Acts 5 - rejoice!

"rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name." (Acts 5:41)

The Christian life should be filled with joy. That is what sets us apart from people of the world.

Does that mean a Christian would never suffer? Or that he/she should never tear?

No, the Bible did not say that a person, after believing in Jesus, will never meet with difficulties or sorrow. In fact, the Bible promises that Jesus will wipe away every tear from our eyes and we would tear no more when He comes again. That shows that in this life, we will still meet with things that will break our heart.

However, it is what we do during times of sorrow that separates us from people of the world. Do we wallow in self-pity or do we look unto Jesus?

The apostles had their eyes fixed on Jesus.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. (Hebrews 12:1-3)

Do we see that joy that is set before us too?

The joy of being prince with Him in heaven, after we have suffered a little while (1 Peter 1:6), and to enjoy eternity with Him.

And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. (1 Peter 5:10)

If we are able to look beyond the here and now (though we may be suffering or persecuted), and see the joy that is awaiting us just ahead, we would be able to endure and rejoice in any circumstances.

Moreover, Jesus has been there, done that.

It doesn't hurt as much as what He went through for me.

These words never fails to comfort me in times of pain, and, in a way, lift up my spirits because I remember how much He loves me.

Whatever I might be facing, what is this, compared to what He had went through for me?

So I will say, "算了！"

:)

Acts 4

"For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard." (Acts 4:20)

Then I said, "I will not make mention of Him, nor speak anymore in His name." But His word was in my heart like a burning fire shut up in my bones; I was weary of holding it back, and I could not. (Jeremiah 20:9)

My heart was hot within me;
While I was musing, the fire burned.
Then I spoke with my tongue
(Psalms 39;3)

When we are filled with the Holy Spirit, we would very naturally want to tell others about Jesus. Restraining back would in fact be very difficult!

I desire to have such a fire within me, burning, and compelling me to do His work more, and to spread this story to more people around me.

------

Behold, how good and how pleasant it is
For brethren to dwell together in unity!
It is like the precious oil upon the head,
Running down on the beard,
The beard of Aaron.
Running down on the edge of his garments.
It is like the dew of Hermon,
Descending upon the mountains of Zion;
For there the LORD commanded the blessing-
Life forevermore.
(Psalm 133)

The unity of the early church reminded me of the above psalm. Seeing how they came together in one accord to pray and how they shared in all things, selling everything and distributing to each as anyone had need, and I think about the church today, and wonder if we are anywhere near it.

Not a pessimistic thought, but a hopeful one, because I believe that the true church will prosper, like the message in Zechariah, because the LORD God is still zealous for His people. :)

Acts 3 - giving our all

"Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you." (Acts 3:6)

These are the words of Peter to the lame man who sat at the Beautiful gate of the temple.

I always feel that I have nothing. Nothing to give away generously, nothing to offer up as sacrifices, nothing that others would want. I am not wealthy; I am not particularly talented in any ways; I do not think I have the qualities that would make me popular among friends. In short, I feel that I have nothing to offer.

It does sound like I am suffering from a low self-esteem here, and I agree that to a certain extent, yes. I am still struggling with that.

However, Peter's words sent a good reminder of what we are called to do, regardless the level of our self-esteem. He said, "Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you."

Yes, we may not be specially blessed with riches or talents, but everyone of us has something to offer.

This reminded me of a conversation I just had with my colleagues. They are new at work and are still not sure how to go about doing a certain work. So I courageously offered to send them my last year's copies to them. But I specifically stressed that 'it may not be the best example, or the standard, but you guys can just take them as references'. Honestly, I am always apprehensive to share stuffs like this, not because I am stingy, but because I would think that mine's too lousy. Or perhaps it is kinda like pride, cos I don't want people to critizise my work as bad.

But today, as I read Peter's words, I am glad to have offered whatever I have to my new colleagues.

I might not have gold, I might not have silver; but what I do have I give freely. I think God is most pleased with this. That we offer up whatever we have.

Like the widow's two mites (Mark 12:43-44).

Sometimes, even to the extent of all that we are and have.

Like Paul's "to spend and be spent" for the souls of men (2 Corinthians 12:15).

