For surely, O Lord, you bless the righteous. I, therefore, declare that I am blessed through Jesus Christ. Thank You for surrounding me with Your favour as with a shield. I thank You, Lord, that I can abound in your favour and blessing today. I, therefore, expect Your favour to go before me today. I anticipate the favour of God surrounding me and I expect my Heavenly Father to give me favour with men, even with the ungodly.
I thank You Heavenly Father for opening doors for me that neither man nor the devil can shut. Thank You for blessing the works of my hands as I walk under an open heaven. May I experience your supernatural increase and provision in every area of my life this day. I choose to walk in faith and in victory.
Walk into any respectable luxury shopping centre and you will be overwhelmed by the sheer scent over racks and racks of perfumes. Over a hundred kinds of pleasantry smells: fruity, sexy, fresh, musky, floral, woody, oceanic, of various tones and notes. Advertisements portraying good-looking people, “bathing” themselves in these fragrances in abandonment; they then like donning on an invisible power and attraction that they never had, and other people just cannot resist their alluring presence. Dramatic, but I think you get the sniff.
The sense of smell is one of the 5 main senses we humans have. We had come a long way since the ancient times, where the sense of smell is used to detect if something has turned bad or to notice when something is really good. The scent of our loved ones and fond familiar places will bring great joy, comfort, memories and relieve to us. The smell of the garden, ocean, or forest will bring another dimension out from the place, giving a bigger physical presence. And one of the biggest reactions one will ever have is from smell of food!
The qualities of a scent is that it is mostly subtle and not forcefully. It can be carried a long way off and even without line-of-sight. There need not be any physical contact but its presence is undeniable. In strength, the scent can cover a great areas, saturating everything within it.
Now he uses us to spread the knowledge of Christ everywhere, like a sweet perfume. Our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God. But this fragrance is perceived differently by those who are being saved and by those who are perishing. To those who are perishing, we are a dreadful smell of death and doom. But to those who are being saved, we are a life-giving perfume. And who is adequate for such a task as this? 2 Corinthians 2:14-16
In the Bible, there are also mentions of sweet scent of perfume. But this aroma is not one detected only by the nose. It is something sensed by those around us; the knowledge of Christ; the living Word is like a sweet aroma. Our redeemed Christ-like lives are like fragrance rising to God; how beautiful a picture that is. It is not the pseudo-fragrances the world covers themselves in.
As sweet aroma is usually a by-product of something else, something more substantial; our fragrance is born out of the faith in Jesus and Jesus Himself. He was the rose that was crushed; to let out His fragrance, and mixed with the anointing oil of the Holy Spirit, a lovely sweet perfume was made. It is given freely to anyone who are saved; and those who wants to be saved. And when we focus our love on Jesus and walk in the Spirit of love and humility, we exude out this life-giving wonderful perfume of Christ.
Many people especially Christians wonder if the fossil existence of dinosaurs contradict with the accounts in the Bible. Where do dinosaurs fit in the biblical account of creation? Well, we may not know exactly the answer to these questions but there sure are mentions of strange animals in the Bible. And no, we are not talking about Barney.
In the King James Version, Job 39:9-12 speaks of a strange untamed creature called the “unicorn”, and it may not be the white graceful horse with a uni-horn on its head we all thought. While some version of the bible translations called it “wild-ox”, some proposed that the original Hebrew word re-em describes more of a type of rhinoceros-dinosaurs, maybe similar to triceratops.
In Job 40:15-24, another creature called the behemoth which has a tail like a cedar tree. Now cedar trees are huge and can grow up to over 40 meters with a trunk diameter of over 2 meters. Some scientist believed this creature is called brachiosaurus.
The description of leviathan monster that dwells in the deep seas in Job 41 and that they breathe fire. Hmmm… glad they are extinct, if they really are.
For more related and interesting Biblical Dinosaurs’ read, please see here or download pdf.
The Rich Young Ruler is recorded in the first 3 gospels, namely Matthew, Mark and Luke. In all the accounts, they recorded about a rich young man or ruler who came up to Jesus to enquire about attaining eternal life. As usual, Jesus’ response is not only insightful but as always has great teaching and relevance.
