All of us have been rejected at some time by one source or another. For example, we could be promoting a product or sharing our faith with others and they reject our overture. However, it is what we do with rejection that will determine whether we remain defeated or are victorious. Mothers who are carrying babies in their wombs and have not dealt with rejection in the lives can pass it on to their unborn children. This is known as heredity rejection. Some other causes of rejection in children are as follows:
1. An unwanted pregnancy, where the child is not loved and welcomed.
2. An attempted abortion during pregnancy.
3. The separation and divorce of parents.
4. A parent spending long periods away from the family or both parents working.
5. Lack of physical love and discipline.
6. Constant criticism by parents or authority figure.
7. Adoption.
Some of the symptoms of rejection are:
1. A baby refusing the mother's breast milk.
2. A child does not show love or respond to being loved.
3. Rebellion and disobedience which resists discipline.
4. Being quick to get angry with little outward cause.
5. Insecurity and lack of self-confidence.
6. Always looking for acceptance.
Hallelujah! The power of rejection has been broken at the cross of Calvary. Isaiah tells us concerning Christ that He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and familiar with suffering (Is 53:3). Christ took upon Himself the rejection that we face and gave us in its place His love and forgiveness. Many times, deep-seated problems could be traced to the root of rejection in our lives. Unless this is dealt with, we are dealing only with the symptoms. I was talking to a parent today about his child who suffered from some eating disorder but is now on the road to recovery. He is still monitoring his daughter closely and praying for her. The parent was working overseas and away from the family for quite a period of time, coming back occasionally during the last few years. Could the eating disorder be a symptom of a deeper cause? As I spoke to the parent, I told him to bind the spirit of mind control in the child. Certainly our minds can be a devil's playground if we are not careful and start entertaining thoughts that come by way of the mass media. I am praying that the child would be completely set free and healed of her physical disorder.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Call to Repentance
Earthquakes are occuring at an increasing frequency these days. Apart from those in Japan, we now have the recent one in Myanmar. The physical shaking that are occuring now represents the spiritual shaking that God is going to do. Firstly in the hearts of all men and secondly, in the kingdom of darkness.
As part of our family devotion, we were reading Luke 13:1-9 the other day. We were talking about the triple whammy afflicting Japan and why it happened. It's always so easy to apportion blame to people over unfortunate things that happen; the cause and effect rationale thinking in our human make-up. In the days of Christ, they had incidents that come close to what is known as "acts of God" - for example, the tower in Siloam that fell and killed 18 people. Jesus, reading the minds of the people who first came and reported the atrocities committed by Pilate against the Galileans, asked a rhetorical question, "Do you think they were worse culprits than all other men in Jerusalem who lived?" And to address the report, He asked, "Do you suppose these Galileans were greater sinners than all other Galileans because of the fate they suffered?"
Jesus cleverly side-stepped the issue of apportioning blame and directed their attention into looking at the larger scheme of things in God's economy. God is interested in the repentance of all men; He wants us not to look outwards but to search our own hearts. All of us will die one day, whether through violent/peaceful means or otherwise. The calamity that had befallen the Jews could very well have fallen on His hearers. The important thing is to be ready to meet your Creator. The people may have wanted to fighten Jesus into not going to Jerusalem because wicked Pilate was around, and his notoriety preceded him. Jesus had by this time set His face like flint towards Jerusalm to accomplish His Father's will (Lk 13:22) and He was not going to be swayed by what men can do to Him. He came to earth of His own accord to lay down His life for lost humanity (Jn 10:17-18).
