"Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons?

"My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord,
nor be weary when reproved by him.
For the Lord disciplines the one he loves,
and chastises every son whom he receives."

It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.

Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed. Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no "root of bitterness" springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled; that no one is sexually immoral or unholy like Esau, who sold his birthright for a single meal. For you know that afterward, when he desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no chance to repent, though he sought it with tears."

- Hebrews 12: 3-17

The One Steadying Constant

Amongst the rapidly changing fads and fashions of a church chasing after that magical "silver bullet" to all their problems.

"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever."

- Hebrews 13:8

An Early Year-End Reflection

This year can be basically summed up like this, "putting your theology into practice". It's just amazing how throughout this year, God has been sovereignly arranging situations and circumstances that has called me to recall, believe and carry out all that He has taught me in previous years.

"But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies."

- 2 Corinthians 4: 7-10

It's not that I am cynical

But it is just that I've seen so many emotional outbursts and experiences over the years with no permanent fruit to show for it.

On a much better note, a worthwhile download from the Gospel Coalition here.

Oh Lord keep me from envy. To You I look to provide in due season.

Something Must Be Wrong

When you hear and see people having much more passionate discussions and conversations on football and fashion instead of on Christ and His Kingdom....

Christ is sufficient, Christ is all. Christ is Ruler, King and Lord

Form Without Power

"But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.

- 2 Timothy 3: 1-5

Who can deny the inspiration of the Apostle Paul as he wrote these words as he was moved by the Holy Spirit so many years ago. Paul's words above are an ever increasing indictment against much of what passes for religion today. In order to assuage his conscience, Man is willing to take up all the trappings of religion especially in its display. Pageantry and aesthetics appeal to his senses and gives him much supposed assurance of his spiritual state. Oh but how much he despises the secret and hard things of Christianity.

I have seen a much greater emphasis on prayer, bible reading and daily communion with God in recent months and while it is good, I fear lest we fall into formalism and doing things "just because we have to". Every man born again of the Holy Spirit is a new creature, with a new heart of flesh that is sensitive and desirous of the things of God. One does not need to force a sheep to act like a sheep because it does so naturally. But the carnal and unsaved man does not truly desire the things from above. He may agree begrudgingly to do them, and indeed persist for a time, but he will soon find no appetite for them. For it is not in his nature to desire these things.

Oh how we need all the more urgently today to ensure those around us, who profess faith in Christ, are well and truly born again. How much more do we need to examine our own hearts to see if we are merely dabbling in the formalities of religion without knowing any of its true power to save, especially in these times of increasing religious fervour. We can try to dress up a goat as a sheep with all the duties of a Christian, but at the Judgement Seat all appearances will be removed and how great will be the anguish and regret on that Day.

Oh Lord let it not be so with me.

Lamentations

But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope:

The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
"The LORD is my portion," says my soul, therefore I will hope in him."
The LORD is good to those who wait for him,to the soul who seeks him.
It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD.
It is good for a man that he bear the yoke in his youth.

Let him sit alone in silence when it is laid on him;
let him put his mouth in the dust— there may yet be hope;
let him give his cheek to the one who strikes,and let him be filled with insults.

For the Lord will not cast off forever,
but, though he cause grief, he will have compassion
according to the abundance of his steadfast love; for he does not willingly afflict or grieve the children of men.

============================
Who has spoken and it came to pass, unless the Lord has commanded it?
Is it not from the mouth of the Most High that good and bad come?
Why should a living man complain, a man, about the punishment of his sins?
Let us test and examine our ways, and return to the LORD!
Let us lift up our hearts and hands to God in heaven:
"We have transgressed and rebelled, and you have not forgiven."

- Lamentations 3: 21-33, 37-42

The Casualness of Relationships

There is something that is increasingly disturbing to me even as I go through this current phase in life. You look at the culture of a place and sometimes you wonder, 'Can it be changed? Why do we put up with it in resignation and acceptance despite knowing that it is so deplorable and saddening? Have we been so influenced by the godless culture of this society that we simply lose the will to resist and accept it as an "unavoidable fact of life"?'

