Man shall not live by bread alone...

At a lunchtime Bible study at work, my friend touched on an important point. He said that yesterday’s revelation will not help us survive today. God reveals Himself to us anew each and every day of our lives, but in order to truly experience an adventure with Him, we need to reverence and hold sacred the time we spend in His presence.

In Exodus 16:18-20, we read of how the Lord provided the Israelites with manna from Heaven. You will notice that those who gathered more were not better off, and those who gathered less experienced no lack. God was trying to show them that He was their sufficiency in everything. Some of them kept the manna overnight, fearing that there would not be a fresh supply the following morning. To their dismay, it bred worms and had a foul stench. God was trying to show them that they could trust Him. In much the same way, we try to face today’s challenges with yesterday’s revelation.

Although there is nothing wrong with remembering what the Lord has brought you through in the past, it is essential that you do not remain stagnant. Every child of God needs to grow in the knowledge of his Father’s grace and experience His mercies that are new every morning. Oftentimes, we find ourselves trying to live a whole week on the blessings of last Sabbath! Just like an automobile needs fuel, we need the fuel of God’s Word to give us power during the week. We remember to replenish our physical bodies with food every day, but what about some “soul food”?

We somehow manage to get out of bed every morning and go to work because we know that we must work to survive. However, the truth of the matter is that without the breath of life that God gives you, and the power he gives you to earn wealth, you are nothing! (Deut 8:18)

When Jesus fed the five thousand with the loaves of bread, He was showing them not just His power to meet their physical needs, but also His body that would be broken for us so that He could establish the body of Christ. The bread symbolizes the Word of God of which Christ was the living representation. Though millions may eat of it everyday, there is always enough for everyone just as the baskets were not empty after feeding thousands of people. (Luke 9:12-17, Jn 1:1-14, Jn 6:58)

I have learned that there is no such thing as taking a Sabbatical from studying God’s Word. True rest is found only in the contemplative posture of discipleship. Satan will try to keep us as busy as possible because He knows that if he can distract us, he has won half the battle! The Apostle Paul writes that we should pray without ceasing; sometimes that’s easier said than done, but if we weigh our thoughts each day we will usually find that not much thought is given to the one who is sustaining us from one minute to the next.  There are those who long to be with the people of God but cannot, because of circumstances beyond their control. Those who can, must meet to pray for them like the church did for Paul in prison.

"And Jesus answered him saying: It is written that man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God."- Luke 4:4

Scripture refs: Luke 4:4, Ex 16:18-20, Is 43:18-19, Lam 3:22-23

Finding Glory in the Cross of Shame

As Jesus prayed in the garden of Gethsemane, the tears rolled down his face. The prophecies of Is 53 must have flashed through His mind and the frail garb of His humanity shuddered at the thought of the brutal death that soon awaited Him, but mostly the weight of sin that He would have to bear and the resulting separation from His Father. He faced the greatest trial of His life on earth and He faced it alone.

Every person on this earth faces trials on a daily basis. Jesus has not promised us a life of ease but He has promised to be with us “even unto the end of the world.”  In John 16:33, our Lord warned us that in this world we would have trouble, but in His mind as far He was concerned He had conquered the world even before the Cross! He did not say “I will overcome the world.” He said “I have [past tense] overcome the world”!

As followers of Christ, we are called to “take up our crosses” and follow Him (Matt 16:24). Sometimes it feels like we don’t choose our crosses, but rather they choose us. However, God has promised that He would not let any trial befall us that we are not able to bear (1 Cor 10:13). It stands to reason therefore, that the stronger in God you become, the greater your trials will be.

Even those who do not believe in God face trials! The difference is that we have our forerunner, Jesus Christ, who has shown us how to conduct ourselves in the face of looming trials with confidence, grace and strength. Living in the shadow of the cross of uncertainty is not easy, but Jesus Christ has given us the Holy Spirit who is our Comforter and “in all these things, we are more than conquerors because of Him who loved us and gave His life for us.”

Many of our trials are not as serious as that which Jesus faced. The uncertainty of tomorrow is not as serious as the knowing certainty that tomorrow brings only suffering and a cruel death. We sometimes struggle to sleep before a big exam, but can you imagine how Christ felt the night before His crucifixion! We think that working under conditions of looming retrenchment is cruel; what about living your whole life knowing that you were born to die for a race of humanity that would largely reject you? Christ still faces pain and anguish when people who know the truth about Him willingly backslide and fall back into sin because that basically means they think nothing of the cruel death He  suffered and the price He paid to save them (Heb 6:6). Tomorrow, in all likelihood, I will have the gift of freedom. My hands and feet will not be nailed to a cross. Therefore, I have much to thank God for! My trials at this moment are lighter than those of Christ and His persecuted church.

