These days, it seems such Christian examples are rare... so few and numbered. Sometimes I've a gut feeling they would be extinct in the near future... What am I talking about? What kind of Christian examples? I'm talking about mature Christians who knows and does the will of the Father... Although some would probably point to me pastors, bible woman, etc. They are not what I'm actually looking for or actuality who I'm really talking about. But of course they are possibly great examples, for that is one of their duties or responsibilities as being leaders of the church, but I'm looking for merely normal adults who simply are living the Christian life. Now don't get me wrong 'coz my perspective on someone who lives their Christian life are those who possesses not just a quality but a character and person worth following or making as such an example. I know we have Jesus as our greatest example and it is a dangerous thing to look at people as example due to the frailty of man and because of the curse of the flesh, nevertheless Christians are also called to be an example, I believe; Not only the leaders of the church. Anyway, all Christians are also called to be God's servant, not only pastors or teachers. Therefore, being an example is also a responsibility of all Christians.
1 Timothy 4:12
Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
Furthermore, if you are a Christian, is it but natural that we seek someone to look at as examples? The Word of God gives us so many people who became great examples to learn from whether from bad examples or good examples... Of course we follow the good, the bad we do not but stay away from it. And when we tend to look for examples, too often we'd look for people who have the same situations or circumstances they've gone through as the same to ours. We don't look for examples that are totally far different circumstance from ours...
Now, here comes a big dilemma for Christians. Who amongst the Christians wants to be an example? Most likely the reaction would be "Oh, no no no no no no!" True that we are indeed frail and most likely easy to falter esp. as new or beginning Christians. But if we've grown matured or learned to know and obey God's will, shouldn't we set as examples for the younger ones, the new generation?
We should! As apostle Paul encourages Timothy to be one, even at his young age. For a truth, the character of a person counts much! The worthiness of a person is very valuable. But if such character is marred and tainted, it loses its value. BUT, I also do believe in God's amazing Grace and Love, for He is the source of Grace and Mercy... How that even as sinful as David, still He called him to be a man after His own heart! It's a great reminder for us Christians that really, it's not about us, but it's ALL about God! It is He that enables us, it is He that perfects us, it is He that makes us worthy even if we failed Him so many times. If God chooses to use us in His ways, so shall it be done. If He wills, it shall come to pass.
But as I have said earlier, it seems in these times, such examples are few. Personally? I do find some people that I know, people of different status in life and circumstance, they become my examples of such a matured Christian, whether they serve in teaching or they serve in giving, they inspire me and give such a good example. Entails me to become a good example as well. But I know, I have lots of things to learn. But pressures and how the world works seem to be my biggest hindrance and challenge. Makes me wonder, how did these people got through? or how do they really deal with these things... And so it's hard to know, but then again we should seek the Lord and wait patiently for His revelation and leading.
Being an example... is it worth it? I do believe it is... but why too few Christians pursue it? Self tends to be the boss more than obeying the Father's will? It's hard? My sister shared the view of those she has been sharing with and most of them view it as a hard rough and difficult life. And to be honest, I think yes, they are right! To follow Christ is really hard, that even Christ Himself has stated it (John 15:20). But if we Christians should think about it, why then call ourselves Christians? Is it just for the sake of being saved? Truth is, if we really say we are Christians, a follower of Christ and yet do not do the Father's will, are we not just fooling ourselves? or making the "Christian" name just a name and not a reality? Or aren't we worthy to be called a "false Christian" if we do so? I do not wish to accuse, but I wish that we put in place our perspective on what Christianity is really all about.
True, we have the flesh still upon us which really hardens the life that we ought to live... but God has also given us the Spirit! He has given Himself! and it greatly gives me a question, how that we continue to still depend on the flesh more than the Spirit? Well, maybe because there is too few examples of people to look at and know that living or walking with the Spirit IS possible. Well? That's one of my thought or idea 'cause really I too greatly struggle walking by faith or walking with the Spirit. There is far greater number of Christians exemplifying the life controlled or directed on how the world works. I tend to see the principle of "The strong survives", "survival of the fittest" being much more evident even in the lives of Christians... and the principle of "living by faith"? I rarely see it... But oh when I see it, it greatly amazes me and ask myself "why can't I do it?" or "How come I struggle on having that kind of faith?"
Well, this challenge is not only for those who read this but also a challenge for me. It's a great challenge as I continue to seek in knowing and following His will. May we indeed learn to live by faith and be an example to the believers...
This is the land of my forefathers... once was a field of rice, where my forefathers till the ground. Now, is the land for planes and of aircrafts... yet I still call it my beloved homeland... Loakan.
Saturday, December 28, 2013
Thursday, December 26, 2013
Is This God's Will for Me?
Many times I was asked, "Is this God's Will for me?" Even I ask this question a thousand times. Too often seeking and doing the will of God has been sought by many especially we Christians. But I ask, "Are we on the right track of seeking and doing His Will?"
I've been sharing my previous experiences especially on the "Experiencing God" era, which is actually a time of which we learned processes of knowing and doing the Will of God. And from any stand point of preachers and teachers, I suppose they would always point to God's Word and Prayer. You see, God's Will is already revealed in His Word, and it is the Holy Spirit Who directs us and enables us into doing it.
But often, we (I) always sought to seek my personal direction in accordance to His will. Specially when we are in the midst of waiting stage, we often grow weary and anxious and impatient of knowing what should we do? Added to it are the pressures and stress of life made upon us according to their expectations. We tend to be impatient and continue to ask, "Lord, is this Your will?" pertaining or thinking of the already made-up plans we've made... Well I'm not saying, we shouldn't plan anymore or planning is an evil thing. Planning is a very good thing! It's just at times, our plans are compromised and that we know part or whole of it is not according to His Will and yet we would like to insist. Probably great example would be Jonah going to Nineveh. When God has revealed to us His Will and we don't like it, we make our own plan and insist, this is God's plan.
There are also times, when truly we are clouded and confused and seem to not know any more what we should do. I could remember prophet Elijah, when Queen Jezebel, just after her priests were killed, she ordered for the death of the prophet Elijah. Having known this, Elijah fled for his life, just as after he had seen the glory of God. At times we are like Elijah, blinded when we're supposed to go to God always.
But "How do we really know God's Will and do it in a personal basis?" Truthfully I am nobody to be able to answer that question. Nevertheless, I'd like to share my own insight because I too am still a learner of the Lord Jesus Christ. Previously as I continue to be part of God's Mission Field, I've encountered this verse:
For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people: (Hebrews 8:10)
or actually the phrase "I will put (or write) my laws (which could also probably mean principles) into their hearts". This phrase, could also be found in Old Testament (I think Deuteronomy) and of course New Testament. This somehow has blown me away, though it probably is very evident or very obvious of what God has been doing in our lives as a Christian, but have we been very attentive to it? I mean, are we sure we are allowing God to do that in our lives? 'Cause I believe, I think this is His way or process of revealing His Will to us on the personal basis. Revealing His Will to you, personally, by writing it in your own heart and mind. I believe God is very, very interested in our hearts. Because there I believe resides our will as well.