It was a most uncomfortable conversation in my spirit as we sat there talking. How can it be that such an important matter could be discussed so nonchalantly? Do we not consider it a serious thing? Should not our spirit recoil at the thought of it?

"They will have to go through it and experience it for themselves; you can't control a person's biology; They have the right to choose for themselves." Such are the commonest responses when one dares to broach the topic of Boy-Girl relationships (BGR) today, and more specifically, the educating, warning and restraining of such relationships among young people today."Live and learn" is the mantra for this issue of immense importance. But I remember Paul Washer roughly saying this once, "The Devil tells you to live and learn, the Bible tells you to learn and live." Is there not warrant and place for our young people to be warned and prepared for such an important issue?

It is really saddening to hear the number of "partners" people have gone through in their lives (and this even before the age of 30!). People hop from one partner to another with seemingly little regard for the damage it does to themselves and to others. Relationships exist for the "here-and-now" and little or no thought is given to oneself or the other's preparedness and maturity for such a relationship. Is it no wonder then that we see such BGRs breaking and forming at such an incredible rate? (And this even in church!)

Perhaps this is one of the reason that the Lord took me out for those ten to eleven years, lest in my weakness I should face such temptation and heart-break. Even today I can feel how prone I am in my flesh to fall into such temptations.

Some might say to me, "But you have never ever gotten into a BGR. You do not know what it is like and hence, are not qualified to talk and advise on such matters." That may be true, but I have never taken drugs before as well. Does that then disqualify me from warning people about it? (This is not to say that BGRs are in essence bad, but rather the casual approach to it.)

Have I been in such error? As I look back over this one year plus, I realize how often in my desperation and unbelief I myself have been committing the very same errors. How little thought have I given to God and His promptings. How little I have trusted in His faithfulness and providence (all the more unforgivable considering all the things He has brought me through in life). How seldom have I considered my own lack of maturity and preparedness to take up such a heavy responsibility. How rarely have I been found on my knees in prayer and supplication for a prudent wife, that the Lord alone provides? (cf. Prov 19:14)

Oh Learn and Live!

My son, if you receive my words
and treasure up my commandments with you,
making your ear attentive to wisdom
and inclining your heart to understanding;
yes, if you call out for insight
and raise your voice for understanding,
if you seek it like silver
and search for it as for hidden treasures,
then you will understand the fear of the LORD
and find the knowledge of God.
For the LORD gives wisdom;
from his mouth come knowledge and understanding;
he stores up sound wisdom for the upright;
he is a shield to those who walk in integrity,
guarding the paths of justice
and watching over the way of his saints.

- Proverbs 2: 1-8

Because I can't find my own words to express what I feel

"All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be."

- Psalms 139 :16b

All the Way my Saviour Leads me

vs.1
All the way my Savior leads me;
What have I to ask beside?
Can I doubt His tender mercy,
Who through life has been my Guide?
Heav’nly peace, divinest comfort,
Here by faith in Him to dwell!
For I know, whate’er befall me,
Jesus doeth all things well;
For I know, whate’er befall me,
Jesus doeth all things well.

vs.2
All the way my Savior leads me,
Cheers each winding path I tread;
Gives me grace for every trial,
Feeds me with the living Bread.
Though my weary steps may falter,
And my soul athirst may be,
Gushing from the Rock before me,
Lo! A spring of joy I see;
Gushing from the Rock before me,
Lo! A spring of joy I see.

vs.3
All the way my Savior leads me
O the fullness of His love!
Perfect rest to me is promised
In my Father’s house above.
When my spirit, clothed immortal,
Wings its flight to realms of day
This my song through endless ages—
Jesus led me all the way;
This my song through endless ages—
Jesus led me all the way.

On Self-Esteem

Much has been made about inculcating a sense of self-esteem or self-confidence in modern society that it is no surprise that such thinking has infiltrated into much of the church today. " We mustn't hurt their self-esteem" and " We must help them gain confidence in themselves" are common refrains in many churches and one wonders how biblical that truly is.

I am increasingly convinced such thinking only serves to do incredible damage to the spiritual walks of many believers, for it is only the man who has lost all confidence in himself who is able to come humbly before the Throne of Mercy to beg for grace. It is only when a man can say with all conviction that "I know that in my flesh no good thing dwells" (cf. Rom. 7:18) is he then able to say "salvation belongs to the Lord" (Jonah 2:9).

