Today, the cortege leaves for the crematorium to cremate the lovely girl, Rachel, who lived, and died, only at the age of 9+. She truly lived a life of example, young as she was, she kept on in the faith, fighting to the very end. She succumbed to leukemia, that took her on 22nd January 2008.

Her passing left a great mark of inspiration to us. We have been praying for her for a very long time; for a moment we saw she was recovering, and then she fell critically ill, other moments we saw her cheerful and joyful (despite her condition), other times she was quiet, suffering in pain. Yet in all those times, we saw her exhibiting joy beyond her pain, that even through suffering, she had faith to believe that God was going to do something.

A life like hers was truly worth modelling. Though young, she had faith in the One who was greater than the sickness. She didn't give in to fear, she gave birth to faith. She resisted many negative remarks about dying, but pressed on to believe God was more than enough for her every need.

Now even in her passing, she continues to live in our hearts by leaving a legacy of faith. Yes, though we may ask why these should happen, God still is in control. He knows that this will bring Him glory. We may wonder, but truly, God's name is to be praised. He saw fitting to bring her home, and He knows that all things will work together for good because He loves us, and He loves her very much.

Yes, hers is a life truly lived, to the glory of His name!

Sometimes, it is hard for us to prepare ourselves for the unknown. Some of the things that happen to good people are those things which we fear most, and expect the least. Others seem to prosper when we sometimes think of them dealing with unhealthy business or affairs on the human meddling.

The Lord Jesus taught us not to fear about tomorrow, because tomorrow has it's set of worries. Though we may be hit with some news of the unexpected, it doesn't mean that there is no good end to things. All things work together for good, to them that love God and are called according to His purpose and plan (Romans 8:28). The Lord cares enough for us to know when to allow us to go through trials, because He knows we are ready to face it, according to our maturity.

So, we don't have to live in fear of the unknown. Live for the present, make preparations for tomorrow, but don't live in anticipation of it's regrets and sorrows. After all, the canvas of life is meant for us to journey as and when we are treading the path. The painter cannot hold 2 brushes at a time, he only makes his strokes one at a time. Thus, we are to live, "one moment at a time".

Yes, sometimes bad things do happen to good people. But remember, life lessons are best taught through difficult times, because the journey of a distance always begins with a first step.

God bless!

I was just reading my Bible yesterday night, on 1 Corinthians 3 when I suddenly came across this passage that hit me like a bolt of lighting. It says that "Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire." (1 Corinthians 3:12-15)

How much of what we do carries value that will last when tested through fire? You see, Paul made it very clear, that we as believers, our work will be tested. When we are through, when we finish our journey on earth, what will God say of what we have done? I'd be so ashamed if it comes to nothing, where everything is consumed in the fire of God's testing. I have nothing to bring before my King would be embarassing.

So, what will we do? It's important for us to continue pursuing godly virtues and values, and working out our salvation with fear, according to Phillippians 2:12-13. "Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure." This does not mean that we ought to live in fear, but to continually watch our walk and character so that it will bring praise and glory to Jesus, and to center our faith on the finished work of the Cross, as the fuel for us to do good works.

The question here would be, "Are you doing anything that is of eternal value that will last through the fire?" Of the elements spoken of by Paul (gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw), only the first 3 elements will stand the test. The others will turn to ashes when tested with fire. So, what would it be?

My prayer for us that that we'll know how to gauge what activities or efforts we are doing that will last through fire. How do we know? Simple - Matthew 6 is a good key to help us.

May we continue to persevere to walk in godliness, investing in the eternal, or investing in others. We know this will remain when tested by fire.

All of us have seen how wonderful (or possibly tragic) the year 2007 has been. It is always that when we begin the new year, our expectations for ourselves are set a bar higher, because we desire and aspire to better ourselves in the coming year; trusting that we won't repeat the mistakes we made in the past year.

While 2008 offers many new opportunities, challenges and events, we must never forget how 2007 has built us to be more mature people, and wiser. It will always be that one of our greatest teachers is "time". Only time can show us that the experiences we have gone through has built us to be more durable, versatile and mature. We cannot be who we are without the past as a foundation in building our character.

Hence, beginning this new year, we must not just thrust forward without reflecting back on how God has been faithful. Attending the watchnight service was excellent, we saw so many people testifying of how good God truly is. Indeed, if it hadn't been for Him, we'd probably be suffering, or even died. But surely because of His mercies we are not consumed, for great is His faithfulness (Lamentations 3:22, 23).

2008 promises even greater challenges, maybe corporately for larger groups, or personally/individually, aspirations and ambitions to reach higher. Maybe we are seeking to reach higher in our spiritual walk, or even in our career line, or a deeper journey into education, etc... they all are good things, good intentions, good goals to reach for, but must be grounded by lots of prayer. Perhaps one of the greatest tool we have available to us is the resource of heaven, the Person of the Holy Spirit. John 15 promises that He will be our "parakletos", our Counsellor and Helper, to lead us and guide us into all truth. We can be sure that He will never leave us nor forsake us, but will teach us and fill us.