From this view, I actually believe that, knowing His Will is actually knowing Him. Or I mean, it's really a relationship that you unfold or is revealed. Now typically to a couple who just probably met, most of the time, they would really like to know more of the other person. I believe that is so with us toward God, should be... But that poses a big question to us Christians, do we really sought to know God more? I remember apostle Paul when he said "That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;" (Phil. 3:10)... Do we really sought to know Him more?
The series of video clips "The Truth Project", somehow speaks of this too, although not sure, but what I get is that the series of videos' goal were to "see or gaze upon the face of God"... To know Him, His Character, His Nature... and in effect, how should we respond to it?... Isaiah responded, "Woe is me! For I am undone! For I live in the midst of unclean lips!" Isaiah saw how sinful and unworthy he is in front of the God Almighty. When we gaze upon His face, how will we respond? That has been the challenge left out to them who listened and watched those videos and that includes me.
You see, knowing who He is, makes us or should compel us to conform to His ways and not our ways. Our ways are cursed and conformed to the evil ways, to the worldly ways because of our flesh. One example or illustration I've learned is that of our relationship to our earthly fathers. Not all probably, but I'm sure our fathers has been teaching us something, because they themselves does it. It's rarely one could teach something that they themselves aren't doing it or a good example by it. Most often, one who greatly teaches something is the one who themselves apply it in their lives. So when we see our parents or our father, teaching what they do, we learn. Therefore we know what our father wants us to do, even if they aren't there. That's the same thing with us Christians, being children of God. God wants to teach us, print His ways into our hearts, so that we could never forget and be able to do it.
Frankly, this principle may have not answered directly our daily question "Is This God's Will for Me?" But I think it would be enough. Just as the lecturer said in the "The Truth Project" answering the question "What should I do?"... He said, "I don't have a clue!" But he adds, "but I know Who does!" He still points to God. Same principle of what I was talking about. It's about knowing Him... and by knowing Him, we know His ways, His nature, His character... By which we ought to conform as His children in obeying and doing. More than these God has given us His promises worth clinging to, hoping for and standing firm.
I've been sharing my previous experiences especially on the "Experiencing God" era, which is actually a time of which we learned processes of knowing and doing the Will of God. And from any stand point of preachers and teachers, I suppose they would always point to God's Word and Prayer. You see, God's Will is already revealed in His Word, and it is the Holy Spirit Who directs us and enables us into doing it.
But often, we (I) always sought to seek my personal direction in accordance to His will. Specially when we are in the midst of waiting stage, we often grow weary and anxious and impatient of knowing what should we do? Added to it are the pressures and stress of life made upon us according to their expectations. We tend to be impatient and continue to ask, "Lord, is this Your will?" pertaining or thinking of the already made-up plans we've made... Well I'm not saying, we shouldn't plan anymore or planning is an evil thing. Planning is a very good thing! It's just at times, our plans are compromised and that we know part or whole of it is not according to His Will and yet we would like to insist. Probably great example would be Jonah going to Nineveh. When God has revealed to us His Will and we don't like it, we make our own plan and insist, this is God's plan.
There are also times, when truly we are clouded and confused and seem to not know any more what we should do. I could remember prophet Elijah, when Queen Jezebel, just after her priests were killed, she ordered for the death of the prophet Elijah. Having known this, Elijah fled for his life, just as after he had seen the glory of God. At times we are like Elijah, blinded when we're supposed to go to God always.
But "How do we really know God's Will and do it in a personal basis?" Truthfully I am nobody to be able to answer that question. Nevertheless, I'd like to share my own insight because I too am still a learner of the Lord Jesus Christ. Previously as I continue to be part of God's Mission Field, I've encountered this verse:
For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people: (Hebrews 8:10)
or actually the phrase "I will put (or write) my laws (which could also probably mean principles) into their hearts". This phrase, could also be found in Old Testament (I think Deuteronomy) and of course New Testament. This somehow has blown me away, though it probably is very evident or very obvious of what God has been doing in our lives as a Christian, but have we been very attentive to it? I mean, are we sure we are allowing God to do that in our lives? 'Cause I believe, I think this is His way or process of revealing His Will to us on the personal basis. Revealing His Will to you, personally, by writing it in your own heart and mind. I believe God is very, very interested in our hearts. Because there I believe resides our will as well.
From this view, I actually believe that, knowing His Will is actually knowing Him. Or I mean, it's really a relationship that you unfold or is revealed. Now typically to a couple who just probably met, most of the time, they would really like to know more of the other person. I believe that is so with us toward God, should be... But that poses a big question to us Christians, do we really sought to know God more? I remember apostle Paul when he said "That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;" (Phil. 3:10)... Do we really sought to know Him more?
The series of video clips "The Truth Project", somehow speaks of this too, although not sure, but what I get is that the series of videos' goal were to "see or gaze upon the face of God"... To know Him, His Character, His Nature... and in effect, how should we respond to it?... Isaiah responded, "Woe is me! For I am undone! For I live in the midst of unclean lips!" Isaiah saw how sinful and unworthy he is in front of the God Almighty. When we gaze upon His face, how will we respond? That has been the challenge left out to them who listened and watched those videos and that includes me.
You see, knowing who He is, makes us or should compel us to conform to His ways and not our ways. Our ways are cursed and conformed to the evil ways, to the worldly ways because of our flesh. One example or illustration I've learned is that of our relationship to our earthly fathers. Not all probably, but I'm sure our fathers has been teaching us something, because they themselves does it. It's rarely one could teach something that they themselves aren't doing it or a good example by it. Most often, one who greatly teaches something is the one who themselves apply it in their lives. So when we see our parents or our father, teaching what they do, we learn. Therefore we know what our father wants us to do, even if they aren't there. That's the same thing with us Christians, being children of God. God wants to teach us, print His ways into our hearts, so that we could never forget and be able to do it.
Frankly, this principle may have not answered directly our daily question "Is This God's Will for Me?" But I think it would be enough. Just as the lecturer said in the "The Truth Project" answering the question "What should I do?"... He said, "I don't have a clue!" But he adds, "but I know Who does!" He still points to God. Same principle of what I was talking about. It's about knowing Him... and by knowing Him, we know His ways, His nature, His character... By which we ought to conform as His children in obeying and doing. More than these God has given us His promises worth clinging to, hoping for and standing firm.
