God won't Ask... but He Asks...

A very special person sms’ed me one night: “…Rich…” (My nickname)

I replied: “I’m poor…”

Then the person quickly responded, “… but I think you got a rich heart.”

I don’t really get what the person meant by ‘rich heart’, never heard such thing before. But deep inside, I knew that it was a compliment. The person care less either I’m rich or not, the person sees my heart. It was a wake-up call. I re-realized that there are things in our life that are not really important if we are to compare it all in what God consider important.

God won’t ask what kind of car you drove; Mercedes, Honda, Kancil, Viva etc. He asks how many people you drove who didn’t have transportation.

God won’t ask how big and luxury is your house; with swimming pool and automatic gate system. He asks how many people you welcomed into your home.

God won’t ask about the clothes you had in your closet; K-Pop design, Bling Bling accessories, or how expensive your clothes are. He asks how many you helped to clothe.

God won’t ask how much is your salary; RM100 or RM1,000 or RM10,000 or RM100k per month. He asks how you invest it.

God won’t ask what is your job title is; marketing executive, restaurant manager, teacher, dish washer, contractor etc. He asks if you perform your job to the best of your ability.

God won’t ask how many friends you have (or how many Facebook’s friends you have). He asks how many people to whom you are a friend.

God won’t ask in what neighborhood you live. He asks how you treat your neighbors.

God won’t ask about the color of your skin; Chinese, Indian, Malay or other indigenous races in Malaysia. He asks about the content of your character.

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP… there are things in our life
that are not really important
if we are to compare it all
in God’s perspective.

My Reflection on Matthew 10: "The Cost of Commitment"

“And whoever does not take his cross
and follow me is not worthy of me.” (Matthew 10:38ESV)

To receive Christ is easy. To be a Christian is simple. But to be a follower of Christ is not without price to pay. Following Jesus is such a costly commitment. To join the Christians means to become part of an identifiable group. To take Christ seriously is to invite criticism and ridicule. I’m not sure which one is worst, but if you’re really a committed Christian, I’m sure you had experienced both. Don’t fool ourselves; you must expect to be called “traitor”, “fool”, “alien” etc. and to have quite offensive and sarcastic comments such as “Look! Holy man/woman is here~”. Here is Jesus clear words of assurance,

“A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master.” (Matthew 10:24)

Perhaps we had deceived ourselves (and by that ancient Serpent, Satan) that following Christ is ‘all honey and no bees’. We had minimize the sting – the gospel of prosperity (“Christ will make you rich”, “God don’t want you to be poor”), the gospel faith-healer (and by the end of the day, they asked for money) and the gospel of self-help (“God is within you”, “Your destiny is in your hand”) had polluted the actual Gospel that emphasis on the Cross (suffering and persecution) as the ground of Christian’s faith. Committed to follow Christ is an unpopular choice – and thus, in my observations those who love to minimize the sting are fear of unpopularity. [That’s why nowadays, we heard so much about “strange doctrine” that has no basis from the Truth, the Scriptures. Twisted, wrongly interpreted and quoted the Words here and there to strengthen their own personal points.]

A Call to Examine the Cost of Commitment

The nature of commitment is immovable. The law of commitment requires us to consider the fact that some things will have to go. Peace, assurance of eternal life with the Lord and fellowship with One true God are undeniably a wonderful ‘package’ after becoming follower of Christ but all of the above is, like I write earlier, not without price to pay. There is a call to change when a person become a Christian. Sorry to say (but I must boldly proclaimed) not every habit, hobby, activities, even relationship can co-exist with the new commitment. David Day in his wonderful and most recommended book, This Jesus (Published by Inter-Varsity Press, 1980), writes, “Jesus has always demanded a certain life-style of his followers, but his life-style often contradicts the values of contemporary society.” For examples, it would mean that you had to let go of your drunkenness habits, that you weren’t going to get stoned every Saturday, and that fellow-students weren’t just sex-objects.

