RELEASE FROM SPIRIT OF CONDEMNATION
Rom 8:1 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus
As I was driving in the rain a few days ago, I sense a word - "spirit of Condemnation."
I have not written a blog for some while now - but I sensed this is the word for us and a reminder to us as we end 2010.
I am constantly amazed at how God highlights some of the "invisible" deviant spirit that can contaminate a Christian's good life.
Some sins are easy to spot - like stealing, lying and adultery.
We or other parties can readily spot it and know it if we are committing it.
"Invisible" sins, on the other hand, are hard-to-discern evil influences that can change the course of our lives without us being even aware of it.
I had earlier commented on invisble sins like Greed (Sep 2008) and the Seduction of Glamour in a high flying Career (see Film Review & Reflection of "The Devil Wears Prada," Feb 2009).
The evil "spirit of Condemnation" is especially more so if we live in an environment where there are great expectations and great pressure to perform.
It dawned on me that in an environment and culture whereby there is great pressure to perform, there are at least two evil inclinations that we may not be even aware of.
1. WE ARE PRESSURED TO PERFORM AND PRESSURE OTHERS TO PERFORM
and its accompanying
2. SPIRIT OF CONDEMNATION
These twin influences seeps into many areas of our lives.
I'll look at the Child, Career and Church areas of our lives.
1. CONDEMNATION WHEN NOT PERFORMING - AS A CHILD
Children in Asian societies - e.g. China, Korea, Japan, Malaysia and Singapore - encounter and can endure a high pressure to perform.
It starts from school.
In Singapore, children are under tremendous pressure to study hard so that they can make it for the EM1 and EM2 stream rather than EM3 stream (English and Mother Tongue at equivalent of 1st or 2nd or 3rd language standards respectively). Parents do not like to see their children streamed into the EM3 category at the end of Primary 4 (10 year old) since EM3 is designed for the less academically inclined.
Then at Prinary 6, the 12 year old takes a cliffhanger PSLE (Primary School Leaving Examination) that will determine whether the child enters the Special, Express or Normal Streams.
Most parents want their child to at least qualify for the Express stream because their child will take four years to complete their "O" levels rather than five years for the Normal Stream.
All these streaming are done with good intentions to channel an individual according to their inclinations and giftings.
However, there is a worldly and evil spirit that spoil good intentions.
Parents - with all our good intentions - sometimes get pulled along (some say "pushed along") the bandwagon to get their child to keep up with the rest of the cohort. They do not want their child to fall behind (good intentions).
They feel the pressure and they in turn pressure their child to study.
Sometimes the child wants to do well too and the child burns the midnight oil. their cohorts.
I was reminded by a Singaporean who was previously based in China that it is just as, if not more intensely competitive in China.
There are a number of Mainland Chinese studying in Singapore.
Some observe that when there is a Mainland Chinese student in a class, the Chinese student would likely end up topping the class.
So the Singaporean students feel the pressure or the challenge.
By right all the competition and streaming should challenge each one to be the best we are.
Unfortunately, there is something sinister in the spiritual realm that occurs.
Those who do not do so well academically - although they are in the Normal stream do not feel "normal."
Those who are not so academically inclined somehow feel that they are not so normal.
They may feel inferior.
They may feel depressed and even turn suicidal.
The failure to achieve results / perform sometimes produces a sense of condemnation.
Some parents like myself, may have unwittingly - whether by our words or even by just our body language - judged our own children and sent a message of condemnation - that they did not do well.
And even if we did not by our words or action or body language or even have the remotest inkling to condemn our child - the child may MISTAKENLY PERCEIVE that we are not happy with their results and condemn them.
The general society's perception may also be that those who fail to achieve a certain standard is not up to the mark.
And there is a sense of condemnation.
Hence, the "Normal" stream student feels condemned.
See the deviant evil creeping in - into our belief system and our children's belief system. In due course, the more people believe in this, this belief becomes the society's belief system or culture.
Now the pressure to perform is NOT LIMITED TO EXAM RESULTS.
There is a pressure to perform amongst second generation Christian in terms of good BEHAVIOUR
We, as Christian parents, want our children to behave like all godly Christians should.
We are like Moses to Israel - presenting to them the commandments and the many laws and conduct expected of them.
There are EXPECTATIONS.
There is PRESSURE TO PERFORM on our children - 2nd generation Christians.
My wife tells me that my "conversations" with the children are more about what they need to do (prescriptive) rather than just a conversation about what's happening in their lives (minus any prescriptive language).
REFLECT:
Do we as Chritian parents end up with this kind of prescriptive talk rather than a relational talk?
Unwittingly there may be a pressure to perform as church leaders or even as Christian parents - simply because other Christian parents are "watching" us.
There is after all 1 Tim 3:4
"He (the overseer) must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him with proper respect."
Even though we may not feel the pressure to perform and even when we have good intentions for our children - that they walk in the Lord (for their own good to remain in God's blessings) - the child feels the pressure.
The child feels OBLIGATED to behave well.
Unwittingly we have got it all the OTHER WAY ROUND!!!
When we prescribe how they should be behaving, we are just hitting the external behaviours.
But have we engaged their heart for Jesus?
Have our 2nd generation Christian children - though they may accept Jesus when they are young - personally encountered and experienced Him so as to want to love and obey Jesus and behave accordingly?
Have they experienced an internal heart change so that it is no longer a pressure and an obligation to behave in a certain manner?
There is biblical and theological basis for this.
The Abrahamic covenant comes before the Mosaic covenant.
God's covenant with Abraham in Gen 12:1-3 is one whereby by His grace, God promises Abraham an inheritance.
Abraham's expected response is Faith.
Then to this people of the promise, God's covenant with Moses in Exodus 20 (also Deut 28) is the promise of Blessings and the Maintenance of Enjoying these blessings.
However, the expected response from God's people is Obedience to continue enjoying the blessedness.
Hence, faith and the heart change comes first (Abraham - Faith).
Then the obedience - the behavioral change (Moses - Law).
Not the other way around.
Reflect:
How have we got Faith and Behaviour in the wrong sequence in following up on our children and in our discipleship of believers?
2. CONDEMNATION WHEN NOT PERFORMING - CAREER
As we become more and more of a global economy, any company is open to competition from every company all over the globe.
There is a challenge to survive and thrive.
So there is pressure on all managers to achieve their quota and targets.
They in turn pressure the staff down the line to achieve their results.
If they do not achieve the results, the threat of retrenchment may be wielded and fear strikes.
After all there is a real danger that the company may be folded up if profitability is not achieved.
With many families taking on higher mortgages - both husbands and wives may be "forced" to work.
Actually they can start by buying a smaller unit or apartment so that there is not too much pressure or requiring a high double income.
Now, there is a pressure to perform even between husbands and wives.
If the wife earns more than the husband - would there be a spirit of inferiority or a spirit of condemnation?
What happens if the husband fails in business or loses his job and there is a foreclosure?
Many marriages are suffering in US with all the foreclosures.
There is a sense of failure and condemnation.
In Asian societies, there is a STATUS consciousness.
There are those who are up there - the doctors, lawyers and the professionals.
Then those who are not up there - may feel a sense of inferiority.
Our career and job seem to determine who we are.
Like in the child stage - the results and the career determines WHO WE ARE.
Those who are not up there may then feel a spirit of condemnation.
REFLECT:
Does my job and my results determine WHO I AM?
What determines Who I Am?
3. CONDEMNATION WHEN NOT PERFORMING - IN CHURCH
This is a subtle way evil can worm into a church.
Unwittingly we ask other Christians and other pastors - "How big is your church."
In my youthful zeal and exuberance, I would ask visiting pastors how big is their church. I came from a fairly large church and I think that all churches would be and should be large - after all God will always provide growth if we follow Him.
Immediately that subtly puts pressure on pastors to check themselves and ourselves - why are our churches small?
Is it our fault that the churches are not growing or growing ever so slowly?
We fail to realize that it is not about us.
We are just the minor gardener providing all the right conditions - and it is up to God to provide the increase - if the pre-believers and believers respond to Him in faith and faithfully ...
And then when the church is small or grows slowly, there is a spirit of condemnation.
The pressure to perform can impact pastors who in turn unwittingly pressure group leaders and members.
As pastors, including myself, challenge our congregation to do a number of things / programs, the congregation feel a pressure to perform e.g. to bring guests for harvest events like Easter and Christmas.
Then with the statistics, there is a pressure to see conversions and baptisms.
i. Pressure To See Conversion Results
The statistics gathering of the number of visitors and conversions from the Harvest and outreach events mean that group leaders and members sometimes feel the pressure to see results.
