This week certain things have really stirred a deep thought in me. First, a church friend's mum passed away. Must have been very emotionally painful for the family. But I thank God that their mum has came to know Jesus and the whole family, though in pain, placed their hope in Christ. Second, another church friend fell ill but thank God that things were under His control. These 2 incidents really hit me hard. How am I treating my mum? She is no longer young and to be frank, time is not in her hands. Am I spending enough time with her? Am I carrying out my duties as a son? I am a bit doubtful.
Mums tend to have a few things in common. One of which is to nag. Haha! Everybody nodding in agreement??? And we usually respond with a snub or 'yah yah yah' attitude. But have we ever sit down and think why they nag. Because they love us. Doesn't make sense rite? How can nagging be love? Yes, in fact it is. If they do not love us, why would they even bother to nag at us. Nagging takes up a lot of energy. I feel that nagging is just their way of reminding us things. And as I look back at all the nagging, I give thanks because behind all these naggings were so many valuable lesson that I learn. However, I still feel that nagging is not the best way of communicating. We have to really learn to communicate properly with our kids next time.
I vividly remembered that when I was very young, I would never find myself far away from mummy. I am always holding her hand or tagging very closely to her. But as I grew older, this intimacy seemed to melt away. It's like it is not 'cool' to be holding mummy's hand after certain age. How sad! I wish I was still as intimate with my mummy as I was when I was young. I wish I could still hold her hand as we walk down streets. I am not saying that we should be holding our mummy's hand but rather are our relationship with our mummy intimate? Or are we just simply happy and taking for granted that our mummy is there. When was the last time we held her hand? When was the last time we gave a peck on her cheeks? Have we ever noticed how far and deep their 'railway tracks' are? When was the last time we say "I love you" or even a simple "Goodnight" to them?
Don't wait until it is too late. Now is the time!
Saturday, April 21, 2007
Monday, April 16, 2007
QT Sharing (16 Apr(
Scripture Reading: JOHN 21:15-19
Jesus Reinstates Peter
15When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?"
"Yes, Lord," he said, "you know that I love you."
Jesus said, "Feed my lambs."
16Again Jesus said, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me?"
He answered, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you."
Jesus said, "Take care of my sheep."
17The third time he said to him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?"
Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, "Do you love me?" He said, "Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you."
18Jesus said, "Feed my sheep. I tell you the truth, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go." 19Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, "Follow me!"
3 times Peter denied Jesus. And 3 times Jesus questioned Peter, "Do you love me?" The response was "I love you." From his words, we can see that Peter really loved Jesus or that's what we think. I truly believe that Peter really loved Jesus but not in the way Jesus would want Peter to love. If we are to read this book in its original language, which is Greek, the love used by Jesus was different from the love Peter replied. Jesus asked Peter if Peter agape Him and Peter's reply was he phileo Jesus. Agape in short is unconditioned love; the ultimate love; the divine love of God towards His Son, human beings and believers. Whereas, Phileo means to have an ardent affection and feeling or also defined as brotherly love. From the definitions, we can see that Phileo has fallen short of Agape. So when Jesus questioned Peter, Peter's reply was always short of the expectation of Christ.
This is something we really have to think, or even more so reflect upon. No doubt we do love God. But what kind of love. "Yes we love God but............." or "Yes we love God (full-stop)" I know we can never reach the dimension of being able to exercise Agape love but are we just contended where we are. Are we feeling comfortable, saying that "I am giving enough love for God."? We need to have a reality check on where we are. We should always strive to love God more everyday. Our God is an Agape God, a God of grace and He will still accept us even when our love fall short of His expectation, just like in the incident of Peter. However, we should not take this for granted and the more we should move towards the direction of Agape. In this story, Peter never met the expectation of Agape. However, later, after Peter was filled with the Holy Spirit, he was filled with Agape love, serving others with his life and eventually the ultimate sacrifice of martyrdom. (P.S. I am not suggesting martyrdom so to reflect our Agape love for God)
The second part to this is that when our reply to God is that we love Him, His reply to us is to 'feed His sheep.' Who are His sheep? Simply put, the sheep are His people. Much earlier on, when Jesus was asked what is the greatest commandment, His reply was 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' 38This is the first and greatest commandment. 39And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' - Matt 22
We love our God and do we love our God's sheep?
Lord! Forgive us when our love has fallen short. Forgive us when we turn our eyes away from You. And thank You for Your Agape love for us. Help us in our daiy life to love You more. Help us also to love Your sheep more each day. May my life be a pleasing sacrifice to You!
Jesus Reinstates Peter
15When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?"
"Yes, Lord," he said, "you know that I love you."
Jesus said, "Feed my lambs."
16Again Jesus said, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me?"
He answered, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you."
Jesus said, "Take care of my sheep."
17The third time he said to him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?"
Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, "Do you love me?" He said, "Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you."
18Jesus said, "Feed my sheep. I tell you the truth, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go." 19Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, "Follow me!"
3 times Peter denied Jesus. And 3 times Jesus questioned Peter, "Do you love me?" The response was "I love you." From his words, we can see that Peter really loved Jesus or that's what we think. I truly believe that Peter really loved Jesus but not in the way Jesus would want Peter to love. If we are to read this book in its original language, which is Greek, the love used by Jesus was different from the love Peter replied. Jesus asked Peter if Peter agape Him and Peter's reply was he phileo Jesus. Agape in short is unconditioned love; the ultimate love; the divine love of God towards His Son, human beings and believers. Whereas, Phileo means to have an ardent affection and feeling or also defined as brotherly love. From the definitions, we can see that Phileo has fallen short of Agape. So when Jesus questioned Peter, Peter's reply was always short of the expectation of Christ.
This is something we really have to think, or even more so reflect upon. No doubt we do love God. But what kind of love. "Yes we love God but............." or "Yes we love God (full-stop)" I know we can never reach the dimension of being able to exercise Agape love but are we just contended where we are. Are we feeling comfortable, saying that "I am giving enough love for God."? We need to have a reality check on where we are. We should always strive to love God more everyday. Our God is an Agape God, a God of grace and He will still accept us even when our love fall short of His expectation, just like in the incident of Peter. However, we should not take this for granted and the more we should move towards the direction of Agape. In this story, Peter never met the expectation of Agape. However, later, after Peter was filled with the Holy Spirit, he was filled with Agape love, serving others with his life and eventually the ultimate sacrifice of martyrdom. (P.S. I am not suggesting martyrdom so to reflect our Agape love for God)
The second part to this is that when our reply to God is that we love Him, His reply to us is to 'feed His sheep.' Who are His sheep? Simply put, the sheep are His people. Much earlier on, when Jesus was asked what is the greatest commandment, His reply was 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' 38This is the first and greatest commandment. 39And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' - Matt 22
We love our God and do we love our God's sheep?
Lord! Forgive us when our love has fallen short. Forgive us when we turn our eyes away from You. And thank You for Your Agape love for us. Help us in our daiy life to love You more. Help us also to love Your sheep more each day. May my life be a pleasing sacrifice to You!
Sunday, April 15, 2007
When Eros Met Phileo
"The evil in our desire typically does not lie in what we want, but in that we want it too much."
John Calvin
I thought I will never go so far. I told myself I will not over-commit. I thought I never. But in fact, emotionally, I had crossed the line. I may have want it too badly. Now the feeling really sucks. The whole situation is nothing but demoralising, hurting to self-esteem. Maybe I tried too hard. Maybe it is not meant to be. I spoilt the soup. I really just want to get over it. The years have been substantial but being indefinite is not helping. I want to get over it and start afresh. Liberalise myself.
