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SERVE ME UNTIL I RETURN Dec 2003
Another year end is fast approaching. Like most other people, we are feeling the holiday season in the air. Well, year end is also a common time for reflections, and
time for making new resolutions. Most of us never quite any good in keeping our resolutions, but we don’t mind reflections.
Someone asked, what would have we learned most in the past one year. I had to say
that what I learnt the most in this year is about life, life in the real world - the rat-raced world. The Bible described such life is like running in a race:
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a
great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and
perfecter of our faith, who for the joy ser before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:1-2)
All of us are called into this race, some
finished ahead of us, some quit, whilst many are still running by faith. The race we run, and the way we run it, makes each one of us in our turn a witness, just like those who have gone before us.
Even though we may never speak of our faith, yet still our conduct can speak volumes. How we conduct our lives is of vital importance as a witness for Christ.
Therefore we do what Hebrews writer recommends.
We run our race with perseverance, drawing encouragement from the crowd of witnesses who have gone before, and supremely, and above all, doing what Hebrews next says; with our eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and
perfecter of our faith.
Jesus is the supreme witness who has already run the race.
He is both the start and the finish of the race. Our faith, which has its beginning in Him also is completed in Him. As with Christ, what ever our present humiliation, it is far outweighed by the prospect of future glory. So be encouraged. Live with patience and perseverance a life that shows honourable witness to your faith as a Christian. And let us all fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.
This commitment matters in the ministry of our daily lives as well. As we strive to be faithful and committed in our relationships with our God, church, family, friends and acquaintances, we are reminded to
"run in such a way" that we might win the prize of the high calling we have in Jesus Christ. We run this race and fight this fight that we might share in the blessings of the good news of Jesus Christ. It
is a gospel that promises new life, abundant life and eternal life. It is good news worth proclaiming to others. It is an "imperishable" blessing worth pursuing. It is a race that deserves our passionate
and disciplined commitment.
In His Service
QWK
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SERVE ME UNTIL I RETURN Nov 2003
Many people believe that human problems could be solved by adjusting priorities, being assertive in some ways or have a give and take attitude. For some, it is revenge
and that’s very frightening for a Christian to have this particular thought.
Very common, it is a habit of sharing the problem with others instead of addressing the problem. This only makes the problem
bigger. No matter what problems we faced, our past experiences plus the advices from others are so often used to try to resolve the situation. We take things into our own hands and perhaps read some motivational
books and cassettes to get some inspiration. But if these ways doesn’t work out and we are facing a dead end, we go to God and ask for a quick and immediate solution. We plead, appeal, pray earnestly, fast, search
the scriptures plus doing whatever it takes so that our requests are answered. Is this true of you?
As believers in Christ, we have been coming to church and have listened to unnumbered sermons for years. I
believe God would have spoken to you in one way or another. We all know trials will come and will continue to come, but if we are still using our own ways to resolve problems, where is Christ in us? In James 1:2-5,
we are told to “Consider it pure joy whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and
complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all…..”
Give God a chance to work in your life, to be real, to have the relationship that he all these
while wants to have with you. He is our creator and he knows our heart and motives. All he wants is for us to trust and obey him. His ways are ways of joy, peace, love, comfort, healing, compassion, kindness,
gentleness, faithfulness, assurance. He is our Heavenly Father who loves his children very much and would want to give us his very best for us…if only we follow him.
1 Chronicles 28:9 says “…for the Lord
searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts. If you seek him, he will be found by you…” May this be our constant reminder as we approach yet another close of a year. May we continue to
abide in Him in all circumstances, and continue to serve Him until He returns.
In His Service
AQ
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SERVE ME UNTIL I RETURN Oct 2003
We will witness the transition of leadership in our country at the end of this month. The current Prime Minister will pass on the governing baton to the Deputy who will
succeed him as planned. One of the many questions that raised was how the PM was constantly motivated and focused during his tenure of leadership, despite many ups and downs. His reply was simple – the unselfish
love for his people, the nation, and the religion. This has been the chief focus that enabled our PM in his undeterred service in the governing leadership.