Some of us may have entered into 2008 with broken dreams, shattered hopes, fears and disappointments that have broken our spirits or passion for the new year. Some of us are not certain if the new year is gonna be a good year, because of the expectations that we built, into ourselves or others on us. We may not be zealous about the year, maybe thoughts of taking a back seat have set in because of major setbacks we had in the past year. Can I encourage you, not everything that has gone bad will continue to stay bad, or repeat itself. You can change that, you don't have to subject yourself to being a victim of mistakes and misery, you can be a victor, because of Him who lives in you. He promises to be your strength, and His grace is always sufficient.

We are at the threshold of something great God is doing. We cannot be at the wayside, just watching as an audience. We have to jump into the bandwagon and take a leap of faith into what God is doing. This could mean that we may have to throw the reservations aside and let God be God. We need to dare believe, because our God is far greater, and nothing is impossible for Him. If you believe that God is able to do exceedingly, abundantly, far and above beyond all that we can ask or even imagine, according to the power at work within us (Ephesians 3:20), we don't need to be so reserved, because our God can do leaps and bounds beyond our imagination. We can take Him at His word.

God never fails. Though we may go through difficult times this year, though we may face opposition, though we may face some giants, God is still faithful. Yes, reality will have us nailed down at times, maybe we have to look at things differently (not all spiritual things all the time), but remember God is a practical God. We can't over-spiritualize things, we must be naturally relevant with the context of our environment. This means, we cannot be heavenly focused with no earthly good. Ephesians 2:10 tells us that we are His workmanship, created to do good works. Only then, can the people around us know that we are a people of earthly good.

I'm confident that 2008 will be an exciting year. After all, it's new, and God is in it. Since God already lived in 2008, He knows the end from the beginning, let's trust Him with our lives, our everything. He knows best.

I pray that you will come and encounter Him in a very special way this year. May you be filled with God's wonderful presence, and His blessings to follow you, and overtake you this year.

God bless our year 2008!

Yup, I believe you know what I mean by the subject. You're gonna be filled with lots of joy that can be found in the most exciting place; the cell group. And I love this cell group of mine, we are called the A2J (Addicted 2 Jesus). In this group, we just have the great group of people, most exciting and fun filled people, people who love God, and are passionate about His work, and enjoying each others' presence.

I believe that's what you'll find when you can attach yourself to a group, of vibrant and lively people. They are the people that will just bring out the life in you!

I have not been updating the blog for a long time, but I just want to tell my cell group that I love them. And being a part of this group certainly has been exciting and thrilling. We've shared many moments together, in good and difficult times, just exploring together the facets of life here in Penang.

Oh God, I pray that you will continue to bring the most out from the cell groups, that would glorify Your name and praise You high. Thank You for Your wonderful gift we call friends. In Jesus' name, Amen!

I remember it was on Saturday morning that I got the news from my CG member, Cindy, that her mum has passed away, after battling a long fight with cancer. It was indeed something that triggered us to know how fragile life is.

You see, no one knows what the next moment holds. Only God in His infinite wisdom, could have deviced such a schedule to our lives, living one thing at a time. That is possibly why Ecclesiastes 3 says that there is a time for everything, for everything under the sun. Seasons come and seasons go, but as we journey through life, we are called to make the best of the moment we have.

During the fateful morning, I know we had to embrace some change. A family in need, is what we all need to spring into action. That's what the cell group is meant for, to support each other in need. We made plans to head down to Kuala Kangsar to visit Cindy and family over the bereavement. Spent sometime there to just accompany Cindy.

We were so encouraged to see Cindy. Though she lost her mum, she was very strong. Perhaps what kept her strong and courageous was the fact that the family had already accepted the notion that death was coming. And so it happened, and everyone was, calm and peaceful. I guess to a certain extent, we hope to see the suffering end and that one would enjoy the eternal abode in heaven.

We spend a couple of hours in KK. Imagine, trying from 11:15am meeting in church, we arrived in KK about 4:30pm. 5 hours? Ya, the delays in getting stuff, lunch break, some stops for petrol. But thank God all of us arrived safely.

Well, all of us were there to just pay our respect to the deceased and be present with the family during their loss. Cindy's sister (Vivien) had requested us to sing 2 songs for the closing before we left, where we sang "My Life is in You, Lord" and "Amazing Grace". Funny thing, we were stuck with "Amazing Grace", most of us just couldn't remember, or maybe just too stunned over some turned of events, that we could not sing the verses/stanzas. But we did have a good time, and encouraging time, to know that Cindy and all her siblings and father are doing very well.

We will always keep you in prayer, and let us know if you need any help from us. Take care.

It's interesting that these are times where your own friends are getting married. I mean, you know, it's growing up, and then, one by one, you're seeing your friends tying the knot, and vowing lives to live for each other, in holy matrimony. It is truly awesome, that we are turning pages of our lives, to live out new chapters, and every new event unfolds, capturing the wonder of how wonderful our life is in God.

