28 Aug 09 Brokenness

God uses broken things. It takes soil to produce a crop, broken clouds to give rain, broken grain to give bread, broken bread to give strength. It is the broken alabaster box that gives forth perfume… it is Peter, weeping bitterly, who returns to greater power than ever.

Tags: Brokeness

15 Aug 09 Why we must bridle our tongue?

Doctors are held in high esteem and patients can trust their personal and medical information with them without fear of it being repeated to anyone else (not even their spouses, friends, parents or employers)

Lawyers are also governed by similar set of ethical codes. In fact both doctors and lawyers could be suspended or even sued for breaching such ethical codes of their profession.

There are no such strict guidelines for maintaining confidentiality of information among friends and even religious leaders. How can we be assured that our friends, colleagues or even our religious leaders who provide counselling to their flocks maintain the same level of confidentiality when we share information with them?

Strictly speaking I have not heard of any law that cover this area of ethics with regards to confidentiality. However I do believe that the trust among friends, colleagues and even with our religious is sacred.

Under normal circumstances, true love and genuine concern for each other would be a good enough constraint to keep confidential and private the information we heard from friends or the people we care for. This trust has to be upheld because it is sacred to maintain the friendship and the trust with have with the leaders.

What does the bible say about this matter? It is stated very clearly that if a man claims to be religious and he shut not his mouth to keep secrets availed to him in private, his religion is in vain. This will definitely dishonour God.

A loose tongue that does not know how to keep secrets can set a fire, defile the whole body and create havoc to an organization (James 3:6)

What is friendship if friends could not even keep secrets out of love for each other? I would rather share my secrets with my enemy. At least I know I did not trust him rather from the start and I would be on my guard not to reveal anything more that what I want him to hear.

How scary it is when friends start to gossip about things and it returns back to your ears?

If you are troubled and have no one to turn to share your burdens you can definitely share it with my friend who is a Jew. His name is Jesus.

Unlike sinful man who can beguile you and lie to you, Jesus is always true and faithful. Call on Him and pour out your trouble and sorrow to Him. He will never fail you nor betray you because He has died for you. He is your true friend indeed!

• If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion [is] vain. James 1:26
•  Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! James 3:5
• And the tongue [is] a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell. James 3:6
•  But the tongue can no man tame; [it is] an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. James 3:8
•  For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: 1Peter 3:10
• My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. 1John 3:18

Tags: confidential, ethical code, friends, lie, secrets

10 Aug 09 A prayer for pursuing God

My Savior Jesus,

Oh, I am so often tempted to act rather than pray!

I am so often tempted to sin and neglect You.

I am so often to imagine that I can live here forever and own everything in this world.

Forgive me for the busy, distracted life that I often live outside the bounds of your Word and Your voice.

I choose today, to seek You first.

First before self saving actions,

First before urgent voices that pulls me out of Your presence,

First before the opinions of others,

First before my hungers to be seen or admired.

Your Word is faithful and true. You are my foundation, my light, my direction, and my hope.

Help me not to follow my heart. You lead my heart!

You loved me even though I am wretched and sinful.

Help me to make the conscious choice to love and not to look for love based on feeling.

My life should be all about You and not about me!

Remind me that I shall soon pass away like a vapor that appeared for a little while and then vanishes away.

Amen

Tags: A prayer for pursuing God, Choose to love, Lead me heart

23 Jul 09 Change your behaviour or change your name

Several centuries before Christ, Alexander the Great came out of Macedonia and Greece to conquer the Mediterranean world. He didn`t know it, but God was using him to prepare the way for the coming of the Messiah – for it was as a result of Alexander`s conquests that Greek was established as the lingua france (common language) of the Grecian and later even Roman Empire.

On one of his campaigns, Alexander received a message that one of his soldiers had been continually, and seriously, misbehaving and thereby shedding a bad light on the character of all the Greek troops. And what made it even worse was that this soldier`s name was also Alexander. When the commander learned this, he sent word that he wanted to talk to the errant soldier in person. When the young man arrived at the tent of Alexander the Great, the commander asked him, “What is your name?” The reply came back, “Alexander, sir”. The commander looked him straight in the eye and said forcefully, “soldier, either change your behaviour or change your name.”

