Bearing much fruit glorifies God

Bearing much fruit glorifies God.

For the past 2 weeks we had wonderful time receiving and thinking of God’s Word/rhema for our lives. God is telling some of us to do something new, to expand, to rise up and shine from where we are. Those are the words/seeds that was sown in your hearts and minds. We can do something with those seeds. We can make it grow and produce thirtyfold, sixtyfold or a hundredfold. However, if we are not diligent and persistent in taking care of those seeds, it will be gone or it will not bear fruits/harvest. From the time your hear those Words or receive the seeds, to the time it produce a harvest, it will take maybe a week, a month, a few months or even a few years. The crucial part is not so much of the sowing, but the period of time between the sowing and the bearing of fruit.

If our lives does not bear much fruit, it does not glorify God. It is not enough to just sow seeds in our lives. The seeds/Word of God must be taken care of until it bear fruits. Then our Father will be glorified when we bear much fruit. Spiritually, physically and financially. John 15:8, “⁸ By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.”

How is it that some people are able to produce more and harvest more fruits in their lives? What is it that they do or don’t do that cause them to have more fruits?

There are Christians who believes that it is up to God to work in them. There are also those who think that they are nothing, worthless and therefore God cannot do anything with them. Some are just waiting, and waiting and waiting for God to do something in their lives. Often times, they wonder, what is the will of God for their lives and what can they do to produce fruits/harvest in their life. Jeremiah 29:11; 1 Thessalonians 5:18; 1 Thessalonians 4:3; 1 Peter 2:15;

A. Producing more by having less.

Matthew 13:1-23; Mark 4:1-20; Luke 8:4-15 Parable of the Sower.

Conditions to producing thirtyfold, sixtyfold and hundredfold harvest. From the parable we learn that we can produce more by having less. Having less of what? 3 things mentioned in the parable that we should have less.

1. Having less of hardened path.

Hardened path are areas where the soil becomes hardened because it was trodden by people. Originally, the area is suitable for planting seeds but after being trodden many times, it became hardened and no longer suitable for planting seeds.

This can be likened to areas in your heart/life that has become hardened because of the pressures placed upon it. It is no longer yielded or open to God’s Words. It can be in the areas of relationship, self-worth, sexual promiscuity or personal gratification like smoking, drinking, or even gluttony.  Basically, you have already hardened yourself in these areas and have considered these areas as non-planting area. You do not want the Word of God to be sown there.  

2. Having less of gravels/stony ground.

Stones are little things that takes up space in the ground. It is useless and is not beneficial at all in the planting of seeds. Stones represents hardened, useless things that must be removed from your life. It is not supposed to be occupying or be present in your thoughts and life. Stones must be removed so that you can have more space for the seeds to grow. What are these stones in our lives? It could be thoughts and beliefs that have been hardened by hardship, pressures and difficulties in life like racism, indifference, hatred, or bitterness which we have allowed to take space in our lives. You could have been betrayed before in your relationship with others and bitterness could be the stones in that area of your life. Or that you became angry and resented someone for what he/she has done. Resentment are like stones that take up the space in your heart. Seeds like peace, love and joy could have grown in that area of your lives but because resentment takes up the space, little or no harvest of peace, love and joy can be expected from there.

We have to remove all these stones so that the Word of God can have more space and depth to grow and produce a harvest. You will be producing more if you have less of stones in your lives.

3. Having less of thorns.

Thorns are basically other useless seeds that have been allowed to grow on the ground. These are words that when allowed to grow bigger, will do harm to your soul. I am sure most of us have seen a patch of ground that is covered with thorns. We don’t even dare to walk on them. Thorns do not allow other plants to grow over them. What are these thorns in our lives?

Thorns represents words, ideas, philosophies, beliefs that we have allowed in our mind and lives. In the beginning, they seem harmless and can’t do any harm. They may even look the same as the good seed. But if we allow it to grow bigger, it will choke the wheat plants that is supposed to grow there.

Example of thorns.

We often read about the news article on economic recession. Articles that read, “Malaysia will be hit hard by economic recession in 2018” are like seeds of thorns. At first, we may think that news are harmless seeds and are not going to affect us. We also planted seeds of God’s word that says that God will provide all our needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. These two kinds of seeds grew together in our hearts and mind. For many of us, we read more of the newspaper than the Bible. Therefore, we are allowing more seeds of thorns being sown in our hearts than the Word of God. We think more of the negative news than the wonderful promise of God. It will come to a time when the negative news will choke the Word of God. The negative news of economic recessions in Malaysia will cause us to doubt what God wants to do for us. When we go to the shopping mall and see that there are many people there but not many are buying things, we say in our mind and heart, “There’s economic recession coming”, “Time is bad and getting worse”, or “Life is hard”. Then we come to the belief that “I will also be affected by this economic recession”. The thorns of the news article managed to choke the Word of God.

We need to have less of thorns if we want an abundant harvest in our lives.

* All of us can become good ground. We just need to remove the wayside, the stones and the thorns so that the Word of God can be sown, germinate and produce thirtyfold, sixtyfold or even a hundredfold

Another discipline that you need to practice to help you bear much fruit is the practice of knowing who your God is.

