Quit Boasting, Give Glory To God

Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” [14] Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. [15] Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” [16] As it is, you boast in your arrogant schemes. All such boasting is evil. [17] If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them. (James 4:13-17)

As much as planning for the future is necessary, we should not be overly confident about what the future may bring.

It may seemed like a pessimistic statement to make, but it is indeed sobering for me to know that my life and future is in the hands of God. Therefore I think God is trying to tell us not to rely too much on our future plans and lose our sight of Him.

I often caught myself thinking that I should complete my work or do "more important" tasks first because I can seek God or reach out to the people around me when I am "in a better position" or when I am "done with my work/studies".

The scripture in a way asks me, "what makes you so confident that you will be around after today?" or "what if the person you intend to reach out to is no longer around tomorrow?"

As it is, procrastinating our Kingdom business, or in another words "do not do the good that we ought to do", sins.

If I'm left with a month to live, how would it have been different in the way I lead my life? How would you have led yours?

I would not know when I would be called back by God. So I need to live my life doing the good I ought to do, glorifying God.

Amen.

Show Mercy...

“[11] Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister or judges them speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it. [12] There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you---who are you to judge your neighbor?" (James 4:11-12)

As I grow older in faith, I realized that this punitive nature or wanting to see something done for the wrongs or shortcomings that others have made. (I wonder if this is the nature of a police officer)

As I read in the Bible, it tells me not to judge anyone because the judgment seat is not mine to sit. Considering it deeper, it seemed to be telling me to know my place. I am a sinner after all.

Indeed, if God have given me judgment instead of love and mercy, I would have already been condemned to eternity.

Therefore, I think it is a good reminder that I ought to show love, grace and tolerance towards the people around.

Amen.

Moving Nearer to God

“Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. [9] Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. [10] Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up." (James 4:8-10)

Sometimes I just feel that it is so difficult to be close to God. Having unconfessed sins in my life really made me feel so distant from God.

The Bible tells us to wash our hands and purify our hearts; that is to stop doing acts that are sinful and to confess our sins.

Just like the heart of the tax collector in Luke 18, God wants us to have a humble heart instead of a self-righteous attitude.

Let us always be reminded that salvation is a gift which we never deserved. May we continue to share the Word of God around so that more people may also come to know God.

Amen.

Submission to God

“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." (James 4:7)

I know that I should submit to the Lord our God in that I do. But sometimes the sinful nature in me just wants to fight that character.

God wants us to resist any temptations, so that we may be righteous in His sight.

Let us be proactive in resisting the devil by having a close relationship with one another, and with God.

Amen.

Being a Friend to God

“[4] You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. [5] Or do you think Scripture says without reason that he jealously longs for the spirit he has caused to dwell in us ? [6] But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” (James 4:4-6)

As a disciple, we need to go into the world to help more people know God. That is a mission, a commandment which God has given us. I am reminded that my work is to draw people to God, instead of being drawn to the world.

I thought of the many times that I was being enticed and drawn into the world instead of drawing my friends to God. I really thank God for His grace that never fail to forgive me of my daily sins even though I don't put Him first in my life.

It also reminds me to continue to be humble, knowing that I am just living in God's grace.

Amen.

Give Our Desires to God

“[1] What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? [2] You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God. [3] When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.” (James 4:1-3)

Worldly ambitions can be very destructive to our lives and relationship. We have been through office politics, got caught between power struggles and seen or heard of terrible incidents which caused friends to turn from each other.

The things that God want us to go after is very different from the world. Instead of chasing after the wealth and possessions in the world, God want us to seek first His Kingdom and His Righteousness. Instead of loving ourselves, God want us to put others' interest before ours.

I asked myself, “what do I lack, that God has not already provided?” I think God has given all that I ever needed in my life. Other things are just “wants” and do not help me in glorifying God. Desire is a bottomless put which will make us want more and more.

So instead of desiring the world, which could never ever satisfy us, why not turn our desire to God and have Him satisfy us.

Let us be God focused, that all our needs could be met, and all the glory could be given to Him.

