Reflections from CHC Kong Hee Alleged Misuse of Funds

Be not shocked or saddened by events that a pastor could be accused of misuse of church funds but to reflect and learn from it so that such events can be prevented. It is a wake-up for the church members and board members to be clear minded and really help their pastors rather than be accomplices to their downfall.

The headline news for many newspapers and Facebook posts is the arrest of City Harvest Church's (one of Singapore mega-churches) senior pastor Hong Kee and his associates for alleged misuse of church funds. It is better to get the official background and the story from the Commission of Charity(COC) in Inquiry found misconduct and mismanagement in the City Harvest Church. A story of the arrest can be found in City Harvest founder Kong Hee arrested for alleged misuse of church funds.

Firstly, the issue is not new. Way back in May 2010, the COC announced the engagement of CAD(Commercial Affairs Department) into the investigations of possible misuse of funds. It took two years of work before the formal charge and arrest were made. Since it was quiet for two years, I initially thought that the investigation did not reveal anything serious and the matters had been settled and put out of court. But the charge showed that the case was in fact very serious and complex that it had taken so long. The amount involved was relatively large, S$23M, and the alleged misconduct seemed quite complex as disclosed in the COC's statement.

Secondly, the misuse of funds is not the first case in a church. It happened to Church type organizations all over the world and it also happened to other religious organizations even in Singapore as well. Celebrity status Pastors, Leaders, Sports Persons and Stars getting into trouble are well known. It shows that no matter how great a person can be, man is still not perfect and he succumbs to temptations. The saying that 'power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely' does have a lot of supportive evidence.

Even God's Anointed Man is still the Man with Weaknesses
Having it happen to the God's anointed pastor makes it more newsworthy and heartbreaking for many. 'Man has weaknesses' is the polite way of saying. In religious circles, we call the weaknesses sins.

My Wise Pastor
In my younger days, I followed a Pastor who just started a church. He invited me to be on his board of elders. I told him I would support him always after all we saw him as our spiritual leader. But he told me that he wanted a board to oversee him; to give a check and balance and to keep him wise and honest. He will consult the board, us, on major decisions and purchases. The church that he started grows to be one of the mega churches in Singapore.

The Prevention, Especially for God's Anointed, is Check & Balance Accountability
The way to prevent, especially the God's anointed man or woman, is to establish a system of check and balance accountability. Why do I say 'especially for the God's anointed'? Here are the reasons:

1. Spiritual - Target of Devil.
   Spiritual leaders are the number one target of the devils. Everyone knows the war strategy of killing the leader is better than fighting all his soldiers.  "Strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered" Zechariah 13:7, Matt 26:31.
    
2. The Position of a Spiritual Leader is Extremely Powerful.
   Pastors and Elders are considered as the spiritual leaders and followers are expected to follow their pastor or elders. Obedience and faithfulness are taught as Christian virtues. Some pastors even think that since they are called and anointed by God (actually every believer has a unique calling from God and is anointed by God to fulfill his calling), they are spokesmen of God, and they are not to be challenged since they supposedly could make no error as anointed. They preach about "touch not God's anointed or else". Pastors are given the pulpit every week to influence, or 'brainwash', the members. Even our Prime Minister does not enjoy such a privilege. The Name of God is a convenient and powerful weapon that church leaders enjoy. Because of the power and the ease of use, greater accountability and a better system of check and balance should be employed.
   
   Our calling and anointing is a stewardship and not an ownership. Founders and leaders of the church think that they are anointed to lead and own. After all, they argue, that it was them that started and without them, the organization would not exist. It is alright if they start it as a privately owned company and not a religious society. If it is a society, then it is the society that owns it and founders are only entrusted to run the society. Every term, the leaders seek the support of their members to be their leaders and this is not automatic whatever one calling is. If it is a true calling, God will speak to both, the called and the supporters. It is not just one person. Imagine someone coming to you that said that God told her/him that she/he is to be your spouse! What should your answer be? Should not it be 'how come God did not tell me'?
      
3. The Corrupt Sinful Nature of Man - The Temptations of 3G
   While everyone in Christ is saved by grace and given a new nature of Christ, we still live in the old man with the old body and the old mindset. There is the constant need for the new nature to be fed and to grow up that the new man may rule over our renewed mind and may present our body as a holy sacrifice as instruments for godliness. But this is a process. Our church leaders up on the stage may not be as mature or Christ-like as some members of the congregation. My wise pastor always tells me to look and focus on Jesus and not him. He said he was only a man and had weaknesses. In miracle healing, he reminded the congregation that he has no power to heal. It is Jesus, the true and living God that is doing the healing. He said he needed not to touch the sick. He needed not any laying of hand on the sick. The true God working in the counselors can pray and lay hands on the sick and they shall recover.
   
   But our fleshly nature is so weak. We are easily tempted by the 3G's of Gold, Glory, and Girl. Recently, the heads of some Home Affairs Forces chiefs were charged with giving favors for sex. It usually comes with popularity-glory first which brings wealth and then brings in girls.
      
4. The Devoted Fans - Protect our Leaders at All Costs
   As with any celebrity, pastors, and elders included, there will be devoted fans. These fans will support their idols no matter what. They will attack anyone who they perceive is against their idols without the concept of right or wrong. With such devoted fans' support, the idols will feel that they are really godlike and could do anything at their wish. They really cause the downfall of many idols.
    
5. The Blind and Negligent Board Members
   Many board members had a confused and misunderstanding of their roles - They thought they were on the board to support their pastors or elders. Board members are actually elected by members to represent them to ensure the effective and proper operation of the society. Board members' first responsibility is to be accountable to the members that have elected them. They are to ensure proper governance and control. They are to oversee the pastors or elders rather than giving them blind support.
   
   Let me quote from the COC's article:"Evidence suggested that certain members of the Charity’s Board have been less than prudent in the discharge of their duties toward the Charity and its members".
   
   Blind and negligence board members become accomplices to the bad behavior of their pastors and elders instead of preventing such behavior! Their good intention endorses the very evil that they want to prevent.
   
   See 6 Really Bad Charismatic Doctrines We Should Retire for a similar presentation of the above points.

Does the Church need a New System?
The answer for the Singapore case is really no. The COC has set up many guidelines to ensure the proper running of Charities with many checks and balances. It calls for the members of the Church, or other Religious Organizations, to be educated with purpose and the guidelines and to ensure its adherence of their members, boards, pastors, and elders.

For the spiritual leaders, the pastors and elders, maybe they can form an accountability group to check and balance each other. The older and more senior retired pastors and elders should be invited to sit in those accountability groups. The business leaders should be included in the group as well. Too spiritual elders like to say that the church should not run like a business organization. But the truth is that there is no such thing as spiritual or secular jobs. See Christianity Rediscovered: Secular vs Spiritual Jobs. The standards for listed companies are more stringent than the religious societies.  We cannot hide under the Name of God and be negligent in our upholding of integrity and other Biblical virtues, teachings, and practices.

In The Mean Time:
This is still a trial and there is no conviction yet. We prayed for those who are involved, and their family too. It is very tough on the people and their family to be involved in any court case especially such a one that draws so much publicity. We prayed that God presides over the whole event, protects and vindicates the innocence and give grace and peace to all. We all made mistakes and give in to temptations that is why we need a savior Jesus Christ to save us and change us.

