1 Timothy 6:6-8
"But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we bring nothing into the world and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that."
Why should I not chase suppossed "needs" of a regular student, When Paul says "if we have food and clothing , we will be content with that."
Paul Overstreet (don't know who he is, heard this in a sermon by Alistar Begg) wrote a song:
I've heard tell of millionaires
And of billionaires and such
Who gathered all their treasures
And still did not have enough
If money could buy peace of mind
I guess they'd have it all
But all the money in world
Won'nt hold when you fall
Chorus: We've got a roof over our head
And the kids have all been fed
The woman I love most
Lies close beside me in our bed
Loed give me the eyes to see
Exactly what it's worth
And I will be the richest man on earth
Lord I when I wish I had the things
That you gave someone else
I pray that you'll forgive me
For just thinkin' of myself
I haven't been as thankful
As I know I ought to be
I should be more satisfied
With all you've given me...
Jesus spoke about clothes and food along the same lines as Paul.
Matt 6:31-32,
"So do not worry, saying, 'What shall I we eat?' or 'What shall we drink' or What shall wear?' For the pagan runs after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need."
My Heavenly Father knows what I need. My real needs, I might add. After all in the very next verse I'm told in Matt 6:33, to seek His kingdom, His righteousness and all these things will...Why? My Father's provision is sufficient, therefore I can rest in Him.
Why did my covetous student heart not see this all important truth?
-Lloyd
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Wednesday, April 01, 2009
Its Cold, Sweet and Well Worth the Wait!
As a Birthday boy sandwiched between exams and quizzes, there was one savory moment to be treasured. Its was oh so cold...so sweet, so delectable.
Hmmm...that was one fine ice cream cake. Never been a big fan for cake on birthdays, its never to late to change. All good things will come to pass but there still leftovers for tommorow, Thursday, Friday won't that be sweet after all the busyness has passed by.
Lord thank you for yet another year. Wishes from family and friends are always amazing, I'm one truly blessed individual to amongst that great company of people that surround me.
Back to work!
-Lloyd
Hmmm...that was one fine ice cream cake. Never been a big fan for cake on birthdays, its never to late to change. All good things will come to pass but there still leftovers for tommorow, Thursday, Friday won't that be sweet after all the busyness has passed by.
Lord thank you for yet another year. Wishes from family and friends are always amazing, I'm one truly blessed individual to amongst that great company of people that surround me.
Back to work!
-Lloyd
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Whose Listening and Talking?
Well amongst a busy week, almost reading break, finally! I was really moved this week by John MacArthur's, series, "Why I teach the Bible" (Part 1, Part 2). 2 Timothy 4:1-2:
"In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction."
Paul's charge to Timothy is pretty unambiguous! I have one question, Has God ever acted apart from His Word (Psalm 33:6; Psalm 138:2; John 1:1, Eph 6:17;Heb 1:1-3)?
In the name of relevance today, people do not hear (Rom 10:14); Christians remain infant and cannot go on to spiritual maturity (Heb 6:1-3). The consequences of being relevant apart from the word of God are inescapable. God has never acted apart from his Word or the Trinity for that matter. Who are we to make decisions what parts of Bible we choose to neglect or wrangle because it is unpopular and offensive?
Many people deserted Jesus upon hearing the truth. Here's an example of one such occasion when Jesus feed the five thousand John 6:25-66. Jesus came to give dead people life and that they may have life abundantly.
Sadly the warning of 2 Timothy 4:3 is deafening ,pop culture has spoken. The reality is obvious, its a question of life or death. Preach the Word continually with patience and instruction. For we are under God's authority and will be held accountable by His beloved and begotten Son, Jesus Christ who gives dead people life.
-Lloyd
Thursday, January 22, 2009
South Africa
I always longed for the day...
The month, the year...
December 24, 2008 -January 7th 2009, I had the blessed holiday in South Africa. Short yes but the wait was well worth it. Spending time with family and some with friends was awesome. To think I have been almost away for 4 years, how time fly's.
I also learned something new, Canada is the place God wants me to be at the present time. After the 3 almost 4 years of yearning to back home, longing to see the faces of family and friends I love, the recent holiday trip, thanks be to God that my desire was well satisfied but...While I was in South Africa could not stop to think of the people I've got to know in Canada during the years of absence in South Africa.
I had everything in South Africa, lot of godly brothers and sisters, a church, bible study group yet when it came to serving God not just on mission trips I was a pew warmer. In Canada, I served him in ways I never imagined. After a year of maybe a knowing a handful of Christians, God has been faithful and answered my prayers. I would never have known such people existed, a rare species. God has introduced to many more. I'm truly thankful and fortunate, they all have been such a blessing to me. For all the drama I've been through in Canada, starting a new life from scratch, health, car accident I have come to be more depended on God, praying continually and getting deeper and deeper in God's amazing Word. I have grown a lot as the person He wants me to be. I think that this very fact is the most important of them all.
I close with Jeremiah 9:23-24
23 This is what the LORD says:
"Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom
or the strong man boast of his strength
or the rich man boast of his riches,
24 but let him who boasts boast about this:
that he understands and knows me,
that I am the LORD, who exercises kindness,
justice and righteousness on earth,
for in these I delight,"
declares the LORD.
-Lloyd
Monday, October 20, 2008
Where to from Here?