I've had the pleasure of attending a friend's wedding, Michelle. Michelle has been a good friend and sister to me, one that helped me back in my college days. Together with her family, they have welcomed me into Ipoh when I was so homesick (first time staying away from home over an extended period of time). Our days in CF, along with so many other brothers and sisters in Christ, really helped made the fellowship sweet and warm. I tasted how wonderful the unity shared in the Body of Christ, and it will certainly take effort.

It was really nice to see them getting married. Michelle, with her husband-to-be, Chris, were definitely a match made in heaven. (Of course, at this point of time, they are already husband and wife). How wonderful a wedding is, a public confession of 2 individuals, vowing to each other, that they belong to each other, never to part, except through death. Truly, it was wonderful, God gave such a fine weather, the place was beautiful (in a Presbyterian church), and the procession was glorious.

Weddings are also nice places to have reunions. Some friends from CF, whom I've not seen in years, were present, and it was just amazing how all of them seem the same they were before. Well, you can say, all of us probably aged a little, but generally all of us looked the same. Perhaps some put on some weight, and some loss them, but all of us knew each other, all of us had a common point of contact.

Anyway, I was really glad to have the pleasure to be at the wedding, both the morning and the evening (dinner). The events were very nice, and it was nice to sit around with old friends, enjoying the occasion.

Marriage is a new phase of life, where it is to be journeyed with perseverance and joy, along with your life partner. The Bible teaches us that a man shall leave his house (parents) and build his own, along with his wife. They are to build their own family institution, where God is the Center of the home.

I pray so for Chris and Michelle. May the good Lord continue to bless your lives, and your relationship, may you continue to blossom in God's richest blessings, and you begin your new life chapter, called marriage. May you have offsprings that will walk godly in the ways of the Lord, and may your home always be of peace and faith.

God bless you both, Chris and Michelle!

Doing ACTS
Accept the Word
Friday : 13th April 2007
Read : John 11:21-27
21 Now Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 But even now I know that whatever You ask of God, God will give You.”
23 Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.”
24 Martha said to Him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.”
25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. 26 And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?”
27 She said to Him, “Yes, Lord, I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.”

 

Contemplation
1. What do you say to Jesus’ question: “Do you believe this?” (v 26)
Because we live in the modern world, and because we have read the facts that remain (from the Bible), we can surely or will surely say that we believe what He says. However, it might be different if we were actually living in those days, where the actual event was actually taking place.

 

2. What difference has your faith in the resurrected Christ made in your life?
God has given much hope, joy and meaning of living because of the resurrection promise. By knowing that Christ lives again (after the death), it gives us the hope to believe that someday, after our physical death, we will continue on in eternity with the Father, because of faith in Jesus Christ.

 

3. How do you “behold” Him in your life? What evidences have you found helpful in showing friends that Christ is alive today.
We have to live like Christ, be like Him, for the world to see Him and know Him. “Beholding” in this context means to hold in high esteem, or honour. If we regard someone highly, we will surely not do anything shameful or embarrassing to the one we honour. Likewise, if we are children of God, we carry His name in the places we go, the people we meet. We may notice some people who carry labels of Christianity (i.e. t-shirts with Christian quotes and phrases, wear a big tag “I love Jesus”, etc), but live completely otherwise. Or we could choose to be silent in our words, but speak strongly with our character, even sometimes when placed in situations we could be compromised. Our stand in Him need never be shaken, we stand for truth, and truth will prevail.

 

4. How does the resurrected power of Christ give you hope and courage to overcome your fears and doubt? (Share one example if you can in your cell group).
Most of us have fears; fear of heights, fear of the night (darkness), fear of insects, fear of blood, fearof spiders, etc. One of the most common fears is the fear of death. The fear of death grips many people. But by knowing and trusting the power of the resurrection (which is the power of God), we know that someday, we shall rise again in Him, those who sleep in Christ will rise. Death no longer is an enemy, it may be the first death (and the only death we could know), but after that, we face eternity with joy and gladness. This is our blessed assurance.

 

5. Read Ephesians 3:20. In who is the power working? How does this truth help you to
live out your Christian life?
Ephesians 3:20 – “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly, abundantly, above all that we could ever ask or think, according to the power which is at work within us”
The power is working within us. Now if we know of the grace that is given us, that if God can do exceedingly more, think exceedingly more, perform exceedingly more, that what our minds could possibly imagine, we would probably be living as victors (because God is on our side). And God promises that He who began a good work within us, will be faithful to complete until the day of Jesus Christ (Philippians 1:6). If this is so, why should we fear? God will be our portion and lot, to always give us victory. After all, He made us more than conquerors through Christ that strengthens us (Romans 8:37).

 

6. How does the story of Lazarus’ resurrection give you hope? (You may share individually how the story helped you personally).
God has a purpose for everything, and according to His perfect timing. We understand from John 11 that Jesus has deliberately waited an extra 2 days (vv6), with the aim of, revealing God’s glory. And God always does it in style. Jesus puts it in vv15 of chapter 11, that He was glad He wasn’t there, because the glory of God was to be shown so that they may believe. And it was, for their sakes (vv15). And when they had come to the tomb, Lazarus had been dead for 4 days. No one could possibly picture in their mind or even fathom what they were about to see. Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, and he lived again! We believe in the power of God, that He is able to bring about life in the “deadest” situations in life, because He is the resurrection and the life. And God is always with us.

