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. :)
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
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! :))
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