"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives..." Matthew 7:7-8.
"Hmmm, for everyone who asks receives... ask and it will be given to you. What a great promise", I thought to myself. We know God is good and He gives good things to us. But sometimes we wonder if we will receive what we ask, don't we? Then a verse comes to my mind and I noticed something.
"Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field" Matt 9:37-38.
Did you notice something? It says, "ASK the LORD of the harvest to SEND out workers in his harvest field". Ask. The verse tells us to ASK him. Did you know this is a prayer that will be answered for sure? It's guaranteed! It explictly tells us to ask God to send out workers! Ask him and he will do so. Ask and you will receive! If you're burdened by the lack of workers in the harvest field and in your church, then ask and you will receive. No missions programs or conferences can guarantee any workers. Only bended knees can.
Sunday, July 05, 2009
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Wisdom on What you hear, What you believe, What you say
Encountering again what possible damages a rumour, a hearsay or an unclarified source of information may caused, I felt prompted to post this again. Please be wise and beware of the enemy's snare.
Excerpt from "The Imitation of Christ", Book 1 Chapter 4, by Thomas à Kempis
"We ought not to believe every saying or suggestion but ought to warily and patiently to ponder the matter with reference to God. But alas, such is our weakness, that we often believe and speak evil of others rather than good! Good men do not easily give credit to every tale; for they know that human infirmity is prone to evil (Gen 8:21), and very subject to offend in word (James 3:2)
It is great wisdom not to be rash in actions (prov. 19:2), nor to stand obstinately in your own conceits. It belongs also to this same wisdom not to believe everything you hear, or to pour into the ears of others (Prov 17:9) what you have heard or believed.
A good life makes a man wise according to God (prov 15:33), and gives him experience in many things (Eccles 1:16). The humbler a man is in himself, and the more resigned to God, the more prudent will he be in all things, and the more at peace."
Excerpt from "The Imitation of Christ", Book 1 Chapter 4, by Thomas à Kempis
"We ought not to believe every saying or suggestion but ought to warily and patiently to ponder the matter with reference to God. But alas, such is our weakness, that we often believe and speak evil of others rather than good! Good men do not easily give credit to every tale; for they know that human infirmity is prone to evil (Gen 8:21), and very subject to offend in word (James 3:2)
It is great wisdom not to be rash in actions (prov. 19:2), nor to stand obstinately in your own conceits. It belongs also to this same wisdom not to believe everything you hear, or to pour into the ears of others (Prov 17:9) what you have heard or believed.
A good life makes a man wise according to God (prov 15:33), and gives him experience in many things (Eccles 1:16). The humbler a man is in himself, and the more resigned to God, the more prudent will he be in all things, and the more at peace."
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Reflection: Going Through the Same Thing
Have you experience God bringing you through different stages over the same issue so that you learn and get better after each one? My lessons on Surrendering is already strike 3. The lesson this time? Compromise. It is already strike 2. I hope I've learned and not repeat it. (very often, it is only after the air is clear, and when reflected upon, that the lesson became as clear as a crystal)
Lesson no.1 - Don't compromise. (The issue's very obvious)
Lesson no.2 - Again, don't compromise. (The issue's less obvious)
Lesson no.3 - I hope I've learned! Hold out and don't compromise!
Lesson no.1 - Don't compromise. (The issue's very obvious)
Lesson no.2 - Again, don't compromise. (The issue's less obvious)
Lesson no.3 - I hope I've learned! Hold out and don't compromise!
Monday, June 08, 2009
"Campus evangelism irks students" - Be Wise
"Campus evangelism irks students" - the second page of My Paper on June 8 2008 reads. It said that "Some students at Ngee Ann Polytechnic are seeing red over how a number of their schoolmates are trying to evangelise by approaching them in pairs on their campus in Clementi Road."
Why are they seeing red? It went on to say this - "Not only did they feel it was "invasive", but some also felt it bordered on harassment."
Personally, I feel there is nothing wrong if one wants to tell me more about his or her faith. I won't think that is "invasive". But to have someone who kept telling me despite my explicit expression of disinterest can be quite a different matter.
Freedom of speech and freedom of religious expressions does not mean one can say anything and do anything. Romans 13:1-7 tells us plainly how we ought to live our lives under the rule of governing authorities. So the question beckons, "Can one evangelise in campus?"
In matters and words not well defined(or almost impossible to define), it is hard to answer such a question. The paper said that "Three other polytechnics here - Republic, Singapore and Temasek- said they do not condone evangelism on their campuses." What they meant by "evangelism" is anyone's guess. Is it someone "preaching" on a open platform(that is unapproved)? Is it whipping out a religious tract and telling others what the tract is saying? Is it actively "promoting" a particular religion by approaching someone in a on-the-street-insurance-agent sales manner? Or does it include even a conversation where a person is telling another friend how good his God is because of something good that had happened?