Lord! Only You are able to help me! Help me to overcome. Help me to move on! Help me to trust in You!
Friday, April 13, 2007
QT Sharing (13 Apr)
Scripture Reading: JOHN 20:19-23
Jesus Appears to His Disciples
19On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you!" 20After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.
21Again Jesus said, "Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you." 22And with that he breathed on them and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit. 23If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven."
Just before this gathering, Mary Magdalene had announced her witness of Jesus, not the dead one but a walking one. The disciples might thought that Mary was so sad that she had disillusioned seeing Jesus. They simply brushed off her statement. And in the midst of such a 'chaotic' 3 days, the disciples were still in fear of being arrested by the Jewish leaders. Their best way to minimise their problem was to........ lock the door. Haven't they heard off knocking down the door!!! Well! The locked door did not hinder Jesus from entering. Nope! He did not break the door and neither did He meticulously pick the lock. Nothing was mentioned and how He entered. But guess what! He is God! A wooden, locked door is not going to stop Him.
The first thing the Lord said was "Peace be with you." That was His 1st words to them. He could have said alot of things. "Peter, 3 times! 3 times you strike me out of the pitch!" or "While I was 'hanging around', where were you all?" or "If I had know it, I should have dragged all of you along to the cross!" Haha! I know these are far too comical but then, Jesus 1st words were Peace to them. He knew how they felt. Deep in the disciples heart, they were sad, worried, anxious, complicated, unsettled........... the list goes on. There was no peace in them. They needed someone to relieve them of their pain. And that someone could only be Jesus. They were overjoyed when they had seen Jesus alive.
In our lives, when we are faced with certain tough issues or difficulties, do we just simply take the easy way out? Do we just think that by 'locking the door', it will solve the problem? Yes! We do need to plan, take actions, review, blah blah... (management terms), but where is Jesus? Is He not in the 'committee'? Is He not the chairman of the 'committee'? A 'locked door' cannot stop Jesus but we can. What do I mean by that? Jesus does not force on us. He is a gentleman. He offers His help but it is up to us to choose to accept that He is able to help us. Just like the above story, Jesus showed His wounds to the disciples as evidence but if the disciples had not believed, they would have rejected Him. So do we believe that Jesus can help us? As Jesus is in us, we will be filled with His peace. The storm may rage, the wind may tear but the peace of the Lord keeps us at bay. And as the Father had send Jesus, now Jesus sends us out. Will we accept this challenge?
Lord! In all things that I do, may Your peace fills me!
Jesus Appears to His Disciples
19On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you!" 20After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.
21Again Jesus said, "Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you." 22And with that he breathed on them and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit. 23If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven."
Just before this gathering, Mary Magdalene had announced her witness of Jesus, not the dead one but a walking one. The disciples might thought that Mary was so sad that she had disillusioned seeing Jesus. They simply brushed off her statement. And in the midst of such a 'chaotic' 3 days, the disciples were still in fear of being arrested by the Jewish leaders. Their best way to minimise their problem was to........ lock the door. Haven't they heard off knocking down the door!!! Well! The locked door did not hinder Jesus from entering. Nope! He did not break the door and neither did He meticulously pick the lock. Nothing was mentioned and how He entered. But guess what! He is God! A wooden, locked door is not going to stop Him.
The first thing the Lord said was "Peace be with you." That was His 1st words to them. He could have said alot of things. "Peter, 3 times! 3 times you strike me out of the pitch!" or "While I was 'hanging around', where were you all?" or "If I had know it, I should have dragged all of you along to the cross!" Haha! I know these are far too comical but then, Jesus 1st words were Peace to them. He knew how they felt. Deep in the disciples heart, they were sad, worried, anxious, complicated, unsettled........... the list goes on. There was no peace in them. They needed someone to relieve them of their pain. And that someone could only be Jesus. They were overjoyed when they had seen Jesus alive.
In our lives, when we are faced with certain tough issues or difficulties, do we just simply take the easy way out? Do we just think that by 'locking the door', it will solve the problem? Yes! We do need to plan, take actions, review, blah blah... (management terms), but where is Jesus? Is He not in the 'committee'? Is He not the chairman of the 'committee'? A 'locked door' cannot stop Jesus but we can. What do I mean by that? Jesus does not force on us. He is a gentleman. He offers His help but it is up to us to choose to accept that He is able to help us. Just like the above story, Jesus showed His wounds to the disciples as evidence but if the disciples had not believed, they would have rejected Him. So do we believe that Jesus can help us? As Jesus is in us, we will be filled with His peace. The storm may rage, the wind may tear but the peace of the Lord keeps us at bay. And as the Father had send Jesus, now Jesus sends us out. Will we accept this challenge?
Lord! In all things that I do, may Your peace fills me!
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Hmm.... Even more Interesting
I didn't know I look a bit like Jay Chou, Johnny Depp, Park Ji Sung and Jiang Zeming. Haha
| http://www.myheritage.com |
QT Sharing (12 Apr)
Scripture Reading: JOHN 20:10-18
Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene
10Then the disciples went back to their homes, 11but Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb 12and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus' body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot.
13They asked her, "Woman, why are you crying?"
"They have taken my Lord away," she said, "and I don't know where they have put him." 14At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus.
15"Woman," he said, "why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?"
Thinking he was the gardener, she said, "Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him."
16Jesus said to her, "Mary."
She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, "Rabboni!" (which means Teacher).
17Jesus said, "Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet returned to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, 'I am returning to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.' "
18Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: "I have seen the Lord!" And she told them that he had said these things to her.
Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene
10Then the disciples went back to their homes, 11but Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb 12and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus' body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot.
13They asked her, "Woman, why are you crying?"
"They have taken my Lord away," she said, "and I don't know where they have put him." 14At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus.
15"Woman," he said, "why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?"
Thinking he was the gardener, she said, "Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him."
16Jesus said to her, "Mary."
She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, "Rabboni!" (which means Teacher).
17Jesus said, "Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet returned to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, 'I am returning to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.' "
18Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: "I have seen the Lord!" And she told them that he had said these things to her.
This is definitely the climax of our faith. The Lord was cruxified and He was risen. Once, a friend told me about what her Theology Lecturer mentioned. The miracle is not in that Jesus was risen but that Jesus, being a God, could be cruxified to death. Quite an interesting statement but in a way it can be a stumbling block as well. If interpreted wrongly, it may point to that 'fact' that God can be vulnerable. In fact, it is not and never will be. He is omnipotent, all power. The only reason that Jesus died was because He came as 100% flesh, beside also being 100% God. In a way, He gave up His right as God so as that His flesh would be able to die on the cross to atone for our sins. There is not much point in debating whether the death or the resurrection is a miracle. The underlying point is that Jesus died for the sins of mankind, rose again into victory and all mankind has hope. In Luke 24:5, while Mary and the women were searching for Jesus' body in the tomb, the angels spoke to them,"Why are you looking for the living among the dead?" They would never find Jesus in the tomb. The women did not understand that Jesus would be resurrected. In our lives, where is Jesus? Left in a corner where we will never find Him?
