This physical body of ours is not made to last for all eternity. When man sinned against God, the ground was cursed, producing thorns and thistles which symbolize the seeds of evil being sown. Jesus alluded to this in the parable of the tares among the wheat (Mt 13:24-30, 36-43). The sons of the evil one appear throughout history in the pages of Scriptures as well as in the mass media, beginning with Cain, who rose up to kill Abel his brother (Gen 4:8). Thus health and life in the idyllic Garden of Eden gave way to sickness and death. Man was forbidden to eat of the tree of life, lest he should live forever (Gen 3:24) and his life expectancy was capped at 120 years (Gen 6:3). The writer to the Hebrews affirmed the finiteness of human existence when he says, “It is appointed for men to die (physically) once and after that to face judgment (before God).” (Heb 9:27).
Old age brings with it its attendant health problems. The classic passage on growing old is found in Eccl 12:3-7 which says, “In old age, your body no longer serves you so well. Muscles slacken, grip weakens, joints stiffen. The shades are pulled down on the world. You can't come and go at will. Things grind to a halt. The hum of the household fades away. You are wakened now by bird-song. Hikes to the mountains are a thing of the past. Even a stroll down the road has its terrors. Your hair turns apple-blossom white, adorning a fragile and impotent matchstick body. Yes, you're well on your way to eternal rest, while your friends make plans for your funeral. Life, lovely while it lasts, is soon over. Life as we know it, precious and beautiful, ends. The body is put back in the same ground it came from. The spirit returns to God, who first breathed it.” (The Message)
Sicknesses afflict both the righteous and the unrighteous inasmuch as rain falls on both groups (Mt 5:45). The godly king Hezekiah was struck with a terminal illness in the prime of his life (2 Kg 20) but had his life extended through intercessory prayers. The wicked king Herod was struck dead because he took in all the glory that was meant for God (Ac 12:22-23). We are told that the second coming of Christ would be preceded by famines and plagues in various places (Lk 21:11). When a body is subjected to harmful germs and viruses, and if the immunity is low, it would be naturally fall ill. Often times, medical intervention is needed to bring about healing and restoration of health. As believers in Christ, we can also turn to God for healing, recognizing that the great exchange took place at Calvary’s cross when Christ gave us His health for our sicknesses. By His wounds, we are healed both physically and spiritually (Is 53:5).
The psalmist declares that the righteous will flourish like the palm tree and will still yield fruit in old age; they shall be full of sap and very green (Ps 92:12,14). Palm trees grow tall and straight, and are evergreen. It is a picture of strength, vitality and fruitfulness. So even though king Solomon paints a picture of the old losing strength and many bodily functions, we can still claim the promise of God through the psalmist, that the righteous will continue to grow old gracefully, with the strength that the Lord provides. Of course, this does not preclude the need for us to take care of our own health by exercising and watching our diet. God has instituted natural laws to govern the earth; if we fail to obey them, we would have to face the consequences.
Monday, May 23, 2011
Monday, May 16, 2011
Listening
Much has been said in the recent General Elections that the government has not been listening enough to the people. Hence the groundswell of discontent gets magnified in the megaphone of the opposition voices. And after the results of the election, there has been a lot of soul searching in the ranks of the PAP. Ministers are saying that listening must cascade down to the rank and file of the civil service as well as at the grassroots level where MPs interact with the populace. This would hopefully make for more robust debates in parliament where the elected representatives are to be sounding boards for the people they serve. Certainly the needs of various segments of our community should not be neglected as the nation seeks to progress.
The tagline of Prudential is "Always Listening. Always Understanding." Implicit in this is that they would listen to the needs of their clients to see how they could serve better. Listening is an art and for those of us who are not the auditory type, it would take a lot from us to register what was spoken. We know from experience, too, that if we listen to a speech or a lecture only a small percentage (10%) gets retained unless it is supplemented by visuals and actions (like writing down). It is often embarrassing if we speak to a person and we forget his/her name half way through the conversation. One way to overcome this is to try to associate the name with something or someone. Going one step further, it would be good to jot down the name somewhere to remind you of the conversation you had with so and so. With mobile phone devices easily available, this shouldn't be difficult unless one is simply too lazy.