We live in a troubled world that constantly deter us
from our chief focus as believers. The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 10:31, "Therefore whether you eat, or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." The supreme objective in the life of any man
or woman should be to give God the due glory. This is foundational. This is basic. This should the guiding direction on everything that we are and everything that we do. We want to live and walk and work and witness
and worship all to the glory of God.
The glory of God is intrinsic to His very nature. In Isaiah 6:3 the Bible records the words of the seraphim: "And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy,
is the Lord of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory." The Bible begins and ends with God's glory. In Genesis we see his glory in creation. It is still true according to Psalm 19 that "the heavens
declare the glory of God." God's creation is the greatest visible display of his glory. It is a foretaste on earth of what will come later.
In the fullness of His glory, God gave us His Son Jesus Christ,
who died as a ransom for many on Calvary cross, and live a sinless life as an example for us to follow. Christ tells us to live a clean life which leads to faithfulness. He tells us to live a committed life which
leads to fruitfulness. He tells us to live a complete life which leads to fullness.
We need to value progress more than movement. It not the many places we traveled that matters – it is how many people are
blessed by us on those places that we went. We need to value character more than reputation. It is not who we are in our lives – but how we live our lives. We need to value spirituality more than physical. It is not
outside us that reflect us about God – but what is inside us that tells people who this God is. Substance in our lives are more important than surface of our lives.
We know the Master will return soon. It
will be these fundamental issues in our lives that will enable us to give responsible account to Him: Is our chief focus in our lives to glorify Him? Is the pursuance of things in our lives resulted a glory to His
name? Have we lived a life through the Son of God, or through the strength of man?
In His Service
QWK
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SERVE ME UNTIL I RETURN Sept 2003
Where there is no vision, the people perish:
but he that keepeth the law, happy is he. (Proverbs 29:18)
We are living in times where people are
often blinded by the material pursuits of life that they loose sight of God’s vision for them. In Psalm 139:14-16, the psalmist acknowledges that God has “ordained” all his days while he was in his mother’s womb.
Likewise, God has set a man’s goal and purpose in life long before he was born. Therefore we need to visualize what God’s purpose for us in life.
In the Bible, many men of great faith had God’s vision in
their sights and followed them. Abraham visualized and followed God’s promise and he became the Father of Israel. Joseph visualized and followed his God given dream of “greatness” and he became the second in command
in Pharaoh’s court. Even Jesus visualized the Father’s will and followed Him and He was glorified by both heaven and earth for His sacrificial death on the cross. If God’s vision for His children is always pure and
perfect, then how be it that we allow the corruptible “treasures” of this world rob us of what God has prepared for us to have and do?
We must take heed of what happened to Lot. He had a choice to follow
God’s vision for his life but instead he followed his own carnal nature (see Genesis 13:5-13). He chose the fertile plain of Jordan and pitched his tent facing Sodom. In short, Lot deliberately allowed himself to be
exposed to evils that are found in Sodom. Lot’s inability to visualize God’s purpose for him eventually cost him his family and the wasted years of fortune he collected. Before Lot settled near Sodom he was
rich, but when he left Sodom he had only the shirt on his back. And what’s worse, he lost his entire family to the immoral practices of the Sodomites. Lot like many of us is someone who loves God, who knows God, but
makes bad decisions in life. Bad decisions that are often based upon what pleases us rather than what pleases God.
Lot’s life vision was not God’s vision and for that his descendants eventually perished, cut off from the knowledge of God like their ancestor Lot once had.
Unfortunately the story of Lot has parallels in
the lives of many Christians today. Christians who visualize and build their economic security here on earth using their God given talents - skills and talents that could have been used for the furtherance of God’s
kingdom rather than of the world’s. So let us approach God with a repentant prayer and ask Him to show us His vision for our life. Let Him be our vision and nothing else.
Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart;
Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art
Thou my best Thought, by day or by night,
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.
