More from A. W. Pink

On Divine Providence and Carnal Methods
From here

Second, a proper acquaintance with the grand truth of Divine Providence should also be of real help in guarding us against having recourse to artifice and craft, in the propagation of the Truth. The Apostle Paul, in spite of all his zeal for the Gospel, disdained all worldly wisdom in his efforts to advance its progress: he commended the Truth to every man’s conscience in the sight of God. Then let us stick to the means of God’s ordering and rigorously eschew all human inventions. Temptations to compromise, to lower the standard, to bring in fleshly devices so as to “draw the young people,” are multiplying today. While in Glasgow, recently, the writer seriously offended “a Christian brother” because we asked a personal favour that there should be no special “solo” sung the night we preached in his Hall. Even though it appeared that Christianity were in real danger of being banished from the earth, that would not justify our attempting to assist it by worldly methods, carnal devices, or any means which God has not appointed. We are to fight the Lord’s battles with the weapons which He has put into our hands, and leave the “success” to Him! All the ingenuity of man can not and will not extend the Gospel one inch beyond the limits which our sovereign God has assigned. It is at this point faith is so often tested: faithful preaching being sparcely attended, “churches’ with worldly attractions crowded.

- A. W. Pink

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On Anxiety

The best antidote for anxiety is frequent meditation upon God's goodness, power and sufficiency. When the saint can confidently realize "The Lord is My Shepherd," he must draw the conclusion, "I shall not want!" Immediately following our exhortation is, "but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your request be made known unto God." Nothing is too big and nothing is too little to spread before and cast upon the Lord. The "with thanksgiving" is most important, yet it is the point at which we most fail. It means that before we receive God's answer, we thank Him for the same: it is the confidence of the child expecting his Father to be gracious.

- A. W. Pink

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On Divine Guidance
From here

But how is the conscientious Christian to act when some emergency confronts him? Suppose he stands at the parting of the ways: two paths, two alternatives, are before him, and he knows not which to choose: what must he do? First, let him heed that most necessary word, which as a rule of general application is ever binding upon us, "he that believeth shall not make haste" (Isa. 28:16). To act from a sudden impulse never becomes a child of God, and to rush ahead of the Lord is sure to involve us in painful consequences. "The LORD is good unto them that wait for Him, to the soul that seeketh Him. It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation (deliverance) of the LORD" (Lam. 3:25, 26). To act in haste generally means that afterward we shall repent at leisure. O how much each of us needs to beg the Lord to daily lay His cooling and quietening hand upon our feverish flesh!

Second, seek unto the Lord for Him to empty your heart of every wish of your own. It is impossible for us to sincerely pray "Thy will be done," until our own will has, by the power of the Holy Spirit, been brought into complete subjection to God. Just so long as there is secret (but real) preference in my heart, my judgment will be biased. While my heart is really set upon the attainment of a certain object, then I am only mocking God when I ask Him to make His way plain before my face; and I am sure to misinterpret all His providences, twisting them to fit my own desire. If an obstacle be in my path, I shall then regard it as a "testing of faith"; if a barrier be removed, I at once jump to the conclusion that God is "undertaking" for me, when instead He may be testing, on the eve of giving me up to my own "heart's lusts" (Psa. 81:12).

This is a point of supreme importance for those who desire their steps to be truly "ordered of the Lord." We cannot discern His best for us while the heart has its own preference. Thus it is imperative that we ask God to empty our hearts of all personal preferences, to remove any secret and set desire of our own. But often it is far from easy to take this attitude before God, the more so if we are not in the habit of seeking grace to mortify the flesh. By nature each of us wants his own way, and chafes against every curb placed upon him. But just as a photographic plate must be a blank if it is to receive the impression of a picture upon it, so our hearts must be freed from their personal bias if God is to work in us "both to will and to do of His good pleasure" (Phil. 2:13).

- A. W. Pink

This last quote is so true in my life.

A Retraction

Deleted a previous post in which I wrote some pretty stupid things. What is man that he should argue with God or the son of man that he should accuse Him.

Let the Judge of all the Earth do right. Forgive my ignorance.

The Will of God by Paul Washer

Amen

Good Cheer by A. W. Pink

From here

“The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous” (Psa. 34:15). Here, Christian reader, is (to borrow an expression from Spurgeon) good cheer for the New Year. We know not what 1942 holds for us, but those who by grace are trusting in the atoning blood of Christ may enter it with the assurance that the friendly gaze of the Lord God is upon them. It is their privilege to enter each day rejoicing in the blessed fact that not for a single second will the Lord their God remove His eyes from them, cease to care for them, or fail to minister to them. Seek to frequently remind yourself that the Lord has pleasure in His people, that His presence is with and His power engaged on behalf of them, that they are assured of His protection and provision for their every need. Then should they not be of good cheer?! Should they not be delivered from worrying care? Should they not go forward in holy confidence and joy? Trials and tests are certain, and so also is their blessed issue. In the darkest hour, remember my brother, my sister, the eyes of the Lord your God are upon you: the eyes of His love, of His favour, of His compassion.

“The eyes of the Lord thy God are always upon” you. What should be our response? The perfect example which our Saviour has left us supplies the answer: “I have set the LORD always before Me” (Psa. 16:18). Yes, our eyes ought ever to be upon Him, and for these reasons. First, we shall only apprehend and appreciate God’s sight of us as we obtain a sight of Him. One who is comparatively unknown to us cannot be confidently reposed upon. We must “acquaint” ourselves with Him if peace is to possess our hearts (Job 22:21); we must eye Him by faith if His mercies are to be spiritually enjoyed. Second, if God looks upon us, much more ought we to look upon Him. When He looks at us as we are in ourselves, He sees nothing but sinfulness and unworthiness; but when we look on Him—what a glorious Object do we behold! Third, the more we are occupied with the Lord our God, the more shall we be weaned from this perishing world, the more shall we be delivered from Satan’s snares, and the better shall we be equipped for the fight of faith (Psa. 34:5). Fourth, the more our hearts are engaged with beholding our covenant God, the greater and grander foretastes shall we obtain of the bliss awaiting us. The glory of Heaven consists in a beholding of God! God looking upon us, we looking upon Him: that is communion. O let us seek to be conscious each day of this year that the eyes of the Lord our God are upon us, and earnestly desire that our hearts may be fixed upon Him.

- A. W. Pink

A Quote

Slightly paraphrased from a book I've been reading.

Faith cometh not from feeling, but feeling from faith

How true is that.