I was reading Jeremiah 25 recently: "So Jeremiah the prophet said to all the people of Judah and to all those living in Jerusalem: For twenty-three years—from the thirteenth year of Josiah son of Amon king of Judah until this very day—the word of the LORD has come to me and I have spoken to you again and again, but you have not listened. And though the LORD has sent all his servants the prophets to you again and again, you have not listened or paid any attention. They said, “Turn now, each of you, from your evil ways and your evil practices, and you can stay in the land the LORD gave to you and your ancestors for ever and ever. Do not follow other gods to serve and worship them; do not arouse my anger with what your hands have made. Then I will not harm you.” “But you did not listen to me,” declares the LORD, “and you have aroused my anger with what your hands have made, and you have brought harm to yourselves.” (v2-7 NIV)
For the above passage, we see that the Israelites were not listening or heeding the voice of God spoken through His servants the prophets. Three times within the six verses is the indictment, "You have not listened". Many of them were practising selective hearing, that is, they prefer to hear the words of false prophets who promised them greater ease rather than the judgment God was about to bring on the nation. Because they chose not to hear and as a result chose not to obey God's word, they brought calamity on themselves (v8-11). Jeremiah himself suffered greatly due to his proclamation of God's words to His people. God preserved his life to see the destruction of Jerusalem, in which he lamented over her in the Book of Lamentations.
What about us? Are we listening to God when He speaks? Inasmuch as we would like people to listen to us when we speak, God wants us to accord Him with the same kind of respect when He speaks. When we read the Bible or listen to the Word being read, do we listen attentively or selectively? The Holy Spirit is in the business of sanctifying us by setting us apart for the Master's use. He convicts us to enable us to repent and get back on the right path once again. In contrast, the devil brings condemnation and seeks to douse our spiritual flame.
In the coming age, God promises, "Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear." (Is 65:24). Isn't that amazing - God listening to the deepest longing of our hearts! May we learn to be like Him as we serve/interact with people on a daily basis. As they say, "Seek to understand before you can be understood."
The tagline of Prudential is "Always Listening. Always Understanding." Implicit in this is that they would listen to the needs of their clients to see how they could serve better. Listening is an art and for those of us who are not the auditory type, it would take a lot from us to register what was spoken. We know from experience, too, that if we listen to a speech or a lecture only a small percentage (10%) gets retained unless it is supplemented by visuals and actions (like writing down). It is often embarrassing if we speak to a person and we forget his/her name half way through the conversation. One way to overcome this is to try to associate the name with something or someone. Going one step further, it would be good to jot down the name somewhere to remind you of the conversation you had with so and so. With mobile phone devices easily available, this shouldn't be difficult unless one is simply too lazy.
I was reading Jeremiah 25 recently: "So Jeremiah the prophet said to all the people of Judah and to all those living in Jerusalem: For twenty-three years—from the thirteenth year of Josiah son of Amon king of Judah until this very day—the word of the LORD has come to me and I have spoken to you again and again, but you have not listened. And though the LORD has sent all his servants the prophets to you again and again, you have not listened or paid any attention. They said, “Turn now, each of you, from your evil ways and your evil practices, and you can stay in the land the LORD gave to you and your ancestors for ever and ever. Do not follow other gods to serve and worship them; do not arouse my anger with what your hands have made. Then I will not harm you.” “But you did not listen to me,” declares the LORD, “and you have aroused my anger with what your hands have made, and you have brought harm to yourselves.” (v2-7 NIV)
For the above passage, we see that the Israelites were not listening or heeding the voice of God spoken through His servants the prophets. Three times within the six verses is the indictment, "You have not listened". Many of them were practising selective hearing, that is, they prefer to hear the words of false prophets who promised them greater ease rather than the judgment God was about to bring on the nation. Because they chose not to hear and as a result chose not to obey God's word, they brought calamity on themselves (v8-11). Jeremiah himself suffered greatly due to his proclamation of God's words to His people. God preserved his life to see the destruction of Jerusalem, in which he lamented over her in the Book of Lamentations.
