Heart to heart #62 Moving boldly forth (9th May 2013)

Dear...

And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel:for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed.
                    Genesis 32:28

"Jacob’s wrestling with God at the Jabbok that dark night reminds us of this truth: though we may fight God and His will for us, in truth, God is so very good. As believers in Christ, we may well struggle with Him through the loneliness of night, but by daybreak His blessing will come."
( http://www.gotquestions.org/Jacob-wrestling-with-God.html )

The above is an excerpt I found on the net. I suspect it applies to all of us.  This unwillingness to let go and let God. In easy times, we see no reason to let God. In times of discomfort, like a fish out of water, we forget that God is Sovereign. Yet experience has shown us that if we are determined to stay steadfastly thankful in His midst, and continue to honor Him regardless of our circumstances,  God will bring us out of the darkness into the green pastures. One often wonder why it took us so long to fathom and live out this truth. And worse, why do we often wander off from this truth, the moment troubles befall us again.

And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?
                Mark 4:40

God has given me this admonishment more twice in the past couple of weeks.  How is it possible for a man who knows and have experienced His grace oft enough to continue to wallow in doubt?  Moving out of my comfort zone is never easy,  but  I know and should draw comfort that I am following His will.
Is it because the forces arrayed against me are the much more potent devil and its cohorts?
And not forgetting the enemy from within. My mind that is self deceiving, being subservient to the deceitful devil ever since Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit. But I need not draw upon my own strength, for God is with me.

Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established.
                  Proverbs 16:3

The carnal man draws on his own understanding. The spirit man of God diligently waits in the presence of God, for our Lord to show him His will. And he moves forth boldly as led, yet always mindful of the need to be holy, for God is holy. And he seeks not the conclusion, but rather to be desirous to be obedient as the Spirit of God leads.

A man's heart deviseth his way; But Jehovah directeth his steps.
                  Proverbs 16:9

The carnal man looks at all issues from the perspective of the "what is in it for me?"
The spirit man of God seeks to follow the will of God.
The carnal man seeks the temporal peace as the world defines it. The spirit man is imbued with the sanctifying peace from the Spirit of God residing in our hearts,  that is independent of all circumstances.

Fear, pride, greed, selfishness and the whole works or warts are the natural consequence of ungodly behavior. In contrast, peace, joy and blessings follow the child if God, he follows His will.

But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord.
These are the generations of Noah:Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God.
                 Genesis 6:8-9

We cannot control our circumstances. But our hearts must be determined that God should be our source of strength and comfort. We cannot control the malfeasance behavior of others, but we can let the Spirit of God transform us.
This evening, I can finally move forth, for like Jacob, I want to stop wrestling with God, and by His grace, our good Lord has now helped me move forth, for it is not for me to lead Him, but rather, it is for me to follow.

A man's heart deviseth his way; But Jehovah directeth his steps.
                   Proverbs 16:9

"Stop questioning, and start following." This command from our good Lord a decade ago that night in Bangkok, when He brought me forth resonates very much in my heart this moment. How easy for one to forget. Life issues should not be about the "what ifs if it does not turn our right, Lord?  but rather, it should be about "why not go forth, when God calls.
For we not just look to Him, but like the disciples who had Christ in the boat with them, today, His Spirit resides in our hearts. And turning our eyes to God is less about our senses, but our hearts being fixed on His Spirit in residence in us.

And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us:we perish. And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.
                       Matthew 8:25-26

Matthew 14:28-29
And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.


God blesses

Eng Hieang
9 May 2013

An affirmation
This morning, our Lord woke me at 6am, and His Spirit convicted me of this truth. How can I be troubled when I believe in Him and Christ? His Spirit resides in us the believers is like Christ in the boat with the disciples. No storms can shake the Rock we are anchored upon.

And indeed, we keep looking everywhere for the peace that the world promises, but that is impermanent. The peace that God gives us is the sanctification of His indwelling spirit in us. Turn our eyes not from Him. It is not our natural eye, for that is looking at the delusions of Satan's world. But rather, our hearts, the 'eyes' which God by His grace has lifted the blindness. No storms can penetrate this inner sanctum upon which the spirit of God resides

Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily:
and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the Lord shall be thy rereward.
                       Isaiah 58:8

With this enlightenment, it is time to move from wrestling with God to moving forth in joyful victory, for God will bless us.

For the present series, "Heart to heart" was birthed at the onset of God’s grace in extending my life, much as I had a physical heart issue. But interestingly, through the 62 meanderings of this series, it was more of a struggle of the spiritual heart. Today, at #62 Moving forth, God has set right my spiritual heart, (just like He had brought about healing to my physical heart) and like Jacob, it is time to move forth in total surrender to our Lord, and in daily victory in His name.

