"Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Messiah. For the accuser of our brothers and sisters, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been hurled down." Rev 12:10 (NIV)
That is one of the titles of the devil (slanderer) - the accuser of our brothers and sisters. He does this in the presence of God, just like what happened to Job. In fact, Satan (adversary) accuses God of blessing Job and putting a hedge of protection around him and his household (Job 1:10). He couldn't see the uprightness and blameless ways of Job and is always finding a reason to fault his good behavior and attitude (Job 2:4-5). The friends of Job, who came to comfort him, were used by the devil to bring an accusation of sin against him. Likewise, his wife told Job to curse God and die (Job 2:9). The devil's scheme is to steal, kill and destroy (Jn 10:10).
The devil brings condemnation of sin to mankind whereas Christ brings forgiveness of sin. The woman caught in adultery (in John 8) was brought to Jesus by the religious leaders, demanding that she be stoned for her sin. This was a two-pronged attack by the scribes and Pharisees, not just to accuse the woman but Jesus as well (Jn 8:6). If Jesus agreed that she should be stoned, then He would be seen to lack compassion and mercy. If He does not agree, then He would be seen to be breaking the Law of Moses. Either response would elicit an accusatory attack from the enemy of our souls. When we are down and out, feeling condemned and helpless (like the woman), know that it's the work of the devil to destroy us. But thankfully, Christ in His wisdom responded to silence the enemy and to set the captive free (Jn 8:7,10-11).
When we are on the receiving end, being condemned by the devil, we need to appropriate the blood of Jesus for our cleansing and healing. The Bible tells us that there is now no condemnation for Christians who walk according to the Spirit and not the flesh (Rom 8:1-4). However, if we wilfully sin against God and walk perpetually according to our carnal nature, then we can expect only judgment from God and not His mercy (Heb 10:26-27). Christ told the woman caught in adultery, "Go and sin no more."
The converse is that we may be used by the devil to be his instrument of condemnation - just like the religious leaders, Job's friends and the elder brother of the prodigal son. When we hurl hurtful and critical remarks at people with the intention of putting them down, then know that we are being pawns in the hands of the adversary. You can sense a judgmental spirit within when you feel convicted (by the Spirit) of a wrong being done. There is a proper place for constructive criticism without tearing a person apart. We can point out areas of improvement without being judgmental, and at the same time, point them the way to growth and development. The Holy Spirit brings conviction (not condemnation) of sin to mankind in order that we may repent and be saved (Jn 16:8).
There will come a time when the devil would be hurled down to earth and would no longer accuse us before God. Instead, he would wage war with mankind and attempt to destroy them physically on earth. In the meantime, he uses his primary weapon of deception and accusation to cause mankind to turn away from God out of their own volition.
May we all be set free from condemnation of sin and not allow the devil to use us as his pawns.
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Friday, January 20, 2012
Parenting
I was re-reading the book on The 77 Irrefutable Truths of Parenting recently by Dr Larry Keefauver. The first truth was on the top 10 T's of training. Let me share them with you:
1. Taking notice: children's clothes, hair style, words, behaviours, non-verbal communication, friends, change in habits, etc. As our children grow especially into the teenage years, their tastes for clothes would change, often times influenced by their peers or what they see over the media. We may not be able to buy clothes for them anymore because of their particular taste. They would also begin to be more self-conscious about their looks and physique. My younger daughter has recently gone to the dentist to fix braces on her teeth to correct an overbite. They are also spending more time with their peers in school (due to projects and activities) and communicating with them over social media/sms. We can also look into their postings on social media, if they are shared with us. Observation of any negative language, behaviour or attitude is a signal for parents to have a heart-to-heart talk with their children. Many times, there is a need to lift them up in prayer.
2. Talking (which includes listening): about feelings, thoughts, opinions, joys, hurts, finances, sexuality, etc. The line of communication should always remain open so that they can approach us anytime. Family time should provide an avenue for children to share their thoughts and experiences. Praying together as a family also allows us to listen to their prayer conversation - their desires from God. We have made it a habit to pray together in the car on a regular basis.
3. Truth: tell your kids the truth about God, morality, yourself and the world at large. Reading the word of God together as a family and discussing issues of life are an important part of Christian education. It's important to find time for family devotion when the children are young; otherwise, when they are much older, they would be involved in a lot of school activities and projects. We can also talk with our children during car rides when sending them to school or back home.
