I had a great time talking with Pst Kevin from 2:30 pm all the way
to 6:30 pm! Thats 4 hours! Haha! I really thank God for divine appointments which caused me to meet Pst Kevin again since I last met him 3 years or so ago. He still plays soccer as he used to. He used to be coaching Isaac and me while we're still in His church back then. Now, he's my upline in World Connection International! Its really great to have such an upline like him guiding me. Thanks man Father! =D
As we were talking about how great the opportunity it is in WCI, he added that we should not be putting our trust in the the company but rather in God! Just like I read in Psalm 20 yesterday where some boast in chariots and some in horses but blessed are those who boast in the Lord! It really points us towards putting out trust in God for our needs to be met than on our own intelligence or maybe a very good opportunity that we think will take care of our finance the rest of our lives. I guess thats what happens sometimes when we're not careful, we tend to put our trust in material things and stuff other than God! Just like what happened to Sunshine, many were putting their trust in the company as they were making big bucks from there. And guess what now? They screwed up and now the company is about to close down soon. Just like proverbs says, those who put their trust in their riches shall fall. I pray that I'll never put my trust in anything but in the One true God that I serve! Like how Pst Kevin puts it," once you put your trust in your own strength and all those, you're finish!" =)
It was really cool talking to Him. He really helps me to put things in perspective and use the bible and illustrations to answer my struggles. I really love the way he explains the Identity crisis that many are going through. He linked to the 3 temptations that Jesus faced after the 40 days in the wilderness. Many of us were taught that it was the lust of the eye, the lust of the flesh, and the pride of life that Jesus was being tempted on.
Guess what? There's another perspective which Pst Kevin brought to me.
1st- Satan asked him," If you are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread." Thats a test of who he is! If Jesus wasn't assured of His identity, then probably he'll try to prove. But, He was certain of His identity. Remember after being baptized by John, what happened? The heavens opened and the Father said,"This is beloved My Son, in whom I am well pleased." Woow! That sure gives Jesus a 100% assurance of who He is!
So, sometimes like Jesus we're tested on our identity too. If we're unsure of who we are, we'll fall into the devil's trap of trying to prove who we are. What did John 1:12 says? "As many has received Him, He gave the right to be call Children of God, even to those who believe in His name." Look, if some one were to commit a crime, does it mean that he's no longer the citizen of that country anymore? Absolutely NOT! In the same way, our identity don't change no matter how great our sin may be. Sadly, sometimes many are tricked into believing that they are no longer worthy of God. Thats really insulting what Christ have done on the cross man. Look, who's the greatest sinner on earth? You might be shocked, its JESUS! Why? Simply because He took all our sins upon himself! What does that makes us then? Righteous, worthy, valuable, clean, and the list goes on and on...
Sometimes people struggle with their self-esteem, believing that they are some nobody, unworthy, good for nothing... Hey, would God pay so a big a price for something that is not worthy and valuable? would you pay a million bucks for something that is of no value? NO! So what does that say? We're so so valuable in God's sight that He was willing to send His son Jesus to pay the price on calvary for us! Thats how worthy we are! If we were to grab hold of this truth, I believe we'll live our life very differently and having such great impact on others! Thank you Lord for making me worthy with your blood! :)
2nd- "If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down; for it is written, He'll will command angels concerning you..." There satan challenges Jesus of His identity again, asking him to prove what God could do for Him.
Sometimes we're challenged by people around us too, to show them what our God can do for us and all. It would be really foolish to play along with them. Rather, let our lifestyle prove to them!
3rd- "All these things I will give You, if you fall down and worship me."
Haha! Here satan tries to trick Jesus into believing that he(satan) possess the world rather than His father. Like I said, Jesus was so certain of who He is! He already possess the world. Since God is the Creator of the universe and God told Jesus that whatever is His is his(Jesus) too! There can be no doubt that the world already belonged to Him!
Same for us, perhaps its in the case of salvation. Many times, we're being tricked into believing we need to earn our place in heaven which leads us into works again- old covenant. But what's the truth? Salvation belongs to those who put their faith in Jesus! Thats it! Since you've accepted Jesus as your Lord and believed that He has paid your sins on the calvary, you've already received your salvation! So, there's no doubt salvation belongs to us. I like how Pst Kong Hee puts it- "We're not saved by good works but we're saved for good works." And like the bible say that those who confess with their mouth,"Jesus is Lord" and believe in their heart that God raised him from the dead, they will be saved.(Romans 10:9) But the bible also says work out your salvation.(Phil 2:12) It doesn't say work for, it says WORK OUT! You already have it!
Thank you Lord, that I no longer need to struggle with my Identity since the day You've found me! I'm forever Yours and You're forever mine! Amen! =)