What about us? Are we listening to God when He speaks? Inasmuch as we would like people to listen to us when we speak, God wants us to accord Him with the same kind of respect when He speaks. When we read the Bible or listen to the Word being read, do we listen attentively or selectively? The Holy Spirit is in the business of sanctifying us by setting us apart for the Master's use. He convicts us to enable us to repent and get back on the right path once again. In contrast, the devil brings condemnation and seeks to douse our spiritual flame.
In the coming age, God promises, "Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear." (Is 65:24). Isn't that amazing - God listening to the deepest longing of our hearts! May we learn to be like Him as we serve/interact with people on a daily basis. As they say, "Seek to understand before you can be understood."
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Prayer of Deliverance - Psalm 64
This is a wonderful prayer of David, asking God to preserve his life from the attacks of his enemies (v 1). More importantly, it's a prayer we can pray against the work of terrorists who hold fast to themselves an evil purpose, laying snares (explosives) secretly (v 5). Their target is the blameless (v 4) and their modus operandi is to work in stealth. No wonder Osama bin Laden was able to live in Pakistan undetected for quite a period of time until his untimely demise. Terrorists are often devising injustices, and their plots are often pretty well-conceived (v 6). Their words and actions are like poisoned arrows aim at destroying innocent lives (v4-5).
Thank God for the 'but' in v7. This is where the contrast begins. The Message Bible says the God of Arrows shoots and they double up in pain (v 7). Instead of the enemies having the upper hand, they would be defeated and the righteous will shake their head (v 8). The marvelous workings of God will produce a holy fear among all men, declaring the work of God (v 9). The righteous would be glad in the Lord and take refuge in Him (v 10). We can certainly hide under God's wings in the storms of life. The storms we face may not be from terrorists, though it's a potential threat in a small country like ours, it could come by way of gossip and people backstabbing you. Whatever the situation we may be in, we can call on the Lord to preserve our thoughts and attitudes, so that we do not react in a rash manner.
Whenever we think about taking revenge or hurting people, know that these thoughts do not come from God but from the pit of hell. Like what the psalmist says, these are the inward thoughts of man and they are deep (v 6). But God is able to search the innermost recesses of our hearts to bring conviction of sin within. We have to be trained to discern good from evil; seeking forgiveness from God and learning to yield our lives to the Master and not allow the devil to have a foothold in our lives. The hallmark of the righteous is that he will glory in the Lord and be glad in Him (v 10). May the Lord preserve you from the secrt counsel of evildoers as well as from the evil thoughts planted in your mind (v 2).
Thank God for the 'but' in v7. This is where the contrast begins. The Message Bible says the God of Arrows shoots and they double up in pain (v 7). Instead of the enemies having the upper hand, they would be defeated and the righteous will shake their head (v 8). The marvelous workings of God will produce a holy fear among all men, declaring the work of God (v 9). The righteous would be glad in the Lord and take refuge in Him (v 10). We can certainly hide under God's wings in the storms of life. The storms we face may not be from terrorists, though it's a potential threat in a small country like ours, it could come by way of gossip and people backstabbing you. Whatever the situation we may be in, we can call on the Lord to preserve our thoughts and attitudes, so that we do not react in a rash manner.
Whenever we think about taking revenge or hurting people, know that these thoughts do not come from God but from the pit of hell. Like what the psalmist says, these are the inward thoughts of man and they are deep (v 6). But God is able to search the innermost recesses of our hearts to bring conviction of sin within. We have to be trained to discern good from evil; seeking forgiveness from God and learning to yield our lives to the Master and not allow the devil to have a foothold in our lives. The hallmark of the righteous is that he will glory in the Lord and be glad in Him (v 10). May the Lord preserve you from the secrt counsel of evildoers as well as from the evil thoughts planted in your mind (v 2).
