Issue No.056 November 30, 2008 Global Meltdown

#1 · November 30, 2008, 1:34 pm

Quote from Forum Archives on November 30, 2008, 1:34 pm
Posted by: gracepeaceu <gracepeaceu@...>
"Grace & Peace" is an e-periodical for spiritual enlightenment,
edification and encouragement.
Issue No.056 November 30, 2008

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In this issue:-

Perspective:- Global Meltdown
Study Note:- CHRIST SITTING AT HIS TABLE
Out line: - Inexhaustible Riches.
Anecdote: - Settling Accounts
Matters for Prayer & Praise:- Lim Hong Nian, Malaysia

Perspective:-

Global Meltdown

NTK

        The entire world is facing the impact of the financial crisis triggered in the United States of America. Number of suicides - unable to bear the loss and shame - has been reported from around the globe.

        Financial institutions go bankrupt, thousands of workers lost jobs, and many expect a termination order at any moment. Many lost huge amount in the stock market. Those who borrowed money to invest in the share market are the worst hit. Families as well as corporate houses try to minimise their expenses. The extra measures by the government to tackle the situation do not yield much difference. Some others who took loan to buy car or house find much difficulty to pay back. On one side the interest rate is floating high, another side the job is gone. Altogether difficult days and many warn that recession is going to stay; it is time to learn lessons!

        Definitely we ought to listen to the experts in this field and take needed precautions. But the most important thing, as Christians is to listen to what the Bible says. Writing to Timothy, Apostle Paul gives some valuable lessons on riches that every believer should remember. (1 Timothy 6:6—10; 17—19).

        1. The man who is truly rich is he who is satisfied in what ever God has given him.
“Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content”. v. 6a. He needs nothing more! His life is not affected by the circumstances and ready to live in any stage; prosperity or scarcity. If we can live such a content life how blessed and rich it would be!

        2. Greed is a snare.
“But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith init their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” V.9, 10. Desire to be rich by any means, leads one to various troubles. Once man begins to focus only on accumulating assets, he is never satisfied. The word of God warns; not to set our heart on money.

        3. Rich should be humble.
“Command those who are rich in this present age not to be a haughty...” v. 17a. It is natural for mortal man to be proud and arrogant when he has enough possessions at his disposal. Money makes natural man self-satisfied and powerful. God’s people should be wise to realize our frailty and humble themselves even when making good use of the God - given resources.

        4. Riches are uncertain.
“ ..Nor to trust in uncertain riches...” v. 17b. As mentioned earlier many think, because we have enough money our life is secured and there is nothing to worry about. But now, it has been has proved unequivocally that such notion is foolishness. The Lord has narrated this truth with a parable in Luke. 12. Wealth is not everything. Never trust in riches, our security is not based on resources. If we are aware of this truth and live accordingly, we will not be overtaken by a sudden loss.

        5. God is our provider.
“..But in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy...” v. 17c. Our God is able and does supply all our needs. We must trust Him and be grateful for all His provision. Even when He provides us plenty our dependence should be on God alone who is the Provider, not on His provision.

        6. God makes us rich to be rich in good works.
“Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.” V. 18. We should never forget the purpose for which God has handed over resources in our hands. It is not wrong to keep for children or future needs but that is not the only plan God has for us. We ought to help one another, provide for the needy and make funds available for the Lord’s work.

        That will be good for our future, on earth and in heaven. Ultimately what is counted in eternity is not what we consumed for our personal needs but that we spent in the Lord’s name.

        Even as the secular men call upon the public to learn lesson from the economic slow down that we see around, let us be wise to give heed to the Biblical principles for such times. Then, we need not to be anxious about the adverse circumstances, but we shall know that the Lord is on the throne and He will see us through.

        (Note: - Kindly note that any topic discussed in the ‘perspective’ section is not an exhaustive study. Surely, much more could be written on most of the topics we refer here. If any body has a doubt or suggestion please feel free to write to this writer at any of the email id given here. )

Study Note:- CHRIST SITTING AT HIS TABLE        Song of Solomon 1.12
Michael Browne, Bath, England.

           The King    Here the heart overflows with precious thoughts as it contemplates the King, cp Ps 45.1. In v.4 the Shulamite was in the King’s chamber alone with him. In v.7 she was with him among the flock; but here she is with him at his table sharing his rich provision. How this suggests our personal communion with Christ in the ‘secret place’: our public service for Him in the assembly: and here our affections, like fragrant incense, ascending to Him in the enjoyment of His spiritual provision in the fellowship of His assembly.

