Independence Day

Hello All,

Today is the day I commemorate the independence of my country, Malaysia.

But what does the word, ‘independence’ mean to you? What is true freedom? Do you long for it?

Independence Day

By Joanne Liaw Sook Ling (16 June 2016)

“Merdeka! Merdeka!” was freedom’s cry

Triumphant shouts were raised high to the sky

This momentous day, no one could deny

An enacted freedom, none could defy

We live in a world that longs for freedom

Freedom from crooked and corrupt systems

Freedom from ruthless, repressive kingdoms

Freedom from oppressive despotism

We are citizens who long to be free

Free from the fetters of authority

Free from the shackles of society

Free from the burdens of uncertainty

True freedom seems like an elusive dream

We see evil men escape with their schemes

In anguish, we let out a silent scream

Nothing can mend the big tear at the seams

Since creation, men sought independence

They sought independence from Providence

They waved their puny fists in insolence

They rejected God’s rule in defiance

So God gave to them the freedom they craved

Instead of finding joy, they were enslaved

Their pathway to spiritual death they paved

But God paved a way for them to be saved

Jesus came as a ransom for sinners

On the cross, He saved us from sin’s fetters

His death reconciled us to the Father

Freedom from sin – the joy of believers

Have you found the freedom you’re looking for?

Has rejecting God left you wanting more?

Jesus says, “Trust me, for I am the door”

In Christ is where true freedom is in store

Points for Reflection:

Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world.”

(John 18:36 ESV)

·         Jesus’ kingdom is not of this world. His kingdom is one that lasts for eternity, unlike the other fleeting kingdoms of this world.

·         Jesus is the King of this eternal kingdom. Unlike rulers of the world who are imperfect (even the noblest of rulers are not perfect) and who disappoint us, Jesus is the perfect Ruler. He is One who humbled Himself and laid down His life to save His people. Never in this world will we ever find a King more loving, more sacrificial and perfectly divine.

·         Those who trust in Christ are given an everlasting citizenship in heaven. It is a citizenship that costs us nothing but cost Jesus Christ everything. We have been ushered into God’s wonderful kingdom with Christ as our loving, divine and perfect King.

·         Although the Bible tells us to respect and submit to human authorities, we must always remember that our ultimate allegiance should be given to God alone (Romans 13:1-7). It is God who has placed those authorities over us and no matter how powerful they may appear to be, it is comforting to know that they are ultimately under the divine authority of God. Ruthless and repressive rulers will not escape God’s judgment although they may escape earthly judicial judgments.

·         Are you putting your hope on human rulers or Jesus Christ? Have you been disappointed by earthly rulers? Are you placing your trust in kingdoms and ambitions you have built with your own hands? Is your focus on the kingdoms of this world or God’s eternal kingdom in heaven?

·         True independence and freedom are found in Jesus Christ. The very Ruler we have rejected is the One who has set us free from our sins. Have you pledged allegiance to Christ and celebrated your independence in Him?

A Virtue for Fear

Hello All,

As fragile and fallen mortals living in a messed up and broken world, none of us are immune to fear. We may try our best to ignore our fears, deny them, numb them and when we have no choice, face them with our own strength and dexterity.

What are you fearful of and what do you think is a virtue for fear?

A Virtue for Fear

By Joanne Liaw Sook Ling (13 February 2016)

There's a virtue I seek as I advance in age

One that helps me face the turning of a page

It urges me to acknowledge sadness and rage

And release them like a Canary from its cage

There's a virtue I seek in times of uncertainty

One that helps me discard men's approval of me

It calls me to express my thoughts with honesty

And cast off all fear of what others think of me

There's a virtue given by God to those in fear

One that helps them realise that He is right here

He is right here though friends may leave or disappear

Courage - bestowed by God when the battle is near!

Points for Reflection:

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

(John 16:33 ESV)

·         Those were the comforting words of Jesus Christ to His disciples who were troubled over Jesus’ prediction of His imminent death.

·         At that point of time, they could not understand that their Master’s death was the only way that they could receive peace with God – reconciliation between a holy God and sinful man. That is the ultimate peace that mankind needs in the face of uncertainty and fear. It is a peace that surpasses all understanding.

·         In this world, we will have trouble and much reason to fear. We will have pressures from without and within. We will face disappointments and heartaches. We will be hurt and discouraged. There will be points in our lives where we just want to give up and throw in the towel because of discouraging remarks from others. We feel inadequate to continue the work that God has apportioned for us to do.

·         But what matters most is not approval from men but God. It is God who bestows to us the courage we need to live for Him and to continue the good work that He has begun in us.

·         What are you fearful of? Are you depending on yourself instead of on God to face your fears? Take your fears to God in prayer and He will give you the courage you need.