clay

I asked: "What do you do since you've much free time now?"

X: "Doing this, that....

I: "Wah...so many things. Were you doing all this from young?"

X: "No....that's why now trying to make up for the lost."

I: "What lost?"

X: "One day we'll all face God's judgement, for what we've done and not done." "So now need to make up for the lost time."

I: Oh....

At first, I was impressed for all the tasks this person undertaking. All in the name of  ministry; serving the Lord.

Later that i found, the motivation under it........

Lord, keep my heart pure.

Always...because love's sake.

Not for any other things.

Be it for gain, or fear of losing.

clay

But Jesus did not trust Himself to them, because He knew all [men];And He did not need anyone to bear witness concerning man [needed no evidence from anyone about men], for He Himself knew what was in human nature. [He could read men's hearts.] [I Sam. 16:7.] ~ John 2:24-25 (Amplified)

What a wonderful truth. For often in the world, there're many praises that men can give without giving of the heart. As what happened to me this morning. After two weeks of hard work to get everything done, the transition went smoothly as possible, and less pain for anyone....one person gave a praise, then others follow...then the boss gave his praise...

And the above words came to me...

Remind me not to be blinded with human's praise

For what comes out of the mouth, may not be from the heart...

As Prov also reminds us...."be careful when eating dinner of a calculative man"

So, guard my heart Lord.

Not to go after human's praise.

Nor to be blinded by it.

But always fix my eyes heavenwards.

That from you the final praise I'll receive.

When on earth many things go unnoticed and unappraised for. 

Still be my vision, Thou ruler of all.

clay

Two/Three nites ago I had a peacefully scarry dream. I saw group of devils. But they don't look scarry at all. They look perfectly like any other human beings. And they're doing exactly what human is doing. They talk, discussing, and reading newspaper & magazines. The only thing different, their topic and goal, is to attack God's people & His body. Whatever the discussion or news...all around that topic. Which part of the body, whom to attack, etc... And i was quite fearful to peek at their newspaper...to see whether anyone's name i know, or any groups being targeted with red circle or in bold....

How does it feel, knowing you're target of the devil? Not for good, but for evil & the downfall?

And this what I found...that Peter, James, and Paul...agreed fully on this subject. That's to defend ourselves, not being frontal and offensive manner in battling against the devil & his works. Paul repeatedly saying the same message:  "Stand firm", and out of 6/7 whole armor of God, only 1 is offensive by nature, while the rest are protective & defensive. Peter likewise, urged the people to "Beware for the devil like roaring lion looking for someone to prey". And James put it "Resist the devil and he'll flee". 

Similarly we can see from the Genesis account, that just after creation, the devil first action to tempt Eve, led to downfall of mankind. And even before Jesus began his ministry, the devil already came in first, to tempt him (recorded for us in the gospels).

The scarry thing of the dream, is that everything looks good & normal. While underneath is the devil working out his schemes & ways. Who knows the activities and busyness that we're engaging is of the devil and not of God? It's right than to listen what Luther / Calvin said on this subject ... prayer that we need, for our battles against the evil one. As surely as what Paul, Peter, James has taught long before. (see Eph, James, 1 Pet)

clay

We are what we believe in.

4 men in their early fifties. One died, one was dying, one retiring, one still hotly pursuing his work.

With one similar message.

Life is simple. It doesn't have to be grand to be truly alive.

Live it simple. Don't try to be great, just be normal.

Life is simple. Don't try to do great, just do what is good.

Leave it simple. Don't invent complicated explanations, simply live it.

A simple faith ... take God at His Word.

A simple life ... it will lead to.

Just a simple man.

clay

As the incident mentioned in my previous entry, so i was seeking for God's answer. And interestingly, i found out similar situation in the gospel of John. That's when Jesus' disciples locked the door of the house. Without John had to tell the reason, I knew, there's only 1 reason for people to lock the door. Exactly the way John puts it, because of FEAR. And in that context & situation, that Jesus spoke His comforting & assuring word, "Shalom / Assalamwalaikum / peace be with you".

As i searched the meaning of that word, the more I learn...it's not just a greeting or courtesy. It's a blessing, and a prayer if you like....for God's peace to overrule the recipient in heart, mind, and body (spiritual, mental, & physical). That the peace of God fills the person completely. Not merely feeling, or mental rest. But all be put at peace.