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Reading the Puritans always gives one a quite different perspective on Christianity from that of modern writers (though how one defines modern is up to anyone's guess). The language used is both simple yet profound, at times beautifully elegant and other times frustratingly complicated to work through. Scripture permeates their writings and their writings are often carefully systematized and ordered, with much logical argumentation. Their ability to draw beautiful inferences and analogies from the Old Testament is something often sadly lacking in today's Christian literature.

Am now reading William Bridge's book on "A Lifting Up of the Downcast" and it is an entirely appropriate book for my current season in life. It is a veritable gold mine of wisdom and comfort, though I must confess that sometimes the language used leaves me more than slightly puzzled.

Having gone through roughly a fifth of the book, there is much within it where the writer deals with a Christian's comfort and peace that is so applicable in my life. One point that stuck out was this, as Christians we have no ground for discouragement. Why? Because we do not look within ourselves to find peace and comfort, but rather we are called to look outside of ourselves. In conjunction with a sermon by Paul Washer that I've just heard, there is great liberty in turning one's eyes away from oneself, from one's weaknesses and yes, even one's strengths, and looking upon Him who is able to comfort and fill you to the fullest.

Now there is much good in being introspective, to always examine one's life and motives and to guard against presumption and self-deception. However, if one remains there, where then will one find assurance and peace? For so often do we stumble and fall. Our flesh rises up against us and Satan whispers doubts and accusations into our heart's ears. 'How can God love you after what you've done? Surely you've gone too far this time. Will God do good towards you after all the times you have taken His Grace for granted?' Such is the way Satan attempts to discourage the saints and we must not be ignorant of his devices (2 Cor. 2:11)

Am I good enough? Well we know the answer to that don't we. If we were ever or could ever be good enough, Christ would not need to have died and been pierced for our transgressions. My God is a Living God, and He has promised in His Word that He will do good to those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose (Rom. 8:28). Why then should I despair? Every dark moment is but a passing cloud that covers the light of the sun but for a little time. All my steps were, are and have been planned by the LORD and He knows my every weakness and hurt. Is it not promised that He will not tempt/test us beyond what we can bear?

No guilt in life, no fear in death;
This is the Power of Christ in me.
From life's first cry, to final breath;
Jesus commands my destiny.

Take comfort oh my soul, in the One who was and is and is to come. Trust in the Lord and acknowledge Him in all your ways. Why are you downcast O my soul? Hope in the God of your salvation and He will give you peace, He will give you rest.

No power of hell, no scheme of men;
Can ever pluck me from His hand.
Till He returns, or calls me home;
Here in the Power of Christ I'll stand.

Brothers, let us not remain in discouragement.

A Song

I hope, God willing, to sing one day.



I cherish the treasure
The treasure of you
Lifelong companion
I give myself to you
God has enabled me
To walk with you faithfully
And cherish the treasure
The treasure of you

As I obey the Spirit's voice
And seek to do His will
I then can see the wisdom of His plan
For as He works His will in me
I then can love you selflessly
And by His grace, can pledge my love to you

This sacred vow I make to you
Does not contain an "if"
Though I'm aware that trials lie ahead
I will love you and pray with you
And through it all, I will stay with you
Our home will be a refuge of
Unconditional love

Cherish the treasure
The treasure of you

A Question

Why are you cast down, O my soul,
and why are you in turmoil within me?
Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,
my salvation and my God.

- Psalm 43:5

2 weeks.

A lot can change in 2 weeks.

Am I really who I say I am?

Father forgive, for indeed I am too weak.



You are forever in my life
You see me through the seasons
Cover me with Your hand
And lead me in Your righteousness
And I look to You


And I wait on You

I will sing to You, Lord
A hymn of love
For Your faithfulness to me
I'm carried in everlasting arms
You'll never let me go
Through it all

A Prayer

23 Nevertheless, I am continually with you;
you hold my right hand.
24 You guide me with your counsel,
and afterward you will receive me to glory.
25 Whom have I in heaven but you?
And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.
26 My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

27 For behold, those who are far from you shall perish;
you put an end to everyone who is unfaithful to you.
28 But for me it is good to be near God;
I have made the Lord GOD my refuge,
that I may tell of all your works.

- Psalms 73: 23-28 (Bold mine)

That I may glory in the Sovereignty and Power of my God, for all of His plans are good. To find refuge and peace and to dwell in His presence forever and ever.

We Are The Reason

As little children we would dream of Christmas morn
Of all the gifts and toys we knew we’d find
But we never realized a baby born one blessed night
Gave us the greatest gift of our lives

*We were the reason that He gave His life
We were the reason that He suffered and died
To a world that was lost He gave all He could give
To show us the reason to live

As the years went by we learned more about gifts
The giving of ourselves and what that means
On a dark and cloudy day a man hung crying in the rain
All because of love
All because of love

*Chorus

I finally found the reason for living
It’s in giving every part of my heart to Him (every part to Him)
And all that I do every word that I say (you know I’ll be saying)
I’ll be giving my all just for Him, for Him (every thing for Him)

Musing (III)

On Humility and Hypocrisy

1 So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy,
2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.
3 Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.
4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.
5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,
6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped,
7 but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.
8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross

- Phil. 2: 1-8

Pride is such a subtle thing. It slithers around in the shadows of our lives, waiting for any opportunity to rear its ugly head. In one's walk with God, the ever-present temptation is for one to exalt one's own learning or experience over those whom we perceive as weaker in the Faith.

1 Now concerning food offered to idols: we know that "all of us possess knowledge." This "knowledge" puffs up, but love builds up.
2 If anyone imagines that he knows something, he does not yet know as he ought to know.
3 But if anyone loves God, he is known by God.

- 1 Cor. 8: 1-3

So dangerous is such spiritual pride that the Apostle Paul himself, having received great and wondrous revelations from God, was given a thorn in the flesh lest he grow conceited.

6 Though if I should wish to boast, I would not be a fool, for I would be speaking the truth. But I refrain from it, so that no one may think more of me than he sees in me or hears from me.
7 So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited.

- 2 Cor. 12: 6-7

Have we not all grown conceited in one way or another? One boasts in his bible knowledge, another boasts in his many visions from God. One revels in his many good deeds, while another takes great pride in his many fasts, prayers and acts of piety. Hear then the words of our Lord.

1 "Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.

2 "Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward.
3 But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing,
4 so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
5 "And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward.
6 But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

- Matt. 6: 1-6

"What's the point of being humble if no one knows about it." Fascinating quote is it not? Do we at times actively seek to hide our good deeds or do we take every opportunity to let people know how "pious" and "humble" we are? God knows how many times I have struggled in this, when I have given and thought in my heart, 'now that's quite a large sum. Man do I feel good about myself.' Or when after attending a prayer meeting or bible study, one thinks to himself 'look, what a good Christian I am that I attend such meetings, so unlike those other carnal christians.' Oh brothers that should not be! Rather, we should ever be so desirous that those weaker amongst us should be built up in the Faith and that their hearts may be stirred into serving the Lord more and more with what they have, not out of a sense of any innate superiority, but with a certain lowliness and gratefulness for God's Grace in our lives.

