Wednesday, September 30, 2009

DAY 43 - Are You Wearing the Wedding Clothes

Today’s Reading: Matthew 22

(Please read Matthew 22: 1 – 46 and listen to what the Lord Jesus Christ would like to tell you before reading my Spiritual Journal below. If you would like to learn a simple and good way of Daily Devotion method please read my “Count Down 5” from this blog. You may click this link directly for the method: Subject Shifting Devotion.pdf . (You may begin with a song to praise the Lord and complete you devotion by singing another praise song.)

Please click the links below to Matthew 22:
NIV: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2022&version=NIV
Message:
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2022&version=MSG

“But when the king came in to see the guests, he noticed a man there who was not wearing wedding clothes. ‘Friend,’ he asked, ‘how did you get in here without wedding clothes?’ The man was speechless” Matthew 22:11-12

Whenever I think of how many people have ignored my invitation to a house group, Bible study, gathering, prayer meeting, prayer campaign and many more, I am discouraged. But Jesus told me today that it’s OK. People treated Him like that so I shouldn’t be discouraged. He is going to prepare for suitable people to welcome my invitation.

The Lord reminded me of a more serious question than who receive and who ignore my invitation. It is whether we wear the wedding clothes. We have a painting of a modern interpretation of the Lost Son in the lobby of our church(Richmond Emmanuel Church). The son is kneeling on the floor with a pair of blue jeans with his father embracing him. An angel is standing behind his father holding white clothes ready for him to change and wear. That should be our wedding clothes.

Yesterday I baptized a 90 year-old new convert at Mount St. Joseph’s Hospital. I said, “Mr. Cheng, you know that your son Johnny had been a gambler for so many years. You know that he has changed now and only Jesus can change him. Do you know that?” He said, “Yes, I know and I need Jesus.” Nothing in my 21 years of priesthood is more joyful than seeing a non believer to be willing to receive Jesus as his Savior and Lord of Life thus wearing the wedding clothes.

Nothing is more rewarding than what I experienced yesterday when I was with my own eyes that Jesus changed someone’s son and then his father had no hesitation to receive Jesus. On the contrary, there are so many people who do not believe Jesus because of the bad examples of their relatives and friends.

Are you wearing the wedding clothes that you can be a witness of Jesus or are you wearing a filthy and smelly clothes?
After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice: "Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb." Revelation 7: 9-10

Dear Lord Jesus,
Please help us to wear the wedding clothes daily that I can be prepared to see you in heaven any time you invite me to. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

Please click this link to participate in our 100 days/24 hours Prayer Campaign (August 20 to Nov. 28)

DAY 42 - A House of Prayer or A Den of Robbers





Today’s Reading: Matthew 21

(Please read Matthew 21: 1 – 46 and listen to what the Lord Jesus Christ would like to tell you before reading my Spiritual Journal below. If you would like to learn a simple and good way of Daily Devotion method please read my “Count Down 5” from this blog. You may click this link directly for the method: Subject Shifting Devotion.pdf . (You may begin with a song to praise the Lord and complete you devotion by singing another praise song.)

Please click the links below to Matthew 21:
NIV:
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2021&version=NIV
Message:
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2021&version=MSG

“It is written,” Jesus said to them, “’My house will be called a house of prayer,’ but you are making it a ‘den of robbers.’” Matthew 21:13

Jesus asked me a very challenging question to ponder, “Is your church a house of prayer or a den of robbers?”

He said, “If it is a house of prayer then there will be much fruit and not like the fig tree which withered. There will also be a lot of prayers in that church and people love to pray and always gather to pray.”

“If it is a den of robbers, then it will be fruitless. There will be lots of ill treatments to my servants and people do not like to pray.”

Dear Lord Jesus,

Please help us to be a house of prayer. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.


Please click this link to participate in our 100 days/24 hours Prayer Campaign (August 20 to Nov. 28)

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

DAY 41 - Can You Drink This Cup?


Today’s Reading: Matthew 20

(Please read Matthew 20: 1 – 34 and listen to what the Lord Jesus Christ would like to tell you before reading my Spiritual Journal below. If you would like to learn a simple and good way of Daily Devotion method please read my “Count Down 5” from this blog. You may click this link directly for the method: Subject Shifting Devotion.pdf . (You may begin with a song to praise the Lord and complete you devotion by singing another praise song.)

Please click the links below to Matthew 20:
NIV:
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2020&version=NIV
Message:
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2020&version=MSG

“Lord,” they answered, “we want our sight.” Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes. Immediately they received their sight and followed him. Matthew 20:33-34

Can you drink the cup Jesus drank? Do you know if you say “Yes”, then you may have to experience the painful path that Jesus suffered: betrayed, mocked, flogged and crucified! Have you experienced that yet? I pray that you will not be the one who betray, mock, flog and crucify any of God's servant! When people did that to Jesus, they thought they were doing that for God!

What a big contrast this chapter ended with the opening of the two blind men’s sight and they followed him. What a difference it is that all the apostles didn't see what they should see, a big group of people wanted to crucify Jesus and two healed men could see and wanted to follow Jesus.

What is the difference? I think it is this prayer:
“Lord,” they answered. “we want our sight.” Matthew 20: 33

Dear Lord Jesus,
Please help us to open our eyes that we know what we are doing and that we can follow you.
In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

Our 40 days/24hour Prayer Campaign completed an hour ago(September 28). As this Campaign has successfully uplifted a momentum of prayers, I am moved to continue this Campaign for 60 more days to make it a 100 Days Prayer Campaign. Please click this link to participate.

Monday, September 28, 2009

DAY 40 - With God All Things Possible



Today’s Reading: Matthew 19

(Please read Matthew 19: 1 – 30 and listen to what the Lord Jesus Christ would like to tell you before reading my Spiritual Journal below. If you would like to learn a simple and good way of Daily Devotion method please read my “Count Down 5” from this blog. You may click this link directly for the method: Subject Shifting Devotion.pdf . (You may begin with a song to praise the Lord and complete you devotion by singing another praise song.)

Please click the links below to Matthew 19:
NIV: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2019&version=NIV
Message:
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2019&version=MSG

Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:30

I was that young man in this passage asking Jesus what I should do to get eternal life thirty years ago. Jesus said, “Go to study theology in a seminary.” I didn’t like that young man to say NO right away but to use eight months to struggle whether I should take the call or not.

It’s really not easy to let God to take charge. The only way is to be in the most simple, loving and intimate relationship as His beloved child. What we need to do is to be that child. For many people it is impossible. For some it is so simple. The difference is success and failure! The consequence is life and death!

Today many of us completed the 40 days fasting. This is the first time my wife Michelle joined with me in the 40 days fasting. Our relationship with Jesus and with each others is being raised to another level. And, we have started to do devotion and pray together two weeks ago. It is so sweet, so good and so blessed!

