Decision

When Joshua and the Israelites arrived at the banks of Jordan river, a miracle was awaiting them. God had brought them to this place and at this particular time. They could look across the river and behold the miracle right before their eyes. What was in between them and the miracle was not the river. It was in fact ... a DECISION. A miracle was just a decision away. And then all it took was a first step into the water.

At the river banks, the priests carrying the Ark of Covenant were getting ready to cross the flooded river. Needless to say, it was a risky venture. So instead of placing the army at first rank, the priests with the Ark of Covenant were at point position. God was leading and was going ahead of them! The stage was set. Only thing left was simply a decision. Joshua had to decide whether he would follow God and take the first step into the flooded river or he would remain at where he was. He decided God's will and a miracle followed. The river parted and rolled back on both sides and what happened with the Red Sea some forty years ago happened right before Joshua's generation. The entire camp of Israel, most of whom had never witnessed the Red Sea parting, crossed over the river on dry ground. What was the miracle? The parting of the river? The crossing over? Yes, these are obvious but the real miracle was the making of the right DECISION.

I have been in love with my dear wife 39 years now (being married now for 37 years). We are still very much in love with each other. In fact, we are still over the moon today ... so to say. Yes, we had our rough and trying times too like any other couples. But I don't  remember when was the last time we "had it out". We both have God to thank for this. It's because we love God first that we are able to draw from Him and for one another. I have discovered for myself that love is a decision. At cross roads I have to decide to choose what's RIGHT or what I WANT. If I were to put me first above my wife and choose that which pleases me regardless if it's the right thing to do, then I don't think I am responding to love. I will be like choosing death instead of life. But if I am willing to choose to die to self and do what is right by us regardless of how I feel, then I would have chosen life over death. The right feelings will follow suit but the decision has to come first. Dying to self is not easy but that's how it was with Jesus. He died so we might live. That is unconditional love. That's what we need in our relationship with each other if we want to continue in love. That's why I say, a miracle is a decision and love is a decision.

Perhaps today you are at the very edge of river Jordon. Things aren't looking too good on your side. You know you shouldn't be on your side. God is telling you to look beyond the river. He's in front of you. You know you need a miracle. You  know you should be on the other side. What's keeping you from taking the first step into the troublous water? A DECISION.

A miracle is a decision. Why are you still waiting for a miracle?

Sex Sex Sex

Caught your attention didn't I? In Hollywood, sex sells. That's why there's this need to include sex scenes and profanities in most, if not all movies. Having to teach a class of teenagers on this subject was quite a bit of a challenge when you have a twelve year old boy in your class who shooked his head when asked if everyone in class know something about sex. So I had to explain where babies came from. I suppose now they understood that babies were not found in dustbins nor was it the work of a stork in the middle of a rainy night.

I really enjoy teaching in small but interactive groups, especially teens and college students. In this particular class, I start by asking where babies come from. I asked which came first; the egg or the chicken. So kids are smarter nowadays with the internet age (or should I say more informative). Their answer were quick and resounding … chicken. I asked why they thought so? Without missing a beat, they said God made chicken first (I think I was the one to tell them so in one of my Sunday sermons). So I asked them to pretend for a while that they are not Christians and to answer the question based on logic. Now, what was the response? Silence. Ahh... I got them. The answer of course is still the same. The chicken came first cos you need a chicken brood (sitting on the egg) in order for the egg to hatch. From here the lesson began and I got their attention. Maybe it's not me. Maybe it's the topic that got their attention. Anyway, couple of things I taught in this particular class based on the Fall of man in the Garden of Eden. After all the preliminaries and context, sex begins first with...

1. The mind.
2. The conversation.
3. The sight.
4. The touch.
5. The crossing of the line.

What I was doing was to help them establish a boundary as to what they think they can or cannot allow when it comes to matters regarding sex. So that's their homework they have to submit by Sunday as they consult with their parents.

I had loads of fun teaching this subject. In today's context (with the influence of the internet, Hollywood and especially the Korean movie industry) I see the youth letting down their guard not knowing they are hurting themselves and others. I think church is a safe place for youth to have dialogues on issues and the subject of sex being one of them. How else are they going to get the right and proper information? From Hollywood? From their peers who are just as uninformed? God's word is truth. And if the church don't teach it, how will they know?

