Changing Lifestyles

Our lives nowadays are very much influenced by technology, which can be both a boon and a bane.  Technology has brought with it a lot of benefits, making life in the 21^st century much more convenient and less laborious than in the previous centuries.  Artificial intelligence and the use of robots will become more and more pervasive as know-how increases.  A recent article in The Straits Times talks about a self-driving robotic vehicle that can take you places in the shortest possible time, avoiding traffic jams and slippery roads.  In the meantime, the passenger can get some work done while in transit.  Another innovation in the pipeline is that of 3-D printers whereby we can design our very own bag or shoes and get them “printed” out.  Such technologies can set one back by thousands of dollars and do away with the human touch. 

In the world of high-tech, we can often lose the high touch.  This can be considered a bane of technology.  It is not uncommon to see people connected at family gatherings using their mobile devices instead of spending time talking face-to-face. Children are kept entertained by iPads or mobile phones.  In a crowded train or bus, many would be plugged in to their mobile devices to either surf the net, play games or listen to music.  Even though the World Wide Web provides a vast wealth of knowledge, not many of them are wholesome or truthful in nature.  There are also human predators on the net seeking to take advantage of innocent lives and possibly destroy them.  People can be influenced by humanistic or demonic philosophies and become rebels without a true cause.  A case in point would be those led into becoming human bombs to fulfill a so-called higher cause. 

Web technology has progressed from reading to interaction and then to customization.  In the past, we use the World Wide Web to search for information; thereafter, we are able to interact with one another through social media like facebook, twitter, blog, etc. Now the move is towards capturing user-end information and marketing products or services through customizing personal preferences. Your personal tastes and preferences are captured when you serve the net without your knowledge.  Somehow this information gets connected with marketing agencies and before you know it a message appears concerning a product or service you were looking out for, with a discount thrown in.  Depending on how you see it, this can be an intrusion to one’s privacy or a beneficial outcome of modern technology, saving you the trouble to search further.      

Another possible lifestyle change is the constitution of the family, which may not be instituted by God i.e. the union between a man and a woman.  Increasingly, the demand is for same-sex marriage as seen in the western world and raising children from such union, either through adoption or some other means.  Another alternative is that of the single-parent family whereby singles who do not marry obtain children through the help of medical science or adoption. Children brought up in non-traditional families will usually suffer from stigma and not experience the full complement of paternal-maternal love and bonding.  In the creation account, God said that it was not good for Adam to be alone and as such Eve was created, someone to complement him and to be his helpmate (Gen 2:18-25).  The biological make-up of the male and female anatomy is to complement one another so that children could be brought forth. This is in stark contrast to having same-sex marriage.  The Bible also says that the body is not for immorality but for the Lord (1 Cor 6:13).              

Blessed Teachers' Day

Traditionally, 1 September is the day set aside for Teachers' Day, where teachers get a day off to commemorate the noble work that they do to help pupils learn, grow and develop holistically.  To promote family life, MOE has recently shifted Teachers' Day to fall on the first Friday of September, so that teachers would have a long weekend which is usually followed by the one week vacation break.  The intent is certainly a good one but little did it realise that there would be years where the first Friday of September would fall within the one week break, depriving teachers of the day off meant for them.  There have been good suggestions given by the public to resolve this dilemma and I don't intend to add to them. 

What I would like to talk about is the spirit of teaching that all of us as believers have a role to play.  And as such, it is a day also dedicated to teachers like you, who though may not be in the teaching profession or hold the office of a teacher (in terms of ministry gift).  Let me elaborate by looking at three passages of Scriptures.  Firstly, the Jewish family is enjoined to instruct their children, especially fathers to sons, the laws and ways of the Lord (Dt 6:4-7).  Fathers are to do this diligently, seizing every opportunity available in order that children might not forget the goodness of the Lord.  We also see King Solomon instructing his son as follows:

"My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you peace and prosperity.  Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.  Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man."  Pr 3:1-4 (NIV)

As parents, we have a duty to instruct our children in God's ways, imparting biblical knowledge and values that will stand them in good stead not just for this present world but also in the world to come.  We continue to do this until our children fly the nest or are old enough to stand on their own.  We can never be sure whether our children will remain faithful to the Lord when they grow up contending with all the influences of the world.  Our only assurance is to keep the communication lines open with them and with God.  If we are not parents or do not have any children, we can still play an important role as proxy parents to our nephews or nieces.  The godly influence of an aunt or uncle can do great wonders in the life of a young child. 

