Freedom

Ever wondered what people meant when they accuse you of restricting their freedoms or rights to certain things? I do.

"I'm free to do whatever I want," and you see the next time you see him/her, they're snorting drugs, cussing, cutting themselves, destroying property, or just doing something destructive. Then you look at them and say "Freedom, huh..."

I'd like to think of the word "Freedom" in a positive way. It's just rational, coz it IS a positive word. The idea of freedom should enable us to do positive things. For example, If I say I have freedom and turn around with cuss words in my mouth, then I really am bound by those words. Cuss words are negative, demeaning, destructive. Can I really be practicing freedom if those words have such a grip on me so much so they come out of my mouth? I'm not free, I'm bound.
If I say "FREEDOM!" and I turn around and do drugs, then I really am not free but bound by drugs. And if I turn around and look at porn, or lust at someone, then I really am not free because I'm bound by sexual immorality and lustful addictions. You cannot invoke your freedom to do something that is negative. That is not freedom, that is bondage.

Like I said, true freedom allows you to be free to do positive things. In my opinion, only those who are free know how to say "Thank you" or "You're welcome". Those who know what true freedom is know what it is like to live a life free of drugs, immorality, and destructive behaviour. I mean, it takes a really free person to be obedient to authority, don't you think? Freedom enables us to enjoy a life free of bondages. Freedom should lead us to live a life of positivity and possibilities. Freedom is the ability to do what we want as long as it develops who we are and brings out the best in us in every situation and circumstance.

I'm free. Are you?

Not just any dream...

I just got done writing down what I could remember from a dream I had just before I woke up at about 5am this morning.

I dreamed that I got on a bus, and in that bus were a few people. There was a tall guy, white shirt, and sport shorts, he was talking to a lady, and two other ladies in the bus. The driver was on the right side. As I got on the bus from the left side, I scanned the bus to see where I would sit. I ended up sitting in the middle on the silver chrome railing up front by the driver,
the two ladies to my left. I was listening to their conversation, they were talking about the other passengers on the bus.

The tall guy in white shirt suddenly was talking to them too, apparently this is a bus where people were going through things (sickness, disease, various problems with $$ and others, etc.) and they were on the bus to help them get to their 'destinations' so this guy was talking to one of the ladies and telling her his story, why he was on the bus. He was very cocky, seemed like he was trying to impress the girl. At this point I realised that I was observing them looking straight at them as if I was positioned further behind toward the middle of the bus, but still at the front. This man kept talking and talking as the bus rumbled on. I wasn't paying attention to the places we were going through; it was almost as if everyone knew where the bus was heading.

As the bus rumbled along, one of the ladies had been "running" on the bus, like exercising or something. She had a nice sleeveless blouse on, white with red lace edges, don't remember what bottom she was wearing, but she was being really active. She needed help of others to lift her by the arms over obstacles she has to go through as she was running in the bus. The tall guy asked her what she was on the bus for, and she replied that she had anorexia, to which we were all mildly surprised. She looked like a healthy looking woman. The guy then asked if she was anorexic, then why her arms looked fleshy and she looked healthy instead of anorexic. She explained that in order to get to her 'destination', she had two choices: she would either have to get fit and stay fit and keep running, or she would have to go into a coma all the way to the destination. She said she would rather be conscious getting there than be in a coma all the way.

The bus stopped as we arrived at some destination and everyone got down except for me and the running girl. An older lady got on the bus, and sat on the right front row. The running girl stopped running and sat behind the older woman, presumably to rest. She looked really sad and tired. The older started to talk to me, I don't remember what about, but as she was asking me why I was on the bus, I felt the Holy Spirit prompt in me, and I knew that I had to go over and pray for the anorexic girl. So I walked toward the girl, and sat down next to her, and asked her if I could pray for her, totally ignoring the older woman's question not because I was rude but because I was focused on what I needed to do. The girl said yes. The older woman was probably annoyed that I ignored her, but I put my right arm across the back of the girl's shoulder, like a side hug, and started praying anyway. The girl was visibly touched as she closed her eyes, like any person who knew how to pray.

Parts of the prayer that I remember praying aloud:
"Dear God, I pray for my sister here....
...in the name of Jesus take away the pain, distress and confusion...
...I know You have a plan for her and her future, of hope and purpose..."