B. Be still and know that I am God – Psalm 46:10

1. A Generous Provider. Some people are afraid to ask God for something big or expensive. They rather let the fear of man choke the abundant living promised by God. I can have a Rolex watch and people will go “wahhh… wahhh” and I can feel so proud of it. That’s not right. But if my heart is right, I will tell them, “Ya right, so cool right. Look what God can do to me. And He can do this to you too!” Then my motive of asking from God the abundance He promised is right.

2 Corinthians 9:8, “And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.”

2. A Great God. When your received the rhema of God, expand your mind. Do not limit God by your small thinking. We have yet to even comprehend/grasp the tip of the iceberg of the fullness of God – Ephesians 3:19. God has bigger and greater things for each one of us because He is a great God. God has given us so much potential that we can fulfill if we allow Him to do so in us.

Do you remember playing sand on the beach when you were small? We build sand castles. We have the potential to build big castles. All of us are destined for great things. You know why? Because our God is a great God. A great God will not put tiny potential in His children. God sees great potential in each and every one of His children. This is where we must not have thorns or stones in our lives that can choke that potential.

3. A Limited God. Philippians 2:13, “For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to His good pleasures.” Don’t misunderstand this verse, thinking that it is all up to God to do something. God puts the desire in you, but you have the authority/freedom and choice to will and act upon the rhema of God.

Ephesians 3:20 says it this way,” Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,”.

Is God able to do what He ask us to do? Yes! Since He is able to do it, let’s think big because our God is a BIG God. What is it that you are asking God to do in your lives? What is it that you are thinking of doing for God? He can help you do it and much more. The verse says, “able to do exceeding, abundantly above all that we ask or think…” Think of something that you have asked God for. Did you just ask God for RM3000 a month salary? God is able to give more! RM5000 a month? That should be more than enough for most of us right? God is able to give more! RM10K, RM50K a month? The issue is not so much of whether God is able to give it or not!

The problem is firstly, we don’t even believe that high. (*Sunday Night service at Medical Mission house.) Our mind is so limited that we have not and could not even imagine we can have that much. Don’t limit God. The second problem is stated in the second part of that verse, “according to the power that worketh in us.” Not only our mind is having problem thinking big, but our heart is empty.

What power are we allowing to work in us right now to manifest God’s glory? The power to heal? – Mark 11:17. The power of miracle? The power to cast out demons? – Mark 16:17. The power to create wealth? – Deuteronomy 8:18. The power that raised Jesus from the dead? – Romans 8:11, Ephesians 1:19-20. What power do you have in you? Allow that power to work in you because God is able to do more but He is limited by the power that you allow to work in you.

Closing.

Harvest time is a joyful time. But labor/hard work is required to secure the harvest. Labor is your responsibility. God will not do the laboring for you.

What is the rhema/seed that God has sown in your heart? You can let it grow to produce thirtyfold, sixtyfold or a hundredfold. But you need to have less hardened grounds, less stones and less thorns. It takes labor to make sure the seeds have enough space and no thorns that will choke its growth.

And while the seed is growing, be still and know your God. What is the potential that God has put in you? Allow the power of God to work in you that you will have exceeding abundantly more than what you ask or think. And by this the Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit.

How To Be A Giant Killer

GBM Gateway - 12 April 2015 – by David Bong

 * No copyright. Use it if you can, for the glory of God. 

Main Scripture passage: 1 Samuel 17.

Intro:

The story of David killing the giant Goliath is very familiar to us. We have heard about it in Sunday School or even read it in Christian books. Yet, for many of us, it is something that we don’t or can’t relate to our own problems/challenges or battles in life.

David was called the “man after God’s own heart”. That title or description is well exhibited throughout David’s life. It is David’s own conscious choice in relating to God and in how he responds to problems in his life. It will take many hours of studies on the life of David which will benefit you if you chose to do so. However, today I would like to revisit the story of David and Goliath and try to learn from David. Here is a good example in the OT of one who is living in the supernatural realm and we can gain much by learning from him.

Many of us want to be a giant killer. Many of us want to have that description in our spiritual resume. Some of you have already killed many giants in your life while others are still struggling to kill the ants in your life.

In brief: the story in 1 Samuel 17. Battle in Valley of Elah – Goliath challenging the army of Israel – Jesse sent David to see his 3 oldest brothers – David’s conviction – Eliab’s accusing David – King Saul agreed to let David fight – armor too big and heavy – 5 stones – ran and slung the stone – cut off Goliath’s head.

How then can we be a GIANT KILLER? What is it about David that he is able to reach a level where he can confidently kill a giant?

1.    David is FAITHFUL in the small things – verse 15.

  - taking care of a few sheep at the backside of the desert.

  - David risked his life and his future to care for the sheep. He needs not to risk his life and his father Jesse surely does not want to risk David’s life for one sheep. But David proved himself faithful even in the small tasks entrusted to him.

  - in chapter 16, we read that David was anointed as king by the prophet Samuel. Even after being anointed as king, David still have to do the tasks assigned to him by his father. Just because David has been anointed as king, it does not mean he can now order people around. He still have to do the small tasks given to him.

  * Are you faithful in the small things? Are you honest in your workplace? Do you take small things (stealing) from your office? Is your attitude of working in the office is as though you are working for the Lord Jesus Christ or you are just working for the monthly salary? Jesus said that if we are not faithful in the small things (one talent), how can we be entrusted with the bigger things? This is one spiritual principle that we cannot ignore in our spiritual walk with God. Just because we know God has anointed us with certain spiritual gifts, it does not mean we can straight away perform that calling. Starts with the small tasks first, then God will promote you to bigger ministry. One does not go from 0km to 1000km/hour in less than 5 seconds. That would be a wreck/explosion, and it will kill you.

