My journey...
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Hype
In our churches today, we try to create an environment that stirs the spirit. An excitement that excites the soul. This is done especially during worship. We jump to fast songs, we try to make people cry through slow songs. Playing with their emotions and they would come out feeling excited and say that it was a nice worship service. Much like saying that it was a nice concert.
Please do not get me wrong. I do get excited when the Holy Spirit comes. Especially during worship. I do jump to fast songs and cry during the slow songs. I even cry during the fast songs. What is the difference then?
The presence of excitement and emotion does not produce the presence of the Holy Spirit but the Presence of the Holy Spirit produces the presence of excitement and emotions.
We cannot stir up our excitement and say that it is the Holy Spirit. It is He who does it. We cannot make people jump higher and say that the more we jump, the presence of God will increase in our midst. Who are we to order God around? But the excitement comes when we meet with Him. In His grace and mercy, He choose to meet us. Sometimes, He comes in a whisper. When all is silent. Sometimes, He comes when we are rejoicing.
However, I do not go around judging that this worship is hype and this is not. It is not for me to judge the intention of the person in front leading worship but for me to worship Him in spirit and in truth. Whether it is hype or not, as an individual, I worship Him. He will meet with me where I am. It is my heart condition too. If I start to judge whether this service is hyped or not, I will most certainly miss Him. They can still hype the worship and I can still meet with my Lord.
Please do not get me wrong. I do get excited when the Holy Spirit comes. Especially during worship. I do jump to fast songs and cry during the slow songs. I even cry during the fast songs. What is the difference then?
The presence of excitement and emotion does not produce the presence of the Holy Spirit but the Presence of the Holy Spirit produces the presence of excitement and emotions.
We cannot stir up our excitement and say that it is the Holy Spirit. It is He who does it. We cannot make people jump higher and say that the more we jump, the presence of God will increase in our midst. Who are we to order God around? But the excitement comes when we meet with Him. In His grace and mercy, He choose to meet us. Sometimes, He comes in a whisper. When all is silent. Sometimes, He comes when we are rejoicing.
However, I do not go around judging that this worship is hype and this is not. It is not for me to judge the intention of the person in front leading worship but for me to worship Him in spirit and in truth. Whether it is hype or not, as an individual, I worship Him. He will meet with me where I am. It is my heart condition too. If I start to judge whether this service is hyped or not, I will most certainly miss Him. They can still hype the worship and I can still meet with my Lord.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
... IF ...
Ever notice how Christians have this reputation of being nice because they want to get converts. I was talking with a friend and he said that he opened his house for this boy to live (such a noble intention) IF he goes to church and church "Activities". When the boy missed a few sundays, he was questioned. Finally, realising that the pressure was too great to live there, the boy left. Realising perhaps that the love and the invitation was not genuine. It was so that we Christians get a "good" name and get more people into church.
I mentioned we because I was part of those who has given "Christians" a bad name. We have community projects so that we can call the press and make a name for ourselves. So that our church is seen in doing something. To entertain those in the church. To attract people into the church. Once the people come into the church, they find that it is all a show and people start to become puppets of the system and start to put on masks. They begin to find out that people are not that caring after all. It is so difficult to find any church who has genuine interest in each other. Who accepts without the "IF".
In most churches today, If you are the leader or if you contribute a lot to the church, you are well taken care of. You are seen as important. But IF you are only a member, little attention is given to you.
Jesus loved without any "IFs". He did not put a condition on His love for us. Even if we are to reject Him, He would still walk the way of the cross. He is always inviting and concern for us not because He can get anything in return but because He truly love us.
Real religion is the religion of the heart -
bringing us in touch with the heart of God, and then caring from the heart for others.
I mentioned we because I was part of those who has given "Christians" a bad name. We have community projects so that we can call the press and make a name for ourselves. So that our church is seen in doing something. To entertain those in the church. To attract people into the church. Once the people come into the church, they find that it is all a show and people start to become puppets of the system and start to put on masks. They begin to find out that people are not that caring after all. It is so difficult to find any church who has genuine interest in each other. Who accepts without the "IF".
In most churches today, If you are the leader or if you contribute a lot to the church, you are well taken care of. You are seen as important. But IF you are only a member, little attention is given to you.