According to God's word, in the last days many shall fall away and turn to ungodliness. One of the main reason is because of the the church. In the book of Revelation, there's this church called the “harlot of Revelation”. It has the form of a godliness but denying its power. It's a place of entertainment, a brand and it's consumer based. In order to thrive, the church must cater to the demands of the consumers, the church goers. Here's where the compromise and the thinning out of the church begin (and it began since centuries ago). Church is a gift from God. It's an extended family. But never lose sight of what church truly is. Let me remind us today that church is still a place of prayer, of worship, of upholding one another and especially a place where the Word is being taught. On these we must not compromise or side lined with programs. Our youth need help and guidance. Let the Word of God be a "lamp unto their feet and a light to their path". My exhortation today ... parents, get serious and get real. Your children will come under your influence not for always. There'll come a time when they will be on their own to discover their own paths. Whatever influence you have on them now, set the example yourselves. If you reckon church as important and you actually walk the talk, they will develop the same culture. But if church is secondary and everything else comes first, someday you will have to pay a price for this. After all, we do reap what we sow. This age we are living in is rather scary. Ungodliness abounds. Morality erodes alarmingly as time passes. Our safety is in God and in His church. Let us all take heed. God bless.

Mind Over Matter

Definition: “The use of willpower to overcome physical problems”. 

I was very much fascinated with this concept whilst I was a teenager. I read I can do anything if I set my mind on it. I felt invincible! I felt like I can do anything and the sky is the limit. Then I became a Christian and that concept was further reinforced with the word “faith”. With faith, I was told I can move mountains! I am not going to refute this because Jesus Himself taught it. But clearly for so many, it wasn't quite true. Not because it wasn't true. Just that there is a reality to this that many could not grasp; that is “mind over matter” is of the mind while faith is of the heart. What one believe with the mind and what one believe with the heart are two different thing. Faith, not wishful thinking, is that which calls those things that be not as though they were. Faith brings into reality that which we can only hope and dream of. Mind over matter on the other hand is just us trying to convince ourselves that all things are possible.

Our mind processes information it gathers, forms a concept that leads to a belief. From here the will kicks in. Depending on the tenacity of the willpower, one can train the mind to overcome physical problems. You 'll be amazed what one can achieve when the will is iron strong. But the will can be challenged. Disappointments, discouragement, pain, these can add a blow to the willpower and cause many to throw in the towel. But there's help. What the mind cannot do for the willpower, the heart can.

Our hearts is the very core of us. Jesus said what's in our heart will be displayed in our outward. For example, our mouth. If our heart is filled with anger, negative words spill out of our mouth. And if our hearts are filled with love and joy, our mouth will utter life, i.e. encouraging words, words that heals and not kill. The will to do right or to do wrong lies within the heart. That's the core. The mind is always seeking to influence the heart for ultimately, the will power react to the heart more than it does the mind. And so we look into motive. Why do a man do what he did? But the heart of man, who can influence? Let me illustrate the power of the gospel.

Nicodemus came to Jesus at midnight to speak in private. His heart was troubled. Being a religious leader all his life, although his mind was convinced, his heart is just not assured. In short, Jesus told him he had to be born again. It wasn't the mind Jesus was speaking about. It was the heart, the very essence of man. You and I, we are a spirit being. We have a soul (mind and will) and we have a physical body. While physically we cannot be born again, our heart need to be born again. Unless we are born again, how are we ever going to know God? Let alone understand God. That which is born of the flesh is of the flesh, but that which is born of God is of God. When the heart is reconnected to God, when you are born again, your heart literally change. You literally change. You will feel like you are a new creation because you are born again. Now the mind too will be transformed and the will now is more apt to do the right thing. That's what Jesus did for Nicodemus. He changed his heart. The world try to convince us though our minds but when God works, He works through the heart.