At this point, the older woman in front started to pray in tongues, and I felt like the Holy Spirit was moving, touching and stirring in the girl's spirit, at which I intensified my prayer, and I knew I had to believe in what I was asking for, and not just pray any simple general prayer that we all sometimes do to help everyone feel good about the prayer:
"I know, Lord, that You can heal, I know that this sickness and pain is NOT of You, so I wanna be brave and ASK and BELIEVE for your healing power to come and RESTORE her to health...
...I don't want her to just go through the motions of life, but ENCOUNTER her in Jesus' name!"

The girl began to sob as I laid my left hand over her belly, not touching her.
"RELEASE! " I shouted, "A full anointing of Your healing power!" as she sobbed more, and I continued to gesture with my left hand with my index up as I prayed. "A FULL ANOINTING in Jesus' name!"

Then I turned to the girl and asked what her name was.
"Li Ling," she replied, tears in her eyes. I asked her if she knew Jesus Christ as her Lord and Saviour, and she replied "No." Then the dream ended as I sat up in bed, wide awake, heart pounding like I just had a nightmare.

I dream a lot, but I usually don't remember them, but I have learned that when I do remember a dream, it is usually of great significance and importance. Lately, after my visit to Kansas City about 2 weeks ago, I've been documenting the dreams that I remember, and they have been coming more and more. I know that somehow they will mean something of significance either for me or for others. Perhaps God is developing the prophetic in me through dreams.

In any case, I strongly believe this to be a prophetic dream. I don't even know any girl by the name of Li Ling. If you read through this post, and know of someone named Li Ling that is going through anorexia or depression, please tell her about this dream. I believe she needs to know that God is aware of what she's going through, and not just aware but cares and loves her and is willing to heal and restore her. She needs to know that she is not alone in her struggle to stay alive and arrive at her 'destination', wherever or whatever that may mean.

Give-up galore...

While I was talking to Pr Mike this afternoon, God reminded me once again of His divine providence in my life. I have just been offered an administrative position in church, something that Lynn and I have been praying for for months. I realised that before I was even offered anything, I had to come to a point where I totally surrendered to God, and give up my desire to work in church.

Then, it all came back to me like a reel of film unrolling at full speed: Everything I have ever asked of God, every desire that I have ever had, I had to come to a place where I have totally given it up before He would give it back to me. The more significant ones were:

• to attend Christ For the Nations Institute. My visa took more than 6 months before it was approved, by which time I had already given up hope of ever coming to the United States. Then it came.
• to complete my education. When I answered God's call to serve Him in full-time Christian ministry, I stopped my college education after 2 years to serve my youth group. 3 years after attending CFNI, God realised my dream to finish a bachelor's degree, and by His hand provided through others all the funds for it. I have never lacked food, clothing, or shelter. I have seen more miracles of God's providence in my life through financial means than I have ever experienced before.
• to get married early. I had literally given up the prospect of getting married before the age of 30 because of many reasons, mainly career and financial ones. My marriage to Lynn would not have been possible if not for God's clear direction and providence for the entire wedding ceremony. It would have been sheer stupidity if we had ignored God's hand over our lives for marriage.
  
• to serve in a growing, healthy church in a full-time capacity while here in US as Lynn pursues her education. Just last week, I remember telling God "Whatever. I give up. I don't really care where You put me, which door You open, I just want to be in Your will." In the last week, I received my authorization to work and an offer for a position in this church.
  

So YES, I am reminded that God wants all of me. Even my very desire to serve Him, would I be willing to give it up if He asked me to?

Yes. YES. YES.

Take my life and let it be consecrated, Lord, to Thee
Take my hands and let them move at the impulse of Thy love
At the impulse of Thy love

Take my feet and let them be swift and beautiful for Thee
Take my voice and let me sing always only for my King
Always only for my King

Take my silver and my gold, not a mite would I withhold
Take my moments and my days, let them flow in ceaseless praise
Let them flow in ceaseless praise

Take my will and make it Thine, it shall be no longer mine
Take my heart, it is Thine own, it shall be Thy royal throne
It shall be Thy royal throne
~ Frances Havergal, 1874

A Righteous Man

I often wonder and ask God concerning what makes a man righteous. I do understand the teaching we have heard so many times, that God considers us righteous because of faith. I believe that with all my heart. "Without faith, it is impossible to please God," says the famous scripture in Hebrews 11:6. However, I still do have questions about righteousness. What does a righteous man look like? How does a righteous man of faith act? What does he do? How does he carry himself?