It is a subtle and not so obvious effect. But cell members sometimes feel the pressure to see results because their pastors feel the pressure too.
ii. Quantitative Statistics of Conversions vs Qualitative Heart Motivation
There is precedent in Acts 2:41 for statistics keeping - 3,000 added to their number. I too believe in statistics keeping - being a business and theology graduate myself.
However, any lop-sided focus on conversion numbers (perceived or actual) can corrupt our evangelistic motivation.
This can even lead to a very regrettable situation whereby a cell leader - meeting a person who is ready to receive the Lord - delays in leading this person to Christ until the harvest event so that there is a conversion statistic to show for the Harvest event.
The heart of cell leaders and members can be so corrupted subtly.
There is an invisible line when our evangelistic zeal is perceived as crossing over to become task rather than a love for people. Also when there is a leaning over towards conversions, we fail to appreciate every member who reaches out and brings people on the journey closer to the conversion point as well as on their onward discipleship journey.
iii. Pressure To Perform Makes Us Feel Like A Failure
Instead of feeling victorious in our Christian living, when a cell group doesn't see conversions, it may actually feel like it failed in its assignment.
It has not achieved its target.
Then with the target to multiply every year and if the cell does not win or attract enough members to multiply - then they feel like they have failed.
Then there is talk of closing a cell group or that the cell leader's leadership skills need to be upgraded - means that there is a sense of failure. This can lead to a feeling of condemnation.
iv. Pressure To Perform Spoils Love Relationship
The pressure to perform and task orientation (even in spite of our expressed desire for 100% task and 100% people orientation) can have an adverse impact on relationships.
When pastors meet group leaders and when group leaders meet members - the subtle talk of results can derail the efforts to build a love relationship with leaders and members. Members do not feel the love but the pressure.
v. Pressure To Perform Causes "Staleness" In Harvest Events
The pressure to perform contaminates the motive for outreach.
Outreach must happen out of our heart love for our friends and people.
Staleness in outreach events happens easily when we feel an obligation to reach out to friends rather than doing it out of love.
THE CHALLENGE - AMATEUR CHRISTIANS
I write this to caution all of us who desire to achieve so much with good intentions - but unintentionally fracture relationships or unwittingly unleash a spirit of condemnation.
The pressure to perform is evil and corrupts our Christian living and our desire to reach out to pre-believers.
I am back to being an Amateur Christian - doing it for the love of it - rather than a professional pastor or being pressured to show results.
We do good out of love knowing that "Neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow" (1 Cor 3:7)
Continue with the Harvest Events and challenging ourselves to do our best for the Lord.
But be mindful that the heart of doing whatever we do is out of love and not the pressure to perform and to see the conversion or baptism or visitor numbers.
Reflect:
1. How would a knowledge of the above renew our zest for evangelism this Christmas?
2. Do we "judge" people releasing a spirit of Condemnation or Edification?
3. How does "WHO WE ARE IN CHRIST" counter the spirit of Condemnation?
Have a very Blessed Christmas as you and I be a Blessing to people around us bearing the gift of Jesus releasing people from all condemnation and rejection.
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Growing Older But Breaking New Ground
I am still reading the book of Daniel.
And this verse Daniel 5:31 struck me as I ponder my maturing years.
Dan 5:30 That very night Belshazzar, king of the Babylonians, was slain,
Dan 5:31 and Darius the Mede took over the kingdom, at the age of sixty-two
As we mature and in spite of maintaining our physicality and fitness, we realize that our body is not the same as what it used to be.
I play badminton and soccer (weather permitting) weekly and I now experience a bit of tennis elbow and golfer's elbow.
When I climb a flight of steps the day after a game, my knees may suddenly feel some pain.
"So what is it like growing older?" we ask ourselves.
What can we accomplish for the LORD in our second half?
Dan 5:31 reminds us that we can possibly inaugurate a new kingdom even at the age of 62.
Darius the Mede, most probably another name for Cyrus the Persian (Joyce Baldwin, Tyndale OT Commentary, Daniel, pg. 26) overthrew the great Babylonian Empire to establish the Persian Empire in 539 BC.
And that is at the age of 62.
With God on our side, we can accomplish lots as He leads us.
Daniel himself is a great example of longevity of faithfulness and in faithfully serving the LORD in the various roles God had sovereignly positioned him.
Daniel was born sometime around 620 BC because he was deported to Babylon as a teenager (between 12-16 years) in 605 BC.
He served during the 43 year reign of Nebuchadnezzar from 605 BC to 562 BC (Events in Dan 1 - 4).
Daniel would be around 58 years old at the end of the reign of Nebuchadnezzar.
There is a silence on Daniel's life during the reigns of four Babylonian kings between Dan 4 to Dan 5.
The four Babylonian kings being:
1. Amel-Marduk (Evil-Merodach 2 Kings 25:27-30) reigning from 562-560 BC
2. Neriglissar, son-in-law of Nebuchadnezzar, 560-556 BC
3. Labashi-Marduk, 556 BC
4. Nabonidus (his eldest son Belshazzar acting as king in Babylon whilst Nabonidus was campaigning in Arabia), 556-539 BC
Here is a man who was so wise that King Nebuchadnezzar "made him ruler over the entire province of Babylon and placed him in charge of all its wise men" (Dan 2:48) - but the four succeeding Babylonian kings did not consult him as Nebuchadnezzar did.
And Daniel was no longer remembered.
Between 562 BC to 539 BC, when Daniel was between 58-81 years old, he was in obscurity for a long period of 23 years.
For those in high places, who suddenly fade into obscurity, the life of Daniel is an encouragement.
Daniel maintained his connection with God.
He is obscure with the kings, officials and the nobility.
But he is not obscure with God.
He still received his visions and interpretation.
Daniel received visions from the Lord in the first year (552/551 BC) (Dan 7:1) and the third year (550/549 BC) of Belshazzar, when he was about 70 years old though he was not called into service in the Babylonian court.
In Dan 5, in 539 BC when Daniel is about 81 years old, he was suddenly called into Belshazzar's, the king's palace to interpret the handwriting on the wall.
This is a reminder for all of us, young and old, that God mobilizes us throughout our lives. The main thing is our connection with God.
For 23 years, Daniel was in obscurity and in limbo.
Suddenly at 81 years of age, he was called into service.
Then the Persians conquered the Babylonians.
Usually the officials and the nobility of the previous regime will be wiped out - Daniel included.
But God had chosen Darius / Cyrus to overthrow the Babylonians for a purpose.
Cyrus/Darius was to be the king who would release the Jews and restore and re-build Jerusalem in response to Daniel's prayer in Dan 9:1-2, 21, 23.
A confirmation that Cyrus/Darius was God's appointed king can be found in Dan 10:21-11:1.
A messenger - most probably the angel Gabriel - with the assistance of angel Michael, was protecting and supporting Darius / Cyrus.
Dan 10:21b (No one supports me against them except Michael, your prince.
Dan 11:1 And in the first year of Darius the Mede, I took my stand to support and protect him)
So amazingly, Daniel was restored to his high position.
He was appointed as one of the top three "administrators" (Dan 6:2) or "presidents" (KJV) overseeing 120 satraps / princes at the age of about 81 years in 539 BC.
Amazing right.
Are we prepared to be appointed in high places at 81 years of age?
Even after being in limbo for 23 years?
Darius inaugurated the new Persian Empire - overthrowing the Babylonian Empire - at the age of 62.
Amazing new things can happen even as we "mature".
I have been playing guitar for decades.
Strumming along with chords for worship.
Then I learnt something new from my son as he returned to Auckland for further studies after his National Service early this year.
I learnt to play "lead" guitar using scales with easy to remember patterns for every key.
I tell you it is a quantum leap in my guitar playing.
I can now let loose playing notes to support and enhance worship.
I am now helping with the worship team for Sunday service and it is so wonderful to be able to worship God in free worship - not only with new songs but with spontaneous lead guitar as well.
Imagine me rocking along at 55 years of age as I will try to play the electric guitar with the distortions and overdrive pedals.
I like it ...
Let us break new grounds as we mature ...
What is God saying to you ...
your new grounds ...?
or staying connected in transition ...?
Be encouraged in obscurity ...?
New thing coming ...?
I am still reading the book of Daniel.
And this verse Daniel 5:31 struck me as I ponder my maturing years.
Dan 5:30 That very night Belshazzar, king of the Babylonians, was slain,
Dan 5:31 and Darius the Mede took over the kingdom, at the age of sixty-two
As we mature and in spite of maintaining our physicality and fitness, we realize that our body is not the same as what it used to be.
I play badminton and soccer (weather permitting) weekly and I now experience a bit of tennis elbow and golfer's elbow.
When I climb a flight of steps the day after a game, my knees may suddenly feel some pain.
"So what is it like growing older?" we ask ourselves.
What can we accomplish for the LORD in our second half?