        His Table    Here we view the King’s delectable table spread with the finest provisions for the satisfaction of his much loved Shulamite. The table speaks of heavenly supply, of spiritual food, fellowship, and satisfaction. Above all the King is present sharing in the joy of this sweet occasion, delighting in his loved bride. What a lovely picture of Christ in the midst of His saints, dispensing the royal dainties of heaven, and receiving their fragrant worship in return. Our minds go immediately to the Lord’s Supper where, “as often as ye eat this bread and drink this cup, ye do show the Lord’s death till he come” 1 Cor 11.26. The ‘table’ consists of more than the Supper, but the Supper is certainly part of the fullness of that divine supply included in the ‘table’.

        My Spikenard    It was while the King sat at his table the bride’s spikenard sent forth the smell thereof. Yes, and it is while we are in communion with our Beloved, resting in the appreciated good of His divine provision, the spikenard of our worship ascends as sweet incense delighting His heart. When Christ was in the house at Bethany they “made him a supper”, and Mary’s spikenard sent forth its fragrance, John 12.2-3. We make Him a supper Lord’s day by Lord’s day in obedience to His command, and with hearts filled with Himself and in the consciousness of His presence “in the midst”, Matt 18.20, we say in the language of the bride, “A bundle of myrrh is my well-beloved unto me” v.8. Worship is the spirit’s response to a heart filled with the greatness of Christ. This is the highest expression of prayer, the most sacred act of devotion the human spirit is capable of—and it is realised “while the king sitteth at his table”.

Out line: -

Inexhaustible Riches.

The Riches of God’s:-

Goodness. Romans.2:4
Forbearance and longsuffering. Romans.2:4
Wisdom and knowledge. Romans. 11:33
Mercy. Ephesians. 2:4
Grace. Ephesians. 1:7
Glory. Ephesians. 1:18

Anecdote: -

Settling Accounts

        The story is told of a farmer in a Midwestern state who had a strong disregard for “spiritual” things. As he plowed his field on Sunday morning, he would shake his fist at the church people who passed by on their way to worship. October came and the farmer had his fines crop ever – the best in the entire county. When the harvest was complete, he placed an advertisement in the local paper which belittled the Christians for their faith in God.

        Near the end of his criticism he wrote, “Faith in God must not mean much if someone like me can prosper.” The response from the Christian in the community was quiet and polite. In the next edition of the town paper, a small ad appeared. It read simply, “God doesn’t always settle His accounts in October.”

Matters for Prayer & Praise:

Mr. & Mrs. Lim Hong Nian, Malaysia

        Our dear brother Lim is a lawyer by profession and also serves as one of the elders of a local Brethren Assembly in Malaysia. The Lord has been using him mightily in various ways there.

        Now, he is suffering from Cancer of the Pancreas with metastasis to the liver. He had the tumor removed through a big surgery, but yet it has gone beyond the primary area. At present he is on two kinds of treatment, chemo and targeted therapy. Our dear brother hopes and prays that the treatment may be effective that God in His Sovereign Will heal him.

        In the mist of such turmoil, dear finds that his wife, Lay See is now having a recurrence of the cervical cancer which had been in remission since May 2006. They say “these are very difficult times for us indeed, but we shall continue to look to the Lord for His grace and strength and for His deliverance. God in His wisdom and sovereign will allows it.”

        Our brother has very specially requested the saints everywhere to kindly uphold them prayers.

Worthy Quotes:-

Money

“Get all you can, save all you can and give all you can.”                                                                                  ---------John Wesley “You can see what God thinks of money when you see the people he gives it to.”                                                                                                      ---------Abraham Linclon “ Money is always either or master or our slave.”                                                                                                      ---------Latin Proverb

'Grace & Peace' is an electronic periodical, sent out monthly, aiming the overall spiritual growth of the Christian Believers.
Feel free to forward it to the potential subscribers and encourage them to subscribe directly by sending a blank message to
gracepeace-subscribe@welovegod.org               To unsubscribe send any mail to
gracepeace-unsubscribe@welovegod.org              For further details contact:- gracepeaceu AT gmail.com
Edited and posted by NTK for the Glory of God & the Joy of the saints.
Visit:- www.gracepeace.net “Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.."2 Peter1:2