This is an unintended follow up to the previous two posts, Idle Person or Image Bearer. In just a short space of time I have been so overwhelmed by what God has saying through His Word During the past week, I've heard more or less the same message from different people speaking from the Bible. Last night the message was no different, at a weekly gathering of christian people at campus at UBC. The thoughts of friend who spoke from the Bible echoed the same sentiment.
With all my failings, weaknesses, God is the source and strength of my salvation. The last few blog posts have dealt about being an Image Bearer of God. After a week of encouragement, Godly rebuke: What Do I? Where must I go? The lack of control freaks me out but the reality of not knowing, trusting God and letting Him guide me in the darkness excites me because It's about His Glory and His Story, not my story to keep using His resources. Psalm 119, 9-16 : The How
With all my failings, weaknesses, God is the source and strength of my salvation. The last few blog posts have dealt about being an Image Bearer of God. After a week of encouragement, Godly rebuke: What Do I? Where must I go? The lack of control freaks me out but the reality of not knowing, trusting God and letting Him guide me in the darkness excites me because It's about His Glory and His Story, not my story to keep using His resources. Psalm 119, 9-16 : The How
verse 9-11, "How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word. With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments! I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you."
verse 12-15, "Blessed are you, O LORD; teach me your statutes! With my lips I declare all the rules of your mouth. In the way of your testimonies I delight as much as in all riches. I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways."
In essence storing up his Word in my heart and reflecting on Him. John Piper said the most practical way to start is by memorizing scripture, storing His Word in our hearts. The words I want to memorize is Psalm 119: 105;
verse 12-15, "Blessed are you, O LORD; teach me your statutes! With my lips I declare all the rules of your mouth. In the way of your testimonies I delight as much as in all riches. I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways."
In essence storing up his Word in my heart and reflecting on Him. John Piper said the most practical way to start is by memorizing scripture, storing His Word in our hearts. The words I want to memorize is Psalm 119: 105;
"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." In the midst of my confusion, fear, excitement and adventure of the unknown of letting God use my brokeness for His glory and honour. Where must I go? To His Word, a lamp to my feet and a light to my path in the darkness of circumstances. You may ask whats the point to all of this?
Psalm 119:16 in closing, "I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word." To delight in His way and not to forgot Who I belong to and Whose story should be told. My soul sings and shouts a very loud Amen!
-Lloyd
Monday, September 29, 2008
Idle Person or Image Bearer?
This is a follow up from the previous blog entry, Idle Person.
Reading The Silence of Adam by Dr. Larry Crabb, Dr Crabb makes a great observation,"I wonder if we have, in our day, lost the excitement and Drama of our calling: to reveal the unseen God by the way we live, especially by the way we relate to one another. The single most important truth about people is the truth most easily ignored: that we bear the image of God. As image bearers, we are called to tell his story with our lives, not to tell our lives, not to tell our stories with his resources..."
Now granted, this excerpt came from a book intended to speak to men but I think the biblical principle of being an image bearer (men and women of God) should not be overlooked. Broken people, in a broken world bent on the grace and mercy of God. Why do I chose to hide my brokenesses? We are a church because of what God has accomplished through the death and ressurection of Jesus. There are many things Grace stands for, here's one: God's Riches At Christ's Expense. Its not about us. Its about what God has done for us. So what do I have to lose when sharing our vulnerabilities with fellow brothers and sisters?
We are called to tell his story with our lives, not to tell our lives, not to tell our stories with his resources. Hmm...How can we bring encouragement to one another if God's story with our lives if our self image is the focal pont?
-Lloyd
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Idle Person
Google Image (http://thebuzz.sheknows.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/05/bo-on-idol.jpg)Yesterday, I'd said goodbye to someone I have grown to admire over the last year or so, got to meet this individual earlier this year, April. When the person shared his issues, I began to look at my own life and saw the resemblence. The downside, Why does it take one brave Christian to share his struggles before the rest of us admit collectively we have the same problem too?
Have we become a church, the people, who try to preserve our own image idol to compensate for the brokeness we have inside? I know I do. Problems begin to build that were once buried in a closet and when they surface its like banging your head on a brick wall.
Have we become a church, the people, who try to preserve our own image idol to compensate for the brokeness we have inside? I know I do. Problems begin to build that were once buried in a closet and when they surface its like banging your head on a brick wall.
Biblically, starting from Genesis 2, self image was never the issue. Adam upon seeing Eve, said "flesh of my flesh and bone of my bone." Clearly Adam was solely focused on Eve. Genesis 3 the self image became the the issue "Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves." Sin has now entered the world. Adam did nothing while Eve was tempted and ate the fruit. God asks Adam a question. Adam responds by blaming Eve.
Have I become my idle for the sake of my image instead of the Image I was made for?
to be continued....
-Lloyd
to be continued....
-Lloyd
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Holiday in Seattle USA 2
Only this sort of thing takes place in America. A Misplaced body bag left on the Needle, I Think ;) !
-Lloyd
Holiday in Seattle USA 1
I've had a very short summer vacation, but the 4 day family vacation in Seattle was probably what I needed. Refreshed and relaxed! Some highlights: Pictures taken from the Seattle Space Needle.
