto-Pelagianism, the belief that one must earn one's justification and salvation by unaided good works. (Of course, had Paul met Pelagians, real or proto-, he would have given them short shrift. But there is no evidence that he did.)
Nor, we note, is he attacking the idea that true religion is about outward observances rather than inward attitudes. That caricature of Paul has become so popular that Paul is still sometimes criticised as though he had anticipated Luther, or even Kant...
Rather, Paul is denying that the basic biblical commands, which in his day were the most obvious defining marks of Israel over against the nations, are of any continuing relevance in defining the true people of God, the people in and for whom the promises of Deuteronomy, and for that matter the promises to Abraham, were now coming true.
We should note in the same breath, of course, that for Paul the basis of this critique of 'the works of Torah' is not that the Torah, or its commands, were evil, stupid, wrong-headed, demonic, or any of the myriad other things that Paul has been thought to say about the law (often by those in the Reformation or Enlightenment tradition who wanted him to say such things about 'law' in general, about medieval catholic superstitions, or whatever).
Rather, the basis for the critique is eschatological. Torah has done its primary job, a job designed for the period before the time when Deuteronomy 30 would be fulfilled. Now, in the new age ushered in by Jesus' death and resurrection, Torah is relativised, and in particular is of no use, as it stands, when it comes to defining the eschatological people of God.
- N. T. Wright, 4QMMT and Paul: Justification, 'Works' and Eschatology
just because justification is not by works of the law does not mean that the law is bad. indeed, the law is good - 'through the law we become conscious of sin' (Romans 3:20b, NIV) and our need for a Saviour.
justification is not by works of the law not because the law is bad (or because 'works' are bad), but because the whole point of the law is to 'lead us to Christ that we might be justified by faith' (Galatians 3:24, NIV) - faith in the sinless life, the substitutionary death and the bodily resurrection of Christ.
"That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. As the Scripture says, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame." For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile - the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."" - Romans 10:9-13 (NIV)
Not, we must insist, what one might call proto-Pelagianism, the belief that one must earn one's justification and salvation by unaided good works. (Of course, had Paul met Pelagians, real or proto-, he would have given them short shrift. But there is no evidence that he did.)
Nor, we note, is he attacking the idea that true religion is about outward observances rather than inward attitudes. That caricature of Paul has become so popular that Paul is still sometimes criticised as though he had anticipated Luther, or even Kant...
Rather, Paul is denying that the basic biblical commands, which in his day were the most obvious defining marks of Israel over against the nations, are of any continuing relevance in defining the true people of God, the people in and for whom the promises of Deuteronomy, and for that matter the promises to Abraham, were now coming true.
We should note in the same breath, of course, that for Paul the basis of this critique of 'the works of Torah' is not that the Torah, or its commands, were evil, stupid, wrong-headed, demonic, or any of the myriad other things that Paul has been thought to say about the law (often by those in the Reformation or Enlightenment tradition who wanted him to say such things about 'law' in general, about medieval catholic superstitions, or whatever).
Rather, the basis for the critique is eschatological. Torah has done its primary job, a job designed for the period before the time when Deuteronomy 30 would be fulfilled. Now, in the new age ushered in by Jesus' death and resurrection, Torah is relativised, and in particular is of no use, as it stands, when it comes to defining the eschatological people of God.
- N. T. Wright, 4QMMT and Paul: Justification, 'Works' and Eschatology
just because justification is not by works of the law does not mean that the law is bad. indeed, the law is good - 'through the law we become conscious of sin' (Romans 3:20b, NIV) and our need for a Saviour.
justification is not by works of the law not because the law is bad (or because 'works' are bad), but because the whole point of the law is to 'lead us to Christ that we might be justified by faith' (Galatians 3:24, NIV) - faith in the sinless life, the substitutionary death and the bodily resurrection of Christ.
"That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. As the Scripture says, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame." For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile - the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."" - Romans 10:9-13 (NIV)
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