So coming back to the subject matter. Jesus said with faith we can move mountains. Faith is of the heart. Mind over matter is of the mind. That's the difference. The strength of the will power is dependent on either the mind or the heart. In order for faith to work, the heart must be the one to influence the will. A man came to Jesus for help. Jesus asked if he would believe. And his answer was, “I believe. Help me my unbelief” (Mk. 9:24). You see, mentally he believed. His mind told him that Jesus can heal. But in reality his heart was struggling to believe. This miracle he was seeking goes beyond mind over matter. What he needed was faith. Faith is when you actually believe with the heart. And how does faith comes? Bible says “faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God” (Rom. 10:17). IF you can somehow get the Word of God into your heart (not just the mind), you will experience the faith of God. And Jesus said faith can move mountains. Positive confession, the power of visualization, I am not saying it's of no value. If it comes from the influence of the heart, it will work. If not, then it's just you trying to convince yourself to believe.

Here's something to think about today. The tendency to sin is always calling at our door. There's this constant struggle to do the right thing and avoid the wrong. King David knew that unless he kept the word of God in his heart, he will not have the will power to overcome temptations. He wrote: “Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against you” (Ps. 110:11). This is not a mind over matter thing. Only a changed heart can make the change. We need to work on the heart more than we do the mind. Our will is dependent on the influence of the mind and of the heart. What we believe with the mind is not the same as when we believe with the heart. We need to get the Word into our heart, our spirit. When the heart is convinced, even the impossible become possible. Learn to differentiate this: mind over matter is of the mind while faith is of the heart. The former can only go so far but the latter, all things are possible to them that believe.

A final note. God's Word warns: “The heart is deceitful above all things and is beyond cure. Who can understand it?I the Lord search the heart and examine the mind to reward each person according to their conduct, according to what their deeds deserve.” (Jer. 17:9-10).

You must be born again. This is a matter of heart, not just the mind.

Dumbo

Most of us grew up with Waltz Disney. One of my favorite cartoon movies is none other than Dumbo. Today, I saw a new remake of it. The narration has changed somewhat but fortunately, the story line remains more or less the same. Dumbo was a baby elephant birthed with unusually over sized ears. Nobody knew that the out- of-placed ears were indeed Dumbo's uniqueness and gift. Dumbo could fly! But elephants were not meant to fly and Dumbo never believed he could fly. Dumbo had a buddy, a mouse, who was convinced Dumbo was no ordinary elephant. He believed Dumbo's ears were designed to fly. In order to convince Dumbo, he handed Dumbo a “magic” feather. It was an ordinary feather but it did the trick. With this “magic” feather, Dumbo believed he could fly. And fly he did! Later in the movie, Dumbo discovered it was not the “magic” feather that gave him the ability to fly. Incredibly he was born with the ability to fly. He just needed some convincing to get started. After all who have ever heard elephant flies!

Well, we are all dumbos if I may say so. Many of us don't even recognize the uniqueness and the gift that's within us. We sell ourselves short and throw pity-parties now and then. We admire others while we loathe ourselves for who we are not, wishing we could be somebody else. If you are feeling like a dumbo today, perhaps you need a "magic" feather? Alas ... there's no such thing as magic feathers. BUT we do need convincing ... a little "mouse" telling us, "Here's this magic feather that can make you fly".

A “little mouse” and “magic feather” we DO have. God's still small voice is always encouraging us to believe, to trust, to hang in there. This still small voice of God has been our guide. As for “magic feather” we have the Word of God. When Jesus left for heaven (and He will return) He did not leave us without help. First of all, He gave us the Holy Spirit. Not just the Holy Spirit but also the WORD. We practically have everything we will ever need to live meaningful and victorious life here until Jesus come. We were made to soar like eagles. There's an eagle within us, YET I see so many going in all different directions looking, seeking and chasing after “magic feathers”. Basically, it's due to fear and greed and many succumbed to ministries and preachers. On this matter, my heart is grieved.

Isaiah 40:31

They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint".

God has given us all a measure of faith (Romans 12:3). Not will give but has already given. With this faith, we can move mountains (next week's article). Your life is not fated nor decided by God (Read my previous blog “Life's journey is like ...”). With God, you make your own destiny. God has given us the "ability". Don't go looking for a magic feather. Many preachers will tell you IF you use their "product" (magic feathers if I may say so), God will bless you. That is so not true. God bless us by His WORD. Jesus alone is the answer. In fact we are already blessed in everything when we have received the Holy Spirit. We just didn't think so, let alone believe so. If you are still looking for magic feather, then perhaps it's time once again to watch the movie Dumbo. The morale of the story is ... we are made to fly. If you want to watch Dumbo, go watch the original cartoon version.