“Lightness of being, “ this will be the new series #8 of my continued journey with our Lord. May it be more than an encouragement, but a call to Christians to move forth boldly to the truth that victory has already been won on the cross, and it is time to prepare to be ready for the return of our Lord Jesus Christ.

‘Light in a messenger’s eyes brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones.’

                        Proverbs 15:30

Series #1 My walk with the Lord (http://hieang.blogspot.com)

Series #2 Running the race
(http://hieang.blogspot.sg/)

Series #3 Reflections for the moment (http://hieang.blogspot.sg/)

Series#4 In Spirit and Truth ( http://john-4-23-24.blogspot.sg/)

Series #5 Sunday Snippets (http://sundaysnippets.blogspot.sg/)

Series #6 Footprints in the sand( http://eng-hieang.blogspot.sg/2012/02/footprints-in-sand1-down-tofu-lane-4th.html)

Series #7 Heart to heart  (http:eng-hieang.blogspot.com)

Heart to heart #61 Ten years on (28th April 2013)

Dear....

Help, Lord; for the godly man ceaseth; for the faithful fail from among the children of men.
                     Psalms 12:1

The wicked walk on every side, when the vilest men are exalted.
                     Psalms 12:8

"Let things evolve," that was the guiding principle our present Prime Minister used when asked about the issue of societal standards as regards same sex marriage and all its paraphernalia. If one was to pay attention to the news, both globally and locally, clearly there is an ongoing concerted effort on the part of the proponents of the alternative lifestyle to bring that evolution their way.  And earthquake prone New Zealand not just joined the increasing ranks of countries legalizing same sex marriage, but took the dishonor of being the first country in Asia Pacific to do so.

Who have said, With our tongue will we prevail; our lips are our own:who is lord over us?
                     Psalms 12:4

"Tyranny of the minority."  Will  our society suffer the same fate as that of mainstream America and much of the Western world? Where being neutral to the rights demanded by the LGBT is increasingly taken to be unconscionable, and any differing views from that propagated by them is deemed to be discriminatory and could possibly cost you your job, your safety and your peace and being litigated against.

Toilets in UK are increasingly unisex, because transgender complained vociferously about being discriminated by the traditional male/female segregation. Would an exhibitionist have the same basis to demand the removal of all cubicles in the toilets? What about the rights of more modest genuine females?

Today, beauty pageants  must accept transgender as contestants. The legal precedent was set in Canada. Should not an ape now go to the same court to demand participation rights by virtue of Darwin's theory of evolution.

Ludicrous this thought of mine. But increasingly, through the clever  use of semantics, seemingly rational but warped logic, and strategically placed sympathizers,the determined proponents of an alternative lifestyle are steamrolling across societal norms.
Credit must be given where it is due, and one cannot fault them for their strength of belief in their way of life and their cohesiveness and determination to jostle for space within a pluralistic society.

But before they lay down, the men of the city, even the men of Sodom, compassed the house round, both old and young, all the people from every quarter: And they called unto Lot, and said unto him, Where are the men which came in to thee this night? bring them out unto us, that we may know them.
                      Genesis 19:4-5

The utopian dream would be where society has a place for everyone to live out their individuality, yet be in harmony. Reality is, man are in the main rarely contented with their lot, and the urge is to encroach on thy neighbor. The proponents of same sex marriage in the Western world are increasingly pushing for not just the right to be married in the civil courts, but to solemnize their union in Church. Will the law be used to trample upon the rights of Christians within their own space?

Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit:for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.
               2 Corinthians 3:6

Should we push back? Yes but not by our way but God's way.
To seek God with our all and to love our neighbors as much as ourselves.
We cannot agree with the pink tide but we must learn to love them, for they are also the children of God. How is it possible?

These things have I written unto you concerning them that would lead you astray. And as for you, the anointing which ye received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any one teach you; but as his anointing teacheth you; concerning all things, and is true, and is no lie, and even as it taught you, ye abide in him.
                1 John 2:26-27

The only way  is to turn to God. For Christ when he was tempted by the devil, drew upon not just the word of God, but his deep familiarity with His Father, to overcome Satan's delusions. Today, as children of God, we must do the same when dealing with deceit. A lie does not stick when we live in truth.