Putting things in our context today, are the people of Japan, NZ and Myanmar worse sinners than the rest of the world that are not afflicted by earthquakes? Certainly not, unless we repent, we shall likewise perish; not only physically but spiritually as well, separated from the love and presence of God. Jesus also brought up the point in the fig tree parable following His rhetorical questions, that God is looking for fruits (of repentance) among the people of Israel and He has given them time and grace to produce them. However, His patience has a limit, after which they would incur His wrath of being cut down. In the light of what is happening around us, may I humbly suggest a few things we can do:
1. Pray for ourselves that God would continually soften our hearts to repent of our sins.
2. Pray for the people affected by natural disasters - search & rescue work, reconstruction of life and society, comfort and consolation, financial and other necessary resources needed, expertise and manpower support, God's love and peace to flow, moving forward and not being paralysed by what has happened, etc.
3. Help through giving of cash and kind.
When we repent individually and collectively as a community or nation, we are pushing back the kingdom of darkness that envelops us. God will one day destroy the powers of darkness that is actively working to bring lives to bondage and slavery. Praise God that the unseen hosts of angels are greater than the unseen hosts of darkness (2 Kg 6:16-17). And the good news is that God ultimately triumphs despite the chaos we're currently experiencing!
As part of our family devotion, we were reading Luke 13:1-9 the other day. We were talking about the triple whammy afflicting Japan and why it happened. It's always so easy to apportion blame to people over unfortunate things that happen; the cause and effect rationale thinking in our human make-up. In the days of Christ, they had incidents that come close to what is known as "acts of God" - for example, the tower in Siloam that fell and killed 18 people. Jesus, reading the minds of the people who first came and reported the atrocities committed by Pilate against the Galileans, asked a rhetorical question, "Do you think they were worse culprits than all other men in Jerusalem who lived?" And to address the report, He asked, "Do you suppose these Galileans were greater sinners than all other Galileans because of the fate they suffered?"
Jesus cleverly side-stepped the issue of apportioning blame and directed their attention into looking at the larger scheme of things in God's economy. God is interested in the repentance of all men; He wants us not to look outwards but to search our own hearts. All of us will die one day, whether through violent/peaceful means or otherwise. The calamity that had befallen the Jews could very well have fallen on His hearers. The important thing is to be ready to meet your Creator. The people may have wanted to fighten Jesus into not going to Jerusalem because wicked Pilate was around, and his notoriety preceded him. Jesus had by this time set His face like flint towards Jerusalm to accomplish His Father's will (Lk 13:22) and He was not going to be swayed by what men can do to Him. He came to earth of His own accord to lay down His life for lost humanity (Jn 10:17-18).
Putting things in our context today, are the people of Japan, NZ and Myanmar worse sinners than the rest of the world that are not afflicted by earthquakes? Certainly not, unless we repent, we shall likewise perish; not only physically but spiritually as well, separated from the love and presence of God. Jesus also brought up the point in the fig tree parable following His rhetorical questions, that God is looking for fruits (of repentance) among the people of Israel and He has given them time and grace to produce them. However, His patience has a limit, after which they would incur His wrath of being cut down. In the light of what is happening around us, may I humbly suggest a few things we can do:
1. Pray for ourselves that God would continually soften our hearts to repent of our sins.
2. Pray for the people affected by natural disasters - search & rescue work, reconstruction of life and society, comfort and consolation, financial and other necessary resources needed, expertise and manpower support, God's love and peace to flow, moving forward and not being paralysed by what has happened, etc.
3. Help through giving of cash and kind.
When we repent individually and collectively as a community or nation, we are pushing back the kingdom of darkness that envelops us. God will one day destroy the powers of darkness that is actively working to bring lives to bondage and slavery. Praise God that the unseen hosts of angels are greater than the unseen hosts of darkness (2 Kg 6:16-17). And the good news is that God ultimately triumphs despite the chaos we're currently experiencing!
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Babylon the Great
The recent earthquake in Japan has brought about a tsunami as well as a nuclear fallout, causing untold casualties and loss of property. At 9.0 on the Richter scale, it has been said to be one of the worst in recent times coming on the heels of the 6.3 New Zealand earthquake in Christchurch. Our prayers go out to the government and people of the affected countries. The rebuilding of lives and society is going to be a long and painful one for many. In crises such as these, it brings out the humanitarian aspect of mankind to render help and services to those in need.