To Testify or Not?

Born in the 50's, I had the privilege of living through the era of simplicity, of the introduction of black and white television until today; the internet age. Things have changed, not gradually but by a quantum leap (as prophesied in the Bible). One of the greatest evolvement of course, is the power of communication. Multimedia, social media have become objects of "worship". It has taken a life in itself and is demanding worship. Take a look around you and you'll see people worshipping this "god". Artificial Intelligence (AI) is  indeed the "beast', the god of this age (Rev. 13).

At the wedding in Cana where Jesus performed His first miracle, He made a thought provoking statement. By then many had seen His miracles and believed in His name, yet it was written: "Jesus, however, was wary of these believers. He understood people and didn’t need anyone to tell him about human nature. He knew what people were really like." (John 2:24-25). Social media has not only shaped our lives but has also brought out the very nature of us. If you look into social media, say Facebook, what do you see? Basically, self centeredness  - the very core of human nature. Craving for "likes", there's this constant postings of self ... what I ate, where I went, what I did, what I saw, the things that caught MY attention, etc. I am not saying FB is bad. I am saying it's not the tools but the hands that held the tools. And this brings me to my thoughts for today ... testimonies.

I am actually quite alarmed at the way Christians assimilate information via social media. Are we doing good or harm? Most testimonies are just per say. There's no way to verify the actual facts. It's just what one sees and understands. Just like prophecies, how do you know it's really from God? Just because some so called prophet prophesied over you? Or some dreams or notions that God spoke to you? More importantly, why is there a need to broadcast over social media? To glorify God? To help God? Here's my point today. Does God need your help to proclaim His glory? Does God need your help in defending His character and Name? Does God need you to fight His battles? Does God really need you? And does God crave for your "likes"?

Many of us take it upon ourselves to appoint ourselves as middle man between God and man. In so doing, I fear many have misrepresented God in so many ways. And may I add, especially preachers. We think God needs us. We think His Kingdom cannot do without us. We even broadcast ourselves as God's chosen man/woman. So what am I saying? Don't do anything for God or for His kingdom? Of course no. To serve God is our honour and privilege. But to reckon that God needs us, that He needs our testimonies, that is misleading. God has no need for anything. Only the imperfect have need(s). God is perfect and therefore has no need. How can we say God needs us? While we think we are doing God a favour in broadcasting our testimonies, or worst yet, broadcasting other people's testimonies, let's remember our own human nature. "He knew what people were really like". Now, let me say this. If God had healed you, delivered you, saved you, don't think it is for the purpose of broadcasting to the whole world. Just know that someone out there in the harvest fields within your circle of friends, your family, or some strangers you may meet who have the same struggles you had before God saved you, healed you and delivered you, go share your testimony with them personally. Tell them what God had done for you. "Go into all the world ..." is not about you broadcasting for "likes". It's about you personally going out there in the harvest fields, giving out faith, hope and love. Only God can save. Your testimony cannot save. We are now living in the age of Revelation 13. Careful now, which God you are serving. Is it truly God or is it the beast of Revelation 13?

N.B. Did Jesus go about giving testimonies of the healing and miracles He performed?

HOW MUCH AM I WORTH?

How much am I worth?

When I look at some of the things that's of value today, I am dumbfounded. A simple scribbled note on a piece of ordinary scrap paper is worth millions just because it is hand written by someone of importance and it changed the landscape of the world. I am thinking Elbert Einstein. An ordinary unwashed, smelly football jersey can be worth tens of thousands of dollars just because it was worn by some footballer who scored a gold of the decade and whose signature was on it. Anything that's ordinary will become extraordinary when you attach a value to it. BUT value is not value unless someone is willing to pay for it. It could be an ordinary handkerchief, or shoes, or anything. If someone is willing to pay big for it, that thing instantly become of value. If I put my signature on my shirt and sell it, I won't be able to get much IF I can even sell it. But the same shirt, IF I can get a world most famous and loved person to sign it, I can sell it for a whole lot of money cos someone out there will be willing to pay a lot for it! That's value. So here's my big question today. How valuable are we?

Matthew 10:29-32

Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will. ³⁰ But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. ³¹ Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.