Tomorrow we are going to start a 60 days/24 hours prayer campaign. I do hope you can join in. This is an example to experience in prayers all things are possible.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Help me to have a total trust in you that everything is possible in you. In Jesus Name I pray. Amen.


Our 40 days/24hour Prayer Campaign is going to be completed today(September 28). As this Campaign has successfully uplifted a momentum of prayers, I am moved to continue this Campaign for 60 more days to make it a 100 Days Prayer Campaign.
Please click this link to participate.





Sunday, September 27, 2009

100 Days Prayer Campaign

Dear brothers and sisters,

Our 40 days/24hour Prayer Campaign is going to be completed tomorrow(September 28). As this Campaign has successfully uplifted a momentum of prayers, I am moved to continue this Campaign for 60 more days to make it a 100 Days Prayer Campaign.

Please click this link to participate.

In Christ,
+Silas

DAY 39 - Why You Need to Become A Child?



Today’s Reading: Matthew 18

(Please read Matthew 18: 1 – 35 and listen to what the Lord Jesus Christ would like to tell you before reading my Spiritual Journal below. If you would like to learn a simple and good way of Daily Devotion method please read my “Count Down 5” from this blog. You may click this link directly for the method: Subject Shifting Devotion.pdf . (You may begin with a song to praise the Lord and complete you devotion by singing another praise song.)

Please click the links below to Matthew 18:
NIV: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2018&version=NIV
Message:
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2018&version=MSG

Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 18:3

Jesus told me this morning, “Do you know why you need to be a child to be able to enter into the kingdom of heaven?” I said, “Please tell me Lord Jesus.” He said, “It’s your choice to become my child or a king on your own. If you take the Lordship yourself, you would not listen to me to find the 1% - the lost sheep. If you take the Lordship yourself, you would not work hard to save a brother from sin. If you take the Lordship yourself, you would not receive the King’s command and you would not forgive. That’s why you need to change and become like a little child so that you can listen and obey joyfully.”

Dear Lord Jesus,

Help me to be able to change and become your beloved child. In Jesus Name I pray. Amen.





Saturday, September 26, 2009

DAY 38 - Jesus Demonstrates His Secret Is Daily Devotion



Today’s Reading: Matthew 17

(Please read Matthew 17: 1 – 27 and listen to what the Lord Jesus Christ would like to tell you before reading my Spiritual Journal below. If you would like to learn a simple and good way of Daily Devotion method please read my “Count Down 5” from this blog. You may click this link directly for the method: Subject Shifting Devotion.pdf . (You may begin with a song to praise the Lord and complete you devotion by singing another praise song.)

Please click the links below to Matthew 17:
NIV: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2017&version=NIV
Message:
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2017&version=MSG

While Jesus was still speaking, a bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!” Matthew 17:5

I had a most wonderful time with Jesus this morning and I wrote everything He said in my spiritual journal right away. I think what He told me is enough and I don’t need to write anything more. So, here it is:

Jesus told me, “If you have daily devotion, then you are following my lifestyle, my secret. I revealed to my apostles as recorded in Matthew 17 but they didn’t understand. I have revealed it to you now. Have you seen? Have you heard? Got it? If you do that, you will be enveloped with my protection – the bright cloud, away from all the darkness surrounding Vancouver. You will be in a relationship with my Father as His beloved son, and you can be able to listen to me. The whole Bible will come alive like what I experienced in Matthew 17. For in your time, it is not only Moses and Elijah but Paul, John and many more. It’s like what’s recorded in Hebrews 12: 1 – 2:
‘Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.’
You need to be in that cloud daily to listen to me, my son!”


Dear Lord Jesus,

Thanks you Lord! Please help me to remember today and lead me to experience today’s encounter daily. I know that is what your servant John Stott reminded me that after so many years he finds out your purpose for your people. You wants us to become like Christ. Christlikeness is your will for your people. Help me to be more like you, dear Lord Jesus. In Jesus Name I pray. Amen.

Friday, September 25, 2009

DAY 37 - You of Little Faith!



Today’s Reading: Matthew 16

(Please read Matthew 16: 1 – 28 and listen to what the Lord Jesus Christ would like to tell you before reading my Spiritual Journal below. If you would like to learn a simple and good way of Daily Devotion method please read my “Count Down 5” from this blog.)

Please click the links below to Matthew 16:
NIV: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2016&version=NIV
Message:
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2016&version=MSG

“You of little faith, why are you talking among yourselves about having no bread? Do you still not understand?” Matthew 16: 8-9

I was having a sharing time with a priest when he painfully told me that the treasurer in his church asked him to have a 10% salary cut due to their deficit. He told the treasurer, “You want to cut the salary of me who faithfully tithe because 70% of the people in the church steal God’s money by not tithing ? Do you think it is God’s will? Do you know a pastor’s job is more important than the job of the President of USA? The president protects his people from physical death but a pastor protects his people from eternal death. What is the use to do this cut to bring discouragement to the pastor? What would happen when a pastor is being discouraged for the sake of money?” He does not get any cut for his people come into an understanding that the cut does not help.

When we come to the issue of whether we have enough to live – the bread as in today’s passage, we tends to fall into how Jesus describes as little faith. Let’s pray that we don’t steal God’s money by giving more than tithing that we have enough for God’s house!

Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.” Matthew 16: 23

Dear Lord Jesus,

Help me to take up the cross and follow you faithfully! In Jesus Name I pray. Amen.

Thursday, September 24, 2009

DAY 36 - I Stepped Into A Mine Field


Today’s Reading: Matthew 15

(Please read Matthew 15: 1 – 39 and listen to what the Lord Jesus Christ would like to tell you before reading my Spiritual Journal below. If you would like to learn a simple and good way of Daily Devotion method please read my “Count Down 5” from this blog.)

Please click the links below to Matthew 15:
NIV: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2015&version=NIV
Message: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2015&version=MSG



“But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these make a man’s ‘unclean.’ For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander.” Matthew 15: 18-19

While I was writing yesterday’s post “Don’t Be Afraid of the Wind”, I was facing a 'big wind'. I stepped into a 'mine field' planned by the Deceiver, filling my heart with worries and anger.

It was 1a.m. last night when I was writing that "Don't Be Afraid Of the Wind". I got four steps of how Jesus encountered the wind and that is: Withdrew, privately, solitary place and to pray. After I wrote that on my blog and went to sleep, I forgot Jesus’ secret.

When I went back to church, my worries and bitterness came back and I thought, "Well, here comes the wind. Can I do just like what Jesus did?". So I withdrew from my office privately and went to kneel down in front of the altar and pray. Jesus told me, "I have asked John Stott to tell you when you become a bishop you need to have the gentleness of a mother and the passionate of a father. Have you forgotten? You have to love , my son!"

