Never give up

“Never give up” seems like the theme for this couple of weeks. In fact, there are many times i have given up. I have, and still am. The struggles torn between trusting in God and giving up the promise of providing. Sometimes i wonder can i really trust God? Or is this a test? Everything is a test. With my own strength, i cannot hope to pass this test, Lord, I pray, help me to trust You for all your providence and promises. You are indeed my fortress, and you are a Jealous God, one who is zealous for His people. No matter how grim and dread 2007 holds for me ahead, i will continue, taking one step at a time, and hey 1 month has passed and 11 more months to go.

My God is a Jealous God!

I love it when i say “My God is a jealous God!” because FIRST, God will not allow others, not even his angels or Lucifer to share His Glory! We including the angels were created to worship God! Even Satan must bow down on his knee and confess that Jesus is GOD! That’s the truth i just want to shout and dance and lift my hands to heaven and worship my God! I am created to walk in intimate fellowship! Second, God will humble all those who exalt themselves. All preachers who exalt themselves will be brought low, all rulers including Nebuchadnezzar and George Bush, many will go through the test like Ted Haggard, Jim Bakker, Rick Warren, Benny Hinns. Every super preachers, even you and me will be tested, and lest our pride to cause us to think we are good, take heed, for that same pride has found in Lucifer, iniquities became to ensnare the Son of the morning and fell he did. Third, my God is a jealous God and He is my BANNER! My God will come to my rescue, He will come like a flood, and His people can come to Him in refuge, for He is my strong tower, and a mighty fortress! Lest i think i can save myself, or be my own master, die I must on the cross every day to rely on His strength and on His power! Walk by faith and in Spirit, not by sight! I love it because my God is jealous that i should have other passions other than Him! God wants us to have fellowship with Him alone! My God, My Father, My Lord, My Saviour, and He choose me to be His friend, His son, His people called to His Name! Every christians ought to know this truth, let the Holy Spirit empowers us to live the truth, and let us share the truth that we are created for one Single purpose – to glorify God and enjoy Him forever!

The fall of Lucifer

Mercy and I were at Borders last weekend and we chanced upon this book. She highly recommended this as she has read the other book of this author Wendy Alec – The journal of the unknown prophet. Although i was quite skeptical on her previous book, this book looks interesting. The scriptures didn’t reveal much what happened to the fall of lucifer except that Pride has so seized this archangel’s heart and he wants to be God himself, and that is the beginning of Evil. The question of the original of evil has more of a philosophical discussions these days, as even some christians do not really believe in the devil himself exist. As i was reading this book (i am taking my time to read it), i realised something – (maybe extrabiblical revelations? hick hick), Why Lucifer fell? Angels were not created in the same manner as Man, although Angels are beloved of God, the thing that set us apart is we carry the Image of God, the supernatural, spiritual DNA in us – we are the imprint of the Almighty Himself! Angel’s not. In this book detailed, Lucifer became jealous, because he learned of the impending plan of God to create Man in His own image), The book is a great book, in my opinion, the story will and must not supercede the Scripture. I told Abel and Mercy that there is a reason why God did not reveal even to His beloved prophets etc the reason for Lucifer’s rebellion etc, i believe what Man need 99% is in the scripture today, that’s to know Him and to enjoy and glorify God forever. All these knowledge are extra, if God choose to reveal to Wendy, that’s good, but we must not focus on this. Ok. i do recommend this book for good reading.

I wonder

Is it being disrespectful to get angry with people? I went to lunch at this horrible ‘coffee shop’ near church today and i got charged $8 for a miserable plate of rice and some dishes, and it wasn’t tasting too good either! I was fuming, although i didn’t score the hawker. I am more angry at myself than at those ‘evil’ hawker. Why did i pay so much for a miserable lunch, enduring the injustice of being cheated of my hard earned money and i can’t do anything about it! Is being angry bad? i feel like i can get so angry that my heart will just stop beating and i dropped dead just from the stress of anger!