In His Service
JW
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SERVE ME UNTIL I RETURN - August 2003
In recent weeks what really captured the attention and emotions of the nation were reports of abduction, rape and murder cases; a young boy in his pre-teens was
convicted of murder of his tuition teacher’s daughter and a multi-millionaire world heavyweight boxer was reported to have ‘lost his soul’ as a human being and hates himself.
Such reports would obviously raise questions like: Why is life so easily taken away by others? Why is man despite of all his fame and fortune not pleased with his own life?
While there is no easy
answer to these questions but I believe it has something to do with the moral deterioration of our society. It really grieves God’s heart when He sees how little respect and love we have for His creation.
In 1 Thess 4:7 and 8, we are told not to live in immorality but in holiness.
Whoever rejects this teaching is not rejecting man, but God who gives us His Holy Spirit. To live in holiness, we have not only to live our lives in absolute surrender to God but also to be a vessel in our service to Him. After all He has put everyone of us here on earth for a purpose - just as He had put Christ Jesus on earth to accomplish His divine mission.
It must be remembered that no one has and will ever be fully qualified to accept the job of a true Servant. As we looked back in ages past, the great servants of God like Abraham, Moses, David,
Paul, Peter and others, all served God powerfully but not perfectly.
In the history of the world, there has only been one perfect Servant – Jesus Christ himself. This role of a servant was not one that was forced or coaxed into Him but He freely chose. How wonderful it is to serve God out of our heart overflowing with love of the Father and a deep sense of His mighty Hand working through our lives for His glory. A God’s servant is not one who is a resplendent figure, decked out in fine robes and glittering jewels but is being anointed with God’s Holy Spirit. The power of the Spirit would then emboldened the servant to represent His Master and to reassured him of His heavenly authority.
What are the virtues of the great Servant of God? In Isaiah 42:2, we are told that the Servant exercised self-restraint. He did not engage in self-glorification but His only mission was to
seek His Master’s glory. Secondly, He was a modest Messiah.
In Luke 23:8b and 9, it is written: Herod was hoping to see Jesus perform some miracles. So Herod asked Jesus many questions but Jesus made no answer. Thirdly, He was remarkably sensitive of the people gathered around Him: A bruised reed He will not break, and a smoldering wick He will not snuff out (Isaiah 42:3). Fourthly, He had compassion on the crowd…….like sheep without a shepherd (Matt 9:36). Lastly but not the least, He never falter or became discouraged even under extreme opposition (Isaiah 42:4).
Just as we know from Scriptures that we are living in these last days, we are also admonished that the useless servant would be thrown outside in the darkness where he will cry and gnash his teeth
(Matt 25:30). What should then be our response to God who called us: ‘Serve Me Until I Return’? Perhaps only you can provide the answer to this question.
In His Service
Michael Goh
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Serve Me Until I Return - July 2003
We have just crossed the half-year mark and would normally review the church ministries and gearing up towards many incomplete works. A starling observation has
remained year after year – the same group of people, year in year out, faithfully serving in the ministries of the church; the same group of people, year in year out, no matter how you persuade them, remained
uninvolved towards the ministries of the church. The difference between these two groups of believers can be summed up in one word: commitment!
It’s like the difference between couples who just “live
together” and those who get married.
While becoming a Christian means to commit yourself to Christ, becoming a church member means to commit yourself to other Christians – the church. It’s a commitment to a specific group of believers - to practice the “one-another’s” of the New Testament.
The Apostle Paul mentioned two different types of commitment in 2 Corinthians 8:5 "they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God's will.” As a church, we call these the
first-base commitments. We commit ourselves to Christ for salvation and then we commit ourselves to other Christians for membership in our church family. This is defined as “koinonia” (fellowship) as “being as
committed to each other as we are to Jesus Christ.” Jesus said that our love for each other was to be the mark of discipleship (John 13:33-34).
Most of us can quote John 3:16 but we can’t quote 1 John 3:16
"This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers." Over 50 times in the New Testament the phrase “one another” or “each other”
are used. We are commanded to love each other, pray for each other, encourage each other, admonish each other, greet each other, serve each other, teach each other, accept each other, honour each other, bear each
other’s burdens, forgive each other, sing to each other, submit to each other, and be devoted to each other. All of these commands are what membership in a local body of believers is all about! These are the
responsibilities of membership.
