Comment on Evening November 30 of "Daily Light on Daily Path"

 

 

Dear friend,

 

"Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble." (Job 14:1 ) We cry entering into this world and make many cry leaving it. Till "God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away", (Revelation 21:4), we must need bear with this trouble of sin.

 

But believers troubles in this life also include "suffering shame for his name." (Acts 5:41) For the sake of Christ, believers do live in a certain way for His glory. But such ways of life are not always appreciated by the world. They often consider them worthy of public punishment, putting believers to public shame. So, many were imprisoned and even martyred for their faith.

 

True believers are prepared for the worst, so they learn to "glory in tribulations" as they make their way to Heaven. (Rom. 5:3) They who know their Bible, "think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: but rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings." (1Pe. 4:12, 13) Such attitude of hope is very powerful in the midst of sufferings. It causes one to "rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say, rejoice." (Php. 4:4)

 

In Hab. 3:17, 18, we have the Old Testament example of such powerful rejoicing - "Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation."

 

Are we in the right company of people?

Do read the Holy Scriptures for yourselves in the free Daily Light on Daily Path for this day at http://soshine.blogspot.com/2007/09/daily-light-on-daily-path-november.html#Nov30E.

 

Yours in Christ's Service,
lck

Comment on Morning November 30 of "Daily Light on Daily Path"

 

 

Dear friend,

 

To be at peace is to possess that quiet confidence that all is well and working well for our good and well-being. So the Sovereign Lord of the Universe is always at peace because He ordained all things and know exactly what has happened, is happening and will happen. Everything is under His absolute control, so there is simply nothing to fear, but simply to behold with great delight and joy as everything falls into place according to His infinite wisdom and counsel.

 

When this Lord is with us in a favourable way, we too can be at peace. "The Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all." (2Th. 3:16) No one can promise us peace, nor should trust any for it, except He Who is the Sovereign Lord of all. Yes, many make promises and fail to fulfill them because they are simply not in control of all the many factors necessary for peace.

 

To possess peace we need not understand all the details of how it comes to us. The true peace from God "passeth all understanding," (Php. 4:7) so it is futile and vain to insist on understanding it fully before embracing it. Since the Prince of Peace has promised us peace, we can simply trust in Him. He promised, "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." (Joh. 14:27)

 

As the Holy Spirit of the glorified Christ works in our heart, we bear forth the fruit of peace. This is inevitable if, indeed, we are drawn closer to see the glory of Christ Who rules sovereign in this world. All power is given to Him, and He controls them for the good of His beloved Church. With such faith and confidence in God's Word, how can one not find peace in Christ?

 

Does the Prince of Peace speak peace to you who fight under His banner?

Do read the Holy Scriptures for yourselves in the free Daily Light on Daily Path for this day at http://soshine.blogspot.com/2007/09/daily-light-on-daily-path-november.html#Nov30M.

 

Yours in Christ's Service,
lck

Comment on Evening November 29 of "Daily Light on Daily Path"

 

 

Dear friend,

 

True, saving faith is a gift of God to all those whom God would save in Jesus Christ. As such this faith is a working faith. It is a living faith and not a dead faith. A living faith has works. "Faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone." (Jas. 2:17)

 

There are many to day who claim to have faith. How authentic are they in their claim? How can we ever know so as to know how to conduct ourselves towards them properly? The Lord said that by his fruit we shall know them. (Mat. 7:20) Good works are the fruit of a life saved by grace through faith. Works therefore justify a man in that they demonstrate that one's faith is genuine as far as we can tell from one's works. "Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only." (Jas. 2:21, 24)

 

The experiences of salvation are not merely intellectual exercises of the mind. They are very practical and touch all aspects of life of a human being. This calls for all kinds of works and activities on the part of those who have the living faith. So the proper exercises of faith not only bring blessings to others, but to ourselves as well. "Whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed." (Jas. 2:25)

 

Are we merely happy knowing things for ourselves and not doing them? If that be the case, would not what we know simply just die with us? What a pity that knowledge is not shared. How unlike a human being one can become!

Do read the Holy Scriptures for yourselves in the free Daily Light on Daily Path for this day at http://soshine.blogspot.com/2007/09/daily-light-on-daily-path-november.html#Nov29E.

 

Yours in Christ's Service,
lck

Comment on Morning November 29 of "Daily Light on Daily Path"

 

 

Dear friend,

 

A house is a place a man build for himself to rest from all his labour. So he equips his house with all good things so that he can enjoy them with satisfaction without much trouble and inconveniences.

 

So there is much goodness in God's house to satisfy His children. God's children are not people easily satisfied with all the goodies of this present world. Yes, indeed they were once filled with lusts and pride as the "children of wrath". At that time they cared not for the house of God. But ever since God put the divine nature in them, they have increasingly long for the house of God and its goodness.

 

There in God's house they "behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in his temple." (Psa. 27:4) In the sanctuary of God we are given to see the Almighty at work in all the world. He is awesome and beautiful. There we also find Someone Who truly cares for us and would assures us of His constant, protecting presence with us Who fear His Name.

 

The proud who has  no thirst and hunger after God are turned away empty. But those who right long for Him are fully satisfied with His goodness.

