Friday, December 17, 2010
A Journey of Faith - Part 2
If you want to test your faith look at our Lord Jesus the way He respond to those who oppose Him. Grace allows them to say no but it does not excuse them to the consequences. Grace was expressed by not forcing them to say yes. Grace accepts what the people choose.
A Journey of Faith - Part 1
The sermon for today is focus on the Lord's response to the extreme faith of many. It has been always a challenge for those who preach to expose the scripture, to go to the exact and avoid the extreme and the excess. How do you know the extreme? How do you know the excess?
Friday, December 10, 2010
FAKE FAITH
By: Rev. Arnel C. Tan
“Master,” Simon replied, “we worked hard all last night and didn’t catch a thing. But if you say so, we’ll try again.”
Luke 5:5
Can you detect fake faith? I’m sure God can, but, can we? We have been so deceived that we cannot detect which is true and phony. It is here that the Lord intervenes and exposes to us how fake we are. Politeness and diplomacy is not faith, they are cultural influences that allow us not to believe and still look good. Being polite is not bad, just don’t call it faith. This is exactly what Simon is showing Christ – the jewish polite way of saying “no fish Rabbi, you’re wrong”.
God knows what’s fake and authentic but we don’t. In other words, the test that God allows in our journey is not for God to know but for us to discover who we are, and be led by the Spirit of God to repentance. Let us not settle for fake faith… it looks good and harmless but it has never impressed God at all. Can we produce or possess the genuine one? The answer is yes and no… ‘yes’ because God is the giver of faith; ‘no’ because we can never produce it on our own.
As Simon treads the journey, the Lord gradually awakens faith in his heart! While God is not hostage to any circumstance, He refuses to hostage anyone to bring them to faith. The Lord’s patience is amazing! Dealing with us in our individual faith-awakening journey, and dealing with us in our congregational faith-awakening journey, we slowly see that what we have cherished is fake! Fake faith, like many cheap products, is affordable… no sacrifices required, no need for surrender too, but when the storm comes, it can’t stand. Fake faith has no durability in it.
In this faith-awakening journey, may we become sensitive to God’s leading that we may recognize the difference between just being polite and diplomatic versus an authentic walk of faith. Remember, faith is planted inside our hearts; it is nourished inside too; it’s roots grow deep so silently that sometimes it looks like nothing is happening. In prayer, wait on the Lord and He will unfold to us the next step. Fake faith is a comfort. True faith is a tested vessel, under a storm-scarred Captain.
“Master,” Simon replied, “we worked hard all last night and didn’t catch a thing. But if you say so, we’ll try again.”
Luke 5:5
Can you detect fake faith? I’m sure God can, but, can we? We have been so deceived that we cannot detect which is true and phony. It is here that the Lord intervenes and exposes to us how fake we are. Politeness and diplomacy is not faith, they are cultural influences that allow us not to believe and still look good. Being polite is not bad, just don’t call it faith. This is exactly what Simon is showing Christ – the jewish polite way of saying “no fish Rabbi, you’re wrong”.
God knows what’s fake and authentic but we don’t. In other words, the test that God allows in our journey is not for God to know but for us to discover who we are, and be led by the Spirit of God to repentance. Let us not settle for fake faith… it looks good and harmless but it has never impressed God at all. Can we produce or possess the genuine one? The answer is yes and no… ‘yes’ because God is the giver of faith; ‘no’ because we can never produce it on our own.
As Simon treads the journey, the Lord gradually awakens faith in his heart! While God is not hostage to any circumstance, He refuses to hostage anyone to bring them to faith. The Lord’s patience is amazing! Dealing with us in our individual faith-awakening journey, and dealing with us in our congregational faith-awakening journey, we slowly see that what we have cherished is fake! Fake faith, like many cheap products, is affordable… no sacrifices required, no need for surrender too, but when the storm comes, it can’t stand. Fake faith has no durability in it.
In this faith-awakening journey, may we become sensitive to God’s leading that we may recognize the difference between just being polite and diplomatic versus an authentic walk of faith. Remember, faith is planted inside our hearts; it is nourished inside too; it’s roots grow deep so silently that sometimes it looks like nothing is happening. In prayer, wait on the Lord and He will unfold to us the next step. Fake faith is a comfort. True faith is a tested vessel, under a storm-scarred Captain.
A Faith Awakening Journey Part 2
God will provide simple faith. It is humbling to know that the hard works and many blessings that you enjoy now are not related to your hard work. When you wait is not guarantee that what you want will happen. But God will transform you into the person He wants you to be.
A Faith Awakening Journey Part 1
Without faith it is impossible to please God. However each one of us has our other version of faith which is not right before God. Faith is believing that God will do what is right and wise in His own eyes.
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Who Is Truly Thankful Part 2
Misery reveals our real need for help you have no choice but pushes you to cry for help. To some of you who are not use to ask for help believe me that here is corners in life that will teaches you how to ask help.
Who Is Truly Thankful Part 1
A truly thankful heart is revealed when the crisis is over, the danger is gone, success is savored and prayers are answered. In our trials thanksgiving is refined; it is in our triumph that true thanksgiving is revealed.
Saturday, December 4, 2010
The Sin of Familiarity Part 2
Why fire came out from the presence of the Lord because Aaron's sons Nadab and Abihu add something, the incense, the King James version demonstrate it that they mix it with a strange fire. In other words they added mixture that was not specified by God. And the penalty is death. Now for the Part 2 message.
The Sin of Familiarity Part 1
What is the enemy of prayer? It is an answered prayer because more answered prayer more less prayer. What is the enemy of intimacy with God? The enemy of intimacy with God is not away from God. The enemy is familiarity with God and that is our topic for today Sin of Familiarity.
Just in case you cannot view this message due to limitation of our storage in Podbean.com you can e-mail us and request for the message title you want. Please make sure to write your name when you request to davaochinesebaptistchurch@gmail.com.
Just in case you cannot view this message due to limitation of our storage in Podbean.com you can e-mail us and request for the message title you want. Please make sure to write your name when you request to davaochinesebaptistchurch@gmail.com.
Incense of Insult
By: Rev. Arnel Tan
“…..In this way they disobeyed the LORD by burning before him a different kind of fire than he had commanded.” Leviticus 10:1b NLT
Incense is supposed to be the symbol of our worship and prayers that we offer to the Lord. It is done for the glory of God and it is a sweet aroma unto the Lord. This also symbolizes the Lord Jesus Christ whose sacrifice at the cross is a sweet aroma to the Father. When Nadab and Abihu mixed strange elements other than what the Lord required what was supposed to be an incense of worship became an insult. Here we ask the question, ‘What went wrong? What grievous sin did they commit that made them pay for it with their lives?’
The sin that Aaron’s sons committed in man’s eyes would have been no big deal, but in the eyes of God it was a big deal. God’s wrath was unleashed and their burned cadavers brought a deep sense of fear among the priests of Israel. They did not commit an honest mistake, rather, they disobeyed God! Their being creative went too far… they crossed the line between creativity to blasphemy. This is the sin of familiarity where God is taken lightly and His commands are not taken seriously.
The true worship of God is both intimate and reverent; it is a mixture of fellowship or communion coupled with fear. When our worship of God is not founded on the fear of God, it will not enjoy the friendship and favor of God. Remember, the sin of familiarity is not committed by pagans but by God’s Priests! Those who enjoy unique spiritual privileges in serving God in this temple and are entrusted with the secrets of the Almighty are in great danger of committing this sin. It is not only true of the Old Testament priests or prophets… this is also true to any believer today.
How is this sin committed? I think this sin subtly starts to bud when we make “self” as the center of worship, and convenience as our goal to worship. In other words, it is no longer about God. The desire to be emotionally ‘feeling good’ and the ‘cleverness’ to take some short cuts become the goal of worshipers and those who lead them to worship. When God is not first, the pressure to find new things to make things appealing to the flesh is tremendous. When ministers are bored with doing their duties and the congregation is in a hurry to finish the weekly rituals of worship, the sin of familiarity steps in.
It is in this context that God need to introduce Himself in such a way that refreshes us of His Holiness and revives the ‘fear of the Lord’ in our hearts. Each time we gather for worship, do we really believe that God is present? His Presence brings freedom as well as fire. Pleasure and punishment, at the same time, is at hand every time we worship God. Thank God that this does not occur every Sunday… this is grace to give us space to fear again. The next time we treat God lightly; the next time we become obstacles in the path of which God is to be greatly glorified, be reminded of this story. Let incenses of praise and prayer be sweet-smelling to God, and nothing is so sweet in the courts of God than a broken spirit and a contrite heart. This is the offering He will not despise.
“…..In this way they disobeyed the LORD by burning before him a different kind of fire than he had commanded.” Leviticus 10:1b NLT
Incense is supposed to be the symbol of our worship and prayers that we offer to the Lord. It is done for the glory of God and it is a sweet aroma unto the Lord. This also symbolizes the Lord Jesus Christ whose sacrifice at the cross is a sweet aroma to the Father. When Nadab and Abihu mixed strange elements other than what the Lord required what was supposed to be an incense of worship became an insult. Here we ask the question, ‘What went wrong? What grievous sin did they commit that made them pay for it with their lives?’
The sin that Aaron’s sons committed in man’s eyes would have been no big deal, but in the eyes of God it was a big deal. God’s wrath was unleashed and their burned cadavers brought a deep sense of fear among the priests of Israel. They did not commit an honest mistake, rather, they disobeyed God! Their being creative went too far… they crossed the line between creativity to blasphemy. This is the sin of familiarity where God is taken lightly and His commands are not taken seriously.
The true worship of God is both intimate and reverent; it is a mixture of fellowship or communion coupled with fear. When our worship of God is not founded on the fear of God, it will not enjoy the friendship and favor of God. Remember, the sin of familiarity is not committed by pagans but by God’s Priests! Those who enjoy unique spiritual privileges in serving God in this temple and are entrusted with the secrets of the Almighty are in great danger of committing this sin. It is not only true of the Old Testament priests or prophets… this is also true to any believer today.
How is this sin committed? I think this sin subtly starts to bud when we make “self” as the center of worship, and convenience as our goal to worship. In other words, it is no longer about God. The desire to be emotionally ‘feeling good’ and the ‘cleverness’ to take some short cuts become the goal of worshipers and those who lead them to worship. When God is not first, the pressure to find new things to make things appealing to the flesh is tremendous. When ministers are bored with doing their duties and the congregation is in a hurry to finish the weekly rituals of worship, the sin of familiarity steps in.
It is in this context that God need to introduce Himself in such a way that refreshes us of His Holiness and revives the ‘fear of the Lord’ in our hearts. Each time we gather for worship, do we really believe that God is present? His Presence brings freedom as well as fire. Pleasure and punishment, at the same time, is at hand every time we worship God. Thank God that this does not occur every Sunday… this is grace to give us space to fear again. The next time we treat God lightly; the next time we become obstacles in the path of which God is to be greatly glorified, be reminded of this story. Let incenses of praise and prayer be sweet-smelling to God, and nothing is so sweet in the courts of God than a broken spirit and a contrite heart. This is the offering He will not despise.
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Symbols, Shadows, Savior Part 2
Those symbols from the rituals in the Old Testament points to our Savior Lord Jesus Christ. A continuation message from yesterday message Symbols, Shadows, Savior.
Just in case you cannot view this message due to limitation of our storage in Podbean.com you can e-mail us and request for the message title you want. Please make sure to write your name when you request to davaochinesebaptistchurch@gmail.com.
Just in case you cannot view this message due to limitation of our storage in Podbean.com you can e-mail us and request for the message title you want. Please make sure to write your name when you request to davaochinesebaptistchurch@gmail.com.
Friday, November 26, 2010
Symbols, Shadows, Savior Part1
Today's message is about Symbols, Shadows, Savior. How did God see forgiveness? How did the people of the Old Testament avail forgiveness of sins? How did the people of the New Testament avail forgiveness of sins?
Just in case you cannot view this message due to limitation of our storage in Podbean.com you can e-mail us and request for the message title you want. Please make sure to write your name when you request to davaochinesebaptistchurch@gmail.com.
Just in case you cannot view this message due to limitation of our storage in Podbean.com you can e-mail us and request for the message title you want. Please make sure to write your name when you request to davaochinesebaptistchurch@gmail.com.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
A GRACE AWAKENED THANKSGIVING
By: Rev. Arnel Tan
“Jesus asked, “Didn’t I heal ten men? Where are the other nine? Does this foreigner return to give glory to God?” Luke 17:17-18 NLT
The question of Christ asking for the whereabouts of the other nine former lepers does not only reveal the heart of Christ about thanksgiving, it also reveals something about the one who returned. So far what we have about the leper that returned is that he is a Samaritan, or what they call half breed. It is also recorded that he expressed his faith in Christ as he openly shouted his praise and how he fell face on the ground as he worshiped Christ. I am sure there are more remarkable things we can see about this encounter with Christ, what is striking to me is the leper did not offer any answer to Jesus’ question “where are the other nine?
The Samaritan lepers silence indicates of an awakening of grace in his heart. His kind of thanksgiving is awakened by grace! His silence over what could be a chance of building his image over the obvious thankless lepers speaks of something only the grace of God can do, and that is to awaken a heart to grace. Though he was not intimidated by his “scandalous” kind of thanksgiving, he exercised restraint in making a comment about other lepers. Perhaps he was too focused on Christ that the weaknesses of others were set aside. Or maybe he was too overwhelmed by grace that he has no time to comment on others.
