In order to build your faith, God will give you a dream; then he'll urge you to make a decision; but then he'll allow a delay, because in the delay he matures you and prepares you for what is to come.
The truth is you'll have difficulties while God delays. This isn't because he doesn't care about you or that he's forgotten your circumstances; rather, it's one of the ways he pushes you toward the deep end of faith.
As God delays, you'll face two types of difficulties: Circumstances and Critics. This is a natural part of life. God designed it this way because he knows we grow stronger when facing adversity and opposition.
When Moses led the children of Israel out of Egypt into the desert toward the Promised Land, he had one problem after another. First there was no water. Then there was no food. Then there were a bunch of complainers. Then there were poisonous snakes. Moses was doing what God wanted him to do, but he still had problems.
David was anointed king, and then for the next several years he was hunted down by Saul. Joseph had a dream of becoming a ruler, yet he was sold into slavery and thrown into prison on a false charge where he languished, forgotten. Imagine the difficulties Noah had building a floating zoo!
The Bible says that when Moses died, Joshua was appointed the new leader. Moses led the people across the desert and then Joshua led them into the Promised Land. Did he get the easy part? The Bible says that when the Israelites entered the Promised Land there were giants in the land. Even in the Promised Land there were problems!
God does this because he is building our faith and character. When we finally come to a place where the difficulties become so bad, where we've reached our limit, where we've tried everything and exhausted all our options, it is then that God begins a mighty work through us:
". . . I know, even though you are temporarily harassed by all kinds of trials and temptations. This is no accident—it happens to prove your faith, which is infinitely more valuable, than gold . . . ." (1 Peter 1:6-7 PH)
When common topics cease to mask the difference in convictions
When self discipline and will can only bring you so far
When the tyre hits the road,
let God's mighty work begin!
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Sunday, May 23, 2010
David - a man's man
Notwithstanding King David's short-comings, I have been truly inspired by his character in the first book of Samuel. Here was a man who was faithful and contented with what God has given him(tending sheep), muscially inclined (plays harp to relieve Saul's evil spirit), brave (sling and stones to fight Goliath, armour not needed), humble (he did not throw his weight around even when he knows he is Israel's next king), understands and honors authority (he rebuked his men when they wanted to ambush Saul).
A man's man indeed! So much we can learn from him! And i can see indeed why God calls him a man after his own heart!
In Chapter 23, David saves Keliah from the hands of the Philistines, while being pursued by Saul! He fought God's battles, in spite of his personal distress. And his reward for saving Keliah? Nope, no celebrations or that kinda stuff. The bible said Saul found out that David was in Keliah and the former called out all his forces to besiege David. Fighting for God did not seem to alleviate David's difficult circumstances, but he fought them anyway. What an inspiration.
I also see how God raise David up and made him a leader in the most unlikely circumstances. In chapter 22:2, it says "All those who were in debt or discontented gathered around him, and he became their leader. About 400 men were with him".
God can raise a man up no matter his cicumstances.
A man's man indeed! So much we can learn from him! And i can see indeed why God calls him a man after his own heart!
In Chapter 23, David saves Keliah from the hands of the Philistines, while being pursued by Saul! He fought God's battles, in spite of his personal distress. And his reward for saving Keliah? Nope, no celebrations or that kinda stuff. The bible said Saul found out that David was in Keliah and the former called out all his forces to besiege David. Fighting for God did not seem to alleviate David's difficult circumstances, but he fought them anyway. What an inspiration.
I also see how God raise David up and made him a leader in the most unlikely circumstances. In chapter 22:2, it says "All those who were in debt or discontented gathered around him, and he became their leader. About 400 men were with him".
God can raise a man up no matter his cicumstances.
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Random reflections
It's been a week, I wouldnt say time flies because it seems like I've been here a long time. Notwithstanding the cold, I adapted pretty quickly.
I gonna be honest, it's difficult to maintain a desire for God without godly fellowship. Other than the small promptings of the Holy Spirit, you dont really know whether you are doing and thinking the right things most of the time. It is easy to become negative. I must constantly arrest such thoughts and meditate on God's Word. Yesterday it was about Col 3:22, about serving God and not men, that this is not my home so i shldnt get too comfy and all, that this is a temporary assignment for my life, that im here to train my character more than experiencing life.
Our varsity students shared that they sometimes struggle to maintain a desire for God when they go home for the summer. I can understand a little better what they meant now. But it is not impossible.
