Fear of God

https://odb.org/2024/06/24/in-awe-of-god

Proverbs 9:10 teaches that the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom. The fear of God here means awe and respect, rather than bring scared or afraid like the Isrealites in Exodus 20:18 where they trembled with fear when they saw thunder and lightning at the time God gave Moses the Ten Commandments for the children of Israel.

The same way life takes a real meaning when we know God as taught by Solomon in Ecclesiastes, whose famous words were “vanity of vanities, all is vanity (meaningless)”, Solomon in Proverbs teaches that true wisdom is having the fear of God. In other words, the wisest thing any man can do is to know God and fear Him. Just knowing Him is not enough, we need to also fear Him.

The slight problem we have as believers in this post-Jesus era is that we might be too used to the grace of God that we sometimes forget Solomon’s teaching to fear Him. For example, God is a holy God. We need to be holy to face Him in prayer and supplication and worship. As much as we can not be 100% without sin as a human being and need the blood of Jesus to redeem and cleanse us, we must, with the power of the Holy Spirit, confess, repent and overcome our habitual sins. We can not live in the cycle of sin and confession day in and day out without true repentance, just because God is gracious. We need to fear God as much as we know He loves us.

Heed the advice of Solomon to fear God as it is the beginning of wisdom. Solomon chose wisdom instead of riches when given a choice by the LORD. But wisdom starts with the fear of God. Once we cultivate the latter, we will be blessed with the former! Have a good week ahead, everyone! May we become wiser as we exercise the fear of God in all that we do!

Riches in heaven

https://odb.org/2024/06/23/rich-in-good-deeds

Today’s ODB story of Oseola McCarthy donating 150,000 dollars to a nearby university to create a fund for needy students after slogging for 70 years as a washerwoman is both inspiring and exemplary. It is the personification of 1 Timothy 6 of coming and leaving here with nothing, and thus, we should focus on storing up riches in heaven. It echoes Jesus’s teaching in Matthew 6:19-21 on the same subject, and Jesus’s rationale is that riches in heaven will last for eternity where moth and rust will not destroy nor the thief steal.

Of course, Oseola’s kindness begs the question, why slog so hard and be miserly on herself only to give it all away? She should have just enjoyed life to the fullest with whatever little she has. This is because she didn’t have much in the first place, and she had to work very hard for her money.

I think the key to Oseola’s ability to be so selfless is contentment. Paul taught in 1 Timothy 6:6-10 that godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing to this world, and we can not take anything out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. For those who want to get rich, fall into temptation and a trap, and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. In other words, she was content to live simply and miserly so she may accumulate some wealth when she retires.

However, when she retired at 86, she had enough for her old age and thus probably had a goal to do a special deed for future generations. That is likely the second key to Oseola’s ability – she had a goal to do good deeds. So, rather than leave behind a small fortune doing nothing or giving it back to the state, she made sure it benefited society. That is why some wealthy individuals leave behind fortunes to create foundations for the good of all, instead of leaving inheritances for their heirs to scoundrel and waste away.

The message this morning is that as we age and retire, do provide for a comfortable retirement in our old age. But contentment with what we have is key as in the process, we could focus on doing good for others and store up treasures in heaven for our next life with Christ in eternity. Always remember we came with nothing on earth and will also leave with nothing except for our good deeds in Christ and our riches in heaven.

Foolish things of the world

https://odb.org/2024/06/21/finding-rest-3

When I was younger, it didn’t really turn my eye when my senior pastor then pursued a Masters degree in Misiology from Fuller Seminary. He was a career minister as he went to bible school first before starting the Latter Rain Church of Malaysia (“LRC”). What was ironic, though, was that the bunch of full-time pastors then serving God in the church did not have any seminary education. They were mostly graduates from University Malaya as LRC’s home base, known as Miracle Villa, was just a 10 mins walk away from the campus grounds. More ironic that a number of them only went to bible school after they left LRC.

Thus, I grew up in a church with mostly very fervent pastors without seminary qualifications whose teachings and practices mirror those of the church. You could say that God was using the foolish things of the world to confound the wise like Paul’s statement in 1 Corinthians 1: 27, except that these were mostly graduates of the most prestigious university in the country. In other words, they were smart pastors, just not theologically trained. But the founding and senior pastor was from seminary background, and thus, the tenets of the faith of the church were intact. Just that in some areas, the interpretation might have been narrower than mainstream. For example, a belief that the church should comprise 80% core and 20% peripheral, which is visionary but idealistic in the real world.