A grace awakened gratitude is truly attractive because it is expressed in faith. It is this kind of faith that comes from a broken heart is most acceptable to God. Remember Jesus did not say “your faith made you well” to the other lepers, he only said it to this foreigner. Though not explicit in the text I see these signs of grace from the heart of a thankful leper. A grace awakened heart does not compare, it is also aware that he is not in the contest of who is most thankful. Absolutely no signs of competition in him, it was all done for the glory of God. Observe further that a heart who is grace filled is not condemning or controlling. The high light of this kind of thanksgiving is that it is grace based and it was express in faith.
The ultimate question I think is not whether we give thanks or not rather is our thanksgiving God honoring? The final verdict is from Christ, and from what we read in the story it was faith not loudness of voice nor posture that Christ honored. Is our thanksgiving today expressed in faith? Are the signs of grace seen by the way we express our thanks to God. What a great pressure is released when we become people who by the grace of God refuse to unfairly compare with others and deliberately restrain ourselves from competing with other former lepers. Our response to God’s grace is thanksgiving, it is His job to give the verdict.
“Jesus asked, “Didn’t I heal ten men? Where are the other nine? Does this foreigner return to give glory to God?” Luke 17:17-18 NLT
The question of Christ asking for the whereabouts of the other nine former lepers does not only reveal the heart of Christ about thanksgiving, it also reveals something about the one who returned. So far what we have about the leper that returned is that he is a Samaritan, or what they call half breed. It is also recorded that he expressed his faith in Christ as he openly shouted his praise and how he fell face on the ground as he worshiped Christ. I am sure there are more remarkable things we can see about this encounter with Christ, what is striking to me is the leper did not offer any answer to Jesus’ question “where are the other nine?
The Samaritan lepers silence indicates of an awakening of grace in his heart. His kind of thanksgiving is awakened by grace! His silence over what could be a chance of building his image over the obvious thankless lepers speaks of something only the grace of God can do, and that is to awaken a heart to grace. Though he was not intimidated by his “scandalous” kind of thanksgiving, he exercised restraint in making a comment about other lepers. Perhaps he was too focused on Christ that the weaknesses of others were set aside. Or maybe he was too overwhelmed by grace that he has no time to comment on others.
A grace awakened gratitude is truly attractive because it is expressed in faith. It is this kind of faith that comes from a broken heart is most acceptable to God. Remember Jesus did not say “your faith made you well” to the other lepers, he only said it to this foreigner. Though not explicit in the text I see these signs of grace from the heart of a thankful leper. A grace awakened heart does not compare, it is also aware that he is not in the contest of who is most thankful. Absolutely no signs of competition in him, it was all done for the glory of God. Observe further that a heart who is grace filled is not condemning or controlling. The high light of this kind of thanksgiving is that it is grace based and it was express in faith.
The ultimate question I think is not whether we give thanks or not rather is our thanksgiving God honoring? The final verdict is from Christ, and from what we read in the story it was faith not loudness of voice nor posture that Christ honored. Is our thanksgiving today expressed in faith? Are the signs of grace seen by the way we express our thanks to God. What a great pressure is released when we become people who by the grace of God refuse to unfairly compare with others and deliberately restrain ourselves from competing with other former lepers. Our response to God’s grace is thanksgiving, it is His job to give the verdict.
Monday, November 22, 2010
Incense of Insult
By: Rev. Arnel Tan
“…..In this way they disobeyed the LORD by burning before him a different kind of than he had commanded.” Leviticus 10:1b NLT
Incense is supposed to be symbols of our worship and prayers that we offer to the Lord. It is done for the glory of God and it is a sweet aroma unto the Lord. This also symbolizes the Lord Jesus Christ who’s sacrifice at the cross is a sweet aroma to the Father. When Nadab and Abihu mixed strange element other than what the Lord requires what is supposed to be an incense of worship became an insult. Here we ask the question what went wrong? What grievous sin did they commit that made them pay for their lives?
The sin that Aaron’s son committed in man’s eyes would be no big deal but in the eyes of God it’s a big deal. God’s wrath was unleashed and their burned cadavers brought a deep sense of fear among the priest of Israel. They did not commit an honest mistake rather they disobeyed God! Their being creative went too far, it has crossed the line, between creativity to blasphemy. This is the sin of familiarity where God is taken lightly and His commands are not taken seriously.
The true worship of God is both intimate and reverent; it is a mixture of fellowship or communion and also of fear. When our worship of God is not founded on the fear of God it will not enjoy the friendship and favor of God. Remember the sin of familiarity is not committed by pagans but by God’s Priests! Those ones who enjoyed unique spiritual privileges in serving God in this temple and are entrusted with the secrets of the Almighty are in great danger of committing this sin. It is not only of the Old Testament priests or prophets this is also true to any believe today.
How is this sin committed? I think this sin subtly starts to bud when we have made self as the center of worship, and convenience as our goal to worship. In other words it is no longer about God. The desire to be emotionally feeling good and the “cleverness” to do some short cuts become the goal of worshipers and those who lead them to worship. When God is not first the pressure to find new things to make things appealing to the flesh is tremendous. When ministers are bored in doing their duties and the congregation is in a hurry to finish the weekly rituals of worship, the sin of familiarity steps in.
It is in this context that God need to introduce Himself in such a way that refreshes us of His Holiness and revives the fear of the Lord in our hearts. Each time we gather for worship do we really believe that God is present? His Presence brings freedom as well as fire. Pleasure and punishment at the same time is at hand every time we worship God. Thank God that occurrence such as this does not happen every Sunday, this is grace to give us space to fear again. The next time we treat God lightly, the next time we become obstacle in the path of which God is greatly glorified be reminded of this story. Let incenses of praise and prayer be sweet smelling to God, and nothing is so sweet in the courts of God than a broken spirit and a contrite heart. This is the offering He will not despise.
“…..In this way they disobeyed the LORD by burning before him a different kind of than he had commanded.” Leviticus 10:1b NLT
Incense is supposed to be symbols of our worship and prayers that we offer to the Lord. It is done for the glory of God and it is a sweet aroma unto the Lord. This also symbolizes the Lord Jesus Christ who’s sacrifice at the cross is a sweet aroma to the Father. When Nadab and Abihu mixed strange element other than what the Lord requires what is supposed to be an incense of worship became an insult. Here we ask the question what went wrong? What grievous sin did they commit that made them pay for their lives?
The sin that Aaron’s son committed in man’s eyes would be no big deal but in the eyes of God it’s a big deal. God’s wrath was unleashed and their burned cadavers brought a deep sense of fear among the priest of Israel. They did not commit an honest mistake rather they disobeyed God! Their being creative went too far, it has crossed the line, between creativity to blasphemy. This is the sin of familiarity where God is taken lightly and His commands are not taken seriously.
The true worship of God is both intimate and reverent; it is a mixture of fellowship or communion and also of fear. When our worship of God is not founded on the fear of God it will not enjoy the friendship and favor of God. Remember the sin of familiarity is not committed by pagans but by God’s Priests! Those ones who enjoyed unique spiritual privileges in serving God in this temple and are entrusted with the secrets of the Almighty are in great danger of committing this sin. It is not only of the Old Testament priests or prophets this is also true to any believe today.
How is this sin committed? I think this sin subtly starts to bud when we have made self as the center of worship, and convenience as our goal to worship. In other words it is no longer about God. The desire to be emotionally feeling good and the “cleverness” to do some short cuts become the goal of worshipers and those who lead them to worship. When God is not first the pressure to find new things to make things appealing to the flesh is tremendous. When ministers are bored in doing their duties and the congregation is in a hurry to finish the weekly rituals of worship, the sin of familiarity steps in.
It is in this context that God need to introduce Himself in such a way that refreshes us of His Holiness and revives the fear of the Lord in our hearts. Each time we gather for worship do we really believe that God is present? His Presence brings freedom as well as fire. Pleasure and punishment at the same time is at hand every time we worship God. Thank God that occurrence such as this does not happen every Sunday, this is grace to give us space to fear again. The next time we treat God lightly, the next time we become obstacle in the path of which God is greatly glorified be reminded of this story. Let incenses of praise and prayer be sweet smelling to God, and nothing is so sweet in the courts of God than a broken spirit and a contrite heart. This is the offering He will not despise.
Friday, November 19, 2010
STRAIGHT FROM MY HEART
I hope it does not sound like heresy to you when I say’ I’m so glad I am only preaching once today!’ I look forward to taking an unhurried breakfast after this 7am service. I can smell the fresh coffee at Mcdonalds’ and my breakfast favorite- sausage mc muffin (without egg) and hash brown ( I like gravy on it). After that I look forward to spending the whole day and have an overnight stay at Eden. I am thankful that my wife allowed me to be away for a night just to get some much needed solitude and sleep. I am also grateful to you folks for your grace . . . allowing me to stretch a little bit. It’s so rare that I feel this holy joy of only preaching once today.
Thanks to Pastor Cezil Perales who will take my place at 10am and to Pastor Dino Fajardo, a young prayeful man of God, pastor of Kinuskusan Baptist Church in Bansalan, who will be preaching for the rest of the 2 services in the afternoon and evening. Thanks to my co workers for filling-in the ministry this Sunday, so I can have this rest. Hmmm, let me see, last week we had baptism during our prayer meeting and I had a wedding yesterday…thank God, today I can rest. Next Sunday I will be in Iloilo with my family to preach in my former church, now called New Life Christian Fellowship. This trip is also rare since my whole family will be with me. Lord-willing, I will be back on Dec 1, 2010, ready for our prayer meeting.
Let us pray for our coming ‘Dawn Christmas prayer meeting’ which starts on December 21-25. It will begin at exactly 5am to 6am, after which we will all enjoy simple breakfast coffee and food. Consider this as a meaningful way of celebrating the season of Christmas… a time to be silent and a time to savor the presence of the Savior! Come with a heart ready to pray and commune with Jesus. Don’t let activity overwhelm our celebration of nativity. Wait for the next edition of “straight from my heart” for more prayer-filled activity this Christmas. Come and be blessed.
Again, thank you for your grace, allowing me space to enjoy hash brown today… without rush. I am sure God has something to say to all of us this day through prayer and the preaching of His words. I truly need your prayer for wisdom, humility and discernment as I pray and prepare for the coming season of Christmas. Thanks to all of you who are so gracious to me and my family. By the way, keep sending us your help so we can buy more “Our Daily Bread” devotionals for the 6,000-plus public school teachers in the city. Please don’t give if you have not prayed about this first. The generosity of many of you has blessed my heart seeing how God is honored in our sharing!
I can smell coffee brewing now!
Joyfully,
REV. ARNEL C. TAN
Thanks to Pastor Cezil Perales who will take my place at 10am and to Pastor Dino Fajardo, a young prayeful man of God, pastor of Kinuskusan Baptist Church in Bansalan, who will be preaching for the rest of the 2 services in the afternoon and evening. Thanks to my co workers for filling-in the ministry this Sunday, so I can have this rest. Hmmm, let me see, last week we had baptism during our prayer meeting and I had a wedding yesterday…thank God, today I can rest. Next Sunday I will be in Iloilo with my family to preach in my former church, now called New Life Christian Fellowship. This trip is also rare since my whole family will be with me. Lord-willing, I will be back on Dec 1, 2010, ready for our prayer meeting.
Let us pray for our coming ‘Dawn Christmas prayer meeting’ which starts on December 21-25. It will begin at exactly 5am to 6am, after which we will all enjoy simple breakfast coffee and food. Consider this as a meaningful way of celebrating the season of Christmas… a time to be silent and a time to savor the presence of the Savior! Come with a heart ready to pray and commune with Jesus. Don’t let activity overwhelm our celebration of nativity. Wait for the next edition of “straight from my heart” for more prayer-filled activity this Christmas. Come and be blessed.
Again, thank you for your grace, allowing me space to enjoy hash brown today… without rush. I am sure God has something to say to all of us this day through prayer and the preaching of His words. I truly need your prayer for wisdom, humility and discernment as I pray and prepare for the coming season of Christmas. Thanks to all of you who are so gracious to me and my family. By the way, keep sending us your help so we can buy more “Our Daily Bread” devotionals for the 6,000-plus public school teachers in the city. Please don’t give if you have not prayed about this first. The generosity of many of you has blessed my heart seeing how God is honored in our sharing!
I can smell coffee brewing now!
Joyfully,
REV. ARNEL C. TAN
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Meet Your Substitute
By: Rev. Arnel Tan
“Lay your hand on its head so the LORD will accept it as your substitute thus making atonement for you” Leviticus 1:4 NLT
In the book of Leviticus of the old testament to offer a burnt offering to the Lord you will find yourself not in a majestic cathedral so inviting to rest and worship, but rather you will be in a slaughterhouse bloody and messy so inviting to weep and repent! Here the people of Israel squarely deal with their sins and seek forgiveness. No one would enter the place where the burnt offering is offered as an innocent person, every one comes in with their unblemished animal sacrifice guilty sinners seeking mercy.
It is also here that the one who offers is not only dropping an animal sacrifice, he or she participates in the ritual by laying hand on the head of the sacrifice and slaughtering it before it is given to the sons of Aaron for cleaning and offering by fire. These rituals are meaningless to many but to the people of Israel it is an outward expression of repentance and faith to the coming of the Messiah. The animal is not just and offering, it has also become a substitute in that absorbs all the sins committed by the individual. Though many go through this as a religious ritual it is never meant to be just a ritual. Active faith is involved, repentance before God is exercise as the individual lays his hands on the animal.