(Now I know that the nature of my posts here may seem contradictory to what I am saying here, and I do not doubt that fact that often in writing have I fallen into the temptation of desiring others to know of my piety.)

Let us be exceedingly wary and watchful of the deceitfulness of our own hearts, for so often are we soon exposed for our hypocrisy.

21 you then who teach others, do you not teach yourself? While you preach against stealing, do you steal?
22 You who say that one must not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples?
23 You who boast in the law dishonor God by breaking the law.
24 For, as it is written, "The name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you."

- Roms. 2: 21-24

Here then is the tragic end of all our hypocrisy, that God's Name is itself scorned and ridiculed by the World. How can we endure such an affront to our Master's Name? Surely He has every right to deal with us harshly and justly. Let us seek to live our lives in such a way so as to not bring such shame to our Lord.

Lord be merciful to us.

Musing (II)

On Revival

Sometimes I wonder how much I really know about revival.When the simple question,"What is revival?" is put to one, how can I reply? Do I really know about revival at all? Sure I've read books about it, mainly by Leonard Ravenhill, as well as heard a few sermons on it, but looking at it again, it really isn't that much. There was that one year in 2000 that one could say had portents of being a revival, but that one too didn't exactly last very long nor were it's results earth-shattering.

Over the years, one can become cynical about revivals, especially when that term is bandied about and applied to any event where there seems to be some outpouring of emotions and religious fervor. What is revival and why do we desire it? As my friend shared, sometimes one wonders whether one desires revival as a cure-all for all the (perceived?) problems in the church today. Rather than diligently reading God's Word and seeking to apply it, we would rather sit on our thumbs and wait for God to clean up our mess. Now I am in no way denying that true spiritual reformation in the Church is solely dependent on God's Hand and Power, but there is no denying the fact that God has commanded us to do certain things in His Word.

As to the essence of revival, what exactly is it? As people go to a multitude of conferences throughout the year in order to "acquire the fire", what exactly is the point of it all? So many go and come back just as carnal and worldly as they were before. Or some come back with a fire that lasts for but a few short weeks before dissipating without any long-term change. Is God's power really so weak in this day and age? Why do so many go and experience such "revivals" without any change in them? I think of all those camps, both in ACS and in church where there seemed to be such great outpourings of emotions and numerous re-dedications and within a month one would be hard-pressed to find any traces of either.

12 "Yet even now," declares the LORD,
"return to me with all your heart,
with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning;
13 and rend your hearts and not your garments."
Return to the LORD your God,
for he is gracious and merciful,
slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love;
and he relents over disaster.
14 Who knows whether he will not turn and relent,
and leave a blessing behind him,
a grain offering and a drink offering
for the LORD your God?
15 Blow the trumpet in Zion;
consecrate a fast;
call a solemn assembly;
16 gather the people.
Consecrate the congregation;
assemble the elders;
gather the children,
even nursing infants.
Let the bridegroom leave his room,
and the bride her chamber.

17 Between the vestibule and the altar
let the priests, the ministers of the LORD, weep
and say, "Spare your people, O LORD,
and make not your heritage a reproach,
a byword among the nations.
Why should they say among the peoples,
'Where is their God?'"

- Joel 2: 12-17

Musing (I)

By God's Grace and Plan I've had a couple of particularly humbling and soul-stirring conversations over the past 12 hours with individuals who have seen much more of this world and are certainly much wiser than me in many respects. I hope to compile my thoughts and convictions before the passage of time steals it away from me.

*Edit*
I didn't expect it to turn out to be so long. Will be splitting it into about 3 separate posts. I hope it will not be a chore to read.

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On Love unconditional, friends and relationships
(As i write this I must confess, who am I to speak on the Love of God? Who can comprehend His Love? Who can say decisively this is what God's Love is and no more? Oh that God would be gracious to me.)

Is it possible for a person to love another person without an agenda? Is it the call of unconditional love to love others without a view of their conversion? Was Christ's love for the sinner simply an acceptance of their sinful state period?

In the life and ministry of Jesus Christ, one of its most striking features was the rarity of His ministering to the Pharisees and Scribes and that far more often He was found with the 'great' sinners of the day, tax collectors and prostitutes.

29 And Levi made him a great feast in his house, and there was a large company of tax collectors and others reclining at table with them.
30 And the Pharisees and their scribes grumbled at his disciples, saying, "Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?"

- Luke 5: 29-30

Here we see Jesus fellowshipping with these group of tax-collectors, ignoring the social stigma associated with them. As the Pharisees complained, we would do well to note Jesus' answer.

31 And Jesus answered them, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick.
32 I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance."

- Luke 5: 31-32

Who will dare say that Jesus was displaying anything less than unconditional love as He dined and ministered to the outcasts of society, and yet He states with alarming clarity, "I have come to call sinners to repentance." Would we today say He was loving them with an agenda?

14 Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God,
15and saying, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel."

- Mark 1:14-15

As we pass through this life, there seems to be a constant struggle between keeping fellowship with other believers and developing friendships with those who are not of the Faith. Admittedly there are extreme cases where one tends to fall on one side while neglecting the other and to my shame I have been guilty of it. On the one hand, one does not seek to interact with and understand one's unbelieving friends, while on the other, one may attempt to so understand them that it compromises several fundamental issues.

Moving on to the charge that to develop friendships with the view of sharing the Gospel with them results in a sort of compromise love that is inferior to "unconditional" love, we have already seen that Jesus Himself ministered with a view of their eventual repentance.

However, to put it in another perspective, if one were to really love another person, would not one then seek to give that person the best possible gift? What good would it do for that person if you were to be the best friend to him, to the point of even caring for him on his deathbed, if you would not proclaim the Gospel to him? Is that not the problem with so much of our Social Gospel/Justice programmes that the Church seems to be so involved in? Admittedly, one could indeed bring a valid charge that churches as a whole are lacking in this aspect of social outreach, but that does not detract from the main point. If James could denounce the prayers and well-wishes of a man who does not physically provide for others, how much more should we denounce those who would give all they have to the poor, but have not the love to proclaim the greatest news in all Creation to them?