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Transitions
All of us go through transitions in life. In the case of physiological development, we transit from being a baby to a toddler to a child to a teenager to a young adult and finally to an adult. Transition has to do with the ending of a phase and moving on to another. In this regard, we can go through many transitional phases based on the environment we are put through. Moving one's house, educational institution, work place and place of worship are some instances of situational transition. Beyond coping with the change in environment, one has to, more importantly, deal with the psychological transition that would ensue. It's not easy to say goodbye to people, places and experiences that have been important to us. On the other hand, there could be relief over an impending end to unpleasant state of affairs. Whatever might be the case, we would certainly be excited and anxious over what is to come whether it's a baby, a new posting, a new venture, a trip, a wedding or some other event.
There are major transitions in a person's life that would impact him/her in a substantial way. Based on my own personal experience, the following are some major turning points in a person's life:
1. Graduation: your qualifications in life will determine the job(s) that you would take on, which would determine your paycheck and inevitably lead to the people whom you would interact with. Paycheck could determine the kind of lifestyle one would lead; people could influence us in a positive or negative way. This means we could be predisposed to up keeping a certain lifestyle that we may have to alter if our fortunes change for the worse.
2. Marriage: when two people from different backgrounds come together for holy matrimony, there are bound to be lots of adjustments and compromises in the initial years. No longer does one think about himself or herself alone, like in the happy care-free days of single-hood, but the needs of your spouse would have to be factored in. The romantic days of courtship will give way to the reality of married life, exposing one's warts and all. Commitment to the marriage vows becomes the key to sustaining one's marriage.
3. Conversion: believing in Christ as personal Saviour and Lord can take place anytime in a person's life, but usually when one is of age enough to understand the significance of the decision. This would invariably influence one's value system through the circle of friends one mixes with. Beyond that is the work of the Holy Spirit seeking to transform us from the inside out. His sanctification work (making us holy) continues until the day when we leave this earth.
4. Children: married life with children is very much different from one without children. When a child arrives in a family, the routine of life would revolve around that child. Once the focus of attention has been on one's spouse, it now shifts to the child(ren). That is nature's way of ensuring a helpless child is well taken care of until he/she becomes independent. The education and upbringing of children in their formative years are crucial to their life's journey ahead. More importantly, the transmission of spiritual values should be the foundational bedrock that parents ought to lay when they are young.
5. Work: the first couple of years would usually be a time of adjustment, to new environment and to new people. We learn from colleagues who are more experienced and would usually be required to go for courses to equip us with the necessary knowledge and skills to do our work. We quickly learn that there is an appraisal system and we report to someone higher than us for the purpose of work accountability. As time progresses, we become more familiar with the way things function and could possibly initiate things. With competence and experience, we may get promoted and assume greater responsibility. When we do move on to a new place, the whole process would repeat again, albeit at a faster pace. Currently, I am about to transit to another new work environment.
6. Bereavement: the passing away of a friend or loved one is always painful. When close familiar ties are broken and taken away from us, we cannot but experience loss and helplessness. I have mentioned about the grieving process one goes through in an earlier blog. It would take awhile to get over the loss and resume life once again, without the friend or loved one.
The Bible talks about a great transition that would soon to that place when Christ comes again. This is known as the rapture of the church, whereby the saints of God would be translated out of this earth to be with God. (1 Thes 4:13-18). Those who are still alive when Christ returns are known as the omega-transition generation, a term coined by Bill Hamon. Christians await in eager anticipation for this to happen. In the meantime, we pray, "Come O Lord!" or "Maranatha!" (1 Cor 16:22).