Who will rise up for me against the evildoers?
or who will stand up for me against the workers of iniquity?
            Psalms 94:16

Ten years on, it is likely Singapore will go the way of America. Pink will permeate mainstream society. It is not just because the lovers of carnality has pointed all their big guns upon our little red dot, for the stakes are high given our ordained call to be the Antioch of the East. But if we as a society continue to be enamored with our God given provisions, rather than be with God our Provider. Divorces are on the rise  and even where the family unit is maintained,  it is increasingly dysfunctional. Our children are taught more the ways of the world, than the will of God.

Is an alternative lifestyle in reality due less to one's genes but rather, is a conscious choice, a direct result of the failure of the traditional family to live out her role as intended by God? Seeking solace from rejection, be it due to dysfunctional family where love is lacking, one looks for substitutes.

O God, how long shall the adversary reproach?
shall the enemy blaspheme thy name for ever?
                   Psalms 74:10

But despair not. There is truly a Divine God, Who will intervene to save us from ourselves. For God's purpose for Singapore to be used to minister to the rest of Asia must be fulfilled.
Will we voluntarily repent and turn to Him now, or would we rather face His corrective wrath? Lately, we read of testimonies of men of material success whose priority changed when faced with terminal illnesses. God can use you mightily on your very last breath, but will it not be better when the hourglass of one's life is still quite full?

The church is the body of Christ who are willing to follow the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ and be led by the Holy Spirit. In the increasingly deceptive world of ours, the 'church' can also be an embodiment of the followers of the devil, who mouth Christ, but whose hearts are aligned with the ways of the devil. Are they now in our midst?

'Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord. And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.'
         Malachi 4:5-6

The pink tide will dissipate only if we individually and collectively as children of God are willing to turn to Him and be purified into literal white. Pink comes from mixing red with white. The purity of man is now tainted by the carnality of lustful red, angry red. Families are dysfunctional, leading to a fertile pool of unloved recruits  who are susceptible to the arguments of the pink proponents who proffer love or rather lusts?

In closing, it is important to remind ourselves that the victory has been won with the resurrected Christ. The machinations of the devil and its followers cannot change this reality. However, it matters to you personally for how you choose to live your life will determine which eternity you will end up in - be it eternal bliss in Heaven or eternal damnation with the red devil.


God blesses

Eng Hieang
28th April  2013

This sharing was written in Jan 2013. Was not sure if I should share it for am I speaking from a biased stance or am one speaking as led by the Holy Spirit and was it written with love or judgement?
But with the recent article in Yahoo Singapore  on the Appeal by the gay couple against the High Court ruling which had an interesting quote as below, I felt led that it is time to share these thoughts.
Do take time to ponder upon what is truly from God, and what is from man, no matter his/her perceived anointing.

"Former Bishop of the Methodist Church in Singapore and Malaysia, Reverend Yap Kim Hao(  http://www.freecomchurch.org/) said he also hopes the Christian community will be more inclusive.

“The official teaching of the Methodist Church in Singapore did not declare homosexuality a sin until 2002, and the interpretation of the bible is always personally directed, time bound, historically determined and culturally conditioned… In light of Kenneth and Gary’s decision to appeal, I hope that moving forward, the christian community will focus on love, compassion, understanding and harmony instead of hate, condemnation, contradictions and conflicts as we strive to live in unity in spite of our diversity.”

28th April 2013

Heart to heart #60 Walking in victory (20th April 2013)

Dear....

And Enoch walked with God:and he was not; for God took him.
               Genesis 5:24

Is death such a fearful proposition for most of us? Is dying the inevitable  route that all have to take?
Enoch not just lived a long life but he never experienced  mortal death, for God whisked him away. Prophet Elijah experienced the same privilege(2 Kings 2:11)

Verily I say unto you, There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom.
                 Matthew 16:28

And we the faithful can and will experience the same should the Heavens herald the return of our Lord Jesus Christ now, for we will be lifted up to the Heavens.
Death, or rather the fear of death still has a grip on me, albeit it has loosened tremendously.
Is it because one is afraid of what comes after? But it should not be for we know eternity awaits the faithful.

For ye died, and your life is hid with Christ in God.
               Colossians 3:3

Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
              Colossians 3:2

Or is it because one cannot let go of the temporal treasures of this finite world?
Much as we live in an increasingly sinful world, there still exist good things worth treasuring, be it family and friends.

In the day of prosperity be joyful, but in the day of adversity consider:God also hath set the one over against the other, to the end that man should find nothing after him.
                  Ecclesiastes 7:14

Should we succumb to despair and become disgruntled with God when circumstances do not go our way? Or should we stay not just steadfast, but move even more boldly to be like Christ, holding on to the knowledge and belief that God's way are not just better than our way, but it is the only way?