As leaders in this church, all of us are committed to the four pillars statement:
1. I will protect and uphold the unity of our church (Rom 15:19; 1 Pet 1:22; Eph 4:29)
2. I will share the responsibility of our church (1 Thess 1:2; Lk 14:23; Rom 15:7);
3. I will serve in the various ministries of our church (1 Pet 4:10; Eph 4:11-12)
4. I will support the testimony of our church (Heb 10:25; Phil 1:27; 1 Cor 16:2).
Will you also share this commitment with us together? May God help us to continue to serve Him zealously until he returns!
In His Service
QWK
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SERVE ME UNTIL I RETURN - June 2003
I was touched by the
study of John 21 recently where it brought new perspective and thought you might also be interested to know. In Matthew 4:19, Jesus said to Peter, “Come, follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Jesus had
spent little over 3 years with Peter and the disciples teaching them how to be fishers of men instead of fishermen. In John 21, after Jesus’ death and resurrection, the disciples were a little lost without Jesus and
Peter said, “I am going out to fish” and the other 6 disciples said, “We’ll go with you” and they followed Peter into the boat.
These were the people closest to Jesus and yet when they are alone, they were
rather aimless and how quickly they went back to their old profession.
I ma sure you have experienced God’s blessings in the way He has specially blessed you and that is a wonderful feeling. You start to
rejoice, sing and at times, hunger for more of his word. How long did that feeling last? After a while, we just move back to our old ‘professions’.
Another thought to share in John 21:7, “Then the disciple
whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, “It is the Lord,” he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he has taken it off) and jumped into the water.”
Imagine
swimming with your clothes on! During that time, they wore robes and are quite heavy. Peter swam with his clothes on may put him into a little personal danger as his legs and hands movement is obstructed plus the
weight of the wet robe may pulled him down deeper into the sea.
Have you ever thought of what Peter’s motive was? He knew that he was going to meet his Saviour and he just could not present himself before
the Lord of Lords dressed in an inappropriate manner no matter what the circumstances. Peter wanted to be ready.
Are we ready for worship every Sunday? Have we reflected our readiness in our dressing and
punctuality? Are we eager to meet and worship the Lord?
May we continue in our passion to serve Him until He returns!
In His Service
A. Q.
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SERVE ME UNTIL I RETURN - May 2003
All Christians have business to do for Christ in this world. All of us as Christians are not baptized to be idle. Those that are called to business
for Christ, He furnishes with gifts and resources necessary for their business; and, on the other hand, from those to whom He gives power He expects service.
Who – In Luke 19:13, “And he called his ten
servants…” All of us, as Christians, are called into His service. This instruction was given moments before the Master left His place of belonging where He is the head of that household with many servants. His
summons of ten servants before leaving signifies His trust on these ten servants for faithful labour in His absence.
What – Each servant is given ten pounds (and delivered them ten pounds). Something of worth
and can be of immediate use/investment. Something delivered to them by the Master, and what might be taken away again. Not only confined to spiritual gifts, but includes natural gifts of providence, as health,
riches or wisdom. It is meant for ministerial use, which is the greatest importance in the church. It may be improved or neglected, and can be lost or taken away; and for which those that have them, are accountable.
How – Make use of the ministerial / natural gifts, exercise them, lay them out (…and said unto him, occupy…). To be carried on faithfully, not in the name of men, nor on our own stock, nor for ourselves, but
for Christ. We are to do “Christ’s business," with the resources entrusted.
When – Now & until the return of the Lord (till I come). This verse also stresses the certainty of Christ’s coming. There
is no rest nor ease for Christ's ministers, but a continued series of faithful labour and service until the return of the Master.
Where – Our Lord came as a Servant King, endured the cross, crucified,
resurrected and ascended to heaven and sitting at the Father’s right hand and received His crown of glory. We, the church, as called into His kingdom, who remained presently at this world must continue to carry out
the Master’s business as commanded before His return.
