Ruth 4
Here, Boaz, the gentleman, went and ask his other relative who had the rights first, whether he would like to buy over the property of Naomi's children, and marry the widow, Ruth so that their family would have a descendant. Well, the relative agreed to buy over the properties at first. Nonetheless, when it comes to marrying the woman in order to allow the name of Elimelech, Killion and Mahlon to continue on (for they died without descendants, or children). Hearing that, the closer relative who had the rights first, did not agree because he was afraid that his family name might be jeapardized.
Well, Boaz on the other hand, a man of his own words, did not back out fearing that his family name will be jeapardized. He made the decision to marry Ruth the moment he realized that his closer relative who had the priority first, did not want to marry Ruth. Boaz was indeed an honorable man. If his other relative can be fearful of his own family name being jeapardized, didn't it mean that marrying Ruth, Boaz might face the same possible consequence too? Definitely Boaz knew what he was getting himself into, but I believed deep in his heart, he just knew, this was something right to do. And he did it. He married Ruth.
And Ruth, out of her faithfulness (just a decision to be faithful to Naomi, her mother-in-law), found a great husband, a gentleman, a man of honor, of great respect from people, a wealthy man, and a responsible husband. Because she chose to be faithful, she became a woman, that the bible would specifically mention of. She wasn't even a Christian to start of. It was just because of her pure, faithful character....she was so blessed in her life. And after her marriage, she bore a son called Obed...who was the father of Jesse, who was the father of David....Through the bloodline of Ruth, it was where Jesus came about as well. Ruth had the honor to be the great great grandmother of Jesus, as well as the great grandmother of King David. Such honor and blessing....just because one choose to live right, and live to be faithful and to honor her leader.
As the saying goes, as how you have honored others, you will be honored in return :))
I truly love the story of Ruth, and I wished to be like her. I hope you guys are inspired as well :)
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Friday, January 22, 2010
I will do just as you say...
Ruth 3
Here, Ruth once again, act out of obedience to Naomi. Naomi, knowing that Boaz is a kinsman-redeemer (in other words, the closest relative who was not married in those days, can marry the widow of a relative - custom back then)...so Naomi was suggesting that Ruth go to meet up Boaz (and she stage up a plan for her to lie near his feet while he is asleep and so forth). Naomi knew that, at that time, that was the right time and open door for Ruth to remarry again.
So imagine, if you were in Ruth's position, your mother-in-law asked you to go and lie at the feed of a man you didn't even know very well in the first place! What would you feel? Naturally your first reaction would be, "what are you crazy?", "are you serious? I don't even know him." , "what if he doesn't like me and send me home? I would be embarassed!", "it is awkward. how can i do it?"......correct? But look at what Ruth said:
"If you say so, I'll do it, just as you've told me."
Ruth did not question, nor doubt, nor debate, nor say anything to refuse it! She just said one thing! Whatever you want me to do, I will do it! And she did! That is one radical way to show faithfulness! If there is a member that say that to a leader, goodness, what great things they can accomplish! No conflict, no politic, no question, just run the vision! And Ruth honors her own word. She did not chicken out, try to bargain, try to come out with conditions....she just do it! Because she knew that was what Naomi wanted her to do.
And as a result, her act led her into Boaz's favor once again. Boaz felt that Ruth had shown kindness to him that she is willing to be married to an older man, like him. However, note that Boaz was also a gentleman. A great man (proven Naomi did not pick the wrong husband for Ruth). Not only was he the boss, and was wealthy, but as much as he favored Ruth, he did not just reserve her for himself totally. He did the right thing, asked the permission of an even closer relative first, before deciding to marry Ruth. And how do we know he favored Ruth? You can see it when he expressed how everyone knew that Ruth was a noble woman, and in the message bible, it even exclaimed that Ruth was a prize! Meaning, everyone in town would love to have her as wife. And Boaz the great gentleman, didn't want Ruth to go back to her mother-in-law empty handed, and gave her barleys to take home.
See, Ruth's faithfulness had not only brought her recognition in Bethelehem, but also favor and a good husband. The right character, always gives birth to the right fruit, and attracts the right people / opportunities. Ruth had all these just because of one thing. She chose to be faithful, and she chose to honor her leader (her mother in law : Naomi), and followed whatever she instructed, despite whether she agrees or not.
Therefore, you can too attract the right things in life, by making the right decision to develop the right character. Again, the choice is yours :))
God bless!~
Here, Ruth once again, act out of obedience to Naomi. Naomi, knowing that Boaz is a kinsman-redeemer (in other words, the closest relative who was not married in those days, can marry the widow of a relative - custom back then)...so Naomi was suggesting that Ruth go to meet up Boaz (and she stage up a plan for her to lie near his feet while he is asleep and so forth). Naomi knew that, at that time, that was the right time and open door for Ruth to remarry again.
So imagine, if you were in Ruth's position, your mother-in-law asked you to go and lie at the feed of a man you didn't even know very well in the first place! What would you feel? Naturally your first reaction would be, "what are you crazy?", "are you serious? I don't even know him." , "what if he doesn't like me and send me home? I would be embarassed!", "it is awkward. how can i do it?"......correct? But look at what Ruth said:
"If you say so, I'll do it, just as you've told me."
Ruth did not question, nor doubt, nor debate, nor say anything to refuse it! She just said one thing! Whatever you want me to do, I will do it! And she did! That is one radical way to show faithfulness! If there is a member that say that to a leader, goodness, what great things they can accomplish! No conflict, no politic, no question, just run the vision! And Ruth honors her own word. She did not chicken out, try to bargain, try to come out with conditions....she just do it! Because she knew that was what Naomi wanted her to do.
And as a result, her act led her into Boaz's favor once again. Boaz felt that Ruth had shown kindness to him that she is willing to be married to an older man, like him. However, note that Boaz was also a gentleman. A great man (proven Naomi did not pick the wrong husband for Ruth). Not only was he the boss, and was wealthy, but as much as he favored Ruth, he did not just reserve her for himself totally. He did the right thing, asked the permission of an even closer relative first, before deciding to marry Ruth. And how do we know he favored Ruth? You can see it when he expressed how everyone knew that Ruth was a noble woman, and in the message bible, it even exclaimed that Ruth was a prize! Meaning, everyone in town would love to have her as wife. And Boaz the great gentleman, didn't want Ruth to go back to her mother-in-law empty handed, and gave her barleys to take home.
See, Ruth's faithfulness had not only brought her recognition in Bethelehem, but also favor and a good husband. The right character, always gives birth to the right fruit, and attracts the right people / opportunities. Ruth had all these just because of one thing. She chose to be faithful, and she chose to honor her leader (her mother in law : Naomi), and followed whatever she instructed, despite whether she agrees or not.
Therefore, you can too attract the right things in life, by making the right decision to develop the right character. Again, the choice is yours :))
God bless!~
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Stop Striving!
Ruth 2
I like this chapter very much, because it shows a very clear picture. See, Ruth clung on to Naomi, and then she went to this particular field that belonged to Boaz, to pick some leftover grains. Note that the instant Boaz noticed her and knew who she was and WHAT SHE DID, Boaz immediately had favor on her. Proof? He asked his men to not embarass her, allow her to "ta pao" food back for Naomi, allow her to take more grains back, allow her to eat with him and so forth.
The enitre chapter showed Boaz favor upon Ruth. And Ruth went home having so much, that she even said this:
13 "May I continue to find favor in your eyes, my lord," she said. "You have given me comfort and have spoken kindly to your servant—though I do not have the standing of one of your servant girls."
See....Ruth was nobody. But because of the kindness she shown to Naomi, she became famous for her deed, and people like Boaz, liked her alot. He even asked her to stay with his servant girls. And Naomi hearing all these was overjoyed, and also urged Ruth to go with Boaz as it would be safer. See...Ruth was capable of stepping into a field shortly after she arrived and find favor with the owner of the field, without having have to go through tons of trials and errors, or bad encounters with other owners of other field. She was that blessed! Simply because she chose to honor Naomi, and clung on to the right principles and character, she was very blessed.
The same goes to human today. See...Ruth needn't have to strive to get to where she should be back then. Likewise, as people of God, we needn't have to strive to be noticed, to be accepted, to be loved, recognized, understood and so forth. What is the key to a prosperous fruitful life? It is when you honor God the right way, show faithfulness to God, and truly just serve God without ulterior motives (this applies to your leaders as well), then God would bless you! I always remember the one word that Shirley told me. Promotion comes not through striving, but when you purely choose to honor God and His appointed people. It will come when you least expect it.
Therefore, stop doing things to be seen or recognized. The world may perceive you as sincere, but God is the one who will truly read the true intent of your heart. Stop striving, and start serving. It is when you humble yourselves to do the will of God, serve Him, and do the right thing....that God will honor you with promotions and abundance.
Have a great day! =)
I like this chapter very much, because it shows a very clear picture. See, Ruth clung on to Naomi, and then she went to this particular field that belonged to Boaz, to pick some leftover grains. Note that the instant Boaz noticed her and knew who she was and WHAT SHE DID, Boaz immediately had favor on her. Proof? He asked his men to not embarass her, allow her to "ta pao" food back for Naomi, allow her to take more grains back, allow her to eat with him and so forth.
The enitre chapter showed Boaz favor upon Ruth. And Ruth went home having so much, that she even said this:
13 "May I continue to find favor in your eyes, my lord," she said. "You have given me comfort and have spoken kindly to your servant—though I do not have the standing of one of your servant girls."
See....Ruth was nobody. But because of the kindness she shown to Naomi, she became famous for her deed, and people like Boaz, liked her alot. He even asked her to stay with his servant girls. And Naomi hearing all these was overjoyed, and also urged Ruth to go with Boaz as it would be safer. See...Ruth was capable of stepping into a field shortly after she arrived and find favor with the owner of the field, without having have to go through tons of trials and errors, or bad encounters with other owners of other field. She was that blessed! Simply because she chose to honor Naomi, and clung on to the right principles and character, she was very blessed.
The same goes to human today. See...Ruth needn't have to strive to get to where she should be back then. Likewise, as people of God, we needn't have to strive to be noticed, to be accepted, to be loved, recognized, understood and so forth. What is the key to a prosperous fruitful life? It is when you honor God the right way, show faithfulness to God, and truly just serve God without ulterior motives (this applies to your leaders as well), then God would bless you! I always remember the one word that Shirley told me. Promotion comes not through striving, but when you purely choose to honor God and His appointed people. It will come when you least expect it.
Therefore, stop doing things to be seen or recognized. The world may perceive you as sincere, but God is the one who will truly read the true intent of your heart. Stop striving, and start serving. It is when you humble yourselves to do the will of God, serve Him, and do the right thing....that God will honor you with promotions and abundance.
Have a great day! =)
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Messed up dates
The date on the top of the blogs are messed up as there was twice I updated two blogs for two separate days (couldn't do it on the actual day as was very very occupied)...and there were times I updated the blog a little early, there are times I update the blog during midnight. So the date are quite overlapped.
So don't mind the dates. Each day there is one. :)
So don't mind the dates. Each day there is one. :)
Ruth and Orpah
Ruth 1
Beginning of this chapter, was the depiction of a woman called Naomi, who was living in the land of Judah. However, because of famine in his own homeland, she and her husband and two sons decided to move to another land called Moab. Here, her two sons both were married to moabite women who were of different cultures, religions and beliefs in comparison to them. Soon, in these difficult time, Naomi's husband died, followed by her two sons, leaving her alone with her two daughter-in-laws.