That they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God,
but keep his commandments:
               Psalms 78:7

In my moment of despair that one night in Bangkok, the Spirit of God convicted me of my sin. The question posed to me was an indictment. Why did I always thank God after the fact, but never before? He has always provided. Would I not trust and obey now rather than do so only when matters conclude? "Stop questioning, and start following," and indeed since that defining moment in Bangkok, my heart somehow has that "little extra oomph," by His grace, that has continued to sustain my resoluteness to seek our Lord with my all.

In the day when I cried thou answeredst me, and strengthenedst me with strength in my soul.
                    Psalms 138:3

Straggler I no longer am, for I know I rest in our Lord. But strutting like a confident handsome cockerel I am neither. The victory lap has been laid out by our risen Christ, but often when the storms buffet me, my knees go a little bend, and my steps of faith turns tentative. Why can't I walk boldly but humbly in victory with Christ every moment of my life?
For clearly God has already laid a path of victory for us the faithful!!

' Let not your heart be troubled:ye believe in God, believe also in me.'
                  John 14:1

There are times when God speaks aloud to us the very thoughts that we had believe was only privy to us. The Spirit of God residing in us indeed searches our hearts and make supplications to the Lord our God. God knew I was a little troubled and He literally spoke to me in John 14:1. How can our faith not grow in a Sovereign and omnipresent loving Father Who knows the thoughts hidden in our inner sanctum? And God not just assures, He clarifies, affirms and bring us forth.

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you:not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
                    John 14:27

We the carnal man seek the conclusions that will provide temporary relief. God gives us the peace that is beyond our imperfect understanding, and peace that has a permanence regardless of our circumstances.
Only with this Spirit filled peace can we walk the highway of holiness, where no evil can throw asunder. Are you willing to let go and let Him?

'...all the days ordained for me were written in your Book before one of the came to be.'
                     Psalm 139:16

And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness;
the unclean shall not pass over it; .......But the redeemed shall walk there.'
                   Isaiah 35:8-9

God blesses

Eng Hieang
20th April 2013

Heart to heart #59 What is faith?? (6th April 2013)

Dear...

Mark 14:36
And he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me:nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt.

If you read the Bible, you will be familiar with this poignant moment in the Garden of Gethsemane. Does it not strike a familiar chord for all of us? Maybe even more for those of us who are going through a present struggle in our lives.
Christ took on the form of man yet from the verse above, there were two distinct differences from us, the seed of the sinful first man, Adam.
- Christ knew God's will
- Christ was willing to submit to the will of God.

The Bible declares "faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things unseen."
From the context of most of us, faith  is taken to mean the clinging on to the hope of fulfilling our wishes, much as matters are not going our way.
Prayers and supplications are often made with our will in mind, and God is a convenient "genie in the lamp."
Is it no surprise that our prayers are not always answered? And even if they were, the joy is fleeting and God is quickly forgotten!
And  prayer life for most is either a wish list asked in a tentative manner, for we are not too sure if God hears us and we are quite unwilling to dig more deeply into the spring of life, Christ our Lord.  Or for some, the belief is faith equates claiming boldly God's list of goodies as prescribed in the Bible, with the expectation of immediate gratification and no responsibility on our part.  Is God also Santa? Would us Earthly parents who love our children give them everything they whined for?

What does "faith" truly mean for  the spirit man and woman of God?

I am crucified with Christ:nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me:and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
            Galatians 2:20

In this fallen world, like the virulent cancer cells, troubles multiply and regenerate. Man desires the resolution of their troubles, and in our prayers and supplications with our Lord, we limit Him to our will, not His. But who are we to direct our Creator? The carnal man desires conclusion, God wants our obedience.

Faith is about knowing the will of God.
Faith comes from God, for knowledge of His will comes from Him.
Being faithful is about staying true to what God has shown us, holding on to the belief that His words to us will be fulfilled, much as events and circumstances seem to point otherwise.

Victory for the spirit man of God  is not measured by looking from the outside, but it is from the inside, from a submissive heart that believes that God is Sovereign. And that much as troubles might abound, and that we see no conclusions our way, we not only can remain joyfully steadfast in our Lord, but move forth with the deep assurance that we will and can honor God in every way, for His light will smother the darkness His way, His timing.

For troubles are the platform which best illuminates the victory of the Risen Christ. But will we be the sturdy lamps upon which His light shines forth, in the midst of the turbulent storms?

Christ had faith, for he knew the plans of God. But he still struggled at Gethsemane but in the end, he stayed faithful, for he let go and let God.
What about the other men of great faith. Abraham, Moses? They had faith, for God spoke to them about His will. They too struggled to be faithful,  though in both cases, God divinely intervened to bring them forth.

