The Wisdom of Jesus Son of God
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
- Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV)
The Wisdom of Jesus Son of Sirach
Draw near to me, you who are uneducated, and lodge in the house of instruction. Why do you say you are lacking in these things, and why do you endure such great thirst? I opened my mouth and said, Acquire wisdom for yourselves without money.
Put your neck under her yoke, and let your souls receive instruction; it is to be found close by.
See with your own eyes that I have laboured but little and found for myself such serenity. Hear but a little of my instruction, and through me you will acquire silver and gold.
May your soul rejoice in God's mercy, and may you never be ashamed to praise him. Do your work in good time, and in his own time God will give you your reward.
- Sirach 51:23-30 (NRSV Apocrypha)
Friday 30 October 2009
Thursday 29 October 2009
Great is Thy Faithfulness
"Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him." - Job 13:15a (NIV)
"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me." - Psalm 23:4 (NIV)
"Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Saviour. The Sovereign LORD is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights." - Habakkuk 3:17-19 (NIV)
Dee Jepsen Life Story
It's exciting to know that once God has from us what He desires, that willingness to walk out His plan for our lives, that He is sovereign, master over the circumstances in our lives. He can bring things together to work out precisely the way He desires, if He has from us that willing heart.
- Dee Jepsen, Dee Jepsen Life Story
Women in Society: The Challenge and the Call
As I worked with a wide variety of women, I began to notice something. It was clear that many of the women I talked to had been seriously mistreated. Some of them had faced great injustice in their lives. It was hardly surprising that they felt angry and bitter. Certainly, it was important to seek justice for them. Yet I noticed that these women had a problem whose roots went far deeper than discrimination. Even if they were given justice, they would still be left with the problem of their own anger and resentment, with their dissatisfaction with life.
- Dee Jepsen, Women in Society: The Challenge and the Call in John Piper and Wayne Grudem (eds.), Recovering Biblical Manhood and Womanhood
As I was reading Proverbs 14 before going to sleep last night, I was reminded that bitterness is an attitude, not a state of affairs. It is a choice, not a circumstance. It is a sentiment, not a situation.
"Each heart knows its own bitterness, and no one else can share its joy." - Proverbs 14:10 (NIV)
"A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones." - Proverbs 14:30 (NIV)
"See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many." - Hebrews 12:15 (NIV)
After reading Proverbs 14 last night, what should today's Bible in One Year Old Testament reading be but Lamentations 2:7 to 3:39...
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)
Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father
There is no shadow of turning with Thee
Thou changest not; Thy compassions, they fail not
As Thou hast been, Thou forever will be
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!
"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me." - Psalm 23:4 (NIV)
"Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Saviour. The Sovereign LORD is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights." - Habakkuk 3:17-19 (NIV)
Dee Jepsen Life Story
It's exciting to know that once God has from us what He desires, that willingness to walk out His plan for our lives, that He is sovereign, master over the circumstances in our lives. He can bring things together to work out precisely the way He desires, if He has from us that willing heart.
- Dee Jepsen, Dee Jepsen Life Story
Women in Society: The Challenge and the Call
As I worked with a wide variety of women, I began to notice something. It was clear that many of the women I talked to had been seriously mistreated. Some of them had faced great injustice in their lives. It was hardly surprising that they felt angry and bitter. Certainly, it was important to seek justice for them. Yet I noticed that these women had a problem whose roots went far deeper than discrimination. Even if they were given justice, they would still be left with the problem of their own anger and resentment, with their dissatisfaction with life.
- Dee Jepsen, Women in Society: The Challenge and the Call in John Piper and Wayne Grudem (eds.), Recovering Biblical Manhood and Womanhood
As I was reading Proverbs 14 before going to sleep last night, I was reminded that bitterness is an attitude, not a state of affairs. It is a choice, not a circumstance. It is a sentiment, not a situation.
"Each heart knows its own bitterness, and no one else can share its joy." - Proverbs 14:10 (NIV)
"A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones." - Proverbs 14:30 (NIV)
"See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many." - Hebrews 12:15 (NIV)
After reading Proverbs 14 last night, what should today's Bible in One Year Old Testament reading be but Lamentations 2:7 to 3:39...
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)
Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father
There is no shadow of turning with Thee
Thou changest not; Thy compassions, they fail not
As Thou hast been, Thou forever will be
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!