Dan 5:31 reminds us that we can possibly inaugurate a new kingdom even at the age of 62.
Darius the Mede, most probably another name for Cyrus the Persian (Joyce Baldwin, Tyndale OT Commentary, Daniel, pg. 26) overthrew the great Babylonian Empire to establish the Persian Empire in 539 BC.
And that is at the age of 62.
With God on our side, we can accomplish lots as He leads us.
Daniel himself is a great example of longevity of faithfulness and in faithfully serving the LORD in the various roles God had sovereignly positioned him.
Daniel was born sometime around 620 BC because he was deported to Babylon as a teenager (between 12-16 years) in 605 BC.
He served during the 43 year reign of Nebuchadnezzar from 605 BC to 562 BC (Events in Dan 1 - 4).
Daniel would be around 58 years old at the end of the reign of Nebuchadnezzar.
There is a silence on Daniel's life during the reigns of four Babylonian kings between Dan 4 to Dan 5.
The four Babylonian kings being:
1. Amel-Marduk (Evil-Merodach 2 Kings 25:27-30) reigning from 562-560 BC
2. Neriglissar, son-in-law of Nebuchadnezzar, 560-556 BC
3. Labashi-Marduk, 556 BC
4. Nabonidus (his eldest son Belshazzar acting as king in Babylon whilst Nabonidus was campaigning in Arabia), 556-539 BC
Here is a man who was so wise that King Nebuchadnezzar "made him ruler over the entire province of Babylon and placed him in charge of all its wise men" (Dan 2:48) - but the four succeeding Babylonian kings did not consult him as Nebuchadnezzar did.
And Daniel was no longer remembered.
Between 562 BC to 539 BC, when Daniel was between 58-81 years old, he was in obscurity for a long period of 23 years.
For those in high places, who suddenly fade into obscurity, the life of Daniel is an encouragement.
Daniel maintained his connection with God.
He is obscure with the kings, officials and the nobility.
But he is not obscure with God.
He still received his visions and interpretation.
Daniel received visions from the Lord in the first year (552/551 BC) (Dan 7:1) and the third year (550/549 BC) of Belshazzar, when he was about 70 years old though he was not called into service in the Babylonian court.
In Dan 5, in 539 BC when Daniel is about 81 years old, he was suddenly called into Belshazzar's, the king's palace to interpret the handwriting on the wall.
This is a reminder for all of us, young and old, that God mobilizes us throughout our lives. The main thing is our connection with God.
For 23 years, Daniel was in obscurity and in limbo.
Suddenly at 81 years of age, he was called into service.
Then the Persians conquered the Babylonians.
Usually the officials and the nobility of the previous regime will be wiped out - Daniel included.
But God had chosen Darius / Cyrus to overthrow the Babylonians for a purpose.
Cyrus/Darius was to be the king who would release the Jews and restore and re-build Jerusalem in response to Daniel's prayer in Dan 9:1-2, 21, 23.
A confirmation that Cyrus/Darius was God's appointed king can be found in Dan 10:21-11:1.
A messenger - most probably the angel Gabriel - with the assistance of angel Michael, was protecting and supporting Darius / Cyrus.
Dan 10:21b (No one supports me against them except Michael, your prince.
Dan 11:1 And in the first year of Darius the Mede, I took my stand to support and protect him)
So amazingly, Daniel was restored to his high position.
He was appointed as one of the top three "administrators" (Dan 6:2) or "presidents" (KJV) overseeing 120 satraps / princes at the age of about 81 years in 539 BC.
Amazing right.
Are we prepared to be appointed in high places at 81 years of age?
Even after being in limbo for 23 years?
Darius inaugurated the new Persian Empire - overthrowing the Babylonian Empire - at the age of 62.
Amazing new things can happen even as we "mature".
I have been playing guitar for decades.
Strumming along with chords for worship.
Then I learnt something new from my son as he returned to Auckland for further studies after his National Service early this year.
I learnt to play "lead" guitar using scales with easy to remember patterns for every key.
I tell you it is a quantum leap in my guitar playing.
I can now let loose playing notes to support and enhance worship.
I am now helping with the worship team for Sunday service and it is so wonderful to be able to worship God in free worship - not only with new songs but with spontaneous lead guitar as well.
Imagine me rocking along at 55 years of age as I will try to play the electric guitar with the distortions and overdrive pedals.
I like it ...
Let us break new grounds as we mature ...
What is God saying to you ...
your new grounds ...?
or staying connected in transition ...?
Be encouraged in obscurity ...?
New thing coming ...?
Friday, June 25, 2010
Below is a testimony from one of my friends in Singapore in response to my e-mail / blog of 31 May 2010 on God's Timing.
Note the rather sharp timing at the end of May when my friend lost his job (which I didn't know about) and the securing of the job soon after that.
PTL & Blessings to all
============
Hi Pastor;
1. Your email on God's Timing is a right timing as my contract was terminated early by end May 2010, and was wondering on God's timing for my life and somehow your email is an assurance from God.
2. I had completed two courses, Lead QMS Auditor and WDA Certified Trainer and this had helps in securing another job on 4th Jun.
3. Somehow, I felt this job is secured even before I went for the interview.
4. God is good all the times.
5. Thanks and God bless.
In His Service;
xx
E-mail of 6 July 2010
Note the rather sharp timing at the end of May when my friend lost his job (which I didn't know about) and the securing of the job soon after that.
PTL & Blessings to all
============
Hi Pastor;
1. Your email on God's Timing is a right timing as my contract was terminated early by end May 2010, and was wondering on God's timing for my life and somehow your email is an assurance from God.
2. I had completed two courses, Lead QMS Auditor and WDA Certified Trainer and this had helps in securing another job on 4th Jun.
3. Somehow, I felt this job is secured even before I went for the interview.
4. God is good all the times.
5. Thanks and God bless.
In His Service;
xx
E-mail of 6 July 2010
It's Coming To Pass
I was reading the New Zealand Herald a couple of weeks ago and what struck me was that what a bank's Chief Economist said was almost what I wrote in my blog 2 years ago.
I wrote in this blog on 7 Aug 2008 sharing what I sensed was God's Word which I had shared in our church in Jun 2008 - exactly two years ago.
"I was reminded of an earlier message I shared how I had sensed that the property market in NZ was over-bought, 2-3 years before it actually happened. The property market has now turned in the first half of 2008.
On 22 Jun 08, I shared during the Sunday message that it seems that the worst of the NZ economy and property market is not yet here - perhaps in 2010." (see http://panghappenings.blogspot.com/2008_08_01_archive.html)
In Sep 2008, just after a few months of release of the word, the greatest financial crisis after the Great Depression of 1929 befell upon all of us.
I had shared more specifically about the NZ economy and property market that the worst was not to be till 2010 - which means that the market may or may not change after that from 2011 onwards.
This is what Tony Alexander, Chief Economist, Bank of New Zealand in Property Report, a pull out section of New Zealand Herald, 8 June 2010, p.7 said two years after the Word:
"Our approach remains based on the same factors and that is why during 2011 it is highly likely in our opinion that house prices will be rising again - after a few months perhaps of some final weeding out of the most cash-strapped investors."
Amazing how God has already seen everything and He chooses to reveal to us what He so chooses to reveal which can be two or twenty years ahead of time.
I am also now trying to study the book of Daniel again and this situation reminds me of these verses:
Da 2:27 Daniel replied, “No wise man, enchanter, magician or diviner can explain to the king the mystery he has asked about,
Da 2:28 but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries. He has shown King Nebuchadnezzar what will happen in days to come. Your dream and the visions that passed through your mind as you lay on your bed are these:
Da 2:29 “As you were lying there, O king, your mind turned to things to come, and the revealer of mysteries showed you what is going to happen.
Da 2:30 As for me, this mystery has been revealed to me, not because I have greater wisdom than other living men, but so that you, O king, may know the interpretation and that you may understand what went through your mind.
What amazes me is that God can chose to reveal mysteries to not only us but also even to the unchurched - and in this instance to the pagan king Nebuchadnezzar.
But the one who will be able to reveal the interpretation will be one who is in oneness with the Spirit who ultimately is the source of all revelation.
So when the unchurched person is troubled and comes to us with his or her dream, ask the Holy Spirit if there is a revelation.
As for the word on NZ economy and property market, it has been revealed for a purpose or purposes.
One is to prepare the people two years ago for a challenging time such as now.
For those who are prepared, what next?
Do ask the Holy Spirit for your own specific circumstances ...
All Glory To God!!!
I was reading the New Zealand Herald a couple of weeks ago and what struck me was that what a bank's Chief Economist said was almost what I wrote in my blog 2 years ago.
I wrote in this blog on 7 Aug 2008 sharing what I sensed was God's Word which I had shared in our church in Jun 2008 - exactly two years ago.
