The Pleasures of God

Towards the end of our March 2008 bible study, my small group discussed the importance of living a life to please God. Sometimes, we say we are living to please God, but really, if we looked at the evidence (which never lies), we are frequently living our life to please ourselves.

Pleasing ourselves is what comes natural. It's our default instinct. Perhaps we live our life to please ourselves because we are unaware of what pleases the Lord.

To learn about the Master's Joy, you can either study the Bible, or read John Piper's book "The Pleasures of God".

In that book, Piper condensed down to this: God does just as He pleases. Yet this thesis opens a universe of implications and questions, some of which the author addresses in the book's ten chapters. They are titled:

1. The Pleasure of God in His Son
2. The Pleasure of God in All He Does
3. The Pleasure of God in His Creation
4. The Pleasure of God in His Fame
5. The Pleasure of God in Election
6. The Pleasure of God in Bruising the Son
7. The Pleasure of God in Doing Good to All Who Hope in Him
8. The Pleasure of God in the Prayers of the Upright
9. The Pleasure of God in Personal Obedience and Public Justice, and
10. The Pleasure of God in Concealing Himself from the Wise and Revealing Himself to Infants.

I found that this book stretched not only my mind but my soul. It will take you a while to journey through these 340 thoughtful pages, but it will be a journey you will long remember. Here are some of my additional thoughts, having read through the first 3 chapters so far.

If we love Him, we'll obey Him, right? He says to love Him with all my heart, and we can't do that if we don't want to find out how to live a life that brings Him glory, honor, and the Master's Joy. Sometimes we live to please ourselves even though we are aware that what we are doing is not pleasing to God.

Let's search our heart and invest our time to discover what exactly is the Master's Joy.

Actually, we should simply ask God directly what is pleasing to Him. I'll be interested in learning how you prayed and what you heard from Him.

Rekindle Our Smoldering Fire Inside

Recently I led a bible study on 2 Tim Chapter 1. Here are the answers to a few raised questions, as well as a reminder to practice discipleship during the next few weeks:

(1) Symbol of the Fish - The fish symbol was created using the Greek letters which spell out ICTHUS : Jesus Christ God's Son Saviour. ICTHUS also means fish - so the fish symbol was used when the early church was being persecuted. This was a secret sign scratched on the walls of buildings or drawn on the floor in the sand, to tell people where a Christian meeting was being held. It is still frequently used today.

(2) Life of Paul - Paul was born in Tarsus around 4 AD, and died in Rome around 68 AD.

(3) Laying Hands - This concerns the right of ordination, which is an official ceremony of 'commissioning' a pastor or other officer of the church as an act by which the responsibility of an office is passed on to an individual, affirming that his/her spiritual gifts are a good fit for the office.

(4) Rediscovery of the Strength of Our Spiritual Gift - As Paul reminded Timothy to apply the strength of his gifts to overcome his timidity, we too have the power from the Holy Spirit to exercise our clear conscience and sincere faith in God. Let us think of 10 items that we can act on to disciple a spiritually younger Christian. Pick the 1st priority item, and act on it everyday for the entire week. Then pick the 2nd priority item for the next week, and so on. If we can do that, I guarantee that our love and faith will grow substantially. I have selected a discipleship target. Have you?

Come Before Winter

The City of Franklin of Indiana was where I first had a close encounter of the white stuff from heaven. Though the winter was cold, the feeling was all the more cozy and warm - like holding a cup of hot apple cider in your hands under the nose. God's love has been keeping my heart warm. He left His Heart in me, just as I left mine in Franklin. One of these days, I'll return to this little town of priceless memory. God was good.

A Taste for Peace on Dec 22

Feeling special - leaving no one alone

Feeling hopeful - receiving a sincere blessing

Feeling plentiful - enjoying a sumptuous dinner

Feeling peaceful - sensing Jesus in the room

This Peace Unto You - What more can we ask for?

2008 New Year Resolution

May the Holy Spirit rekindle the smoldering fire from within our heart during 2008.