Let's move now from the earthly family to the spiritual family of God.  The writer to the book of Hebrews berated the believers for their lack of understanding in knowing the deep truths of God.  In fact, he mentioned that they ought to be teaching others instead of being constantly fed, not having been weaned off milk.

"We have much to say about this, but it is hard to make it clear to you because you no longer try to understand. In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil."  Heb 5:11-14 (NIV) 

As believers who have been a few years in the faith, we should have sufficient knowledge to point others the way to Christ and at the same time, counsel them in the basics of Christian living.  The writer to Hebrews mentioned some of these elementary teaching: repentance and faith in Christ, water and Spirit baptism, resurrection of the dead and eternal judgment (Heb 6:1-2).  It is through the community of believers meeting together in small groups that such exhortation is possible to build up the body.  For those who have constantly been imbibing God's Word on their own either through personal research or attendance at seminars/bible studies, and have learnt how to apply God's Word, they usaully move towards becoming a teacher of God's Word.  The apostle Paul talked about those with the gift of teaching and those holding the office of a teacher.  Those with the gift of teaching may not be called to the office of a teacher.  But those functioning in the office of a teacher should have the gift of teaching. 

"We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith;  if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach."  Rom 12:6-7 (NIV) 

"So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers,  to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ."   Eph 4:11-13 (NIV)

The five-fold ministry, including that of a teacher, is to equip the church for works of service and to build up the church towards spiritual maturity in Christ.  In the context of diversity of denominations, the unity of faith in Christ is important.  When the universal church stands united as one body, confessing one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, we will see a greater demonstration of God's eternal love being made manifest among mankind through the called-out church (Eph 4:4-6). 

If you are involved in teaching in one or more of those three areas mentioned above, have a blessed teachers' day!  May you be anointed by God to continue teaching His ways and precepts. 

Power

Power exists in three realms, namely, in heaven, on earth and under the earth.  We are told that God had highly exalted Jesus and given Him a name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those who are in heaven, and on earth, and under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (Phil 2:9-11).

In heaven, power belongs to God and He rules forever by His power (Ps 62:11; 66:7).  By the power of His word, God created the heavens and the earth (Gen 1).  This is the creative power of God which brings order out of chaos.  By the creative power of the Holy Spirit, Mary was conceived with the holy seed of heaven (Lk 1:35).  We also see this in the ministry of Jesus when he went about healing those who were sick and oppressed by the devil.  He brought wholeness to physical and emotional constitution and restored relationships.  The creative power of God reverses the works of the devil (1 Jn 3:8). 

In hell (or figuratively under the earth), there are principalities and powers which were created by God (Col 1:16).  These are fallen angels who have rebelled against God and followed Lucifer, a former arch-angel in charge of heavenly worship. These demonic hordes are bent on stealing, killing and destroying (Jn 10:10a), or what is known as displaying destructive powers.   They rob people of their wealth and health (like Job), and also seek to turn people away from Christ.  The devil sought to destroy the Jewish nation during the times of Queen Esther and King Herod, to forestall the birth of the Messiah. 