They have taken my Lord away. That was the word of Mary. She must had felt so heart-broken. Her Teacher was first cruxified and she was helpless about it. Even now the last thing she could do was to attend to His body, she also could not. She was desperate. She was in need of Christ. The gardener seemed to her as a hope in finding Jesus' body. However, when the 'gardener' spoke her name, she immediately recognised He was Jesus. Just like a sheep who recognises the shepherd's call. 2 questions to ask ourselves:
1) How 'desperate' are we in need of Christ?
2) Do we recognise our Shepherd's call? or Are we not paying enough attention or even ignoring the calls of our Shepherd?
Lord! We are desperate for You. Without You, our lives will be without direction. Like the sheeps, we will respond to Your calls. Call out to us and draw us to You. If there are areas in our lives that we have not submitted to You and we chose to ignore You, we ask for Your forgiveness. Help us to really place our trust in You!
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
He Is My Everything
The Lord is my everything. The meaning of this sentence really starts to sink deep into my heart. Without the Lord, I feel so aimless, so unproductive. I have recently picked up QT and initially, it was pretty managable. But after a few days, the laziness set in and I missed a few days. And that few days were really terrible. Things did not get done, things were in a mess, there was no focus and every thing just did not work out. I am not saying that QT is a super charm that we should do so in order that things will work out fine. In fact, after doing QT, everything is still the SAME but it is just what kind of attitude we have when face with situations. When we emersed ourselves into God's word, His word will speak to us, give us direction, give us wisdom and gives us peace. As we are faced with situations, the help is not in ourselves but in the Lord.
So today, I intentionally forced myself to pick up QT again. It wasn't easy. I thought of after breakfast, I will "need" to start studying. But I told myself that it was going to be worth that 1/2 hour to 1 hour studying the word of God. And I must say it indeed was a fruitful time. And even more fruitful time was that I managed to finish 3 1/2 topics in a span of 4 hours. Effective studying and such a fulfilling feeling.
Also, there are many a times, I just simply move into a very micro-humanly view of things. I really feel like giving up. There are so much uncertainties. I can't make any head or tail where it is leading me. Nothing is conclusive. My sensing tells me there is no point. My principles tell me to hold on. Everything just do not make any sense. I can neither move left nor right. Just as I feel so messed up, the Lord reminded me of His promise - the song that He inspired me with. How short-faith I had! How quick I was to forget that the Lord is my Creator and instead of trusting in His plan, I want to take things into my own hands. I can neither move left nor right but that is not where He wants me to go. He wants me to look straight at Him, hold on to Him and follow Him.
Chorus:
Patiently wait for You, my Lord
Trusting in You simply because You're my Lord,
The Creator of my life
And I will lift my hands to You
In such times I'll sing a new song to You
For Your faithfulness to me
I bow before Your throne
I fix my eyes on You.
Lord! Let this song be a reminder of Your great love and faithfulness. Let me not lose sight of You. Let me not look left nor right but fix my eyes upon You. Let me not take things into my own hands but help me to trust in You. Thank You Lord, thank You for creating me. You are my everything. And my everything is Yours.
So today, I intentionally forced myself to pick up QT again. It wasn't easy. I thought of after breakfast, I will "need" to start studying. But I told myself that it was going to be worth that 1/2 hour to 1 hour studying the word of God. And I must say it indeed was a fruitful time. And even more fruitful time was that I managed to finish 3 1/2 topics in a span of 4 hours. Effective studying and such a fulfilling feeling.
Also, there are many a times, I just simply move into a very micro-humanly view of things. I really feel like giving up. There are so much uncertainties. I can't make any head or tail where it is leading me. Nothing is conclusive. My sensing tells me there is no point. My principles tell me to hold on. Everything just do not make any sense. I can neither move left nor right. Just as I feel so messed up, the Lord reminded me of His promise - the song that He inspired me with. How short-faith I had! How quick I was to forget that the Lord is my Creator and instead of trusting in His plan, I want to take things into my own hands. I can neither move left nor right but that is not where He wants me to go. He wants me to look straight at Him, hold on to Him and follow Him.
Chorus:
Patiently wait for You, my Lord
Trusting in You simply because You're my Lord,
The Creator of my life
And I will lift my hands to You
In such times I'll sing a new song to You
For Your faithfulness to me
I bow before Your throne
I fix my eyes on You.
Lord! Let this song be a reminder of Your great love and faithfulness. Let me not lose sight of You. Let me not look left nor right but fix my eyes upon You. Let me not take things into my own hands but help me to trust in You. Thank You Lord, thank You for creating me. You are my everything. And my everything is Yours.
QT Sharing (11 Apr)
Scripture Reading: JOHN 20:1-9
The Empty Tomb
1Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance. 2So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said, "They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don't know where they have put him!"
3So Peter and the other disciple started for the tomb. 4Both were running, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. 5He bent over and looked in at the strips of linen lying there but did not go in. 6Then Simon Peter, who was behind him, arrived and went into the tomb. He saw the strips of linen lying there, 7as well as the burial cloth that had been around Jesus' head. The cloth was folded up by itself, separate from the linen. 8Finally the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went inside. He saw and believed. 9(They still did not understand from Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead.)
The Empty Tomb
1Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance. 2So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said, "They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don't know where they have put him!"
3So Peter and the other disciple started for the tomb. 4Both were running, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. 5He bent over and looked in at the strips of linen lying there but did not go in. 6Then Simon Peter, who was behind him, arrived and went into the tomb. He saw the strips of linen lying there, 7as well as the burial cloth that had been around Jesus' head. The cloth was folded up by itself, separate from the linen. 8Finally the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went inside. He saw and believed. 9(They still did not understand from Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead.)
That week's friday was indeed not a 'good friday' in the eyes of the disciples. Their Master was cruxified and 'hastily' buried in a tomb. Saturday, the day of Sabbath, must had been neither a 'joyous' occasion. They were filled with sadness, anxiety, worries, lost, uncertainties. And how were they suppose to worship God when they just witness the God that came to earth being cruxified. Maybe many of the disciples were already starting to plan for the future - to simply move on. However, there were still some disciples who held on even though they did not know the Ultimate Plan which was going to unfold before their eyes.
On the 3rd day after the cruxification, Mary Magdalene was the 1st to rush down to the tomb. I am sure her hastiness was that she wanted to attend to Jesus' body since it was hastily prepared. I am not too sure if the body could have been preserved by the spice which was earlier on applied by Nicodemus. But I believe that by the 3rd day, the body should more or less be decomposing. A rotting corpse. And it was Mary who came 1st, intending to attend to Jesus' body. Does our Christian life have the same kind of zealousness as that of Mary's? I am not talking about attending to a decomposing body. I am talking about the works of God. Whether is it attending service, serving others, doing things that we need not do, can we be the 1st? I am not talking about 'performance apprasial' but what I am saying, is our attitude right before God? If we really love God, we will do anything for Him. We will not find excuses but instead be 1st to offer ourselves. A dear pastor of mine said this: "Last to know; First to go" Can this be our motto?
