Proverbs & our daily experiences

Proverbs is one of my favourite books. If there's anything about wisdom, how to live wisely according to God's way, the book of Proverbs will enlighten (and more often than not, remind) you.

So what do you do when you are angry? Read Proverbs.
What do you do when you know you're proud? Read Proverbs.
What do you do when you talk too much? Read Proverbs.
What do you do when you need to discipline? Read Proverbs.
What do you do when you're lost? Read Proverbs.

This short list is only a part of what Proverbs will teach and remind you. And I think like most human beings, we'll face just about the same dilemmas and experiences in this short list.

Have you not been angry? Have you not think you're better than others? Have you not grumbled, complained and gossiped? Have you not find it hard to discipline because you'll not be popular? And have you not feel lost and directionless at times?

So my dear friends, read Proverbs and gain wisdom from above.

Landscapes are changing - hast thou not seen?

The recent General Election in Singapore has caused many people to conclude that the political landscape is changing and that the PAP could no longer reach out to citizens and handle politics the way it has always been doing in the past.

It took the loss of a GRC with "heavyweight" ministers and a drop in total votes to wake them up. I ask, "What about the churches in Singapore? Have the leaders been listening to the ground? Or do they want to wait for some major upheaval before they start asking the right questions and engaging the people at their level."

While I recognised that the world is changing very rapidly and no one can keep up with the times, it does not give the people of God, especially leaders/ministers, the leeway to say that we do not need to know what is happening. It is overly simplistic to say "I know better. I have been a youth once. I have more experience. I know what is going on." if a minister would not listen to what the young people are facing, what the world is dishing out, and what are the waves that are coming.

Leaders of the church can no longer afford to give themselves excuses that they belong to a different generation who do not use ipod, ipad, msn, facebook, google and hence, they don't need to learn what these are. They need to take more public transport and go to places where the youth/young people hang out to see more of the current moral/spiritual/emotional landscape. What do you see?

1. I see more affections and sexual inklings expressed in public between members of opposite sex AND same sex.
2. I see more rantings, expressions of personal views, and a different person on Facebook than the person I see once a week in a "you-must-be-a-goodie-good-person" church.
3. I see more influence and faith placed on the advice of peers than the Bible when it comes to choosing vocation, prioritizing studies, spending money and what to wear.

The list can go on and on. If we have lost touch, admit it, say "Sorry" and back it up with actions. People say the church always tend to be reactive than proactive. Perhaps we can be proactive than reactive for a change.

From what I see, there is a need to engage the youth/young adults in:
1. Homosexuality and the Christian faith - there is much to discuss, explore and debate. This "wave" is coming, if you have not noticed. What does the Bible say? How do we love someone with a different sexual inclination? Can someone be a Christian even if he/she has an inclination to remain liking the same gender?

2. Sexuality and the Christian faith - let's not kid ourselves. A large % of young boys and girls have been exposed to pornography and for some, sex from a much earlier age. Those who are addicted or struggle with porn and masturbation are crying out for help, but are afraid they'll be condemned and cast away like lepers. The shame and fear can be overbearing. Is there a healthy and loving platform to talk about such things? Is there a place to discuss what the Bible talks about sexuality, sex and marriage in a real way?

3. Wisdom and the Christian Faith - okay, Wisdom is a big word. What I really want to say is that we need to help the younger folks to think. The "you-do-what-I-say-because-I/the-Bible-says-so" is not a helpful method for this generation. They need to understand why, to dig the Bible and think what it says, and to become wise. The world is becoming increasing post-modern(or already is) and we need to help them to think and to live wisely. They have too many choices, too little though process, too used to getting spoon-fed in school, too reliant on the words of church leaders, and too resistant to opinions different from theirs. We need to engage their mind with the Word and real lives and relationships.

So I hope we get slap in the face and wake up before we once again become reactive. May the Lord give us all wisdom and patience to listen, engage, and do what is pleasing to Him for His glory. Amen.

A Christian's Response to Difficult Situations in Life

What will my response be when things turned against me in life?
What will my response be when man falsely accuse and persecute me?
What will my response be when Christian brothers betray, attack or desert me?
What will my response be when Christian leaders fail me?
What will my response be when I am hurting badly and seething with anger?

I am not sure how I will respond when times like this comes my way. Yet I have seen many lives destroyed or crushed by their response to these situations. It can be difficult to hold on to God and easy to let loose our hurts and fury in such situations. But if there is one thing that should govern our response, it must be God Himself - His very words. How then should a Christian respond to such situations in life?

