Lessons about Faith in Hebrews 11

Reading Hebrews 11 is refreshing.
Faith is described by the author as the substances of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen (v1)
That means the element of faith requires us to deal with the invisible, things not yet seen or manifested in our lives.
Those who were listed in this chapter were men and women who trusted in God, whom is not seen with the physical eyes. They trusted that God will reward them who seek Him diligently. They acted as if the promises   given by God was 'now in process' in the lives. Therefore, they moved on when called; they lived life as with new strength; they wanted their bones back to certain place even when they died; they carried out the words and instructions of God as what the Lord said; they take God as face-value.

As I reflect on this chapter, I also realize that faith needed decisions. It requires 2 actions. The heroes of faith always make a decision to forsake their own situations (good or bad) and then follow God's agenda and instructions. Abraham, Joseph, Moses, Rahab and many more forsake their present situation to follow God and His instruction.

What are our present situations? Are we pursuing God and following His instructions as if it is 'now in process' in our lives? Or are we flowing with the system of this world that we continue to be when we are (stagnant)? Can we take God and His words as face-value and obey wholeheartedly?

I am glad that faith need not be reckless as it is written that through faith, they quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong...(v34). It reminds us that we do not act without understanding. Going blinding against the dangers of life is not faith, it is foolishness. What we need is to diligently seek God and allow Him to speak and give instructions. In order to have faith and to work by faith and through faith, we need to seek the faithful God. No wonder the writer put this down: Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God...(v16)   

Discipline the child

This adverb "diligently" in the proverb caught my attention today:

Proverbs 13:24 (NASB) ²⁴ He who withholds his rod hates his son, But he who loves him disciplines him diligently.




We, as parents, are to discipline our child or children and we have to discipline diligently.

The New International Version puts it that the parents need to discipline the child carefully.
The New King James Version said that we have to discipline them promptly.

The AMP puts it: Proverbs 13:24 (AMP) ²⁴ He who spares his rod [of discipline] hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines diligently and punishes him early.

Examining Proverbs, we must not spare the rod and spoil the child. We have to carefully and diligently discipline them while there is still hope (Prov 19:18). The writer of Proverbs even put in the following proverbs that if we discipline them using the rod, they will not die. Instead they will be rescued from certain disaster in the future. 

Proverbs 23:13-14 (NASB) ¹³ Do not hold back discipline from the child, Although you strike him with the rod, he will not die. ¹⁴ You shall strike him with the rod And rescue his soul from Sheol.

While some may not want to use the rod, or may choose to interpret 'the rod' according to your thinking, the wise writer of Proverbs calls us to be diligent to discipline so that they will not have a disaster for the future. 

Parenting is not easy but it is not difficult too :)

Today, at the 'pd' checkup, we were referred to the Poly Clinic to do the test for jaundice.
The acceptable level is 260. Nat's level was 312. (Ding dong here ding dong there), we were at Parkway East hospital and Natalie is now staying at that place for at least 1 day or maybe 2.

Being parents are not easy especially when we desire the best for our children. The troubles that we have to endure, the pain that we hid, the emotions that we have to bear, the sacrifices that we have to make and many more...Yet, being parents might not be difficult too: as we tap on God's strength for each new, as we ask God's resources to be released to us, as we partner with God to build and raise these lives for His Glory. When we taste the satisfaction from parenting, whatever things or troubles that pull us down will seem nothing comparing to the joy and rewards.

Since the Christian's perspective on children is that they are gifts from the Lord and they are reward to us, God will give us grace and wisdom to shape or 'sharpen' these lives.

Psalm 127:3-5 (NASB)
³ Behold, children are a gift of the LORD, The fruit of the womb is a reward. ⁴ Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, So are the children of one's youth.⁵ How blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them; They will not be ashamed When they speak with their enemies in the gate.

Birth of 2nd Daughter, Natalie Teo

Praise God once again for His grace and favor. Natalie was born on the 14 August 2012, Tuesday. In the morning of 14 August, I was told that there was pain in her stomach. I guess little attention was paid to it because we were to see the gynae the next day and induced the baby depending on the consultation. At the same time, I guess we have forgotten how the birth pangs and contractions were like since 4 years ago. Therefore, we did not really give much attention. However, the pain was quite regular and lasted more than 30 seconds. I referred back to my records 4 years ago and found that it was similar to the current recording. So we made our way to Parkway East after our lunch.

Check in at about 4 pm and found out that it was about 4-5cm. By 6:23pm, our 2nd princess was born.
I thank God for the prayers and encouragements from the family and friends. I thank God for a safe and fast delivery.
I am trusting God to give Natalie a good wholesome health. (esp Jie Jie Netanya is having a persistent cough). Currently, I am on leave to be the 'confinement lady'. It is a new experience but a good one. So far so good. Got some rest and hopefully, later can go for a jog :)  

"Our Father in Heaven gives good gifts to His Children. He loves our children more than we love them. Therefore, I trust Him for a good plan for all of us. His plan is good, wonderful and perfect to those who trust Him"