The Bible talks about famines and earthquakes occuring in various places as part of the birth pangs preceding Christ's second coming (Mt 24:7). Indeed, earthquakes have been a frequent occurrence in our generation, with the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake-cum-tsunami killing more than 200,000 people. This shows that places that do not lie in any earthquake fault lines are also not spared of natural disaster. The media was talking about the Big One, refering to an earthquake of great magnitude and proportion that would one day hit California, which lies on the San Andreas fault line. However, the Book of Revelation mentions a great earthquake, such as there had not been since man came upon the earth, bringing destruction to Babylon the great, splitting it into three parts. Cities of the nations would fall, every island flee away and the moutains would not be found (Rev 16:18-20).
Many have speculated regarding this mystery Babylon, that she represented false religions and all the diabolical works of men that are engineered by the devil. She is known as the mother of harlots and of the abominations of the earth (Rev 17:5; Eze 33:23-29). We are warned to come out of her and not participate in her sins lest we receive of her plagues (Rev 18:4). And the plague would be extremely severe but men who have been thus afflicted would still blaspheme God and refuse to repent (Rev 16:21). How sad! In the last days, the diabolical works of the men are evident: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing and the likes (Gal 5:19-21). The counteracting agent against the deeds of the flesh is the Holy Spirit who endeavours to produce His fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control (Gal 5:22-23).
The earthquakes that are happening in the natural realm represents the shaking that God is currently doing to wake us up from our spiritual doldrums (Heb 12:25-29). We are urged to lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armour of light, making no provision for the flesh (Rom 13:12-14). The motivation for such holy conduct and living is that we are about to inherit an unshakeable kingdom. This world of sin and corruption would be replaced by new heavens and a new earth where righteousness dwells (2 Pet 3:13). Peter exhorts us to make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with God (2 Pet 3:14). Let our hearts be soft and tender before God; repent of our wicked ways and return back to Him. For God will abundantly pardon, as we seek Him during a time where He can be found (Is 55:6-7).
The Bible talks about famines and earthquakes occuring in various places as part of the birth pangs preceding Christ's second coming (Mt 24:7). Indeed, earthquakes have been a frequent occurrence in our generation, with the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake-cum-tsunami killing more than 200,000 people. This shows that places that do not lie in any earthquake fault lines are also not spared of natural disaster. The media was talking about the Big One, refering to an earthquake of great magnitude and proportion that would one day hit California, which lies on the San Andreas fault line. However, the Book of Revelation mentions a great earthquake, such as there had not been since man came upon the earth, bringing destruction to Babylon the great, splitting it into three parts. Cities of the nations would fall, every island flee away and the moutains would not be found (Rev 16:18-20).
Many have speculated regarding this mystery Babylon, that she represented false religions and all the diabolical works of men that are engineered by the devil. She is known as the mother of harlots and of the abominations of the earth (Rev 17:5; Eze 33:23-29). We are warned to come out of her and not participate in her sins lest we receive of her plagues (Rev 18:4). And the plague would be extremely severe but men who have been thus afflicted would still blaspheme God and refuse to repent (Rev 16:21). How sad! In the last days, the diabolical works of the men are evident: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing and the likes (Gal 5:19-21). The counteracting agent against the deeds of the flesh is the Holy Spirit who endeavours to produce His fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control (Gal 5:22-23).
The earthquakes that are happening in the natural realm represents the shaking that God is currently doing to wake us up from our spiritual doldrums (Heb 12:25-29). We are urged to lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armour of light, making no provision for the flesh (Rom 13:12-14). The motivation for such holy conduct and living is that we are about to inherit an unshakeable kingdom. This world of sin and corruption would be replaced by new heavens and a new earth where righteousness dwells (2 Pet 3:13). Peter exhorts us to make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with God (2 Pet 3:14). Let our hearts be soft and tender before God; repent of our wicked ways and return back to Him. For God will abundantly pardon, as we seek Him during a time where He can be found (Is 55:6-7).