On earth, there are various hierarchies of powers from the political level (government-governed) to the family unit (parents-children).  It behooves those in authority to exercise their power wisely and not use it to take advantage of the weak and downtrodden.  When power gets to one's head, often times we can see it being abused resulting in disastrous consequences.  Even in religious organisations, power can be abused as in the case of Rev Jim Jones of the Peoples Temple in Jonestone, Guyana who brought about a mass killing through cyanide-laced holy communion.  Charismatic personalities can often hold people under their power and charm.  There is always a need to seek spiritual discernment to see whether an intention or action is of God or not.  Mankind, no matter how good they may be, is always subject to the influences of evil in this world.  Peter at one point in his life was confessing Jesus to be the Christ, the Son of the living God.  But the next instance, he was hindering the work of God and had to be rebuked by Jesus (Mt 16:16, 22-23). 

If God has placed you in a position of authority or leadership, pray that you can use your power with discretion to build and not to tear down (2 Cor 13:10).  Seek Him for wisdom in the worship and service of His great name.  The devil is also seeking the worship of people in exchange for the diabolical powers that he can give.  Recognise that we are all under the authority of God (including the devil) and that whatever power that has been granted to us has been delegated. 

Birthdays

Birthdays are supposed joyous occasions for the birthday boy or girl.  Usually he or she would be feted with well wishes and presents; celebrations with food and entertainment are also in order, especially with family and friends.  The Happy Birthday song would usually be sung before the cutting of a cake.  Incidentally, the melody and the lyrics of the song were written in the mid-nineteenth century by the Hill sisters for a classroom greeting with the words, "Good morning to all" until someone changed it to the familiar words which is used universally.  Birthdays can also be celebrated for nations like Singapore which turned 47 recently. 

In the Bible, there are occasions when one's birth is not celebrated or rejoiced over.  Job cursed the day of his birth:
After this, Job opened his mouth and cursed the day of his birth. He said: “May the day of my birth perish, and the night that said, ‘A boy is conceived!’ That day—may it turn to darkness; may God above not care about it; may no light shine on it.  Job 3:1-4 (NIV)

We can understand why Job did not want to be born.  He had just suffered the greatest calamities of his life, being robbed of his possessions, children and health.  It's like how we sometimes wish the ground would open up and swallow us when we have committed a great mistake to avoid embarrassment.  But Job had it worst.  He may have celebrated his birthdays in the past with family and friends, but when you are really down and out, celebration is out of the question.  When we are no longer looking forward to our birthdays, we need to ask God to turn things around for our good.

Let's look at a New Testament example.  In referring to Judas Iscariot, Jesus said, "The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him. But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born.”  Matt 26:24 (NIV)

The consequences are great for Judas who betrayed his Master.  He caused an innocent person to be killed.  We read that he regretted his actions and committed suicide (Matt 27:3-5).  We could say this also for the wicked monarchs King Ahab and Queen Jezebel; also Aldolf Hitler and all those who take away innocent lives senselessly.  Many are born into this world as innocent babes but with the genetic code to commit sin.  It is through the various influences of life and the choices one makes that predisposes one to a life of crime and brutality.  We can also open our hearts to the influences of the devil when we give him permission to do so by dabbling in the occult or idolatry.  If we recognise our propensity for evil, we need to repent of our sins and ask God for His forgiveness. 

Finally, two instances of joyous birthday celebrations found in the Bible.  One is the birth of Obed the son of Ruth and Boaz, who was the grandfather of king David (Ruth 4:16-17).  His birth took away the shame of barrenness and caused the line of Noami and Elimelech to continue leading to the birth of our Saviour, Jesus Christ.  And this is the next joyous birth occasion that I want to share:

But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.  Lk 2:10-11 (NIV)

The birth of our Saviour is a cause for great celebration because He has come to save the people from their sins.  We are beneficiaries of the finished work of Christ at Calvary's cross.  Not only is the birth of Jesus a cause for rejoicing, likewise the birth of Billy Graham, Bill Bright and all those who have made an impact for God by drawing people closer to Him through Christ.  May you be such a person as we celebrate the birth of a saint (one set apart for God). 