 

Take Action
Thank God for the hope of resurrection - be specific about what it means to you!
2. Pray for all your non-Christian friends who came for your Easter Hunt Cell
Outreach. Pray that they will believe! (Be sure to pray for them by name).
3. Pray for your cell Dream Project. Pray for unity and impact in the community.
- If you have completed it, pray the impact will continue on.
- If your team is facing challenges, commit to God that challenge and trust Him to
bless your project! (Don’t give up!)

 

Share
Share testimonies today in your CG how the Easter has been to you and what God did
to you and your CG effort.

Ever worked in a condition where everything and everyone seems to be pressing you for answers, and you have so little time before each of the required responses are due? Can't believe Asians are always rushing. Though I'm generalizing, it does seem like many Asians follow this trait of pushing for results and driving much faster than they ought to.

Work life seems to carry with it many expectations to drive for excellence. In the career line, if you don't do well, you lose out. And thus, the dog eat dog world, rat race and paper chase label. Everyone wants to get a bigger piece of the cake, and in doing that, we push others down, and fend ourselves from trouble.

I just read an article yesterday regarding the "slow culture". The Swedes live in such culture, believing that it does help bring about better quality through quality analyzing, response feedback and constructive critism to build toward better. They even have "slow food", where in our culture, everything is fast, where we even need "fast food". And do you know, they would park far away so that they can walk? The late comers will then need to park near (as all those far away car-parks have already been occupied). Missed opportunity to enjoy the morning walk.

It certainly helps to have a balanced culture. I'm sure all of us could use a balance in driving expectations, what comes urgent, what can come later. We certainly need to know how to juggle between what's important to us, life of living with the various needs met by our proper planning.

The Bible tells us not to worry about tomorrow, for sufficient is the day's worries. (Matt 6:34) The essence of the message of not worrying is to come back to the knowledge of how much God loves us (verses 25-32). The task (or joy), is to seek first His kingdom and His righteousness. He will then, add all to us (verse 33).

May the message of His love continue to ring deep in our hearts, to know that life is meant to be lived one thing at a time. Yes, the culture may push for us to drive faster and live in a breeze, but sometimes it's good to just take a break and breathe the air and watch the scenary and all of God's beauty, amen?

Lord God, thank You for giving so much, and caring for us. It is a challenge, no doubt to have to race with the expectations, but teach us to live wisely and redeeming the time because the days are evil. May all our days count, as a blessing to You and to others, for the glory of Your name. In Jesus' precious and holy name, Amen!

Work is tough...I suppose that it is very normal to run through life day after day in the office finding challenges that test us in our character, build and perseverance. It's been months since I last updated my blog, which is a sign that things are not going the right direction. Just too many setup work, but I think I need to, really need to set aside some time to do something that I love doing.

There has been a steady stream of visitors from everywhere coming to Penang to take a look at my product platform. Most of the visits were here to lay clearer expectations, some of which challenged my current setup and status. Many of them were really hard to catch up - working through changes to accommodate the different needs and requirements.

Setup has always taken much - and it will always. Staying up late, and working through issues, chasing the various needs to have different parties support the setup is indeed a challenge. That's where the challenge is, to find courage to pursue the correct direction, and also find proper support to ensure we make ends meet. This is truly the challenge of leadership; to find the best resources.

God has been truly good. Though I have not been very frequent in updating this, I must say that God has been really good to me, even through the trying times. Yes, there are hard times, there have been times where I'm really tried, but God's love and mercy never fails. He has promised me that He would give strength for every weakness, and mercy every morning.

Lord Jesus, I thank You for always standing with me. Your faithfulness never ends. And my prayer is, that as I face the challenges at work, may I continue to shine for You, through every challenge, through every moment. To the glory of Your name. In Jesus' precious and holy name, Amen!

As we enter into a week of prayer and fasting, we want to first of all engage into this week in a dedicated posture of prayer and with an intensified passion to seek the Lord in the spiritual discipline of fasting. Use the ACTS material both to help you connect to His Word and heart and to engage in heart wrenching prayer before Jesus.

 

"Supernatural Revelation" - Doing ACTS (Monday 12/4/06)

 

