January 27th, 2012 — by tjcslin
“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over.” (Ps 23:5)
Our emotions influence what we eat, when we eat, and how much we eat. Negative feelings can interfere with our enjoyment of food. Eating in the midst of our enemies would upset our appetite. Why does the psalmist write that “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies”? It signifies hope and victory through faith.
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Comment » | Personal Cultivation, Reflections, Spiritual Growth
January 20th, 2012 — by burninglamp
That’s what one of the kids said to their parents! Whilst parents are entertainingly embarrassing most of the time, and they don’t mean anything by it, there is a point worth thinking about.
For “the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you…”
- Romans 2:24 (NKJV)
In Paul’s letter to the Romans, the context is that those who were meant to glorify the name of the Lord did more than cause embarrassment. The Gentiles would speak irreverently about God because of such conduct. In our circle of life, we must consider what we say and do affects how people perceive our Lord. You might say that those who don’t believe are not going to believe, so why think so much? Some partially sighted may even quote what Paul said, “to those who are without law, as without law.” But dear brethren, Paul had continued to say, “not being without law toward God” (1 Cor 9:21).
“But we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness nor handling the word of God deceitfully, but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God. – 2 Cor 4:2 (NKJV)
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Comment » | Reflections, Society
January 9th, 2012 — by tjcslin
“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil;
For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” (Ps 23:4)
It could have been a sorrowful and fearful journey as I traveled back alone to my home country to face the deathbed of my beloved father. Yet because of God’s love and comfort, it turned out to be not so dreadful. I felt that God walked with me all the way through the valley of the shadow of death of my father. The peace of God that I had experienced was beyond my reasoning and comprehension. The journey thus became the turning point of my faith.
Life has many difficulties. Dealing with troubles and the uncertainty of life is like walking through a dark valley. We are often worried and stressed. Yet, no matter how chaotic the situation might be, remember that Lord Jesus Christ is the Lord of resurrection. He has overcome death, and all things are under His control. When we put our trust in Him, Jesus is faithful and can carry us through all difficulties of life.
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Comment » | Personal Cultivation, Reflections
December 26th, 2011 — by tjcslin
“He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.” (Ps 23:3)
The Lord Jesus is the great Shepherd. He knows those that are his, leads them out to green pastures, makes them graze and rest there. He restores their souls as He knows their sorrows and wants. He goes before them and leads them in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.
“…For My name shall be great among the nations” Says the Lord of hosts (Mal 1:11). We give honor to our Shepherd by keeping the commandments of the Word and walking in the narrow way of righteousness. To many of us, the meaning of righteousness is obscure. A short definition of righteousness is to live a holy and upright life, in accordance with God’s standard. It is to do what is right in God’s eyes.
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Comment » | Personal Cultivation, Reflections