 

One who walks aright with God can only find His house increasingly a place of great delight and satisfaction. Of all the days of the week, the Lord's Day is the best because on that day they go to God's house to worship Him in the beauty of holiness.

 

When you are spiritually tired, where do you go for a good rest? How else are you assured of your eternal rest?

Do read the Holy Scriptures for yourselves in the free Daily Light on Daily Path for this day at http://soshine.blogspot.com/2007/09/daily-light-on-daily-path-november.html#Nov29M.

 

Yours in Christ's Service,
lck

Comment on Evening November 28 of "Daily Light on Daily Path"

 

 

Dear friend,

 

We all know that fear is very paralyzing. When fear comes, one stops to think more carefully what he should be doing next. He becomes more cautious and slower as he acts. In ultimate, sudden fear one can even becomes momentarily, totally paralyzed. That's what the lion tries to do to its preys when it roars suddenly at them.

 

Our last enemy, and most frightening, is death. All afflictions and hardship in this life end up in death. A life of total ignoring of God, the Mighty Creator, with Whom we have to do, cannot find death a comfort as it is a time appointed to face the Creator in judgment. So, all man fears death naturally. But men "through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage." (Heb. 2:14, 15) For men to function without the sense of bondage, they must get the thought of their imminent death off their mind. So, through various deceptive means men are taught to put aside the thought of death even to the very last moment of life.

 

In our Lord Jesus Christ we confront death to the face and say, "O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? Thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." (1Co. 15:55, 57) Christ tasted death for us when He died its worst form - crucifixion. He conquered death by going through it and coming out the other side alive with a glorified body!!! Such is the victory over death that our Lord has gained for us.

 

Death, for us believers, is changed to a gateway to our eternal glory and blessedness. So, we "know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord. We are willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord." (2Co. 5:1, 6-8)

 

Are you fainting because your outward man is perishing? Pay attention to your inward man.  (2Co. 4:16)

Do read the Holy Scriptures for yourselves in the free Daily Light on Daily Path for this day at http://soshine.blogspot.com/2007/09/daily-light-on-daily-path-november.html#Nov28E.

 

Yours in Christ's Service,
lck

Comment on Morning November 28 of "Daily Light on Daily Path"

 

 

Dear friend,

 

The doctrine of election obvious implies that there are some people not chosen of God to inherit eternal life. As the issue is not about the justice of God since we all do not deserve Heaven, but, indeed, hell; but about the Sovereignty of God to choose and save whom He wills, we who believe can only be interested if He has indeed chosen us. Blessed, indeed, are all those who are chosen of Him to glorify and enjoy Him forever.

 

If God has explicitly mention your name and other infallible indications as to, for example, your finger print, in the Holy Bible, that you are chosen of Him, then indeed, there is no reason to doubt your blessedness. Besides the very few names mentioned in the Bible, the rest of us cannot have such an assurance of blessedness. This does not mean that a child of God must live in doubt all the days of his life. Assurance of salvation is a very important feature in the life of sanctification. Without it how can a Christian live thankfully and joyfully?

 

While we should stop looking for our unique, personal identification in the Bible, we are indeed called to look for other general identifications of the blessed ones of God. "Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall." (2Pe.1:10) There are believers who try to find comfort from their fellow believers, especially from their pastors. If their pastors assure them that they are saved they are very happy. If their pastors show doubt they are very troubled. Their assurance is based upon the judgment of men, no matter how well intentioned.

 

Only God's Word as ministered to us by the Spirit of Adoption can give us the true and full assurance that we are the children of God. When the Spirit of truth, Who searches our heart, tells us that we are the children of God because we live by the faith which works by love found in the community of God's people, then we can be fully assured of our blessedness.

 

Do you have the assurance of salvation? And upon what is your assurance based?

Do read the Holy Scriptures for yourselves in the free Daily Light on Daily Path for this day at http://soshine.blogspot.com/2007/09/daily-light-on-daily-path-november.html#Nov28M.

 

Yours in Christ's Service,
lck

Comment on Evening November 27 of "Daily Light on Daily Path"

 

 

Dear friend,

 

To know that we are saved by grace is a joyful thing. The life of joy is a life of seeking Jesus first, Others second, and Yourself last. The love of the brethren (philadelphia) is a good sign that one is a child of God. Such a love seek the good and well-being of one's brethren, even their salvation. As such, a believer tries not to be a stumbling block to his brethren.

 

"All things are lawful for me" and therefore I have the liberty to do "all things." But not all things "are expedient" and therefore I should often choose not to do things which I'm at liberty to do if by myself, but would not do for the sake of the weak conscience of my brethren. When our brethren walk against their own conscience they sin against God. We must take into consideration the well-being of our brethren. Doing so means living a self-denying life as well as living a life of patiently teaching and showing others what is right according to the Word of God. Jesus showed us His example: ours was the transgressions and His the deadly pain.