Friday, April 22, 2011
Death - the paradox of life
Today is Good Friday where Christians commemorate the death of Jesus Christ on the cross of Calvary about 2000 years ago. Death is certainly a subject the Bible confronts head on. Beginning with the death of Abel in Gen 4:8 (due to fratricide) to the evil plot of Haman to exterminate the Jewish race (Est 3), death has been used by the devil to thwart God's plan of redemption. The Scripture tells us that the devil wields death as a powerful weapon to put fear in the hearts of men and women (Heb 2:14-15). When Jesus was born, Satan used king Herod to issue a command to destroy all male children 2 years and under (Mt 2:16). Failing in this attempt, he used a close disciple of Jesus, Peter, to hinder his path towards Jerusalem to accomplish His mission (Mt 16:23). Finally, when the time was fully come, the devil used Judas Iscariot (another disciple of Jesus) to betray Christ into the hands of religious people (Jn 13:2).
Without the death of Jesus Christ on the cross, there can be no eternal life for mankind. He came for the expressed purpose to bring us the abundant life, while the devil seeks to steal, kill and destroy the good things God has in store for us (Jn 10:10). Alluding to what happens in nature, Jesus said, "Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds." (Jn 12:24 NIV). He is the righteous seed of Abraham that was prophesied at the beginning of time that would possess the gate of his enemies (Gen 22:17). Gate here speaks of Satan's dominion and power to shut people in. He does this through the power of sin, by enticing people to do things against God's righteous commands, leading them to bondage and slavery, and ultimately death (Jas 1:14-15).
At the cross, our sins were laid upon Christ through the nails and stripes that were inflicted upon Him. And by so doing, He cancelled the debt and death charges held against us (Col 2:13-15). Christ's death brought Him down to Hades, overpowering the enemy camp and setting the captives free, bringing them into heaven and at the same time bestowing spiritual gifts to His church (Eph 4:8-10; 1Pet 3:18-19). Eternal life is therefore seen as life in the presence of God where there's joy, wholeness and liberty. As you can see, without the death of Christ there can be no impartation of life to us. And without the death of our physical body, we can never fully experience the eternal life that those who believe in Jesus Christ were to receive. Our human body was not made to last for eternity due to sin and corruption. This was a point I made home to a pre-believer in hospital today, warded for all kinds of complications in the body. I offered Him the hope of eternal life through Jesus, and he said he would consider it as yet he's still half-hearted.
The wonderful words of Jesus to Martha ring out loud and clear at funeral wakes, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” (Jn 11:25-26 NIV). All of us will have to die physically one day, if Christ tarries in coming. But the glorious hope held out in the gospel is the resurrection (thank God for Easter Sunday) of our corruptible body with an incorruptible one; whereby the last enemy to be destroyed would be death (1 Cor 15:26,51-54). When that day arrives, death would no longer be a subject discussed as it would no longer exists. But for now, it remains a taboo for some and to be avoided, for fear of offending people. For us Christians, we cannot but speak of the wonderous working power that was wrought through the cross where our Saviour died for lost humanity.
Without the death of Jesus Christ on the cross, there can be no eternal life for mankind. He came for the expressed purpose to bring us the abundant life, while the devil seeks to steal, kill and destroy the good things God has in store for us (Jn 10:10). Alluding to what happens in nature, Jesus said, "Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds." (Jn 12:24 NIV). He is the righteous seed of Abraham that was prophesied at the beginning of time that would possess the gate of his enemies (Gen 22:17). Gate here speaks of Satan's dominion and power to shut people in. He does this through the power of sin, by enticing people to do things against God's righteous commands, leading them to bondage and slavery, and ultimately death (Jas 1:14-15).
