Friday, July 30, 2010

The Perhaps of God... Who knows?

When the answer to your prayer is not the reward of your prayer... how to pray? I mean, you pray to God for something, yet knowing that it may not happen... Like that how to pray?

I'm sure this strikes a chord in any genuine heart that seeks God and lays hold of His promises. You yearn for a miraculous healing to break through, yet you know it may not come. You press in for God's promises to come to pass - be it in your life or in your ministry - yet knowing that it may not unfold... How then to position your heart, especially before God when you go to Him in prayer? Oh God I believe, but how to deal with the questions in my heart?


Confidence in Approaching a God who is Gracious...
Whatever the situation you are facing, know that we can approach God in confidence, for He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love. Oh how we need to touch this truth of God and deeply encounter what is in His heart towards men, even when we have sinned and fallen short of His glory. If we encounter this truth in our inner man, we will not only run to God in confidence at all times, but also pursue Him wholeheartedly and live for Him in abandonment...

King David was one who had confidence in approaching God, at all times, yes, even when he has sinned. Remember what David did when God told him that his son would die because of his sin (2Sam 12:11-23)? He fasted and pleaded with God not to take his son's life away. David knew God, for He is gracious and longs to relent. He says in verse 22, "Who can tell whether the Lord will be gracious to me, that the child may live?"

In the end, God did not spare David's son even though he sought the Lord in fasting and weeping. Yet king David pleased God in that he was confident in approaching God who is gracious. The dying of his son does not show us God's un-graciousness towards David, rather it showed us the confidence David had in approaching God - that even when he knew the consequences of his sin, he has a God who is gracious and he can go to Him. David was not offended with God, as we later read how after his child has died, he got up, went into the house of the Lord and worshiped and went about his daily activities. David fully embraced the consequences of his sin, yet keeping his heart tender before God. Even though God did not relent, deep inside, he was rooted in the knowledge and faith of who God is.

I remember a testimony of someone whose mother was dying of cancer. One day, God said to her, "What if I do not heal your mother? Will you still believe in Me?" For the next two weeks, she could not answer the question truthfully from her heart. When she went about her worship and prayer before God, she knew she was being superficial with God, saying, 'Surely God you are a God who heals..even..." On the night her mother died, she turned to God and said, with the spirit of God stirring the seed of faith sown deep in her heart, "God, You are not only a God who heals, You are a God who provides, You are a God who is my Good Shepherd, You are a God who is my Peace, a God who is here with me..." and she continued to proclaim the name of the Lord... "for nothing can take away this truth of who You are, not even what has happened to my mother... for You alone are God." She could not believe her own utterance at that moment. But one thing she knew, that living a life of faith believing in God despite it all, is what saves her, is what keeps her sane in this world, is joy unspeakable! The two weeks of being superficial with God, as she recounted to me, was unbearable. That going through motion without really believing felt terrible. Praise be to God for this trial, for He has led her to higher ground, overcoming her lack of belief and becoming victorious in Christ.


The Perhaps of God...
Remember the story of how God sent Jonah to preach a message of repentance to the wicked Ninevites? And how the Ninevites (and their animals!), fasted and turned in repentance and desperation to the God who alone can spare them (Jonah 3:9). In Joel 2:14, we see again how God appealed to His people to turn and rend their hearts that He may relent and leave a blessing.

Before God brings about His righteous judgment upon the people, He leaves a window called the "perhaps of God". He makes known that He is going to judge, so isn't that final? Yet before that happens, He hearkens His people to turn and repent. For God is looking at our hearts - He is looking for repentant hearts. This "perhaps of God" does not suggest that God is fickle-minded that He cannot decide or that He is playing a game with us. Rather, it shows us the very heart of God - that He wants to relent, and the condition of that is repentance. God is just and will judge, yet He longs to relent and promises to leave a blessing for those who turn to Him in repentance.

In the book of Jonah, God relented when the Ninevites sincerely repented, showing fruits of their repentance. "Then God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God relented from the disaster that He had said He would bring upon them, and He did not do it." (Jonah 3:10).