Why – The Master will return as a King at a time we do not know. The King will reward, judge and destroy. Therefore all of the servants must keep
watch and do as instructed, as if when the Master is around where all the servants will normally dutifully carry out their assigned tasks without fail. The gifts / talents are all given to be used. It was given to
His servants. It represents whatever ability, whether of wealth or mind, that we have to serve Christ – our returning Master.
In His Service
QWK
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SERVE ME UNTIL I RETURN - April 2003
The US led coalition war has started in Iraq. Current news headlines are focusing on the US’s claim of removing an evil regime from Baghdad.
The world has long struggled with evil, as far back as creation, when the serpent deceived the first innocent people into turning away from their Creator. Since that time evil has grown and multiplied, not only
exemplified in the atrocities of history, but existing within our own hearts as well.
Can we fight the evil with mortal power and strength? According to the Bible, that same entity has taken up residence in
every human heart. The only way to defeat evil's hold on our souls is by washing in the blood of Christ.
The apostle Paul explained in Ephesians 6:12: “Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against
the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”
We don’t need to be an evil dictator to be a sinner. Jesus says we
ALL sin because we are human, and that’s enough for us to be condemned to hell forever. “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God … and the wages of sin is death.” (Romans 3:23; 6:23)
Since we’re
all guilty, the only way to stand before a holy God with a “clean heart” is to have our sins washed away, and the only One qualified to do that is God Himself, and He has, through His Son. That’s what happened on
that cross you hear about every Easter. On it Jesus willingly died to free the world from the penalty of sin and death (eternal separation from God). He died, so that we may live. He rose again so that we may live
forever! “For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit” (1 Peter 3:18).
Don’t look to political
or even religious leaders for salvation. Look to Jesus Christ, because “there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven...by which we must be saved” Acts 4:12). It is the Lord Jesus alone
“who delivers us from the wrath to come” (1 Thessalonians 1:10). You can’t rid your soul of sin, but you can escape its pull, and be freed of its penalty when you put your trust in Jesus Christ.
There is no
more death, suffering, or evil in heaven. For those who accept Jesus Christ as their Saviour, Revelation 21:4 states that when we’re in heaven, “He [Jesus] will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more
death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
In His Service
QWK
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SERVE ME UNTIL I RETURN - March 2003
Appearing on the front
page of our local newspaper recently was a picture of more than 200,000 Malaysians from all walks of life who thronged the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil to ‘speak out in one voice’ against a possible war on
Iraq. The climax of this rally was the handing over of about 2.5 million signatures of peace, collected across the country. While at the same time more than 150,000 American and British troops are preparing
themselves to attack Iraq the moment an order is given by the American president.
Against this backdrop was our Prime Minister calling for support and co-operation from members of NAM summit to work towards sustained peace and shared global prosperity in a world of chaos and terror.
Gathering of great resources, but for different purposes. The crux of the problem with us as citizens of the 21st century is that we are channelling our given resources for selfish agenda, or for each other’s
destruction. We want very much to show our power over others.
If only everyone of us were to come to our sanity by pooling our resources and time together to serve our Lord Jesus Christ, His kingdom would indeed be expanded many times more.
In Matthew 24:35-36,
Jesus painted a picture of servants whose master has left for a marriage feast and who expected the master to return anytime, lest they would not be found unprepared. As believers in the Lord, we ought to
prepare ourselves as servants for our Master’s return; after all He has exhorted us in 1 Thessalonians 5:2 – ‘For you know very well that the Day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night’. The question
that springs to our minds is: how can we, a fallen human race being given the privilege to become servants of God? It must be remembered that the children of Israel who initially incurred God’s wrath
when sent into exile in Babylon, are called as God’s servants: ‘But you, O Israel, my servant, Jacob whom I have chosen ...’ – Isaiah 41:8. Certainly by God’s redeeming grace, we are chosen even before the creation
of the world – Ephesians 1:4.
Apostle Peter in his epistle to Christians in parts of Asia Minor challenged them to use whatever gifts they received from the Lord to serve others, faithfully administering
God’s grace in its various forms – 1 Peter 4:10.