Those symbols and rituals point to the person of Jesus Christ who is the blameless Lamb of God who takes the sin of the world. Meaning it was Christ not the animal sacrifice who is our true substitute, who took all the blame for all the sins and sins of the world. So when a sinner finally believes in Him his faith is accepted by the Father. Forgiveness in the eyes of God is not cheap, God hates sin and the soul that sin must die. The perfect standard of God was fully satisfied by the perfect sacrifice of Christ the lamb of God. Anyone who puts faith in Christ now will be counted for righteousness, forgiveness will be awarded, grace will abound for Christ your substitute and mine perfectly please the Father. Hallelujah what a Savior!
Have you met your substitute? The next time you think of God’s view of forgiveness remember Someone died for it before it can be extended to us. Though the sacrifices of the Old Testament are now done, and the altars of our churches today are not bloody and messy, it leaves a trail that lead sinners and saints back to Calvary where we find forgiveness of our sins and freedom in our hearts. Therefore each time we gather for worship we continue to offer the sacrifices of praise and thanksgiving to Him who died for us and rose again, and whose return we await. Meet your substitute and let the meeting turn to bowing and praying.
“Lay your hand on its head so the LORD will accept it as your substitute thus making atonement for you” Leviticus 1:4 NLT
In the book of Leviticus of the old testament to offer a burnt offering to the Lord you will find yourself not in a majestic cathedral so inviting to rest and worship, but rather you will be in a slaughterhouse bloody and messy so inviting to weep and repent! Here the people of Israel squarely deal with their sins and seek forgiveness. No one would enter the place where the burnt offering is offered as an innocent person, every one comes in with their unblemished animal sacrifice guilty sinners seeking mercy.
It is also here that the one who offers is not only dropping an animal sacrifice, he or she participates in the ritual by laying hand on the head of the sacrifice and slaughtering it before it is given to the sons of Aaron for cleaning and offering by fire. These rituals are meaningless to many but to the people of Israel it is an outward expression of repentance and faith to the coming of the Messiah. The animal is not just and offering, it has also become a substitute in that absorbs all the sins committed by the individual. Though many go through this as a religious ritual it is never meant to be just a ritual. Active faith is involved, repentance before God is exercise as the individual lays his hands on the animal.
Those symbols and rituals point to the person of Jesus Christ who is the blameless Lamb of God who takes the sin of the world. Meaning it was Christ not the animal sacrifice who is our true substitute, who took all the blame for all the sins and sins of the world. So when a sinner finally believes in Him his faith is accepted by the Father. Forgiveness in the eyes of God is not cheap, God hates sin and the soul that sin must die. The perfect standard of God was fully satisfied by the perfect sacrifice of Christ the lamb of God. Anyone who puts faith in Christ now will be counted for righteousness, forgiveness will be awarded, grace will abound for Christ your substitute and mine perfectly please the Father. Hallelujah what a Savior!
Have you met your substitute? The next time you think of God’s view of forgiveness remember Someone died for it before it can be extended to us. Though the sacrifices of the Old Testament are now done, and the altars of our churches today are not bloody and messy, it leaves a trail that lead sinners and saints back to Calvary where we find forgiveness of our sins and freedom in our hearts. Therefore each time we gather for worship we continue to offer the sacrifices of praise and thanksgiving to Him who died for us and rose again, and whose return we await. Meet your substitute and let the meeting turn to bowing and praying.
Friday, November 5, 2010
Pulpit To Pew - Update News
STRAIGHT FROM MY HEART
As we begin the month of November, let us do so with our hearts filled with prayers and thanksgiving. Let us not only recall the goodness of God but also make it a lifestyle to give thanks to the Lord. Giving thanks to God honors Him and it also humbles us. Let us be spiritually alert as we sense the many blessings God has given and we enjoyed but have neglected to give thanks for. Believe me, you and I will recall a lot of set-aside items of thanksgiving.
Today, as we worship, let us express it to God. As we listen to His words, let us open our hearts and lower our defensive shields. As we come to God’s table for communion, let us remember that we come as a body, not just as a person. As we partake of the bread and cup, let us transcend our thoughts of being alone with God into becoming a community communing with God. Prayerfully, let us look at Christ and with a still heart let us savor Christ Himself and commune with Him.
Let me also challenge you to pray and seek God’s guidance as we encourage everyone to help us gather more “Our Daily Bread” devotionals to give to 6,000 public school teachers in Davao City. You can purchase the `Our Daily Bread` devotionals at the various Christian bookstores and then hand it over to Pastor Bobby Narciso, our mission pastor, or you can designate a gift marked for this purpose. I would like to reiterate that you should only share after spending some time in honest heart-searching prayer.
Your pastors gather for prayer every Monday. We lock ourselves in the Pastor’s office to pray for you and your prayer requests. We bring them to the throne of grace asking God to intervene for His glory. Please tear the portion of this bulletin marked as prayer requests and drop it into the yellow box in front. Please indicate your email address so we can let you know that your prayer request has been prayed for. This is something we, your ministers, in this church have committed ourselves to do, following the model of Epaphras’ praying that we all will mature in our walk with God, deeply rooted in Christ and His words and abounding in grace and prayer. Please remember us too in your prayers as we pray for you.
LET US COME AND BOW DOWN BEFORE THE LORD TODAY AND WORSHIP
Grace be with you all,
REV. ARNEL TAN
As we begin the month of November, let us do so with our hearts filled with prayers and thanksgiving. Let us not only recall the goodness of God but also make it a lifestyle to give thanks to the Lord. Giving thanks to God honors Him and it also humbles us. Let us be spiritually alert as we sense the many blessings God has given and we enjoyed but have neglected to give thanks for. Believe me, you and I will recall a lot of set-aside items of thanksgiving.
Today, as we worship, let us express it to God. As we listen to His words, let us open our hearts and lower our defensive shields. As we come to God’s table for communion, let us remember that we come as a body, not just as a person. As we partake of the bread and cup, let us transcend our thoughts of being alone with God into becoming a community communing with God. Prayerfully, let us look at Christ and with a still heart let us savor Christ Himself and commune with Him.
Let me also challenge you to pray and seek God’s guidance as we encourage everyone to help us gather more “Our Daily Bread” devotionals to give to 6,000 public school teachers in Davao City. You can purchase the `Our Daily Bread` devotionals at the various Christian bookstores and then hand it over to Pastor Bobby Narciso, our mission pastor, or you can designate a gift marked for this purpose. I would like to reiterate that you should only share after spending some time in honest heart-searching prayer.
Your pastors gather for prayer every Monday. We lock ourselves in the Pastor’s office to pray for you and your prayer requests. We bring them to the throne of grace asking God to intervene for His glory. Please tear the portion of this bulletin marked as prayer requests and drop it into the yellow box in front. Please indicate your email address so we can let you know that your prayer request has been prayed for. This is something we, your ministers, in this church have committed ourselves to do, following the model of Epaphras’ praying that we all will mature in our walk with God, deeply rooted in Christ and His words and abounding in grace and prayer. Please remember us too in your prayers as we pray for you.
LET US COME AND BOW DOWN BEFORE THE LORD TODAY AND WORSHIP
Grace be with you all,
REV. ARNEL TAN
Friday, October 29, 2010
REFRESHING OTHERS
By: Rev. Arnel Tan
“…….And what a comfort they have been!”
Col.4:11c NLT
When your cup is empty and dry you needed a refill that refreshes the inner man. In meeting his spiritual dryness Paul mentioned so many names that refreshed him in many ways. It is so humbling to admit that at one name you and I will be in a position of receiving supply than just giving it. If it is better to give than to receive, this time it is humbling to receive than to give. Let us remember that we will not be always in the position of dispensing grace, honestly we have never left the position of receiving it.
The call to refresh others is twinned by the humility to be refreshed by others. It is here that we experience a unique kind of delight that comes from the touch, prayer and care of God sent messengers of grace that refreshes our tired soul. Prayerfully let us be sensitive to seek weary and perhaps wounded people that somehow need to be refreshed. Unselfishly let us extend whatever God gave us that others might need. It is not always in the form of material goods sometimes it can be time- to listen not lecture, to pray not criticize.
If you have friends who have refreshed you thank God for them at the same time ask God for a chance to refresh others. Allowing others to refresh you is not weakness but a sign of authenticity that we are not superhumans. It is here that God’s grace is so at work that the communities of believers become a testimony to the outside world. It is here that we are humbled and desperate to see that we cannot make this journey without others.
Let us make it a lifestyle to refresh others not only to those we know, discerningly and prayerfully even to those we don’t know. Refreshing others is not a pay back that we are all required to do rather it is an outflow of gratitude for the grace we undeservingly received from God and from others. It puts a smile on God’s face I think, as it has always put a smile on any parents face when they see their children living in harmony refreshing each other. While prayer is important so is prompt obedience for you can never tell how urgent it is to be a “Barnabas” to a discouraged soul. Finally refreshing others can be messy for sometimes the messenger of refreshment taste himself a bitter spill over of other people’s bitterness. Refresh and be refreshed, we will be in both side one of these days.
“…….And what a comfort they have been!”
Col.4:11c NLT
When your cup is empty and dry you needed a refill that refreshes the inner man. In meeting his spiritual dryness Paul mentioned so many names that refreshed him in many ways. It is so humbling to admit that at one name you and I will be in a position of receiving supply than just giving it. If it is better to give than to receive, this time it is humbling to receive than to give. Let us remember that we will not be always in the position of dispensing grace, honestly we have never left the position of receiving it.
The call to refresh others is twinned by the humility to be refreshed by others. It is here that we experience a unique kind of delight that comes from the touch, prayer and care of God sent messengers of grace that refreshes our tired soul. Prayerfully let us be sensitive to seek weary and perhaps wounded people that somehow need to be refreshed. Unselfishly let us extend whatever God gave us that others might need. It is not always in the form of material goods sometimes it can be time- to listen not lecture, to pray not criticize.
If you have friends who have refreshed you thank God for them at the same time ask God for a chance to refresh others. Allowing others to refresh you is not weakness but a sign of authenticity that we are not superhumans. It is here that God’s grace is so at work that the communities of believers become a testimony to the outside world. It is here that we are humbled and desperate to see that we cannot make this journey without others.
Let us make it a lifestyle to refresh others not only to those we know, discerningly and prayerfully even to those we don’t know. Refreshing others is not a pay back that we are all required to do rather it is an outflow of gratitude for the grace we undeservingly received from God and from others. It puts a smile on God’s face I think, as it has always put a smile on any parents face when they see their children living in harmony refreshing each other. While prayer is important so is prompt obedience for you can never tell how urgent it is to be a “Barnabas” to a discouraged soul. Finally refreshing others can be messy for sometimes the messenger of refreshment taste himself a bitter spill over of other people’s bitterness. Refresh and be refreshed, we will be in both side one of these days.
Friday, October 22, 2010
EPAPHRAS – A MAN OF PRAYER
By: Rev. Arnel Tan
“Epaphras, from your city, a servant of Christ Jesus, sends you his greetings. He always prays earnestly for you, asking God to make you strong and perfect, fully confident of the whole will of God. “ Colossians 4:12 NLT
While most servants of God race and rush to the lime light, this man Epaphras stayed in communion with the Light of the world. Yes he preachers, but more than anything else he prays. He really prays! He never called himself a man of prayer, he simply prayed. Like the Master his prayer life did not go unnoticed from the eyes and admiration of his colleagues. Paul, testifies of him as a man who agonizes in prayer.
Anyone who desires the ministry of prayer must fast from the praise of men and to be totally confident only in the approval of God. Prayer in the life of Epaphras is so modeled in grace that he need not pressure people to be like him. By his testimony and commitment to pray God stirred hearts to desire to be men and women of prayer. Oh how we need more men and women of prayer in the church today, who like Epaphras will not pressure or make people guilty but would wholly pour out his heart in prayer.
Compare to our long litany of spiritual insights and our subtle ways attempting to “change” other people praying for them proves to be a million times better and a million times God honoring. In prayer all attempts to transform others stops, to give way for God to do the reviving, changing and awakening. One salient point to remember is Epaphras modeled prayer in grace not using prayer as a pressure for others to tow the line. It is God who stirs hunger for prayer in the hearts of His people not our long sermon on prayer.
Finally, to desire to be a man or woman of prayer is to relinquish tendencies to subject others to our dictates. Prayer is rest and release when everything is truly surrendered in the Sovereign hands of God. Actually in prayer the Lord makes us realize that we are not in control, and the real blessing of all is that the Lord takes away the desire to be in control! May the Lord stir in us deep hunger for prayer!
“Epaphras, from your city, a servant of Christ Jesus, sends you his greetings. He always prays earnestly for you, asking God to make you strong and perfect, fully confident of the whole will of God. “ Colossians 4:12 NLT
While most servants of God race and rush to the lime light, this man Epaphras stayed in communion with the Light of the world. Yes he preachers, but more than anything else he prays. He really prays! He never called himself a man of prayer, he simply prayed. Like the Master his prayer life did not go unnoticed from the eyes and admiration of his colleagues. Paul, testifies of him as a man who agonizes in prayer.