In the book of Joel, God not only calls the people to repent, He also gave them the specific guidelines on what to do if we were to turn to the Lord. More than that, it is an instruction manual for the Body of Christ on how to prepare ourselves for the coming Day of the Lord! The book of Joel is probably the clearest passage in the Word of God that describes what God wants us to do in times of crisis and how the people of God should respond - both on a local and global scale.

Let's also take a leaf from the book of Daniel - who said even if the Lord will not deliver him, he will still not bow to other gods (Dan. 3:17-18). Be inspired by the men from the hall of faith in Hebrews 11 - men who knew they would not receive any reward in this age, for they desiring a heavenly country... They all lived their lives striving to enter the narrow gate (Lk. 13:24), striving according to the working which works in them mightily (Col 1:29).

Fret not... you are not alone! God has given us His word to encourage us in times like these. Let those who has an ear, hear what the Spirit of God is saying and doing! For we need courage in such times - to press in, to lay hold... despite it all... and to press in to the "perhaps of God"...

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Are you listening?

"If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear!" This sentence appeared 7 times in the gospels and 8 times in the book of Revelation. The meaning of this sentence? That what God is saying in these passages of Scriptures is extremely important and urgent. If we operate our lives based on the quadrant of importance and urgency, what God is saying in these passages of Scriptures should fall into the most important and most urgent quadrant. It deserves nothing other than our immediate attention, constant pre-occupation until... and the prioritizing of our lives to give ear, take heed and respond. For wisdom is justified by her children (Matt. 11:19).


The Need To Hear...
Do we hear what the Spirit of God is saying to us now? As believers, we need to attune ourselves to what the Spirit of God is saying - both to us personally and also on a corporate level. Perhaps I have made an assumption here. The assumption that God is the most important Person in our lives. Is He? We got to get this settled in our hearts before move on. Cos if He is the most important Person in our lives, what He says not only carries weight, but deserves our full attention, to give ear... to press in for understanding... to lay hold...

Also, can we also don't hide behind the "I don't know enough, I am not spiritual enough to make sense of things, I'm not sure if what I hear is true, I'm not like this and this person who is closer to God and etc etc..." I am speaking this to myself first and foremost! Surely if I cannot hear or understand clearly, my confidence is this - if God wants me to know, He will make a way as I press in for understanding.

John 16:13 says, "...when He, he Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth...and He will tell you things to come.." The Holy Spirit is the Helper that God has sent to us to guide us into all truth. Many of us, including myself, hope to know everything instantaneously. However, we cannot bear the many things God wants to make known to us. Thus He sent the Holy Spirit to help us. Matt. 16:7 says "it is to our advantage" that Jesus went away. Jesus has completed what God the Father commissioned Him to do on earth. It is finished, at the cross. Jesus had to go to the Father so that God's plan for the Holy Spirit to take over from there will effect the next phase of His plan for us. Oh how great and marvelous are your works O Lord God Almighty! It is well with my soul...


Searching the Scriptures...
May God give you wisdom and spiritual understanding as you pore over His words in Matt. 11:15; 13:9, 43; Mark 4:9, 23; 7:17; Luke 8:8; 14:35; Rev. 2:7, 11, 17, 29; 3:6, 13, 22 and Rev. 13:9. If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear!

Monday, July 26, 2010

Growing Pains...

"Grow up!" This was one of the best advice from a friend... Out of nowhere, these two words sprung up. It kind of silenced my ‘but this but that blah blah blah’. With a firm locking of arms over my shoulder, my friend said in a loving and assuring way – grow up. Although that was like more than ten years ago, I could still remember it vividly. We all need friends who would say that to us, even now!

Sometimes we complicate things in life, don’t you think so? Or I should say, sometimes it’s all about ourselves. That’s what immaturity is about I guess. Me first. All me. I can only see me me me, my my my needs. What did you say? But did you hear me? Enough said.