So is such "unconditional" love superior? Granted that one must never be obnoxious but instead speak with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15), as Christians we live with the realization that one day, Man will be called to account for his deeds. We all will stand before God, before Christ Himself and be judged, and whosoever's name is not found in the Book of Life, he will be cast into Hell. What will our unbelieving friends and family say of our love and friendship then?

I write this with much sadness and trembling, knowing that I myself have sinned so greatly in this. I think of all those people I've met in NS, NUS and ACS. All of those whom I now work with in the office and factory. How do I still fear the opinions of men. I fear I will have much to be ashamed about when Christ returns.

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With regards to relationships and marriage, does such "unconditional" love preclude the use of, for lack of a better word, criteria and/or "checklists" when considering a partner?

On the one hand of course it would be ridiculous to say one should not be discerning in choosing a partner whom one would be spending the rest of one's life with. How many tragic stories have we heard where a believer had chosen to join himself/herself to an unbeliever, much to the detriment of his/her spiritual walk. Surely it then calls for a serious consideration of a person's godliness and love for God as one searches for a partner.

On the other hand, such criterion can be taken too far. We do not seek perfection, but rather, as Christ loves His Bride who is far from perfect, we are called to forbear and love the partners whom God give us in spite of their shortcomings or weaknesses.

Of course there are criterion that are, in my opinion, simply inconsequential. Wealth, status, ability, intelligence, domestic skill, physical beauty, perhaps even personality which can be deceiving. Granted that at times we are drawn to such things and to possess them is not a sin in and of itself, but the essential foundation of a relationship cannot and should not be built upon such temporal things that may change drastically with time.

The second question then asked is this, "it's all well and good to love/be attracted to a person who is godly and pious, but what happens should that person backslides or turns away from Christ? Would your love change then and would it not then be 'un-unconditional' love?"

Now of course one cannot see what the future holds and to deny that such occurrences are impossible is to simply deceive oneself. There are many examples of men and women who used to seem to walk closely with the Lord and who were extremely passionate about God, but who now have either completely fallen away or whose love has grown cold. Without getting into a debate regarding issues like the Perseverance of the Saints or the question of divorce, what should be the believing spouse's response? (I know I am completely unqualified in making such suggestions and there are men who are much wiser and experienced in this matter.)

I believe that when the statement is made that one should be attracted to those godly attributes in a person, one should be careful to distinguish between that which attracts and that which is loved. While godly attributes and fruit should attract us to a person, ultimately the object of love is not the attribute per se, but the person himself/herself. Knowing that we still live in a fallen world and that so much of the sinful nature resides within us, it is almost to be expected that there will be times of much dryness and periods when one does not seem to be walking with Christ.

When such times occur, the response is not and should not be a reduction in love or doubting of God's plan, but rather an even greater increase in love for that person, faithfully praying and persuading him/her to repentance and restoration. Such is the unconditional love displayed that reflects Christ's love for a Church, that so often turns away, and brings much glory to His Name.

The Madness of My Youh

Was just reading something online and all the silly things I used to do when I was younger just seemed to flood into my mind. All the times spent running around in ACS and accomplishing nothing. The years spent in NUS just doing the bare minimum to get by. The hundreds of wasted hours spent playing computer games, which looking back seems to be one of the greatest tragedies of my life (and I am not trying to be dramatic here!).

All that time lost for eternity. Even after God had convicted me and removed much of my spiritual blindness two years ago, I had persisted in so much vain folly. Vanity of vanities! Why hadn't You struck me blind like you did Your Apostle Paul while he was on his way to Damascus? That though he recovered his physical sight, he remained blinded to all that the World has.

Oh Lord how I wished you had disciplined me sooner and torn down all my pride and spiritual blindness. That You would have wrested from me every idol that I had clung to so closely to my breast. Why did you let me run with such madness for so long oh Lord. Oh that I would have looked towards heaven, that my reason would have returned to me.

I cannot return to those lost years, all the time that I had squandered away. Forgive me this great wrong!

6 Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep.
7 Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles.
8 Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me.
9 For I am the least of the apostles, unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.
10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me.

- 1 Cor. 15: 6-10 (Bold emphasis mine)

Reflections on 1 Peter 2: 13-25

13 Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme,
14 or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good.
15For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people.

Respect authority. An amazing statement from the Apostle to a people who had been scattered and exiled by the very authorities whom they are now called to honor. And why should they do so? Because it is by the will of God that by their conduct, those who seek to blaspheme God will be silenced. How often do we need reminding of this divine command, that while we remain on this Earth as ambassadors for Christ, should we not then live so as not to bring disrepute to the One whom we represent. How much mockery of Christ would cease should we live honest and peaceable lives.

16 Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God.
17 Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.

"We are now under grace, not under law" is so often the rallying call of those who seek to use the grace of God as a license for sin. "What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it?" (Romans 6: 1-2)

Our freedom was bought at a terrible price and our freedom is a freedom from slavery to sin. However, there is a sense that one goes not so much from slavery to freedom, but slavery to slavery. We who were once slaves to Sin are now slaves to God and of Righteousness (Rom 6: 17-18). What glorious freedom there is in this! "The freest man in the world is the one who is a slave to a perfect master" (Paul Washer). As slaves of our new master, we desire all the more to please Him.

And how does one please Him? By obeying His commands as He has revealed to us through His Word. Esteem others higher than yourself (Phil. 2:3), love one's fellow siblings in Christ (John 13:35), revere God the Almighty, submit to all authority appointed by Him.

18 Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust.
19 For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly.
20 For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God.

Will Christian's suffer and unjustly at that? Are there not those in the Middle East, India, China and North Korea who this day who are persecuted and pressed down on the mere notion that they identify themselves with the name of Christ? Are there not those in "open" societies like ours or America who are ostracized and despised because they desire to glorify and honor God above all things? Such are the gracious sufferings of the saints, of whom God will not be ashamed to be called their God. (Heb. 11:16)

However, one must be careful to ensure that one is indeed suffering for doing good in the name of Christ. There are some who are mocked not for the Gospel's sake, but because of their actions which contravene the law. Rather than being scandalized solely by the Gospel, many are made to stumble by the lifestyles and actions of its would-be propagators. Let us examine ourselves carefully, that we would remove every stumbling block before men except the scandal of the Gospel.

21 For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.
22 He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth.
23 When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly.

Why do we choose to suffer for doing good? Why would we rather be cheated and struck down by others? Because we have One who has gone before us who too was cursed by men without a cause. In His suffering He did not retaliate, but instead trusted that the Judge of all the Earth will do right. We look forward to the Day when all wrongs will be made right and justice will not only be done, but will also be seen to be done. So that all of Creation will know that He who sits in the heavens is a Just God who will not let the sins of wicked men go unpunished. (Prov. 11:21)

24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.
25 For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

But we who are redeemed are redeemed by His death. He who took all our sins that we might stand acceptable and beautiful before a Holy God. Having been thus redeemed, how much more should we then live to and for God? For He has not only delivered us from the penalty of Sin, but He will only continually deliver us from the power of Sin as long as we remain in this mortal realm.

