"God, our Vindicator"

"Awake, and rise to my defense! Contend for me, my God and Lord.

Vindicate me in your righteousness, O LORD my God; do not let them gloat over me."

- Psalm 35: 23-24

A minor incident occurred at work today that reminded me (once again) of the amazing goodness and faithfulness of our Lord in all matters - both great and small.

It all began while I was busily working on the pile of invoices in front of me at my desk (like what i always do day in, day out ... seemingly unceasing, the flow of invoices!). One of my colleagues (and friend) then came over to my supervisor and said she could not find some of the processed invoices in the archive cabinet. My supervisor duly followed her into the nearby archive room to search for the 'missing' invoices ... and after a moment's pause, i heard (albeit faintly) my name being mentioned. I'm not sure why, but the thought of me being accused somehow crept into my head ..... whereby i immediately tried to dismiss the thought. Then, the moment came: My supervisor, upon returning back to her seat, leaned over to me and told me the incident in the archive room ..... and said that my failure to file the invoices under the correct state (eg: QLD, VIC, NSW, WA, SA) has led to my friend being unable to track down those invoices in the first instance.

Whoa!!! When i heard that, something in me sorta 'snapped'. Many thoughts raced through my mind - e.g. how should i answer this unjust accusation / how should i confront my friend, etc. Gotta confess i was a little angry and disappointed - albeit only for a while - with my friend. (*Here, you see my carnal self arising from within ... hehe!!!) ... Reason being, i remember very vividly that just the day before, i had deliberately stacked the various completed invoices according to their respective states and was carrying them to the archive room to file them - only to find my friend there filing some other invoices as well. There, she told me to pass the entire stack of mine to her ... and that she would help file them for me - which i gratefully did - and furthermore, left her with instructions as to the way i stacked them.

So, there you have it ... and this was precisely what got into me: How could my friend - who knew that she was the one who filed the invoices wrongly - accuse me of doing it? Boy, was i fuming mad (well, sort of!) ... and i could literally feel some words of defense rising up from within me when my supervisor spoke to me. But somehow (and thanks be to God!) i managed to keep it all under control.

The interesting was that, in the midst of all the inner conflict that was waging within me, i could clearly hear God challenging me whether i would trust Him to vindicate me and whether i would leave this matter into His sovereign hands. I sorta had a mini dialogue with God as to my 'rights' (for i badly wanted to defend myself from this unjust accusation) ... but, by the grace of God, came rather quickly to a conclusion that this was only but a minor issue ... and that i shall not be too bothered by it. Instead, i chose to take on the challenge of God - and place my trust in God - and not try to take matters into my own hands. Whether or not i was vindicated, i left it entirely to God, who knows what's best in every situation (Isaiah 55: 8-9). And when i made that decision, although the war that was waging in the battlefield of my mind was still there ... i could feel it fading away - slowly but surely. :)

Then, something quite remarkable happened that made me really, really glad and appreciative that i had not reacted the way i would have if i were to claim my 'rights' and have it my way (i.e. confront my friend / have a 'showdown' with her, etc.) ..... as well as remind me of the faithfulness my Lord and King: My friend, after completing her task (and totally oblivious to the intense 'warfare' that was waging within me), came to my supervisor and confessed (yes, confessed!) that she was the one who had misplaced the invoices - and not me (*kudos to her for that!!!). At first i could not believe my ears ... but when it sunk in, i thanked God that i had not acted out of impulse and defended myself. I believe i would have been a fool had i done so!!! And not only that, i also would not have been able to witness the amazing faithfulness and vindication of God!!! Instead, by choosing to trust in God and His vindication, that was precisely what i got (and witness first-hand)!!! Simply amazing!!!

Through this simple and minor incident, i was reminded afresh once again of God's faithfulness to His people. And i thank God for this simple lesson learnt - that when wronged, we can trust in His goodness, for, indeed, God is our vindicator!!! And even if nothing happens, we know that "in all things God works together for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose" (Romans 8: 28). Therefore, we can rest and trust in Him - for He is good!!! Amen!!! :)

"Love ... with Action ... and in Truth"

I was at work today when, out of the blue, a verse that i read this morning somehow re-surfaced to my mind. The verse? 1 John 3: 18 - "Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with action and in truth." And with it, i began meditating, pondering, and devouring (well, sort of!) it ...

Indeed, this has been one area i have been asking God to help me grow more in - that is, my love for others. It has been my constant heartcry that i may grow much more in my heart and love for people. And i was duly challenged as i meditated over this verse.