Scripture Reading:
Mark 9:1-13

Jesus Transfigured on the Mount

 1 And He said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you that there are some standing here who will not taste death till they see the kingdom of God present with power.”
2 Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John, and led them up on a high mountain apart by themselves; and He was transfigured before them. 3 His clothes became shining, exceedingly white, like snow, such as no launderer on earth can whiten them. 4 And Elijah appeared to them with Moses, and they were talking with Jesus. 5 Then Peter answered and said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; and let us make three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah”— 6 because he did not know what to say, for they were greatly afraid.
7 And a cloud came and overshadowed them; and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son. Hear Him!” 8 Suddenly, when they had looked around, they saw no one anymore, but only Jesus with themselves.
9 Now as they came down from the mountain, He commanded them that they should tell no one the things they had seen, till the Son of Man had risen from the dead. 10 So they kept this word to themselves, questioning what the rising from the dead meant.
11 And they asked Him, saying, “Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?”
12 Then He answered and told them, “Indeed, Elijah is coming first and restores all things. And how is it written concerning the Son of Man, that He must suffer many things and be treated with contempt? 13 But I say to you that Elijah has also come, and they did to him whatever they wished, as it is written of him.”
1.                   How many days has it been since Jesus’ discourse with the disciples? (v. 2) It has been after 6 days.
2.                   In your own words describe how Jesus’ appearance and clothes were changed. What do you think God was doing when He allowed us to witness what Jesus was going through? From Scripture, we know that His clothes became white, whiter than anything, greater than what any launderer can achieve. It is as the glory shone, and such was the splendour that was never seen by anyone before. It was certainly a transformation to behold!
3.                   In the amazing encounter, God has a plan for us to listen and hear what was happening more than be involved in God’s work (Read v 6 & 7)
a.       Peter’s behaviour seems contrary to God’s desire for him to listen!
b.      How can we miss what God is doing in a great spiritual encounter when we end up trying to ‘help’ God (v 6) rather than just listen and enjoy His work for us? (v 7) Peter did (said) something that he didn’t know, because he was afraid. But God spoke and affirms that Jesus is the only One we ought to follow.
c.       When God takes us to a great spiritual high, it always begins with Jesus (v 1) and after the ‘high’ is over, it ends with Jesus – He is central to all our spiritual mountain top experiences! (v 8)
d.      Can you notice that after such a spectacular encounter with Christ, Moses and Elijah, they were still not connected to God’s full counsel and plan? (v 10) Why? Could this happen to us like to the disciples? Any example? Surely it is possible. We don’t allow a revelation to sink in, for us to understand fully the plan and purpose of God, because of immaturity or hardened hearts, or minds that are always seeking it’s own ways (of deciphering issues or hidden things). Our minds cannot be compared to the mind of God.
4.                   The disciples just encountered a supernatural revelation of Jesus Christ. The following is obvious about this revelation:
a.       It was revealed in a dedicated spiritual retreat.
b.      It was given to those who were willing to ‘go away’ alone and ‘be away’ alone with the Lord.
c.       It was not a human effort or orchestration.
d.      It was an intimate and personalized revelation that affirms Jesus’ Messiahship (not to be revealed until His death & resurrection). It is a revelation to affirm the disciples’ faith and foundation further.
Summary:
We just have to take time to get away and be with Jesus, spending time in His presence and see His majesty. After all, it is all about Jesus, His resurrection and glory. When you feel disconnected or discouraged, being in the presence of God sharpens our minds and refocuses our attention to the purposes of God. Our hearts need to be open, so that when we seek Him, He will be found (Jeremiah 29:13). That’s when we can allow ourselves to be vessels where God can reveal His incomparable glory!

"Spiritual Blindness to Physical Blindness" - Doing ACTS (Thursday 11/30/06)
Scripture Reading
Mark 8:22-26
22 Then He came to Bethsaida; and they brought a blind man to Him, and begged Him to touch him. 23 So He took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the town. And when He had spit on his eyes and put His hands on him, He asked him if he saw anything.
24 And he looked up and said, “I see men like trees, walking.”
25 Then He put His hands on his eyes again and made him look up. And he was restored and saw everyone clearly. 26 Then He sent him away to his house, saying, “Neither go into the town, nor tell anyone in the town.”
1.                   In the remainder of our passage Mark moves from spiritual to physical blindness.
2.                   When some people brought a blind man, why did Jesus lead him outside the village? Seems very unusual.
a.       Read Matthew 11:20-21. The Bible says Jesus denounced (condemned) cities where most miracles were done and for their unbelief and refusal to repent. Which towns were condemned? 20 Then He began to rebuke the cities in which most of His mighty works had been done, because they did not repent: 21 “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes (Matthew 11:20-21). Chorazin and Bethsaida. These cities are mentioned to be towns of lack of faith and cities that refuse to repent. Mark 8:22 records Jesus entering Bethsaida.
b.      Jesus went back to a city which He had denounced and that was why He took the man out of the city. Where people are without faith, Jesus will not perform miracles (eg. Mark 6:5-6). Unbelief brings spiritual blindness. Jesus took the man out of town because the town refused to believe. 5 Now He could do no mighty work there, except that He laid His hands on a few sick people and healed them. 6 And He marveled because of their unbelief. Then He went about the villages in a circuit, teaching. (Mark 6:5-6)
c.       Jesus went back to a place of unbelief. Can you see His heart and compassion to help those with unbelief and hardened hearts, like the disciples? Are you walking in unbelief? Open your heart. Get ready for a visitation. The Scriptures always speak about God intention that all be saved, and that none perish. God loves the people, and will always find ways to reach the lost.
3.                   Jesus spit on his eyes and put His hands on the blind man. Why do you think Jesus used this method? Some hints:
a.       Every healing is different, because every person is different.
b.      Touch = His compassionate approach. Spittle on the eye was perhaps to communicate His intention to the blind man whose sense of touch was heightened.
4.                   Why the 2^nd touch? (v.23) So many answers can be given. One answer is because we go through so much change in our lives that He doesn’t want us to fear from asking Him for one more touch! We need one more touch from Jesus for our diseases, our fears, our lack, our unbelief, our disappointments and others. Why do you think the 2^nd touch? It could be because God wanted to demonstrate that He wants to touch us, to assure us that He is always reachable. It could also be that in the point of need, the sense of touch would bring about such warmness, that words can do so little. God is interested to reach us, to fill us, assure us.
5.                   Jesus did not send the men back to the village. Why? Could it be because of their unbelief, faithlessness and unrepentant heart? (Read again Matt 11:20-21). Jesus didn’t want the man to live in an atmosphere of unbelief, lest he will move from physical blindness to spiritual blindness! 20 Then He began to rebuke the cities in which most of His mighty works had been done, because they did not repent: 21 “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes (Matthew 11:20-21). You change with the environment around you. Things take effect once we associate ourselves with the conditions we are subjected to. Take for instance, if you soak the sponge into water, it will be soaked with water. It contains the substance where the sponge got soaked into. Likewise, continual exposure to faithlessness can bring about faithlessness (even when the initial state may be full of faith!)