"...For he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." (Heb. 13:5)
Monday, December 23, 2013
LIVING BY FAITH
Every moment of our life as a Christian, this phrase is a constant reminder and a challenge... I for one like to really share my thoughts and struggles on this matter.
I say struggles, cause indeed life is constantly happening, constantly enduring and continuous to go on as long as there is breath in my nostrils. This, of course is the life we live here on earth. I've been watching a series video entitled "The Truth Project" it has really made some great reminders and challenges in my life being a so called "Christian." And the question really strikes me most is the question "Do we really believe what we believe is really, really real?" It simply talks about our faith as seen in our Christian lives.
It poses a great challenge as we indeed live in this cursed earthly domain controlled by our enemy, Satan, who sends out fiery darts of lies and deceit. And saddest thing, we Christians even are trapped with these lies... Philosophies, knowledge, wisdom of men, tend to be part of that deceit, covering almost the Truth that we Christians should be placing our Faith and Trust.
But truthfully it is not a really easy task to continue living by faith. For even the Word of God declares, we are in a race... Everybody knows, a race is not an easy task. It requires endurance, patience, strength and all other else.
"Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us." (Heb. 12:1)
I think one of the greatest struggle a Christian usually has in terms of believing or trusting the Lord, esp. on these times is on how God provides, Jehovah Jireh (YHWH will provide). Well, that is because I struggle too in that area, and seeing other Christians too seem to struggle as well at this point. Yet, I wonder why we so easily struggle and that it seems we tend to never learn. Since I know that even at this moment, we continue to still live, breathing the free air that we breath, having able to also eat food and drink water, still the anxieties and worries often lurk in our minds. Why? Well, probably because we think much of our future, of what's next? Having not the power to control nor the ability to deal with future events of our lives. Probably also we desire things for our lives, have our own comfortable lives, less worries, enjoying the pleasure of having our families and being able to provide individual and family needs. These thoughts tend to be placed as our goal in life. I think it's simply the goal of being comfortable and satisfied in the earthly life that we live.
But if we tend to look at God's perspective and His goals for us, esp. as a Christian, we see a different view; A different perspective and too often we see a very narrow way, a way which we are scared of pursuing and taking... It's a place of discomfort, suffering, pain, enduring, etc... We often see the negative side, rarely do we see the positive side; the joy and complete satisfaction as being part of God's family; More than these are the promises of God that we hope for. Here requires or enters what we call "Faith".
From my standing point, esp. now that I have no means of income, I mean, I currently have no work and yet I continue to be mindful of the ministry and with all my own personal desires or plans, my Faith in the Lord often diminish. These are the times I have to seek God's Face and go to His Word. And Hebrews chapter 11 becomes my reminder and my rebuke.
Well, to give a better understanding and detail as to my situation, as I have said, I have currently no means of livelihood or job for earning money and saving for future plans. I actually quit my previous job, well? with many reasons, but perhaps the greatest reason was that I wanted to give more time in helping my father in his missions work. He is a local missionary and he has just turned 60. Even with his old and "evil days" state, I have seen how God has been using him greatly reaching out esp. to our fellow native people, the Ibalois and the Igorots, sharing them the gospel of Jesus Christ. And I want to greatly be part of that not just in finances. But it seems greater sacrifices have to be made for such a simple desire to be fulfilled. Makes me to the point of asking, "Am I really doing God's Will for my life?" With what I'm doing, people tend to see me pursuing the position or the call of being a pastor. And I ask indeed, "Am I?" I do not know for sure the answer to that, all I know is that I have the desire to serve my Lord Jesus Christ being called a "Christian". That of which I understand why we are called one, "following after Christ and/or the will of the Father". Like Jesus said when Mary and Joseph was looking for Jesus when He was still a young boy:
"And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?" (Luke 2:49)
I believe that phrase Jesus said to His parents, gives me a realization that, that is also what we Christians should do, being adopted as sons and daughters in God's family. Sometimes I think the Christian perspective has been completely twisted and destroyed by the enemy. As I have been reminded by the videos I watched from the "The Truth Project." What do we really believe as Christians? and are we fulfilling that belief or faith? I believe that such twisted perspective is by reason that we are indeed living still under the system and the world of the enemy. We are behind enemy lines trying to figure what are our goals and directions in life, when from the very start the moment we received Jesus Christ our goal has already been set. But pressures and world views seem to diminish and fog that perspective. The cares of this life, the comfort and the pleasures, the "survival" kind of perspective... All these thinking has clogged our minds. How then indeed can we live in this world as Christians? If we pursue the things more than we pursue Christ, what's the point of being called a "Christian?" These are the questions that makes us struggle; what makes me struggle.
With all these things, God's Word becomes my refuge and my foothold. Reading through Hebrews 11 makes me understand and see how that even the great Bible Heroes of Faith continued to pursue and obey the Lord, knowing and keeping on the faith that there is far greater city, far greater promise to uphold and to hope for, even if it means not seeing the promise fulfilled in their life time. But fulfilled in God's time.
"These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city." (Hebrews 11:13-16)
I do not know if I'm clear to what I'm saying or sharing in this post. But perhaps here is the deal. If we are called a Christian, our path indeed will be narrow and that "Faith in Christ" will always be our shield from the fiery darts of the enemy. We may be hit by the enemy, but our faith will endure to the end. For we know God's promises still is better than anything else. If we think, God's promise is lesser than our previous state (the unbelieving state), then surely such faith in Christ does not exist in our hearts. If we think God's promises are greater, then we ought to pursue Christ. Personally wise I know my struggles will not end, it will be a continues struggle at the last breath I have. But I have to continuing believing in God, placing my Trust in Him who has saved me from the eternal punishment of sin. Believing that my life is in His hand. Faith! The just shall live by Faith!
I say struggles, cause indeed life is constantly happening, constantly enduring and continuous to go on as long as there is breath in my nostrils. This, of course is the life we live here on earth. I've been watching a series video entitled "The Truth Project" it has really made some great reminders and challenges in my life being a so called "Christian." And the question really strikes me most is the question "Do we really believe what we believe is really, really real?" It simply talks about our faith as seen in our Christian lives.
It poses a great challenge as we indeed live in this cursed earthly domain controlled by our enemy, Satan, who sends out fiery darts of lies and deceit. And saddest thing, we Christians even are trapped with these lies... Philosophies, knowledge, wisdom of men, tend to be part of that deceit, covering almost the Truth that we Christians should be placing our Faith and Trust.
But truthfully it is not a really easy task to continue living by faith. For even the Word of God declares, we are in a race... Everybody knows, a race is not an easy task. It requires endurance, patience, strength and all other else.
"Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us." (Heb. 12:1)
I think one of the greatest struggle a Christian usually has in terms of believing or trusting the Lord, esp. on these times is on how God provides, Jehovah Jireh (YHWH will provide). Well, that is because I struggle too in that area, and seeing other Christians too seem to struggle as well at this point. Yet, I wonder why we so easily struggle and that it seems we tend to never learn. Since I know that even at this moment, we continue to still live, breathing the free air that we breath, having able to also eat food and drink water, still the anxieties and worries often lurk in our minds. Why? Well, probably because we think much of our future, of what's next? Having not the power to control nor the ability to deal with future events of our lives. Probably also we desire things for our lives, have our own comfortable lives, less worries, enjoying the pleasure of having our families and being able to provide individual and family needs. These thoughts tend to be placed as our goal in life. I think it's simply the goal of being comfortable and satisfied in the earthly life that we live.
But if we tend to look at God's perspective and His goals for us, esp. as a Christian, we see a different view; A different perspective and too often we see a very narrow way, a way which we are scared of pursuing and taking... It's a place of discomfort, suffering, pain, enduring, etc... We often see the negative side, rarely do we see the positive side; the joy and complete satisfaction as being part of God's family; More than these are the promises of God that we hope for. Here requires or enters what we call "Faith".
From my standing point, esp. now that I have no means of income, I mean, I currently have no work and yet I continue to be mindful of the ministry and with all my own personal desires or plans, my Faith in the Lord often diminish. These are the times I have to seek God's Face and go to His Word. And Hebrews chapter 11 becomes my reminder and my rebuke.
Well, to give a better understanding and detail as to my situation, as I have said, I have currently no means of livelihood or job for earning money and saving for future plans. I actually quit my previous job, well? with many reasons, but perhaps the greatest reason was that I wanted to give more time in helping my father in his missions work. He is a local missionary and he has just turned 60. Even with his old and "evil days" state, I have seen how God has been using him greatly reaching out esp. to our fellow native people, the Ibalois and the Igorots, sharing them the gospel of Jesus Christ. And I want to greatly be part of that not just in finances. But it seems greater sacrifices have to be made for such a simple desire to be fulfilled. Makes me to the point of asking, "Am I really doing God's Will for my life?" With what I'm doing, people tend to see me pursuing the position or the call of being a pastor. And I ask indeed, "Am I?" I do not know for sure the answer to that, all I know is that I have the desire to serve my Lord Jesus Christ being called a "Christian". That of which I understand why we are called one, "following after Christ and/or the will of the Father". Like Jesus said when Mary and Joseph was looking for Jesus when He was still a young boy:
"And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?" (Luke 2:49)
I believe that phrase Jesus said to His parents, gives me a realization that, that is also what we Christians should do, being adopted as sons and daughters in God's family. Sometimes I think the Christian perspective has been completely twisted and destroyed by the enemy. As I have been reminded by the videos I watched from the "The Truth Project." What do we really believe as Christians? and are we fulfilling that belief or faith? I believe that such twisted perspective is by reason that we are indeed living still under the system and the world of the enemy. We are behind enemy lines trying to figure what are our goals and directions in life, when from the very start the moment we received Jesus Christ our goal has already been set. But pressures and world views seem to diminish and fog that perspective. The cares of this life, the comfort and the pleasures, the "survival" kind of perspective... All these thinking has clogged our minds. How then indeed can we live in this world as Christians? If we pursue the things more than we pursue Christ, what's the point of being called a "Christian?" These are the questions that makes us struggle; what makes me struggle.
With all these things, God's Word becomes my refuge and my foothold. Reading through Hebrews 11 makes me understand and see how that even the great Bible Heroes of Faith continued to pursue and obey the Lord, knowing and keeping on the faith that there is far greater city, far greater promise to uphold and to hope for, even if it means not seeing the promise fulfilled in their life time. But fulfilled in God's time.
"These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city." (Hebrews 11:13-16)
I do not know if I'm clear to what I'm saying or sharing in this post. But perhaps here is the deal. If we are called a Christian, our path indeed will be narrow and that "Faith in Christ" will always be our shield from the fiery darts of the enemy. We may be hit by the enemy, but our faith will endure to the end. For we know God's promises still is better than anything else. If we think, God's promise is lesser than our previous state (the unbelieving state), then surely such faith in Christ does not exist in our hearts. If we think God's promises are greater, then we ought to pursue Christ. Personally wise I know my struggles will not end, it will be a continues struggle at the last breath I have. But I have to continuing believing in God, placing my Trust in Him who has saved me from the eternal punishment of sin. Believing that my life is in His hand. Faith! The just shall live by Faith!
Tuesday, December 17, 2013
Loakan Baptist Church 57th Anniversary and Christmas Cantata Videos
Ok, for our brethren here and abroad who weren't able to watch these events, here are glimpse or videos taken. Thanks to Jericho Bendaen and Rynelle Sanoy for the videos =D...
************************ Youtube.com version (for places where youtube is banned try down below)**************
Hallelujah Quartet presents one of the Theme Song for the Church Anniversary...
(Aljon Chiday, Charlie Dagusen, Rowelito Tawalan, Elmer Berbano)
Loakan Baptist Church Choir presents two of the songs from the Christmas Cantata "God Is With Us" by Tom Fettke... Sang in the morning Church Anniversary
A glimpse of the Speaker in the evening before the Cantata... (glimpse lang talaga)... but the speaker is the son of the speaker of the church anniversary Ptr. Guinmapang. This is Zion? (i think =D..)
The Cantata prsentation... watch and hope you'll be blessed
************************ Cloudy.ec (Video website) version **************
Hallelujah Quartet presents one of the Theme Song for the Church Anniversary...
(Aljon Chiday, Charlie Dagusen, Rowelito Tawalan, Elmer Berbano)
Loakan Baptist Church Choir presents two of the songs from the Christmas Cantata "God Is With Us" by Tom Fettke... Sang in the morning Church Anniversary
A glimpse of the Speaker in the evening before the Cantata... (glimpse lang talaga)... but the speaker is the son of the speaker of the church anniversary Ptr. Guinmapang. This is Zion? (i think =D..)
The Cantata prsentation... watch and hope you'll be blessed
*************** Jammie Eslao's videos *********************
*************** Bloopers and the making
************************ Youtube.com version (for places where youtube is banned try down below)**************
Hallelujah Quartet presents one of the Theme Song for the Church Anniversary...
(Aljon Chiday, Charlie Dagusen, Rowelito Tawalan, Elmer Berbano)
Loakan Baptist Church Choir presents two of the songs from the Christmas Cantata "God Is With Us" by Tom Fettke... Sang in the morning Church Anniversary
A glimpse of the Speaker in the evening before the Cantata... (glimpse lang talaga)... but the speaker is the son of the speaker of the church anniversary Ptr. Guinmapang. This is Zion? (i think =D..)