"I was reminded of an earlier message I shared how I had sensed that the property market in NZ was over-bought, 2-3 years before it actually happened. The property market has now turned in the first half of 2008.
On 22 Jun 08, I shared during the Sunday message that it seems that the worst of the NZ economy and property market is not yet here - perhaps in 2010." (see http://panghappenings.blogspot.com/2008_08_01_archive.html)
In Sep 2008, just after a few months of release of the word, the greatest financial crisis after the Great Depression of 1929 befell upon all of us.
I had shared more specifically about the NZ economy and property market that the worst was not to be till 2010 - which means that the market may or may not change after that from 2011 onwards.
This is what Tony Alexander, Chief Economist, Bank of New Zealand in Property Report, a pull out section of New Zealand Herald, 8 June 2010, p.7 said two years after the Word:
"Our approach remains based on the same factors and that is why during 2011 it is highly likely in our opinion that house prices will be rising again - after a few months perhaps of some final weeding out of the most cash-strapped investors."
Amazing how God has already seen everything and He chooses to reveal to us what He so chooses to reveal which can be two or twenty years ahead of time.
I am also now trying to study the book of Daniel again and this situation reminds me of these verses:
Da 2:27 Daniel replied, “No wise man, enchanter, magician or diviner can explain to the king the mystery he has asked about,
Da 2:28 but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries. He has shown King Nebuchadnezzar what will happen in days to come. Your dream and the visions that passed through your mind as you lay on your bed are these:
Da 2:29 “As you were lying there, O king, your mind turned to things to come, and the revealer of mysteries showed you what is going to happen.
Da 2:30 As for me, this mystery has been revealed to me, not because I have greater wisdom than other living men, but so that you, O king, may know the interpretation and that you may understand what went through your mind.
What amazes me is that God can chose to reveal mysteries to not only us but also even to the unchurched - and in this instance to the pagan king Nebuchadnezzar.
But the one who will be able to reveal the interpretation will be one who is in oneness with the Spirit who ultimately is the source of all revelation.
So when the unchurched person is troubled and comes to us with his or her dream, ask the Holy Spirit if there is a revelation.
As for the word on NZ economy and property market, it has been revealed for a purpose or purposes.
One is to prepare the people two years ago for a challenging time such as now.
For those who are prepared, what next?
Do ask the Holy Spirit for your own specific circumstances ...
All Glory To God!!!
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
God's Rewarding Timing
Have we ever felt that we were not rewarded for our efforts and good work?
Have we felt that our boss or even God had not rewarded us for our good work?
I was meditating over the book of Esther and I thought about Mordecai.
Mordecai discovered a plot to assassinate the king (Esther 2:21).
He told this to Queen Esther, his cousin (Est 2:7) whom he was like a foster father to when she became an orphan (Est 2:7).
Esther in turn revealed the plot to the king and Mordecai saved the king's life.
This incident was recorded in the country's archives.
But Mordecai did not receive a reward.
How would Mordecai have felt?
Mordecai must have felt unappreciated at best and at worst greatly frustrated.
Instead of being rewarded, he, a Jew and all the other Jews received a death warrant sealed with the king's signet ring and with the king's approval (Est 3:10, 12,15). Irony here.
No doubt Mordecai did provoke Haman, the highest ranked noble, by not kneeling down to him or giving him honor. Mordecai probably stood by his principle of not kneeling down to anyone except God. This made Haman so mad as to want to destroy all the Jews - not just Mordecai.
The pur or the lot was cast and the date for the complete destruction of all Jews was set for the 13th day of the 12th month of Adar (i.e. 13 Feb or 13 Mar 473BC).
When this edict was issued, the king and Haman sat down to drink but the city of Susa was bewildered (Est 3:15).
Not only was Mordecai puzzled - but the whole city was bewildered by this order of an "ethnic cleansing."
Its quite an irony that Mordecai who saved the king's life is now ordered to be killed soon - and the king is drinking away with Haman, who is the enemy of Mordecai and his Jewish race.
Now Mordecai has every reason to be upset and bitter.
He may well ask - Where is God and His justice?
But he nevertheless sought to do something about the situation.
He made a daring and painful suggestion to his foster daughter, Esther, to go uninvited into the king's presence - which may potentially send Esther to her death if the king did not hold out his scepter towards her (Est 4:11).
And the king had not invited Esther into his presence for 30 days.
But the Jews would all die within a year - including Esther herself ultimately if she was discovered to be a Jewess, a fact that was hidden from all including the king until later.
So after three days of fasting (although not mentioned, much prayer must have accompanied the fasting), Esther approached the king uninvited.
And the king was pleased with Esther and he extended the scepter to her.
The king wanted to find out what was bothering her and what her request was.
The king was so pleased with her that he would even give half of his kingdom to her (Est 5:3).
The queen didn't reveal her precarious situation to the king but instead invited the king and Haman to a banquet that night.
Why didn't the queen tell the king of her dreadful situation that very moment when the king seemed so in favor of her?
She somehow sensed that it wasn't God's timing.
In any case, it may be better to have a chat with the king in a more informal setting at a banquet where they are husband and wife rather than when the king is sitting at his throne handling his official kingdom business.
Now at the banquet, the king again wanted to find out what was on Esther's heart and repeated his generosity to her that even half of the kingdom could be hers (Est 5:3,6).
Again Esther didn't disclose what was on her heart but invited both the king and Haman to another banquet the next day / "tomorrow" (Est 5:8).
Now this really got me thinking.
Why have another banquet?
What difference would one day make?
It is all about God's wonderful and perfect timing.
Only God knows what was about to happen in between the two banquets that will make all the difference in His perfect timing.
What happened in the in between times?
Haman built a 75 feet high gallows for Mordecai (Est 5:14).
It was so high - taller than the tallest trees - that everyone in Susa would be able to see it.
It served as a warning for all who dared disrespect Haman.
Another important thing happened the night before the second banquet.
The king couldn't sleep that night (Est 6:1-5).
What do kings do when they cannot sleep at night?
Most of them would call out for some entertainment - food, women, wine and song.
But no not King Xerxes!
He asked for the country's records to be read to him.
Imagine the amount of archive records we keep just for ourselves and compare it with the country's records over the 12 year rule of King Xerxes.
Of all the records the country had, he asked his officials to read a record of 5 years ago about how Mordecai saved him.
Was this a coincidence?
There is a string of "coincidences" that although "God" is not mentioned in the book of Esther, the reader can immediately see the hand of God working in all the events in this book of Esther.
Now the king realized that he had not rewarded Mordecai for what he did five years ago.
It was dawn and the start of a brand new day and the king asked who was in court that morning.
Coincidence! Coincidence?
Haman happened to be in court right at that moment when the king asked for an official.
Haman was actually in court to ask for the king's permission to hang Mordecai (Est 6:4).
And Haman had felt very honored by the king so far with the receipt of the king's signet ring and an invitation to the queen's banquet - not once but twice.
When asked "What should be done for the man the king delights to honor?" he was sure the king would honor him (Est 6:6).
So Haman suggested the greatest of honor possible - royal robes and horse - to reward the man thinking it would be him - but it turns out that the honor will be given to his archenemy, Mordecai.
As we read the book of Esther, take note the "coincidences" and ironies.
e.g. Irony - Haman thought he would be honored but instead he had to honor Mordecai whom he hated.
If some other court official had been in court then, the honor given to Mordecai would not be as prestigious.
At last Mordecai was rewarded for his good work.
Five years later.
Then it was time for the second banquet.
At the banquet, the king asked Esther the third time (Est 7:2) what her request was and that he would even grant half of his kingdom to her.
This time she sensed the release to disclose her real concerns and her Jewish identity. The king had just rewarded a good Jew, Mordecai, who saved his life.
And now he hears of an evil scheme to annihilate the Jews - which includes Esther and Mordecai.
And who was the man who dared to plan such an evil scheme?
Esther presses in - it was Haman.
The king was in rage and went to his palace garden to let off steam.
Haman knows he has no way out and he has no choice but to plead for his dear life from Queen Esther.
Irony - Haman sought to kill the Jews, but he now pleads for his life from a Jewess.
Coincidence?
The king returned to the banquet hall just as Haman was falling on the couch Esther was reclining on - giving the impression Haman was molesting the queen (Est 7:8).
The court officials seized Haman.
Coincidence?
Harbona, one of the king's eunuchs in attendance, mentioned that Haman had built the 75 feet gallows to hang Mordecai - the very person who spoke up to save the king (Est 7:9)
Irony: The king ordered Haman to be hung on the gallows he made for Mordecai.
See the twist and turns in God's timing and justice and deliverance.
There are more to be said but let me return to Mordecai.
At last he was rewarded.