Make it count.

Make it happen.

Amen.

Words of Peace

Law (Ps. 119:165) - 愛 你 律 法 的 人 有 大 平 安 ， 甚 麼 都 不 能 使 他 們 絆 腳 。

Security (Ps. 4:8) - 我 必 安 然 躺 下 睡 覺 ， 因 為 獨 有 你 ─ 耶 和 華 使 我 安 然 居 住 。

Contentment (Is. 26:3) - 堅 心 倚 賴 你 的 ， 你 必 保 守 他 十 分 平 安 ， 因 為 他 倚 靠 你 。

Prosperity (Ps. 122:6-7) - 你 們 要 為 耶 路 撒 冷 求 平 安 ！ 耶 路 撒 冷 啊 ， 愛 你 的 人 必 然 興 旺 ！ 願 你 城 中 平 安 ！ 願 你 宮 內 興 旺 ！

Civility (1 Sam. 7:14) - 非 利 士 人 所 取 以 色 列 人 的 城 邑 ， 從 以 革 倫 直 到 迦 特 ， 都 歸 以 色 列 人 了 。 屬 這 些 城 的 四 境 ， 以 色 列 人 也 從 非 利 士 人 手 下 收 回 。 那 時 以 色 列 人 與 亞 摩 利 人 和 好 。

Messiah (Is. 9:6-7) - 因 有 一 嬰 孩 為 我 們 而 生 ； 有 一 子 賜 給 我 們 。 政 權 必 擔 在 他 的 肩 頭 上 ； 他 名 稱 為 奇 妙 策 士 、 全 能 的 神 、 永 在 的 父 、 和 平 的 君 。 他 的 政 權 與 平 安 必 加 增 無 窮 。 他 必 在 大 衛 的 寶 座 上 治 理 他 的 國 ， 以 公 平 公 義 使 國 堅 定 穩 固 ， 從 今 直 到 永 遠 。 萬 軍 之 耶 和 華 的 熱 心 必 成 就 這 事 。

Blessing (Luke 2:14) - 在 至 高 之 處 榮 耀 歸 與 神 ！ 在 地 上 平 安 歸 與 他 所 喜 悅 的 人 。

Beattitude (Matt. 5:9) - 使 人 和 睦 的 人 有 福 了 ！ 因 為 他 們 必 稱 為 神 的 兒 子 。

Assurance (John 14:27) - 我 留 下 平 安 給 你 們 ； 我 將 我 的 平 安 賜 給 你 們 。 我 所 賜 的 ， 不 像 世 人 所 賜 的 。 你 們 心 裡 不 要 憂 愁 ， 也 不 要 膽 怯 。

Faith (Rom 5:1) - 我 們 既 因 信 稱 義 ， 就 藉 著 我 們 的 主 耶 穌 基 督 得 與 神 相 和 。

Peace Defined in the Bible

Peace is a word with different meanings in the bible.

In the Old Testament, peace means completeness, soundness, and well-being of the total person. This peace was considered God-given, obtained by following the Law (Ps. 119:165). Sometimes, peace had a physical meaning, suggesting security (Ps. 4:8), contentment (Is. 26:3), prosperity (Ps. 122:6-7) and the absence of war (1 Sam. 7:14). The traditional Jewish greeting, shalom, was a wish for peace.

In the New Testament, peace often refers to the inner tranquility and poise of the Christian whose trust is in God through Christ. This understanding was originally expressed in the Old Testament writings about the coming MESSIAH (Is. 9:6-7). The peace that Jesus Christ spoke of was a combination of hope, trust, and quiet in the mind and soul, brought about by a reconciliation with God. Such peace was proclaimed by the host of angels at Christ's birth (Luke 2:14), and by Christ Himself in His SERMON ON THE MOUNT (Matt. 5:9) and during His ministry. He also taught about this kind of peace at the Lord's Supper, shortly before His death (John 14:27).

The apostle Paul later wrote that such peace and spiritual blessedness was a direct result of faith in Christ (Rom 5:1).