The Cantata prsentation... watch and hope you'll be blessed
************************ Cloudy.ec (Video website) version **************
Hallelujah Quartet presents one of the Theme Song for the Church Anniversary...
(Aljon Chiday, Charlie Dagusen, Rowelito Tawalan, Elmer Berbano)
Loakan Baptist Church Choir presents two of the songs from the Christmas Cantata "God Is With Us" by Tom Fettke... Sang in the morning Church Anniversary
A glimpse of the Speaker in the evening before the Cantata... (glimpse lang talaga)... but the speaker is the son of the speaker of the church anniversary Ptr. Guinmapang. This is Zion? (i think =D..)
The Cantata prsentation... watch and hope you'll be blessed
*************** Jammie Eslao's videos *********************
*************** Bloopers and the making
Monday, December 9, 2013
Overseer: The need of overseeing...
How often do we take thought of this principle? To many I believe this is an important matter or role of a person within a unit or a group, esp. of the family. God also declares this importance for them who are called into the ministry, overseeing the church or the flock. To some, it may be of not much of a matter but let us consider these verses to ponder on:
"Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood." (Acts 20:28)
"Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest." (Proverbs 6:6-8)
"One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)" (1 Timothy 3:4-5)
Oversee, it means to supervise, look after, be responsible, administer, organize, manage. If I may, I wish to share my thoughts on this matter. Overseeing as a need for a unit like the family or the church. I would like to start pondering on the third verse, the word overseer or oversee is not seen in the verse, but I believe the principle of it is seen under the word "rule". When one rules, surely it takes up responsibilities. Typically the world view of being a ruler is the "boss"-type kind of ruler, where the boss or ruler simply assigns or dictates his subjects to do things, etc. But I believe, the Biblical view of a ruler is of the opposite. The ruler, as exemplified by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, is a servant, a humble servant! Remember the washing of the disciples' feet? Jesus portrayed such humility, rarely seen these days. I and even I have tried to experience such an "activity" or act, and it never is easy. Though I could probably simply do it, but the inner most part of who I am, tends to have a different heart. It tends to bring the heart of pride and if such heart can not be surrendered to God, doing it is not done whole heartedly and completely vain or worthless.
Let's take it to the extreme, just simply washing the feet of those possibly who look down on you or ridicule you, since we know not the heart of man, only God does. One could probably wash the feet of someone's dirty and filthy feet than yours, but what if that someone has a grudge or something that is against you, can you wash their feet? It's humanly impossible... BUT it's Godly possible! In other words, if you have God's Love, you can! How? Look to the CROSS! We are the ones who sinned, we are the ones who are worthy of being crucified, we are all sinners and worthy to be judged by God, separated from Him forever... YET, He still chose to make a way for us to be redeemed, to be brought back to Him. What an amazing awe-striking kind of Love! Well? these are the principles and characters a great ruler should have. And that's the biblical view point. Being the overseer, you can't simply have no heart for those that you oversee, as the Lord has exemplified. He had to meet and be sensible enough to know their needs, the disciples' needs, the people's needs. And that's something that needs to be understood in being an overseer or a ruler. Willing to go down even in the lowest part of who they are and understanding their need and being part of the solution of that need. That's overseeing!
The second verse, if read, seem to indicate there is no need for an overseer or a ruler... But think again or read again, ponder upon it. The ant is used as a subject of the context. And the verse describes the ant as WISE. And the verse is actually a rebuke to the sluggard, the lazy one or the fool. The verse is simply implying, that if you are wise, then you don't need an overseer or a ruler or a guide. You see, a function of an overseer is also to guide, to point to directions on what must be done in order to benefit oneself or the group (e.g. the family or the church). If and only if, each member like in a family or the church ALL knows their functions or responsibilities and DOES IT, then probably there is no need for an overseer. But the reality of it? there is no such family, or a church. There are those that knows their responsibility and does it, but mostly they act individually. As far as I know, I have never seen such a group, whether a family or a church that everybody in it knows what they should do and does it.
Therefore, these are the reasons why people had to meet up, gather and talk about things or matters need to be dealt with, people brainstorming on what must be done. Added to this point, everybody is unique, having their own different abilities, skills, talents and ideas or thought and nobody has ALL the knowledge and wisdom that they can simply dictate or instruct others to do what must be done. If someone have ALL the knowledge and wisdom on any matters to deal with, then he is probably God, but no. As Jesus Christ has established the church, giving different and varieties of gifts to be used by the church, each members has to be united and have one mind, that is the mind of Jesus Christ. What does the Lord Jesus Christ wants us to do? Don't ask what does the pastor or deacons or whoever wants us to do. I am not saying that nobody will talk and give their ideas and just wait for God to talk in a divinely intervention or something, but hey, let us always consider the mind and heart of Christ Jesus. Why? Because He is the Head of the church. How? His Word, is a great guide for us to focus on what are our goals, our direction, our guide. Then, the church or each individual can share their own insights on fulfilling or accomplishing the goal as per led by the Holy Spirit. Do also remember, the Holy Spirit is always the One who guides and teaches us all things! So let us be dependent on the God through the Holy Spirit.
The first verse, is the instruction of apostle Paul to the leaders, elders of the church, as his days are numbered. It is also then an instruction given to the leaders, rulers, pastors, elders of this time. One has to really put in mind that those of whom leaders ruler over, the members, family members or church members are very important to God, and should be handled carefully, tenderly, responsibly. And as part of the role of an overseer, is to protect those that they oversee. To protect them no matter the cost, likened to a Shepherd who protects his flock from wolves or dangers and by protecting, means the risk of one's life. The Lord Jesus Christ still is the greatest example as the Great Shepherd, for He Himself has laid down His life for the sheep. What an awesome example!
Overseer, it is a need as we continue to be here on earth ministering and serving our Lord Jesus Christ as we also serve others and fulfilling Jesus' Great Commission and Commandments.
"Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood." (Acts 20:28)
"Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest." (Proverbs 6:6-8)
"One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)" (1 Timothy 3:4-5)
Oversee, it means to supervise, look after, be responsible, administer, organize, manage. If I may, I wish to share my thoughts on this matter. Overseeing as a need for a unit like the family or the church. I would like to start pondering on the third verse, the word overseer or oversee is not seen in the verse, but I believe the principle of it is seen under the word "rule". When one rules, surely it takes up responsibilities. Typically the world view of being a ruler is the "boss"-type kind of ruler, where the boss or ruler simply assigns or dictates his subjects to do things, etc. But I believe, the Biblical view of a ruler is of the opposite. The ruler, as exemplified by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, is a servant, a humble servant! Remember the washing of the disciples' feet? Jesus portrayed such humility, rarely seen these days. I and even I have tried to experience such an "activity" or act, and it never is easy. Though I could probably simply do it, but the inner most part of who I am, tends to have a different heart. It tends to bring the heart of pride and if such heart can not be surrendered to God, doing it is not done whole heartedly and completely vain or worthless.