Now, by this time, Naomi heard that the Lord has came to meet the needs of the people back in Judah, so she decided to head back to her homeland. Looking at both Ruth and Orpah, her two beloved daughter-in-laws, she couldn't bring herself to have them clinging to her the rest of their lives as they were widowers at young age. So she told them that she released them, and asked them to go look for their own happiness and lead their own lives. Hearing this, both her daugther-in-law wept loudly as they didn't want to live Naomi. However, after Naomi insisted, Orpah kissed Naomi and left.
Looking at this scenario, is it common that this happens? Well, putting yourself in the shoes of Orpah, you are young, and you are still capable of finding a new partner in life (and in those days, to women, getting married was a big deal! Almost like their primary purpose in life!), wouldn't you want to jump at the opportunity? At least you wouldn't grow old all lonely and husband-less....what more...CHILD-LESS! Who would take care of you at old age? Who would make a living to feed you when you cannot work anymore? Orpah left. And it wasn't wrong...because Naomi had already released her.
But look at Ruth. Ruth had an extraordinary sense of faithfulness. She clung on to Naomi tightly, and didn't want to leave her be even though she knew that it would probably be better for her if she leaves! She loved Naomi with all her heart. She could not bear looking at her grow old alone, having nobody to take care of her. Hence, Ruth decided that she would follow Naomi the rest of her life. Look at what she said:
16 But Ruth replied, "Don't urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. 17 Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the LORD deal with me, be it ever so severely, if anything but death separates you and me." 18 When Naomi realized that Ruth was determined to go with her, she stopped urging her.
Wow....now, that is RADICAL faithfulness! A radical follower! Imagine us as Christian today, if we can go the extra mile, stay faithful no matter what the circumstances may be, we could change the nation! Imagine having a follower that says this to you: Hey leader, wherever you go, I go! Your vision is my vision! Your God is my God! Your way is my way!....Do you know if this is an army, it would be really strong? If this is a cell group, it would change lives too. See, God is amazing. He works power when there is unity. And what more, when there is faithfulness, God always honors. Ruth was an amazing follower, and an amazing woman that is mentioned in the bible (not even because of the things that she did for God, nor was it for her faith in God -- she was a Moabite with different belief)....but because of her faithfulness. And out of her faithfulness, Ruth was able to know the one true God ...because she told Naomi: Your God will be my God. And indeed...her faithfulness, brought her much blessings.
Would you be faithful today? Much good things come from faithfulness. Not recognition, not fame...but merely just faithfulness, even when times are bad and when nobody notices. Faithfulness = full of faith! =)
Cheers!
Beginning of this chapter, was the depiction of a woman called Naomi, who was living in the land of Judah. However, because of famine in his own homeland, she and her husband and two sons decided to move to another land called Moab. Here, her two sons both were married to moabite women who were of different cultures, religions and beliefs in comparison to them. Soon, in these difficult time, Naomi's husband died, followed by her two sons, leaving her alone with her two daughter-in-laws.
Now, by this time, Naomi heard that the Lord has came to meet the needs of the people back in Judah, so she decided to head back to her homeland. Looking at both Ruth and Orpah, her two beloved daughter-in-laws, she couldn't bring herself to have them clinging to her the rest of their lives as they were widowers at young age. So she told them that she released them, and asked them to go look for their own happiness and lead their own lives. Hearing this, both her daugther-in-law wept loudly as they didn't want to live Naomi. However, after Naomi insisted, Orpah kissed Naomi and left.
Looking at this scenario, is it common that this happens? Well, putting yourself in the shoes of Orpah, you are young, and you are still capable of finding a new partner in life (and in those days, to women, getting married was a big deal! Almost like their primary purpose in life!), wouldn't you want to jump at the opportunity? At least you wouldn't grow old all lonely and husband-less....what more...CHILD-LESS! Who would take care of you at old age? Who would make a living to feed you when you cannot work anymore? Orpah left. And it wasn't wrong...because Naomi had already released her.
But look at Ruth. Ruth had an extraordinary sense of faithfulness. She clung on to Naomi tightly, and didn't want to leave her be even though she knew that it would probably be better for her if she leaves! She loved Naomi with all her heart. She could not bear looking at her grow old alone, having nobody to take care of her. Hence, Ruth decided that she would follow Naomi the rest of her life. Look at what she said:
16 But Ruth replied, "Don't urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. 17 Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the LORD deal with me, be it ever so severely, if anything but death separates you and me." 18 When Naomi realized that Ruth was determined to go with her, she stopped urging her.
Wow....now, that is RADICAL faithfulness! A radical follower! Imagine us as Christian today, if we can go the extra mile, stay faithful no matter what the circumstances may be, we could change the nation! Imagine having a follower that says this to you: Hey leader, wherever you go, I go! Your vision is my vision! Your God is my God! Your way is my way!....Do you know if this is an army, it would be really strong? If this is a cell group, it would change lives too. See, God is amazing. He works power when there is unity. And what more, when there is faithfulness, God always honors. Ruth was an amazing follower, and an amazing woman that is mentioned in the bible (not even because of the things that she did for God, nor was it for her faith in God -- she was a Moabite with different belief)....but because of her faithfulness. And out of her faithfulness, Ruth was able to know the one true God ...because she told Naomi: Your God will be my God. And indeed...her faithfulness, brought her much blessings.
Would you be faithful today? Much good things come from faithfulness. Not recognition, not fame...but merely just faithfulness, even when times are bad and when nobody notices. Faithfulness = full of faith! =)
Cheers!
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Obed-Edom
2 Samuel 6
We can see that King David was trying to bring the ark of Covenant to Jerusalem. Nonetheless, when the ark was being carried, and the oxen was about to fall off, Uzzah, one of the men there reached out his hand to avoid the oxen from falling. Because of that, God's wrath was upon him (you cannot just simply touch the ark of covenant)...and Uzzah died on the spot. King David was upset with the death of Uzzah. So he left the ark of covenant in a place called Gitite, in a house that belongs to Obed-Edom.
Now, the ark of covenant was left there for 3 months! And throughout the three months...just imagine, the presence of God is in your house! (In those days, the presence of God is only in the ark of covenant. That is the reason why the ark of covenant is placed in the holy of holies...) Imagine, back then, the temple can only have the presence of God because the ark of covenant is there (not like now, presence of God can be anywhere within us and we are His temples)....and only once a year, the priest will enter the holy of holies and sacrifice offerings for the people. Now note...the priest at that time...their legs needed to be tied to a rope with bells. So that if the priest somehow died (probably because of his own sin) while in the holy of holies, people can pull him out. Not everyone can enter the holy of holies because it is where the presence of God is. And where the presence of God is, sin cannot exist.
So just imagine...that same ark that carries the presence of God in the very house of Obed-Edom! And Obed-Edom throughout the three months is able to be close to God, and able to attract blessings. The bible says, his house was very very blessed! Definitely! When God is with you...who can be against you? So you can imagine the whole village is probably looking up to Obed-Edom! Wow...that man is super blessed...wow anything you need just ask from Obed-Edom! That is the power of the presence of God in your life! It attracts all the good things to you. So much so, that the blessings are overflowing, that Obed-Edom became so famous...that King David heard about his blessings. And King David wanted to bring the ark of covenant back to Jerusalem.
Now...notice the changes in Obed-Edom after experiencing the presence of God for three months. Even when the ark of covenant was taken away...Obed-Edom, volunteers himself to serve the ark of covenant.....just to be close to the presence of God.
Look at these verses:
1 Chronicles 15:18
and with them their brothers next in rank: Zechariah, Jaaziel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Unni, Eliab, Benaiah, Maaseiah, Mattithiah, Eliphelehu, Mikneiah, Obed-Edom and Jeiel, the gatekeepers.
1 Chronicles 15:21
and Mattithiah, Eliphelehu, Mikneiah, Obed-Edom, Jeiel and Azaziah were to play the harps, directing according to sheminith .
1 Chronicles 15:24
Shebaniah, Joshaphat, Nethanel, Amasai, Zechariah, Benaiah and Eliezer the priests were to blow trumpets before the ark of God. Obed-Edom and Jehiah were also to be
1 Chronicles 16:5
Asaph was the chief, Zechariah second, then Jeiel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Mattithiah, Eliab, Benaiah, Obed-Edom and Jeiel. They were to play the lyres and harps, Asaph was to sound the cymbals,
See, a man like Obed-Edom had experienced the presence of God...and forever in his life, he was devoted to be near the ark of covenant, just to be near the presence of God. One man, if his life is touched and changed by the presence of God will never stay the same again. And Obed-Edom depict true hunger to be close to God. How many of us today, with the convenience of having the presence of God in our lives, can treasure this presence of God as much as Obed-Edom? Obed-Edom...I am sure he already had a lot of possessions and blessings from the three months of having the ark of covenant in his house. But what did he do? Did he got happy, thank God and continue living his life? No! He left everything he has....just to pursue the presence of God....and to be near the ark of covenant. See from the verses above...from a gatekeeper, to a musician...then to the doorkeeper of the ark. I can imagine Obed-Edom right now....when the King or minister ask...."There is an opening for gatekeeper. Who wants to be the gatekeeper?"...Obed-Edom without hesitant would shout..."me me me! I am up for that position!".....next when there is position for musician....Obed-Edom offered himself again....when there is an opening for doorkeeper....Obed-Edom jumped at the opportunity. Each step he took...it was for one reason only....to be nearer and nearer and nearer to the presence of God.
Wow...Obed-Edom was really an inspiration and example of a man that will go all out to pursue God. And notice. Not only did he do that....but his WHOLE FAMILY....left their home....to pursue that presence of God and to be near to the presence of God.
1 Chronicles 16:38
He also left Obed-Edom and his sixty-eight associates to minister with them. Obed-Edom son of Jeduthun, and also Hosah, were gatekeepers.
1 Chronicles 26:8
All these were descendants of Obed-Edom; they and their sons and their relatives were capable men with the strength to do the work—descendants of Obed-Edom, 62 in all.
See...one touch from God, and these people gave their lives to serve God all their lives. How many of us have been touched by God again and again and again....but find that it is still hard to follow God, and run after or hunger after His presence? Why is it that we do not appreciate the presence of God now as before? Because God took a risk to give us the access and decision to have His presence dwell in us or not. That we thought we can have it anytime...even when we choose to only be in His presence later on. A lot of us...prefer living comfortable lives...that we do not appreciate such privileges. Do you think Obed-Edom do not struggle to leave his old ways? To leave the comforts of his home? To leave whatever blessings he already had then? I believe he did! Just like all of us. When we meet God we struggle to leave our old ways, our sinful natures and desires. But Obed-Edom knew one thing. That God was all he ever needed, and it was worth it to leave it all to pursue God's presence. And Obed-Edom knew that if he did not go after the ark of covenant, he would not be able to experience the presence of God. So he appreciated each and every opportunity there is to be near to God. True enough. Obed-Edom and the generations after him were tremendously blessed and honored by God.
So the question today is....do you want to be like Obed-Edom? That you would devote your lives to serve God and do His will....even when it means being uncomfortable? The choice is yours =)
We can see that King David was trying to bring the ark of Covenant to Jerusalem. Nonetheless, when the ark was being carried, and the oxen was about to fall off, Uzzah, one of the men there reached out his hand to avoid the oxen from falling. Because of that, God's wrath was upon him (you cannot just simply touch the ark of covenant)...and Uzzah died on the spot. King David was upset with the death of Uzzah. So he left the ark of covenant in a place called Gitite, in a house that belongs to Obed-Edom.
