"And Abraham said, "My son, God will provide for Himself the lamb for a burnt offering."
- Gen 22:8
Abraham heard God's instructions to sacrifice his only son Isaac and he obeyed without hesitation. Early the next morning, he went up with Isaac to Mount Moriah and was ready to sacrifice his son. I've heard this preached before that God requires our 100% obedience.
99% obedience is not obedience. Delayed obedience is not obedience.
Can you imagine? God asking us to sacrifice something that's so precious to you? Your only son. God also had His only son. And He required it of Himself to sacrifice Him, so that we may live. Later on (I think in Hebrews), the reason given by Abraham for agreeing to sacrifice Isaac, was that he was sure that God will raise Isaac up again from the dead even if he did sacrifice Isaac. Wow. What a revelation of the future plan of God.
Abraham said to Isaac that God will provide the lamb, knowing that Isaac is going to be sacrificed, but also that God will raise Isaac up. Few thousand years later - God did provide His own lamb to be sacrificed and God did raise him up again.
But God did not require Abraham's sacrifice in the end. He only wanted to test Abraham's heart.
"But obedience is better than sacrifice" -
Abraham's obedience in this case was even greater than the sacrifice he had to make. God was aware of that. For God knows what's in a man's heart. Outward sacrifice or obedience is of no use if our hearts are not right. God desires our submission and obedience out of love and reverance for him.
My own experience is that many a time I forget the prompting of the Holy Spirit and end up disobeying God. But last night was different. (Our accounting group was scheduled to prepare for a rather major presentation to the lecturer today). Somehow, I kept feeling unease in my spirit that some questions were going to be asked about the portion of my slides. I had to get up and read through that portion again. Lo and behold... I found out that I had prepared part of the presentation wrongly. That was corrected. Holy Spirit again indicated to me that someone in the class would ask about the numbers and that I needed to prepare to answer on how I derived those numbers... I got down to the preparation. Lo and behold... the question was asked earlier toay in class. And I managed to pull through. Isn't God amazing - if we choose to obey.
The long and short is that we did pretty well for the presentation. Many of our classmates said that our presentation was the best one so far in the series of presentations done. Well... we worked hard - but God was sovereign in that he prepared everything for us - the timing of the presentation, finding the right movie and sound clips to play, arranging for us to know the professor's requirements etc. Most importantly, prompting me about that important question that would be asked in class.
We can try all we want. But if we are on God's side - He fights for us. All we have to do is to obey.
I have to continually ask myself the question - Am I listening to God today? Have I obeyed?
What about you?
Barn
Friday, 12 January 2007
Wednesday, 3 January 2007
Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance...
"And they were baptized by him in the Jordan, confessing their sins.
But seeing many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said to them, O generation of vipers, who has warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance; and do not think to say within yourselves, We have Abraham as our father. For I say to you that God is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones." Mat 3:6-9
True repentance brings forth fruit. Outward repentance is easy to pretend, but the real fruit – a changed life – a life filled with the fruit of the Holy Spirit – Love Joy Peace Patience Kindness Goodness Gentleness Self-control – cannot be faked. Sooner or later, we will be “found out”. Just as faith without action is dead, any repentance without fruit is fake.
For Jesus emphasized on the fruit. “By their fruit you will know them”, as He said about discerning the false prophets. There is no need to pretend to be “good” in front of others. God will be the judge of us all. Whether we have truly repented and done well in his sight.
When I look at my life, it is when I feel frustrated and impatient that are usually the signs that I’m losing the fruit of the Holy Spirit. Somehow, somewhere, I have an “open door”. It could be something I said or did or thought that could have caused me to stray from God’s path. It could be something very minor. But God knows and the anointing is lost. I first need to take a step back to repent and renounce the sin that the Holy Spirit reveals to me, before I can move on and be restored to full fellowship with the Lord.
Let’s take a step back today. Are we failing to bear fruit for the Lord. How fruitful have we been? Take a look at the nine fruits of the Spirit. Is anyone missing in our lives? If so, we need to seek the Lord, to repent of any sin (known or unknown) and ask for Him to make us fruitful again. For it is the Lord that allows the fruit to grow. On our part, we can clear our hearts of sin and deceit and then allow the Lord to plant His precious word in our hearts so that fruit can grow once again.
Blessings.