Lim Liat (C) 27 June 2012

Next: Reflections on the Reactions to Kong Hee Alleged Misuse of Funds - 1

Other Related Posts:

• A Good Sharing by a former CHC member in Death of A Halo: Of Kong Hee, CHC, and Christianity.
• A balanced and thoughtful view in Five Responses to Consider (CHC Arrests)
• Singapore Notes: The Fallacy Of Man
• Highly recommended The Prosperity Gospel Message by Dr. Paul Choo.
• Prosperity Gospel - Learning from GLCC Dr. Paul Cho...
• Prosperity Gospel 2 - Group Members' Contributions...
• City Harvest Case part 2: If There is a Fraud What Would be the Motives?

Leadership Lessons from King Nebuchadnezzar

Contrary to popular view, King Nebuchadnezzar was not a tyrant but a mighty, wise and a good king! Learn from him some key lessons to know how to run a great country or a global corporation. The 8 keys are talents, validation, laws, benefits, fair-hearing, 2nd chance, bad-news and true repentance. The negative lesson is telling us not to be proud and to stay humble all the times acknowledging God and the contributions of others.

In reading through Daniel chapters one to four, we will encounter the great King Nebuchadnezzar. We will read about his unreasonable demand of "tell me the dream and its interpretation or else be killed", the order to kill the wise men because of their inability to tell him the dream, the order to worship his golden image or be BBQ'ed, etc. We are easily left with the impression that he was a big tyrant. However, if we spend a little more time digging into the details and reflecting on his actions, we cannot help but conclude that he was indeed a wise, mighty, fair, and good king! Here are the details:

1. Talent Management -Select, Develop, Assess, Appoint.
The selection of talent is given in Dan 1:3-4. The Criteria are:

1.   of royal and nobility ... background is important
2.   for youths ... potential for development and growth, and for successors.
3.   without blemish.... no physical defects
4.   of good appearance ... must look good too!
5.   skillful in all wisdom  ... high IQ
6.   endowed with knowledge... read widely,
7.   Understanding learning ...... learn quickly
8.   competent to stand in the king's palace... high EQ, know how to behave, talk confidently, and have social grace.

The development of talent is given in Dan 1:4,5.

1. They were given the best food and wine, as with the king!
2. Educated with the best of the Chaldean literature and cultures. Everyone in the same company must share the same mission, vision, values, and speak the same language for greatest effectiveness and minimum misunderstanding.
3. Training period of 3 years. This is the same as the period to get a university bachelor's degree!
4. Assessment by the king at the end. 2 key points to stress:
1. There must be an assessment to check the learning.
2. The boss himself should be involved in assessing his future talents.  Dan 1:19-20. The King found them to be 10 times better! There must be some kind of grading system, and also showing the care and seriousness in this matter.

Those found suitable, like the young Daniel and his friends, were appointed to the service of the King.

2. Validations of Interpretation or Forecasts

While it was likely that the King forgot about his dream, nevertheless, it created the situation for him to judge the correctness of the interpretation. If we just tell our dreams to others, we can never be sure of the interpretations, as there could be many reasonable ones. Before you believe in anyone's interpretation or prophecies, you must have some criteria to judge it (1 Thes 5:19-22). He definitely had the real acid test.

3. Strict Laws with Clear Rewards and Punishments and Execution

King Nebuchadnezzar ruled his kingdom with very clear laws and orders. He also stated the rewards and punishments clearly. Furthermore, he followed his rewards and punishments faithfully as seen in the rounding up of the wise men and promotion of Daniel in Dan 1, and the throwing of SMA(Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego) into the furnace for their disobedience.

Some parents failed to give clear orders to their children and then punished their children for wrongdoing that they did not even understand in the first place. Such is a case of provoking the child's anger (Ephesians 6:4, Colossians 3:21 ). Some parents may have failed to execute the consequence when their children did not obey their orders. That will result in future disobedience of their children since their parents are telling them that the consequences are not for real.

4. Benefits to the People - Share Your Wealth

King Nebuchadnezzar did not just build glorious palaces and gardens for himself. He shared his wealth with the people. This can be inferred from his dream and interpretation in Dan 4:12 ... Its leaves were beautiful and its fruit abundant, and in it was food for all. The beasts of the field found shade under it, and the birds of the heavens lived in its branches, and all flesh was fed from it.

5. Giving a Fair Hearing - Check Out the Malicious Falsehood/Bad Mouthing

There was an accusation made against the SMA that they did not worship the image. The King did not just believe the accusation and BBQ'ed SMA. Instead, he called for a hearing of the case to validate the accusation. 

In any where, we will encounter all kinds of gossip and bad-mouthing. If something bad is said against our good friends, do we choose to believe them, or do we defend them? Indeed, the way you react, either adding to the gossip or defending your friends, actually determines whether you are a true friend.

If bosses in the office can behave like King Nebuchadnezzar in validating the bad mouthing, then office politics can be eliminated or at least kept to a minimum.

6. Giving a 2nd Chance

Here we can see the kindness of King Nebuchadnezzar. He gave SMA a 2nd chance to worship the golden image. He did that for Jerusalem, sparing it the destruction twice! It was only after the 2nd revolt by Zedekiah that he destroyed the city and the temple.

7. Facing Up to Bad News - Know the Reality

In Dan 4, he assured Daniel to give him the honest interpretation. Secured Bosses are willing to listen to honest opinions about them. Insecure bosses usually tell their staff that they are open to frank opinions and bad news, but then they penalize them later. If we tend to kill the deliverer of bad news, we will never get to hear the truth and will be living in an illusion. See how big, old, successful companies fail because they fail to face the new reality. 

Unfortunately, King Nebuchadnezzar did not follow the warning of his dream, and it turned out exactly as foretold in the dream. This story also tells us the pattern of a true prophecy. The Jonah story is similar to this one, but it has a good ending.

8. True Repentance - Testimony for the Truth

Until he became mad and recovered from his madness, King Nebuchadnezzar did not acknowledge the only true God. He recognized the God of Daniel and SMA, but he also had his own god, including himself. In this repentance, we can know it is a true one because he even publicly announced it to all his people. Telling the story of his own madness as the king is a great act of courage. It shows that he was no longer concerned about himself but more about his ONE and ONLY ALMIGHTY TRUE GOD. He is more concerned that his people must know and worship this true God. A true repentance is usually followed up by a public testimony proclaiming the goodness of God that others must come and see. 

I am sure one day, when we get to heaven, we will meet King Nebuchadnezzar there.

Lim Liat(C) 28 May 2012

The Most Comforting Verses in the Bible

The most comforting verses in the Bible can be found in John Gospel Chapter 14 verses 1 to 4. It tells the full story of the purpose of man, now and in the future. Here is a mind-map of my meditations on the verses:

It tells me straight away that God is concerned about me, especially about my troubles, my pains and suffering.

I am important in the mind and heart of God. We can recall many verses about the love of God for us. May be John 3:16 is easy... God so love the world, me included, the He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever (that's me) believe in Him shall not perish but have God's kind of external life.