Let's take it to the extreme, just simply washing the feet of those possibly who look down on you or ridicule you, since we know not the heart of man, only God does. One could probably wash the feet of someone's dirty and filthy feet than yours, but what if that someone has a grudge or something that is against you, can you wash their feet? It's humanly impossible... BUT it's Godly possible! In other words, if you have God's Love, you can! How? Look to the CROSS! We are the ones who sinned, we are the ones who are worthy of being crucified, we are all sinners and worthy to be judged by God, separated from Him forever... YET, He still chose to make a way for us to be redeemed, to be brought back to Him. What an amazing awe-striking kind of Love! Well? these are the principles and characters a great ruler should have. And that's the biblical view point. Being the overseer, you can't simply have no heart for those that you oversee, as the Lord has exemplified. He had to meet and be sensible enough to know their needs, the disciples' needs, the people's needs. And that's something that needs to be understood in being an overseer or a ruler. Willing to go down even in the lowest part of who they are and understanding their need and being part of the solution of that need. That's overseeing!
The second verse, if read, seem to indicate there is no need for an overseer or a ruler... But think again or read again, ponder upon it. The ant is used as a subject of the context. And the verse describes the ant as WISE. And the verse is actually a rebuke to the sluggard, the lazy one or the fool. The verse is simply implying, that if you are wise, then you don't need an overseer or a ruler or a guide. You see, a function of an overseer is also to guide, to point to directions on what must be done in order to benefit oneself or the group (e.g. the family or the church). If and only if, each member like in a family or the church ALL knows their functions or responsibilities and DOES IT, then probably there is no need for an overseer. But the reality of it? there is no such family, or a church. There are those that knows their responsibility and does it, but mostly they act individually. As far as I know, I have never seen such a group, whether a family or a church that everybody in it knows what they should do and does it.
Therefore, these are the reasons why people had to meet up, gather and talk about things or matters need to be dealt with, people brainstorming on what must be done. Added to this point, everybody is unique, having their own different abilities, skills, talents and ideas or thought and nobody has ALL the knowledge and wisdom that they can simply dictate or instruct others to do what must be done. If someone have ALL the knowledge and wisdom on any matters to deal with, then he is probably God, but no. As Jesus Christ has established the church, giving different and varieties of gifts to be used by the church, each members has to be united and have one mind, that is the mind of Jesus Christ. What does the Lord Jesus Christ wants us to do? Don't ask what does the pastor or deacons or whoever wants us to do. I am not saying that nobody will talk and give their ideas and just wait for God to talk in a divinely intervention or something, but hey, let us always consider the mind and heart of Christ Jesus. Why? Because He is the Head of the church. How? His Word, is a great guide for us to focus on what are our goals, our direction, our guide. Then, the church or each individual can share their own insights on fulfilling or accomplishing the goal as per led by the Holy Spirit. Do also remember, the Holy Spirit is always the One who guides and teaches us all things! So let us be dependent on the God through the Holy Spirit.
The first verse, is the instruction of apostle Paul to the leaders, elders of the church, as his days are numbered. It is also then an instruction given to the leaders, rulers, pastors, elders of this time. One has to really put in mind that those of whom leaders ruler over, the members, family members or church members are very important to God, and should be handled carefully, tenderly, responsibly. And as part of the role of an overseer, is to protect those that they oversee. To protect them no matter the cost, likened to a Shepherd who protects his flock from wolves or dangers and by protecting, means the risk of one's life. The Lord Jesus Christ still is the greatest example as the Great Shepherd, for He Himself has laid down His life for the sheep. What an awesome example!
Overseer, it is a need as we continue to be here on earth ministering and serving our Lord Jesus Christ as we also serve others and fulfilling Jesus' Great Commission and Commandments.
Sunday, December 1, 2013
Creation / Bible vs. Evolution
For so many times this has been a heated debate and probably has taken centuries... But as a common person, I too have gone through this struggle of belief. And I could probably re-term or re-define this struggle to "Faith vs. Logic/Reasoning". But as I have struggled, I too have grown... grown in the sense of or in the matter of faith.
In these so many debates, arguments are used so to speak in winning.. But then again logical arguments may not be enough..
If I'm right, all these heated debate started at the time when Adam sinned. But probably humanly speaking, this has started when Charles Darwin started to propose theories.... With just a simply theory, many were affected as seen in our time. Atheism I believe is one result, another is the writing of Dan Brown and so many other that goes against the Christian Faith... This has not only affected the "secular" but also that of the spiritual.. Churches or "Christians" even have changed perspectives on their faith which soon has destroyed people's belief or faith in the written Word of God...
Because of these things and for many years now, the world has soooooooo many voices... Voices no longer knowing, who amongst them are truth or are true! Nevertheless, there are also people who've stood up, and I believe used by God to continue to declare the Truth, Truth that is in Jesus Christ. And, even I have learned things according to God's own leading. And, I wish to share my own insights and thoughts that others may already have thought of so here are my thoughts and questions that needs to be pondered very insightfully.
Charles Darwin's & other's theory right now is being accepted as facts, yet hard-proof of it is still vaguely to be considered. They say the earth is very old and yet there are those that say it is very young... it is funny how that is true.. Just looking at the sun, who would say the sun is very old? it's freakishly absurd? When I think the whole vastness of the universe, how can one person say how old the universe is when they themselves weren't there at the first time around? Machines have been made, saying it could compute how old is an object or a matter. Really? What's the basis and is it 100% sure it will? I don't think so. As time is uncontrollable and since man hasn't made a time machine yet, I doubt that such a 100% a machine can read how old is an object or matter is. It probably can guess based from an Artificial Intelligence having recorded and tallied data and information, but these are mere guesses likened to machines / people that guesses where Typhoons would take as a route or proceed.
One thing I really like to ask, that is if Evolution is true, "Shouldn't be there be other species or kinds that is like us who are able to think very intelligently, who can communicate, who can feel, who can know what is right and what is wrong? Shouldn't there be also NUMEROUS animals or beings having three hands or arms , having two noses or even one eye?" You see, evolution if it is true, shouldn't there be already other kinds who can also think like humans do?
Another point is the simple idea or knowledge, as I have also confirmed from others, "How do we know what is right and what is wrong?" I believe, C.S. Lewis have also made this point in his books. You see, we kind of sense or know what is right and what is wrong that doesn't have to be thought. How can we think that killing is wrong? Look at the spiders, they kill spiders of their own, that even their own children is killed by their mother. What stops us humans from doing so? it's irrational? it's immoral? Where did we get those definitions or ideas? Did we simply invented it out of nowhere?