Barnabas
But seeing many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said to them, O generation of vipers, who has warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance; and do not think to say within yourselves, We have Abraham as our father. For I say to you that God is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones." Mat 3:6-9
True repentance brings forth fruit. Outward repentance is easy to pretend, but the real fruit – a changed life – a life filled with the fruit of the Holy Spirit – Love Joy Peace Patience Kindness Goodness Gentleness Self-control – cannot be faked. Sooner or later, we will be “found out”. Just as faith without action is dead, any repentance without fruit is fake.
For Jesus emphasized on the fruit. “By their fruit you will know them”, as He said about discerning the false prophets. There is no need to pretend to be “good” in front of others. God will be the judge of us all. Whether we have truly repented and done well in his sight.
When I look at my life, it is when I feel frustrated and impatient that are usually the signs that I’m losing the fruit of the Holy Spirit. Somehow, somewhere, I have an “open door”. It could be something I said or did or thought that could have caused me to stray from God’s path. It could be something very minor. But God knows and the anointing is lost. I first need to take a step back to repent and renounce the sin that the Holy Spirit reveals to me, before I can move on and be restored to full fellowship with the Lord.
Let’s take a step back today. Are we failing to bear fruit for the Lord. How fruitful have we been? Take a look at the nine fruits of the Spirit. Is anyone missing in our lives? If so, we need to seek the Lord, to repent of any sin (known or unknown) and ask for Him to make us fruitful again. For it is the Lord that allows the fruit to grow. On our part, we can clear our hearts of sin and deceit and then allow the Lord to plant His precious word in our hearts so that fruit can grow once again.
Blessings.
Barnabas
Tuesday, 2 January 2007
~ Crossing Jordan ~
What a series of impounding messages from the Lord regarding crossing Jordan. Almost every service and devotional that I have come across the last couple of days makes reference to crossing the river Jordan – into the land of inheritance. The interesting thing is that I was on the way for Watchnight service in Geneva. The first song that started playing on my Ipod was “Crossing Over” (lyrics below – the church is Church for the Nations). And it was raining in Geneva – speaking of God’s abundant blessings and perhaps promise of hope. Somehow, I felt that this meeting in Geneva was going to be very important for me – I had to go (despite my body’s reluctance). I had already “attended” the City Harvest service via internet the previous day and I had already gone to Geneva that very morning for their morning service. (Pastor Kong Hee was talking about possessing our inheritance – crossing he river Jordan). Thirdly, I had to risk missing the last train out of Geneva at 1.18 am. But I felt that I had to go. No choice. And so I went.
Guess what? The message had to do with crossing over to Jordan. It’s all falling back into perspective and pieces. This morning, Rick Joyner’s weekly devotional again spoke about crossing over Jordan to possess our inheritance. Coincidence? I’m afraid that when God speaks like this, it’s better that I obey. Below are initial ramblings on what I have gathered from the sermons, devotionals, quiet time… It may be the beginning of a “series” of what I shall write.
The children of Israel, having left Egypt and wandered in the wilderness, were at their threshold of entering into their Promised Land, led by Joshua. The manna, quail, water from the rock, pillar of fire by night and cloud by day would from then on stop. They need to enter and fight against the giants of the land.
And the manna ceased on the morrow after they had eaten of the old corn of the land; neither had the children of Israel manna any more; but they did eat of the fruit of the land of Canaan that year. (Jos 5:12)
Entering Jordan - God’s promise for us - takes faith, action, and obedience. God had to let a whole generation to pass before allowing the new generation to enter because the former had no faith. They were afraid of the giants of the land. We must enter our Promised inheritance by faith. Claim it by faith, and not be double-minded – or double-spirited. A double-minded man receives nothing from the Lord. (James 1:5-8).
Entering Jordan also takes action – we need to act – to actually step into the Land. It is not going to be “free and easy”. Faith without action is dead. God has brought them thus far on eagle’s wings – it has been “easy” on the Israelites – it is now time for real action. God wants each and everyone of us to take up the responsibility for entering into our inheritance. Too many of us just want God to “do all the work”. No – we need to work. He who does not work shall not eat. We cannot be lazy and expect God to do everything for us. There are times when I have fallen prey to this mindset, thinking that “I am blessed by God. So everything will be ok.” This is a lie from the evil one. God expects us to work – and work hard. We do not need to toil i.e. work under excruciating conditions, but we need to work. Remember in Genesis 1 that the plants did not yet grow, until man was created to till the ground! Taking action to possess our inheritance is part and parcel of God’s plan for us.
Gen 2:5 And every plant of the field before it was in the earth, and every herb of the field before it grew: for the LORD God had not caused it to rain upon the earth, and there was not a man to till the ground.
