27 Sep 2014; Mat 25
And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’
(Matthew 25:40 ESV)
Jesus is physically not with us. But the people are. Jesus sees the things that we do, the people don't. So it is the little that these people see that reflect the glory of God.
Therefore remember the blessings that the lord has on us. Use the blessings for the extension of the kingdom.
My problem is about relating and maintaining a good relationship with them.
Saturday, September 27, 2014
Tuesday, September 23, 2014
23 Sep 2014; Mat 25
23 Sep 2014; Mat 25
The parables of the ten virgins and the parable of the talents.
It is about be ready for the coming of Christ and the resources that we have for the return of the master.
This was spoken some 2 thousands years year. I am already past my half life and it really does not matter what will haven in another 50 years, if Christ does not come within these 50 years, I will be returning to haven.
But are we ready for haven? First is the preparedness. In the days of Noah, before the flood and even when the rain come, the people are still eating and merrymaking. In the same situation, are the work stress, the worry of making money, the seeking of pleasures .. are these making us too caught up? making me too off track and like the plants who grew but get choke by the surrounding weeds? Be ready.
The talents - the what we have that are first given are meant to be invested. I asked if the parable of the talents is teach in such a way that the first guy who received ten talents, invested the talents but lost the talents and incurred a debt of another ten talents. But the point that Jesus is making is that in the first place the talents are given and the master expect these talents to be invested. To the servant who did that - good and faithful servant be it a return of ten or five. So it is not the amount that matter, but the intend of using the given talents and maximizing the return. Of course it may be negative, but God will use the best out of the return. It is the one who did nothing who was condemned.
Therefore, in this end time- use the time, talents and treasures for the kingdom of God and be readied.
The parables of the ten virgins and the parable of the talents.
It is about be ready for the coming of Christ and the resources that we have for the return of the master.
This was spoken some 2 thousands years year. I am already past my half life and it really does not matter what will haven in another 50 years, if Christ does not come within these 50 years, I will be returning to haven.
But are we ready for haven? First is the preparedness. In the days of Noah, before the flood and even when the rain come, the people are still eating and merrymaking. In the same situation, are the work stress, the worry of making money, the seeking of pleasures .. are these making us too caught up? making me too off track and like the plants who grew but get choke by the surrounding weeds? Be ready.
The talents - the what we have that are first given are meant to be invested. I asked if the parable of the talents is teach in such a way that the first guy who received ten talents, invested the talents but lost the talents and incurred a debt of another ten talents. But the point that Jesus is making is that in the first place the talents are given and the master expect these talents to be invested. To the servant who did that - good and faithful servant be it a return of ten or five. So it is not the amount that matter, but the intend of using the given talents and maximizing the return. Of course it may be negative, but God will use the best out of the return. It is the one who did nothing who was condemned.
Therefore, in this end time- use the time, talents and treasures for the kingdom of God and be readied.
Sunday, September 21, 2014
21 Sep 2014; Mat 24
21 Sep 2014; Mat 24
We do not know when the master will be back. But the expectation is for us to be faithful in our doing.
The master expected us to continue to take care of the household. In verse45 as we are faithful, knowing that the master has given us the wisdom and the resources.
The master has set us over the household. Likewise, I am set over my household. I have the responsibility to take care of it. I have to provide for the household.
As such, what is besides physical protection and provision, as the guardian of the household, the member need to know the master. They need to know also the way the master way of treatment. Treatment as in expectation towards each other, taking care of the household.
The value. Knowing that God is and will provide, our children therefore need to learn how to tap on the resources of God. It therefore not the amount of resources that I can provide but is about knowing God.
V45 it is the faithful and the wise - in God.
We do not know when the master will be back. But the expectation is for us to be faithful in our doing.
The master expected us to continue to take care of the household. In verse45 as we are faithful, knowing that the master has given us the wisdom and the resources.
The master has set us over the household. Likewise, I am set over my household. I have the responsibility to take care of it. I have to provide for the household.
As such, what is besides physical protection and provision, as the guardian of the household, the member need to know the master. They need to know also the way the master way of treatment. Treatment as in expectation towards each other, taking care of the household.
The value. Knowing that God is and will provide, our children therefore need to learn how to tap on the resources of God. It therefore not the amount of resources that I can provide but is about knowing God.
V45 it is the faithful and the wise - in God.