4. Trust: trust your children and be consistent so that they would learn to trust from your role-modelling. If we have laid the right foundation when they are young, our children would grow up in the ways of God. We have to learn to trust them and entrust them in God's safe-keeping. Give children the benefit of the doubt unless we have real reasons to suspect them.
5. Togetherness: let your children know that you are with them and not against them. No matter what happens, our children are still our flesh and blood, and we have to encourage, support and stand by them. When they fail in a test or commit an infraction, instead of railing against them, we need to understand the reasons behind their failure or misdeed, and counsel them accordingly. They have to learn to pay the price for a misdeed.
6. Touch: children need appropriate physical touch such as hugs, kisses, squeezes, hand over the shoulder. Something we need to do often to affirm our love for them, especially those whose language of love is physical touch. I am learning how to speak this language of love to my children.
7. Thanksgiving: tell your children how thankful you're for them. This is to affirm their value and worth in the family, no matter how mischievous or playful they may be. Some of them may be handicapped or born with a certain medical condition. God has given them to us for a season for our enjoyment and growth. We should cherish them while they are still with us.
8. Time: your presence cannot be replaced by things or other people. Children would appreciate the time we take to attend their school concerts/activities as well as the time spent with them in games, movies, shopping, vacation trips, etc. Being a driver to our children by sending them for enrichment classes/courses or to school are also times where we can spend conversing with our children.
9. Teaching: you are your children's primary teacher, not the school, church, tutor, maid, etc. Impartation of spiritual values (respect, integrity, goodness, etc) and wisdom (how to respond correctly) as well as the knowledge of this world. It's important to teach our children how to fish rather than fish for them.
10. Trinity: a child's first picture of God is painted by a parent. A parent who terrorizes or ill-treats a child would not be a good role-model of God the Father. "Just as a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him." Ps 103:13 (NASB)
1. Taking notice: children's clothes, hair style, words, behaviours, non-verbal communication, friends, change in habits, etc. As our children grow especially into the teenage years, their tastes for clothes would change, often times influenced by their peers or what they see over the media. We may not be able to buy clothes for them anymore because of their particular taste. They would also begin to be more self-conscious about their looks and physique. My younger daughter has recently gone to the dentist to fix braces on her teeth to correct an overbite. They are also spending more time with their peers in school (due to projects and activities) and communicating with them over social media/sms. We can also look into their postings on social media, if they are shared with us. Observation of any negative language, behaviour or attitude is a signal for parents to have a heart-to-heart talk with their children. Many times, there is a need to lift them up in prayer.
2. Talking (which includes listening): about feelings, thoughts, opinions, joys, hurts, finances, sexuality, etc. The line of communication should always remain open so that they can approach us anytime. Family time should provide an avenue for children to share their thoughts and experiences. Praying together as a family also allows us to listen to their prayer conversation - their desires from God. We have made it a habit to pray together in the car on a regular basis.
3. Truth: tell your kids the truth about God, morality, yourself and the world at large. Reading the word of God together as a family and discussing issues of life are an important part of Christian education. It's important to find time for family devotion when the children are young; otherwise, when they are much older, they would be involved in a lot of school activities and projects. We can also talk with our children during car rides when sending them to school or back home.
4. Trust: trust your children and be consistent so that they would learn to trust from your role-modelling. If we have laid the right foundation when they are young, our children would grow up in the ways of God. We have to learn to trust them and entrust them in God's safe-keeping. Give children the benefit of the doubt unless we have real reasons to suspect them.
5. Togetherness: let your children know that you are with them and not against them. No matter what happens, our children are still our flesh and blood, and we have to encourage, support and stand by them. When they fail in a test or commit an infraction, instead of railing against them, we need to understand the reasons behind their failure or misdeed, and counsel them accordingly. They have to learn to pay the price for a misdeed.
6. Touch: children need appropriate physical touch such as hugs, kisses, squeezes, hand over the shoulder. Something we need to do often to affirm our love for them, especially those whose language of love is physical touch. I am learning how to speak this language of love to my children.
7. Thanksgiving: tell your children how thankful you're for them. This is to affirm their value and worth in the family, no matter how mischievous or playful they may be. Some of them may be handicapped or born with a certain medical condition. God has given them to us for a season for our enjoyment and growth. We should cherish them while they are still with us.
8. Time: your presence cannot be replaced by things or other people. Children would appreciate the time we take to attend their school concerts/activities as well as the time spent with them in games, movies, shopping, vacation trips, etc. Being a driver to our children by sending them for enrichment classes/courses or to school are also times where we can spend conversing with our children.