Can we have faith, ie knowledge of the will of God. Yes, if we are willing to seek God with our all. He will draw near to us and His Spirit will imbue upon our hearts, an understanding of His will.
But we are finite, and we struggle against principalities. Can we be faithful, ie be willing to submit to the will of God?
God knows our limits. He will divinely provide for a heart that seeks after Him.

Let me conclude with this testimony of my latest epiphany moment.

Both a wandering eye as well as a wondering heart I have. It is only through the God given discipline of coming unto the presence of our Lord, that by His grace, my wandering heart is often realigned back into focus upon Christ the author and finisher of our faith.
And just this evening, I had the opportunity to experience this truth. The internet is like the biblical Tree of Knowledge. Lurking in its midst are temptations than can spring on one unexpectedly and ensnare one into sin. Reading the news on Israel has become a habit for me. Never did I expect to be drawn into lust from the most unexpected source. My spirit was willing but my flesh was weak. I did flee from temptation like Joseph with Potiphar's wife, though I must admit it was a struggle. But God is good. Much as He allows me to be tempted, He knows my limits and He divinely provided a way out.

To look away from temptation also requires us to look to God, then can we overcome the nagging but sure pull of the siren, tugging at our carnal man.
Not too sure how it came about, but staring at me in my Ipad was no longer the Israelite temptress, but instead was a video of a sermon by the late David Collins, the son of my spiritual mentors, Paul and Bunty. And the topic was on "becoming an overcomer." Glad that God once again intervened where my finite man cannot overcome this spiritual attack, and to boot, God sent to my rescue, a man who died in the body back in 2007, but is very alive in the spirit.

Deuteronomy 30:20
to love Jehovah thy God, to obey his voice, and to cleave unto him; for he is thy life, and the length of thy days; that thou mayest dwell in the land which Jehovah sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them.

And much as God took me away from creeping sin, He also enlightened me on a very fundamental spiritual truth that I have completely missed, in the midst of my struggle these past 6 months.
The carnal world( including many Christians measures success and happiness by worldly parameters. We, who are more than believers, being determined followers of our Lord Jesus Christ, like to think we are different, but reality is, we have fallen short as well. At least I know I still struggle with the fear of failure and pride,  much as I know God Who has clearly called me into this new ministry has and will provide. The fact that God is Sovereign and omnipresent, and victory has been won on the cross seems to hold little comfort for me, until I get the conclusion I like.

Ecclesiastes 3:11-12
He hath made everything beautiful in its time:also he hath set eternity in their heart, yet so that man cannot find out the work that God hath done from the beginning even to the end. I know that there is nothing better for them, than to rejoice, and to do good so long as they live.

Why this unbelief?  It is because I am still looking for conclusions my way,  when God desires only my obedience. I have foolishly defined success as based upon my  finite understanding, setting the boundaries for God to follow. Foolish indeed we are, for God's way are more amazing that when we finally let go and let Him, we will experience His precise ways, and cannot but wonder in awe at His wisdom and our foolishness in not following His Spirit's leading.

Indeed, it is imperative to start the day with the knowledge that God is Sovereign in all matters. Acknowledge that truth in our every moment throughout the day, no matter what the world throws at us. And close the day reflecting with a thankful heart, the truth of God's omnipresence and empowering grace that has been suffice for us for today.

Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter:Fear God, and keep his commandments:for this is the whole duty of man.
                     Ecclesiastes 12:13

God blesses

Eng Hieang
6th April 2013

Heart to heart #58 A Chinese Ghost Story (26th Mar 2013)

Dear....

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
                  Ephesians 6:12

A "third eye, " the supposedly gift some are endowed with to see beyond the natural to the supernatural realm. A friend with that purported gift, once said that a walk in the cemetery at night  is quite an eye opener for her. Not necessarily Orchard Rd but fairly robust crowd of specters. And come to think about it, the stretch of Orchard Rd, where Ngee Ann City sits on used to be a cemetery.

For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God:and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
                  1 Thessalonians 4:16

If my understanding is correct, upon death, our bodily shell return to dust, but our spirit, at least for the faithful, lies in abeyance till Christ returns. If this is true, there should be no wandering dead contrary to popular misconception. For the non believing spirit, they would be led to hell, to await judgement??

That the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and they took them wives of all which they chose.
                  Genesis 6:2

There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare children to them, the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown.
                      Genesis 6:4

Ghost of the deceased there isn't but fallen angels there are aplenty, masquerading in whatever form that will feed upon our fears or desires, with the intent that you will lose your soul by following the evil one. Are they nephilims, the offsprings of fallen angels?