If we cannot deal with the light afflictions of today, how will we deal with facing death for the sake of our faith? Remember, Jesus Christ was “the man of sorrows, acquainted with grief” but He is our victorious Saviour who found “joy in the cross”!

"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 is set down at the right hand of the throne of God."-Heb 12:2

"Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared. Though He were a Son, yet learned He obedience by the things which He suffered."-Heb 5:7-8

 Scripture refs: Heb 5:7, Matt 26:37-45, Is 53, Heb 4:15, Heb 12:2

For such a time as this?

The day predicted as “Judgment day” passed like any other day. It was fairly unremarkable except for the erupting of a volcano which had been dormant for over 100 years. For some who had chosen to put their trust in man rather than in the Holy Scriptures, it was a day of bitter disappointment as many lost their livelihood as they gambled on a date for the end of the world and a secret rapture of the faithful.

It is clear that we are living in the time of the end. Crazy and doomed to failure though it may have been, the prediction of the end of the world revealed the state of our present world and its attitude to God. The jokes and hollow mockery on social networking sites revealed that God is least important in the minds of most people today. The words of 2 Pet 3:3-10 seem like a fitting description of the religious climate of our day. “Where is the promise of His Coming?” they taunt.  “If He were really coming back, don’t you think He should have returned by now? Perhaps He is not coming back and your belief is an empty fable.”

We are left to do damage control as many are swept into lies and delusions, choosing to silence the voice of the Spirit of God calling them to repentance. In a climate like this, it is extremely difficult to continue an active witness for Christ without facing discouragement. In these times, remember that the state of the world was predicted in the Holy Scriptures long before our world had reached its current “Postmodern” era.

The Bible tells the story of a young girl, Esther, who became queen. Her people faced the threat of genocide and she was spurred into action by her cousin who said: “If you hold your peace thinking you’re safe in the palace, God will still arise to deliver His people but maybe you were brought into the kingdom for such a time as this.” God saw it fit to give you the privilege of living and ministering to His people in the time of the end. Though it may be discouraging when the response to the message you deliver is negative, continue and persevere in the work of telling others about God’s love and the plan of salvation. Your job is to scatter the seed and leave the increase to God.

Evangelism is not an event; it is a lifestyle. Think about practical ways of ministering to others. Take it one day at a time. Resolve each day to do at least one thing in the service of the Master. Both the young and old have a place in His service. Blessed is the disciple who will be found working when His Master returns. Don’t worry about the date of His return for you have much work to do! His return is sure. (2 Tim 4:1-8, Heb 6:10-12, John 9:4, 1 Cor 3:5-15)

Scripture refs: Esther 4, 2 Pet 3:3-14, Mk 13:34-37

Surviving in an Era of Exponential Change

I recently read an article about “information overload” and was shocked to find that it described the classic symptoms that I often experience, thinking that I am the only one in this predicament.

Truth be told, we are living in an era of unprecedented change. Technology is changing so rapidly that even the tech-savvy youth of today are starting to battle to cope with the overwhelming rate of change. Have you experienced one of those days where you feel like information is being thrown at you from every conceivable angle until you’re totally overwhelmed with the sheer volume of things you have to remember, learn and practice? Whether it’s in the professional world or the classroom, we find the exponential rate of change disrupting the circadian rhythm of our linear lifestyles.

Many people often find themselves the hapless victims of the “overdose of change” they’re experiencing. It sometimes feels like it’s just too much to have to cope with in too short a space of time. The average person experiences far greater stress in this generation than was ever experienced before.  Besides having to cope with the stresses of keeping up with changes in one’s profession, people must contend with ever-changing legislation, together with the stress of maintaining a balanced family life, as well as finding time for extracurricular activities. There is often not much time left for relaxation or contemplation as everyone engages in the daily rat-race. In fact, it is not uncommon to find yourself so busy just working that you’re not able to even take time to gauge your productivity level or recall what exactly you’ve accomplished on any given day!

In the midst of the turmoil and stress of life, it’s most often our time with God that suffers the most. Most people just manage to get by on a few minutes of prayer whispered hurriedly before dashing off to work, or the odd and often incomplete, unintelligible prayer which precedes sleep. We are fighting a losing battle against constant change and we are paying the price in poor health, depression, increased instances of suicide, alcoholism, sleep deprivation and other unwholesome practices. When we need Him most, we seem to deny God.