Wednesday, September 17, 2014
17 Sep 2014; Mat 23
17 Sep 2014; Mat 23
For indeed, by the measure you judge others, the same measure will be upon you. Like wise, as teachers (in the passage Jesus was speaking to the teachers of the law), we have the responsibilities to teach the next generation - the proper things - to know God and to fear God.
It is not the doing but the obedience. It is not the saying but the living it out.
I am a teacher, a father to my children. And as such, it place more responsibilities on the application of the word.
For indeed, by the measure you judge others, the same measure will be upon you. Like wise, as teachers (in the passage Jesus was speaking to the teachers of the law), we have the responsibilities to teach the next generation - the proper things - to know God and to fear God.
It is not the doing but the obedience. It is not the saying but the living it out.
I am a teacher, a father to my children. And as such, it place more responsibilities on the application of the word.
Monday, September 15, 2014
15 Sep 2014; Mat 22
15 Sep 2014; Mat 22
And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. (Matthew 22:37-39 ESV)
That set the tone and the purpose - for our lives.
Enjoy the work that the Lord has given you - it is a marketplace. It is a place of both minister and a place that the Lord provides for the provision of our lives. It is also workplace where the stress and the interaction proves and showcase how it the Lord who is the center of your heart, soul and mind. It is a place of training to actualization of the above 2 commandments.
Indeed Ngee Ann is a good place of work and rest and play. Enjoy the time and spend the reminding time between work, family and God.
And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. (Matthew 22:37-39 ESV)
That set the tone and the purpose - for our lives.
Enjoy the work that the Lord has given you - it is a marketplace. It is a place of both minister and a place that the Lord provides for the provision of our lives. It is also workplace where the stress and the interaction proves and showcase how it the Lord who is the center of your heart, soul and mind. It is a place of training to actualization of the above 2 commandments.
Indeed Ngee Ann is a good place of work and rest and play. Enjoy the time and spend the reminding time between work, family and God.
Saturday, September 13, 2014
13 Sep 2014; Mat 22:15-22
13 Sep 2014; Mat 22:15-22
They said, “Caesar's.” Then he said to them, “Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's.” (Matthew 22:21 ESV)
The things of the world belongs to the world. The things of God belongs to God.
I look forward to the visit to EFC tomorrow. I pray that the family will be able to settle down.
They said, “Caesar's.” Then he said to them, “Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's.” (Matthew 22:21 ESV)
The things of the world belongs to the world. The things of God belongs to God.
I look forward to the visit to EFC tomorrow. I pray that the family will be able to settle down.
Thursday, September 11, 2014
11 Sep 2014; Mat 22:1-11
11 Sep 2014; Mat 22:1-11
In this short parable of the wedding, Jesus spoke directly about what the kingdom of God is like.
The invitation is open, but the chosen and invited guest did not come. In fact the invited guest showed contempt for the king. The king then sent troop to destroy the invited guest because they seized the servant and killed the servant that went to invite them.
Another invitation was sent and this time to all. This time the "second class" guest came.
But the twist is that among the guest there are some that did not wear proper clothing (meaning that they were not invited). The king then drag them out.
We are the gentiles - thus belong to the second list of invited guest. It is therefore by grace that being not the original children of God, we are now able to celebrate with the king.
But beware, if the king can do to the first invited guest, how much more can he bring them back and how much more that the second class guest be subject to them treatment of the first.
The kingdom of God is now a open party, but who then is the not properly dress? It could be anyone. Those who are invited but show no contempt for the king by dressing improperly.
We who are now in Christ, thus behave like guest, like children of God. We are given the grace as invited guest, whom the first group of invitees reject. Then be properly dress - yes continue to know that it is by grace and not to be taken for granted.
Remember, we are not the original children of God, then behave properly and not be haughty that we are now the invited guest and they are not.
Salvation is open, but still it is a wedding of the king.
Well, I thank Jesus for the grace that eternal life is given to us the gentile. I am in no position to consider myself better than the Jews (the chosen children of God). In fact, bless them and God will bless you, curse them and God will curse you. Eternal life is not found in the concept of Asia beliefs, it is all by works.
The king changed the rule, the invitation is opened, then work your salvation and be properly dress.
In this short parable of the wedding, Jesus spoke directly about what the kingdom of God is like.