It is that simple and after that time of “Being Still”, I was able to have a clean and loving heart to solve all the problems! Can you believe that? Yesterday was a preparation. Today was a test, and I think I have passed! I need your prayers so that I can remember to use Jesus’ secret spiritual bullet the next time I face with a big wind or a mine field!


Dear Lord Jesus,

Help me to know how to withdraw privately to a solitary place to pray daily so that I can see those things you want me to see so that I can live! In Jesus Name I pray. Amen.


Wednesday, September 23, 2009

DAY 35 - Don't Be Afraid of the Wind



Today’s Reading: Matthew 14

(Please read Matthew 14: 1 – 36 and listen to what the Lord Jesus Christ would like to tell you before reading my Spiritual Journal below. If you would like to learn a simple and good way of Daily Devotion method please read my “Count Down 5” from this blog.)

Please click the links below to Matthew 14:

NIV: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2014&version=NIV
Message: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2014&version=MSG

“But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid”
Matthew 14: 27


There are so many time thatwe have to face with various kind of frightening winds. The death of John the Baptist was a 'big wind' for Jesus. The completing of the miracle to feed the 5000 was another big wind for he was hailed and followed by so many with expectation.

Both time the Bible recorded that the secret for Jesus to face with the big wind was to withdrew privately to a solitary place to pray. Are you facing with a strong wind? What was the last time you had a strong wind? What is your secret?

If your secret is not prayers, I think you miss what Jesus teaches us!
Withdrew, privately, solitary place, to pray are the four steps I was called by Jesus this morning to do it more regularly. Are you going to do it? It will make a difference in you life!


Dear Lord Jesus,
Help me to really withdraw privately to a solitary place to pray more often that I can face all sorts of big winds. In Jesus Name I pray. Amen.













We are so pleased that the Rev. Edmund Ho with the Asian Initiative (AMiA) has just been priested in Toronto.
Edmund+ is the Rector of the new church plant Toronto Emmanuel Church. The service was conducted by our Bishop Silas Ng and Archbishop Yong Ping Chung.
To view pictures of the celebration, click on
http://bit.ly/3wloQr

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

DAY 34 - You See! You Hear!

Today’s Reading: Matthew 13

(Please read Matthew 13: 1 – 58 and listen to what the Lord Jesus Christ would like to tell you before reading my Spiritual Journal below. If you would like to learn a simple and good way of Daily Devotion method please read my “Count Down 5” from this blog.)

Please click the links below to Matthew 13:

New King James Version: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2013&version=NKJV

NIV: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2013&version=NIV
Message:
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2013&version=MSG

Your ears are open but you don't hear a thing.
Your eyes are awake but you don't see a thing.
The people are blockheads!
They stick their fingers in their ears
so they won't have to listen;
They screw their eyes shut
so they won't have to look,
so they won't have to deal with me face-to-face
and let me heal them.
"But you have God-blessed eyes—eyes that see! And God-blessed ears—ears that hear!


Matthew 13: 14 -16 (The Message)


Jesus told me this morning to say it loud here to everyone reading this post:

You have a choice, to be fruitless that is "zero" or to be fruitful of at least 30 folds that is
107,000,000,000 or even 100 folds that is
126,765,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000
Do you see! Can you hear!

This morning Jesus reminds me of what I received about a year ago. I was preparing a Bible study on Matthew 13 and Jesus opened my eyes to see a word I never aware of and that is “fold”. My understanding before that was that we should be a Christian who can bring at least 30 people to Jesus. If we are better Christians, then we can each bring 100 people to receive Jesus as their Savior and Lord of life. But that morning Jesus told me, “Not only 30 people, 100 people.” That is “folds”! Do you see! Count it your self! So I got a calculator and count what is 30 folds:

2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 128, 256, 512, 1024, 2048, 4096, 8192, 16384, 32768, 65536, 131072, 262144, 524288, 1048576, 2097152, 4194304, 8388608, 16777216, 33554432, 67108864 ,

then I stoppped there for my calculator could not count any more. I told one of my prayer ministry team member , Gordon Fung that morning what happened and asked him to help me to count what is 30 folds and 100 folds. He is an engineer so he should be able to know how to do it. It was a Sunday morning when we were praying in my office before our 11a.m. service at Richmond Emmanuel Church. He went to the computer and came back with a pale face. He gave me a list from one fold to 100 fold. There are 9 zero after one for 30 folds and there are 30 zero after 100 folds.

Jesus told me this morning that I can be fruitful like that if I see that, hear that and treasure that like the man who found the treasure hidden in a field. For most people they live for adding a dollar sign “$” to those number and I think even the wealthiest person in the history of mankind can make may be 40 folds of money. But that number is about new lives in Christ! It is about how many people can be saved by Jesus through one disciple of Christ! Through you!

What is your choice? What do you hear? What are you looking at lately?
Do you see? Do you hear?

Dear Lord Jesus,
Help me to be able to see you and hear you and that I can be fruitful as best as I should be. In Jesus Name I pray. Amen.


Monday, September 21, 2009

DAY 33 - Lordship: Who Is The Owner Of Your Soul

Today’s Reading: Matthew 12

(Please read Matthew 12: 1 – 50 and listen to what the Lord Jesus Christ would like to tell you before reading my Spiritual Journal below. If you would like to learn a simple and good way of Daily Devotion method please read my “Count Down 5” from this blog.)

Please click the links below to Matthew 12:
NIV: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2012&version=NIV
Message: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2012&version=MSG

“When it arrives, it finds the house unoccupied, swept clean and put in order. Then it goes and takes with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there.” Matthew12:44 - 45

This morning Jesus told me lots of things through Matthew and most of the messages I have never thought before or read in a commentary:

1. The Fruit of Christ-likeness (Matthew 12: 18 – 21)
Jesus used the first Servant Song of Isaiah(Isaiah 42: 1 – 4) to declare a prophecy was to be fulfilled and to show us what is the fruit of Christ-likeness. The key word is “I will put my Spirit on him”. Even Jesus as a 100% fully God and 100% fully human needed the Holy Spirit to be in Him and not just with Him(John 14: 17). When the Holy Spirit is on you, then everything changed. You will have a new relationship with God to be His chosen servant, the one He loves and delights. And there will be fruits coming out of your life that you will be able to proclaim God’s standard to even in a national level. Your life will not be in quarrel, comparison to others or a self-promotion of yourselves. You will be a loving and caring servant of God to bring healing, comfort and victory and that you will be respected by many.


This is very similar to the check list of whether you live by the Holy Spirit and that if you do then the fruit(singular number)will appears in you life such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control(Galatians 5: 22 – 23).

Well, maybe we can make a check list according to Isaiah, Jesus and Paul to make sure you know that the Holy Spirit is in you. Or like when we leave, we’ll arm the house with security system. And if the alarm company calls you that your alarm has been triggered, then you need to go home to have a check. Anything happened contrary to this list should triggered your “spiritual alarm” and that you should ask the Holy Spirit to reveal your sin for that is His job to do so according to what Jesus said as in John 16: 8.