Amen.

Heavenly Wisdoms

“But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. [18] Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.” (James 3:17-18)

As I am reading these verses, I reflected if I am leading my life with wisdom that comes from God. In terms of pure, I could possibly lead a purer life, in terms of thoughts and deeds.

There are definitely more that I could do in terms of peace-loving, considerate, submissive, merciful, good fruit, impartial and sincere. I think these words appear in the Bible to guide us towards a God glorifying life.

Truth is, this is also how we can build closer relationships with one another if we apply these principles actively.

Amen.

Getting Ahead Spiritually

“[14] But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. [15] Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. [16] For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.” (James 3:14-16)

In Singapore, trying to get ahead in the corporate ladder is quite common among the working class people. The culture has it that we need to do our best to outdo others so that we could get ahead.

There are people who do all things that are unethical and dangerous, just to get ahead of others. The Bible warns me about these thoughts which could manifest into sinful desires and cause me to drift away from the love of God.

Instead of chasing after things such as a title in the workplace or a promotion, let us consider chasing after the promises of God.

While writing this, I am also reminded that I should seek Him first.

Amen.

Humble Hearts, God Glorifying Deeds

“Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. (James 3:13)

The Bible tells me that a wise and understanding person serves humbly and leads a life that is good (righteous). I thought it was really a wake up call for me as I reflected on how I would take pride in the areas which I could serve well and sometimes really boasted about it.

I think a God glorifying deed is something which we put our hearts in doing and yet expect nothing in return except that God will be known as a result of what we do.

Let's strive to give Him glory.

Amen.

The Tongue that Glorifies

“[5] Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. [6] The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.” (James 3:5-6)

I reflected on the times I allow my tongue to cause hurt to the people I love during times when I was critical. I also thought of the times when I was hurt by words that were insensitive or hurtful. Indeed, the tongue has been one of the main reasons that start conflicts or to end them.

God made it clear that we should not allow our tongue to become like the forest fire, instead, the tongue should be used to build one another up and worship God.

I think we would not be able to totally be perfect in controlling our tongue, but we could always work towards thinking before we speak, and consider how our words could help others know God.

To God to be all the glory, Amen...

Faith to Deeds

“[14] What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? [15] Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. [16] If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? [17] In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” (James 2:14-17)

The other day, I was reminded of the different faith that we have. “Functional Faith, Relational Faith and Spiritual Faith.” Faith enables us to take actions to do whatever God commands us, and trust that He will be with us.

I know I can take my faith in God higher by being more evangelistic and living the life which He wants me to live, that is to love Him with everything I have and to give mg best for His glory.

In practical terms, I think it would help to confess my sins to my close brothers as well as to read His Word everyday. Let us be earnest in wanting to be close with God and in every opportunity, let Him be known to the people we come across.

Amen...

Hold the Judgment, it belongs to God

“Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, [13] because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.” (James 2:12-13)

“Fear God!” This scripture simply puts it. That is the first thought that comes to my mind. How then do we conduct ourselves? By living a life that is filled with mercy and grace. God is gracious to us and He showed us mercy by having His Son, our Lord Jesus to die for our sins.

May we never forget that salvation is given to us because God is merciful and loving towards us. The judgment will come ultimately, but I don't want to be judged as one who holds prejudice against others.

Let us renew our hearts daily, so that we may not lose that merciful heart towards others.

Amen.

Unbiased Love

“[8] If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right. [9] But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers.” (James 2:8-9)

Favoritism is a sin that impairs our sense of fairness in dealing with people. Sometimes I determined who “deserves” to be saved based on their outward appearance and form a certain judgment towards them. God wants all of the people to be saved, but it is not doing the Kingdom any good if I become judgmental and refuse to share the gospel to everyone.

By showing favoritism, we are not keeping the Commandment and we are not giving glory to God. I think I can do better in loving people and putting away my judgmental thoughts towards certain people, just as God has given all of us an opportunity to know Him.

Amen.