Mary could not find the body and rushed back to tell the 2 disciples - Peter and the other disciple, if I am not wrong, is John. Peter and John rushed down to check the situation. Both the disciples must had been already feeling downcasted after witnessing Jesus' death. Now they came to the news that His body was lost. It must had really hit them even harder. As they rushed down, their emotions must had been pin-balling around. John reached the tomb first but he never went into the tomb. Why? Only until Peter came, went into the tomb then did John enter. I have no answer. I will go and check it out. But I suspect is because John did not want to face the reality. Yes! He heard about the body being lost but as long as he had never seen it for himself, it may still be untrue. 'Buying' a chance and a hope! Likewise in our life, when situations are not moving as what we hope it is, do we choose to 'deceive' ourself that if we do not encounter the situation, it will be alright. Yes, there may be time we need to prepare ourselves to encounter the situation. John did not go in initially could be that he was just preparing his heart to witness the heart-breaking situation. And finally he did enter the tomb. So do we dare to enter the 'tombs' in our lives? And most importantly, can we trust that God is with us and He has a plan for us?
Lord! You know that we love You. You know that we want to serve You. However, our flesh are weak and many a times, we serve ourselves more than we serve You. Forgive us Lord. Help us to be as zealous as Mary. Help us to be the 1st in coming to serve You. Let everything that we do for You be pleasing to You.
Lord! There are many things we could never have comprehend because Your ways are far greater than ours. But let us put our trust in You. We may take a pause to prepare ourselves but eventually, when we take a step, it will be a step of faith. Let us be reminded that You are always with us and You neither leave nor forsake us. Thank You Lord!
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
QT Sharing (10 Apr)
Scripture Reading: JOHN 19:31-42
31Now it was the day of Preparation, and the next day was to be a special Sabbath. Because the Jews did not want the bodies left on the crosses during the Sabbath, they asked Pilate to have the legs broken and the bodies taken down. 32The soldiers therefore came and broke the legs of the first man who had been crucified with Jesus, and then those of the other. 33But when they came to Jesus and found that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. 34Instead, one of the soldiers pierced Jesus' side with a spear, bringing a sudden flow of blood and water. 35The man who saw it has given testimony, and his testimony is true. He knows that he tells the truth, and he testifies so that you also may believe. 36These things happened so that the scripture would be fulfilled: "Not one of his bones will be broken,"[a] 37and, as another scripture says, "They will look on the one they have pierced."[b]
The Burial of Jesus
38Later, Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for the body of Jesus. Now Joseph was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly because he feared the Jews. With Pilate's permission, he came and took the body away. 39He was accompanied by Nicodemus, the man who earlier had visited Jesus at night. Nicodemus brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds.[c] 40Taking Jesus' body, the two of them wrapped it, with the spices, in strips of linen. This was in accordance with Jewish burial customs. 41At the place where Jesus was crucified, there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb, in which no one had ever been laid. 42Because it was the Jewish day of Preparation and since the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there.
75 pounds of myrrh and aloes. That equates to about 34kg worth. I am not too sure but I believe that amount is way too much spices to wrap Jesus' body with. However, that's not the issue or something we can comment about Nicodemus. This is his 'last' act of worship onto his beloved Master. He never fully understood that Jesus was to be resurrected. Initially, he could have hiden himself but at this final moment when Jesus' body was to be removed, Joseph and Nicodemus came to retrieve the body. They both were 'secret' disciples but at that point of time, they chose to risk their reputation and even their lives.
I learn 2 things.
Firstly is how serious we take our worship. What is the worth of our worship? I am not talking about the material worth. I am talking about the heart worth. If we can recall, there was another story when a lady poured perfume ( 1 year's worth of wage) onto Jesus' legs and Nicodemus with his over-carried spices. These 2 stories seems like it is a bit over-exaggerated and appear to be unwise. Why wash the feet with such expensive perfume? Why 75 pounds of spice over a dead body? It is not the quantity or the price that matters. It is their worship unto God. It may sound that they are just spending money unwisely but it is their heart of worship. Even if the story was to change to using milk to wash Jesus' feets or 7 pounds worth of spices, it doesn't change their heart of worship. They came with an authentic heart. As whether it is wise of them to spend so much, it is not for us to say because these are their money. They could choose to spend in anyway they want. And most importantly, are we giving the best to Christ?
Second lesson is how we react to our faith in good times and in bad times. No doubt, in good times, all will be able to sing Hallelujah, praise be to our God. And when times are bad, can we still sing the same note? Joseph and Nicodemus had been secret disciples and most probably had denied being associated with Jesus before when questioned. However, at that crucial moment, they chose to step up from their hiding and came to retrieve Jesus' body. They might have faced persecution or even death but they couldn't care any more. How about ourselves? Do we care more about ourselves than we care for Jesus?
Lord! Thank You for Your unconditioned love for us. Thank You for Your blood shed for us. Help us to worship You. It is not the worth of the content of worship but it is the heart of our worship. May it be pleasing to You. Lord, help us also to be zealous in our love for You. In good times, in bad times, we will continue to stand firm. Let our voices continue to sing the same note of worship to You!
31Now it was the day of Preparation, and the next day was to be a special Sabbath. Because the Jews did not want the bodies left on the crosses during the Sabbath, they asked Pilate to have the legs broken and the bodies taken down. 32The soldiers therefore came and broke the legs of the first man who had been crucified with Jesus, and then those of the other. 33But when they came to Jesus and found that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. 34Instead, one of the soldiers pierced Jesus' side with a spear, bringing a sudden flow of blood and water. 35The man who saw it has given testimony, and his testimony is true. He knows that he tells the truth, and he testifies so that you also may believe. 36These things happened so that the scripture would be fulfilled: "Not one of his bones will be broken,"[a] 37and, as another scripture says, "They will look on the one they have pierced."[b]
The Burial of Jesus
38Later, Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for the body of Jesus. Now Joseph was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly because he feared the Jews. With Pilate's permission, he came and took the body away. 39He was accompanied by Nicodemus, the man who earlier had visited Jesus at night. Nicodemus brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds.[c] 40Taking Jesus' body, the two of them wrapped it, with the spices, in strips of linen. This was in accordance with Jewish burial customs. 41At the place where Jesus was crucified, there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb, in which no one had ever been laid. 42Because it was the Jewish day of Preparation and since the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there.
75 pounds of myrrh and aloes. That equates to about 34kg worth. I am not too sure but I believe that amount is way too much spices to wrap Jesus' body with. However, that's not the issue or something we can comment about Nicodemus. This is his 'last' act of worship onto his beloved Master. He never fully understood that Jesus was to be resurrected. Initially, he could have hiden himself but at this final moment when Jesus' body was to be removed, Joseph and Nicodemus came to retrieve the body. They both were 'secret' disciples but at that point of time, they chose to risk their reputation and even their lives.
I learn 2 things.
Firstly is how serious we take our worship. What is the worth of our worship? I am not talking about the material worth. I am talking about the heart worth. If we can recall, there was another story when a lady poured perfume ( 1 year's worth of wage) onto Jesus' legs and Nicodemus with his over-carried spices. These 2 stories seems like it is a bit over-exaggerated and appear to be unwise. Why wash the feet with such expensive perfume? Why 75 pounds of spice over a dead body? It is not the quantity or the price that matters. It is their worship unto God. It may sound that they are just spending money unwisely but it is their heart of worship. Even if the story was to change to using milk to wash Jesus' feets or 7 pounds worth of spices, it doesn't change their heart of worship. They came with an authentic heart. As whether it is wise of them to spend so much, it is not for us to say because these are their money. They could choose to spend in anyway they want. And most importantly, are we giving the best to Christ?