Entering Jordan takes obedience. The first ground to enter was Jericho – with such high walls protecting the city, there is no way the Israelites were going to beat the giants of Jericho without listening to God’s word and obeying it. Joshua had to receive revelation from the Lord on the strategy to conquer Jericho. They had to prayer walk around the city walls seven times. It was a humbling and even humiliating act. But it worked. The walls came down after the seventh round and with a great shout. God’s ways are higher than our ways. The battle is won in the spiritual before manifesting itself in the natural. Are we listening to God’s voice? Are we obeying?
And the LORD said unto Joshua, See, I have given into thine hand Jericho, and the king thereof, and the mighty men of valour. And ye shall compass the city, all ye men of war, and go round about the city once. Thus shalt thou do six days. And seven priests shall bear before the ark seven trumpets of rams' horns: and the seventh day ye shall compass the city seven times, and the priests shall blow with the trumpets. And it shall come to pass, that when they make a long blast with the ram's horn, and when ye hear the sound of the trumpet, all the people shall shout with a great shout; and the wall of the city shall fall down flat, and the people shall ascend up every man straight before him. Jos 6:2-5
Remember – Obedience is better than Sacrifice. God expects us to obey when He has spoken.
Until next time – blessings…
Barnabas
P.s. – by the way, there was no last train. The timetable got mixed up. I was stuck in Geneva for a long time along with the flu. And the rest is another story for another day.
CROSSING OVER
(Verse 1)
We come before Your throne
Our hearts we give to You
We long to see Your kingdom come
And bring Your truth to all the earth
(Pre Chorus)
Nations will cry out Your name
Send us to Your harvest Lord we pray
(Chorus)
By Your Spirit O Lord, we claim the nations
Of the world for You, Jesus
Pour down Your rain
Holy Spirit move in us today
By Your Spirit O Lord, we claim the nations
Of the world for You, Jesus
By Your word of truth, we’re crossing over
By Your Spirit O Lord, we claim the nations
Of the world for You, Jesus
By Your word of truth, we’re crossing over
To win the lost for You
(Verse 2)
Your cross before our eyes
You've set our hearts on fire
To give what we can never keep
To gain what we can never lose
(Verse 2)
Your cross before our eyes
You've set our hearts on fire
To give what we can never keep
To gain what we can never lose
Friday, 29 December 2006
Character Development over Comfort
I asked God for strength, that I might achieve.
I was made weak, that I might humbly learn to obey.
I asked for health, that I might do great things.
I was given infirmity, that I might do better things.
I asked for riches, that I might be happy.
I was given poverty, that I might be wise.
I asked for power, that I might have the praise of men.
I was given weakeness, that I might feel the need for God.
Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered. I am, among men, most rightly blessed!!
"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth." Matthew 5:3-5
I was made weak, that I might humbly learn to obey.
I asked for health, that I might do great things.
I was given infirmity, that I might do better things.
I asked for riches, that I might be happy.
I was given poverty, that I might be wise.
I asked for power, that I might have the praise of men.
I was given weakeness, that I might feel the need for God.
Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered. I am, among men, most rightly blessed!!
"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth." Matthew 5:3-5
Saturday, 23 December 2006
The Nativity Story - Back to Basics
It's the time of Christmas again.
I just watched the trailer of the movie "The Nativity Story". Been wanting to catch it. But I can't seem to locate an English version of it here. But the trailer's been good. There's an extended one on the scene just after His birth, where the three wise men came from afar to present gifts to the newborn King.
Gold. Frankincense. Myrrh.
Kingship. Worship. Sacrifice.
Everything in the bible is written for a purpose and a reason. Gold represents kingship. Frankincense worship. And Myrrh (typically used for embalming the body after death) - represents death and sacrifice.
Perhaps the greatest gift of all - Sacrifice.
At the Christmas gathering on Thursday - I felt led to share this with the small group discussion - on how God - the King of Kings and Lord of Lords had chosen to be born in the lowliest of places - baffling all human wisdom and pomp - to stoop so low so as to become one of us. And not just that - to prepare for the ultimate journey towards the ultimate sacrifice. It was all planned for in the beginning - that one born of such humility shall come to save the world.
Isa 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.
It is with such simplicity of circumstances. Yet - it was the greatest mystery.
Sometimes, in the hustle and bustle of ministry and work - we forget the simplicity of how Jesus came. I feel the Spirit's leading to go back to the simplicity of it all - the basics of looking at Him, observing Him and gazing upon His goodness.