The thing that stuck with me all these years is that you don’t really need a seminary education to serve God in a meaningful way, but to be a pastor I am realistic enough to accept that a basic seminary education is necessary. Sadly, I noticed that nowadays, in the church world, people are actually pursuing and even trumpeting academic qualifications and titles as a form of respectability and acceptance among their peers. Prestigious theology degrees are thus more sought after and respected compared to divinity or ministry qualifications, perhaps as it opens up a new career line in academia. It’s just that in pursuing qualifications after qualifications, the church has become more like the world in needing acceptance, recognition, and respectability of men than God. I can not but say that it is a really strange phenomenon as Christ only chose one Paul among the other 11 Apostles.

What’s the lesson for us? I believe in all things we should only boast in Christ, that it is in Christ alone that we find our glory. In every victory, let it be said that our source of strength and source of hope is Christ alone and nothing else. Acceptance of who we are and recognition of our ministry should lie with God and Christ and no one else. We do not need a doctorate from a prestigious seminary to tell the world that we have arrived in the church world. It could well dilute our branding before God and Christ!

Never ceases

https://odb.org/2024/06/20/new-and-certain

I don’t have any issues with old things, especially furniture. By the blink of an eye, 13 years have passed since we bought the condo in the city, and the furnishings, although by now old, still look good to me. In fact, the things we have at our other house, the new house that we bought off the plan, are now 7 years old. I guess this is partly why some people like to move to a newly-built dwelling every decade or so. The feeling of new and freshness. This also explains why, in most places, new builds are more expensive than old ones. In fact, a realtor recently told me that new properties in London can even cost as much as twice that of old at the same locality!

Fortunately, for us believers, the love and compassion of God never ceases. It is new every morning. Like dew. This reminds me of the lyrics of the song, the Steadfast Love of the Lord:

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases. They are new every morning. New every morning. Great is thy faithfulness, O Lord. Great is thy faithfulness.

In Lamentations 3:22–23, Jeremiah proclaimed that His compassions never fail (NIV). The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases (ESV). They are new every morning. That was despite the Judaeans being in captivity, in exile in Babylon. They were there due to their own doing and were lamenting, but deep within them, they knew God did not forsake them. God still loved them. There is still hope of redemption and liberation in the future.

Will we be able to afford another property in the future so we may have new and fresh things again? Perhaps we would. Or maybe we could not anymore. What’s crucial is that the faithfulness of the Lord and His steadfast love endureth forever. His love and compassion are renewed every morning. They never cease and will never cease. He loves us and will love us until the very end. Despite our sin. Inspite of our insolence. Because we are made in His image. Each and every one of us is precious to Him.

Freedom in God

https://odb.org/2024/06/19/the-god-who-announces-freedom

The story of God calling Moses in Exodus 3 at the burning bush is probably familiar to most of us as it is a passage often preached from the pulpit. I think I have heard a message on that at least a few times in my life. There are familiar themes on the holiness of God, of the miracle of a burning bush that doesn’t consume the bush, of the omnipresence of God being able to see Moses going to the burning despite Him being at the bush.

However, the most significant message is nevertheless the freedom from slavery of the Israelites who were in Egypt. In just roughly 20 generations in 430 years (assuming one generation spans 20 years), the family of 70 of Jacob in Genesis 46 that came to settle with Joseph in Egypt to escape the great famine had grown to 600,000 abled-bodied men (as per the census in Exodus 12). In other words, there would have been nearly 2 million Israelites then, if we were to include the women and children.

The emancipation of the Israelites from the oppression of the Egyptians (then the most powerful nation in the known world) is a picture of God’s liberation of His people from the clutches and shackling of sin through Christ Jesus. Like Moses and Aaron confronting Pharoah and freeing the Israelites, Jesus faced the devil and defeated sin and its sting of death. We now have freedom from sin and eternal life because of Jesus Christ.

But as free people who are no longer living in spiritual bondage, are we free to do as we wish? Surely not! This is because our freedom as children of God is being freed from the chains of sin that prevent us from knowing God. With the scales lifted from our spiritual eyes, we can now experience God in our lives and begin to understand the mysteries of the Kingdom of God. The spiritual realm, including its power and blessings, is now opened to us. As the spiritual Israel, we are now part of the Abrahamic Covenant and may live in the centre of His glory and will, enjoying His benevolence and protection. The LORD will bless whosoever who blesses us and curse whosoever who curses us. The law is now written in our hearts.

My dear brothers and sisters, so long as we still have breadth, let us all enjoy this freedom in Christ to live for Him, to fulfil His plans and purposes for our lives. That we will conquer and cultivate His promised land for us that indeed our promised land will be flowing with milk and honey to the glory of our most high God Almighty, the Great I Am, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob!