Because it pleased the LORD to crush Him, we now have peace with God. The severed relationship that began the moment Adam fell has now been restored and healed completely. We who were once lost, Christ our Great Shepard has found.

Praise Him you heavens and all thats above;
Praise Him you angels and heavenly hosts;
Let the whole earth praise Him.

A Constant Reminder

Do nothing that you would not like God to see.
Say nothing, you would not like God to hear.
Write nothing, you would not like God to read.
Go no place where you would not like God to find you.
Read no book of which you would not like God to say, "Show it to Me."
Never spend your time in such a way that you would not like to have God say, "What are you doing?"

- J. C. Ryle

1 O LORD, you have searched me and known me!
2 You know when I sit down and when I rise up;
you discern my thoughts from afar.
3 You search out my path and my lying down
and are acquainted with all my ways.
4 Even before a word is on my tongue,
behold, O LORD, you know it altogether.
5 You hem me in, behind and before,
and lay your hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
it is high; I cannot attain it.
7 Where shall I go from your Spirit?
Or where shall I flee from your presence?
8 If I ascend to heaven, you are there!
If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there!
9 If I take the wings of the morning
and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,
10 even there your hand shall lead me,
and your right hand shall hold me.
11 If I say, "Surely the darkness shall cover me,
and the light about me be night,"
12 even the darkness is not dark to you;
the night is bright as the day,
for darkness is as light with you.

13 For you formed my inward parts;
you knitted me together in my mother’s womb.
14 I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works;
my soul knows it very well.
15 My frame was not hidden from you,when I was being made in secret,
intricately woven in the depths of the earth.
16 Your eyes saw my unformed substance;in your book were written, every one of them,
the days that were formed for me,
when as yet there was none of them.

17 How precious to me are your thoughts, O God!
How vast is the sum of them!
18 If I would count them, they are more than the sand.
I awake, and I am still with you.

19 Oh that you would slay the wicked, O God!
O men of blood, depart from me!
20 They speak against you with malicious intent;
your enemies take your name in vain!
21 Do I not hate those who hate you, O LORD?
And do I not loathe those who rise up against you?
22 I hate them with complete hatred;
I count them my enemies.

23 Search me, O God, and know my heart!
Try me and know my thoughts!
24 And see if there be any grievous way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting!

- Psalm 139

Where can I go oh Lord and you are not already there?
Where can I hide and you will not find me?
All my deepest thoughts and plans are as an open book before You,
All my days You have already foreseen.

Surely the Lord is good and merciful beyond measure,
and His ways higher than my ways.
Who has known the mind of the Lord?
Who has given Him counsel?

That my heart may be pure in Your sight,
And my will in line with Your's.
"Grant what thou commandest,
And command what thou wilt."

Keep me from hypocrisy.

Private Prayer by A. W. Pink

Not a few are puzzling their brains over prophecy when they should be on their knees before God. “The Devil knows he is no loser, and the curious soul but a little gainer, if he can but persuade him to spend most of his precious time in pouring over the mysteries and hidden things of God. He that affects to read the Revelation of John more than his plain Epistles, or Daniel’s prophecies more than David’s Psalms, and is more busy about reconciling different Scriptures than he is about mortifying of unruly lusts, or is set more upon vain speculation than upon things that make for edification—he is not the man that is cut out for closet prayer. Such as affect sublime notions, obscure expressions, and are men of abstract conceits, are but a company of wise fools, that will never take any delight to be with God in a corner. O how holy, happy, heavenly, and humble might many men have been, had they but spent half the time in closet prayer that they have spent in searching after those things that are hard to be understood” (Thomas Brooks, Puritan).

The prayer of faith includes submission as truly as it does confidence, for if the latter be without the former, it is presumption—and not faith. To pray in faith is not to ask in the certain belief that God will give us what we ask for, but rather that He will grant us what is wisest and best. If we knew assuredly beforehand that God would certainly give us the very things we ask for, we would have reason to be afraid to pray, for often we desire things which would prove a curse if we got them! Our wisdom as well as our duty is to pray, conditionally and submissively. We must bow before God’s sovereignty.

Let us now anticipate an objection. I would be often in praying before God, but sin has so much power over me that it severs communion, and utterly quenches the spirit of prayer in my heart—I feel so polluted that it would be a mockery for me to appear before the thrice holy God. Ah, but God’s hearing of our prayers does not depend upon our sanctity—but upon Christ’s mediation: “I do not this for your sakes, O house of Israel, but for Mine holy name’s sake” (Ezek. 36:22). It is not because of what Christians are in themselves, but because of what they are in Christ, that God responds to their requests: “to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 2:5). When God answers our petitions it is not for our sakes, nor for our prayers’ sake, but for His Son’s sake: see Ephesians 4:32. Seek to remember, my distressed brethren, that you are a member of the mystical body of Christ, and as Luther said, “What man will cut off his nose because there is filth in it?”

Taken from here. (Emphasis mine)

Surely.....

The words of Agur son of Jakeh. The oracle.

The man declares, I am weary, O God;
I am weary, O God, and worn out.
Surely I am too stupid to be a man.
I have not the understanding of a man.

- Proverbs 30: 1-2

Oh Lord, how have I not heeded your Word.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths.

- Proverbs 3: 5-6

====================================

And he said, "O LORD, God of my master Abraham, please grant me success today and show steadfast love to my master Abraham. Behold, I am standing by the spring of water, and the daughters of the men of the city are coming out to draw water. Let the young woman to whom I shall say, 'Please let down your jar that I may drink,' and who shall say, 'Drink, and I will water your camels'—let her be the one whom you have appointed for your servant Isaac. By this I shall know that you have shown steadfast love to my master."

Before he had finished speaking, behold, Rebekah, who was born to Bethuel the son of Milcah, the wife of Nahor, Abraham’s brother, came out with her water jar on her shoulder. The young woman was very attractive in appearance, a maiden whom no man had known. She went down to the spring and filled her jar and came up. Then the servant ran to meet her and said, "Please give me a little water to drink from your jar." She said, "Drink, my lord." And she quickly let down her jar upon her hand and gave him a drink. When she had finished giving him a drink, she said, "I will draw water for your camels also, until they have finished drinking." So she quickly emptied her jar into the trough and ran again to the well to draw water, and she drew for all his camels.