I suspect they meant the first 3 I've mentioned. While I don't see any problem with giving tracts or approaching people to talk about one's faith(it's similar to someone giving you a flyer or an insurance agent approaching you on the street. You can always say no or walk away), the manner in which such activities are carried out are important.
1 Peter 3:15-16 tells us this - "But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behaviour in Christ may be ashamed of their slander."
Got it? We can be zealous. But don't be foolish. Always be prepared to tell people the good news, but with gentleness, respect and with good behaviour. Make significant conversations, listen more than you speak, be genuine in your concern. Let Love be the main motivation for your sharing. Otherwise, it will be ironic to preach the gospel of love without showing any love.
Freedom of speech and freedom of religious expressions are both 'gifts' and blessings. Use it wisely for the glory of God. And if you're still reading this, can I suggest you build wonderful relationships with those you're already in touch with? I'm sure they won't feel "invasive" or "harassed". God bless.
Why are they seeing red? It went on to say this - "Not only did they feel it was "invasive", but some also felt it bordered on harassment."
Personally, I feel there is nothing wrong if one wants to tell me more about his or her faith. I won't think that is "invasive". But to have someone who kept telling me despite my explicit expression of disinterest can be quite a different matter.
Freedom of speech and freedom of religious expressions does not mean one can say anything and do anything. Romans 13:1-7 tells us plainly how we ought to live our lives under the rule of governing authorities. So the question beckons, "Can one evangelise in campus?"
In matters and words not well defined(or almost impossible to define), it is hard to answer such a question. The paper said that "Three other polytechnics here - Republic, Singapore and Temasek- said they do not condone evangelism on their campuses." What they meant by "evangelism" is anyone's guess. Is it someone "preaching" on a open platform(that is unapproved)? Is it whipping out a religious tract and telling others what the tract is saying? Is it actively "promoting" a particular religion by approaching someone in a on-the-street-insurance-agent sales manner? Or does it include even a conversation where a person is telling another friend how good his God is because of something good that had happened?
I suspect they meant the first 3 I've mentioned. While I don't see any problem with giving tracts or approaching people to talk about one's faith(it's similar to someone giving you a flyer or an insurance agent approaching you on the street. You can always say no or walk away), the manner in which such activities are carried out are important.
1 Peter 3:15-16 tells us this - "But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behaviour in Christ may be ashamed of their slander."
Got it? We can be zealous. But don't be foolish. Always be prepared to tell people the good news, but with gentleness, respect and with good behaviour. Make significant conversations, listen more than you speak, be genuine in your concern. Let Love be the main motivation for your sharing. Otherwise, it will be ironic to preach the gospel of love without showing any love.
Freedom of speech and freedom of religious expressions are both 'gifts' and blessings. Use it wisely for the glory of God. And if you're still reading this, can I suggest you build wonderful relationships with those you're already in touch with? I'm sure they won't feel "invasive" or "harassed". God bless.
Thursday, June 04, 2009
John Piper’s Personal Tribute to the Late Ralph Winter
I've just read that veteran missiologist Ralph D. Winter passed away on May 20 at the age of 84.
According to the US Center for World Mission website, Winter died peacefully at home in Pasadena, California, "surrounded by three of his four daughters, his wife Barb, and a few friends."
I think it's amazing how and to what extent he has influenced many people about modern missions and missiology. He has indeed leave behind a legacy, and a vision.
Read:Pastor John Piper's personal tribute to Winter. "His vision of the advance of the gospel was breathtaking," writes Piper, calling Winter's emphasis on unreached peoples "globally seismic in the transformation of missions."
According to the US Center for World Mission website, Winter died peacefully at home in Pasadena, California, "surrounded by three of his four daughters, his wife Barb, and a few friends."
I think it's amazing how and to what extent he has influenced many people about modern missions and missiology. He has indeed leave behind a legacy, and a vision.
Read:Pastor John Piper's personal tribute to Winter. "His vision of the advance of the gospel was breathtaking," writes Piper, calling Winter's emphasis on unreached peoples "globally seismic in the transformation of missions."
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
What is Tithing all about?
Tithing or giving tithe is to give a tenth of one's income as an offering to God. A very helpful article that explains Tithing is found at: Should a Christian pay tithes? The article explained from the Word that offering up to God part of what He has blessed us with is how we demonstrate and acknowledge His Lordship over us. And that tithing fulfills three needs in the Kingdom of God.
1. Supporting the work of God - Acts 4:32 - 35
2. Providing for the laborers and the work of the kingdom - 1 Corinthians 9:14, Galatians 6:6
3. To support the disadvantaged (strangers, homeless, fatherless e.t.c) - Romans 15:26, 1 Corinthians 16: 1-2, Acts 11: 27 - 30
Why the sudden topic of tithing? Well, you see, it is interesting how MANY of us Christians do not understand what tithing is all about. We may only know that we are supposed to do it but never really understood why we do it. My friends, it is a good time to understand what the Word of God said about tithing. Read the article I've linked above.