Showing No Favoritism

“[1] My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism. [2] Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in filthy old clothes also comes in. [3] If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, “Here’s a good seat for you,” but say to the poor man, “You stand there” or “Sit on the floor by my feet,” [4] have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?” (James 2:1-4)

In what ways of my life do I show favoritism? Although I do not do the exact things that were described in the Bible, but I do display bias actions towards people whom I feel closer and are more lovable.

Although some may argue that it is just “Human Nature” to do so, but the Bible warns us about such actions of favoritism. We ought to check our hearts when we give more attention to one person over the other. God wants everyone to be saved and it is His desire for all to know Him.

 Let us be inclusive in our love and fellowship, not allowing anyone to feel left out.

Amen.

Staying Away From Corruptions of the World

“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” (James 1:27)

We can tell others as much as we want about our religion and what our beliefs are. But it is really what we do in and with our lives which show others what being a disciple is all about.

I reflected if I am really concerned for the poor and the needy. Apart from giving poor contributions weekly, there are just so much more that I could do to love the poor and needy.

I am especially drawn to the point about keeping myself from being polluted by the world. So often am I bombarded with worldly images and ideas when surfing the net or even just going about in a normal day of my life.

It is common to be presented with so many worldly things in life, but it is important to acknowledge the spiritual harm that we could get if we entertain the thoughts and sight of the worldly stuffs.

The Bible wants us to keep away from being polluted by the worldly corruptions and stay pure and blameless in God's sight.

So let us stay convicted and faithful, being conscious of the negative things that the world present us, so that we can stay away and be blameless before God.

Amen...

Speak with a Godly Attitude

“Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless.” (James 1:26)

Today's verses in James serve as a reminder for me to watch how I talk and what I talk about with others.

The actions of a disciple should reflect God's glory and draw people closer to Him.

If we do not watch our tongue, our actions and our thoughts, no amount of scriptural knowledge we have could please God.

Let us then walk close with God in all areas of our lives.

Amen.

Remember the Purpose

“[23] Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror [24] and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.” (James 1:23-24)

For me, it is easy to get fired up about scriptures and teachings that are convicting. But most of the times, I ended up doing little or nothing about my convictions and continue in my old ways.

The Bible describes such a person as one who forgets what he looks like after looking at himself in the mirror and walks away.

When we read the scriptures and listen to the Word, we are reminded that we are disciples that owe God and His people a duty to stay righteous and pure.

I am reminded again to walk in the ways of God, not forgetting the purpose which God has put in our lives.

Amen.

Put Word into Actions

“[21] Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. [22] Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” (James 1:21-22)

We pick up worldly contaminants as we go about our daily lives. If we don't watch out, we can easily fall in temptations and sins.

The Bible tells us also to rid of all the filth that can contaminate our morals and heart.

We can get a lot of insights by looking into the Bible and meditating on the teachings by Jesus and the Apostles. But on top of the daily meditation of the Word, it is more important to put what we have learned into practice.

The Bible puts it clearly in verse 22, telling us not to be deceived by the knowledge we have of the scriptures, it is useless without us practicing what we have learned.

So let us do our best to practice what we preached and help more people know God through our actions and way of life.

Amen...

Quick To Listen, Slow To Speak

“[19] My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, [20] because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.” (James 1:19-20)

Being quick to listen, slow to speak and anger is something that the world did not teach us to do. Especially in a country where everything speaks about efficiency.

We may argue on the fact that it is the pattern of the world. But hey, the Bible also tells us in the book of Romans not to conform any longer into the patterns of the world.

Let us be discerning in regards to what is right or wrong, and what is really pleasing in the eyes of God.

I am guilty of being quicker to speak than listen at times, especially in my workplace. I think being a disciple means that we need to practice what was taught no matter where we are, so,it does not give me an excuse to behave ungodly in the workplace.

Today's quiet time has brought me the refreshing of my mind, wanting to be right in my attitude towards God and His people.

Let us also be quick to listen, slow to anger and slow to speak, that people may see our patience and love, and see God working in us powerfully.

Amen.