Many philosophies and religions of man take a look at the evil and suffering of the world and quickly identify its source as 'desires' for power, money, and lust etc (e.g. 7 deadly sins). So the obvious conclusion is to come out with methods to remove or kill the 'desires'. The philosophy of forgetting oneself, egolessness is the ultimate. When we lost ourselves, we shall lost our desires completely and the world would be freed. The end result is emptiness or void is the best.

But that is not the worldview of Christianity. The universe started in void, emptiness. It is the God of Creation and Love that created all the wonderful lives and things to share and enjoy His glory and love.

Man is created in love and is meant to share the love of God. While love is vulnerable, and man quickly exercised his free will to reject the God that loves him, God did not give man up but has already put into action, the plan to save man back to God through giving of His own Son Jesus Christ for us.

There is no need to remove the existence of 'me'. We are uniquely created in Christ Jesus Eph 2:10 and wonderfully made Ps 109v4. Hence, it is not less of me but more of me that conform to the my unique calling in which Jesus has created me for. We can have an ego and not be egotistic at the same. How? Because we are created with love within. We don't exist independently of others but we are defined in relationships with others. Beginning with a Heavenly Father that loves us and follow by we are all members of the body of Christ. Happiness and contentment comes from relating well with God and fellowmen.

Here is Jesus Christ, who came into the form of man, to tell and assure us firsthand, about the plan and purpose of God for man.

Jesus assured us 3 times and give us the hope. He is preparing our dwelling place, he will come again, to receive us to Himself and that we will always be with Him forever.

Lift up your head and look forward to His coming. Your future is all settled. Enjoy your present on earth with His and Holy Spirit presence in us and look forward to the day where we will be taken up to be with Him in glory forever.

Who is the True Christ Believer

In some exchanges of email among some friends, the issue of who is a real Christian comes out. Can we define it? How can we tell? Is he therefore saved?

The Inner Being Issue - Only Yourself can answer.
A true Christ-Believer is someone who know, believe that Jesus is the Son of God and has a relationship with Him.

John 3:16 tells us "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."

We need to know first before we can believe. So I put know before believe. v16 tells us to know that Jesus is the one and only Son sent from God.

This is repeated in Jesus' prayer to His Father God in John 17:3
"And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent."

We need to understand another term well "eternal life". Eternal life is not just about never ending life. This is because everyone has a never ending life anyway. When the physical body died, the spirit and the soul of man continue to exist. The more important question is the where does the after death spirit go? To hell with the devils or to heaven with God and angels? So the eternal-life should mean more than just eternal but life with God. Hebrew word eternal is olam meaning more than long-time but as the horizon beyond, another dimension of life, the heavenly life of God. To have most intimate relationship, we must be of the same kind. Man can have a good relationship with dog. But man can have a higher and more intimate relationship with man/women(wife). Man have a good relationship with God since we are created in the image of God. But man can have intimate relationship with God when man is rebirthed by the Holy Spirit of God into the same form of life as God and live as children of God.

Of course, one shouldn't just stop at knowing Jesus as Son of God. We would like to know more of Him and to talk with Him so that we can have a on going and real life relationship with Him.

When we are rebirthed by the Holy Spirit, we took upon Jesus' righteousness and we are pure and clean. Our conscience becomes very sensitive and sharp and some things in the past that we used to think are ok are now not ok! Our new identity will naturally be uncomfortable with sins and evil. However, our spirit is new born but our mind and our body remain as before. We need to grow up in spiritual maturity to control our mind and body.

Not Just the Sinners' Prayer
Most of us judge whether another is a born-again Christian by asking them whether they have prayed the sinner prayer (the most simplified form is: Jesus, I believed you as the Son of God who died for my sins. I confessed that I am a sinner. I received you as by Savior and Lord. Amen.). But such is not the requirement of John 3:16. The 'sinner's prayer' of the thief at the cross with Jesus is ""Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." Luke 23:42 and Jesus' response was most immediate, " Luke 23:43 Jesus answered him, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise." The key to salvation and rebirth is not about confessing your sins but about knowing Jesus as from and is God and acknowledging Him as our God.

There are people who just merely say out the sinner's prayer to get rid of such pushy Christians or to satisfy their girl-friend's requirement for being a Christian first before marriage. So we cant tell whether a person is truly a Christian or not by what he say or claim. Only God and him can truly know.

Nevertheless, Believers must exhibit Believers' Behavior.

1) By Your Fruit

Mat 7:16 By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?

The Fruit of the Spirit rebirthed Believer is:

Gal 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

2) Love for One Another

John 13:36 By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."

3) Abide in and Obeying Christ and Follow After the Spirit

Read the John 15:1-17. Here are some key verses:

5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.

 
9 “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. 10 If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love.

17 This is my command: Love each other.

4) On His Mission & Equipped with Power from God

A believer is on a mission and should be mission minded executing the mission.

The Mission:

Mark 16: 15 ... “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. 16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.

The Power: 

17 And these signs will accompany those who believe: 

In my name they will drive out demons; 

they will speak in new tongues; 

18 they will pick up snakeswith their hands; 

and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; 

they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.”

What about you? Are you a true believer of Jesus of Christ?

Only you can answer yourself.

But if you are sure that you are a true believer of Jesus Christ, then the fruit of love, joy, peace, ... will be shown in your life if you abide in Christ first. The power of healing and other signs will come to you automatically as you minister in His Name while executing the mission of sharing the gospels.

Please remember that we are born anew as a spiritual baby and baby needs to take good spiritual food, exercise and love to grow up. Give yourself time to grow up. Find good fellow believers for fellowship. Even Paul went through tough struggles as in Rom 7. But the secret weapon is to abide in the love of Jesus Christ. Spend time to know and be loved by Him. We get to know Him more also by moving out in obedience and taking on challenging tasks to taste that His grace is sufficient resulting in increasing trust and obedience.

For details on growth see ...Christian Transformation & Growth -The Unified Model

May we all grow up in maturity into the image of Christ. Rom 8:29.

Kingdom Discussion 14 Facing Realities of Life

To live victoriously in life, we must first be able to face up with realities of life. The first of which is the co-existence of good and evil in this world. God has His own plan to deal with the evil here. We just have to accept and live righteously and wisely in the mean time looking forward to that great day. One principle of life is "Good Fit or Matching" - between oneself and the environment, between job and the person, between God and man and man with one another. Another principle is to know who to be fruitful in this world of theft, pressure and temptations. It is only when we are fully committed to the practicing of God's words against theft, pressure and luring away that we may be fruitful. 

Continued from Kingdom Discussion 13 Battle for Your Mind, we discussed "Facing Realities of Life". The map-mind below gave the main topics and the questions to be discussed. Please attempt the questions first and then compare with the answers that we discussed. You may be able to learn more and better.

The Outlines and Questions:

1. Co-Existence of Good & Bad

Many people challenge us with the question, "If there is a good and powerful God, how come there are evil in this world?". Jesus told the parable of the wheat and tares to give us the answer. Here is the mind-map:

2. The Principle of Good Fit - Matching of Wine and Skin

The answer to living successfully in life is to find the good fit between oneself and the environment, between the job and the person, between the tools and the uses. Extending this concept of a Good-Fit, man should live harmoniously with his creator God and with one another, and man with the environment that provides for his living. Here is the mind-map:

3. Optimizing the Outcome - Same Seed yet Different Fruitfulness

In the parable of the Sower, we find the seeds being planted in different environments and resulting in different fruitfulness. We can see the challenges of life in this parable - the stealing, the pressure, the temptations and the real hard work of living out God's words. Here is the mind-map that summarized the parable:

The answers to the questions are found here:

See also Bible Study John 15:1-8 Vine & Fruits - Keys to Success. 