-Lloyd
-Lloyd
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Madiba turns Magic 90
Today (I mean Friday though the post reads Thursday 17th, remember this blogspots runs accoding to South Afr
ican time) Nelson Mandela or otherwise affectionately known as Madiba celebrates his 90th Birthday First Democratic President of South Africa. Yes I'm sure every South African holds him in high regard as person, leader and president and sure the rest of the world sees him as an icon for human rights and peace. Whatever iconic impression people may have of him he'll probably claim he is not that icon he is held up to be.
ican time) Nelson Mandela or otherwise affectionately known as Madiba celebrates his 90th Birthday First Democratic President of South Africa. Yes I'm sure every South African holds him in high regard as person, leader and president and sure the rest of the world sees him as an icon for human rights and peace. Whatever iconic impression people may have of him he'll probably claim he is not that icon he is held up to be.One hears stories of famous people, see them speak on television and watches how history is made. This makes my story all the more memorable. Four years ago back in South Africa I was with my Mom and Brothers (Uwen and Byron) in Cavendish square (a shopping centre) outside Exclusive Book Store, we saw people gathered around the entrance and we were curious as to what could be the cause of attraction. Curiosity may kill a cat but our curiosity nearly brought me alone a heart attack! What I saw to my surprize, schock and thunderous heart pulpitations: the very cause of attraction was Nelson Mandela leaving the bookstore. As he came by our way, my youngest brother Byron had the guts to strech out his hand and Madiba shook his hand. I could barely muscle a wave. This moment was all to surreal for me to handle and for one reason only. Actually I lied, there were two reasons. I was struck by this world famous person's, (nevermind being the former president and all) humility and love. Nevermind the bodyguards, he was greeting the bystanders around him and introducing himself interacting with the old and young with much affection. As overwhelming as it may have been, seeing a world famous in close proximity I mean this type of occurences takes place everyday, the love he displayed to the people and his humility were very hard to overlook.
So I found this quote said by the man himself and it is hard to overlook the simply fact what considering what he experienced for many long years he could have not loved or shown humility unless he understood the meaning of grace. I think the quote was taken from inauguration speech, "If there are dreams about a beautiful South Africa, there are also roads that lead to their goal. Two of these roads could be named Goodness and Forgiveness."
As surreal as that moment was seeing Nelson Mandela, just as a thought maybe we hold our "icons" too high that we miss the importance of the message that they seek to bring, share, speak or live?
-Lloyd
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Chronicles of Narnia:Prince Caspian
I've been looking forward to the movie all year. I had finished reading Prince Caspian within the week and...after seeing the movie as a puritinarnian (pure narnia book fan made that up but it fits well), Prince Caspian was absolutely awesome! Usually with adaptions from book to silver screen key elements often get overlooked. Not so in this film. Yes details is important but what amazed that the additons made did not detract from key themes in the book but also I, think enhanced the main themes of Prince Caspian namely, the authority of Aslan.
When circumsances become overwhelming in a god forsaken or atheistic state, where the environment is hostile, it is call to courage to take refuge in our King Jesus and in His Word, the hope we all share in. The journey of faith is also challenging, dare say seem impossible at times. Sometimes we are called to walk alone, along a path we not seen before. The more we learn to trust God in the little we know, it is then we begin to grow and thats the joy of faith for me. Our trust in Him depeens, we see the things we hate about ourselves and marvel, at the Majesty of our King Jesus and learn something new about His Glory and Splendour.
“But every year you grow, you will find me bigger,...It is hard for you, little one," said Aslan. "But things never happen the same way twice." (Aslan speaking to Lucy). The theme song of the movie, written by Switchfoot-This is Home reiteriates this theme and our longing for eternity. I'll post the lyrics under comments (guess the long entry makes up for the lost time)!
-Lloyd
When circumsances become overwhelming in a god forsaken or atheistic state, where the environment is hostile, it is call to courage to take refuge in our King Jesus and in His Word, the hope we all share in. The journey of faith is also challenging, dare say seem impossible at times. Sometimes we are called to walk alone, along a path we not seen before. The more we learn to trust God in the little we know, it is then we begin to grow and thats the joy of faith for me. Our trust in Him depeens, we see the things we hate about ourselves and marvel, at the Majesty of our King Jesus and learn something new about His Glory and Splendour.
“But every year you grow, you will find me bigger,...It is hard for you, little one," said Aslan. "But things never happen the same way twice." (Aslan speaking to Lucy). The theme song of the movie, written by Switchfoot-This is Home reiteriates this theme and our longing for eternity. I'll post the lyrics under comments (guess the long entry makes up for the lost time)!
-Lloyd
Monday, March 31, 2008
My First Landmark, Turned 21!!!
So I thought I'd post something for blog cause. Not forgetting, that I'm proudly South African through and through and the significance in turning 21. I'm out the country but you can't take the country out of me. The blog entry reads, March 31 and my birthday is April Fools but for birthday sake I'm operating on South Africa time.
I'm so grateful to God for His grace, mercy and goodness over the nearly 10 years in my relationship with Him through Jesus Christ. Almost eight months ago I should have been literally dead and buried after a head on collision car collision on the highway. The car was a right off. How I survived with very minor injuries, truly a miracle.
The hardships that have come my way over the ten years, dealing with the issue of death be it myself at 20, or that of loved one who died of cancer when I was 15, or even my freind who took his life, I was only 16 at the time. It only gets better, struggle with depression 17, emigrating at 18 to Canada and trying to settle down and my health that continues to be tough to deal with. How is it even possible that I'm still remotely stable, alive and well?