If you think tithing is a kind of membership fee similar to those that you pay in a country club, you are badly mistaken. In fact, that's quite an insult to the God who created and owns everything. And if you think tithing(the 10%) is only applicable to those under the Law(i.e. the Old Testament), you are also badly mistaken. When Jesus came, He told the crowds that He came to fulfill the law. In fact, when you read His sermon from Matthew chapter 5-7, Jesus gave a HIGHER standard requirement than the Law. If under the old covenant, it is a 10% offering unto the Lord, then what more when you are under the new covenant? Don't you feel that you ought to give even more than the required 10%(under the Law) since the Son of God has paid the greatest price to purchase you? Remember, you are not your own. You were bought at a price. And everything you possess belongs to Him.
"A man came to me and said, "I'm so glad the New Testament doesn't teach tithing. I think I'll prefer the Old Testament." I said, "That's interesting. My friend, in the Old Testament you give 10%. In the New Testament, you give everything." He wasn't very excited about that. :)" - in a sermon by Pastor Michael Ross Watson.
Forget about the various methods and styles of giving!!! Some people put their tithes into an envelope & write their names, some people used GIRO, some people give a tenth of their produce(Yes, in poorer farmlands, tithes are in the form of farm produce like chickens and eggs), some wants to give anonymously - whatever it is, it won't kill me to change a method. If I have to change the method, I adapt. What is most important is that I am doing right in the eyes of God by giving what is due Him as an act of worship, and for the extension of His Kingdom(the 3 reasons listed).
Do the right thing today.
1. Supporting the work of God - Acts 4:32 - 35
2. Providing for the laborers and the work of the kingdom - 1 Corinthians 9:14, Galatians 6:6
3. To support the disadvantaged (strangers, homeless, fatherless e.t.c) - Romans 15:26, 1 Corinthians 16: 1-2, Acts 11: 27 - 30
Why the sudden topic of tithing? Well, you see, it is interesting how MANY of us Christians do not understand what tithing is all about. We may only know that we are supposed to do it but never really understood why we do it. My friends, it is a good time to understand what the Word of God said about tithing. Read the article I've linked above.
If you think tithing is a kind of membership fee similar to those that you pay in a country club, you are badly mistaken. In fact, that's quite an insult to the God who created and owns everything. And if you think tithing(the 10%) is only applicable to those under the Law(i.e. the Old Testament), you are also badly mistaken. When Jesus came, He told the crowds that He came to fulfill the law. In fact, when you read His sermon from Matthew chapter 5-7, Jesus gave a HIGHER standard requirement than the Law. If under the old covenant, it is a 10% offering unto the Lord, then what more when you are under the new covenant? Don't you feel that you ought to give even more than the required 10%(under the Law) since the Son of God has paid the greatest price to purchase you? Remember, you are not your own. You were bought at a price. And everything you possess belongs to Him.
"A man came to me and said, "I'm so glad the New Testament doesn't teach tithing. I think I'll prefer the Old Testament." I said, "That's interesting. My friend, in the Old Testament you give 10%. In the New Testament, you give everything." He wasn't very excited about that. :)" - in a sermon by Pastor Michael Ross Watson.
Forget about the various methods and styles of giving!!! Some people put their tithes into an envelope & write their names, some people used GIRO, some people give a tenth of their produce(Yes, in poorer farmlands, tithes are in the form of farm produce like chickens and eggs), some wants to give anonymously - whatever it is, it won't kill me to change a method. If I have to change the method, I adapt. What is most important is that I am doing right in the eyes of God by giving what is due Him as an act of worship, and for the extension of His Kingdom(the 3 reasons listed).
Do the right thing today.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Don't Forget How to Drive!
What happens when you have not driven for almost 10 years? I realized I can't even park a car properly!
Okay, to begin with, I had little driving experience after I passed my driving test but I was still shocked that I can't park a car(head in) in one simple move.
Moral of the story: If you've learned something and not practice it, you'll lose it sooner or later.
God has given you gifts and everything you need for life and godliness(1 Peter 4:10, 2 Peter 1:3) He has saved you and gave you new life and purpose. Use your gifts to honour Him and practice what He says. Otherwise, you might end up losing your gifts.(Matt 25:14-30)
Therefore, let us "continue to to work out our salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to His good purpose"(Phil 2:12-13). Let's continue to walk the talk. :)
Okay, to begin with, I had little driving experience after I passed my driving test but I was still shocked that I can't park a car(head in) in one simple move.
Moral of the story: If you've learned something and not practice it, you'll lose it sooner or later.
God has given you gifts and everything you need for life and godliness(1 Peter 4:10, 2 Peter 1:3) He has saved you and gave you new life and purpose. Use your gifts to honour Him and practice what He says. Otherwise, you might end up losing your gifts.(Matt 25:14-30)
Therefore, let us "continue to to work out our salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to His good purpose"(Phil 2:12-13). Let's continue to walk the talk. :)
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