Posted by: gracepeaceu <gracepeaceu@...>

"Grace & Peace" is an e-periodical for spiritual enlightenment,
edification and encouragement.
Issue No.056 November 30, 2008

Subscription details Home Archives

In this issue:-

Perspective:- Global Meltdown
Study Note:- CHRIST SITTING AT HIS TABLE
Out line: - Inexhaustible Riches.
Anecdote: - Settling Accounts
Matters for Prayer & Praise:- Lim Hong Nian, Malaysia

Perspective:-

Global Meltdown

NTK

The entire world is facing the impact of the financial crisis triggered in the United States of America. Number of suicides - unable to bear the loss and shame - has been reported from around the globe.

Financial institutions go bankrupt, thousands of workers lost jobs, and many expect a termination order at any moment. Many lost huge amount in the stock market. Those who borrowed money to invest in the share market are the worst hit. Families as well as corporate houses try to minimise their expenses. The extra measures by the government to tackle the situation do not yield much difference. Some others who took loan to buy car or house find much difficulty to pay back. On one side the interest rate is floating high, another side the job is gone. Altogether difficult days and many warn that recession is going to stay; it is time to learn lessons!

Definitely we ought to listen to the experts in this field and take needed precautions. But the most important thing, as Christians is to listen to what the Bible says. Writing to Timothy, Apostle Paul gives some valuable lessons on riches that every believer should remember. (1 Timothy 6:6—10; 17—19).

1. The man who is truly rich is he who is satisfied in what ever God has given him.
“Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content”. v. 6a. He needs nothing more! His life is not affected by the circumstances and ready to live in any stage; prosperity or scarcity. If we can live such a content life how blessed and rich it would be!

2. Greed is a snare.
“But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith init their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” V.9, 10. Desire to be rich by any means, leads one to various troubles. Once man begins to focus only on accumulating assets, he is never satisfied. The word of God warns; not to set our heart on money.

3. Rich should be humble.
“Command those who are rich in this present age not to be a haughty...” v. 17a. It is natural for mortal man to be proud and arrogant when he has enough possessions at his disposal. Money makes natural man self-satisfied and powerful. God’s people should be wise to realize our frailty and humble themselves even when making good use of the God - given resources.

4. Riches are uncertain.
“ ..Nor to trust in uncertain riches...” v. 17b. As mentioned earlier many think, because we have enough money our life is secured and there is nothing to worry about. But now, it has been has proved unequivocally that such notion is foolishness. The Lord has narrated this truth with a parable in Luke. 12. Wealth is not everything. Never trust in riches, our security is not based on resources. If we are aware of this truth and live accordingly, we will not be overtaken by a sudden loss.

5. God is our provider.
“..But in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy...” v. 17c. Our God is able and does supply all our needs. We must trust Him and be grateful for all His provision. Even when He provides us plenty our dependence should be on God alone who is the Provider, not on His provision.

6. God makes us rich to be rich in good works.
“Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.” V. 18. We should never forget the purpose for which God has handed over resources in our hands. It is not wrong to keep for children or future needs but that is not the only plan God has for us. We ought to help one another, provide for the needy and make funds available for the Lord’s work.

That will be good for our future, on earth and in heaven. Ultimately what is counted in eternity is not what we consumed for our personal needs but that we spent in the Lord’s name.

Even as the secular men call upon the public to learn lesson from the economic slow down that we see around, let us be wise to give heed to the Biblical principles for such times. Then, we need not to be anxious about the adverse circumstances, but we shall know that the Lord is on the throne and He will see us through.

(Note: - Kindly note that any topic discussed in the ‘perspective’ section is not an exhaustive study. Surely, much more could be written on most of the topics we refer here. If any body has a doubt or suggestion please feel free to write to this writer at any of the email id given here. )

Study Note:- CHRIST SITTING AT HIS TABLE Song of Solomon 1.12

Michael Browne, Bath, England.

The King Here the heart overflows with precious thoughts as it contemplates the King, cp Ps 45.1. In v.4 the Shulamite was in the King’s chamber alone with him. In v.7 she was with him among the flock; but here she is with him at his table sharing his rich provision. How this suggests our personal communion with Christ in the ‘secret place’: our public service for Him in the assembly: and here our affections, like fragrant incense, ascending to Him in the enjoyment of His spiritual provision in the fellowship of His assembly.

