We often hear complaints that the weather is getting hotter and humid nowadays. This is all due to global warming and each of us has a part to play; either contributing to its worsening effect or helping to alleviate it. Global warming has to do with the general increase in the average temperature arounnd the world. It has been said that the increase is between 0.3 to 0.8 degree Celsius over the last 100 years. And many experts are predicting a 4 degree rise in average temperature over the next 100 years. Human activities like burning coal, oil and gas have added carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Cattle and rice fields also produce large amounts of methane gas. Carbon dioxide and methane, among others, are known as greenhouse gases which trap the sun's warmth. In the past, this natural greenhouse effect has kept the earth comfortably warm. However, it is now becoming too hot for comfort.
One of the effects of global warming is stormier weather patterns due to more energy being trapped inside the atmosphere. Another possible effect is the melting of the polar ice caps which may result in the flooding of low-lying countries. Many countries have agreed to try and reduce global warming by limiting their carbon footprint, starting with the 1997 Kyoto Protocol and working towards a new framework. Let us play our part in conserving our natural heritage by reducing, reusing and recycling, and endeavour to use appliances with green ticks or labels. Life on earth is also dependent on the layer ozone gas in the atmosphere, which helps to shield the sun's ultraviolet rays. In 1982, scientists noticed a 50% loss of ozone over the Antarctica every spring. This loss is due to manufactured gases, CFC, which drift up through the air and combine with the ozone. CFCs (used in refrigerators and aerosols) were banned in 1996 but the hole is still growing.
The Bible tells us that the end of the world will come through a blazing fire. "But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare." 2 Pet 3:10 (NIV). The destruction of the earth is now possible with the proliferation of nuclear weapons in many countries. However, we also note that God is able to destroy the earth without nuclear weapons when he rained down fire on Sodom and Gomorrah. If the heat of the day is unbearable today, much more terrible would be the heat to come. The apostle Peter urged his readers, "Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming." 2 Pet 3:11-12. The call to holy living has never been greater than in our age when evil is rife and rampant, and only God's fire can purge it.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Thursday, February 16, 2012
A Deceitful Heart
The heart is deceitful above all things and 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 (NIV)
Much has been written and said about senior ranking government officers and political figures who have found themselves in compromising positions or run foul of the law. Lest we start pointing an accusing finger at them and follow the characteristics of the accuser of the brethren, I want to say that none of us are immune to sin and temptations in life. All of us have fallen short of God's laws (by God's mercy we're still alive) and may have also broken many laws of the land (only that we are not caught). As Jeremiah the prophet rightly puts it, our hearts are deceitful and beyond cure. Jesus said that anyone who lusts after a woman has already committed adultery with her in his heart, thus equating sin in thought to that of sin in deed (Mt 5:27-28). We see here that God's moral laws are much higher in standards because He searches the hearts of all men (and women).
Two political figures in the Old Testament were not removed from office when they sinned against God. King Saul displayed a lack of integrity when he lied to God's prophet and also assumed the priesthood when he was not supposed to do so. King David committed adultery and murder; his life was spared but not the baby's. Both kings continued their respective reigns until their deaths; one in battle and the other due to old age. However, both had to live with the consequences of their sins. King Saul's popularity wane and an evil spirit tormented him. King David experienced deceit, contention and deaths within his own household. We have to bear in mind the Scripture in Num 32:23, "But if you fail to do this, you will be sinning against the LORD; and you may be sure that your sin will find you out." It is by God's grace and mercy, despite their flaws, Saul and David each reigned for about 40 years in Israel.
All throughout Scriptures, we see God using weak human vessels for his own glory. Moses was used as a deliverer despite him being a murderer. Peter became the apostle to the Jews despite him having denied the Lord three times. Paul became the apostle to the Gentiles despite him being a persecuter of the church. Each of them turned around because they had an encounter with God. For Moses, it was the burning bush. For Peter, it was with Jesus at the beach and for Paul, it was along the Damascus road. Many convicts have had their lives turned around by Christ and are now serving God in various ways. Society may not be accepting of such ones to serve in prominent positions whereby they have to be role models. But God accepts them just the way they are to be His servants. This can only come about because God does a special work in their hearts, putting His Spirit in them, and changing them from the inside out. Only God can cure a deceitful heart, making it a merry heart.
Much has been written and said about senior ranking government officers and political figures who have found themselves in compromising positions or run foul of the law. Lest we start pointing an accusing finger at them and follow the characteristics of the accuser of the brethren, I want to say that none of us are immune to sin and temptations in life. All of us have fallen short of God's laws (by God's mercy we're still alive) and may have also broken many laws of the land (only that we are not caught). As Jeremiah the prophet rightly puts it, our hearts are deceitful and beyond cure. Jesus said that anyone who lusts after a woman has already committed adultery with her in his heart, thus equating sin in thought to that of sin in deed (Mt 5:27-28). We see here that God's moral laws are much higher in standards because He searches the hearts of all men (and women).