As you are committed to follow Christ, my friends, you will have a new relationship that has the power to enable you to overcome your old sinful self. God is faithful; He does not leave a vacuum. He’ll soften your heart to want to read and meditates on His Word, to have fellowship with other faithful Christians in the Body of Christ, and placing your spirit that longing to be on your knees and pray. Slowly, but faithful. God be with you.

Afterword

By writing these things out I’m not saying that you should be suffer more or let go everything that you enjoy doing and with sad-long-papaya-juice face serving the Lord, but I’m simply ‘warned’ you (and myself included) that if all this while you had never once suffer such rejections, criticisms and ridicules (and even persecutions [God forbid]) and never “let go” your sinful acts perhaps we never really commit ourselves to follow Christ wholeheartedly.

Are you committed to follow Christ?

Let me end today’s article by quoting John White profound words of reminder,

“When Jesus tells you to take up your cross daily, he is not telling you to find some way to suffer daily. He is simply giving forewarning of what happens to the person who follows him.” (from, The Cost of Commitment: Living for the sake of Jesus. Inter-Varsity Press, 1976)

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP. THE END.

You'll Probably get Kicked in the Teeth, but Be Kind Anyway

“Be kind and merciful.
Let no one ever come to you without coming away better and happier.”
(Mother Teresa)

“One of the most difficult things to give away is kindness;
it is usually returned.” (Cort R. Flint)

There was a man by the name of Gusak lived in my village. He was a drug addict and gum sniffer. He lost both of his parents when he was little and he stayed with his family members since then. Because of his long hair and improper dressed – most often people would stayed away from him, and like most of caring parents would do, some even not allowed their children to play or even to touch him.

But my parents (and of course the rest of our family members and neighbors) are very kind with others. (A good modeling for a harmony community) The presence of Gusak had never once shakes our concern that he was a dangerous man. Yes, he was a drug addict but he doesn’t disturb anyone. Yes, he was a gum sniffer but he was very respectful to elders. Maybe because of these qualities, I and my brother went we were a little kid, never scared to be around with him. He was so kind to us. He worked at the Chinese restaurant as a plate’s collector and dish washer. My mother told me recently that every month whenever he had received his salary; he would brought for us toys or occasionally he would give us pocket money.

Today, I remember Gusak as a very kind person. His kindness overlooked his many flaws. Now, I’m not saying that the use of drug and sniffing gum are toleratable acts (by all means, keep away from these and u-turn!) but I want to emphasis my thesis for today’s short article: The acts of kindness from a sincere heart will always be remembered more than anything else. Billy Graham once observed, “Often the only thing a child can remember about an adult in later years, when he or she is grown, is whether or not that person was kind to him or her.”

People are indifferent, cold and self-centered,

Be kind anyway.

If you’re kind, some will accuse you of selfish motives,

Be kind anyway.

Even if the kindness you do today may be forgotten tomorrow,

Be kind anyway.

Present to the world your act of kindness for the Love of Christ and you’ll probably may get kicked in the teeth, Show the world an act of kindness anyway. For you my faithful readers; THINK BIG Anyway, START SMALL Anyway and GO DEEP Anyway.

Week 65: Grace - It's Really Amazing!

“God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.” (St. Paul)

“There is one thing the world cannot do. It cannot offer grace.” (Gordon McDonald)

Grace is everything for nothing. Grace is God’s special favor freely given to undeserving people. Grace is getting something from God that doesn’t belong to us. Grace is like doing a big favor for someone without expecting anything in return. The word ‘Grace’ mean that “God is generous giver toward us even though we do not deserve it”. It's really Amazing!

Change by Grace

Amazing Grace, movie poster (2006)

John Newton, author of the beloved hymn ‘Amazing Grace’ (1779) beautifully expressed grace like this;

Amazing Grace! How sweet the sound

That saved a wretch like me!