Now, the ark of covenant was left there for 3 months! And throughout the three months...just imagine, the presence of God is in your house! (In those days, the presence of God is only in the ark of covenant. That is the reason why the ark of covenant is placed in the holy of holies...) Imagine, back then, the temple can only have the presence of God because the ark of covenant is there (not like now, presence of God can be anywhere within us and we are His temples)....and only once a year, the priest will enter the holy of holies and sacrifice offerings for the people. Now note...the priest at that time...their legs needed to be tied to a rope with bells. So that if the priest somehow died (probably because of his own sin) while in the holy of holies, people can pull him out. Not everyone can enter the holy of holies because it is where the presence of God is. And where the presence of God is, sin cannot exist.
So just imagine...that same ark that carries the presence of God in the very house of Obed-Edom! And Obed-Edom throughout the three months is able to be close to God, and able to attract blessings. The bible says, his house was very very blessed! Definitely! When God is with you...who can be against you? So you can imagine the whole village is probably looking up to Obed-Edom! Wow...that man is super blessed...wow anything you need just ask from Obed-Edom! That is the power of the presence of God in your life! It attracts all the good things to you. So much so, that the blessings are overflowing, that Obed-Edom became so famous...that King David heard about his blessings. And King David wanted to bring the ark of covenant back to Jerusalem.
Now...notice the changes in Obed-Edom after experiencing the presence of God for three months. Even when the ark of covenant was taken away...Obed-Edom, volunteers himself to serve the ark of covenant.....just to be close to the presence of God.
Look at these verses:
1 Chronicles 15:18
and with them their brothers next in rank: Zechariah, Jaaziel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Unni, Eliab, Benaiah, Maaseiah, Mattithiah, Eliphelehu, Mikneiah, Obed-Edom and Jeiel, the gatekeepers.
1 Chronicles 15:21
and Mattithiah, Eliphelehu, Mikneiah, Obed-Edom, Jeiel and Azaziah were to play the harps, directing according to sheminith .
1 Chronicles 15:24
Shebaniah, Joshaphat, Nethanel, Amasai, Zechariah, Benaiah and Eliezer the priests were to blow trumpets before the ark of God. Obed-Edom and Jehiah were also to be
1 Chronicles 16:5
Asaph was the chief, Zechariah second, then Jeiel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Mattithiah, Eliab, Benaiah, Obed-Edom and Jeiel. They were to play the lyres and harps, Asaph was to sound the cymbals,
See, a man like Obed-Edom had experienced the presence of God...and forever in his life, he was devoted to be near the ark of covenant, just to be near the presence of God. One man, if his life is touched and changed by the presence of God will never stay the same again. And Obed-Edom depict true hunger to be close to God. How many of us today, with the convenience of having the presence of God in our lives, can treasure this presence of God as much as Obed-Edom? Obed-Edom...I am sure he already had a lot of possessions and blessings from the three months of having the ark of covenant in his house. But what did he do? Did he got happy, thank God and continue living his life? No! He left everything he has....just to pursue the presence of God....and to be near the ark of covenant. See from the verses above...from a gatekeeper, to a musician...then to the doorkeeper of the ark. I can imagine Obed-Edom right now....when the King or minister ask...."There is an opening for gatekeeper. Who wants to be the gatekeeper?"...Obed-Edom without hesitant would shout..."me me me! I am up for that position!".....next when there is position for musician....Obed-Edom offered himself again....when there is an opening for doorkeeper....Obed-Edom jumped at the opportunity. Each step he took...it was for one reason only....to be nearer and nearer and nearer to the presence of God.
Wow...Obed-Edom was really an inspiration and example of a man that will go all out to pursue God. And notice. Not only did he do that....but his WHOLE FAMILY....left their home....to pursue that presence of God and to be near to the presence of God.
1 Chronicles 16:38
He also left Obed-Edom and his sixty-eight associates to minister with them. Obed-Edom son of Jeduthun, and also Hosah, were gatekeepers.
1 Chronicles 26:8
All these were descendants of Obed-Edom; they and their sons and their relatives were capable men with the strength to do the work—descendants of Obed-Edom, 62 in all.
See...one touch from God, and these people gave their lives to serve God all their lives. How many of us have been touched by God again and again and again....but find that it is still hard to follow God, and run after or hunger after His presence? Why is it that we do not appreciate the presence of God now as before? Because God took a risk to give us the access and decision to have His presence dwell in us or not. That we thought we can have it anytime...even when we choose to only be in His presence later on. A lot of us...prefer living comfortable lives...that we do not appreciate such privileges. Do you think Obed-Edom do not struggle to leave his old ways? To leave the comforts of his home? To leave whatever blessings he already had then? I believe he did! Just like all of us. When we meet God we struggle to leave our old ways, our sinful natures and desires. But Obed-Edom knew one thing. That God was all he ever needed, and it was worth it to leave it all to pursue God's presence. And Obed-Edom knew that if he did not go after the ark of covenant, he would not be able to experience the presence of God. So he appreciated each and every opportunity there is to be near to God. True enough. Obed-Edom and the generations after him were tremendously blessed and honored by God.
So the question today is....do you want to be like Obed-Edom? That you would devote your lives to serve God and do His will....even when it means being uncomfortable? The choice is yours =)
Monday, January 18, 2010
Job passed the test!
Job 40- Job 42
So finally, God spoke. Job was rebuked. Reading these verses, you will see God questioning God, asking Job to speak up and ask God whatever he wanted to ask or complain. Job kept silent...and reading through, you can see that God used many illustrations to depict that He was in control. So God said this to Job: If you can do all these, then I will admit that you have power your own life. You can save your own life!...Obviously, God wasn't very happy. So Job admitted his mistake, that he had spoken like a person without knowledge and he repented.
However, God was even more unhappy with the three friends. Why so? See, Job did not spoke of God wrongly, he only complained. He was not happy with what he was going through and he was complaining and questioning God. The three friends on the other hand, judged God, and said....if Job were to be going through all these sufferings, surely he must have sinned. Because God won't do such thing to a good person. In other word, they tried to predict how God function, and God was displease. Because they spoke incorrectly about God's loving nature! God will surely punish you if you sin! God will make you suffer! But how many of us today know, that our God is not like that? God will guide you to understand your mistakes....sufferings are consequences of the wrong things we do sometimes. And in the case of Job, it wasn't even sin!
So, never take whatever you speak about God lightly. Know your God, and speak rightly about Him! So God wanted an apology for the sins these three friends had done (it can be considered blaspheme when you speak falsely of God). Therefore, they were suppose to sacrifice animals....and the most eye opening thing would be, God would only accept one man's prayer. Job's prayer. God will only accept the prayer of a righteous man. Hence, that is the reason why everytime when we come before God, it is important to ask for forgiveness! See, God wanted Job to pray for them in order to forgive the three friends' sins. So some of you may be asking! But Job did wrong too! He complained! Well, he complained, he doubted, he was emotional....but he STILL kept his integrity. He did not sin. He did not turn his back against God, let go of God, curse God, nor say anything falsely against him. That make him righteous (at least that was what I perceive reading throughout the book).
And because he clung on to God, God doubled everything he ever had. His family, his money, his possession, and he even get to live long and full in age to see his generations after generations being born. What pride and honor! Saying this, I remember one thing that a very close friend of mine mentioned in one of our conversations...that when we FOCUS on God and God only, despite of what is going on around us, things may be on our side, things may not be. But when we put God as our Only Focus....God completes everything. Whatever we lack, God will complete it for us! Just like Job, God restored, complete him, and bless him with abundance just because this man, chose to keep his integrity through his sufferings. Note that when you keep your integrity, it doesn't mean you cannot be emotional when you are going through problems. After all, we are human with flesh and feelings! Keeping your integrity means, even when you are emotional, you still choose to do the right thing.
So, what would you do now, when you face circumstances in life? =)
So finally, God spoke. Job was rebuked. Reading these verses, you will see God questioning God, asking Job to speak up and ask God whatever he wanted to ask or complain. Job kept silent...and reading through, you can see that God used many illustrations to depict that He was in control. So God said this to Job: If you can do all these, then I will admit that you have power your own life. You can save your own life!...Obviously, God wasn't very happy. So Job admitted his mistake, that he had spoken like a person without knowledge and he repented.
However, God was even more unhappy with the three friends. Why so? See, Job did not spoke of God wrongly, he only complained. He was not happy with what he was going through and he was complaining and questioning God. The three friends on the other hand, judged God, and said....if Job were to be going through all these sufferings, surely he must have sinned. Because God won't do such thing to a good person. In other word, they tried to predict how God function, and God was displease. Because they spoke incorrectly about God's loving nature! God will surely punish you if you sin! God will make you suffer! But how many of us today know, that our God is not like that? God will guide you to understand your mistakes....sufferings are consequences of the wrong things we do sometimes. And in the case of Job, it wasn't even sin!
So, never take whatever you speak about God lightly. Know your God, and speak rightly about Him! So God wanted an apology for the sins these three friends had done (it can be considered blaspheme when you speak falsely of God). Therefore, they were suppose to sacrifice animals....and the most eye opening thing would be, God would only accept one man's prayer. Job's prayer. God will only accept the prayer of a righteous man. Hence, that is the reason why everytime when we come before God, it is important to ask for forgiveness! See, God wanted Job to pray for them in order to forgive the three friends' sins. So some of you may be asking! But Job did wrong too! He complained! Well, he complained, he doubted, he was emotional....but he STILL kept his integrity. He did not sin. He did not turn his back against God, let go of God, curse God, nor say anything falsely against him. That make him righteous (at least that was what I perceive reading throughout the book).
And because he clung on to God, God doubled everything he ever had. His family, his money, his possession, and he even get to live long and full in age to see his generations after generations being born. What pride and honor! Saying this, I remember one thing that a very close friend of mine mentioned in one of our conversations...that when we FOCUS on God and God only, despite of what is going on around us, things may be on our side, things may not be. But when we put God as our Only Focus....God completes everything. Whatever we lack, God will complete it for us! Just like Job, God restored, complete him, and bless him with abundance just because this man, chose to keep his integrity through his sufferings. Note that when you keep your integrity, it doesn't mean you cannot be emotional when you are going through problems. After all, we are human with flesh and feelings! Keeping your integrity means, even when you are emotional, you still choose to do the right thing.
So, what would you do now, when you face circumstances in life? =)
Sunday, January 17, 2010
The Lord Speaks...(my personal favorite)
I find this part really interesting and I like it a lot.
Reading:
Job 38 - Job 39
Also..God asked Job this very specific question in chapter 38: who is this that darkens my counsel with words without knowledge?
With love.
Reading:
Job 38 - Job 39
And the Lord finally speaks. Job complained, complained...and finally God speaks! See....I find it very interesting. At least to my own application in my own life. Sometimes, I think there is a linkage between a wise person talking on behalf of God, then God speaks. See...A lot of times in my life, when I talk to my leader about certain issues, my mind were clouded, cluttered and unable to function. So, when I sit down and talk to a wise person, like Shirley or Pastor....suddenly they bring in a new perspective that you have never thought of before. And it allows your mind to be open! When your mind is open...tadaaa....God speaks, you hear.