  Be faithful in the small things that God has entrusted to you. That’s the first step in to build yourself up to be a giant killer.

 2.         David PROVED God while doing small things. Vs 34-36

  - by David’s own words, he said that God has helped him slay the lion and the bear while taking care of the sheep. Even while doing the so-called menial tasks of looking after the sheep, David use whatever problems that come his way to prove God power and promise.

  - Do you think a boy of maybe 10 -15 years old can kill a lion or a bear with his own strength? David did because he trusted God to help him overpower the lion and the bear.

  - I believe David trusted God to help him in many other instances, so much so that it becomes a normal thing for David. Even other people can attest to the result of David’s trust in God.

1 Samuel 16: 18, ¹⁸ One of the servants answered, “I have seen a son of Jesse of Bethlehem who knows how to play the lyre. He is a brave man and a warrior. He speaks well and is a fine-looking man. And the Lord is with him.”

* Many Christians have the desire to be the superhero for God. We wish that God will use us supernaturally to heal the sick, raise the dead, and do miracles. We wish one day, we will be in front of thousands of people and God will supernaturally anoint us. Then we will have the faith to be able to perform healing and miracles.

But have we proven God in the small things? Have we proven God to heal our headache, our stomach ache, our sickness? Have we proven God to be our Jehovah Jireh in the small things that we need? If we are not able to prove God’s power and promise even in the small things, where we just take the easy way out by popping a pill or drinking to down our worries, how can we then trust God in bigger problems like cancer or financial problems or depression?

3. Knowing Your Covenant with God – verse 26.

- David’s reference to Goliath being uncircumcised was pointing out that Goliath didn’t have any covenant rights like he did. In fact, every Israelite soldier was one of God’s covenant people, but they didn’t act like it.

*We Christians have a better covenant than David does. All true believers have covenant rights to health, prosperity, joy, peace, etc., but not all look at their circumstances through the covenant.

These Israelite soldiers were looking at Goliath and not at God’s promises. The Lord had promised them that no man would be able to stand before them (Deut. 11:25). Goliath was a man. He was a big man but a man nonetheless. While others only saw the giant, David kept his attention on the promises of God.

* What are the problems that you are facing right now? Do you continuously look at the problem and are afraid, just like the Israelite soldiers? Or do you look at the problem from your new status in Christ. What are the promises that God has given to us the new believers for every circumstances? We need to face the problems according to what the Word says, and not to what our carnal senses tell us.

Philippian 4:19 – God will supply all your needs according to his glorious riches.

2 Peter 1: 2 – Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,

Psalms 27:1 - The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

Deut 28 – you shall be the head and not the tail, you are blessed wherever you go.

* Knowing the promises of God and believing in such promises does not make the problems disappear. The Devil is not intimidated by you knowing God’s promises. Knowing your covenant merely positions you to a better fighting position. You are now facing the problem, having your front facing the giant. If you don’t know your covenant, you will be standing with your back facing the giant. Remember, you don’t have much protection for your back.  And the fiery darts of the enemy will easily hurt and kills you. Instead of hiding behind rocks and caves, you can now stall tall facing your giant. 

4. Standing Firm in your belief

- after Eliab heard what David said, Eliab became angry at David and accused him of being irresponsible. (Eliab became angry maybe because he was not selected to be anointed as the next king.) Yet, David continued with his conviction/belief. David has a cause that is greater than his brother’s criticism.

* Many Christians are glad to find a certain truth of God’s Word and they eagerly share their conviction. However, at the first criticism by others, they back out and no longer share their convictions. Has God asked you to stand firm on certain matters based on His promises? Stand firm then and continue to live out that conviction no matter what others might think or say about you.

* Be wise when received criticisms. There are constructive criticisms. Eg. Appollos being inadequate in his preaching about Christ, therefore Aquilla and Priscilla instructed him privately in their home. Eliab’s criticism is against David’s personality and character, where such type of criticism is generally to bring down a person. 

- As David continued to share his conviction with the other soldiers, the other soldiers are also convicted by its truth. I believe the soldiers started to talk about it and that is why they reported it to King Saul. David may not be a prophet that speaks the oracle of God like the prophet Samuel but David’s words are based on God’s covenant with the people Israel. In the olden days, the words of the prophets can give great encouragement to the king and soldiers before a battle. I believe David’s words have similar effect on the soldiers and as such they dare to tell it to King Saul. There is hope in David’s words.

- after David deflected his brother’s criticism, he has to face doubts by the highest authority in Israel. King Saul told David the facts, the real facts, - that Goliath is fighting machine and David is only a boy, a pretty boy. If being criticized by your own family members is not bad enough, David now faced doubts by the king himself. What do you do when the doctors say that your sickness is incurable, your bank says that your bankruptcy is for sure, your psychiatrist tells you that your depression is permanent or your boss says that you will also be lay off in the company’s restructuring plan?  

David stood firm in his convictions and rehearsed to the king what God has done in the past. If you have been able to prove God in the small things in the past, you will be able to be like David when facing a big problem. Then you can consider what God has done in your life that has proven Him to be the God Almighty.