Second lesson is how we react to our faith in good times and in bad times. No doubt, in good times, all will be able to sing Hallelujah, praise be to our God. And when times are bad, can we still sing the same note? Joseph and Nicodemus had been secret disciples and most probably had denied being associated with Jesus before when questioned. However, at that crucial moment, they chose to step up from their hiding and came to retrieve Jesus' body. They might have faced persecution or even death but they couldn't care any more. How about ourselves? Do we care more about ourselves than we care for Jesus?
Lord! Thank You for Your unconditioned love for us. Thank You for Your blood shed for us. Help us to worship You. It is not the worth of the content of worship but it is the heart of our worship. May it be pleasing to You. Lord, help us also to be zealous in our love for You. In good times, in bad times, we will continue to stand firm. Let our voices continue to sing the same note of worship to You!
Saturday, April 07, 2007
ALL ABOUT ME (I LOVE VOID DECK)
1. what kind of first impression do you think people have when they first see you?
~ introvert; maybe a nerd
2. what’s one thing you like to do alone?
~ doing biz in the toilet
3. what is your favorite line to say when bored?
~ xian lah (that’s my first name)
4. What movie(s) made you cry?
~ those sad sad one lorh, those abt pple separated from their loved ones
5. do you ever have to beg?
~ Nope
6. what kind of books do you like to read?
~ dun really read much. But if the book can stir up my interest, I’ll read
7. do you think you’re cute?
~ Cute = Ugly but adorable. Not quite able to relate to the ugly part though. Hmmmmm……
8. Is it a problem changing clothes in front of your friends?
~ same gender no problem, opposite gender may have problem. Need to see psychiatrist after viewing.
9. favorite communication method?
~ Body language.
10. do you care?
~ hmmm… depends on what, who
11. what do you eat when you raid the fridge at night?
~ meat
12. if you could have plastic surgery, what would you have done?
~ I’m very contended with my face but I wouldn’t mind shrinking my face.
13. describe your bed?
~ My smell
14. spontaneous or planned?
~ both
15. do you know how to play poker?
~ Poke you! Poke You!
16. what do you carry with you at all times?
~ My head, 2 arms, 2 legs, well nearly every part that makes up my body
17. what do you miss most about being little?
~ everything else that goes with me is also little
18. are you happy with your given name?
~ yes! Means a lot to me. Thank you to my mum!
19. what was the latest sport you played in?
~ Basketball
20. what color is your bedroom?
~ dirty off-white
21. you ever been in a play?
~ yup
22. do homeless, or starving people sometimes annoy you?
~ No
23. do you consider yourself to be a nice person?
~ Yes definitely! I am one of the most eligible bachelor. (did I hear somebody faint onto the keyboard?)
24. where is your ideal marriage location?
~ initially I thought void deck will be quite cool. Now I think my church MPH also not bad, got air-con somemore! Muahahahahahaha!
25. what one instrument you wish you could play?
~ Flute
26. something you like and hate at the same time?
~ Food
27. what’s one language you want to learn?
~ Khmer
28. have you ever pierced your body parts?
~ are blisters considered part of the body?
29. do you have any tattoos?
~ No
30. what’s one trait you hate in a person?
~ Irresponsible
31. what do you cook best?
~ Pasta
32. do you cry in front of your friends?
~ uh... this... depends
~ introvert; maybe a nerd
2. what’s one thing you like to do alone?
~ doing biz in the toilet
3. what is your favorite line to say when bored?
~ xian lah (that’s my first name)
4. What movie(s) made you cry?
~ those sad sad one lorh, those abt pple separated from their loved ones
5. do you ever have to beg?
~ Nope
6. what kind of books do you like to read?
~ dun really read much. But if the book can stir up my interest, I’ll read
7. do you think you’re cute?
~ Cute = Ugly but adorable. Not quite able to relate to the ugly part though. Hmmmmm……
8. Is it a problem changing clothes in front of your friends?
~ same gender no problem, opposite gender may have problem. Need to see psychiatrist after viewing.
9. favorite communication method?
~ Body language.
10. do you care?
~ hmmm… depends on what, who
11. what do you eat when you raid the fridge at night?
~ meat
12. if you could have plastic surgery, what would you have done?
~ I’m very contended with my face but I wouldn’t mind shrinking my face.
13. describe your bed?
~ My smell
14. spontaneous or planned?
~ both
15. do you know how to play poker?
~ Poke you! Poke You!
16. what do you carry with you at all times?
~ My head, 2 arms, 2 legs, well nearly every part that makes up my body
17. what do you miss most about being little?
~ everything else that goes with me is also little
18. are you happy with your given name?
~ yes! Means a lot to me. Thank you to my mum!
19. what was the latest sport you played in?
~ Basketball
20. what color is your bedroom?
~ dirty off-white
21. you ever been in a play?
~ yup
22. do homeless, or starving people sometimes annoy you?
~ No
23. do you consider yourself to be a nice person?
~ Yes definitely! I am one of the most eligible bachelor. (did I hear somebody faint onto the keyboard?)
24. where is your ideal marriage location?
~ initially I thought void deck will be quite cool. Now I think my church MPH also not bad, got air-con somemore! Muahahahahahaha!
25. what one instrument you wish you could play?
~ Flute
26. something you like and hate at the same time?
~ Food
27. what’s one language you want to learn?
~ Khmer
28. have you ever pierced your body parts?
~ are blisters considered part of the body?
29. do you have any tattoos?
~ No
30. what’s one trait you hate in a person?
~ Irresponsible
31. what do you cook best?
~ Pasta
32. do you cry in front of your friends?
~ uh... this... depends
Thursday, April 05, 2007
QT Sharing (5 Apr)
Scripture Reading: JOHN 18:15-27
Peter's First Denial
15Simon Peter and another disciple were following Jesus. Because this disciple was known to the high priest, he went with Jesus into the high priest's courtyard, 16but Peter had to wait outside at the door. The other disciple, who was known to the high priest, came back, spoke to the girl on duty there and brought Peter in.
17"You are not one of his disciples, are you?" the girl at the door asked Peter. He replied, "I am not."
18It was cold, and the servants and officials stood around a fire they had made to keep warm. Peter also was standing with them, warming himself.
The High Priest Questions Jesus 19Meanwhile, the high priest questioned Jesus about his disciples and his teaching.
20"I have spoken openly to the world," Jesus replied. "I always taught in synagogues or at the temple, where all the Jews come together. I said nothing in secret. 21Why question me? Ask those who heard me. Surely they know what I said."
22When Jesus said this, one of the officials nearby struck him in the face. "Is this the way you answer the high priest?" he demanded.
23"If I said something wrong," Jesus replied, "testify as to what is wrong. But if I spoke the truth, why did you strike me?" 24Then Annas sent him, still bound, to Caiaphas the high priest.[a]
Peter's Second and Third Denials
25As Simon Peter stood warming himself, he was asked, "You are not one of his disciples, are you?" He denied it, saying, "I am not."
26One of the high priest's servants, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, challenged him, "Didn't I see you with him in the olive grove?" 27Again Peter denied it, and at that moment a rooster began to crow.
This is a famour passage. Peter was playing baseball. He strike Jesus out 3 times. Many people would have suggested that Peter was nothing but a coward. True! Peter did deny Jesus 3 times but to just criticise and point finger at him, I somehow feel it is not fair. Where are the rest of the disciples? Hiding? Running away? The bible never specifically mentioned that but we could more or less guess. Only Peter and John were around when Jesus took this path of suffering. It must had took a lot courage for the 2 disciples to even dare to appear near Jesus.