- Genesis 24: 12-20

Isn't this such a wonderful story? :)

Reflections on 1 Peter 2: 1-12

1 So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander.

After re-reading my last post, the one word in this verse that struck me was "envy". Do I not envy others, all those who had done so many other exciting things and who have traveled widely? Having heard the Good News of what the Lord has done, should not one then realize that he has been blessed with every spiritual blessing? Oh that the Lord should teach me to be satisfied in what He has provided for me and that I be given unto living a life worthy of repentance.

2 Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation—
3if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.

Ah to long for that which is good and holy, and which leads into greater and greater maturity in Christ. Do I desire that which is pure? Have I ceased drinking down iniquities as though it were water (Job 15:16) and turned to drink from the Fountain of Living Water? Just as there is the pure spiritual milk, there is milk which is rotten and does no good for the soul or in the maturing of faith.

4 As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious,
5 you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
6 For it stands in Scripture:

"Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone,
a cornerstone chosen and precious,
and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame."

Christ the cornerstone. How often do we built mighty works where Christ does not form the foundation, but rather tops it off like a cherry on top of an ice cream sundae. We do all sorts of things and give a momentary acknowledgment of Christ at the end. Is it any wonder so many of our programmes fail in light of eternity?

For only that which is done through Jesus Christ is seen as acceptable by God and whosoever trusts in Him, in His Sovereignty, Power and Sufficiency, and contrary to the culture today, they will not be ashamed on that Day when He returns triumphant to claim His Bride.

7 So the honor is for you who believe, but for those who do not believe,

"The stone that the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone,"

8 and

"A stone of stumbling,
and a rock of offense."



They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do.

9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.
10 Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

For those who do not believe on Christ, Christ is made to be a stumbling block before them (1 Cor. 1:23). For indeed, the carnal nature cannot perceive or understand that which is spiritual, and those whom the light of God's Word has not illuminated their minds will strive with every ounce of their energy against it. Such are the vessels of wrath prepared unto destruction (Rom. 9:22)

But in His great mercy and infinite wisdom He has chosen for Himself a people that will glorify Him and exalt His Holy Name. He has called them and brought them out by His own hand those who were dead in their sins and trespasses (Eph. 2:1) and called them His own. Why do I not rejoice in this with exceeding gladness? That my Lord and King should show mercy and grace to me in the greatest ever demonstration of His Love of all eternity. Has my heart become so dull to this magnificent truth?

11 Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul.

In Christ, we are aliens and strangers in a foreign land for as long as remain in this mortal realm. Is it not astounding that many professing Christians seem to be so comfortable in this life and seek to conform the Church to the World? But we are pilgrims and we seek a city with foundations, whose builder and maker is God (Heb. 11:10). This World has nothing to offer us.

And as pilgrims we are called to strive against the flesh, that sinful nature that still resides in our mortal bodies. It is a war, and in war the battles are always costly. It is a great struggle, but He has already promised us the victory and we fight with that in mind.

12 Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation

A prelude of sorts to the remaining verses in chapter 2. Even as aliens and strangers in this world, we are commanded to conduct ourselves honorably and with much good works, so that even when the heathens mock and accuse us of evil, it will be clearly seen that there is no rational basis to the charge.

How different is the situation today. We read of Pastors caught in adulteries, prostituting the church for monetary gain or giving vain prophecies. We read of churches spending tens of millions on buildings and renovations while less than a tenth of that is used to help the poor. One would be hard pressed to tell the difference between some worship services today and the rock concerts held outside. So often is the church seen to be as worldly as the World, and all in the name of being relevant.

Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.

- James 1:27

Of Love for God

It is so hard to sing of one's love for God, as small and inadequate as it is, but there is much delight to be found in singing of God's love for me. Who can fathom the Love of God and of His infinite Mercies?

17 So when God desired to show more convincingly to the heirs of the promise the unchangeable character of his purpose, he guaranteed it with an oath,
18 so that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us.
19 We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain,
20 where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.

- Hebrews 6: 17-20

===========================

Looking at the lives of people around me who I know and reflecting upon my own journey, I am often led to ask the question, "Why God have you made me this way." Now the people I hang out with most often come from a certain socio-economic group, but I see people who have literally traveled the world and who have seen and done things that I could only dream of. Oftentimes one feels like a real hillbilly and 'suaku' when compared to those jet-setting cosmopolitan high-achieving people heh.

Granted that much of it is of my own doing. When I look at some of the things I did in my youth, the things that I spent most of my time and effort on, the opportunities I had passed over, I feel so utterly disgusted with myself. Ah the follies of youth, time lost is gone forever.

But God is merciful and wise beyond comparison in leading me despite all my failings and faults and dullness of hearing. That He may grant me the faith to declare "By the Grace of God I am what I am, and His Grace towards me was not in vain." (1 Cor. 15:10)

Oh to burn myself out for Him

Communicating Better

There's a whole series of posts and comments up at Pyromaniacs that are worth reading.

Often times in our disdain for decisional regeneration, altar calls and the like, we need to seriously consider our answer to the sinner's question, "How then shall I be saved?" Now obviously the answer would involve making a choice, whether it be to seek the Lord, repent, come to Christ, etc....

As I said, extremely worthy and thought-provoking posts to read and do read the comments as well for the discussion.

To Fast and Pray

5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.
6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.
7 For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord;
8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

- James 1: 5-8

There is a certain heavy thing on my mind. Though it may seem selfish, Brothers, pray that God will grant me the wisdom to decide, the courage to act and the faith to trust in His goodness.

26 Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.
27 And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.
28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

- Romans 8: 26-28

======================
Update @ 10.20pm

Just returned from a walk to clear to my thoughts. Feeling comforted in Him who impressed upon me to have faith so long ago.

Lord I believe, help me in my unbelief!

Husbands, Love Your Wives

Reflections on 1 Peter 1: 13-25

13 Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

Having encouraged the believer with a vision of the salvation to come, Peter turns to exhorting the believer into action based upon such a vision. How interesting it is for the Apostle to focus on the believer's mind, knowing full well the tendency of the mind to wander from the Truth.

Here then is no modern divorcing of the mind from the emotions, for we are called to love Him with our minds as with our heart and emotions. Oh to set our minds fully upon the grace from Jesus Christ, how often do we then turn our minds and eyes away from our blessed hope unto things of this Earth. Where/What is my hope set upon? Can anything on this Earth satisfy fully?

14 As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance,
15 but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct,
16 since it is written, "You shall be holy, for I am holy."