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Receiving examinations results
Last Friday was the release of the GCE 'A' level examinations results. It was certainly a tense moment for the cohort who graduated last year. When the results were announced, especially those who obtained 7 distinctions or more, there were tears of joy and disbelief; at the wonderful set of results. On the other hand, there were also tears of disappointment; at not working hard enough to get better grades. Of course, not everyone would be so emotional as to shed tears. Some would shout for ecstasy while others would calmly accept the results they have. Whatever, it may be,tears are but a means to express our pent up emotional state at that point in time.
When we're sad over a matter, especially when faced with failure or bereavement, tears are inevitable. Jeremiah was known as the weeping prophet who lamented over the destruction of Jerusalem due to her sins and iniquities. He wrote in Lamentations 2:19, "Arise, cry out in the night,as the watches of the night begin; pour out your heart like water in the presence of the Lord. Lift up your hands to him for the lives of your children, who faint from hunger at every street corner." He encouraged God's people to pray travailing prayers for their children; that they do not die of hunger.
In our context today, parents' prayers for their children may not be due to the lack of food. It may be due more to the effects of living in an affluent society. Children nowadays have plenty in terms of food and luxuries. Where food is concerned, it could be due to the ill effects of junk food with its attendant problem like obesity and other related health issues. As for luxuries, a whole host of gaming devices has sprouted to target both young and old. Addiction to gaming (online or otherwise) has caused many children to neglect their studies and be zonked out during lessons. Some of these could be potentially evil in nature and needs the ministry of deliverance. Social networking media is another cause for concern if not reign in properly. Parents should restrict the amount of time children spend on the internet, apart from the need to do research on the net.
Children in their teenage years are easily influenced by their peers and what the media portrays. Many teenagers (esp girls) are crazy over Justin Bieber, the Canadian singing sensation. His coming concert in Singapore has been sold out. My daughter wanted to go but we didn't allow her. Whether we like it or not, our children will change in their mindset when they progress on in life. However, when children start to grow wayward and rebel against parents, it signals that work has to be put in to restore the relationship. Many times, prayer cum heart-to-heart talk is needed. Children who go astray from the Lord signifies that the enemy has found a beachhead and planted a stronghold in their lives. In times like these, the support of prayer warriors is crucial as we may not have the ability to carry the burden on our own.
I accompanied my students to Tanjung Balai yesterday as part of the school's programme to develop service learning skills set. The place harks back to Singapore in the 1950s and 60s. It was certainly an eye opener for many of the students as they interacted with the village children, many of whom were already taking care of their younger siblings when they are only about 6 or 7 years of age. They were a contented lot where simple games and sweets would already make them very happy. They were treated to packet food which many of them shared in order to take back the extras for family members. Living in attap/zinc-roofed houses with pigs, dogs, chickens and goats, their only luxury was a TV set. The fathers of the house are fishermen, earning their keep. I was glad to note that a church has adopted the village and volunteers were bringing good cheer to them through Christian songs.
When we're sad over a matter, especially when faced with failure or bereavement, tears are inevitable. Jeremiah was known as the weeping prophet who lamented over the destruction of Jerusalem due to her sins and iniquities. He wrote in Lamentations 2:19, "Arise, cry out in the night,as the watches of the night begin; pour out your heart like water in the presence of the Lord. Lift up your hands to him for the lives of your children, who faint from hunger at every street corner." He encouraged God's people to pray travailing prayers for their children; that they do not die of hunger.
In our context today, parents' prayers for their children may not be due to the lack of food. It may be due more to the effects of living in an affluent society. Children nowadays have plenty in terms of food and luxuries. Where food is concerned, it could be due to the ill effects of junk food with its attendant problem like obesity and other related health issues. As for luxuries, a whole host of gaming devices has sprouted to target both young and old. Addiction to gaming (online or otherwise) has caused many children to neglect their studies and be zonked out during lessons. Some of these could be potentially evil in nature and needs the ministry of deliverance. Social networking media is another cause for concern if not reign in properly. Parents should restrict the amount of time children spend on the internet, apart from the need to do research on the net.