2. Blasphemy against the Spirit – Nothing to repent(Matthew 12: 31 – 32)
I did not know for many years what Jesus means regarding blasphemy against the Spirit until 2002. A dear friend came to me telling me that he was living contrary to the teaching of the Bible. I asked him, “Have you asked Jesus whether living like this is right?” He said, “Yes, but Jesus has not answered yet.” Then I asked, “Have you asked other things and He answered?” He said, “Yes, Jesus answered but not this one. Well, no problem, in a few months time our Synod will decide on this and when the Synod passed the motion, then it means Jesus say YES and I will be OK that time. I have been in pain for so long!” I was in great pain looking at his face for Jesus told me at that time, “When someone does not allow the Holy Spirit to work, then he has nothing to repent and that is the blasphemy against the Holy Spirit for there will be no forgiving happened. When a Church say YES to sin, then it is not a church anymore. ” Living a life in the Spirit or without the Spirit is just so simple.

3. Lordship: Who’s the owner of your soul (Matthew 12: 39 – 45)
Just to look at the picture. Tt seems fine that an evil spirit comes out of a man and then he swept clean and put in order his house. But when we read it carefully, there is a key word that is so, so important: the house unoccupied. That means we cannot be the occupied owner of our house for that is a spiritual status of our soul. It is either evil spirits occupying or Jesus as our Savior and Lord of our lives! No more, no less! If you find your spiritual check list is not OK as of this moment when you are reading, then you should allow the Holy Spirit to do His work on you and to REPENT! Only by repentance and forgiveness from Jesus can we return to the loving relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ that He is our Lord, your Lord!

4. A Family Tie of Listen and Obey(Matthew 12: 46 – 50)
Jesus starts at Matthew 12 with the indwelling of the Holy Spirit as the only key to Christ-likeness. Then He points out that a life which does not allow the Holy Spirit to work is a blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. Then He gives us a vivid picture of an unoccupied house waiting for any evil spirit to come in to take ownership of that soul to warn us. He then concluded with the importance of listening and obeying God as the only way to be sure you are in the relationship as in the family tie of Jesus. With a daily 'listen and obey' lifestyle, then you can be filled by the Holy Spirit and He can live in you and Jesus will truly be the owner of your soul, the Lord of your life.



Dear Holy Spirit,

Come Holy Spirit,

Psalm 51 (The Message)

1-3Generous in love—God, give grace! Huge in mercy—wipe out my bad record.
Scrub away my guilt,
soak out my sins in your laundry.
I know how bad I've been;
my sins are staring me down.

4-6 You're the One I've violated, and you've seen
it all, seen the full extent of my evil.
You have all the facts before you;
whatever you decide about me is fair.
I've been out of step with you for a long time,
in the wrong since before I was born.
What you're after is truth from the inside out.
Enter me, then; conceive a new, true life.

7-15 Soak me in your laundry and I'll come out clean,
scrub me and I'll have a snow-white life.
Tune me in to foot-tapping songs,
set these once-broken bones to dancing.
Don't look too close for blemishes,
give me a clean bill of health.
God, make a fresh start in me,
shape a Genesis week from the chaos of my life.
Don't throw me out with the trash,
or fail to breathe holiness in me.
Bring me back from gray exile,
put a fresh wind in my sails!
Give me a job teaching rebels your ways
so the lost can find their way home.
Commute my death sentence, God, my salvation God,
and I'll sing anthems to your life-giving ways.
Unbutton my lips, dear God;
I'll let loose with your praise.

16-17 Going through the motions doesn't please you,
a flawless performance is nothing to you.
I learned God-worship
when my pride was shattered.
Heart-shattered lives ready for love
don't for a moment escape God's notice.

18-19 Make Zion the place you delight in,
repair Jerusalem's broken-down walls.
Then you'll get real worship from us,
acts of worship small and large,
Including all the bulls
they can heave onto your altar

In Jesus Name I pray. Amen.

Please go to the link below for the pictures of my Installation last Sunday at Richmond Emmaneul Church( http://www.emmanuelvoice.org/ ):
http://www.duckducksnap.com/bishop_silas_ng_installation/index.html

Sunday, September 20, 2009

DAY 32 - Come To Jesus Like A Little Child

Today’s Reading: Matthew 11 (Please read Matthew 11: 1 – 30 and listen to what the Lord Jesus Christ would like to tell you before reading my Spiritual Journal below. If you would like to learn a simple and good way of Daily Devotion method please read my “Count Down 5” from this blog.) Please click the links below to Matthew 11: NIV: Message: “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children.” Matthew11:25 We are too complicated! Have you ever worried and burdened when you were a child? I wasn't, for I had a good father. He left us to return to our Heavenly Father, and now I do miss him and miss those time when I had no worry. When did I started to be captured by worries? When I grew up and became more and more mature and learned, then I thought that I was wiser than my father! I was sharing with a pastor a few days ago about our brokenness. We both named the No. 1 killer for pastors is “loneliness”. Why could a pastor be captured by loneliness when he or she should be able to help others to get away from loneliness? What happened? Where is the Father? Where is the little child? I asked a pastoral couple recently, “How often do the two of you pray together? How often do you have devotion together?” The answer was “almost never”! I wish the time will come that every Christian couples will pray and have devotion together daily and that they can be so close to Jesus like children. May their willingness bring them to the protection, enrichment and blessings from Jesus to their marriage, family, ministries and work. Jesus told me just a minute ago, “Don't let the Deceiver to steal you away from me as my little child!” Dear Lord Jesus, Help me to be always so close to you as your dear little child. In Jesus Name I pray. Amen. Please go to the link below for the pictures of my Installation last Sunday at Richmond Emmaneul Church( http://www.emmanuelvoice.org/ ): http://www.duckducksnap.com/bishop_silas_ng_installation/index.html

Friday, September 18, 2009

DAY 31 - Have You Got The Instruction From Jesus

Today’s Reading: Matthew 10

(Please read Matthew 10: 1 – 42 and listen to what the Lord Jesus Christ would like to tell you before reading my Spiritual Journal below. If you would like to learn a simple and good way of Daily Devotion method please read my “Count Down 5” from this blog.)

Please click the links below to Matthew 10:
NIV: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2010&version=NIV
Message: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2010&version=MSG


“These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions.” Matthew 10:5

What I heard from the Lord today is a challenge to me and to you all, "Do you know I have sent you out to heal, to cleanse and to drive out ..., have you got my tailor-made instructions?"

As a disciple of Christ we should have received his instructions, but have you? I have and as I said in my previous blog, it is Acts 6: 4, "give my attention to prayer and the ministry of the word."

What is your instructions from Jesus?