Monday 26 October 2009
Preparing for the Kingdom
The clocks went back an hour yesterday, officially marking the end of British summer time. Meanwhile, the days are getting shorter and the nights are getting longer. It now starts to get dark before 5pm. In a few weeks, it will start to get dark before 4pm. This reminds me of John 9:4-5:
"As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. While I am in the world, I am the light of the world." - John 9:4-5 (NIV)
Of course, this verse is not about working in the day as opposed to working at night, but about preparing for the kingdom while there is still time. Like Noah, we only have a certain amount of time to prepare for the kingdom before '[our] work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each [of our] work' (1 Corinthians 3:13, NIV).
[Noah's work was revealed with water. Our work will be revealed with fire.]
Incidentally, yesterday evening's message at York Baptist Church was on the rich ruler (Luke 18:18-25) and preparing for the kingdom.
The Rich Ruler
A certain ruler asked him, "Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?"
"Why do you call me good?" Jesus answered. "No one is good - except God alone. You know the commandments: 'Do not commit adultery, do not murder, do not steal, do not give false testimony, honour your father and mother.'"
"All these I have kept since I was a boy," he said.
When Jesus heard this, he said to him, "You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me."
When he heard this, he became very sad, because he was a man of great wealth. Jesus looked at him and said, "How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God! Indeed, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God."
- Luke 18:18-25 (NIV)
To be sure, recognising the need to do good works is not the path of salvation. However, it is the precondition of salvation in the sense that accepting common grace (general revelation) is a necessary but not a sufficient condition for accepting saving grace (special revelation).
It is possible to recognise the need to do good works without being saved, but it is not possible to be saved without recognising the need to do good works. In other words, recognising the need to do good works is a form of common grace. It is a necessary but not a sufficient condition for saving grace.
[Recognising the need to do good works is not the same as doing good works. We can be saved - in fact, we are saved - without doing good works. However, we cannot be saved without recognising the need to do good works. More precisely, we cannot be saved without recognising the need to do good works - but that we are unable to do them apart from Christ.]
Indeed, the Law is a form of common grace.
Firstly, the Law is a form of common grace in the sense that the Law makes us conscious of our sin.
"Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God. Therefore no one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin." - Romans 3:19-20 (NIV)
Secondly, the Law is a form of common grace in the sense that the Law restrains our sin.
"Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; but blessed is he who keeps the law." - Proverbs 29:18 (NIV)
Thirdly, the Law is a form of common grace in the sense that the Law (the Old Covenant) points towards and is ultimately fulfilled in the saving grace of Christ (the New Covenant).
"He [Jesus] said to them [the disciples], "This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms." Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. He told them, "This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high."" - Luke 24:44-49 (NIV)
"As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. While I am in the world, I am the light of the world." - John 9:4-5 (NIV)
Of course, this verse is not about working in the day as opposed to working at night, but about preparing for the kingdom while there is still time. Like Noah, we only have a certain amount of time to prepare for the kingdom before '[our] work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each [of our] work' (1 Corinthians 3:13, NIV).
[Noah's work was revealed with water. Our work will be revealed with fire.]
Incidentally, yesterday evening's message at York Baptist Church was on the rich ruler (Luke 18:18-25) and preparing for the kingdom.
The Rich Ruler
A certain ruler asked him, "Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?"
"Why do you call me good?" Jesus answered. "No one is good - except God alone. You know the commandments: 'Do not commit adultery, do not murder, do not steal, do not give false testimony, honour your father and mother.'"
"All these I have kept since I was a boy," he said.
When Jesus heard this, he said to him, "You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me."
When he heard this, he became very sad, because he was a man of great wealth. Jesus looked at him and said, "How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God! Indeed, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God."
- Luke 18:18-25 (NIV)
To be sure, recognising the need to do good works is not the path of salvation. However, it is the precondition of salvation in the sense that accepting common grace (general revelation) is a necessary but not a sufficient condition for accepting saving grace (special revelation).
It is possible to recognise the need to do good works without being saved, but it is not possible to be saved without recognising the need to do good works. In other words, recognising the need to do good works is a form of common grace. It is a necessary but not a sufficient condition for saving grace.