If one wonders where the cliche, "Action speaks louder than words", comes from, one need not look further than this verse - i think!!! :) Indeed, it's so true ... love demands action (we are not just to love with words ... but we are to love with action too!) ... and as i thought about God, i can only thank Him that He loved not just with His words - but with action as well - the very act of sending His Son, Jesus, to die on the cross as a propitiation for our sins. "For God so loved the world that He gave ..." God's love translated itself into action ... and by so-doing, He satisfied His wrath - and justice - and purchased for us eternal life and a restored relationship with Himself. Thank God for His amazing love and grace!!! :)

So, well, God reminded me that it is not enough for us to have good intentions ... for having good intentions is one thing - translating them into action is another altogether!!! And boy, do i know it well!!! For sometimes, we (or at least myself) may have good intentions, but how many times have we failed to translate them into action? For me, quite countless, i think. :P

The verse goes on to say that we are to love "with action and in truth". Was pondering over this for a while ... and then marvelled at the supreme wisdom of God in making this plain in His inspired Scriptures. I could clearly see why God did not just say love "with action", but also tagged the words " ... and in truth" behind it as well - for it is of vital importance that our loving action be coupled with truth - for one can love with action (that is, outwardly, superficially), but yet not sincerely / genuinely (in truth). And herein lies the great challenge - to love "in truth" - with full sincerity of heart and genuineness - and not even a hint of pretense or hypocrisy.

My heartfelt prayer is that God would grant me His heart - that i may love others with the perfect love of His (or at least close to that!). I know i have much to grow in this aspect ... but i strongly believe God is working in me and through me ... and that by His grace, i will grow more in my pastoral heart for people more and more in the days to come. Amen!!! :)

"The Exceeding and Abundant Love and Grace of God"

"For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God."

- Ephesians 3: 14-19

In the past week, God has been doing something deep within my spirit ... i do not understand why, but He caused me to look deep within myself - and there, as i meditated, i came to a deeper realisation of how wretched a man i am (no one knows how terrible a person i am - but me and God ... and having said that, the scary thing is that even we may not know the full extent of our ugliness due to the deceptiveness of our hearts (Jer. 17: 9) - but God alone, the omniscient One, knows ... even as i write, the "filthy rag" metaphor comes to mind). With that it mind - and by the grace and plan of God - i thereby came to a richer and deeper revelation (and appreciation) of the awesome splendor of God - His holiness - as well as His love and grace towards me, a terrible sinner - not just in saving me, but also His grace and goodness towards me in every aspect of my life.

It wasn't at all a condemning process (just in case some of you may feel that way) - for God's gracious hand was definitely upon this entire process ... and His Word has said that "there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" (Rom. 8: 1). In fact, in direct contrast to any condemning thoughts, came a clearer picture of the extent of God's love and grace towards me (or us, His people, for that matter). All i felt was the assurance of God's love and grace upon me as i meditated upon my sinfulness and God's holiness. I stand amazed how One so great could love one so small. I simply worshipped.

It was there that a precious truth came to my mind (which i believe holds true): It is only when we have a right view of self and sin can we begin to better comprehend the extent of God's love and grace towards us. And although this knowledge may not be complete (i'm not 100% convinced that we can fully comprehend the full extent of God's love for us by ourselves), yet when pondered and mulled over long enough, ought to cause us to fall our knees and worship our gracious and loving King - which it did me. Oh, the greatness of God's amazing love and grace towards us ... what other response ought this to elicit from us but to simply worship Him!!!

Indeed, when we have a true view of ourselves, we will be truly amazed that God (and sometimes, even our fellow-men!) can treat us so wonderfully well. Spellbounding thought this is!!! And this ought to cause us to walk humbly before God and men - with a constant gratitude towards the amazing grace of God upon our lives. As a part of the song "God is Good" goes (and this sums up the two opposite extemes so very well - our human sinfulness and God's divine love) : "We were sinners, so unworthy, still for us He chose to die ..." (the songwriter's personal paraphrase of Romans 5: 8 ? Well, seems like it ... to me at least!) Indeed God is good ... and His love endures forever!!! Thank God for that!!! :)

Oh, God, how i stand in awe in the beauty of Your holiness!!! It is only by Your grace that i am saved!!! Thank You for this precious gift of salvation!!! May i never ever despise such great a salvation!!! Thank You for this life ... thank You Lord for everything!!! Let not praise and worship cease from streaming forth from my mouth - for You alone are truly God ... You alone are worthy of all praise and honor!!! I am Your's - forever!!! Amen.

"Scooter"

Had a nice chat with my sister yesterday evening ... and guess what?! A pleasant and little (literally!) surprise ...... apparently, a new "member" has joined my family in Singapore. Its name? ... Scooter, a 9-week old puppy ... yuppy!!! (Can hardly hide my delight!) :) Apparently it is a Maltese crossed with a Jack Russell ... i dunno what the latter is - but according to Joy, it's a "hyper"-dog ...... haha ... perhaps that explains why my sister gets awaken up at 4am almost every night by its pitiful whining (play-acting?)!!! :P (Haha ... Fancy me gloating over my sister's 'misfortune' ... even though i know she doesn't mind looking after scooter whatever the hours ... well, perhaps!!!)