God's Perfect and Unchanging Love

“[16] Don't be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. [17] Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. [18] He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all He created.” (James 1:16-18)

Often, I consider that I am imperfect and not worthy of God's Kingdom. After all, I continue to sin and let God down in my daily walk with Him.

But when I read this scripture, I realized that this is exactly what Satan want me to believe. It is not true that I am unworthy of God's Kingdom.

The scripture wants me not to be deceived, because the gift of the Holy Spirit which God gave me is good and perfect. The blood which Jesus shed to wash away my sins is good and perfect. So being the firstfruits that is being sanctified by His Word, I am worthy in God's eyes to inherit the Kingdom of Heaven.

Let us continue to fight on in the struggle with the world, hold our grounds and wait for the day to celebrate our victory. Our battle has been won 2000 years ago, we only need to stay faithful and persevere.

Amen.

Fighting Temptations

“[13] When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; [14] but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. [15] Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.” (NIV)James 1:13-15

As the scriptures say, God does not tempt us. It is the sinful nature in ourselves that caused us to be tempted.

It is clear that when we go along with our evil temptations to fulfill our desires, we sin against God.

I reflected that there are so many times that I just allow myself to be led by my evil temptations and sin consciously against God.

I think I can continue to do better in confessing my sins to brothers and having them keep me accountable.

Let us also be aware of the power of Satan, that we continue to stand strong against him through the power which comes from God.

Fight on!

Amen...

Persevere and Succeed

“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.” (James 1:12)

As I was reading this verse, I am reminded that the world that we are living in will post challenges in our lives as we try to live a righteous life.

There is always a struggle for me to live a life that is God pleasing, but at the same time accomplish my job requirements.

So glad to know from Reza's session that I am not the only one who struggles this way.

Just want to encourage you and myself to fight on in the world. The truth is that our battle has been won through the blood of Jesus. But let us hold our grounds until the Lord calls us Home.

Amen...

Humble Ourselves

“[9] Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position. [10] But the rich should take pride in their humiliation---since they will pass away like a wild flower. [11] For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich will fade away even while they go about their business.” (James 1:9-11)

These verses remind me of the attitude I ought to have towards worldly wealth. It is also important for me remember not to put too much emphasis on accumulating things that could pass away.

The Bible says that we hold high positions when we are in humble circumstances. I think this something which many people could not understand. I recall the widow who puts two copper coins in the temple and realized that it is when we have close to nothing, that we can only rely on God for everything.

But I don't want to rely God only in my lowest situation. I think God is there for us whether we are in our highs or lows. I need to focus on God instead of the worldly possessions. As it is written that that these things will pass away like a wild flower.

I'm reminded that God is ultimately the Master, any other things come after Him.

Amen...

Go to God First

“[5] If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. [6] But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. [7] That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. [8] Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.” (James 1:5-8)

There are so many decisions to be made daily. I go to so many people to seek advise and find solution but often not going to God first.

“After all,” I thought, “God can't give me the answer straight away anyway...”

Such thoughts proofed to be disastrous most of the time. Instead of getting a God advice and making a wise move, I failed terribly and had to face the consequences of my bad decisions and taste the fruits of my folly. Although I held on strong to the conviction that if I should “seek first His Kingdom and His Righteousness”, the sinful nature of me will always rely on my on knowledge and understanding.

Like the verses said, many times I doubted if God could be trusted in my day to day decision. In the end, no wonder I fail to receive His blessings. As a disciple, I should learn to trust the Lord with all my heart and lean not on my own understanding.

Let us not be double minded lest the things we do, whether in our personal life or in Kingdom, goes down the drain and we labor in vain.

Let us put God number 1 today and trust Him wholeheartedly!

Amen!

Persevere in Trials

“[2] Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, [3] because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. [4] Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” (James 1:2-4)

After an inspiring message from Reza, I decided to do my quiet time on the book of James. Indeed, trials and challenges can test my faith in God, His promises and my love for Him. I really have to admit that I am a person with little discipline (Sorry God), I tend to procrastinate and give up on things halfway through at times.

