One of my biggest heroes and a person I look forward to meet one day is the Apostle Stephen. The Bible gives very little information about who Stephen was, unlike it does for some of the other more well-known apostles. We do not know where he was from, how he became saved, and what he did for a living. The Bible never tells us of his struggles, his personal aspirations and revelations.
But the Bible tells us one thing and emphasizes it several times: Stephen was a man who was full.
We first meet Stephen in Acts 6. The Church was in its earliest developmental stage, and as the number of disciples increased, so did disputes. The Twelve proposed to choose seven men to take care of the issues, and Stephen, "a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit" (6:5), was one of them. He, "a man full of God's grace and power" (6:8), then went on to do great wonders and miraculous signs. However, opposition arose and false testimonies were brought against him.
Stephen gave a long speech on the eternal plan of salvation through Jesus Christ. "When they heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him. But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God." (7:54-55) The crazed crowd dragged him out of the city and stoned him to death.
It is sobering to ask ourselves how our lives are characterized. More important than how they are seen in the eyes of others is how they are actually lived, and that depends entirely on what we are full of. In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus said, "The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart." (6:45) Stephen was a common man, a vessel in the hands of the Potter, who filled him--as He is willing to fill all who give themselves to Him--with the fullness of His Deity (Colossians 2:9), which translates into extraordinary lifetimes of glory and beauty.
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Saturday, October 20, 2007
humans as engines
Life can be compared to the working of engines.
In many ways, engines work just as we humans do. They consume fuel, make lots of fuss when they work, and they keep doing so until fuel runs out or until they wear themselves out -- whichever happens first.
Is there a purpose in human life? Here we all are, most of us working in various ways towards some kind of goal: either putting dinner on the table tonight or putting one on the table in the distant future. The question is, if you really stand on your toes and try to look further than that -- what is, if there indeed is, the ultimate purpose behind all this locomotion?
Consider two engines, one sitting on a field by itself, making lots of noise while it works, piston going up and down constantly; another engine situates in a train, working the very same way as the previous one. Both engines put in the same amount of work during their lifetimes, but the consequences are greatly different. The first engine spends its lifetime working without a purpose, while the second one does what it is made to do: to follow the design of its maker, accomplishing so much more than what it is capable of doing by itself.
There are some people who say that life has no purpose. There are some who disagree. The rest are searching, keeping their fingers crossed and hoping to prove the first group wrong. The answer can be simply found when we look at ourselves. The Bible in the first of chapter of the first book tells us that we are all made in the image of God: "God created man in his own image...and it was very good." (Genesis 1:27, 31) David sang in Psalm 139: "For you [God] created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; you works are wonderful, I know that full well...All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be." (13-16)
Make a choice today to find your original design. It is made by the most awesome, intelligent Creator you and I can ever imagine. Find the purpose behind your being, and go places where you never thought you could go!
In many ways, engines work just as we humans do. They consume fuel, make lots of fuss when they work, and they keep doing so until fuel runs out or until they wear themselves out -- whichever happens first.
Is there a purpose in human life? Here we all are, most of us working in various ways towards some kind of goal: either putting dinner on the table tonight or putting one on the table in the distant future. The question is, if you really stand on your toes and try to look further than that -- what is, if there indeed is, the ultimate purpose behind all this locomotion?
Consider two engines, one sitting on a field by itself, making lots of noise while it works, piston going up and down constantly; another engine situates in a train, working the very same way as the previous one. Both engines put in the same amount of work during their lifetimes, but the consequences are greatly different. The first engine spends its lifetime working without a purpose, while the second one does what it is made to do: to follow the design of its maker, accomplishing so much more than what it is capable of doing by itself.
There are some people who say that life has no purpose. There are some who disagree. The rest are searching, keeping their fingers crossed and hoping to prove the first group wrong. The answer can be simply found when we look at ourselves. The Bible in the first of chapter of the first book tells us that we are all made in the image of God: "God created man in his own image...and it was very good." (Genesis 1:27, 31) David sang in Psalm 139: "For you [God] created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; you works are wonderful, I know that full well...All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be." (13-16)
Make a choice today to find your original design. It is made by the most awesome, intelligent Creator you and I can ever imagine. Find the purpose behind your being, and go places where you never thought you could go!
faith
An oxymoron is a phrase consisting of two words -- an adjective and a noun -- that contradict each other. "Small giant" and "stinky aroma" are some that come to mind. It has occurred to me that the phrase "blind faith" is also an oxymoron. Non-believers often see faith as a last resort in a troubled situation, a "state of mind" that helps to cope rather than a real solution to the problem. It is blind because it lacks real, tangible meaning; it is blind because because if the problem is a battlefield, faith is a handkerchief that one puts on her face, crossing her fingers and hoping that the enemy bullets would somehow change direction when they come to her.
Having gone through the biggest trial in my life so far, faith is the one thing that I have struggled the most to learn. To me, faith was an effort that I must contribute with my own strength to make miracles happen -- it is as if God is an elephant, and I must hold Him up with my skinny arms so that He won't fall and crush me! I knew that faith was necessary, crucial in my relationship with God, but like the non-believers, I was really blind in my faith and could not convince my intellect with full conviction exactly why I needed to have faith.
