Perspective for the Prophetic Weekend

Over the weekend, we have an interesting person ministering to our congregations. Ps Alex Larsen, a prophet of God, came and connected with us. I received quite a number of testimonies stating how God has spoken to them. Praise God for He is ever-knowing and ever-present in our situations.

However, I would like to give some perspectives. The Bible has recorded these words for us in regards to the prophecies given to us:

1)      Prophecies are words of confirmation to us.

God has been impressing and speaking to you over a matter or over some situations. You have been asking God about clarity or directions. Then the prophecy came. It served as the confirmation for your next step. Remember apostle Paul in Philip’s house, he was prophesied by Agabus:

Acts 21:10-14 (NASB) ¹⁰  As we were staying there for some days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. ¹¹  And coming to us, he took Paul's belt and bound his own feet and hands, and said, "This is what the Holy Spirit says: 'In this way the Jews at Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.'" ¹²  When we had heard this, we as well as the local residents began begging him not to go up to Jerusalem. ¹³  Then Paul answered, "What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but even to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus." ¹⁴  And since he would not be persuaded, we fell silent, remarking, "The will of the Lord be done!" 

While it seemed like ‘revelation’ to the hearers, it was not to Paul. He ‘already’ knew what it going to happen. Look at his conversation to the Ephesians leaders which happened some time earlier:

Acts 20:22-24 (NASB) ²²  "And now, behold, bound by the Spirit, I am on my way to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there, ²³  except that the Holy Spirit solemnly testifies to me in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions await me. ²⁴  "But I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, so that I may finish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify solemnly of the gospel of the grace of God.

Prophecies are words of confirmation that we have ‘already’ known or impressed about.

2)      How do we treat prophecies?

1 Thessalonians 5:19-21 (NASB) ¹⁹ Do not quench the Spirit; ²⁰ do not despise prophetic utterances. ²¹ But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good;

1 Corinthians 14:3 (NASB) ³  But one who prophesies speaks to men for edification and exhortation and consolation.

2 Peter 1:20-21 (NASB) ²⁰  But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one's own interpretation, ²¹  for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.

We need to keep in mind as a ‘guage’ when the word is spoken over us: Is the word spoken edifying, exhorting, comforting and strengthening? Is it of value to us? Does it build us? Does it guide and direct us to accomplish the purposes of God?

If the word spoken is for meaning or application to you at the present moment, praise God for the answer to your prayer. Rise up and take the next step of faith.  

If the word does not seem ‘meaningful’ or ‘applicable’ or even ‘negative’ at that present moment, the Bible teaches us not to despise prophecy. We are to consider and examine carefully the prophecy. Pray over it and ask God to show you more. It may take time for the word to come in its season.

It is good according to my opinion that we have people hearing what are being prophesied over us. Then there will be accountability. The people can also give their perspective if we need theirs. They can remind us the prophecy given to us some time later if we are tried. This will enable us to run with strength again. 

In conclusion, I find it amazing at this fact about prophecy. And this is important!!! While prophecy rarely produce the speculation results like the gift of signs and miracles or healing, yet it demonstrates another aspect of God. It demonstrates that God is ALL KNOWING or scholars called it ‘Omniscient’.  He knows what we are going through, and if He knows what we are going through and when we are going next, then we should be comforted that He will be there with us. He will be providing whatever resources we need at any point of time. All we need to do is to trust Him and obey Him to do His heart desires. Walk into our destiny.God knows and He provides.

How do you guage the 'serving' level of the church?

Some days ago, I had a pleasant vision about believers serving in the church. While it is generally true about the 20/80 rule whereby 20% serve the 80%, there are places whereby the percentage serving are higher. But come to think about this rule or percentage, what are we computing against?

Do we divide  the number of believers serving over the total number of believers? E.g. 20/100

How do we take into account people serving on Monday's community class, Tuesday's prayer meeting, Wednesday's tuition outreach, Thursday's practice, Friday's small group, Saturday's missions, Sunday's worship service? How do we compute this?  

It will be trickier if some 'service' that we do are not counted as service. E.g. Playing guitar in the cell group? Hosting in the small group? Fetching people to meetings?Preparing food?

How do you think your church fare?
Or maybe I got the definition of service wrong.


BTW, I am not a 'Pharisee' :)

But I had a pleasant vision about believers serving in the church. I guess it may 'determine' well the level of service in the church. I saw in the meeting when I ask for volunteers to do certain projects or to serve in certain areas, hands are lifted up, voices are crying out 'me, me, me'. When the meeting is over, emails and sms-es flooded the mailbox and phonebox indicated their willingness for the call.
This vision brought a smile to my spirit and I pray that it will be done. 

This reminded me of Isaiah 6:8 (NASB) Then I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, "Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?" Then I said, "Here am I. Send me!"

