Refreshed and Rejuvenated by Water

My previous blog talked on our lives being refined by fire. You might be wondering what is next in store? After the refining, a tough and challenging process, we need to be refreshed and rejuvenated by Water. Water, many times represents the WORD, which is the bread of our soul.

We need water to replenish our physical body. We need water to survive. Likewise our mind, after being refined by fire, it needs the nourishment from water to live on. At the same time, our heart needs to draw strength from somewhere. So, unless our mind has been refreshed, our heart will still be empty. I mentioned that our value system would be challenged daily. Hence comes the refining process. What about rejuvenation? Rejuvenation deals with our hunger for knowledge and thirst for character.

Knowledge in itself is useless unless we know how to apply it. If we know how to apply it, we are wise and we have good character. People of character not only will go far in life, achieving success after success, they will also make a significant impact on the quality of life. They will shine in times of difficulties. They will not shatter when there is a crisis. Even if they fall, they will rise again.

So, water test is a test of rejuvenation to our spirit, refreshing power to our mind and heart. Joshua 1:8 says "Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful."

Even in Ephesians 6, we are asked to put on the full armour of God, that will protect from head to toe. We need the helmet of salvation, the breastplate of righteousness, buckle of truth, sword of the Spirit, sandals of peace, and the shield of faith. But wait, what about our back? There is no protection on our back.

Here comes the armour bearer. Amos 3:3 "Do two walk together unless they have agreed to do so?". Hence, we cannot go through the water test alone. We need someone, and this person has to be someone who is able to rebuke us and at the same time encourage us. He or she will always intercede for us so that our feet will be geared towards the right direction.

A Refiner's Fire

Fire is said to be man's good friend but bad enemy. From the beginning of human civilization, fire, without doubt, is one of man's greatest discoveries. It is after all, the master of destruction from which comes renewal and refining of matters. Anything that comes into contact with it, will be burned into ashes of dust. Life, in a way, is seen as a series of fire tests.

Our lives are neither mundane nor routine. At times we are at the peak of our happiness, yet to reach joy. At some other times, we would be groping in the dark valleys, succumbing to our injuries, sorrows, despair, confusion, anxiety, and the list goes on. This is like a journey being tested by fire. It is in such times, we need to see a tiny beacon at the end of the tunnel. If we just continue towards that direction, we will soon discover, it is a great pillar of fire waiting to refine and to renew.

There's a Chinese saying : "Genuine gold will not be destroyed by fiery flame". Scriptures says in Romans 12:1-2, that we are to be renewed in our mind daily, not to conform any longer to the pattern of the world for we are living sacrifices. We need to examine our lives, to really dig out any impurities in us. Do we have a habit that needs to be rebuked and corrected? Any conflicts that need to be acknowledged and dealt with? Anything in our past that needs to be brought to light and renewed and then refined further so that the past has no grip on us anymore? Any unforgiven sins? Any reconciliation yet to be carried out? Are we involved in unhealthy relationship? What about our past glories? Have we been challenging the authorities set up, be it the law of the country, or at comfy home, or at busy workplace or at sheltered school?

We are very much motivated by our sight, aren't we? We wont believe something bad is going to happen until we face it ourselves. Not many of us are risk takers. But have we not realized it that many times we need to go through the Refiner's Fire Test, that is to take the step of faith? Just like Daniel and his 3 friends who went through the fiery furnace without being hurt. They were bold enough to step into it and they came out alive. I believe we don't need that kind of FIERY EXPERIENCE to wake us up.

The moment we gained the right to be children of God, our value system will be challenged. Our principles had been challenged so much that we have no other choice but to submit and obey. Our mind need to be renewed. Our spiritual man need to be rejuvenated, refreshed and refined. Yes, it is tough, almost an impossible task. Just like no individual can get close enough to a pillar of fire without protection, many of us wont dare to face the fiery tests of life without our armour.

Armour? What kind of armour? Our armour is simply the WORD of GOD. After all BIBLE is actually Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth. We need to constantly challenge our selfish life principles with the highest standard of principles found in the BIBLE. Yes, we wont make it to the top, but at least we make sure we would want to pass the test of FIRE - A REFINER's WORK.

The Pen with new Inks to resume writing ...