Peter and the apostles had nothing, but they had the testimony of the Christ and the Word that saves to offer. Today, as members of the true church, even as we claim that we have nothing to give, we do still have one thing - the truth. Have we thus given them to the people around us?

Freely received, have we freely give?

"Or why look so intently at us, as though by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk?" (Acts 3:12)

I like these words of Peter. After we have achieved "success" in our work, do we give all glory unto God, or do we claim some for our own, to feed our pride?

Actually, the truth is that we are really nothing. Remember? We are only dust. But yet, God gives us something - at the very least, we have the wonderful Word of truth. So when we give away or offer up this something and had done well, we must remember that it is because God is willing to use us, earthern vessels, for His glory.

Nothing by ourselves, but everything through Him.

May we be able to give all that we have, to those who are in need around us. It may not always be money, but it may be a little love, a little encouragement, or a little help, in the midst of our busy schedule.

把我们仅有的都拿出来。

(picture from http://stickywalls.com)

Acts 2 - asking the right questions with the right heart

"Whatever could this mean?" (Acts 2:12)
"What shall we do?" (Acts 2:37)

Asking the right questions seemed to be vital to one's salvation.

When the Jews, coming from different places, heard the believers speaking in tongues for the first time, they were amazed and probably puzzled. Afterall, it was the first occurence of such an incident. They have never heard tongues before.

However, there appeared to be two groups with different response. One asked, "Whatever could this mean?" while the other simply mocked them being full of new wine (Acts 2:13).

I am not sure if those belonging to the latter group ultimately were among those being "cut to the heart" and asking, "What shall we do?".... however, the difference in their response led me to consider about the readiness of the heart's field to receive the Word of God. A recent sermon spoke about ploughing our heart's field, for how can a hardened field grow anything?

In whatever we do, we really do need humility. A humble heart brings us further, because we are ready to receive more. When a portion of the Jews saw the pouring down of the Holy Spirit and heard the believers speaking in tongues, they did not understand it, but by asking "Whatever could this mean?", they are acknowledging the fact that they did not know. This is humility. They also did not immediately discount (which the other group did, by mocking) it.

In many areas, especially in matters of faith, there might be things that we cannot fully understand yet... do we have the tendency to brush it away or discount it or reject it? Especially for truth-seeking friends, we really need to have the humility to ask, "Whatever could this mean?" We can do this by asking those around us, or we can keep it in our hearts, between us and God, and I am very sure God will reveal when the time is right.

When Jesus was growing up, there were many things which His mother, Mary, did not fully understand. She knows Jesus was going to be the Messiah, but there were still things which she cannot fully grasp, and the Bible tells us that she "kept all these things in her heart" (Luke 2:51).

Another vital question to ask is "What shall we do?" (Acts 2:37)

Again, this is a question that requires much humility. Most of us do not like to be told what to do. We are sure we know what we are doing, and being told what to do seemed to be only for children. Yet Jesus told us to receive the kingdom of God as a little child (Mark 10:15).

Asking "What shall we do?" also means that we act upon it. Only when coupled with actions, asking this question will then be meaningful. Let us not be like the one who looks at himself in a mirror, saw the dirt on his face, but goes away without wiping his face clean (cf James 1:23-25).

May God guide us to ask the right questions, with the right heart of humility, while we continue to seek His heart.

Acts 1

"It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority." (Acts 1:7)

Never did the apostles knew that 2000 years from then, we would still be preaching the same gospel and waiting for the restoration of the "kingdom".

I wonder if Christ at that moment knew, since He is no longer flesh, but in a spiritual body. (This sounds like a really deep theological question.....)

Isn't it marvelous that we can be co-workers of God?

"But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in....... to the end of the earth." (Acts 1:8)

It was like that back then; it is the same today.

Although God did not allow us to know the time of His second coming, He urged us to be His witnesses in the world and to co-work with Him in this salvation plan.

It is like, "You don't have to know so much. Just go, preach the gospel to all men on earth."

And as generations passed, this duty is handed over to us now. Is this our life's goal? or is there something else? Are we witnesses for Jesus?

p.s. when i think about it, i think the apostles and disciples during Jesus' time are the most blessed co-workers of God. if you run a time-line in your head from the time of creation until today, you will see various workers at various time periods working with God. however, the apostles had Jesus in their midst, dwelling in the flesh among them, and they heard Him, felt Him, saw Him,.... what grace.