 

While we must not be a stumbling block to others, we are also called not to follow those who sin against the Lord, no matter how many bad examples there may be before our very eyes. There is a tendency to put our confidence in men and princes, especially when they come to us in multitude hands joint in hands. Such cloud of witnesses cannot be wrong we say and followed them blindly without studying God's Word for ourselves to develop the true conviction from God alone. It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in men and in princes. Heaven and earth may pass away, but God's Word will not pass away.  "Thou shalt lnot follow the multitude to do evil." (Exo. 23:2)

 

Are you like many who walk in the "wide ... and broad .. way, that leadeth to destruction .."? (Mat. 7:13)

Do read the Holy Scriptures for yourselves in the free Daily Light on Daily Path for this day at http://soshine.blogspot.com/2007/09/daily-light-on-daily-path-november.html#Nov27E.

 

Yours in Christ's Service,
lck

Comment on Morning November 27 of "Daily Light on Daily Path"

 

 

Dear friend,

 

Our Lord Jesus Christ, the Second Person of the Godhead in human flesh, has declared the glory of God (Joh. 1:18) with the glory that was given Him. (Joh. 17:22) That glory Christ has also given to us to declare the glory of God all the days of our lives as members of His mystical body, the Church of Christ.

 

Isaiah, the great prophet of old, spoke of Him "when he saw his glory" in Isa. 6:1-3. (Joh. 12:41) The holy angels in heaven speaks of that glory thus: "Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory." That Christ is the Lord of hosts means that He has an army of soldiers whom He leads in the spiritual battles from victory to victory. So, the whole earth is full of his glory. Few are the men who are able to see that glory now, but the Great Day of the Lord will reveal this to all. That Christ is holy means that He is fully consecrated to His Father in Heaven. He came here  not to do His own will, but the will of Him who sent Him and to finish it. That was His very food of life. He is thrice holy.

 

Those who are in Christ as His members are also holy, called to be saints, the holy ones. If you are a Christian, you are called to be holy. "Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy." (1 Peter 1:16) We are to watch and pray that we may not be filled with our own lusts, but with the knowledge of His will and to do His will. We are called to be holy. This is the declaration of the glory of God. This is the life of Christlikeness. This is the walking in His steps.

 

Are you receiving the glory that was given Him? (Joh. 17:22)

Do read the Holy Scriptures for yourselves in the free Daily Light on Daily Path for this day at http://soshine.blogspot.com/2007/09/daily-light-on-daily-path-november.html#Nov27M.

 

Yours in Christ's Service,
lck

Comment on Morning November 26 of "Daily Light on Daily Path"

 

 

Dear friend,

 

The Lord delights in His people. (Isa. 62:4) And does that suggest that His people of themselves are lovely in His sight by nature? No, because even all their righteousnesses are as filthy rags in His sight. How can such a people be delight to the Lord God? Only the seed of Abraham is a delight to Him. Of Him it is said from Heaven, "This is my beloved Son in Whom I am well pleased." With this Seed of Abraham is the Covenant of God established. There can be no fellowship of love outside of our Lord Jesus Christ. "And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise." (Galatians 3:29) Be in Christ and the Lord takes delight in you.

 

In Christ Jesus we are created anew. (Eph. 2:10)  "Thus saith the Lord that created thee, ... Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine." (Isa. 43:1) A man may sinfully and unnaturally forsake and forget his own offspring, but the Lord will never do such sinful thing. Having loved us, He will love us to the very end. His love for us is not conditioned upon ours for Him simply because He first loves us. His is a sovereign love from all eternity, without which there is simply no hope for us sinful creatures. He loves and has mercy upon whom He will according to His own good pleasure.

 

You, who are like Jacob, "not worthy of the least of all the mercies, and of all the truth, which thou hast shewed unto thy servant; " (Genesis 32:10), are most troubled when you hear that God only establishes conditional covenant with His people. The covenant of God is not a means to an end. It is the very goal which will one day be revealed in all its glory in the New Heavens and the New Earth. (Rev. 21) This wonderful friendship is established with us, His chosen and hidden ones, unconditionally in His Son, our Lord and Saviour. We are not worthy of any of His mercies. If there is a condition laid upon us, we are doomed, and we naturally would be in great despair.

 

But there is hope and joy for those who trust in His Word. "The Lord taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy." (Psa 147:11) Is your hope based upon His Sovereign mercy or upon your own ability to fulfill some conditions laid down by Him?

Do read the Holy Scriptures for yourselves in the free Daily Light on Daily Path for this day at http://soshine.blogspot.com/2007/09/daily-light-on-daily-path-november.html#Nov26M.

 

Yours in Christ's Service,
lck

Comment on Morning November 25 of "Daily Light on Daily Path"

 

 

Dear friend,

 

Man is created dependent. He is not self-sufficient in himself by nature. He cannot be totally free. If he is not serving this master, then he must be serving another. So, when he sought to be free from God and His Word he became bond to sin and the devil's lies.

 

As Christians having being "made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness." (Rom 6:18) To be free in one way is to be bond in another. The sooner we realize this the better. We cannot serve to opposing masters - "God and Mommon." (Mat. 6:24) Mommon speaks of the riches of this world. It refers to all the lusts of the flesh, the lusts of the eyes and the pride of life. (1Jo. 2:15f) God bought us with the blood of Christ that we might be His servants. Failing to serve God is a fundamental error leading to the lack of victory over sin.