Before I delve deeper into my own reflective mode, let’s ponder on what God’s word say about maturity in Christ. The book of Song of Songs depicts the journey of a believer, growing from immaturity (desiring God but still overwhelmed with “me-first” mentality – my hurts, my pain, my comfort etc) to maturity in Christ (she realizes that it is all about God and wanting His desires to be her desires)… It outlines in the clearest way, the progression of a believer growing from being self-centered to being God-centered…

I shall zoom in on two verses in this post, to illustrate how we journey from immaturity to (more) maturity. Is it about knowing more of God’s word? That is important. Is it about gritting our teeth and obeying the Lord at all costs? There is a place for faith. I submit to you my observation – that it is the REVELATION of Jesus in our lives that will bring us from strength to strength. Our faith is a revelatory faith – Christ revealed to us and in us. It is good to read and know (we must). It is important to live out (we should). But have we encountered God? Have we touched the truth? It takes God to love and obey God. We need to press in for revelation of God in our lives, else it would be all cognitive and functional. When God strikes our heart (inner man), we are able to see light and thus live a life from inside out. Christianity is not about doing. It’s about becoming. Becoming Christ-like!

The Two Verses... and the Progression...
“Until the day breaks
And the shadows flee away

Turn, my beloved,
And be like a gazelle
Or a young stag
Upon the mountains of Bether.” ~ Song 2:17

“Until the day breaks
And the shadows flee away,

I will go on my way to the
Mountain of myrrh
And o the hill of frankincense.” ~ Song 4:6

In both verses, the Shulamite woman (depicting a believer) acknowledges the dark shadows in her heart (until the day breaks and the shadow flees away). These are areas of her life that are not fully in the light. The daybreak (breakthrough) comes in the morning when new light appears. It is the time when the dark shadows or the gray areas in her life will be gone. Also, the darkest hour of the night is the hour just before dawn… oh how God uses nature to speak to us about pressing in when all seems so dark and gray… for the light is coming!

In Song 2:17, she asked Jesus to turn and in Song 4:6, she responded "I will go (arise)". So what, and why the difference in responses? What happened in between to bring the Shulamite woman from one who disobeyed in fear to one who rises up in obedience?


The Revelation of Jesus...
In the book of the Song of Songs, Jesus reveals 8 different facets of His personality. Each of them reveals a unique aspect of His relationship with the Bride, the Shulamite woman. As her journey begins, she encountered the Counseling Shepherd (Song 1:8), the Affectionate Father (Song 1:12-2:6) and the Sovereign King (Song 2:8-9). As Jesus challenged her to rise up in deep partnership with Him in Songs 2:14, she shrinks back in fear and refuses to obey Him. It was out of fear /immaturity and not rebellion, for God looks at our heart…


Divine Chatisement (Song 3:1-5)
The Shulamite woman understands that her compromise will lead to fruit in her vineyard being destroyed or in separation (Bether) in her intimacy with God. Jesus turns and goes away for a season.

Jesus honors our voluntary decision to draw back. Our relationship with Jesus is based on voluntary love. Because of her disobedience and yielding to her fears, God lovingly withdrew His presence, until she repents and cries out in obedience (Song 3:2).


The Cherished Heart of the Bridegroom (Song 4:1-8)
After a season of divine discipline, Jesus reveals His cherished heart and calls the Bride fair (or beautiful) while she is still maturing in her obedience and faith. In Song 4:1-5, Jesus prophetically affirms 8 “budding virtues” in the young Bride’s life. He equips us in our weakness by affirmations that overpower Satan’s accusations against us (Rev. 12:10). As Jesus affirms her, He is also saying to her that these 8 character traits are what He is looking for and thus developing in her:

1) Dove eyes: eyes of single-minded devotion and revelation.
2) Hair like goats: dedication to God.
3) Teeth like shorn sheep: chewing the meat of the Word.
4) Lips like scarlet: speech that is redemptive.
5) Kisses of the mouth: intimacy with God.
6) Veiled temples (i.e. cheeks / countenance): emotions impacted by the grace of God.
7) Neck like David’s tower: setting our will to obey God.
8) Breasts like fawns: the power to edify and nurture others.