Sometimes, the greatest things are not to be found among the glitz and glamour - but in the deep recesses of the realm of the forgotten - where God is waiting for us to find Him there. Forget the works for now. Forget the strife for now. Go back to where we first met Him. Recapture the wonder of it all. That is the beauty of salvation - the greatest gift.
In Psalm 51, David pleaded to God to restore unto him the JOY of his salvation.
Psa 51:12 Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.
Then will we be able to teach transgressors His ways and turn them back to Him. No point preaching the gospel if we have lost that first joy. Go back to Him. Let Him restore the joy of your salvation. That you may be the carrier of the fragrance of the almighty. Before we can reach out. We reach to Him.
God is waiting.
I just watched the trailer of the movie "The Nativity Story". Been wanting to catch it. But I can't seem to locate an English version of it here. But the trailer's been good. There's an extended one on the scene just after His birth, where the three wise men came from afar to present gifts to the newborn King.
Gold. Frankincense. Myrrh.
Kingship. Worship. Sacrifice.
Everything in the bible is written for a purpose and a reason. Gold represents kingship. Frankincense worship. And Myrrh (typically used for embalming the body after death) - represents death and sacrifice.
Perhaps the greatest gift of all - Sacrifice.
At the Christmas gathering on Thursday - I felt led to share this with the small group discussion - on how God - the King of Kings and Lord of Lords had chosen to be born in the lowliest of places - baffling all human wisdom and pomp - to stoop so low so as to become one of us. And not just that - to prepare for the ultimate journey towards the ultimate sacrifice. It was all planned for in the beginning - that one born of such humility shall come to save the world.
Isa 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.
It is with such simplicity of circumstances. Yet - it was the greatest mystery.
Sometimes, in the hustle and bustle of ministry and work - we forget the simplicity of how Jesus came. I feel the Spirit's leading to go back to the simplicity of it all - the basics of looking at Him, observing Him and gazing upon His goodness.
Sometimes, the greatest things are not to be found among the glitz and glamour - but in the deep recesses of the realm of the forgotten - where God is waiting for us to find Him there. Forget the works for now. Forget the strife for now. Go back to where we first met Him. Recapture the wonder of it all. That is the beauty of salvation - the greatest gift.
In Psalm 51, David pleaded to God to restore unto him the JOY of his salvation.
Psa 51:12 Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.
Then will we be able to teach transgressors His ways and turn them back to Him. No point preaching the gospel if we have lost that first joy. Go back to Him. Let Him restore the joy of your salvation. That you may be the carrier of the fragrance of the almighty. Before we can reach out. We reach to Him.
God is waiting.
Friday, 22 December 2006
Spider Spirits
Spiders
Since coming here, I have killed at least six spiders.
The largest one was killed when I first arrived here.
Then sporadically, they started to appear - usually when I was spiritually "down" the spiders start to appear. The two most recent ones were lime green in colour. Woah... too many.
I was told once by a pastor that the Spider represents the Jezebel Spirit. Usually an advent of a female spirit attacking a man through manipulation and control. And I also heard an old sermon which I brought from some time back - that there are "spider spirits" that are sent by the enemy to come to pull us back to our old ways. Wow. Take a look at Isa 59:5 below.
"They hatch adders' eggs and weave the spider's web; he who eats their eggs dies, and that which is crushed breaks out into a viper."
Is this all a coincidence - nope I don't think so. Since God has sent me here to allow me to prepare myself and to allow me to heal, these things are here to distract and stumble. Another friend in an email said that he saw "dark figures" approaching me as I was in my room. He cautioned me to keep the spiritual atmosphere of my room.
And sure enough. During the times when I was spiritually or emotionally down - the spiders start to appear. I have a lot of work to do, I suppose. Clearing all these spiders and webs of deception and entanglement.
Will write more later. I have to keep alert.
Since coming here, I have killed at least six spiders.
The largest one was killed when I first arrived here.
Then sporadically, they started to appear - usually when I was spiritually "down" the spiders start to appear. The two most recent ones were lime green in colour. Woah... too many.
I was told once by a pastor that the Spider represents the Jezebel Spirit. Usually an advent of a female spirit attacking a man through manipulation and control. And I also heard an old sermon which I brought from some time back - that there are "spider spirits" that are sent by the enemy to come to pull us back to our old ways. Wow. Take a look at Isa 59:5 below.
"They hatch adders' eggs and weave the spider's web; he who eats their eggs dies, and that which is crushed breaks out into a viper."
Is this all a coincidence - nope I don't think so. Since God has sent me here to allow me to prepare myself and to allow me to heal, these things are here to distract and stumble. Another friend in an email said that he saw "dark figures" approaching me as I was in my room. He cautioned me to keep the spiritual atmosphere of my room.