(Source: Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Thomas Nelson Publishers, New York, P. 813)

Answer Time on Peace

[1] What in your mind defines peace?
Ans - Blessed assurance and the absence of conflicts.

[2] What aspect in your life would you need peace the most?
Ans - While things like personal relationship, work pressure, financial decisions could no doubt steal my joy and peace, I learned that God will eventually work things out for me. I simply trust and obey, and I shall do my best in the meantime.

[3] How would you live peacefully and sleep well?
Ans - I sleep well most of the time, as I learn to trust in Jesus, knowing that my life is always under God's perfect control. For instance, immediately after I survived a life-threatening auto-accident 15 years ago, I truly felt the tranquility and assurance in God's protection. I sensed that my life is not done yet on this earth. And God will take care of me with my best interest.

Thank You Lord

So I thank you Lord ...

I thank you Lord for Your GREAT LOVE !!!

The Unspeakable Gift of Peace

Some people give gifts because they don't need the items anymore, we call those gifts: unwanted gifts.

Some people give gifts to people they loved, we call those gifts: ordinary gift.

Some people give special gifts that require a lot of sacrifices, we call those gifts: extraordinary gifts.

But God has given man, a very special gift, the "unspeakable" gift of Peace, too wonderful to be phrased in words.

On Christmas, Baby Jesus was given to us, and He has brought us Peace with God - a reconciled life in eternity.

My Alma Mater, Franklin College

The front lawn of old Main Building is where I spent my first English 101 class at Franklin College of Indiana, my alma mater. Seems like yesterday, the smell of newly mowed grass and the warmth of beaming sun in early autumn are still fresh in my mind. I won't forget the dedicated effort of my English professor, Mrs. Kathy Carlson, who had tutored my broken English after class at her house. Miraculously, I improved my grade from D to A- by the end of my first semester. Without a doubt, I know God was behind all these good things. Thank you Lord!

Peace Exchange

Ever wonder if it is possible to package your peace in a bag? Wait no more this season. Let your imagination run wild to envelop a dose of peace in a gift wrap ... directly from the heart. Peace on Earth! Emmanuel!

Every Outreach Encounter is a New Project

Every time an outreach team encounters a new visitor, a new project is started. It takes warming hearts and steadfast attitudes to grow relationships. The secret ingredient is prayer. And God promised that He will be there wherever we gather in His name.

The Oracles of Prophet Isaiah

Prophet Isaiah was inspired with many oracles (literally means burden in Hebrew). How he prophesied and acted on them had indeed made history, unveiled through God's perfect plan.

Isaiah's oracles shout out centuries ago about God's
(1) Warnings - that none may listen despite his willing to be sent.
(2) Judgments - that nations near Judah cannot escape God's wrath.
(3) Promises - that the Messiah will bring salvation to all nations.

Thank God! These oracles were realized in His Son, Jesus. What a marvelous blessing to all mankind!

Be a Dreamer Who Thrives

Empty dreams just make noise.
Sound dreams live on and thrive.

The best ones are inspired by God.

Take time to dream, plan, and build with passion.

Recipe for a thriving life:
(1) Define your dream
(2) Develop your plan
(3) Track your progress
(4) Repeat

Be a Pioneer Who Tries

My tombstone shall read: "He Tried". Now go out and make it happen. May God show me what it is, should be, can be, will be, ...

Be a Leader Who Drives

Leaders take side and point to the direction towards the right thing. Never give up easily! When you quit a moment too soon, God will make a way.

Be a Teacher Who Guides

Discover your gifts by selfless giving. Whatever leaving your willing hands is indeed the hidden jewel lying deep in your heart for quite a while. Gifts are meant to be given.

Be a Christian Who Shines

Shine Jesus Shine ...

Bee-Inspired

BEE-losophy:

(1) Be a Dreamer who Thrives

(2) Be a Pioneer who Tries

(3) Be a Leader who Drives

(4) Be a Teacher who Guides

(5) Be a Christian who Shines