Jesus loved without any "IFs". He did not put a condition on His love for us. Even if we are to reject Him, He would still walk the way of the cross. He is always inviting and concern for us not because He can get anything in return but because He truly love us.
Real religion is the religion of the heart -
bringing us in touch with the heart of God, and then caring from the heart for others.
Monday, August 25, 2008
Praise You in the Storm
On Sunday when I was looking around during worship, I saw faces of people praising Him. I know of people whose husband is cheating on them and they are breaking down inside. I know of people who are suffering financial difficulty. People who are suffering from an illness. People who have been waiting for a child and been given a promised yet did not see the promise fulfill. People who have lost their loved ones. People who are trusting for their loved ones to be healed. People who are trusting for their loved ones to be saved. People whose family is breaking down. People who does not have a job. People who are lonely and lost. People who cannot make sense of life.... yet all praising Him because He is who He is.
Have you heard of stories where His children trusted in Him and yet they are disappointed but they can still say "it is well with my soul". I have heard of a story where a man is crying out to God for his daughter to be healed of a serious illness yet she still died. He was probably wondering why God? Why did you take such a young life away. He probably did not understand how come He says that He is a God who heal but...
Another story of a church member who trusted God to heal his wife of cancer and yet she still died. Talking to him afterwards, he said that he was upset. Disillusion about God. He was so sure that the God whom he trusted will not let him down and yet he still lost her. But he said I still worships Him cause He is still God. He is my only comfort in times of sorrow. God keeps drawing me to Himself.
So as I look around on Sunday, looking at all the faces who is worshiping Him despite of what they are going through, it made me cry. I remember a song which says... Praise looks good on you. I know I am journeying with a group of people who are broken yet still have hope in God because He is God. We are trusting in God though for different things yet it is trust altogether. Having faith to say "God I trust in You WHATEVER the outcome". I feel comforted that I am not on this journey alone.
The song "Praise you in the Storm by Casting Crowns" is one of my favorite for now. The words really resonate within me.
Have you heard of stories where His children trusted in Him and yet they are disappointed but they can still say "it is well with my soul". I have heard of a story where a man is crying out to God for his daughter to be healed of a serious illness yet she still died. He was probably wondering why God? Why did you take such a young life away. He probably did not understand how come He says that He is a God who heal but...
Another story of a church member who trusted God to heal his wife of cancer and yet she still died. Talking to him afterwards, he said that he was upset. Disillusion about God. He was so sure that the God whom he trusted will not let him down and yet he still lost her. But he said I still worships Him cause He is still God. He is my only comfort in times of sorrow. God keeps drawing me to Himself.
So as I look around on Sunday, looking at all the faces who is worshiping Him despite of what they are going through, it made me cry. I remember a song which says... Praise looks good on you. I know I am journeying with a group of people who are broken yet still have hope in God because He is God. We are trusting in God though for different things yet it is trust altogether. Having faith to say "God I trust in You WHATEVER the outcome". I feel comforted that I am not on this journey alone.
The song "Praise you in the Storm by Casting Crowns" is one of my favorite for now. The words really resonate within me.
I was sure by now
God you would have reached down
Stepped in and saved the day
but once again I say amen
and its still raining
As the thunder rolls
I barely hear you whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
And as your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
The God who gives and takes away
And I'll praise you in this storm
And I will lift my hands
For you are who you are
No matter where I am
And every tear I've cried
YOu hold in Your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I'll praise you in this storm
I remember when, I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry to You
And raised me up again
My strength is almost gone
How can I carry on?
If I can't find You?
And as the thunder rolls
I lift my eyes unto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord
The maker of heaven and Earth.
I was sure by now, God you would have reached down, Stepped in and saved the day... its still raining... I'll praise you in the storm, I will lift my hands... for you are who you are!
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Lead Thou Me on!
I read the below in a daily prayer website...What does the desert signify in the story of the people of Israel, of John the Baptist, and then Jesus himself? It was not a destination, but a place for travellers going somewhere, journeying to a new life. Jesus had gone into the desert an unknown young carpenter from Nazareth, with thirty years of hidden life behind him. After the desert he returned to Galilee with power of the Spirit in him, and started to preach. Quickly he became a public figure, but he loved to withdraw to desert or mountain to recharge his energies by prayer. He moved forward like any of us, with no sure knowledge of what was to happen him. His life was shaped by the spirit driving him forward, but shaped also by the accidents of his life, the enthusiasm of some of his listeners and the resistance of others. He had a sense of where God was calling him (¬‘I am sent to cast fire on the earth.' Luke 12:49) and of the joy he felt in this vocation (‘My meat is to do the will of him who sent me.' John 4:34) After the quiet life of Nazareth, Jesus' public life was tumultuous. If we are to do justice to his humanity, we must accept that he did not know what would happen next, only that this was where God wanted him to be.