In the case of Job, Elihu was there rebuking Job, telling him off why he was at fault, why he shouldn't have reacted certain way. I believe, Job's mind was also open by the perspective and the reminder given by Elihu. And the moment his mind was open, he heard God spoke. Now, I do not know if God speaks to Job in audible voices back then. But as far as I know, I have never heard God speaks in audible voice in my life. But each time He speaks, I knew He had spoken. So you see now, why is accountability to leaders and telling the right people (the people who are able to help you) your problems are very important? They help you enlightened and open up your mind to a whole new perspectives. And when that happens, your mind are no longer cluttered or disturbed, and when God speaks, you can hear clearly the voice of God. Likewise, when you tell the wrong person your problems, your mind will become even more cluttered and messy! So be wise! Know who to talk to if you want a solution.
This is very true to me. And indeed, right after Elihu rebuked Job, God spoke, and God began questioning Job the same thing that Elihu did. He asked Job, who were the One that created things and make the many things on earth function so on and so forth. Job kept quiet all the way....until in chapter 40, you would see that God told Job: Let him who accusses God answer him!...God demanded an answer from Job. God wants Job to know that He was in control. He was the one that makes everything on earth, and He is in control of what is going on in Job's life. So in other words, Job had no right to complain to God because it was God who is in control of everything, and God KNOWS what He was doing! Even in His sufferings!
Also..God asked Job this very specific question in chapter 38: who is this that darkens my counsel with words without knowledge?
So how can God's counsel be darken? It is when we profusely enter words without knowledge = words not in the bible, words that is not defined by the character of God, words that ar contradicting the Word of God, thoughts that are damaging and are negative, words that are negative, perspectives that are totally irrelevant...never from God, thoughts that are not tallied with who God is, into our little brains! THESE THINGS...will darken God's counsel.....and it will dimmed the voice of God, drained out the confidence in God, and rob what you have with God away. So how come Job suddenly could start hearing from God again? In my own personal opinion, the wise man, brought back LIGHT into the darken mind of Job. And finally, Job is able to be enlightened and hear from God again.
Hence, a lot of time, I always tell my members or people who ask me...why do we need to be accountable to leaders or wise people in our lives? I said one thing: When you are unable to bring whatever you do into the light, into the open whether to leaders or to God....it will always be in the dark. Your mind will be darken by thoughts, lies, uncertanities, wrong solutions.....and it will haunt you and drag you down even deeper. That is one of the enemy's plot to pull you away from God! But when you force yourself to reveal it in the open....you allow light to shine, you allow your leaders to help you, give advises, allow him or her to pray for you...constantly the matter is in the light, issues are being shone upon with the Light of Truth....you will have a clear mind, clear conscience, not living in guilt, and you will often know the right way to react, respond, and solve problems. Hence, I always choose...whatever I do, good or bad, I CHOOSE to reveal it in the open, not because my leader is a busybody, but for my own breakthrough sake...and allow my leaders to come in the midst and shine his or her light upon darkened counsel. Sinning continuously even when you know its a sin, will also darken your counsel...hammer down your conscience and bring about downfall in your walk with God.
So...here it is.One of my favorite post. This is how I reflect upon what I have studied witho the book of Job. But like I said, the word of God, at different season of life will mean different thing to different people. Sometimes, it is only milk, then it becomes bread, then solid food. So I welcome opinion and sharings. Do listen to Pastor Kong's sermon about Job too. I heard that it is pretty awesome, and you can get a whole loads of new insights from there too.
All in all, with the post, I thank God for people like Elihu over my life, and I pray that I can be like Elihu too. :)). Do not speak of what man favor. But speak of the truth, correct and rebuke, do what is right in the eyes of the Lord.
With love.
Elihu Speaks
Read:
Job 32 to Job 37
Now, Elihu was also a man that was very close to the heart of God. Why? He knew the character of God, he has the character of God, and he was angered by what anger God. He was not blinded by circumstances. Job on the other hand was possibly blinded and overwhelmed by his situation. So, Elihu was angry when the conclusion of the discussion concluded with each party wanting to win the conversation. So he spoke. Note that in the verses, it said, that Elihu listened first because he was young (respect), and he was angered when the conclusion of the method was just like that. From within him, he felt his spirit and words wanted to burst out, to correct and rebuke all of them. Hence, I believe he had been prompted by the spirit, and he indeed spoke with wisdom. He even claimed that he would speak of what God wants him to speak, not what people wants to hear. So Elihu, to me is a very respected man. Truly wisdom does not come with age, but with proper application of knowledge guided by the Holy Spirit. Therefore, that is the reason why a lot of times before I speak or counsel, I need to pray. That the Holy Spirit would guide me to speak the right words, to solve issues, and benefit matters rather than cause more problems to it.
So what did Elihu do? Elihu rebuked Job’s three friends for being so judgmental, trying to play God accusing Job. God is indeed just, that He has the authority to do whatever He wants to whoever He likes. After all, our lives belong to Him. Like what is mentioned in the bible, who are we to judge what should happen to our own lives. See, our lives belong to God, even if He wants us all to become dust this instant, we shall be! So who are these wise men to judge that, wow Job, if you are suffering so much, you must have some unconfessed sins…quickly, confess your sins! Don’t be self-righteous…bla bla….
Let’s be honest with ourselves, sometimes we can be like Job’s three friends. We judge and we assume. Wow, this church, they allow people to wear funkily, wow there are so many lights….this must be a CULT. Wow, this church doesn’t speak in tongues, such an old-fashioned wrong church. We judge our neighbors over and over and over again, assuming that there is ONLY ONE FIXED way that God functions. Who are we friends, to predict what God’s intentions are, and the purposes of the things happening in life? Who are we? God? Can we understand His mysteries? No! Therefore, don’t judge!
Then Elihu went on rebuking Job, for complaining to God that he has to suffer even though he has been faithful to God. So Elihu asked Job one thing that really impacted me:
Job 35:
6 If you sin, how does that affect him?
If your sins are many, what does that do to him?
7 If you are righteous, what do you give to him,
or what does he receive from your hand?
8 Your wickedness affects only a man like yourself,
and your righteousness only the sons of men.
So, to Job, he felt discouraged and was deeply overwhelmed by the oppression. I believe in simple terms, Job was asking God, "Why God? Why all these? Why life so meaningless? Why me?" So in other words, Job was indicating that he do not understand why he should be in such a sitatuion. He was suffering terribly and he cannot take it! Like some of us, we would ask: “God, why does this thing have to happen! I already pray, yet it still happens! I am angry!!” But guess how Elihu responded to Job’s attitude? Elihu asked Job: So if you sin, do you think it affect God or if you not sin does it affect God? It only affects men like you and I! Some people think that when they sin, they are getting back at God, but hey….here is a revelation for all of you today….nothing you do can affect God at all. It can only affect yourselves and others. And a lot of time, God forbids you from doing certain things because He loves the world enough to not want you or others to suffer the consequences. So here, Elihu was rebuking Job for mistakenly judging the loving character of God, as one that is of injustice and empty anger. Job was rebuked for complaining against God and not understanding God’s true nature.
Many a times, we are like that. Just like Job. And we get upset with life, and we try to get back at God (but note that Job did not). But in the end, we are the ones who suffer the consequences ourselves. And when trials, tribulations wave into our lives, we become so overwhelmed, that we forget the good things God gave to us. We only look at the bad side, and keep asking why, keep feeling unfair, and keep wanting to be the “God” over our own lives, telling God how He should treat us, pamper us, reward us for the good things we have done in life. But friends, it is understandable that you felt things were unfair, but it is not for you to question God why your life need to be in a certain way. We need to remember the true nature of God even when times are bad. That is one way to counter misconceptions about God’s love, justice and so forth. We need to know God!
In these chapters, one wise man, Elihu, who speaks of what God wants him to speak, indeed was able to change the perspective of another person. From here, we saw that God used the ordinary people to do the extraordinary things….and He often uses the unexpected. In this case, Elihu, a man that was youngest of all, spoke such wisdom. And wise words often bring life. Like I often say to Shirley, my leader, her one word can change life. Because of the wisdom and the anointing of God within her that when she speaks, she gives insights and revelations.
Do you want to be Elihu today? Do you want to be less judgmental, and carry a good attitude even when you are going through trials and tribulations? Everything you want to be is determined by the decisions you make. Life is about making CHOICES!
Job 32 to Job 37
This is the part that I like the most. When Elihu speaks! You see, truly wisdom is not determined by whether you are old or young; wisdom is when the Spirit of God is in you. When Job and his friends were arguing, both parties want to win the argument. Both parties just want to be right. The three friends kept judging and accusing that Job was in sin, and asked him to repent and confess his sins time after time. Job on the other hand, kept defending his innocence, and complained to God about his situation. So, what happen here? Both parties had too much pride to give in!
Now, looking at this, Elihu could not stand and he began speaking. Notice that Elihu was indeed a very respectful. He was aware that the three wise men and Job were much older than him, so he allowed them to speak first (not wanting to cut in, in the midst of arguments). Allow them to argue with one another. And when these two parties finally stopped arguing, Elihu spoke. Looking for the kairos moment is very important. For instance, if Elihu were to speak when they were all arguing, I am assured that nobody would listen, everybody would be too occupied with wanting to be heard, and worst, their ego would be even more so affected. Then, whatever Elihu spoke (no matter how much it made sense), would be in vain.
Now, Elihu was also a man that was very close to the heart of God. Why? He knew the character of God, he has the character of God, and he was angered by what anger God. He was not blinded by circumstances. Job on the other hand was possibly blinded and overwhelmed by his situation. So, Elihu was angry when the conclusion of the discussion concluded with each party wanting to win the conversation. So he spoke. Note that in the verses, it said, that Elihu listened first because he was young (respect), and he was angered when the conclusion of the method was just like that. From within him, he felt his spirit and words wanted to burst out, to correct and rebuke all of them. Hence, I believe he had been prompted by the spirit, and he indeed spoke with wisdom. He even claimed that he would speak of what God wants him to speak, not what people wants to hear. So Elihu, to me is a very respected man. Truly wisdom does not come with age, but with proper application of knowledge guided by the Holy Spirit. Therefore, that is the reason why a lot of times before I speak or counsel, I need to pray. That the Holy Spirit would guide me to speak the right words, to solve issues, and benefit matters rather than cause more problems to it.
So what did Elihu do? Elihu rebuked Job’s three friends for being so judgmental, trying to play God accusing Job. God is indeed just, that He has the authority to do whatever He wants to whoever He likes. After all, our lives belong to Him. Like what is mentioned in the bible, who are we to judge what should happen to our own lives. See, our lives belong to God, even if He wants us all to become dust this instant, we shall be! So who are these wise men to judge that, wow Job, if you are suffering so much, you must have some unconfessed sins…quickly, confess your sins! Don’t be self-righteous…bla bla….
Let’s be honest with ourselves, sometimes we can be like Job’s three friends. We judge and we assume. Wow, this church, they allow people to wear funkily, wow there are so many lights….this must be a CULT. Wow, this church doesn’t speak in tongues, such an old-fashioned wrong church. We judge our neighbors over and over and over again, assuming that there is ONLY ONE FIXED way that God functions. Who are we friends, to predict what God’s intentions are, and the purposes of the things happening in life? Who are we? God? Can we understand His mysteries? No! Therefore, don’t judge!
