Nothing New

How Too Often

Our lack of sensibilities to the graphic nature of the required blood sacrifice of the Old Testament and the Sacrifice of Christ on the cross are the reason we are able to excuse our own sin so easily. Scripture, and the words of Christ's recorded, create a lucid example of the difference between our economy and God's. We want everything pretty, because we are dirty. We make everything pretty by means of personal enrichment. That way we don't have to smell the stink. We do not have to get our hands dirty. Pilate. "Then the king and all the people offered sacrifice before the Lord. 5 King Solomon offered as a sacrifice 22,000 oxen and 120,000 sheep. So the king and all the people dedicated the house of God. The priests stood at their posts; the Levites also, with the instruments for music to the Lord that King David had made for giving thanks to the Lord—for his steadfast love endures forever—whenever David offered praises by their ministry; opposite them the priests sounded trumpets, and all Israel stood." Unbelievable volume. But the real deal is, "For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink." and; "Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him." The metaphor is deliberate and graphic. Our "sensibilities" get in the way of our salvation. Who would even fear the "God" that evangelicals have portrayed for the last few decades? Without the fear of the Lord, wisdom has no root. Don't get me wrong, His lovingkindness is everlasting. It sustains me daily. But, we need to get real, not plastic, with the truth of our situation vs. God's sovereignty. Scripture does not pull any punches. I was on the phone with one of my best friends this week to confirm if my understanding of the Hebrew was accurate. Because, it was pretty vulgar. He said the understanding was correct. He said times of rank rebellion called for strong language. I need to be more harsh with myself.

Compare

Sun Tzu - "Be extremely subtle, even to the point of formlessness. Be extremely mysterious, even to the point of soundlessness. Thereby you can be the director of the opponent's fate."

Milton - “Subtle he needs must be, who could seduce Angels”

Habakkuk

I wanted to share this personal bio I received from a friend of mine that lives in Myanmar. He has a desire to see God raise up a biblical counseling system for the people of Myanmar. Please pray for him as he pursues serving God in this way.

MY LIFE

(Habakkuk)

Nativity

I was born in a small village called Hnahthial, Falam Township, Chin State of Myanmar, on May 21^st. 1972. I was named Fung Nei Mang; I am the second and middle son of Rev. Khaw Tin San and Daw Tha Kip Men (late). I was grown up in a Christian family; therefore, I took regular attendance of any Christian services like Sunday school class and Sunday worship service. In 1997, realizing of the fact that God has been embracing me with His loving hands, I put on my name a Bible name Habakkuk (embrace), and the Bible verse for my long life is Habakkuk 2:4., “…but the just shall live by faith.”

Education

I started my education since my 7^th year of age at a State Primary School in our village, finished the eight standard classes from State Middle School, at Zongte village, and completed my Ten Standard from Basic Education High School, Falam. Since 1994, I did my theological study and completed G Th. course from the Far Eastern Fundamental School of Theology (FEFST), in Yangon, in 1998. By the year 2000, I went to India for farther study, and studied BD course (Pre-class) at ITS in New Delhi. In addition, due to some inconveniency I transferred to another college called Bharat Bible College (BBC), AP State, India. After completing my BD course, I continued to study M. Th. course and successfully completed in March 2004 from BBC. This is how God prepared my life educationally.

Ministry Experience

During that period, God gave me a good chance to do His work as for experience. I worked as a Sunday school teacher for five years and at the same time as a youth leader in our village. In 1998, I worked as an Assembly Office Secretary (AOS) at Falam and at the same time a Secretary of Biblical Youth for Christ, for two years under the Biblical Presbyterian Church of Myanmar. In addition, after my theological studies since 2004, I worked as a full time lecturer at Myanmar For Christ Bible College (MFCBC), in Kalaymyo, and as a student’s dean at Myanmar Bible Seminary (MBS), in Yangon for three years (2005-2007). I am presently working as an Academic Dean at Yangon Grace Bible School (YGBS), in Yangon, Myanmar.

It is obviously realized that all these things in my life are the preparation of God that I, who is nothing from my side, might become a good instrument for the extension of His kingdom. In the course of those experiences through many difficulties and dangers, God made me learn many things and I believe He will accomplish His plan through me some day. Although I know not what God means many times in my life especially when things seem going wrong, with tendencies of failure, I know God is the God who knows His plan for my good future and hope, (Jer.29:11). My favorite verse is this, “no plan of yours can be thwarted.” Job 42:2 (Oxford NIV Scofield), said Job.