Praying for those in authority

Singapore celebrates her 47th birthday today.  This is a time to remember the nation in payer and there are many things to thank God for.  Here are a few to get you going:
1. God's eyes are on this nation, moulding and transforming Singapore to what she is today.
2. Early political leaders who had the foresight and tenacity to bring about the necessary changes.
3. Protection from all elements that are harmful to Singapore.
4. Peace, progress, stability and harmony in this nation.

Next, let us continue to pray for Singapore.  We have been exhorted by the apostle Paul to pray for all those in authority, in order that we may live peaceable and quiet lives.  At the same time, we have also been exhorted to live as responsible citizens in the land where we live.

The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know. Pray especially for rulers and their governments to rule well so we can be quietly about our business of living simply, in humble contemplation. This is the way our Savior God wants us to live.  1 Tim 2:1-3 (MSG)

Be a good citizen. All governments are under God. Insofar as there is peace and order, it's God's order. So live responsibly as a citizen. If you're irresponsible to the state, then you're irresponsible with God, and God will hold you responsible. Duly constituted authorities are only a threat if you're trying to get by with something. Decent citizens should have nothing to fear.  Rom 13:1-3 (MSG)

Let's pray the following:

• Righteousness and justice to be the foundations of the government and judiciary
• God’s wisdom on our cabinet ministers to rule well with a good head & heart
• Parliamentarians to contribute to robust debate that would help steer the nation into her God-given destiny
• Continued peace, progress, harmony  and economic prosperity: different ethnic groups to co-exist and contribute to the success of S'pore
• Freedom to worship God and propagate the gospel of Christ  
• Protection from all harm and danger (both physical and spiritual)
• Christians to be responsible citizens and contribute to the well-being of the nation

HAPPY NATIONAL DAY!

Money

Money is a vital commodity in our daily living. The value of it would fluctuate according to the economic situation of the country that produces it.   The Bible mentions a great deal about money both its positive and negative aspects.  Let’s deal first with the negative aspects of money.

Money, considered as unrighteous mammon (Lk 16:9), has the power to control mankind, in that man can pursue it at the expense of all other important things in life. It can even become a “god” in competition with the Almighty God.  Jesus rightly puts it, “You cannot serve God and mammon.” Lk 16:13b (NASB). Here mammon is equated to riches which can have an evil influence over our lives.  The apostle Paul said that the love of money is the root of all sorts of evil and some by longing for it have wandered from the faith (1 Tim 6:10).  Covetousness is a spirit that has to be renounced and Jesus denounced it explicitly and by way of a parable (Lk 12:13-21).  We may think that the rich man was very industrious and entrepreneurial in that he devised a plan to generate wealth.  But God thought otherwise and called him a fool.  He was rich on earth but poor in his soul.

For those under the influence of mammon, the only way to break its power and influence over our lives is to give it away.  The rich young ruler who sought eternal life was told by Jesus, “Go sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” Mt 19:21 (NKJV). Likewise, Zacchaeus the tax collector broke the power of covetousness by making restitution – half of his wealth given to the poor and those he had cheated, he would pay back four times (Lk 19:8).  Even as we give money away, God searches the thoughts and intentions of our hearts.  Ananias and Sapphira gave out of impure motives and were struck dead by God when they were found to have lied about their giving (Ac 5:1-11).  They wanted to be recognized as great benefactors but still keeping some profits for themselves without declaring. 


Let’s now look at the positive side of money.  The Bible tells us that God has given us the power to make wealth (Dt 8:18).  This is for a reason, that we may support our own families and help those in need (1 Tim 5:8; Eph 4:28). We know that Jesus was supported by well-to-do women and ate with the rich and privileged (Lk 8:1-3; 11:37; 14:1). The apostle Paul has learnt to live in plenty and in want (Phil 4:12).  God owns the cattle on a thousand hills and the wealth in every mine.  He has enabled His people to be blessed so that they could also be a blessing to others.  Both Job and Abram were blessed by God with material wealth.  However, beyond the material blessings, God desires us to remain upright and blameless before Him as the story of Job reveals.  