Just like many other lessons in life, the lesson of faith must be lived to be understood. One of the most-quoted verses regarding faith can be found in the Book of Hebrews: "Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." (11:1) Does this mean that we should close eyes, wish really hard (with fingers crossed) something we know in our guts that is impossible? Quite the opposite. Faith works by completely transforming a person inside out, tuning her to be in perfect harmony with her Maker. Faith does not cover eyes from reality -- instead, it allows us to see the true reality as God Himself sees it. Genuine faith allows us to see past the temporary troubles, past our ephemeral flesh, into the ultimate, ultimate reality.
Having gone through the biggest trial in my life so far, faith is the one thing that I have struggled the most to learn. To me, faith was an effort that I must contribute with my own strength to make miracles happen -- it is as if God is an elephant, and I must hold Him up with my skinny arms so that He won't fall and crush me! I knew that faith was necessary, crucial in my relationship with God, but like the non-believers, I was really blind in my faith and could not convince my intellect with full conviction exactly why I needed to have faith.
Just like many other lessons in life, the lesson of faith must be lived to be understood. One of the most-quoted verses regarding faith can be found in the Book of Hebrews: "Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." (11:1) Does this mean that we should close eyes, wish really hard (with fingers crossed) something we know in our guts that is impossible? Quite the opposite. Faith works by completely transforming a person inside out, tuning her to be in perfect harmony with her Maker. Faith does not cover eyes from reality -- instead, it allows us to see the true reality as God Himself sees it. Genuine faith allows us to see past the temporary troubles, past our ephemeral flesh, into the ultimate, ultimate reality.
despite all
The Book of Acts recorded many aspects of the early church, namely, the one led by the Apostles. The Apostles healed and performed miracles in Jesus' Name, and as a result, their number greatly increased. Afraid and jealous, the high priest and all his associates arrested them and put them to jail. But during the night, an angel of the Lord opened the jail doors and brought them out.
"Go, stand in the temple courts," he said, "and tell the people the full message of this new life."
Imagine how furious and distressed these men of high position were when they heard the next day: the Apostles were once again preaching the Gospel to the people! The following is recorded in Acts 5:33-39:
"When they heard this, they were furious and wanted to put [the Apostles] to death. But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, who was honored by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and ordered that the men be put outside for a little while. Then he addressed them: 'Men of Israel, consider carefully what you intend to do to these men. Some time ago Theudas appeared, claiming to be somebody, and about 400 men rallied to him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing. After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in teh days of the census and led a band of people in revolt. He too was killed, and all his followers were scattered. Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.'"
That was one man's common sense nearly 2000 years ago. Today, there are men and women and children all over the world fighting and sacrificing their lives for the Truth, and their number continues to multiply each day. As my mom likes to say, "Why do you think they do that? Are they in any way less 'smart' than others that they would not choose to live a comfortable, agreeable life?"
The fact is, the Gospel of Jesus Christ has been made real to them in their hearts and in their lives. Once you truly see that something is real, there is no going back to denying its existence and authenticity.
"Go, stand in the temple courts," he said, "and tell the people the full message of this new life."
Imagine how furious and distressed these men of high position were when they heard the next day: the Apostles were once again preaching the Gospel to the people! The following is recorded in Acts 5:33-39:
"When they heard this, they were furious and wanted to put [the Apostles] to death. But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, who was honored by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and ordered that the men be put outside for a little while. Then he addressed them: 'Men of Israel, consider carefully what you intend to do to these men. Some time ago Theudas appeared, claiming to be somebody, and about 400 men rallied to him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing. After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in teh days of the census and led a band of people in revolt. He too was killed, and all his followers were scattered. Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.'"
That was one man's common sense nearly 2000 years ago. Today, there are men and women and children all over the world fighting and sacrificing their lives for the Truth, and their number continues to multiply each day. As my mom likes to say, "Why do you think they do that? Are they in any way less 'smart' than others that they would not choose to live a comfortable, agreeable life?"
The fact is, the Gospel of Jesus Christ has been made real to them in their hearts and in their lives. Once you truly see that something is real, there is no going back to denying its existence and authenticity.
temple of God
"When it was almost time for the Jewish Passover, Jesus went up to Jerusalem. In the temple courts he found men selling cattle, sheep and doves, and others sitting at tables exchanging money. So he made a whip out of cords, and drove all from the temple area, both sheep and cattle; he scattered the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. To those who sold doves he said, 'Get these out of here! How dare you turn my Father's house into a market!' " (John 2:13-16)
How often do we turn our hearts, the temple of God, into market places. The heart should be a sacred place, but many are no longer so today. A heart can be bought with transient offers, offers that seem "kind of cool", "kind of hot" at the moment, but are completely meaningless the next day. The door to a heart is opened for anyone, anyone at all, out of the respect for "an open mind".
Not this heart, the heart that has been claimed God's house. May I love with all my heart. May I feel with all my heart. But may my heart never be bought and exchanged as a commodity, ephermeral with a negotiable price.