Aftermath to a dramatic 2007 start

Apostle Roderick, pastor of Paradise of God, was admitted to hospital about two weeks ago from a stroke, and i went to the hospital on friday evening to visit him after he was released from ICU a few days back. Seeing him on the bed, so thin and frail, and with all the tubes and apparatus sticking on him saddens my heart. However, there is no ‘why’ but ‘when’ When will God restore him and heal him completely. Had a talk with Abel yesterday after the music ministry practise that i believe God is doing something in the church in Apostle’s absence, i believe we have grown in maturity, and definitely causing our focus to go back to God. Pastor Frankie was preaching for the last two sunday on Luke 4, which have been a tremendous source of encouragement. In these couple of days, i am taking stock of what i’ve lost, what i’ve gained. I’ve lost my dad when i was young, i never have a father figure to look up and to find support, the closest is probably God himself, and while God is a great father, he is God after all. I’ve lost friends it seems, i’ve lost that trust in people, especially Amos and a few others, I’ve seems to be losing grip in my faith in God to provide. It is a huge struggle, and i want to trust Him despite everything else goes bonkers and haywire and if i can’t trust God, whom can i trust? I’ve lost friends, not particularly, but i have lost the sense for a need for friends. I have lost lots of things, perhaps a bit of confidence in myself. What have i gain? I do not know. Seriously, other than knowing Mercy and her coming into my life is a great gain and a great blessing. I am afraid of what 2007 will bring. Many things will come to pass, will my faith in God be able to carry me through? I am scared.

A genuine minister of the Gospel

I have read and discussed about many ministers about their genuine, sincere display of their work. As i was reading the bible, this caught my eyes in 1 Thessalonians 2:3-6. “For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we trying to trick you. On the contrary, we speak as men approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please men but God who tests our hearts. You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed – God is our witness. we were not looking for praise from men, nor from you or anyone else.”

A few traits from a true minister (I am sure there are alot more), one is the courage to proclaim the Gospel despite oppositions, second, they speak out not from impure motive or in error for they do their due diligence in examining the Word of God, third, they speak as Men approved by God to be entrusted with the Gospel, they are accountable to God and to each other, four, they seek to please God not men, nor will they seek praise and adoration from men. Fifth, they never use flattery words, nor words that are easy on the itchy ears. Sixth, they do not use a facade or fake front to cover up their greed. I am sure these are good indications of a genuine minister of the Gospel that is approved and empowered to preach the Good News!

What is require of me.

“He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8

This verse is the bedrock of my faith, a faith in Christ which justifies me, and the verse will be my guide and my foundation. To act Justly, to love Mercy, and to walk humbly before God.

Jesus wept

Jesus wept – the two words in the shortest verse of the Bible means so much. Jesus wept for his friend Lazarus who was dead in the tomb for a few days. Such love, such compassion, such emotions. Was thinking that when i die, i do not want anyone to come to the funeral, just bury me in an unmarked tomb or place, after all, what matters is the place i will be going – either heaven or hell.

Tired in the journey

He is climbing, every steps were taken as if it weighs a ton. While he contended each footing on the slippery slope of the mountain with pain, with a sure certain discomfort, he continues on. I saw as he turned and trying to adjust the bag he is carrying, a huge black backpack. I have never noticed it before but it is getting heavier with every ascend to the top of the mountain. In his hands, there lies a book, a map sort of, guiding him slowly as the weary eyes trying to keep focused on the instructions in each bloodied page. It seems a futile exercise, that each climb, each steps didn’t bring much comfort and much assurance, the surrounding is dry, each breathe is as poisonous, yet he passed by many, drunk with the wine of the whores, some even proclaim their love for God. He wishes to stop, but knowing to stop will eventually lead him away from this small path across the ridge of the hill, the beaten track is narrow, slippery, and many have gone before him and beckons him on.

Tired in the journey

He is climbing, every steps were taken as if it weighs a ton. While he contended each footing on the slippery slope of the mountain with pain, with a sure certain discomfort, he continues on. I saw as he turned and trying to adjust the bag he is carrying, a huge black backpack. I have never noticed it before but it is getting heavier with every ascend to the top of the mountain. In his hands, there lies a book, a map sort of, guiding him slowly as the weary eyes trying to keep focused on the instructions in each bloodied page. It seems a futile exercise, that each climb, each steps didn’t bring much comfort and much assurance, the surrounding is dry, each breathe is as poisonous, yet he passed by many, drunk with the wine of the whores, some even proclaim their love for God. He wishes to stop, but knowing to stop will eventually lead him away from this small path across the ridge of the hill, the beaten track is narrow, slippery, and many have gone before him and beckons him on.