 

As servants of God we have our "fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life." (Rom 6:22) The way of sanctification is the way of being the servants of God. This does not mean that we must all become office-bearers of the Church. Rather we must all be supporting the Messianic Ministry of Christ - the work of the Prophet, Priest and King. We must support the preaching ministry of the Church by attending to and searching of God's Word in order to observe It. We must support the diaconate ministry of the Church by taking care of the needy in our midst. We must exercise discipline personally and corporately in the Church. Jesus said, "If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour." (Joh. 12:26)

 

Christ came to save us from our sins. Who then are we serving - Christ or sin?

Do read the Holy Scriptures for yourselves in the free Daily Light on Daily Path for this day at http://soshine.blogspot.com/2007/09/daily-light-on-daily-path-november.html#Nov25M.

 

Yours in Christ's Service,
lck

Comment on Evening November 25 of "Daily Light on Daily Path"

 

 

Dear friend,

 

"Behold, the LORD'S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear:
 But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear." (Isaiah 59:1,2)

 

Salvation is about the removal of the sin that separate between God and man. It is about being reconciled to God. It is about having a sweet communion with God now and forever. God, the Holy God, cannot change and He cannot live with sin. Either we get rid of our sins or there is absolutely no way we can enjoy God, not even for a moment.

 

"Whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall he saved." (Acts 2:21) To call upon the name of the Lord is to seek His mercy and forgiveness. The mercy of God is manifested in the death of our Lord Jesus Christ on the Cross of Calvary for the sins of His people. God in His love and mercy sent His only begotten Son to die for our sins on the Cross. Those who believe in this testimony of God concerning His Son and seek forgiveness through Him alone shall indeed be saved.

 

If Manasseh, whose sins are described in 2Ki. 21:1-6, can be forgiven because "he besought the Lord his God, and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers, and prayed unto him", we can be assured of the same if we come to Him in a broken and contrite heart.

 

If you have sinned against the Lord, won't you come back to Him like the prodigal son? He is waiting for you and will abundantly pardon. Amen.

Do read the Holy Scriptures for yourselves in the free Daily Light on Daily Path for this day at http://soshine.blogspot.com/2007/09/daily-light-on-daily-path-november.html#Nov25E.

 

Yours in Christ's Service,
lck

Comment on Evening November 24 of "Daily Light on Daily Path"

 

 

Dear friend,

 

Have you ever become disappointed with yourself because you have failed the Lord Who loves you so? You know what's right and what's wrong, but yet you could not do that which is right and fall into temptation to do that which is wrong. We are indeed wretched man just like what Paul said of himslef in Rom. 7:24.

 

Elijah, that great prophet of God, was no different from us. After gaining that great victory for the Jehovah God, he ran for his life to the cave when threatened by Jezebel. God asked him, "What doest thou here, Elijah?" (1Ki. 19:9) Like Elijah we become disappointed with ourselves and rather die or become a hermit living in the cave alone all by ourselves. We are become useless.

 

"The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." (Mat. 26:41)

 

It is a comfort to know that God, our Heavenly Father, knows all about our struggles and never despises us. "Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me." (Psa 139:9, 10) He came to Elijah in a still small voice and send him forth again as if nothing had happened. God put a thorn in our flesh not to discourage us, but to keep us connect to Him Who is our infinite strength. "And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me." (2 Corinthians 12:9)

 

Therefore, "Let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not." (Gal. 6:9)

 

Are we constantly plugged into God?

Do read the Holy Scriptures for yourselves in the free Daily Light on Daily Path for this day at http://soshine.blogspot.com/2007/09/daily-light-on-daily-path-november.html#Nov24E.

 

Yours in Christ's Service,
lck

Comment on Morning November 24 of "Daily Light on Daily Path"

 

 

Dear friend,

 

In creation, there is nothing living which is not dependent upon some other thing outside of themselves to survive. No living thing is self-sufficient in this creation. That is why to believe in God Who is self-sufficient is a matter of faith, the gift of God. Search through nature by scientific experimentation and one would never come to conclude that there is such a thing as God. There is simply no parallel here.

 

The spiritual life which God gives to man is dependent upon the doing of His will, which is revealed in His Word, to survive. Jesus said: "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven." (Mat 7:21) It is not the knowing, but the doing of God's will that matters. Many may intellectually know God's will as found in the Bible, but such knowledge is not the knowledge of God, for the knowledge of God include the doing of His will. To know is to embrace and not simply to be aware intellectually of a thing. One who truly knows God will also submit to Him. Even Jesus' spiritual food "is to do the will of him that sent me." (Joh. 4:34)

 

We call each other brothers and sisters in Christ. This means that we are all in the same family of God. Jesus said, "My mother and my brethren are these which hear the word of God, and do it." (Luk. 8:21) The Apostle Paul wrote: "For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified." (Romans 2:13) James wrote: "But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves." (James 1:22)

 

Are we deceiving ourselves?

Do read the Holy Scriptures for yourselves in the free Daily Light on Daily Path for this day at http://soshine.blogspot.com/2007/09/daily-light-on-daily-path-november.html#Nov24M.