Mark 16 - faith and believing

"...they did not believe." (Mark 16:11)
"... but they did not believe them either." (Mark 16:13)

Sometimes it is really difficult to believe in something which you have not seen... Mary Magdalene and the two disciples had seen Lord Jesus, of course it is easier for them to believe! Unless one sees or experiences it for himself/herself, it takes some courage to believe... But that is faith, isn't it?

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (Hebrews 11:1)

I feel that English Standard Version (ESV) says it much better.

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. (Hebrews 11:1)

Jesus Himself also said to doubting Thomas, remember?

"Because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." (John 20:29)

Sometimes it is really very difficult to believe that Jesus has a plan for what lies ahead of me. Because what is in the future is unseen, and not known, it really takes courage to go on. Do we then have the faith?

"...the assurance of things hoped for.."
What are we hoping for? If what we are praying and hoping for is in line with what God desires, do we have that assurance that surely the Father will not withhold good gifts from His children? Surely what He has in mind for us is good.... but it requires us to wait for the right time.

I have been thinking about the case of Israel's first king. They insisted on having a king to rule over them and we know that God gave in to them and gave them Saul. But because this was not according to God's will, it did not turn out well. And the irony is that God did want to give them a king. It's just that the time was not right yet... If Israel have had the patience and the faith to wait on God's time, history would have to be rewritten.

I am really worried that I have been insisting on "having a king" in my life. And I am even more worried that if I continue to insist on it, God may really just give it to me. But who knows how it might turn out..

Waiting requires courage.... because we really do not know what might happen in the future. But that is faith, in our Lord Jesus.

"...the conviction of things not seen."
When we cannot see the future, or what is ahead... do we still have that conviction that Jesus is leading the way and that those who seek Him will lack no good thing (Psalm 34:10)?

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. (Hebrews 11:1)

I need to be more assured and more convicted than how I am at the moment.

"Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!" (Mark 9:24)

Mark 15 - Jesus' quiet strength

When Jesus was wrongly accused, He kept silent and did not say anything.

"But Jesus still answered nothing, so that Pilate marveled." (Mark 15:5)

In the two occasions that Jesus answered something, it was to proclaim that He was the Christ (Mark 14:62; 15:2). Other than that, there was no need to say anything. He also found no need to defend Himself of the wrong accusations, because they won't stand anyway.

What strength.

Compare this to the other various groups of people that we also read about today.

Pilate. He found nothing wrong in Jesus, knew that it was because of envy that the chief priests handed Jesus over (Mark 15:10), but yet "wanting to gratify the crowd", sent Jesus to be crucified.

We all had times when we "wanted to gratify the crowd" too. Maybe it is not a big crowd, but perhaps our friends, our colleagues, or our bosses. When we clearly know what is right, do we stick by it, or are easily swayed by the people's cries? Do we have the strength? This is especially important for leaders who can make or break a congregation. The chief priests "stirred up the crowd" (Mark 15:11) to achieve their aims, while Pilate simply wanted to gratify the crowd. Under such leadership, the people were led to the pit.

The soldiers. They mocked Him (Mark 15:16-20), clothing Him with purple and twisted a crown of thorns for Him, and salute Him, and struck Him, and bowed to worship Him... I dislike this part the most, because I found it totally redundant the things they did. They were like jokers, taking advantage of the opportunity to make fun of the victimised one. Did they have to do that? They only need to lead Jesus away to the place of Crucifixion, right?

Have we ever taken advantage of the opportunity to make fun of a victim? Sometimes, when bullying take place before our eyes, have we allowed our tongues to slip to add some unkind words in too? These soldiers went with the flow and wanted to be part of the party to humiliate Jesus. Did they know what they were doing? Or they were simply gratifying themselves too? Cheap thrills, I would say.... No strength, like our Lord's.

Those who passed by, the chief priests, and the scribes (Mark 15:29-32). See the words that came out of their mouths.

"Aha! You who destroy the temple and build it in three days, save Yourself, and come down from the cross!"

"He saved others; Himself He cannot save. Let the Christ, the Kiing of Israel, descend now from the cross, that we may see and believe."

Unkind, mocking words. Words of sarcasm. Words that can pierce the heart, the heart of God.