Dear Lord Jesus,
Help me to receive your daily instruction. In Jesus Name I pray. Amen.

DAY 30 - Why Do You Entertain Evil Thoughts

Today’s Reading: Matthew 9 (Please read Matthew 9: 1 – 38 and listen to what the Lord Jesus Christ would like to tell you before reading my Spiritual Journal below. If you would like to learn a simple and good way of Daily Devotion method please read my “Count Down 5” from this blog.) Please click the links below to Matthew 9: NIV: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%209&version=NIV Message: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%209&version=MSG Knowing their thoughts, Jesus said, “Why do you entertain evil thoughts in your hearts?” John 19: 6 Do you know how often you entertain evil thoughts? When was the last time you were so picky, so negative to grumble and complain? Today when I was reading Matthew 9 Jesus helped me to see so many good words “sins forgiven”, “filled with awe”, “praised God”, “Followed him”, “healed”, “faith”, “amazed”. He also helped me to see every time he did a miracle, a good thing, then the Pharisees always received that with a negative attitude. Jesus named that out as “entertain evil thoughts in your hearts.” Matthew 9: 4 Which side do you choose? To entertain evil thoughts in your hearts or to have faith to follow Jesus and experience all those powerful things that can happen in your life. Dear Lord Jesus, Help me not to entertain those evil thoughts in my heart but to ask your blood to cleanse those thoughts so that I can be able to follow you and love you and others daily. In Jesus Name I pray. Amen.

Thursday, September 17, 2009

DAY 29 - You of Little Faith, Follow Me!


Today’s Reading: Matthew 8

(Please read Matthew 8: 1 – 34 and listen to what the Lord Jesus Christ would like to tell you before reading my Spiritual Journal below. If you would like to learn a simple and good way of Daily Devotion method please read my “Count Down 5” from this blog.)

Please click the links below to Matthew 8:
NIV: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%208&version=NIV
Message: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%208&version=MSG

“You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then Jesus got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. Matthew 8: 26

First, a good news. We did it. Michelle and I had our daily devotion reading, listening and sharing the message we heard from Jesus through Matthew 8. It is such a wonderful experience to be able to have daily devotion and prayed together with her.

Second, in case you have not read the comment to my previous blog by our Choir Conductor, Denny Yeung, please read his sharing as follows:

HI Silas,
Yes, there was plank in my eye. I was so horrible that I shouted off Sharon from the computer. Just because I have to keep my time for the 40-day prayer chain and need to reach your blog and read bible on-line. It happened Monday evening at about 8pm. At the end, Sharon ran out of the house just with her pyjamas.

With tears, I started praying and cnofessing to my heavenly Father for what I did. Then I drove around the neighbourhood to look for her. After some 15 mins, I finally got her at a bus stop. I hurriedly rushed to her and said sorry to her and told her that I love her as much as anyone in this world. And, she said she is Ok and will get back home later.

I got home and started reading your blog. Then I realised that the Lord is teaching me to be transparent, that kind of "real" transparent with family, friends, and most important, with God. It's not easy, but I think I'll learn and practice, with an open heart and soul...until I see Him one day.

Last night, we were together going back to church for worship team song practice. The Lord is with us. We were having joy and peace. After song practice, we spent another hour together. She is a "new" driver and needs more on-the-road practice. I was there to help and teach her some driving techniques. We both enjoyed the time. Thanks to the Lord who brings the transparency for me. Hallelujah!

Denny
September 16, 2009 2:14 PM

No other word can be better to explain how powerful Jesus can be to calm a storm. It seems a right thing for Denny to do to use the computer for he needed to keep this time for our 40 days prayer chain and to reach my blog and the Bible on-line. Yet, the Devil, the Deceiver planted a mine field for him to step on it. If not for his daily experience with Jesus and the willingness to have his daily devotion using my blog the Devil succeeded to blow their whole family up and just like in Matthew 7: 27 their house fell with a great crash!

Today as I was reading Matthew 8 what I got from Jesus is He can do anything and we can do nothing without Him. The key word for me today is “FOLLOW”. You can find this word in v. 1, 19,22 and 23. Many followed Jesus just wanted to see what Jesus could do. The saw man with leprosy healed, the servant of a centurion healed, Peter’s mother-in-law healed and even the storm got calm. It happened when Jesus was there performing the miracle. Without Jesus nothing happen, without Jesus we can not face the storm in our lives, without Jesus we can do nothing but the painful fact if many of us think that we can do lots of things ourselves!

So, today I heard Jesus asked me to ask you two questions and one action:
The questions: 1. Where is Jesus now in your life? 2. Are you really willing to follow Him and to be as close to Him as possible?
The action: Pray and talk to Him now.

Dear Lord Jesus,
I am a man of little faith! Help me to be as close to you as possible daily to be in your protection and witness your power and love. In Jesus Name I pray. Amen.

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

DAY 28 - Do It Not Just Know It




Today’s Reading: Matthew 7

(Please read Matthew 7: 1 – 29 and listen to what the Lord Jesus Christ would like to tell you before reading my Spiritual Journal below. If you would like to learn a simple and good way of Daily Devotion method please read my “Count Down 5” from this blog.)
Please click the links below to Matthew 7:
NIV: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%207&version=NIV
Message: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%207&version=MSG

“But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” Matthew7:26 - 27

Can you imagine how loud and tragic it would be if a house crashed! What Jesus is saying is even more tragic for He is describing the life of a Christian, those who have a chance to listen to him and follow him!

I have seen quite a number of such kinds of crashes. No matter a misunderstanding, a financial crisis, a broken marriage or a lost in the family, once it happened everything changed. I always named it as a time of receiving a examination paper. Whether you pass or fail makes a great difference! Sometimes it is life and death. At least spiritual death.

The Beatitude(Matthew chapter 5 to 7)is a blueprint and mandate of a Christian. Lots of Christians know it but not doing it. Many still judge, still live a lustful life, still worries, still follow the world and not Jesus.

On the other hand, many Christians do it and not just know it. I am now in Whistler for Archbishop Yong Ping Chung and Mrs. Julia Yong are having a three days retreat for me. They are willing to use their precious time to help me to be more prepared as a bishop. Just one day after my Installation, I am here at Whistler with my spiritual father and mother enjoying the teaching on the theme “Kingdom Leadership – Leadership Quality of St. Paul According to the Book of Philemon.”. And I received fresh anointing from their laying on of hands as we prayed last night. Jesus asked me, “Can you do that? Can you spend your time to someone like that?”

What Jesus told me this morning reminds me of how I started to have a half an hour daily devotion two to five time a week with my 12 years old son, Athanasius and his best friend Vance. I lost the chance of teaching my younger son to have daily devotion for so many years and an opportunity came 36 weeks ago and I have been doing it since 35 weeks ago. For the past 35 weeks they have been having daily devotion following the same pattern as this blog and they have been recording what Jesus told them in their spiritual journal since the first day. Now they are on their sixth book of their spiritual journal.