[Recognising the need to do good works is not the same as doing good works. We can be saved - in fact, we are saved - without doing good works. However, we cannot be saved without recognising the need to do good works. More precisely, we cannot be saved without recognising the need to do good works - but that we are unable to do them apart from Christ.]
Indeed, the Law is a form of common grace.
Firstly, the Law is a form of common grace in the sense that the Law makes us conscious of our sin.
"Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God. Therefore no one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin." - Romans 3:19-20 (NIV)
Secondly, the Law is a form of common grace in the sense that the Law restrains our sin.
"Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; but blessed is he who keeps the law." - Proverbs 29:18 (NIV)
Thirdly, the Law is a form of common grace in the sense that the Law (the Old Covenant) points towards and is ultimately fulfilled in the saving grace of Christ (the New Covenant).
"He [Jesus] said to them [the disciples], "This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms." Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. He told them, "This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high."" - Luke 24:44-49 (NIV)
Wednesday 21 October 2009
A Hunger for God
"Let not our longing slay the appetite of our living." - Jim Elliot
The Weight of Glory
If we consider the unblushing promises of reward and the staggering nature of the rewards promised in the Gospels, it would seem that Our Lord finds our desires not too strong, but too weak. We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased.
- C. S. Lewis, The Weight of Glory
The Weight of Glory
If we consider the unblushing promises of reward and the staggering nature of the rewards promised in the Gospels, it would seem that Our Lord finds our desires not too strong, but too weak. We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased.
- C. S. Lewis, The Weight of Glory
Tuesday 20 October 2009
Wait Patiently
My heart is not proud, O LORD, my eyes are not haughty; I do not concern myself with great matters or things too wonderful for me.
But I have stilled and quieted my soul; like a weaned child with its mother, like a weaned child is my soul within me.
O Israel, put your hope in the LORD both now and forevermore.
- Psalm 131 (NIV)
Links: Houseparty 2010 (2 Feb 10), Waiting Quietly (10 Jul 10)
But I have stilled and quieted my soul; like a weaned child with its mother, like a weaned child is my soul within me.
O Israel, put your hope in the LORD both now and forevermore.
- Psalm 131 (NIV)
Links: Houseparty 2010 (2 Feb 10), Waiting Quietly (10 Jul 10)
Monday 19 October 2009
Further Reflections
I have received many words (and verses!) of encouragement in response to my Masters Update and I thank God for each of them. Together, they have helped to shape these further reflections.
Firstly, God is sovereign.
"In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps." - Proverbs 16:9 (NIV)
"Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails." - Proverbs 19:21 (NIV)
Secondly, God has planned something better.
"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)
"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)
Thirdly, it is God's timing for me to return to Singapore.
During my national service from Jan 05 to Nov 06, I spent most of my time hoping that I could disrupt from national service and come to York in Oct 05, or at least Oct 06. But looking back, Oct 07 was exactly the right time for me to come to York. Going mysteriously forward, I trust that Jul 10 will be exactly the right time for me to return to Singapore.
The best is yet to be!
All things work for our good
Though sometimes we can't see how they could
Struggles that break our hearts in two
Sometimes blind us to the truth
Our Father knows what's best for us
His ways are not our own
So when your pathway grows dim
And you just can't see Him
Remember you're never alone
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
Links: Masters Update (8 Oct 09), Father, although I cannot see the future You have planned (11 Oct 09)
Firstly, God is sovereign.
"In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps." - Proverbs 16:9 (NIV)
"Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails." - Proverbs 19:21 (NIV)
Secondly, God has planned something better.
"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)
"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)
Thirdly, it is God's timing for me to return to Singapore.
During my national service from Jan 05 to Nov 06, I spent most of my time hoping that I could disrupt from national service and come to York in Oct 05, or at least Oct 06. But looking back, Oct 07 was exactly the right time for me to come to York. Going mysteriously forward, I trust that Jul 10 will be exactly the right time for me to return to Singapore.
The best is yet to be!
