DAY 92: HE WILL FEED HIS FLOCK LIKE A SHEPHERD

In this era of lean and hungry years, what an average man worries most is whether there will be a next meal when the savings run out in the budgeted time frame (assuming inflation remains unchanged). Will there be food or not? Reading “The Road”, a 2006 novel by American writer Cormac McCarthy, a post-apocalyptic tale of a journey taken by a father and his young son over a period of several months, across a landscape blasted by an unnamed cataclysm that destroyed all civilization and, apparently, most life on earth, makes one realize how important food is.

Sometimes I think of how I should best prepare myself for contingency. When a global food shortage occurs, those who are used to fasting and praying will come out as winners. I know of a Bible school requires the students to fast three days before they are awarded the certificate of graduation. Students often think of all sorts of excuses but the alternative is to quit the Bible school. The amazing thing is no one quits and all go through with flying colors! All the sicknesses and weaknesses they had earlier feared did not occur. A more amazing thing is that after they personally experience the benefits of fasting, they volunteer to do more of it and in their own time. Some have acquired this as a life long habit.

I have not yet acquired this wonderful habit. My dream is that one day I could overcome the psychological and spiritual hindrance and make my faith leap.

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.” (John 10:11)
“He will feed His flock like a shepherd; He will gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them to His bosom,, and gently lead those who are with young.” (Isaiah 40:11)
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” (Psalm 23:1)

Jesus knows our fear. He gave the above assurance. Prior to deliberate living Biblically, I had lived a simple life. During my quest to live Biblically, I have learned even simpler living. Yet I live without any lack. I live on the lifestyle equivalent to that of an ordinary office clerk and I live comfortably.

When my fortune is restored fully (i.e. all my larger debtors pay up), I shall continue to live the same simple life. I have no desire for a wasteful and abusive life, binging on food and drink and luxury stuff. What do I want my original fortune restored for? I believe when the Lord restores, He will show me His purpose as well.

The Bible is full of clues left behind by those who really knew the Lord as their shepherd. The rich and famous King David is one who has left a lot of such clues. As a king he needed not worry about where his next meal would come from, yet he continued to look to God as his provider and focus on God day and night as his ultimate source of security. Read psalms and know what I mean.

I pray you too find you need not want or lack by making the Lord (Jesus) as your Shepherd. Be secure as His sheep.

AAA Jack (a sheep of Jesus Christ)
June 4, 2009

DAY 91: HE WHO HAS EARS TO HEAR, LET HIM HEAR

I return to Matthew today because I had a dream. In the dream I was given another word, “harvest”. I now have a number of words: “Hosea”, “glory”, “precious vessel/jar”, “holy”, “harvest”. I have been reading the Bible with my eyes on the kingdom of heaven. My focus has been on God. And now I have come to the word “harvest”. This time I got out of bed without hesitation and rushed downstairs to record down the word. I do not want to miss a thing.
When I recorded the word, I had the bible in front of me and I realized that I could look at the alphabetical index at the back of the Bible. It then dawned on me that I had been reading and meditating on a lot of words starting with “H”. I list here the words that I have meditated on in this quest of Biblical living: hallowed (hallowed by God’s name, as in Lord’s Prayer), harlotry (spiritual harlotry of Israel in Hosea), hear (the Spirit), heart (God sees our hearts), heaven (kingdom of heaven), holy (God), House (of prayer), hymn, hymns, hypocrisy (of the Pharisees and gang), hunger (blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness for they shall be filled), and hell (fear God who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell).
So I am hearing God through the Holy Spirit after all.
Jesus told His disciples why He spoke to the multitudes in parables. “Because it has been given to you to know the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given.” (Matthew 13:11) “Therefore I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand. And in them the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled…” (Matthew 13:13_14a)
Then Jesus assured the disciples, “But blessed are your eyes for they see, and your ears for they hear.” (Matthew 13:16)
The people were not blind or deaf. But they did not perceive in the spirit the things of God. Jesus explained that He spoke the truth (God’s words). Those people could not understand because they could not listen to His word. Therefore they could not believe Him. “He who is of God hears God’s words; therefore you do not hear, because you are not of God.” (John 8:47)
The good news is, as Jesus has assured His disciples, blessed are your eyes for they see and your ears for they hear. People of God can see and hear of spiritual matters relating to God. I have been receiving such assurances and signs and evidences of this truth.
I have come to the conclusion that as a novice, we can ask God to show us words and signs to help us to understand Him more and to learn to hear the Holy Spirit. God is willing to help us know Him more. He will find ways to reach us and reveal Himself to us as I have recorded before. Every one will find his or her own way as the Holy Spirit leads. I have heard testimonies of the different ways that the Holy Spirit guides different people.
So far I have seen pictures and words (in my mind), heard words (in my heart) and dreamed dreams with a specific message for me to read the Bible. Now I realized that when I read the Bible, the Holy Spirit in fact is guiding me as well. I cannot see or hear Him but He is here guiding me to read and understand and give attention to the right passages that He wants me to see and know God. These are all ways that God has answered my prayers.
However, I have prayed to God that when I am no longer a spiritual novice, I do not need to be guided by God consciously. One day I should live so much in the consciousness of God that I do not need to ask what His will is, or how to choose or decide on certain choices in life.
Oswald Chambers advised that “if we are saved and sanctified, God guides us by our ordinary choices, and if we are going to choose what He does not want, He will check, and we will heed. Whenever there is doubt, stop at once.”
AAA Jack
6-3-2009

DAY 90: YOU HAVE ONLY ONE CHOICE: CHOOSE GOD

During the last few days I was bothered with one thought. I kept thinking of what Jesus had warned in Matthew 6:24, “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.”
These are very strong words. Jesus rarely used harsh words except when He was confronting the Pharisees gang, the descendents of the devil (brood of vipers, serpents). This is a serious matter.
Jesus contrasted the two objects of worship. On one side is God. On the other side is mammon. One may argue that no one worships money. People just want money for meeting needs and wants (buying things, security, comfort, pleasure, health and may be long life). But Jesus speaks clearly that people who do not worship God worship money.
Not only those who do not worship God are worshipping money, they hate and despise God. They love money and are loyal to money.
Are all Christians worshipping God the way that God has commanded? If not, then they are worshipping money and hating and despising God too. How do we know whether churches are worshipping God or money?
Simple. Just look at the priority on the church agenda.
If they put activities that meet the goals of making the church membership and hence finances (and all fixed assets) grow, then they are not worshipping God.
On the other hand, if they put activities that meet the goals of drawing members to meet God closely and live Biblically in the presence of God, (living in the Spirit and walking by the Spirit), with the purpose of knowing God and His kingdom, then they are worshipping God.
You can actually see obvious worldliness in the church that worships money (and all man-made things). There is no difference between them and any worldly organizations, except some Christian lingo used (in vain).
In the godly church you can sense the obvious difference. When you enter you sense the presence of the holy and glorious God. You cannot help but kneel down, bow low and prostrate yourself, seeing how lowly you are and how majestic God is. You spend hours in stillness. You are awed and grateful at the same time. You feel honored and privileged to be in God’s presence. The whole focus of worship is God, not man. By the time you come out of the worship, you are soaked with God’s presence.
Unlike what popular worldly culture thinks, God is not in the big noise made by impressive bands and singers. God is not in the impressive buildings of concrete and glass. God is not in the impressive and charming speakers’ voice (preaching or praying). God is not in any man-made activities. My advice to all God seeking churches is that do not spend any more on things (or buildings). You would not find God there.
Where is God? God is in the stillness of your heart. He is just there, obliterating all. You can hear Him. You can sense Him in your spirit. His Spirit reveals Him to your spirit. You look with your spirit and you know His presence is real.
A church that worships God seeks God and concentrates all its efforts and resources to build the members’ inner life, and not external sensational pleasure and cheap superficial high generated by special effects and popular culture. More likely than not, those attracted by such entertainments and sensual pleasure and come to church for them are not souls that are saved. What is the point of starving the real children of God and fattening the vipers and serpents?
Be warned: churches that are bent on gaining the whole world are in danger of losing their own souls. (Jesus warned of this danger in Matthew 16:26)
Someone may ask, “Is there no alternative? Can one not keep both as priorities, God and money, soul and world?” The answer has already been given by Jesus. Read your Bible with honesty. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you, my friend.
Here is a clue, in 1 John 1:15, the Apostle John (inspired by the Holy Spirit) thus warned Christians, “Do not love the world or the things of the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” (Strong words, but true.) I would be careful if I were a worship leader leading songs about how much we love God. Safer to be honest than lying before God.
AAA Jack
June 2, 2009