There are many things we know as a Christian but we need to do it to be a “listen and obey” disciple of Jesus. Without that when the examination paper comes, we are going to fail and our house will fall with a big crash!

Jesus also reminds me this morning that He called me to start daily devotion with Athan and Vance and I have been doing it. But He also called me about 20 weeks ago to have a devotion time with my wife Michelle and I did it for just three to four times. So my marks is 50%! I talked to Michelle through the phone last night and we were so sorry that we didn’t do it mostly with excuses of too busy and tired. We are going to do it starting tonight and hopefully every night from now on.

The first attack that the Deceiver always does is towards your family. Once your family falls, everything falls.

Do it not just know it!


Dear Lord Jesus,

Help me to have a time to read your Word and pray with my wife Michelle daily. In Jesus Name I pray. Amen.

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

DAY 27 - Can I Forgive?

Today’s Reading: Matthew 6: 1 - 34

(Please read Matthew 6: 1 – 34 and listen to what the Lord Jesus Christ would like to tell you before reading my Spiritual Journal below. If you would like to learn a simple and good way of Daily Devotion method please read my “Count Down 5” from this blog.)

Please click the links below to Matthew 6:
NIV: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%206&version=NIV
Message: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%206&version=MSG

“For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”Matthew6:14-15

There are lots of times when the wounds of being hurt, misunderstood, judged and betrayed are so deep that I could not pull myself out and fell into a complete darkness. The Lord always uses these two verses to remind me of what I should do. If I don’t do it, I will be pulled into darkness and never see light. I need to forgive even if I can’t forgive. I always need Jesus to help me to forgive!

Jesus told me just a minute ago that there are quite a number of people reading this blog have some relative and friends that you cannot forgive. Now is the time for you to face this challenge of whether you are able to forgive? You cannot! Only if you can repent of your sins of not forgiving, to repent of allowing the Spirit of unforgiving to take charge of your life and to ask for the blood of Jesus Christ to cleanse and forgive your sins. Then:
YOU ARE FREE!!!

“But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”Matthew615

Dear Lord Jesus,
Help me to be able to forgive so that I can move forward with you daily. In Jesus Name I pray. Amen.

Monday, September 14, 2009

DAY 26 - Since When Are You Not Transparent?








Today’s Reading: Matthew 5

(Please read Matthew 5: 1 – 48 and listen to what the Lord Jesus Christ would like to tell you before reading my Spiritual Journal below. If you would like to learn a simple and good way of Daily Devotion method please read my “Count Down 5” from this blog.)



“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” Matthew5: 8

John Stott says in his Sermon on Mount Bible study that “pure in heart” means to be transparent before God and His people. It would be good to add in what I have heard from Jesus on my Day 1 as the meaning of “see” in this verse:


7. Optano(You will see greater things than these, John 1: 50, 51) – To allows one’s self to be. Matthew 5: 8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.


What does it mean by allow one’s self to be seen?

Lots of time we put on masks preventing people to see us. Or, more critical we even put on masks thinking that people can’t see us and even God can’t see us. That is not how a transparent person is called to be.


Jesus led me to find these verses as an inspiration for us to meditate on the simplicity of being transparent:


To have a Father
“I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 18: 3


“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Matthew 19: 14


Jesus told me today that to be transparent is a “relational” term. It happens in a family, between the trustful relationship of a father and a son. Only in that relationship or similar close relationship can we be really transparent.


To have a family of brothers and sisters
I don’t need to hide anything to my sister Ada and my brother Dennis. Though quite a number of families even Christian family have so many things to hide: feelings, anger, distrust, worries, misunderstanding, control…
We need to have the courage to open up ourselves to be transparent. Some people say that they have tried but were deeply hurt so they won’t try again. They don’t want to enter into any relationship, don’t want to be transparent again. Is that God’s will?

If you are able to be transparent before God, you would enjoy worshiping the Lord. And you can easily be in great joy, joy with tears, joy that you even want to dance, to shout out loudly to praise Jesus. You would love to have your daily devotion and to be closer and closer to Him day after day.

If you are able to be transparent before His people, then you would put down your masks and start showing your true self to others. By this transparency His Kingdom will be extended as we experience the power of a Church family under the Lordship of Jesus.

So, what is your choice? To ask the Holy Spirit helping you to become more and more transparent or to hide yourself in your own world, thinking that you can hide from Jesus?

Dear Lord Jesus,
Help me to be more and more transparent before you and other people to build up a transparent relationship in your Kingdom work. In Jesus Name I pray. Amen.

Sunday, September 13, 2009

DAY 25 - Who's Controlling Whom?




Today’s Reading: Matthew 4

(Please read Matthew 4: 1 – 25 and listen to what the Lord Jesus Christ would like to tell you before reading my Spiritual Journal below. If you would like to learn a simple and good way of Daily Devotion method please read my “Count Down 5” from this blog.)
Please click the links below to Matthew 4:
NIV: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%204&version=NIV
Message: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew%204&version=MSG

“Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry.” Matthew 4: 1 - 2

Satan tempts us using only one method: CONTROL.


Do we let the Deceiver to control our life in all kinds of distorted lifestyle? Do we take control ourselves of everything and everyone? Or, are we willing to let go of our control and let God and His Word control our lives? That is our challenge!


Jesus' example of passing this “control” test is that he needed 40 days of fasting and prayers. Many of our leaders, including myself and my wife Michelle, have been in a 40 days fasting and a 40 days 24 hours prayer campaign. Today is Day 25!(Please read my previous blogs if you want to know more about the fast and 40days/24 hours prayer campaign).


Jesus told me this morning that we are on the right track for we are using His method to win this spiritual warfare. Many Christian do not know the importance of fasting and praying. Many know but do not exercise. What about you? Are you ready to join us now?

Dear Lord Jesus,

Help me to face this control issue by practicing fasting and prayers following your examples. Give me boldness to confront the Deceiver daily with your Word because you are my Savior, my King and Lord of life. In Jesus Name I pray. Amen.

Saturday, September 12, 2009

DAY 24 - There Is No Repentance





Today’s Reading: Matthew 3

(Please read Matthew 3: 1 – 17 and listen to what the Lord Jesus Christ would like to tell you before reading my Spiritual Journal below. If you would like to learn a simple and good way of Daily Devotion method please read my “Count Down 5” from this blog.)
Please click the links below to Matthew 3:
NIV: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%203&version=NIV
Message: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%203&version=MSG

“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.”Matthew3:2

Last week when I was having a meeting with quite a number of clergy, we discussed that there might be a great number of Christians who do not think that they need repentance. Others need to repent but they don’t for they think they are OK. Our conclusion is this is one of the major reasons why the Church always has so many problems.