In times when things turned against us, sometimes without reason, we must cling on to God. To believe that He is in control, He knows what's best, and He will make all things well someday; even though we cannot see it now and we are in tears. There is great Hope because of Jesus Christ. He has saved us, redeemed us, make us His very own and given us eternal and abundant life. (John 1:12; 3:16; 10:10) Our earthly life is but for a moment; then we shall have no more tears for eternity, and our troubles on earth will be nothing in light of our eternal glory in Him. (2 Cor 4:16-17)

In times when man falsely accuse you and attack you, even Christian brothers, be patient. For God will judge justly and bring about His righteous wrath. (Rom 12:19) It is not right for you and I to take matters into our own hands and repay evil for evil. (Rom 12:17; 1 Thess 5:15) Rather, we must overcome evil with good.(Rom 12:21) We must never sinned in our anger with the words we say and the actions we do. We must be wise not to play the devil's game and not to let him have a foothold in our lives through our response(Eph 4:26-27) Be patient and stand firm in the Lord.

In times when Christian leaders fail you, pray. This is a time when you could find yourself confused, disappointed, angry, upset, bitter or a mixture of everything. It is vital to pray at such times because this is when the devil will incite and deceive you and many in your church. Widespread rumours, misunderstandings, divisions and fights is the devil's gameplan. Let us not be deceived into becoming a tool for him but let us be self-controlled and alert; for the devil is taking such opportunities to devour people up in church. (1 Peter 5:8) Pray for your leaders, and ask the Lord to show you what is happening and how to deal with it wisely. (Rom 15:30; James 1:5)

And in all things, always pray and always give thanks to God in all circumstances. (1 Thess 5:17-18)

And to be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer. (Rom 12:12)

Let us therefore sing to the Lord in response!
"Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever." (Ps 107:1) Amen.

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."

East Timor Reflection no.2

"What do the people need or want?" - this is probably the no.1 question on most people's mind when they have been to East Timor and thinking how to help the people. The needs are many - for some, it's daily food. for some, it is education. and for others, work and a steady income. "How do we solve all these problems?" - Wrong question. Although some people might have the perception that Timorese in general are quite a laidback people, I've seen examples that beg to differ.

I've met brilliant Timorese. And I've met brilliant Timorese youth with a never-say-die attitude and they made it through tough times. So what's the right question? I would say - "How do they solve all these problems?". And believe me, I think they are able to. If we would humble ourselves, learn from them and aid them along, and work together with them.

The other part of our world has so much resources that we are not utilizing them to the fullest. There are many needs that we can help meet with our resources, but which one comes first? I personally feel that education is the priority. Not the usually assumed academic education where one thinks that with some form of paper, they can find a decent job and live well. Come on, with 40% unemployment, what can a piece of paper do?

If you have read the book, "The book that transforms nations" by Loren Cunningham, you will know what I mean. Social skills, healthy habits, problem solving skills, working as a team, leadership skills, taking care of one’s body, moral values, conflict resolution, spiritual disciplines, godly character & development and so on as Education. It covers every aspect of a growing child and a growing adult into fuller maturity and wisdom. But besides all these good stuff, I realised after reading the book that you have to have God involved. Who's going to teach radical things like "Love your enemies? Bless those who cursed you? Consider others better than yourself? Look to the interest of others?"

If a person will have that, and willingly do it because he loves God, that'll do it. Lives will be transformed. Society will be transformed. There will be no poor people. There will be food for everyone. Our earlier questions will be answered. There will be peace in Timor. There will be prosperity.

Until then, let us change our mindsets about our Timorese friends and about ourselves. We're not in anyway smarter or greater. We're just privileged to be born and bred in a country that God has placed you and I in. And yes, you and I have a part to play in the transformation of lives. Tell them God's love. Teach them by living godly lives. God will answer your question, and theirs in due time.

Trust in God, not man

Excerpt from "Of The Imitation of Christ - Book 2, Admonitions Pertaining to Inward Things - Chapter 1: The Inward Life" by Thomas à Kempis.

"When you have Christ, you are rich, and have enough. He Himself will be your provider and faithful steward in all things, so that you need not trust in men.

For men soon change, and quickly fail; but "Christ abideth forever" (John 12:34) and stands by us firmly unto the end. There is no great trust to be put in a frail and mortal man (Jer 17:5), even though he be profitable and dear unto us.

Neither ought we to be much grieved if sometimes he cross and contradict us. They that today are with you, tomorrow may be against you; and often again they turn around like the wind.