As I reclined into the comfort of my couch, I couldn't help but to continue to ink down my thoughts on one of the chapters in our lives as rational beings. My previous blog talked about life's seen as many chapters of a book, JOURNEY. I have decided to continue to ink down more on TESTS, TRIALS and TEMPTATIONS, which will be reflected in the next few posts.

Life's but chapters of a book

July this year has proven to be one of the toughest months as there were two big events held at school this year. One was Report Card cum Entrepreneur's Day and the other was Speech Day. Now that both these twins have taken a rest, many breathed sigh relieved. In fact, for some, it has been a memorable one as they celebrate God's goodness, achieving their best in their fields of discipline. To those who have done well, well done and keep up the good work!! To the rest who did not yet make it to the hall of fame, don't give up. Continue to work hard, strengthen your weaknesses and maximise your strengths. God's sees every effort we put in. Life's got more to offer. Life's seen as the many unending chapters of a book - JOURNEY.

Somewhere within that book, JOURNEY, lies few chapters that dictate TESTS, TRIALS and TEMPTATIONS; these are seen as both friends and adversaries - for a man's greatest foe is the man himself. What's left of us is to grab a paint brush and paint some colours into our individual books, grab a pen and ink down our memories and grab a pencil perhaps to sketch some comedies.

God's grace

Still recovering from the aftermath on Wednesday... the scary incident of Initial D, near death experience still very much fresh in my mind. Never in my years of driving that I face such incident before. Fresh as it was, I could still share during my Bible class this morning. All I could say was it was by God's grace and mercy that I am still very much alive. God's grace was upon me.

Over the lunch table, talking and sharing with friends who cared for me so much. If it weren't for these people, I think I would be long gone elsewhere. Arrogance has really cropped into my life so much that I really don't deserve all these cares and concerns. But God's put these people into my life to be part of my life even without me asking. Now what is left of me, I have to rise above these falls. Painful, lonely, stressed, but I've got to pull through the thick and the thin.

God's grace willing, I'm willing to reach out to Him again. Let me just come back to Your gentle arms, LORD. Your grace is more than enough for me to sustain the long suffering.

Survived by God's grace

When my car skidded and spun 2 full circles, at that point, the only thing flashed through my mind was "What is gonna happen next?" Never happened in my life before that I felt so scared and panic before. The whole car was like almost wanting to bang onto some railing or divider or something else. My hands were stunned on the wheel, my eyes were stunned towards the road, wondering where would I land after this? Would the car be overturned? Would the car banged into something? I couldn't see where was I heading. Now even as I think back, I'm still anxious.

But then, I recall I could still feel the peace inside, that God's hand was somehow still there. Miraculously enough, there was no traffic on both sides of the roads. I could only remember there was one pedestrian, running away from the scene. Finally, the car decided to stop spinning and stopped in the middle of the road, on a road divider. I was safe, but was stunned for awhile.

No cars were there. I praised God that He really protected me and my car. Indeed He is a great God that He has proven Himself faithful time and again, and that His grace is sufficient for me. Soon, there were cars coming, honking at me. I started the engine back and slowly drove away.

Now think back, God has a lesson for me to learn, and for that I'm thankful. Forgive me Lord. I have learned my lesson.

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Finally I am back

Finally, after long silence. Been so bogged down by work loads after work loads. Finally got the chance to recline into my couch to serenade the night, expressing thoughts in writings. As I withdraw into the solitude, I begin to realize that I need to realign my focus on Him again. There are times that I have fallen away from God, been so busy with my own interests.

Woke up this morning singing praises to God in my heart. Wondered why and what would He want me to do for Him. Thought of last Friday devotion that reminded me to keep my SPIRITUAL man healthy and fit. Seriously, I need to lose some "weights" ... there are too much burdens on my shoulders which I hope to share with someone whom could understand.

Reading my pulses of thanksgiving, I've been so far from HIM. Yesterday, through the Pastor, He has reassured me that He is still there for me. Thank you so much Lord!! Forgive me for being so distant from you.

Recess Revolution has really moved me beyond words. Been so long since the school is filled with such positive remarks made. Hearts are lifted. Cares are lessened. Burdens are reduced. I can literally see so many standing on top of the world.