Is it not little wonder then that "God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise [and] what is weak in the world to shame the strong" (1 Cor. 1:27) so that the one who boasts, boast[s] in the Lord." (1 Cor. 1:31 )He who has had all his self-confidence and esteem crushed is far more ably suited for use in the Lord's hands rather than the one who remains reliant on his own strength because he realizes all the more his utter weakness apart from God.

Oh let us not seek to raise the self-esteem and confidence of those under our charge, but rather to utterly obliterate it so that they may turn to Christ with all their hearts and cling desperately unto Him who is our Source and Life.

"For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh." (Philippians 3:3)

For The Want of Peace

And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, "Peace! Be still!" And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.

- Mark 4:39

One wonders at the words of our Lord here whether they were merely meant for the wind and waves crashing about them, or were they meant as well for those terrified disciples in the boat.

For many of us today, peace is seen as that time when we get onto that jet plane and take off to some far away place for a vacation. Or when we take our annual leave to spend some time in our own leisurely pursuits. But is that true peace? Is true peace found in suppressing or escaping from our worries and anxieties through holidays abroad or spending wantonly on our desires? Yet that is what modern society has indoctrinated us thoroughly with. We put aside the worries of tomorrow by drowning it in the activities of the present.

And so do we not find that even though we may fly to the furthest reaches of the Earth, our worries still tag along for the ride? No matter how much we spend on things to distract us from the problems of this life, sooner or later the reality of them return and with even greater force?

Where then can we find the "truest" peace? It is found here, in the nature of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. He who commands nature commands us to be at peace. And on what basis does He do so? It is based on this, His manifold promises to us as shown in His own Word, and upon His own station as Lord and Sovereign over all.

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 8:28

In my own life it is such a constant struggle for peace. Fear and anxiety for the future seeks constantly to cloud the view of God's faithfulness and goodness. Has not the Lord seen me through all these years? Has He not provided even in the darkest days? Yet such unbelief! Such murmuring and complaining against God. Does He not provide everything in due season?

The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food in due season. You open your hand; you satisfy the desire of every living thing. The LORD is righteous in all his ways and kind in all his works.

- Psalm 145: 15-17

If He were not Sovereign over all I would have every reason to despair. But He is the Lord on High, the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords, and His eternal decrees have been made for my good. Oh to cast oneself with abandon into the Hand of God and to trust the Rock which never fails. "Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him." (Psa 62:5 NIV)

True peace is not found in suppressing anxieties or problems through mere activity, but it is found in looking unto Him who holds your future in His hands and who is able to provide for us more than we can ever ask or imagine.

God has called you to peace.

- 1 Corinthians 7:15

Quick Thought on Youth Min

"Put not your trust in princes, in a son of man, in whom there is no salvation. When his breath departs, he returns to the earth; on that very day his plans perish."

- Psalms 146: 3-4

As I was meditating in the office today (sort of), I thought back to this Psalm which I read today. How much of what we do in Youth Ministry, or any ministry for that matter, is all about looking for the latest fad or "messianic" youth leader to come and raise us up from our doldrums. Where or whom do we ultimately place our trust in with regards to the salvation of the souls of the youths in our youth mins.

Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD his God, who made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, who keeps faith forever

- Psalms 146: 5-6

While we come up with activities and programmes to attract and engage youths, let us beware of putting our faith in fads and trends that come today and are gone tomorrow. And while we thank God for leaders who have been blessed with charisma, let us be watchful lest they draw youths unto themselves rather than point them towards Christ.

The Lord is faithful and He has promised to build His Church. "Remember Jesus Christ" (2 Timothy 2:8)

I used to think I was a shy person. Actually I've come to realize that it is rather a case of not being a "personable" person rather than actual shyness. Maybe that's why I can never be close to anybody, because the closer you get to people, the more people see you for who you are and the more people will realize the rampant hypocrisy in your own life.

"Stained Glass Masquerade" - Casting Crowns.

