February 16, 2012

Jesus, at the Centre of it all...

In this world, we will have trouble..but HE has overcome the world....and so we do...

I was just at the cell group Bible study last night, and we were discussed about Spiritual Discipline, what makes authentic Christian. Then we were looking at the passage in Matthew 7 where Jesus talks about entering into Narrow gate.

In the greek word, Narrow gate referring to "a hard or difficult" way. Jesus told us to "Enter by the narrow gate...For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few". He also mentioned that "For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many".

Life with God is never meant to be easy. It's hard work. Sometime, people will look down on you, misunderstood you, abandoned you. Just like what they did to Jesus back in His days. I was reminded once again that in the society where we keep hearing about the goodness and the grace of God so much, we also must remember the cost of following Jesus. It comes with the package. For where there is hardship or suffering, grace abounds. We must not forget that.



While I'm blogging this, there are two American Christian athletes that are currently be the talk of the town right now. They both are great athletes, great personality, love Jesus and not shy to tell the media that. If you follow them, you will know that some people love them, some people hate them. They make sure the world knows it. Tim Tebow and Jeremy Lin are those guys who choose to honor Jesus in their sport.

I fully aware that being a devout Christian sportsman is definitely not easy. People will mock you, from coaches to teammate, fans, media, etc. I have personally seen all these from TV. It's just painful to hear those comments. It's like you don't bring God into the picture. We are happy down here without Him. Once you bring God in, you are weirdo. I would call that modern day persecution. That's hardship those 2 guys probably have to fight their way throughout the entire career.

So back to my point, indeed walking with Christ in this world isn't easy. Well, no surprise...Jesus already said so. Enter the narrow gate. So we must persevere on. Never give up, throw that word out of your dictionary. Praise Him when your life is at the top of the mountain as well as at the deepest and the darkest valley. He is still there with you. After all, Jesus is at the centre of it all.

When I went to Israel Houghton concert tonight. I was just so overwhelmed by the Joy of the Lord as we joined in worship with him and his band. Then he sang this simple song. I cried. Out of the sudden, huge comfort from God just swept into my heart....

"I AM at the centre of it all Tee." "Hang in there....don't give up on me"....

What a comfort. That's why I love Jesus. He is awesome.

So let's fight the good fight and finish this race well. Remember, Jesus is at the centre of it all. If you tend to be forgetful (like me =p) then listening this simple song, memorize it, and sing it whenever you need to hear these word again and again and again...




http://youtu.be/peqPrmTCN8k

May the Lord of Hope bless you.

ps. May Tebowmania and LINsanity continue....so that the world may know that God is still care about us and want to be involve in our lives....today...in all that you do, like with those ball. Amen. =p





February 10, 2012

Where does my help come?



"I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come?
My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.
He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber.
Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.
The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade on your right hand.
The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night.
The Lord will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life.
The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore." 
Psalm 121:1-8 ESV

This post is just my random thoughts about our Christian duties to help others in need. It came across to me recently, the quote from a very successful Hollywood actor Will Smith saying.

"If you're absent during my struggle, don't expect to be present during my success."

My first response to this was "very true" But yet as a Christian, we are urged to help others who are in need of help. So I thought to myself, I shouldn't be so harsh on this. I will be merciful as Christ has shown me His mercy first. Then another thought struck me.

As I grew up in my Christian walk, often at time people would come and encourage me during the difficult time in life to look to God. For he is one and only hope. Ultimate helper, redeemer. He alone can help you from this difficulty. Nice word, and those fellas just walk away happy that they had said something meaningful to someone.

I don't mean to blame those well-meaning Christians really. But it got me thinking. "Is this what really Jesus taught us to be as a Christian?"

When we look at the life of Christ we would quickly realized that He came and met the needs of the people. He healed countless of people physically, emotionally & spiritually. Nowhere in the Bible that suggested Jesus ignored the need in front of his eyes and tell people to trust God to help them. He himself be hands and feet of God to help them. Now, that is what I am talking about.

I believe, it is absolutely right to trust God that He would rescued us in time of trouble. But I also recognized that God often move through people. We as the body of Christ are God's instruments of love. He could do all the miraculous stuffs on His own, but He chose us! He chose to move through us! What a privilege! To be Hands and Feet of Jesus.

I urge you bros and sis(s) in this great body of Christ. Never ignore people who needs your help. Of course, say a word of prayer for them is the least you could do, but if you could go extra miles for them...why not? I believe that's what Jesus has done for all of us. He went all the way even to the point of sacrificed His very own life. He has set ultimate example for us to follow. Amazing God.

Christianity is a community of love. If we failed to do just that. We are no longer rightly represent Christ.

I guess this reflection comes at the right time in the month of love. (February) Let's go out there and show some love!!

"Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.' Then the righteous will answer him, saying, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?' And the King will answer them, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.'"
Matthew 25:34-40 ESV