Got sent several photos of the dog ... and 2 video-clips. Boy, gotta say it's such a cutie!!! :) Feel like going back to play with it ... haha ... but of course, that may not be possible - for now at least ... but yeah, am looking to plan a holiday sometime in May or June next year. Will see how things come along. :) And oh, you guys gotta see the video!!! Will show it to you all ... it's such a hyper dog (truly) ... full of frenzied action ... and not to mention its non-stop chewing of almost anything and everything (literally!) - just ask my sister: There was a video which began with Scooter chewing his toys persistently (gotta say i feel tired for his little jaws) ... and come the end of the video, you see him next to my sister ... and the last thing you see and hear is a loud "OUCH" !!! Hahahaha .... you guessed it!!! :P (Yeah, it's me once again laughing at my sister's little 'misfortune'!!! Such a great brother that i am, ya?)

Anyway, the best thing of all is that dad, mum and sis all seem to be enjoying this little thing prancing around the hall. Can almost feel their joy teeming forth from the video ... just perfect!!! :) And yes, you read it correctly - even my dad - who had expressed in no uncertain terms his stand ("NO") about having dogs in the house in the past. :) So great to see them happy, laughing and having a good time together!!! Gotta confess i'm utterly excited about that little furry thing too!!! Haha!!! :)

Hmm ... was just pondering over the joy that abounds when we talked about the "new addition" to the family when i started to think about something more spiritual, something more eternal: If most of us would rejoice over a puppy ... how much more ought we to rejoice over a new "member" added to the family of God!!! Indeed, the joy should be exceedingly, abundantly greater ... for eternity is at stake ... and it definitely is!!! Truly, it is always so great to see new ones come to know God for themselves. Had recently led a brother to Christ ... and man, was so delighted when he made the personal decision!!! Praise God for that!!! All glory goes to God!!! It (the salvation ... and the feeling of delight at the puppy!) just fueled my passion to see many more come to know God for themselves!!! And that's my sincere prayer ... and prayerfully, this is the first of many more to come!!! Amen!!! :)

Guess God used little Scooter in more ways than one - in letting me meditate over the delight of seeing new ones added to His eternal kingdom. May this passion burn ever bright as each day passes!!! :)

"A Man of Truth"

Haha ... i can't believe it ... i'm actually starting to blog (well, trying to anyway) !!! This seems more and more ludicrous by the minute!!! Anyway, with my many friends seemingly enamored by it ... i just thought to give it a fling to see what all the buzz about this 'latest phenomenon' is all about. Hmm ... think i shall use this space to journal my thoughts and journey with God ... sorta like a diary kinda thing. How long this will last (or how frequent the entries) only time will tell ... and, hehe ... i personally don't have much faith in seeing this develop much (haha) ... but we shall see .................. :)

Was spending time with God this morning ... and one thing that impressed strongly upon my heart that i feel God challenging me was simply that of being "a man of truth" - a man of absolute integrity in all i do, say, or think. God seemed to be challenging me to a higher standard than before. As i reflected upon this, i come to realize how mammoth a task it is for me - no matter how sincere my desire - and it was there and then that it dawned upon me how utterly i needed the grace of God to help me grow in this aspect. Left to myself, i am but an utterly 'spent force' in my quest to live by truth; i am under no illusion as to the many weaknesses of mine (too numerous to count). There, and then, I humbly asked God to help me grow in my quest to live by the truth - that in all things, at all times, i shall love, adhere to, live by, and be an upholder of the truth ... that His truth shall be prevalent in my very life. (*Do pray along with me to this end!)

I asked God what are some practical ways in which i can really see this come to pass in my life ... and two simple things came to my mind: relationship and Word.

Firstly, relationship. God reinforced in my mind the importance of us abiding in God- that through this abiding process, we are slowly but surely being transformed day-by-day into ever-increasing Christlikeness (2 Cor. 3: 18) ... and as a result, see the fruit (not just ministry - but more importantly, character fruits too) being produced and cultivated in our lives (John 15: 4-5) - for as we abide in His presence, something happens: a divine exchange / a spiritual osmosis process takes place - the filth, junk and dross drop off in the very presence of the Holy One. We repent and change as He graciously unveils the areas of our lives that need cleaning up. The key is to always come before God with an absolute heart of surrender - that He may have free course in our lives ... and speak the very words we need to hear - words that can bring about transformation in our lives.

Secondly, the Word. Indeed, God's Word is truth (John 17: 17b) ... and this brings about a simple equation: If God's Word is truth (which it undeniably and irrevocably is), and if i wanna be a person of truth, it takes no rocket scientist to discover how do i go about doing so. Knowing God's Word = knowing truth. And knowing the truth precedes us living by the truth - for how can we live by what we do not know? Also, along with the sanctifying nature of God's Word (John 17: 17a), Scripture also testifies about itself in 2 Timothy 3: 16-17: "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." I see "righteousness" as synonymous with "a man of truth" - that is, God's Word is useful in my desire to be a man of truth (righteousness) ... and since that is exactly what Scripture does, i yield myself entirely to it. I want to be a man who truly knows, loves and lives by God's Word ... and thus my concluding prayer .............

Lord, may my desire for You and for the pure spiritual milk of Your Word never wane ... in fact, let it grow and deepen by the minute!!! Let me be like Ezra of old, who "set in his heart to study the Law of the Lord, and to do it and to teach His statutes and rules in Israel" (Ezra 7: 10 ESV) Amen.