God sets the lonely in families

https://odb.org/2024/06/18/friend-to-the-lonely

There is a sense that we can be lonely despite being in the presence of many people. For example, if we are invited to a function or a party, but we hardly know anyone. Of course, once the proceedings start, we could get lost in the crowd and go about unnoticed, especially if it is a multiple course dinner. But we will wish we were not there and would have preferred to spend the time in the company of friends and family.

But loneliness here goes beyond just being alone in a crowd. It is a loneliness that speaks of a lack of companionship. There could be many reasons why some people lack friends and companions. We could be introverts and a loner. We like to keep to ourselves in social settings or just don’t chat or make conversation. But a lack of companionship could point to something deeper. It may be due to a lack of selflessness and a spirit of sharing. If we are constantly selfish and look out for ourselves only, it is less likely that anyone will be interested in sharing their lives with us. In other words, sometimes we may need to give of ourselves to break free from our own loneliness and lack. That is why Scripture teaches that it is better to give than to receive. Giving ensures that we will one day receive. The LORD will make sure of that.

Look deeper within us. Break free from the attitude that all that is mine is mine alone. Instead, consider that Jesus allowed us to be where we are for a purpose. Our wealth may be to bless some who are in need. Many struggle to make the best of their lives. Some struggle even to live! Any act of kindness from us will go some way to strengthen their belief and resolve that things will turn the corner. It will dispel all thoughts that the world is against them or that the heavens have dealt them a poor hand. Give of ourselves and our money and time, the Lord will surely find a way to bless us. One who is gracious to a poor man lends to the LORD. And He will repay him for his good deed. Proverbs 19:7. Ultimately, as Psalm 68:6 says, God sets the lonely in families.

Healing by God

https://odb.org/2024/06/16/the-lost-pendant

There are those among us who believe that authority has been given to us by Christ to heal, and thus, the prayer to heal is to release the power of healing upon those seeking healing. Of course, not everyone gets healed. That’s the reality of the sitiation on the ground, and there could be a variety of reasons, including the timing of God, the grace of God, and the person’s faith.

A somewhat similar situation occurred in John 5:1-9 at the pool of Bethsheba. Although there were a number of people seeking healing that day, Jesus only healed one person who was paralysed for 38 years. Was it a question of who deserved the healing more? Or was it because of the severity of his condition? Or his desire and faith for healing? From the text, it appears to be the latter, but Jesus only asked him – do you want to get well? He answered that there was no one to help him get to the pool when the water is stirred. While he is trying to get in, someone else goes ahead of him.

I recalled that when I was around 18, my outreach church in my hometown decided to conduct a healing rally. I went round distributing tracts at my small town and, in the process, came across a deaf and dumb couple with normal children. I spoke to them and prayed for healing for them. They were not healed despite my prayers, although I knew if they were, it would have brought about a revival in my small town.

Besides divine timing, God’s grace, and faith, I believe an important aspect of healing is God’s plans and purposes. Many came to Jesus for healing. Many were healed, but many were not. We know from healing campaigns that it is similar. If it is part of His plan and purposes for a person’s life that he or she is to be healed, he or she will be. I had a close friend and fellow worker in ministry during my university days who came to faith because he was healed during a healing rally. He had one leg shorter than the other, and God lengthened the shorter leg for him. He has been serving God ever since and is now a lay minister after nearly 40 years from his healing experience.

If you are seeking healing from God for some infirmity ir condition in your life, don’t give up, but keep on trusting Him. If it is God’s will for you to be healed so you may testify of His grace for His glory, you will be healed. Amen!

2nd coming of Christ

https://odb.org/2024/06/13/expecting-jesus

When I was younger, I was afraid when I read Matthew 24, where Jesus describes His second coming like it was in the days of Noah. In essence, we will be living life as normal, and He will come in a flash, totally unexpected. I was afraid because I was struggling deep within me in some areas of my life. It was like I was giving Him my life and yet keeping some for myself. In some areas like my ambition and certain character traits, I refused to surrender to God. I wanted the liberty to do as I wished.

The other point of apprehension was that I was unsure I had done enough for God in terms of my service in ministry and showing kindness to others. I felt that I would likely be tongue-tied in explaining my life to Christ when I meet Him face to face. Have I served Him with all my heart, soul, and strength?