This story has a lesson for each of us. When we call ourselves Christians, we are identifying with Jesus Christ. Is your behaviour compatible with that Name?

Tags: Jesus Christ, name, Testimony

14 Jul 09 Age of the Patriachs in the Bible

 

 We can find out the ages of the patriachs, e.g. Adam, Noah, Abraham and Joseph by looking at the corresponding bible verses.

When we plot the ages of these patriachs into a time line chart we find very interesting facts.

These facts help to explain how the Word of God get passed down from generation to generation.

I remember how my grandmother used to tell me a Chinese rhyme. I still remember the rhyme and found myself telling my children. This is how information gets passed down from generation to generation. We don’t have television, internet, emails and books like what we have now.

People stick around in the family and the places they live  and listen to each other. The patriachs who live a very long life will impart their knowledge to their children. 

• Abraham was born only 11 years after Noah died, even though there are 10 generations difference.
• Shem, Noah’s son, was still living when Isaac lived. Abraham and Isaac would have been able to ask him about his experiences during the flood, the ark, etc. 
• The year Methuselah died, was the year the flood started (the 600^th year of Noah’s life).  
• Noah’s father could still talk to Adam.
• The oldest person ever live on earth is Methusaleh (969 years) 

Tags: Abraham, Adam, Age of man, Age of the patriachs, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Methusaleh, Noah

12 Jul 09 The black door or the firing squad

An Arab Chief tells the story of a spy who had been captured and sentenced to death by a general of the Persian army. The general had fallen upon a strange custom. He permitted the condemned person to make a choice. He could either face a firing squad or pass through the Big Black Door.

As the moment of execution drew near, the general ordered the spy brought before him for a short, final interview, the primary purpose of which was to receive the answer to the query: “Which shall it be… the firing squad or the Big Black Door?”

This was not an easy question, and the prisoner hesitated, but made it known that he much preferred the firing squad. Not long after, a volley of shots in the courtyard announced that the grim sentence had been fullfilled.

The general, staring at his boots, turned to his aide and said, “You see how it is with men: they always prefer the known way to the unknown. It is characteristic of people to be afraid of the undefined. And yet we gave him his choice.”

“What lies beyond the Big Black Door?” asked the aide. “Freedom,” replied the general, “and I’ve known only a few men brave enough to take it.” The blind leading the blind.

Isn’t it true of so many people? Jesus said it clearly that He is the way to God, the way to eternal life, joy and peace. Yet many people clinged on to what they have learnt from their parents, their teachers who were themselves taught by their own parents and teachers. The blind leading the blind.

They rather believe in evolution which claim that man comes from Ape. They would rather believe in the dumb idols made by men who sell them for a living.

They would rather take the path that lead only to eternal condemnation and hell even though someone offered them another path that promised eternal life.

They would not be open minded enough to think that perhaps there is life behind that Black Door.

It does not cost them anything. All they need to do is say “Yes to Jesus” and believe that He is the Son of God and in Him alone is the source of life. Yet, they would rather let their souls leave this world with nothing but the certainty of eternal damnation and judgement.

Only a few have faith enough to say “Jesus I believe, I want the key to eternal life that You alone can give.”

John 14:6
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

John 3:15
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

John 3: 16
For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

John 3:19
And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.

Tags: Black door, Eternal Life, firing squad, heaven, Hell, John 3:16, Truth

09 Jul 09 Don’t become a Christian!

Don’t become a Christian for the wrong reason. It will not work for you.

Tags: Become a Christian, Christian, Christian Video, Matt Slick, www.carm.org

02 Jul 09 Is Michael Jackson in in Heaven now?

Fans of Michael Jackson wish and hope that their idol “king of Pop”  is in heaven now. Hey but God being God is not going to respect a person just because he is a very talented super star.

God sets His own terms and He looks at the heart of the person.

The bible says that a person must be born again if he wants to see Heaven.

Read Chapter 3 from the Gospel of John and you can see for yourself.

JOHN 3

1 There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:

2 The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.

3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born?

5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and [of] the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.