If you really think about it, these people who passed by have no need to say anything. Jesus was already crucified, they have already got what they wanted. Yet, in their weakness, perhaps in an attempt to further justify themselves that they are right and trying to win more people over to themselves, they made such comments. But if we actually delve deeper, such people are actually insecure.

No where near the strength of the Lord Jesus, whose quiet confidence showed His security.

Aren't we like the passer-bys too? There must have been many times when we have sought words for security. Sometimes, we seek to know what someone else is thinking or feeling. Sometimes we speak unkind words to unleash our negative emotions. In our attempt to fill up the awkward silence, have we spoken rash words or unnecessary things? In our attempt to make ourselves look bigger, have we put others down?

This is also a timely reminder for me as a teacher, that I do not put my students down, especially in an attempt to command respect from them; that even during times when I seemed to be losing ground, I do not speak harsh, rash, sarcastic, unkind words in an attempt to gather back my "power".

Let's not be hasty with what comes out from our mouths.

I am also seeking the strength of Jesus, to be like Him, quiet and confident. There are some things which need not be known, before the opportune time, so let me be still and wait on the Lord.

In quietness and confidence shall be your strength. (Isaiah 30:15)

Mark 14 - a love that grows through the days

"Even if all are made to stumble, yet I will not be."
"If I have to die with You, I will not deny You!"
(Mark 14:29, 31)

It is a long chapter of 72 verses.
A pity that I can only spend 15 minutes on it.
But even as I read in haste,
I can't miss Peter's love for Jesus.
It wasn't a perfect kind of love,
in fact, it can be seen as one that is almost on impulse, rash, emotional....
but I believe that God knows our weaknesses,
and such a love of Peter had pleased Jesus.

If Peter had not loved Jesus, he wouldn't have followed at a distance
and watch first hand what would happen to his dear lord;
for Peter cared for Him.
However, when faced with the confrontations of men,
he did what was most instinctive to survival...
he denied Christ.

What a constrast to his bold proclamation about not stumbling, and dying with Jesus!
However, I think about my faith and I am ashamed to speak further.
For I don't think I even have the courage to speak those bold words.
I only plead for God's mercy that
I may dwell in the house of the Lord forever
and to be able to behold His beauty there.

I wonder also what Peter thought about as he wept (14:72).
Other than feelings of shame that he had really did deny Christ three times before the rooster crowed twice?

At times when the words of the Holy Bible were called to my mind, I can't help but be touched at the authenticity and true-ness of the Word.
The Word is really living! He is really living!
And He is constantly by my side, guiding me.

His Word cuts to my heart and I surrender.

"You're right, God... You're right.."

and you know,

"He is God. He really is God."

and you stand in awe of His presence and weep at your own wretchedness and unworthiness.

May my love for Jesus be a deep-rooted and sincere one, not only of emotions and impulsive desires to do more for Him, but one that is quiet and still and of strength, that grows through the days, the years, until I'm safely home.

but the people who know their God will display strength and take action. (Daniel 11:32 (NASB))

Mark 13 - remember that the day is very near

"And unless the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect's sake, whom He chose, He shortened the days." (Mark 13:20)

In the chapter today, Jesus spoke of the last days and the great tribulation that would happen. And it is obvious that we are in the end times now. But what we might miss out, especially if we had only skimmed through the passage, is the severity of what is to come.

"Now brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death." (13:12)

"For in those days there will be tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the creation which God created until this time, nor ever shall be." (13:19)

It really does seem scary... and we should really take heed and fear, lest when that day come, we crumble.

And while I consider about these things and about the end times.... I start to feel silly that I have been troubled over carnal things. And someone also reminded me that I should be thankful I am troubled over this thing, and not over persecution, or over natural disasters, or over famine.... His words did continue to buzz inside me, and I feel like I have been wasting too much time and effort over not-so-important things.

If the Lord gives, the Lord gives. If the Lord takes away, so be it.

There are so many people out there waiting to be saved! And so many people out there waiting to be cared for!

The day is very near... and life is too short to waste.. we should use it to love Him and love man. This is also what he always says, isn't it?

Mark 12

In today's chapter, we see Jesus answering the various groups of people who sought to trap Him in His words.