Anyone who desires the ministry of prayer must fast from the praise of men and to be totally confident only in the approval of God. Prayer in the life of Epaphras is so modeled in grace that he need not pressure people to be like him. By his testimony and commitment to pray God stirred hearts to desire to be men and women of prayer. Oh how we need more men and women of prayer in the church today, who like Epaphras will not pressure or make people guilty but would wholly pour out his heart in prayer.
Compare to our long litany of spiritual insights and our subtle ways attempting to “change” other people praying for them proves to be a million times better and a million times God honoring. In prayer all attempts to transform others stops, to give way for God to do the reviving, changing and awakening. One salient point to remember is Epaphras modeled prayer in grace not using prayer as a pressure for others to tow the line. It is God who stirs hunger for prayer in the hearts of His people not our long sermon on prayer.
Finally, to desire to be a man or woman of prayer is to relinquish tendencies to subject others to our dictates. Prayer is rest and release when everything is truly surrendered in the Sovereign hands of God. Actually in prayer the Lord makes us realize that we are not in control, and the real blessing of all is that the Lord takes away the desire to be in control! May the Lord stir in us deep hunger for prayer!
Saturday, October 16, 2010
PRAY FOR US TOO
by: Rev. Arnel C. Tan
“Don’t forget to pray for us too……” Colossians 4:12 NLT
There are a lot of spiritual lessons and insights we can get regarding intercession. To intercede is to go to God for someone in prayer, bringing other people’s pain to the throne of grace as if it were your own. To be an intercessor has two obvious truths. Number one, you are praying for another. Number two is you are humble enough to ask others to pray for you. One cannot stand without the other. You don’t only pray for others like Paul you take the risk or vulnerability to ask others to pray for you.
It is so humbling that the great Apostle would solicit prayers for him and his team as they discern the open doors God opens for the gospel. The clear lesson here is no one is so sufficient that he can only depend on his own prayer. God designed it in such a manner that we nourish our prayer life connected with the community of other praying believers. Do you pray for others aside from your immediate love ones? Do you have a circle of praying friends that is ready to pray for you even in the middle of the night? It is a great comfort to know that our Lord Jesus Himself is our great intercessor and that He never forgets to pray for His own.
Remember asking for prayers need discernment. Be careful to reveal your deep prayer request to people who are not prayerful, for your prayer request will become the latest gossip of the town. The same is also true while asking for prayers from other praying believers let us also discern our involving others in prayer lest this become a gossip item rather than a sincere prayer item. Where do you get discernment in prayer? When you pray! I think it was Oswald Chambers who said that we exercise discernment not to judge others so we can intercede. Wow timely reminder for all of us.
It is startling that Paul addressed his prayer request not to individuals but to the church. He solicited prayer to a church, a congregation who prays! Honestly, how serious and committed is the church today in prayer? If you ask prayer from the prayer less church it will end to no one praying for it! Let this be a challenge that as a church let us ask God to create in our hearts a burning desire to pray. Pray for others and humbling asking others to pray for us!
“Don’t forget to pray for us too……” Colossians 4:12 NLT
There are a lot of spiritual lessons and insights we can get regarding intercession. To intercede is to go to God for someone in prayer, bringing other people’s pain to the throne of grace as if it were your own. To be an intercessor has two obvious truths. Number one, you are praying for another. Number two is you are humble enough to ask others to pray for you. One cannot stand without the other. You don’t only pray for others like Paul you take the risk or vulnerability to ask others to pray for you.
It is so humbling that the great Apostle would solicit prayers for him and his team as they discern the open doors God opens for the gospel. The clear lesson here is no one is so sufficient that he can only depend on his own prayer. God designed it in such a manner that we nourish our prayer life connected with the community of other praying believers. Do you pray for others aside from your immediate love ones? Do you have a circle of praying friends that is ready to pray for you even in the middle of the night? It is a great comfort to know that our Lord Jesus Himself is our great intercessor and that He never forgets to pray for His own.
Remember asking for prayers need discernment. Be careful to reveal your deep prayer request to people who are not prayerful, for your prayer request will become the latest gossip of the town. The same is also true while asking for prayers from other praying believers let us also discern our involving others in prayer lest this become a gossip item rather than a sincere prayer item. Where do you get discernment in prayer? When you pray! I think it was Oswald Chambers who said that we exercise discernment not to judge others so we can intercede. Wow timely reminder for all of us.
It is startling that Paul addressed his prayer request not to individuals but to the church. He solicited prayer to a church, a congregation who prays! Honestly, how serious and committed is the church today in prayer? If you ask prayer from the prayer less church it will end to no one praying for it! Let this be a challenge that as a church let us ask God to create in our hearts a burning desire to pray. Pray for others and humbling asking others to pray for us!
Thursday, October 7, 2010
LIVING THE NEW LIFE IS LIVING A LIFE OF PRAYER
By: Rev. Arnel Tan
“Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart/”
Colossians 4:2 NLT
As prayer is so important in the life of Christ it was also so important in the life of Paul and the early church. In fact Paul’s admonition to all the churches was to be a people of prayer. He made mention of Ephapras to be a man who agonize in prayer (4:12). As Christ modeled it became an attraction to his disciples that they requested Him to teach them how to pray! Prayer and Christ are inseparable and so role of prayer in living out our new life is essential.
Paul exhorted the church to devote themselves in prayer. The word “devote” speaks of urgency and priority meaning this should never take second place in the lives of those who follow Christ. Just like in any other relationship the barometer of intimacy and being close is when both parties are not just in talking terms but eagerly looking forward for that delightful moment of communion and conversation.
Paul said devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and thankful hearts. How are these instruction applied? If prayer is an essential part of living the new life, being alert would mean being focused. Remember prayer is not a play ground but a battle ground, it is here that the ultimate hatred of hell us unleashed to prevent any child of God from enjoying God. Being alert means to be focused on God himself and not be distracted by the problems and needs that we bring to Him. Prayer in the new life is finding sufficiency and significance on God Himself. There are times that we think we are praying when in reality we are talking to ourselves. Prayer is talking to God and not self talk.
In prayer we loose our focus on self and direct all our attention and energy to seek God. The new life is about living the will of God in our lives, remember it’s no longer self but Christ and in prayer a Christ centered life and a God first living, Holy Spirit empowered living is happening. Take away prayer, we are not living the new life, we still trust our efforts. What prevents us from enjoying the new life is not unanswered prayer but it’s the tragedy of unoffered prayers. In prayer we are invited to be authentic. Yes we can direct all our complaints to God Himself then at the end we become thankful people instead of bitter ones. In other words when the Lord is doing further transformation of our attitudes and providing us spiritual breakthrough He is doing it when we are in prayer! The new life is a life of prayer, the more weak and messy the more we kneel at the throne of grace for mercy.
“Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart/”
Colossians 4:2 NLT
As prayer is so important in the life of Christ it was also so important in the life of Paul and the early church. In fact Paul’s admonition to all the churches was to be a people of prayer. He made mention of Ephapras to be a man who agonize in prayer (4:12). As Christ modeled it became an attraction to his disciples that they requested Him to teach them how to pray! Prayer and Christ are inseparable and so role of prayer in living out our new life is essential.
Paul exhorted the church to devote themselves in prayer. The word “devote” speaks of urgency and priority meaning this should never take second place in the lives of those who follow Christ. Just like in any other relationship the barometer of intimacy and being close is when both parties are not just in talking terms but eagerly looking forward for that delightful moment of communion and conversation.
Paul said devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and thankful hearts. How are these instruction applied? If prayer is an essential part of living the new life, being alert would mean being focused. Remember prayer is not a play ground but a battle ground, it is here that the ultimate hatred of hell us unleashed to prevent any child of God from enjoying God. Being alert means to be focused on God himself and not be distracted by the problems and needs that we bring to Him. Prayer in the new life is finding sufficiency and significance on God Himself. There are times that we think we are praying when in reality we are talking to ourselves. Prayer is talking to God and not self talk.
In prayer we loose our focus on self and direct all our attention and energy to seek God. The new life is about living the will of God in our lives, remember it’s no longer self but Christ and in prayer a Christ centered life and a God first living, Holy Spirit empowered living is happening. Take away prayer, we are not living the new life, we still trust our efforts. What prevents us from enjoying the new life is not unanswered prayer but it’s the tragedy of unoffered prayers. In prayer we are invited to be authentic. Yes we can direct all our complaints to God Himself then at the end we become thankful people instead of bitter ones. In other words when the Lord is doing further transformation of our attitudes and providing us spiritual breakthrough He is doing it when we are in prayer! The new life is a life of prayer, the more weak and messy the more we kneel at the throne of grace for mercy.
Friday, October 1, 2010
YOUR WORK MATTERS TO GOD
By: Rev. Arnel Tan
“And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men”
Colossians 3:23 KJV
Unemployment is not just an economic issue it is also about character issue. God is so involved in your work. In the strictest sense of the word He is the real One who hires and fires. If you are employed today consider this instruction of Paul. By the way this instruction is addressed not to the general crowd but only to those who have found their new life in Christ. If you are unemployed today consider this as a spiritual preparation now so when the Lord grants you your work, you will excel for God’s glory!
The word “whatever” suggest that all kinds of work that does not violate the standards of God is acceptable to the Lord. Whether you are a plumber, a CEO, an inventor or etc, God desires to walk with you in your routine. Believe it with all of your heart it does make a difference when you dedicate your work to God. Living the new life in the work place is our worship to God too. It means do it heartily! Christ like excellence is not being the best but doing your very best availing of God’s strength. Remember that the reward of man is second it is God’s reward that is lasting. Man’s reward is short live and will soon be caught in the cob webs of boredom and performance. God’s reward is lasting it makes you depend more to the Lord than your self.
Work is an extension of worship but be warned not to worship your work! God rested on the seventh day, shouldn’t we rest too? To become workaholics makes us people who depends on our work instead of God. This is also another form of PRIDE. Ministers are not exempted for there is not difference between secular work and ministry work when it comes to making it acceptable to God. It is not accident that you are in the work God gave you especially if you sought God in fervent prayer. It is also a wise advise that you consistently seek God and listen to His voice as you pray and study His words, diligently discerning if God still want you to stay in your work now. If He says God adjust your sail to the direction He leads you. Remember it is impossible to please God without faith.
Lastly don’t forget the Paul’s words that work is done excellently not unto men but unto the Lord. So wherever your company assigns you don’t look at the position or the power along with it rather look to Jesus the One who walks with you in your work place. Start your day with a quiet prayer that you may learn to be wise as you seek God. Leave your work with a thankful heart and again in prayer commit yourself to God that you may not come home an angry person. Enjoy your work today for your security is in the Lord of the work!
“And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men”
Colossians 3:23 KJV
Unemployment is not just an economic issue it is also about character issue. God is so involved in your work. In the strictest sense of the word He is the real One who hires and fires. If you are employed today consider this instruction of Paul. By the way this instruction is addressed not to the general crowd but only to those who have found their new life in Christ. If you are unemployed today consider this as a spiritual preparation now so when the Lord grants you your work, you will excel for God’s glory!
The word “whatever” suggest that all kinds of work that does not violate the standards of God is acceptable to the Lord. Whether you are a plumber, a CEO, an inventor or etc, God desires to walk with you in your routine. Believe it with all of your heart it does make a difference when you dedicate your work to God. Living the new life in the work place is our worship to God too. It means do it heartily! Christ like excellence is not being the best but doing your very best availing of God’s strength. Remember that the reward of man is second it is God’s reward that is lasting. Man’s reward is short live and will soon be caught in the cob webs of boredom and performance. God’s reward is lasting it makes you depend more to the Lord than your self.
Work is an extension of worship but be warned not to worship your work! God rested on the seventh day, shouldn’t we rest too? To become workaholics makes us people who depends on our work instead of God. This is also another form of PRIDE. Ministers are not exempted for there is not difference between secular work and ministry work when it comes to making it acceptable to God. It is not accident that you are in the work God gave you especially if you sought God in fervent prayer. It is also a wise advise that you consistently seek God and listen to His voice as you pray and study His words, diligently discerning if God still want you to stay in your work now. If He says God adjust your sail to the direction He leads you. Remember it is impossible to please God without faith.
Lastly don’t forget the Paul’s words that work is done excellently not unto men but unto the Lord. So wherever your company assigns you don’t look at the position or the power along with it rather look to Jesus the One who walks with you in your work place. Start your day with a quiet prayer that you may learn to be wise as you seek God. Leave your work with a thankful heart and again in prayer commit yourself to God that you may not come home an angry person. Enjoy your work today for your security is in the Lord of the work!
Thursday, September 23, 2010
LIVING THE NEW LIFE IN THE HOME
By: Rev. Arnel Tan
You wives must submit to your husbands, as is fitting for those who belong to the Lord. And you husbands must love your wives and never treat them harshly. You children must always obey your parents, for this is what pleases the Lord. Fathers, don’t aggravate your children, if you do they will become discouraged……Col.3:18-21 NLT
While Christ is our real life and the source of our new life, the new life is not designed to be trapped in the personal stage. It is God’s desire and design that the new life be nourished as we expose ourselves to the church and community at large. It is in this context that the content of Paul’s instruction for the home is written. It is in relating with others that the new life finds its meaning and impact. After one’s conversion the individual is now a powerful instrument of God to bring chance and change.