The invitation is open, but the chosen and invited guest did not come. In fact the invited guest showed contempt for the king. The king then sent troop to destroy the invited guest because they seized the servant and killed the servant that went to invite them.
Another invitation was sent and this time to all. This time the "second class" guest came.
But the twist is that among the guest there are some that did not wear proper clothing (meaning that they were not invited). The king then drag them out.
We are the gentiles - thus belong to the second list of invited guest. It is therefore by grace that being not the original children of God, we are now able to celebrate with the king.
But beware, if the king can do to the first invited guest, how much more can he bring them back and how much more that the second class guest be subject to them treatment of the first.
The kingdom of God is now a open party, but who then is the not properly dress? It could be anyone. Those who are invited but show no contempt for the king by dressing improperly.
We who are now in Christ, thus behave like guest, like children of God. We are given the grace as invited guest, whom the first group of invitees reject. Then be properly dress - yes continue to know that it is by grace and not to be taken for granted.
Remember, we are not the original children of God, then behave properly and not be haughty that we are now the invited guest and they are not.
Salvation is open, but still it is a wedding of the king.
Well, I thank Jesus for the grace that eternal life is given to us the gentile. I am in no position to consider myself better than the Jews (the chosen children of God). In fact, bless them and God will bless you, curse them and God will curse you. Eternal life is not found in the concept of Asia beliefs, it is all by works.
The king changed the rule, the invitation is opened, then work your salvation and be properly dress.
Wednesday, September 10, 2014
10 Sep 2014; Mat 21
10 Sep 2014; Mat 21
2 parables that Jesus about the 2 sons and the tenants.
The parables of the sons: It is about the one who do. The first son said that he will not go but went in the end. The second said he will go but did not. Jesus explained that it is the one who accepted that will enter the kingdom of God. It is not the one who say but not do.
The parables of the tenants is about the tenants who took the farm and kill the son. Jesus was referring to himself. It will come that God will come and destroy those who killed the son.
The parable showed tension. and Jesus clearly spoke about doing and accepting what is right.
Yes it is stressful as my work starts to mount up again.. But like the son, it is still about putting first the kingdom of God, it is still about knowing who the owner of the field (in my life).
I pray that I will continue to keep God close to my heart.
2 parables that Jesus about the 2 sons and the tenants.
The parables of the sons: It is about the one who do. The first son said that he will not go but went in the end. The second said he will go but did not. Jesus explained that it is the one who accepted that will enter the kingdom of God. It is not the one who say but not do.
The parables of the tenants is about the tenants who took the farm and kill the son. Jesus was referring to himself. It will come that God will come and destroy those who killed the son.
The parable showed tension. and Jesus clearly spoke about doing and accepting what is right.
Yes it is stressful as my work starts to mount up again.. But like the son, it is still about putting first the kingdom of God, it is still about knowing who the owner of the field (in my life).
I pray that I will continue to keep God close to my heart.
Tuesday, September 09, 2014
9 Sep 2014; Mat 21
9 Sep 2014; Mat 21
Lord, I want to present my work and my work direction to you. I have projects, some have problems and I do not know where is the problem and how to solve it now. I have project that has yet to begin and need the help to get them started.
It is not a good start today, as I am stressed by the unknown problem. It held me up to concentrate working on other project.
But I know that I need you first in everyday. Yours O Lord is the greatness, the power, the glory, the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O Lord and you are exalted as head above all.
I do not want to be stress by the problem, but be able to enjoy the work, the project that you have given me. Bless the work of my hand that I in all things give glory to you.
In Mat 21, Jesus entered Jerusalem on a donkey, foretold by the early prophets. Now Jesus made himself known as the son of God, the messiah.
I can feel the build up in tension, like the stress I have in my work. Mine is of unknown. Jesus case of the known, the suffering that is to come. For the sake of the glory of God. But what is mine to compare and for what glory to God. Well, at least when I look back, I can share as a testimony so that God glory can be known.
Jesus show himself as having authority in the temple, over life (fig tree and ours). He healed the blind. Of course His authority was challenged. It is not plain sailing for Jesus. But He knew that all is to come is not easy. He can have the power over heaven and angels to bring forth fire and set everything clear once and for all. But He did not.
Likewise, from 1 Chr 29:11-13, all things so that you are exalted. Knowing the greatness, the power, the glory, the victory and the majesty...