But in the delay of his reward and Esther's courageous intervention, the Jewish race was saved.
God rewards us in His timing.
And his timing is perfect to accomplish His purposes which at times goes beyond just about ourselves.
Esther's timing in disclosing the Jewish situation at the second banquet and not the first proved to be a God-led timing.
Was this the end of Mordecai's reward? No.
The king reclaimed his signet ring from Haman and gave it to Mordecai (Est 8:2).
Irony: The king's signet ring previously given to Haman was now being given to his enemy, Mordecai.
Irony: Haman wanted to kill all Jews and seize their estate.
But now Haman's estate was given to Queen Esther, a Jew, and Esther appointed Mordecai, a Jew, over Haman's estate (Est 8:1-2).
Mordecai was further rewarded with a promotion to be the prime minister - second in rank only to the king (Est 10:3).
Some lessons learnt:
1. Be patient for God's reward. God will reward us in His timing.
2. His timing is perfect when all the other circumstances - even though they may beyond our control but in God's control - fall in place.
3. Wait for God's timing - the second banquet timing - as in Esther's situation.
4. When the timing is right - press in like Esther did.
5. Reward and appreciate people for their good work.
Reflect on:
1. How does the narrative of Mordecai and Esther encourage us to wait for God's timing of His reward?
2. What is God's second banquet timing for some of our decisions?
3. What are some "coincidences" that happened in our lives - which on hindsight is the hand of God guiding our lives?
May you be blessed with His rewarding timing.
Have we ever felt that we were not rewarded for our efforts and good work?
Have we felt that our boss or even God had not rewarded us for our good work?
I was meditating over the book of Esther and I thought about Mordecai.
Mordecai discovered a plot to assassinate the king (Esther 2:21).
He told this to Queen Esther, his cousin (Est 2:7) whom he was like a foster father to when she became an orphan (Est 2:7).
Esther in turn revealed the plot to the king and Mordecai saved the king's life.
This incident was recorded in the country's archives.
But Mordecai did not receive a reward.
How would Mordecai have felt?
Mordecai must have felt unappreciated at best and at worst greatly frustrated.
Instead of being rewarded, he, a Jew and all the other Jews received a death warrant sealed with the king's signet ring and with the king's approval (Est 3:10, 12,15). Irony here.
No doubt Mordecai did provoke Haman, the highest ranked noble, by not kneeling down to him or giving him honor. Mordecai probably stood by his principle of not kneeling down to anyone except God. This made Haman so mad as to want to destroy all the Jews - not just Mordecai.
The pur or the lot was cast and the date for the complete destruction of all Jews was set for the 13th day of the 12th month of Adar (i.e. 13 Feb or 13 Mar 473BC).
When this edict was issued, the king and Haman sat down to drink but the city of Susa was bewildered (Est 3:15).
Not only was Mordecai puzzled - but the whole city was bewildered by this order of an "ethnic cleansing."
Its quite an irony that Mordecai who saved the king's life is now ordered to be killed soon - and the king is drinking away with Haman, who is the enemy of Mordecai and his Jewish race.
Now Mordecai has every reason to be upset and bitter.
He may well ask - Where is God and His justice?
But he nevertheless sought to do something about the situation.
He made a daring and painful suggestion to his foster daughter, Esther, to go uninvited into the king's presence - which may potentially send Esther to her death if the king did not hold out his scepter towards her (Est 4:11).
And the king had not invited Esther into his presence for 30 days.
But the Jews would all die within a year - including Esther herself ultimately if she was discovered to be a Jewess, a fact that was hidden from all including the king until later.
So after three days of fasting (although not mentioned, much prayer must have accompanied the fasting), Esther approached the king uninvited.
And the king was pleased with Esther and he extended the scepter to her.
The king wanted to find out what was bothering her and what her request was.
The king was so pleased with her that he would even give half of his kingdom to her (Est 5:3).
The queen didn't reveal her precarious situation to the king but instead invited the king and Haman to a banquet that night.
Why didn't the queen tell the king of her dreadful situation that very moment when the king seemed so in favor of her?
She somehow sensed that it wasn't God's timing.
In any case, it may be better to have a chat with the king in a more informal setting at a banquet where they are husband and wife rather than when the king is sitting at his throne handling his official kingdom business.
Now at the banquet, the king again wanted to find out what was on Esther's heart and repeated his generosity to her that even half of the kingdom could be hers (Est 5:3,6).
Again Esther didn't disclose what was on her heart but invited both the king and Haman to another banquet the next day / "tomorrow" (Est 5:8).
Now this really got me thinking.
Why have another banquet?
What difference would one day make?
It is all about God's wonderful and perfect timing.
Only God knows what was about to happen in between the two banquets that will make all the difference in His perfect timing.
What happened in the in between times?
Haman built a 75 feet high gallows for Mordecai (Est 5:14).
It was so high - taller than the tallest trees - that everyone in Susa would be able to see it.
It served as a warning for all who dared disrespect Haman.
Another important thing happened the night before the second banquet.
The king couldn't sleep that night (Est 6:1-5).
What do kings do when they cannot sleep at night?
Most of them would call out for some entertainment - food, women, wine and song.
But no not King Xerxes!
He asked for the country's records to be read to him.
Imagine the amount of archive records we keep just for ourselves and compare it with the country's records over the 12 year rule of King Xerxes.
Of all the records the country had, he asked his officials to read a record of 5 years ago about how Mordecai saved him.
Was this a coincidence?
There is a string of "coincidences" that although "God" is not mentioned in the book of Esther, the reader can immediately see the hand of God working in all the events in this book of Esther.
Now the king realized that he had not rewarded Mordecai for what he did five years ago.
It was dawn and the start of a brand new day and the king asked who was in court that morning.
Coincidence! Coincidence?
Haman happened to be in court right at that moment when the king asked for an official.
Haman was actually in court to ask for the king's permission to hang Mordecai (Est 6:4).
And Haman had felt very honored by the king so far with the receipt of the king's signet ring and an invitation to the queen's banquet - not once but twice.
When asked "What should be done for the man the king delights to honor?" he was sure the king would honor him (Est 6:6).
So Haman suggested the greatest of honor possible - royal robes and horse - to reward the man thinking it would be him - but it turns out that the honor will be given to his archenemy, Mordecai.
As we read the book of Esther, take note the "coincidences" and ironies.
e.g. Irony - Haman thought he would be honored but instead he had to honor Mordecai whom he hated.
If some other court official had been in court then, the honor given to Mordecai would not be as prestigious.
At last Mordecai was rewarded for his good work.
Five years later.
Then it was time for the second banquet.
At the banquet, the king asked Esther the third time (Est 7:2) what her request was and that he would even grant half of his kingdom to her.
This time she sensed the release to disclose her real concerns and her Jewish identity. The king had just rewarded a good Jew, Mordecai, who saved his life.
And now he hears of an evil scheme to annihilate the Jews - which includes Esther and Mordecai.
And who was the man who dared to plan such an evil scheme?
Esther presses in - it was Haman.
The king was in rage and went to his palace garden to let off steam.
Haman knows he has no way out and he has no choice but to plead for his dear life from Queen Esther.
Irony - Haman sought to kill the Jews, but he now pleads for his life from a Jewess.
Coincidence?
The king returned to the banquet hall just as Haman was falling on the couch Esther was reclining on - giving the impression Haman was molesting the queen (Est 7:8).
The court officials seized Haman.
Coincidence?
Harbona, one of the king's eunuchs in attendance, mentioned that Haman had built the 75 feet gallows to hang Mordecai - the very person who spoke up to save the king (Est 7:9)
Irony: The king ordered Haman to be hung on the gallows he made for Mordecai.
See the twist and turns in God's timing and justice and deliverance.
There are more to be said but let me return to Mordecai.
At last he was rewarded.
But in the delay of his reward and Esther's courageous intervention, the Jewish race was saved.
God rewards us in His timing.
And his timing is perfect to accomplish His purposes which at times goes beyond just about ourselves.
Esther's timing in disclosing the Jewish situation at the second banquet and not the first proved to be a God-led timing.
Was this the end of Mordecai's reward? No.
The king reclaimed his signet ring from Haman and gave it to Mordecai (Est 8:2).
Irony: The king's signet ring previously given to Haman was now being given to his enemy, Mordecai.
Irony: Haman wanted to kill all Jews and seize their estate.
But now Haman's estate was given to Queen Esther, a Jew, and Esther appointed Mordecai, a Jew, over Haman's estate (Est 8:1-2).
Mordecai was further rewarded with a promotion to be the prime minister - second in rank only to the king (Est 10:3).
Some lessons learnt:
1. Be patient for God's reward. God will reward us in His timing.
2. His timing is perfect when all the other circumstances - even though they may beyond our control but in God's control - fall in place.