Then Elihu went on rebuking Job, for complaining to God that he has to suffer even though he has been faithful to God. So Elihu asked Job one thing that really impacted me:
Job 35:
6 If you sin, how does that affect him?
If your sins are many, what does that do to him?
7 If you are righteous, what do you give to him,
or what does he receive from your hand?
8 Your wickedness affects only a man like yourself,
and your righteousness only the sons of men.
So, to Job, he felt discouraged and was deeply overwhelmed by the oppression. I believe in simple terms, Job was asking God, "Why God? Why all these? Why life so meaningless? Why me?" So in other words, Job was indicating that he do not understand why he should be in such a sitatuion. He was suffering terribly and he cannot take it! Like some of us, we would ask: “God, why does this thing have to happen! I already pray, yet it still happens! I am angry!!” But guess how Elihu responded to Job’s attitude? Elihu asked Job: So if you sin, do you think it affect God or if you not sin does it affect God? It only affects men like you and I! Some people think that when they sin, they are getting back at God, but hey….here is a revelation for all of you today….nothing you do can affect God at all. It can only affect yourselves and others. And a lot of time, God forbids you from doing certain things because He loves the world enough to not want you or others to suffer the consequences. So here, Elihu was rebuking Job for mistakenly judging the loving character of God, as one that is of injustice and empty anger. Job was rebuked for complaining against God and not understanding God’s true nature.
Many a times, we are like that. Just like Job. And we get upset with life, and we try to get back at God (but note that Job did not). But in the end, we are the ones who suffer the consequences ourselves. And when trials, tribulations wave into our lives, we become so overwhelmed, that we forget the good things God gave to us. We only look at the bad side, and keep asking why, keep feeling unfair, and keep wanting to be the “God” over our own lives, telling God how He should treat us, pamper us, reward us for the good things we have done in life. But friends, it is understandable that you felt things were unfair, but it is not for you to question God why your life need to be in a certain way. We need to remember the true nature of God even when times are bad. That is one way to counter misconceptions about God’s love, justice and so forth. We need to know God!
In these chapters, one wise man, Elihu, who speaks of what God wants him to speak, indeed was able to change the perspective of another person. From here, we saw that God used the ordinary people to do the extraordinary things….and He often uses the unexpected. In this case, Elihu, a man that was youngest of all, spoke such wisdom. And wise words often bring life. Like I often say to Shirley, my leader, her one word can change life. Because of the wisdom and the anointing of God within her that when she speaks, she gives insights and revelations.
Do you want to be Elihu today? Do you want to be less judgmental, and carry a good attitude even when you are going through trials and tribulations? Everything you want to be is determined by the decisions you make. Life is about making CHOICES!
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Job and his three friends
Reading from
Job 3 to Job 31
It is obvious to me that there are two things happening.
1. There were strong debates between the three friends and Job.
2. Job was complaining to God and despising his own life.
(Please do read it, you can read how sometimes close friends can be a real pain to you)
So instead of encouraging Job, which was their initial intentions, Job's three close friends were mocking him. Accusing and discouraging Job, telling him that he should not complain so much, he must have done something wrong in the sight of God. Looking at this, sometimes as human, we are too quick to judge. Even with our close friends. We look at certain situations, we do not consider anything else but simply just assume and jump to conclusions that it must be someone's fault. Do we even bother to listen to that person's explanation, or try to understand his sitaution? No. We just want to judge and we want to be right! That was exactly what the three friends wanted. They wanted to be right and they felt superior and right to judge. All these defeated their initial purpose of visiting Job. Instead of encouraging him, they became a pain and heartache to him, they became the source of discouragements to Job. Note that there will be such people in our lives, that in our time of pain and need, they will add salt to the wound, instead of encouraging they would discourage....and worst, are the kinds who never rejoices with you in your good times but try to hurt you instead. Nonetheless, we cannot give up because of this. Giving up and succumbing to discouragements is indeed A CHOICE.
Now look at Job, as I have said in the earlier post, it would be understandable that he complains and blames God and rant. Lo and behold, finally, Job could not take it any longer. Even though he defended God when his wife cursed God, he was already really upset and disappointed with life. Its only natural. He was also a human with feelings, and Job sort of starated complaining to God about his suffering. Note that complaining and blasphemying are two different things. When you curse God and accuse God of untrue things, you sin. But when you complain, it is simply ranting of emotion, and you may not have sinned! Job spent a lot of his time, justifying that he had kept his integrity, he had not sinned when his friends accused him. Job kept complaining. And he felt that he had the rights to complain seeing the situations that he was going through. Putting ourselves in his shoes....is it understandable that he complains? Yes....but was it appropriate? Of course not! Job was so overwhelmed by his situation that he forgot the need to stand in reverence, in awe, and in respect before God. He began to doubt and lose faith about life! Job felt not justified for. Many times we are like Job when we go through sufferings, and trials.This whole portrayal display a very human side of human. The emotions, the anger, the self-pity. So some of you might say....oh so Job finally becomes unfaithful! No....he did not. These are two different things. Complaining is one, acting on complaints and decide to be unfaithful and sin, is another. Job complained to God, but he still submit to God, he did not curse God nor did he decide to leave God. So that is the difference between faithfulnes and being emotional with God.
Nonetheless, was it a mistake to be so impatient and unhappy with God? Yes.....Therefore, Job in all his miseries, did a mistake, but is still faithful to God...reading on the next chapter, I really love what Elihu said after that. He was the one that corrected Job as well as the so called wise men who are Job's friends. Though he was young, but the spirit of God within him gives him wisdom and knowledge to speak and correct people who are supposingly older and wiser than him. I will continue this in the next post. Meanwhile do read the arguments between Job and his friends, and God. It is pretty real and interesting. You find yourself very much relatable to Job and also to his friends.
Enjoy reading! :))
Job 3 to Job 31
It is obvious to me that there are two things happening.
1. There were strong debates between the three friends and Job.
2. Job was complaining to God and despising his own life.
(Please do read it, you can read how sometimes close friends can be a real pain to you)
So instead of encouraging Job, which was their initial intentions, Job's three close friends were mocking him. Accusing and discouraging Job, telling him that he should not complain so much, he must have done something wrong in the sight of God. Looking at this, sometimes as human, we are too quick to judge. Even with our close friends. We look at certain situations, we do not consider anything else but simply just assume and jump to conclusions that it must be someone's fault. Do we even bother to listen to that person's explanation, or try to understand his sitaution? No. We just want to judge and we want to be right! That was exactly what the three friends wanted. They wanted to be right and they felt superior and right to judge. All these defeated their initial purpose of visiting Job. Instead of encouraging him, they became a pain and heartache to him, they became the source of discouragements to Job. Note that there will be such people in our lives, that in our time of pain and need, they will add salt to the wound, instead of encouraging they would discourage....and worst, are the kinds who never rejoices with you in your good times but try to hurt you instead. Nonetheless, we cannot give up because of this. Giving up and succumbing to discouragements is indeed A CHOICE.
Now look at Job, as I have said in the earlier post, it would be understandable that he complains and blames God and rant. Lo and behold, finally, Job could not take it any longer. Even though he defended God when his wife cursed God, he was already really upset and disappointed with life. Its only natural. He was also a human with feelings, and Job sort of starated complaining to God about his suffering. Note that complaining and blasphemying are two different things. When you curse God and accuse God of untrue things, you sin. But when you complain, it is simply ranting of emotion, and you may not have sinned! Job spent a lot of his time, justifying that he had kept his integrity, he had not sinned when his friends accused him. Job kept complaining. And he felt that he had the rights to complain seeing the situations that he was going through. Putting ourselves in his shoes....is it understandable that he complains? Yes....but was it appropriate? Of course not! Job was so overwhelmed by his situation that he forgot the need to stand in reverence, in awe, and in respect before God. He began to doubt and lose faith about life! Job felt not justified for. Many times we are like Job when we go through sufferings, and trials.This whole portrayal display a very human side of human. The emotions, the anger, the self-pity. So some of you might say....oh so Job finally becomes unfaithful! No....he did not. These are two different things. Complaining is one, acting on complaints and decide to be unfaithful and sin, is another. Job complained to God, but he still submit to God, he did not curse God nor did he decide to leave God. So that is the difference between faithfulnes and being emotional with God.
Nonetheless, was it a mistake to be so impatient and unhappy with God? Yes.....Therefore, Job in all his miseries, did a mistake, but is still faithful to God...reading on the next chapter, I really love what Elihu said after that. He was the one that corrected Job as well as the so called wise men who are Job's friends. Though he was young, but the spirit of God within him gives him wisdom and knowledge to speak and correct people who are supposingly older and wiser than him. I will continue this in the next post. Meanwhile do read the arguments between Job and his friends, and God. It is pretty real and interesting. You find yourself very much relatable to Job and also to his friends.
Enjoy reading! :))
Integrity or Not?
Continuing with the book of Job...
Job 2
Job's Second Test
1 On another day the angels [a] came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came with them to present himself before him. 2 And the LORD said to Satan, "Where have you come from?"
Satan answered the LORD, "From roaming through the earth and going back and forth in it."
3 Then the LORD said to Satan, "Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil. And he still maintains his integrity, though you incited me against him to ruin him without any reason."
4 "Skin for skin!" Satan replied. "A man will give all he has for his own life. 5 But stretch out your hand and strike his flesh and bones, and he will surely curse you to your face."
6 The LORD said to Satan, "Very well, then, he is in your hands; but you must spare his life."
7 So Satan went out from the presence of the LORD and afflicted Job with painful sores from the soles of his feet to the top of his head. 8 Then Job took a piece of broken pottery and scraped himself with it as he sat among the ashes.
9 His wife said to him, "Are you still holding on to your integrity? Curse God and die!"
10 He replied, "You are talking like a foolish [b] woman. Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?"
In all this, Job did not sin in what he said.
Job's Three Friends
11 When Job's three friends, Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite, heard about all the troubles that had come upon him, they set out from their homes and met together by agreement to go and sympathize with him and comfort him. 12 When they saw him from a distance, they could hardly recognize him; they began to weep aloud, and they tore their robes and sprinkled dust on their heads. 13 Then they sat on the ground with him for seven days and seven nights. No one said a word to him, because they saw how great his suffering was.
Job suffered very much, not only from the emotional pains that was inflicted because of the lost of his fortune, or the death of his children. Job was also inflicted physically. He has soles all over his body, and he was constantly in pain. Imagine, having have to suffer pain with each step you take, or each movement you make, or with any slight contact with anything at all! Such a miserable life! Yet, Job kept his integrity, and God is very very pleased with him. He did not curse God, nor was he ungrateful. He kept his faithfulness toward God and STILL DO what is pleasing to God's eyes. How many of you can keep being this faithful should all these inflictions come upon you? Some of us even fret and complain at the slightest trial we go through.
See...Job's suffering was so great....that his three friends who wanted to come an comfort him, in the end tore their clothes and cried FOR HIM. They were in pain...looking at his condition! And what more? Their purposes of coming to comfort Job was defeated. That they even had to just sit there. Seven days, seven nights....and none of them could come up with any word....that they find suitable to comfort him. None of them, knew what to say. Such agony, such suffering. And yet what did Job chose to do? To keep his integrity.