Lord, I want to present my work and my work direction to you. I have projects, some have problems and I do not know where is the problem and how to solve it now. I have project that has yet to begin and need the help to get them started.
It is not a good start today, as I am stressed by the unknown problem. It held me up to concentrate working on other project.
But I know that I need you first in everyday. Yours O Lord is the greatness, the power, the glory, the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O Lord and you are exalted as head above all.
I do not want to be stress by the problem, but be able to enjoy the work, the project that you have given me. Bless the work of my hand that I in all things give glory to you.
In Mat 21, Jesus entered Jerusalem on a donkey, foretold by the early prophets. Now Jesus made himself known as the son of God, the messiah.
I can feel the build up in tension, like the stress I have in my work. Mine is of unknown. Jesus case of the known, the suffering that is to come. For the sake of the glory of God. But what is mine to compare and for what glory to God. Well, at least when I look back, I can share as a testimony so that God glory can be known.
Jesus show himself as having authority in the temple, over life (fig tree and ours). He healed the blind. Of course His authority was challenged. It is not plain sailing for Jesus. But He knew that all is to come is not easy. He can have the power over heaven and angels to bring forth fire and set everything clear once and for all. But He did not.
Likewise, from 1 Chr 29:11-13, all things so that you are exalted. Knowing the greatness, the power, the glory, the victory and the majesty...
Monday, September 08, 2014
8 Sep 2014; Mat 20
8 Sep 2014; Mat 20
In this chapter Jesus spoke about a parable and a story on the concern on the first will be last and the last will be first.
A vineyard owner looked for laborers. The one who are called first are paid 1 denarius and the one who called to work at the eleventh hour were also paid 1 denarius.
On another occasion, the mother of the sons of Zebedee, asked Jesus which of her 2 sons will be seated at the right hand of God.
In both situations, Jesus answered is the last will be the first. The first will be the last.
The economics of the kingdom of God is very different. It is not about working more and accumulating more. Remember the story of Mary and Marter. You don't really have to work, it is about knowing when to send time with Jesus.
The laborers need to be at the marketplace in order to be called. When you are first called, you followed the owner to work. If you choose to wait, you will not know when or will the owner be back. The pay back is the same - the reward of having to work at the vineyard. The payment is secondary.
Jesus answered the mother that it is the Father in heaven that determine who is seated at His right hand. The kingdom of God is not about the seat of honour. There is only one seat of honour, and only one can be seated there. But the kingdom of heaven is about "for all".
In earthly economics, the price is only for the best, the most, the strong, the smartest, the top. There is no place for the rest. But the kingdom of God welcome all.
As such, it is about knowing and accepting to be with Jesus. It is not about the seat of honour or the amount of pay. The first gets to spend more time in relationship with the Father.
Like Paul, who pour out his life for the sake of Christ and consider all things worthless. His pursuit is for and for one thing, the price of winning the race in the kingdom. There is more than one winner.
In this chapter Jesus spoke about a parable and a story on the concern on the first will be last and the last will be first.
A vineyard owner looked for laborers. The one who are called first are paid 1 denarius and the one who called to work at the eleventh hour were also paid 1 denarius.
On another occasion, the mother of the sons of Zebedee, asked Jesus which of her 2 sons will be seated at the right hand of God.
In both situations, Jesus answered is the last will be the first. The first will be the last.
The economics of the kingdom of God is very different. It is not about working more and accumulating more. Remember the story of Mary and Marter. You don't really have to work, it is about knowing when to send time with Jesus.
The laborers need to be at the marketplace in order to be called. When you are first called, you followed the owner to work. If you choose to wait, you will not know when or will the owner be back. The pay back is the same - the reward of having to work at the vineyard. The payment is secondary.
Jesus answered the mother that it is the Father in heaven that determine who is seated at His right hand. The kingdom of God is not about the seat of honour. There is only one seat of honour, and only one can be seated there. But the kingdom of heaven is about "for all".
In earthly economics, the price is only for the best, the most, the strong, the smartest, the top. There is no place for the rest. But the kingdom of God welcome all.
As such, it is about knowing and accepting to be with Jesus. It is not about the seat of honour or the amount of pay. The first gets to spend more time in relationship with the Father.
Like Paul, who pour out his life for the sake of Christ and consider all things worthless. His pursuit is for and for one thing, the price of winning the race in the kingdom. There is more than one winner.
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