He rebuked the chief priests, scribes, and elders with the parable of the wicked vinedressers; answered the Pharisees wisely regarding paying taxes to Caesar; clarified to the Sadducees regarding marriage and resurrection; and to the scribes about the greatest commandment.

The chapter ended off with the widow's two mites, a seemingly big constrast with the various groups of people who seemed to have more, but did not have as much faith.

I wonder which group of people I belong to.

They kept coming to Jesus to question Him, so that they could "catch Him in His words." (Mark 12:13)

Don't I do that too?

"Lord Jesus, didn't You say......... then how is it that .........?"

Questioning Jesus using the words in the Scriptures, as though I know better than He does.

I really don't want to question Jesus anymore.. Can I have a faith as simple and as complete as the widow? Have I love Him with all my heart, with all my soul, with all my mind, and with all my strength?

And to love Him with all the heart, with all the understanding, with all the soul, and with all the strength, ....is more than all the whole burnt offerings and sacrifices. (Mark 12:33)

for they all put in out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all that she had, her whole livelihood. (Mark 12:44)

The emphasis on whole.... how to wholely, completely trust in Jesus?

For when they rise from the dead, they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven. (Mark 12:25)

Mark 11 - don't let the barren fig tree die in vain!

And seeing from afar a fig tree having leaves, He went to see if perhaps He would find something on it. When He came to it, He found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs. (Mark 11:13)

At first glance, it may seem strange and unreasonable for Jesus to curse the fig tree, when "it was not the season for figs." But after some reading up about fig trees, it turns out that fruits will typically appear before the leaves appear. Which was why Jesus, on seeing leaves, went forward to look for some fruits. These fruits are like a forerunner, before the main harvest. In other words, these are the firstfruits. So, even though it was not the season for figs, the absence of these firstfruits already tell us that it was going to be fruitless.

A fig tree with leaves, but fruitless.

This is a lesson for us that the outer appearance does not count, but whether we have bore fruits. From afar, we may look great, and full of potential, but when Jesus really come near to find something, will He find fruits on us?

Let us not wait until the day when God decides to cut us down, for it is a period of grace now that we are still left in the vineyard. He is hoping to see some fruits, and He is even digging around us and fertilizing us (Luke 13:8)!

p.s. i am just not so sure why the lesson of the withered fig tree was about having faith in prayers, as taught by jesus (Mark 11:22-24). isn't it even more apt to talk about bearing fruits?

Mark 10 - a chapter of constrast

"What do you want Me to do for you?" (Mark 10:36, 51)

James and John's request to sit beside Jesus in His glory vs Blind Bartimaeus's request to simply see.

Were James and John's request one that is really blinded by their own desires? I had thought that this desire was a good one. Didn't the Bible also tell us that we would reign with Jesus? Maybe they sincerely wanted to be with Jesus in His glory? Don't we all want?

And when Jesus asked them, "Are you able....," they had answered straightaway, "We are able." It seemed to me that they have thought it before and had decided on their answer even before this. Which made me wonder, will I even dare to answer Jesus, "Yes, Lord, I am able."?

I also noticed another contrast made in today's chapter. The rich young ruler was reluctant to give up all his possessions, and went away sorrowful (Mark 10:22). Peter and the others left all and followed Jesus (Mark 10:28).

The disciples were astonished when Jesus commented that it is hard for the rich to enter the kingdom of God, and asked, "Who then can be saved?" (Mark 10:26) And then we have Peter, as though trying to make a claim, "See, we have left all and followed You." (Mark 10:28)

And Jesus, kind and compassionate, reassured them, that whoever left all to follow Him will receive a hundredfold in this time and eternal life in the age to come. (I really think that Jesus is wonderful.... He knows our weaknesses and comforts us in our weakness!)

But He also did not withhold the truth from us... that persecutions will come along as well in this life... and that we will never know what happen in the end... only those who endured to the end will be saved.

One question: when Jesus mentioned about taking up the cross (Mark 10:21; 8:34), what did the people understand then?

Did the cross meant something to the people back then? I always thought the cross was simply a mode of punishment used by the Roman government or something? If that is the case, what would "taking up the cross" mean to them?