DAY 89B: BORN OF THE SPIRIT IS SPIRIT

No doubt many Christians are familiar with the Bible passage I just wrote about. What is the new thing you have received? They would ask. What I have received freshly is in the heading. Born of the Holy Spirit is spirit. What does this mean? I shall explain using terms and illustrations familiar to me.
Note the clues Jesus gave in John 3:6 and John 6:63.
Clue One: He said, “That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.” (John 3:6)
In God’s eyes, there are two categories of people on earth, those who have life (the life of God) and those who are considered dead (without the life of God). When a person believes in Jesus and comes to Him, Jesus gives him a new birth, in the Holy Spirit. The believer then has a spirit that is from God and this is his identity for entering the kingdom of God.
No one can go to God as flesh. Only as a spirit one can have access to God. Not a dead spirit, but a live spirit. A person may be alive but is considered dead if he has not gone through a re-birth by the Holy Spirit. When he is born again, he has a live spirit (man). This spirit man can align with the Holy Spirit and knows the will of God. This spirit man can access to God through the Holy Spirit (in Jesus’ name).
This spirit man can live the more abundant life that Jesus has come and given to His believers.
Many will ask, “How?” I too used to puzzle over this question. During the past three months of practical Biblical living quest, I have learned the reality of the Holy Spirit beyond my head knowledge.
Clue Two: In John 6:63, Jesus elaborated, “It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life.”
The words of God are spirit. They are life. Believers can actually find the reality of the Holy Spirit by reading the words of God. As I read, I learn to discern the meaning and message the Holy Spirit conveys to me. I learn to read in the spirit, not in my head alone.
When this happens, there is something else which tells you the wonder of the Holy Spirit. Jesus said in John 3:8, “The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.”
Fantastic! This means we can actually go where we wish in the spirit, as spirit man, like the wind. There will be no barrier or obstruction a flesh man normally encounters. A spirit man can access places of wonders. A spirit man can see the kingdom of God. The kingdom of God is inside us. As spirit man we can look inside and see it there. We can live it too.
How do we know? We know by the zeal and joy we have in seeking God's presence. We seek His presence in His words, in worship, in prayers, in being still before God, in the quiet little room of our own, in our hearts. No, not by loud music or in the midst of a crowd. Usually it is in your tiny space, just you and God.
That is what happens to those who seek God earnestly and persistently. I pray that you too may seek and find the reality of the kingdom of God by being a living spirit man.
AAA Jack
1 June 2009

DAY 89: THAT WHICH IS BORN OF THE SPIRIT IS SPIRIT

Today I woke reluctantly after the alarm had sounded its second round. I felt tired and sleepy despite the fact that I had gone to bed early. Why? Have I lost the burst of enthusiasm to seek God? Am I not led by the Holy Spirit?
I continued to read the Gospel recorded by John inspired by the Holy Spirit. I went through the section about Nicodemus. (John 3:1-21) Every Christian knows this story. What is there to read? What is there to know? I was still sleepy and disinterested. I prayed and told God that I could not see anything there that had not been known by practically every Christian since young, and I needed the Holy Spirit to guide me.
Then I was led to read again the red letters words spoken by Jesus. This time I was led by the Spirit. The words came real and I saw what I had never seen before! I record below what I discovered.
1. Nicodemus (a highly respected, important senior official and religious teacher) had recognized that God is with Jesus because he has seen all the supernatural signs that Jesus has done. Nicodemus wanted God to be with him too. He wanted to see and enter the kingdom of God too. But Nicodemus did not know anything about the Holy Spirit. He did not know that what Jesus did was a display of the power of the Holy Spirit. He did not know that God is a trinity God (the Father, the Son-Jesus, and the Holy Spirit).
2. Jesus explained to him that we need the Holy Spirit to see and enter the kingdom of God, in the following way:
Be born of the Holy Spirit. Become a spirit.
(We can then come and go as the wind blows where it wishes.)
3. Jesus speaks what He knows, testify what He has seen (with His Father and the Holy Spirit together as God).
4. Jesus speaks of heavenly things.
5. Jesus who is in heaven has come down from heaven to the world for a purpose.
a. God loved the world.
b. God’s plan is to give everyone eternal life.
c. The world can be saved through Jesus.
d. Jesus is the light.
e. All who come to the light will be saved.
f. He who does the truth comes to the light. His deeds have been done in God.
g. He who believes in Jesus will not be condemned.
Who will be condemned?
1. He who does not believe in Jesus is condemned already.
2. Men love darkness rather than light because their deeds are evil.
3. Everyone practicing evil hates the light, and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed.
Jesus told us that God loved us. He loved us to the extent that He gave His only Son to die for us so that we might live and not perish eternally. There are only two endings assigned when one dies. Either one goes to God’s place, which is heaven, or one goes to hell (the only alternative) which is the devil’s place. There are many descriptions of the devil’s place in the Bible and other records.
Is it difficult for one to enter heaven? No. There is one condition: one has to be born of the Holy Spirit. Why? Because you can only enter heaven as a spirit (of God).
How to be born of the Holy Spirit? By coming to Jesus and believe in Jesus.
As human flesh or as a spirit not of God, un-believer cannot enter heaven.
As a “Christian”, how do we know whether we can enter heaven? How does one know whether one is truly of God? Examine whether you are under the above category of “who will be condemned”.
If you are, repent NOW! (1 John 1:9)
AAA Jack
1 June 2009

day 88c: Our Father Who is in heaven

I continue what I have started in my previous record. Pray as if you want it to happen. Pray as if you believe whole-heartedly in what you pray. Otherwise I am just wasting my time. The prayer alone cannot please God. The prayer action cannot achieve anything for me. This is my experience. Even when I pray and hear those Biblically words they are of no use because they are not mixed with faith. The words of God need to be received with faith in the receiver’s heart.

I have read the Lord’s Prayer again and summarize below what I have discovered about the kingdom of heaven on earth (as it is in heaven).

1. Our Father in heaven is the only One (God) we are to worship: As this prayer is a daily prayer, it means the kingdom citizens are to worship God every day.

2. Attitude of worship: our hearts must be filled with reverence, giving honor and glory to God. Kingdom citizens must seek to know Him as we worship Him, see the glory and holiness of His presence, and be awed.

3. Our heart desire is for God: we must be thirsting for the kingdom of God. We want the kingdom to come and we desire the righteousness that comes with the kingdom. Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, as Jesus urged the kingdom citizens to do.

4. Take our daily heavenly bread: This means we are to read the words of God daily, (like taking food for our body). We are to take the words seriously as they are divine life and divine health in the words of God for the kingdom citizens.

5. Be watchful for spiritual war:

1. The kingdom citizens do not put themselves in ways of temptations. We are urged to run away when temptation comes. We have been freed from being enslaved by the worldly temptations (including all entertainments, multi-media, popular culture, junk food that abuse the body and bad habits that open door to the devil to come in to steal, kill and destroy) as Jesus has died for us and redeemed us by His blood. We are to remain in Him and not be tempted. We are to take daily action to protect our children too and not to expose them or worse, introduce them to temptations!

2. The kingdom citizens are watchful and are aware that there are evil spiritual beings (principalities, powers, rulers of the darkness of this world, spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places (Ephesians 6:12)

6. Be reconciled with the Father in heaven and with men on earth. Be ready to be a part of the body of Christ. Forgive.

7. Our goal is to give glory to God. The kingdom citizens have only one goal-giving glory to God (our Father in heaven).

All these can only be practiced in our daily living through the guidance and empowerment of the Holy Spirit. Without the Holy Spirit, these would be impossible.

Be filled by the Holy Spirit, my brethren.