 

Yours in Christ's Service,
lck

Comment on Evening November 22 of "Daily Light on Daily Path"

 

 

Dear friend,

 

A child of God, under the care of God, cannot be destroyed. "Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the Lord shall be a light unto me. He will bring me forth to the light, and I shall behold his righteousness." (Mic 7:8, 9) Like a tree,  "There is a hope of a tree, if it be cut down, that it will sprout again, and that the tender branch thereof will not cease." (Job 14:7)

 

Such restoration and revival comes in the way of true repentance. True repentance has godly sorrow. Such sorrow is not the sorrow of the world. The world also sorrow when they make mistakes in life. Their sorrow does not have anything to do with God, nor is it a desire to be restored into fellowship with Him. It is a selfish and self-centred desired to be restored into former lusts without all the painful consequences. Godly sorrow can accept all the pains that comes with the chastening hand of God. It only desires to be restored into the communion with God once again. He wants to hear the sweet voice of His Heavenly Father once again. "Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word." (Psa 119:67) To go astray is to be wise in one's own eyes and not to fear the Lord. "For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth." (Hebrews 12:6) He longs for us as much as we for Him, if not more. But He will wait for the prodigal son to return home humbly.

 

How is the love of God manifesting itself in your and my life?

Do read the Holy Scriptures for yourselves in the free Daily Light on Daily Path for this day at http://soshine.blogspot.com/2007/09/daily-light-on-daily-path-november.html#Nov22E.

 

Yours in Christ's Service,
lck

Comment on Morning November 22 of "Daily Light on Daily Path"

 

 

Dear friend,

 

We, Christians, are commanded to pray without ceasing. That does not mean to pray anyhow, but to pray "in the Holy Ghost." (Jude 20) Praying in the Holy Spirit indicates the desire to pray harmoniously according to the good will of God. If everyone pray selfishly or self-centredly according to their own individual lusts, how could the body of Christ be praying harmoniously?

 

Indeed, there is no perfect prayer in this life, except that which were uttered by our Lord Jesus Christ. This is because our holy desires in this earth are also mixed with our sinful lusts. Therefore we must also add to our prayers: "When Thou hearest, forgive." (1Ki 8:30; 2Chr. 6:21) and "... nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt." (Mat. 26:39) Such humble prayer is evidenced of the Spirit making intercession for us.

 

How can a life filled with the Holy Spirit be deprived of such intercessions of the Holy Spirit? A life filled with the Holy Spirit is one in which a person constantly asks the Lord to search his heart. "Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:" (Psalm 139:23) Such a person is not only known by the Holy Spirit, but also by himself as well. He increasingly know himself more accurately through the years of such prayers. Such person are also more accurate in knowing others by their fruits. Such people know in increasing measure what is in the mind of the Spirit as the Spirit reveals it to him.Such people prays in the Spirit "with groanings which cannot be uttered." 

 

The content of such paryers cannot be uttered not in the sense that it cannot be prayed before God
Almighty, but in the sense that it cannot be spoken to others. "The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant." (Psalm 25:14) The LORD will share His own secrets with whomever He wills.

 

Such prayer life requires constant watching and perseverance. "Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication." (Eph. 6:18) We do not merely watch our own life, but those of our others around us as well. With the searching eye of the Spirit and a prayerful heart, we are to make our journey to heaven. He promised to be with us even until the end of the world.

 

How are you and I praying?

Do read the Holy Scriptures for yourselves in the free Daily Light on Daily Path for this day at http://soshine.blogspot.com/2007/09/daily-light-on-daily-path-november.html#Nov22M.

 

Yours in Christ's Service,
lck

Comment on Evening November 21 of "Daily Light on Daily Path"

 

 

Dear friend,

 

The death of Jesus on the cruel Cross of Calvary some two thousand years ago was an event in human history unparalleled. It was the death of God's very own, one and only begotten, beloved Son. The death was the most cruel both in term of human suffering and injustice. The event took place in the lower courts of God! God allowed it for the purpose that He Himself might save a people represented by His Son.

 

The motivation for such a wondrous work of God is His love for wretched sinners like us. "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son .." (Joh. 3:16) If the atonement of Christ on the Cross cannot dispel your doubt of His love for you, you have indeed not known the Saviour as you ought. "He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?" (Romans 8:32) Nothing can "separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:39)

 

Consider what we are currently, we cannot only shake our heads in shame for we are so unlike Christ, the beloved Son of God. Yet, for His sake, God calls us all "the sons (or children) of God". "Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God." (1Jo. 3:1) Like Abraham, we believe in the God "who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were." (Romans 4:17)

 

Are you ashamed to be called the son or daughter of God, when He is not ashamed to own you as such? Why? And what shall we do? How shall we live?

Do read the Holy Scriptures for yourselves in the free Daily Light on Daily Path for this day at http://soshine.blogspot.com/2007/09/daily-light-on-daily-path-november.html#Nov21E.

 

Yours in Christ's Service,
lck

Comment on Morning November 21 of "Daily Light on Daily Path"

 

 

Dear friend,

 

It would be a day most horrible for you and me, if when we finally repent and decided to turn back to God only to find that He cannot forgive us nor receive us back into communion with Him ever again because His covenant with us in the first place was not meant to be eternal in nature but only temporally and conditional (which condition we have failed to fulfill in time)!