One last question: How do we receive the kingdom of God as a little child? (Mark 10:15) I need to know otherwise I might not enter it! :O

(http://www.closerdaybyday.info/2011/01/mark-10/)

Mark 9 - be salty salt

Salt is good, but if the salt loses its flavour, how will you season it? (Mark 9:50a)

"You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men." (Matthew 5:13)

I was told that in those days, salt which contained a lot of impurities (and hence diluted the taste and "loses its flavour"), such salt was thrown out to the road where many pedestrians trampled on it.

In other words, when salt is no longer salty, it has lost its purpose and is no longer useful, and is thrown away.

Therefore, we must be salty salt! Else, we will only end up on the roads, trampled underfoot.

Salt is used to bring out the flavour, to make something taste better. Have we, as salt of the earth, fulfill what we are called to do? Have we bring out the best in others? Or have our actions cause others to be at their worst?

We have to remember that we live in a dynamic world; our actions influence others, and others' actions also influence us. How is it that there are certain people that we cannot get along with, while others can get along with them just fine? It really is about how the two party interact. Therefore, while we cannot control how others behave, we can determine how we behave. So, let our actions only serve to bring out the best in others.

"Have salt in yourselves, and have peace with one another." (Mark 9:50b)

Mark 8

"Who do men say that I am? .... But who do you say that I am?" (Mark 8:27-29)

It is a bit strange that just a while back the disciples did not really understand (Mark 8:16-21), yet they can declare that Jesus is the Christ here.

Or perhaps it was only Peter who was sure that Jesus is the Christ, since the Bible records that Peter was the one who answered.

In that case, it is even more puzzling that Peter rebuked Jesus that such sufferings and manner of dying should never occur to Him (Mark 8:31-32). If Peter had really know that Jesus was the Christ, surely he knew about the prophecies and the purpose of God coming in the flesh?

I am not sure if Peter was a rash person, guided by feelings more than anything. By feeling, he knew that Jesus was the one who is promised to come; but by feeling also, he did not want Jesus to suffer and die.

Feelings tend to bind us in the here and now, and we forgot about what's best, or what's right, in the way ahead.

We must be mindful of the things of God, not the things of men, otherwise, we are no different from Satan if we are only a hindrance to the work of God (Mark 8:33).

Jesus did not stop at the first question but continued with the second, "Who do you say that I am?"

I get the feeling that Jesus wanted the disciples to really have their own personal faith or relationship with God. We can hear what others testify about Jesus, we can hear stories passed down from our parents, grandparents, about how they believed in Jesus, but ultimately, who is Jesus to me?

Jesus wants to know the answer to that.

Mark 7 - drops of grace

"Yes, Lord, yet even the little dogs under the table eat from the children's crumbs." (Mark 7:28)

These are the words which moved Jesus. It was said with such humility, and that was pleasing to God.

Sometimes, when we are asking for favours, do we do so in a demanding manner, especially to our own family members?

We have to remember that we are not deserving of that extra favour in the first place, so whenever we seek someone's help, let us ask in a humble way. Our mindset should be that, that person does not have to help us, and that is only right.

I really do admire the woman's character. Perhaps that's the heart of a mother, who is able to endure the worst comment for her daughter. Anything for her daughter, if there is a chance of her getting well. Even to the extent of being called dogs.

"Let the children be filled first, for it is not good to take the children's bread and throw it to the little dogs." (Mark 7:27)

I would imagine that anyone who is slightly more impulsive or hot-tempered would have started a fight with Jesus already.

"What?? You called me a dog?!"

But this woman did not lose it. She even agreed with Jesus, "Yes, Lord."

Either her mother love is so strong that she is willing to put up with all the ugly remarks, or she really did have faith, knowing where she stands among the chosen race of God, yet pursuing after whatever drops of grace she can find.

How about my own faith?

Do I actively seek after whatever drops of grace I can find, as though in a thirsty land (More, More! I want more of Jesus!), or is the grace of God so abundant for us that we have taken it for granted?

Mark 6 - the secret to a sustained life of service

"Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while." (Mark 6:31).

Jesus is not a cruel supervisor. After the Twelve had returned from their preaching, Jesus wanted them to rest, "for there were many coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat."

So, God knows when we need a rest, and He would gladly give that rest. His advice? Go to a deserted place by yourself. After we had done much divine service, we need to go to a quiet place and commune with Him. This is the secret to a sustained life of service.