Most of us could point to a similar second calling, though we might not think of it in that way. A second journey like this is not an easy option. It means casting adrift from the security you have enjoyed, not knowing where the road will take you. In all this journeying we are looking for light from the Lord, as John Henry Cardinal Newman expressed it,
Lead, kindly light, amid the encircling gloom, lead thou me on!
The night is dark, and I am far from home, lead thou me on!
Monday, August 18, 2008
I AM the Way
Sometimes, I have moments of being "Lost" and tired. Just do not know what to do. Where to turn to. I do love the Lord but He seems to be missing. Then I remember Him saying "I am the Way, The truth and The Life.... follow Me."
Heard of the expression "Easier said then done"? This is one of those things where it is "Easier said then done." Yet what are we to do? Whatelse is there to do except to trust. Where else are we to turn to? We have just to wait upon Him. I do attest that in my times of trials, it has brought me closer to knowing Him. The more I know Him, the easier it is to trust Him. I said easier. I still do have times of feeling "Lost".
Our "Fathers of Faith" in the past has done it. They have finished the race and could testify that it is all worth it. Perhaps this is my comfort.
Sometimes in this race I feel like giving up
My strength does seem to run out
Yet the broken pieces He will pick up
Placing life within me to give out.
Who can understand the ways of the Lord. Sometimes we feel we cannot go on anymore, He will come to give that bit of encouragement to keep you going further still and then after a while your fuel seems to run out and He will come again to help you to press on again. Yet He does not leave us alone to fight the fight. He says "I am the Way". We need just to follow Him.
I just had a picture of a little girl following her daddy to the woods on a long journey. The road may be unpleasant. There are mountains to climb, rivers to cross, spider webs to go through and it may be hot and humid. Yet the father never let go of this little girl's hand. Then when she cannot go on any further cause she is too tired, he carries her on his shoulders until she is rested and strong enough to walk again.
Wow. I think sometimes when I blog, He does minister to me as well. Just to put my thoughts together and to focus my attention on Him. Its like my spiritual formation excercise :P
Heard of the expression "Easier said then done"? This is one of those things where it is "Easier said then done." Yet what are we to do? Whatelse is there to do except to trust. Where else are we to turn to? We have just to wait upon Him. I do attest that in my times of trials, it has brought me closer to knowing Him. The more I know Him, the easier it is to trust Him. I said easier. I still do have times of feeling "Lost".
Our "Fathers of Faith" in the past has done it. They have finished the race and could testify that it is all worth it. Perhaps this is my comfort.
Sometimes in this race I feel like giving up
My strength does seem to run out
Yet the broken pieces He will pick up
Placing life within me to give out.
Who can understand the ways of the Lord. Sometimes we feel we cannot go on anymore, He will come to give that bit of encouragement to keep you going further still and then after a while your fuel seems to run out and He will come again to help you to press on again. Yet He does not leave us alone to fight the fight. He says "I am the Way". We need just to follow Him.
I just had a picture of a little girl following her daddy to the woods on a long journey. The road may be unpleasant. There are mountains to climb, rivers to cross, spider webs to go through and it may be hot and humid. Yet the father never let go of this little girl's hand. Then when she cannot go on any further cause she is too tired, he carries her on his shoulders until she is rested and strong enough to walk again.Wow. I think sometimes when I blog, He does minister to me as well. Just to put my thoughts together and to focus my attention on Him. Its like my spiritual formation excercise :P
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Dancing Leaves
I was driving to town the other day and the roads were filled with dried leaves. Then suddenly, there was a strong gust of wind and the leaves were blown up and along the road. It was such a beautiful sight. As I was driving, it was as though the leaves were dancing around the car and on the road traveling with me.
As I looked at the leaves, dancing so gracefully, without any effort on its part, without a care in the world, for that very moment, a dead leaf looked graceful because of the wind.