At the cross, our sins were laid upon Christ through the nails and stripes that were inflicted upon Him. And by so doing, He cancelled the debt and death charges held against us (Col 2:13-15). Christ's death brought Him down to Hades, overpowering the enemy camp and setting the captives free, bringing them into heaven and at the same time bestowing spiritual gifts to His church (Eph 4:8-10; 1Pet 3:18-19). Eternal life is therefore seen as life in the presence of God where there's joy, wholeness and liberty. As you can see, without the death of Christ there can be no impartation of life to us. And without the death of our physical body, we can never fully experience the eternal life that those who believe in Jesus Christ were to receive. Our human body was not made to last for eternity due to sin and corruption. This was a point I made home to a pre-believer in hospital today, warded for all kinds of complications in the body. I offered Him the hope of eternal life through Jesus, and he said he would consider it as yet he's still half-hearted.
The wonderful words of Jesus to Martha ring out loud and clear at funeral wakes, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” (Jn 11:25-26 NIV). All of us will have to die physically one day, if Christ tarries in coming. But the glorious hope held out in the gospel is the resurrection (thank God for Easter Sunday) of our corruptible body with an incorruptible one; whereby the last enemy to be destroyed would be death (1 Cor 15:26,51-54). When that day arrives, death would no longer be a subject discussed as it would no longer exists. But for now, it remains a taboo for some and to be avoided, for fear of offending people. For us Christians, we cannot but speak of the wonderous working power that was wrought through the cross where our Saviour died for lost humanity.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
General Elections
Singapore goes to the polls on 7 May 2011. Those who are eligible to vote would be able to exercise their right to vote for a Member of Parliament (for a SMC) or a collective group of MPs (for a GRC) to represent them. However, before we cast our vote, it would be good to know the manifestos and view points of each political party. Now with campaigning allowed on social media platforms, this would enable younger voters to have access to information and evaluate the candidates, apart from the usual physical campaigning platforms. Nothing like meeting the candidates up close and personal, which many are currently doing through their walkabouts.
I guess the first level of evaluation would be the qualifications and job experiences the candidate brings with him/her. The second would be the rapport and connection he/she has with the constituents and the political party. The third would be the genuineness and sincerity in serving the community with the support of grassroots helpers to address issues of concern. Beyond that would be the cut and thrust of debating issues that are important to the populace. For many of us, bread and butter issues would be of primary concern. As in Maslow's hierarchy of needs, if the physiological needs are not met, it would be nigh impossible to look at the needs above.
Once a government is put in place, the Bible exhorts us to be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established (Rom 13:1). Where corrupt or evil authorities are concerned, Peter wrote, "Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people." (1 Pet 2:13-15) The Christians living in Peter's days were being persecuted for their faith by the emperor Nero, blaming them for the fire of Rome. Despite that, Peter urged the believers to submit to authorities and show forth the character of God through their lifestyles.
Well is a revolt possible if the government is oppressive and unjust, just like what is happening in the Middle East? Technically, it's possible as the heart of man is deceitful above all else. Though we may have a common faith in Christ, our understanding and practice of our faith may differ. Whatever one's religious persuasion, there's always the danger of people taking things into their own hands. Though God does call Israel to war in the Old Testament times, however, we are now living under the dispensation of grace, where love for our enemies should abound. Whatever it is, we can pray to God to dispose of evil rulers and authorities (Dan 2:21).
Let's pray that Singapore will elect a government is righteous and honest, built upon the foundation of justice.
I guess the first level of evaluation would be the qualifications and job experiences the candidate brings with him/her. The second would be the rapport and connection he/she has with the constituents and the political party. The third would be the genuineness and sincerity in serving the community with the support of grassroots helpers to address issues of concern. Beyond that would be the cut and thrust of debating issues that are important to the populace. For many of us, bread and butter issues would be of primary concern. As in Maslow's hierarchy of needs, if the physiological needs are not met, it would be nigh impossible to look at the needs above.
Once a government is put in place, the Bible exhorts us to be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established (Rom 13:1). Where corrupt or evil authorities are concerned, Peter wrote, "Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people." (1 Pet 2:13-15) The Christians living in Peter's days were being persecuted for their faith by the emperor Nero, blaming them for the fire of Rome. Despite that, Peter urged the believers to submit to authorities and show forth the character of God through their lifestyles.