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil:for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
                  Psalms 23:4

Today's newspaper had a testimony by a lady about her return from death. Brain dead, saved for the life support machines,she came out of her coma after 36 hours. She in all probability, had the devil or its cohorts visited her in her subconscious, wanting her to surrender her soul.
But by the faithfulness of God, she was miraculously healed.

Coincidental or not, this was the second testimony of resurrection I encountered in the last one week. I make a new acquaintance last week who powerfully testified about her hubby's coming out of being clinically diagnosed as dead on the seventh day of his coma.

Saying, The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon.
              Luke 24:34

Is this the flavor of the month, given that we are fast approaching Good Friday( the death of Christ on the cross) and Easter Sunday ( the resurrected Christ)?
The natural man find it unfathomable such resurrections can occur. Yet, what the Bible has documented is increasingly being played out in our modern times of rationality.

Death is a finality that is inevitable where many do not want to think about.
I remember the testimony of a friend whose father was in the throes of a life threatening situation. When he came out of it, he told my prayerful friend of sinister creatures of Hades wanting to bring him to the darkness of hell. But thanks be to God, a figure in glorious white appeared and saved him. And that was when he awaken. The friend's father has since died but he accepted the saving grace of our Lord.

I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell:God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven. And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell:God knoweth;) How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.
                    2 Corinthians 12:2-4

Juxtaposed next to our natural world is the spiritual realm. Most of us are not cognizant of the latter's existence and continue to live in the delusion of the present world, whose authority God gave to man, but Adam surrendered to the devil.
Would we only experience the truth of this battle for our souls between the forces of good versus the dark elements, when our souls are at risk?

And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul:but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
                    Matthew 10:28

A dear friend shared about her encounter with the spirits of darkness in her hotel room last week. But thanks be to God, prayers brought her into the presence of God, Who shelters us from the evil one.
A coward I am. I am no fan of the paranormal, but have had the "privilege" of experiencing the ominous oppressive presence of the evil one. This was during my army days, and for a period of 2-3 weeks, was pressed by an unseen but oppressive presence upon my being every night at about 9pm  in my bunk. One literally could not move nor scream out. Some would say it is probably one's constricted blood flow, but truth is, only in calling upon Christ, much as I was not much of a Christian then, was I able to break free from the unseen but very real evil presence.

Every day, we are subjected to the pounding of spiritual forces of evil. But we rarely think in that context. For emotions of anger, greed, lusts, pride, envy, fear, impatience and the whole litany of non Christlikeness, we look and deal with them from the context of the carnal man, rather than the spirit man.
But as our hearts are transformed, our minds renewed, the hold the devil has on us loosens, and our frustrated Lucifer start to put aside the niceties and instead manifest his true ugly self. It is not a non choice like the proverbial devil and deep blue sea,  but rest assured one will run very quickly to our Sovereign God, when the devil manifests itself to you, warts and all.

Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.'
                James 4:7-8

Turn to God, this is the compelling theme of the Bible. Only in staying in the presence of God, will we be imbued with this willingness to submit to Him. And only then can we overcome the evil one. Only then can we truly be both at peace and joyful, come what may, no matter the arrows that Satan shoots in our direction. For we know The Lord is our shield and strength, and we know He is Sovereign, and learn to look at all situations from His perspective.

Wilt thou shew wonders to the dead? shall the dead arise and praise thee? Selah.
                  Psalms 88:10

Not all will be privileged to know Christ so deeply by coming back from the dead. But if we are willing to let go and let God in our daily living, we are indeed living out the resurrection in the spirit. And then can we understand that the day is indeed evil, but the grace of our Great God is indeed suffice for the day. And victory has been won on the resurrected cross, for which Christians not just commemorate but celebrate this biblical truth, come this Easter.

God blesses

Eng Hieang
26th  Mar 2013

An afternote
As I was in the pool tonight as the solitary swimmer, as I pondered upon the logic of this message, and if it is truly our Lord's will, I smelt a distinct whiff of burning joss paper for a third of my last lap. Not sure where it came from, but this was the same smell that filled my side of the bed many years back in my previous abode. That was the time I had this persistent drone in my left ear, which left me as my small group members sang the song "He healeths me." As I went to bed, exhilarated with God's healing grace, I felt a slight giddiness, just as the distinct incense of burning joss paper whiff past me.
Most of us gets the chill when we sense an evil presence. Not too sure how many smell joss paper burning where none was in sight. But matters not, God is with us, and indeed He is our Sovereign God.
And what about "A Chinese Ghost story?" Just a title I felt led to use. The main actor, Leslie Cheung died a tragic death, but that is another story.