The job here is pretty mundane. Im not complaining because this is what i signed up for, so its cool. Yesterday, together with 2 Brazilians and 2 Thais, we spent the day just cleaning up a store, stocking, hanging up clothes. To Singaporeans, this USA work and travel program is perhaps like a grad trip. Not so with my friends from Brazil. They are university students like me. But this is like a job/career to them. Some of them are here for the third season already. They are really here to earn a living; it pays 2 times better here than in Brazil. In USA, if they work hard enough, they get a pretty decent life.
I took a picture with a Lucas look-alike. Jeremy and Binghan, Ill show you the photo soon!
On a side-note, Chit is proud of himself yesterday. He cooked lunch and dinner all by himself. Lunch = fried cheese egg + boiled diced chicken + instant noodles. Dinner = fried rice. My roommate say the fried rice tasted great!
Okay i admit i cheated: I used pre-packed seasonings for the fried rice. But hey it is quite an achievement still k!
Also, yesterday, one of the Brazilians in the apartment confronted me. I lowered the volume of his metal-rock music when i came home while he was on the phone. He shouted, "Hey take it easy man, everyone needs their own space. Take it easy man..you not happy you go into your room..etc". No im not intimidated, although he always say he is the evil one and do all sorts of satanic things. I honestly find him quite harmless. I thank God for the confidence to stand up to him and talk. Cool stuff God is doing here.
What an utterly random post!
I gonna be honest, it's difficult to maintain a desire for God without godly fellowship. Other than the small promptings of the Holy Spirit, you dont really know whether you are doing and thinking the right things most of the time. It is easy to become negative. I must constantly arrest such thoughts and meditate on God's Word. Yesterday it was about Col 3:22, about serving God and not men, that this is not my home so i shldnt get too comfy and all, that this is a temporary assignment for my life, that im here to train my character more than experiencing life.
Our varsity students shared that they sometimes struggle to maintain a desire for God when they go home for the summer. I can understand a little better what they meant now. But it is not impossible.
The job here is pretty mundane. Im not complaining because this is what i signed up for, so its cool. Yesterday, together with 2 Brazilians and 2 Thais, we spent the day just cleaning up a store, stocking, hanging up clothes. To Singaporeans, this USA work and travel program is perhaps like a grad trip. Not so with my friends from Brazil. They are university students like me. But this is like a job/career to them. Some of them are here for the third season already. They are really here to earn a living; it pays 2 times better here than in Brazil. In USA, if they work hard enough, they get a pretty decent life.
I took a picture with a Lucas look-alike. Jeremy and Binghan, Ill show you the photo soon!
On a side-note, Chit is proud of himself yesterday. He cooked lunch and dinner all by himself. Lunch = fried cheese egg + boiled diced chicken + instant noodles. Dinner = fried rice. My roommate say the fried rice tasted great!
Okay i admit i cheated: I used pre-packed seasonings for the fried rice. But hey it is quite an achievement still k!
Also, yesterday, one of the Brazilians in the apartment confronted me. I lowered the volume of his metal-rock music when i came home while he was on the phone. He shouted, "Hey take it easy man, everyone needs their own space. Take it easy man..you not happy you go into your room..etc". No im not intimidated, although he always say he is the evil one and do all sorts of satanic things. I honestly find him quite harmless. I thank God for the confidence to stand up to him and talk. Cool stuff God is doing here.
What an utterly random post!
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
wisdom needed
The fear of God is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline. Proverbs 1:7
Wisdom will save you from the ways of wicked men, from men whose words are perverse, who leave the straight paths to walk in dark ways, who delight in doing wrong and rejoice in the perverseness of evil. Proverbs 2:12-14
Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:4-6
Dear God,
I read Proverbs for devotion yesterday and how apt!
I need your wisdom to make decisions. That unlike utilitarianism, you do not accept that the ends justify the means.
Sometimes I get too clever for my own good.
Help me continue to do good, to love and be faithful even when I dont feel like it, like yesterday. I have to connect with people and stop being inward looking.
Sometimes I just want to be comfortable.
Remind me that favor and a good name, is always in the sight of God first, not men.
Sometimes I forget the difference.
Give me wisdom when interacting with people, that mutual acceptance and cultural differences are not excuses for sin and perversion.
Sometimes i get too pragmatic.
Wisdom will save you from the ways of wicked men, from men whose words are perverse, who leave the straight paths to walk in dark ways, who delight in doing wrong and rejoice in the perverseness of evil. Proverbs 2:12-14
Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:4-6
Dear God,
I read Proverbs for devotion yesterday and how apt!