Well is a revolt possible if the government is oppressive and unjust, just like what is happening in the Middle East? Technically, it's possible as the heart of man is deceitful above all else. Though we may have a common faith in Christ, our understanding and practice of our faith may differ. Whatever one's religious persuasion, there's always the danger of people taking things into their own hands. Though God does call Israel to war in the Old Testament times, however, we are now living under the dispensation of grace, where love for our enemies should abound. Whatever it is, we can pray to God to dispose of evil rulers and authorities (Dan 2:21).
Let's pray that Singapore will elect a government is righteous and honest, built upon the foundation of justice.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Receiving prophetic words
We had a guest speaker at our church two Sundays ago. He is Pastor Alex Larsen, a prophet and senior leader from Mt Zion Assembly of God in Auckland, New Zealand. He released a prophetic word to the church, telling us to arise by taking up the fullness of our anointing and authority because we are the appointed generation for this to happen. We are to put on the fullness of all that God has provided, leaving nothing undone. We are to place no boundaries or limitations on what can be done for our own words will become a hindrance. This was the gist of what was prophesied; the full text appeared in last Sunday's bulletin. He followed up with a message based on Jn 14:9-14, whereby Jesus said we shall do greater (in terms of rank or level) works because He goes to the Father.
As in any prophetic word, we have to weigh it; judging it by the lens of God's Word. No genuine word given should contradict the logos (written Word of God). The speaker mentioned that he received the word at 5am on that very same day he was to speak at our church. He wrote down what the Lord impressed upon him. When our senior pastor shared about God wanting all of us to arise to do His work during exhortation time, the speaker mentioned that he was taken aback because the word he recieved confirms what our pastor has spoken. When he took over the pulpit, he read the message he had written down earlier. Only when the word takes root in our hearts, does it become rhema (a word spoken for a specific situation).
The word released is an encouragement for us to take God at His Word, that is, to move by faith and not by sight. When we begin to confess God's positive words over peoples' lives, we must expect Him to answer in ways beyond our imagination. However, if we limit God by our own human thinking or start to confess negatively, we hinder God's Spirit from working effectively through us. So the exhortation is for every member to exercise faith by doing the works of God, whether it is sharing the gospel, praying for others or serving God/people through the various ministries of the church. When each member of the body functions according to the anointing of God in our appointed area of work, and when we worship and serve God with a whole heart, it would cause the church to grow. And this would indeed fulfill the words given by another two prophets this year: "There is momentum for multiplication in our church."
Pastor Larsen also prophesied to individuals and couples during and after the Sunday service. Many of the words spoken were in the form of exhortation, to lift up the spirits of men and women. I too received a word from him but not on Sunday but just yesterday, at a special meeting where he spoke. It has been a long time since I received prophetic words. Looking back at the prophetic words spoken over my life, I could see that it ranges widely in terms of issues prophesied:
1992: Dr Lay prophesied, "The Lord has need of you."
1993: Rev Jacob Kurien prophesied, " ... the Lord called you to be a leader though you did not ask for it ..."
1993: Sis Rebecca Wolf prophesied, " ... the Lord is doing a work in your family ..."
1995: Rev Allen Wilson prophesied, "...We thank you for strengthening him Lord. The Spirit of the Lord to come on him Father. We thank you Lord that he will bless young people ... reach out to them ..."
2000: Rev Daniel Matei prophesied, "... I see you with a Bible and teaching, teaching, teaching, teaching people ... The word that the Lord will give to you will be a revelation that you will receive ..."
2002: DGS Dhinakaran prophesied, "You have always been willing my son to work very hard for me. Very humble. I like it and I love you. Be humble. ..."