The Bible says that perseverance will near fruits of maturity and completeness. As I reflected on it I realized that it is true that I still lack the maturity which is required of a disciple. I have got to continue to persevere not only in my daily walk with God, but in terms of physical health as well.

So taking trials as a way of God's discipline for us, know that God will discipline those whom He loved. Be joyful in trials, persevere, and we will become a better disciple.

Amen.

Acts of a Disciple

“[2] Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. [3] And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. [4] Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. [5] Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. [6] Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” (Colossians 4:2-6)

Align our hearts to the will of God through prayers. I think when we pray and read the Bible, our hearts are soften and allow us to receive the Word better, with greater gratitude.

Am I still aware of the sins which I commit? How apparent are my sins and what kind of impression am I giving to the non believers whom I am reaching out to?

As I read on in this scripture, I read that Paul reminded the disciples to be WISE in the way they act toward outsiders.

Then did I make every opportunity to talk to people and introduce God into their lives? How much do I reflect God's love in my life? Do I read the Bible deep enough to be able to explain why I do the things I do?

As I reflected on these verses, I am reminded that I need to be consistent in my walk with God and be deep in my understanding of the Bible. I am no longer a person who lives for myself, but a person who should reflect God's love and glory, bringing others to God so that they too may have a relationship with Him.

Let us decide to change and become a disciple who takes one step a day to be closer to God. Let our prayers and quiet time with God be deep, so that we can be in His love.

Amen.

Doing For God

“[23] Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, [24] since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. [25] Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for their wrongs, and there is no favoritism.” (Colossians 3:23-25)

At times I find it so much easier to do things for my own glory and benefit. But the the Bible says we should do it for God instead. Well, God gave us life, breath and everything we need to live. Without all those, we would not have lived at all. Sometimes when I put myself as the focus instead of God, I tend to get lazy and don't put in as much effort.

I think one of such examples will be doing quiet time, evangelism. Failing to recognize that God is my master caused me to slack in these commitments. The Bible says that the lord will reward us by giving us an inheritance if we work for Him and He will repay us for our wrong, showing no favoritism.

With that, I hope we can think of how we can give our best to God and give Him the glory instead of being self seeking.

Amen...

Giving Thanks to God in All Things

“[15] Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. [16] Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. [17] And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” (Colossians 3:15-17)

Many people in the world are seeking to have a peaceful heart. So often, I also look for a peaceful and quiet heart in the busyness of my everyday life. I think when I forgot to be thankful to God, all the worldly desires will overtake my heart and make it focus on the worldly things. The Bible tells me that peace come from the surrenderedness of my heart to Christ. A surrendered heart is thankful because it knows that it is nothing without Christ. And knowing this helps me to be at peace because all other things are but temporary.

God created all things in the world and made it for all of us. It is just right for us to give thanks to Him everyday and fill our hearts with gratitude towards Him.

As it is, the verse that convicts me today is simply doing all things in the name of our Lord Jesus and giving thanks to God for everything.

Amen.

Put on Love

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. [13] Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. [14] And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” (Colossians 3:12-14)

Disciples are made up of sinners whose sins are forgiven by God, our Heavenly Father. We are not and never will be perfect until the day we make it to heaven. Sometimes there will be people who cross me the wrong way and trigger my anger. When that happens, it is really our choice to make whether we want to respond it in a godly manner our not.

God want us to bear with one another and forgive if we bear grievances against another party. I think out should be that way because their transgressions against us will never be as bad as our transgression against the Lord our God. The Lord has forgiven us of our sins through Jesus, so we should also forgive as our Lord has forgiven.

Ultimately, God wants us to love one another because our love is what that will draw others to Him.

Amen...

Putting Old Self to Death

“[5] Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. [6] Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. [7] You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. [8] But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. [9] Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices [10] and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. [11] Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.” (Colossians 3:5-11)

The Bible tells us to put to death our earthly nature which was with us for the longest times. Sin has a strong grip on me because I have been in the world for longer than I have been in the Kingdom. At times, it is easier for me to go into my sinful nature than it is for me to behave and think spiritually.