The world may not value you much because you are not of a certain category. To the world, you may be like the common sparrows, not worth much. But should our value be dictated by the world's standard? I think not. In the eyes of God, what is common is of greater value than what the world reckon. Not one of the sparrows that falls escape the attention of God. Jesus said, "You are of more value than many sparrows". After all, He saw you, loved you and gave up everything He was and had, even His own life, just so He can "purchase" you as His own. I don't need the world to tell me how valuable I am. SOMEONE was willing to pay with His life to have you. You are worth much, much more than that football jersey or rare diamond.

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life."

You life is of heavenly value. There is no earthly value to it. You are worth the blood of Jesus. Don't sell yourself short and don't pawn yourself to the world. I just felt someone need to read this today. God bless.

TO PRAISE OR NOT TO PRAISE

Since last night I have been thinking about the influence of praise. I found myself asking this morning, "Does God praise people?". If He does, does it suggest we too should be praising people? We know praise is powerful. In the field of psychology, praise is necessary if not for self-esteem sake. In the work place, praise motivates employees to work harder. I guess when you, as an employee, is being praised for a job well done, you would be elated because your efforts have been appreciated. But let's not forget, to be appreciated and to be rewarded are two separate issues.

 I am sure there are books written on the power and necessity of praise. Maybe you have read one too. BUT I am still wondering about the influence of praise. I've just briefly mentioned the good side of it but what about the downside? To praise is to lend motivation, to empower . The more you are being praised, the more motivated you will be in pursuing that which you have been praised for. Take Robin Hood for example. He's a thief. He resort to violence and chaos. What he did was against the law of the land but the praise of the poor empowers him to pursue his life of crime. Robin Hood did not think what he did was wrong because he's being praised by the poor all the time. Robin believed what he did was in fact good and right because people praised him for what he did. Praise gave him the sense of justification. Praise assured him his actions were right and noble. It is because of praise Robin could not see the truth. And I wonder how many Robin Hoods there are in jail cells today.

I ran through some of the Scriptures today that supposedly indicate God praising man. What I see is not so much as praising but more so of affirming. For example, Genesis 7:1, "Then the Lord said to Noah, “Go into the ark, you and all your household, for I have seen that you are righteous before me in this generation."  Was God praising Noah or was He affirming the fact that that he was a righteous man? Now righteousness is not a result of man's doing. It's a position God reckon on that person. Because of Jesus, we are righteous in the sight of God. It was never because of our own works. Fact is, we have all sinned and come short of the glory of God. Righteousness is by God's act. It's called grace. We can strive to live a righteous life and God saw that in Noah. He wasn't praising him. He was affirming the fact that Noah was doing right by God which was his responsibility.

Praise is indeed powerful. Praise encourages. Praise empowers. Praise creates Robin Hoods. I don't know if you will be proud to be reckon a Robin Hood but I am quite certain Robin didn't make it to heaven. Hahahaha. Ya, he's a cool guy. He's awesome and skillful with the bow and arrow and helped the poor. But think about this. If poverty is finally eradicated by Robin and all the citizens are no longer poor but prosperous, do you think they will still want Robin to hang around? Here's my take for today ...

Before you praise someone, you need to understand the influence of praise. Man by nature is self-centered. They naturally seek the praise and approval of others. That's why Facebook works so well and is additive. People are craving for the "likes" and emojis. The more 'likes" the more postings. The posting are mainly centered on? Your guess is as good as mine. Careful now. Praise appeals mostly to the Pharisees ... "for they loved human praise more than praise from God." (John 12:43). Jesus affirmed that more than two thousand years ago. Today, It is a proven fact that human nature does not change. In fact, cannot change. That's why Jesus said mankind need to be "born again".

My point today? Instead of seeking the praise of man, seek rather the praise of God. If you do right, God will affirm your works. He will reward you accordingly. Lest you forget, you are s servant of God and He is your master. He must increase and we must decrease and that too for our sakes. Human love praise but cannot handle praise. It's more necessary to offer praise to God than to man. But let's acknowledge each other. Let' affirm each other's good works and let's all give all glory to God. I can't handle praise but God can. If you were to praise me today, I'll just return it to God and acknowledge God by saying, "God is indeed good". Amen! Lest praise consume you, take apostle Paul's advice. In everything we do, do is as to the glory of God. Have a good day.