Now there are two portrayals here. Notice his wife said: "Are you still holding on to your integrity? Curse God and die!" .....now Job's wife is the portrayal of a Christian who is very much suscpetible to blame God when it comes to trials and tribulations. See, Job's wife, too lost her sons and daughters, as well as her fortune. And then she had to look at her husband suffer from all the physical inflictions and take care of him. Naturally, she would be angry at life...and in this case, obviously angry at God. CURSE GOD AND DIE! She said. Even though she knew that cursing God or disobeying God, or rather sinning will lead to death, she couldn't care less anymore. Her conditions were overwhelming her. And she'd rather die, then go through what she had to go through.
Job 2
Job's Second Test
1 On another day the angels [a] came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came with them to present himself before him. 2 And the LORD said to Satan, "Where have you come from?"
Satan answered the LORD, "From roaming through the earth and going back and forth in it."
3 Then the LORD said to Satan, "Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil. And he still maintains his integrity, though you incited me against him to ruin him without any reason."
4 "Skin for skin!" Satan replied. "A man will give all he has for his own life. 5 But stretch out your hand and strike his flesh and bones, and he will surely curse you to your face."
6 The LORD said to Satan, "Very well, then, he is in your hands; but you must spare his life."
7 So Satan went out from the presence of the LORD and afflicted Job with painful sores from the soles of his feet to the top of his head. 8 Then Job took a piece of broken pottery and scraped himself with it as he sat among the ashes.
9 His wife said to him, "Are you still holding on to your integrity? Curse God and die!"
10 He replied, "You are talking like a foolish [b] woman. Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?"
In all this, Job did not sin in what he said.
Job's Three Friends
11 When Job's three friends, Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite, heard about all the troubles that had come upon him, they set out from their homes and met together by agreement to go and sympathize with him and comfort him. 12 When they saw him from a distance, they could hardly recognize him; they began to weep aloud, and they tore their robes and sprinkled dust on their heads. 13 Then they sat on the ground with him for seven days and seven nights. No one said a word to him, because they saw how great his suffering was.
Job suffered very much, not only from the emotional pains that was inflicted because of the lost of his fortune, or the death of his children. Job was also inflicted physically. He has soles all over his body, and he was constantly in pain. Imagine, having have to suffer pain with each step you take, or each movement you make, or with any slight contact with anything at all! Such a miserable life! Yet, Job kept his integrity, and God is very very pleased with him. He did not curse God, nor was he ungrateful. He kept his faithfulness toward God and STILL DO what is pleasing to God's eyes. How many of you can keep being this faithful should all these inflictions come upon you? Some of us even fret and complain at the slightest trial we go through.
See...Job's suffering was so great....that his three friends who wanted to come an comfort him, in the end tore their clothes and cried FOR HIM. They were in pain...looking at his condition! And what more? Their purposes of coming to comfort Job was defeated. That they even had to just sit there. Seven days, seven nights....and none of them could come up with any word....that they find suitable to comfort him. None of them, knew what to say. Such agony, such suffering. And yet what did Job chose to do? To keep his integrity.
Now there are two portrayals here. Notice his wife said: "Are you still holding on to your integrity? Curse God and die!" .....now Job's wife is the portrayal of a Christian who is very much suscpetible to blame God when it comes to trials and tribulations. See, Job's wife, too lost her sons and daughters, as well as her fortune. And then she had to look at her husband suffer from all the physical inflictions and take care of him. Naturally, she would be angry at life...and in this case, obviously angry at God. CURSE GOD AND DIE! She said. Even though she knew that cursing God or disobeying God, or rather sinning will lead to death, she couldn't care less anymore. Her conditions were overwhelming her. And she'd rather die, then go through what she had to go through.
Job on the other hand, carried a very different attitude. He not only kept his integrity, but he scolded his wife...Well, commonly someone under a great infliction would be "happy" with the angry or defending remarks made by another person. For instance, lets say Sasha is going through a deep pain like Job. She lose her money, and her loved ones. Commonly a remark that goes "Goodness Sasha, life is so unfair! How can God do such thing to you? You have been such a good person! It is just so unfair!"....so commonly, even if Sasha disagrees with those remarks....normal reaction would be...keeping quiet, and at the same time trying to reason, yea what did this happen to me? See....as a normal human being with feelings, it is VERY COMMON...that we would have SLIGHT self pity for our condition.
But look at Job. He was FURIOUS at his wife for cursing God. Even though he knew his wife is going through a lot of pain, and even though he knew that nobody would blame him should he have dwelled in an amount of self-pity, he didn't. He just knew that it wasn't the right thing to do and he went all out to go against it. Look at what he said to his wife: You are talking like a foolish [b] woman. Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?"......Such purity at heart.
Job was determined, that his life, his destiny everything is in God's hand. God can do whatever He likes. If God can give him years and years of goodness, it is okay if God gives him trouble. It DID NOT change one bit of his loyalty toward God.....And that....is a man after God's own heart. God was VERY PLEASED with Job. Because no matter what you do to him, he will not let God go. One thing that really touches my heart here is that, even when it is understandable for Job to break, or to curse God, or be emotional, or to give up, Job did not. Job kept his integrity and only did the RIGHT THING. How many of us today, can be like Job? Obviously we do not go through as much sufferings as Job did. But can we tell God....no matter what God, I will fight on and keep my integrity, even though I am going through hell....
Can we stay true to God in times of trouble? Just as you want your life partner or loved ones to stay true to you and with you through good times and bad times...God wants that too :)
See, there is a saying that goes....a true character is tested when one is placed under pressure. During good times, it is easy to praise God, to go all out for God. But it is the bad times, that determines the realness of these characters. Will your good characters be consistent in good times and bad times....in relaxed and pressured situations? Well, it is a choice to be made.
It is not easy to be Job, but it draws the favor of God upon your life.
toodles~
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Arrgghh....!! Why the Sufferings?
Job 1
6 One day the angels [a] came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan [b] also came with them. 7 The LORD said to Satan, "Where have you come from?"
Satan answered the LORD, "From roaming through the earth and going back and forth in it."
8 Then the LORD said to Satan, "Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil."
9 "Does Job fear God for nothing?" Satan replied. 10 "Have you not put a hedge around him and his household and everything he has? You have blessed the work of his hands, so that his flocks and herds are spread throughout the land. 11 But stretch out your hand and strike everything he has, and he will surely curse you to your face."
12 The LORD said to Satan, "Very well, then, everything he has is in your hands, but on the man himself do not lay a finger."
Then Satan went out from the presence of the LORD.
Satan and God is often in a battle. Hence the reason why we are often in a spiritual warfare. This is a very famous book, and by now we should have known that Satan is all out to get us, for one reason only. To FRUSTRATE God, and truly because he is an enemy of God. And he could not care less about us. Therefore, he is capable of doing all sorts of things to bring us down. That is why, I am curious at times with people who are very much involved in the lurings of Satan, realized about it, and yet still feel it was alright. They like the momentary feeling of pleasure and could care less about the consequences. But little did they know, they are about to be yet just another "vessel" for the enemy to put a fight with God. Being used, and nothing more.
So as you can see, Satan came (as any other angels, because he used to be an angel too) before God. And God asked him...so where have you come from? And Satan said, from roaming through the earth back and forth in it. See, reading this, my interpretation is that, Satan has been roaming the earth looking for yet another prey to hurt, to pull down. What God loves, the enemy hates. Therefore, if God loves us, he hates us, hence the reason why he has been such a nuisance to our lives. So note: Satan hates us. I believe he has been looking for a prey, and that is why...God brought up Job! Have you CONSIDERED Job, God said. There is NO MAN ON EARTH that is like Him. God takes pride in Job! God praised him and is very pleased with him.
Now note, whatever God is pleased with, the enemy dislikes. So Satan wanted to hurt Job. Satan wanted to take everything that Job has. And looked at what God said? God allowed! God said...do whatever you wish. Everything he has is in Satan's hand. This verse particularly jumped up to me. It occur to me, that it is VERY CLEAR here, that God has to give permission to Satan to come and test, tempt and do anything to us. And God even had to say, very well...everything he has now I give you permission, and PUT IN YOUR HAND. You can do whatever you want. Meaning, everything is in God's control! So even when we are suffering, God must have given Satan the ACCESS to the things in our lives! But God only allow, if we can take it. "So what is the point?" some would ask. There is a lot of point to it. Reading on the whole chapter of Job, you would understand. God allowed Satan to put Job in misery, but yet, God preserves Job's life. And God allows it because God knew, Job can take it. And as all of us know, true enough Job did take it....and Job passed all the test, and it drives Satan even madder! Satan try to increase Job's sufferings from stages to stages.
So why do God allow such testing? Very simple. One....our moulding of character, whether will we still stay faithful with God when we face testing? See Satan did say....surely Job will worship You, God. Surely you take pride in him now, but this is not his true self! He is so faithful because You bless him! Try taking everything away from him!....Well, God was assured Job is faithful, and it is honestly a test to be faithful in bad times, but Job passed it! And he became stronger in God. Two...it is a testimony, that when we continue staying faithful, the power of God is manifested in our lives. Job had everything doubled up after he passed the tests. Three...the glory of God was revealed. God was very very pleased with Job, for He brought Him glory and I believe even more people were convinced of who God is through his testimony and life!...Four....the victory is always ours. Why? Because God is in control. He had to give permission to Satan to even lay a finger on us or to get involved in our lives.
6 One day the angels [a] came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan [b] also came with them. 7 The LORD said to Satan, "Where have you come from?"
Satan answered the LORD, "From roaming through the earth and going back and forth in it."
8 Then the LORD said to Satan, "Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil."
9 "Does Job fear God for nothing?" Satan replied. 10 "Have you not put a hedge around him and his household and everything he has? You have blessed the work of his hands, so that his flocks and herds are spread throughout the land. 11 But stretch out your hand and strike everything he has, and he will surely curse you to your face."
12 The LORD said to Satan, "Very well, then, everything he has is in your hands, but on the man himself do not lay a finger."
Then Satan went out from the presence of the LORD.
Satan and God is often in a battle. Hence the reason why we are often in a spiritual warfare. This is a very famous book, and by now we should have known that Satan is all out to get us, for one reason only. To FRUSTRATE God, and truly because he is an enemy of God. And he could not care less about us. Therefore, he is capable of doing all sorts of things to bring us down. That is why, I am curious at times with people who are very much involved in the lurings of Satan, realized about it, and yet still feel it was alright. They like the momentary feeling of pleasure and could care less about the consequences. But little did they know, they are about to be yet just another "vessel" for the enemy to put a fight with God. Being used, and nothing more.
So as you can see, Satan came (as any other angels, because he used to be an angel too) before God. And God asked him...so where have you come from? And Satan said, from roaming through the earth back and forth in it. See, reading this, my interpretation is that, Satan has been roaming the earth looking for yet another prey to hurt, to pull down. What God loves, the enemy hates. Therefore, if God loves us, he hates us, hence the reason why he has been such a nuisance to our lives. So note: Satan hates us. I believe he has been looking for a prey, and that is why...God brought up Job! Have you CONSIDERED Job, God said. There is NO MAN ON EARTH that is like Him. God takes pride in Job! God praised him and is very pleased with him.
Now note, whatever God is pleased with, the enemy dislikes. So Satan wanted to hurt Job. Satan wanted to take everything that Job has. And looked at what God said? God allowed! God said...do whatever you wish. Everything he has is in Satan's hand. This verse particularly jumped up to me. It occur to me, that it is VERY CLEAR here, that God has to give permission to Satan to come and test, tempt and do anything to us. And God even had to say, very well...everything he has now I give you permission, and PUT IN YOUR HAND. You can do whatever you want. Meaning, everything is in God's control! So even when we are suffering, God must have given Satan the ACCESS to the things in our lives! But God only allow, if we can take it. "So what is the point?" some would ask. There is a lot of point to it. Reading on the whole chapter of Job, you would understand. God allowed Satan to put Job in misery, but yet, God preserves Job's life. And God allows it because God knew, Job can take it. And as all of us know, true enough Job did take it....and Job passed all the test, and it drives Satan even madder! Satan try to increase Job's sufferings from stages to stages.