“Excuse me Sir…”

The vibrating phone with an alien number is suspicious. I picked up the phone and this lady with a familiar greeting – “Excuse me sir, I am calling from e-fusion” and that’s it. My automatic response is “I am not interested to sign up for a credit card, a credit line, a personal loan or whatsoever from whatever bank, thanks” and the routine of declining all hints of interest until she reluctantly gave up and I suspect the comments beside my name on her company’s list is “unlikely customer”. This type of harassment is surely an unpleasant interruption in another typical day.

What’s with the young people these days?

I was waiting for Mercy last night at Plaza Singapura Starbucks and there was this young couple, probably 18 years of age, was sitting along the common walkway and kissing and hugging and whatever thing, everyone was looking at them as they walked past, and this couple was just oblivious to the attention they were getting. Either they do not care, or worse, crave for the attention, but whatever it is, i find it totally disgraceful and rude. They have no respect for themselves by their behaviours, and they exhibited sheer rebellious to the social etiquette by their abandoning of common decency. If there is anything to be a symbol of any generation, i am afraid of what will be tomorrow if this type of behaviour is the symbol of the new generation.

Fashion Statement

“The man on the left, wearing a fabulous vintage chiffon-lined Dior gold lame gown over a silk Vera Wang empire waisted tulle cocktail dress, accessorized with a 3-foot beaded peaked House of Whoville hat, along with the ruby slippers that Judy Garland wore in The Wizard of Oz, is worried that The Da Vinci Code might make the Roman Catholic Church look foolish.” –  the observer

The foolish vanity in rich, gold lined silk stands in rude contrast to the only garment soaked in blood, lie tattered and torn at the gambling table of a few Roman soldiers.

Another good week, TGIM!

Mercy and I went to visit some friends at Holland Village. They prepared great dinner and with a lovely place, which i love it cos it is small, very cosy and very relaxing. I think it is the design and the decor. Anyway they have these 2 small kittens, which are adorable. I took a picture of them here lying down and they are so lovely. I think Animals are so cute and I am glad i’ve got Vodka! I will be heading home later and spend time with him and bring him out for a walk, and then get down to do some work and finish reading my book on the Historical atlas of Christianity and the other books i borrowed from the library so i can return them soon. God’s in control and today i got a great news, God is in CONTROL. Amen! Apostle woke up and i will be heading down tomorrow to visit him. I miss him and the talks we have. TGIM – Thank God it’s MONDAY!

Losing our objectivity?

The above image titled “The praying Presidents” was taken from Daystar – A Christian Television Network. While looking at the above image, and reflecting on Bush’s life as the President, it is hardly symbolic of “Peace” while he can pray for peace, his actions and directions are definitely not pointing us that way, instead, more deaths apparently.

While reflecting on that, why Daystar would have this picture? Not that i am against Daystar, as we do not have access to these christian network in Singapore which i am grateful, that the question looms “Has Christianity today lost its objectivity?” In saying that, i mean, can our faith accept an objective look into a subject without getting all too biased and judgmental? Christian faith is no longer acceptable of objective views and we lose the ability to discern if a particular ‘so called’ christian making a statement which contradicts the Scripture, we applaused because he or she is a Christian, and this is scary, because many will come in the name of Jesus and lead the Church astray. We lost the ability to discern, because the faith today is no longer tolerant of Absolutism, but Relativity, and shifted our foundation from the Word of God – Unchanging, Absolute truth to an experiential truth, and “All hail All Revelations” and we exalt all forms of prophetic and utterances of Spiritual experiences not far from being labelled as Gnostic and treated the Word of God so lightly, so frivilously.

The people of God today, MUST come back to the Word of God, while we rely on the Grace and Mercy of God in our lives, we must know, it is our faith in Jesus, the Living Word that justifies us, no other ways – Not our works, not our spiritual revelation or pedigree.