Children in their teenage years are easily influenced by their peers and what the media portrays. Many teenagers (esp girls) are crazy over Justin Bieber, the Canadian singing sensation. His coming concert in Singapore has been sold out. My daughter wanted to go but we didn't allow her. Whether we like it or not, our children will change in their mindset when they progress on in life. However, when children start to grow wayward and rebel against parents, it signals that work has to be put in to restore the relationship. Many times, prayer cum heart-to-heart talk is needed. Children who go astray from the Lord signifies that the enemy has found a beachhead and planted a stronghold in their lives. In times like these, the support of prayer warriors is crucial as we may not have the ability to carry the burden on our own.
I accompanied my students to Tanjung Balai yesterday as part of the school's programme to develop service learning skills set. The place harks back to Singapore in the 1950s and 60s. It was certainly an eye opener for many of the students as they interacted with the village children, many of whom were already taking care of their younger siblings when they are only about 6 or 7 years of age. They were a contented lot where simple games and sweets would already make them very happy. They were treated to packet food which many of them shared in order to take back the extras for family members. Living in attap/zinc-roofed houses with pigs, dogs, chickens and goats, their only luxury was a TV set. The fathers of the house are fishermen, earning their keep. I was glad to note that a church has adopted the village and volunteers were bringing good cheer to them through Christian songs.
The village children do not have examinations to sit; only the older ones attend school. Their simple lifestyle is but a breath of fresh air to us city dwellers who are accustomed to all the high tech gadgets. They don't have maids to look after them; only their mothers while their fathers are away. The students left Tanjung Balai with a greater appreciation of what they have and not waste the things that they have. As they say, let's live simply so that others may simply live.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Hope in the face of Cancer
I am currently re-reading a book of the above title that I bought in 2005. It was written by Amy Givler, a medical doctor, who was struck with Hodgkin's lymphoma, a cancer originating from white blood cells with symptoms of painless swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, or groin. She chronicled her journey from receiving the news of having cancer to undergoing treatments until her remission. She mentioned that no one really gets "cured" of cancer; doctor usually tells a patient that he is a "survival" or under "remission". This was a kind of book she wanted to have as she went to the library searching for answers when she knew she had the dreaded illness. One that would point HOPE to those who think that cancer sounds the death knell of those who have been struck with it.
Two incidents happened yesterday that prompted me to pick up this book from my shelf again. One sister in church shared with me that her recent regular check up had revealed a growth in her intestine with other nodules around it. She went for an MRI and is awaiting result - could this be a relapse of what she had gone through last year? I prayed for her and told her not to confess negatively, even though relatives had suffered similar fate. Breaking generational curses is so vital in this instance. The other incident was an email from a colleague who shared that her doctor had told her she is most likely to have cancer. Again, she's also awaiting confirmation of report. I've not heard my colleague complaining of anything untowards where health is concerned, so this news comes as a surprise to me. I mentioned that I would be praying for her even though she's not a believer.
And yesterday, I was also reading Isaiah 38 as part of my Scripture reading for the day. Verse 1 tells us that King Hezekiah became mortally ill, so much so that God had to send Isaiah with this message, "Set your house in order, for you shall die and not live." Talk about a death sentence when one hears the word cancer in today's context; that was probably the Old Testament equivalent of receiving a death sentence. But noticed what Hezekiah did; he didn't submit to the word spoken by the prophet. He began to weep and supplicate before the LORD. God answered his prayer by adding 15 years to his life (v 5). Now that's like a remission of the death sentence given earlier.