Song 4:6 shows the Bride’s fearless and wholehearted commitment. She responds to Jesus’ affirmations by setting her heart to obey His call to come with Him to the mountains in Song 2:8-13. She now embraces the cross by going to the mountain of myrrh. She makes a firm decision to leave the comfort zone to go up the mountain by saying “I will go!” The Bride joins the King in spiritual warfare as He calls her His spouse for the first time in the Song. With her new commitment to go to the mountain, she now carries her heart as a loyal Bride.

For the next 4 chapters in the Song, we see her developing mature love for the Lord. (Song 4:8)

We are created to live in the high places with Jesus in the extravagant devotion of bridal partnership. We can trust in God's leadership and nurturing in our lives. So what are you thinking about now? Let’s take the leap.


Tuesday, July 20, 2010

The Power of Agreement

Have you ever gone on a trip, all excited, with a group of friends, and when one suggests a particular itinerary, the rest respond with a spontaneous YES(!) ? Immediately, the place where the group is will be filled with energy and more excitement! Of course, when the reverse happens, it's called a wet blanket and it would be such a drag!

Such is the effect of agreement, and dis-agreement.

What is intercession? It's about agreeing with what God has said in His word, what God promises to do and laying hold of it to come to pass. Intercession is not an inclination (i.e. I feel like it, then I intercede) nor does it belong to a special group of trained people. It is one of the godly disciplines for believers that as we walk in it, we grow in the Lord.


The Power of Agreement with the Lord
As we walk in agreement with the Lord in our lives, we will experience His power in our lives. It's more than the verbal saying of 'yes' to God's word. As we understand God's word progressively, we engage our heart in laying hold of what He first laid hold for us.

I heard a personal testimony of someone who went through a slight depression because she couldn't understand what God was doing in her ministry. And because she could not understand, she could not agree with God in how His hand was moving. As she sought the Lord for understanding and coveted for prayers and godly counsel from godly friends, God brought revelation of what He is doing... She then began to praise God for what He is doing and agree with what is in His heart. It is well with her soul and she found peace in her heart. There was also no room for any depression, for the power of agreement with the Lord lifted her out of the pit and brought her to a firm ground!


The Power of Agreement with One Another
Besides developing the discipline of intercession on our own, God exhorts us to pray and agree with one another. Therein lies power that is found in a corporate setting. Our holy God has provided a way by which He will manifest Himself to men. It is the way of communion through prayer. Matthew 18:20 says, "For when two or three are gathered in My name, I am there in the midst of them."


The Power of Continual Agreement
God promised to establish intercessors who will never be silent until He releases His presence. (Isa. 62:6-7). It is in God's heart to establish a group of people who will fully know His heart and thus usher in His promises for us, both personally and globally. Do you know that we are being accused by satan continuously? Rev. 12:10 says, "... for the accuser of our brethen, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down." Maybe that's why we succumb so easily and are powerless. May God awaken our hearts to understand the need to pray continuously and the power that is for us - both to overcome the enemy and also to usher in God's glorious promises for us here on earth!

Monday, July 19, 2010

The Cleansing Power of God's Word

My friend posted this comment on her facebook status: "The boy who hates to bathe found a way to "excuse" himself. He rubs hand sanitiser all over his body and proclaim himself ALL CLEAN!! No need to bathe anymore!"

I had a good laugh!

Who can approach God? Those with clean hands and a pure heart… (Psa 24). Throughout the bible, it is made known that cleanliness of hands (our action) and purity of hearts (our thoughts, minds etc) is mandatory to approaching God, for He is holy.

The priests in the Old Testament had to go through a thorough cleansing regime before they enter into the Holy of holies, where God’s shikenah presence dwells. Any impurity would spell a death sentence. Such is the holiness of God.

Yet He beckons us to draw near. There must be a catch, don’t you think so?

In our day and time, how do we cleanse ourselves daily as we approach God in intimacy? On our own, it can be a daunting task. What do I mean by that? Don’t think of pink elephants. Immediately our minds are filled with pink elephants. You get the drift…

I have good news. The gospel is for people who say “I can’t” and who go to God to lean on Him and be empowered. At times, we overcome instantaneously, while other times it is a continual overcoming process.