If we could recall a bit earlier just before Jesus was arrested, Peter was the first to retaliate to protect Jesus. Then why is there a sudden change in his 'heroic' behaviour. At that point of arrest, Peter might have just let his emotions get a better of him and he simply just dashed to the 'rescue' of Jesus. But after the arrest, reality set in and Peter started to realise the significance of the arrest. I am sure that Peter was filled with mixed feelings. On one hand he must be feeling anxious about the safety of Jesus and on the other hand he was also worried for himself. He was lost as in what to do. And in the questioning of him, his fear overtook him and he chose to deny Christ. It really reminded me of Church camp, retreat, seminar, all these activities that drives Christians to be convicted, to be on fire, to be zealous for the Lord. These activities are good because they help us to re-focus and re-commit ourselves to the Lord. However, many a times, after the activity, reality returns and many fall back to their previous way of life. We stop living a life for Christ. It is as good as Peter denying Jesus. We really need to relook into our way of living. Are we really living for Christ? No numbers of retreats, seminar, camp will make us more like Christ. It is ourself. We have to embrace Christ. We have to live a life for Christ. Everyday!
Do not feel dishearten if your life is not as 'holy' as it should be. None of us can ever be holy enough for God! But as we understand that holiness means setting ourself apart for God, then we can start now, yes, I mean, right now, and ask the Lord to change us. Peter's 3rd denial was visited by a crow from the rooster. Prophesy comes true. I believe the crow was not so much to condemn Peter for his denial but rather it's a wake up call. It must had really woken him up. Though he was still very much facing the reality, he realised that he was not just dealing with reality, he was dealing with the Creator of reality. There are many rooster's crows in our lives. These are warning calls for us. We are heading towards a clift. It is time to turn back. Are we paying enough attention to such crows???
My last lesson from this passage is that know the truth does not equates to no suffering. When Jesus was interogated, He speaks nothing but the truth but his treatment was far from being justice. Even though Jesus was ill-treated, He stood by the truth. His body may suffered but His heart was at peace with God. Truth = Peace
Lord! May our daily life be a life live for You. In our moment of weaknesses, please forgive us and draw us back to You. And may we continue stand by Your truth so that nobody can find any valid fault against us. Thank You Jesus for dying for us!
Peter's First Denial
15Simon Peter and another disciple were following Jesus. Because this disciple was known to the high priest, he went with Jesus into the high priest's courtyard, 16but Peter had to wait outside at the door. The other disciple, who was known to the high priest, came back, spoke to the girl on duty there and brought Peter in.
17"You are not one of his disciples, are you?" the girl at the door asked Peter. He replied, "I am not."
18It was cold, and the servants and officials stood around a fire they had made to keep warm. Peter also was standing with them, warming himself.
The High Priest Questions Jesus 19Meanwhile, the high priest questioned Jesus about his disciples and his teaching.
20"I have spoken openly to the world," Jesus replied. "I always taught in synagogues or at the temple, where all the Jews come together. I said nothing in secret. 21Why question me? Ask those who heard me. Surely they know what I said."
22When Jesus said this, one of the officials nearby struck him in the face. "Is this the way you answer the high priest?" he demanded.
23"If I said something wrong," Jesus replied, "testify as to what is wrong. But if I spoke the truth, why did you strike me?" 24Then Annas sent him, still bound, to Caiaphas the high priest.[a]
Peter's Second and Third Denials
25As Simon Peter stood warming himself, he was asked, "You are not one of his disciples, are you?" He denied it, saying, "I am not."
26One of the high priest's servants, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, challenged him, "Didn't I see you with him in the olive grove?" 27Again Peter denied it, and at that moment a rooster began to crow.
This is a famour passage. Peter was playing baseball. He strike Jesus out 3 times. Many people would have suggested that Peter was nothing but a coward. True! Peter did deny Jesus 3 times but to just criticise and point finger at him, I somehow feel it is not fair. Where are the rest of the disciples? Hiding? Running away? The bible never specifically mentioned that but we could more or less guess. Only Peter and John were around when Jesus took this path of suffering. It must had took a lot courage for the 2 disciples to even dare to appear near Jesus.
If we could recall a bit earlier just before Jesus was arrested, Peter was the first to retaliate to protect Jesus. Then why is there a sudden change in his 'heroic' behaviour. At that point of arrest, Peter might have just let his emotions get a better of him and he simply just dashed to the 'rescue' of Jesus. But after the arrest, reality set in and Peter started to realise the significance of the arrest. I am sure that Peter was filled with mixed feelings. On one hand he must be feeling anxious about the safety of Jesus and on the other hand he was also worried for himself. He was lost as in what to do. And in the questioning of him, his fear overtook him and he chose to deny Christ. It really reminded me of Church camp, retreat, seminar, all these activities that drives Christians to be convicted, to be on fire, to be zealous for the Lord. These activities are good because they help us to re-focus and re-commit ourselves to the Lord. However, many a times, after the activity, reality returns and many fall back to their previous way of life. We stop living a life for Christ. It is as good as Peter denying Jesus. We really need to relook into our way of living. Are we really living for Christ? No numbers of retreats, seminar, camp will make us more like Christ. It is ourself. We have to embrace Christ. We have to live a life for Christ. Everyday!
Do not feel dishearten if your life is not as 'holy' as it should be. None of us can ever be holy enough for God! But as we understand that holiness means setting ourself apart for God, then we can start now, yes, I mean, right now, and ask the Lord to change us. Peter's 3rd denial was visited by a crow from the rooster. Prophesy comes true. I believe the crow was not so much to condemn Peter for his denial but rather it's a wake up call. It must had really woken him up. Though he was still very much facing the reality, he realised that he was not just dealing with reality, he was dealing with the Creator of reality. There are many rooster's crows in our lives. These are warning calls for us. We are heading towards a clift. It is time to turn back. Are we paying enough attention to such crows???
My last lesson from this passage is that know the truth does not equates to no suffering. When Jesus was interogated, He speaks nothing but the truth but his treatment was far from being justice. Even though Jesus was ill-treated, He stood by the truth. His body may suffered but His heart was at peace with God. Truth = Peace
Lord! May our daily life be a life live for You. In our moment of weaknesses, please forgive us and draw us back to You. And may we continue stand by Your truth so that nobody can find any valid fault against us. Thank You Jesus for dying for us!
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
Are You A Church Go-er?
Why do we go to church? I believe this is one of the most taken for granted question. Some may be because have-to-tag-along with parents' reason, my-friends-are-there-so-I-go reason, there-are-many-'chio~bu'/'yan~dao' reason and I am sure the list can go on. And the top listed answer must be 'worship God lorh'. Please dun get me wrong. I am not doubting the people who give such answer. In fact this should be the reason why we go churh. However, I feel, even for myself, that we should really reflect upon what is the true meaning of worshipping God. Sometimes as we give this answer, we already have a perceived idea of how worshipping God should be and sadly, it is not really the true understanding of what worship is all about. I won't go into details of how worship should be but my intention is to really provoke us to really re-consider our pre-conceived way of worship. Look into the bible, look at how Abraham, David and the many others characters worship God. I am sure it will give a light and a few pointers to re-adjust our way of worship. And another thing is that you will never be able to fully comprehend worship and fully exercise worship. What I mean is our worship can never be worthy for God but it is because of His love and grace that He chooses to accept our worship. But that does not mean that we should never try to 'improve' or 'excel' in our worship for God. Whatever we have, we will want to give the best to God.