AAA Jack

2009-5-29

day 88b: on earth as it is in heaven

I return to Matthew and ponder on the Lord’s Prayer (rather, the prayer Jesus taught the disciples to pray). I quote the whole prayer as follows:
Matthew 6:9-13 (New King James Version)

9 In this manner, therefore, pray:

Our Father in heaven,

Hallowed be Your name.

10 Your kingdom come.

Your will be done

On earth as it is in heaven.

11 Give us this day our daily bread.

12 And forgive us our debts,

As we forgive our debtors.

13 And do not lead us into temptation,

But deliver us from the evil one.

For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

Previously I only touched on the cancellation of debts. Lately I thought of the word ‘kingdom’. Jesus came and preached that the kingdom of heaven was near. He has preached a whole series of kingdom living prior to teaching this prayer. He is showing us how the kingdom of heaven is like and how different it would be from the natural worldly political kingdom built by men.

This prayer is not just an ordinary prayer. I cannot simply discount it as a simple prayer for a beginner Christian to practice praying. The prayer gives a glimpse of how the kingdom of heaven should be lived on earth: daily worshipping and honoring God (just as what we will be doing in heaven), living in His will (reflecting the reality of heaven), living on heavenly manna (the words of God), putting relationship and reconciliation with God and with men priority over possessions and entitlement, overcoming the old self and the devil by the grace of God, and giving glory to God only.

To carry out the prayer contents daily faithfully requires the presence of the Holy Spirit. We can only worship in spirit and in truth. We need Him to teach our spirit how to worship. We also need Him to guide us as we read the words of God. We need the conviction of the Holy Spirit to enable us to live out the will of God. We need Him to strengthen us and fill us with God’s love so that we may forgive one another. We need the Holy Spirit to reveal to us visions of the greatness and glory of God.

Saying this prayer means you are prepared to live it. Living this prayer requires the presence and filling of the Holy Spirit. Otherwise, the prayer means nothing. It would not work any miracles if you merely recite it like a robot does. It would mean you do not really believe in it and in reciting mechanically you are insulting Jesus (the author of the prayer). Unbelief cancels out any faith you may have. Without faith one cannot please God. (Hebrews 11:6)

My application: mean what I pray for or otherwise not pray. Learn to practice the contents of this prayer daily by the love of God, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the communion of the Holy Spirit.

AAA Jack 2009-5-29

day 87: sheep and tortoise

I have been interceding for someone close and whom I love dearly, a little child. I asked God to reveal to me wisdom so I know how to advise her mother. It was not easy as sometimes I ran out of words and I stayed silent before God, who seemed silent too. Then last night the breakthrough came in a strange way.

I went to bed early and had a dream. When I woke around 3am, I told myself that perhaps I need to look up those verses as they may be the answer God gives me. However, I immediately heard a shout from next to me, the wife is dreaming too and she shouted in a language which she does not use unless necessary. She uttered a full sentence but I managed to catch two words, “sheep” and “negotiate”. I immediately thought of John Chapter 10 (all about sheep) as I thought she was reading this before she slept. So I told myself the next morning I would look up the verses from my dream and hers. I went back to sleep and had another dream.

I dreamed that I cycled to a stationary shop and bought one small inexpensive item. I was asked to pay a great sum. I paid. Then I realized and asked why I had to pay so much. The shop lady showed me a long list of items for which she had billed me. I was puzzled and said I came on a bicycle and could not possible have bought such a lot of stuff. The shop lady explained, “It is because of ‘Yuan-Yuan’ which means ‘round-round’ in Chinese, in your elder sister’s car”.

I woke. This time I did not delay. I went downstairs. I worshipped and sang hymns. Then I prayed and waited for guidance from the Holy Spirit. I saw some pictures.

I had forgotten the verses from my first dream but I remembered the rest. So I read John Chapter 10 about Jesus being the shepherd and He laid down His life for His sheep. Indeed, He had paid a great price for His sheep. He said He has the absolute authority over life (to take and give). Then I was led to read Chapter 11, wherein Jesus said about Lazarus, “This illness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it.” (11:4)

Jesus then resurrected Lazarus saying four key commands:

He commanded the people there “Take away the stone.” (11:39) (Note: The stone is put there by men, to prevent the stench from coming out.)

He told Martha (sister of Lazarus), “Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?” (11:40) (Note: Two conditions are needed, believe, and wanting to see the glory of God!)

He commanded Lazarus, “Lazarus, come forth!” (11:43) (Note: you need to come close to Jesus! Jesus is Life!)

After Lazarus came out he was still wrapped in grave clothes and Jesus commanded, “Loose him, and let him go!” (11:44) (Note: Loose him from all bondages that tie him down. Cut off those hindrances and he shall live as a free man in Christ!)

_________________________

I record below the pictures I saw before I read the Bible verses:

1. Jesus carries a little lamb (fat) on his shoulder, walking towards me.

2. Jesus carries a tortoise on his back, walking up a hill.

3. Jesus way in front, followed by a weather beaten tortoise (whom I believe, is me), and a long line of tortoises, climbing a mountain.

When the wife came downstairs I asked her whether she was reading John Chapter 10 before she slept. She said, no, she was reading Chapter 15. So it was the Holy Spirit that prompted me to read Chapter 10 after all which confirmed the second dream I had and also the two words the wife uttered.

What a strange but meaningful encounter. God answers prayers!

AAA Jack

May 28, 2009

day 86: hearing God’s words (practical novice guide)

I have learned through unusual (sometimes ridiculous) ways in my endeavor to hear God’s words. So I decide to sum up what I have learned for information and encouragement. Every person must learn to find his own way. When you see how God is so ever ready to be found, you will be comforted and motivated to seek to know God.

Jesus has portrayed God on earth. The best way to start to know God is to read everything about Jesus. Look carefully at Jesus. Read what Jesus says many times until you become familiar with what Jesus says. Read with the single goal of knowing Jesus. Pray that the Holy Spirit guides you.

When I first read Jesus seriously at the beginning of this series of record, I had a difficult time because I was not spiritual at all. I “knew” the Holy Spirit only in my head, not in my spirit. I used my head to read and thought I knew all about the words of God. It seemed a straightforward project like any others. How wrong I was.

However, as I progressed and persevered, things happened. I was changed. A number of things helped.

1. I bought a new Bible (New King James Version, Giant print, words of Christ in red) just for the quest. I started afresh, un-influenced by my past perception, like and dislike. Verses appear now as though I never read them before.

2. I write down notes.

3. As I receive new insights (words, verses, pictures/visions, dreams, hymns, songs, and messages from third parties) I record them (not always immediately as I felt lazy to get up from bed and so missed the chance). But what I had recorded helped me to know God more.

4. I pray for guidance from the Holy Spirit, ponder over the thoughts and search the Bible. I sometimes chew on the thoughts for days and wait for confirmation. When confirmation comes I would believe that my earlier thought comes from the Holy Spirit.

5. I practice what that I have learned from godly people. I practice until I find my own way.

6. I changed my life priorities, my goals, my perspectives. In fact, it was the Lord, I believe, who initiated the changes. As I put my quest before Him, He intervened supernaturally, put me on the right path and gave me the strength to carry through.

An entrepreneur told me that when he dreamed of new inventions or bits and pieces of new things, he would jump out of bed, draw the pictures, and jot down notes without delay. He is a shrewd business man who endeavors to keep track of his human thoughts to develop them into something ‘profitable’.

Much more we should keep track and make good use of the supernatural truth from heaven that the Holy Spirit put into our minds, and confirmed by the Bible. The businessman gropes in the uncertain market to find his way. But we have a sure guide and guarantee from the Holy Spirit. We have the certainty of the manual (the Bible) too.

The Holy Spirit guides by ways that He thinks will best suit each individual.

Pray you find the right key.

AAA Jack

May 27, 2009

day 85: He who is of God hears

“He who is of God hears God’s words; therefore you do not hear, because you are not of God.” (John 8:47)

What? Have I read wrongly? No. Jesus is very clear and straight forward here. He is not speaking in parable. The audiences were the scribes and Pharisees of those days. They kept questioning Jesus but never heard what Jesus said. Their hearts and minds were filled with their own agenda. Then Jesus proclaimed this shocking statement. “Why do you not understand My speech? Because you are not able to listen to My word. You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do.”

