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
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