- David also stood firm against the insults and threats by his enemy Goliath. Even when facing a deadly threat by his enemy, David did not waiver in his faith. Instead he countered it with a counter-threat. (You want to kill me, hahahaha, I will kill you instead) WOW! David is really sure of what God can do through him.

So the next time you face insults and threats by the enemy, stand firm and let the enemy know what God can do through you in that obstacles. I can do all things through Christ (Phil 4:13), I can tread Satan under my foot (Rom 16:20), I am more than a conqueror (Rom 8:37).

* From the worldly view, it is really unfair for the small David to fight the giant Goliath. However, in the supernatural realm, Goliath does not have any chance at all against David. A TOTALLY UNFAIR fight against Goliath when God Almighty stands with David.

 5. Faith without work is dead. Conquer your giants.

At the end of it, we will still need to face our giants in life. Look at David’s preparation for that moment.

- King Saul recommended David to use his armor. But David has not proven it and therefore David cannot move in it. If King Saul’s armor does not do him any good to go fight against Goliath, why would use such armor. Some people would be eager to help you fight your giant by recommending something or some methods. Face your giants according to the way you are comfortable with.

- David brought his staff and chose 5 stones. This is the weapon that David is familiar with, a staff and a sling. I’ve heard a sermon that David chose 5 stones because Goliath has another 4 brothers and David is ready to slay all 5 of them if necessary. However, it could also be that David chose 5 stones so that in case he missed the first one, he still has 4 more stones to use against Goliath. Having faith in God does not mean that you will get it perfect all the time. You may get it wrong at first, but you continue on and on until you slay the giant.

- When Goliath rose up to meet him, David ran towards him. David was not afraid. Your attitude toward your giants will be very obvious when it is time to face them. If you really believe the promises of God, you would not run from a fight – you will run to it. Do you really believe what God said or not? The giants are going to test what God has put in you.

- David attacked the giant. He is not going to wait and just trying to defend himself. David slung a stone at Goliath. Then God worked the supernatural, a miracle. A stone in the natural would never be able to pierce a metal helmet. With whatever “feeble” effort that you can do, God would supernaturally empower it to defeat your giants.

- David made sure the giant is dead by cutting off his head. When David cut off his head and held it up, all doubt was removed, and the enemy fled. Then the Philistine army ran and the Israelite chased after them and had great victory. Make sure your giants are dead so that they will not come back and challenge you again.

Conclusion.

People don’t like to face giants, but David wouldn’t have been a hero if he had slain a midget. The giants in your life are actually great opportunities for God to show Himself strong on your behalf. Your greatest tests will become your greatest testimonies.

David’s victory over Goliath catapulted him into his destiny. Likewise, whatever giant you are facing can become the greatest victory in your life as you stand on God’s Word and overcome it.

True faith

Faith only appropriate what God has done by grace. God by grace has already provided everything.
True faith is not something you do to gain a response from God. True faith is your positive response to what you believe God has already done by grace. - Andrew Wommack.

Life in carnality

"Choosing to live in carnality is like getting caught in a whirlpool. Wickedness gets more treacherous as one goes deeper."

Represent Christ or Being Christ

Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians: “For God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them, and has committed unto us the word of reconciliation.”  

How many times we think it’s committed unto us to condemn sin, to preach against sin, or even to forgive sins! But it’s not. We preach Christ, who reconciles people to God. There’s a difference between representing Christ and unconsciously trying to be Christ. 

Pride led to his downfall

Was reading the story of King Asa in 2 Chronicles 16. It is a powerful life testimony of how one can be so successful in his early days but descended into total abandonment of God later in his life. I've preached on King Asa's life before and as I read again King Asa's life, the Lord spoke to me in His own gentle way. King Asa's success in defeating the vast Cushites and Libyans army has been the result of his total dependence on God. And God honored King Asa's total reverence and fear of Him. King Asa removed all the idols in the land and deposed his own grandmother. His heart is right before God. It is a Biblical principle that God honors those whose heart is set on Him. Even in our relationship with our children, we tend to show more of our love, care and guidance to the ones whose heart is right with us. And there's peace for 35 years after the war for King Asa. Then a smaller problem happened to King Asa. This time the response is totally different. Instead of relying on God and trusting on God's power, King Asa depended on his own cleverness, and following the ways of the heathen, he made a pact with an ungodly king. That led to tremendous problems to his kingdom. Even when he is sick, he did not seek help from God. Total abandonment of God at the end of his life. He started well but failed miserably in the end. As I reflected on King Asa's life, I realized that pride has also come into my life. I started my internet cafe with no experience, no know-how at all. I've never worked in a internet cafe before and I don't even have any paper qualification on computer networking or programming. I started the business with total dependence on God to provide and to bless the business. I've tried to follow the ways of the world by opening the business on Sundays but that is not pleasing to God. He challenged me to close the business on Sundays (even though in the eyes of the world, business on Sundays will bring in the highest income). After struggling with that challenge for a month, I decided to trust God and close my business on Sundays. God has blessed the business ever since. A year ago, I bought over another internet cafe business. The business in this new shop has not been doing well. As I reflect back on King Asa's story, I was made to realize that I too have pride in my life. Since the first business is doing well, pride comes to my life and it is shown in my attitude. Unconsciously, I felt that I too played a role in the success of the business. And that pride is shown in how I tried to manage the new internet cafe. Depending more on my own "intelligence" and experience rather than depending on God. Forgive me Father and help me to be humble before you. Help me to remember that unless You builds the business, I labor in vain. Help me to check my attitude towards the business and remind me that it is You that is in total control. Even in managing this business, help me to depend totally on You. Help me to set my heart right before You in every areas of my life. Amen.