All things work for our good
Though sometimes we can't see how they could
Struggles that break our hearts in two
Sometimes blind us to the truth
Our Father knows what's best for us
His ways are not our own
So when your pathway grows dim
And you just can't see Him
Remember you're never alone
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
Links: Masters Update (8 Oct 09), Father, although I cannot see the future You have planned (11 Oct 09)
Sunday 18 October 2009
God Moves in a Mysterious Way
God moves in a mysterious way
His wonders to perform
He plants His footsteps in the sea
And rides upon the storm
Deep in unfathomable mines
Of never-failing skill
He treasures up His bright designs
And works His sovereign will
Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take
The clouds ye so much dread
Are big with mercy and shall break
In blessings on your head
Judge not the Lord by feeble sense
But trust Him for His grace
Behind a frowning providence
He hides a smiling face
His purposes will ripen fast
Unfolding every hour
The bud may have a bitter taste
But sweet will be the flower
Blind unbelief is sure to err
And scan His work in vain
God is His own interpreter
And He will make it plain
Link: God's Good Purposes (11 Jan 10)
His wonders to perform
He plants His footsteps in the sea
And rides upon the storm
Deep in unfathomable mines
Of never-failing skill
He treasures up His bright designs
And works His sovereign will
Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take
The clouds ye so much dread
Are big with mercy and shall break
In blessings on your head
Judge not the Lord by feeble sense
But trust Him for His grace
Behind a frowning providence
He hides a smiling face
His purposes will ripen fast
Unfolding every hour
The bud may have a bitter taste
But sweet will be the flower
Blind unbelief is sure to err
And scan His work in vain
God is His own interpreter
And He will make it plain
Link: God's Good Purposes (11 Jan 10)
Friday 16 October 2009
Why are you so down?
As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God? My tears have been my food day and night, while men say to me all day long, "Where is your God?" These things I remember as I pour out my soul: how I used to go with the multitude, leading the procession to the house of God, with shouts of joy and thanksgiving among the festive throng.
Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Saviour and my God...
Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Saviour and my God.
- Psalm 42:1-6, 11 (NIV)
Idols of the Heart
Talking to myself I inquired, "Why are you so down?" I discovered that it was clearly because of ___. Pondering why ___ had such an impact upon me, I came to the realisation that ___ had become an idol in my life. An idol is someone or something that one looks to meet the thirsts of the heart. There was nothing wrong with ___, but I needed to get my heart right with God.
The Lord drew my attention to 1 Corinthians 10:14, which contains the command to "flee from idolatry".
- Bill Thrasher, Believing God for His Best
As I was reading Believing God for His Best again last night, it struck me for the first time that 1 Corinthians 10:14 is founded on 1 Corinthians 10:13 (one of my favourite verses).
In philosophy, a conclusion is founded on its premises. In theology, a command is founded on its promises!
1 Corinthians
The command to 'flee from idolatry' (1 Corinthians 10:14, NIV) is founded on the promises that:
1. No temptation has seized us except what is common to man.
2. God is faithful; He will not let us be tempted beyond what we can bear.
3. When we are tempted, God will also provide a way out so that we can stand up under it.
"No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it." - 1 Corinthians 10:13 (NIV)
"Therefore, my dear friends, flee from idolatry." - 1 Corinthians 10:14 (NIV)
2 Corinthians
Likewise, the command to boast in the Lord (2 Corinthians 12:9b) is founded on the assurance that His grace is sufficient for us (2 Corinthians 12:9a).
"But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."" - 2 Corinthians 12:9a (NIV)
"Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me." - 2 Corinthians 12:9b (NIV)
Romans
Again, the command to 'offer [our] bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God' (Romans 12:1, NIV) is founded on the vision of Romans 1 to 11.
"Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! "Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counsellor?" "Who has ever given to God, that God should repay him?" For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen." - Romans 11:33-36 (NIV)
"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)
Hebrews
Finally, the command to 'throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and run with perseverance the race marked out for us' (Hebrews 12:1, NIV) is founded on the faithfulness of Christ (Hebrews 1 to 10) and our forefathers (Hebrews 11).
"These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised. God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect." - Hebrews 11:39-40 (NIV)
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." - Hebrews 12:1-3 (NIV)
Links: no other gods (7 Feb 10), Hope in God (11 May 10)
Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Saviour and my God...
Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Saviour and my God.
- Psalm 42:1-6, 11 (NIV)
Idols of the Heart
Talking to myself I inquired, "Why are you so down?" I discovered that it was clearly because of ___. Pondering why ___ had such an impact upon me, I came to the realisation that ___ had become an idol in my life. An idol is someone or something that one looks to meet the thirsts of the heart. There was nothing wrong with ___, but I needed to get my heart right with God.