It appeared that the audience became deaf to what Jesus said because they were too busy listening to their father (the devil)’s instructions. They were fully occupied and committed to do what the devil wanted them to do. They were obeying the devil and not obeying God. They trusted the devil and not God. In short, they were the sons of the devil, and not the sons of God.

Today, God speaks to us through His words in the Bible, through the Holy Spirit, through many means (signs, dreams, visions, wonders, third parties, messages, hymns and songs) including His still small voice in our hearts. Yet many Christians cannot hear. Why?

Is it because many are listening to the wrong source? To the wrong voice? Is it because they are too busy listening and obeying the devil instead of God? is it because they are not of God?

Frightening thoughts. I would urge churches to do a survey of all your members and find out how many hear God. Does the pastor hear God? I would also urge you to do your own assessment. Do you hear God? Do your children hear God?

During Jesus time, the people, including the disciples, did not have the Holy Spirit in them to lead them, to tell them what Jesus said and what that meant. The followers of Jesus did not have the Bible to guide them. But they had Jesus in the physical person in their midst. They had seen Him performing all sorts of miracles proving He is God. Yet they did not hear what He say and did not believe Him. Jesus said they did not hear because they were not of God.

There are people who are of God. They can hear God.

There are people who are not of God. They cannot hear God.

Which category are you in? Which category do you want to be?

My application: continue to seek God’s presence and learn to hear Him. Continue to read the Bible and hear God. Continue to give thanks and hear God. Continue to worship and hear God. Continue to pray and hear God. Continue to rest in God and hear God. Align my life values with that of God’s kingdom and hear God. Continue to encourage my family and friends to hear God with me. Continue to learn from the Holy Spirit to hear God.

AAA Jack

May 26 2009

day 84: You shall see

Most of us like to see ourselves in the future, more blessed, richer, more healthy, younger looking, slimmer and fitter, marrying to a kinder/more loving wife, having smarter and more obedient children, living in bigger houses, driving a newer car etc. When we worship God we tend not to see God/Jesus as He is, but see the things He can give us. We try to declare our love for God, whilst our eyes are on things and not on God.
The things that we want are not really bad. Blessing, feeling, healing, gifts etc. – God has promised to give them to us freely anyway. We also tend to display the obvious symptoms of worldly worries and unbelief: painful trying, ceaseless holding, constant drifting, busy planning, and anxious caring, constant asking, wanting, using God, giving glory to and laboring for self.

Why do Christians behave this way? Oswald Chambers said this, “The danger with us is that we want to water down the things that Jesus says and make them mean something in accordance with commonsense. If it was only commonsense, it was not worthwhile for Him to say it!”

Christians read the Bible without reading. Prophet Isaiah predicted this. People are not deaf but they cannot hear. People are not blind but they cannot see. Something great and supernatural will happen if they indeed hear or see!

In my earlier records on living Biblically, I omitted a number of passages because I found them too hard to meditate upon. I had no idea how to apply them. But God in His mercy and patience led me back to those passages bit by bit. I have been dreaming of reading the Bible and talking to and discussing with the invisible what those passages meant and whether I need to ponder more. By the time I woke up I forgot the passages although they were so clear in the dreams. Once in a while I woke with a clear word stuck to me and today I had this word “Baptism” stuck to me as I woke. I recalled the passage that I had skipped previously.

I have recently encountered violent and irrational objections and fears (panic and hysteria) from adult un-believer men that their family members, e.g. elderly parents, become baptized into Christ. They even go to the extent that they rather their parents die than becoming a Christian. At first I thought they were just superstitious as they thought baptism is some thing like brainwashing used by the totalitarian government.

During the last few days I had some passing thoughts of the event of baptism and knew in my spirit that it could mean more than just a ritual or tradition or a practice of witnessing. There is a supernatural meaning, I thought. Something happens in heaven (where God lives) when a person is baptized into Christ. Like the Holy Sprit it is another identity or warranty card. However I did not proceed with that thought and soon forgot.

Reading the Bible again about baptism and what Jesus says, I realize now that baptism is not as simple and ordinary as a lot of Christians think. Definitely it is not a matter of commonsense.

When Jesus was baptized, something supernatural was revealed. “When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him.” (Matthew 3:16)

“And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:17)

1. The heavens (pleural) were opened to Jesus. Many layers of heavens all opened instantly, all the way up to ‘the heaven’ where God lives.

2. God’s Spirit (the Holy Spirit) came down (from ‘the heaven’) and alighted upon Jesus.

3. God spoke from heaven (‘the heaven’ where He lives).

4. God expressed His special love and favor for Jesus.

Remember that the devil and his gang were up there in heavens (the layers between earth and ‘the heaven’ where God lives). They could not interfere at all. They were powerless to block the pathway to heaven and for heaven to come down! They probably fled from the bright light of God’s presence.

When Jesus told His newly acquired (reluctant) disciple, Nathanael, Jesus ‘saw’ him (transcending space and distance limitation), he was convinced and immediately believed that Jesus was the Son of God. But Jesus said, “You will see greater things than this. Most assuredly I say to you, hereafter you shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.” (Matthew 1:50-51)

The disciples became eye witnesses of Jesus in all the great things that Jesus did later. Yes, heaven opened. Great supernatural things happened.

After Jesus resurrected from the dead, before He ascended into heaven, He gave a command to His disciples, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28: 18-20)

I sum up what Jesus says as follows:

1. Jesus now has the supreme authority over heaven and earth.

2. He commanded the disciples to make disciples of all the nations.

3. The physical responsibilities of making disciples include: baptizing them, teaching them to observe all that Jesus has commanded them.

4. Being baptized in the name of God the Father, the Son (Jesus) and God the Holy Spirit, means being included in the trinity God’s exclusive kingdom. Those baptized are officially the citizens of that kingdom. They enjoy all the rights and privileges of that kingdom.

5. One exclusive privilege is that Jesus will come and stay with those who have accepted the inclusion by the trinity God in this way, forever.

Wow! No wonder the devil and his minions panic and go into hysteria when they hear of someone likely to be baptized into Christ! A baptized person has died to the world (no longer under the devil’s rule) and now lives to God. One more defeat to the devil.

My application: carry on reading God’s words with my heart opened to the Spirit so I would not omit what Jesus says. My advice to those who have believed but have not yet baptized is that you do not have much time. Just do it now! Get your children to be baptized too. You will not regret it. Believe me.

AAA Jack

May 25 2009

day 83: Come and See

I am led to elaborate on what I had recorded on the previous day. Jesus told the two novice followers to come and see if they wanted to know more about Him. This is what I have been telling practically everyone who asks me about whatever aspect of life they worry about. Come and see what? Come and see who? My answer is always Jesus.
Some people admire the life that I am living and wish that they can be this blessed. I always advise them to look at Jesus instead. I have decided to make my life as simple as possible gradually over the years and now subsist on very little. As I have mentioned before, I have cleared the sitting room of everything that I do not use daily. What is the point of having a lovely room with things that I hardly use? I hardly invite guests. I spend my time seeking God and meditating on His words. People do seek me out once in a while when they are in a dilemma. I do not give them advice on worldly matter anymore. What is the point? The inside will determine the outside. It is more important to get their inside right first. Otherwise it would be madness (doing the same thing again and again, because their insides are unchanged, hoping for a different result).

A number of thing happened. Recently I heard of the death of a man (an artist whose works sell well). He suffered from heart attack and had an operation. Then he decided to seek divine healing so he became a Christian and came to the Prayer House. However, because he still hoped to sell more of his art, he continued to be involved in working on idols. When he was again feeling quite sick he came back to the Prayer House, but he died while sitting on a bench chatting. He screamed, “They are here to take me! Help!” collapsed on the floor and died instantly. Lately another person was under severe spiritual attack too. She kept having fever for no medical reason. She recounted that one day she felt as if her soul was being pulled off her body and she could not breathe and was choking before another force suddenly pulled her back into her body. She regained her breathing ability and survived.

Prior to these two incidents, I heard testimony of two dreams by two different persons. I sum them up as follows:

1. A young woman married with one baby (about 8 months old) dreamed that her father in law has sold his three cars. All were sold at a price 20% of the market price at that time. the salesman who came and took the cars away left his card which bore the number recorded in the Book of Revelation, “666”. When this happened the woman’s child was about 2-3 years old.