It is in the home where our new life is much needed to take effect. Ideally the home is composed of a father, a mother and children. The ideal composition of the home is not a reason why a home who falls short of one member should be a happy home. Some homes no longer have dads or moms others have not been blessed with children. In grace and through the sovereignty of God homes that seems to be incomplete can still be recipient of joy and lots of laughter. On the other side by being complete in composition does not guarantee to end happy and vibrant.
Here we see the roles of each one to be in clear terms, yet it is not to be treated as rules per se. Rules and roles are offshoot of a deep relationship with Christ. Can a home be normal not dysfunctional without Christ? Honestly, yes it can still be a happy home but it’s a product of noble reasons not Christ. Living the new life in the home transcends ethics or culture, the new life lived in the home is about the life of Christ enabling a husband to love the wife and wife to respect the husband and kids to obey.
Who does not want a cool home? The difference here is that to have a happy home is not our main goal. While God desires for all of us to have a happy home the main goal remains to KNOW AND PLEASE CHRIST. The harsh reality of divorce and disfunctional home finds a fresh Chance and true Change in Christ. As members of the family become pleasers Christ they do the role not as a rule but outflow of Christ empowerment and unending yielding to Christ. The next time you think of a home think about Christ granting chance and change in His terms.
You wives must submit to your husbands, as is fitting for those who belong to the Lord. And you husbands must love your wives and never treat them harshly. You children must always obey your parents, for this is what pleases the Lord. Fathers, don’t aggravate your children, if you do they will become discouraged……Col.3:18-21 NLT
While Christ is our real life and the source of our new life, the new life is not designed to be trapped in the personal stage. It is God’s desire and design that the new life be nourished as we expose ourselves to the church and community at large. It is in this context that the content of Paul’s instruction for the home is written. It is in relating with others that the new life finds its meaning and impact. After one’s conversion the individual is now a powerful instrument of God to bring chance and change.
It is in the home where our new life is much needed to take effect. Ideally the home is composed of a father, a mother and children. The ideal composition of the home is not a reason why a home who falls short of one member should be a happy home. Some homes no longer have dads or moms others have not been blessed with children. In grace and through the sovereignty of God homes that seems to be incomplete can still be recipient of joy and lots of laughter. On the other side by being complete in composition does not guarantee to end happy and vibrant.
Here we see the roles of each one to be in clear terms, yet it is not to be treated as rules per se. Rules and roles are offshoot of a deep relationship with Christ. Can a home be normal not dysfunctional without Christ? Honestly, yes it can still be a happy home but it’s a product of noble reasons not Christ. Living the new life in the home transcends ethics or culture, the new life lived in the home is about the life of Christ enabling a husband to love the wife and wife to respect the husband and kids to obey.
Who does not want a cool home? The difference here is that to have a happy home is not our main goal. While God desires for all of us to have a happy home the main goal remains to KNOW AND PLEASE CHRIST. The harsh reality of divorce and disfunctional home finds a fresh Chance and true Change in Christ. As members of the family become pleasers Christ they do the role not as a rule but outflow of Christ empowerment and unending yielding to Christ. The next time you think of a home think about Christ granting chance and change in His terms.
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Modeling A Christlike Attitude
By: Rev. Arnel C. Tan
“Your attitude should be the same that Christ had.”
Phil. 2:5 NLT
It’s all in the attitude displayed more than the skills acquired. It’s the attitude oiled in grace that stands out in the midst of this performance driven existence society. It’s the one who has a secured identity in Christ that is supernaturally able to be humble amidst praise and supernaturally resilient in times of difficulties. It’s not just an attitude that we acquire culturally it’s the attitude that is in Jesus!
If Jesus is our life then we spontaneously though sometimes painfully grow into becoming a living model of Christ like attitude. Paul reminded us of the humility of Jesus. He is never a doormat or a weakling he is humble. Christ is not insecure He modeled confidence in God. He is not vindictive he is just! Most of all the perfect model of grace and truth! Lest we forget He is Lord!
In this dog eat dog and rat eat rat world we who follow the Master must somehow reflect the Master’s influence in our live. I’m not talking of being Christ like on camera or on the air waves, no it’s having the attitude of Christ in the most unnoticed detail of life. Bringing it into the routine of living like washing pots, steaming its powerful influence into the core of fallen humanity. In a nutshell to be Christ like and to model it is to be unselfish.
How to do this is solely dependent on the grace of God. Others have tried to be Christ like in the efforts of the flesh, and as a result they got more pressures instead of peace. Self effort attempts produce results that may be noble to the human eye yet this has not deceived God. Surely it will not produce inner fulfillment or peace. It builds on to the pressure that is already there. The self effort results to self confidence and then the inevitable virus of self righteousness shows it’s ugly head. Traveling this road ends into the pit of self destruction.
Modeling Christ likeness starts with brokenness and then breakthrough. We live lives of grace as a consequence of the daily influence of Christ in us. Here we learn not to be demanding and also not to be demeaning. Remember what Paul said let this ATTITUDE be in you as it is in Christ! May God etched in our hearts ATTITUDE! Not high sounding words, deep thoughts, smart ideas or academic excellence. It’s really in those unguarded and unspoken moments that we clearly see what our attitudes look like.
“Your attitude should be the same that Christ had.”
Phil. 2:5 NLT
It’s all in the attitude displayed more than the skills acquired. It’s the attitude oiled in grace that stands out in the midst of this performance driven existence society. It’s the one who has a secured identity in Christ that is supernaturally able to be humble amidst praise and supernaturally resilient in times of difficulties. It’s not just an attitude that we acquire culturally it’s the attitude that is in Jesus!
If Jesus is our life then we spontaneously though sometimes painfully grow into becoming a living model of Christ like attitude. Paul reminded us of the humility of Jesus. He is never a doormat or a weakling he is humble. Christ is not insecure He modeled confidence in God. He is not vindictive he is just! Most of all the perfect model of grace and truth! Lest we forget He is Lord!
In this dog eat dog and rat eat rat world we who follow the Master must somehow reflect the Master’s influence in our live. I’m not talking of being Christ like on camera or on the air waves, no it’s having the attitude of Christ in the most unnoticed detail of life. Bringing it into the routine of living like washing pots, steaming its powerful influence into the core of fallen humanity. In a nutshell to be Christ like and to model it is to be unselfish.
How to do this is solely dependent on the grace of God. Others have tried to be Christ like in the efforts of the flesh, and as a result they got more pressures instead of peace. Self effort attempts produce results that may be noble to the human eye yet this has not deceived God. Surely it will not produce inner fulfillment or peace. It builds on to the pressure that is already there. The self effort results to self confidence and then the inevitable virus of self righteousness shows it’s ugly head. Traveling this road ends into the pit of self destruction.
Modeling Christ likeness starts with brokenness and then breakthrough. We live lives of grace as a consequence of the daily influence of Christ in us. Here we learn not to be demanding and also not to be demeaning. Remember what Paul said let this ATTITUDE be in you as it is in Christ! May God etched in our hearts ATTITUDE! Not high sounding words, deep thoughts, smart ideas or academic excellence. It’s really in those unguarded and unspoken moments that we clearly see what our attitudes look like.
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Christ Is Your Real Life!
Rev. Arnel C. Tan
“And when Christ , who is your real life is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory.” Colossians 3:4 NLT
Christ is your real life sounds a simple statement, look at it again and you will see a spiritual breakthrough. Christ granting new life is wonderful better yet Christ Himself is life! Isn’t that what John says about Christ being the way, the truth and the LIFE? In Him all your existence and mine finds color and meaning. The triumph and tragedies in this life and the glory beyond this life all depends in Christ. Without Christ nothing can stand a moment.
This new life and Christ being the real life is not automatically experience by any person born in earth. There’s got to be a turning point, a defining moment in life that God delivers a spiritual awakening in the depraved heart of man. And from there a spiritual choice is made responding to Christ by faith, bowing to His Lordship. Only then the new life is activated and Christ is personally experience as the source and the sustaining person of life. The other challenge is to make this simple truth “Christ Is your life” sink in to the hearts of those who already have this life.
Knowing Christ and entering into a spiritual relationship with Christ by faith has often been locked into the idea of going to heaven, being saved from the wrath of God. While this is true this is not complete. One can be on his way to glory without enjoying and being empowered by the life of Christ now. It is here that a believer learns to discover that there is more to just being saved from hell. It is here that Christ takes the preeminent role and rule in life. From the daily routine into the refreshing surprises of the day and onto the painful corners of life, Christ is the reason of everything.
The hunger to know Christ and the desire to do things in His strength and for His glory is no longer nebulous. It now clear that Christ is my all in all. He is not only first Christ is the center of life. Yes how wonderful to have a happy marriage and godly children, added to that good health and enough material wealth to enjoy life, and to have a good church and long list of good friends, what more can one ask for? Yet something is different when we view things in the lens of Christ our real life. Everything is simplified to having Christ is enough the rest are bonuses. Take away Christ those long lists of blessings looses its very purpose and essence. In the real sense of it Christ is enough!
“And when Christ , who is your real life is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory.” Colossians 3:4 NLT
Christ is your real life sounds a simple statement, look at it again and you will see a spiritual breakthrough. Christ granting new life is wonderful better yet Christ Himself is life! Isn’t that what John says about Christ being the way, the truth and the LIFE? In Him all your existence and mine finds color and meaning. The triumph and tragedies in this life and the glory beyond this life all depends in Christ. Without Christ nothing can stand a moment.
This new life and Christ being the real life is not automatically experience by any person born in earth. There’s got to be a turning point, a defining moment in life that God delivers a spiritual awakening in the depraved heart of man. And from there a spiritual choice is made responding to Christ by faith, bowing to His Lordship. Only then the new life is activated and Christ is personally experience as the source and the sustaining person of life. The other challenge is to make this simple truth “Christ Is your life” sink in to the hearts of those who already have this life.
Knowing Christ and entering into a spiritual relationship with Christ by faith has often been locked into the idea of going to heaven, being saved from the wrath of God. While this is true this is not complete. One can be on his way to glory without enjoying and being empowered by the life of Christ now. It is here that a believer learns to discover that there is more to just being saved from hell. It is here that Christ takes the preeminent role and rule in life. From the daily routine into the refreshing surprises of the day and onto the painful corners of life, Christ is the reason of everything.
The hunger to know Christ and the desire to do things in His strength and for His glory is no longer nebulous. It now clear that Christ is my all in all. He is not only first Christ is the center of life. Yes how wonderful to have a happy marriage and godly children, added to that good health and enough material wealth to enjoy life, and to have a good church and long list of good friends, what more can one ask for? Yet something is different when we view things in the lens of Christ our real life. Everything is simplified to having Christ is enough the rest are bonuses. Take away Christ those long lists of blessings looses its very purpose and essence. In the real sense of it Christ is enough!
Saturday, September 4, 2010
A Prayer for Justice
By: Rev. Arnel C. Tan
“How long, O LORD? How long will the wicked be allowed to gloat? Psalm 94:3 NLT
Either as a victim or observer and who knows a perpetrator, injustice is a perpetual sight in this fallen world. As an observer pray that senses are not overwhelmed by numbness, as a victim pray that we can boldly express our cry to the Just One and as a potential source of injustice tremble when we trust our strength to maintain integrity. How scary not even to think that those who cry for justice today may be the tyrant of tomorrow? Prayer for justice is not only a plea for the victim but a reminder for the observer that without God’s grace we can take the role of the aggressors.
Praying for justice is releasing all our bitterness and frustrations to the throne of grace. Honestly when we choose to clam up even in our private prayers we are adding to the venom of hate that is already consuming us inside. Expressing, pouring it all our anger and bitterness to the Lord is an integral part of this prayer. Here we detoxify ourselves from the hate that we cannot handle. We release it to the Judge who is wise and who has the strong character and thickest skin of all that can absorb all these acids in us. Here we are allowed to question and vent our frustrations towards the denial or delay.
The book of Psalm actually models how God in grace allows His children to really cry to Him minus the polite protocol. As a victim cry to God all your pain, as an observer cry with those who are in pain, and as a potential aggressor cry to God for grace that He may spare us from situations and tendencies to inflict injustice to others. Prayer is a plea for help for the helpless. Frankly praying for justice includes that we may ask God to make us instrument of justice rather than abuse. As we cry or sympathized with those who are crying for justice, we include that God will grant us discernment and grace that we might not be an instrument wherein justice is denied or delayed.
Whether a victim or an observer let us remember what we are made of, we are made of clay that can easily be hardened by greed or that can easily melt in grace. As we draw close the Lord who is the just One we reflect His passion for justice and develop a deep hunger to be instrument of fairness. The prayer of the psalmist is a timely reminder of the many cycles and possibilities of life. Actually the gist of the prayer is that God will not give us in to govern by ourselves. Here God is acknowledged as the Just One His verdict are perfect and our tendency to be judge ourselves is arrested before vengeance control our reason and action. Lord have mercy. Amen.
“How long, O LORD? How long will the wicked be allowed to gloat? Psalm 94:3 NLT
Either as a victim or observer and who knows a perpetrator, injustice is a perpetual sight in this fallen world. As an observer pray that senses are not overwhelmed by numbness, as a victim pray that we can boldly express our cry to the Just One and as a potential source of injustice tremble when we trust our strength to maintain integrity. How scary not even to think that those who cry for justice today may be the tyrant of tomorrow? Prayer for justice is not only a plea for the victim but a reminder for the observer that without God’s grace we can take the role of the aggressors.