My philosophy is that the only reason to go to church is because to worship God. The meeting up of brothers and sisters in Christ is purely because in that individual, there is also a like-mindedness to want to worship God and thus drawing them together. So in a way it's like a 'fruit' produce from the Christians who come to worship God. However, if a person was to go church just to find friends, companionship, they will run themselves into the danger of not fitting in and very soon they will feel left out because in the first place, they never embrace the true reason for going church. Well then again it's not for me to judge people for their reason to go church. My intention is just to put up a warning sign to remind ourselves. Most importantly, I believe that for whatever reason these people come to church, I know God can turn it around.
My philosophy is that the only reason to go to church is because to worship God. The meeting up of brothers and sisters in Christ is purely because in that individual, there is also a like-mindedness to want to worship God and thus drawing them together. So in a way it's like a 'fruit' produce from the Christians who come to worship God. However, if a person was to go church just to find friends, companionship, they will run themselves into the danger of not fitting in and very soon they will feel left out because in the first place, they never embrace the true reason for going church. Well then again it's not for me to judge people for their reason to go church. My intention is just to put up a warning sign to remind ourselves. Most importantly, I believe that for whatever reason these people come to church, I know God can turn it around.
QT Sharing (4 Apr)
Scripture Reading: JOHN 18:1-14
Jesus Arrested
1When he had finished praying, Jesus left with his disciples and crossed the Kidron Valley. On the other side there was an olive grove, and he and his disciples went into it.
2Now Judas, who betrayed him, knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with his disciples. 3So Judas came to the grove, guiding a detachment of soldiers and some officials from the chief priests and Pharisees. They were carrying torches, lanterns and weapons.
4Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to him, went out and asked them, "Who is it you want?"
5"Jesus of Nazareth," they replied.
"I am he," Jesus said. (And Judas the traitor was standing there with them.) 6When Jesus said, "I am he," they drew back and fell to the ground.
7Again he asked them, "Who is it you want?" And they said, "Jesus of Nazareth."
8"I told you that I am he," Jesus answered. "If you are looking for me, then let these men go." 9This happened so that the words he had spoken would be fulfilled: "I have not lost one of those you gave me."[a]
10Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest's servant, cutting off his right ear. (The servant's name was Malchus.)
11Jesus commanded Peter, "Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?"
Jesus Taken to Annas
12Then the detachment of soldiers with its commander and the Jewish officials arrested Jesus. They bound him 13and brought him first to Annas, who was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest that year. 14Caiaphas was the one who had advised the Jews that it would be good if one man died for the people.
"I am he" That was what Jesus replied to the troop. No hesitation. Was Jesus afraid? Maybe, maybe not. But one thing for sure I know is that His heart was at peace and He knew that the Father was in control. "Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?" That was His reply to Peter. Jesus was certain that what He was about to go through is the idea of the Father and was assured that the Father would be able to deliver Him through.
Maybe at present context, we are not facing any 'persecution'. But if we were to be persecuted, can we be as nonchalant as to declare that we are followers of Christ? I am not sure about myself. Having to face death, or worst, tortures, I will not be too sure if I can even utter a word. Even if not persecution, in our daily life, are we living a life for Christ? Are we proud of our faith and do we let known to people about our faith? To be frank, I am struggling. I don't outright proclaim to others that I am a Christian. I wish I had the courage to do it.
Jesus Arrested
1When he had finished praying, Jesus left with his disciples and crossed the Kidron Valley. On the other side there was an olive grove, and he and his disciples went into it.
2Now Judas, who betrayed him, knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with his disciples. 3So Judas came to the grove, guiding a detachment of soldiers and some officials from the chief priests and Pharisees. They were carrying torches, lanterns and weapons.
4Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to him, went out and asked them, "Who is it you want?"
5"Jesus of Nazareth," they replied.
"I am he," Jesus said. (And Judas the traitor was standing there with them.) 6When Jesus said, "I am he," they drew back and fell to the ground.
7Again he asked them, "Who is it you want?" And they said, "Jesus of Nazareth."
8"I told you that I am he," Jesus answered. "If you are looking for me, then let these men go." 9This happened so that the words he had spoken would be fulfilled: "I have not lost one of those you gave me."[a]
10Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest's servant, cutting off his right ear. (The servant's name was Malchus.)
11Jesus commanded Peter, "Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?"
Jesus Taken to Annas
12Then the detachment of soldiers with its commander and the Jewish officials arrested Jesus. They bound him 13and brought him first to Annas, who was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest that year. 14Caiaphas was the one who had advised the Jews that it would be good if one man died for the people.
"I am he" That was what Jesus replied to the troop. No hesitation. Was Jesus afraid? Maybe, maybe not. But one thing for sure I know is that His heart was at peace and He knew that the Father was in control. "Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?" That was His reply to Peter. Jesus was certain that what He was about to go through is the idea of the Father and was assured that the Father would be able to deliver Him through.
Maybe at present context, we are not facing any 'persecution'. But if we were to be persecuted, can we be as nonchalant as to declare that we are followers of Christ? I am not sure about myself. Having to face death, or worst, tortures, I will not be too sure if I can even utter a word. Even if not persecution, in our daily life, are we living a life for Christ? Are we proud of our faith and do we let known to people about our faith? To be frank, I am struggling. I don't outright proclaim to others that I am a Christian. I wish I had the courage to do it.
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
QT Sharing (3 Apr)
Scripture Reading: John 17:13-26
13"I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them. 14I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. 15My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. 16They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. 17Sanctify[a] them by the truth; your word is truth. 18As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. 19For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified.
Jesus Prays for All Believers
20"My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: 23I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. 24"Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world. 25"Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. 26I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them."
In this world but not of this world. A 'light' in this dark world but never will the 'light' become the darkness of this world. This is who Jesus is. And as followers, we are also called to be the light for the world. By knowing the word(truth), we set ourselves against the world. It is not so much that we have become the enemies of the world and that we should start to fight against or retaliate against the world. What it simply means is when we know the truth, we ceased many of our worldly ways and instead follow the truth which conflicts with many ways of the world. In that case, should we start to worry? Nope! Because we can see that even as God had sent Jesus in the world and died on the cross, we know that God is in control. So likewise, as we are sent into this world, we may face trials and tribulations but our hope is in the truth. And as we set our eyes on the truth, we will be sanctify(make holy; set apart)
From v20 onwards, Jesus talks about being united in one so that the love and the truth of God can be make known to the world. In v26, "I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them." The word 'in order' really struck me. In order for the love of God to remain in us and Jesus to remain in us, the name of God needs to be make known. I am not sure if I am interpreting it correctly. But I just feel that if truly God's love and Jesus is in us, then we will want to make Jesus known to other people. If we by mouth claim that we are Christians and we love Jesus but yet not proclaiming His name to the world, then it is time to really reflect.
Lord, forgive us for our unwillingness to talk about You. There may be many reasons why we never share about You but never will be valid reasons. I ask that You grant us a bold heart to speak forth Your name, to tell others about the truth. Even as we have entered into the Holy Week, we just want to be reminded of Your goodness and love for us. And if there is an opportunity to share with others about what You had done for us on the cross, we will testify for You.
13"I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them. 14I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. 15My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. 16They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. 17Sanctify[a] them by the truth; your word is truth. 18As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. 19For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified.