"As obedient children". Looking back at all that the Lord has brought me through and all His blessings and chastenings, despite all the maturation in Christ over the years, I am still but a child of God and will remain so for eternity. And if as children we are called to obey our earthly parents, how much more then should we obey our Heavenly Father. For our Father is a Holy Father, and He calls us to be so likewise, as without holiness no one will see the Lord. (Heb. 12:14)

But our sinful nature that remains within us constantly seeks to enslave us to our previous bondage. I hear its seductive voice every time I turn on the television, computer or even while simply walking down the street. My eyes wander and rest upon things that I should not dwell upon. A constant battle is fought in the battlefield of the mind every day. The World seeks, in the words of Ravenhill, to press us into its mold, to make us very much a child of the Devil as well as a citizen of this world. Yet the Lord is faithful to keep His saints, to grant them power through the Holy Spirit to overcome the temptations of this age.

17 And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one’s deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile,
18 knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold,
19 but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.

This is truly inspired writing, for how else can two seemingly contrary truths be brought together in such unity. For though we have been bought by the Blood of Christ, in whom we are no longer under any condemnation (Rom. 8:1), yet we are exhorted to walk carefully and fearfully while we yet remain in this earthly realm, keeping ourselves in the Love of God (Jude 21). How rarely are both truths presented side-by-side in the church nowadays, for so many either rest in lawless antinomianism or cower in fearful legalism.

Oh the wonders of Grace, that we may walk through life and know that we will never be able to escape from the Love of God. What then can one do, for he is controlled by the Love of God (2 Cor. 5:14) to walk in His ways, to love the things He loves and to hate the things He hates. Oh that the reality of this Love be revealed to me anew every morning.

20 He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you
21 who through him are believers in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.

Who can claim that our Saviour is a mere creature, for even before the world was made, He is. Yet in the mystery of mysteries, He entered into time into earthly existence for our sakes. And He went to that Cross and was raised again and glorified above all things. Who can understand such things? One could spend an eternity seeking to understand the glory of Christ in his death and resurrection and yet still discover there is so much more that he does not know. On such a mystery can our hope and faith rest securely.

22 Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart,
23 since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God;
24for

"All flesh is like grass
and all its glory like the flower of grass.
The grass withers,
and the flower falls,
25 but the word of the Lord remains forever."

And this word is the good news that was preached to you.

Here then is clear demonstration of the believer's responsibility in his sanctification. Indeed while salvation is only of the Lord, this does not absolve one of one's own responsibility in purifying himself, for our Lord works through human as well as divine means.

"This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you" (John 15:12). Such are the words of our Lord, that we are given as a divine command to love. To love others unconditionally as He has so loved us unconditionally. Many have taken such great words and twisted it for their own evil purposes, but we must never let them steal these words away from us.

Oh to love with a pure heart, how difficult it is. In my recent deliberations and meditations on relationships, this is the great struggle in me. To look beyond her imperfections and weaknesses, to look beyond even her strengths, successes and accolades, things which those of the world may admire and desire, and to see and love the beauty within her that is of Christ, from Christ and is Christ. To desire a relationship not for what I can get from it, but for me to better display Christ and His Love as inadequate as I am and to serve her even as Christ emptied Himself and served His Bride.

So what is to be our motivation to this great love? Nothing less than the Gospel which remains forever. Men come and go, and all things that can be seen will soon pass away, but our great hope rests upon the Word of the One who lives forever and who was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

He Makes All Things Beautiful In His Time

Two verses that I want to lay down as a marker this day.

He who finds a wife finds a good thing
and obtains favor from the LORD.

- Prov. 18:22

House and wealth are inherited from fathers,
but a prudent wife is from the LORD.

- Prov. 19:14

Link for future reading. (Complementarian Singles: Who Should I Marry?)

Ryle on Friends (and Marriage :P)

I couldn't resist posting this (from J. C. Ryle's Thoughts for Young Men).

I dwell upon this point, because it has more to do with your prospects in life than first appears. If you ever marry, it is more than probable you will choose a wife from among your circle of friends or their acquaintances. If Jehoshaphat's son Jehoram had not formed a friendship with Ahab's family, he would most likely not have married Ahab's daughter. And who can estimate the importance of a right choice in marriage? It is a step which, according, to the old saying, "either makes a man or ruins him." Your happiness in both lives may depend on it. Your wife must either help your soul or harm it. She will either fan the flame of Christianity in your heart, or throw cold water upon it, and make it burn low. She will either be, wings or handcuffs, an encouragement or an hindrance to your Christianity, according to her character. He that finds a good wife does indeed "finds a good thing;" so if you have the desire to find one, be very careful how you choose your friends.

Do you ask me what kind of friends you should choose? Choose friends who will benefit your soul, friends whom you can really respect, friends whom you would like to have near you on your deathbed, friends who love the Bible, and are not afraid to speak to you about it, friends that you would not be ashamed of having at the coming of Christ, and the day of judgment. Follow the example that David sets for you: he says, "I am a friend to all who fear you, to all who follow your precepts" (Psalm 119:63). Remember the words of Solomon: "He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm" (Proverbs 13:20). But depend on it, bad company in this life, is the sure way to procure worse company in the life to come.

- J. C. Ryle

He Is Able

8 Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God,
9 who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began,
10 but has now been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, who has abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel,
11 to which I was appointed a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.
12 For this reason I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day.

- 2 Timothy 1:8-12 (NKJV, bold emphasis mine)

"You know, I've been to more funerals than weddings." Was talking with Charles yesterday after visiting his namesake in NUH and that was the observation both of us arrived to. A day before, we went to a wake to visit a Year 4 BB Boy who had watched as his father died before his eyes. He was just 52 years old. A week ago a Year 3 BB Boy lost his father due to complications during a routine surgery.

What is your life but a vapour that appears for a little while, and then vanishes away (cf. James 4:14). I looked at all those young people eating and laughing near Bugis Junction as Charles and I were there having dessert after attending the wake on Tuesday. Do they know what is to come? Has Man so desensitized himself that he no longer ponders upon eternal things? I am convinced that if we truly see what is coming we'll swear off all partying and wild living, and fall down on our faces and weep for a dead and dying world. Every man knows that there will be a day of reckoning, that death is inevitable. But in his sin, he suppresses the truth and seeks to drug and entertain himself so as to forget this reality.

In that hospital room yesterday, I looked at his stuff carefully placed to one side of the room and I thought of all the things I have in this world, all those books, my computer, my earthly treasures. Naked I came from my mother's womb and naked do I return to Him. What good are all the riches and goods of this Earth to a man dying on a bed.