3. Wait for God's timing - the second banquet timing - as in Esther's situation.
4. When the timing is right - press in like Esther did.
5. Reward and appreciate people for their good work.
Reflect on:
1. How does the narrative of Mordecai and Esther encourage us to wait for God's timing of His reward?
2. What is God's second banquet timing for some of our decisions?
3. What are some "coincidences" that happened in our lives - which on hindsight is the hand of God guiding our lives?
May you be blessed with His rewarding timing.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
IS THERE ANY DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SIN & INIQUITY?
When I was in
I had thought that sin and iniquity were synonymous. But Barry shared some great insights which prodded me to delve into the subject which I thought worthwhile sharing with all of us.
In the English language, sin and iniquity seem synonymous.
Collins includes sin in the definition of iniquity and the Pocket Oxford Dictionary defines iniquity as "immoral or grossly unfair behavior."
But the Bible was not originally written in English.
To fully understand the nuances of God's Word, we sometimes need to go to
The Hebrew word for sin is "chatta'ah" whereas the word for iniquity is "avon."
Sin almost always refers to an action (See website below).
Only one of the Ten Commandments - "you shall not covet ..." (Deut 5:21) - speaks of our heart's inclination rather than our action.
Sin is a certain action or behavior, or lack of which, that violates God's commandments.
The Hebrew "Chatta'ah" (Strong's Hebrew Dictionary H2398) like its Greek counterpart "hamartia" is derived from its root meaning "missing the mark" of godly behavior just as an archer misses the bull's eye of the
(H2398 châṭâʼ
/ khaw-taw'
- A primitive root; properly to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin) .
Thus, sin includes an act, which though we didn't think was wrong, but is still considered sin because it misses the mark when someone felt wronged by our "innocent" actions.
Deut 24:15 Pay him his wages each day before sunset, because he is poor and is counting on it. Otherwise he may cry to the LORD against you, and you will be guilty of sin.
Omitting to do an act too can be a sin.
James 4:17 Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins.
Iniquity or "avon" (pronunciation sounds like "Ah-von") (H5771) means perversity or wickedness with a root meaning (H5753) "to pervert," "to make crooked" to be bent or to be inclined to the wrong way.
Whilst sin is an act of commission or omission or when a 3rd party feels wronged, iniquity is evil even when it resides in our heart and has not even been expressed or manifested in actions or sin.
Whist sin is visible and external, iniquity is internal, invisible and in the heart.
We all have iniquity in our heart because we are inclined to evil all the time (Gen 6:5) and from childhood (Gen 8:21).
Gen 6:5 The LORD saw how great man’s wickedness on the earth had become, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil all the time.
The Ten Commandments and the laws in the Torah deal mostly with sin.
But which of the Ten Commandments deal with iniquity? (Answer below)
The Pharisees were concerned with outward sins and rituals.
But Jesus in the NT goes deeper to deal with iniquity - which is in our heart.
In Matthew 5, the Beatitudes deal with our heart - like being "poor in spirit" (Mt 5:3) and "pure in heart" (Mt 5:8).
Jesus goes on further to point out that we ought to have a righteousness (Mt 5:20) (as opposed to iniquity) that surpasses that of the Pharisees.
This involves not just keeping the commandments and not sinning.
Even when we do not commit murder (we do not sin), we have iniquity when we get angry and slander (Mt 5:22).
Even when we don't commit adultery, there is iniquity when we look lustfully (Mt 5:28).
Iniquity therefore is wider than sin.
So Why Sin Is Confused With Iniquity?
The confusion arises because this Greek word, hamartia, which is translated as "sin" in the NT, can mean both sin or iniquity.
So it is up to the reader to figure out from the context when hamartia translated as "sin," is meant to be "sin" or when "sin" is meant to be "iniquity."
Take for example the "Woman Caught In Adultery" narrative in John 8.
John 8:7 When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.” Jn 8:8 Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground. Jn 8:9 At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. Jn 8:10 Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?”
Jn 8:11 “No one, sir,” she said. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.”
In Jn 8:7 “If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her,” the "sin" here would actually refer to "iniquity."
A born-again Rabbi believes that the teachers of the Law and the Pharisees would have gone to the temple (John 8:2) to make sacrifices to atone for their sins. From the time of their sacrifices till the bringing forth of the woman caught in adultery - they probably would not have committed a "sin". They may consider themselves "without sin".
If the meaning of the word "without sin" is "not committed any sinful acts," then some of the Pharisees could have thrown the first stone because they had not committed any sin from the time they made sacrifices for their sin.
But the meaning here of "sin" is that those without "iniquity" be the first to cast the stone.
The Pharisees and all of us know we have evil inclinations in our heart.
And so they won't be the first to cast the stone.
[Note: A present day Jew explained to me that a Jew will feel that he is in a right relationship with God and everything is okay when they make all the sacrifices and keep the law. They know they cannot be sinless but they feel they are in a right relationship with God (as if without sin?)]
Then in Jn 8:11, Jesus instructs the woman to "go, and sin no more" (KJV).
The "sin" here means don't commit any sinful acts from now on.
She can try to keep the commandments but it is impossible to be free from iniquity in our hearts.
Trying not to commit sinful acts is something do-able for her.
An interesting idea from the Hebrew "avon" is its root meaning "to pervert," "to make crooked" to be bent or to be inclined to the wrong way.
Some years ago, I counseled a young, recently married lady to re-consider her inclination towards heading overseas for a company-sponsored Masters program leaving her husband behind in
Her husband was tentative about it and wasn't really in favor of her going.
I shared with them that my wife and I experienced the same situation.
My wife went overseas to study for about 2 1/2 years and even with my wholehearted blessings, the separation almost destroyed our marriage.
What was more important and has the higher priority?
The marriage covenant we made before God or our career?
Could there be another educational / career alternative?
Later I found out that she went overseas and argued that since our marriage didn't break up and we became a better couple, she could do likewise.
What happened here?
There is "avon" - a bending and a twisting of the gist of my words - which was not to go and be separated from her husband for a prolonged period.
The "avon" of my words is not as serious as the "avon" of God's words.
Sometimes we may end up twisting, thereby perverting, God's words - to justify our actions and intentions.
Do we date a hot non-Christian for evangelism?
Do we tell our children "God doesn't love you if you do this or don't do this" as if God's love is conditional and there can be no forgiveness?
Do we tell people that if we have faith, God will surely heal us? (though Jesus only healed one out of the many disabled at the Pool (John 5)
Do we regard people who are financially blessed to be more spiritual - believing that material blessings are a result of one's spiritual walk and maturity?
The corollary - if they have problems, they must be sinning.
Do I as a pastor urge the congregation to give more so that you will be blessed more financially?
(Yes God will supply all our needs if we give - context of epistle of Philippians is that of a giving church - but does that include God meeting our greeds?
Is there a formula to financial blessings?
Or is our state of blessedness more holistic?).
Do our godly ends justify unloving, ungodly means to attain those ends?
I leave us with this reflection:
Are we engaging in "avon" - the bending of God's word?
(Footnote: I have referred to the website below but I have not been able to authenticate everything that is said regarding the Jewish view of sin and sinlessness.
However as mentioned above, I was informed that a Jew would feel that he or she is in a right relationship with God and everything is okay when they make all the sacrifices and keep all the laws. They know they cannot be sinless but they will feel like they are right with God.
Q: Which of the Ten Commandments deal with iniquity?
A: The Tenth Commandment - Thou shall not covet ...
Monday, March 8, 2010
GOD SPEAKING THROUGH US
During my Sabbath, I was reading and meditating upon God's Word but had not spent much time playing the guitar and worshiping the Lord as I used too.
When I had to return to Singapore to complete my dental work and help my son relocate back to Auckland after his national service, I picked up the guitar again.
I was worshiping with my son and then I realized that I had lost my vocal range. I sensed a bit of this when I was in Auckland.
But when I worshiped in Singapore with my son, it was confirmed.
I could not reach certain high parts of some songs that I could easily have reached a year ago.
It was like I had to sing two keys down.
Is it an age thing? Am I losing my vocal range as I grow older?
I was concerned.
I prayed for the vocal range to be restored.
PTL. I am happy to report that I am back to worshiping the Lord with the same vocal range.
My son had returned to Auckland one week before me.
As his luggage was already in excess of the permitted allowance, I carried his acoustic guitar for him.
It was close to the time when I was due to leave Singapore and I took a breather from all the packing of our belongings in our flat.
I was alone and I thought why not worship the Lord as I rested since the guitar was in the room.
As I was worshiping the Lord, the Holy Spirit touched me and I just cried.
Then words came to me.
I had met a fervent Christian who had asked me what is the difference between "Disciplining" and "Pruning."
He had suffered many trials.
He sustained substantial losses in a business start-up.