9. Teaching: you are your children's primary teacher, not the school, church, tutor, maid, etc. Impartation of spiritual values (respect, integrity, goodness, etc) and wisdom (how to respond correctly) as well as the knowledge of this world. It's important to teach our children how to fish rather than fish for them.
10. Trinity: a child's first picture of God is painted by a parent. A parent who terrorizes or ill-treats a child would not be a good role-model of God the Father. "Just as a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him." Ps 103:13 (NASB)
Sunday, January 8, 2012
The Race of Life
It has been said that life is not a sprint but a marathon. This means that we need to train for this endurance race. Every race has an objective; the athlete trains and exercises self-control for the purpose of winning a prize (1 Cor 9:24-25). The race of life speaks about how well we live our lives here on earth before departing. We can live a life that is either fulfilled or unfulfilled. We can life for God and others or we can live for our own selfish ends.
In Heb 12:1-2, the writer exhorts us to do three things as we prepare to run the race of life. Firstly, we have to get rid of every encumberance or weight that would slow us down. Marathoners don't wear heavy clothings (maybe for those who are running for fun); they wear light in order to be effective in traveling far and fast. The analogy here is that sin in our lives will detract us from completing the race of life God has set before us. Sin here does not just include transgressions against God but also those things which are not necessary infraction against God's laws. It could be devoting an inordinate amount of time to a particular hobby or sport at the expense of cultivating intimacy with God or accomplishing what He has called us to do. God would reveal it to us if we do take the time to be quiet in His presence. The anti-dote for sin is to confess our sins (1 Jn 1:9) and to do an about turn (repentance). Only then can we be moving on the right track again.
Secondly, we are exhorted to run the race. We will never complete the race if we stand still, even though we may feel very comfortable. It's precisely when we start running we would be faced with all kinds of obstacles along the way. Our bodies start to ache and all other vital organs signal to us to stop running. When we are serious with God, we can expect the devil to attack us from all fronts to make us stop. On the other hand, if we're very comfortable with the world, he will leave us alone knowing that we pose no threat to him. The apostle Paul ran the race of life suffering hardships and great persecution from the Jews & Gentiles because they were unhappy about him preaching and teaching about Christ (2 Cor 11:23-28). However, towards the end of his life, Paul was able to declare confidently, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." (2 Tim 4:7 NIV).
Thirdly, we are asked to fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. Jesus Himself completed the race of life when He was on earth. He endured the cross and laid down His life willingness for you and I. He is now at the right hand of God the Father, praying and interceding for all of us who draw nigh to Him (Heb 7:25). When we begin to lose sight of our goal and focus in life, we can backslide and not reach our destination, like Peter who looked at the wind and started to sink (Mt 14:30). We draw strength and courage to persevere on when we constantly look to Jesus. The writer to Hebrews also tells us that there's a great cloud of witnesses (the heroes of faith) surrounding and cheering us on. There is great power in encouragement; be an encourager yourself to someone who is down.
Paul talked about discipling his body in order to win and not be disqualified (1 Cor 9:26-27). The key to fullfiling any godly goals you have for 2012 is discipline. Without discipline, a lot of resolutions would merely stay at the desire level. With discipline and God's strength, many of the goals can be turned into great delight. Make it your goal this year to spend time to build up your relationship with God. This comes with a great promise: "Delight yourself in the LORD; and He will give you the desires of your heart." (Ps 37:4 NASB). Wow! Isn't that amazing!
In Heb 12:1-2, the writer exhorts us to do three things as we prepare to run the race of life. Firstly, we have to get rid of every encumberance or weight that would slow us down. Marathoners don't wear heavy clothings (maybe for those who are running for fun); they wear light in order to be effective in traveling far and fast. The analogy here is that sin in our lives will detract us from completing the race of life God has set before us. Sin here does not just include transgressions against God but also those things which are not necessary infraction against God's laws. It could be devoting an inordinate amount of time to a particular hobby or sport at the expense of cultivating intimacy with God or accomplishing what He has called us to do. God would reveal it to us if we do take the time to be quiet in His presence. The anti-dote for sin is to confess our sins (1 Jn 1:9) and to do an about turn (repentance). Only then can we be moving on the right track again.