Two political figures in the Old Testament were not removed from office when they sinned against God. King Saul displayed a lack of integrity when he lied to God's prophet and also assumed the priesthood when he was not supposed to do so. King David committed adultery and murder; his life was spared but not the baby's. Both kings continued their respective reigns until their deaths; one in battle and the other due to old age. However, both had to live with the consequences of their sins. King Saul's popularity wane and an evil spirit tormented him. King David experienced deceit, contention and deaths within his own household. We have to bear in mind the Scripture in Num 32:23, "But if you fail to do this, you will be sinning against the LORD; and you may be sure that your sin will find you out." It is by God's grace and mercy, despite their flaws, Saul and David each reigned for about 40 years in Israel.
All throughout Scriptures, we see God using weak human vessels for his own glory. Moses was used as a deliverer despite him being a murderer. Peter became the apostle to the Jews despite him having denied the Lord three times. Paul became the apostle to the Gentiles despite him being a persecuter of the church. Each of them turned around because they had an encounter with God. For Moses, it was the burning bush. For Peter, it was with Jesus at the beach and for Paul, it was along the Damascus road. Many convicts have had their lives turned around by Christ and are now serving God in various ways. Society may not be accepting of such ones to serve in prominent positions whereby they have to be role models. But God accepts them just the way they are to be His servants. This can only come about because God does a special work in their hearts, putting His Spirit in them, and changing them from the inside out. Only God can cure a deceitful heart, making it a merry heart.
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Godly Desires
After David was settled in his palace, he said to Nathan the prophet, “Here I am, living in a house of cedar, while the ark of the covenant of the LORD is under a tent.” Nathan replied to David, “Whatever you have in mind, do it, for God is with you.” 1 Chron 17:1-2 (NIV)
I was reading 1 Chronicles 17 this morning and what strikes me was King David's intention to build God a house to replace the tabernacle that kept the ark of the covenant. David saw that God had delivered the enemies into his hands and provided for him a palace to live in. In gratitude, he probably wanted to do something for God. Hence the expression of his desire to Nathan the prophet, whose natural disposition is to encourage. Without waiting on the Lord, Nathan gave David an encouraging word. The lesson for any prophet here is not to presume on God's behalf. Nathan was correct when he said God was with David but wrong to ask David to do what was in his heart.
Whatever it is, this godly desire in David brought about a divine response through Nathan the prophet. God told David that he would not be the one to build a house for Him but his son after him (v 11-12). We know that David prepared the materials and manpower for his son Solomon to build God's temple. God further added that David's throne would be established forever. This of course is in reference to the kingdom that God has established through His beloved Son, Jesus Christ. We know that Christ came through the lineage of David and that the church embodies the kingdom of God. Because of the words spoken by Nathan, David found courage to pray to God in response to His good word (v 16-27).
Do you have a godly desire? David desires God to live in a grand temple. In an age whereby man is always thinking of fulfilling his own desires and asking God to fulfill them, it would be a good change if we start thinking of God - what He desires. The Sciptures is clear on this that God desires none to perish but that all should come to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ (2 Pet 3:9). God's desire is to inhabit the hearts of men and women, no longer in buildings made by man. If we want to fulfill God's desire, then one of our goals in life should be to bring as many people as possible into God's kingdom. Who knows, when you place God at the centre of your thoughts, you may get a wonderful response from Him, just like David?
Remember that God is more ready to pour out His blessings on you than you are ready to bless Him. And like what Paul the apostle would say, "Much, much more than anything we can ask or imagine." Eph 3:20 (NCV)
I was reading 1 Chronicles 17 this morning and what strikes me was King David's intention to build God a house to replace the tabernacle that kept the ark of the covenant. David saw that God had delivered the enemies into his hands and provided for him a palace to live in. In gratitude, he probably wanted to do something for God. Hence the expression of his desire to Nathan the prophet, whose natural disposition is to encourage. Without waiting on the Lord, Nathan gave David an encouraging word. The lesson for any prophet here is not to presume on God's behalf. Nathan was correct when he said God was with David but wrong to ask David to do what was in his heart.