Heart to heart#57 Regress to progress (17th Mar 2013)

Dear....

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
                 Ecclesiastes 3:1

A season of change, I am in the midst of. And one would have thought that it will be a logical expansion of the wonderful works of service that God has placed me in these past decade or more. But truth is, I seemed to have regressed rather than progressed in His service.

Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness.
                Psalms 143:10

For a start, the flexibility of my day hours are more curtailed, by virtue that unlike my days of self employment, being on the payroll now entails a responsibility to ensure my time used is reflective of the trust and remuneration of my present employer. Day time ministry, a mainstay of my spiritual life is no longer tenable?

And not sure if it is age or the greater demands of building a new business, that my energy level is more easily sapped, and my vigor for extra curricular endeavors outside office hours is severely curtailed. I seem to find on weekends, greater thrill in lying longer on the bed, than be up and running in the early dawn to participate in the various man's Christian activities. And my studying the Word of God in the evenings, a good practice of the past decade, now seems the easiest way for me to fall into restful slumber. God understands and thankfully, He awakens me an hour earlier than normal, at 5.45am on the dot, for me to spend time to commiserate with Him.

He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the Lord; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.
              Proverbs 19:17

And on giving, I have reorganized  the basis for funding the sharing of our Lord's blessings
Will it lead to less distribution and to more accumulation? Invest in the lives of others, this is the mantra I have faithfully followed this past decade, though not always without some personal pain for the natural man in us is selfish. For giving selflessly goes against the very grain of all of us. Why this change now? Prayerfully, the sense that now is the time for me to build the resources to be ready to receive the transfer of wealth that will come my way is truly from The Lord, and not the machinations of my delusive mind. Question is, would receiving become my end all, or will I be mindful that God will have a greater purpose and will I respond in obedience to release the storehouses even more fully when He calls?

Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust:
cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee.
               Psalms 143:8

"Regress to progress," is this truly the way forward at this juncture of my journey with You Lord?

"Equestrian, " the art of horse riding, an Olympic sport.
"Sequestration," legal procedure in which automatic budget cuts are imposed on spending by the United States Government, as a futile means to balance the budget. Fewer of us have heard of this term, though it is now in motion.
It is quite ludicrous to witness a superpower regress to this state of incapacity, with its implications on the global economy if this game of bluff between the Republicans and the Democrats goes awry. But interestingly, President Obama and his UK sidekick, Prime Minister Cameron seem to be more adroit at pushing through same sex marriages.

There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.
                    Proverbs 14:12

Progress towards carnality, the days of Sodom and Gomorrah are closer to moving to mainstream life. The Western colonials were instruments for the gospel in the past. Today, paradoxically, they are fast becoming conduits for the propagation of non Godly  human relationships, as the Brits and French, soon to be joined by USA, pushed for gay rights across the globe,  as part of their foreign policy.

I am the Lord, and there is none else, there is no God beside me:
I girded thee, though thou hast not known me:
               Isaiah 45:5

Many of us, Christians included, sail through life without giving much thought to the omnipresent God. God is patient for He wants all to be saved, if we are willing.
But there will come a time when Christ will return and judgement day commences.
The increasingly degenerative world is the sign of progress towards this day.
Till the very last, God will still want to shake us out of our stupor as the disobedient hurtle down the self destructive route.

We are in unusual times. The subprime crisis is one such manifestation. Anarchy and xenophobia  in once civilized Europe is brewing over. The war of the generations in the States, as the pensioners square off with the younger population over underfunded social benefits, this according to the well known and one of the most successful hedge fund manager Stan Druckenmiller, is a bomb waiting to explode.

There are many devices in a man's heart;
nevertheless the counsel of the Lord, that shall stand.
               Proverbs 19:21

Such non normal times requires a bold response from the faithful. And while total reliance on the Holy Spirit remains indisputable, the response that God will show us need not necessary be in the form of the proven path. Do take time in His presence, for He will lead you, His way.

Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.
                Romans 3:28

Much as we know the Biblical principles, to rely on our own strengths to move forth  is nay impossible. For we are up against principalities and forces that are much stronger than us. Our strength will come from the infilling of the Holy Spirit. But a willingness to come unto and stay in the presence of God has to come from us, for us to to be imbued with the faith, the power of the living word of God.
We cannot overcome the world by our own strength, but we can submit to God, for the victory of the cross is with Him.