Praying for justice is releasing all our bitterness and frustrations to the throne of grace. Honestly when we choose to clam up even in our private prayers we are adding to the venom of hate that is already consuming us inside. Expressing, pouring it all our anger and bitterness to the Lord is an integral part of this prayer. Here we detoxify ourselves from the hate that we cannot handle. We release it to the Judge who is wise and who has the strong character and thickest skin of all that can absorb all these acids in us. Here we are allowed to question and vent our frustrations towards the denial or delay.
The book of Psalm actually models how God in grace allows His children to really cry to Him minus the polite protocol. As a victim cry to God all your pain, as an observer cry with those who are in pain, and as a potential aggressor cry to God for grace that He may spare us from situations and tendencies to inflict injustice to others. Prayer is a plea for help for the helpless. Frankly praying for justice includes that we may ask God to make us instrument of justice rather than abuse. As we cry or sympathized with those who are crying for justice, we include that God will grant us discernment and grace that we might not be an instrument wherein justice is denied or delayed.
Whether a victim or an observer let us remember what we are made of, we are made of clay that can easily be hardened by greed or that can easily melt in grace. As we draw close the Lord who is the just One we reflect His passion for justice and develop a deep hunger to be instrument of fairness. The prayer of the psalmist is a timely reminder of the many cycles and possibilities of life. Actually the gist of the prayer is that God will not give us in to govern by ourselves. Here God is acknowledged as the Just One His verdict are perfect and our tendency to be judge ourselves is arrested before vengeance control our reason and action. Lord have mercy. Amen.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Straight From My Heart
By: Rev. Arnel Tan
Let me express my sincere gratitude for all of you who have faithfully responded to God’s invitation to pray for me and my family. It is the united prayer of the brethren that makes ministry lighter and much more bearable. Your prayers and your generosity have truly refreshed us. Today my wife Sheryl and I are spending our 18th anniversary in the beautiful island of Bohol. Our trip to this place also opens the opportunity to bring the gospel to the First Southern Baptist Church here in Tagbilaran. It is also in the occasion of their church anniversary that I am given the privilege to preach.
While there is an opportunity to minister it is also a timely favor from the Lord that my wife and I enjoy some rest from our ministerial routine. Please remember us in prayer especially in the area of letting our minds be free from worry about the church, the kids and the radio ministry (DXFE). Pray too that God will use this time that we might nourish friendship in our marriage. I must admit that in many ways I have not given the attention that my wife deserves these past years. 18 years went by so fast! We were in our early 20’s when we made a vow to be together as husband and wife. Believe no marriage is spared from the harsh reality of adversities and unending adjustments. May the Lord continue to fill our marriage with His abundant supply of grace.
A pastor that is cared for is a pastor that is prayed for. Embarrassingly I admit though you heard me preach and emphasized the importance of prayer; it is also in this area of prayer that the Lord needs to remind me time and time again. I will be praying for you too as you worship the Lord today. That you may grow deep in Christ and in His grace as you hear God’s word today through Pastor Bobby and Pastor Cezil. Thanks to our deacons who led our prayer meetings. God is truly honored where we find ourselves empty before Him. Before I forget please pray that my boat ride will be smooth and uneventful. Hope to see you all next week in prayer meeting and worship service next Lord’s day.
Let me express my sincere gratitude for all of you who have faithfully responded to God’s invitation to pray for me and my family. It is the united prayer of the brethren that makes ministry lighter and much more bearable. Your prayers and your generosity have truly refreshed us. Today my wife Sheryl and I are spending our 18th anniversary in the beautiful island of Bohol. Our trip to this place also opens the opportunity to bring the gospel to the First Southern Baptist Church here in Tagbilaran. It is also in the occasion of their church anniversary that I am given the privilege to preach.
While there is an opportunity to minister it is also a timely favor from the Lord that my wife and I enjoy some rest from our ministerial routine. Please remember us in prayer especially in the area of letting our minds be free from worry about the church, the kids and the radio ministry (DXFE). Pray too that God will use this time that we might nourish friendship in our marriage. I must admit that in many ways I have not given the attention that my wife deserves these past years. 18 years went by so fast! We were in our early 20’s when we made a vow to be together as husband and wife. Believe no marriage is spared from the harsh reality of adversities and unending adjustments. May the Lord continue to fill our marriage with His abundant supply of grace.
A pastor that is cared for is a pastor that is prayed for. Embarrassingly I admit though you heard me preach and emphasized the importance of prayer; it is also in this area of prayer that the Lord needs to remind me time and time again. I will be praying for you too as you worship the Lord today. That you may grow deep in Christ and in His grace as you hear God’s word today through Pastor Bobby and Pastor Cezil. Thanks to our deacons who led our prayer meetings. God is truly honored where we find ourselves empty before Him. Before I forget please pray that my boat ride will be smooth and uneventful. Hope to see you all next week in prayer meeting and worship service next Lord’s day.
Friday, August 20, 2010
THE BLESSING OF EMPTINESS
By: Rev. Arnel C. Tan
"Go and sell all you have and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come follow me." Mark 10:21b
Definitely Jesus is not against owning things or having money. Helping the poor requires money too. The issue here is not about possessions of things, it's about being possessed by things or in this case money. Materially abundant while spiritually dead, that's the true condition of this rich young ruler. Actually the honest description of this man should be a rich young greedy ruler. What complicates the matter is not that Jesus is in a dilemma but it is this young man who doesn't even know then later won't repent that he is in a critical crisis spiritually.
The obstacle that blocks his following Christ is the deep grip of greed in his heart. On the outward it is surprising that he could not even come close to be a suspect of being greedy, but the Lord sees the heart. It is here the Lord brings a timely insight of the blessing of being empty so He can fill. In emptiness though one may have much but his heart is not in love affair with riches, emptiness is obvious when one values God and his grace more than any human effort. Spiritual emptiness leads to a deep hunger for God and an authentic admission of one's need of grace and spontaneously the display of grace abounding becomes an irresistible attraction to this graceless world.
Radically Jesus wants this young man to get rid of the greed now! Cut off your ties with these glittering snares that have denied you the blessing of being empty. The result of the spiritual lab test is positive, positively greedy. What's the next step? Jesus wants him to admit and repent to bring the spiritual lab test to the Great Physician who man make the greedy generous! No one can do this except Christ, not the good labor man, projects for humanity and the list goes on. Certainly not the law who according to this young man he has observed since a child, it is Christ and Christ alone who delivers from greed!
There is just one thing that this young man need to see and that is his emptiness inside while having all these material accessories outside. When the Lord transform any one of us He shows us our emptiness, this emptiness is slowly transformed to a realization of our desperate need of God not just of His gifts but God Himself. In this in acknowledging emptiness that God cause humility and grace to abound in the life of the greedy, making him a mysterious testimony of grace. The blessing of being empty is that it leads those who see their emptiness to lift up their cups to Him who can pour grace and create a deep spiritual appetite for God.
By: Rev. Arnel C. Tan
"Go and sell all you have and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come follow me." Mark 10:21b
Definitely Jesus is not against owning things or having money. Helping the poor requires money too. The issue here is not about possessions of things, it's about being possessed by things or in this case money. Materially abundant while spiritually dead, that's the true condition of this rich young ruler. Actually the honest description of this man should be a rich young greedy ruler. What complicates the matter is not that Jesus is in a dilemma but it is this young man who doesn't even know then later won't repent that he is in a critical crisis spiritually.
The obstacle that blocks his following Christ is the deep grip of greed in his heart. On the outward it is surprising that he could not even come close to be a suspect of being greedy, but the Lord sees the heart. It is here the Lord brings a timely insight of the blessing of being empty so He can fill. In emptiness though one may have much but his heart is not in love affair with riches, emptiness is obvious when one values God and his grace more than any human effort. Spiritual emptiness leads to a deep hunger for God and an authentic admission of one's need of grace and spontaneously the display of grace abounding becomes an irresistible attraction to this graceless world.
Radically Jesus wants this young man to get rid of the greed now! Cut off your ties with these glittering snares that have denied you the blessing of being empty. The result of the spiritual lab test is positive, positively greedy. What's the next step? Jesus wants him to admit and repent to bring the spiritual lab test to the Great Physician who man make the greedy generous! No one can do this except Christ, not the good labor man, projects for humanity and the list goes on. Certainly not the law who according to this young man he has observed since a child, it is Christ and Christ alone who delivers from greed!
There is just one thing that this young man need to see and that is his emptiness inside while having all these material accessories outside. When the Lord transform any one of us He shows us our emptiness, this emptiness is slowly transformed to a realization of our desperate need of God not just of His gifts but God Himself. In this in acknowledging emptiness that God cause humility and grace to abound in the life of the greedy, making him a mysterious testimony of grace. The blessing of being empty is that it leads those who see their emptiness to lift up their cups to Him who can pour grace and create a deep spiritual appetite for God.
Friday, August 13, 2010
Pulpit To Pew
THE PRAYER OF THE TIRED
By: Rev. Arnel Tan
“Then he went alone into the desert, traveling all day. He sat down under a solitary broom tree and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, LORD” he said. “Take my life, for I am no better than my ancestors.” 1 Kings 19:4 (NLT)
All signs of fatigue and depression are on the red alert for Elijah! It’s a combination of physical and emotional and spiritual breakdown. Listen to his prayer and you will know that something is about to explode. Actually, Elijah’s prayer is a combination of a lot of emotions poured out before the Lord. Is it alright to pray this way? Honestly it’s more than all right I think we too must come to the point in our lives that we can honestly tell God where we are and what we feel! Prayer like these somehow allowed him the necessary breathing holes.
God is so gracious that he did not reprimand His servant from being honest. I have a feeling that we are to transcend our own superficial kind of praying into something like this. God knows how we feel, it’s really about us to humbly admit that things are not fine all the time even in the service of the King! Having expressed his in most feelings to God allowed the prophet to release something heavy in his soul pouring all it’s venoms into the presence of God. I see a whole lot of grace here from God.
God knows his request is foolish and his view is so selfish and yet He lets him. A bitter man cannot listen to reason. As I read the book of Psalms I see a lot of raw prayers expressed before the Lord. More than a therapy there’s a lot of truth that we need to learn from the prayer of Elijah, especially ministers who display all obvious signs of fatigue. Before we explode let’s learn to express. Pray!
God hears prayer and prayers lodged before the throne of grace must not be underestimated, for all you know this is the only way out of your valley of tiredness. Here’s the lesson, God is not unaware of our make up, He is our Maker remember? From adolescent to midlife and menopause down through our sunset God designed it that way. So that hotshot prophet and multi talented ministers might see who they really are! It is in this time fatigue that we really understand the real essence of what we preach. We are really desperately praying! Elijah’s prayer is revealing but pay more attention to whom did he address his prayer. And don’t miss it was in this posture of prayer that he found help and recovery! I think it’s about time that we try praying our tiredness to God Himself and discover that our rest is in God alone! I have a feeling that there are more Elijahs out there that need to pray the prayer of the sick and tired.
By: Rev. Arnel Tan
“Then he went alone into the desert, traveling all day. He sat down under a solitary broom tree and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, LORD” he said. “Take my life, for I am no better than my ancestors.” 1 Kings 19:4 (NLT)
All signs of fatigue and depression are on the red alert for Elijah! It’s a combination of physical and emotional and spiritual breakdown. Listen to his prayer and you will know that something is about to explode. Actually, Elijah’s prayer is a combination of a lot of emotions poured out before the Lord. Is it alright to pray this way? Honestly it’s more than all right I think we too must come to the point in our lives that we can honestly tell God where we are and what we feel! Prayer like these somehow allowed him the necessary breathing holes.
God is so gracious that he did not reprimand His servant from being honest. I have a feeling that we are to transcend our own superficial kind of praying into something like this. God knows how we feel, it’s really about us to humbly admit that things are not fine all the time even in the service of the King! Having expressed his in most feelings to God allowed the prophet to release something heavy in his soul pouring all it’s venoms into the presence of God. I see a whole lot of grace here from God.
God knows his request is foolish and his view is so selfish and yet He lets him. A bitter man cannot listen to reason. As I read the book of Psalms I see a lot of raw prayers expressed before the Lord. More than a therapy there’s a lot of truth that we need to learn from the prayer of Elijah, especially ministers who display all obvious signs of fatigue. Before we explode let’s learn to express. Pray!
God hears prayer and prayers lodged before the throne of grace must not be underestimated, for all you know this is the only way out of your valley of tiredness. Here’s the lesson, God is not unaware of our make up, He is our Maker remember? From adolescent to midlife and menopause down through our sunset God designed it that way. So that hotshot prophet and multi talented ministers might see who they really are! It is in this time fatigue that we really understand the real essence of what we preach. We are really desperately praying! Elijah’s prayer is revealing but pay more attention to whom did he address his prayer. And don’t miss it was in this posture of prayer that he found help and recovery! I think it’s about time that we try praying our tiredness to God Himself and discover that our rest is in God alone! I have a feeling that there are more Elijahs out there that need to pray the prayer of the sick and tired.
Monday, August 2, 2010
Pulpit To Pew
GEHAZI’S GREED
By:Rev. Arnel C. Tan
“…….As surely as the LORD lives, I will chase after him and get something from him. And so Gehazi set off after him. 2 Kings 5:1b
Though all kinds of greed are the same in substance but they are not the same in presentation. Gehazi’s greed is an uncommon one, it’s hidden or clothed in good intention. Yet the deception of Gehazi’s greed has ruined the very foundation and fiber of his faith and his conviction. A long time loyal servant of the Prophet Elisha ended his ministry being a lepper. While Naaman got rid of the gold, Gehazi took hold of it and along with it the curse of abundance. Gehazi’s greed is a “noble” one like an old testament Robin Hood, greedy for a good purpose?