Is there anyone that fails
Is there anyone that falls
Am I the only one in church today feelin' so small

Cause when I take a look around
Everybody seems so strong
I know they'll soon discover
That I don't belong

So I tuck it all away, like everything's okay
If I make them all believe it, maybe I'll believe it too
So with a painted grin, I play the part again
So everyone will see me the way that I see them

Are we happy plastic people
Under shiny plastic steeples
With walls around our weakness
And smiles to hide our pain
But if the invitation's open
To every heart that has been broken
Maybe then we close the curtain
On our stained glass masquerade

Is there anyone who's been there
Are there any hands to raise
Am I the only one who's traded
In the altar for a stage

The performance is convincing
And we know every line by heart
Only when no one is watching
Can we really fall apart

But would it set me free
If I dared to let you see
The truth behind the person
That you imagine me to be

Would your arms be open
Or would you walk away
Would the love of Jesus
Be enough to make you stay

Thinking of Church

And I had thought that serving in church would have been a lot easier compared to BB.....

Brothers, pray for us.

- 1 Thess 5:25

It is just so hard at times. The pitfalls in Christian ministry seem so numerous and in every avenue the evil one prowls, seeking whom he may devour. (cf. 1 Pet 5:8)

Was reading a very convicting blog post (found in five parts here) Who then is sufficient for ministry? (cf. 2 Cor. 2:16) Out of own strength we can do nothing. "The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever." (Isaiah 40:8)

It is hard, so so hard. Eyes that see without comprehending. Ears that hear without understanding. What hope is there for this generation? Is it in stories and songs and entertainment? Is it in drama and plays and general merriment? Where is the sober reality of God and His Judgement? Where is the realization that all that we can now see will one day be pushed out and burned in the fire?

To look at their faces every Sunday and know that there will be some who will spend an eternity in a Christ-less Hell just as surely as there will be some who will be with You in a Christ-filled paradise. Who then is sufficient for these things? The heart and the flesh fails before such realities. Lord, is my heart so hardened that it cannot feel? Has it been so deadened by my lusts that it cannot weep anymore?

Where is my anguish over sin O Lord. The despising of my iniquities and lusts. Are they not dishonouring to You? Was it not because of them that Your Son went to that wretched tree? Surely Man is like a brute beast, unable to comprehend even the slightest glory in You apart from the Holy Spirit's power.

Lord will you not come by and into us once again? Save us from our frivolities. Save us from our dead traditions. Do not take your candlestick away from us. Grant us repentance that we may turn back to You and pour scorn upon our earthly ambitions. Lord, keep us faithful to your Gospel always.

Let us not despise the disciplining of the Lord, for He disciplines those whom He loves. Let us cast aside all earthly philosophies and methods and cling to the Rock of the Word of God. For you O Lord are mighty to save, and by Your Hand you will redeem for Yourself a people for Your Holy Name's sake.

Lord have mercy on my weakness. In all the problems and trials, show Yourself strong and able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think. (Eph. 3:20)

For Your Glory alone. May the Lamb receive the the reward of His suffering.

What is the mind set on

If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.

- Colossians 3:1-3

It has often been said to Christians not to be "too heavenly minded such that they are of no earthly good". But how true is that statement? Can a man who is truely heavenly minded ever be of no good in this world? Is this statement true of our own Lord and Saviour, the Perfect Man?

"Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? 'Father, save me from this hour'? But for this purpose I have come to this hour. Father, glorify your name." Then a voice came from heaven: "I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again."

- John 12: 27-28

Jesus said to them, "My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work.

- John 4:34

And this was the same heavenly minded Saviour who "[w]hen he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd." (Matthew 9:36)

Too heavenly minded to be of any earthly good? Surely there was no man more heavenly minded than Christ and yet He brought the greatest earthly good to Man, peace with God. Looking around today, surely the converse is more true. Many are too earthly minded to be of any heavenly good.

It is extremely discouraging that many in churches today, and many of the leadership in such churches, should look upon heavenly-mindedness as a trait to be restrained rather than as an attribute that should be inculcated and grown in all her members to the largest possible degree. To have high and beautiful thoughts of the God who ransomed them and who demands/deserves the highest praises of His Creation.