The Bible provided practicals which could help us become better disciples; to get rid of anger, rage, malice, slander and filthy language from my lips. Seemed easy until I really need to put them into practice. I understand that these are all difficult tasks, but it is possible if I go back to God frequently to find that motivation to be a better disciple for Him.

Thank God for the salvation! I can be very ungrateful at times, taking the salvation for granted. But I am praying hard that God will soften my heart everyday and help me put my old self to death, becoming more godly and Christlike by and by.

Amen.

Living A Life That Focuses Upwards

“[1] Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. [2] Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” (Colossians 3:1-2)

The quiet time today reminds me of the fundament of being a disciple. That is to focus on God's Kingdom.

I think I could be quite worried about how life will turn out to be in future and what I could do to secure my future financially.

A conversation with a close brother in Christ convicted me that it is not about how much money I have ultimately that determines whether I am successful or not (Although to many people, it should be one of the deciding factor), but how close am I in the relationship with God.

Granted, everyone wants a better life in this world and wouldn't mind having a little extras financially. But let it not affect our walk with God and our commitment to His Kingdom.

I am constantly reminded that life here is but temporary. Therefore, let us focus on what's above, that we may lead a life that God has called us to live.

Amen.

Don't Follow Human Rules

“[16] Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. [17] These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ. [18] Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you. Such a person also goes into great detail about what they have seen; they are puffed up with idle notions by their unspiritual mind. [19] They have lost connection with the head, from whom the whole body, supported and held together by its ligaments and sinews, grows as God causes it to grow. [20] Since you died with Christ to the elemental spiritual forces of this world, why, as though you still belonged to the world, do you submit to its rules: [21] “Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!”? [22] These rules, which have to do with things that are all destined to perish with use, are based on merely human commands and teachings. [23] Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence.” (Colossians 2:16-23)

Isn't it awesome that we don't have so much rules and traditions to follow as it did in the past? I think sometimes we became too focused on the rules or way things are done, that we missed the bigger picture in totality. What I am thinking about here when reading this scripture is about us doing our prayers, quiet time, evangelism and other stuffs blindly, without considering the purpose of these meaningful activities.

The Bible says do not let anyone judge us by what we do, eat or drink. We are only able to stand firm before any accusation when we know what we are doing. Therefore we need to search our hearts about the things we are so used to doing. The reasons behind our works as a disciple ought to be love driven; driven by God's love and love for God.

I think of the many times when I just follow the motion of going out to evangelize without first considering the noble purpose behind it. Am I able to do it with an open heart? Am I proud to do God's work? No. In fact, I did a lousy job when my heart is not right with God.

The Bible reminds me to be careful not to become a religious zombie who lack love and purpose in the things I do.

I think that is why God came to abolish all these rituals and rules of the past, that we may focus on His love rather than lose ourselves in figuring out the perfect rituals...

Amen...

God Who Loved Us Lots

“[8] See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ. [9] For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, [10] and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority. [11] In him you were also circumcised with a circumcision not performed by human hands. Your whole self ruled by the flesh was put off when you were circumcised by Christ, [12] having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through your faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead. [13] When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, [14] having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross. [15] And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.” (Colossians 2:8-15)


It is easy for us to be led on the wrong path if we do not anchor our faith on the teachings in the Bible. Paul wanted the church in Colossia to be careful of those stray teachings by “philosophers” or “religious people” about alternative philosophies which preaches everything apart from the Gospel.

I for one can sometimes be attracted to teachings or arguments about “aliens”, other “gods” and the like. In a way, it is an interesting topic to talk about but I need to constantly remind myself that I need to anchor my faith on Christ.

The scripture further talks about the nature of being “reborn” in Christ. One of the thing that struck me is that not only were we given a new life in Christ, we were also pardoned of all our sins and charges against us. I am really grateful that God is willing to stoop so low just to show me His love.

Having understood all these, I realized that I need to love God for He loved me first and continue to learn more about Him through the scriptures.

Amen...