 

"Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out." If this is not true for the justified in Christ, who repented and return to the Lord, "where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?" (1Pe 4:18) This would be a hopeless world. But, thanks be to God, that it is true: He will not cast out those who come to Him penitently in the days of grace. The days of grace are the days of our life "till death." "And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:" (Hebrews 9:27)

 

"Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon." For us wretched sinners, oh, never advocate a doctrine which will give no hope even to the justified in Christ who have backslid. If so where else can we fallen men turn to for comfort and salvation?

 

"A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench." (Isa. 42:3) Are you a "bruiesd reed" or a "smoking flax" which many would simply just give up hope and leave to perish and consumed away? Why not come to the God of Grace Who established His everlasting covenant with men to save them to the uttermost? He will not "break" nor will he "quench."

Do read the Holy Scriptures for yourselves in the free Daily Light on Daily Path for this day at http://soshine.blogspot.com/2007/09/daily-light-on-daily-path-november.html#Nov21M.

 

Yours in Christ's Service,
lck

Comment on Evening November 20 of "Daily Light on Daily Path"

 

 

Dear friend,

 

Jesus Christ is a Mediator. A mediator comes in between two parties who are at odd with each other but wish to be reconciled to one another. So a mediator is someone who represents both parties each to the other in order to remove the obstacle that separates them so that they can come together again. One cannot be a mediator for only one party. So, the presence of a mediator of a relationship with God as one of the two parties presupposes that there is another party outside of God. Outside of God we can only find His creatures, for He is Creator. So, we are talking about reconciliation between God and creatures. What had happened to this relationship which causes the separation of the parties?

 

The Holy Scriptures reveal that man had rebelled against God, his Creator by disobeying the command of God not to eat of the forbidden fruit. This is the offense that must be removed. The fault of this drift in this relationship is fully the responsibility of man. God is pure and holy. If any of the two parties is to say sorry, it would have to be man and never God. But reconciliation is not merely a matter of saying sorry. There has to be the pacifying of the offended party, the genuine penitence of the offending party and a coming together of the two parties into union again. This is the job of the Mediator between God and man. He is Christ Jesus, the designed Prophet, Priest and King of a people who would be reconciled to God..

 

All the Old Testament covenants are types and shadows of that one and only Covenant of Grace which God established with the Mediator, without which there would be no hope of reconciliation. "He is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises. I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more." In His office as Christ, the Mediator accomplished all that is necessary for our salvation. There is no other Mediator Who can reconcile us back to God, beside this Man, Christ Jesus.

 

All who comes to God through Christ, the Mediator, can be assured of reception, because in Him we have the forgiveness of our sins and the adoption of children. We are given true faith to receive all these salvation benefits purchased for us in Jesus Christ. Jesus is "the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, " but by Him, the only Mediator between God and man. (Joh. 14:6)

 

Are you reconciled to God? And who is your Mediator?

Do read the Holy Scriptures for yourselves in the free Daily Light on Daily Path for this day at http://soshine.blogspot.com/2007/09/daily-light-on-daily-path-november.html#Nov20E.

 

Yours in Christ's Service,
lck

Comment on Morning November 19 of "Daily Light on Daily Path"

 

 

Dear friend,

 

You are an explorer and came across a tree which was never classified in this world! One of your tasks is now to name the tree. You decided to call the tree by your own name, say "Mr. X". Many years later, the fame of this tree would not be what you have done, but what this tree can contribute to the human society. This tree would be "known by his fruit." A person like "Mr. X" because it tastes good!

 

But why do we want to identify things and people around us? Why do we want to name them and know them in their very nature? It is because they form the environment in which we live. We are affected by our environment, whether we like it or not. Knowing the elements around us and controlling them does create and maintain the environment. Of all God's creatures, the human being is the most fascinating and the knowledge of them accurately is very important in the forming of a healthy environment. "By their fruits ye shall know them."

 

"Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous." A righteous man is one justified by God for Christ's sake alone, not because of his own righteousness wholly or partially. To such a man God has committed Himself to transform and fashion after the image of His Son. God never fails in His Work. So we can rest assured that the fruit in the life of such a man is the sanctified life. He lives a righteous life, full of good works.

 

A fruit is that which grows naturally out of a living organism as it grows. It is not something artificially forced upon it from outside. It is part and parcel of the tree. God implants a new nature in the heart of those whom He would save. So, we must constantly say no to the "old man" and yes to the "new man" in Christ, as we grow in grace. We will, in that way, discover a new and joyful life, harmonious, natural and wholesome. We need not be ashamed of being ourselves after the new man, though it may be quite different from our previous life before we were converted, when we were living fully after our old man. We are a new creation of God. Praise the Lord.

 

How do you know others and how do you expect others to know you?

Do read the Holy Scriptures for yourselves in the free Daily Light on Daily Path for this day at http://soshine.blogspot.com/2007/09/daily-light-on-daily-path-november.html#Nov19M.