The Lord drew my attention to 1 Corinthians 10:14, which contains the command to "flee from idolatry".
- Bill Thrasher, Believing God for His Best
As I was reading Believing God for His Best again last night, it struck me for the first time that 1 Corinthians 10:14 is founded on 1 Corinthians 10:13 (one of my favourite verses).
In philosophy, a conclusion is founded on its premises. In theology, a command is founded on its promises!
1 Corinthians
The command to 'flee from idolatry' (1 Corinthians 10:14, NIV) is founded on the promises that:
1. No temptation has seized us except what is common to man.
2. God is faithful; He will not let us be tempted beyond what we can bear.
3. When we are tempted, God will also provide a way out so that we can stand up under it.
"No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it." - 1 Corinthians 10:13 (NIV)
"Therefore, my dear friends, flee from idolatry." - 1 Corinthians 10:14 (NIV)
2 Corinthians
Likewise, the command to boast in the Lord (2 Corinthians 12:9b) is founded on the assurance that His grace is sufficient for us (2 Corinthians 12:9a).
"But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."" - 2 Corinthians 12:9a (NIV)
"Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me." - 2 Corinthians 12:9b (NIV)
Romans
Again, the command to 'offer [our] bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God' (Romans 12:1, NIV) is founded on the vision of Romans 1 to 11.
"Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! "Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counsellor?" "Who has ever given to God, that God should repay him?" For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen." - Romans 11:33-36 (NIV)
"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)
Hebrews
Finally, the command to 'throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and run with perseverance the race marked out for us' (Hebrews 12:1, NIV) is founded on the faithfulness of Christ (Hebrews 1 to 10) and our forefathers (Hebrews 11).
"These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised. God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect." - Hebrews 11:39-40 (NIV)
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." - Hebrews 12:1-3 (NIV)
Links: no other gods (7 Feb 10), Hope in God (11 May 10)
Thursday 15 October 2009
God Only Wise
God Dealing with His People
Young Joseph's brothers sold him into slavery in Egypt where, traduced by Potiphar's venomous wife, he was imprisoned, though afterwards he rose to eminence. For what purpose did God in his wisdom plan that? So far as Joseph personally was concerned, the answer is given in Psalm 105:19 (KJV) - 'the word of the Lord tried him.'
Joseph was being tested, refined, and matured; he was being taught during his spell as a slave, and in prison, to stay himself upon God, to keep cheerful and charitable in frustrating circumstances, and to wait patiently for the Lord. God uses sustained hardship to teach these lessons very frequently. So far as the life of God's people was concerned, Joseph himself gave the answer to our question when he revealed his identity to his distracted brothers. 'But God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance. So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God...' (45:7).
Joseph's theology was as sound as his charity was deep. Once again, we are confronted with the wisdom of God ordering the events of a human life for a double purpose: the individual's own personal sanctification, and the fulfilling of his appointed ministry and service in the life of the people of God. And in the life of Joseph, as in that of Abraham and of Jacob, we see that double purpose triumphantly fulfilled.
Our Perplexing Trials
These things are written for our learning: for the same wisdom which ordered the paths which God's saints trod in Bible times orders the Christian's life today. We should not, therefore, be too taken aback when unexpected and upsetting and discouraging things happen to us now. What do they mean? Why, simply that God in his wisdom means to make something of us which we have not attained yet, and is dealing with us accordingly.
- J. I. Packer, Knowing God
"Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! "Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counsellor?" "Who has ever given to God, that God should repay him?" For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen." - Romans 11:33-36 (NIV)
Young Joseph's brothers sold him into slavery in Egypt where, traduced by Potiphar's venomous wife, he was imprisoned, though afterwards he rose to eminence. For what purpose did God in his wisdom plan that? So far as Joseph personally was concerned, the answer is given in Psalm 105:19 (KJV) - 'the word of the Lord tried him.'
Joseph was being tested, refined, and matured; he was being taught during his spell as a slave, and in prison, to stay himself upon God, to keep cheerful and charitable in frustrating circumstances, and to wait patiently for the Lord. God uses sustained hardship to teach these lessons very frequently. So far as the life of God's people was concerned, Joseph himself gave the answer to our question when he revealed his identity to his distracted brothers. 'But God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance. So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God...' (45:7).