Secondly, we are exhorted to run the race. We will never complete the race if we stand still, even though we may feel very comfortable. It's precisely when we start running we would be faced with all kinds of obstacles along the way. Our bodies start to ache and all other vital organs signal to us to stop running. When we are serious with God, we can expect the devil to attack us from all fronts to make us stop. On the other hand, if we're very comfortable with the world, he will leave us alone knowing that we pose no threat to him. The apostle Paul ran the race of life suffering hardships and great persecution from the Jews & Gentiles because they were unhappy about him preaching and teaching about Christ (2 Cor 11:23-28). However, towards the end of his life, Paul was able to declare confidently, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." (2 Tim 4:7 NIV).
Thirdly, we are asked to fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. Jesus Himself completed the race of life when He was on earth. He endured the cross and laid down His life willingness for you and I. He is now at the right hand of God the Father, praying and interceding for all of us who draw nigh to Him (Heb 7:25). When we begin to lose sight of our goal and focus in life, we can backslide and not reach our destination, like Peter who looked at the wind and started to sink (Mt 14:30). We draw strength and courage to persevere on when we constantly look to Jesus. The writer to Hebrews also tells us that there's a great cloud of witnesses (the heroes of faith) surrounding and cheering us on. There is great power in encouragement; be an encourager yourself to someone who is down.
Paul talked about discipling his body in order to win and not be disqualified (1 Cor 9:26-27). The key to fullfiling any godly goals you have for 2012 is discipline. Without discipline, a lot of resolutions would merely stay at the desire level. With discipline and God's strength, many of the goals can be turned into great delight. Make it your goal this year to spend time to build up your relationship with God. This comes with a great promise: "Delight yourself in the LORD; and He will give you the desires of your heart." (Ps 37:4 NASB). Wow! Isn't that amazing!
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Be strong in the Lord
The 2012 theme verse for our church is taken from Eph 6:10, "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power." It begs the question, "What does it mean to be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power?" For an answer, we need to read the verse in context from v10 to v18:
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.
To be strong in the Lord is to be battle ready, not a physical one but a spiritual one. I remember sharing on the armour of God in the 2006 church camp. Let me reproduce it here with some modifications:
We have to recognise that our battle is not with humans but demonic powers. Hence the need to be strong in the spirit using the weapons that God has provided. We have to rely on the armour God gives and put them on. Paul may have drawn his picture "live" from the soldier he was chained to in his house arrest, though it is not altogether certain that such a soldier would have been in full battle dress.
Belt of truth – holds up the entire bodily armour together; it kept the armor in place and supported the sword. So truth holds the Christian armor and supports the sword of the Spirit; allowing the truth of God’s word to saturate our lives and not being swayed every wind of doctrine that comes our way; without the belt we’ll be exposed as a hypocrite or a charlatan in the kingdom. The belt of truth holds together our integrity as a believer in the Lord and being prepared for action any time.
Breastplate of righteousness – protect the heart; walking in holiness and right relationships ie. not giving offence and not taking any offence; many times accusations from the evil one comes to bring condemnation and guilt. On such occasions, claim the righteousness of God imputed upon us through the blood of Jesus Christ. “If we confess our sins …cleanses us from all unrighteousness.” 1 Jn 1:9
Gospel shoes – protects our feet; it consisted of a sole with studs and straps to tie around the ankle. The use of them was not only to enable the soldier to stand his ground but also to defend the feet against the gall-traps, and sharp sticks, which were laid secretly in the way to obstruct a soldier’s progress. Those who fell upon them will be unfit to march. What is your direction in life? It is a readiness to declare God’s message of peace (in season and out of season) to a dying world and to discouraged soldiers of the cross.
Helmet of salvation – protect the mind; assurance of God’s redemption in Christ Jesus through repentance and confession of sin; our mind is a great battlefield – it needs to be anchored on the hope of our salvation – Jesus Christ. Attacks on the mind are numerous – fears, evil thoughts, negative thoughts, doubts, unbelief, etc.