Five minutes before falling asleep.

If you wake up as weary as you were when you went to bed the night before, try to recall what you were thinking about during the last five minutes before you went to sleep. What you think about in that five minutes impacts how well you sleep, which determines what kind of day the following day will be. When you sleep, your conscious mind is at rest, but your subconscious mind remains active. Psychologists call the subconscious the “assistant manager of life.” When the conscious mind is “off duty”, the subconscious mind takes over. The subconscious carries out the orders that are given to it even though you are not aware of it. For example, if the last minutes before going to sleep are spent worrying, the subconscious records and categorizes that as fear and acts as if the fear is reality. Thus muscles remain tense, nerves are on edge, and the body’s organs are upset which means the body is not really at rest. However, if those last five minutes are spent contemplating some great idea, an inspiring verse, or a calm and reassuring thought, it will signal to the nervous system, “All is well” and then put the entire body in a relaxed, peaceful state. Many of the days that begin badly started out that way because of the night before, during those critical last five minutes of conscious thought. You can input positive healthy thoughts into your conscious mind and pave the way for quiet, restful sleep by simply meditating on God’s Word as you drop off to sleep. For example, Psalm 91:1-2(NKJV): He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress; my God, in Him I will trust.”

Keeping the Faith

2 Tim. 4:6–8

For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. [7] I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; [8] in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing. 

How wonderful it will be to be able to say with sincerity what Paul said above. I wonder whether I'll be truly able to say it when the time comes. Will it come a time when I can truly look back at my life and remember all the trials that I faced and overcame. When problems seems to flood me and wants to drown me but I hang on to God and rise above it all. When sickness trouble me not just physically but mentally, emotionally and spiritually but I still hang on to God. When people criticized me in my ministry but I still persevere on. When the words uttered by inconsiderate people hurts like a sharp blade slicing my heart. When there is no words of encouragement being heard for the hard effort put in to serve. When God seems silent and distant at times. 

Would I allowed myself to be poured out as a drink offering? To be used by God to serve others, will I allow such things? Did I continue to fight on even when everything seems hopeless and so difficult? Will I continue to run the race when I feel tired and out of breath and the only thing that comes to mind is the thought of giving up.

Paul has said it and he has received the award, the crown of righteousness from the Lord. 

As for me, I'm still in the race. I must keep my focus on the finishing line. I may stop for a while to catch my breath but I'll still be moving forward towards the finishing line. God, help me.

What does a man really want?

He wants a beautiful woman, but not the beautiful woman you might think. If you as a woman wish to see beauty then go and take off the makeup. Look in the mirror. This is the face of beauty, but you must learn to see it in yourself. See yourself without the blinders of this world’s definition. See yourself as God intended you to be. Act as though you are as beautiful as anyone else around you. The man who recognizes that beauty in you is the one who knows what he wants and will strive to meet your needs with what he has to offer you. (There is a caveat to this whole argument: many men in today’s society are completely blind to true beauty, but you’re better off ignoring them. That man will only cause you pain.) *thoughts by Dan Bode

Progress despite opposition

Christians are often depicted in Scripture as on a journey through the wilderness of this world to the Kingdom of God. In Ephesians 4:14, the apostle Paul places this journey on the turbulent waters of a sea, where the winds can rise to blow us off course. However, contrary winds can be weathered by tacking against them, allowing us to make forward progress toward our destination despite the opposition.

Wisdom camouflaged as a fool

A little boy named David used to hang out at the local corner market. The other boys teased him constantly, saying that Johnny was two bricks shy of a load or two pickles short of a barrel. Puzzled about their behavior, the store owner eavesdropped on their conversation one day.

David stood silently as the boys offered him a choice between a nickel or a dime. David took the nickel. The boys immediately laughed, saying he was too dumb to know that the bigger coin was worthless. The store owner took him aside and said, “David, those boys are making fun of you. They think you don’t know a dime is worth more than a nickel. Are you really grabbing the nickel because it’s bigger?”

David turned to the store owner and with a big grin on his face, he said, “Well, if I took the dime, they’d stop playing the game. And so far, I’ve saved twenty dollars!” The other boys in the neighborhood may think that Johnny is a fool, but David certainly is wiser than them all.

A Tree Planted By The Water

A pastor and a farmer were talking one day in a local café about the farmer’s soybean and corn crops. Rain had been abundant in recent weeks, and the results were evident. The soybeans and corn were shooting up dramatically. “All of this rain must be a great relief to you,” the pastor said. The farmer replied, “My crops are especially vulnerable now.” ‘What do you mean?” the pastor asked. The farmer replied, “Even a short drought could have a devastating effect.” “Why is that?” the pastor asked. The farmer explained, “When it rains so much, the plants are not required to push their roots deeper into the earth in search of water. All of the roots remain near the surface. If a drought hits and begins to dry out the earth, it also dries out those shallow roots. The plants then die quickly.” He concluded, “A good plant needs deep roots that can withstand what happens above the ground.”