2011: Pas Alex Larsen, "You have been faithful in the little things ... "
There was another prophetic word received concerning prayer which I couldn't recall by whom; it was given at a special church meeting sometime between 2002 and 2007. The gist of it was that my prayer style is not the loud and boisterous one but one that is quiet and has effective power. I can say that many of the words spoken have come to pass and it is good to hear God's commendation that one is faithful and humble (the latter was spoken by two different prophets). Isn't that what really counts in life? God wants to see the fruit (of the Holy Spirit) demonstrated in our lives. Jesus said that we can judge people by the fruits they produce not so much of the works they do (Mt 7:20,22-23). May we all who name the Name of the Lord be reflectors of His love in this world. For we could be the only Jesus some will ever see (according to the words of a song). And do cling on to the true prophetic words you have received; wrestle in prayer over them and allow God to mould your character as He brings about its fulfillment.
Shalom
As in any prophetic word, we have to weigh it; judging it by the lens of God's Word. No genuine word given should contradict the logos (written Word of God). The speaker mentioned that he received the word at 5am on that very same day he was to speak at our church. He wrote down what the Lord impressed upon him. When our senior pastor shared about God wanting all of us to arise to do His work during exhortation time, the speaker mentioned that he was taken aback because the word he recieved confirms what our pastor has spoken. When he took over the pulpit, he read the message he had written down earlier. Only when the word takes root in our hearts, does it become rhema (a word spoken for a specific situation).
The word released is an encouragement for us to take God at His Word, that is, to move by faith and not by sight. When we begin to confess God's positive words over peoples' lives, we must expect Him to answer in ways beyond our imagination. However, if we limit God by our own human thinking or start to confess negatively, we hinder God's Spirit from working effectively through us. So the exhortation is for every member to exercise faith by doing the works of God, whether it is sharing the gospel, praying for others or serving God/people through the various ministries of the church. When each member of the body functions according to the anointing of God in our appointed area of work, and when we worship and serve God with a whole heart, it would cause the church to grow. And this would indeed fulfill the words given by another two prophets this year: "There is momentum for multiplication in our church."
Pastor Larsen also prophesied to individuals and couples during and after the Sunday service. Many of the words spoken were in the form of exhortation, to lift up the spirits of men and women. I too received a word from him but not on Sunday but just yesterday, at a special meeting where he spoke. It has been a long time since I received prophetic words. Looking back at the prophetic words spoken over my life, I could see that it ranges widely in terms of issues prophesied:
1992: Dr Lay prophesied, "The Lord has need of you."
1993: Rev Jacob Kurien prophesied, " ... the Lord called you to be a leader though you did not ask for it ..."
1993: Sis Rebecca Wolf prophesied, " ... the Lord is doing a work in your family ..."
1995: Rev Allen Wilson prophesied, "...We thank you for strengthening him Lord. The Spirit of the Lord to come on him Father. We thank you Lord that he will bless young people ... reach out to them ..."
2000: Rev Daniel Matei prophesied, "... I see you with a Bible and teaching, teaching, teaching, teaching people ... The word that the Lord will give to you will be a revelation that you will receive ..."
2002: DGS Dhinakaran prophesied, "You have always been willing my son to work very hard for me. Very humble. I like it and I love you. Be humble. ..."
2011: Pas Alex Larsen, "You have been faithful in the little things ... "
There was another prophetic word received concerning prayer which I couldn't recall by whom; it was given at a special church meeting sometime between 2002 and 2007. The gist of it was that my prayer style is not the loud and boisterous one but one that is quiet and has effective power. I can say that many of the words spoken have come to pass and it is good to hear God's commendation that one is faithful and humble (the latter was spoken by two different prophets). Isn't that what really counts in life? God wants to see the fruit (of the Holy Spirit) demonstrated in our lives. Jesus said that we can judge people by the fruits they produce not so much of the works they do (Mt 7:20,22-23). May we all who name the Name of the Lord be reflectors of His love in this world. For we could be the only Jesus some will ever see (according to the words of a song). And do cling on to the true prophetic words you have received; wrestle in prayer over them and allow God to mould your character as He brings about its fulfillment.
Shalom
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