So how do we sanctify ourselves? One of the ways is to lean on His word. John 17:7 says, “Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.” and again in Eph 3:26 we read, "... that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word."

It's not hard, really. It is only hard when we depend on our own flesh to accomplish the sanctification. Our part is to co-operate with God and respond to His word. Let the reading of the word cleanse our heart, mind, body, soul and spirit!

Suggested meditations: Psalm 119

Oh, how these verses move my heart...

9 How can a young man cleanse his way?
By taking heed according to Your word.

71 It is good for me that I have been afflicted,
That I may learn Your statutes.

72 The law of Your mouth is better to me
Than thousands of coins of gold and silver.

92 Unless Your law had been my delight,
I would then have perished in my affliction.

93 I will never forget Your precepts,
For by them You have given me life.

127 Therefore I love Your commandments
More than gold, yes, than fine gold!


"

Friday, July 16, 2010

Random Quotes of the Day

------------ Oswald Chambers -----------------------

http://www.myutmost.org/05/0510.html

"Add to your faith virtue. . ." ("Furnish your faith with resolution.") (MOFFATT.) 2 Peter 1:5

"Add" means there is something we have to do. We are in danger of forgetting that we cannot do what God does, and that God will not do what we can do. We cannot save ourselves nor sanctify ourselves, God does that; but God will not give us good habits, He will not give us character, He will not make us walk alright. We have to do all that ourselves, we have to work out the salvation God has worked in. "Add" means to get into the habit of doing things, and in the initial stages it is difficult. To take the initiative is to make a beginning, to instruct yourself in the way you have to go.

Beware of the tendency of asking the way when you know it perfectly well. Take the initiative, stop hesitating, and take the first step. Be resolute when God speaks, act in faith immediately on what He says, and never revise your decisions. If you hesitate when God tells you to do a thing, you endanger your standing in grace. Take the initiative, take it yourself, take the step with your will now, make it impossible to go back. Burn your bridges behind you - "I will write that letter"; "I will pay that debt." Make the thing inevitable.

We have to get into the habit of hearkening to God about everything, to form the habit of finding out what God says. If when a crisis comes, we instinctively turn to God, we know that the habit has been formed. We have to take the initiative where we are, not where we are not.


------------ Dick Eastmen -----------------------

There is no spiritual growth apart from the devotional habit



------------ Harold Lindsell -----------------------

Prayer does not come naturally to men. It must be learned. Learning to pray... includes knowledge of the laws governing prayer as well as experience gained in the practice of prayer. Prayer must be nourished and cultivated if it is to grow.


Even when all things around have not changed, we can change, from within. The greatest change that occurs is change from the inside of us.

The litmus test of our faith comes when trials comes our way - do we face it alone or do we turn to God in faith, and ride through the storm with Him...



Thursday, July 08, 2010

See Me Through

by Tim Reimherr, International House of Prayer, Kansas City

As I wait for You
Would You come and see me through
The darkness of this side

I know its all for You
That in the end You would find
A pure and spotless bride

For I'm a stranger here with You
Struggling inside
To be a resting place for You

And I was made to be with You
I don't truly rest until I find my rest in You
So come and see me through

As I journey on
You will lead me by Your hand
And receive me in the end

Whom have I but You
And there is non upon the earth
That can save me but You

As I journey on this path of life
Let me find favor in Your eyes
To walk humbly before Your eyes

Always, always

Whom have I in heaven but You
And only what You say
Will really see me through

Send forth Your light and truth
And lead me, lead me on

Lord have mercy cause it's my only means
To find You here with me
To find You here with me

Lord have mercy cause it's my only plea
To find You here with me
To find You here with me.

As for me I will enter Your house
By the mercy You're giving me now
Your mercy is my only means (plea)

Life is not right until You split the sky
The Spirit and the Bride say, "Come!"

We long for the day
When You make all things news
We want to be with You.

 
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