Immediately He made His disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, to Bethsaida, while He sent the multitude away. And when He had sent them away, He departed to the mountain to pray. (Mark 6:45-46)

Jesus knew that secret very well. And very often, we see how Jesus would retreat by Himself to pray. In the verses above, it appears even clearer, that Jesus sent everyone away so that He can pray in quietness. Do we do that? Do we actively seek out opportunities to be quiet with God?

Being the only believer in the family, I find it difficult to pray regularly. However, when the opportunity arises for me to pray (e.g. when I am the only one at home or when I have the room to myself), do I even grab hold of it?

A sustained life of service to God is one that is intertwined with prayers in quietness.

Because then can you ponder and remember about the true purpose of your service, and to stay guided by Jesus' lead.

Mark 5 - Will we go where He wants us to go?

However, Jesus did not permit him, but said to him, "Go home to your friends, and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He has had compassion on you." (Mark 5:19)

It is a little strange at first thought why Jesus did not allow the man who had been demon-possessed to follow Him.

This stands in direct constrast with how He had called Simon, Andrew, James, and John, the four fishermen by the sea.

Jesus had said, "Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men." (Mark 1:17)

Was Jesus biased in His selection of followers? Why did Jesus not permit him when he had actually begged to be with Him (Mark 5:18)?

I guess God has a purpose for everyone. Sometimes it might not be something that we had at the very first wanted to do for God.

This man simply wanted to be with Jesus, but he was rejected.

There must be times when we wanted to do a certain something for God, and we think that it is a good thing, and surely God will bless. However, it just didn't work out and we eventually realised it was not to be. Why is that so?

Because our purpose lies somewhere else.

Just like this man's purpose lies in being a living testimony to his friends and family so that they may come to believe and glorify God. And we know how he obeyed Jesus to return home and proclaim the deeds of Jesus, causing people to marvel (Mark 5:20).

Think about it. When we had been so sure about something that we want to do for God, and we even begged Him about it, yet when the reply is a straight no, are we able to immediately change the course of our lives, simply at the word of Jesus? Are we able to fulfill the purpose of our lives, or simply do it half-heartedly because it wasn't what I wanted to do anyway?

Something to ponder over as we learn from him who had been demon-possessed :)

Mark 4

"Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?" (Mark 4:38)

What a familiar accusation.

I have been guilty of making that sort of accusation about Jesus before, and I am sure many of you did as well.

Do You not care that my heart is breaking?
Do You not care that my loved ones are dying?
Do You not care that people are against me and I can bear it no more?
Do You not see? Do You not hear? Do You not care?

However, we see that once Jesus spoke, all was calm and peaceful again. The wind and the waves humbly retreat at the words of Jesus.

Therefore, although at times, God seems to be far away from us and we wonder if He is even listening, we must remember He never slumbers.

He will not allow your foot to be moved;
He who keeps you will not slumber.
Behold, He who keeps Israel
Shall neither slumber nor sleep.
(Psalm 121:3-4)

And although He may seem to tarry, we must have faith that the Almighty can save, and He cares.

Does Jesus care when my way is dark
With a nameless dread and fear?
As the daylight fades
Into deep night shades,
Does He care enough to be near?

Does Jesus care when I've said "goodbye"
To the dearest on earth to me,
And my sad heart aches
Till it nearly breaks,
Is it aught to Him? Does He care?

Oh yes, He cares,
I know He cares,
His heart is touched with my grief;
When the days are weary,
The long night dreary,
I know my Saviour cares.
(Hymn 336)

Mark 3 - do I do it anyway?

And when He had looked around at them with anger, being grieved by the hardness of their hearts, ..... (Mark 3:5)

There were also times when Jesus felt so angry! That action of Him was so oddly familiar that that verse caught my attention.... and I realised that it was probably something that most teachers have encountered before.

Staring at your class of students in anger, but deep within, hurt and painful.

I know how that feels..

Especially if it isn't the first time your students had not heed your words and had repeated the same wrongs again. They just wouldn't change.... and you'll wonder, should I continue to do this? Or just forget it?

Jesus did it anyway.