This morning the Lord Jesus told me the same thing, “There is no repentance!”

I still remember many years ago when a very senior priest told me and other clergy, “I don’t know why we have so many things to repent? That’s why when people say the confession, I never say it. But I have to read the absolution if I am the officiant.” I was shocked at that time. His words and facial expression of “pride” still haunted me.

What I have been experiencing is when I ask the Holy Spirit to review my sins each day and when I repent, I am in His Kingdom again. Just like John 3: 16 – 17, I usually experience the filling and the fresh anointing of the Holy Spirit and the close relationship with our heavenly father. And I have confidence that my work for Him is well pleased.


Dear Holy Spirit,

Review my sins daily that I can repent and experience the sweetness of the coming of His Kingdom in my life daily. In Jesus Name I pray. Amen.

Friday, September 11, 2009

DAY 23 - Have You been Experiencing Jesus





Today’s Reading: Matthew 2


(Please read Matthew 2: 1 – 23 and listen to what the Lord Jesus Christ would like to tell you before reading my Spiritual Journal below. If you would like to learn a simple and good way of Daily Devotion method please read my “Count Down 5” from this blog.)


Please click the links below to Matthew 2:
NIV: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%202&version=NIV
Message: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%202&version=MSG

“So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt.”Matthew 2:14
“So he got up, took the child and his mother and went to the land of Israel.” Matthew 2: 21

“Have you been experiencing Jesus?” This is the question I received from Jesus to you today.

It is such a big contrast that the chief priests and teachers had to answer Herod’s question by the Book as a knowledge they had. But, the Magi and Joseph could have a real experience of God and could listen and obey right away.


The Lord commands me to write this blog in order to encourage you to have daily devotion. By posting what I hear from Jesus daily, my goal is that you can have the same intimate moment with Jesus.

Reading the Bible is not like learning some kind of knowledge in the past. If so, then you are stepping into the darkness of those chief priests and teachers, it’s useless. The Bible is the Word of God speaking to you all the time if you love to open the Book and read it. Jesus is always there waiting to talk to you, love you, embrace you, protect you and bless you.

The question is: Have you been experiencing Jesus? Or are you just learning something that has already passed and that's all.

Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank you for your daily presence! Help me to be able to listen and obey just like what the Magi and Joseph did . In Jesus Name I pray. Amen.

Thursday, September 10, 2009

DAY 22 - I Have Been Consecrated into A New Genealogy Today


Today’s Reading: Matthew 1

(Please read Matthew 1: 1 – 25 and listen to what the Lord Jesus Christ would like to tell you before reading my Spiritual Journal below. If you would like to learn a simple and good way of Daily Devotion method please read my “Count Down 5” from this blog.)
Please click the links below to Matthew 1:
NIV: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%201&version=NIV
Message: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%201&version=MSG

“A record of the genealogy of Jesus Christ the son of David, the son of Abraham.”
Matthew 1: 1


Many times when I read Matthew 1 I was not interested at all those names and it seemed have nothing to do with me. This morning(Usually I write this journal one day ahead of time so this morning was September 9, 2009 – the day of my consecration as a missionary bishop) was very striking as Jesus helped me to connect to what was going to happen tonight. By tonight’s consecration and the reality of “Apostolic Succession”, I have been consecrated into a new genealogy trace back to St. Peter. Pastor Rick Warren who preached at my consecration tonight used Hebrews 13:7 and the three key words: Remember, Consider and Imitate. I am being consecrated into this new line of genealogy of so many bishops laying hands for the past two thousand years. I have lots of good living examples of bishops to remember, to consider and to imitate.

Jesus then told me, “Have you thought of the most important thing is when you were born again, you have been born to my genealogy and like Hebrews 13: 1, “You are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses.”

Am I aware that I am in this new genealogy of Jesus and also a new genealogy of Peter. The Lord has prepared for me to start a new chapter today.


Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank you for giving me this honor to start a new chapter in my life and being consecrated into a new genealogy as well as in your own genealogy. Help me to live out a life worthy of this new genealogy. In Jesus Name I pray. Amen.

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

DAY 21 - Do I Realize It Is Jesus?





Today’s Reading: John 21

(Please read John 21: 1 – 25 and listen to what the Lord Jesus Christ would like to tell you before reading my Spiritual Journal below. If you would like to learn a simple and good way of Daily Devotion method please read my “Count Down 5” from this blog.)

Please click the links below to John 21:
NIV: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2021&version=NIV
Message: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2021&version=MSG

“Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus.” John 21: 4

How could that be? After three years with Jesus and His two appearances to His disciples, they still didn’t realize it was Jesus! They still wanted to quit!

Jesus asked me this morning, “Are you going to do that to me too?” Wow! The Holy Spirit helped me to pull out all the files in my memory of how I didn’t realize it was Jesus and how many times I wanted to quit.

Tonight I am going to be consecrate as a bishop and it happens that my daily devotion is John 21. A warning to how I must focus on Jesus daily that I won’t make the same mistake as the disciples in not being able to realize it is Jesus. Another warning that as a human being, I might always think of quitting, for the spiritual warfare is not easy to fight.

With the three questions Jesus asked Peter whether he loved him, Jesus also asked me this morning of how much I love him. How am I going to feed His lambs, take care of His sheep and feed His sheep when I become a bishop.

Dear Lord Jesus,
I realize that I am weak. Help me to be strong in you that I can have your gifts and annointing to see you and that I will never quit but to love you and your lambs and sheep. In Jesus Name I pray. Amen.

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

DAY 20 - Do you Realize It Is Jesus

Today’s Reading: John 20

(Please read John 20: 1 – 31 and listen to what the Lord Jesus Christ would like to tell you before reading my Spiritual Journal below. If you would like to learn a simple and good way of Daily Devotion method please read my “Count Down 5” from this blog.)
Please click the links below to John 20:
NIV: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2020&version=NIV
Message: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2020&version=MSG

“She turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus”
John 20: 14


Many times when Jesus talked to me I did not realize that it was Jesus talking to me. I thought a person, a preacher, a book, a painting… Again today Jesus asked me just like He asked me to count how many times “see” appears when I was reading about to write the Day 1.

There are 12 “see” in John 20. And out of that 20 “see” most of them are the no.4 “see” as in my Day 1:
4/ Horas(No one has ever seen God; I have seen and I testify that this is the Son of God, John 1: 18, 34) – To see with the mind, spiritual eye. This is the only Greek word for hearing!
This is the only Greek word for hearing. Seeing and hearing should be together!

Jesus said to her, “Mary” She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!”
John 20:16


Do you realize that Jesus is talking to you? Have you seen Him? Have you heard Him calling your name now? What are you going to say to Him?


Dear Lord Jesus,
Help me to be able to see you and hear you and realize that it is you. In Jesus Name I pray. Amen.