Let's go to emotions. Simply why do we love? is love something that is necessary as human existence? or even joy or happiness, why do we need to be happy or joyful if such that we just came from apes or monkeys or whatsoever?
Another question I would ask is, "Why do we need clothes?" I thought, evolution is a process so that we could adapt better or improve our race as time goes bye? The simple feeling of shame when naked is another mystery and question to me if we think evolution is true.... if such a person does do that, what do we often say or judge them of? they are "nuts" or a "nut-case" or "mentally retarded"!
Such are the questions and many more unending questions when we believe evolution is true... Whereas the Word of God, the Bible continues to stand firm. Though there are many deceptions, twisted beliefs, twisted teachings from the Word of God, still the pure teachings and principles written in the Word of God stands true and faithful! People say it is simply written by men, but to a person who truly understands and believe what the Word of God declares, it is not.. but it is a power that can even reach the most evil-hearted men and transform them to become a light, shining and reflecting the light that comes from the Lord Jesus Christ.
In these so many debates, arguments are used so to speak in winning.. But then again logical arguments may not be enough..
If I'm right, all these heated debate started at the time when Adam sinned. But probably humanly speaking, this has started when Charles Darwin started to propose theories.... With just a simply theory, many were affected as seen in our time. Atheism I believe is one result, another is the writing of Dan Brown and so many other that goes against the Christian Faith... This has not only affected the "secular" but also that of the spiritual.. Churches or "Christians" even have changed perspectives on their faith which soon has destroyed people's belief or faith in the written Word of God...
Because of these things and for many years now, the world has soooooooo many voices... Voices no longer knowing, who amongst them are truth or are true! Nevertheless, there are also people who've stood up, and I believe used by God to continue to declare the Truth, Truth that is in Jesus Christ. And, even I have learned things according to God's own leading. And, I wish to share my own insights and thoughts that others may already have thought of so here are my thoughts and questions that needs to be pondered very insightfully.
Charles Darwin's & other's theory right now is being accepted as facts, yet hard-proof of it is still vaguely to be considered. They say the earth is very old and yet there are those that say it is very young... it is funny how that is true.. Just looking at the sun, who would say the sun is very old? it's freakishly absurd? When I think the whole vastness of the universe, how can one person say how old the universe is when they themselves weren't there at the first time around? Machines have been made, saying it could compute how old is an object or a matter. Really? What's the basis and is it 100% sure it will? I don't think so. As time is uncontrollable and since man hasn't made a time machine yet, I doubt that such a 100% a machine can read how old is an object or matter is. It probably can guess based from an Artificial Intelligence having recorded and tallied data and information, but these are mere guesses likened to machines / people that guesses where Typhoons would take as a route or proceed.
One thing I really like to ask, that is if Evolution is true, "Shouldn't be there be other species or kinds that is like us who are able to think very intelligently, who can communicate, who can feel, who can know what is right and what is wrong? Shouldn't there be also NUMEROUS animals or beings having three hands or arms , having two noses or even one eye?" You see, evolution if it is true, shouldn't there be already other kinds who can also think like humans do?
Another point is the simple idea or knowledge, as I have also confirmed from others, "How do we know what is right and what is wrong?" I believe, C.S. Lewis have also made this point in his books. You see, we kind of sense or know what is right and what is wrong that doesn't have to be thought. How can we think that killing is wrong? Look at the spiders, they kill spiders of their own, that even their own children is killed by their mother. What stops us humans from doing so? it's irrational? it's immoral? Where did we get those definitions or ideas? Did we simply invented it out of nowhere?
Let's go to emotions. Simply why do we love? is love something that is necessary as human existence? or even joy or happiness, why do we need to be happy or joyful if such that we just came from apes or monkeys or whatsoever?
Another question I would ask is, "Why do we need clothes?" I thought, evolution is a process so that we could adapt better or improve our race as time goes bye? The simple feeling of shame when naked is another mystery and question to me if we think evolution is true.... if such a person does do that, what do we often say or judge them of? they are "nuts" or a "nut-case" or "mentally retarded"!
Such are the questions and many more unending questions when we believe evolution is true... Whereas the Word of God, the Bible continues to stand firm. Though there are many deceptions, twisted beliefs, twisted teachings from the Word of God, still the pure teachings and principles written in the Word of God stands true and faithful! People say it is simply written by men, but to a person who truly understands and believe what the Word of God declares, it is not.. but it is a power that can even reach the most evil-hearted men and transform them to become a light, shining and reflecting the light that comes from the Lord Jesus Christ.
Faith vs. Fear
Faith! Now, when I talk of Faith, I'm talking about Faith in Christ. Faith of which the object of our faith is Jesus Christ. 'Cause it's possible we have faith but not in Christ (e.g. heathen / pagan faith).
In my own personal belief, Faith opposites Fear, but in terms of definition it is not, since I think the opposite of faith would be disbelief or doubt, or probably matters that deals with Facts. Nevertheless, in our Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, too often that it goes against is Fear. Fear of many things that might come when we believe. When we fear, then it will produce disbelief and doubt.
Recently, I had the opportunity to attend a conference themed on missions, the mission pertained to the Great Commission of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. One particular discussion or topic emphasized and taught was called the "Faith Promise." Now, the lecturers defined (as what I understood) "Faith Promise" as the giving of any object (mostly monetary) for the Lord's Ministry esp. on Missions, exceeding / excluding the tithes and offerings a Christian believer gives. From the words of it, it's a gift we promise to give to the Lord without having the normal capacity to give as what the Lord has given the believer the heart to give. It is basically not a demand but purely giving from the heart as what the believer believes God has placed in his/her heart. (Ref.: I Cor. 16:1-3) The Macedonian church has been an example of this giving. For indeed, even in their poverty, they gave (2 Corinthians 8:1-3).
It's quite a new principle for me. But through the lecturer's own experiences and sharing, it is indeed inspiring and definitely VERY challenging. It is VERY challenging because I (to be honest) even is not faithful in fulfilling or obeying God's command in giving my tithes and offering. Well, I am ashamed of that. Nevertheless, I believe that all that I am and all that I have is His. Therefore in all my decisions esp. on money, I have to ask God whether it is for His glory or not whenever I use it. For a truth, there is a big chance or possibility that I'll deceive myself esp. when it becomes a want. But I have to trust God with it. Now, I'm not saying giving your tithes is evil or wrong... But what I am saying is that, the heart matters more than our action.. From the time I committed myself into assisting my father in the ministry, esp. in the missions, I use some or most of my personal money in the ministry, acknowledging that my money is His... of course, I too had to learn to be a good steward. In other words, money should be planned and everything. It doesn't mean when I have money, I would give everything for the ministry. It has also to be managed for personal needs, family needs and ministry needs, etc. and identifying what is a want and what is a need. Sometimes, defining the need becomes a struggle to people who are into material things, but if only we surrender everything to God DAILY, I believe God will give us wisdom on how to manage our money or to be a good steward and identifying what is a need or want.