"Our Pre-Occupation" - Doing ACTS (Wednesday 11/29/06)
Scripture Reading
Mark 8:16-21
16 And they reasoned among themselves, saying, “ It is because we have no bread.”
17 But Jesus, being aware of it, said to them, “Why do you reason because you have no bread? Do you not yet perceive nor understand? Is your heart still hardened? 18 Having eyes, do you not see? And having ears, do you not hear? And do you not remember? 19 When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many baskets full of fragments did you take up?”
They said to Him, “Twelve.”
20 “Also, when I broke the seven for the four thousand, how many large baskets full of fragments did you take up?”
And they said, “Seven.”
21 So He said to them, “How is it you do not understand?”
1.                   The disciples thought Jesus was talking about bread (v. 16) when He mentions about the yeast about the yeast of the Pharisees and Herod. They thought they were being scolded for their lack of foresight (not packing bread for the journey), but Jesus was much more concerned about their lack of faith. Looking at this whole scenario, we can see that Jesus was rebuking them for their lack of faith. However, I view it as a continual lesson for the disciples – through examples seen by the eye. Jesus was demonstrating that the miracle working wonders of God can also be exercised, given in thanks and praise from Whom all blessings flow. Just like little children pick things up quickly through observation, this was the time the disciples, being little in their faith, was looking at the Master at work.
2.                   In a series of eight questions, He rebukes them for their lack of spiritual perception and failure to learn from either of His feeding miracles.
a.       What are the eight questions of Jesus to His disciples (Mark 8:17-21)
1.       Why do you reason because you have no bread?
2.       Do you not yet perceive nor understand?
3.       Is your heart still hardened?
4.       Having eyes, do you not see? And having ears, do you not hear?
5.       And do you not remember?
6.       When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many baskets full of fragments did you take up?
7.       Also, when I broke the seven for the four thousand, how many large baskets full of fragments did you take up?
8.      How is it you do not understand?
b.      Why do you think the disciples still cannot see what Jesus was doing when He fed the 4000 and the 5000? The disciples still were very much depending on their own wisdom and strength, which resulted in failure to see what can only be done in faith. 2 Corinthians 5:7 records that we are to ‘walk by faith, and not by sight’. With that in mind, we can either be walking in sight, or by faith.
c.       What was Jesus’ words to them when they failed to understand the feeding of the 5000? Read Mark 6:52. What about when they failed to understand the feeding of the 4000, what was Jesus’ rebuke to them? Read Mark 8:17. So we can safely conclude that their problem was hardened heart! For they had not understood about the loaves, because their heart was hardened. (Mark 6:52) Jesus, being aware of it, said to them, “Why do you reason because you have no bread? Do you not yet perceive nor understand? Is your heart still hardened? (Mark 8:17) The disciples still could not see beyond the human limitation, and lacked faith.
d.      What does Hebrews say if we have hardened hearts? Read Hebrews 4:3; 3:7-11; 3:12-19. For we who have believed do enter that rest, as He has said: “ So I swore in My wrath, ‘ They shall not enter My rest,’’ although the works were finished from the foundation of the world. (Hebrews 4:3)
7 Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says: “ Today, if you will hear His voice, 8 Do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion, In the day of trial in the wilderness, 9 Where your fathers tested Me, tried Me, And saw My works forty years. 10 Therefore I was angry with that generation, And said, ‘They always go astray in their heart, And they have not known My ways.’ 11 So I swore in My wrath, ‘ They shall not enter My rest.’ (Hebrews 3:7-11)
12 Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God; 13 but exhort one another daily, while it is called “Today,” lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. 14 For we have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end, 15 while it is said: “ Today, if you will hear His voice, Do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.” 16 For who, having heard, rebelled? Indeed, was it not all who came out of Egypt, led by Moses? 17 Now with whom was He angry forty years? Was it not with those who sinned, whose corpses fell in the wilderness? 18 And to whom did He swear that they would not enter His rest, but to those who did not obey? 19 So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief. (Hebrews 3:12-19)
Scriptures are self-explanatory.
e.       According to William Lane, “Repeated exposure to Jesus’ teaching and mighty works had not led to reflection on their significance but to a basic insensitivity and dullness” (Lane 281). They continue to be pre-occupied with temporal concerns such as bread, distance and money instead of trusting the great Provider who was right there with them in the boat!