Then the Lord blessed him with a good job partly based overseas where corruption is not infrequent.
But then a corrupted boss tried to nudge him out of his job because he did not close his eyes to condone the under-table money the boss was getting.
And he suffered other mishaps in his personal life.
So he asked the Lord - Is it the Lord's "pruning" or "disciplining?"
As I was worshiping the Lord, not thinking about him or anyone because I met a number of friends whilst in Singapore - the words came to me and I just knew that the words were for this particular friend whom I just met on this trip.
The words were that there are more than the two categories of "pruning" and "disciplining." There is another category - "Suffering for Nothing" like Job. Job suffered even though he did no wrong.
I texted the word to my friend and sure enough, he was encouraged and he said that it was a revelation to him.
It was like the blind man in John 9.
It was not because of the man's sin or the parent's sin that he was suffering the blindness (Jn 9:3).
It was not the blind man's doing that he was being "disciplined" or "pruned" or "punished."
For some, "this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life." (Jn 9:3)
Indeed, what is happening to some of us in our trials is so that God's work may be displayed in us!!!
What a wonderful and timely word of encouragement to my friend, to me and to some of us who may be undergoing trials. A word received as I started to worship the Lord with the guitar again back in Singapore.
During my Sabbath, I was reading and meditating upon God's Word but had not spent much time playing the guitar and worshiping the Lord as I used too.
When I had to return to Singapore to complete my dental work and help my son relocate back to Auckland after his national service, I picked up the guitar again.
I was worshiping with my son and then I realized that I had lost my vocal range. I sensed a bit of this when I was in Auckland.
But when I worshiped in Singapore with my son, it was confirmed.
I could not reach certain high parts of some songs that I could easily have reached a year ago.
It was like I had to sing two keys down.
Is it an age thing? Am I losing my vocal range as I grow older?
I was concerned.
I prayed for the vocal range to be restored.
PTL. I am happy to report that I am back to worshiping the Lord with the same vocal range.
My son had returned to Auckland one week before me.
As his luggage was already in excess of the permitted allowance, I carried his acoustic guitar for him.
It was close to the time when I was due to leave Singapore and I took a breather from all the packing of our belongings in our flat.
I was alone and I thought why not worship the Lord as I rested since the guitar was in the room.
As I was worshiping the Lord, the Holy Spirit touched me and I just cried.
Then words came to me.
I had met a fervent Christian who had asked me what is the difference between "Disciplining" and "Pruning."
He had suffered many trials.
He sustained substantial losses in a business start-up.
Then the Lord blessed him with a good job partly based overseas where corruption is not infrequent.
But then a corrupted boss tried to nudge him out of his job because he did not close his eyes to condone the under-table money the boss was getting.
And he suffered other mishaps in his personal life.
So he asked the Lord - Is it the Lord's "pruning" or "disciplining?"
As I was worshiping the Lord, not thinking about him or anyone because I met a number of friends whilst in Singapore - the words came to me and I just knew that the words were for this particular friend whom I just met on this trip.
The words were that there are more than the two categories of "pruning" and "disciplining." There is another category - "Suffering for Nothing" like Job. Job suffered even though he did no wrong.
I texted the word to my friend and sure enough, he was encouraged and he said that it was a revelation to him.
It was like the blind man in John 9.
It was not because of the man's sin or the parent's sin that he was suffering the blindness (Jn 9:3).
It was not the blind man's doing that he was being "disciplined" or "pruned" or "punished."
For some, "this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life." (Jn 9:3)
Indeed, what is happening to some of us in our trials is so that God's work may be displayed in us!!!
What a wonderful and timely word of encouragement to my friend, to me and to some of us who may be undergoing trials. A word received as I started to worship the Lord with the guitar again back in Singapore.
Monday, January 11, 2010
IN PRAISE OF CELL GROUPS BECAUSE OF LONG LASTING FRIENDSHIPS (A RESPONSE)
Proverbs 27:9
Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart,
and the pleasantness of one’s friend springs from his earnest counsel.
Further to my post of Saturday (9 Jan 10), here is a response from an ex-cell member (not the family who visited us in Auckland):
"Hi Pastor,
Thanks for the reflection. Indeed, this (Jurong cell) is the best group that we ever had. Members X, Y, your family and us; despite not meeting on a regular basis, still, the intimacy is always there. Even as we meet once a year, within minutes, we could start talking endlessly. There are numerous topics or subjects that we can speak on and on and on; and we are also not fearful of offending each other.
As a matter of fact, there is no barrier among ourselves; considering the different economic background or “status”…… . The fact is that we have been through those challenging moments as a cell and as a body, we have been able to see each other through during those difficult moments.
Most of all, it is the fact that we are called Christian brothers and sisters; with a common FATHER whom we call, that bind us together.
Even in my past cell group in Church A, the same goes to the very first cell that we were in. Those were the good times, but due to some unpleasant situation, the friendship has not been able to develop at a level as we are.
As for my current cell, the relationship is rather superficial despite being together for 3 years. I often try to gather the group together for events / outings but response is weak with at most 40% turn up rate only.
Back to our “Jurong Cell”, I must thank you for taking the time and effort in spending time with us before your departure to NZ.
At that time, I count it a privilege to have a cell lead by you – a Pastor. Importantly, it was your LOVE shown when leading us in the group; your patience in giving me the chance to play the guitar in the group….. these, I never forget.
This friendship I have; I dare not to take it for granted and will always give priority whenever there is a chance to meet. I believe there will be more tests ahead with regards to our friendship within this group but I have all the Faith that we will not be divided.
On a lighter note, sometimes I wonder what exactly is the chemistry within the group that gel us so well together !?!? :>)
I look forward to see you in Singapore."
May all of us be encouraged in persisting with discipleship in cell groups - sharpening one another and developing enduring friendships.
I hope to be able to share with all of us - after I chat with as many of my ex-cell members when I meet up with them again in Singapore - to ascertain what are some of the key ingredients that will help answer my friend's question "sometimes I wonder what exactly is the chemistry within the group that gel us so well together !?!?"
Proverbs 27:9
Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart,
and the pleasantness of one’s friend springs from his earnest counsel.
Further to my post of Saturday (9 Jan 10), here is a response from an ex-cell member (not the family who visited us in Auckland):
"Hi Pastor,
Thanks for the reflection. Indeed, this (Jurong cell) is the best group that we ever had. Members X, Y, your family and us; despite not meeting on a regular basis, still, the intimacy is always there. Even as we meet once a year, within minutes, we could start talking endlessly. There are numerous topics or subjects that we can speak on and on and on; and we are also not fearful of offending each other.
As a matter of fact, there is no barrier among ourselves; considering the different economic background or “status”…… . The fact is that we have been through those challenging moments as a cell and as a body, we have been able to see each other through during those difficult moments.
Most of all, it is the fact that we are called Christian brothers and sisters; with a common FATHER whom we call, that bind us together.
Even in my past cell group in Church A, the same goes to the very first cell that we were in. Those were the good times, but due to some unpleasant situation, the friendship has not been able to develop at a level as we are.
As for my current cell, the relationship is rather superficial despite being together for 3 years. I often try to gather the group together for events / outings but response is weak with at most 40% turn up rate only.
Back to our “Jurong Cell”, I must thank you for taking the time and effort in spending time with us before your departure to NZ.
At that time, I count it a privilege to have a cell lead by you – a Pastor. Importantly, it was your LOVE shown when leading us in the group; your patience in giving me the chance to play the guitar in the group….. these, I never forget.
This friendship I have; I dare not to take it for granted and will always give priority whenever there is a chance to meet. I believe there will be more tests ahead with regards to our friendship within this group but I have all the Faith that we will not be divided.
On a lighter note, sometimes I wonder what exactly is the chemistry within the group that gel us so well together !?!? :>)
I look forward to see you in Singapore."
May all of us be encouraged in persisting with discipleship in cell groups - sharpening one another and developing enduring friendships.
I hope to be able to share with all of us - after I chat with as many of my ex-cell members when I meet up with them again in Singapore - to ascertain what are some of the key ingredients that will help answer my friend's question "sometimes I wonder what exactly is the chemistry within the group that gel us so well together !?!?"
Saturday, January 9, 2010
In Praise Of Cell Groups Because Of Long Lasting Friendships
Do we find it difficult to develop long lasting friendships?
Oh yes I find it difficult to develop enduring friendships.
And it is great to have a convergence of bible reading relating to friendships and a visit of long-time family friends.
I was reading Proverbs 27 today (Sat, 9 Jan 2010) which talked so much about friendships.
16 of the 27 verses in Proverbs 27 relates to relationships.
And the reading is just after a Singaporean family returned after visiting us and another couple in Auckland.