Reflection on Spirituality in Philippians

Reflection on Spirituality in Philippians

When Paul was writing this letter, he was in prison. Given the circumstances that he was in, it seemed difficult and discouraging to do anything or to think of anyone. Yet his heart was with this group of believers whom Christ has laid hold of. He wanted to encourage and challenge them. And he wrote this letter to address certain issues in the church.

Paul began his letter with the greeting from both himself and Timothy as the servants of Christ. This is one letter which he gave credit to his partner in Christ, Timothy. Fee wrote that Timothy was the secretary of Paul in this situation.[1] Melick also identifies that reasons why Timothy is mentioned and this is the only place he is labelled as a servant of Christ.[2] To Timothy, it is an honor and possibility reflection of his commitment and service to both Christ and Paul.

Reflection #1:

Paul was someone who gave credit and when credit was due. And he used the choice designation and words to bring across the point. For myself, it is a reminder to give credit and honor to those who are serving together with me and those who had served with me. Honor is something that is lacking in our society and even our church context. It is time to bring this back to the church. It is time also to demonstrate and promote servanthood in the church.

Before the class starts, we are supposed to do some spiritual exercises and charting of our lives. I have done the charting as a young Christian and it is to trace how God has made situations possible for me to come to know Him. For this current charting exercise, it is a good and refreshing work-out. It has assured me once again that God has been working in my life and will continue to complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.

Reflection #2:

Through this charting, I have also identified the lesson of the ‘windsurfer’. The picture of the windsurfer exemplified my life. When the wind of God comes, I need to put up the sail and allow Him to carry me to place He wanted. If I do so, I will progress with ease. However, if I resist the wind of God, I will be the one struggling. Also there are situations whereby there is no wind to take the windsurfer to the designation. These are times whereby he needs to use the skills that he had to bring himself to that destination. The reminder is for me to hear from God and move with Him by His strength.

As we come to the end of the course, I realise that this letter to Philippians is more than a letter to encourage them to have joy. Many a times, when certain portion of Philippians is being preached or when we come into contact with this letter, the impression given is always on having joy and be joyful in the midst of suffering. But this letter turns out to be more than that. Paul wrote this letter to address the issue of disunity, laying down personal rights, koinonia and true fellowship.

Reflection #3:

I am challenged by the difference between the idea of a servant and of a helper. If we really want true fellowship and maintain the unity of the church, we need to start acting like servant. We need to:

-          Serve others even when it is inconvenient

-          Serve even people that he or she dislikes

-          Serve even when he or she dislikes the work

-          Serve even when the circumstances are inconvenient

-          Serve when he or she receives no personal satisfaction

-          Serve with an attitude of enabling another

And I must take an initiative to do so. May the Lord gives me grace and a heart filled with love.

As we go through the course, one of the things that we are exposed to is in the area of technology. We are encouraged to discuss our works through the blog and forum. It is to gear us towards e-learning.

Reflection #4:

This means of communication and learning is good especially for the ‘busy’ person who is unable to find extra time to travel. With this technology, one can cut down the time for travelling and utilize this extra amount of time to do more discussion and learning. This means also enables collaboration to take place in a fast and convenient way. Through this, I am able to communicate some ideas and information even before the actual physical class starts. When one meets physically, they have already prepared some of the ground works. However, there are also negative side of this technology. If we give ourselves excuses not to meet physically because of the availability of this technology, I would think that human interaction becomes impersonal and cold. One could also multi-tasked too much and are demanded to produce results instantly because of this technology. This can lead to unnecessary stress. Therefore we must have wisdom in using this technology.

Last but not least, I am amazed by the way Paul paralleled Christ’s story with his own story.[3] This serves as a challenge to the Philippians to live their lives likewise. I love the way Paul is able to write and present his points remarkably. But besides the ability to write such, I must admit that it is not the theory or the creative style that changes someone but it is the life journey of faith and transformation that inspires others to live.

Reflection #5:

It is Christ’ model of life and suffering that inspires Paul to live in such way. Likewise, this model should also inspire us to live a life mirroring Jesus Christ. Paul experienced Christ and His love and in turn mirrored this to the Philippians. He even told them that he would love to be with Christ but for their sake, he remain (Phil 1:21-26). That is his life for them. And as Paul demonstrated such, I am challenged in that aspect to live a life worthy of Christ and being an inspiration to others. It is also time to reflect on my faith journey and how I can inspire others.

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[1] Fee, Gordon D. The IVP New Testament Commentary Series – Philippians. Edited by Grant R. Osborne. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1999. WORDsearch CROSS e-book, pp39

[2] Melick, Richard R. New American Commentary – Volume 32: Philippians, Colossians, Philemon. Nashville, TN: Broadman Press, 1991. WORDsearch CROSS e-book.

[3] Fee, Gordon D. The IVP New Testament Commentary Series – Philippians. Edited by Grant R. Osborne. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1999. WORDsearch CROSS e-book, pp90