Application in our workplace:

Note: The group has decided to take a break from these discussions on "The Kingdom Laws and Principles". We shall be studying on the Book of Daniel and then come back to this topic again in the future.

Lim Liat (C) 24 March 2012

A Concise Theology for Christians in One Verse

A friend sent an eMail with the title "A concise Theology for Christians" pointing a to post titled "Gateway". But the post contains many pages. It triggers me to see if we can come out with a truly short and concise Theology for Christians.

After some consideration, I think the best is still John 3:16:

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life [ESV].

1. Theology of God.
• God is LOVE. God did not create the world and left it to run its own. He take care of it.
• LOVE is expressed in action of GIVING your very best - His only SON.
• GIVING to open the door way for the lost and separated Man to return to Him to live with Him forever.
2. Theology of Jesus Christ
• Jesus Christ is God.
• Jesus Christ is the Son of God that was given to man to pay for the sins of Man on the cross that man may be re-birthed with eternal life of God.
3. Theology of Salvation of Man
• Whoever - Salvation is for EVERYONE.
• By his own choice - Choose to belief. Even God does not force man to accept His way of salvation.
• Man is in the condemned state already when we are born into this world. One day we will die physically and be externally separated from God. 
• What to belief about Jesus? That He is the sent one, the Son of God, to us and for us. This is better seen in John 17:3  Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.
• Eternal Life is not just unending-life. All of us die physically on the earth but our soul and spirit lives on. Eternal life refers to the very God's kind of life. 
• 2 Cor 5:17 tells us that we are born again as a new creation. 
• Eph 1:5 In love he predestined us for adoption to son-ship through Jesus Christ,...

So, Christianity is not a religion of rules that one has to do to gain salvation.

Christianity is a relationship with God our creator through knowing His Son Jesus Christ. Once we desire to believe that Jesus is the Son of God sent from the Father God, and enter into a relationship with Him. His promised of His Holy Spirit will rebirth us that we become His children and having His type of eternal life and is to be with Him forever.

Christianity is a DONE and is a Being (Born of God as New Creation as Children of God).

Religion is Trying to Do then Trying to Be. A monkey may mimic man's behavior very well but still remain a monkey. A 'being' is not done by trying to be. The way to God is not by us trying and doing but simply accept by faith and enter into a relationship with Jesus Christ, the Son sent of God, our Heavenly Father that love us.

Law and Grace - Knowing and Forgetting

The topic "Law and Grace" invites much heated discussion.
Paul wrote Galatians to explain this.
He uses the example of tutor for law to guide the kid until he is a mature son.

I will like to use the following modern days artifacts to explain Law and Grace.

1. Law is the scaffolding of a building during its construction. When the concrete has settled and matured, the building is strong and can stands on its own. The scaffolding is not longer needed and is taken down. 
2. Law is like the support wheels of children bicycle. When the child know how to ride with 2 wheels, the support wheels are more hindrance and help and they are taken off.

In the same way, 

1. The Law is meant to lead us to Grace by point out our sins and our inability to live up to its demand.
   (Gal 3:24 So the law was put in charge to lead us to Christ that we might be justified by faith.)
2. Once we received and internalized grace, we need not the law, not because we are freed to break the laws but that in grace, we will walk only in righteousness naturally.
   (Gal 5:18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law." See the fruit of the Spirit in 5:22-23 which surpass the Laws)
3. He who loves automatically fulfill the commandments.
   (Rom 13:8b for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law).

We see the progression of learning the Law to know Grace and then after knowing Grace we must forget, or more accurately, shift focus away from, the Law to focus on Grace. Focusing on Grace enables us to walk in greater satisfaction and peace to more more things that glorify God. If we just go back to focus on the Law, we are doing the minimum and likely to fail( the Paul of Rom 7 I know right and yet do not but sin). Once saved, we must change our mindset to be that of God and of the Spirit. (see Col 3:1-2)

Interesting, Confucius, the famous Chinese Sage, show us how this is done.

子曰:“吾十有五而志于学,三十而立,四十而不惑,五十而知天命,六十而耳顺,七十而从心所欲,不逾矩。”

Confucius said, "When I made up my mind to learn at 15. I was able to stand (be independent and mature) at 30. At 40, I was not longer confused. At 50, I know my calling. At 60, I can hear and learn from any thing (even criticisms and not be upset). At 70, I could act according to my heart desire without transgressing.

When we internalized the grace of God, the Christ in us, and follow our heart, we will not violate the Law in our actions. The key is abide in Christ and we shall surpass the Law. We do away with the Law by abiding in Christ.

Lim Liat (C) 14 March 2012

Kingdom Discussion 13 Battle for Your Mind

Believers' warfare is not fought with physical weapons but with ideas and beliefs. We must therefore know how to guard our mind by filtering out the ungodly beliefs and evil ideas and let our mind be renewed with the Words of God. We are to be sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit that give us Rema Words (right words for the right time and situation). Believers must have the right mindset and we shall show them what they are in this post.

Continued from Kingdom Discussion 12 Law of Humility - Power Covered with Gentleness, we entered into the next phase of a series of discussions on our mindsets and attitudes. We also want to discuss them in greater details from the viewpoint of an individual, a career and family.

Here is mind map that summarized our discussions from 1 to 12 and also showing the topics to be covered in future.

This week discussion is on "The Battle for Your Mind".

The Questions to Prompt your Thinking:

1. What influence your behavior and hence the outcomes?
2. Describe the Believers' war-fare.  How does it defer from conventional war?
3. How do you change and enrich your mind?
4. What should be the Believers' mindset?
5. Contrast your worldviews vs that of the Free-thinkers'?
6. How can you relate better to the non-believers?

The Answers and the Biblical References:

The Believer's Mindset:

May be you can add to the list above by sharing with me.

Next: Kingdom Discussion 14 Facing Realities of Life


Lim Liat (C) 10 March 2012

Kingdom Discussion 12 Law of Humility - Power Covered with Gentleness

Humility is a badly understood term. It should rightly be defined as "Power covered with Gentleness". It begins with "Have" and yet "Show or Demand NOT". It must "Serve" yet "Don't claim credits". It counts others more significant and show respect, learn from and also to serve them. It has great benefits. The humble inherit the lands. It attracts favors and good and lasting relationships. The life of the humble is abundance and peace most often times and even  eventually.

Continued from Kingdom Discussion 11 Law of Amplification - Growth with Care for Details. we discussed on the Law of Humility - Power Covered with Gentleness. We cover this topic in greater depth than in Kingdom Law & Principles - Law of Humility.

Humility is a badly defined or understood term resulting in much confusion and arguments. Humility is not poverty. Humility is not being a door-mat to be stepped upon by others. But rather, humility is a virtuous and powerful attribute of God and should be of His believers. We should let the Bible tells us what the term humility, or meekness, or gentleness (depending on the translations) actually means. The humility of Jesus is best illustrated in Phil 2:6-11 and it is mentioned in Mat 5:5 as one of the Beatitudes (see .The Behavior of His Kingdom People - Mat 5:3-12).