His Table Here we view the King’s delectable table spread with the finest provisions for the satisfaction of his much loved Shulamite. The table speaks of heavenly supply, of spiritual food, fellowship, and satisfaction. Above all the King is present sharing in the joy of this sweet occasion, delighting in his loved bride. What a lovely picture of Christ in the midst of His saints, dispensing the royal dainties of heaven, and receiving their fragrant worship in return. Our minds go immediately to the Lord’s Supper where, “as often as ye eat this bread and drink this cup, ye do show the Lord’s death till he come” 1 Cor 11.26. The ‘table’ consists of more than the Supper, but the Supper is certainly part of the fullness of that divine supply included in the ‘table’.

My Spikenard It was while the King sat at his table the bride’s spikenard sent forth the smell thereof. Yes, and it is while we are in communion with our Beloved, resting in the appreciated good of His divine provision, the spikenard of our worship ascends as sweet incense delighting His heart. When Christ was in the house at Bethany they “made him a supper”, and Mary’s spikenard sent forth its fragrance, John 12.2-3. We make Him a supper Lord’s day by Lord’s day in obedience to His command, and with hearts filled with Himself and in the consciousness of His presence “in the midst”, Matt 18.20, we say in the language of the bride, “A bundle of myrrh is my well-beloved unto me” v.8. Worship is the spirit’s response to a heart filled with the greatness of Christ. This is the highest expression of prayer, the most sacred act of devotion the human spirit is capable of—and it is realised “while the king sitteth at his table”.

Out line: -

Inexhaustible Riches.

The Riches of God’s:-

Goodness. Romans.2:4
Forbearance and longsuffering. Romans.2:4
Wisdom and knowledge. Romans. 11:33
Mercy. Ephesians. 2:4
Grace. Ephesians. 1:7
Glory. Ephesians. 1:18

Anecdote: -

Settling Accounts

        The story is told of a farmer in a Midwestern state who had a strong disregard for “spiritual” things. As he plowed his field on Sunday morning, he would shake his fist at the church people who passed by on their way to worship. October came and the farmer had his fines crop ever – the best in the entire county. When the harvest was complete, he placed an advertisement in the local paper which belittled the Christians for their faith in God.

        Near the end of his criticism he wrote, “Faith in God must not mean much if someone like me can prosper.” The response from the Christian in the community was quiet and polite. In the next edition of the town paper, a small ad appeared. It read simply, “God doesn’t always settle His accounts in October.”

Matters for Prayer & Praise:

Mr. & Mrs. Lim Hong Nian, Malaysia

        Our dear brother Lim is a lawyer by profession and also serves as one of the elders of a local Brethren Assembly in Malaysia. The Lord has been using him mightily in various ways there.

        Now, he is suffering from Cancer of the Pancreas with metastasis to the liver. He had the tumor removed through a big surgery, but yet it has gone beyond the primary area. At present he is on two kinds of treatment, chemo and targeted therapy. Our dear brother hopes and prays that the treatment may be effective that God in His Sovereign Will heal him.

        In the mist of such turmoil, dear finds that his wife, Lay See is now having a recurrence of the cervical cancer which had been in remission since May 2006. They say “these are very difficult times for us indeed, but we shall continue to look to the Lord for His grace and strength and for His deliverance. God in His wisdom and sovereign will allows it.”

        Our brother has very specially requested the saints everywhere to kindly uphold them prayers.

Worthy Quotes:-

Money

“Get all you can, save all you can and give all you can.”                                                                                  ---------John Wesley “You can see what God thinks of money when you see the people he gives it to.”                                                                                                      ---------Abraham Linclon “ Money is always either or master or our slave.”                                                                                                      ---------Latin Proverb

'Grace & Peace' is an electronic periodical, sent out monthly, aiming the overall spiritual growth of the Christian Believers.
Feel free to forward it to the potential subscribers and encourage them to subscribe directly by sending a blank message to
gracepeace-subscribe@welovegod.org To unsubscribe send any mail to
gracepeace-unsubscribe@welovegod.org For further details contact:- gracepeaceu AT gmail.com
Edited and posted by NTK for the Glory of God & the Joy of the saints.
Visit:- http://www.gracepeace.net “Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.."2 Peter1:2