All I can say is God is good and has sustained me through His word and prayer. Through every affliction He has carried me and still carries me to this day. I have seen the best of life and the worst of life and I'm sure there is more to come but there are no words of large enough for me to encompass my praise to my Maker, Father and King. Through my joys I grown a lot and through my sufferings I grown even more and loving every minute of it. He is building my character and I'm a better preson for it and of course using me for His purpose and glory so that others may know of Him as I'm able to share His grace, love and mercy He has afforded me.
I'm a blessed and grateful person. There has been great times of enjoyment too, all be it, coming to know him as my Saviour and King at 11, being blessed with many friends in two different countries, skydived, mission trips, university etc. For me, it is my suffering presently and over the last 10 years that I have grown in my realtionship with Jesus. I regret nothing and would not trade any of those experiences for the world.
To be Christian, Jesus tells us to deny ourselves, pick up your cross and follow Him. Suffering is part and parcel of being a Christian. What I have enjoyed the most is that I know Who's scars I am marked by. What Jesus did for us on the cross, is beyond my comprehension. His love. God's grace to save a wretched sinner like me. Making me into new creation in robes I do not deserve. Man was made in the image of God. Jesus came to restore God's image in man and has offered us eternal life. Worthy is the Lamb Who was slain and truly demands my life, my soul, my all.
Sure there are going to be more pothills, valleys and mountains to climb. Who cares! He has carried me and will continue to carry me. God is good. A new life in Canada, turned 21, trying to adapt in a foreign sure ain't easy but I' learning slowly but surely its not where I'm going that is important but it is Who I belong to and Whom I am traveling with that counts. Forgetting what is behind me,I want to know Christ more.
-Lloyd
I'm so grateful to God for His grace, mercy and goodness over the nearly 10 years in my relationship with Him through Jesus Christ. Almost eight months ago I should have been literally dead and buried after a head on collision car collision on the highway. The car was a right off. How I survived with very minor injuries, truly a miracle.
The hardships that have come my way over the ten years, dealing with the issue of death be it myself at 20, or that of loved one who died of cancer when I was 15, or even my freind who took his life, I was only 16 at the time. It only gets better, struggle with depression 17, emigrating at 18 to Canada and trying to settle down and my health that continues to be tough to deal with. How is it even possible that I'm still remotely stable, alive and well?
All I can say is God is good and has sustained me through His word and prayer. Through every affliction He has carried me and still carries me to this day. I have seen the best of life and the worst of life and I'm sure there is more to come but there are no words of large enough for me to encompass my praise to my Maker, Father and King. Through my joys I grown a lot and through my sufferings I grown even more and loving every minute of it. He is building my character and I'm a better preson for it and of course using me for His purpose and glory so that others may know of Him as I'm able to share His grace, love and mercy He has afforded me.
I'm a blessed and grateful person. There has been great times of enjoyment too, all be it, coming to know him as my Saviour and King at 11, being blessed with many friends in two different countries, skydived, mission trips, university etc. For me, it is my suffering presently and over the last 10 years that I have grown in my realtionship with Jesus. I regret nothing and would not trade any of those experiences for the world.
To be Christian, Jesus tells us to deny ourselves, pick up your cross and follow Him. Suffering is part and parcel of being a Christian. What I have enjoyed the most is that I know Who's scars I am marked by. What Jesus did for us on the cross, is beyond my comprehension. His love. God's grace to save a wretched sinner like me. Making me into new creation in robes I do not deserve. Man was made in the image of God. Jesus came to restore God's image in man and has offered us eternal life. Worthy is the Lamb Who was slain and truly demands my life, my soul, my all.
Sure there are going to be more pothills, valleys and mountains to climb. Who cares! He has carried me and will continue to carry me. God is good. A new life in Canada, turned 21, trying to adapt in a foreign sure ain't easy but I' learning slowly but surely its not where I'm going that is important but it is Who I belong to and Whom I am traveling with that counts. Forgetting what is behind me,I want to know Christ more.
-Lloyd
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
If Only We Understood...
When Jesus approached Jerusalem, Luke 19:41,42
"As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it and said, If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes."
A friend reminded me, if Jesus Death on the cross was to be fully understood, our hearts, minds, attitudes. lives should be different. Maybe we ought live out the message of the Gospel, by telling others of this good news? Not just during Easter...
-Lloyd
Monday, March 03, 2008
The Life to Come
2 Corinthians 5:1-4
"Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked. For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life."
I heard this great talk tonight and was reminded and encouraged of the hope of eternal life we all share in. That we, here and now only experience a glimpse of the everlasting life to come. Death is not the end, but the beginning. This was the illustration that was used (Chronicles of Narnia: The Last Battle by C.S. Lewis).
"Then Aslan turned to them and said: 'You do not yet look so happy as I mean you to be. There was a real railway accident,' said Aslan softly. 'Your Father and Mother and all of you are as you call it in the Shadowland-dead. The term is over: the holidays have begun. The dream is ended: this is the morning.' And as He spoke, He no longer looked to them like a lion; but the things that began to happen after that were so great and beautiful that I cannot write them. And for us this is the end of all the stories, and we can most truly say that they all lived happily ever after. But for them it was only the beginning of the real story. All their life in this world and all their adventures in Narnia had only been the cover and the title page: now at least they were beginning Chapter One of the Great Story which no one on earth has read: which goes on forever: in which every chapter is better than the one before."
