Check your heart

Whenever we feel God's directions are burdensome, it would be a good time to check if our hearts are rebelling against God. God is always for us. Perhaps we wanted to go our own way to fulfil our own desires.

Take time to be still and listen to God. For His words are words of loving guidance.

It doesn't mean it would be easy for even Christ struggled at the cross. But the most beautiful ending awaits for those who hope in the Lord.

Living a holy life whenever wherever

Am I as intolerant of negative influences as the Jews were intolerant of food that were unclean?

More than just a routine observance, it is constant physical reminder of spiritual realities. Not that I'm advocating dietary restrictions (Mark 7:18-19, Rom 14:20) but we should all have greater vigilance on what feeds our minds and hearts.

The darkness

Peering out the front of the driver-less Circle Line Line train, the darkness of the train tunnel surprised me. I knew cognitively that it would be dark but I did not comprehend how deep that darkness was. I could barely see more than 5 metres in front in the dim light casted by the feeble headlights. There seemed to be no end to the darkness and suddenly the distance until the next station seemed too far. I was waiting for the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel but it did not come as soon as I expected or wanted. Perhaps the black darkness triggers a response to search for light. 

I was brought to remember how desperate our situation in sin really is. This is an area that is not often thought of. After all, we are living well now, going to work, studying, enjoying the company of family and friends. But yet we have all sinned and there is a judgement that is coming from a Holy God. There is a judgement coming in that everyone will be called into account for all the things they have done such that there will indeed be justice served. Not our standards of justice but God's standard. And measured in the light of his holiness, we are in deep darkness without hope. 

Perhaps only as we understand this, can we also truly appreciate the light of the Son of God, Jesus. The one who died for us, to pay the price for our sins, to save us from this endless pit into life truly. 

Giving it all away

"We're giving out all away away
We're giving it all to go Your way
Away we're singing!"

The joy that comes when we have discovered the hidden treasure in the field.

That my life will be one resounding with the joy of singing!

Fruitfulness

Being fruitful in Christ-likeness and being fruitful in multiplying the word that was sown are the same thing.

It would not be one over the other.

Don't just set targets and be divorced from the field where the seeds will grow.      

What drives you?

What keeps me going when I feel tired or even when doing things that I don't like to do?

What's the preoccupation of my mind?

What makes me happy, sad or afraid?

What's the conversation topic or kind of conversation that I often start or return to?

Let not the heart's ground cultivate thorns beside heavenly seed.. 

Hope

Ps Derek Hong mentioned that hope in the bible is not wishful thinking. And I thought that is really true. Indeed, it's not the anxious expression of leaving the outcome to some chance but being sure, having certainty in what will surely come true.

That can only be the case for God who has all in his control but more importantly, God who loves us.