Head or Tail

Used to play this little game when young. Flip a coin in the air. When it lands, head I win, tail I lose. This game of chance reminds us of the fact that time and chance happen to all (Ecc.9:11). That's why when we pray, we ask for divine intervention. If God grants us our request, then it's divine. If not, we have to take the chance in life but knowing fair well that God's got our backs.

A lot of us are content to be the tail, not the head as long as we still belong. It's like someone saying: “I don't care about rewards in heaven just as long as I get in”. Have you thought about migrating to another country with nothing but just the shirt on your back? I mean, no resource, no account, no house? Nothing. I know. Heaven is different. God's there and He has prepared a place for us. Perhaps you should read the book of Revelation at least once a year. There are rewards awaiting us in heaven based on what we do here on earth. There must be a use for it when we get there. Else why the rewards? I think I'd be much more assured IF I had all the basics in the other country that I want to migrate to. Just a thought.

Alright, back to where I am taking us this morning. Tail always follows the head. Tail don't decide where to go, what to do. The head does that. It's called leadership. It's job is to get you from here to there. Are you disgrunted in life today? Not happy where you are or what your portion has been thus far? You shouldn't be if you'd rather be the tail and not the head. Trust me. It's more fun being the head than the tail. More responsibility no doubt and more challenging but that's God's desire for His people. It's so easy to walk the path that someone else had walked on. But to create a path where there is none, that makes a whole lot of difference. Again, more responsibility is on the head, and more challenging is the work but to be able to walk with God and create a path others can walk on is not only meaningful but exhilarating. That's why we were created to work. Work is not just about sustenance. It's about creativity, about going “boldly to where no man has gone before”. Work provides you the opportunity to be the head. When a task need to be performed, there's more than one way to get it done. As the “head” thinks, new inventions are discovered. The possibilities are endless and it brings out the good and the potential you never thought you had. So yes. Work, but don't just work hard. Work smart. Promotion comes from the Lord (Psalm 75:6-7). How do you think the Jews become so smart? How do you think Einstein is so brilliant? How do you think mankind can be so smart? I see it as God's inspired wisdom.

If you are happy where you are then so be it. It's ok. The world still needs accountants, doctors, engineers, waiters, actors, dancers, grab drivers, etc. I fear to imagine a world without garbage disposers. As long as it is honest work, it's dignified. As long as it brings fulfillment into your life, it's ok. After all we are not immortal. Everything we made for ourselves, everything we achieve or accumulate, it will all be gone one day. We will come to an end. But praise God, there's still the universe God made that's yet to be uncovered. Life goes on after death. Jesus promised He is preparing a place for us. He said in His Father's house (universe) are many mansions (solar systems) [John 14:2]. And where He is there He will bring us. I am looking forward to life after death! But while we are still here, alive and kicking, why not strive to have a taste of what it's like to be the head? Why not turn your work, your passion, into a career? If you are a chef, be a great one. People who like your foods will follow you. But instead of just working for someone your whole life, why not turn your passion, your work into a career, a business? Better yet, turn it into a ministry!

When God told Abram to leave his city (human's first civilization) and head into the unknown, there were no sign boards to tell him which way to go. There were no paths to follow. He was to be the path-maker, the trail-blazer. He followed his heart and he followed His God. Abraham became the father of many nations. And God's name today is still the God of Abraham. God challenged His people in Deuteronomy 28 to be the head and not the tail. I believe we are serving the same God still. So, go ahead. Be the head not the tail. Live that blessed life that God has in store for you. But read first Deuteronomy 28. Blessings.

The gift of the human will

"Why did God planted the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil in the Garden of Eden?" This question popped up during lesson time with the Whamers. Genesis chapter three is a very interesting chapter to study. So why? For the same reason God planted the Tree of Life in Eden; a visual reminder to Adam and Eve of the power of the human will.

We are created by God with a will. This is that which separates us from animals. Although animals may behave like they have a will, they are merely responding to instincts and conditioning. To have a human will is to have the moral consciousness and ability to choose, and especially so between good and evil. The Tree of Life was there visually to remind Adam and Eve to choose life over death. The Tree of knowledge of Good and Evil was to remind them of the presence of evil that exist prior to their creation and that they must choose God over the devil. It was never planted to tempt them for God cannot tempt. Think of the tree like traffic lights. These were not installed to criminalize road users but to remind them to choose to obey the law over lawlessness. It's a necessary “evil”.