There are so much to say about humility that I think is best condensed with a mind-map shown below. Please go through it carefully and you will have good and enlightening understanding of humility.

Let me now challenge you with some questions.

1. Define Humility. What are the attitudes and behavior that characterizes humility?
2. What are the benefits of humility?
3. Contrast false and true humility. How to tell the difference?
4. Does keeping silent under oppression means humility?
5. Do you think you are humble? How can you tell?
6. What are the tasks that you need to do/change?

Compare Your Answers

Please compare with our answers below and share your new found understandings with us by posting your comments.

Next: Kingdom Discussion 13 Battle for Your Mind

Lim Liat (C) 26 Feb 2012

The Behavior of His Kingdom People - Mat 5:3-12

The behavior of a true Kingdom person is very different from the world. Know what the differences are. These differences are like light that shine and the salt that make this world a better place. You have a part in it.

We are not known by what we say but how we behave.

Most people think that branding is about marketing and advertisement. But real branding comes from people experience with the use of the product or the services. Our brand, or identity is determined by how we behave. Hence, Jesus said in John 13:35 "By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."

The verse covers how we should treat each other within the body of Christ. In Matthew 5:3-12, widely known as the Beatitudes, Jesus cover how believers, His Kingdom People, should behave towards others and in a community.

Here is a mind-map that summarizes that key blessings for the people with the 9 types of behavior.

Firstly, there are blessings promised. 

Different types of behavior will have different types of rewards. Essentially, the promise is given that for those that seek, hunger and suffer for, you shall get exactly what you set out to accomplish. Victories are ensured, from now on earth to the heaven in eternality. 

A similar promise is given in Mark 10:29-31 Jesus said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or mother, or father, or children, or lands, for my sake, and for the gospel's sake, 30 but he shall receive a hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life. 31 But many that are first(here) shall be last(there); and the last(here) first(there). *

*note: here and there are added by me to clarify the meaning.

His Kingdom Ways - Different from the World

With the promises given, we shall now focus the behavior of His Kingdom people. How will the behavior differs from the worldly standards?

Here is a map that show how:

1. Desire for Spiritual Things

Kingdom people begins with desire not of earthly and physical things but of spiritual things. They reflect on life and know that life is more than just mere material existence. see Col 3:1. They value spiritual things rather than material wealth. They use material wealth to gain spiritual wealth (Mat 6:20).  

2. Compassion & Passion for the Sufferings and Injustice

They are not self-centered but are concern about the suffering, injustice and evils in the world. They may even be victims of such injustice. But they don't stay as victims. They have passion to change the sufferings and injustice. The compassion stir them to rise up to do something and keep them moving with endurance(see 6 Endurance later).

3. Methods of Gentleness, Mercy and Peace

When they arise with a good cause, the methods they employed are not by force nor by violence. They are meek (gentle), merciful and peaceful. They are the more than conqueror with ways that draw and change the heart of the enemy. See The Meaning of "More than Conquerors" A real world example will be that of Martin Luther King Jr. in the Civil Rights Movement.

4. Motive of Purity

They do not have any hidden ulterior selfish motives. We know of quite of number of people who exploit and abuse others in the name of God or of Love. Their motive is pure and they are only interested in the pursuit of righteousness and for Jesus.

5. Objectives of Righteousness and Jesus Christ.

What shall be the standards of good and bad? Jesus Christ and his righteousness shall be. People with power and fame often think that they are above the righteous standards and behave as they like. They think they are free and acting on their power. The truth is that they are the slaves of their lusts and pride. Kingdom people should never deviate from the Righteousness of God and of Christ who died for us that we may have the new birth in His righteousness. With Christ within, we then act out accordingly. 

6. Endurance in the Midst of Persecutions.

Because the motive is pure, the standards are clear, the blessings are sure, the character of meek, mercy and peace, and the passion are strong, we are able to endure without anger and complains. We do not seek revenge. But we endure with a positive attitude of love and hope that in the end, the enemy is changed to become friend. 

Lastly, Go and Shine the Light

The nine blessings are followed immediately by a call to go out and show forth the difference as salt and light of the earth. We are not to hide it nor to compromise with the world that we loose our saltiness. 

We then will understand this verse better ....
Phil 2:12 ... continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.

Be careful in our walk to not to bring shame on Christ but at the same time also be confidence that His grace is within us to empower us to live out His life through us. Apply Heb 4:16 to cover our short-fall, get up, and continue in this walk in and to glory.

Lim Liat (c) 24 Feb 2012

Two Top Singers and Their Lessons for Believers

This is an eventful month.

We have the news of the passing away of two top singers, Whitney Houston of the West and Feng FeiFei of the East. People in the West may not know Feng FeiFei (The Singing Queen with a Hat) but her standing in Chinese Community is no less than Whitney Houston of the West. FeiFei could be said to be the Houston of the global Chinese Community. She was the top singer for 40 years!

Both had great impacts on the world (East or West) with their songs and voices. But their death and life styles were in sharp contrast.

Whitney Houston started with singing in the church and became a great success. However success seemed to be a cause for her decline. There were probably many factors and understandable factors that caused that. Her story was well known and need not be repeated. The good thing was her attempt to make a come back and we were all saddened by this mysterious death.

In contrast, FeiFei was praised and respected by the media, her colleagues, her fans, relatives and those that work with her and for a long period of 40 years! She had a long lasting and loving marriage with her husband. Her husband died from cancer in 2009. Sorry that she also died from cancer. But her death was so different from any other celebrities. She died on 3 Jan 2012. Chinese New Year 2012 was on 23 Jan. She wanted everyone to have a good and joyful Chinese New Year. So she left instructions that her death was to be made known after the Chinese New Year season. What kind consideration had she shown to the world even with her death?!

What bothered me about their deaths was that FeiFei was not a Christian (most likely a Buddhist and was brought up with traditional Chinese Culture with her mother having a strong influence on her life and career) and Houston was brought up in a Church. Many famous singers were brought up in Church and many suffered the same problems with chemical addictions, divorces and bad lifestyles. Instead of they influencing the world with their Christian light, they let the world get into them!

Of course, there are always bad sheep in any culture and race. I should not be bringing the bad of one and compare with the good of another. This contrast is great and serves as a warning or wake up call for us to raise questions and explore deeper.

How can we prevent success from destroying us?
Success did not spoil FeiFei but did for quite a number of gospel singers of the West.

We have quotes, even from the Bible (e.g. Luke 16:10), that success did not change a person but only bring out what was already there in the person.

For those of us that grow up in Church, especially our 2nd and 3rd generation Christians (typical of a Chinese Family like me who receive Christ as the 1st generation and bring up our children who also receive Christ as 2nd generation), how can we ensure that the good Christian values are passed on. (Chinese has the additional advantage of Chinese Cultural values on top of our Christian values. But Chinese and Christian values are essentially the same. See Chinese Classics & The Bible and so Chinese Christians have double doses of good values).

The factors that help us be strong and not be destroyed by success seems to be:

1. strong teaching of the words from young ( Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.... Proverbs 22:6)
2. family values, unity and support.
3. support from a close group of friends (brothers and sisters in Christ)
4. mentors that help those in time of needs.