SO, this is the first step

clay

Two Wednesdays ago, something happened that changes our lives to some degree. First time in my life to find myself at lost, my mind just went blank...For early in morning, when i wanted to went for a jog, there i found out that someone tried to enter our house the night before!

The front gate was already unlocked (10% chance that i could have forgotten to lock it), and the door latch was pulled out. The only thing protected us from the house being entered was something down that hold the door. If that thing was not there ... i dare not imagine what would have happened.

Though we've changed the lock, put on extra lock, making sure everything completely locked....yet something has changed. That i found myself more alert now to sound at the door, or even any shadow / movements...that i could wake up just by some soft sounds.

The deeper question that i'm asking myself....what does it mean to have God as my security? In terms of safety & protection from physical harm? There are many parts of the Bible speaks about God's protection over His people. Yet at the same time, there're also many parts where His people are allowed to go through those physical sufferings.

At one sense, i'm still feeling less secure. At the same time, i'm glad to face this issue. That i might know the meaning of God who protects. For certainly, He doesn't only provides, but also does protects. To put our trust in Him, means to put our security in Him, be it financial or physical.

As clay, i pray, "Lord mold me."

clay

A post that was delayed for few days, because work suddenly became almost double.

Shared with pen few days ago. Very glad that she shared the same conviction on this. Indeed was very happy that we could share this together. That i won't and shouldn't ask for a pay rise, instead should commit this to the Lord and wait what the Lord has in store.

I still believe that God rewards our work, and when we ask from men, we'll get from men. And if we ask from God, we'll get it from God. As my conviction presently, I'm working not to make a living, because it's the Lord who provides and gives us for our living. So work could be freely as service to the Lord, for the Lord, and not for men. Hence, the Lord himself whom I serve, would repay each one according to their works.

Secondly, it will cripple my own conscious as i could no longer speak up my mind if my request for pay rise should be granted. For then, i would serve men and not God. As for now, I could freely speak up my mind, as what i think is right. For i don't work for money or even a living. May then my service in this area for the good of the company, and the people who're working there. That we're free men & women, not slaves of money.

It's certainly a very hot topic

From young I was told. When I grew up, I understand it better. After i taste it, now I know. It's one area which I seriously pray & fight, for it's one area which we need to have victory & clean sheet if the gospel is to be taken seriously and our lives would count. 

Just want to thank bro EH for his life testimony

clay

After all the years and journeys.

And this is my 3rd working place.

I find blogging still part of my living & being. For 1/3 my life is lived in front of computer still .

Just pen down the quiet trust the Lord put in my heart.

As I began this year to abide in Him.

So the first day of work, already chaotic with many things happened.

Remembered last nite went home...feeling so helpless.

This morning work increased...more problems came.

Somehow the Lord's peace just dawned upon me.

That I know this is the path He's leading me.

It's interesting that in Greek, the word 'hodos' that means 'way' or 'road', also means 'journey'. 

clay

I was pondering this morning. New year does bring new hopes. Hopes for better things. To do better and to get better...even to be better person However, second thought came to me...as hope is uncertain. Or it's unguaranteed. In fact, the popularity of fortune tellings & predictions every new year, exactly because people want to know. Yet sadly the truth is nobody knows. So...what a poor life to rely on uncertain things, being hopeful for better year...when nothing guarantees that. And when the year didn't turn out to be what we're hoping for, we're so quick to sweep it under carpet with some reasonings and again hope for better year. A vicioius cycle of false hopes.

There must be something better then. Something which holds true and firm. Something that remains. That regardless of the situations, be it for better for worse, it will remain. That when we set our hope for it, it will not disappoint us, because it's certain.

The words of prophet Habakuk often comes to me during this period. That eventhough crops do not yield, or cattle do not produce, or even when everything goes wrong...he will rejoice in the Lord. He will take joy in God his salvation. That words to me speak of a true hope. Hope in something certain. Hope beyond the changing and shaky situations. Hope that even when everything goes wrong, something remains and stands firm...securing us to the ground.

That has to be on something that's certain, unchanging, timeless. That has to be God himself. Who's unchanging & loves & cares for us. God's love doesn't depend on our performance, or our status, or even our behaviors. It's love regardless. That we can always come back to him, and standing tall, because He calls us....sons & daughters.

So then, this year, i found this acronym to be useful. AIM stands for Abide In Me (the invitation that Jesus sent). That i'll set my eyes to abide in Jesus. Finding my life & security in Him alone. Regardless what 2010 may turn up or bring about..i will abide in Jesus.