8 The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.

9 Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be?

10 Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things?

11 Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness.

12 If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you [of] heavenly things?

13 And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, [even] the Son of man which is in heaven.

14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:

15 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.

16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.

20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.

21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.

Is Michael Jackson in Heaven now?  Has Michael Jackson accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Saviour before he died suddenly?

 

 

Tags: heaven, Michael Jackson

02 Jul 09 Is Michael Jackson in Heaven now?

Michael Jackson’s death has left his fans in a surreal place. There are now reports on the internets of some of his fans committing suicide. The fan community is suffering from depression and shock and thousands of them are expected to gather for a vigil on 13 July where Michael Jackson was due to perform.

I quote the following 2 paragraphs lifted off the internet based on a Face book  posting by someone:

Michael Jackson was both a legend and an icon of our day. But why the shock when he dies? Sure, we wouldn’t want any of us in the world to pass away. None of us wish to lose loved ones or friends to death’s inevitable grip. But this should be a stark reminder of who we are in this world, human!

Because Michael was human, he too is not exempt from the ever-losing battle against death. Why are many shocked at the death of Michael Jackson? Probably because we think, perhaps, he was too young. But no matter how old Michael was at his death, the world would mourn just the same. And it is amazing to see the adoration this man received within minutes after he died. Literally millions tuned into the news, Internet, and phone lines to talk about the death of one man. And to this very second, the world is gathered together, in spirit, to praise this one man for his great accomplishments. You would think this man was a god!

My next question is, “is Michael Jackson in Heaven now?’’

Tags: depression, God, heaven, Michael Jackson

29 Jun 09 Spare the rod spoil the child

If you spare the rod you spoil the child.  Many cases of parental abuse are now surfacing as families could no longer suffer in silence. Could these unfortunate cases be avoided if parents stick to the time test method of disciplining their children?

720 youths were referred to the Singapore Children’s Society last year because they were beyond parental control. Almost half of them have turned violent against their parents.

Last year the following adult children were jailed for hurting their parents:

• A 47 man threw a wooden dining chair at his 67 yr old mother for nagging at his young niece for refusing a bowl of hot porridge.
• A 22 year man whacked his mother’s head with a hammer because he was frustrated with his mother’s nagging.
• A 39 year old woman hit her 79 year old father after he tried to stop her from shouting at her maid.

Last week a young man kicked his 82 year old grand mother and threatened his father with a chopper because they refused him money.

One 69 year old man needed 7 stitches after his son smashed a ceramic flower pot over his head. His 30 year old son had been in and out of jail for drug offences and would hound the family for money to feed his habit.

In Britain plans are being made to give schools more powers to make students behave. Parents have been warned to keep kids in line or be fined

Soon teachers in Britain will be able to take parents of disruptive pupils to court under government plan which will be unveiled soon.

Schools will get stronger powers to ask for the imposition of parenting orders which could mean families being forced to attend classes to learn how to control their offspring.

A parenting order requires parents to take specific steps to control a child’s behaviour- including attending parenting courses or counselling sessions to ensure their children are at home at a certain things, or avoiding certain situations and people.

If they still fail to keep their children in line, they would face a $2,400 fine and a jail term if they do not pay.

What has happened to our society today? What has happened to filial piety? Advocates who claim that we should not use the rod on the child are terribly wrong. Look at the outcome of such teachings in our society today.

We should follow what the bible teaches which has been time tested since the beginning of humanity.

Children are commanded to honour their parents.

Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee. (Exodus 20:12)

Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise; (Ephesians 6:2)

If you don’t teach them and cane them while they are still teachable, beware that they will turn around and “hammer’ you when they are old enough!

Proverbs 22:15 Foolishness [is] bound in the heart of a child; [but] the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.

As the Bible tells us:

“Withhold not correction from a child: for if thou strike him with the rod, he shall not die. Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and deliver his soul from hell.” (Proverbs 23:13-14)

“He who spareth the rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him correcteth him betimes” (Proverbs 13:24)

 

Tags: Disobedient children, fillial piety, honour parents, parent abuse, Proverb 13:24, Spare the rod, spoil the child