Notice the question, “What good thing must I do…”. The man obviously thought that he can do the “good thing” on his own to get eternal life. He comes to Jesus sincerely believing that he can work good his way into eternal life. Jesus’ reply was short and sharp, although I wonder if the man can understand fully then. There is only One good, no one else, if anyone thinks he can earn his way into eternal life, let him try: try keeping the commandments.
The rich young man still confident of himself said he has kept all the commandments. “All these I have kept,” the young man said. “What do I still lack?” Thinking he has made the mark laid done by the law, the rich young man must have thought he has almost reached the goal for eternal life. He wants a confirmation and assurance from Jesus of his place in heaven by what he has done or kept.
Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” Jesus’ answer here is the key towards the entire account. The perfect keeping of the law or commandments is required, for if you failed even one law, you failed the entire test and the right to gain eternal life based on the law. Knowing the man’s weakness and thus incapable to perfectly keep the law and commandments, in this case his love of money, Jesus offered him another alternative: to follow Him, the only Perfect One who can fulfill the entire requirement of the law.
The only good thing he can ever do to get eternal life is not based on his own effort to maintain the law but to follow the One who has perfectly fitted the requirement. The man went away sad because he has great wealth. We do not know if it was the love of his money such that he didn’t want to give to the poor or it was because to follow Jesus meant that he will no longer get to enjoy his great wealth, but either way, he went away missing the chance.
It is hard for the rich to enter the kingdom of heaven because the rich trusted in their wealth and power instead of God. And if the rich and powerful cannot gain entry into heaven then what about mere mortals like us, everyday folks? Jesus looked at them and said, “With human beings this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” So whether we are rich or poor, it is impossible for any human being to gain access into heaven by their own efforts.
But with God, then all things are possible. Just Follow Me.
Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. Matthew 16:24-25
The LORD was with Joseph so that he prospered, and he lived in the house of his Egyptian master. When his master saw that the LORD was with him and that the LORD gave him success in everything he did, Joseph found favor in his eyes and became his attendant. Potiphar put him in charge of his household, and he entrusted to his care everything he owned. From the time he put him in charge of his household and of all that he owned, the LORD blessed the household of the Egyptian because of Joseph. The blessing of the LORD was on everything Potiphar had, both in the house and in the field. Genesis 39:2-5
The Lord grants favor of man, his master to Joseph. Even though the Egyptian did not believe in the Lord, God blessed him and his household because God’s favor is first on Joseph. Wherever Joseph was, there was where God’s blessings will be.
Similarly, on our account, God will grant the favors of people around you, especially your bosses and the job places you are in. These blessings are not only materials in nature but the entire household in terms of peacefulness. People will be prospered because of you. You are the very seed of God’s blessings.
You have the favors of people, simple because the favor of God is first on you.
Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”
He said to me: “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life. Those who are victorious will inherit all this, and I will be their God and they will be my children.
Revelation 21:1-7
As we immerse ourselves in the True Worship here on earth, it is still a prelude. The glorious time will come when we will have magnificent worship in a new wonderful venue with countless other believers and hosts, in perfect worship to the One. Gees, I can’t wait.
I did not see a temple in the city, because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. Revelation 21:22
If you cannot see God in everything, you cannot see God at all.
But when you can see God, you can see that everything beautiful bears His fingerprints.
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. I will come back and take you to be with me. I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really know me, you will know my Father as well.
From now on, you do know him and have seen him. Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me. I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it. If you love me, keep my commands.
I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. Anyone who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.
All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14
When Jesus came down from the mountainside, large crowds followed him. A man with leprosy came and knelt before him and said, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.”
Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” Immediately he was cleansed of his leprosy. Then Jesus said to him, “See that you don’t tell anyone. But go, show yourself to the priest and offer the gift Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.” Matthew 8:1-4
I see this as a beautiful prophetic picture of Jesus. We were diseased, separated and isolated. We cannot save ourselves from the diseases of sin, there is nothing we can do, we were doomed for a lonely death.
