Dear...
See then you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the the will of Lord is.'
Ephesians 5:15-17
The finite us often looks for conclusions, based upon our flawed understanding. God looks for obedience from us, for His ways are perfect.
The days have always been evil since Adam abdicated his God given authority on Earth to the devil in exchange for an apple. However, my sense is that evil has become more intense, pervasive and blatant in its manifestation these past few years.
And interestingly, men today are even more enamored with the fruit of knowledge, as epitomized by the indispensability of the Apple related products in our daily lives.
'I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you.'
Ezekiel 36:26
Apostle Peter heeded the call of Christ and walked on water towards Him. But the rational man in him succumbed to the fears of the stormy waters, and almost led to his demise, if not for the saving grace of Christ's outstretched hands.
Like Peter, much as I know Christ, I often struggle with my carnal instinct to cling on and not let go and let Christ.
Why? It is because I am always looking beyond the next few steps, and I seek comfort in a quick conclusion to whatever woes I am going through. I want to be at the exit point of the dark maze I find myself in, rather than trust the light of the Holy Spirit's leading which is suffice for just the next small step, in this encapsulating darkness.
'When I sit in darkness. The Lord will be a light to me. I will bear the indignation of the Lord. Because I have sinned against Him. Until He pleads my case. And execute justice for me. He will bring me forth to the light; I will see His righteousness.'
Micah 7:8-9
I have been wrestling with our Lord over an issue these past few days. Troubled I am a little, overwhelmed I am not. Answers I have not but it is always a joy to experience how our Lord brings clarity in thought at His timing, when till recently the finite me was still wallowing in this seemingly intractable miasma. The only thing I did right was to stay in His presence always.
'What does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?
Micah 6:8
Often at the crossroads of our life, or when one is staring at a near insurmountable wall, the tendency is to use the burdensome scale of finite human rationality, which often ends in inconclusiveness, yet certain grief.
It is not how matters should conclude, but rather how do we conduct ourselves in the next small step that we can take. Have we honored God in our daily responses to what life throws at us?
Extrapolation most of us love to indulge in, much as it is an exercise in futility, for none can predict, and no angst can take away the reality that all are but one breadth away from eternity, be it damnation or heavenly bliss.
Micah 6:8 is a timely reminder from our Lord that He is Sovereign and we should entrust our all to Him. But there is a response that God expects from us, much as we rest in Him.
Which is, to let the world see Christ in us by the way we engage with them.
'To open blind eyes. To bring out prisoners from the prison. Those who sit in darkness from the prison house. I am the Lord, that is My name....'
Isaiah 42:7-8
Being a believer does not make you a Christian? A disciple of Christ has to be willing to follow His exemplary life as guided by the Holy Spirit. The knowledge that the bonds of death upon us has been removed still require a willingness to walk out of the unlocked prison doors of Satan's delusions, to live a transformed life in preparation for eternity in Heaven.
Shepherd Your people with Your staff.....As in the days when you came out of the land of Egypt, I will show them wonders.'
Micah 7:14-15
It is God Who brings about the increase, but He will use us who are willing to journey with and shepherd the sheep, as we work together not for, but on our salvation, that is given freely to all. For there is much to discover for the willing, as the Spirit of God stirs that desire in your very heart, to seek Him. And it is a journey of faith that God knows we should not walk alone, but in the company of like minded men and women of faith, united in their focus upon our Lord Jesus Christ, the Chief Shepherd and the gate to our Heavenly Father.
John performed no sign, but all the things that John spoke about (Jesus) were true.'
John 10:41
God blesses
Eng Hieang
9th Mar 2012
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