-Lloyd
"Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked. For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life."
I heard this great talk tonight and was reminded and encouraged of the hope of eternal life we all share in. That we, here and now only experience a glimpse of the everlasting life to come. Death is not the end, but the beginning. This was the illustration that was used (Chronicles of Narnia: The Last Battle by C.S. Lewis).
"Then Aslan turned to them and said: 'You do not yet look so happy as I mean you to be. There was a real railway accident,' said Aslan softly. 'Your Father and Mother and all of you are as you call it in the Shadowland-dead. The term is over: the holidays have begun. The dream is ended: this is the morning.' And as He spoke, He no longer looked to them like a lion; but the things that began to happen after that were so great and beautiful that I cannot write them. And for us this is the end of all the stories, and we can most truly say that they all lived happily ever after. But for them it was only the beginning of the real story. All their life in this world and all their adventures in Narnia had only been the cover and the title page: now at least they were beginning Chapter One of the Great Story which no one on earth has read: which goes on forever: in which every chapter is better than the one before."
-Lloyd
Saturday, February 23, 2008
3 Years on...
Never mind the challenges of emigrating, settling in a foreign land or any unforeseen pothole. Since leaving South Africa February 23,2005, all I can say God is good. Drama has been following me around the past year, so what. God is good.-Lloyd
Monday, February 04, 2008
Walking and Talking
I have learned one lesson of truth that could have saved me from some stresses concerning guidance. Three words, Trust and Obedience. I've been reading, John Chapman's Book, Know and Tell the Gospel. No other words in my quiet time have sounded louder.
Here's the sad irony behind the stresses, not to mention the disobedience. Glossing over the obvious and much needed instruction of the Gospel, I avoided the instruction and continued to read the Bible. That does not take a rocket scientist to figure out my confusion's and stresses came from.
The very core of the Gospel demands obedience and trust. Obedience in the sense that one has to submit to the Kingship of Jesus. He is Lord, because He is Saviour. Not to forget that we who are believer's share in the Hope of His resurrection.
Proverbs 3:5-6, can be summarized in three words, trust and obedience.
v5- "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;"
v6,obedience- "all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." More strikingly, in the Context of Proverbs Chapter 3, the command could have not been any clearer, starting from v1-4; v7-8; v9-10; v11-12; v13-18. Faith in God (v19-26) demands obedience to his instruction, (v27-35).
James 1:5-8, in the context of trials and temptations, concerning wisdom:
"If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does." The rest of the chapter isn't much different. If you profess to listen you have to walk. "Do not listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what its says." (Read the rest of James 1 v21-27).
There is no other hymn that could elaborate more eloquently in expressing this important truth: Trust and Obey
"When we walk with the Lord
in the light of his word,
what a glory he sheds on our way!
While we do his good will,
he abides with us still,
and with all who will trust and obey.
Refrain:
Trust and obey, for there's no other way
to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.
Not a burden we bear,
not a sorrow we share,
but our toil he doth richly repay;
not a grief or a loss,
not a frown or a cross,
but is blest if we trust and obey.
(Refrain)
But we never can prove
the delights of his love
until all on the altar we lay;
for the favor he shows,
for the joy he bestows,
are for them who will trust and obey.
(Refrain)
Then in fellowship sweet
we will sit at his feet,
or we'll walk by his side in the way;
what he says we will do,
where he sends we will go;
never fear, only trust and obey."
-Lloyd
Here's the sad irony behind the stresses, not to mention the disobedience. Glossing over the obvious and much needed instruction of the Gospel, I avoided the instruction and continued to read the Bible. That does not take a rocket scientist to figure out my confusion's and stresses came from.
The very core of the Gospel demands obedience and trust. Obedience in the sense that one has to submit to the Kingship of Jesus. He is Lord, because He is Saviour. Not to forget that we who are believer's share in the Hope of His resurrection.
Proverbs 3:5-6, can be summarized in three words, trust and obedience.
v5- "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;"
v6,obedience- "all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." More strikingly, in the Context of Proverbs Chapter 3, the command could have not been any clearer, starting from v1-4; v7-8; v9-10; v11-12; v13-18. Faith in God (v19-26) demands obedience to his instruction, (v27-35).
James 1:5-8, in the context of trials and temptations, concerning wisdom:
"If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does." The rest of the chapter isn't much different. If you profess to listen you have to walk. "Do not listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what its says." (Read the rest of James 1 v21-27).
There is no other hymn that could elaborate more eloquently in expressing this important truth: Trust and Obey
"When we walk with the Lord
in the light of his word,
what a glory he sheds on our way!
While we do his good will,
he abides with us still,
and with all who will trust and obey.
Refrain:
Trust and obey, for there's no other way
to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.
Not a burden we bear,
not a sorrow we share,
but our toil he doth richly repay;
not a grief or a loss,
not a frown or a cross,
but is blest if we trust and obey.
(Refrain)
But we never can prove
the delights of his love
until all on the altar we lay;
for the favor he shows,
for the joy he bestows,
are for them who will trust and obey.