2. A man dreamed that he was on a plane. The plane tried to take off many times but could not do so and he was puzzled. Then he heard clearly the words, “It’s the economy, stupid!” The next day at lunch he walked into a bookstore and the first book he picked up was a prediction of worsening of the economy in the second half year until 2012.

I attended a large and prosperous looking church on Sunday and found that they did not preach about Jesus. They preached on the faith people in Hebrews 11 but omitted to preach the part about what motivated the faith people to remain faithful. Without knowing what motivated them, how could we learn to be faithful people too? I shall quote those important omitted verses as follows so the truth can show us how and set us free.

(From Abel to Abraham and Sarah) “These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland. But now they desire a better that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.” (Hebrews 11:13-14, 16)

Concerning Moses, “esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; for he looked to the reward. By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured as seeing Him (Jesus Christ) who is invisible.” (Hebrews 11:26-27)

“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin that so ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that s set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:1-2)

Yes, they all had seen the invisible. The God who was to come into the midst of men. The faithful people had seen what others could not see. How did they see? They saw in their spirit.

My application: continue to see in my spirit how great and wonderful God is. So far I have only received three words and the urging to read three passages of the Bible. I received the word, “glory” first. Then I was asked to read three passages. Lately I received the word “holy”. Last Sunday morning I was pondering on these words before I attended church. I wanted to know what they meant, appearing to me as I woke from dreams. During the worship the short choruses were all about God’s glory and holiness. Then I attended the Prayer House worship too at night and the songs were about the same two words! The songs pointed our focus to Jesus. Then the worship leader ended his songs by singing one which proclaimed, “Glory, glory, glory!” to Lord God Almighty. Amen. (I shall continue to focus on these two words and see Jesus all the time)

Brethren, abide in Christ.

AAA Jack

May 24 2009

day 88: are you the teacher and do not know?

Jesus knew all men. He knew what was in man. (John 2:24-25) When a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews came to Him at night and wanted to ask Him about God, Jesus told him straight that he has to be born again before he can see the kingdom of God or understand matters about God. Jesus tried to explain to him one has to be born of the Spirit and becomes attuned to spiritual matters first. Poor teacher Nick (my short name for Nicodemus) did not know what Jesus was talking about.

So Jesus said, “Are you the teacher of Israel, and do not know these things?” (John 3:10)

Nick was not just an ordinary uneducated man on the street. He was one of the top national elites who ruled the religious, political and social lives of the people. He was a powerful man, well educated, well respected and was supposed to be teaching others about God. Yet Jesus said he did not know God.

Does this sound familiar? Many claim to be important in the churches but do not know God. Jesus said this of teacher Nick because he did not know or understand God in the spirit. God is Spirit. There is no other way to know Him. If anyone claims he knows all about God (through head knowledge only) the person is blind or not telling the truth. Does knowing God really matter? Jesus said, to know God and Jesus is eternal life! What is the point of being a well respected teacher in your church but do not have eternal life?

How did teacher Nick accept the “shocking” comment and teaching from Jesus? He respected Jesus and heard Him out. The Bible recorded that he spoke out for Jesus once in front of his own Pharisees peers, and later openly brought expensive spices to prepare Jesus for burial after the crucifixion.

My application:

Continue to seek God and wait upon Him, in His presence, through worship, singing hymns, reading His words (the Bible), praying, and being still before God.

Last night I attended a “waiting upon God” worship service and teaching. We worshipped for an hour. After that it was sermon time. But we were then told to lift up our hands, as a sign of total surrender to God, for the entire hour of “sermon” (waiting training). The pastor read some Bible verses and spoke a few sentences occasionally as led by the Holy Spirit. Otherwise we just waited in silence with our hands lifted up. After a long time he said we could prostrate on the floor as led by the Spirit. He told us to cast our worries and make our utmost request then. God will answer. I made a request silently about the intercession I have been making yesterday morning.

Towards the end of the session, the pastor quietly read two psalms and said that some of us will find answer and encouragement. When I heard the last two verses of the first psalm, I heard my answer. It was also confirmed by the second psalm! (He read Psalms 27 and 62)

I used to be like teacher Nick and knew nothing about spiritual matters. I did not know God the way He wanted me to know Him then. Now I begin to see and hear (despite moving with tortoise speed). I would encourage you too to seek and practice consistently. You will find that God likes to be found and He will meet you in ways that really surprise you.

I pray that you too will soon see and hear God.

AAA Jack

May 29, 2009

DAY 40: WHAT WOULD HAPPEN TO THE TARES?

Jesus described the kingdom of heaven like a man who sowed good seeds in his field. The Son of Man (Jesus) sowed the good seed. The field is the world. The good seeds are the sons of the kingdom. But the devil (enemy of God) came and sowed tares among the wheat. God is aware of it. However, He instructed the angles to let both grow together until the harvest. At that time He will instruct the reaper angles to bundle up the tares and burn them. The wheat (sons of the kingdom) will be gathered into the kingdom of their Father. (Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43)
When the grain had sprouted and produced a crop, then the tares also appeared. The angels asked whether they should pull them out of the field. Jesus said, “No, lest you gather up the tares you also uproot the wheat with them.”
Why were the seeds not detected? Why would the pulling of the young tares disturb the young wheat? My understanding is as follows:
1. All Christians start with seeds. Jesus sowed the seeds. When the seeds grow, they are Christians (the sons of the kingdom of God), the righteousness of God in Christ.
2. All un-believers start with seeds too. The devil sowed the seeds. They grow up and become sons of the wicked ones.
3. During evangelistic meetings it is possible that un-believers join the crowd and get into the church as part of the Christian community. They are treated as though they have believed in Jesus whereas in their hearts they do not believe. They are seeds sown by the devil.
4. The seeds are hidden below the surface. The devil came and sowed at night, in secret. No one can detect them. On the surface there is no difference between a young Christian and a non-believer in the church.
5. As they grow in the church, the young believers make friends with one another (including the un-believers).
6. It is obvious that there is risk in allowing the fake/counterfeit Christians (who become worship leaders, elders, pastors etc.) to remain in the church. Otherwise the angels would not have asked whether they should immediately remove the tares (sons of the wicked ones).
7. It is obvious that God has the authority and power to remove the wicked ones at any time.
8. God being merciful does not want to disturb the relationship. He knows the weakness of man, how we tend to let emotion and sentiments rule in our immature days.
9. Both the believers and un-believers grow up together in the church environment, attend the same worship services, listen to the same sermons, possibly serve together, spend leisure time together, join the same Bible study cell group, sing the same set of hymns and praise songs, share the same holy communion, solemnize their weddings, birth, and death in the same church etc. They may even be buried in the same church cemetery. Yet, at the end of this age, one goes to heaven and another gets to be burned.
10. The difference between a son of God and a son of the devil is recorded in the Bible and can be detected based on the words of God. In the above passage, Jesus called them “all things that offend Him, and those who practice lawlessness”. Jesus also called the sons of God, the righteous. No man can be called righteous except by faith, believing in Jesus. The lawless ones are those who do not believe in Jesus.
My application: Examine my life and make sure I am a believer. Continue to share the true Gospel of Jesus. Continue to pray and intercede for the church. Do not take for granted that all who go to church are believers.
This is the fifth times when an elder/pastor who led the Holy Communion omitted to teach the meaning of the bread and cup of wine in accordance with what the Lord taught. When reminded, one elder told me to let them lead by the Spirit. Whilst I pray my own prayer to make sure I do not partake the bread and the cup in the wrong manner, I really worry about those who do not do so due to lack of teaching by the church elders and pastors. Why are the elders and pastors so reluctant to read the passage in 1 Corinthians 11:24-30 of the Bible? There is no need to interpret if they cannot, just read them aloud to the congregations, please!!!
AAA Jack
April 6, 2009