But Jesus came, and whosoever come to seek Him, Jesus will make you clean. Be clean! He commanded, with passion, with gusto. He reached out His hand and touched us, even in our filth and diseases.
Last night as I was daydreaming in front of a book, again, I suddenly got inspired to pen down this lyrics. Don’t be mistaken, I am not inclined or trained whatsoever. My only musical expertise known til date is how to operate the CD player. But I guess I’m glad that I have written it down. I had this tune running in my head as well. I believe I have heard it once or so, without much of an impression, until last night. I believe it is of the secular nature, and has a heavy electric guitar and bass to it. If by divine intervention you happen to catch that tune, please do write me a comment.
Anyway how the whole thing came about, was that I was thinking, that of the worship songs I came across, all came from believers’ perspective. Well, although that’s only natural, but what if a song is written from Jesus’ perspective. What would Jesus write about? Who would He write to? When would He present it?
Before His betrayal, Jesus spent a very close and intimate time with His disciples. He explained, comforted and assured His disciples (including us) of what has come and what is to come. In spite of His knowledge of the coming cruel cross, His first care and love is to His beloved disciples. He came to show the Father’s love, in flesh and in the most dramatic way; as such no one can miss it. Hanging high up on the cross, like a banner, Jesus is the open declaration of the Father’s love that is beyond comprehension.
I came here for a purpose
That My Father up in heaven will be known
His love for you is precious clear and bold
You can’t find another
I have much to say before I go
But I want you to know
Whatever happens to Me
Know that I meant it to be
I came to make all things new
So love can show
You have a perfect Father
That He gave His only Son, and I am here
I came to wipe away your every tear
Every child is precious
In death My life you don’t have to fear
And I want you to know
Whatever happens to Me
Know that I meant it to be
I came to make all things new
So love can show
I came here for a purpose
PS: I made some revisions to the lyrics along the way, and Rebecca that was sweet.
In this fallen world, we have all been faced with difficult problems and unanticipated situations that we are totally at loss and just didn’t know what to do, or even know where to begin with. That is when we are distressed, followed by stress, pounded by anxiety and worry, gripped by fear and then its downhill all the way. Sounds familiar?
In such situations, we probably don’t like to hear someone flippantly tell you to pray and then just rest in God. That remark seems too simplistic, too straightforward, taking things too lightly, and even hurtful in the midst of the chaos.
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, James 1:2-7
Few will consider trials pure joy. However, the testing of faith produces perseverance and we know that our faith please God. And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. Hebrews 11:6
We have a God that cares and He is waiting for your maturing and completion, here. Very simply, God wants us to come to Him, to let Him love you and for you to love Him too. And if we have anything lacking, including wisdom, we just have to ask!
So what is this wisdom really? How valuable is it?
Wisdom is God’s divine understanding, knowledge, insight, perception, intelligence, good judgment, penetration, advisability, desirability, prudence, good sense into your problems!
It will be given to you generously, without finding your fault. He wants you to have it and believe Him.
In the real world, visual perception and outward appearance has come a long way. Nowadays it speaks with so much volume that very often, judgment is made even before you actually have the chance to open your mouth. Multi-billion industries have flourished based on this and day after day, we are bombarded with commercialism and advertisings that shout and define the perfect radiant skin, the shadowy slender body, the latest fashion, the hottest and coolest looks.
We have been duped with delusions that people are not esteemed if they don’t have that x-factor, that cut or color of that season, that handbag that could feed an entire orphanage for months, that pouty lips that shame the camels and that hair or makeup meticulously put on so to look carelessly natural.
Sometimes we are so concern and occupied to stick gold on our flesh that we forget to refine the real gold inside. The evil deception and confusion that the enemy seeks.
We are all made in the very image of our God Genesis 1:27, fearfully, amazingly, complexly, intricately, marvelously and wonderfully made! Psalm 139:14
The Bible also offers another kind of fashion. A holy fashion that is dearly loved. The most beautiful thing you can ever put on yourself is love.
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Colossians 3:12-14
King David 