In my devotion this morning, I believe God revealed to me a small part of what righteousness looks like.

The Righteous Man:
- practices justice and righteousness (faith)
- does not eat the food offered at idolous shrines
- does not lift up his eyes to idols
- does not lust after or defile his neighbour's wife
- is sexually pure
- does not oppress anyone, but shows mercy
- does not commit robbery (selfish desires and attitudes), but is generous, unselfish, and compassionate to the needy
- does not lend money on interest or take increase
- keeps integrity at everything he does
- executes justice as a peacemaker
- walks in the statutes and ordinances of God in order to make wise decisions consistently

~ derived from Ezekiel 18:5-9
To anyone who keeps this list, "..'he is righteous and shall surely live,' declares the Lord GOD."

I'm sure that there are more descriptions of what a righteous man can look like, but for now, this is already quite a list to aspire to achieve. Nevertheless, I know it's not impossible because "all things are possible with God."

I CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST WHO STRENGTHENS ME!

Waiting on the LORD and His Word

Last weekend at Kansas City was one where we allowed our faith in God to grow. Personally, I felt that God was calling me into a deeper level of faith with Him, hence my previous post on living by revelation.

One of the passages of Scripture I was guided to was Psalm 19. It speaks of the works of God, and the power of His Word.

The law of the LORD is perfect, restoring the soul;
The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.
The precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart;
The commandment of the LORD is pure (and bright), enlightening the eyes.
The (reverent) fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever;
The judgments (or ordinances) of the LORD are true; they are righteous altogether.

They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold;
Sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb.
Moreover, by them Your servant is warned (reminded, illuminated, and instructed);
In keeping them there is great reward.

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my (firm, impenetrable) Rock and my Redeemer.

~ Psalm 19:7-11, 14 (NASB,AMP), emphasis mine

It is so important to abide by the Word of God, which is Jesus Christ himself. John 15:5 says that Christ is "the vine and we are all the branches, he who abides in Me and I in him, bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing." Nothing, as in everything we do will not count for anything at all except for eternal death, which basically is perpetual nothingness, devoid of God, the Source of life itself. By keeping God's law, testimony, precepts, commandment(s), a reverent fear of Him, and His ordinances, we find ourselves recipients of a great reward which is God himself! In Him our joy is complete, our blessing secure, satisfaction guaranteed! There is nothing about God that disappoints us; everything about God exhilarates the soul, revitalizes the spirit, and arouses in us selfless praise and adoration of our Creator, Saviour, and Friend!

This is why David is able to declare in his subsequent Psalm 20:7-8 the infamously quoted, "Some boast in chariots and some in horses, but we will boast in the name of the LORD, our God. They have bowed down and fallen, but we have risen and stood upright." He knows that when he cries out to God, his victory over the enemy is certain. He knows of the importance of waiting on the word of the LORD.

The reason I'm capitalizing LORD is because it is translated in biblical Hebrew as YHWH, the name which is too great and awesome to be spoken. God gave himself this name as He revealed himself to Moses in Exodus 3:14 as "I AM WHO I AM." This is the God who is, where nothing about Him is false and everything true, where the absolute and unparalled Source of all life and power is revealed in our feeble weakness. This is why we cry out to Him. This is why we wait on Him.

And this is why I know, that as I wait on Him, He will answer. And He has.

I waited patiently for the LORD; and He inclined to me and heard my cry.
He brought me up out of the pit of destruction, out of the miry clay,
And He set my feet upon a rock making my footsteps firm.
He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God;
Many will see and fear, and will trust in the LORD.
How blessed is the man who has made the LORD his trust,
And has not turned to the proud, nor to those who lapse into falsehood.
Many, O LORD my God, are the wonders which You have done,
And Your thoughts toward us;
There is none to compare with You.

~Psalm 40:1-5 (NASB)

Living by Revelation

This afternoon I am reminded that as children of God we live by revelation. Living by revelation requires that we operate in the realm of faith and not sight. It is natural for us as humans to live corresponding to our circumstances and surrounding conditions. So often we find that we limit ourselves to the boundaries that are dictated to us. And so often we find that we respond to God by presenting Him with those boundaries and expecting Him to adhere to them. We limit His power in our lives.