He stooped and fed us

In today’s reading, I read Matthew 11:28-29. Jesus called out to everyone here, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
When I first read these two verses long ago, I always thought it rather contradictory. On one hand Jesus wanted us to remove our burden/yoke, on the other hand He urged us to put on His. A lot of churches taught me to be extra hard working as I have to carry Jesus’ burden. So I had to make a lot of effort to serve Him in churches, doing good work etc. The burdens became heavy and impossible to carry on my own. I know of Christians and pastors burning out too. It doesn’t make sense as Jesus specifically assured us in the following verse, “For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” (Matthew 11:30)
However, I am determined to understand these verses this time in this living Biblically quest. I prayed and read crossed reference verses and found the following treasure in Hosea. God spoke.
“I drew them with gentle cords, with bands of love, and I was to them as those who take the yoke from their neck. I stooped and fed them.” this wonderful verse is taken from Hosea 11:4. God said He loved Israel (Christians) when he was a child. He taught them to walk, take them by their arms. He healed them. He then described how He drew them with gentleness and took away their yoke. Try picturing God as a tall and mighty person who stooped down to a little child and fed him patiently and lovingly.
The definition of a yoke:
1 a: a wooden bar or frame by which two draft animals (as oxen) are joined at the heads or necks for working together b: an arched device formerly laid on the neck of a defeated person c: a frame fitted to a person's shoulders to carry a load in two equal portions d: a bar by which the end of the tongue of a wagon or carriage is suspended from the collars of the harness.
When I thought of Jesus before, I always had the idea that He was like any of us, small and insignificant. I thought of carrying His cross/yoke for Him as if He was walking to the place of crucifixion. How wrong I had been! Jesus is no longer on His way to be crucified. He has already been crucified, died, buried, risen from the dead and now sits in heaven as God! The Jesus now is a mighty, magnificent and majestic God. He is definitely not the little man like any of us.
When I thought of this truth, I saw a different picture of the yoke on us. Instead of me carrying the yoke by myself, the yoke is shared now between me and Jesus. But Jesus is so much (infinitely) taller and bigger, so it is He who carries the yoke and not me. I am just like the child described in Hosea 11:4, whom Jesus stooped down to feed and nurse.
My application: continue to come near to God daily and feed on His words. Yesterday after interceding for the nation I had an unusual encounter. I was prostrating on the floor and the picture came to my mind. Jesus was holding a little narrow jar/vase in His hand and poured out some oil on His fingers. Then He touched my forehead. I had the word “anointing” in my mind.
After that, I forgot about the picture. By mid morning a thought came to me that I needed to record down the picture I saw. But I have forgotten it entirely. I was troubled. So I prayed that I could recall it. Immediately the picture came, exactly as I had seen in the early morning. I am not sure what this means and I have no Bible reference in my mind. I decide to leave this subject for the time being. However I believe I need to continue to pray/intercede for the nation, seek guidance and clarification of goals and directions for my life, especially at this time of uncertainty.
Meanwhile I am happy that it is not me who carries the yoke. No wonder Jesus assured us that His yoke is easy and His burden is light!
AAA Jack
March 28, 2009

be the wise man who built his house on the rock

“Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and when the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was built on the rock.” Matthew 7:24-25
Yesterday I finally heard what this passage is all about. I always thought I was the one who had to do the work of building. I had to choose the ground properly. I had to calculate and select the materials for the building. I had to make sure that the house was built on strong foundation or it would tumble down in the storm. I had focused on the word “I” and no wonder I failed.
Yesterday a speaker told us that it was the other way round. He asked, “Do you let Jesus dig deep into you?” “Do you let God build into you deeply, all the way to the bedrock?” He was preaching on something else but he opened his sermon by mentioning this passage and asked us these questions.
What? I never thought of this passage this way. It makes sense as it tallies with what the apostle Paul had told us. He reminded us that we are God’s workmanship. It is God who builds into us. Another preacher writer also had been writing on this subject of work too and has been hammering into my head and my heart that Christians’ main problem is that we do not let God work into us. We like to be in control and feel important by working for God! It is obvious that our foundation is like sand if we persist on serving and working without allowing God to work deep into us and build our character!
The depth and strength of our character comes from God’s working in our lives. There is no way any one can work (whatever good works he does) his way to strength and power without God’s building and molding him.
My application: Let God work deep into me and build me on His solid foundation. Continue to rise early to seek God and worship Him, pray and intercede for others too. Continue to read His Words in chunks and be alert to the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
This morning while praying for my church’s recent project of raising a big sum $15million to build a mega building, I was filled with the idea of writing to the pastor and urging him not to proceed even though the church building committee had already collected over $5million.
I could see my thoughts gathering clearly. Recently I had been thinking how to save the world from its fast track of sliding downhill. I had the idea of asking every family to grow organic vegetables and rear chickens or goats in our backyards. I thought of home schooling and keeping a self sufficient family independent of the world economy. I thought of re-cycling practically everything and conserving instead of destroying and depleting more rare resources. I read up on the subject and discovered that more and more people are thinking on this future. Today I read about the US President’s wife doing exactly the same project of gardening in the White House!
I could envisage the pictures of a church growing fresh vegetables and fruits and even keeping sheep and goats to support the unemployed congregation members and families. The pastor may ask how he will accommodate the worship service members if the existing hall becomes too full. Well, I saw in my vision people sitting on grass, under trees, in glass houses, in sheds etc. Loudspeakers are fixed on the trees and church organ music filled the air everywhere in the huge organic garden. Just think, a bit of Paris (the gardens in the city where we used to sit around and listen to classical music under trees) right here. After church service, healthy lunches can be bought at reasonable prices too.
Bible references: I keep reading a lot about agricultural and pastoral blessings from God and none about construction. GROW instead of CONSTRUCT appears to be the key word for receiving supernatural blessing. Grow something organic that gives life and generates produce in return. Do not construct something dead which depreciates with wear and tear. (Not to mention the wasting of resources and spoiling the environment). When we build, be like Abraham. Build altars for God. (Not monuments for men).
AAA Jack
March 23, 2009

Day seven: be the salt of the earth and be a man in light

“You are the salt of the earth…” (Matthew 5:13)
I still cannot figure out much about the Christians being the salt of the earth other than salt being traditionally used as seasoning and preservative, having a number of culinary and therapeutic effects. Nowadays people are avoiding salt in fear of putting too much pressure on the heart. Salt are still hidden in a lot of foodstuff anyway. Does this mean we are needed in meeting the health and nutritious requirements in a variety of essential but unobtrusive ways? On the other hand, no matter how one tries to avoid salt, one just needs it to survive. Similarly the society needs Christians to survive. Incidentally food with a pinch of salt is always tastier. Life with Christians around should be more interesting too!
“You are the light of the world…let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Jesus so commanded those who followed and believed in Him (Matthew 5:14-16).
Jesus spoke about Himself: “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” (John 8:12) In John 1:4, this is written about Jesus, “in Him was life, and the life was the light of men.” 1 John 5:11 further testified that “and this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.”
Light is associated with life. The life here refers to that which Jesus gives to His believers. When we have His life, we have His light. The light can shine before men. People can see how Jesus’ life shines through us.
It is important to take note that people in the world are not necessarily drawn towards the light. Jesus said this of them: “and this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.” (John 3:19) Jesus further pointed out that “for everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed”. (John 3:20)
However, Jesus commanded His believers to let their light/life (in the form of good works) shine before men. Why? There are two reasons:
1. He who does the truth comes to the light and he too will be saved. (John 3:21)
2. People who see and realize the good works are done in the name of Jesus will give glory to God. (Matthew 5:16)
My application: it is indeed amazing how fast God answers a prayer. Yesterday I wrote that I prayed for courage to stand up for my faith, and this morning I had to reply a friend about the difference between a believer and a member of a religious institution (e.g. a church, a temple, whatever.) A Christian believer has to meet the requirement of Romans 10:9-10 which I quote as follows:
“That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” Therefore I told the friend boldly and truthfully that by becoming a church member will not automatically qualify anyone for heaven citizenship. A church that does not preach about Jesus and His salvation is not guiding people to heaven. Jesus Himself warned the Pharisees and scribes that they were in fact leading their converts to hell. (Matthew 23:13, 15)
As for today’s application, the Amplified Bible detailed the good works that Jesus referred to which include moral excellence, praiseworthy, noble and good deeds, that others can see and recognize and honor and praise and glorify out Father (God) who is in heaven (Matthew 5:16). Who can ever perform such good deeds? Only Jesus can. That is why I must always bear in mind that it is Jesus in me that will shine and not me. What a relief!
AAA Jack
March 4, 2009

Day six：why rejoice exceedingly when being persecuted?

“Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for my sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” (Matthew 5:11-12)
“If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified.” (1 Peter 4:14)
As a Christian who speaks out for Jesus we are ridiculed and even reproached. I usually avoided such occurrences. But my wife is a brave woman and she is determined to share the Gospel with her ailing father. Her brothers scolded her and even threatened her. At times it was so bad that she cried. Of course she felt hurt under the insult and ill treatment from her siblings. She became sad and miserable.
If being persecuted results in unhappy feelings, then what did Jesus mean when He asked us to do the opposite? How can one rejoice exceedingly when one normally feels hurt and being unfairly treated?
Today when I read these two verses spoken by Jesus and their cross reference to 1 Peter 4:14, I realized that Jesus was right. Being persecuted for Jesus’ sake is a good thing and signs of a lot of good happenings!
1. You are raised to the status of the prophets.
2. Great reward immediately comes from heaven.
3. The Holy Spirit rests on you.
4. God considers you glorifying Him.
Of course, the evil person (bully who persecutes you) cannot get off scot free, as he has blasphemed against the Holy Spirit! Jesus has warned that those who blasphemed against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven either in this age or in the age to come. (Matthew 12:31-32)
Application: I share with my wife about what I read and she feels comforted now. As for me, I pray that I will not be afraid to stand up for my faith too. Again, it is a matter of whether I care about living before God more than living before man. I need to really ponder on this.
AAA Jack
2009-03-03

Day four & five: living before God or before men?

I took two days to review what I learned on the previous days. I realized that it was not as simple as I had thought and written on the first three days. My heart was not at peace when I wanted to proceed further. So I read the eight important verses again and again in Matthew 5:3-10. Why was Jesus saying these to the crowd on that mountain at the beginning of His ministry? Why were they recorded at the beginning of the first book of the New Testament?
What was the most important thing Jesus had to say before He could carry on to other matters? Jesus Himself provided the answer. He came to save the world (Jews and non-Jews). He brought salvation. The above verses were His declaration of purpose and method of achieving the purpose. The purpose is salvation to all who believe. The salvation content include: eternal life for the present and the future, meeting our needs for food, security, belonging, and social, emotional, mental (self-esteem, actualization), and spiritual goals.
Yes, salvation brings the believer citizenship in the kingdom of heaven, membership in the household of God, inheritance of property, fulfillment with all good things, comfort and peace with God (and with men), receiving mercy and compassion from God (and forgiving relationship with other men), intimate relationship with God (having the reality of God’s presence in life).
What are the requirements? Yes there are things each one must do to receive all the above.
1. Be humble (acknowledge not just in one’s mouth, but in one’s heart too that one really needs God)
2. Be real about one’s miserable condition (without God and without hope) and wants a change desperately.
3. Be gentle and thankful that God is willing to free one from all the miseries and give one a more abundant life.
4. Be truly yearning (as in hunger and thirst) for Jesus and the righteousness He brings!
5. Be merciful and forgiving to others (grateful that God has forgiven you).
6. Be God-focus in one’s heart (not distracted or diverted by things of the world, including financial/business/marriage/relationship failures, sickness etc.).
7. Be helpful to others, lead them to reconcile with God too!
8. Be dignified as the citizen of the kingdom of heaven (not afraid of others’ ridicule or even persecutions).
Application: Now that I know it is all about God’s plan, I find it easier to think of application. On the other hand, the requirements are not a one off act, but an ongoing process, a life-long process that demands consistency in actions and steadfastness of the heart. It is not easy at all!
AAA Jack
2-3-09

Day three: be merciful, pure in heart, peacemakers, persecuted for righteousness sake

I got up late as I forgot that today was the day of prayer as a “watchman” (in prayer) for the city. When I managed to start praying it was 6.15am. I read the verses from the hymns of worship and praise instead of singing. I reaffirmed my belief through the reading of “We believe” written by Graham Kendrick. “We believe in God the Father, Maker of the universe, and in Christ His Son our Savior, come to us by virgin birth. We believe He died to save us, bore our sins, was crucified. Then from death He rose victorious, ascended to the Father’s side. We believe He sends His Spirit on His church with gifts of power. God His word of truth affirming sends us to the nations now. He will come again in glory judge the living and dead. Every knee shall bow before Him, then must every tongue confess, Jesus Lord of all, Name above all names.”
After reading I prayed for the city, using a booklet prepared by the prayer group. Based on my previous day’s reading of the words from Jesus in Matthew’s Gospel I prayed that the people here will repent, humble themselves, thirst for righteousness (Jesus), be meek and gentle, and mourn for the terrible conditions many are in right now, in captivity and held under the bondage of vices and darkness.
What a wonderful city this will be when that happens! (I admit I am an idealist. I am a realist too. I believe. Otherwise there is no point foregoing my sleep. )
MERCIFUL
“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy”. (Matthew 5:7)
“Blessed is he who considers the poor; the Lord will deliver him in time of trouble”. Psalm 41:1 is the cross reference. How do I apply this today? I took this to mean doing a merciful deed to the poor today when given the opportunity. The repair workman was here again today to fix the roof. He wanted to come at 8am but I was not available. He said he would come around 11-12pm but he only turned up at 1.45pm! The workman/proprietor was alone (cutting cost?) and only finished his work in the late afternoon. After that I had to rush off to reach the government office before it closed to pay some important bills due. The usual roads were blocked and I was diverted into a police station! Thank God the police man was courteous and showed me the new direction. I arrived seconds before the closing time!
PURE IN HEART
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God”. (Matthew 5:8). This verse cross referred to Psalm 15:2, in which King David described the person who could draw near to God: “he who walks uprightly, and works righteously, and speaks the truth in his heart”. He believed in God’s presence. He put God in every aspect of his life. No wonder he saw God in his spirit. Even when David failed to meet the standards of God he continued to seek God’s presence. This was the clue to seeing God.
I am no David. I need to improve in appreciating the reality of God’s presence in my life. I need to read the Bible with the intention to increasing heart knowledge of God instead of head knowledge. Jesus defined eternal life as He prayed for us in John 17:3 “and this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent”. Eternal life is knowing God and Jesus!
PEACEMAKERS
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God” (Matthew 5:9). This verse reminds me that Jesus, the Son of God is called the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). In the Book of Ephesians (2:14-19), Apostle Paul pointed out the fact that Jesus Himself is our peace. He has by His blood, made peace and reconciled us to God through the cross. Through Him we have access by the Holy Spirit to the Father (God). In verse 19 Paul declared: “Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of God’s household”.
The peacemakers are those who lead others to make peace with God. How do I apply this requirement? I shall continue to write and hopefully reach some friends and strangers who are seeking to make peace with God.
PERSECUTED FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS’ SAKE
“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:10). This requirement seems tough for me. However, Proverbs 16:7 stated that “when a man’s way pleases the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him”. Apostle Peter also encouraged us in I Peter 3:13-14, “and who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.”
I shall certainly heed the advice of a senior citizen in God’s kingdom. She advised young Christians to ask God to work into them, to put iron in their souls so they will be ready when the tests come.
Review for the day: it dawned on me that the blessings requirements were all meant for our relationship with God through Jesus Christ. They form a basis for me to interact with God.
AAA Jack
2009-02-27