Joseph's theology was as sound as his charity was deep. Once again, we are confronted with the wisdom of God ordering the events of a human life for a double purpose: the individual's own personal sanctification, and the fulfilling of his appointed ministry and service in the life of the people of God. And in the life of Joseph, as in that of Abraham and of Jacob, we see that double purpose triumphantly fulfilled.
Our Perplexing Trials
These things are written for our learning: for the same wisdom which ordered the paths which God's saints trod in Bible times orders the Christian's life today. We should not, therefore, be too taken aback when unexpected and upsetting and discouraging things happen to us now. What do they mean? Why, simply that God in his wisdom means to make something of us which we have not attained yet, and is dealing with us accordingly.
- J. I. Packer, Knowing God
"Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! "Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counsellor?" "Who has ever given to God, that God should repay him?" For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen." - Romans 11:33-36 (NIV)
Sunday 11 October 2009
Father, although I cannot see the future You have planned
Three days after receiving the news that my application for Masters funding has been unsuccessful, what should York Baptist Church (the church I attend in York) start on but a series of sermons on the story of Joseph (Genesis 37 to 50). This is not coincidence, but providence!
Hearing God's Voice
Joseph learned you shouldn't draw conclusions about God's will for your life until the last chapter is written. He endured years of suffering at the hands of his brothers, his Egyptian masters, and his jailers until finally he was made a powerful leader in Egypt, second only to Pharaoh himself. He was influential in saving the lives of thousands of people. Only then could he fully see God's divine plan and realise he had been in the centre of God's will all the time.
- Henry and Richard Blackaby, Hearing God's Voice
Indeed, the story of Joseph is not only about God's will for the life of Joseph as an individual (although it is about that), but also about God working in and through His servant Joseph to accomplish His purposes in the fullness of time.
"By faith Joseph, when his end was near, spoke about the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt and gave instructions about his bones." - Hebrews 11:22 (NIV)
"These [including Joseph] were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised. God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect." - Hebrews 11:39-40 (NIV)
In the words of one of the closing hymns at the end of the service,
Father, although I cannot see the future You have planned
And though the path is sometimes dark and hard to understand
Yet give me faith, through joy and pain, to trace Your loving hand
When I recall that in the past Your promises have stood
Through each perplexing circumstance and every changing mood
I rest content that all things work together for my good
Whatever, then, the future brings of good or seeming ill
I ask for strength to follow You and grace to trust You still
And I would look for no reward, except to do Your will
Links: Masters Update (8 Oct 09), Further Reflections (19 Oct 09)
Hearing God's Voice
Joseph learned you shouldn't draw conclusions about God's will for your life until the last chapter is written. He endured years of suffering at the hands of his brothers, his Egyptian masters, and his jailers until finally he was made a powerful leader in Egypt, second only to Pharaoh himself. He was influential in saving the lives of thousands of people. Only then could he fully see God's divine plan and realise he had been in the centre of God's will all the time.
- Henry and Richard Blackaby, Hearing God's Voice
Indeed, the story of Joseph is not only about God's will for the life of Joseph as an individual (although it is about that), but also about God working in and through His servant Joseph to accomplish His purposes in the fullness of time.
"By faith Joseph, when his end was near, spoke about the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt and gave instructions about his bones." - Hebrews 11:22 (NIV)
"These [including Joseph] were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised. God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect." - Hebrews 11:39-40 (NIV)
In the words of one of the closing hymns at the end of the service,
Father, although I cannot see the future You have planned
And though the path is sometimes dark and hard to understand
Yet give me faith, through joy and pain, to trace Your loving hand
When I recall that in the past Your promises have stood
Through each perplexing circumstance and every changing mood
I rest content that all things work together for my good
Whatever, then, the future brings of good or seeming ill
I ask for strength to follow You and grace to trust You still
And I would look for no reward, except to do Your will
Links: Masters Update (8 Oct 09), Further Reflections (19 Oct 09)
Thursday 8 October 2009
Masters Update
For those of you who might not know the full story, I am studying at the University of York in the UK on a Singapore Government Scholarship. I will be returning to Singapore to work for the Singapore Prison Service after I graduate. I am currently in the final year of a 3-year degree in Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) and have been praying about the possibility of pursuing a 1-year Masters in PPE after my degree, also at the University of York.