I started to ponder upon my life. Been feeling rather "dead" spiritually but the Holy Spirit can cause me to look graceful too as I allow Him to dance with me. He can use me to encourage another soul. Isaiah 26:3 says "You will keep her in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You because she trusted in You". No effort on my part. The joy of the Lord within. The trusting in Him. Just allowing God to take me where He leads. As the wind of God blows. Joining Him in the dance of my journey.
As I looked at the leaves, dancing so gracefully, without any effort on its part, without a care in the world, for that very moment, a dead leaf looked graceful because of the wind.
I started to ponder upon my life. Been feeling rather "dead" spiritually but the Holy Spirit can cause me to look graceful too as I allow Him to dance with me. He can use me to encourage another soul. Isaiah 26:3 says "You will keep her in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You because she trusted in You". No effort on my part. The joy of the Lord within. The trusting in Him. Just allowing God to take me where He leads. As the wind of God blows. Joining Him in the dance of my journey.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Expressions of Faith
A conversation between a lecturer and his student
Student: I feel very pressured to have to do something with my faith.
Lecturer: What do you mean?
Student: My leaders says that if I want to grow in the Lord, I shall be in some sort of a ministry or do some evangelism or teaching to express my faith. So that I do not become like still water that breeds all the wrong things. As I express my faith, I will grow as well.
Lecturer: So what are you going to do?
Student: I do not know. They ask me to do a gifting test to see what my giftings are. My leader mentioned that I am gifted pastorally and in hospitality. That I should join the hospitality minisry or join the cell group to be a cell group leader. But I do not really want to do any of that.
Lecturer: What do you like to do?
Student: I like to paint. But my leader says that painting does not build the kingdom. We need to do things that builds the kingdom and build the church. Things that glorify God.
Lecturer: That is true that we are to build the kingdom but that does not mean you cannot use the talents that God has given you to do that. In all that you do, do the best you can and it shall bring glory to God.
Student: Anything?
Lecturer: Yes. Anything that you do can bring glory to God. It can tell people about a creative God that we serve. You can tell people of this glorious God through your paintings and it builds the Kingdom this way. Look at Michelangelo. He thinks he was only a painter who is employed to paint the walls of the cathedral. But look at his paintings. It brings glory to God. Painting can also be your expression to bring glory to God as long as when you do it, you do it for His glory.
Student: It is true. I do not need to be in a ministry to express my love and desire to God. I can still express my worship through things I like doing. I can also grow in my knowledge in Him through my paintings as He guides me and teach me. It is my expression of faith in Him.
Lecturer: Yes. After all, faith is the medium through which we see God. How we see Him can be expressed creatively. Not all are called to teach or lead. We have our part to do in the Kingdom. Do what you love best and that will be your expression of faith.
Student: I feel very pressured to have to do something with my faith.
Lecturer: What do you mean?
Student: My leaders says that if I want to grow in the Lord, I shall be in some sort of a ministry or do some evangelism or teaching to express my faith. So that I do not become like still water that breeds all the wrong things. As I express my faith, I will grow as well.
Lecturer: So what are you going to do?
Student: I do not know. They ask me to do a gifting test to see what my giftings are. My leader mentioned that I am gifted pastorally and in hospitality. That I should join the hospitality minisry or join the cell group to be a cell group leader. But I do not really want to do any of that.
Lecturer: What do you like to do?
Student: I like to paint. But my leader says that painting does not build the kingdom. We need to do things that builds the kingdom and build the church. Things that glorify God.
Lecturer: That is true that we are to build the kingdom but that does not mean you cannot use the talents that God has given you to do that. In all that you do, do the best you can and it shall bring glory to God.
Student: Anything?
Lecturer: Yes. Anything that you do can bring glory to God. It can tell people about a creative God that we serve. You can tell people of this glorious God through your paintings and it builds the Kingdom this way. Look at Michelangelo. He thinks he was only a painter who is employed to paint the walls of the cathedral. But look at his paintings. It brings glory to God. Painting can also be your expression to bring glory to God as long as when you do it, you do it for His glory.
Student: It is true. I do not need to be in a ministry to express my love and desire to God. I can still express my worship through things I like doing. I can also grow in my knowledge in Him through my paintings as He guides me and teach me. It is my expression of faith in Him.