We can trace our friendship way back to around the mid-1990's when we were all from the same cell group in Jurong, Singapore. I was the pastor and zone supervisor and we were all very blessed by the thick friendships that developed over the course of time.
We have already been away in NZ for 7 years and we are so privileged to have friends who tell us that they are visiting NZ primarily to visit with us and that their touring of NZ is secondary.
Paying $2,300 per person at this peak period during their son's school holidays just to spend 8 days here in Auckland is an expression of their deep desire to remain in touch.
Wow!!! I am really touched and floored.
And awed by the grace of God expressing His love through His people.
Wouldn't we wish for more friends like these?
Yes the friendship can all be traced back to our cell group which started some 15 years ago. But fifteen years ago when we had the cell group, we didn't have this kind of expectation except that the cell group was the place to attend, to be involved in and to participate to be edified and to evangelize as we do the 4 W's - Welcome, Worship, Word and the Works.
In engaging in the Word of God as we developed in friendship and in trust, we expected and hoped for transparency in our sharing of the application of the Word of God in our lives. We prayed and hoped that each of us will grow in Christ. Hence, what we get out of the cell groups depends on the cell group dynamics and each individual cell member - whether we are committed in growing as disciples together and expressing the love of Christ towards each other.
We learn how to be sensitive to one another.
We learn not to impose our preferences (as opposed to fundamental Christian beliefs) on others as well as to know when to help.
We may think we may be a blessing but as today's proverbs tells us ...
Prov 27:14
"If a man loudly blesses his neighbor early in the morning,
it will be taken as a curse."
Sometimes the right action - the blessing - at the wrong time will be received as a curse.
This is the reason why there is a conflict stage in cell group dynamics.
Will we get pass this conflict stage?
Most cell groups do get pass this conflict stage if the members, especially the core members, pursue and persevere in discipleship.
We all learn to be more sensitive, more aware and less judgmental - and to pray and care for one another.
As trust and friendship develops, we find that we are in the position to sharpen one another.
Prov 27:17
As iron sharpens iron,
so one man sharpens another.
When we briskly rub the knife against the stone to sharpen it, sparks may fly.
Likewise, sparks may fly when cell members rubbed against each other as we all apply the Word to our lives - exchanging different perspectives, critiquing one another, causing each other to be more aware and more sensitive - or vice versa to be less sensitive and to read less into other people's actions. To be less speculative and presumptuous.
We learn not to boast of what we will do in the future (Prov 27:1) and not to praise ourselves for what we had done in the past (Prov 27:2).
Instead we learn to encourage one another by praising each other - because there is certainly good in all of us who not only desire to follow Christ but actually walk in His ways
(Ps 128:1 Blessed are all who fear the LORD,
who walk in his ways.)
As we grow in discipleship, the friendship will grow in intimacy - just as a husband and wife grow in love and intimacy as they grow in discipleship.
As a couple gets closer to God, they find that they get closer to each other as if they were at the base of a triangle coming towards each other as they reach God at the apex.
The foundational key is growth in discipleship.
Discipleship and growth involves openness and receptivity to critique within the friendship.
Prov 27:5 Better is open rebuke
Prov 27:6 Wounds from a friend can be trusted.
But do not accept judgmental comments that discourage us.
The end result of all the sharpening and why I am in praise of the cell group, is that we become such great disciples growing in Christ together in the cell group and growing in deep friendship like the friends who visited us. And we have more friends who could not visit us.
The end result is that we also have friends who are as close to us as our family members and for some, our cell members can be closer than our family members.
Prov 27:10
"better a neighbor nearby than a brother far away."
This is not to denigrate family relationships.
But sometimes a brother can be such a great distance away that our cell member and friend, who is our neighbor, will be in a better position to support us.
We still reminisce and remember the great times we had in the cell groups. The cell meeting will end at 10pm and we look forward to the time of fellowship and snacks. We fellowship until 11pm and sometimes we just lose track of time in the thick of the fellowship and laughter.
Food, Fun, Fellowship - a recipe for Friendship
(undergirded by Fellowship with our Heavenly Father).
This reflection is written in praise of God and in praise of cell groups which blessed us with great friends.
So join a group that talks of Christ ...
Remembering the great times ...
Thanks for being such a great friend.
Do we find it difficult to develop long lasting friendships?
Oh yes I find it difficult to develop enduring friendships.
And it is great to have a convergence of bible reading relating to friendships and a visit of long-time family friends.
I was reading Proverbs 27 today (Sat, 9 Jan 2010) which talked so much about friendships.
16 of the 27 verses in Proverbs 27 relates to relationships.
And the reading is just after a Singaporean family returned after visiting us and another couple in Auckland.
We can trace our friendship way back to around the mid-1990's when we were all from the same cell group in Jurong, Singapore. I was the pastor and zone supervisor and we were all very blessed by the thick friendships that developed over the course of time.
We have already been away in NZ for 7 years and we are so privileged to have friends who tell us that they are visiting NZ primarily to visit with us and that their touring of NZ is secondary.
Paying $2,300 per person at this peak period during their son's school holidays just to spend 8 days here in Auckland is an expression of their deep desire to remain in touch.
Wow!!! I am really touched and floored.
And awed by the grace of God expressing His love through His people.
Wouldn't we wish for more friends like these?
Yes the friendship can all be traced back to our cell group which started some 15 years ago. But fifteen years ago when we had the cell group, we didn't have this kind of expectation except that the cell group was the place to attend, to be involved in and to participate to be edified and to evangelize as we do the 4 W's - Welcome, Worship, Word and the Works.
In engaging in the Word of God as we developed in friendship and in trust, we expected and hoped for transparency in our sharing of the application of the Word of God in our lives. We prayed and hoped that each of us will grow in Christ. Hence, what we get out of the cell groups depends on the cell group dynamics and each individual cell member - whether we are committed in growing as disciples together and expressing the love of Christ towards each other.
We learn how to be sensitive to one another.
We learn not to impose our preferences (as opposed to fundamental Christian beliefs) on others as well as to know when to help.
We may think we may be a blessing but as today's proverbs tells us ...
Prov 27:14
"If a man loudly blesses his neighbor early in the morning,
it will be taken as a curse."
Sometimes the right action - the blessing - at the wrong time will be received as a curse.
This is the reason why there is a conflict stage in cell group dynamics.
Will we get pass this conflict stage?
Most cell groups do get pass this conflict stage if the members, especially the core members, pursue and persevere in discipleship.
We all learn to be more sensitive, more aware and less judgmental - and to pray and care for one another.
As trust and friendship develops, we find that we are in the position to sharpen one another.
Prov 27:17
As iron sharpens iron,
so one man sharpens another.
When we briskly rub the knife against the stone to sharpen it, sparks may fly.
Likewise, sparks may fly when cell members rubbed against each other as we all apply the Word to our lives - exchanging different perspectives, critiquing one another, causing each other to be more aware and more sensitive - or vice versa to be less sensitive and to read less into other people's actions. To be less speculative and presumptuous.
We learn not to boast of what we will do in the future (Prov 27:1) and not to praise ourselves for what we had done in the past (Prov 27:2).
Instead we learn to encourage one another by praising each other - because there is certainly good in all of us who not only desire to follow Christ but actually walk in His ways
(Ps 128:1 Blessed are all who fear the LORD,
who walk in his ways.)
As we grow in discipleship, the friendship will grow in intimacy - just as a husband and wife grow in love and intimacy as they grow in discipleship.
As a couple gets closer to God, they find that they get closer to each other as if they were at the base of a triangle coming towards each other as they reach God at the apex.
The foundational key is growth in discipleship.
Discipleship and growth involves openness and receptivity to critique within the friendship.
Prov 27:5 Better is open rebuke
Prov 27:6 Wounds from a friend can be trusted.
But do not accept judgmental comments that discourage us.
The end result of all the sharpening and why I am in praise of the cell group, is that we become such great disciples growing in Christ together in the cell group and growing in deep friendship like the friends who visited us. And we have more friends who could not visit us.
The end result is that we also have friends who are as close to us as our family members and for some, our cell members can be closer than our family members.
Prov 27:10
"better a neighbor nearby than a brother far away."
This is not to denigrate family relationships.
But sometimes a brother can be such a great distance away that our cell member and friend, who is our neighbor, will be in a better position to support us.
We still reminisce and remember the great times we had in the cell groups. The cell meeting will end at 10pm and we look forward to the time of fellowship and snacks. We fellowship until 11pm and sometimes we just lose track of time in the thick of the fellowship and laughter.
Food, Fun, Fellowship - a recipe for Friendship
(undergirded by Fellowship with our Heavenly Father).
This reflection is written in praise of God and in praise of cell groups which blessed us with great friends.
So join a group that talks of Christ ...
Remembering the great times ...
Thanks for being such a great friend.
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