Now of course there is a need to communicate truth in a way that is understandable to each and every generation, but the mind is always "set on things above and not on things below." For what else could satisfy, motivate and sustain a man for the calling he has received?

On Application

Thinking about the role of "application" in churches today, I am increasingly convinced that the question is not so much "how does this Word of God apply to me", but rather "how can I apply and conform myself to the Word of God which has been revealed and preached".

The former esteems the self and sees the Word of God as an addition to self, while the latter esteems God's Word and seeks to adjust himself to that Revelation.

Desiring the Experience or Desiring God?

As we deal with the issues surrounding "Experiencing God" and His Will and Purposes for us, we must always ask ourselves the question, "What is it that I seek?" As with His gifts, we are all too often caught up in chasing an "experience" rather than the Person. An emotional high that we can then use to justify or validate our faith.

Read the account given in John 6 about Jesus' feeding of the five thousand.

When the people saw the sign that he had done, they said, "This is indeed the Prophet who is to come into the world!"

- John 6:14

On the next day the crowd that remained on the other side of the sea saw that there had been only one boat there, and that Jesus had not entered the boat with his disciples, but that his disciples had gone away alone. Other boats from Tiberias came near the place where they had eaten the bread after the Lord had given thanks. So when the crowd saw that Jesus was not there, nor his disciples, they themselves got into the boats and went to Capernaum, seeking Jesus. When they found him on the other side of the sea, they said to him, "Rabbi, when did you come here?" Jesus answered them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, you are seeking me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves.

- John 6:22-26

The only reason why these people sought Jesus, even willing to go across the Sea of Galilee to find Him, was so that they could get another free meal after witnessing the miracle of the previous day. Let us examine ourselves; Do we only follow Jesus because of the blessings He has given us?

"Do not labor for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For on him God the Father has set his seal." Then they said to him, "What must we do, to be doing the works of God?" Jesus answered them, "This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent." So they said to him, "Then what sign do you do, that we may see and believe you? What work do you perform? Our fathers ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written, 'He gave them bread from heaven to eat.'" Jesus then said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but my Father gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world." They said to him, "Sir, give us this bread always."

- John 6:27-34

Notice the astonishing demand of the people. Having already witnessed the miracle of the feeding of the five thousand, they yet demand a further sign from Jesus so that they may believe His words. For those who continually seek after signs and blessings in order to validate their faith will never be satisfied.

Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst. But I said to you that you have seen me and yet do not believe. All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out. For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me. And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up on the last day. For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day."

So the Jews grumbled about him, because he said, "I am the bread that came down from heaven." They said, "Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How does he now say, 'I have come down from heaven'?"

- John 6:35-41

When many of his disciples heard it, they said, "This is a hard saying; who can listen to it?

- John 6:60

Let us beware lest we be like those people with Jesus that day. When finally faced with the reality of who Jesus Himself was and His all-satisfying nature, many turned and walked away. (cf. John 6:66) Let us desire Him because He is the One who satisfies us. Let us desire Him for who He is and not what He gives, for that is the difference between a Christ-centred Christianity and a Man-centred sub-Christianity.

Now I am in no way denying or downplaying the role of emotions, for how can one remain "dead" and cold in his spirit when one comes into contact with the One who is Life Himself? (cf. John 14:6) Nor am I saying we should deny or flee from encounters with God, for such times are extremely helpful in building up our faith and showing that God is a God who is with us and does not remain aloof and unconcerned with His creation. But we must always be cautious and circumspect in what we do and why we do it, because it is so easy for us in our flesh to desire what God gives rather than God Himself as well as to build our faith on shaky subjective experiences rather than on the secure nature of God as revealed in His Word.

It Is Extremely Saddening....

...to see the way men can rail against their Maker.

Yet in like manner these people also, relying on their dreams, defile the flesh, reject authority, and blaspheme the glorious ones. But when the archangel Michael, contending with the devil, was disputing about the body of Moses, he did not presume to pronounce a blasphemous judgment, but said,"The Lord rebuke you." But these people blaspheme all that they do not understand, and they are destroyed by all that they, like unreasoning animals, understand instinctively.

- Jude 8-10