Let’s dig deeper. As a close friend of Elisha Gehazi is aware of the many struggles within the inner circle of the ministry that perhaps include how they must have lack material resources to keep the work. His greed has overtaken his faith. Gehazi is not only exposed to the realities of needs but also is privileged to see the wonder of God’s provision. His greed led him away from faith to manipulation using the name of Elisha. “The end justifies the means” might be popular saying but sometimes can be a tool for rationalization instead of obedience to God.
Being over concern and over protective to our leader, to our kids or friends is greed. This is not easily notice or quickly addressed because it stands out in false kind of nobility compared to other manifestations of greed. It’s not for me, it’s for the good of my boss and our ministry, no wonder this kind of greed can dare invoke the name of God “as the LORD lives” surely I will go after him says Gehazi. Let us submit ourselves to the scrutiny of the Holy Spirit and in fervent prayer ask God to expose our greed clothed in good intention. When there is over protection, when there is control, when there is lying there is greed! Lord deliver us from greed.
By:Rev. Arnel C. Tan
“…….As surely as the LORD lives, I will chase after him and get something from him. And so Gehazi set off after him. 2 Kings 5:1b
Though all kinds of greed are the same in substance but they are not the same in presentation. Gehazi’s greed is an uncommon one, it’s hidden or clothed in good intention. Yet the deception of Gehazi’s greed has ruined the very foundation and fiber of his faith and his conviction. A long time loyal servant of the Prophet Elisha ended his ministry being a lepper. While Naaman got rid of the gold, Gehazi took hold of it and along with it the curse of abundance. Gehazi’s greed is a “noble” one like an old testament Robin Hood, greedy for a good purpose?
Let’s dig deeper. As a close friend of Elisha Gehazi is aware of the many struggles within the inner circle of the ministry that perhaps include how they must have lack material resources to keep the work. His greed has overtaken his faith. Gehazi is not only exposed to the realities of needs but also is privileged to see the wonder of God’s provision. His greed led him away from faith to manipulation using the name of Elisha. “The end justifies the means” might be popular saying but sometimes can be a tool for rationalization instead of obedience to God.
Being over concern and over protective to our leader, to our kids or friends is greed. This is not easily notice or quickly addressed because it stands out in false kind of nobility compared to other manifestations of greed. It’s not for me, it’s for the good of my boss and our ministry, no wonder this kind of greed can dare invoke the name of God “as the LORD lives” surely I will go after him says Gehazi. Let us submit ourselves to the scrutiny of the Holy Spirit and in fervent prayer ask God to expose our greed clothed in good intention. When there is over protection, when there is control, when there is lying there is greed! Lord deliver us from greed.
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Pulpit To Pew
STRAIGHT FROM MY HEART
BY: Rev. Arnel C. Tan
Let me express my thanks to all of you prayed for our trip to Singapore last July 17-22. The Lord has touched the hearts of many of our Singaporean brethren at Queenstown Baptist Church. I have also the chance to pray and meet with the staff and leaders of the Singapore Baptist Convention, and a special time of prayer with the local Pastors. We also have the privilege of meeting and praying with the pastors and deacons of Queenstown Baptist Church. It was also a joyful chance to meet our young couples is now in Singapore. Bren and Dianne Chua truly blessed our hearts. Let us also be reminded to always wait upon the Lord in prayer, and not be in a hurry to do things our way.
Last week our church mission started under the leadership of Pastor Bobby Narcisso, along with joyful volunteers. They fed the school kids of Bolton Elementary School, the fed 62 students. My heart is overwhelmed because this is not just an activity of the church, it is a ministry birthed in prayer. Remember that our challenge is not about giving money or being a volunteer our challenge is to bring this matter to prayer and from there listen to the Lord. We are committed to feed the kids for the next 6 months. I ask you to be prayerful about this and connect with Pastor Bob for more details.
Our next batch of baptism is coming soon. Pray about this and look for Pastor Felix Ambingan for details. Let us prayerfully ask God to touch hearts of those who want to be baptized into the membership of Davao Chinese Baptist Church. The Lord is doing something only He can do during our prayer meetings. It here that we as God’s people call upon the Lord, together we pray and listen and spend time to know God more. Hope to see you on Wednesdays and Fridays 6-7pm. Everyday the church is open from 5am to 6pm for those who want to spend time in prayer. Just register your name to the guard on duty.
Finally we said goodbye to Lalai and his son as they are now bound for the USA. We are thankful for her unselfish ministry in music and with the young professionals. It was a special time for fellowship as I officiated the wedding of John and Juvy last July 29, at Sea Urchin Restaurant. Let us remember John and Juvy Dafielmoto in prayer as they start their journey in marriage. As we end the month July and enter the month of August let us find our reminders as have our communion today. Let us also remember the wisdom of living in godly contentment.
May we truly worship and honor the Lord today.
BY: Rev. Arnel C. Tan
Let me express my thanks to all of you prayed for our trip to Singapore last July 17-22. The Lord has touched the hearts of many of our Singaporean brethren at Queenstown Baptist Church. I have also the chance to pray and meet with the staff and leaders of the Singapore Baptist Convention, and a special time of prayer with the local Pastors. We also have the privilege of meeting and praying with the pastors and deacons of Queenstown Baptist Church. It was also a joyful chance to meet our young couples is now in Singapore. Bren and Dianne Chua truly blessed our hearts. Let us also be reminded to always wait upon the Lord in prayer, and not be in a hurry to do things our way.
Last week our church mission started under the leadership of Pastor Bobby Narcisso, along with joyful volunteers. They fed the school kids of Bolton Elementary School, the fed 62 students. My heart is overwhelmed because this is not just an activity of the church, it is a ministry birthed in prayer. Remember that our challenge is not about giving money or being a volunteer our challenge is to bring this matter to prayer and from there listen to the Lord. We are committed to feed the kids for the next 6 months. I ask you to be prayerful about this and connect with Pastor Bob for more details.
Our next batch of baptism is coming soon. Pray about this and look for Pastor Felix Ambingan for details. Let us prayerfully ask God to touch hearts of those who want to be baptized into the membership of Davao Chinese Baptist Church. The Lord is doing something only He can do during our prayer meetings. It here that we as God’s people call upon the Lord, together we pray and listen and spend time to know God more. Hope to see you on Wednesdays and Fridays 6-7pm. Everyday the church is open from 5am to 6pm for those who want to spend time in prayer. Just register your name to the guard on duty.
Finally we said goodbye to Lalai and his son as they are now bound for the USA. We are thankful for her unselfish ministry in music and with the young professionals. It was a special time for fellowship as I officiated the wedding of John and Juvy last July 29, at Sea Urchin Restaurant. Let us remember John and Juvy Dafielmoto in prayer as they start their journey in marriage. As we end the month July and enter the month of August let us find our reminders as have our communion today. Let us also remember the wisdom of living in godly contentment.
May we truly worship and honor the Lord today.
Friday, July 16, 2010
Pulpit To Pew
PULPIT TO PEW
I sincerely ask your prayers for me at this moment as I preach in Queenstown Baptist Church for two services today. I am doing the same for you as you listen to God’s word through Deacon Jerry Francisco and Pastor Cezil Perales. My week ahead especially in the evenings will be spend on speaking to our Singaporean and Filipino friends, please ask God for grace and wisdom as I do the ministry here.
I am grateful to the Lord for our co workers there in church our Pastors who actively pray and touch lives on the daily basis as they minister to many of you. This past week was a time for hospital visits and comforting others especially those who lost a love one. Please be very prayerful as we do our feeding ministry this week at the Bolton Elementary School, about 30 to 45 kids needs help. As you bring this to prayer see Pastor Bobby Narcisso for details. I think the feeding will start this week July 22-23.
I look forward in seeing you again next week. Lord willing I will be back on Friday for prayer meeting surely I will not miss this event in our church calendar. I am prayerful that the Lord will bring more people who will call upon the Lord during our prayer meetings. Everyday our church is open from 5am to 6pm for those who want to have some quiet moments with the Lord in prayer (just register your name to the guard)). Every morning a pastor is assigned to lead a prayer time 6:30-7:30am and on Wednesday nights we also have our bible study and prayer meeting 6pm.
My heart is with you as you worship today. Again as the Lord reminds you please pray for me here in Singapore. Remember to pray for my family too I will surely miss them this time of temporary good bye. Let us always remember that it always honors the Lord when we call upon His name and His promise remains the same He Himself is near to those who call upon Him in truth (Psalm 145:18).
HAVE A GOD CENTERED AND GRACE FILLED WORSHIP SERVICE TODAY!
Prayerfully,
REV. ARNEL C. TAN
I sincerely ask your prayers for me at this moment as I preach in Queenstown Baptist Church for two services today. I am doing the same for you as you listen to God’s word through Deacon Jerry Francisco and Pastor Cezil Perales. My week ahead especially in the evenings will be spend on speaking to our Singaporean and Filipino friends, please ask God for grace and wisdom as I do the ministry here.
I am grateful to the Lord for our co workers there in church our Pastors who actively pray and touch lives on the daily basis as they minister to many of you. This past week was a time for hospital visits and comforting others especially those who lost a love one. Please be very prayerful as we do our feeding ministry this week at the Bolton Elementary School, about 30 to 45 kids needs help. As you bring this to prayer see Pastor Bobby Narcisso for details. I think the feeding will start this week July 22-23.
I look forward in seeing you again next week. Lord willing I will be back on Friday for prayer meeting surely I will not miss this event in our church calendar. I am prayerful that the Lord will bring more people who will call upon the Lord during our prayer meetings. Everyday our church is open from 5am to 6pm for those who want to have some quiet moments with the Lord in prayer (just register your name to the guard)). Every morning a pastor is assigned to lead a prayer time 6:30-7:30am and on Wednesday nights we also have our bible study and prayer meeting 6pm.
My heart is with you as you worship today. Again as the Lord reminds you please pray for me here in Singapore. Remember to pray for my family too I will surely miss them this time of temporary good bye. Let us always remember that it always honors the Lord when we call upon His name and His promise remains the same He Himself is near to those who call upon Him in truth (Psalm 145:18).
HAVE A GOD CENTERED AND GRACE FILLED WORSHIP SERVICE TODAY!
Prayerfully,
REV. ARNEL C. TAN
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Pulpit To Pew
CONTENTMENT MOMENT
BY: Rev. Arnel Tan
“Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to get along happily whether, I have much or little.” Philippians 4:11 NLT
The source of Paul’s joy despite the circumstances around him was the fact that he is able to learn contentment. Contentment is not applicable to one’s relationship with God or to one’s spiritual walk; it is best applied to the material world rather than the spiritual journey. It is when we are walking in brokenness that a growing discontent in our lives becomes so strong while a loss of appetite for the temporary is also growing. To learn material contentment we must first learn to be spiritually not content with where we are. As we find such holy dissatisfaction in our spiritual lives we enjoy learning to live above our situations.
Moments or moment of contentment has always been a regular visitor. But we seldom take time to stop and have a chat with contentment. Perhaps too busy, too complicated and too proud to stoop and talk a while. But in some rare occasion contentment moments are enjoyed and there we finally enjoy a deep kind of rest out of an ordinary moment. Sometimes routinely, most often spontaneously we find ourselves not in hurry to finish something. It happens when we can drink a cup of coffee minus the presence of pressure. A time to read a chapter from a book that we have long planned to read, a smile due to a recollection of something pleasant. These are precious moments of contentment that we all need to humbly admit we need to learn and re learn as we go through this journey.
It is actually seeing every moment in the eyes of grace and living each moment under the control of God. Not every moment will be serene and nostalgic and romantic, yet a person who has learned the art of contentment have clearly fixed the boundary of wants and needs. And with the eyes of simple faith he enjoys the mixture of brokenness and blessedness, being full and being empty. Without pretending those who learn contentment admits that life is hard and difficult but in grace they stopped controlling what is not under their control. An authentic Christ like attitude is a result of being under the influence of Christ. Take peek on these lists of the process of leaning contentment:
• We learn contentment by not demanding our way instead we become understanding of others
• We learn contentment by not pretending that we don’t have a need but by becoming willing to adjust to situations God allow
• We learn contentment by not trusting our strength instead availing of Christ’s strength
• We learn contentment by not neglecting other instead affirming their partnership in fulfilling God’s purpose.
• We learn contentment by not forgetting that God is the ultimate supplier of our needs, remembering that others are His instruments.
• We learn contentment by not abusing the kindness of others instead we show gratitude and integrity in grace.
Enjoy the learning moments and enjoy more moments of contentment.
BY: Rev. Arnel Tan
“Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to get along happily whether, I have much or little.” Philippians 4:11 NLT
The source of Paul’s joy despite the circumstances around him was the fact that he is able to learn contentment. Contentment is not applicable to one’s relationship with God or to one’s spiritual walk; it is best applied to the material world rather than the spiritual journey. It is when we are walking in brokenness that a growing discontent in our lives becomes so strong while a loss of appetite for the temporary is also growing. To learn material contentment we must first learn to be spiritually not content with where we are. As we find such holy dissatisfaction in our spiritual lives we enjoy learning to live above our situations.