Lecturer: Yes. After all, faith is the medium through which we see God. How we see Him can be expressed creatively. Not all are called to teach or lead. We have our part to do in the Kingdom. Do what you love best and that will be your expression of faith.
Friday, August 08, 2008
Indescribable
Using some of the photos which I have taken, Hope it glorifies our creative God.
All the way my Saviour leads me
Hymn written by Fanny (Frances) Jane Crosby, 1820-1915
All the way my savior leads me;
What have I to ask beside?
Can I doubt His tender mercy,
Who thro' life has been my guide?
Heav'nly peace divinest comfort,
Here by faith in Him to dwell!
For I know whate'er befall me,
Jesus doeth all things well;
For I know whate'er befall me,
Jesus doeth all things well;
All the way my Savior leads me;
Cheers each winding path I tread,
Gives me grace for ev'ry trial,
Feeds me with the living bread;
Tho' my weary steps may falter,
And my soul athirst may be,
Gushing from the Rock before me,
Lo! a spring of joy I see;
Gushing from the Rock before me,
Lo! a spring of joy I see;
All the way, my Savior leads me;
Oh, the fullness of His love!
Perfect rest to me is promised
In my Father's house above:
When my spirit, clothed immortal,
Wings its flight to realms of day,
This my song thro' endless ages:
Jesus led me all the way;
This my song thro' endless ages:
Jesus led me all the way;
This song has brought comfort to many who has been seeking and hanging on to faith. Those who were in prison and those who were persecuted for His name.
"Can I doubt His tender mercy,
Who thro' life has been my guide?"
"For I know whate'er befall me,
Jesus doeth all things well;"
All the way my savior leads me;
What have I to ask beside?
Can I doubt His tender mercy,
Who thro' life has been my guide?
Heav'nly peace divinest comfort,
Here by faith in Him to dwell!
For I know whate'er befall me,
Jesus doeth all things well;
For I know whate'er befall me,
Jesus doeth all things well;
All the way my Savior leads me;
Cheers each winding path I tread,
Gives me grace for ev'ry trial,
Feeds me with the living bread;
Tho' my weary steps may falter,
And my soul athirst may be,
Gushing from the Rock before me,
Lo! a spring of joy I see;
Gushing from the Rock before me,
Lo! a spring of joy I see;
All the way, my Savior leads me;
Oh, the fullness of His love!
Perfect rest to me is promised
In my Father's house above:
When my spirit, clothed immortal,
Wings its flight to realms of day,
This my song thro' endless ages:
Jesus led me all the way;
This my song thro' endless ages:
Jesus led me all the way;
This song has brought comfort to many who has been seeking and hanging on to faith. Those who were in prison and those who were persecuted for His name.
"Can I doubt His tender mercy,
Who thro' life has been my guide?"
"For I know whate'er befall me,
Jesus doeth all things well;"
Just like in the bible, one of the disciples say "Where can I go? You have the words of eternal life."
Many times I wonder about my faith. I wonder if there is a God. Today, my favorite Aussie friend said... To him, faith is simply the medium through we see God. God remains the same yesterday, today and forever. He is always there. It is our faith that cause us to see him differently. When we do not see him, it is because our faith has been clouded. Imagine God standing in front of us. He is always there. Faith is like wearing glasses. Some may be opaque. Some clear. Some tainted. Some cloudy. Some scratched and thus blocked our view. The filter that our faith has to go through is our experiences, our worldview. Our cultures. Our situation. But God is always "just there". God is always leading and guiding. All the way, my Saviour leads me. May I come to say "For whatever befalls me, Jesus doeth all things well."
Many times I wonder about my faith. I wonder if there is a God. Today, my favorite Aussie friend said... To him, faith is simply the medium through we see God. God remains the same yesterday, today and forever. He is always there. It is our faith that cause us to see him differently. When we do not see him, it is because our faith has been clouded. Imagine God standing in front of us. He is always there. Faith is like wearing glasses. Some may be opaque. Some clear. Some tainted. Some cloudy. Some scratched and thus blocked our view. The filter that our faith has to go through is our experiences, our worldview. Our cultures. Our situation. But God is always "just there". God is always leading and guiding. All the way, my Saviour leads me. May I come to say "For whatever befalls me, Jesus doeth all things well."