Regardless of whether the people around would understand Him and heed His words. Because He knew what He was doing was right. His work was to complete that which the Father had tasked for Him to do, and to bring glory to Him. And so, despite the people around Him not supporting Him, and even trying to accuse Him, Jesus did it anyway.

When the people around me do not fully understand my good intentions, do I do it anyway? When my students do not appreciate that what I am doing is actually for their good, do I do it anyway?
When I have not gotten back the returns for all the efforts I have put in, do I still do it anyway?

And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart (Gal 6:9).

But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary in doing good (2 Thess 3:13).

Mark 2 - mercy for the sinful

Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance. (Mark 2:17)

Sometimes, we feel too unworthy to return back to God. The burden of sins pull us down like a heavy chain around our neck. We can't bear to lift our heads up. We are too ashamed to look at Jesus in the eye.

We look at the people around us. Surely he is more deserving of God's love than me! Surely God is more pleased to receive her than me!

We feel that we might as well give up. There is no way God will forgive me now.

Yet, God's mercy is .... amazingly abundant.

In Matthew 9:13, it was added that Jesus quoted this from the Old Testament, "I desire mercy and not sacrifice."

Jesus has come to call us sinners back to Him. It's just awesome.

He has not dealt with us according to our sins,
Nor punished us according to our iniquities.
For as the heavens are high above the earth,
So great is His mercy toward those who fear Him;
As far as the east is from the west,
So far has He removed our transgressions from us.
As a father pities his children,
So the LORD pities those who fear Him.
For He knows our frame;
He remembers that we are dust.
(Psalm 103:10-14)

Mark 1 - staying focused on the work

Both John the Baptist and Jesus Christ were very clear about their purpose on earth. And because of that, they were able to stay focused and accomplished what they had set out to do. They were able to complete the work tasked to them.

John the Baptist knew that he wasn't the Christ, but he was the one who would prepare the way before Him. He knows that who he is, and who he isn't.

Often, as we search for our own identity and self-worth, we may eventually come to a knowledge of who we are. We may be called to be teachers.... or to be preachers.... or mothers.... etc. And that is good. We know where our gifts are and we employ them for the benefit for the Church. However, let us also not neglect knowing who we are not.

We are definitely not God. There was once I was really worried about how a truthseeker's first impression of the church service might be that I went to talk to a preacher about it and to raise some suggestions. But the preacher simply said, "It is the Lord's burden. We need not worry too much." It almost felt like someone hit my head with a bell and the sound simply echoed within my mind. I was awakened then, and serving Him became much sweeter.

Knowing who we are not also help us to stay humble. John the Baptist once made this statement about Jesus Christ: "He must increase, but I must decrease." When we see others more gifted in the area of work we once were good at, do we give praise to God, or do we become jealous and unhappy? In our divine service, do we seek to exalt ourselves, or Jesus?

Jesus Christ Himself also knew His exact purpose on earth. While His fame had already spread throughout the region (Mark 1:28), and everyone was seeking after Him, this was what He said,

"Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also, because for this purpose I have come forth." (Mark 1:38)

Because both John the Baptist and Jesus Christ were focused on their purpose in life, they were able to complete that which were entrusted to them to fulfill.

At the start of this new year, it is good to ponder, what is it that God has entrusted into my care? What is it that God has tasked me to complete? And let us remember to emulate John the Baptist and Jesus Christ, how they remained focused, to complete the work.

"And in this I give advice: It is to your advantage not only to be doing what you began and were desiring to do a year ago; but now you also must complete the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to desire it, so there also may be a completion out of what you have." (2 Corinthians 8:10-11)

Galatians 6 - the epitome of love

But God forbids that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, ...."
(Galatians 6:14)


The cross...


the emblem of sin and shame

where many criminals were crucified

bore the ugly sins of all men

where Jesus Christ was insulted, suffered, and where He breathed His last


What's there to boast about?

What does Paul mean, to boast only in the cross of the Lord Jesus?


And then I remembered that song.

The old rugged cross...


Where grace and mercy were poured out

Where love was defined

Where death was overcome

Where life was given


We cannot boast in the flesh anymore.
For it was all the Lord's doings
that we may be recipients of this agape love

And what is our response to that?

For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. (1 Corinthians 2:2)

The base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, ... to bring to nothing the things that are, that no flesh should glory in His presence. (1 Corinthians 1:28-29)