So should I then despair? If I were a lost, carnal man then I should very rightly despair, for I would be without any hope whatsoever. But in Christ have I made my deposit, and He is able and faithful to keep it to that Final Day. We do not grieve over death and suffering like those who have no hope, for Christ has abolished death through His own death and resurrection.

In His wisdom He has seen fit to show me so starkly the fragile mortality of humanity while I am still young in age. I fully believe it is good for young people to go for funerals, that they may see their future and be wise in all that they do.

Teach us to number our days aright,
that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

- Psalm 90:12

"Show me, O LORD, my life's end
and the number of my days;
let me know how fleeting is my life.

You have made my days a mere handbreadth;
the span of my years is as nothing before you.
Each man's life is but a breath.
Selah

Man is a mere phantom as he goes to and fro:
He bustles about, but only in vain;
he heaps up wealth, not knowing who will get it.

"But now, Lord, what do I look for?
My hope is in you.

- Psalm 39: 4-7

Just one life twill soon be past, and only what's done for Christ will last; And when I am dying how happy I'll be, that the lamp of my life has been burnt out for thee.

- Anonymous

I've been lookin' at the past
I've wasted too much time
On things that won't last
I've built a kingdom out of rubble and sand
But I don't, I don't want to hold on to it all
I'm ready for the river to run and wash it away

CHORUS
I'm singin'
Come sweet water
Cleanse my soul
Shower me
And make me whole
Consume me with healing flood
Leave no traces of the man that I was
Before the river came

There's no freedom in the chains
They hold you captive to the guilt of your stains
One drop of water brings
an ocean of change
And I long, I long to move on from it all
I'm ready for the river to run and wash it away
I'm singin'

Baptize and bury me
Until only You remain (come and rescue me)
I don't want to be the man that I was
Long before the river came
====================

Just as an aside, some would know how I have been thinking of doing theological studies in the near future. It is a complex and trying decision, fraught with much doubt and fear. What's my motivation? For what purpose do I seek such things? Am I smart/personal/capable/pastoral enough for such a high calling? Am I even called in the first place?

I must confess that I have not been burdened or praying enough for this, may the Lord forgive me my slothfullness. But as I was standing in that hospital room watching the doctor(s) prescribing remedies and medication for him, it struck me that doctors, for all their laudable and noble efforts, simply treat the symptoms of Man's Illness. For Man's Illness is primarily spiritual, not physical. As sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, so Man's physical death is but a symptom of the spiritual death within him.

Full time ministry is, I am convinced, the highest calling God can ever give a man while on this Earth. For while doctors may deal with temporal ills, and eventually every man will die, those who serve full-time are faced with eternity and eternal consequences everyday as they fight for the souls of men.

Oh Lord be gracious to me.

Reflections on 1 Peter 1: 1-12

1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ,
To those who are elect exiles of the dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,
2 according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood: May grace and peace be multiplied to you.

Here writing to those displaced Christians, Peter firstly recognizes their salvation and coming to the Faith had been according to God's predestination and election, and had been made efficacious by the Holy Spirit's work through the Blood of Christ and for obedience to Him.

The full work of the Trinity in salvation is expressed in these two short verses as well as stating one (of the many) purposes of salvation, that is that we may become obedient to God (in contrast to those today who would deny the evidencing of true faith in God by obedience).

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
4 to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you,

How often do we exalt God simply for the mercy He has shown to us. For how great is that mercy which He has given us through Jesus Christ and that now we have a living hope because He was raised from the dead, thereby acknowledging the perfect satisfaction the Father has received from the Son.

Our Lord does not remain dead and buried in the Judean sand, but now sits with Majesty on high at the right hand of the Father. Where O death is you victory, where O death is your sting. Our hope rests in the glories to come for we now have an inheritance to look forward to, an inheritance that will remain forever.

How foolish we are to treasure so highly things on this Earth which will decay and be destroyed. How foolish we are to believe that such inheritances are to be gained whilst still in this present life. For those who seek such things as wealth, power or status through religion, they may very well have already received their reward.

5 who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

Indeed, can one who is truly saved by God ever fall away completely? Surely there are those who have stumbled for a time and experienced spiritual storms that threaten shipwreck, but God is faithful to protect those whom He has saved for His very reputation rides upon this.

Just as Moses pleaded with God not to destroy the stiff-necked Israelites for His Name's sake, so too will God keep His Elect safe lest others say, "It is because the LORD was not able to bring this people into the land that he swore to give to them that he has killed them in the wilderness." (Num. 14:16)

6 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials,
7 so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
8 Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory,
9 obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

The Bible never promises believers a smooth road to Heaven. Instead, all true believers will go through many trials- though ultimately of short duration relative to eternity. Such trials are to further sanctify the believer, to prove that their faith is true.

How many of us fear suffering? Do we fear that we would be found wanting in our faith? But yet such is the Lord's plan of purifying every believer and of exposing those who may profess to know Christ, but yet are not of His sheep. Such tested faith, if true, will ultimately result in greater praise and adoration of God, as revealed in and through Jesus Christ.

It is interesting to observe how people cope with various sufferings in their life. For some, they lash out in anger at a God who would allow such sufferings to happen. They had been told that the Christian walk was one of continually bliss and ease, that prosperity and health was their right. And when the realities of this fallen world confront them head-on, it reveals the sand on which the foundation of their faith had been built upon. Yet there are others, who when afflicted with disease or poverty, seek to praise God all the more for the grace He has already shown to them in their lives through the finished work of Jesus Christ.

Sickness does not dampen their passion for God, for they eagerly await the new glorified body which is to come. Poverty does not dismay them, for they have their eyes set on the eternal prize and the glorious riches of their inheritance. Such is their joy and their faith in Christ, though they live in time 2000 years after our Lord walked on this earth, that an inexpressible joy resides within them, knowing that they will receive the salvation promised to them.

10 Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to be yours searched and inquired carefully,
11 inquiring what person or time the Spirit of Christ in them was indicating when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the subsequent glories.
12 It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in the things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the good news to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels long to look.

The coming of Christ was no abnormal or surprise event in time, for the entirety of the Old Testament pointed to the One who would save His people from their Sins. His life, suffering, death, burial and resurrection were foretold centuries before the God-Man Christ Jesus ever walked this Earth.

Is it not intriguing, that the angels look at Christ's work on the Cross and while praising God for His Mercy and Grace, are yet unable to experience it or know of it themselves? Is it not amazing that while we can sing of our redemption, no angel can sing that? No angel can sing, "He died for me."

What great privilege has God granted unto Man, that he should be a recipient of Grace unmeasurable. Is there a realization of that in your life Christian? Why then should any child of God ever despair? How marvelous are the infinite mercies of God in Jesus Christ.