Shield of faith – protects us from the fiery darts of the enemy; It consisted of two layers of wood glued together, covered with linen and hide, and bound with iron. Darts were missiles hurled by the hand, and very dangerous unless stopped by the shield; darts of disease, discouragement, deception (false prophecies) and division will invariable be hurled at us. Each time they come, we have to lift up the shield (exercise faith). “ … each has been given a measure of faith..” Rom 12:3
Sword of the Spirit –short two-edged cut-and-thrust sword wielded by the heavily armed legionary; allowing the Holy Spirit to speak rhema word into our lives to keep us going and speaking God’s rhema into the lives of others through confessing the word by preaching, teaching and prophecy. “It is written …” Mt 4
“Spear” – prayerful attitude at all times for all the saints; throwing a spear at the enemy who tries to kill another soldier. “Up to now, have you not asked for anything in My name …” Jn 16:24 Though Paul did not use the imagery of a spear, I am imagining that this could be a pertinent weapon for use in protection ourselves and others. Indeed, prayer is such a wonderful weapon God has given to all His children. Don't neglect to use it!
Check yourself - are you missing any part of the armour? Note that 3 pieces of the armour are always put on at all times: the belt, breastplate and shoes. When the war cry is sounded, the soldier quickly takes the helmet, shield and sword, and moves into battle formation. We don't have to be afraid because Jesus, our commander in chief, leads in this army. May the Lord strengthen you through the challenges ahead and make you more than a conqueror in 2012.
Shalom.
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.
To be strong in the Lord is to be battle ready, not a physical one but a spiritual one. I remember sharing on the armour of God in the 2006 church camp. Let me reproduce it here with some modifications:
We have to recognise that our battle is not with humans but demonic powers. Hence the need to be strong in the spirit using the weapons that God has provided. We have to rely on the armour God gives and put them on. Paul may have drawn his picture "live" from the soldier he was chained to in his house arrest, though it is not altogether certain that such a soldier would have been in full battle dress.
Belt of truth – holds up the entire bodily armour together; it kept the armor in place and supported the sword. So truth holds the Christian armor and supports the sword of the Spirit; allowing the truth of God’s word to saturate our lives and not being swayed every wind of doctrine that comes our way; without the belt we’ll be exposed as a hypocrite or a charlatan in the kingdom. The belt of truth holds together our integrity as a believer in the Lord and being prepared for action any time.
Breastplate of righteousness – protect the heart; walking in holiness and right relationships ie. not giving offence and not taking any offence; many times accusations from the evil one comes to bring condemnation and guilt. On such occasions, claim the righteousness of God imputed upon us through the blood of Jesus Christ. “If we confess our sins …cleanses us from all unrighteousness.” 1 Jn 1:9
Gospel shoes – protects our feet; it consisted of a sole with studs and straps to tie around the ankle. The use of them was not only to enable the soldier to stand his ground but also to defend the feet against the gall-traps, and sharp sticks, which were laid secretly in the way to obstruct a soldier’s progress. Those who fell upon them will be unfit to march. What is your direction in life? It is a readiness to declare God’s message of peace (in season and out of season) to a dying world and to discouraged soldiers of the cross.
Helmet of salvation – protect the mind; assurance of God’s redemption in Christ Jesus through repentance and confession of sin; our mind is a great battlefield – it needs to be anchored on the hope of our salvation – Jesus Christ. Attacks on the mind are numerous – fears, evil thoughts, negative thoughts, doubts, unbelief, etc.
Shield of faith – protects us from the fiery darts of the enemy; It consisted of two layers of wood glued together, covered with linen and hide, and bound with iron. Darts were missiles hurled by the hand, and very dangerous unless stopped by the shield; darts of disease, discouragement, deception (false prophecies) and division will invariable be hurled at us. Each time they come, we have to lift up the shield (exercise faith). “ … each has been given a measure of faith..” Rom 12:3
Sword of the Spirit –short two-edged cut-and-thrust sword wielded by the heavily armed legionary; allowing the Holy Spirit to speak rhema word into our lives to keep us going and speaking God’s rhema into the lives of others through confessing the word by preaching, teaching and prophecy. “It is written …” Mt 4
“Spear” – prayerful attitude at all times for all the saints; throwing a spear at the enemy who tries to kill another soldier. “Up to now, have you not asked for anything in My name …” Jn 16:24 Though Paul did not use the imagery of a spear, I am imagining that this could be a pertinent weapon for use in protection ourselves and others. Indeed, prayer is such a wonderful weapon God has given to all His children. Don't neglect to use it!
Check yourself - are you missing any part of the armour? Note that 3 pieces of the armour are always put on at all times: the belt, breastplate and shoes. When the war cry is sounded, the soldier quickly takes the helmet, shield and sword, and moves into battle formation. We don't have to be afraid because Jesus, our commander in chief, leads in this army. May the Lord strengthen you through the challenges ahead and make you more than a conqueror in 2012.
Shalom.
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