But still even with my conviction that "all that I have is His"... I still believe, I also have to give my tithes and offerings... it's just rarely do I do that now, esp. that I actually have no job or work to earn for a living. Now I simply trust God that He will provide our needs. But to be honest, this continues to be a struggle as the feeling of uselessness and insignificance creeps in... Well, I just have to really simply wait and trust on what His plans are for me and must be sensible enough where does God want me to be.
Now back to faith promise, I honestly can not fathom the experience of such thing. I know it's not a command and I also know that giving has to be from the heart, or else our giving will be useless. I believe even tithes, which is commanded, must be given out of a cheerful heart. Why? Because first and foremost, we can not out give God... What we have and receive, all these things comes from Him, how then can we give to God? Therefore it is just right that we give back what is His and doing it out of a thankful heart! So, the lecturers continue to challenge us and say "Challenge God! He loves challenges!" I've heard these phrase many times and indeed I would like to continue to challenge God through my life. Though I know it's a hard-kind road of life to challenge God, for indeed my faith will be tested. Even with my current situation, I am challenging God to use my life for a greater purpose. May I indeed be of purpose to His courts or His plans. And, He has been faithfully leading me even though at times I feel left out or alone or useless. I simply praise and thank God for His provisions in my family or to my parents. And, as I still continue to breathe, well and alive. Perhaps my wants only are the things not met. But that, I leave to God, and praying still for His abundant blessing. If you know me well, you'd know what would that want be.. (hehe!) But anyway, I continue to see God giving me opportunities in serving Him, and those are the things I would also cherish and continue to give me significance and purposeful satisfaction.
Faith... indeed, the just shall live by faith (Romans 1:17)... That is the Christian life... without faith in Christ, in God, our living as a Christian is futile. Those that does not believe simply live... simply exist and after? They don't know. But we Christians know what's next after death. In our daily Christian life, faith will always be necessary for us to go through life, whether in great times, much more in difficult times. For if we have no faith, then fear will take its toll. Questions will linger, and doubt shall be the fruit. May we continue to live by faith!
In my own personal belief, Faith opposites Fear, but in terms of definition it is not, since I think the opposite of faith would be disbelief or doubt, or probably matters that deals with Facts. Nevertheless, in our Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, too often that it goes against is Fear. Fear of many things that might come when we believe. When we fear, then it will produce disbelief and doubt.
Recently, I had the opportunity to attend a conference themed on missions, the mission pertained to the Great Commission of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. One particular discussion or topic emphasized and taught was called the "Faith Promise." Now, the lecturers defined (as what I understood) "Faith Promise" as the giving of any object (mostly monetary) for the Lord's Ministry esp. on Missions, exceeding / excluding the tithes and offerings a Christian believer gives. From the words of it, it's a gift we promise to give to the Lord without having the normal capacity to give as what the Lord has given the believer the heart to give. It is basically not a demand but purely giving from the heart as what the believer believes God has placed in his/her heart. (Ref.: I Cor. 16:1-3) The Macedonian church has been an example of this giving. For indeed, even in their poverty, they gave (2 Corinthians 8:1-3).
It's quite a new principle for me. But through the lecturer's own experiences and sharing, it is indeed inspiring and definitely VERY challenging. It is VERY challenging because I (to be honest) even is not faithful in fulfilling or obeying God's command in giving my tithes and offering. Well, I am ashamed of that. Nevertheless, I believe that all that I am and all that I have is His. Therefore in all my decisions esp. on money, I have to ask God whether it is for His glory or not whenever I use it. For a truth, there is a big chance or possibility that I'll deceive myself esp. when it becomes a want. But I have to trust God with it. Now, I'm not saying giving your tithes is evil or wrong... But what I am saying is that, the heart matters more than our action.. From the time I committed myself into assisting my father in the ministry, esp. in the missions, I use some or most of my personal money in the ministry, acknowledging that my money is His... of course, I too had to learn to be a good steward. In other words, money should be planned and everything. It doesn't mean when I have money, I would give everything for the ministry. It has also to be managed for personal needs, family needs and ministry needs, etc. and identifying what is a want and what is a need. Sometimes, defining the need becomes a struggle to people who are into material things, but if only we surrender everything to God DAILY, I believe God will give us wisdom on how to manage our money or to be a good steward and identifying what is a need or want.
But still even with my conviction that "all that I have is His"... I still believe, I also have to give my tithes and offerings... it's just rarely do I do that now, esp. that I actually have no job or work to earn for a living. Now I simply trust God that He will provide our needs. But to be honest, this continues to be a struggle as the feeling of uselessness and insignificance creeps in... Well, I just have to really simply wait and trust on what His plans are for me and must be sensible enough where does God want me to be.
Now back to faith promise, I honestly can not fathom the experience of such thing. I know it's not a command and I also know that giving has to be from the heart, or else our giving will be useless. I believe even tithes, which is commanded, must be given out of a cheerful heart. Why? Because first and foremost, we can not out give God... What we have and receive, all these things comes from Him, how then can we give to God? Therefore it is just right that we give back what is His and doing it out of a thankful heart! So, the lecturers continue to challenge us and say "Challenge God! He loves challenges!" I've heard these phrase many times and indeed I would like to continue to challenge God through my life. Though I know it's a hard-kind road of life to challenge God, for indeed my faith will be tested. Even with my current situation, I am challenging God to use my life for a greater purpose. May I indeed be of purpose to His courts or His plans. And, He has been faithfully leading me even though at times I feel left out or alone or useless. I simply praise and thank God for His provisions in my family or to my parents. And, as I still continue to breathe, well and alive. Perhaps my wants only are the things not met. But that, I leave to God, and praying still for His abundant blessing. If you know me well, you'd know what would that want be.. (hehe!) But anyway, I continue to see God giving me opportunities in serving Him, and those are the things I would also cherish and continue to give me significance and purposeful satisfaction.
Faith... indeed, the just shall live by faith (Romans 1:17)... That is the Christian life... without faith in Christ, in God, our living as a Christian is futile. Those that does not believe simply live... simply exist and after? They don't know. But we Christians know what's next after death. In our daily Christian life, faith will always be necessary for us to go through life, whether in great times, much more in difficult times. For if we have no faith, then fear will take its toll. Questions will linger, and doubt shall be the fruit. May we continue to live by faith!
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