 

Yours in Christ's Service,
lck

Comment on Morning November 20 of "Daily Light on Daily Path"

 

 

Dear friend,

 

Darkness is the absence of light and no one experiences darkness more than a totally blind man. Light just has no meaning to him, if he is born blind from the very beginning. One who becomes blind or who are made to see having being born blind, can appreciate the light as they have the memories of both world to do comparison and thus show appreciation. Those of us who can see can try a live a normal week in this world totally blindfolded to set up a set of memories of the world of darkness for real experimental comparison. But let us also remember that one week of blindness may not be the same as years of darkness, but may be good enough to shut our mouth of complain and open the mouth of thankfulness for sight.

 

"When I sit in darkness, the Lord shall be a light unto me." A man born totally blind may not know the meaning of light, but he may soon become aware that those who claim to be able to see with the light around them are more superior to him in movement and getting things done. He may not understand what light and seeing is all about, but he certainly wish to have sight whatever that may be that he might be as efficient as others around him. In the spiritual world, the seeing are in the minority and the majority are blind. It is in a blind world that we Christians are living.

 

We do spiritual things better and faster than the spiritually blind. In fact, they couldn't even move spiritually because they are spiritually dead. They simply cannot long for spiritual sight unless they are born again and given the ability to see. Then, they will begin more and more to appreciate the light. The more we see that more we want to see. The Lord Who is our light becomes more and more precious to us.
Never go anywhere in this world of darkness without the Lord. The day will come when you will say with the Psalmist: "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me." Such a valley is dark because of the shadow, but the Lord will guide you to the greater light which causes the shadow, beyond the mountains of death.

 

Where is the source of your light?

Do read the Holy Scriptures for yourselves in the free Daily Light on Daily Path for this day at http://soshine.blogspot.com/2007/09/daily-light-on-daily-path-november.html#Nov20M.

 

Yours in Christ's Service,
lck

Comment on Evening November 18 of "Daily Light on Daily Path"

 

 

Dear friend,

 

To see so as to enter the Kingdom of God is not a physical activity of the physical eyes of a man. (Joh. 3:3, 5) Otherwise, the physically blind would be damned forever and there is no need to preach to them the Word of life. The sight of God's Kingdom is the sight of faith. God's Word is heard and a person believes and embraces Him as he ought and should. Such faith is the gift of God. Such "faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God." (1Co. 2:4,5,9,10)

 

In the days of types and shadows, the "wisdom of Solomon" was equivalent to the Word of God. The Queen of the south came to see the widom of Solomon and discovered that "the half was not told me." (1Ki. 10:7) Indeed, all who go to the right place for His Word by the grace of God would discover the same. So this Queen would rise one day to condemned those who have ever heard Christ and rejected His Word because Christ is greater than Solomon, and the wisdom of the former is the Anti-type of the latter. To go back to its dark shadow after having arriving at its foot is unworthy of the search. An interesting shadow should lead us to search for its real object. Having found the object, one discover that the half of it is not told by the shadow.

 

"Thine eyes shall see the King in his beauty. — We shall see him as he is. — In my flesh I shall see God. — I shall be satisfied." (Isa. 33:17. -I John 3:2. -Job 19:26. -Psa. 17:15.)

 

Are you and am I?

Do read the Holy Scriptures for yourselves in the free Daily Light on Daily Path for this day at http://soshine.blogspot.com/2007/09/daily-light-on-daily-path-november.html#Nov18E.

 

Yours in Christ's Service,
lck

Comment on Morning November 18 of "Daily Light on Daily Path"

 

 

Dear friend,

 

For the sins we have committed, the only proper place for us is hell. So, our present sufferings in God's chastisement is only a very negligible fraction of hell's sufferings. But we are so frail that even for that sometimes we are not able to bear. So, our Heaven Father take into consideration our frailty "correct thee in measure, and will not leave thee altogether unpunished." (Jer. 30:11) Our punishment is not a condemnation to hell. It is His loving chastisement for our sanctification.

 

So it is good to be chastened of the Lord so that we may learn to be humble and seek His mercies and grace at all times. To be chastened by the Lord is any time better than by men. At least, David, the man's after God's own heart thought so. "And David said ... let me fall now into the hand of the LORD; for very great are his mercies: but let me not fall into the hand of man." (1 Chronicles 21:13)

 

"He stayeth his rough wind in the day of the east wind." is an ancient Hebrew idiom to enshrine the above truth. The "east wind" is that seasonal wind which blow upon the land of promise just before the time of harvest. Its blowing can be very useful or troublesome. If it blows too gently, the winnowing process to separate the "chaff" (Psa 1:4) from the kernel cannot take place as most of it would fall back even when thrown into the air. So "rough wind" is needed for the job. But when the "rough wind" is not controlled, it can be very troublesome as well. One can imagine how too rough a wind may also blow the kernel away as well, together with other useful things. So to "stayeth his rough wind" means that God controls this rough wind by measure so that the winnowing time (or "the day of the east wind") may be more fruitful. The "rough wind" signifies chastening time to drive away the "chaff" of our lives. In chastening, God remembers mercies, and so "stayeth" the affliction which He also send to us.

 

Are you still afraid to throw your harvest into the "rough wind" of God?