In her book, Amy said that cancer is conquerable in our day and age, when diagnosed early. In the past, nine out of ten physicians favoured not telling patients they had cancer, as the chances of a cure is very slim. Nowadays, life-prolonging treatments are available for nearly every type of cancer. The trend in cancer is very good news indeed. In the 1950s, only 35% of people with cancer lived for at least 5 years. By 1974, the rate has improved to 50% and in 1998, it was 62%. Many of the 62% will go on to live their expected number of years, with the cancer under remission. What's more, as believers in the LORD, we can pray to God as Hezekiah did and expect Him to answer us graciously.
Do read this book if you want to know how to go about ministering to those stricken with cancer.
Two incidents happened yesterday that prompted me to pick up this book from my shelf again. One sister in church shared with me that her recent regular check up had revealed a growth in her intestine with other nodules around it. She went for an MRI and is awaiting result - could this be a relapse of what she had gone through last year? I prayed for her and told her not to confess negatively, even though relatives had suffered similar fate. Breaking generational curses is so vital in this instance. The other incident was an email from a colleague who shared that her doctor had told her she is most likely to have cancer. Again, she's also awaiting confirmation of report. I've not heard my colleague complaining of anything untowards where health is concerned, so this news comes as a surprise to me. I mentioned that I would be praying for her even though she's not a believer.
And yesterday, I was also reading Isaiah 38 as part of my Scripture reading for the day. Verse 1 tells us that King Hezekiah became mortally ill, so much so that God had to send Isaiah with this message, "Set your house in order, for you shall die and not live." Talk about a death sentence when one hears the word cancer in today's context; that was probably the Old Testament equivalent of receiving a death sentence. But noticed what Hezekiah did; he didn't submit to the word spoken by the prophet. He began to weep and supplicate before the LORD. God answered his prayer by adding 15 years to his life (v 5). Now that's like a remission of the death sentence given earlier.
In her book, Amy said that cancer is conquerable in our day and age, when diagnosed early. In the past, nine out of ten physicians favoured not telling patients they had cancer, as the chances of a cure is very slim. Nowadays, life-prolonging treatments are available for nearly every type of cancer. The trend in cancer is very good news indeed. In the 1950s, only 35% of people with cancer lived for at least 5 years. By 1974, the rate has improved to 50% and in 1998, it was 62%. Many of the 62% will go on to live their expected number of years, with the cancer under remission. What's more, as believers in the LORD, we can pray to God as Hezekiah did and expect Him to answer us graciously.
Do read this book if you want to know how to go about ministering to those stricken with cancer.
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Presenting our requests to God
I was reading Isaiah 36 and 37 this morning. Chapter 36 talks about the threat of the King of Assyria against Judah. Sennacherib, the King of Assyria, sent his Chief of Staff, Rabshakeh to put fear in the hearts of the Jewish people. Isn't this what the devil is trying to do all along? He is the master of deception, putting up all kinds of half-truths and lies to make people fearful or anxious. Let's take a look at the deception spoken by Rabshakeh:
1. He equated the high altars that Hezekiah removed with that of the LORD's (36:7).
2. Overstating the strength of the Assyrians (36:9).
3. Putting the LORD on the same pedestal as the gods of the heathen (36:19-20).
I was talking to a Buddhist colleague recently and he was trying to paint me a picture that all religious paths lead to the same God. And certainly we can see this playing out in the internet whereby there are teachings trying to marry the different scriptures of the various religions. So we can see that people in our day and age are putting Christ in the same pedestal as other religious founders.
King Hezekiah did the right thing when he heard the taunts of the Assyrian King - he humbled himself in sackcloth and sought the LORD (37:1). He sent his emissaries over to Isaiah the prophet (37:2). The prophetic word given by Isaiah was very encouraging, "Do not be afraid ... I will make him fall by a sword in his own land." (37:6-7). And that's what we need in times when we are really down and out - to hear a word from the LORD that would strengthen us and keep us going in life. This word can come from the still small voice of the Holy Spirit residing within us or it could come from God's people speaking into our lives or it could come directly from God's Word.