A letter from Jesus

My little child, I love you. (John 15:9)

I have called you by your name, you are mine. (Isaiah 43:1)

Before I formed you, I knew you. And before you were born, I consecrated you. (Jeremiah 1:5)

You did not choose me, I chose you. (John15:16)

Beloved, I wish above all things that you prosper and be in good health, even as your soul prospers.(3rd John 2)

Because you are precious to me, and honored, I love you. (Isaiah 43:4)

I have loved you with an everlasting love and I will continue my Constant love. (Jeremiah 31:3)

How can I abandon you? My love for you is too strong. (Hosea 11:8)

I love you so much that I hung on the cross at Calvary. I died for you, and if you believe in Me you will have everlasting life (John 3:16)

Can a woman forget her own baby and not love the child she bore? Yet, even should she forget, I will never forget you. I cannot forget you. See, I have graven you in the palm of my hands. (Isaiah 49:15-16)

For I, the Lord your God, am holding you by the right hand. (Isaiah 41:13)

I AM WITH YOU ALWAYS UNTIL THE END OF THE WORLD (Matthew 28: 20)

What's important is...

Received this from Cybersalt Digest.

What's important is...
not what kind of car you drive,
but rather how many people you give a lift.

What's important is...
not the size of your house,
but rather the number of people you welcome into your home.

What's important is...
not your social status,
but whether you live your life with class.

What's important is...
not what you possess,
but rather what you give.

What's important is...
not how many friends you have,
but rather how many to whom you are a friend.

What's important is...
not how much overtime you worked,
but rather if you work overtime for your family and loved ones.

What's important is...
not if you live in a great neighborhood,
but rather how you treat your neighbor.

HEARTS THAT ARE FULLY COMMITTED TO GOD

GBM Gateway Christian Fellowship, 18-10-2009 by David Bong

Key Scripture: 2 Chronicles 16:9,
“For the eyes of God range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him.”

Intro:
King Asa early reign. War with the Cushites and Libyans.

1. God Is Searching/Looking. – “The eyes of God range throughout the earth”

God is looking to see us do the right thing. It is those things that are holy and pleasing that He wants to see.
“Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, anything that is excellent or praiseworthy, think about such things” – Phil 4:8.

Eg. 1 : - God takes notice of Job.
In Job 1:8, “Then the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil.”
God is not looking for your fault but is looking for people who want to be blameless, upright, who revered God and shuns evil.

Eg. 2 : - 1 Kings 19:18, God told Elijah, “Yet I reserve 7000 in Israel – all whose knees have not bowed down to Baal and all whose mouths have not kissed him.”

2. God Wants to Strengthen Us.-“ to strengthen those”

God knows our weakness. He knows that we need to be strengthened.
Each and every one of our abilities are given by God. – Exodus 31:1-6
It is a gift to us so that we can do the good things He wants us to do.- Heb 13:20-21

Eg. 1: - Joshua leading the people into the Promised Land – Joshua 1:6,7,9… “be strong and courageous”. Joshua has no “supernatural” credentials.

How does God strengthen us? Generally, God strengthens His people in a few ways:
i) By His Word
ii) By word of testimonies
iii) By word of encouragement
iv) By upholding the cause of the people
v) By being the Deliverer and place of refuge.

We should live by bread alone but by every word of God.
In Psalm 19:7a, the psalmist says, “The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul”.
And in v 8a, “The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart”.
When God strengthens King David, none of the nations around him can defeat King David.

3. Hearts That Are Fully Committed To Him.

King Asa’s heart is not fully committed to God.
Are we fully committed to God?
What does it mean to be fully committed to God?
i) A life that centers on God and His Word.
ii) A heart that trust God notwithstanding the circumstances around him.
*1988 Winter Olympics featured blind skiers being trained for slalom skiing.
iii) Making a choice to do what God wants to do though it hurts badly.
*David Livingstone wrote back, "If you have men who will come only if they know there is a good road, I don't want them. I want men who will come if there is no road at all."

Commitment will only emerge when there is hardship and choices to be made.
Marriage requires commitment.

God becomes our Master, Lord and God and we are His servants. In heaven, we want to hear from God, our Master tell us, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

We can build commitment to God by developing Godly disciplines/habits.
- Read your Bible daily- a chapter or 5 chapters
- Pray at certain time
- Sing Christian songs
- Read Christian books
- Greet God in the morning.

It all depends on us. It is when we are committed fully to Him, God takes notice of us and strengthens us. In James 4:8, Paul said, “Draw near to God, and then God will draw near to you.” The choice is ours.

Conclusion.
The Vine and the Branches. If we the branches remains committed to Jesus the Vine, then He will strengthen us and we will produce fruits for Him. If our hearts are fully committed to Jesus, he will not let us whither but strengthens us and in due time we will produce fruits for Him.

Joseph- Refined By Hardship.

GBM Gateway – 28 Feb 2010 – by David Bong

Scripture Passage: Genesis 37 – 50

Intro: Gen 50:19, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good”.

1. The Forming of Godly character – a servant heart.
Joseph was a favorite to his father Jacob. And he because of that he develops this boastful pride in his early life. He has this bossy type of character. He likes to show off. And because he is Jacob’s favorite, Jacob would give in to Joseph’s demands. That is why we read in Gen 37: 11 that Joseph’s brothers were jealous of him. They were angry at him, hated him and could not speak any kind words to him.