Whatever it is, this godly desire in David brought about a divine response through Nathan the prophet. God told David that he would not be the one to build a house for Him but his son after him (v 11-12). We know that David prepared the materials and manpower for his son Solomon to build God's temple. God further added that David's throne would be established forever. This of course is in reference to the kingdom that God has established through His beloved Son, Jesus Christ. We know that Christ came through the lineage of David and that the church embodies the kingdom of God. Because of the words spoken by Nathan, David found courage to pray to God in response to His good word (v 16-27).
Do you have a godly desire? David desires God to live in a grand temple. In an age whereby man is always thinking of fulfilling his own desires and asking God to fulfill them, it would be a good change if we start thinking of God - what He desires. The Sciptures is clear on this that God desires none to perish but that all should come to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ (2 Pet 3:9). God's desire is to inhabit the hearts of men and women, no longer in buildings made by man. If we want to fulfill God's desire, then one of our goals in life should be to bring as many people as possible into God's kingdom. Who knows, when you place God at the centre of your thoughts, you may get a wonderful response from Him, just like David?
Remember that God is more ready to pour out His blessings on you than you are ready to bless Him. And like what Paul the apostle would say, "Much, much more than anything we can ask or imagine." Eph 3:20 (NCV)
Friday, February 3, 2012
Our Advocate with the Father
"My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world." 1 Jn 2:1-2 (NIV)
Last week I wrote about the accuser of the brethren standing before God, the Judge of all the earth, like a prosecutor accusing the saints of their sins and unrighteous acts. This week, I want to introduce another personage in heaven, Jesus Christ, our defense lawyer or advocate with the Father. He is the One who has taken the penalty for our sins, and not only ours but that of the whole world. When Christ pleads on our behalf before God, He would point to His shed blood on the cross that has atoned and forgiven us of our sins. His death on the cross has brought the peace of God to mankind by making man and God one. No longer does God see the horrible stain of sin in our lives but the purity that comes through our cleansing by Christ's blood. As saints of God, we overcome the accuser of the brethren by pleading the blood of Jesus Christ (Rev 12:11).
The writer to the Hebrews tells us that Jesus is the Apostle and High Priest of our confession (Heb 3:1). Jesus in fact is the Moses and Aaron of the new covenant but far greater than them. Just as Moses was God's ambassador to the Israelites in the OT time, likewise Christ is God's ambassador (apostle sent from God) to the world in the NT era. And just as Aaron presided over the high priestly duties on behalf of the Israelites in the tabernacle of Moses, likewise Christ is the believers great High Priest representing us in the court of heaven (Heb 9:24). As long as we confess Jesus as coming from God and has offered His blood for our sins, He remains our faithful High Priest who always lives to make intercession on our behalf (Heb 7:25).
What a privilege to be encouraged and interceded by the Son of God! The feeling of being encouraged is very much different from feeling condemned. Satan stands in heaven to condemn us but Christ is seated at God's right hand, interceding for us. Often times in life, when we have problems or needs, we will approach someone to pray for us and we will feel much better. But know for a fact that when we are down, we can draw near to God personally and find courage through Christ's intercession on our behalf.
Last week I wrote about the accuser of the brethren standing before God, the Judge of all the earth, like a prosecutor accusing the saints of their sins and unrighteous acts. This week, I want to introduce another personage in heaven, Jesus Christ, our defense lawyer or advocate with the Father. He is the One who has taken the penalty for our sins, and not only ours but that of the whole world. When Christ pleads on our behalf before God, He would point to His shed blood on the cross that has atoned and forgiven us of our sins. His death on the cross has brought the peace of God to mankind by making man and God one. No longer does God see the horrible stain of sin in our lives but the purity that comes through our cleansing by Christ's blood. As saints of God, we overcome the accuser of the brethren by pleading the blood of Jesus Christ (Rev 12:11).
The writer to the Hebrews tells us that Jesus is the Apostle and High Priest of our confession (Heb 3:1). Jesus in fact is the Moses and Aaron of the new covenant but far greater than them. Just as Moses was God's ambassador to the Israelites in the OT time, likewise Christ is God's ambassador (apostle sent from God) to the world in the NT era. And just as Aaron presided over the high priestly duties on behalf of the Israelites in the tabernacle of Moses, likewise Christ is the believers great High Priest representing us in the court of heaven (Heb 9:24). As long as we confess Jesus as coming from God and has offered His blood for our sins, He remains our faithful High Priest who always lives to make intercession on our behalf (Heb 7:25).
What a privilege to be encouraged and interceded by the Son of God! The feeling of being encouraged is very much different from feeling condemned. Satan stands in heaven to condemn us but Christ is seated at God's right hand, interceding for us. Often times in life, when we have problems or needs, we will approach someone to pray for us and we will feel much better. But know for a fact that when we are down, we can draw near to God personally and find courage through Christ's intercession on our behalf.
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