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
                     Romans 8:28

Come 1st April and I will have completed 6 months in this new endeavor our good Lord has placed me. Indeed He has blessed me with enough to be effective, yet not enough to be prideful. And in this period, God has brought me to meeting new people and new experiences that I would never have, if I had stayed within my comfort zone of my old employ. Just yesterday late morning, I was at Geylang, right at the most vibrant spot where the sex trade is conducted. I was there for a good reason, viewing rather than using a hotel that was for sale. Been eons since I find myself in such colorful surrounds. The last time was when I was 18, conducting a survey on the residents in another red light district, Desker and Johore Road. Ministry is where our good Lord places us, He is constant, but is our heart steadfast, much as our circumstances changes?

With God, the only certainty is His faithfulness, that is the only expectation that we should come to Him with, as we open our hearts to receive His presence and follow His leading.

For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the Lord.
                 Proverbs 8:35

God blesses

Eng Hieang
16th Mar 2013

#56 Heart to heart Knowing You, knowing me (4 mar 2013)

Dear...

Who remembered us in our low estate: for his mercy endureth for ever:
               Psalms 136:23

ABBA the iconic Swedish pop group of my youth released this hit "Knowing you, knowing me," in 1977.  The lyrics described the sadness yet the necessity of the breakup of a relationship gone awry.
Fast forward to our internet savvy generation, one no longer need to go through the tedium of penning a song to end a relationship. Facebook, Twitter, Linkelin, Youtube or any of the whole array of platforms can be availed.

I am the Lord, and there is none else, there is no God beside me:
I girded thee, though thou hast not known me:
               Isaiah 45:5

Charles Spurgeon, the faithful communicator of the gospel, he writes brilliantly, speaks at great length, and often, I struggle to understand his sermons, which can and do last hours.
While not in the same league, am I equally guilty in not providing clarity in my thoughts and simplicity in my language, that many of you who read some of my regular meanderings, struggle to follow?

What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?
               Psalms 8:4

What about our Sovereign God? He is not just omnipresent, but is definitely in a much better position to enable all to know Him as our Father intimately and in all clarity. But it is not happening!

Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief
               Hebrews 4:11

In the carnal world, we look at the gifts and talents of a man, as a measure of his worth. In the Kingdom of God, He looks at our hearts, a heart that is willing to seek Him with our all.
The natural man believe only when their senses could process, analyse and made a judgment on the evidence.
The spirit man of God is convicted by the Spirit of God. For faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things unseen.

That they may know from the rising of the sun, and from the west,
that there is none beside me. I am the Lord, and there is none else.
                Isaiah 45:6

How is it possible to have faith in someone who is not seen? This goes against the very nature of the carnal man, which all of us are, since Adam and Eve took the forbidden fruit of knowledge.

Happy is the people that is in such a case; Yea, happy is the people whose God is Jehovah.
              Psalms 144:15

Faith comes from God, and we can only receive it by letting go of our innate desire to decide, and instead to let God, by coming wholeheartedly unto His presence. And to experience His sanctifying presence upon our hearts, this indescribable peace and joy beyond understanding. You will know God.

For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
          Hebrews 4:12

Much as I believe that the thoughts I penned are truly God breathed, it will clarify and convict your heart as the Spirit of God so decides. But a responsive preparation is needed from all who seek to understand and grow in the faith. Taking time to live out your faith is not about attending church once a Sunday. Rather, it is about entering into a covenant with Him, to seek Him with your all. And that will entail a diligent immersion in His presence, be it in prayers, praise, words and works.
If at this very moment, by His grace, you finally not just understood but feel convicted to make that response, do open your hearts to the Spirit of God.

Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts.
                Hebrews  4:7

And some might lean on the notion that even if they can "hear" God, He does not seem to hear us. But Christ has proclaimed God always hear us. And He hears our prayers, but was it asked in His will?

And I knew that thou hearest me always:but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me.
               John 11:42

God blesses

Eng Hieang
4th Mar 2013

An after note : Double confirmed

Singlish, this term "double confirmed," but it conveys its intent quite well.
Next to my office, construction has just started on the new SBF Building. At the back of my building, another construction has been ongoing for the past one year. Not a pretty sight, much as the billboard showing the visualized completed building is quite impressive.

I am also in the midst of constructing a banking model  God's way. It will be a blessing, but it is far from easy nor is it a pretty sight at the moment, but necessarily that way. God hears my struggles and He assures.  Daniel 10:12 was what I read in my Hardcopy Bible, and as I opened my IPad version to look for the same verse to put into this closing thoughts, there it was, nicely tagged by our good Lord as if waiting patiently for my expected appearance.

God knows us and is there for us always, the moment our hearts are determined to seek Him.

Daniel 10:12
Then said he unto me, Fear not, Daniel:for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand, and to chasten thyself before thy God, thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words.