Moments or moment of contentment has always been a regular visitor. But we seldom take time to stop and have a chat with contentment. Perhaps too busy, too complicated and too proud to stoop and talk a while. But in some rare occasion contentment moments are enjoyed and there we finally enjoy a deep kind of rest out of an ordinary moment. Sometimes routinely, most often spontaneously we find ourselves not in hurry to finish something. It happens when we can drink a cup of coffee minus the presence of pressure. A time to read a chapter from a book that we have long planned to read, a smile due to a recollection of something pleasant. These are precious moments of contentment that we all need to humbly admit we need to learn and re learn as we go through this journey.
It is actually seeing every moment in the eyes of grace and living each moment under the control of God. Not every moment will be serene and nostalgic and romantic, yet a person who has learned the art of contentment have clearly fixed the boundary of wants and needs. And with the eyes of simple faith he enjoys the mixture of brokenness and blessedness, being full and being empty. Without pretending those who learn contentment admits that life is hard and difficult but in grace they stopped controlling what is not under their control. An authentic Christ like attitude is a result of being under the influence of Christ. Take peek on these lists of the process of leaning contentment:
• We learn contentment by not demanding our way instead we become understanding of others
• We learn contentment by not pretending that we don’t have a need but by becoming willing to adjust to situations God allow
• We learn contentment by not trusting our strength instead availing of Christ’s strength
• We learn contentment by not neglecting other instead affirming their partnership in fulfilling God’s purpose.
• We learn contentment by not forgetting that God is the ultimate supplier of our needs, remembering that others are His instruments.
• We learn contentment by not abusing the kindness of others instead we show gratitude and integrity in grace.
Enjoy the learning moments and enjoy more moments of contentment.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Pulpit To Pew
BROKENNESS IN WAITING
By : Rev. Arnel Tan
“Wait patiently for the LORD. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the LORD.” Psalm 27:14 NLT
What’s the difference between waiting for the LORD and waiting patiently for the LORD? I think the first waiting is our response to the circumstances that demands our compliance to wait, while the second waiting is a result of God’s dealing with us in brokenness that now opens a willingness to wait for the Lord. Somehow life is designed by God with many deliberate stops or pauses. We see God’s appointed waiting sheds and from there we gain better perspective and live simple lives of faith.
On the outset to wait upon the Lord leaves us no choice. Like we wait for flights, for the weather to calm down, for our numbers to be called while falling in line at the government office or movie house waiting is a part of existing. Waiting patiently for the Lord is the result of God’s dealing with us in brokenness. Waiting for the Lord is compliance while waiting patiently for the Lord is friendship. It takes brokenness to see this point and more brokenness to appreciate and desire this state of waiting patiently for the Lord.
How long is our waiting time? Honestly, it is difficult to tell or to predict. One is certain the Lord will meet us in this appointed time. It is here that we are confronted with the humbling truth that we are not in control of everything. It is here that we see our helplessness. It is also here that we hear the invitation of the Almighty to cease striving and to slowdown and know God. This is not easy to appreciate but when we learn to wait patiently for the Lord it becomes hunger hard to deny.
The delays and denials are actually preparations for the blessings that God is more than willing to give. Why is it so necessary to be broken before enjoying whatever God wants us to have? Because it is in being broken that we actually learn to savor and truly enjoy God’s blessings. Here God is honored and we are humbled. In waiting patiently our need for grace is so clear, in waiting patiently our dark side is expose and our prayers are intense. It is also in waiting patiently that our appetite for the glory of God and for Him to be glorified grows strong and deep. Waiting, praying, worshipping patiently is now the delight of our souls.
By : Rev. Arnel Tan
“Wait patiently for the LORD. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the LORD.” Psalm 27:14 NLT
What’s the difference between waiting for the LORD and waiting patiently for the LORD? I think the first waiting is our response to the circumstances that demands our compliance to wait, while the second waiting is a result of God’s dealing with us in brokenness that now opens a willingness to wait for the Lord. Somehow life is designed by God with many deliberate stops or pauses. We see God’s appointed waiting sheds and from there we gain better perspective and live simple lives of faith.
On the outset to wait upon the Lord leaves us no choice. Like we wait for flights, for the weather to calm down, for our numbers to be called while falling in line at the government office or movie house waiting is a part of existing. Waiting patiently for the Lord is the result of God’s dealing with us in brokenness. Waiting for the Lord is compliance while waiting patiently for the Lord is friendship. It takes brokenness to see this point and more brokenness to appreciate and desire this state of waiting patiently for the Lord.
How long is our waiting time? Honestly, it is difficult to tell or to predict. One is certain the Lord will meet us in this appointed time. It is here that we are confronted with the humbling truth that we are not in control of everything. It is here that we see our helplessness. It is also here that we hear the invitation of the Almighty to cease striving and to slowdown and know God. This is not easy to appreciate but when we learn to wait patiently for the Lord it becomes hunger hard to deny.
The delays and denials are actually preparations for the blessings that God is more than willing to give. Why is it so necessary to be broken before enjoying whatever God wants us to have? Because it is in being broken that we actually learn to savor and truly enjoy God’s blessings. Here God is honored and we are humbled. In waiting patiently our need for grace is so clear, in waiting patiently our dark side is expose and our prayers are intense. It is also in waiting patiently that our appetite for the glory of God and for Him to be glorified grows strong and deep. Waiting, praying, worshipping patiently is now the delight of our souls.
Saturday, June 5, 2010
PROGRESS WITHOUT PRAYER IS PRESSURE
PROGRESS WITHOUT PRAYER IS PRESSURE
Rev. Arnel Tan
“Then we can spend our time in prayer and preaching and teaching the word of God” Acts 6:4 NLT
The progress of the early church is now heating the pressure for problems. One thing hard with success is it can be fatal to the spiritual life of an individual or church. Progress is something wonderful to experience and admittedly this has been the driving goal of our hard works. While progress is a positive thing it has also its own side effects. The truth the person or any organization that is experiencing progress or success without spiritual reserves will soon wake up facing unbelievable pressure.
The Apostle and the membership of the early church showed a remarkable sign of deep spiritual maturity when they adamantly stood for prayer as the priority over projects. The prayer lives of the apostles and the prayer life of the church resulted to spiritual sensitivity that they detect the trap of progress without prayer. This dilemma of many of us today, aside from our depleted prayer lives; we are also depleted in our ability to discern what God desires. I want to clarify that to be progressive is not bad. The issue here is the forgetfulness of many to put prayer over progress.
When prayer is priority over progress the pressure of progress is controlled. In prayer we see the difference between our good intention and God’s approval. The desire to know God is intensified compared to just being busy doing Christian activities. In prayer pressure is off because we have the focus over the one thing that God wants us to do. In prayer we learn to rest and not join the rat race for further success. In prayer the Lord develops within us the spiritual sensitivity to detect when something is wrong even when the outside signs say nothing is wrong.
Progress becomes an unbelievable and unending pressure because prayer takes the back seat. Less prayer leads to prayerlessness. Here the work that God has started is now perfected by human effort. No wonder why Paul used the word “foolish” to rebuke the Galatians of their human effort in doing the work of God. The progress we see the more prayers we say. How impossible to handle the blessings of abundance when we are not intoned with the Giver of these gifts. Warnings have been issued all through out the bible from the books of Deuteronomy to the Epistles we have been warned not to fall to the trap of progress. As the Lord allows His favor to flow let us be on our knees to pray! If problems brought us to prayer the more we should be on our knees when things are progressing for it is here that we are most vulnerable to forget God.
Rev. Arnel Tan
“Then we can spend our time in prayer and preaching and teaching the word of God” Acts 6:4 NLT
The progress of the early church is now heating the pressure for problems. One thing hard with success is it can be fatal to the spiritual life of an individual or church. Progress is something wonderful to experience and admittedly this has been the driving goal of our hard works. While progress is a positive thing it has also its own side effects. The truth the person or any organization that is experiencing progress or success without spiritual reserves will soon wake up facing unbelievable pressure.
The Apostle and the membership of the early church showed a remarkable sign of deep spiritual maturity when they adamantly stood for prayer as the priority over projects. The prayer lives of the apostles and the prayer life of the church resulted to spiritual sensitivity that they detect the trap of progress without prayer. This dilemma of many of us today, aside from our depleted prayer lives; we are also depleted in our ability to discern what God desires. I want to clarify that to be progressive is not bad. The issue here is the forgetfulness of many to put prayer over progress.
When prayer is priority over progress the pressure of progress is controlled. In prayer we see the difference between our good intention and God’s approval. The desire to know God is intensified compared to just being busy doing Christian activities. In prayer pressure is off because we have the focus over the one thing that God wants us to do. In prayer we learn to rest and not join the rat race for further success. In prayer the Lord develops within us the spiritual sensitivity to detect when something is wrong even when the outside signs say nothing is wrong.
Progress becomes an unbelievable and unending pressure because prayer takes the back seat. Less prayer leads to prayerlessness. Here the work that God has started is now perfected by human effort. No wonder why Paul used the word “foolish” to rebuke the Galatians of their human effort in doing the work of God. The progress we see the more prayers we say. How impossible to handle the blessings of abundance when we are not intoned with the Giver of these gifts. Warnings have been issued all through out the bible from the books of Deuteronomy to the Epistles we have been warned not to fall to the trap of progress. As the Lord allows His favor to flow let us be on our knees to pray! If problems brought us to prayer the more we should be on our knees when things are progressing for it is here that we are most vulnerable to forget God.
Monday, May 31, 2010
Fear And Worship
FEAR AND WORSHIP
BY: Rev. Arnel Tan
“Great fear gripped the entire church and all others who heard what had happened.” Acts 5:11 NLT
There’s a big difference between intimacy and familiarity. Unknowingly we have treated these two things as if they were the same. As the news spread about God’s judgment on Ananias and Saphira fear gripped the entire church. It is when the fear of the Lord is restored in the lives of his children and in life of the church that worship is authentic again. The term “praise and worship” is a familiar among the circles of evangelicals while fear and worship is the foundation of it. As the church enjoyed a remarkable growth and a wonderful prayer life the temptation to be just familiar with God instead of being close to Him is the nearest trap.
If worship is an expression of our deep and holy admiration of God, the love of money is the enemy of true worship. It is here under the cloak of good intention that Anaias and Saphira fell flat and died! When fear of God and trembling is no longer a part of our communion with God we are settling for something less in fact something bogus. Holy fear is a result of being reminded that God has not abandoned His being Holy to give way to grace. God’s grace is a vehicle in which we enjoy and tremble at the holiness of God. When was the last time you and I felt that holy fear in our hearts and in the context of our congregational life?
Usually the fear of the Lord is a result of God’s intervention in the midst of the assumption of the majority that all is well. Surely it will be a shock when God steps in and expose our shallowness and pretensions. Here the church learns to tremble again and listens to the Lord again. Brokenness once more leads to spiritual sensitivity and a fresh opportunity to corporately cultivate a heart that discerns the will of God from willfulness of man. It took death and destruction of the pretenders for the church to be awakened. It is also hear that we see fear leads to worship, considering that occurrences like this is in a minimal rather than a weekly norm!
Indeed it is by the mercy of the Lord that we are not consumed. It is also an act of grace that the Lord allows restoration of trembling in the assembly that we can see God as Holy! Sermons, songs and other methods are used by God to edify His people but nothing is so successful in leading us to tremble than God’s judgment. Here we see God interested with personal purity and also with congregational purity. When there is no holy fear of God most likely there is no authentic worship of God
BY: Rev. Arnel Tan
“Great fear gripped the entire church and all others who heard what had happened.” Acts 5:11 NLT
There’s a big difference between intimacy and familiarity. Unknowingly we have treated these two things as if they were the same. As the news spread about God’s judgment on Ananias and Saphira fear gripped the entire church. It is when the fear of the Lord is restored in the lives of his children and in life of the church that worship is authentic again. The term “praise and worship” is a familiar among the circles of evangelicals while fear and worship is the foundation of it. As the church enjoyed a remarkable growth and a wonderful prayer life the temptation to be just familiar with God instead of being close to Him is the nearest trap.
If worship is an expression of our deep and holy admiration of God, the love of money is the enemy of true worship. It is here under the cloak of good intention that Anaias and Saphira fell flat and died! When fear of God and trembling is no longer a part of our communion with God we are settling for something less in fact something bogus. Holy fear is a result of being reminded that God has not abandoned His being Holy to give way to grace. God’s grace is a vehicle in which we enjoy and tremble at the holiness of God. When was the last time you and I felt that holy fear in our hearts and in the context of our congregational life?
Usually the fear of the Lord is a result of God’s intervention in the midst of the assumption of the majority that all is well. Surely it will be a shock when God steps in and expose our shallowness and pretensions. Here the church learns to tremble again and listens to the Lord again. Brokenness once more leads to spiritual sensitivity and a fresh opportunity to corporately cultivate a heart that discerns the will of God from willfulness of man. It took death and destruction of the pretenders for the church to be awakened. It is also hear that we see fear leads to worship, considering that occurrences like this is in a minimal rather than a weekly norm!
Indeed it is by the mercy of the Lord that we are not consumed. It is also an act of grace that the Lord allows restoration of trembling in the assembly that we can see God as Holy! Sermons, songs and other methods are used by God to edify His people but nothing is so successful in leading us to tremble than God’s judgment. Here we see God interested with personal purity and also with congregational purity. When there is no holy fear of God most likely there is no authentic worship of God
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