I need your wisdom to make decisions. That unlike utilitarianism, you do not accept that the ends justify the means.
Sometimes I get too clever for my own good.
Help me continue to do good, to love and be faithful even when I dont feel like it, like yesterday. I have to connect with people and stop being inward looking.
Sometimes I just want to be comfortable.
Remind me that favor and a good name, is always in the sight of God first, not men.
Sometimes I forget the difference.
Give me wisdom when interacting with people, that mutual acceptance and cultural differences are not excuses for sin and perversion.
Sometimes i get too pragmatic.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Dear all,
i can't think of a fancy way to start, so ill just write what comes to my mind. It is 430m in Jackson, New Jersey. I touched down in New York after a gruelling 20+ hour flight, slept over in airport for 8 hours, and took a coach for 3 hrs before reaching this place. I just woke up, obviously still trying to adjust to the new timezone. I saw ice (or snow?) mountains for the first time while transiting on Alaska. I underpacked my luggage, not knowing it is still spring over here for another 2 weeks/ The chilling winds is a big challenge to adjust to, with temperatures of 10 degrees. I didnt insist on staying together with my singaporean friends in this hostel, so the supervisor placed me alone in an apartment with 3 Brazilians. I have mixed feelings. On one hand, I could connect with them v well, and because they are supervisors, I can get to use the internet and transport out (i am the only one who went out to eat and buy necessities without having to pay). On another hand, Brazilians are, for lack of a better word, liberal. Can i say they are very open about their sexuality? I really have to guard my heart and not be influenced by what they indulge in.
I think I will be more fearful had not God spoke to me while doing devotion at the airport about 1 John 2:15-17
15Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16For everything in the world—the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does—comes not from the Father but from the world. 17The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.
God told me to guard asking my sinful desires, the lust of my eyes and pride. I told God I will be serious with him in this next 3 months. God is serious with you when you are serious with Him. I am excited!
God is real to me now in the sense that most of my prayers are coming true. I told God i wanted to see how i survive without a structure or the comforts of home and friends, and what choices I make. It is REALLY all about choices now. I can choose to post this, or do something else with this laptop, and no one knows or can do anything about it. I can choose to just go with the crowd and make some popular decisions. I can choose to go easy with myself and justify it.
How else can i end this but by saying i miss you guys. There were some moments when i wish i am back home. But hey im here and i must make the best out of it, be it in building intimacy with God or understanding other cultures. Ill appreciate if you guys can pray for me especially in the above aspect of temptations.
You are in my thoughts as much as I am in yours.
Love,
Chit
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Of temptations 2
I met up with 2 of my OCS bunkmates this week. We had a nice time catching up for the first time in three years. One got married after ten years of courtship, the other just broke up with his girlfriend of five years.
And so, apart from the usual recounting and laughing of our army foul-ups, it was also an interesting session of BGRs. A (broke-up) shared about his silly actions that led to the demise of the relationship. B (married) gave some very warped advice about relationships to A. C (me) had nothing much to contribute for this topic and just listened for the most part of the conversation.
Good memories in FIBUA
And so, apart from the usual recounting and laughing of our army foul-ups, it was also an interesting session of BGRs. A (broke-up) shared about his silly actions that led to the demise of the relationship. B (married) gave some very warped advice about relationships to A. C (me) had nothing much to contribute for this topic and just listened for the most part of the conversation.Good memories in FIBUA
I like my friends; we went through thick and thin together for 9 months and seen the ugliest sides of one another in the jungles of Brunei and Thailand. But I dont like where the conversation was heading. My strong headed friend A didnt see how much he has hurt his ex, while my street wise friend B gave some tips on how not to be found out next time.
When A stopped talking and B was distracted by a call, I guess it was time to give my input. I told him it is a good start to feel some remorse over what happened, but that he must be clear what are the areas of his character he needs to work on now, instead of believing the "让时间冲淡一切” advice. If he doesnt change, he will hurt someone again, if not his ex, then another girl. It is abit hard to tell him his heart is deceitful and he shouldnt be so surprised that he screwed up, so i left it as that.
I know A's ex. She's a nice person. I hope they patched back. But i also hope A humbles himself and repent (okay, maybe change is a better word) before he seeks reconciliation。
Jiayou！
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Of temptations
I find great inertia in writing this entry. Because I doubt i have internalized what i know about overcoming temptations from the bible.