In August this year, I went for an interview for Masters funding with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), my scholarship body. Following the interview, I also submitted a set of justifications for my preferred course of study. MHA has since informed me that after much consideration, my application for Masters funding has been unsuccessful. As things stand, it looks like I will be returning to Singapore for good in July 2010.
Amidst the news that my application for Masters funding has been unsuccessful, I 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). As Bill Thrasher (author of Believing God for His Best) puts it, God's will is exactly what you would desire if you knew all the facts. In the first place, the opportunity to study at the University of York on a Singapore Government Scholarship for 3 years is already more, far more than what I deserve.
For those of you who have been praying for me and wishing me well in my application for Masters funding, thank you for all your prayers and well-wishes. Regardless of where I go from here, God has always provided all I have needed, and He will continue to lead and guide me in the days ahead.
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!
Thank you for taking the time to read thus far. I pray that you may experience the faithfulness of God in your life too.
"Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun. Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him." - Psalm 37:3-7a (NIV)
Links: Father, although I cannot see the future You have planned (11 Oct 09), Further Reflections (19 Oct 09)
In August this year, I went for an interview for Masters funding with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), my scholarship body. Following the interview, I also submitted a set of justifications for my preferred course of study. MHA has since informed me that after much consideration, my application for Masters funding has been unsuccessful. As things stand, it looks like I will be returning to Singapore for good in July 2010.
Amidst the news that my application for Masters funding has been unsuccessful, I 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). As Bill Thrasher (author of Believing God for His Best) puts it, God's will is exactly what you would desire if you knew all the facts. In the first place, the opportunity to study at the University of York on a Singapore Government Scholarship for 3 years is already more, far more than what I deserve.
For those of you who have been praying for me and wishing me well in my application for Masters funding, thank you for all your prayers and well-wishes. Regardless of where I go from here, God has always provided all I have needed, and He will continue to lead and guide me in the days ahead.
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!
Thank you for taking the time to read thus far. I pray that you may experience the faithfulness of God in your life too.
"Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun. Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him." - Psalm 37:3-7a (NIV)
Links: Father, although I cannot see the future You have planned (11 Oct 09), Further Reflections (19 Oct 09)
Wednesday 7 October 2009
Manchester
I'm safely back in York now, after visiting Sarah in Manchester on my way back from Singapore. It was nice to catch up with Sarah and meet some of the Singaporeans studying in Manchester as well.
We visited Grace Baptist Church in Stockport (a neighbouring town) on Sunday. Its Reformed roots reminded me of the Calvin Anniversary Conferences. Incidentally, Grace Baptist Church was recommended by Mun Fai and Eileen, a Singaporean couple whom I met in Geneva. Just before I left for Manchester, they put me in touch with Timothy, a Singaporean studying in Manchester who was baptised and became a member of Grace Baptist Church earlier this year.
I was planning to visit Manchester Cathedral after the morning service at Grace Baptist Church, but God had other plans! I ended up going for lunch and spending the afternoon at the Talas (a church family) with Sarah, Timothy and Qianling (another Singaporean studying in Manchester), before heading back to Grace Baptist Church for the evening service. It was a very worthwhile day indeed.
And so God led me to Manchester Cathedral on Monday morning, where I met a Chinese girl (by the name of Zhao Han) who was curious about Christianity, churches and cathedrals in the UK. Actually, I was taking photos when she approached me and asked me where I was from, and whether I believe in God. She's actually studying in Bangor in Wales and just happened to be in Manchester for the day - what are the chances of that!
I managed to share the gospel with her and even pass her a FREE gospel (I keep a FREE gospel in my bag for situations like these). I also asked her for her email address and sent her the links to Bangor Christian Union and Chinese gospel resources. I hope and pray that she may find out more about God, and that she may even find God. Praise the Lord!
After that, I met Sarah for lunch and we made our way to Old Trafford for a tour of the home of the Red Devils. I'm not a Manchester United fan, but beyond the footballing rivalries, I must say that the Theatre of Dreams is pretty impressive. What struck me the most though, was the story of the 1958 Munich Air Disaster which killed 8 players in the prime of their lives. I had heard the story before, but to hear it again while viewing the displays in memory of the incident helped me to put things into perspective.