Put all your trust in God (1 Peter 5:7), let Him be your fear and your love. He Himself shall answer for you, and will do in all things what is best for you."

God knows who's right and who's wrong. You follow Him

Think you know the truth? Sometimes it is very easy to be caught up in the words of man and believe with certainty a certain matter until you discover the other side of the story. Who then will you believe in? I believe no one will ever really know the truth of a human-mixed-up-complicated-and-messy matter unless we ourselves are God. God knows the intention, God knows what each person really said, and God knows who's right and who's wrong.

Am I then saying that we should not find out the truth of a matter? Of course not. But in matters where the web of complication are so entangled, how can we ever, with our own human wisdom, resolve it? I say my views are right and you say your views are right so who's right? Do you want to carry around a tape recorder for the rest of your life so that you can verify to the dot every single word each person say? And even if the word was spoken, are you God that you are so confident to gauge the intentions of the heart by that word? I say you are thinking like this and you say I am thinking like this so who's right? Is Paul or Barnabas right in Acts 15:36-40?

What is right my brothers is this:
1. "Love your enemies(if indeed that person has become your enemy), do good to those who hate you(if indeed that person hates you), bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you." - Luke 6:27-28
and to
2. Forgive as the Lord forgave you - Matt 18:21-35

We need to move on not by sweeping everything under the carpet. But by doing what is right.

To present to you a different perspective on how our bias and weakness as fallen human being work in us, read the article below and discover for yourself what you have always thought all along had another side to it too. Only God knows. Let Him handle it.
Read: The story of the song, Hotel California

Wisdom on: What you hear, what you believe, what you say

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."

I am still learning my friends. Are you?

Bear with the Defects of Others

I will quote some phrases from the timeless classic, "Of the Imitation of Christ" by Thomas Kempis, and share what I have learned from it. Be encouraged.

"Those things that a man approves not in himself or others he ought to suffer patiently, until God orders things otherwise." - Bear with things you do not approve of or do not agree with until God orders otherwise. He's in charge, worry not.

"If one who is once or twice warned will not stay, contend not with him, but commit all to God, that His will may be done (Matt 6:10), and He be honoured in all His servants, who well know how to turn evil into good." - If after speaking to a person about a certain matter and he does not listen, do not contend any longer with him. Instead, commit precious time to God in prayer. He will do what He wills, and He can turn any bad situation into good ones. Trust in Him steadfastly.

"Endeavour to be patient in bearing with the defects and infirmities of others, of whatever sort they be; for you also have many failings which must be borne with by others (1 Thess 5:15, Gal 6:1)" - We are in the same boat. Many times we complain, criticise or disapprove of another person, but we would not do that to ourselves. Fact is, we seldom weigh our neighbour in the same balance as ourselves. We must humble ourselves before God and before man.

"No man is without fault, no man without his burden, no man sufficient of himself, no man wise enough of himself. But we ought to bear with one another, comfort one another, help, instruct, and admonish one another (1 Cor 12:25, 1 Thess 5:14)" - Remember this. No one person is greater than another. All are important, all are subjected to Christ. Build each other up.

"Occasions of adversity discover best how great virtue each one has. For such occasions do not make a man frail, but they reveal what sort he is" - There is great training and reward in bearing with the defects of others. Let us become more like the Master. He knows and He cares.

Humility and the Restful Heart

Excerpt from the book, Companion to the Poor, in italics
In Andrew Murray's definition of humility, it is a perfect quietness of the heart; it is never sore or irritated or disappointed. It is to expect nothing, to wonder at nothing that is done to me, to be at rest when nobody praises me and when I am blamed and despised.

Such a high order yet Christ show us it is attainable by His example. And a great many saints displayed this too, except that none was perfect except for Christ. What struck me most is - "to be at rest when I am blamed and despised".

The human nature is such that we instinctively defend ourselves or get worked up when we are blamed and despised. Our ego cries out for "fairness" and seek to defend its right to look good. It cannot withstand false accusations, wrongful blame and hard sayings.

Don't get me wrong. I am not saying we should not explain ourselves in sticky situations but in a lot of matters, there is actually no need to defend ourselves. If you think hard enough about the battles you have fought before, you realised that you could actually brush most of them aside for the sake of peace.

But sometimes, it is really so hard to bite the bullet isn't it? But thanks be to God for His perfect example. I will seek to follow Christ in all His ways and imitate His way of life through the help of the Holy Spirit. I will bow down and submit to you Lord, and my heart shall be at rest.

"When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly." - 1 Peter 2:23

"If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone." - Romans 12:18