(Refrain)
Then in fellowship sweet
we will sit at his feet,
or we'll walk by his side in the way;
what he says we will do,
where he sends we will go;
never fear, only trust and obey."
-Lloyd
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
2008
Life can be tough, last year was probably the toughest year of my life. Dealing with health and school and very fortunate to be alive after a head on collision. Turning 21 this year! I have been through a lot. Losing a friend ( a year after losing a family member), had depression, emigrating and settling down in a foreign country that list will be probably go on...
Even though there has been hard times, slowly but surely I beginning to rejoice and praise God. Suffering is to be expected, after all "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me"(Mark 8:33-35). Paul says we should rejoice in our sufferings.
The year 2007 was great year. I grew in God's word. Funnily enough I have grown the most in times of affliction as opposed to times of joy (Switchfoot concert last year, mission trips, camps, traveling,skydiving, skiing, friendships,family, holidays etc). This year is going to be even tougher. The aftermath of school in '07 I have to deal with now in '08. Returning to UBC-O was the lowest I felt. It is easier to quit and move on and I have considered and explored these options. Only because, the circumstances overwhelm me.
God has made it clear through His Word, prayer and other people that this is where He wants me to be. Truth be told, it has pained me greatly. But I forget to easily that God has carried me and that I have to lean and fall on Him, staying down on my knees resting on His instruction and not my own understanding.
I have three goals for 2008 after reading Philippians 3:1-4:1.
1) Know Christ More (3:10,11)
"I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead."
2)To Move on (3:13-14)
"Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." I have to move on with Christ." I cannot live in the past and be living in the present at the same time. Carrying unnecessary burdens I never been equipped to deal with on my own.
3)Stand firm in the Lord (4:1)
"Therefore, my brothers, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, that is how you should stand firm in the Lord, dear friends!" Focusing on Christ alone in lieu of coming months, God willing many, many years ahead. No need to look around on earth and every corner "What's happened and what to do next?" Heaven is our home. Suffice to say, that is not important because Jesus is the Alpha and the Omega. All I can do is grow in His Word and stand upon His instruction and bearing witness to His work as humble and faithfully as possible.
-Lloyd
Even though there has been hard times, slowly but surely I beginning to rejoice and praise God. Suffering is to be expected, after all "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me"(Mark 8:33-35). Paul says we should rejoice in our sufferings.
The year 2007 was great year. I grew in God's word. Funnily enough I have grown the most in times of affliction as opposed to times of joy (Switchfoot concert last year, mission trips, camps, traveling,skydiving, skiing, friendships,family, holidays etc). This year is going to be even tougher. The aftermath of school in '07 I have to deal with now in '08. Returning to UBC-O was the lowest I felt. It is easier to quit and move on and I have considered and explored these options. Only because, the circumstances overwhelm me.
God has made it clear through His Word, prayer and other people that this is where He wants me to be. Truth be told, it has pained me greatly. But I forget to easily that God has carried me and that I have to lean and fall on Him, staying down on my knees resting on His instruction and not my own understanding.
I have three goals for 2008 after reading Philippians 3:1-4:1.
1) Know Christ More (3:10,11)
"I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead."
2)To Move on (3:13-14)
"Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." I have to move on with Christ." I cannot live in the past and be living in the present at the same time. Carrying unnecessary burdens I never been equipped to deal with on my own.
3)Stand firm in the Lord (4:1)
"Therefore, my brothers, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, that is how you should stand firm in the Lord, dear friends!" Focusing on Christ alone in lieu of coming months, God willing many, many years ahead. No need to look around on earth and every corner "What's happened and what to do next?" Heaven is our home. Suffice to say, that is not important because Jesus is the Alpha and the Omega. All I can do is grow in His Word and stand upon His instruction and bearing witness to His work as humble and faithfully as possible.
-Lloyd
Monday, December 03, 2007
Reaching the Promised Land-The Here and Now
The Here and Now, after reading the book of Joshua I am in absolute Awe of God. His Righteous Judgment, His Sovereignty, His Faithfulness, Holiness is too much for just one sinner to comprehend but there is hope. For all these attributes of God are accompanied by His grace and mercy, the escape clause we all desperately need.
People always say the God of the Old Testament is different to the God of the New Testament."The Bible contradicts itself." Christian people might even say "lets just preach God grace and not His Wrath," may I ask why?
God's Grace and His Wrath should never be separated at any one time.Firstly if you claim that the Bible contradicts itself you are taking the position I am my own god, its your choice and I'll respect that. Secondly the Bible never ever separates God's grace and mercy with His Judgment. Genesis 3, is illustrated throughout scripture:
After Adam and Eve sinned, after God's Judgment He made them "skin garments" to cover their own nakedness, the foreshadowing of Saviour. This act of mercy from God for even to clothe Adam and Eve, magnifies His love for humanity even though us humans decided to reject His word.