Whatever gifts that are offered to us, are not for burying into the ground but to use them for the greater advancement of His kingdom and for His glory. God who not only created us but in His graciousness has given every man and woman each a gift that is unique so that together, we who are members of His Body are able to contribute effectively for His glory.
Our Lord admonished us in the parable of the Three Servants, in Matthew 25:30 – ‘As for this useless servant, throw him outside in the darkness where he will cry and gnash his teeth’. Do we then dare
to take His warning lightly?
Let us join our hands together to work with determination and enthusiasm for our Lord Jesus Christ until His return in glory.
For He who uttered these words: ‘Serve Me Until I Return’, will also say to us: ‘Well done, good and faithful servants!! Come and share your Master’s happiness’ – Matthew 25:21.
In His Service
M.G.
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SERVE ME UNTIL I RETURN - February 2003
As we approach the
second month of 2003, there are already rumours of wars between nations and some of them seemed inevitable. One would have thought that after centuries of wars and human suffering and after two devastating world
wars that witnessed the death of tens of millions of innocent lives, mankind would have at least come to their senses that war is not the ultimate answer to resolving conflicts. Unfortunately mankind has never
learnt from their past mistakes and we see a repetition of this obvious human weakness throughout history. The Bible calls this human weakness … SIN.
The Bible identifies the source of this human weakness in
many of its passages. We think of 1 Kings 8:46 – “… for there is no one who does not sin …”, Romans 3:23 –
“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”, Romans 7:18 – “I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out” or 1 John 1:8 – “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us” All these passages gives us clear teachings that SIN is a common trait found within any man.
Yet the world ignores this Biblical fact and continues to believe that mankind is capable of ridding itself of all its weakness. They cite today’s scientific or sociological advancements as proof that
mankind is improving itself. But are we? We look at today’s news reports of the increase of crimes, murders, wars, terrorism, etc. With these evidences can we continue to deny the sinful nature within us?
In Matthew 24, Jesus gives a clear description of the signs of His return. It is not a pretty sight. Instead of humanity improving itself, we see a degradation of mankind’s physical and spiritual state. The
world deceived by Satan in believing that mankind need not God, need not recognize it’s sinful nature will in turn reap it’s own destruction. Are we in this era right now? From nuclear stockpiles to unbiblical
alternative lifestyles the facts prove the Bible’s accuracy of mankind’s eventual end.
So what shall we do? Shall we let Satan continue to deceive our friends, relatives or loved ones? Nay! We respond by
equipping ourselves with God’s Word and avail ourselves in the many ministries that the church has. In GHKL we have the Cell Group, the Children Sunday School, the Prayer Meeting, the Singing Team and other probable
ministries that we can get ourselves involved in as avenues to equip or to reach out to others. Let not these opportunities to change and save lives slip by us while we are still capable for service.
When the
Son of God returns, will He find us faithfully serving Him? What shall we say to Him? “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know what day your Lord will come.” (Matthew 24:42)
May God grant us the
continuing zeal to serve Him until He returns! May we long to hear Him say “Well done, good and faithful servant! (Mathew 25:21)
In His Service
J.W.
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SERVE ME UNTIL I RETURN - January 2003
If you're
like I am, you are probably about to or have made some New Year's resolutions. "I'm going to lose weight", "I'm going to be more organized", "I'm going to read the Bible through" and
the list goes on. In reality, we tend to break or fail to keep up with these resolutions within a few days or weeks.
We are now journeying into the second year of our current assembly's theme, or the
assembly's resolution to say the least - Serve Me until I Return. The emphasis has always been on the call to be a good steward of what the Lord has given unto us, a call to serve, and continue to serve until our
Lord returns. May we also be reminded that unless we - the agent of which the services are carried out, are constantly abiding in Him that provides, nurtures and nourishes our in-most being, else we could be easily
be carried and drifted along with the waves of doctrines and philosophies of this world.
Our lives ought to be different from the rest of men. Our thoughts and priorities are to be distinctly focused on
the commandment of our Lord. This is what our Lord had in mind when He said to His followers: "You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer
good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men" (Matthew 5:13, NIV).