Another question popped up. "Why did God made man with a will?. Wouldn't it be better if mankind doesn't have the ability to choose and just simply obey God?". I had to explain that it would not be possible for mankind to not have a will because we were made in the image of God. Having a will, the ability to choose, is the pinnacle of God's creative power. But of course with great power comes great responsibility too. Spider man understood that but we don't need super powers to understand this. We know it takes great responsibility to exercise our will cos every decision we make, there's the consequence that follows.

Consequence is like the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. When you eat, you pay. In the case of Adam and Eve, they paid with their lives. Death. So why then did God made us with the ability to choose? To cause us to fall? What is there for God to gain if we fall? Death is not a reward. It's a consequence. God is about LIFE. He created all things good for life's sake. He wants us to enjoy His creation, His blessings. Everything that was made was made for our pleasure. All we need to do is to exercise our will correctly whenever we encounter “traffic lights”. When it's green, have a safe drive. When it turns yellow, slow down. And when it's red, choose to stop! And walla ... not only will you be safe, you will arrive at your destination safely. But if you choose to exercise your will incorrectly and speed up at yellow and dash across at red, that one moment may change your life forever! Adam and Eve found out the hard way.

Having a will, the ability to choose is a beautiful thing. God gave us a will so we can enjoy His blessings and beauty of creation. Everything God made was made for life, for beauty. All we need to do is to exercise our will correctly and choose life over death; choose God over the devil. A lot of times we struggle like Eve in the Garden of Eden. But let's not forget about the Tree of Life! So let's be reminded today that the power to live a blessed or a cursed life is entirely on us. Just as God did everything for Adam and Eve back then, God too have done so for us through His Son Jesus Christ. It's up to us now what we do with our lives. Take time to read Deuteronomy 28. God laid down His love and intention in the list of blessings and curses. What's your will on this? 

“But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD." (Joshua 24:15)

Peace Jerusalem

"Pray for peace in Jerusalem. May all who love this city prosper" (Psalm 122:6).

I wonder how many of us every gave a thought for Jerusalem, let alone pray for peace in Jerusalem. There is a promise of prosperity for those who love the city of Jerusalem but it's not for blessings sake that I pray for Jerusalem's peace almost on a daily basis. I pray because I love God who love Israel and who had established Jerusalem as His holy city. I pray because of the plight of God's people and for the reconciliation of God and His beloved. I pray because God said to pray for peace in Jerusalem. But what do we understand by "peace in Jerusalem"? Is it for Jerusalem to return to its former glory? For the restoration of the holy Temple? For living at peace with its neighbors? While you may speculate or formulate your preferences, reading the entire chapter of Psalms 122 will help you understand the truth about peace in Jerusalem.

Jerusalem is at peace when God's people are walking right and in obedience to God. Jerusalem is at peace when God's people have not abandoned their God and serve idols. Jerusalem is at peace when God's people bring sacrifices of praise before the Jehovah of Jerusalem.

In other words, peace in Jerusalem is not about the temple restoration or when Israel occupies Jerusalem or when her armies are strong and mighty. Jerusalem is at peace when God's people are at peace with God. Is Jerusalem today at peace? Israel had gone through four wars since the British left in 1948. Today Israel is still standing tall and strong amidst its warring neighbors. But is Israel at peace? Far be it! Jerusalem will never be at peace when more than ninety percent of Israel's population are godless. To pray for peace in Jerusalem is to pray for Israel's repentance. In prophecy, God will turn away the ungodliness of Israel when the numbers of the Gentiles are accounted for (Rom. 11:26)

Let's pray for the peace of Jerusalem. Only when Israel return to God will Jerusalem experience peace. Looking at the history of Israel, we can see a pattern. In sequence, there's the blessings, the disobedience, the judgement, the repentance and then the restoration. When more than ninety percent of its people have turned away from God, we need to pray for the peace of Jerusalem. Why? Why not?

Shalom  

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.