Monday, September 7, 2009

DAY 19 - Do Not Be Afraid to Be Crucified



Today’s Reading: John 19

(Please read John 19: 1 – 42 and listen to what the Lord Jesus Christ would like to tell you before reading my Spiritual Journal below. If you would like to learn a simple and good way of Daily Devotion method please read my “Count Down 5” from this blog.)

Please click the links below to John 19:
NIV: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2019&version=NIV
Message: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2019&version=MSG

“As soon as the chief priests and their officials saw him, they shouted, “Crucify! Crucify!”
John 19: 6

They clothed Jesus in a purple robe to make fun of him for they thought he wanted to be a king. In three days time I am going to wear a purple robe as a bishop. The word “purple” draws my attention that it is speaking directly to me and opening my eyes to see how much pain Jesus went through.

Jesus told me today that if I follow Him, I should not be afraid to be crucified. Instead, always prepare for it. Prepare for misunderstanding, accusation and betrayal. He told me that those will be my challenges and I need to remember whenever those storms come, He will be with me helping me through.


Dear Lord Jesus,

Open my eyes to see you that I do not afraid to be crucified.. In Jesus Name I pray. Amen.




Sunday, September 6, 2009

DAY 18 - Whose Kingdom Are You Fighting For?



Today’s Reading: John 18

(Please read John 18: 1 – 40 and listen to what the Lord Jesus Christ would like to tell you before reading my Spiritual Journal below. If you would like to learn a simple and good way of Daily Devotion method please read my “Count Down 5” from this blog.)

Please click the links below to John 18:
NIV: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2018&version=NIV
Message: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2018&version=MSG

Jesus said, "My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jews. But now my kingdom is from another place." John 18: 36

Today when I read John 18, Jesus gave me a number of questions to think of. Some questions I have answers for. Some I don’t. Some questions, I need to have some actions. Some I need to respond with repentance. Here are those questions from Jesus:

What are you fighting for? Whose kingdom are you fighting for? Do you know where my Kingdom is? Do you know how to fight for my Kingdom? Are you willing to die for me, your King? If not, which king are you fighting for? If yes, do you know when to die, where to die and how to die for me?

He then said, “Come with me to the olive grove daily and let me show you.”


Dear Lord Jesus,

Help me to come close to you daily in the olive grove you prepare for me daily that I can learn how to fight for your Kingdom and die for you. In Jesus Name I pray. Amen.


Saturday, September 5, 2009

DAY 17 - Jesus Loves You



Today’s Reading: John 17

(Please read John 17: 1 – 26 and listen to what the Lord Jesus Christ would like to tell you before reading my Spiritual Journal below. If you would like to learn a simple and good way of Daily Devotion method please read my “Count Down 5” from this blog.)

Please click the links below to John 17:
NIV: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2017&version=NIV
Message: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2017&version=MSG

“I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one.” John 17: 22

Glory, Unity and Jesus are the three key words I heard from Jesus this morning.

John Stott told me when I first met him in 1991 that he thought John 17 is the most important chapter in the whole Bible. I didn’t understand at that time. But after these 18 years I have seen so many times that the major attack from the Deceiver is to turn Jesus prayer in John 17 around.

No matter in the relationship of a disciple with Jesus, with husband and wife, with parent and children and with leaders in churches, the Deceiver just wants to replace glory to shame, light to darkness, unity to separation and with Jesus to without Jesus.

That’s why Jesus prayed , “My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one.” John 17: 15

What should we do to avoid this? Jesus told me this morning that the answer is in the whole chapter and especially in verses 17 and 26.

“Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.” John 17: 17

“I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.” John 17: 26

To be with Jesus by reading more and more of His Word is the way to do go to allow Jesus to continuing his work in you. And that His love may be in you to bring Glory, Unity and Jesus.


Dear Lord Jesus,
Teach me to listen to you through your Word daily that I may be in your love to glorify you Holy Name. In Jesus Name I pray. Amen.




Friday, September 4, 2009

DAY 16 - License To Kill or To Heal




Today’s Reading: John 16

(Please read John 16: 1 – 33 and listen to what the Lord Jesus Christ would like to tell you before reading my Spiritual Journal below. If you would like to learn a simple and good way of Daily Devotion method please read my “Count Down 5” from this blog.)

Please click the links below to John 16:
NIV: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2016&version=NIV
Message: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2016&version=MSG

“A time is coming when anyone who kills you will think he is offering a service to God.”
John 16: 2

Since Early Church millions and millions of Christians have been killed. Lots of time were by those who thought they were working for God. I have seen not only physical killing as in church history of those martyrs but spiritual killing. Often we call it killed by friendly fires! In misunderstanding, gossiping, dissensions, anger, hatred, discord and selfish ambition we kill and not heal!

How do we know we are not one of those who kill? Jesus says it is the Holy Spirit. When Holy Spirit comes he will:
1. Convict : Our sin as not believing and letting Jesus as our Lord and Savior.
2. Guide, tell, bring glory to Jesus and that we will see.

Jesus asked me this morning to count how many “will see” in John 16. Just like how he asked me to count how many “see” in John 1(Please refer to my Day 1). That's 16 days ago and I found seven different Greek words describing “see”. Today I found out there are 7 “will see”. And John is using the no. 7 “see” again which I stated in Day 1:

7. Optano(You will see greater things than these, John 1: 50, 51) – To allow one’s self to be seen. Matthew 5: 8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

Jesus told me this morning that when we allow the Holy Spirit to do His job as in point 1 and 2 above then “we will see”! When we can see our sins through the work and help of the Holy Spirit, we will repent and ask for the blood of Jesus to forgive and cleanse. Jesus will come in our life to take the Lordship again. The Holy Spirit will be not only with us but in us and then we “can see”!

This afternoon when I was flying back from South Carolina to Vancouver after my first House of Bishops meeting, a wonderful thing happened. As the plane just took off, I wanted to push the button on top of me to have the light to read John 16 again before I write this devotion. Just as I was about to press on the button the gentleman sitting beside me suddenly said, “You do not need this light because you have the Light.” He then pointed to the Bible I was reading. I was shock and looked at him and I said, “Are you a Christian?” He said yes and then we talked for the whole 5 ½ hours. We shared and prayed . Pray on the plane! That was my second time and his first time.

When we have Jesus inside, we have the Light and we will receive a license to heal and not to kill. We can see and would not be troubled by worries but will have peace even in crisis or distress. Everybody should have a license, what kind of license do you have, to kill or to heal?

Dear Holy Spirit,
Come! Shine on me that I can see my sins and repent. Holy Spirit, come! Guide me into all truth that I can see. Tell me of all those things that I am not able to know but you want me to know. Bring glory to Jesus through my life that I and other people will see Jesus. Open my eyes to see you Lord! Open my eyes to see you! I want to see you! In Jesus Name I pray. Amen.