The legendary Liverpool manager Bill Shankly once said that 'some people believe football is a matter of life and death, I am very disappointed with that attitude. I can assure you it is much, much more important than that'. At the end of the day though, football is but a hobby on the road to eternity.
We visited Grace Baptist Church in Stockport (a neighbouring town) on Sunday. Its Reformed roots reminded me of the Calvin Anniversary Conferences. Incidentally, Grace Baptist Church was recommended by Mun Fai and Eileen, a Singaporean couple whom I met in Geneva. Just before I left for Manchester, they put me in touch with Timothy, a Singaporean studying in Manchester who was baptised and became a member of Grace Baptist Church earlier this year.
I was planning to visit Manchester Cathedral after the morning service at Grace Baptist Church, but God had other plans! I ended up going for lunch and spending the afternoon at the Talas (a church family) with Sarah, Timothy and Qianling (another Singaporean studying in Manchester), before heading back to Grace Baptist Church for the evening service. It was a very worthwhile day indeed.
And so God led me to Manchester Cathedral on Monday morning, where I met a Chinese girl (by the name of Zhao Han) who was curious about Christianity, churches and cathedrals in the UK. Actually, I was taking photos when she approached me and asked me where I was from, and whether I believe in God. She's actually studying in Bangor in Wales and just happened to be in Manchester for the day - what are the chances of that!
I managed to share the gospel with her and even pass her a FREE gospel (I keep a FREE gospel in my bag for situations like these). I also asked her for her email address and sent her the links to Bangor Christian Union and Chinese gospel resources. I hope and pray that she may find out more about God, and that she may even find God. Praise the Lord!
After that, I met Sarah for lunch and we made our way to Old Trafford for a tour of the home of the Red Devils. I'm not a Manchester United fan, but beyond the footballing rivalries, I must say that the Theatre of Dreams is pretty impressive. What struck me the most though, was the story of the 1958 Munich Air Disaster which killed 8 players in the prime of their lives. I had heard the story before, but to hear it again while viewing the displays in memory of the incident helped me to put things into perspective.
The legendary Liverpool manager Bill Shankly once said that 'some people believe football is a matter of life and death, I am very disappointed with that attitude. I can assure you it is much, much more important than that'. At the end of the day though, football is but a hobby on the road to eternity.
Thursday 1 October 2009
sons of God
Adoption, by its very nature, is an act of free kindness to the person adopted. If you become a father by adopting a child, you do so because you choose to, not because you are bound to.
Similarly, God adopts because He chooses to. He had no duty to do so. He need not have done anything about our sins save punish us as we deserved. But He loved us so; He redeemed us, forgave us, took us as His sons, and gave Himself to us as our Father.
Nor does His grace stop short with that initial act, any more than the love of human parents who adopt stops short with the completing of the legal process that makes the child theirs. The establishing of the child's status as a member of the family is only a beginning. The real task remains: to establish filial relationship between your adopted child and yourself. It is this, above all, that you want to see.
Accordingly, you set yourself to win the child's love by loving it. You seek to excite affection by showing affection. So with God. And throughout our life in this world, and to all eternity beyond, He will constantly be showing us, in one way or another, more and more of His love, and thereby increasing our love to Him continually. The prospect before the adopted sons of God is an eternity of love.
- J. I. Packer, Knowing God
Similarly, God adopts because He chooses to. He had no duty to do so. He need not have done anything about our sins save punish us as we deserved. But He loved us so; He redeemed us, forgave us, took us as His sons, and gave Himself to us as our Father.
Nor does His grace stop short with that initial act, any more than the love of human parents who adopt stops short with the completing of the legal process that makes the child theirs. The establishing of the child's status as a member of the family is only a beginning. The real task remains: to establish filial relationship between your adopted child and yourself. It is this, above all, that you want to see.
Accordingly, you set yourself to win the child's love by loving it. You seek to excite affection by showing affection. So with God. And throughout our life in this world, and to all eternity beyond, He will constantly be showing us, in one way or another, more and more of His love, and thereby increasing our love to Him continually. The prospect before the adopted sons of God is an eternity of love.
- J. I. Packer, Knowing God
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