Coming to Joshua, in reading God's promise to Abraham, the conquering of the land had to do with the peoples sin and His Righteous. Rehab and her household were saved while her land was under God's judgment. The nation that conned the Israelites were saved under God's judgment, the inference from the text is clear. Israel were warned in Deuteronomy that the possession of the land was not because of her righteousness "for you are a stiff neck people." In Joshua they are warned either you serve Yahweh and stick to His Word or the "people surrounding you will be a snare to you amongst you."End of Joshua seems promising that they will serve Yahweh. Post Joshua is a different story altogether. A whole generation grew up without knowing what God had done for them (Judges). Israel is also judged, and put under captivity but God promises that he will write "His laws on their hearts and minds" (Ezekiel, Jeremiah) under a new covenant of the coming Messiah. Read the Old Testament Gospel of Hosea. Chapter 6 verse 1-7:
"Come, let us return to the LORD. He has torn us to pieces but he will heal us; he has injured us but he will bind up our wounds. After two days he will revive us;
on the third day he will restore us,that we may live in his presence.Let us acknowledge the LORD;let us press on to acknowledge him.As surely as the sun rises,
he will appear;he will come to us like the winter rains,like the spring rains that water the earth.""What can I do with you, Ephraim?What can I do with you, Judah?
Your love is like the morning mist,like the early dew that disappears.Therefore I cut you in pieces with my prophets,I killed you with the words of my mouth;my judgments flashed like lightning upon you.For I desire mercy, not sacrifice,and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings. Like Adam, they have broken the covenant—they were unfaithful to me there."
The heart of the Gospel is the same as the Old Testament. The Cross is as important and central to the Resurrection of Jesus. Jesus bore God Wrath of our sin past, present and future. So that we may have fellowship with the Father. The curtain was torn. We can enter on the basis of Christ alone. The only contribution we bring to our relationship with God though Christ Jesus is our sin. We stand on grace alone for we too will be judged. The Gospels preaches the Crucifixion and Resurrection. The apostles in the epistles preach, "Christ Crucified" and the "hope we all share in the Resurrection."
My point we should never as believers divorce grace and judgment for God's grace and mercy magnify His enduring love for humanity.Today there is a seeker sensitive movement, "the emerging church." Expository teaching is said to be a hindrance towards evangelism according in some quarters of this new movement.They will say and do what will make people comfortably with intentions of leading them to Christ. Sounds all good and well but lets not underscore or even over score God's Grace because through His judgment there is mercy and an abundance of love.
Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 1:17, "For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel—not with words of human wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power."
-Lloyd
People always say the God of the Old Testament is different to the God of the New Testament."The Bible contradicts itself." Christian people might even say "lets just preach God grace and not His Wrath," may I ask why?
God's Grace and His Wrath should never be separated at any one time.Firstly if you claim that the Bible contradicts itself you are taking the position I am my own god, its your choice and I'll respect that. Secondly the Bible never ever separates God's grace and mercy with His Judgment. Genesis 3, is illustrated throughout scripture:
After Adam and Eve sinned, after God's Judgment He made them "skin garments" to cover their own nakedness, the foreshadowing of Saviour. This act of mercy from God for even to clothe Adam and Eve, magnifies His love for humanity even though us humans decided to reject His word.
Coming to Joshua, in reading God's promise to Abraham, the conquering of the land had to do with the peoples sin and His Righteous. Rehab and her household were saved while her land was under God's judgment. The nation that conned the Israelites were saved under God's judgment, the inference from the text is clear. Israel were warned in Deuteronomy that the possession of the land was not because of her righteousness "for you are a stiff neck people." In Joshua they are warned either you serve Yahweh and stick to His Word or the "people surrounding you will be a snare to you amongst you."End of Joshua seems promising that they will serve Yahweh. Post Joshua is a different story altogether. A whole generation grew up without knowing what God had done for them (Judges). Israel is also judged, and put under captivity but God promises that he will write "His laws on their hearts and minds" (Ezekiel, Jeremiah) under a new covenant of the coming Messiah. Read the Old Testament Gospel of Hosea. Chapter 6 verse 1-7:
"Come, let us return to the LORD. He has torn us to pieces but he will heal us; he has injured us but he will bind up our wounds. After two days he will revive us;
on the third day he will restore us,that we may live in his presence.Let us acknowledge the LORD;let us press on to acknowledge him.As surely as the sun rises,
he will appear;he will come to us like the winter rains,like the spring rains that water the earth.""What can I do with you, Ephraim?What can I do with you, Judah?
Your love is like the morning mist,like the early dew that disappears.Therefore I cut you in pieces with my prophets,I killed you with the words of my mouth;my judgments flashed like lightning upon you.For I desire mercy, not sacrifice,and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings. Like Adam, they have broken the covenant—they were unfaithful to me there."
The heart of the Gospel is the same as the Old Testament. The Cross is as important and central to the Resurrection of Jesus. Jesus bore God Wrath of our sin past, present and future. So that we may have fellowship with the Father. The curtain was torn. We can enter on the basis of Christ alone. The only contribution we bring to our relationship with God though Christ Jesus is our sin. We stand on grace alone for we too will be judged. The Gospels preaches the Crucifixion and Resurrection. The apostles in the epistles preach, "Christ Crucified" and the "hope we all share in the Resurrection."
My point we should never as believers divorce grace and judgment for God's grace and mercy magnify His enduring love for humanity.Today there is a seeker sensitive movement, "the emerging church." Expository teaching is said to be a hindrance towards evangelism according in some quarters of this new movement.They will say and do what will make people comfortably with intentions of leading them to Christ. Sounds all good and well but lets not underscore or even over score God's Grace because through His judgment there is mercy and an abundance of love.
Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 1:17, "For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel—not with words of human wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power."