We can learn an important lesson from the life of Christ as written in the gospels. He arose early and spent time in prayer, daily restoring the vital connection with His Father.  He understood that to neglect this duty would be akin to committing spiritual suicide. Remember, what happens to you spiritually soon dictates your physical state too. We are not coping.

In the midst of change that constantly pulls the foundation out from under us, we need God as our sure foundation and immovable Rock. He is the ONE constant in our lives! Jesus Christ is our anchor in the midst of turmoil and overwhelming change. He is the same yesterday, today and forever!

"But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro and knowledge shall be increased."- Dan 12:4 

"And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no  end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh. Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep His Commandments: for this is the whole duty of man." Eccles 12:12-13 

Scripture refs: Heb 13:8, Mal 3:6, Dan 12:4, Prov 3:5-6, Eccles 12:12-13

Light up the world for Jesus!

Life is a celebration of our creation, salvation and redemption which Christ has accomplished for us. Life is not supposed to be a meaningless existence. God has given each of us a mission and a purpose which is clearly spelt out for us in Matt 28:20.

We are to go into all the world and preach the good news to every creature, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. When we are given a task by our superiors at work, we hasten to complete it. Why is it that we cannot seem to employ the same principle in having some enthusiasm for doing the work of our ultimate Master, the Lord Jesus Christ?

God has poured out gifts upon every person in His Kingdom. These are to be employed in the earnest work of God that brings sinners to the Saviour. Some people have not yet discovered their gifts of service because they have chosen not to take a step of faith in trying new things. Every investment that yields a good return contains an inherent amount of risk therein. The best investment you can make in your lifetime is that of investing in the life of someone else. When we go all out for God, He multiplies our efforts. After all, it’s only our job to plant the seed. The Holy Spirit is the one who waters it, working conviction and repentance in the heart of the lost.

Some have gifts that seem greater than others; some people have the ability to preach eloquent sermons while many can only hope that others see the image of Christ in their daily conduct. God’s purpose is not to give you great wealth and riches but rather to impart the eternal riches of His grace and His Word in your life so that you may be a wellspring of life to a world that is thirsting after Him.

From every good relationship come life lessons. God tests us and brings us victorious through many trials to show us just how powerful He is and to give us a testimony. “Every person is born into the Kingdom of God to be a missionary”. You don’t have to go to a far-flung island to tell others about God’s saving grace. Your testimony can make a difference in your local community. No one on this earth has the exact same testimony as you, but someone may steal somebody else’s sermon or revelation.  Your testimony is like your fingerprint, as it stems from your unique relationship with God.

Your life is a living epistle to the world. We are called to be shining lights in a dark and perverse world, reflecting the glory of our eternal Father. I challenge you today: Don’t just exist. Live with meaning and purpose. Drink the cup of life to its dregs. And last but not least, remember that having fun is not a stereotype. Life is not about being part of the “in crowd” or partying away mindlessly as if there is no tomorrow. You can choose to have fun any way you choose, but the best way to have fun is to have fun God’s way-reaching out to the world one soul at a time and being part of Jesus’ plan to restore us to His image. Let’s leave a legacy that continues into eternity! Let’s go out there and light up the world for Jesus! 

"Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid." -Matt 5:14

"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven."-Matt 5:16

Scripture refs: Matt 28:20; 2Cor 3:2-3; 2 Cor 3:18; Phil 2:15-16; John 4:14;  Prov 11:30; Matt 5:13-16

It might not seem like it right now, but Jesus IS coming back!

One day during a grade seven math lesson, my teacher caught me drawing a picture. I was drawing a cross with the words, “ JESUS SAVES,” on it. My teacher was clearly annoyed and told me that Jesus is strong enough to carry the cross so I should spend more time concentrating on my maths and stop wasting my time drawing pictures.

When Jesus was crucified, two thieves were crucified simultaneously on either side of His cross. One of them mocked Him, but the other chose to believe in Him even though the situation looked hopeless. It must have been difficult for the thief to put his trust and belief in a man, who it seemed, was suffering the same fate as him. The Bible does not give us the thief’s history or background and we are not sure if he was familiar with any of the prophecies concerning Jesus. He probably hadn’t had the benefit of hearing Jesus’ predictions regarding his death and resurrection, yet this man still chose to believe in him. As Jesus hung on the cross, blood dripping over His face and body, not looking the part of a powerful Saviour, this man chose to place his trust in Him. Jesus was so touched by his reverence that He assured him that he would one day be with Him in His kingdom.