We all understand that temptation is not only sexual in nature, but can be over morals, values and integrity. Some of us prefer to take the easy way out of tough situations instead of persevering. Lot’s wife was tempted by her past lifestyle. I have friends who give in to the temptations of comfort eating or shopping when the going gets tough.
The bible has much to say about temptations: it warns against complacency (So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall! 1 Cor 10:12), to flee from them (Flee from sexual immorality 1 Cor 6:18), to fight them (Resist the devil, and he will flee form you James 4:7b), that Jesus can help us (Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted Hebrews 2:18), and who can forget how our Lord kicked Satan's butt by overcoming temptations (Luke 4:1-13).
Yet, sometimes i still find myself as much a novice in overcoming temptations as when i first know the Lord. Does that mean God's word has no power? Surely not. The bible says God's word will not return void (Isa 55:11) and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness (2 Tim 3:16).
So, with a tinge of frustration i asked, "what's the matter man?!" I think we can attribute it to 2 persons.
1) Chit
With the benefit of time, I have got to know him so much better. He takes on many appearances, but mostly as a gentle whisper. His usual one-liner goes something like this: Hey take it easy and not be too hard on yourself man. After all, to err is divine right? For lack of a better word, chitman contributes a large part to me giving in to temptations. He is the fleshy man in each of us.
I like to pray this prayer nowadays:
"Lord, harden me against myself,
The coward with the pathetic voice
Who craves for ease and joy and rest
Myself, arch-traitor to myself
My hollowest friend,
My deadliest foe,
My clog, whatever road I go."
2) Satan
The bible has many things to say about this kid, but ill leave it for another day. In a nutshell, he wars against us, accuses us and plans full-time to bring us down. He also operates in a gentle voice sometimes, but his influence is all over this fallen world.
How nice it will be if i can end this post by declaring that i have fully overcome temptations in my life and share with you the methods. But i have not. All i know is that we are more than conquerors in Christ and nothing can separate us from his love.
I also know God has given us weapons though (woo, like CounterStrike like that):
"For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds." 2 Cor 10:3-4
"Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit in all occasions wth all kinds of prayers and requests."
Eph 6:14-18a
Take heart, my friends!
We all understand that temptation is not only sexual in nature, but can be over morals, values and integrity. Some of us prefer to take the easy way out of tough situations instead of persevering. Lot’s wife was tempted by her past lifestyle. I have friends who give in to the temptations of comfort eating or shopping when the going gets tough.
The bible has much to say about temptations: it warns against complacency (So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall! 1 Cor 10:12), to flee from them (Flee from sexual immorality 1 Cor 6:18), to fight them (Resist the devil, and he will flee form you James 4:7b), that Jesus can help us (Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted Hebrews 2:18), and who can forget how our Lord kicked Satan's butt by overcoming temptations (Luke 4:1-13).
Yet, sometimes i still find myself as much a novice in overcoming temptations as when i first know the Lord. Does that mean God's word has no power? Surely not. The bible says God's word will not return void (Isa 55:11) and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness (2 Tim 3:16).
So, with a tinge of frustration i asked, "what's the matter man?!" I think we can attribute it to 2 persons.
1) Chit
With the benefit of time, I have got to know him so much better. He takes on many appearances, but mostly as a gentle whisper. His usual one-liner goes something like this: Hey take it easy and not be too hard on yourself man. After all, to err is divine right? For lack of a better word, chitman contributes a large part to me giving in to temptations. He is the fleshy man in each of us.
I like to pray this prayer nowadays:
"Lord, harden me against myself,
The coward with the pathetic voice
Who craves for ease and joy and rest
Myself, arch-traitor to myself
My hollowest friend,
My deadliest foe,
My clog, whatever road I go."
2) Satan
The bible has many things to say about this kid, but ill leave it for another day. In a nutshell, he wars against us, accuses us and plans full-time to bring us down. He also operates in a gentle voice sometimes, but his influence is all over this fallen world.
How nice it will be if i can end this post by declaring that i have fully overcome temptations in my life and share with you the methods. But i have not. All i know is that we are more than conquerors in Christ and nothing can separate us from his love.
I also know God has given us weapons though (woo, like CounterStrike like that):
"For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds." 2 Cor 10:3-4
"Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit in all occasions wth all kinds of prayers and requests."
Eph 6:14-18a
Take heart, my friends!
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