King Hezekiah presented the letter of threat to the LORD (37:4). He praised God as the creator of the heaven and earth and prayed that all kingdoms may know He alone is the living God (37:16-20). Isaiah sent to Hezekiah another word of encouragement, "Because you have prayed to Me ..." (37:21). God sent His angel into the Assyrian camp and destroyed 185,000 people and also the eventual death of Sennacherib (37:36-38). I believe we should also pray like Hezekiah of old that all the nations may know that the LORD God is the only living God, and there's none like Him. I mentioned to my friend that Christ is coming back to judge the world and that's where the separation of the sheep and goat would take place. There are currently wheat and tares growing side by side and we can't tell the difference between one and the other. Many religious people will claim that we are all alike in our outlook, but ultimately judgment day would prove otherwise.
1. He equated the high altars that Hezekiah removed with that of the LORD's (36:7).
2. Overstating the strength of the Assyrians (36:9).
3. Putting the LORD on the same pedestal as the gods of the heathen (36:19-20).
I was talking to a Buddhist colleague recently and he was trying to paint me a picture that all religious paths lead to the same God. And certainly we can see this playing out in the internet whereby there are teachings trying to marry the different scriptures of the various religions. So we can see that people in our day and age are putting Christ in the same pedestal as other religious founders.
King Hezekiah did the right thing when he heard the taunts of the Assyrian King - he humbled himself in sackcloth and sought the LORD (37:1). He sent his emissaries over to Isaiah the prophet (37:2). The prophetic word given by Isaiah was very encouraging, "Do not be afraid ... I will make him fall by a sword in his own land." (37:6-7). And that's what we need in times when we are really down and out - to hear a word from the LORD that would strengthen us and keep us going in life. This word can come from the still small voice of the Holy Spirit residing within us or it could come from God's people speaking into our lives or it could come directly from God's Word.
King Hezekiah presented the letter of threat to the LORD (37:4). He praised God as the creator of the heaven and earth and prayed that all kingdoms may know He alone is the living God (37:16-20). Isaiah sent to Hezekiah another word of encouragement, "Because you have prayed to Me ..." (37:21). God sent His angel into the Assyrian camp and destroyed 185,000 people and also the eventual death of Sennacherib (37:36-38). I believe we should also pray like Hezekiah of old that all the nations may know that the LORD God is the only living God, and there's none like Him. I mentioned to my friend that Christ is coming back to judge the world and that's where the separation of the sheep and goat would take place. There are currently wheat and tares growing side by side and we can't tell the difference between one and the other. Many religious people will claim that we are all alike in our outlook, but ultimately judgment day would prove otherwise.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Musical Instruments
The most common musical instrument is the use of our vocal chords to make melody and music. That's why the psalmist is able to say, "I will sing praise to God as long as I live." (Ps 146:2) with the additional exhortation, "Sing to the LORD a new song." (Ps 149:1) Churches all over the world would congregate together either on the Lord's day or other days of the week to sing praises unto the LORD. In some places, where the government regime is oppressive, they sing a capella, without any real musical instruments accompaniment. Whether we sing with or without musical instruments, what's important is that we sing praise songs with praising hearts. I was reading today in Isaiah 29 that we can come near to God with praise in our mouths, but our hearts can be far from Him (v 13).
Apart from our vocal chords, musical instruments like the keyboard, guitar and drums do help to enhance the worship atmosphere. There was a period in time when certain segment of the Christian community view the guitar and drums as instruments from the pit of hell, which should not be used. With the arrival of the charismatic renewal in the 1960s, many churches have been enlightened and warmed up to the use of instuments in their worship services, albeit some traditional liturgical services are still retained. The psalmist in Ps 150 encourages us to praise God with the trumpet, harp, lyre, tambourine, flute and cymbals, a mixture of string and wind instruments.