Now that I am older, I am also wiser. I have also known Christ much longer and deeper. Over the years, I have become what I am today in terms of character and personality, and although I still have some way to go, I have also come a long way. The signs are there that He will likely return in this generation. Regardless of when He actually returns and whether it is pre tribulation or post tribulation, we must nevertheless be prepared.

Since Christ will return as we live our lives normally, what do we actually do as we live our normal lives? Are we serving God in some capacity? Are we showing kindness to others as we live out our lives? Are we fulfilling His plans and purposes for us? The plans God had prepared for us even before we were formed in our mother’s womb? Are we doing our part in His Kingdom of Grace? Are we giving and supporting worthy causes that promote the Kingdom of God? Are we even attending church, or are we still left behind in the Covid era, still watching church services in our Pjs with a coffee mug in hand? There is a certain discipline involved in getting dressed and making the effort to attend church physically. It is part of our honouring God with our lives.

If we are still afraid to meet Christ face to face, let’s get prepared. Let’s start to get serious with God. Let’s begin to align our lives with His plans and purposes. Let’s participate actively in the work He is doing in our midst. Don’t procrastinate and delay any longer. We may cease to be part of the living, or Christ may well return tomorrow!

We are fearfully and wonderfully made

https://odb.org/2024/06/12/wonderfully-complex

This verse from Psalm 139:14 written by David is the well-known exaltation that God took the effort to personally make each and every one of us. We are fearfully and wonderfully made! We know from Jeremiah 1:5 that the LORD Himself proclaimed that He knew Jeremiah before He formed him in his mother’s womb. Before he was born, He had sanctified and ordained Jeremiah to be a prophet unto the nations. In Ephesians 1:4, Paul asserts that God chose us before the foundations of the world, to be holy and acceptable to Him.

As we are the only created beings that are made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27), we are special in and to God. We have the means and capacity to know God personally, to have a personal and direct relationship with God. Made possible because of the death and resurrection of Christ, reconciling us to God after the fall of mankind.

What is the consequence to us? Obviously, we do not exist for the moment, fleeting like flowers in the field who come and go in the day. We are here for the long haul, here on earth and thereafter. We do not merely disappear and cease to exist once we lose our breadth and our human bodies decompose and rot away. Our souls live on forever. The question is, will we live on in the presence of our Saviour and Lord and our Heavenly Father, or will we live on in damnation in the place where there is gnashing of teeth.

We are not only fearfully and wonderfully made as a natural consequence but for a purpose. God has plans for each and every one of us. His salvation and our role in His Kingdom of Grace. We are each a square peg to perfectly fit that square hole. We are that brick on the wall to make up that wall.

Yes, we only live once here on earth. As much as we want to do as much and experience as much of this world, remember that this is also our only chance to give ourselves unto God and live for Him and serve Him. We can’t live for Him anymore once we depart from this earth. We can’t serve Him anymore once we no longer participate in the affairs of this world. We only live once. Use it for the glory of God! Don’t miss out on this God-given opportunity, for we are fearfully and wonderfully made! God knew us before we were in our mother’s womb. He chose us before the foundations of the world.

Death and the grave

https://odb.org/2024/06/11/shebnas-grave

I know of people who placed less priority on the grave because if we are in the faith, we have the assurance of resurrection one day. Where our earthen body is placed after death and whether we are buried or cremated are less important as our resurrected body is not dependent on the location or condition of our earthly body.

As much as the dead do not participate in the affairs of the living anymore, the grave is the epitome of our appreciation and rememberance of them. It is thus a good practice by the Chinese to bring the young to clean and visit the graves of those who had departed during All Souls Day (Qing Ming). A practice replicated by Chinese Christians on the Easter weekend, which incidentally is usually just around the corner from All Souls Day.

The grave is a place of remembrance. A place of memory of those departed lest they be forgotten by the world that inevitably will move on and leave them behind.

However, as the LORD chastised Shebna in Isaiah 22 for his pride in preparing a monumental grave in advance for himself, we must not to overdo this. Perhaps some may think that since I can not bring my earthly wealth over to the other side and since my earthly possessions will be owned and enjoyed by my heirs, I might as well build a monument unto myself! But the LORD opposes the proud and exalts the humble.

The message this morning as we live one more day is to focus on our tasks at hand in this world for Christ. We should prepare for our retirement and eventual departure for the sake of our descendants. Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Moses all had graves. Even our Lord Jesus Christ had a tomb, although it was empty on the 3rd day because He is risen! Let’s prepare for our ultimate destination in Christ one day where we shall live for eternity with the Tree of Life available to us again. Let’s prepare by fulfilling His plans and purposes for our lives and responding to His calling for us!