Dear All,
                This is today’s sharing on ACTS. I hope that all of you will be blessed to know that faith is “a substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1). As you meditate on this subject, may the Holy Spirit inspire you to find out what is hypocrisy and perhaps, expose any of it (if we have participated in non-active pursuit of faith). God bless.

 

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"Where is your faith?" - Doing ACTS (Tuesday 11/28/06)

 

Bible Reading: Mark 8:14-15 (Read also Mark 8:11-13)

 

The Pharisees Seek a Sign

   
11 Then the Pharisees came out and began to dispute with Him, seeking from Him a sign from heaven, testing Him. 12 But He sighed deeply in His spirit, and said, “Why does this generation seek a sign? Assuredly, I say to you, no sign shall be given to this generation.”

 

Beware of the Leaven of the Pharisees and Herod

13 And He left them, and getting into the boat again, departed to the other side. 14 Now the disciples had forgotten to take bread, and they did not have more than one loaf with them in the boat. 15 Then He charged them, saying, “Take heed, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod.”

 

 

Questions:
1.                   Jesus talked about the yeast of the Pharisees also in another reference. Read Luke 12:1. What is the yeast of the Pharisees? In our reading today, Jesus also spoke about the yeast of the Pharisees (Mark 8:15). Luke 12:1 In the meantime, when an innumerable multitude of people had gathered together, so that they trampled one another, He began to say to His disciples first of all, “Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. So, Jesus summed up the yeast of the Pharisees: Hypocrisy.

 

2.                   Hypocrisy of the Pharisees is a pretentious living. They have a form of godliness but no power to justify the godliness. Jesus talked about the yeast of the Pharisees after He left a group of Pharisees who demanded for a sign from Him (Mark 8:11-13). 11 Then the Pharisees came out and began to dispute with Him, seeking from Him a sign from heaven, testing Him. 12 But He sighed deeply in His spirit, and said, “Why does this generation seek a sign? Assuredly, I say to you, no sign shall be given to this generation.” 13 And He left them, and getting into the boat again, departed to the other side.

 

3.                   The Pharisees don’t seem to reconcile the quality of godliness and the display of a faith-filled and a life of powerful living. Why? They are more concerned about the natural outward form of religion and thus producing only a form of godliness (not real godliness). Could this be because of their UNBELIEF? Yes, because they could not see the Miracle-Maker God: Jesus. They may have witnessed the signs and wonders, but were not able to identify them as God’s miraculous acts. They were content at their eloquence in the Scriptures, and were proud that they “knew” the Word of God in their heads, but never allowing it to take effect in the heart.

 

4.                   Read what the Scripture say about unbelief? Read Hebrews 3:12-15. Unbelief (hardened heart) is termed as sin’s deceitfulness. So the Pharisees’ unbelief leads to a hardened heart which leads to loss of faith which leads to only having a form of godliness and without power!
Summary: UNBELIEF à HARDENED HEART à HYPOCRISY (Yeast of the Pharisees) à FORM OF GODLINESS & WITHOUT POWER (that’s why they are always looking for power, miracles and signs) à NO REST. Hebrews3:12 Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God; 13 but exhort one another daily, while it is called “Today,” lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. 14 For we have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end, 15 while it is said:  “ Today, if you will hear His voice, Do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.”

 

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Agape,
Roland

 

"Seed of Miracle" – Doing ACTS – Monday 11/27/06

Scripture Reading

Mark 8

 

Feeding the Four Thousand

 1 In those days, the multitude being very great and having nothing to eat, Jesus called His disciples to Him and said to them, 2 “I have compassion on the multitude, because they have now continued with Me three days and have nothing to eat. 3 And if I send them away hungry to their own houses, they will faint on the way; for some of them have come from afar.”
4 Then His disciples answered Him, “How can one satisfy these people with bread here in the wilderness?”
5 He asked them, “How many loaves do you have?”
And they said, “Seven.”
6 So He commanded the multitude to sit down on the ground. And He took the seven loaves and gave thanks, broke them and gave them to His disciples to set before them; and they set them before the multitude. 7 They also had a few small fish; and having blessed them, He said to set them also before them. 8 So they ate and were filled, and they took up seven large baskets of leftover fragments. 9 Now those who had eaten were about four thousand. And He sent them away, 10 immediately got into the boat with His disciples, and came to the region of Dalmanutha.

 

The Pharisees Seek a Sign

   
11 Then the Pharisees came out and began to dispute with Him, seeking from Him a sign from heaven, testing Him. 12 But He sighed deeply in His spirit, and said, “Why does this generation seek a sign? Assuredly, I say to you, no sign shall be given to this generation.”