What about the Church?

1. Have our Church been stressing too much on evangelism and too little on discipleship? We seem to make babies and discard them.
2. Have our Church been neglecting the family and the close fellowship and strong grouping to help each other? 

I have seen the mega churches here to be committing the above two errors! These are warning signs for us. Mega Churches seem to stress on growing larger church and larger attendance on Sundays only and to support the lead pastors and neglecting the less socially influential people.

The Lies that creep into our mind.

In the name of freedom and liberty, we have let the lies of enemy into the church or our mind. We remove responsibility and accountability and essentially mistaken Debauchery as freedom. We may have made grace into licence for sin.

Development is a life long process.

Salvation is just a start.

May we all, with the true grace of God, giving us the power to live out the Christ within, be the light that shine, and that we be able to spend time and resources to train up our next generation, to give support to those in need in our midst, and truly build up this Body of Christ here on earth.

Kingdom Discussion 11 Law of Amplification - Growth with Care for Details

Many people fail to get promoted because they are waiting for big responsibility to excel at while they are ignoring the present 'little' tasks.  

Faithfulness does not depend on the size of the task or the resources given. Any task, whether little or large, if it needs to be done, it must be done with integrity and excellence. Don't follow the earthly lie that we can be faithful in big thing when we cannot even bother with the little. If one cannot be faithful in little things, the Bible tells us that one will not be faithful in much and will definitely not be entrusted with much. Greatness comes from doing the little things well. Growing businesses follows the same rule. Perfect the working when it is small and easy so that the business can scale easily with the market demand. Many businesses suffer growing pains and bring the business down due to internal conflicts and problems. Quality and luxury goods are goods that take care of the little details. The big ship is steered by the little rudder. 

There is no task too little that I reject or condemn and do it poorly nor task so large that I want to take even if I know I cannot (unless I know for sure that it was called of God for me and empowered me with His grace).

Continued from Kingdom Discussion 10 Perseverance to Mission & Values, we discussed on the Law of Amplification - faithfulness in little to promotion. We cover this topic in greater depth than in Kingdom Law and Principles - Law of Amplification.

Here is the mind-map that summarized our discussion:

We have much discussion on the Questions. Here is a summary:

This law of Amplification helps us to excel in our work for the glory of God. it will tell us how to pick others for promotion and picking them to join our team. Observe how they handle the small tasks that we assign to them.

On faithfulness, see also The Secrets of Faithfulness - How can one be faithful as Moses.

The Chinese Methods referred above can be found in The Principles for Greatness: #1 Know Others & Self.

Next:

Lim Liat (C) 11 Feb 2012

Preparing for Christ 2nd Coming - Part 2

From multiple perspectives of time, activity and attitudes, we know how to prepare better for the 2nd coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

In the post Preparing for Christ 2nd Coming, I covered the teaching that I learned from Don Carson. He had four key points:

1. be ready anytime
2. be prepared for a long-time
3. be occupied in the meantime
4. be thankful for the pastime

Recently, I heard Chuck Swindoll's message on "Until He Returns...What?".
He also has four points:

1. Occupy: 
1. live responsibly, 
2. work diligently and 
3. think realistically.
2. Purify: lead a Godly and purified life.  
• He mentioned that in NT, whenever 2nd coming is mentioned, it will be followed by a call to godly living.
3.  Watch
4.  Worship

Don looks from the time perspective and Chuck looks from the activity perspective. It is good to combine both.

I just want to add the attitudes dimension.

1. The joy of waiting.
1. Joy in the Meantime- How to Really Wait
2. The Seven Steps to Joy
2. Gratefulness.
1. Take a Different View - Getting Rid of Grudges 

So here is the mind-map:

The Basis for Our Joy:

• Romans 8:18 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.
• 1 Cor 15:50-58
  50 I declare to you, brothers and sisters, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. 51 Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed— 52 in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. 53 For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. 54 When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.”...  57 But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 58 Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

The Perspective of our Work:

• Matthew 6:19-21 19 “Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. 21 Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.

Related:

• Living the New Christian Life - Romans 16 Real Living...
• The Behavior of His Kingdom People - Mat 5:3-12

Lim Liat 9 Feb 2012

Legalism or Discipline

Be neither the victims of legalism nor weaklings with ill-discipline. Become a mature person in Christ with good habits and live in freedom and victory.

In the past, the Church stresses on holiness and having good testimonies and behavior and put much stress on discipline. They come out with many guidelines, such as keeping quit time, fasting, tithing, serving etc, to help believers mature. But very soon, guidelines become rules and adherence to such rules become criteria for leadership. It soon develops into legalism and much control and abuse by the Church Leadership.

Under the present time of a shift in emphasis on grace(saved by grace and not of work) and the finished work of Christ, there is a slow drift towards lawlessness and the abuse of grace as a license for sin (Condemned by Paul in Roman 6:1. So there is a call for the babes in Christ to grow up as stressed by Paul in Hebrew 5-6. That calls for discipline (Heb 12:6).

We therefore must clearly see the difference between Legalism and Discipline so as not the let discipline falls into legalism.

Legalism is about making a set of rules and its adherence as criteria for acceptance. It is about following the letter of the Laws rather than the spirit of the Laws. Following the rules is the utmost objective and importance. It starts with a person as a zero who try to become someone as worthy. It result into two groups of those who can and those who fail. Those who can feel proud and condemn on those who cannot. It leads to minimum standard.

Discipline, on the other hand, is about become better by following a set of practices. It is about development of skills and character that one already possess. It begins from I am OK and developing into better person. Because the desire is there, it follows the spirit of the laws rather than just the letters. Failures are part of the process. We just learn from it and try to overcome them to reach greater heights. We don't feel forced or condemned. In fact, we savor the feeling of strength and victories as we reach the greater height.  Here is mind-map that shows the key differences:

So, are you under the bondage of legalism or just under the training pains of discipline? Reflect on the objectives of the rules and you may find your answers. Start with a New Creation in Christ (2 Cor 5:17) and embark on the journey of greater discovery through picking up the good disciplines that develop into good habits and keep you in maturity and victory in Christ.

Lim Liat (C) 7 Feb 2012.

The Secrets of Faithfulness - How can one be faithful as Moses

The secrets to faithfulness begins with knowing who we are and then holding on to Jesus the author and perfecter of faith. Having a mission and an empowerment enables us to be faithful till the end.

I was asked to write a devotion based on Heb 3:1-6. It was in Chinese and had a restriction of 400 words limit. Here is a freer and longer sharing for the passage.

Know Who We Are
Heb 3:1 begins with Paul addressing us as holy brothers with a mission - heavenly calling. We are holy and are with a mission all because of Jesus.  It follows then our job is to consider and focus on Jesus - Who He is, what he did and what he will be doing, especially in relation to us. In verse 6, we are reminded that we are the house built by Jesus and are encouraged to hold our confidence and even boast of our hope in Jesus. Let's then focus on Jesus.

Focus on Jesus - Who He is and What He Did and Will Do for us.
Verse 1 continues with "consider Jesus, the apostle and high priest of our confession."

What About Jesus?