So why do God allow such testing? Very simple. One....our moulding of character, whether will we still stay faithful with God when we face testing? See Satan did say....surely Job will worship You, God. Surely you take pride in him now, but this is not his true self! He is so faithful because You bless him! Try taking everything away from him!....Well, God was assured Job is faithful, and it is honestly a test to be faithful in bad times, but Job passed it! And he became stronger in God. Two...it is a testimony, that when we continue staying faithful, the power of God is manifested in our lives. Job had everything doubled up after he passed the tests. Three...the glory of God was revealed. God was very very pleased with Job, for He brought Him glory and I believe even more people were convinced of who God is through his testimony and life!...Four....the victory is always ours. Why? Because God is in control. He had to give permission to Satan to even lay a finger on us or to get involved in our lives.
So next time when you face trials and testings? Consider it a joy. Why? Because: 1. You will become more like God, 2. You will allow the power of God to be manifested in your life. 3. You are the vessel that will glorify God if you persist on, 4. You will surely have victory and make the enemy very upset. In the first place, why do God allow you to be tested? Because God knows you can take it. But it is the matter of decisions that cause downfall to occur when one fails the test sometimes. And that is what the enemy tries to prove, and tries to break the heart of God with. And why does the enemy targets you? Because you are a threat, and he is jealous. He dislikes what God likes. And you are allowed to be tested because God likes you, and God BELIEVES in you. That is a whole lot of pride to take in! God believes in who? In weak, fleshly-inclined human...like you and me. And He chose you to bear the test! Ain't that make you special?
So when you face trials and testings in your life....remember....it is a privilege :)
(p/s: not any Tom, Dick or Harry gets to suffer for God. Some people, God has to halt the permission to access for protection :)) )
(p/s: not any Tom, Dick or Harry gets to suffer for God. Some people, God has to halt the permission to access for protection :)) )
much love!
Monday, January 11, 2010
Hearing God speaks
Continuing with Jeremiah 1
Jeremiah 1
11 The word of the LORD came to me: "What do you see, Jeremiah?"
"I see the branch of an almond tree," I replied.
12 The LORD said to me, "You have seen correctly, for I am watching [b] to see that my word is fulfilled."
13 The word of the LORD came to me again: "What do you see?"
"I see a boiling pot, tilting away from the north," I answered.
14 The LORD said to me, "From the north disaster will be poured out on all who live in the land. 15 I am about to summon all the peoples of the northern kingdoms," declares the LORD.
"Their kings will come and set up their thrones
and against all the towns of Judah.
Jeremiah 1
11 The word of the LORD came to me: "What do you see, Jeremiah?"
"I see the branch of an almond tree," I replied.
12 The LORD said to me, "You have seen correctly, for I am watching [b] to see that my word is fulfilled."
13 The word of the LORD came to me again: "What do you see?"
"I see a boiling pot, tilting away from the north," I answered.
14 The LORD said to me, "From the north disaster will be poured out on all who live in the land. 15 I am about to summon all the peoples of the northern kingdoms," declares the LORD.
"Their kings will come and set up their thrones
in the entrance of the gates of Jerusalem;
they will come against all her surrounding walls and against all the towns of Judah.
See looking at this passage, something just jumped to me. God actually ask what did Jeremiah see. And Jeremiah answered, and God confirmed that he has seen correctly. Sometimes, people ask me, when God speaks, how did you know that God speaks. How sure are you it is not yourself, or worst, the devil? The answer is, when God speaks, God will confirm it. Yes that is correct! He will say. So how do we know when He said it was correct? How do we recognize His voice? Simple. You need to know the Word of God. The Word of God, the Bible, is His voice. If we become a flaky Christian merely just discerning the voices in our heads, and not checking if it tallies with the Word of God, we might be a false prophet. Therefore, don’t be lazy! Reading and understanding the Word of God, is just like reading God’s diary! Or talking to God. The more you read it, the more you understand Him.
So does every voice you hear in your head belong to God? Does every word you receive through prophesy is from God? You have to test every word that comes into your life. And you are only able to do that, when you know the voice of God. And one very practical way of recognizing and knowing His voice, and discerning of His spirit, is through His word. When my members tell me they want to draw closer to God, they want to learn to hear God speaks. I told them one thing. Then, do the basic. Talk to God often, connect with Him in prayer, and read the bible everyday. You need to know God’s voice, before trying to hear Him speak ….See, how can Jeremiah be sure that it was God who said “correct” and that those are the things that God wants him to prophesy? Why Jeremiah did not ask…God is that You? Oh are you sure you are God, and not the devil? Why didn’t he question? Simple. Jeremiah recognized the voice of God. And that comes by knowing Him. It is the same as how blind people are able to recognize voices better. They train their ears, they analyze the personality of the voice. Like how you can recognize the voice of your best friend, your parents, your siblings or your loved ones through the phone when others can’t. Why? Because you know them very well, you talk to them a lot, and you understand the personality of their voices.
Therefore the answer to how you can hear the voice of God is : Pray, and know the Word of God. There is no shortcut. And if you notice, God did not ask those who are without a relationship with Him to do His work. In fact, many of the people who do great things from God in the bible, are man of God, who always humble themselves and seek His face. It is also the simple principle of why you rather ask your family or close friends in comparison to an acquaintance, a new friend, or a stranger for a favor. Therefore, build a relationship with Him today :)
Have a nice day!
Complacency, Fear or Obedience (yesterday's)
Sorry for the late post. I have been having problems signing in blogspot. Anyway…here it is
Jeremiah 1
The Call of Jeremiah
4 The word of the LORD came to me, saying,
5 "Before I formed you in the womb I knew [a] you,
before you were born I set you apart;
I appointed you as a prophet to the nations."
6 "Ah, Sovereign LORD," I said, "I do not know how to speak; I am only a child."
9 Then the LORD reached out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me, "Now, I have put my words in your mouth. 10 See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant."
Jeremiah 1
1 The words of Jeremiah son of Hilkiah, one of the priests at Anathoth in the territory of Benjamin. 2 The word of the LORD came to him in the thirteenth year of the reign of Josiah son of Amon king of Judah, 3 and through the reign of Jehoiakim son of Josiah king of Judah, down to the fifth month of the eleventh year of Zedekiah son of Josiah king of Judah, when the people of Jerusalem went into exile.
The Call of Jeremiah
4 The word of the LORD came to me, saying,
before you were born I set you apart;
I appointed you as a prophet to the nations."
6 "Ah, Sovereign LORD," I said, "I do not know how to speak; I am only a child."
7 But the LORD said to me, "Do not say, 'I am only a child.' You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. 8 Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you," declares the LORD.
9 Then the LORD reached out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me, "Now, I have put my words in your mouth. 10 See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant."
Reading this chapter I am amazed at how God used Jeremiah to be a prophet for Him. See, when God first called Jeremiah, what did God said? I have already knew the plans I have for you. I even plan it before you were born. Now I want you to do this for me. Be a prophet! Now, notice what is Jeremiah’s response? Oh God…I am just a kid, how can I speak? Well…isn’t this a very common reaction from all of us? God? Me? No way man….I have this limitations, I cannot talk properly, I cannot preach well, Sorry I am too busy, Sorry I don’t want to do something radical like that, what if they hate me? God it is too difficult! God I prefer a simple life!
Isn’t that some of the very common excuses that we give God, when God challenge us to do something? Well, there are two reasons why we often push the challenges of God away. Number 1, out of complacency. We do not like being challenged, we do not like to change our habits, we do not want to greater things. We want to have a comfortable life, being simple, and non challenging lifestyle. I tell you, if you are living a life that is complacent, you are no different from a backslider. Staying stagnant is equals to backsliding. See, if you want to be complacent, you are not even a threat to the enemy. The enemy wouldn’t even bother challenging you cause he knows you are of no asset to the kingdom of God. A lot of us always are very “loud” when it comes to doing the work of God. But to actually get your hands dirty and doing it, very little are willing.
Jeremiah is different. In his respond, he was not complacent. He wanted to be challenged. But he had succumb under the second reason to why people push God’s challenge sometimes. Number 2, fear! A lot of people can be very paralyzed by fear. They are eager to do great things, but the fear of failing, rejection, bad results, being ignored….all welled up in their heads even before these things actually happen. And this fear will truly paralyze his or her determination in charging for God. That is also another strategy the enemy use, to pull those who are an asset to the kingdom of God down. And how do we know when we are fearful? It is when we are CONVICTED that that certain something is what God wants us to do, but we are just not COURAGEOUS enough to step up and own the conviction.
See the bible said, God told Jeremiah, do not be afraid! Don’t say that you are just a child! I am with you I will rescue you! I have already lay all the plans for you!! Funny how sometimes as human, we thought that we can RUIN the plan of God. Jeremiah was no different. He must have thought to himself…God are you kidding me? Did you make the wrong choice? But the fact is we just do not have faith enough to trust that God can use us to do great things sometimes. The trust and belief that when God is on our side nothing can tear us down is VERY CRUCIAL in order allow faith to arise, and push ourselves to the launching of His call.
See when Jeremiah finally accepted his task, God touched his lips and anoint it. And God said, let My word be your word. And I APPOINT you over nations to UPROOT, to TEAR DOWN, to DESTROY, to BUILD, to PLANT! In other words, God appointed Jeremiah, to be what? Only to simply be an ordinary prophet? No…God appointer Jeremiah to be the EARTH SHAKER. Doing the RADICAL things. Doing what normal people would not do. When the spirit of God is within someone, you will know it. How? By looking at how confident is he or she in doing the work of God, the anointing he or she carries within, and the kind of energy that is extraordinarily portrayed even when he or she looks extremely ordinary. In other words, we can recognize a person doing the work of God, when we see God own his or her side, empowering him or her from within. Yes. It is common to be afraid. It is only human nature. But how you FEEL and how you REACT is totally two different things. God is looking for a WILLING and OBEDIENT servant. Not one who is rebellious, complacent, and often unwilling.
So what kind of servant you want to be? Remember we are all made for great things! But it is our actions and decisions in life that determines how far we can go, and whether we will get there.
toodles~
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Wisdom or Foolishness
Ecclesiastes 10
12 Words from a wise man's mouth are gracious,
but a fool is consumed by his own lips.
but a fool is consumed by his own lips.
13 At the beginning his words are folly;
at the end they are wicked madness-
at the end they are wicked madness-
14 and the fool multiplies words.
No one knows what is coming—
who can tell him what will happen after him?
No one knows what is coming—
who can tell him what will happen after him?
15 A fool's work wearies him;
he does not know the way to town.
he does not know the way to town.