Do read the Holy Scriptures for yourselves in the free Daily Light on Daily Path for this day at http://soshine.blogspot.com/2007/09/daily-light-on-daily-path-november.html#Nov18M.

 

Yours in Christ's Service,
lck

Comment on Evening November 17 of "Daily Light on Daily Path"

 

 

Dear friend,

 

Sowing and reaping are profoundly related concepts though they may convey movements in opposite directions. To sow is to throw, to cast away, to scatter, to have less. To reap is to gather together, to collect and keep, to have more. The profound connection lies in that these terms deals with things which have the nature like that of a seed. A seed has the potential power to come back when it is gone. When a farmer gives up a seed to allow it to interact with the soil and other life-giving elements, the seed can germinate and become a plant which in turn can proceed the same kind of seed - in fact, in greater abundance!

 

Wickedness has the same nature as that of a seed. So, "They that plow iniquity, and sow wickedness, reap the same." (Job 4:8) Righteousness also has the same nature. So, "To him that soweth righteousness shall be a sure reward." (Prov. 11:18)

 

The Word of God also has the same nature. We do not get less of God's Word just because we sow It in abundance and scatter It far and wide. In fact, we do find His Word prospers and return to us in greater measure. So is knowledge and understanding. "There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty." (Prov. 11:24)

 

So, do you understand why some people gain so much of God's Word while others so little?

Do read the Holy Scriptures for yourselves in the free Daily Light on Daily Path for this day at http://soshine.blogspot.com/2007/09/daily-light-on-daily-path-november.html#Nov17E.

 

Yours in Christ's Service,
lck

Comment on Morning November 17 of "Daily Light on Daily Path"

 

 

Dear friend,

 

All deliberate, man-made objects, be they physical object or a composition of ideas as in a literature, evidence the thinking process. For example this posting is composed by me after the process of thinking that goes through my head. What you read is a composition of my ideas. It is my thought you are receiving. How deep is my thought to you depend on how quickly you grasp what I am saying. So, to some my thought may be superficial and childish while to others it may be profound and deep.

 

"God's thoughts are very deep" declared the Psalmist in Psalm 92:5. God must have composed something which was signified to us in the language of the Bible. The Psalmist reads it and found that it is meaningful after a long while of meditation upon it. God's thoughts are very deep. Deep not in the sense that he has reach the bottom of it, but it the sense that he has still not reach the bottom afternoon going down for so long! "O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!" (Rom 11:33)

 

In His thoughts God reveals Himself as the all knowing God. His thoughts are carefully formulated according to His infinite knowledge of all things, in His wisdom and understanding. To engage the mind of God is to learn of Him and "be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding." Such an exercise equipped us well to walk in the light of His Word.

 

Not reaching the bottom of the depth of His thoughts is no problem to us who are His children. We need not know that actual depth of His thoughts in order to be comfortable in dealing with Him. This is because we know enough of Him to be comfortable. He reveals Himself clearly that He loves us in His Son Jesus Christ. He Who cannot lie promises us that all things are under His control for our good and salvation. We can trust Him, and His infinite knowledge and understanding only bring us much comfort and assurance that all is well as nothing escape His purview when He thinks and acts.

 

Are you comfortable in the presence of such an awesome God?

Do read the Holy Scriptures for yourselves in the free Daily Light on Daily Path for this day at http://soshine.blogspot.com/2007/09/daily-light-on-daily-path-november.html#Nov17M.

 

Yours in Christ's Service,
lck

Comment on Morning November 16 of "Daily Light on Daily Path"

 

 

Dear friend,

 

As pilgrims in this world of darkness we do need constant sanctification from the Lord. To sanctify is to make holy, to set apart for holy use. Things which are for common use escape our attention easily. We take for granted such things, important may often be in themselves. To sanctify is to deliberately set apart something (whatever that may be) and use it in a very special way so that it catches people's attention immediately. It is holy when the use is for the glory of God. There is nothing  more wholesome than to be God-centred. Nothing  more holy.

 

Pilgrims need to be sanctified because they often go astray from their original intent as such. A pilgrim is one on a journey to a holy destination. He wants to be holier, to be more dedicated and consecrated to God. But on the way he often got tempted and deviated from the right path. Sometimes he even forgets that he is a pilgrim in this world! He needs to be sanctified every now and then if he is to be successful as a pilgrim.

 

"Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth." People who are genuinely interested in this sanctification cannot ignore the Word of God because there is no sanctification apart from God's Word. God's Word can cleanse us from our sinful pollution and redirect us back to the right path. God's Word can give us wisdom which we need to combat the foolishness of this world, to which we are constantly exposed. We need this wisdom that we might increase in knowledge, discretion and understanding. All these are so necessary in the midst of the devil's many lies against God.

 

Jesus is the King of truth and those who acknowledge Him "continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." We need to be freed every now and then that we might continue on our way to heaven. God's Word and truth set us free.

 

Are you and am I on the way or are we getting stuck somewhere?

Do read the Holy Scriptures for yourselves in the free Daily Light on Daily Path for this day at http://soshine.blogspot.com/2007/09/daily-light-on-daily-path-november.html#Nov16M.

 

Yours in Christ's Service,
lck