How often do we turn our hearts, the temple of God, into market places. The heart should be a sacred place, but many are no longer so today. A heart can be bought with transient offers, offers that seem "kind of cool", "kind of hot" at the moment, but are completely meaningless the next day. The door to a heart is opened for anyone, anyone at all, out of the respect for "an open mind".
Not this heart, the heart that has been claimed God's house. May I love with all my heart. May I feel with all my heart. But may my heart never be bought and exchanged as a commodity, ephermeral with a negotiable price.
patience
Patience is a virtue that takes substantial time and experience to learn. No one is born patient -- just observe a hungry newborn to prove the point. Some take pride in their lack of patience, as if doing so demonstrates the "fullness" of their lives and their own abilities. "I have no patience for depressed, whinny people (because my life is full of excitement, unlike that fellow over there)", or "I have no patience to wait for the Lord (because I can do things better and faster my way)." What they fail to understand is that patience is not quiet, painful acceptance of an unfulfilled life, but is instead the wisdom to wait for the arrival of something much better, something they can already see with the eyes of faith. A farmer tirelessly fulfills his duty in caring for his farm, and has faith that when the time comes, he will harvest abundantly. Should he think that when summer comes the farm will still be covered with unbroken seeds, he would not labor so patiently. In the same way, patient endurance of trials results in a stronger person who is not only able to comfort those who are undergoing the same situation, but is also ready to receive rewards that are beyond human imagination. The rewards that such person receives come in many forms, but none as valuable as the character that he has now acquired and the approval of his Maker. Therefore, "consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." (James 1:2-4)
soul
The soul has no eyes, no ears.
Yet it sees and hears.
It sees the darkness inside, and hear its own cry for fulfillment.
The true fulfillment of Love, the Living Water that refreshes once and for all.
But will it see when He who satisfies souls extend His hands?
Will it hear the sweet voice He beckons it to come?
Yet it sees and hears.
It sees the darkness inside, and hear its own cry for fulfillment.
The true fulfillment of Love, the Living Water that refreshes once and for all.
But will it see when He who satisfies souls extend His hands?
Will it hear the sweet voice He beckons it to come?
true beauty
"Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised." (Proverbs 31:30)
"Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight." (1 Peter 3:3-4)
As a woman ransomed by God's grace, my heart is filled with joy and peace when I think about what is truly of great worth in His sight. He does not want me to be "sexy", "funny" and "smart" like the world does, because those characteristics are meaningless, even at times apalling to Him. I want to please Him, and please Him only, because of His Love for me. I am forever His, and will embody nothing but the unfading beauty that is found in Him alone.
"Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight." (1 Peter 3:3-4)
As a woman ransomed by God's grace, my heart is filled with joy and peace when I think about what is truly of great worth in His sight. He does not want me to be "sexy", "funny" and "smart" like the world does, because those characteristics are meaningless, even at times apalling to Him. I want to please Him, and please Him only, because of His Love for me. I am forever His, and will embody nothing but the unfading beauty that is found in Him alone.
living sacrifices
"Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will." (Romans 12:1-2)
What must be offered is not only the body, but also the mind, the soul, and everything that is within me. It is, however, understandable why Paul specifically mentions the body. It is the medium for the acts of obedience, which necessarily ensues after one commits entirely to following Christ.
The transformation by the renewing of the mind is mysterious yet amazing. Its effects are carried out in every aspect of the life that consents. A life that is transformed is one that is reborn--a miracle that takes more than a lifetime here in this world to appreciate.
And we're given Eternity to immerse in that joy!
What must be offered is not only the body, but also the mind, the soul, and everything that is within me. It is, however, understandable why Paul specifically mentions the body. It is the medium for the acts of obedience, which necessarily ensues after one commits entirely to following Christ.
The transformation by the renewing of the mind is mysterious yet amazing. Its effects are carried out in every aspect of the life that consents. A life that is transformed is one that is reborn--a miracle that takes more than a lifetime here in this world to appreciate.
And we're given Eternity to immerse in that joy!
loss & gain
Each day of my journey in this world,
I lose and I gain.
Some things I've lost yesterday,
Only to find it standing in my door today.
Some things I've gained yesterday,
But they are nowhere to be found today.
With each gain, each loss;
With each loss, each reunion,
Tears are shed,
Sometimes in sadness, sometimes in joy.
One thing I know:
The day will come
When You call me Home;
Nothing I lost will I miss,
Nothing I gained will I bring.
A naked soul, redeemed by You
Shall enter Infinity,
Where nothing is gained, and nothing lost.
I lose and I gain.
Some things I've lost yesterday,
Only to find it standing in my door today.
Some things I've gained yesterday,
But they are nowhere to be found today.
With each gain, each loss;
With each loss, each reunion,
Tears are shed,
Sometimes in sadness, sometimes in joy.
One thing I know:
The day will come
When You call me Home;
Nothing I lost will I miss,
Nothing I gained will I bring.
A naked soul, redeemed by You
Shall enter Infinity,
Where nothing is gained, and nothing lost.
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