Salt is not neutral. It adds flavour and appeal. It penetrates and transforms the character of food. As a
preservative, it prolongs the life of food which otherwise would perish. As the "salt of the earth," we Christians have the power to change the world. By being Christ's witnesses and salt, we can help
influence the flavour of people's lives and enhance their relationships. We can help preserve morality in a decaying society. Let us not lose our saltiness and be trampled by the world's philosophies and values, but
instead, like salt, let us penetrate and transform the character of life around us.
Having made our individual new year resolutions, we must now ask ourselves these questions:
* Can people see a difference in our lives because we are Christians?
* Are we responding to the teaching of the Scripture?
* Do we get excited about our Lord and what God has done in Christ and wants to do in us, or has it become old hat?
* Do we talk with one another about Him, or is the majority or our conversation on other things?
* Are we undeviating and determined in our pursuit to meet with the Saviour in His return, or are we turned aside by other things because of wrong priorities?
Whatever our new year's resolutions may be, may God grant us wisdom and power in leading people to Christ in the year 2003. May we continue to SERVE HIM UNTIL HE RETURNS.
In His Service
Q.W.K.
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SERVE ME UNTIL I RETURN - December 2002
As most
people around us are caught in the festive mood of another year-end count down celebration, we ought to take heed of what the Bible says in Psalm 90:12 "Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a
heart of wisdom." In contrast of what is happening around us, the Psalmist literally counting his days reminded him of the swift passage of time and the need to live with eternity's values in view.
If we live for about 65 years, we have about 600,000 hours at our disposal. Assuming we are 22 when we completed college education, we have 43 years, or nearly 380,000 hours to live after graduation.
If
we spend 8 hours a day sleeping, 8 hours for personal, social, and recreational activities, and 8 hours for working, that amounts to 136,666 hours in each category. When we think of the time we have to work and play
in terms of hours, it doesn't seem like much. And when seen in the light of eternity, it's but a fleeting moment. How important, therefore, that we spend our waking hours wisely!
In Luke 19:11-27, Jesus
told a parable of a nobleman who went into a far country. Before leaving, the man called 10 of his servants together, gave them each a coin worth about 3 months' salary, and said, "Do business till I
come." Later he returned, and the servants had to give an account of what they had done with the money.
At His ascension (Luke 24:49-53), Jesus also "went into a far country" (19:12), and
He could return at any moment. But until He does, our duty as His servants is to make the best use of our talents and our opportunities to serve Him.
I wonder. Do we ever feel that tension in our lives
when we think about the any-moment return of our Lord Jesus? Do we think about all the things we need to get done? Those neighbours who need to hear about Him? Those words of forgiveness we owe someone? That
lukewarm relationship with God that must be corrected?
Yes, we can do something about it now before it's too late. We can leave the sins and failures of this past year behind us, accept His forgiveness,
and press on to higher ground. As far as our shortcomings are concerned, we can make the days ahead a time to forget and to amend.
As we close the chapter of 2002, let's rededicate ourselves to Christ
in 2003, God willing, and follow Christ. Jesus will enable us to live fully in the present as we gain wisdom from the past and face the future with courage. The hours, days, and years are here and gone. So whether
we count them or not, let's be sure to make them count - for Christ.
"And now, dear children, continue in him, so that when he appears we may be confident and unashamed before him at his
coming." (1 John 2:28)
In His Service
Q.W.K.
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SERVE ME UNTIL I RETURN - November 2002
Most of us
are ordinary Christians who live routine lives. Yet, our extraordinary God wants all of us to be everyday disciples who are faithful and fruitful in our service for Him. Romans 12:1-2 calls us to offer our lives as
living sacrifices and be transformed "by the renewing of your mind" - becoming a new and different person with a fresh newness in all we do and think.
Very often in our walk with God, we allow
slightest problem and obstacle along the way to hinder us from giving the best for the Lord. The Lord Jesus has set us an example, for though He was God and worthy of all honor, He "did not come to be served,
but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many" (Matthew 20:28). To be great in God's sight, we must serve!