I once was lost, but now am found,

Was blind but now I see

Oh, how I love to sing this song. If only we could identify with John Newton’s expressive words, how he sees himself was set free from the punishment of sins only by the Grace of God, and then we can appreciate this hymn and sing it like we meant it.

Paul, the first century apostle, appreciated grace more than everyone else. In the past he was a very proud Pharisee, super cruel man and greatly brutal person. He then changed from a zealous persecutor of the church to a humble and lowly servant of Christ. How? It is because of the grace of God. Paul testified,

“For I am the least of all the apostles, and I am not worthy to be called an apostle after the way I persecuted the church of God. But whatever I am now, it is all because God poured out his special favor on me – and not without results. For I have worked harder than all the apostles, yet it was not I but God who was working through me by his grace.” (1 Corinthians 15:9-10NLT) It's really Amazing!

Salvation by Grace through Faith

I love this story very much and I think that it is one of the best illustration about God’s grace;

"A minister once sat next to an unbeliever on a train and begins talking about spiritual things. He had difficulty convincing the unbeliever that character and good works could not save a man, but only faith in Jesus Christ. Soon the conductor came along requesting,

“Tickets, please!”

As the man presented his, the conductor looked at it, checked the date, punched it, and passed on to the next seat. This was the minister’s opportunity. He said,

“All the conductor looked at was your ticket. He did not inquire about your character. He didn’t care who you were – whether you were a good or moral man or a criminal. So it is with salvation. You need only God’s ‘ticket to heaven’ stamped by the blood of Jesus Christ.”*

Becoming part of God’s people has nothing to do with our race (Chinese, Indian, Iban, Bidayuh etc.), circumstances (rich, poor, handicap, well-build, stupid, smart etc.) or efforts (go to certain places, obey religious rules, pray multiple times per day, etc.), but everything to do with God’s grace received by faith.

“But now God has shown us a different way of being right in his sight – not by obeying the law but by the way promised in the Scriptures long ago. We are made right in God’s sight when we trust in Jesus Christ to take away our sins. And we all can be saved in the same way, no matter who we are or what we have done.” (Romans 3:21-22NLT) It's really amazing!

From Graceless to Christian

One of my all-time favorite books is The Pilgrim’s Progress written by John Bunyan. It is the fascinating story of a man called Christian who pilgrimage from earth to heaven, from sin to salvation, is full of all the struggles and pitfalls life could throw at him. Have you read this book? Do you remember his original name? The pilgrim told his original name in one of the conversation with the porter, “My name is now Christian, but my name at the first was Graceless.” Charles R. Swindoll comments, “Our name is now Christian, but it has not always been so. That title was given to us the moment we believed, the day we took God at His word and accepted the gift of eternal life He offered us.” We were Graceless, but by the grace of God, now we are Christian. It's really Amazing!

My summaries

So much I want to write about the subject of grace. The subject is too rich to simplified, but I also find that it is so clear and quite simple that it is a crime for me to elaborate too much on it.

Grace is free, unearned and unmerited favor of God toward the sinner like you and I. This God’s saving grace is only possible because of the cross, and it is made real to us by the Holy Spirit. Salvation cannot be earned; it is a free gift to be received by faith. Yet, it's not a 'cheap grace' because the price costing God everything. It's not cheap, it's bloody! God has given his Son to the world so that the gift of eternal life might be freely available – to those who respond. Oh, what an amazing grace!

THINK BIG God’s love has no limit, His grace has no measure and His power has no boundary.

START SMALL Respond to God’s Grace, for that’s all men can do.

GO DEEP Accept God’s Grace and it will give you great comfort, security and hope.

............