1. Jesus is the reason for our faith - our confession.
2. Jesus as the Apostle - the Messenger, the Sent One, of the mission from God to tell us and to save us.
3. Jesus as the High Priest - who present us, with His own blood, purified and reconciled to God. He is our advocate (1 John 2:1)
4. Jesus as the Faithful Son to all of God's household (v6 tell us we are of His house). Because Jesus is faithful and hence we can be faithful.
5. Paul used Moses as a standard of faithfulness. The faithful deeds of Moses can be seen in the mind-map below. One key to Moses' faithfulness is found in v5 "to testify to the things that were to be spoken later". Moses himself holds on to the revelation of Jesus that God had given to him in the two forty-day periods with God. A mission with a vision will help us to be faithful and to persevere in difficult times.
6. If Moses is great, Jesus is even more glorious. Moses is a faithful servant. Jesus is the faithful Son. Jesus is the builder of the house and receives more honor.

Conclusion:

The keys to faithfulness then begin with knowing that we are of Jesus and Jesus is our savior. He is the faithful Son that accomplishes His missions.

Paul rewords it again, in even clearer terms, in 

Heb 12:2 [NIV]
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith,
who for the joy set before him
endured the cross, scorning its shame, and
sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Lim Liat (C) 1 Feb 2012 

Kingdom Discussion 10 Perseverance to Mission & Values

Perseverance means sticking it out and not quitting. But it does not mean not making changes. We must always stick to the Biblical Values (e.g. the commandments) and our God given calling (e.g. Our Great Commission). But our methods may, and at times should change, so that we can achieve our mission. To persevere, we need to put our faith to work as our servant. Our faith should be on the unchanging words and promises of our God. Faith gives us hope to work in the meantime until we succeed. Waiting is not waiting idly but be busy. During this period of working, we may encounter complains and even sabotages. The pressures against us may grow as we get close the destination. We shall see failures as the necessary and good parts of exploration - discovering the ways that work. Don't condemn ourselves because of failures but to learn from them. We must celebrate successes along the way. Joy gives us strength to carry on. Always remember that the Lord is with us throughout this journey of life.

Continued from Kingdom Principles Discussion 09: Servant Leadership - Law of Greatness, we discuss about Perseverance. We cover this topic in greater depth than in Kingdom Law and Principles - Law of Perseverance.

The Table of Content:

What is Perseverance?

It is about being persistence and not quitting but sticking to your objective until they are accomplished. Jesus told us two parables about this. They are:
  Luke 18:1–8 The Importune Window
  Luke 11:5-8,10 The Friend at Night

Here is the mind-map about the parables and the lessons learned.

The lessons to be learned are:

1. Persistence brings result with people. How much more will it do with God who loves you.  
2. Their asking (the widow and the friend) are expressed in their actions and not just mere talking. 
3. Someone may ask how many times should one pray about a request. Our answer is pray until your faith rises up and that you could live expectantly with hope. There is no sin in repeated asking. Asking a few times may help you to understand your requests better.
4. God answers speedily. His answer could be Yes, No, or Wait and in His way that is good for us. We sometimes miss His answer because we insist that He should answer us in the way we think He should!

We Should Be Persistence In What?

We should never change in Godly Values, our calling or mission. Our vision may get enlarged with time as we grow in maturity and as God extends our influence and territory. Other things can and should be changed if they do not work out. We can change our methods, the resources we use, etc. Values and Mission change not, but we can be flexible and adaptable in other areas, 

Here is the mind-map that show it:

How Can We Persevere?

What to Do in the Mean Time - The Waiting and the Process?

Most people think that waiting means waiting idly. That is not what Jesus taught us. Jesus told us to be watching for His return (Matt 25:13) and to keep busy doing His work until He comes (Luke 19:13). There will be time that we should rest and there will be time that we should work. We discussed this in Kingdom Principles Discussion 07 Law of Seasons. The enemy will not rest but will tempt and trouble us as well. In my study of Ancient Chinese Classics, I found a teaching that is very close to our Biblical Teaching. It help shed lights on this need of waiting for the right time and opportunity and what to do in the mean time. I shared it below in mind-map.  I also share related posts in my blog on this time of waiting. 

Failures and Don't Beat Yourself Up

Bible is filled with stories of the failures of many people, even Moses, Paul, Peter, etc. Life is about growth, discovery and creating. Trying and exploring means we will fail or find a dead-ends. Failures are parts of the process of discovery or experiments. Don't condemn or beat yourself up because of failures. We just need to learn from them. In fact, it is good to fail fast and often that we may learn more and make progress faster. 

If we have moral failures, i.e. sins, then remember to go to God for forgiveness and receive the mercy and grace(Heb 4:16) to make the right restitution.

Conclusions- Perseverance Faith:

Hold fast to 

1. Faith in the promises of Most High God which gives us Hope.
2. The Biblical Values & Doing the right things -Kingdom Principles Discussion 03 The Golden Rule

Questions for Reflections:

1. What is Perseverance?
2. In perseverance, what should not be changed and what could and should ?
3. What could we hold on to so that we can persevere?
4. How can one build up his perseverance?

Next Discussion: Kingdom Discussion 11 Law of Amplification - Growth with Care for Details.

Lim Liat (C) 31 Jan 2012

Kingdom Principles Discussion 09: Servant Leadership - Law of Greatness

This lesson tells us about leadership. How to become great leader. Greatness is not measured by our rank or possessions but by influence we have on others to become better through our serving them. We don't lead just by giving commands. We lead by serving them to show them the way, give them the motivation and help them to do and become better in their calling of lives or roles in the organization. Serving is a more effective way of leading than just commanding, or by incentives and punishment. 

Continued from Kingdom Principles Discussion 08 Law of Reciprocation, we discuss about the Law of Greatness - Servant Leadership. Unlike the worldly system when those in higher positions are served by those in lower positions, in the Kingdom of God, the leader serves his followers. Greatness is measured by the influence one has through one's serving of others.

Worldly system tells us to give commands, have an incentives and a punishment system. The Bible tells us a better way to lead. It is by serving them to show them the right way to do things. It is clearer than just giving commands. It is more engaging and motivating than incentives/punishments because it is about intrinsic motivations rather than extrinsic.

Jesus as God set the Example - To Die for Man
The example is set by Jesus as in Phi 2:1-11 Though Jesus is God yet he became a man just to suffer and die on the cross that men may be saved and become children of God.

The Lesson from Washing Feet John 13
When none of His disciples were willing to wash one another feet (a task for the servant) , Jesus set the example by washing his disciples feet and giving the teaching of John 13:14 "If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet" an powerful object lesson. When He came to Peter, Peter refused Jesus. Peter did not understand the principle that Jesus was trying to teach. Peter was still stuck in his own worldly standard for the low shall serve the higher. Jesus was very clear that if Peter did not accept His Kingdom Laws of leading by serving, then Peter should have no part in His Kingdom. Peter then went overboard by asking Jesus to wash him totally. He still seemed to miss the point. It is not about washing per se, but about serving others to ensure the shared mission is accomplished. Task has no ranks, only good and evil. If there be a needful task, then anyone able should do it irrespective of one's rank (King or slave).