Not only in praise & worship, the Bible also mentions musical instruments in the context of warfare and prophecy. In warfare, Isaiah mentioned that the blows the LORD lays on the Assyrians would be to the music of tambourines and harps. The psalmist adds, "Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a two-edged sword in their hand." (Ps 49:6). We must never underestimate the power of praise and worship in routing the enemy of our souls, just like what King Jehoshaphat did when he sent a choir of singers into battle (2 Chron 20). When being inquired about a matter of great importance, Prophet Elisha asked for a harpist before he could prophesy to the three kings who came to him (2 Kg 3:15). Music, as we can see, is very integral to the life of the people of Israel; and it ought to be in ours as well. We have been called to declare the praises of Him who has called us out of darkness into His marvellous light (1 Pet 2:9).
Musical instruments can be very expensive, especially the good ones. When my elder daughter graduated from Yamaha Music School, she decided to continue with learning the piano rather than the organ. Because we do not know whether her interest would be sustained, we got her a second hand piano at under $1000. Later, when we knew that she had a passion and interest in learning the piano we got her a brand new one costing $6500. Likewise for our younger daughter who picked up the violin together with another friend when young. The first violin costs less than $200 and subsequently she was given one by her same friend who bought another violin. Just recently, after passing her grade 5 theory test she was asked to get another violin. Due to her physical features being set and recognising that this would be her last and final violin, we invested in a $3000 violin for her. Even though the investment can be quite heavy, apart from the weekly lessons they had to undergo, we are glad that they have put their musical skills to good use in church.
May the LORD bless those who are using their musical abilities to serve Him. As you do so, know that you're helping the people of God to direct their praise and worship unto Him and to be engaged in warfare and prophecy.
Apart from our vocal chords, musical instruments like the keyboard, guitar and drums do help to enhance the worship atmosphere. There was a period in time when certain segment of the Christian community view the guitar and drums as instruments from the pit of hell, which should not be used. With the arrival of the charismatic renewal in the 1960s, many churches have been enlightened and warmed up to the use of instuments in their worship services, albeit some traditional liturgical services are still retained. The psalmist in Ps 150 encourages us to praise God with the trumpet, harp, lyre, tambourine, flute and cymbals, a mixture of string and wind instruments.
Not only in praise & worship, the Bible also mentions musical instruments in the context of warfare and prophecy. In warfare, Isaiah mentioned that the blows the LORD lays on the Assyrians would be to the music of tambourines and harps. The psalmist adds, "Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a two-edged sword in their hand." (Ps 49:6). We must never underestimate the power of praise and worship in routing the enemy of our souls, just like what King Jehoshaphat did when he sent a choir of singers into battle (2 Chron 20). When being inquired about a matter of great importance, Prophet Elisha asked for a harpist before he could prophesy to the three kings who came to him (2 Kg 3:15). Music, as we can see, is very integral to the life of the people of Israel; and it ought to be in ours as well. We have been called to declare the praises of Him who has called us out of darkness into His marvellous light (1 Pet 2:9).
Musical instruments can be very expensive, especially the good ones. When my elder daughter graduated from Yamaha Music School, she decided to continue with learning the piano rather than the organ. Because we do not know whether her interest would be sustained, we got her a second hand piano at under $1000. Later, when we knew that she had a passion and interest in learning the piano we got her a brand new one costing $6500. Likewise for our younger daughter who picked up the violin together with another friend when young. The first violin costs less than $200 and subsequently she was given one by her same friend who bought another violin. Just recently, after passing her grade 5 theory test she was asked to get another violin. Due to her physical features being set and recognising that this would be her last and final violin, we invested in a $3000 violin for her. Even though the investment can be quite heavy, apart from the weekly lessons they had to undergo, we are glad that they have put their musical skills to good use in church.
May the LORD bless those who are using their musical abilities to serve Him. As you do so, know that you're helping the people of God to direct their praise and worship unto Him and to be engaged in warfare and prophecy.
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