How sweet those words must have been to the ears of the repentant thief! Indeed, those are the very words that all of us long to hear today. However, after hearing those words, can you imagine how the man must have felt when he saw Jesus die? Indeed, the Bible records for us that Jesus was the first of the three men to die. The soldiers did not need to break his legs to hasten His death because He was already dead. This means that the repentant thief had to go through the trauma of having His hopes dashed as He saw Jesus die next to him. He must have passed the time between Christ’s death and his own demise wondering if what He had said could possibly be true. He must have suffered immense emotional and spiritual trauma, besides the physical pain of the crucifixion.

Today, we are all sinners before God. Some of us may choose to mock God and live our own way, while others choose to believe in Jesus our Saviour and repent and live our lives His way. We make this decision at a moment in time that is usually a crossroads or turning point in our lives. However, what happens between the time of our repentance and acceptance of Christ as Saviour and His second coming? For many, it has been and still is, a long wait. We can hear the mocking taunts of those who refuse to believe. They say He is never coming back; if He was, He should have been back by now.

We can either choose to surrender to unbelief or we can believe in the one who is the Way, the Truth and the Life. God is not a man that He should lie. The signs preceding Christ’s return are becoming more and more marked. Soon we will be able to say with gladness: “This is our King; long have we waited for Him.” Don’t give up hope. Jesus IS coming back! Don’t surrender your eternal destiny by believing the lies of satan.

"There will come in the last days scoffers walking after their own lusts and saying : "Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation." (2 Pet 3:3-4)

"The Lord is NOT slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness, but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance." (2 Pet 3:9)

Scripture refs: Luke 23:39-46; John 19:31-34; 2 Pet 3:3-10 

Judgment Day-Are you Ready?

Jesus is coming soon. We can see the signs around us every day. Not a week goes by without some news of a natural disaster somewhere in the world. Creation is groaning under the weight of sin and waiting for the final day of reckoning when evil will forever be banished and the earth and heavens will be filled with the glory of the Lord like the waters cover the sea. (Is 11:9, Hab 2:14, Rom 8:22)

However, in our anticipation for the coming of Jesus Christ, we must not forget to best utilize the time given to us now. When He comes on the clouds of glory, there will be no time for character development and the putting away of sin. The Bible says in Rev 22:11 that the unjust will remain unjust, the filthy will remain filthy and the righteous will remain righteous. It will be too late then to improve your character. The wicked will pray that the rocks may fall on them to hide them from the consuming presence of a holy King (Rev 6:16).

Just as the Jews of old were given a timeline to put away sin and to accept the promised Messiah (Dan 9:24) , so we are given a timeline today for character development so that we can be ready to receive Him in joy at His second coming.

God does not regard sin by degrees of severity although we, in our human nature, are guilty of condemning others for their sins which  we deem more serious than the sins in our own lives which are too easily rationalized away. To God, lying is just as abominable as murder. There will be liars outside the gates of city of God together with the murderers and anyone who breaks God’s commandments and refuses to repent and receive the salvation freely provided by Christ’s atoning sacrifice (Rev 22:15). Lying is an expensive business. It costs time and causes undue stress as one lie normally leads to another until a complicated web of deceit is spun which eventually usually ends up trapping the liar!

On a hill called Calvary, Jesus settled the score once and for all. The playing fields were leveled and we, as Christian disciples, are called to know the seriousness of sin and that it’s not the size of the sin that matters (Luke 7:41-47). If there was only one liar in the world, the commandments would still have been broken and his careless lie would still have cost Jesus His life.

This life on earth is our training ground for the eternal life we will one day inherit. If we cannot learn how to renounce evil now, what makes us think that we will be able to renounce evil later so as to be part of God’s Kingdom? Although renouncing of sin does not earn you eternal life*, it is a sign that you have responded to God’s forgiveness in love and thankfulness and that you are in a right standing with Him. 

Just as a student burns the midnight oil to pass an examination, so we must spend time with God to refine our characters for the greatest test of all-Judgement Day. IT CAN BE A DAY OF FEAR OR EXCITEMENT; DEATH OR LIFE. YOU CHOOSE!

PS:Although some people have said that today would herald the end of the world, the Bible does not give any specific dates for Christ's return. Read Mark 13:28-37. Jesus said that no man knows the hour, not even the angels or Himself but only the Father. However, we can see by the signs around us that His Coming is drawing nearer.

Scripture refs: Matt 25:1-13;Rev 22:11,15; Luke 7:36-50

* eternal life CANNOT be earned, but it is a free gift to ALL who accept Christ as personal Saviour.