A very short one. So what does it mean by the word from a wise man's mouth are gracious? To me personally, when a wise person speaks, it brings LIFE to others. For instance, I always find life in the words that were spoken by pastor and Shirley to me. When I sit down and talk to them. Just within few minutes, I would know what to do with my problems, or I would have revelations! Isn't that amazing? I yearn to have that kind of mouth. The mouth of the wise, they say. But of course we know, this is also the mouth of the anointed people of God. So in the bible says, when a wise person speaks, there is grace. I personally feel, a wise person and a fool can speak the same intended message, but with very different result. Because of the words they chose to use. The wise will speak with words that will draw to himself and others, grace, mercy, enlightenment, respect and honor. Whereas when a fool speaks, people would just want to strangle him or her to death, throw shoes at him or her, or just disrespect that person. So be careful with your words. See, it also says in verse 12, that a fool's words will consume his lips. In other words, when a fool speaks, he will attract negative effects and consequences to himself. Again....the words are in play.
Verse 13 shows that it is very easy to detect a fool. How? When everything he says doesn't bring harmony, doesn't bring peace....and doesn't make sense at all! Wicked madness! That is how a fool speaks. MADNESS! Haha....in this, I am not talking about jokes. But truly, he believes in what he says, and people thinks whatever he says is madness. That is indeed very sad. Who wants to be considered mad? Eventually, very little people will draw close to a fool. Because, what benefit can he offer? Good advise? I doubt! A fool will only create conflicts and misunderstandings. They are not careful with what they say, they do not think thoroughly of what to speak. They just SAY IT! That is one big mistake that I find in people a lot of times. They just speak things without proper filtering or consideration of consequences, and at times, it brings trouble and worst still, they damage the self-esteem, confidence and respect of others.
A fool, only draw problems to themselves. And reading on in verse 14. What is the conclusion? All gossipers = to fools. :) If you gossip and you are very much excited by other people's juicy news, and problems....then, you are a fool! Worst is when you spread things, and said it in untrue manner. I am often very upset by people twisting the truth. Because I find it very damaging to the people involved. The right message never get conveyed, and worst is when everybody else misunderstands. So, there is no such thing as being lazy in listening (irrelevant), or assuming stories. I dislike assumptions A LOT. If one is not sure, what would a wise person do? ASK. Don't assume. Don't create stories! If you are lazy to hear the proper stories, or that you are unclear of the whole situation, then don't speak of it AT ALL! Don't comment, don't even begin to tell it out, because you do not know! It is better to take the stand of "not knowing anything" than say you "know everything" and tells the wrong story. And a wise person will always choose the people he tells the stories to. A wise person will tell the right things to the right people who are either able to help, to keep a secret, to edify him...and not to gossippers, and careless whisperers. Wisdom is what makes a person walk in noble, respected light. Wisdom is what makes a person capable of handling his life well.
Nobody knows what can happen to a fool. His consequences are a threat to him. Whatever he does, wears him out. He gets tired, he gets shut down, blown off time after time because of mismanagement of himself. He doesn't even know the way to "town" the bible says. He doesn't know how to get himself to a resourceful place, a place of fulfilment, a place of success. He lost his way halfway there, and will be running in circles.....So why is life unfair for the fools, you may ask?....Well, friends....it is because to be wise or to be a fool, it is definitely a CHOICE. The way you react, respond, speak, act, and do things determine whether you are a fool or a wise man. And wise man always gets heard, the fool will often get ignored.
So I believe it is very evident here, that being wise have very much benefits. However, if you are stuck in the circle of a fool, and you find being in that circle is good for you, well...then the choice is yours.
Choose today who you want to be. Choosing the proper words and actions are the key to wisdom.
Have a great day, folks!
Friday, January 8, 2010
Standing in Awe
Stand in awe of God....this is one chapter that speaks to me much this morning.
Ecclesiastes 6
Ecclesiastes 6
Stand in Awe of God
1 Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. Go near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools, who do not know that they do wrong.
2 Do not be quick with your mouth,
do not be hasty in your heart
to utter anything before God.
God is in heaven
and you are on earth,
so let your words be few.
do not be hasty in your heart
to utter anything before God.
God is in heaven
and you are on earth,
so let your words be few.
3 As a dream comes when there are many cares,
so the speech of a fool when there are many words.
so the speech of a fool when there are many words.
4 When you make a vow to God, do not delay in fulfilling it. He has no pleasure in fools; fulfill your vow. 5 It is better not to vow than to make a vow and not fulfill it. 6 Do not let your mouth lead you into sin. And do not protest to the temple messenger, "My vow was a mistake." Why should God be angry at what you say and destroy the work of your hands? 7 Much dreaming and many words are meaningless. Therefore stand in awe of God.
When you come to the house of God, when you go to a place of worship, be it in churches or in cell groups, what is your first intention? Are your actions consecrated? Some people walk into the house of God, or a place of worship merely to boast their voices, their talents, their wealth, riches, their clothes, or status? Perhaps some go with an intention to get attention. So it doesn't mean when you are going to church, to serve to sacrifice, you are a step closer to God. No! The church is a place not only for us to serve, but to truly worship, and to listen to God. To hear from Him. See, the bible says, don't step into church like fools to simply just offer something. Go to expect God, to receive and to learn. To listen. God speaks to those who listen. A lot of time we are too proud about what we can offer. Friends, going to church is not merely about position or what you can give, or offer. If that is so, you can even do that in the world out there. You come to the house of God to be refreshed, to hear a word of revelation from God, to recharge, to draw nearer to Him. Come with the right intentions.
The passage goes on in talking about saying the right things with God. Don't be quick and hasty in your words. Don't be too quick to make vows that you cannot fulfill. This is something very true to me. A lot of times, people say it is okay to be upset, to throw tantrums at God etc? That you need to come before God real! I agree with coming before God real, but I do not believe in throwing tantrums or being angry at Him. See, I find reverence with God is like reverence we have for our leaders and pastors. If we are able to speak with respect to man of God, all the more we should do that with God. Yes, when I am upset, I tell God, I am upset, I tell Him exactly how I feel, but eversince I learned to draw closer to God, I am very careful with the words and promises I made to Him. I do not just do it for fun, or just say something nice for the moment to make Him happy. God doesn't need that. God needs genuineity. You see, the author was right. God needn't have to be angry or destroy the work of your hands. But God always honors His words. So the same, He takes promises to Him seriously.
Many times I hear people telling me, God told me this...and I promised Him I will fulfill His mission for me. Or that God told me not to do this, and I promised God I will guard my emotions and not get carried away in future. But many a times, I saw these promises being broken. Do they really take the promises to God seriously? It makes me wonder. Don't promise if you cannot fulfill it. Why do you even want to do that? Did God force you to? No....You wanted to promise God, so you have to make sure you keep it. See, with my campus outreach it was the same. I promised God I will run this vision given to me no matter what. Even when it means facing a lot of persecutions, circumstances, and barriers. Was I discouraged? Yes! Have I felt like giving up? Many times! But because I knew it is a promise from me to God, I cannot let it go. I will keep doing it. Until God tells me to stop. It is my promise to Him. I promised God to serve my leaders till the end of my days...without ulterior motives. I hope that I am able to fulfill it till the day I die, or at least till the time God change my course of directions.
So, friends, don't be hasty! Not in your promises nor your expressions. My principles are, when I am upset, I tell God I am upset. I told Him what I went through, I cry in front of Him. I complain to Him. He is my best friend. But never have I once (Ok...maybe when I was a younger Christian) said things that intended to hurt God, such as blaming Him for everything, hating Him, cursing Him...or even throw tantrums at Him. It is good to be real with how you feel, but it is another to disrespect. There should always be a sense of reverence when we come to God. That is why the bible says, stand in awe...in His presence! Stand in respect, in reverence, in honor...in fear! We can be honest with God, but be careful with Your words with God. Like how you do not want to hurt the person you love, you should do the same, even more to God. I get upset when I hear people blaming God and saying nasty things about Him. Be careful with your words....when you are before the King =)
that's my thought for the day!
Much love...
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Companionship and Friendship
I actually find Ecclesiastes quite an interesting book. It is Solomon finding that everything else is meaningless. So I continued reading on today....and this verse actually caught my eye.
Therefore, here is my chance. To tell all my dearest family, friends, members, leaders, loved ones out there.....you know who you are....that I love you, and I do appreciate every single moment and experiences we go through together.
Ecclesiastes 4
9 Two are better than one,
because they have a good return for their work:
because they have a good return for their work:
10 If one falls down,
his friend can help him up.
But pity the man who falls
and has no one to help him up!
his friend can help him up.
But pity the man who falls
and has no one to help him up!
11 Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.
But how can one keep warm alone?
But how can one keep warm alone?
12 Though one may be overpowered,
two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
Basically the author, King Solomon of this book find that practically everything is meaningless. Whatever done is like chasing the wind. Pointless, directionless, meaningless, purposeless. He was rather negative about things throughout the chapter, until verse 9 in Ecclesiastes 4.
What I interpreted when I was reading would be that, everything else is meaningless, everything else is pointless in life. People still go through sufferings, injustice is still everywhere, fools who are prideful are still unable to live well. Nonetheless, when you have friends, companions, things would be somewhat better. Here it says, two are better than one, if one falls, somebody if there to pull him up. If one is overpowered, the two can defend themselves.
It goes on to tell me that the wise king of all time, King Solomon, actually felt that it is not riches, not wealth, not justice, not anything that are meaningful in life. All those things are like chasing wind, he said. What is the point being rich? You can't bring it to death with you. What is the point for this and that. But when King Solomon sounded positive in these verses, it impressed upon my heart that he actually finds relationship the most meaningful of all. It is true you see. What is life without real friends, without people we love, people who loves us in return, without a companion?
You see, we can be very successful, we can be really rich, we can be really famous. But without true friends, without companions, without real relationship, who can we share our successes with? Who will celebrate with us? Who will be there to encourage us when we are down? Who will know the true us and accept us for who we are? Is life about wearing masks? Or is life about true relationship? See...the world is not looking for more technology, or money, or successes....the world is looking for more love...for a genuine relationship. Give a broken person some love, he will heal better and faster. Give an orphan some love, he or she will feel so grateful and find sense of strength and hope.
So what are we looking for even as a church, or a cell group? Yes, the word of God is very important. But what makes us come back again and again to services to cell groups? It is the relationship. The fellowship we have with God, and the fellowship we have with one another. It is truly relationship and genuine connection that will cause someone to stay. Because, they found a place that they can finally call home, finally be themselves....finally feel belong. That's the reason why day in day out, I often tell my cell members...don't try to retain new friends for the sake of retaining. For the sake of just increasing numbers. Do it genuinely. Have a heart to love people. Go out there and really love people. With that, the person will keep coming back.
Two are indeed better than one. Today, I wouldn't be here doing what I am doing if it was not for great support and genuine relationship with people. Relationship with my leaders, with my cell members, with my loved ones, family etc....It is because of true relationship, a real friend...a person who would stick through with us through thick and thin, a person who will love us through your strengths and weaknesses....through good and bad days...that makes us stronger...and makes us who we are today.
You want to raise normal and mentally healthy children? Give them love. Build an environment whereby they can be comfortable being themselves, and yet be accepted. With that, life can be meaningful. Everything else will fade away, everything else is temporary. But your relationship with someone, will leave a footprint, and a mark even when you leave this world. It defines your legacy. Your relationship with God, will be brought to eternity. So invest on good relationships. Prioritize family, friends and important people in your life. When life gets ugly, you need these people to help you sustain and pull through. :))
Therefore, here is my chance. To tell all my dearest family, friends, members, leaders, loved ones out there.....you know who you are....that I love you, and I do appreciate every single moment and experiences we go through together.
Cheers. Hope you are blessed today!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)