And sure enough. During the times when I was spiritually or emotionally down - the spiders start to appear. I have a lot of work to do, I suppose. Clearing all these spiders and webs of deception and entanglement.
Will write more later. I have to keep alert.
Revival Fire - When is it my turn?
I just had a "conference" call after dinner with an old friend in Singapore. Wow. Revival is breaking out back home. She shared about how one of the ministries would be gloriously used by the Lord for His glory in deliverance (and I presume healing). I wish I were back home.
I had my own little "revival" lately. I was reading the book of Acts again recently - the funny thing is, the book came alive for me. I've read this book umpteen times - but this time it's different. I could follow through every single detail of what the author wrote - about Peter, Paul, Barnabas - and I could follow through the entire journey of Paul - and picture it in my mind. It was as though I was watching a mental movie of what was happening during the time of Acts. I was excited. I asked - maybe i'll see this soon. The repeat of the book of Acts - and I can be part of the glorious ministry. Part of me can't wait. Yet another part of me is wagging in cynical nonchalence - "as if that is really going to happen". But for now - faith has won the battle. I believe. I know that I will see it happen and I believe that I have a part to play in the end time harvest. I very much want to serve my Lord with all my heart. It's just that sometimes, my spirit is willing but the flesh is weak. It's not easy - the daily struggle with humanity and humanism from within me. But I know that the Spirit will prevail. I need to feed the Spirit and starve the flesh. It's time for a season of prayer and fasting after the Christmas break.
To be honest, I have stagnated somewhat - too many things have "pulled me down" - as one prophet had spoken over my life. But yet again, this prophet said not to allow these things that have "pulled me down" to affect me in my career path and in serving the Lord. The situation that the Lord had given me, he said was to actually "heal me" and to refocus my direction, that I know that God has bought me with his precious blood and that His will is my focus, my will, my joy. My whole perspective shall change as I focus. Everything I have counted for loss for God, I will gain much more in the kingdom of God. God is pouring healing.
I repeat again. I can't wait for God to work through me, to scrub me clean and to advance to the next level.
But I have to be patient, and wait for God to work through it in His time. In the meantime, I have to continue to wait on and wait for God.
A right time for everything (Ecclesiastes 3)
1 To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:2 A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;3 A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;4 A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;5 A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;6 A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;7 A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;8 A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.9 What profit hath he that worketh in that wherein he laboureth? 10 I have seen the travail, which God hath given to the sons of men to be exercised in it. 11 He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end.
I had my own little "revival" lately. I was reading the book of Acts again recently - the funny thing is, the book came alive for me. I've read this book umpteen times - but this time it's different. I could follow through every single detail of what the author wrote - about Peter, Paul, Barnabas - and I could follow through the entire journey of Paul - and picture it in my mind. It was as though I was watching a mental movie of what was happening during the time of Acts. I was excited. I asked - maybe i'll see this soon. The repeat of the book of Acts - and I can be part of the glorious ministry. Part of me can't wait. Yet another part of me is wagging in cynical nonchalence - "as if that is really going to happen". But for now - faith has won the battle. I believe. I know that I will see it happen and I believe that I have a part to play in the end time harvest. I very much want to serve my Lord with all my heart. It's just that sometimes, my spirit is willing but the flesh is weak. It's not easy - the daily struggle with humanity and humanism from within me. But I know that the Spirit will prevail. I need to feed the Spirit and starve the flesh. It's time for a season of prayer and fasting after the Christmas break.
To be honest, I have stagnated somewhat - too many things have "pulled me down" - as one prophet had spoken over my life. But yet again, this prophet said not to allow these things that have "pulled me down" to affect me in my career path and in serving the Lord. The situation that the Lord had given me, he said was to actually "heal me" and to refocus my direction, that I know that God has bought me with his precious blood and that His will is my focus, my will, my joy. My whole perspective shall change as I focus. Everything I have counted for loss for God, I will gain much more in the kingdom of God. God is pouring healing.
I repeat again. I can't wait for God to work through me, to scrub me clean and to advance to the next level.
But I have to be patient, and wait for God to work through it in His time. In the meantime, I have to continue to wait on and wait for God.
A right time for everything (Ecclesiastes 3)
1 To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:2 A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;3 A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;4 A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;5 A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;6 A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;7 A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;8 A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.9 What profit hath he that worketh in that wherein he laboureth? 10 I have seen the travail, which God hath given to the sons of men to be exercised in it. 11 He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end.
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