God expects His children to tithe to His storehouse (Mal 3:10).  This means giving a tenth of all that we have earned or gained to the local church that we belong to.  Just as the children of Israel tithed to the Lord so that the priests and Levites can fulfill their roles and responsibilities in the house/tent of the Lord, we do likewise for the local church to minister to both the spiritual and felt needs of the assembly and the communities beyond.  Beyond the 10% giving would be our offering to the Lord.  This can be given to help others in need outside the local church, be it Christian organizations or other endeavours that support the work of Christ.  Our giving need not always be in cash, it could also be in kind, such as medical or food supplies or even Bibles.  Giving frees us to care and be used by God to answer the needs of His children.    


The chasm between Third world poverty and First world affluence is accelerating at an alarming rate; this is also seen in individual societies between those in the upper and lower classes.  The way to bridge this gap is to find ways and means to help the poor and less privileged to succeed in life.  As believers, we are called to use money without serving it.  Money has to be brought into obedience to the will of God for our lives. For some, this could be working in a job that pays much lesser but we know we are aligned to God’s perfect will. For others, the investment profits reaped could be channeled to more charitable causes or those that extend God’s kingdom.  May God give us wisdom to use the money wisely inasmuch as He has given the power to make wealth!     

Life is in the blood

"For the life of a creature is in the blood, and I have given it to you to make atonement for yourselves on the altar; it is the blood that makes atonement for one’s life."  Lev 17:11 (NIV)

I donated blood yesterday since the mobile blood bank came over to the Community Club near my place; my 15th time since I started giving when I was in the university.  This was also in response to an sms from the blood bank indicating that my blood type (O) was very low.  Looking at the donorweb just now, the A type is also currently at a low level.  You can donate blood if you're in relatively good health and have not contracted HIV or some other specified diseases. 

It takes less than an hour to donate.   There are basically 5 stations in all.
Station 1: Registration (identification card needed): need to fill in a health declaration form
Station 2: Screening by a doctor: checking of weight, blood pressure, temperature and social/medical history
Station 3: Blood test: finger is pricked to check blood haemoglobin level; once cleared, proceed to Station 4
Station 4: Blood donation:  if you've been donating regularly, indicate the arm you'd like your blood to be extracted from as the vein can be seen clearly; after cleaning your arm, a painkiller would be given (that's about the only pain you'd have to endure - ant bite though) to ensure painless donation.  You would be given iron supplements by the nurse and a card to indicate when you could next donate.
Station 5: Refreshments: light refreshment like beverages/packet drinks and snacks are usually provided; at the Blood Bank in HSA, you would be given a coupon to exchange for some refreshment at the cafeteria.

After donation, your arm would be bandaged (which can be removed after about 4 hours) and care must be taken not to exert the arm.  Drink plenty of water and rest; take the iron supplement if needed.  Only 450ml (a pint) of blood is extracted together with an additional amount which would be sent for various tests to ensure that it is safe to be used for transfusion or other purposes.  A normal healthy adult would have his blood replenished in 3 days.  Even as I gave blood, I remembered the great sacrifice of my Master for me - the pain and the agony He had to endure; the scourging, beating and the cross.

The Scriptures tell us that life is in the blood and the soul that sins, it must die (Eze 18:20).  Clean animals were thus sacrificed at the altar to make atonement for sins.  In this case, the life of the animals were exchanged for the life of the humans.  Our Lord Jesus, who became the Lamb of God, was the ultimate sacrifice for human kind.  By His shed blood on the cross, He redeemed mankind from the curse of the law and brought atonement between God and men.  Just as the blood of man (in its various components) can be used to bring life to another human being who is injured and in need of blood, more so the holy blood of Jesus has power to bring spiritual wholeness to those under condemnation of sin.  I often pray for the sick releasing the blood of Jesus into their blood veins to cleanse, purify and make whole the entire body system.
Hallelujah for the precious blood of the Lamb!