Some may have let the daily routine comfort set-in and feel unmotivated to go
beyond the comfort zone to serve. Some people serve Him half-heartedly because they feel obligated. But there are others who serve with urgency and zeal because they recognize the terrible plight of people lost in
sin. They are deeply grateful for God's saving grace in their lives, so they go all out for the Lord.
When come to age, too, it's not a deterring factor in our zealous service for Him. The Bible tells
of many godly people who didn't let the advancing years stop them - Caleb and Moses, for instance. At 80, Caleb was one of the men sent to spy out the land of Canaan, and later he was allowed to enter the Promised
Land (Num. 14:24; 26:65). And Moses continued to lead the people of Israel faithfully until he was 120 (Deut. 34:5-7). The secret of their success was faith in God and an attitude of steadfastness until God called
them home. As long as we have strength, we need to dedicate ourselves to the Lord's service. Then, no matter what our age, we can "rejoice and be glad."
In Luke 19:11-27, Jesus told a parable
of a nobleman who went into a far country. Before leaving, the man called 10 of his servants together, gave them each a coin worth about 3 months' salary, and said, "Do business till I come." Later he
returned, and the servants had to give an account of what they had done with the money. At His ascension (Lk. 24:49-53), Jesus also "went into a far country" (19:12), and He could return at any moment. But
until He does, our duty as His servants is to make the best use of our talents and our opportunities to serve Him.
In view of our Saviour's promise to return, let's keep at our post and "get on
with the business!" May we be zealous in serving the Lord until He returns!
The Lord has promised to return
But we don't know just when;
So let's work hard until He comes,
And He'll reward us then
In His Service
Q.W.K.
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SERVE ME UNTIL I RETURN - October 2002
The apostle
Peter wrote that believers are called to be good stewards of God's vast resources. He called these resources "the manifold grace of God" (1 Peter 4:10). The vehicle for receiving and delivering "God's
goods" is a yielded life. And the uniqueness of that vehicle is determined by the particular ability God has given the individual. Once we dedicate that ability for His use and for Christ's glory, our aim
should be to deliver the goods - by serving Him in all we do.
The Scripture clearly tells us that God measures greatness by service. The Lord Jesus has set an example, for though He was God and worthy
of all honour, He "did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many" (Matthew 20:28). To be great in God's sight, we must serve!
Every Christian has unique
God-given abilities. Some believers, however, feel inferior because they don't have as much talent as others. But we mustn't think that way. God doesn't hold us accountable for what we don't have. He wants us to
discover and develop the skills we do have.
When we face a new challenge, we can take courage from the Lord's words to Joshua (Joshua 1:9). We can accept our opportunity as from Him and believe that He
will give us all we need to do it well. If we meditate on His Word, obey it, prayerfully rely on Him, and work diligently, He will do the rest. He will equip us to serve. It's something like that in our service for
the Lord. The Master can use ordinary instruments like us. If we are yielded to Him, He will produce a master piece through us. The apostle Paul said that "God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put
to shame the wise" (1 Corinthians 1:27). God did so, "that no flesh should glory in His presence" (v.29).
At the same time, the Lord knows what we are doing at all times, and we should
always be aware that we need to please Him with our words, actions, and attitudes. But the possibility of our being ashamed at His coming seems more sobering, since it is specifically mentioned in God's Word. If we
live every moment for Jesus and serve Him, we can be confident that we won't be ashamed when He returns.
If we want to receive our Lord's approval at His return, we must always be ready. Jesus did not
tell us to "get ready," but rather to "be ready" (Matthew 24:44). We are to live constantly in a state of spiritual preparedness, anticipating the moment when He will appear and ask us to give
account of our stewardship.
Everyone holding forth his own light, or using his one talent, no matter how small, will help accomplish God's purpose on this earth, and will thus glorify the Saviour. What
a joy it will be when the Master looks into your eyes in that future day and with a loving smile of approval says, "Well done, good and faithful servant … Enter into the joy of your Lord" (Matthew 25:21).
In His Service
Q.W.K.
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