God has a plan for Jacob and family. And God wants to use Joseph in His Mighty plan. But at the age of 17 and with his boastful character, Joseph is not yet suitable for the job. God has to refine Joseph to be the suitable vessel/instrument for His plan.

I believe that God has already set a plan for Joseph to be a ruler. But to be a ruler, Joseph must be able to serve. Jesus said it in Matthew 20: 20-28 that to be a ruler, one must serve. So we see here that God’s plan for Joseph is to be a ruler. But a ruler in God’s definition is one that serves, not one that is proud and boastful and orders people around. God has to refine Joseph to be a ruler. Unfortunately for people who are boastful, God will allow them to go through humbling experiences. Joseph was given a dream, one that the people would understand its meaning. Joseph was destined to be a ruler, and rule over his brothers, and even his parents have to bow down to him.

God allows Joseph to be sold as slave of Potiphar to teach Joseph to be humble. It is also an opportunity for Joseph to learn to be a true leader that is by serving others. It is there in Potiphar’s house that Joseph learned to serve others. At first, it might have been difficult for Joseph to serve others. Imagine a spoiled brat trying to serve others. But Joseph did learn and when he put his best in serving, God was with him and in due time he was promoted. But Potiphar’s house is only the first purifying stage for Joseph.

Serving in Potiphar’s house is not so difficult. Good food, beautiful house, nice bedroom, and everything is taken care of. One thing about God’s trial is that He knows our character and He moulds us bit by bit. He knows how much hardship we can take for any given time. Although most of the time we feel that it is too much but God knows better. God knows that Joseph’s character is not perfectly moulded and the hardship in Potiphar’s house is not enough to fully refined Joseph. Joseph needs to be tested and refined in a tougher and harsher condition.

What better place to further refine Joseph’s character than to let him be in prison. It is one of the worst places to be and that is what needed to test/refine Joseph. If Joseph can succeed in serving in a prison, then he is ready for God’s plan. Indeed we read that Joseph was tested in prison for more than 2 years before God says that Joseph is ready to serve. It took about 12 years for God to transform Joseph to be ready to serve and be appointed a ruler.
* What situation are you in right now? Is it a difficult situation? Could it that God is preparing you for greater things in your life. Could it be that God want to build a better you and the only way to get you to cooperate is by letting you be in hardship. For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. (Ephesians 2:10, NIV)

We may feel inadequate, unworthy, unprepared, but God will never call someone to do something that he won’t enable them to accomplish. He doesn’t call the equipped, He equips those He calls.


2. God’s Timing, Not our Timing
Joseph was given the “dream” that he would become a ruler of his brother and his parents when he was still a young man. Knowing that he is boastful and arrogant in his character, it is most likely that he tried to be rash and act as though he is the ruler, telling the brothers and parents to do everything he wants. I believe that Joseph might have tried to do it. He may have boasted about it to his friends. He may have wondered when that “dream” would come to pass. Maybe Joseph have been imagining on how the dreams would come to fulfillment. He may even plan on how to make the dream come to fulfillment faster. I would not be surprised if Joseph had followed in his great grandmother Sarah thinking. Abraham was promised by God that he would have children through Sarah. Sarah believed it but she could not wait. So, in her rashness to make the prophecy come to pass, she offered her servant girl Hagar to Abraham. But that is not God’s plan, not His timing.

Joseph might felt his biggest surprise/disillusionment while he is in the dry cistern. He thought he would rule over his brothers but it is him who was ruled over by his brothers. Caught and thrown down in the cistern, left to die. There in the cistern Joseph experience the death of his vision/dream. In his desperation, Joseph might have cried out to God to save him. Joseph might have bargained with God. That, we are not told.

Then God provides salvation to him. Instead of being left to die in the cistern, he was sold as a slave to a caravan trader. Later, in Egypt, Joseph was again sold as a slave to one of Pharaoh’s official, a captain of the guard name Potiphar. Joseph is now a slave. A prophesied ruler has now become a slave. Again, here we may imagine how Joseph may have felt. When Joseph was with his father Jacob, Joseph is the master of all the slaves, the menservants and maidservants. Instead of ordering others to do the work, he now has to do the work.

By now, we can see the changes in Joseph’s attitude. He became diligent and with God’s favor upon him, he was successful in all the tasks given to him. Soon he was promoted to take charge of Potiphar’s household. He is now the second in command. It seems that maybe, maybe the dream is alive again. Joseph is now in command again.
Now that Joseph is in command again, he might have thought that the dream is now fulfilled. He may have reason out that the dream is about him being a ruler or being in command, which he is now. Sometimes we are like Joseph, having a small plan and we tell God, “Ok Lord. Thank you for your plan that is fulfilled in my life.” Yet that is not God’s final plan for us. Many times we can’t grasp or imagine how great/big God’s plan is for us. Joseph may have thought that God’s timing have come and he may be contented with what he is now, being in command of Potiphar’s household. The problem is though he is in command, he is still a slave.