Day two: humility, mourning, meek, righteous

Day two: not as easy as it seems to be: humility, mourning, meek, righteousness

On this day number two, I continued to read further chapters in the Gospel of Matthew. Yesterday I thought the task was difficult as I would need to really ponder on what Jesus meant when He spoke those words. On the other hand, as what He spoke were not that many sentences, I thought it easy to summarize and perhaps even grouped some together as one action point. However, today’s readings were more difficult. In Matthew Chapter Four, I plunged into the Sermon on the Mount (which is considered an ideal as opposed to practicality in some Christian circle)!
I list below the eight crucial statements made by Jesus on the Mount of Olive.
1. Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:3)
2. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. (Matthew 5:4)
3. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. (Matthew 5:5)
4. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled. (Matthew 5:6)
5. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. (Matthew 5:7)
6. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. (Matthew 5:8)
7. Blessed are the peace makers, for they shall be called sons of God. (Matthew 5:9)
8. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:10)
Application today
HUMILITY (POOR IN SPIRIT)
In my younger days I thought blessing requirement number one referred to those who were poor materially. I was relatively poor as a young student with rather tight budget, and I thought it was easy to fulfill this blessing requirement. However, I later realized that it referred to a person who was humble enough to acknowledge that one was not qualified to enter the kingdom of heaven by one’s own efforts.
Without humility it is impossible to become God’s family members. Humility is difficult to learn and practice as by past training I tend to consider highly of myself. My wife said I still have a long way to go in un-learning my past arrogant self-talk. The good news is I accept my inability to save myself. I need God’s grace and undeserved favor. Whilst I can be assured of a place in the kingdom of heaven by faith in Jesus Christ, I need to work on being more humble so I can enjoy heaven on earth too.
MOURNING (FOR NATIONS)
There was nothing to mourn over personally today so I have to skip statement number two. However when my mother passed away last April, we were comforted as we knew that she merely left for her favorite place, heaven, after ninety long years on earth. When I carried out chores for others’ parents I still thought of my mother and felt sadness and regret as I thought I had not paid more attention to my mother as I would have wanted to do in retrospect. Recently when my wife’s uncle passed away we mourned and were comforted too as he had also chosen to believe in Jesus whom we believe had come and led him home.
On the other hand, the original Biblical context was referred to Israel mourning over their captivity by foreign nations. Is there anything to mourn over for our nations? Plenty, I was told. I have recently joined a group (formed on the basis of Isaiah 62:6-7) of watchmen and watchwomen from various churches who decided to pray for our nations every Friday morning 6am to Saturday 6am. I participate in the Friday 6-7am watch and pray. We pray for nations’ deliverance from being held captive by all the vices (blasphemers, idolaters, violence, greed, corruptions, hatred, strives, pride, abuses of power by people in authority, immorality, children rebelling against parents, love of selves and money, waste of resources, unthankful and unholy etc) that had increased as the world progressed. I pray for my city. The more I pray the more I sense a commitment to this city and its total (physical, mental and spiritual) health and well being for the present and future generations.
In the Book of Prophet Isaiah (Chapter 61: 1-3), God has promised healing for the broken-hearted, liberty for the captives, comfort for all who mourn. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus confirmed what He had come to accomplish. Yes, those who mourn shall be comforted.
THE MEEK (MILD, PATIENT, LONG-SUFFERING)
This is a very desirable blessing requirement. Who does not want to inherit the earth/land and property? The meek shall inherit the earth. Two scenes come to mind, both present and future. In the present the meek shall not worry about having no share in a property. If that is what it means, it is good news to the landless and homeless. Al they need to do is to learn from Jesus as He urged in Matthew 11:29: “take my yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” In Psalm 37: 9, 11, it clearly stated that those who wait on the Lord, the meek shall inherit the earth and they shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace. Regardless of the present circumstances, as long as you wait on the Lord and follow Jesus, you are assured of your share and peaceful ownership of the earth at a future date.
How do I apply this requirement? Being truly meek is tough. Jesus said it is meekness in the heart, not outward show. Who sees the heart? Only God can see. Was I meek in heart today? To be honest, I do not think I was. I was in fact just the opposite when I read of positive comments about some of my blogs. (Repent!)
RIGHTEOUSNESS (BEING MADE RIGHT WITH GOD)
Was I hungry and thirsty today for righteousness? As I have mentioned earlier, I believe by believing in Jesus and accepting Him as my Savior and Lord, I have received His righteousness in my standing with God.
Today as I discussed with someone about the downright unfriendly (even to the point of being wicked) behavior and attitude of some non-believers, I felt indignant that they do not seek righteousness and are determined to oppose righteousness. How could anyone oppose such a wonderful gift? I thought. They probably considered me as a self-righteous person. How could I ever explain to them that the righteousness that we thirst for is that of Jesus, given by Jesus, not earned by anyone’s own effort? No-one can boast, indeed, not me. Come, be filled with all good things!
END OF DAY REVIEW
I continued to provide company to my wife’s relatives: parents-in-law, two maids and an aunt, spending the whole morning in the hospital. I had to tolerate one and half hour driving in heavy traffic. The pluses came from my reading the Bible regardless the circumstances, being friendly and civil and thoroughly enjoyed my conversation with the aunt (in her mid-sixties but still fit and healthy), and the “worship” in the car listening to old worship and praise songs and saying amen to them. The minuses came from my grumbling and saying negative words or harboring negative thoughts against relatives who ill treated Christians. On the whole I scored rather badly as I was not meek or humble like Jesus was even when He was subjected to great humiliations and persecutions for being the Son of God, the Christ, the Messiah! On the other hand, the roof leaked badly and water poured down into the master room. I was not mad at the contractor who tried to fix the spot recently. I did not ask for refund and even agreed to pay him again to do a better job this time. So it appeared I could learn to be meek after all.
AAA Jack
2009-02-26

My quest to live Biblically (day one)

My quest to live Biblically (day one)
After reading a non-believer’s quest of living one year biblically (regardless of his motives), I got down to thinking hard about my own daily living. Am I really taking God seriously? Am I living according to my belief in the Bible being God’s words? Is my faith real? Is my God real?
I decided to start my own quest to live Biblically. Today is my first day of attempt.
I started by clarifying my goal and action plan. As an Evangelical Christian, I believe in the Bible being God’s words. In view of its size and complexity, I would start by being a Red-Letters practitioner. That is, I start by reading all those words spoken by Jesus Christ (marked in red in some Bibles) and try to follow what He said.
I shall read the four Gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, two or three chapters daily, understand the meanings of what Jesus said, referring to the cross references if any, and pray for the Holy Spirit’s guidance as I read. Then I shall write down His intentions and actions required of me to practice what He said/commanded.
Today I read Matthew Chapters one-four (up to verse 11). I summarize below my understandings of what Jesus had spoken.
It is indeed no coincidence that the first sentence spoken by Jesus was relevant to what I purposed in my heart to do. Jesus said: “permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” (That is, do the things that fulfill all righteousness at the right time.) I acknowledge that Jesus has already made me righteous and reconciled me to God. (2 Corinthians 5:21) So I am not trying to earn my righteousness by acting right! My motive of living Biblically is because I want to be real.
All the rest of today’s sayings from Jesus were spoken at the time when He was in the wilderness (having gone through forty days and forty nights of fasting).
The devil came to tempt Him as the devil was not sure of what Jesus could do. The devil thought it could tempt Jesus with the usual indulgences disguised behind seemingly genuine needs like food, safety, status, power and possessions. But Jesus was outside such a paradigm. Jesus spoke the following words, all quoted from the Bible (God’s words).
1. Matthew 4:4 “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.”
Action for me: pay attention to God’s every word. (Be careful what I say too, as cautioned in the Book of Proverbs 18:21 “death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”)
2. Matthew 4:7 “You shall not tempt the Lord your God.”
Action for me: really trust God and not negate my faith in God by my un-belief through action (which is an insult to God).
3. Matthew 4:10 “You shall worship the Lord your God and Him only you shall serve.”
Action for me: give God priority in terms of my resources (especially time to worship Him instead of pursuing other interests/ambitions).
4. Matthew 4:10 “Away with you, Satan!”
Action for me: do not be distracted by or waste time in friendly discussion with the devil. Just tell it to go away by the authority of Jesus!
The above sound simple but not easy to do or follow through. How am I going to start practicing them?
My plan:
1. Wake up early to worship God (learn to seek Him, appreciate His presence and give thanks).
2. Read God’s words daily, meditate and pray (be careful what I think and speak).
3. Focus on God’s glory (stop looking at the world’s or my vain glory) (more spiritual reality).
4. Rebuke the devil.
End of day review: I spent most of my prime time (morning) reading the Bible and talking to God about my new plan and praying for His help. I spent the the rest of the day providing transport for my mother-in-law (and sister-in-law ) to see an ophthalmologist and controlled my tongue and thought pretty well, with mostly positive words (I think). I ended the evening by giving my wife a relatively expensive dinner treat at her favorite restaurant (after she insisted) and my thoughts were neither positive nor negative. Well, after all it is only the first day.

AAA Jack
February 25, 2009