Jesus Prays for All Believers
20"My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: 23I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. 24"Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world. 25"Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. 26I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them."
In this world but not of this world. A 'light' in this dark world but never will the 'light' become the darkness of this world. This is who Jesus is. And as followers, we are also called to be the light for the world. By knowing the word(truth), we set ourselves against the world. It is not so much that we have become the enemies of the world and that we should start to fight against or retaliate against the world. What it simply means is when we know the truth, we ceased many of our worldly ways and instead follow the truth which conflicts with many ways of the world. In that case, should we start to worry? Nope! Because we can see that even as God had sent Jesus in the world and died on the cross, we know that God is in control. So likewise, as we are sent into this world, we may face trials and tribulations but our hope is in the truth. And as we set our eyes on the truth, we will be sanctify(make holy; set apart)
From v20 onwards, Jesus talks about being united in one so that the love and the truth of God can be make known to the world. In v26, "I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them." The word 'in order' really struck me. In order for the love of God to remain in us and Jesus to remain in us, the name of God needs to be make known. I am not sure if I am interpreting it correctly. But I just feel that if truly God's love and Jesus is in us, then we will want to make Jesus known to other people. If we by mouth claim that we are Christians and we love Jesus but yet not proclaiming His name to the world, then it is time to really reflect.
Lord, forgive us for our unwillingness to talk about You. There may be many reasons why we never share about You but never will be valid reasons. I ask that You grant us a bold heart to speak forth Your name, to tell others about the truth. Even as we have entered into the Holy Week, we just want to be reminded of Your goodness and love for us. And if there is an opportunity to share with others about what You had done for us on the cross, we will testify for You.
Monday, April 02, 2007
QT Sharing (2 Apr)
Scripture Reading: JOHN 17:1-12
Jesus Prays for Himself
1After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed: "Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. 2For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. 3Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. 4I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do. 5And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began.
Jesus Prays for His Disciples
6"I have revealed you[a] to those whom you gave me out of the world. They were yours; you gave them to me and they have obeyed your word. 7Now they know that everything you have given me comes from you. 8For I gave them the words you gave me and they accepted them. They knew with certainty that I came from you, and they believed that you sent me. 9I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours. 10All I have is yours, and all you have is mine. And glory has come to me through them. 11I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name—the name you gave me—so that they may be one as we are one. 12While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe by that name you gave me. None has been lost except the one doomed to destruction so that Scripture would be fulfilled.
This is the beginning of the Holy Week. Jesus had entered into Jerusalem. He was received with warm welcomed by His people. Even in this midst of excitement, Jesus still knew why He was there. The cruelsome outcome at the end of it. Was He afraid? I suppose so even though He was fully God, He was also fully man - man of flesh. Thinking about what He was about to go through, it must have been bad enough. But I believe He held on was because He understood His purpose on earth. He knew that He had to do it so as to fulfill His purpose and to give glory to God. In v4, it says, "I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do." Even as Jesus He Himself is God, He submitted Himself to God the Father. Even as the Father had given an important but taunting 'task', He knew that He had to do it so as to fulfill His purpose and to give glory to God. It was never easy but Jesus knew that the Father was in control. I guess very much in our life, are we submitting ourself to God? Even when things are not in our control or things are not smooth-sailing, are we able to still look up to God and say that He is good?
Lord, help us to submit ourself to You. In doing so, reveal to us the purpose You have for us and that we may be faithful to Your plan and thus bringing glory to Your great and awesome name.
In v6-12, it talks about Jesus praying for His disciples, those whom God had chosen and given to Jesus. In v9, when Jesus said that He prayed for His disciples and not the world, it's not that He had no heart for the world. Jesus just wanted to focus His prayer on His disciples as He felt that immediate burden for them as He knew He would not be with them long. This really struck me. Have I been earnestly praying for those people whom the Lord has entrusted in my life? Nope! Taken for granted! It's not that I am going to leave them soon then I start to pray for them but are we really bringing our brothers' and sisters' in-Christ into our prayer? Are we truly concerned for one another enough to remember them in our prayres? I must admit I have fallen short of that? Even if there's no urgent need to pray for them, do we still remember them in our prayer?
Lord, these are the names that you have placed in my heart. Let me remember them in prayer as all times. And I prayed that You continue to reveal Your heart to us so that we may truly know You and Your plan for us.
Darren, Clement, Ding Yi, Xin Ling, Si En, Wen Yuan, Joanne, Amelia, James, Gordon, Colin, Samantha, Yvonne, Jamie, Magdalene, Daniel, Xu En, Xavier Milner, Andrew Milner, Joseph.
Jesus Prays for Himself
1After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed: "Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. 2For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. 3Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. 4I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do. 5And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began.
Jesus Prays for His Disciples
6"I have revealed you[a] to those whom you gave me out of the world. They were yours; you gave them to me and they have obeyed your word. 7Now they know that everything you have given me comes from you. 8For I gave them the words you gave me and they accepted them. They knew with certainty that I came from you, and they believed that you sent me. 9I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours. 10All I have is yours, and all you have is mine. And glory has come to me through them. 11I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name—the name you gave me—so that they may be one as we are one. 12While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe by that name you gave me. None has been lost except the one doomed to destruction so that Scripture would be fulfilled.
This is the beginning of the Holy Week. Jesus had entered into Jerusalem. He was received with warm welcomed by His people. Even in this midst of excitement, Jesus still knew why He was there. The cruelsome outcome at the end of it. Was He afraid? I suppose so even though He was fully God, He was also fully man - man of flesh. Thinking about what He was about to go through, it must have been bad enough. But I believe He held on was because He understood His purpose on earth. He knew that He had to do it so as to fulfill His purpose and to give glory to God. In v4, it says, "I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do." Even as Jesus He Himself is God, He submitted Himself to God the Father. Even as the Father had given an important but taunting 'task', He knew that He had to do it so as to fulfill His purpose and to give glory to God. It was never easy but Jesus knew that the Father was in control. I guess very much in our life, are we submitting ourself to God? Even when things are not in our control or things are not smooth-sailing, are we able to still look up to God and say that He is good?
Lord, help us to submit ourself to You. In doing so, reveal to us the purpose You have for us and that we may be faithful to Your plan and thus bringing glory to Your great and awesome name.
In v6-12, it talks about Jesus praying for His disciples, those whom God had chosen and given to Jesus. In v9, when Jesus said that He prayed for His disciples and not the world, it's not that He had no heart for the world. Jesus just wanted to focus His prayer on His disciples as He felt that immediate burden for them as He knew He would not be with them long. This really struck me. Have I been earnestly praying for those people whom the Lord has entrusted in my life? Nope! Taken for granted! It's not that I am going to leave them soon then I start to pray for them but are we really bringing our brothers' and sisters' in-Christ into our prayer? Are we truly concerned for one another enough to remember them in our prayres? I must admit I have fallen short of that? Even if there's no urgent need to pray for them, do we still remember them in our prayer?
Lord, these are the names that you have placed in my heart. Let me remember them in prayer as all times. And I prayed that You continue to reveal Your heart to us so that we may truly know You and Your plan for us.
Darren, Clement, Ding Yi, Xin Ling, Si En, Wen Yuan, Joanne, Amelia, James, Gordon, Colin, Samantha, Yvonne, Jamie, Magdalene, Daniel, Xu En, Xavier Milner, Andrew Milner, Joseph.
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