I believe that Joseph may have felt complacent and resigned to the fact that where he is now is the best he can get in his life, being in command of Potiphar’s household. He might even be happy with where he is now. Potiphar, being captain of the guard, one of Pharaoh’s official, is rich and have tremendous power, the elite in Egyptian society. It is said that a person like Potiphar lives in a big mansion, maybe 3 storey’s mansion. He uses gold utensils and bowls in his daily routine. There are big beautiful vases decorated in his mansion. He sleeps in big beautifully decorated rooms with nice pillows, mattress and comforters.
Joseph might have compared his life as a shepherd, a nomad when he was with his father Jacob, being in command of Potiphar’s household seems to be better. No need to be under the hot sun or shiver in the cold nights, sleeping on hard rocks with insects or snakes all around, smelling like sheep or goats.

*Many times it is when we are contented with what we are that God allows trials/hardships to happen. It is not that God is bad/evil but it is that we have not reached our fullest potential. God want us to go higher in faith. That is what happens to Joseph. He was accuses of doing something bad when he did not do it. And Joseph finds himself in prison, being treated like a criminal though he is not. Life is so unfair, really unfair. How would you react if you are in Joseph’s situation now? Would you be disappointed, frustrated, and angry with God? Would you be questioning God’s wisdom and do you want to curse God (like Job’s wife).

Now Joseph’s dream suffers another blow, a second death of a vision. However, God spared Joseph’s life. Potiphar has the right to kill Joseph there and then. Remember that Joseph is a slave. And a slave does not have any right. So it is quite surprising that we read that instead of killing Joseph straight away, Potiphar put Joseph into the prison. I would assume that Potiphar knew that Joseph is innocent. Potiphar may have investigated the matter with his other menservants and maidservants and found out the truth. And probably Potiphar also know his wife’s character.

We can say that Joseph is in deeper “shit” than before. Previously he is only a slave. Now he is not only a slave but also a prisoner. God was with him and even in prison he was promoted. He was to be in charge of all the prisoners.

Joseph’s dream is to be a ruler. Instead of things turning out good, things went from bad to worse. In a way, Joseph is being demoted from being in charge of a big rich household to being in charge of dirty, grim, depressing prison. It is like you are being transferred from the HQ in KL to some remote places in Sarawak/Sabah. And from living in a beautiful luxurious condominium/bungalow to living in a prison.

It is only when the time is right, when God has placed everything in position that God made the fulfillment of the dream/vision. We read the story of how Joseph interpreted Pharaoh’s dream and hew was appointed to be the second in command to Pharaoh. I don’t think Joseph would have imagined that he would be second most powerful man on earth at that time. When he received the dream, he would at the most imagined that he be the head/ruler of his family. But God’s plan is much bigger. God planned that Joseph be the second most powerful man on earth.

What is the vision/dream that you received? Are you still running with the vision? Have is suffered death? Always remember that it is God’s timing, not our timing.


3. Having The Fear of the Lord Always.

Joseph realized that it is always wise to fear/revere the Lord. He has internalized this wisdom and it is shown in his response to temptation. In Gen 39:9b, we read, “How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?” We all are accountable to God first for all our action.

One near death experience can bring one near to God. It is likely that Joseph came to realize that life and death is in God’s hand. He may have realized that is it best to follow God’s ways than to depend on his own abilities. Joseph’s character was changed from one that is proud and boastful to one who give all the credit to God. He is constantly aware of God’s hand working in his life.

Day by day Joseph’s heart becomes committed to God. He may have realized that it is all because of God’s favour that he was successful in all his tasks. This realization made his commitment to God stronger day by day. We have heard the principle that God strengthened those whose hearts are fully committed to God. This commitment to God was made manifested when temptation comes. He knows that he would be sinning against God if he sleeps with his master’s wife. I wonder how many of us guys would already have that kind of commitment. Not many I guess, for even people like Samson, King David and Solomon failed in this area.

When given the opportunity to take revenge on his brothers, he is able to see through God’s eyes. Instead of focusing from his own point of view, he focused on God’s view. And because he focused on God’s view, he is able to see that what his brothers did to him is also part of God’s plan. What would your response be to those who have hurt you? Are you still angry with them, never forgiven them even though its been years since it happened? Are you still blaming God for the sickness, the hardship, the misfortune that you experienced? Or will you try like Joseph to be so in tune with God that he is able to see God’s hand working in his life, even through the difficult part of his life. (being thrown into the cistern by his own brothers, being sold as a slave to the Ishmaelite traders, being sold to Potiphar, being unfairly and unjustly accused of having an affair with his master’s wife, being thrown into prison, helping others but was forgotten and stayed in prison for more than 2 years.

Being in tune with God made a lot of difference. Having the fear of the Lord made a lot of difference. Joseph was able to say that all the hardship is necessary so that he can be God’s instrument, God’s vessel to fulfill God’s plan, not only for Joseph’s life but also for the family members of Jacob. It is also to fulfill God’s prophecy given to Abraham. Being in tune with God frees us from being enslaved with hatred, vengeance, anger, bitterness, jealousy, lust, covetousness and many other evil thoughts. Instead being in tune with God will repulse all these evil thoughts away from our mind. But being in tune with God does not mean all the troubles will go away. It does not repulse hardship, trials or troubles.

Closing.

I truly believe that God has a GREAT Plan for each one of us. And I also believe that God is interested in building man and woman of Godly character. When God made us in His image, He wants us to display His character. That is why the Bible says that God is in the process of conforming us to be more like Jesus Christ (Colossians 1:15; 2 Corinthians 3:18). May we too be refined like Joseph through hardships and will come out as pure gold, an acceptable offering to God.