 

Beware of the Leaven of the Pharisees and Herod

13 And He left them, and getting into the boat again, departed to the other side.

 

 

1. VV2 – Do you notice the willingness of the crowd in this passage? They were willing to spend time with Jesus to the point that they went on 3 days without food. How willing are you to spend time with Jesus? (vv2 “I have compassion on the multitude, because they have now continued with Me three days and have nothing to eat.) From this passage, Jesus has compassion for the crowd as they were following Him through the places for 3 days, and they had nothing to eat. Thus, it was clear that the people were desperate for Him. And with such hunger and thirst for God, they went on without food, because they just wanted more of Him.
   
2. Remember Jesus fed the 5000 in chapter 6:30-44. From v1-5, Jesus was giving the disciples opportunity to respond to a need and wanting them to meet the need based on their previous experience on feeding a huge crowd. (30 Then the apostles gathered to Jesus and told Him all things, both what they had done and what they had taught. 31 And He said to them, “Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.” For there were many coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat. 32 So they departed to a deserted place in the boat by themselves.
   33 But the multitudes^[a] saw them departing, and many knew Him and ran there on foot from all the cities. They arrived before them and came together to Him. 34 And Jesus, when He came out, saw a great multitude and was moved with compassion for them, because they were like sheep not having a shepherd. So He began to teach them many things.)
   
1. What was Jesus feeling towards the crowd? (vv2) – Jesus has compassion on the crowd.
   
2. What might happen if they don’t eat? (vv3) – They might fall ill, faint, due to lack of energy from lack of food.
   
3. What was the disciples’ response? (vv4) – (4 Then His disciples answered Him, “How can one satisfy these people with bread here in the wilderness?”)
   
4. What different obstacle did they point out in the feeding of the 4000 (Mark 8:4)? What obstacle did they feel in the feeding of the 5000 (Mark 6:37)? – Mark6:37 But He answered and said to them, “You give them something to eat.” And they said to Him, “Shall we go and buy two hundred denarii worth of bread and give them something to eat?” Referring to item c, it seems like bread alone would not satisfy the need of the people, and that they would need something more. The feeding of the 5000 was more the resources (bread and fish), while the feeding of the 4000 seemed to be more than just bread and fish.
   
5. What do you gather from their response? That the disciples still were not convinced from the experience of miracle they seen from Mark 6.
   
6. What was Jesus’ solution to the need? (vv5) Jesus was looking for a seed for a miracle. What was the seed? (Read vv5b) - 5 He asked them, “How many loaves do you have?” The medium in use here is what are the substance available. Jesus asked for what was available – so that He can use it to display God’s miracle. Something must be visible.
   
7. Why is it the disciples did not see the “seed” for a miracle? What is the “seed” around you that you might not notice for a miracle? Look harder! (God to Moses: Exodus 4:2 – What ‘seed’ did Moses have?) - 2 So the LORD said to him, “What is that in your hand?”  He said, “A rod.” They cannot see because of hardness of heart – they were still learning from Jesus, the Miracle-Maker.
   
3. Describe the greatness of this miracle by seeing the outcome of it from vv6-9. 6 So He commanded the multitude to sit down on the ground. And He took the seven loaves and gave thanks, broke them and gave them to His disciples to set before them; and they set them before the multitude. 7 They also had a few small fish; and having blessed them, He said to set them also before them. 8 So they ate and were filled, and they took up seven large baskets of leftover fragments. 9 Now those who had eaten were about four thousand. And He sent them away. There were many leftovers they gathered from the miracle seen. God showed them that there is multiplication when we offer up from a willing heart.
   
4. From v11-12: What is it the Pharisees missed? Why is it they wanted a sign and what would have been their seed to miracle? Read John 20:29 - 29 Jesus said to him, “Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” The Pharisees just couldn’t see, because they were hard at heart. They sought to see miracles that was evident to the eyes, but there wasn’t change of heart, even in viewing the miracle. They missed it.
   

God is a very good God. His grace always accompanies us in our needs. He is always patient, always kind, always forgiving, always giving, always with us, always loving us. There is no end to His kindness.

I haven't updated this blog in a long time, have been working on stuff and also spending time with people, and getting lots of expectations at work. Just growing through the phases of life, one by one.

I thank God for my girlfriend, my strong pillar of support and strength. We've been together for slightly past 2 months now, and our 2 months together has been really sweet. We're learning to grown together, share and discover more about each other. But loving her has truly been a wonderful experience, and it's because of God's wonderful love. I know God brought her into my life to help me learn more about His love, and I ask that He would teach me His ways in loving her.

God has been really good to me by bringing her into my life. And I love her so much. And I pray that the challenges we face later on will strengthen our commitment and love for one another.

Thank You, Jesus, for Your wonderful gift to me, in my girlfriend. I am so grateful that You love me so much, that firstly You saved me, then You brought into my life a partner to love me, an evidence of Your continual love for me. Bless our relationship. I thank You Lord, in Jesus' precious name, Amen!