-Lloyd
Sunday, December 02, 2007
The Language of Faith
I feel so humbled but in a good way. Not to much of a rebuke but more a quiet yet firm reminder of what it means to have faith to be depended completely 100% on God. The language of faith is 'thank you', not 'please'. Please is the language of a beggar. Charles Price, in sermon of the miracle of Jesus feeding the five thousand was truly encouraging and firm reminder what the nature of faith is.
"They (the disciples) had forgotten a most valuable and fundamental teaching Jesus had given …. that He could do nothing by Himself[John 5:19,30]. The best His disciples were able to suggest was to send the people away so they could go to the surrounding countryside villages and buy themselves something to eat."
Phillip measures cost, "Eight months wages would not buy enough bread for each one to have a bite." Charles Price had this to add,"Though we can be a professing ambassador of Christ, as the disciples were we may go to church on Sundays, say grace at meals, give to the needy, but inadvertently keep God at bay in our personal affairs even when times are tough. Relying on self, we can pace and ponder till the sun comes up, endure another sleepless night and still there is no resolve."
Andrew, only looked at demand in lieu of the limited supply in presenting the food the boy had. "But in this crowd of 5000 or more, there was a young boy and to this boy, Jesus was all-important. In his possession were five small barley loaves and two small fish, not significant at all in his hands but what about in the hands of Jesus? What will Jesus do with this food? We can only image what this boy felt as Andrew brought him face to face with Jesus and he handed over his food." “How far will they go among so many?”
When it comes to tithing, mission work, evangelism, ministry we only look at what we own but no what we can give to God. I will be the first to admit my own sense of guilt sometimes. Rather my response should be, 'Lord these are my gifts, money, time, take the little that I have and use it for Your will'.
The language of faith in the miracle of the feeding of the five thousand according to Charles Price is found in John 6:11, "Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks," showing His utter dependence on the Father.
Interestingly, Price while concluding his sermon, he mentions the Last Supper."While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, "Take and eat; this is my body.Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins." Jesus gave thanks showing his dependence on God before taking on the burden of our sins.
If I were to try and eloquently state the language of faith, I would fail. Give credit where credit is due. Charles Price left this extract on the Living Truth Website:
"With every circumstance and crisis Jesus faced, He affirmed His faith by giving thanks, not after His petitions were answered, but before. Paul writes in Philippians 4 vs. 6, “Don’t be anxious for anything but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” 1 Thessalonians 5 vs 18,"give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." Thank you is expressing the quiet confidence of faith. It is showing dependency upon God, knowing He is sufficient. Jesus said in John 6 vs. 57, “I live by the power of the living Father who sent me and, in the same way, those who partake of me shall live because of me.”
"A crowd of 5,000, two small fish, five loaves of bread and no one left the gathering hungry that day. For our every need and every resolution to our trials, talk to Jesus and in the ‘quiet confidence of faith’, give thanks."
-Lloyd
"They (the disciples) had forgotten a most valuable and fundamental teaching Jesus had given …. that He could do nothing by Himself[John 5:19,30]. The best His disciples were able to suggest was to send the people away so they could go to the surrounding countryside villages and buy themselves something to eat."
Phillip measures cost, "Eight months wages would not buy enough bread for each one to have a bite." Charles Price had this to add,"Though we can be a professing ambassador of Christ, as the disciples were we may go to church on Sundays, say grace at meals, give to the needy, but inadvertently keep God at bay in our personal affairs even when times are tough. Relying on self, we can pace and ponder till the sun comes up, endure another sleepless night and still there is no resolve."
Andrew, only looked at demand in lieu of the limited supply in presenting the food the boy had. "But in this crowd of 5000 or more, there was a young boy and to this boy, Jesus was all-important. In his possession were five small barley loaves and two small fish, not significant at all in his hands but what about in the hands of Jesus? What will Jesus do with this food? We can only image what this boy felt as Andrew brought him face to face with Jesus and he handed over his food." “How far will they go among so many?”
When it comes to tithing, mission work, evangelism, ministry we only look at what we own but no what we can give to God. I will be the first to admit my own sense of guilt sometimes. Rather my response should be, 'Lord these are my gifts, money, time, take the little that I have and use it for Your will'.
The language of faith in the miracle of the feeding of the five thousand according to Charles Price is found in John 6:11, "Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks," showing His utter dependence on the Father.
Interestingly, Price while concluding his sermon, he mentions the Last Supper."While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, "Take and eat; this is my body.Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins." Jesus gave thanks showing his dependence on God before taking on the burden of our sins.
If I were to try and eloquently state the language of faith, I would fail. Give credit where credit is due. Charles Price left this extract on the Living Truth Website:
"With every circumstance and crisis Jesus faced, He affirmed His faith by giving thanks, not after His petitions were answered, but before. Paul writes in Philippians 4 vs. 6, “Don’t be anxious for anything but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” 1 Thessalonians 5 vs 18,"give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." Thank you is expressing the quiet confidence of faith. It is showing dependency upon God, knowing He is sufficient. Jesus said in John 6 vs. 57, “I live by the power of the living Father who sent me and, in the same way, those who partake of me shall live because of me.”
"A crowd of 5,000, two small fish, five loaves of bread and no one left the gathering hungry that day. For our every need and every resolution to our trials, talk to Jesus and in the ‘quiet confidence of faith’, give thanks."
-Lloyd
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