Here is the mind-map that summarize the meaning of Servant Leadership:

Lessons Learned

Questions for Review & Application

Index of Kingdom Principles at Kingdom Laws & Principles

Next :Kingdom Discussion 10 Perseverance to Mission & Values

God is Our Peace in Betrayals - Psalms 4

May God be your peace in your times of restlessness, difficulties and even betrayals. A wrong cannot be corrected by another wrong. Trust and commit to God. Do it His way. God will surely give you the joy, favor and the peace.

It is so easy to loose our perspective and peace.

I was much encouraged by what I felt was God's message for us from Ps 65 and Kenneth Copeland's prophecy for 2012 that I wrote the post Start the New Year 2012 with Confidence in a Good God.

Yesterday I was attacked by a spirit of depression and condemnation. I woke up early not because I wanted to but because I lost my peace. I was unable to sit down quietly even to pray. I prayed in tongues while walking about. I part took the Holy Communion (see Christianity Rediscovered: The Meaning & Power of Holy Communion) reminding myself of Jesus' brokenness is for my healing and His shed blood is for my adoption as son. I turned on my Galaxy Tab to get to hear an encouraging message by Joel Osteen (Joel Osteeen - God make miracles out of our mistakes). I went for a long walk around my estate while listening to the message and at time commanding in Jesus name to reject and cast out the attack of the evil spirit of condemnation and receiving the Spirit of Joy, Love, Boldness and Sound mind (2Tim 1:7). I came back and prayed with my wife who gave me much support and understanding and wisdom all these years. After the joint prayer, I was able to quiet my spirit. I went about to clean the air-conditions in my house.

Today reading is on Psalm 4, since today is 4th day of year 2012. It is God's answer to my dis-quietness of yesterday. I have done a mind-map of Ps 4 before (see Handling Betrayals) and today reading again allow me to update the mind-map with additional thoughts. Today's emphasis is on the Joy, Peace and Favors that God give. The last verse, I will lie down and sleep in peace is just the right answer for my waking up and inability to sleep of yesterday's morning.

It is a great answer from God to restore my spirit and fill me be joy and confidence for this coming year of His blessings.

Hope you find this post an encouragement and comfort. I felt led to share my weakness and show how God can answer us in our time of needs. May God bless and comfort you as well.

Start the New Year 2012 with Confidence in a Good God

For the past week, reflecting on 2011 and looking forward to 2012, the Lord impressed me with Ps 65. It was an extra confirmation to Kenneth Copeland prophecy on 2012. 2012 will be a year of surprises, joy and miracles if we choose well - to listen to and to follow the Words of God. God has already provided more than what we have dared to ask for.

If you look at the forecast for 2012, they will tell you that it will be a difficult year, considering the Europe Crisis, the slowing down of the BRIC countries, etc etc. But we have insider news. Our God is still in charge. He is a good God and His news for you in 2012 is a different one. Would you care to listen?

Here is my reflections on Psalm 65 in mind-map format:

1. Our praise to God is not with our mouths. In fact, silence praise, praise by keeping our promises to God is much more meaningful.  1 Sam 15:22 tells us that God loves our obedience more than our sacrifices. 
2. We all come to God because we know God hear and answer our prayer. Coming to God is a sign of our trust in God. But do not confuse God with Santa Claus. God will not spoil us by heeding to any of our request. He can only answer us according to His righteous and loving character. He will not violate His own words to us. He will give us those things that are good for us according His wisdom. Do we trust Him enough to let Him answer our prayer according to His ways and timing? Will you still praise God when you don't see any changes yet in your situation?
3. When we fail God, or even ourselves, know that God is greater than our our heart 1 John 3:20 and He know. He has given us His Son Jesus Christ to redeem us and cleanse us. Come to Christ and know that we are re-birthed in His righteousness. Henceforth, go in peace and sin no more. Act from our new righteous selves.
4. We are the chosen ones of God that He bring us into His temple. His Holy Spirit dwell in us and us in Him. We must remember to come into His presence to draw and enjoy His goodness. To draw the power in Christ to live out His righteousness as in point 3.
5. Spread the Good News --- Jesus is the Savior of All and not just for a few. If anyone would only call upon the Name of Jesus and he shall be saved.
6. God is a Savior with POWER. The power that created the whole universe. The power to silence the roar of the oceans, the bad news of the economy, the uproar of the people. 
7. God gives joy. He created the morning and ended the evening with Joy (v8). 
8. God provides in Abundance v9-13. He provides the water, tills the land, cause the growth, and give the abundances (pastures clothed with flocks (i.e. so dense that looks a cloth), valleys covered with grains). 
9. God crowns the year 2012 with goodness v11.
10. Our response: rejoice and be glad for we have a Good God that bless us. Have an optimism and confidence in our God of goodness and work towards a good year of abundance of goodness.

What about 2012? 

It shall be a year of goodness and joy when we put our faith and work with our God of goodness.

Reflection on Ps 53 God's Calling His People Back

Today 21 Dec 2011 is the 353rd day of the year 2011. The Psalm for today is Ps 53. The verses from ASV of the Bible are reproduced here together with my reflections.

Some title it "A Portait of Sinners", "The foolishness and iniquity of atheism" and others stressing on the bad people and evil deeds. But for me, it is a calling by God to His people, His beloved creation, to return to Him and promising blessings.

1. No God -> No Accountability -> Evil Everywhere.

Psa 53:1  For the Chief Musician; set to Mahakath. Maschil of David. The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. Corrupt are they, and have done abominable iniquity; There is none that doeth good.

"There is no God" is the common concept promoted by secular world under the misleading disguise of "Modern Science". They forgot that the early scientists started with premise that there is a God of creator who created the universe with order and providing the foundation that it can be studied with science.

When men believe that there is no God or that God does not care even if He does exist, then there is no accountability. No accountability leads to unconstrained behavior and much evil deeds. This is a clear reflection of our present world.

2. Yet, God is Reaching Out to Man.
Psa 53:2  God looked down from heaven upon the children of men, To see if there were any that did understand, That did seek after God.

God did not reject or hide away from man. He seek after man, looking for those who seek Him. God's glory is reflected in the wonder of the creation. There is no accuse to ignore His existence. He is seeking for man and to relate to man.

3. Nevertheless, Man care Not.
Psa 53:3  Every one of them is gone back; they are together become filthy; There is none that doeth good, no, not one.

Men are too busy in his own business of getting more and more no matter what, even at the expense of harming others as seen in the next verse.

4. God cares for the Innocence.
Psa 53:4  Have the workers of iniquity no knowledge, Who eat up my people as they eat bread, And call not upon God?

Harming innocence is harming God's people. People are God's loved creation.

5. God will Punish Evil and Protect His People.
Psa 53:5  There were they in great fear, where no fear was; For God hath scattered the bones of him that encampeth against thee: Thou hast put them to shame, because of God hath rejected them.

A righteous and loving God has to uphold justice and hand out his punishments for the evil. Ignoring God, disbelieve in God does not nullify the existence of true God. There is no running away. God will protect His people. Please repent and go back to God.

6. God will save His people and establish His kingdom on earth. Let the World be Glad.
Psa 53:6  Oh that the salvation of Israel were come out of Zion! When God bringeth back the captivity of his people, Then shall Jacob rejoice, and Israel shall be glad.

This is the meaning of Christmas. God came to save and to establish His righteous and loving kingdom on earth. Let's all rejoice.