References;

1)    Illustration for Salvation by Grace through Faith is taken from Roy B. Zuck, The Speaker’s Quote Book (Kregel Publications, 1997, 2009)

2)    Charles R. Swindoll, The Grace Awakening (Word Publishing, 1990, 1996)

3)    John Bunyan, The Pilgrim’s Progress (New York: The Heritage Press, 1942)

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The Grace Awakening: Believing in Grace is one thing. Living it is another

By Charles R. Swindoll

‘You’re known about grace for years. You’ve sung about it till you know the words by heart. You heard it preached and read about it in books. Now… are you ready for grace to transform your life?’

If you’re ready, my friend, I would like to offer you a free copy of this very special book. Sponsored by a generous Unknown. I pray that the grace of Almighty God be with you. Amen. 

There are only 5 books available for you to request. Do you want to have a copy of this book? Do these 2 things:

1)    Comment below “I want to know about this Amazing Grace (space) (Your name)”

2)    E-mail me at Motivates4life@hotmail.com or send message to my Facebook your real name, phone no. and your postal address.

Be a 'Cow', Not a 'Pig'

A pig was complaining to a cow that he was not appreciated.

“I don’t understand it,” he said, “people are always talking about how generous you are, giving them cream and milk and butter for their daily use. That’s nice, of course, but I give more than you do – ham and bacon and bristles and feet. Yet nobody has any use for me. They make fun of me and call me a pig. I don’t like it.”

“Perhaps the difference,” the cow replied after a moment’s hesitation, “is that I give while I’m still living.”

You simply can’t take your money to heaven with you, but you can send it on ahead of you. Be sure that, for every gift you gave in respond to God’s love will surely be bless by Him. Pig only can contribute after it dies; but cow, while still eating grass, it contributes milk for us. Here is my key point:

It’s not what you would or wish to do with a million,

If you only hope to be rich first before you give,

But what are you really doing at the present,

With the Ringgit (or Dollar etc.) and Cents you have got?

Winston Churchill once said, “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” Hey, THINK BIG (Decision) You must each decide in your heart how much to give. START SMALL (Sincerity) And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. GO DEEP (Motive) “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” (2 Corinthians 9:7NLT)

Stop making Excuses, will ya?

“A man who wants to be something will find a way;
a man who doesn’t will find an excuse.” (Stephen Dolley Jr.)

“Come, let’s go to church this Sunday” I invited my friend. “No thanks, I have a lot of things to do,” he replied. “Oh ya, maybe next week.” Week passed by, again I asked, “Do you want to go to church this week.” “I’m tired, bro. I want to sleep a little bit longer this weekend.” “Alright, have a good rest” I encouraged him. A week later I reminded him, “Hey, I’ll fetch you this week ya. Be ready by 9.00pm okay?” He looked nervous or maybe scared – I’m not sure. He was uncomfortable and speechless – that I’m sure. “Emmm… errr… actually… but…” was his rhythm that day. After a while he straighten up, adjusted his collar t-shirt and spitted his ultimate excuse, “I’m a business man. And you… you work in a Christian organization. I don’t do all this stuffs – prayer meeting, gathering and go to church. It’s too holy for me. Anyway, since you go… pray for prosperity in my business ya”

What nonsense is this! How rebellious it was! – A big fat excuse!

……..

If you’re not involved in any service or ministry, what excuse have you been using? In the Bible; Abraham was old, Jacob was insecure, Leah was unattractive, Joseph was abused, Muses stuttered, Gideon was poor, Samson was codependent, Rahab was immoral, David had an affair and all kinds of family problems, Elijah was suicidal, Jeremiah was depressed, Jonah was reluctant, Naomi was a widow, John the Baptist was eccentric to say the least, Peter was impulsive and hot-tempered, Martha worried a lot, the Samaritan woman had several failed marriages, Zacchaeus was unpopular, Thomas had doubts, Paul had poor health, and Timothy was timid. 

“That is quite a variety of misfits, but God used each of them in His service,” emphasized pastor and author, Rich Warren. He continued, “He will use you, too, if you stop making excuses.”

Stop making excuses… will ya?

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.