Vision

With the study of the book of Jeremiah, coming to the eight chapter, from verse 20 through 22, I was truly convinced that there is an extremely great need of proceeding the Gilead Balm ministry, hopefully to run as the Gilead Balm Bible College, the Gilead Balm Childcare Ministry, the Gilead Balm Bible Church (as a local system) and even the Gilead Balm Christian Counseling Center in our country that the wounds of our people are cured by the Gilead Balm ( the living Word of God) in a very short time of our lives. You, my brother in Christ, are cordially welcomed and expected to support any of these projects, and the same time to undertake the responsibility. Let us gather jewels for a crown above (Hymn).

Chin in India

This is a picture from a pastor friend in India. This church is mostly Chin from Myanmar. The pastors name is "Joel." He is a loving evangelist and a good friend. He is teaching through James right now.

Getting Warmed Up

After a long absence from the blog world, I am trying to get warmed up again. God's word has taught me many things the past few months. One subject has particularly impacted my view of God. The concept of the Kingdom. It's scope is eternally sweeping. Man's response to the understanding of it requires urgency. It is found in the words of the one crying in the wilderness. It is found in the teaching of our Lord. Jesus spoke of it in Matthew 13 in a way to deliberately confound the hearers. The disciples revealed their ignorance of it in the very last question they asked of Jesus before he ascended. Jesus told them it was ordained for them to remain ignorant of the timing of the Kingdom in his last words on earth. While we may find that some of the details of the Kingdom are baffling, the impact of the knowledge of it in the life of a believer should make us feel like Job after his lecture from God.

Were with you Fet-fam.

My pic is better/clearer. Looks like a snakebite. Cool, huh? Just a boy learning how to use a saw to cut firewood.

Solomon Booth Bailey

Born today at 6:42. 8 lbs. 2 oz. 23" long.

I'm sorry Ye...

...kind of. I had to go back to the old profile picture until I find another one I like. The new one made me look too much like the annoying guy from CSI that played the wuss cop in Rambo.

Deaconess?

We are covering the pastoral epistles at TES this week. The discussion has revealed a varying view on the role of women in the church. I am putting together my thoughts on the issue, and would love to hear from some others as I synthesize my thoughts. The photo is an icon of Phoebe the Deaconess.

The Preemptive Strike of a Hobo

You may have heard something about Jude's choice of a name for our yet to be born son. He decided several months ago we should name him "Baby Jesus;" not "Jesus," but "Baby Jesus." He has told people about his choice. No one, including us, has told him we probably will not name our new son "Jesus." But our Hobo is a smart one. He has repeatedly observed the reactions of those he has told about his choice for the baby's name. He figured out on his own that we probably won't be naming his new brother "Jesus." So he came up with a way to make sure his choice in names is used. He now tells people that the baby has already been born, and we DID name him "Jesus." As far as he can figure, if he can convince others that it has already happened, then it has. Anyway, we had to counsel him about honesty. He doesn't see the problem with it, but he is the only one of my kids who can lie unflinchingly.

Two in one

I've got to send you to the post my wife wrote. Then, I've got to let you know that my wife has decided that my pic for my profile is too scary. So, as of now, I have altered my profile so that I do not scare anyone. So here is my new profile pic.

What is the deal with towels!?

And it's not just my kids. See Jane.

Watch Watchers

We set forth to worship, fellowship, and hear the preacing of God's Word. Yet find our minds and our hearts wandering as we watch the watch. I am guilty of this. After a long sermon this Sunday, you could not imagine how many conversations I overheard about it. It is as if the time were ours, and God has stolen it from us if our pastor goes past 12:00. Thomas Watson writes - HE WHO LOVES GOD DESIRES HIS PRESENCE. Lovers cannot be long apart, they soon have their fainting fits, for want of a sight of the object of their love. A soul deeply in love with God desires the enjoyment of Him in His ordinances, in word, prayer, and sacraments. David was ready to faint away and die when he had not a sight of God. "My soul fainteth for God" (Psalm 84:2). Such as care not for ordinances, but say, "When will the Sabbath be over?" plainly reveal their lack of love to God.

Father forgive us.

Spring is great, but . . .

. . . I really miss the fall and winter hunting seasons.

Please, please, please, please

Please, please, please; go read this and watch this.

Congratulations Mr. Zimmerman

Even the smart people in the world recognize the talent. Bob Dylan was awarded a Pulitzer prize this week. Can't wait for him to tour close again. You are probably not interested, but the details of the award are here.

Happy Birthday My Buggy!

u-Way

What about United Way?

If you are thinking of liking Obama...