Have we forgotten that we serve the God of the impossible? Have we forgotten that we worship a God that loves us even in our sin and our unworthiness? Have we neglected the power of the Holy Spirit in us, that raises the dead to life, that restores broken souls, turns all things intended for evil into good? Have we ignored the voice of the Father that continually speaks through His Son the Word by distracting ourselves with the cares and worries of this world and allowing these things to overwhelm us instead? One Word from His mouth can turn a life around, can transform darkness into light, reveal secrets so unimaginable and unthinkable that we have no choice but to fall on our faces and worship! One moment in His presence can alter the course of our lives forever! Oh have we lost sight of what is necessary and replaced it with inessential and dispensable idols?

It's time to live again by revelation. It is time we stir up our faith and return to our first love in Christ. It is time we, the Church, the Bride of Christ, prepare ourselves to welcome Jesus Christ our Bridegroom. It is time to seek the Father's face with relentless fervour so that we can hear that beautiful voice and behold His glorious holiness. We must do this, even if it means the sacrifice of food, the refusal of earthly pleasures, even to the death of our selves.

The People Have Spoken

I think the General Elections in Malaysia this year which ended just yesterday was the most significant political upset I can remember! The ruling coalition, Barisan Nasional, has been denied their 2/3 majority, and the opposition parties now have a more significant presence in the parliament. After 4 years of corruption, 'mis-administration', and undelivered promises, the people have cast their vote and said "ENOUGH!"

The thought that Penang has finally been taken by DAP is quite astounding! I remember when Gerakan defaulted their opposition status and joined the BN. Many people were not happy. I was brought up with the understanding that a government can only be healthy where there in accountability. And I guess this is one of the roles of opposition parties, to bring a healthy balance into government. When Gerakan jumped boat, I would think many felt betrayed by them but still stuck with the party because they had a good record of bringing progress into the state. People would generally stick with stability that comes with familiarity. To change parties could potentially mean change in what was already perceived to be progress.

And now that DAP has won Penang, I can picture some of the faces of people I know that are staunch supporters of the party. I can only imagine the sheer disbelief of those who lost the state, thinking they were going to win. A good story is of the MIC president who was even actually confident that he would win. I chuckled when I read that.

To be honest, I don't really know much about politics in Malaysia, except from what I read in the news and updates I get from my family. I am almost shameful to say that I know more about American politics than what's going on in my home country. Nevertheless, I do feel a strong connection to what's happening back home coz I know that everything that happens will eventually affect me as well.

All I know is, there is a big change in the political scene in Malaysia. Many have been convinced of the malpractices of the BN, and they know that it's time for some rockin'. The weight of the political may have shifted this recent elections, but only time will tell if these people will be able to live up to expectation and deliver.

SO anyways, that was my 2-sen worth of probably fodderless and under-informed ramblings about the state of my country. If you wanna know more, just Google "Malaysia General Elections 2008". My only hope for my country is that the Gospel of Christ will be preached to every tribe, race, and people of Malaysia. Everyone must have an opportunity to respond to the Gospel. That is their job. Our job as Christians is to give them that opportunity. One day all will know who Jesus Christ is and what He did for mankind.

Arthur Ashe

Arthur Ashe, the legendary Wimbledon player was dying of AIDS which he got due to infected blood he received during a heart surgery in 1983. From world over, he received letters from his fans, one of which conveyed: "Why does GOD have to select you for such a bad disease"?
To this Arthur Ashe replied:

" The world over --
50 million children start playing tennis,
5 million learn to play tennis,
500,000 learn professional tennis,
50,000 come to the circuit,
5000 reach the grand slam,
50 reach Wimbledon,
4 to semi final,
2 to the finals,
and when I was holding a cup I never asked GOD 'Why me?'.
And today in pain I should not be asking GOD 'Why me?' "

Universal

Throughout my 26 years of life, I have learned the following lesson, and today I am reminded of it again: that the problems and hardship in life afflict anyone and everyone.

It is quite easy for me to look at myself and think that all the world should serve me and help me get back on my feet. Yet I have come to learn that it is much more beneficial and rewarding to help others with their problems in spite of what I am facing myself. Not that I do not care about my circumstances, but I've learned that I am not the only one, and if I want to make a difference in this world, then I have to at least learn to be different from the world. I've found that the best attitude to have is selflessness. The world is full of people who are selfish, proud, and look after their own interests. If I am to make a difference by being different, then I must be selfless, humble, and help others.

This is what Christ did. This is why He died. This is who I want to be like.